PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has called on Government officials to implement developmental programmes so that the country's economy can continue recovering from the effects of the global economic meltdown.

The president said he was happy that despite suffering the effects of the global economic meltdown, the country's economy was back on track owing to the resolutions that were made at the national indaba early in the year. As such, he said Government leaders should strive at implementing such resolutions.

"People from all walks of life are happy that as a result of the indaba, our economy is back on track. There is stability in our financial institutions.

"There was one resolution at the indaba which is the most important thing, and that is implementation. One woman at the indaba said those words and they come to my mind and she said it three times. Implementation is important," Mr Banda said.

Speaking when he swore in Local Government and Housing Minister, Eurstarkio Kazonga, Mr Banda said the ministry was cardinal in implementing programmes for the benefit of the citizens.

He said he took long to find a replacement for late Benny Tetamashimba because he wanted somebody who would be able to implement programmes. Mr Banda said he was optimistic that Dr Kazonga would not fail the citizenry.

Prior to appointing Dr Kazonga, the president said he consulted widely and prayed fervently so that he could be guided to come up with the best person.

When he swore in Solomon Musonda as deputy minister of Health, President Banda said Dr Musonda was a dedicated medical doctor who, despite his tender age, accepted to work in Chitambo.

Mr Banda said many of Dr Musonda's age would not have accepted to work in rural areas.

On new Western Province Minister, Mwapela Sikwibele, President Banda said the people of the province should feel that the minister was part of them.

When he swore in chief analyst for Press and public relations, Charles Kachikoti, President Banda said upcoming journalists should emulate Mr Kachikoti by being objective in their writing, saying society would certainly notice that.

Mr Banda said if journalists were not objective, they would not be noticed for their work.

He said that Mr Kachikoti was identified as a credible journalist because of his high level of objectivity.

On new Sport, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary, Teddy Mulonga, Mr Banda said he was confident that the new office holder would help improve standards of sport in the country.

The President also swore in his personal physician, Shailen Desai.