Parliament heard today that the government will soon procure solar lighting systems for police stations countrywide.
The alternative solar lighting system will help in providing electricity supply at police stations and posts during power interruption.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, disclosed that his ministry is scouting for over K29.6 million to purchase the solar lights.
Mr Mwiimbu said in parliament today that the procurement plan would be executed in a phased manner due to budgetary constraints.
The minister explained that his ministry is adhering to President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive for public institutions and police stations to have constant power supply during load shedding periods.
He was responding to a question raised by Chadiza Member of Parliament, Jonathan Daka, who wanted to find out whether government has any plans to procure alternative lighting systems for police stations countrywide.
Meanwhile, Minister of Heath, Elijah Muchima, has disclosed that the government will recruit 2,000 health workers this year.
Dr Muchima said the President Hichilema’s administration has employed over 20,000 health workers in the last three years.
He announced that those to be employed include nurses, doctors, paediatrics personnel among other health professionals.
“This government under President HH is extremely working very well to the aspirations of the Zambian people. Just imagine, my ministry in the last three years has employed over 20,000 workers,” he stated.
Dr Muchima was responding to several parliamentarians in the House during question for oral answers who expressed concern over new clinics and health posts that are not yet operating due to lack of equipment and manpower.
He explained that his ministry is waiting for funds from the Ministry of Finance to embark on the recruitment exercise.
In a related development, Acting Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Elvis Nkandu, said 117 forest ranger guards are earmarked for recruitment this year.
Mr Nkandu said forests are divided into zones, each comprising five forest ranger guards.
He said Chadiza district would benefit five guards.
He was responding to Chadiza MP, Jonathan Daka, who urged the government to expedite the recruitment of guards owing to rampant illegalities such as charcoal burning and deforestation in forests.
