IBA implementation comes with job creation

IBA implementation comes with job creation

Lusaka, March 9, ZANIS —— Government says the implementation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority policy will create 54 direct jobs.

And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services (MIBS) Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said this was also how vital the IBA bill is.

Speaking after touring the renovated offices where the IBA offices would be established at Mass Media Complex in Lusaka today, Mr Malupenga said government believes that the IBA was crucial towards the governance of the country.

He added that government was in a hurry in doing everything possible to ensure the IBA is tabled in parliament mid this year.

The Permanent Secretary further advised members of the public and journalists in particular not to believe or dwell on rumours that government was dragging its feet on having the IBA bill tabled in parliament.

Mr Malupenga pointed out that the tabling of the IBA bill in parliament has long been over due since 2002 that was why the government is spearheading the process.

He stressed that government wants it tabled to allow members of the public and journalists to be accessing information.

Mr Malupenga further stated that within a short period of time government has done its best in trying to implement the IBA.

He also said the government recognises the  importance of IBA hence the reason some offices at the Mass Media Complex where the new IBA offices would be established have been renovated.

Meanwhile, 2013 World Press Freedom Day Organizing Committee Chairperson Patson Phiri expressed happiness with the progress and efforts government was putting in place to have the IBA bill tabled in parliament.

Mr Phiri pointed out that access to information was vital especially for journalists so that they could know what transpires in government institutions.