Acting Patriotic Front (PF) Media Director Edwin Lifwekelo has observed that it has become a common practice for African leaders to personally commission infrastructure projects, no matter how small they may be.
Mr. Lifwekelo notes that the President’s recent act of commissioning boreholes is a clear example of this trend, and it raises important questions about the appropriate use of political power and resources, adding that his involvement in such a practice is more about political grandstanding than genuine development.
He charges that misallocation of Presidential resources when the country is going through a lot should not be thought of at any time as the President is the highest-ranking official in the country and is responsible for managing complex national affairs, and commissioning a borehole is a task that could easily be carried out by a local councillor or municipal official.
Mr. Lifwekelo points out that it is a waste of the President’s valuable time and resources to engage in such activities when there are pressing national issues to address.
He states that presidential visits and ceremonies are costly affairs, involving security, transportation, and logistical expenses which could be better spent on projects that require national-level attention and funding.
