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President Hakainde Hichilema has flagged off the dustribution of 156 ambulances for constituencies in a government’s quest to implement the decentralisation agenda, through the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He said the initiative reflected government’s commitment to devolving resources and responsibilities to local authorities.
The Head of State said this in a speech read on his behalf by Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Gift Sialubalo, during the handover of 119 ambulances at the Lusaka Showgrounds.
He claimed that CDF had already transformed communities through infrastructure development, including classroom blocks, maternity annexes, staff houses, health facilities, and water systems.
“The increase in the CDF has enabled local authorities to take on new responsibilities with matching resources to support service delivery. Among these functions is primary healthcare, which continues to be a primary focus,” President Hichilema said.
He added that the distribution of ambulances built on earlier government investments in monitoring vehicles for local authorities, police vehicles for constituencies, and motorbikes for chiefs’ retainers.
“This initiative can only be implemented by a government that understands and recognises the importance of financing the devolution process in the development of our nation,” President Hichilema said.
He stressed that the ambulances were more than just vehicles, describing them as a lifeline for communities and a step forward in ensuring equitable access to healthcare across Zambia.
Hichilema said the 119 ambulances handed over were part of a total of 156 procured under the CDF, ensuring every constituency had a dedicated emergency transport resource.
“This ceremony is not just about the handing over of keys; it is about the unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our people,” President Hichilema said.
He also directed the Ministry of Health to ensure that all ambulance personnel were trained in basic life support, emergency response, and first aid.
He further assured constituencies that the government remained committed to addressing challenges in healthcare and creating equal opportunities for socio-economic development.
“The ambulances we are handing over today are a lifeline for many and are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to help medical personnel perform preliminary procedures as patients are transported,” President Hichilema said.
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