By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to District Commissioners (DCs) against alcohol abuse and antagonistic behavior in their official duties.
Speaking at a meeting with DCs from across the country at State House on Thursday, Hichilema emphasized that as the appointing authority, their misconduct reflects poorly on his leadership.
He cautioned that the failure of DCs to execute their duties effectively would be seen as a failure on his part.
“If a DC is drunk from Monday to Friday, what do you think society thinks of you and the President, given that I am the one who appointed you? If you are intoxicated every day, then you are not ready to serve the people,” Hichilema said.
The President warned that he could easily discern when someone had been drinking all night based on their level of concentration and participation in meetings. He stressed that such behavior is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the public and urged DCs to avoid mixing personal lifestyles with work responsibilities.
“We must stay focused. Natural calamities like droughts can distract us, but the 20 million plus Zambians are the ones we must work for. We must change the situation we found,” Hichilema stated.
He also advised DCs to respect the boundaries of their roles and avoid interfering with the duties of others, such as Members of Parliament, Councillors, and Mayors in their localities.
“You cannot be a District Commissioner in your office while maize fails to reach rural parts of your district. If you are comfortably feeding your children, what about those people who put you in that position?” Hichilema questioned.
The President called for strengthened collaboration between DCs and other public officers, including MPs, Mayors, and Councillors, emphasizing that there should be no conflict when the common goal is to serve the Zambian people.
“Let’s work as one team. How do we deliver to the people who placed us in these offices? Teamwork is not optional,” Hichilema asserted.
He further warned that those unwilling to serve should resign and allow others who are ready to contribute.
“You cannot work in a district and be in conflict with the Councillor, Mayor, MP, or UPND Chairperson, or walk into a hospital and remove the superintendent. Who then will deliver health services to the people?” Hichilema asked.
Additionally, Hichilema called for the speedy conclusion of the process to include DCs on Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committees.
He expressed disappointment that his directive to include DCs had not yet been implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
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