Expectations among Zambians are high as President Hakainde Hichilema opens the first session of the 13th National Assembly today.
Those talked to by New Zambia Media are expectant that the President’s maiden speech in parliament will instil confidence and touch on the critical socio-economic issues.
James Chirwa of Lusaka says he expects the head of state to shed more light on his campaign promise of offering free education from primary to university.
“We are eager to see how the President will outline socio-economic matters especially with his campaign promises to offer free education. We want to be assured that it will be done because education in the PF government was not clearly spelt out because people used to still pay other fees” he said.
And Barbara Chembe who runs a restaurant in Kabwata wants the maiden speech to give confidence with regards to the informal sector and how effectively business can be sustained.
“Tifuna naife bamuma market bationeko ba president, ndaba tavutika kulipila ndalama kuma carders (We also want as marketers to be empowered and considered because we have been unfairly treated by carders)” she lamented.
Meanwhile, the President has been urged to state the future of the country’s mining sector following speculations that the UPND intends to find new mine operators.
Douglas Banda, a miner in Mufulira says he expects President Hichilema to give a clear policy directions on the way forward with the mining sector.
“The mines should empower Zambians and not exploit them because as miners what we get is short of what we deserve” he said.
Others talked to, are happy that the new government is settling in well and hope they will continue to perform to the expectations of all the Zambians.
