– Traditional leadership in Lunga District support subsidies removal

-Two traditional leaders in the newly created Lunga District of Luapula Province has welcomed government for its bold decision by removing consumption subsidies of fuel and maize.

And Local Government and Housing Minister, Emerine Kabanshi has reiterated that the removal on consumption subsidies of fuel and maize is meant for equitably distribution of resources among all Zambians regardless of their social status.

Chief Bwalya Mponda and Chief Kalima Nkonde of the Unga speaking people of Lunga District said time has come for Zambians to work hard and contribute meaningfully to national development.

ZANIS reports that the duo said this today when Local Government and Housing Minister Emerine Kabanshi called on them at their respective palaces.

Chief Bwalya Mponda noted that despite having subsidies on fuel and maize, millers and other producers failed to pass on the benefits to ordinarily Zambians.

The traditional leader accused the millers and other investors in the country of holding government to ransom by demanding subsidies and other incentives while they failed to pass on the benefits by reducing their prices.

And in response Local Government and Housing Minister, Emerine Kabanshi reiterated that the removal on consumption subsidies of fuel and maize is meant for equitably distribution of resources among all Zambians regardless of their social status.

Ms. Kabanshi who is also Luapula Constituency Member of Parliament explained that the removal of subsidise will benefit all Zambians unlike in the past were firms benefitted more than ordinarily citizens.

She further explained that savings from the removal of subsidies will go towards improving the social sector and road infrastructure in all parts of the country.

Ms. Kabanshi pointed out government has other social protection schemes that the vulnerable will continue to benefit from.

The Minister is in the district to explain that benefits that will accrue from government’s decision to remove subsidies on fuel and maize.