Hichilema asks Parliament to redraw government ministries, with only four ministers in post

President Hakainde Hichilema has asked the National Assembly to approve a restructuring of government ministries, saying the changes will make government more efficient. In a statement issued on Monday by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, the President said he had written to Parliament under Article 92(2)(d) of the Constitution. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango will move a motion in the House seeking approval for the proposed establishment, merger and dissolution of ministries. State House said the realignment is meant to make sure the machinery of government fully supports the Grow Zambia Agenda and improves public services. The President called on MPs to support the changes, which he said are in the best interest of the country. ## What we don't know yet The statement does not name a single ministry that will be created, merged or closed. It gives no date for the debate and no figure for what the changes will cost or save. Those details are expected when the Vice-President tables the motion. ## A Cabinet still waiting The request comes with most of the Cabinet still empty. On 14 September, President Hichilema swore in four ministers: Situmbeko Musokotwane at Finance and National Planning, Mulambo Haimbe at Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Roma Chilengi at Health, and Dr Gilbert Siame at Green Economy and Environment. No further Cabinet appointments have been made since. That leaves every other ministry, from Agriculture to Education, without a Cabinet minister more than two months after the 13 August election. Once Parliament approves the new structure, the President can appoint ministers to the ministries as they will finally stand. The delay has drawn criticism. Political analyst Dr Neo Simutanyi said on Monday that UPND officials should stop defending it and should hold the President to account instead. He said the President has had enough time to identify qualified people and that the gap is hurting governanc