Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has hailed the role that the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) plays in safeguarding Zambia’s air space.
President Lungu says government also acknowledges the role that ZAF plays in fostering peace and security in the Country.
He says it is these roles that have in turn created an enabling environment for foreign and local investments in the Country.
President Lungu has also reminded the Air Force of its mandate is to ensure the protection of investments and natural resources in urban and remote areas of the Country.
He states that as Air Force executes its mandate it should however be cognizant that Zambia is a growing economy faced with numerous economic challenges.
President Lungu has implored the Air Force to promote cost effective measures and eliminate wastage and abuse of public resources and equipment.
He notes that government is on the other hand also alive to the critical issues facing the Air Force and its personnel.
The President who is also Commander in chief of the Armed Forces says government’s immediate interventions to these challenges include the review of conditions of service in the Air Force.
He says this review is in accordance with the submissions made to the salaries review commission and other relevant stakeholders.
The Head of State states that going forward government will also continue to support the Air Force’s long-term infrastructure and human resource development programmes.
He says this nonetheless calls for the Air Force to adopt a futuristic approach in your efforts to improve the status of the air force.
President Lungu was speaking last night when he officiated at this year’s ZAF annual ball that was held in Lusaka.