By 
State House has criticised entrenched bureaucracy, administrative lethargy, and resistance among some public officials, warning that such attitudes are threatening President Hakainde Hichilema’s ability to meet Zambians’ expectations for swift national development.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka said Zambians voted overwhelmingly for transformative leadership, expecting President Hichilema to deliver results with urgency.
“President Hichilema is pursuing a bold reform agenda to dismantle systemic barriers that have long undermined service delivery and economic progress,” Hamasaka said.
He pointed out that under the current administration, bureaucratic delays have been significantly reduced, making Zambia more attractive to investors.
Previously, he said, acquiring investment licenses could take over two years, but that now the process was completed in less than three months.
“In critical cases, the President has directed agencies to work tirelessly—including nights and weekends—to ensure projects comply with legal requirements and move forward swiftly,” he added.
However, Hamasaka acknowledged that progress remained uneven across sectors.
He lamented that while the public often held the President accountable for delays, the bureaucrats who resist change are rarely scrutinized.
Hamasaka cited past resistance to the establishment of a local fertiliser manufacturing plant, a project that was opposed by those benefiting from costly imports.
“Defying opposition, the President prioritised the plant’s completion. Today, Zambia not only meets domestic fertiliser needs but also exports to the region—a testament to decisive leadership,” he said.
In the energy sector, Hamasaka said similar resistance exists, with some officials favouring continued reliance on expensive electricity imports rather than supporting local renewable energy projects.
He condemned attitudes within institutions that discourage change, quoting common refrains such as:
“I’ve been here for 20 years; this won’t work.”
“They found us here, and they’ll leave us here.”
“These are the rules, and they cannot change.”
“These mindsets are not just obstacles—they are threats to national progress,” he stressed.
Hamasaka warned that they perpetuate inefficiency, foster corruption, and entrench self-serving systems.
Read More: Again, PF takes shots at ruling UPND administration, alleges repression, misrule
He further highlighted how opaque procedures create room for corrupt practices, often cloaked in resistance to reform that benefits the public.
Hamasaka also defended the role of Presidential Advisors, stating they have a duty to engage with government agencies and private sector actors to ensure rapid execution of national development programmes.
“It is surprising that some view this engagement as interference. How can Advisors serve the President without interacting with the institutions responsible for implementing his vision?” he asked.
Hamasaka insisted that the role of Presidential Advisors is not ceremonial, but action-oriented—requiring active oversight, constant engagement, and a focus on translating presidential directives into real-world outcomes.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR
Comments