Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo has dismissed reports that deputy permanent secretary Patrick Mwanawasa no longer works for government.
Mr. Kasolo has told Breeze News that Mr. Mwanawasa is still an employee of government but is on official leave.
He explained that Mr. Mwanawasa was given leave to attend to family issues.
Mr. Kasolo says that Mr. Mwanawasa is expected to resume duty this week on Monday.
Questions have been raised as to why assistant secretary Royd Tembo has been acting permanent secretary in the absence of Mr. Kasolo when Mr. Mwanawasa should be the one to act.
Mr. Kasolo who laughed off at insinuations that Mr. Mwanawasa was relieved of his duties, stated that these were lies, which should be ignored.