Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Some stakeholders have expressed concern at the decision by President Edgar Lungu to allow deputy and provincial Ministers to attend Cabinet meetings.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) fears the decision by President Edgar Lungu will result in further leakages.
FODEP Executive Director, MacDonald Chipenzi says government has been complaining of leakage of classified government documents, wondering how this will be controlled now that there are over 70 people from different political parties attending Cabinet Meetings who have not renounced their allegiance to their parties.
Mr. Chipenzi says the move has also diluted the pride of being a Cabinet Minister.
He says it could have made sense if the Deputy Ministers were instead allowed to act Ministers.
Mr. Chipenzi further notes that the move to incorporate deputy ministers in Cabinet meetings will mean more allowances to be paid out.
And Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President Andrew Ntewewe has advised president Lungu to reconsider his decision to allow Deputy and Provincial Ministers to attend Cabinet Meetings.
Mr. Ntewewe says it is sad to see how government is wasting resources despite the country grappling with economic challenges.
He says the move is costly to the country considering that provincial Ministers will have to travel to Lusaka every week to attend Cabinet meetings.
And People’s Party Leader Mike Mulongoti says it will be difficult to prevent the leakage of secret information looking at the big number of people attending Cabinet meetings.
He says President Lungu should understand the purpose of Cabinet meetings. Mr. Mulongoti has since advised the President to rescind his decision.