Economics Lecturer Dr Lubinda Haabazoka has opposed government’s move to sign a concession agreement with an Austrian firm which has partnered with Lamise Investments to operate Zambia’s road traffic system.
Dr Haabazoka stated that surrendering the management of the country’s road traffic system for 17 years poses a great security risk.
“How safe will be our personal data in the hands of private entities like Lamise after we outsource RATSA services?”
He said, “Even if we are eager to improve on RATSA, we should be very careful. President Micheal Chilufya Sata reversed the sake of Zamtel for security reasons. You cannot allow a foreign entity to control communication in the country. Let us not loose grip on our independence in the name of PPPs (Public Private Partnerships).
Dr Haabazoka added, “I am a supporter of PPPs and I think they enhance development in countries but there are sectors that are so sensitive that we can’t outsource them. With cameras and other smart systems installed, those operating them will be able to know who owns which car and their frequent routes, behavior etc.”
He said such information should be kept tightly and only intelligence institutions should have monopoly over that informational thought with restrictions.
“As a country, we are not in a hurry to install cameras and RATSA systems. We have a lot of other challenges which we should concentrate on,” he said.
“ZNBC has outsourced its signal transmission now RATSA. I remember very well when the late Micheal Sata castigated then Permanent secretary for the ministry of information for granting a nationwide broadcasting license to one media institution. The president asked why other governments had not done so in the past? Security reasons. In business economics, it’s a principle that new innovations or products conform to security specifications.”
Dr Haabazoka warned that Zambia will become a laughing stock if it goes on to outsource these services.
“We have opened too much. The same mistake we made with privatization. The same mistake we are making with land.”
“If at all sanctions were imposed on Zambia today (God forbid), we would suffer the same day. Just look at how foreign companies are joining political debate by threatening to sue political leaders of this nation. Go and try that in Russia. You will be booted out immediately and they won’t care from where you come from. Let’s cultivate a sense of Zambianess in ourselves.”
He added, “We are too occupied with fighting that foreigners have taken advantage of us by sponsoring both sides then busy looting our wealth!!! Say no to RATSA outsourcing and say no no high PAYE!!!!! Trop cest Trop!!!! Enough is enough!!! Government please listen to your own people. Safeguard our interests. We mean well,” he said.
“Lamise should not be given the concession. No one else should be given!!!! Let it be government doing it!!! Just remove carders from RATSA and you will see it prosper.”
They are selling off everything…they say this will not cost us anything but i can assure you the motorist will bear the cost one way or another!!
Yayayayayaya! This Country has intelligent people….. They always seat and think on how to oppose. How to shoot down, How to validate their little knowledge and mislead the masses by mentioning very important words. My foot where are we going? We need a Gagame in this Country too. Keep it up ECL. Keep it up with developing this Country. we are in a hurry to develop.
So where do you think LCC will be getting revenue from in these corrupt deals …no wonder you will be charged refuse fees via talk time.
Why shouldn’t every deal be a win-win for taxpayers…who do you think is going to benefit most from this? Its foools like you who think taking out a loan for $1.2 billion from the Chines is money well spent.
This guy vehemently opposed the rebasing of the Kwacha. He came up with all sorts of theories on why the currency shouldn’t be rebased. He’s on record of encouraging increase in mealie meal price as a means to curb smuggling.
It is short – sighted, imprudent and folly to put those institutions of a security nature into the hands of a foreign company. To date monies collected from toll gates are deposited into Vote 99 and used for all sorts of miscellaneous government expenses (including Lungu’s trips) when they could have been ploughing those funds into improving the road network for which those funds are intended! This is like giving away the goose that has been laying golden eggs!! Could have not done better to streamline, train and build capacity in the sector to improve its operations than give it up to concession? Like most deals brokered by this government, one is justified to conclude that under this seemingly innocent arrangement is a can of worms!!
Ypu talk about security issues, chinese have control of national broadcasting, communication towers and are happy to put roads to nowhere, they are building an airport capable of taking military planes, how intelligent are we
The Chines also have 100% full control of Zamtel servers…Zambian engineers are not even allowed there.
This is what Dr Habazoka is talking about JayJay. we are giving authority to foreigners to run instutitions that will pose security risks. The running of ZNBC savers is not exclusive. We need kea
What is going on in this country mwebantu anshi? R we now saying RTSA has failed and its a drain on the treasury? We can start by Auctioning there top of the range vehicles and restrict them to basic one that are more than equal to the task. Did they need 3.2L Rangers with all the extras that come along with them and utilize them by picking and dropping there girl freinds when they could buy 2.2L basic or rather entry models. RTSA collects Trillions for the treasury all they luck is discipline. Iyi Government ninshi yama sample fye. They are lucking productive ideas
Every leader who goes to plot 1 is only interested in amassing wealth for himself n all around them.
The recent case is pure theft n lack of sensitivity to national security.
What is your solution?
30 hectares of land for sale in chisamba district 100km away Lusaka very good for cattle and maize contact number 0979440154 or watsap 0963088322