Progress Made, Not Failed Promisess

... Govt Fires Back: 80,000 Jobs & $60M Saved Is No Politics but Progress, Govt Sets Record Straight

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia - (25-03– 2025) - Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa has dismissed opposition claims that the government has failed to deliver on key promises, citing major achievements in employment creation, agriculture reforms, and governance.

Speaking at a media, Mweetwa outlined the administration’s progress while accusing critics of misleading the public for political gain.

Mweetwa stated that the government has created over 80,000 jobs across key ministries. The Ministry of Education recruited 46,000 teachers, while the Ministry of Health employed 20,254 health workers between 2022 and 2024.

Additionally, 10,949 officers were recruited into the Ministry of Home Affairs, including police, immigration, and correctional officers. The Ministry of Agriculture also enhanced service delivery by equipping extension officers with motorbikes.

“These figures demonstrate our commitment to employment creation. The opposition’s claims that we have failed to provide jobs are false,” Mweetwa said.

FISP Reforms Save Millions

On agriculture, Mweetwa highlighted improvements in the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), which now targets 1,243,434 farmers for the 2024/2025 farming season.

He said 99% of agro-inputs were delivered before the rainy season, with only minor distribution challenges in Copperbelt and Central Province.

A forensic audit of FISP identified 202,851 ineligible beneficiaries, resulting in a $60 million savings for the government.

Among those removed from the system were individuals with invalid national registration cards (NRCs), duplicates, civil servants, and those benefiting from multiple support programs.

“The cleanup of FISP ensures that only genuine farmers receive support, preventing wastage of public funds,” Mweetwa said.

The government has also expanded the e-voucher system from 17 districts in 2023 to 74 in 2024. Mweetwa stated that this transition has saved $11.4 million through local fertilizer procurement and created over 5,000 jobs in the agro-dealer sector.

The government plans a nationwide rollout to all 116 districts in the 2025/2026 farming season.

Constitutional Amendments Not Politically Motivated

Mweetwa dismissed concerns that the government was using constitutional amendments to consolidate power, clarifying that the process was initiated by Parliament in 2023, not the executive.

“The amendments are aimed at improving governance. The claim that constitutional reforms are linked to economic challenges such as the cost of living or fuel prices is misleading,” he said.

Opposition Accusations Rejected

Mweetwa also responded to allegations that the government was using law enforcement to target opposition leaders.

He denied any political interference in police operations, insisting that any investigations were based on legal grounds.

“The opposition is attempting to frame legal investigations as persecution. We will not interfere in the work of law enforcement agencies,” he said.

He further accused opposition parties of lacking unity and a credible alternative agenda, arguing that their focus on attacking the government was a sign of desperation.

Economic Challenges and Government Response

Acknowledging the effects of drought on food production, energy generation, and livestock farming, Mweetwa said the government was implementing long-term solutions.

He pointed to investments in local fertilizer production, particularly in Shavonga, as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports and stabilize the agricultural sector.

“This government is focused on real solutions. By strengthening local production, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability,” he said.

Government Maintains Development Path

Mweetwa’s remarks come as the government faces growing scrutiny over economic challenges, including rising commodity prices and energy shortages.

While opposition parties have accused the administration of failing to address these issues, Mweetwa maintained that the government’s policies were delivering results.

With the political landscape heating up ahead of the next electoral cycle, the debate over governance, economic management, and service delivery is expected to continue.