‘DRC to submit security report to SADC’

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Wylbur Simuusa says authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have indicated that they will soon submit a report to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on measures taken to address security concerns raised by international truck drivers who transport goods to and from that country.
Mr Simuusa said security concerns raised by international truck drivers are noticeable and should be urgently resolved by authorities in the DRC.
He also said SADC government officials in charge of transport will be discussing the matter at a forthcoming SADC meeting.
“It is expected that the DRC will submit a report on measures being put in place to safeguard truck drivers while in that country,” Mr Simuusa said.
He said in an interview in Chingola on Sunday that Government is in close contact with the DRC government through the Zambian consulate in Lubumbashi over the matter.
Four drivers have been murdered on the DRC side of Kasumbalesa border and another one has been killed on the Zambian side.
He said Government through the Copperbelt Province Permanent Joint Commission and the Chililabombwe District Permanent Joint Commission will continue interacting with authorities in the DRC when need arises.
Mr Simuusa said Zambia and the DRC have enjoyed warm and cordial relations for a long time and the two Governments can amicably resolve disputes as was the case recently over fishermen who were abducted in Luapula Province.
Meanwhile, Mr Simuusa who is also Nchanga Member of Parliament, has said Chingola Municipal Council has reserved its decision to hike burial fees from K10 to K100.
“As council and councillors we should be sensitive to the plight and cries of the people,” he said.
Recently, the local authority increased burial fees from K10 to K100 and shifted the pay point from Nchanga North General Hospital to offices located in the central business district.