The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has observed that one of the effective and genuine ways to tackle poverty, inequality, want and misery in the country is to consciously and consistently implement state-driven public service delivery programs.
The observation is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by ZCTU Secretary General, Cosmas Mukuka, ahead of the commemoration of this year’s International Public Service Day.
Mr Mukuka has since called on government to scale down, halt and reverse where possible the decisions to continue to privatise public services.
He has also urged government to continue to find ways and means to continuously and sustainably roll out public service provisions targeted at reaching people and communities in need.
Mr. Mukuka said the ZCTU is of the strong opinion that aggressive privatisation cannot be used as the cover and excuse for the failure to stem illicit financial flows from the continent.
He said as noted by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa),it is exactly 16 months when the African Union-Economic Commission for Africa (AU-ECA) report on Illicit Financial Flows(IFF) From Africa was adopted by the AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa.
Mr Mukuka said the report pointed out that a conservative figure of US $ 50 billion is lost to Africa annually through IFF activities.
He said these monies are lost revenues that otherwise would boost and complement finances necessary for achieving the roll-out of social services provisions.
Mr Mukuka further said, ITUC-AFRICA, which is the continental trade union body, has not made much progress with respect to the implementation of the recommendations contained in the adopted “Mbeki Panel Report” of IFF from Africa.
He said incidentally the recent Panama Papers Leak further exposes the depth of the financial haemorrhage that Africa is exposed to as asset theft and tax evasion schemes and activities go unchecked.
Mr. Mukuka has advised the country to seek and pursue effective cooperation with governments on the continent and other developing countries in terms of tax policy, practices and information sharing.
He said in essence, tax concession in relation to attracting Foreign Direct investment should be critically rethought.
