Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Hakainde Hichilema says the fight against corruption is not targeted at any individual or tribe.
President Hichilema says the fight against corruption is meant to recover money that was plundered in order to put it back into the economy.
The Head of State says areas that were affected by corruption include mostly the farmer input support programme, fuel procurement, road construction and general procurement.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema said this at State House in Lusaka today when the Labour tripartite council led by Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Chishimba Nkole paid a courtesy call on him.
Mr. Hichilema adds that there is no vindictiveness or vengeance in the fight against corruption.
He says it is unfortunate that the past regime was escalating the cost of goods and services deliberately so that they can siphon public resources which could have been used to improve service delivery such as procurement of drugs in hospitals.
The President further indicated that he is aware of some people that are still drawing a salary despite being fired.
And President Hichilema emphasized that his administration is ready to work with the labour movement in the country to improve the welfare of workers.
He further hinted that there is a need to harmonise labour unions to avoid polarization and enable them to be more organized and have a consolidated voice.
The President also noted the need for the formalization of the informal sector to increase their participation in economic growth.
And ZCTU President Chishimba Nkole assured the President that the unions will support his fight against corruption because it negatively affects the economy.
Mr. Nkole also said among the issues Government should consider is the revision of the pay as you earn from 4,500 to 8,000 kwacha and also the reduction of tax band from 37.5 to 30 percent.
He added that the government should also enable workers to access their terminal benefits midway so that they can invest in various projects.