Speech by His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu,President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander–in–Chief of the Defence Force, during the Commissioning of Kala Barracks in Kawambwa, Luapula Province on Thursday, 13th February 2020

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Speech by His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu,President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander–in–Chief of the Defence Force, during the Commissioning of Kala Barracks in Kawambwa, Luapula Province on Thursday, 13th February 2020

State House
Lusaka

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mr. Davies Chama, MP;
Honourable Cabinet Ministers;
Provincial Ministers present;
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence;
Permanent Secretaries from other Ministries;
Members of Parliament present;
The Army Commander, Lieutenant General William Sikazwe;
Service Chiefs;
General Grade Officers;
Members of PJOC;
District Commissioner for Luapula;
Your Royal Highnesses present;
Members of DJOC;
Officers;
Army Sergeant Major;
Warrant Officers;
Non-commissioned Officers;
Members of the Press;
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am delighted to commission and handover the newly constructed Kala Barracks here in Kawambwa, Luapula Province.

I am grateful to you, the people of Kawambwa for giving me a warm welcome.

The creation of this barracks is in fulfillment of the Patriotic Front Government’s dedication to foster development even in the country’s rural parts.

Kala Barracks is yet another success story recorded by the Patriotic Front Government in our efforts to develop all parts of Zambia.

This development is also in fulfillment of my promise to the Zambia army that i would facilitate the establishment of a Barrack for Marines. Hence, today, we are here to witness the fulfillment of the promise.

I have said it before that it would be impossible to foster national development without sustainable infrastructure.

The barracks has not only enhanced the beauty of Kawambwa, but has also enhanced security in Luapula Province.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am informed that the contractor, Ashtrom Zambia Construction Company, sub-contracted local contractors and that over 60 percent of the work was done by local contractors.

The Israeli contractor, in partnership with local contractors has done a commendable job.

With this positive development, I would like to encourage contractors to adhere to their contractual obligations finishing projects within stipulated contract time frame.

All contractors who have not lived up to government’s expectations must up their game, failure to which they would be blacklisted.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This project has been completed in record time. This is a positive development worth emulating by other contractors.

This barracks is a shining example of world class quality standards, and that is how works on any project ought to be carried out without compromise.

This military cantonment is a demonstration of my government’s vision of highly developed Zambia through a robust and radical infrastructure development programme.

The barracks is no doubt a state of the art infrastructure.

Army Commander:

I am impressed that the local community which previously covered long distances to access health and educational facilities will have access to these facilities in the barracks without restrictions.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am also informed that the Ministry of General Education, through the Luapula Provincial and Kawambwa District Education offices have commenced posting of teachers to the new schools in this area. This is indeed commendable!

In view of this development, I am directing the Provincial Education Officer to ensure that these schools open as soon as possible with the necessary teaching and learning materials.

In the same vein, I direct the minister of health to send the required medical personnel and supplies to this hospital for the facility to become fully operational. Those responsible must ensure that this matter is dealt with as quickly as possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Government is poised to bring about sustainable social-economic development across the country.

My government’s national development agenda seeks to foster development in all corners of the country; and what you are witnessing today is a clear manifestation of this agenda. No area will be left behind in our quest to bring development to the entire nation.

Army Commander:
I appeal to you to ensure that your officers and their families take great care of the new facilities in this unit.

Everyone in this barracks must be sensitized to take care of the installations and fittings in the houses and schools for them to last long.

With this barracks in place, there will be need to recruit military personnel once funds are available for this exercise.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
Once again, let me commend the contractor and sub-contractors for their dedication to this project.

I also wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the surrounding community, and indeed to Your Royal Highnesses, for accepting to have this barracks constructed in Kawambwa district.

To the people of Luapula and Kawambwa in particular, continue working with the Patriotic Front Government because we are here to address challenges affecting you. Do not be swayed by lies being peddled by those with a motive to divert my government’s attention from national development.

Without doubt, Zambia has been transformed under the Patriotic Front Government and Luapula province has not been left out of the national development agenda. Therefore, remain patriotic, rally behind government to foster national development. Our works as PF Government are there for everyone to see.

Army commander;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Let me now take this opportunity to declare Kala Barracks officially commissioned.
I thank you and may god bless you all. https://www.facebook.com/EdgarChagwaLungu/videos/218696485932713/