Business

Ex Munyaule traders cry for help, call for dialogue with government

Published

1 month ago

December 5, 2024

67 Views

TRADERS at Lumumba Roadside Market formerly operating at Munyaule Market in Lusaka have appealed to government to intervene and halt their looming eviction by the Lusaka City Council (LCC).
The traders who have been given a notice of eviction within seven days by the LCC in order to pave way for the rehabilitation of the drainage system around their trading space said they are not ready to relocate to temporary trading spaces behind BH and New Soweto markets.
The marketeers cited inadequate infrastructure, unresolved sanitation issues and lack of meaningful dialogue with the authorities.
Last week, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo also ordered the traders to vacate the area to allow for drainage construction works aimed at mitigating flooding in the central business district.
Nkombo who inspected the site stated that the notice period for the demolition of makeshift stalls had elapsed and urged for a smooth relocation process.
The traders, however, decried the decision claiming that it will devastate their livelihoods.
According to a concerned trader and representative of the traders John Shuko, the demolition of the structures will lead into losses for the traders’ businesses.
“We are saddened by LCC’s abrupt intention to evict us without any dialogue. This site was allocated to us by the council and we have been paying levies of K150 per month per stall. Where is that money going if not to improve the market? Now they want us to move without even consulting us or providing adequate alternatives,” lamented Shuko.
The traders claimed that they have made significant investments in the current site which was valued at approximately K2 billion in materials and infrastructure.
They also alleged that LCC collected K367,500 in levies from 350 traders over the past months and an additional K650,000 for space allocation.
“We are partners of the government and local authorities. We appreciate the initial engagement when we moved from Munyaule to this site but this time there has been no consultation,” claimed Shuko.
“The proposed relocation site is not fit for business due to sewage issues and limited space to accommodate over 300 traders.”
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, another marketeer criticised their area councilor Masauso Ngoma and accused him of misrepresenting their concerns to the government and prioritising personal gain over the welfare of his constituents.
The traders called on President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene and ensure that their voices are heard and livelihoods protected.
“The place selected for us to relocate to, requires us to pay K10, 000 but we don’t have that kind of money. I am just a widow,” cried Precious Chitangula.
“When we elect leaders, we expect them to serve us not treat us like subjects. The government must ensure this process is handled fairly. We are not against the development but it must be done with consultation and respect for those who will be affected. We cannot simply be forced out without a plan that ensures we can continue to provide for our families.”
The traders also proposed a dialogue with LCC to reach a compromise.
They also demanded compensation for the losses they anticipate due to the sudden eviction, including refunds of levies, space payments and material costs.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 5, 2024
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Business

Ministry of Agriculture urges farmers to report army worm infestations

Published

1 week ago

January 5, 2025

an24afri

42 Views

THE Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged farmers across the country to report any army worm infestations to their camp extension officers.
Agriculture minister Reuben Mtolo stated the ministry procured and distributed 55,000 litres of low risk Fall Army Worm chemicals to all the 10 Provinces of the country for strategic purposes which will be given out to every affected farmer for free.
Mtolo said the rapid intervention is essential to suppress pest populations, protect crops and mitigate further damage.
The minister urged state holders at every level to work together to ensure a coordinated, efficient and effective response.
He assured the public of government’s unwavering commitment to mitigating the threat of army worms by providing resources to all the affected farmers.
“The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to inform the nation and farmers that it has initiated urgent and decisive measures aimed at combating the widespread infestation of Fall Army Worms that is threatening Zambia’s food security,” stated Mtolo.
“As a Ministry mandated to facilitate the development of a sustainable and diversified agricultural sector for enhanced food and nutrition security, and income generation, we are aware that the Fall Army Worm infestations which have been reported in all the provinces, can have a devastating effect on the national food security.”
“To safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure the nation’s food security, the Ministry is rolling out a comprehensive Response Plan designed for effective and rapid action.”
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, January 4, 2025
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Business

Ministry of Labour urges employers to submit labour statistics

Published

1 week ago

January 3, 2025

an24afri

109 Views

THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has called on all employers to submit employment relationship statistics, warning that failure to comply will attract penalties.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour Principle Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa emphasised that it is a legal obligation for employers to provide labour statistics under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
Muntengwa stated that the labour statistics are important in improving employment conditions as they can enable the ministry to track labour market trends and make informed policy interventions.
He said the labour laws require employers to submit and maintain accurate statistics on employment relationships.
Meanwhile, Muntengwa expressed concern that some employers have failed to comply with these requirements, impeding the Ministry’s ability to maintain an updated administrative database.
This, he noted, impends the ministry’s efforts to address key labour market challenges effectively.
“Employers who fail to comply with the legal requirements risk facing sanctions under Sections 12(3), 133(1), and 135 of the Act,” Muntengwa explained.
However, to meet their obligations, employers are required to submit hard copies of employment statistics to the Labour Commissioner’s office or via post.
“Soft copies by email to [email protected] and copied to Assistant Labour Commissioner Mrs. Mukamasole M. Kasanda at [email protected],” he stated.
Muntengwa also reiterated the requirement for wages to be paid in Zambian Kwacha, in line with Section 67(1) of the Employment Code Act.
“While employees may choose their preferred mode of payment such as postal order, money order, cheque, or electronic payment, wages must be denominated in the national currency.”
“The law is clear wages shall be paid in Kwacha. Non-compliance will attract necessary sanctions,” added Muntengwa.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 3, 2025
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Business

99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs – Mtolo

Published

2 weeks ago

December 30, 2024

an24afri

29 Views

AGRICULTURE Minister Reuben Mtolo has highlighted the success of input distribution under both the Electronic Voucher (e-voucher) and Direct Input Supply (DIS) modalities.
Mtolo said nationwide, more than 99 percent of verified farmers have redeemed their inputs.
“As of December 26, 2024, 1,023,988 farmers had deposited their contributions, amounting to K409,595,200.00, with 1,016,054 of them successfully redeeming their inputs,” Phiri disclosed.
Phiri also noted that the 2024/25 farming season e-Voucher rollout was a resounding success.
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 739,266 farmer beneficiaries, 738,816 representing 99.9 percent had deposited for their inputs and of which, 731,010 representing 98.9 percent successfully redeemed their inputs,” he said.
“A total of 631 agro input suppliers were engaged to supply inputs to farmers. These included 25 seed companies, 30 fertilizer and agrochemicals companies, and 576 agro dealers. These operated 1,056 branch outlets across the 74 participating districts under the e-Voucher.”
Mtolo said the system has not only streamlined input distribution but also allowed farmers to select inputs tailored to their needs, boosting productivity.
He said the system has also created opportunities for agro-SMEs and rural youth while improving liquidity through timely supplier payments.
“The input distribution under the Direct Input System (DIS) across 42 districts was highly successful, with 42,775.20 Metric Tons (MT) representing 100 percent of Compound D and 100 percent of Urea fertilizers distributed, along with all contracted seeds.”
“As of 26th December, 2024, out of the 285,168 targeted farmers, a total of 285,044 beneficiaries representing 99.96 percent had successfully redeemed their farming inputs,” said Mtolo.
Local fertilizer producers, including United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) Limited, played a key role in ensuring timely delivery of the inputs and the minister could not hide his pride in Government’s efforts of positive segregation to support the companies producing fertiliser in the country.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba December 30, ,2024
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