Govt to restrict imports

Government is working on a list of goods and services that should not be imported into the country to help protect the local currency.

Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa says it is an acceptable that the country has continued to import chickens, eggs and vegetables which are readily available in Zambia.

Mr. Sampa says it will be illegal to import the banned goods and that anyone found doing so will be prosecuted.

And the Deputy Minister says his ministry has opened two district clusters in Isoka for soya beans to produce cooking Oil and in Petauke for groundnuts to produce peanut butter.

Mr. Sampa was speaking in Siavonga on Tuesday when he opened a media-training workshop on competition and consumer protection.

And Competition and Consumer Protection executive Director Chilufya Sampa says most Zambian consumers do not know their rights.

Mr. Sampa says the commission is investigating Dangote and Zambezi Portland for alleged price fixing.

The Minister says this is after Zambezi Portland allegedly approached Dangote asking their mode of pricing their cement.

Mr. Sampa also says the commission is also investigating Lafarge Cement and Zambia Sugar for over pricing.

He also said the commission raided four Bakeries on the Copperbelt for over pricing their bread and are being investigated.

ZNBC