Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Republican President Hakainde Hichilema has declared Friday, 18th March,2022 the day of burial for fourth republican president Rupiah Banda a public holiday.
In a statement obtained by Q-News, Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa says president Hichilema has made the declaration under the Public Holidays Act, Cap 272 of the laws of Zambia.
Mr Kangwa says the declaration is meant to facilitate a befitting state funeral and burial ceremony to the fourth republican president.
He states that in view of the declaration, government is urging members of the public and the business community to observe the public holiday in a dignified manner as the nation puts to rest President Banda.
Mr Kangwa adds that members of the public are further guided that attendance to the state funeral church service at the Anglican cathedral of the holy cross is strictly by invitation, while the burial site is a private function restricted to family members and a few invited guests.
He states that the public is, however encouraged to follow the live ZNBC TV broadcast of the State funeral proceedings at the Anglican Centhedral of the Holy Cross and burial ceremony at the Presidential Burial site,Embassy Park.
Mr Kangwa has since requested institutions which provide essential services to ensure that adequate arrangements are put in place to avoid a disruption in the provision of such service as the nation observes the public holiday.