President Edgar Lungu has appointed former local government minister Emmanuel Chenda and former minister of community development minister Joseph Katema as Ambassadors to Zimbabwe and Italy respectively.

And President Lungu has also appointed Chola Katanga and Joel Njase as new police Commissioners for Muchinga and Central Provinces, replacing Godwin Phiri and Lombe Kamukoshi who has been brought to Force Headquarters as Commissioner in charge of administration.

“I wish to congratulate you on your appointments into foreign service. The appointments have been done on merit and should be taken seriously. As you go into foreign service, remember you will be representing the President of the Republic of Zambia and the country at large. Therefore, your immediate task as you take up your new positions is to further enhance the relations between Zambia and the respective countries where you are going,” President Lungu said.

He told Katema to explore new areas of cooperation between Zambia and Italy especially in the field of medicine where the appointee had expertise.

“I have known you for a long time and worked with you both in government, as a cabinet minister and in our party as a member of the central committee. I am confident that you will excel in your new appointment as Ambassador to Italy. Following your vast experience in the health sector as a medical doctor, I expect you to explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries in this respect,” he said.

“As a fellow learned colleague,” President Lungu told Chenda, “you are also not new to me. I have worked with you in the legal circles, in the party and now in government where you have served with distinction as cabinet minister in different ministries. As you take up your new position as High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, I expect you to strengthen the already existing bilateral relations between the two countries. I am confident that you will work to the best of your abilities with the new government to address issues of mutual interest.”

The President also conferred retired Brigadier General John Albert Bulawayo with the status of “Ambassador” because of his long service in foreign missions.

“I have conferred you with this Ambassadorial title because you have exhibited unique skills in diplomacy. You have served over thirty-six years in different portfolios in the public service both at home and abroad. this is a position well deserved and i have no doubt that you will continue being loyal to the appointing authority,” he said.

He then told the newly appointed provincial police commissioners to exhibit professionalism.

“Let me now address the men in uniform. Your appointments come with huge responsibility and at a time when members of the public expect to see a disciplined police service that responds with efficiency to service delivery. Mr Joel Njase, you have worked for the Zambia Police service for close to twenty-one years having joined as an inspector in 1997. I am impressed with your CV and I have no doubt that your vast experience will contribute to bringing change in the operations of the Zambia police service now that you will be serving at the highest level in the province as Commissioner of Police. I urge you to continue working hard,” said President Lungu.

“Mr Chola Katanga, you equally have an impressive record of service in the Zambia Police. Just like your colleague, Mr Njase, you have worked with loyalty, commitment and dedication for close to twenty-one years. I have very high expectations of you. as a senior police officer, you already know the operational issues on the ground and as a well vest administrator, I expect you to bring solutions to the many issues affecting your subordinates. Once again congratulations to you all!”