Govt Plans Intervention for Traders
By Ruth Mwale
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya says Government plans to provide an intervention to help traders at market level to ensure traders have access to capital during the Covid-19.
Ms. Siliya says aside the K30 million scheme approved for artistes, Government is yet to make more interventions that will tackle challenges during the Covid-19 era.
She says Government is aware of the challenges that most businesses are faced with.
The Minister was speaking when she met youths at her office, during which various issues, affecting the young people’s contribution to the development of the country were discussed.
Ms Siliya also urged the youths to change their mindset and ensure that they use platforms such as social media to share ideas that enhance development in the country.
She said the youths should be inspired to participate in matters of development in various economic sectors through networks that are profitable.
Ms Siliya, however, said it is unfortunate that when Government awards contracts to the youths, it is mostly alleged that corruption was involved.
She said Zambians just like foreign companies should seize the opportunities in the country to contribute to the country’s economic agenda.
Ms Siliya noted that following the concerns raised by the youths, there is need to re-look at the education system in the country, so that it provides skills that are relevant to labour force now and in the future.
She further said there is also need for ministries to also be visible so that youths can identify the opportunities that most of them are offering.
Meanwhile, Ms Siliya noted that despite every individual having a right to express themselves it should be done within the confines of the law.
She said freedom of expression has nothing to do with insulting or defaming the President or other citizens.
And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said the minister will on Thursday hold meetings with other ministries on the issues raised by the Youths.
Mr Malupenga said through working in unity with youths and Government, the road map to address the challenges youths face will be clear.
Meanwhile, the youths have called on Government to create linkages to enable entrepreneurs’ access financial services at affordable rates.
One of the youths, Raphael Mbewe expressed concern that lack of understanding by the youths of the country’s democracy and how the system operates, is alarming.
Mr Mbewe also urged Government to consider holding a National indaba that will see more youths participate and draw inspiration to contribute to the country’s development.