Covid-19: UPND MPs shock Kamba

By SILUMESI MALUMOWE find it strange and unbelievable that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has kept quiet when his lawmakers have failed to collect and distribute face masks, sanitisers and other necessities meant to combat covid-19 in Zambia, Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province secretary Kennedy Kamba has said.Mr Kamba in an interview yesterday, challenged Mr Hichilema to come clean and tell UPND MPs to collect the protective equipment, sanitisers and soaps meant for the fight Covid-19.“There must be collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Members of Parliament that belong to the UPND and it is unacceptable for any leader to shun the distribution of these necessities under the pretext that there is no transparency in managing resources towards the fight against Covid-19.This kind of conduct from opposition MPs is shocking, unbelievable and ridiculous at the same time especially that these are leaders are aspiring to take over government.“We have seen the magnitude of havoc that Covid-19 has caused to humanity around the world and we cannot afford to politicise this issue here in Zambia. Already the cumulative figures recorded so far in the country are extremely worrying.“We should not as a people, whether opposition or ruling party supporter try to play politics with this virus,” he said.“This was the time to come together as a people and fight this pandemic with one spirit. This is why we want Mr Hichilema to tell the UPND MPs to collect the apportioned equipment and give out to the people,” he added.Mr Kamba described the failure by UPND MPs to collect the items as “evil and unacceptable.” He said Mr Hichilema must show leadership and be magnanimous enough and instruct all MPs and the entire structures of the party to collaborate with government wings to battle the pandemic.“HH must be ashamed that his Members of Parliament are trying to use the current circumstances as an opportunity to do politics and gain political mileage. This conduct is insensitive, careless and irresponsible.“We challenge HH to stop this kind of frustrated leadership being exhibited by UPND MPs and begin to act with sobriety,” he said.President Edgar, he said, Lungu was working day and night to ensure the nation wins against covid-19.