Chadiza youths welcome subsidy removal

Chadiza youths welcome subsidy removal
Chadiza, June 12, 2013, ZANIS….Patriotic Front Youths in Chadiza
district have supported the decision by government to remove fuel and maize subsidies.

The ruling party youths say the subsidies mostly benefited a few people in business.

Speaking on behalf of other youths Edward Mzyece said rich people
were capable of paying for the actual costs of the fuel that
government was cushioning.

Mr Mzyece cited examples of subsidized fertilizer that used to end up
in the hands of few rich or well-to-do people when the genuine poor
peasant farmers continued to receive small quantities.

He said the money that is spent on subsidies can take the country a
long way in terms of rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools
and health facilities.

Meanwhile, Mr Mzyece said that the PF youths will not be drawn into any violence
and confusion during the forth-coming Kabvumo ward by-election.

He said the youth will allow the electorates to make their choices freely
especially that the Patriotic Front (PF) government has started
fulfilling its 2011 campaign promises.

The youths also denied allegations from opposition leaders that the
ruling party was coaxing opposition members into joining them.

Mr Mzyece said people were joining the PF because they are impressed
with the good works and the quality of leadership from top to grass
root levels.

Meanwhile, Chadiza district opposition UNIP party chairperson
Phillip Kalemba has advised the government to ensure that the money that
will be saved from the removal of fuel and maize subsidies goes
towards financing developmental projects.

Mr Kalemba particularly wished that the money should go towards the
provision of free education as children from poor families would
greatly benefit from the move.
He said according to his findings in Chadiza, most parents take their
children into early marriages and cattle herding for well to do people
in order to raise school fees that do not take them beyond grade seven
levels as secondary education is expensive.

He expressed worry that for as long as the government does not address
the issue of illiteracy the country will not record balanced results between the rural and urban areas.