Inonge Wina
Vice President Inonge Wina has revealed that Government spent about K4.89 million to organise the constitution signing ceremony at Lusaka Heroes Stadium last month.
Ms. Wina said the funds went to cater for security, entertainment and transport and meal for delegates.
She said the event held on 15th January 2016 was funded through the treasury.
Ms Wina was speaking Friday morning in Parliament during the Vice President’s Question Time.
The Vice President added that the funds were also used to pay for the flypast by the Zambia Air Force, performances by entertainment groups, protocol, stage, chairs, printing of invitation cards, accommodation and transport for delegates.
Meanwhile, Ms Wina says diplomats accredited to Zambia are free interact with any political party leaders.
Ms Wina said the diplomats are free to associate with any leader of any political party but that they are only expected to go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the sake of courtesy diplomats.
She told Parliament this morning that it is only prudent for visitors working in Zambia to go through normal channels before meeting politicians.
Ms. Wina said there is no reason for diplomats not to interact with opposition leaders but that there are other considerations that need to be followed.
She warned that Diplomats should observe the laws of the country adding that they can be sanctioned if they go overboard.
And Ms. Wina says it is incorrect to insinuate that President Edgar Lungu will have difficulties handing over power in an event he loses the August elections.
She said President Lungu is a true democrat adding that it is an unlikely scenario that he would refuse to surrender power.
The Vice President also reiterated that the PF is not bothered because President Lungu is going to win the general elections.
She said it is a well-known fact that President Lungu will emerge victorious saying opposition MPs should not believe what they read all the time especially from online media as it is very misleading.
“We know who sponsors some of those social media institutions and some print media with the sole purpose of destabilising the country and to urge Zambians to vote out the PF but we are not worried because Zambians are very clever, they know wrong from good. We expect 50+1 mandate and win,” Ms. Wina said.