PRESIDENT Michael Sata has appointed Patriotic Front's latest Member of Parliament (MP), Steven Masumba as North-Western Province Minister.

He has just been re-elected as Mufumbwe MP in the Parliamentary by-election held on November 8, this year.

Mr Masumba now replaces Josephine Limataa, who has been transferred to Southern Province in the same capacity.

This is contained in a statement released yesterday by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah.

Mr Sata has moved John Kufuna from Southern Province to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing as Deputy Minister, previously held by Mr Masumba.

The President says he is confident that the three ministers will discharge the functions of their offices both to his satisfaction and that of the Zambian people.

Mr Sata has also appointed Trevor Kaunda as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. He was previously a director in the same ministry.

"Be reminded that our people are the most important resource. Therefore, as leaders, we should strive and commit to meeting their essential needs, expanding the economy and creating jobs, curbing crime and corruption, and eventually transforming the State with fulfillment," Mr Sata said.

He urged the three deputy ministers to work towards the attainment of Governmnets's noble objectives aimed at transforming the economy.