‘We inherited a broken Zambia,’ Mweetwa defends Hichilema’s leadership, says govt fixing damage from past regime

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, says President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration is implementing an ambitious and unprecedented economic transformation agenda aimed at driving national growth and improving the livelihoods of Zambians.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mweetwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms and development that will uplift the lives of all citizens.

He noted that the government had taken note of criticisms from opposition leaders regarding the country’s economic and political situation.

“The opposition leaders speaking the loudest today are the same individuals who left the economy broken through corruption and reckless borrowing,” Mweetwa said.

He accused former leaders of looting public resources and now pretending to be champions of accountability, adding that the UPND government was working tirelessly to clean up the “rot” left behind.

“We inherited a broken Zambia in 2021, driven down by massive debt, failing schools, corruption, and violence. Since then, we have shown what we can do together,” he said.

Mweetwa said President Hichilema remained focused and undeterred in his mission to build a better future for the people of Zambia.

He highlighted progress under the current administration, citing improved access to education, strengthened healthcare services, increased community empowerment through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and measures to cut debt and ensure accountability for those who misused public funds.

“We have brought peace, ended the violence, and united as one people. Millions more children are now in school, learning skills to fulfil their potential,” Mweetwa stated.

He acknowledged that Zambians continued to face challenges, particularly the high cost of living and electricity disruptions caused by the historic drought, but assured that the government was addressing these issues.

“We know the cost of living is hitting hard. And the historic drought has brought load-shedding that disrupts lives and businesses,” he said.

Mweetwa added that the government was boosting local agriculture, working to reduce food prices, create jobs, and grow the economy to improve citizens’ welfare.

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