By Joseph Kaputula
THE Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre -AIPAC-, has cautioned the UPND government against spending unbudgeted public resources to appease voters ahead of the August general election.
AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma says it is concerning that President Hakainde Hichilema has been issuing directives to recruit public service workers without corresponding budgetary provisions, citing the President's directive for the immediate recruitment of all volunteer medical staff in Mporokoso District as an example.
Mr. Ngoma says public service recruitment should be guided by the availability of resources in the national treasury and conducted in accordance with established procedures rather than through directives.
He says while there is a need to employ more workers and the President has the authority to issue directives, such actions must be undertaken within the confines of the law.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ngoma has also expressed concern over the resumption of works on the Livingstone-Sesheke Road by the Road Development Agency through contractors Sinohydro Corporation Limited in joint venture with Nchifar Enterprises Limited.
He says the project had earlier been earmarked for implementation under a Public-Private Partnership model, adding that infrastructure projects should be implemented in line with government's sustainable policy framework rather than decisions influenced by political considerations.
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