HH urged to scrap off office of DC – NGOCC

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged president Hakainde Hichilema to reconsider his decision to maintain the office of district commissioner and scrap it off so that the resources saved can be channeled to other pressing areas such as health and education.

In a statement, NGOCC chairperson Mary Mulenga says the organization notes with concern the impending reintroduction of the office of the district commissioner by the new dawn government.

Ms Mulenga says while appreciating the fact that the head of state has the preserve of making appointments and creating government positions, the women’s movement remains concerned with the relevance of this particular office.

She recalls that the UPND in opposition was very clear on how the office of district commissioner was a liability and a drain to the national treasury.

Ms Mulenga says the women’s movement therefore, wonders what has triggered this change of position and what value maintaining the office of district commissioner will bring to the country.

But UPND alliance media director Thabo Kawana says president Hichilema never promised to abolish the office of district commissioner.

Mr Kawana says it’s people who were against maintaining this office because previous occupants abused the office which is not going to be the case under the new dawn administration.

He says the position of district commissioner is necessary especially in implementation of policies such as the decentralization and also in facilitating government programmes at the local level.