The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised President Hakainde Hichilema’s handling of the ongoing cholera crisis in the country. The party accuses President Hichilema of being disconnected from the reality on the ground and lacking a viable plan to resolve the outbreak.
In a statement, EFF President Kasonde Mwenda condemns President Hichilema’s recent comments, deeming them retrogressive and insufficient in addressing the current crisis. He decribes the President’s suggestion for people to move to villages and rural areas as inadequate and says it sidesteps the government’s responsibility for proper preparation and response.
Mr. Mwenda expresses deep concern over President Hichilema’s refusal to take responsibility for his government’s lack of preparation and response to the cholera crisis. Instead of acknowledging the administration’s shortcomings, the President is accused of blaming citizens for poor sanitation practices, showcasing a disregard for the government’s duty to ensure adequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
The EFF has called on President Hichilema to acknowledge the gravity of the cholera crisis and take decisive action. The party criticises the President for shunning his responsibility and failing to fulfill the basic duty of providing essential services to the Zambian people, citing it as a clear indication of his incapacity to effectively govern.
The opposition party urges President Hichilema to reassess his priorities, work with relevant stakeholders, and allocate necessary resources to combat the outbreak effectively. The EFF further demands accountability and effective solutions, emphasising that blaming citizens for living conditions is insensitive and lacks leadership and empathy.
In today’s update, cases of cholera have been reported in 47 districts across the country. 446 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours with 17 facility and 6 community deaths bringing the losses to 23. The cumulative number of cases since October 2023 stands at 8, 276 with a total of 333 deaths.
