Gilbert Siame appointment elates people of Isoka
POLITICSBy Lusaka Times — Lusaka Times
The appointment of Dr. Gilbert Siame as the Minister of Green Economy and Environment has drawn widespread praise and jubilation from residents of Isoka District in Muchinga Province. Community members have described his nomination and subsequent swearing-in as a historic moment of profound pride, noting that his rise to the national executive tier serves as a powerful inspiration for the youth and professionals across the region. Dr. Siame, who prior to his political appointment built a distinguished career as a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Zambia (UNZA) specializing in city and regional planning, steps into the key cabinet portfolio carrying high expectations. His academic background and extensive research footprint in urban sustainability, climate resilience, and spatial governance have led many local stakeholders to believe that he possesses the requisite technical expertise to steer Zambia's green economy agenda effectively. Isoka residents have emphasized that having one of their own entrusted with such a critical docket demonstrates the government's recognition of talent originating outside conventional urban centers. Community leaders in the district voiced optimism that Dr. Siame's tenure would bring focused attention to environmental preservation, sustainable resource management, and regional development challenges faced by Muchinga Province and similar rural-urban peripheries. The appointment forms part of President Hakainde Hichilema's newly constituted administration following the recent general elections. During the swearing-in ceremony at State House, President Hichilema tasked the new cabinet ministers with delivering tangible economic dividends under the broader 'Grow Zambia' agenda, explicitly urging the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to move beyond policy workshops and focus on actionable investments, green job creation, and robust carbon credit frameworks. As Dr. Siame transitions from academia to active exec