Minister of Works and Supply Mutotwe Kafwaya says printing of the 2021 ballot papers locally will add value to the nation and eventually attract back all the works it used to carry out before.

According to a statement by Ministry of Works and Supply Public Relations Officer Ndubi Mvula, this came to light when the Minister visited Government Printers in his continued familiarization exercise of all departments and units operating under his Ministry.

Kafwaya, who was accompanied by Ministry of Works Permanent Secretary Agnes Musunga, assured staff at Government Printers of his Ministry’s support as it embarks on the revitalization programme that will see it resume the printing of election ballot papers, among others, for both public and private clients.

According to Mvula, Kafwaya was confident that just as President Edgar Lungu had directed that Government Printers undertakes the task of printing 2021 election ballot papers, the mission would be accomplished, judging by the progress made so far.

“Printing the ballot papers locally will add value to the nation and will eventually attract back all the works it used to carry out such as the printing of documents for the Ministry of Health, examination papers for schools, passports and many other documents for both government and private firms. There is need for all to embrace change and develop the skills so as to adapt to new challenges in the sector and remain relevant to national development,” Kafwaya said.

He further urged Government Printers staff to move with time, adding that they were a vital component of the firm.

About two months ago when Kafwaya was sworn-in as Minister of Works and Supply to replace his predecessor, Felix Mutati, he pledged to focus on ensuring that the 2021 election ballot papers were printed in Zambia.

Kafwaya had said that a lot had been discussed on the need to capacitate Government Printers and time had come to produce the results for all to appreciate.