Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Emmanuel Chenda has reiterated that the removal of subsidies on petroleum products and maize will necessitate economic and infrastructure development in the country.
Mr. Chenda said in Kasama that government wants to set up infrastructure in order to attract meaningful investment that will benefit the country.
He said resources that would be raised from the removal of the subsidies on fuel will be channeled to several social avenues such as roads, hospitals and schools.
He cited the link Zambia 8000 road network as another meaningful programme that will benefit Zambians in the long run.
He added that with investment in transport and energy, Zambia will experience massive growth of the economy and a reduction in power outages.
And Mr. Chenda stressed that government will continue to subsidise poor farmers in the country.
He reiterated that government has not removed agriculture subsidies but merely requested for a modest increase of farmers’ contribution towards inputs.
Mr. Chenda explained that in the past, farmers used to pay about KR50 for a 50 kilogramme bag of fertilizer which cost government more than KR250.
He said government now wants the farmers to pay an extra KR50 while it still continues to bear the larger cost.
ZANIS
atleast the government are doing a good job on the subsidy removal, keep up with the good work.