President Hichilema Diverts Funding to Drought Relief

President Hichilema has diverted government funding to quell the devastating effects of the ongoing drought, which he declared a national disaster at the end of February. These measures are part of efforts to adjust the 2024 National Budget, aiming to shift additional funds toward mitigating the effects of the worst drought in almost 20 years, specifically targeting food security for the populace.

During an address at State House, the President explained the proactive approach to fiscal management as necessary in the short term by prioritising urgent matters such as food, whilst also considering long-term sustainability.

Speaking on long-term considerations, the President said the country must reduce expenditures that are not entirely necessary. He noted that government and public service expenditure ought to be curbed, with stringent budgets being observed by all officials through limiting workshops and non-essential travel to finance critical measures, address vulnerable communities, and ensure food security.

In addition to these measures, the President announced constitutional amendments to improve proportional representation in government, particularly encouraging the participation of women and people living with disabilities in both local councils and in parliament. This measure seeks to ensure that all sections of the populace have a spokesperson in the process of policymaking.

During the swearing-in of State Counsels yesterday, President Hichilema demonstrated the government’s commitment to gender equality, with five female lawyers receiving the honour.

Hichilema also directed law enforcement agencies to ensure that the constitution is being upheld, urging the prioritisation of transparency and impartiality, whilst maintaining processes that respect the legal rights of the citizens.

The drought has not only impacted the harvest but also the livelihoods of farmers, who make up 57% of the country’s total workforce. The energy sector is also being strained, with hydropower accounting for 85% of the country’s energy supply.

The President noted that it will take a collaborative effort to get through the crisis: “We will work with all farmers, farming input suppliers, grain traders, millers, academics, professionals, regulators, churches, civil society, unions, traditional leaders, political parties, and others.” As a long-term measure, the government will focus on irrigation development and water harvesting mechanisms to ensure consistent agricultural production.