By ALICE NACHILEMBE
United Party for National Development (UPND) says its position on the sale of the Presidential jet popularly known as the Gulf stream has not changed but will allow Cabinet make a final decision on the matter.
UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the jurisdiction to decide on the fate of the plane now lies with Cabinet as it is a property of the Government.
Addressing the media ,Mr Mweetwa said the position taken by the party before and during the General election campaigns remains the same as it is viewed as an unnecessary cost in the face of more competing needs.
” Allow me to place this on record as being the position of the party in relation to the Presidential Jet. We told the nation that the Jet would be auctioned because it was then considered as a not so necessary commodity in the presence of other competing needs. That position has not changed any bit. The Government is putting up all documentation with regards the purchase of the Gulf Stream. Therefore, that matter will be a subject of deliberation at Cabinet level and Cabinet will make a final decision,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa has also revealed that the Presidential delegation to the United Nations General Assembly slated for next week in New York will travel using a commercial plane and not the Presidential jet as a cost saving measure.
He said only a lean delegation shall accompany the President to the global Assembly.
