TIZ concerned over Contradicting and inconsistent statements by govt

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted with concern the inconsistencies and contradictions in media statements attributed to top political and government officials within the UPND administration.

TIZ observes that in the recent past, government positions on issues such as the true stock of public debt, Mukula trade, president’s travel arrangements and the presence of cadres in markets and bus stations, among others, have been issued by different officials, with significant contradictions.

TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe  also notes that political party officials within the UPND party and its alliance partners have been issuing statements on government business without noting the distinction between political party affairs and affairs of the state.

He is further concerned that honorable Chushi Kasanda, who by virtue of being minister of information and media is the chief government spokesperson, has largely remained mute on critical governance issues, while different ministers, party officials and other top government officials have been issuing inconsistent statements.

Mr. Nyambe has therefore called upon the UPND government to urgently harmonize their public statements by developing and implementing a clear communication strategy which will help it generate consolidated positions on national issues before any statements are issued to the public.

He has further suggested that all government official positions initially be issued through the chief government spokesperson.