Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi says the cost of constructing roads, buildings and other infrastructure should be competitive and comparable in the region.
Mr. Milupi said as a ministry that has been given the mandate to superintend over infrastructure in the country, there is a need to change the mindset by ensuring that all works procured are cost-reflective.
He said his resolve is to work towards making his ministry a shining example of the public service.
Speaking when he addressed senior management at his ministry yesterday, Mr. Milupi said he wants to see a ministry where everyone is proud to be associated with.
He said that President Hakainde Hichilema is working towards reuniting the country, re-establishing the rule of law, and rebuilding the country’s economic status and that his role as a Minister is to ensure that his ministry works towards this trajectory.
“We should be able to see to it that the costs of works we procure for constructing roads, bridges, and buildings are comparable to what is obtaining in other countries.” Mr. Milupi stated.
The Minister said these principles will be achieved by ensuring that professionalism is upheld in the execution of duty in the civil service.
“As you are aware our role as ministers is to provide policy guidelines and yours as technocrats is to ensure that you are always professional in executing your duties.” Mr. Milupi said.
The Minister said the cost of constructing roads, buildings and other infrastructure should be competitive and comparable in the region.
He said empowering local people is at the core of the United Party for National Development (UPND’S) administration and that his Ministry should see to it that this is actualized.
Mr. Milupi called on the Ministry technocrats to work hard and ensure that the added functions are executed with ease.
“Over the years we have seen that every rainy season Lusaka experiences floods which affect most residential areas. It is now the mandate of this Ministry to resolve this problem because we have the expertise to do so.” Mr. Milupi said.
Mr. Milupi, who is also Chairperson of the UPND Alliance said the people of Zambia want to see a difference in the way public money has been used in the construction of public infrastructure.
He emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law adding that even President Hichilema has committed himself to ensure that he always follows the law in executing his duties.
This is according to a statement issued by the ministry’s public relations officer Jeff Banda.
