Zambian first lady Esther Lungu took an entourage of 25 people, including a bedroom attendant, to the US to collect 4 old fire trucks on their deathbeds

In January, Zambian first lady, Esther Lungu travelled to the US, in what has been described as a collaboration between Zambia’s Fire and Rescue Service and the LA fire department to collect four fire trucks.
Two of the trucks are 1985 models, a third one is a 1995 model and the other one a 1996 model.
The first lady’s entourage included 25 people in all including a bedroom attendant, cook, cleaner, waiter, seven police officers, three secretaries, two fire brigade officers, a communications officer and an accountant.

Zambian first lady, Esther Lungu, took an entourage of 25 people including a bedroom attendant, a cook, cleaner, waiter and three secretaries, among a dozen others, to the United States to collect four old fire trucks, raking in millions of dollars in expenses.

In January, the first lady travelled to the US, in what has been described as a collaboration between Zambia’s Fire and Rescue Service and the LA fire department to collect the four trucks, the Lusaka Times reported.

1985 Ford 8000 fire truck Pulse Live Kenya

According to presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda, the purpose of the trip was to assess if the fire trucks conformed to Zambian standards.

However, it has since emerged that the donated fire trucks were retired by the LA fire department after serving the area for decades casting doubt on the necessity of the trip leave alone the use of the trucks.

1985 Ford E-One Pumper Pulse Live Kenya

Two of the trucks are 1985 models, a third one is a 1995 model and the other one a 1996 model.

Furthermore, the first lady’s entourage included 25 people in all. A bedroom attendant, cook, cleaner, waiter, seven police officers, three secretaries, two fire brigade officers, a communications officer and an accountant were among those accompanying Lungu.

President Lungu with First Lady, Esther Lungu shake all their worries away at a past function. Pulse Live Kenya

To add salt to an injury, details of how much the two-week trip for 25 people cost Zambian taxpayers was not made available due to Lusaka’s repeated refusal to pass the Access to Information Bill following a litany of excuses.

Civil rights activist Laura Miti unsuccessfully appealed to US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote to withdraw the donation to Zambia.