Lungu launches economic recovery programme

President Edgar Lungu will today launch the 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme -ERP- at Mulungushi International Conference Centre. Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba says the ERP has been formulated to address various dimensions of the economic challenges that the country is currently facing resulting from a number of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic which had negative and serious consequences on the growth prospects of our economy. Mr. Yamba says the plan is aimed at bolstering economic growth while reducing poverty and inequality amongst the Zambian population. He says the launch is a demonstration of Government’s firm commitment and stance to addressing various macroeconomic challenges in the country with a view of improving the welfare of the Zambians without leaving anyone behind. Mr. Yamba said the launch of the ERP will be covered live on both Radio Two and ZNBC TV1. This is according to a statement made available to Daily Nation. Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people has called on Zambians to heed President Edgar Lungu’s call for everyone to mask up as the country is threatened with a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Paramount Chief Chitimukulu says the warning from President Lungu should be taken seriously because the pandemic has claimed a lot lives in other countries. He has also asked the private sector to provide free masks and sanitizers to the people as a way of complimenting governments efforts. The traditional leader has also called on local radio stations in all the 10 provinces to sensitise the masses on the new wave of the COVID-19. The Paramount Chief was speaking to journalists at his palace in Mungwi district today. Meanwhile Chief Chitimukulu is dismayed that some political players misinterpreted his message to the people in Eastern province when he was merely encouraging people to turn out in numbers and vote. He further said it is sad that some political players who have nothing to offer to the country have resorted to abusing social media.