Leader of the Opposition (LoP) George Chaponda has demanded for an immediate release of a comprehensive report on the passport crisis, including the cause and solutions.
In a statement released on Friday, Chaponda said he is deeply concerned about the prolonged passport crisis in the country, which continues to affect citizens despite President Lazarus Chakwera’s assurance in Parliament to resolve the issue promptly.
Further, he has demanded for adetailed plan of action to clear the backlog of applications, transparency in the procurement process for passport materials and services and accountability for those responsible for the crisis.
“Why is it that after striving to obtain passports the citizens are not being accepted in other countries? We cannot sit and watch when students are losing scholarship opportunities; when patients seeking medical attention outside are failing to travel and others die.
“The government must not pretend not to have seen the problems when the entourage of the First Lady failed to travel due to the same crises. I urge the President to honor his commitment and provide a clear timeline for the production and issuance of passports. The public deserves to know the cause of the delay and the measures being taken to address it,” said Chaponda adding that the opposition will continue to hold the government accountable for its promises.
He added: “We stand in solidarity with the affected citizens and demand swift action to resolve this crisis”.
