Leader of the Opposition Green Party, Peter Sinkamba has described the 20 percent and 15 percent salary reduction for President Edgar Lungu and other highly paid government officials as a political gimmick meant to fool Zambians.

Yesterday, State House announced that president lungu has with immediate effect reduced his salary and that of top earning government officials by 15 to 20 percent, a move that is aimed at cushioning the impact on citizens arising from the recent increase of fuel prices and electricity tariffs.

But speaking to Phoenix News, Mr. Sinkamba explains that salary scales for constitution office bearers are set and protected by an act of parliament and any change can only be effected by parliament not by mere a mere presidential directive.

He has wondered how the reduction of salaries for the president and his ministers will automatically translate into benefits for ordinary Zambians in the wake of high cost of living and has challenged government to instead come up with tangible ideas on reducing the cost of living.

Meanwhile, Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union President David Chiyobe has warned that the decision by president lungu to cut salaries for public service workers without their consent will attract litigation as it is an abrogation of existing contracts of the affected individuals.

Mr. Chiyobe says there is need to be weary of the conditions of service contained in the individual contract and if the employer goes ahead to change without consent of the other, it can amount to a litigation.

And Democratic Party Leader, Harry Kalaba says the announced salary reduction is insignificant compared to the main huge allowances top government officials get such as fuel, electricity, water and communication allowances.
PHOENIX NEWS