Government has commended the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) for facilitating industrial growth, trade and public safety in Zambia.
Permanent Secretary (PS) for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, Milton Chibeleka, says industrial growth, trade and public safety are essential in achieving the aspirations of the people.
Mr Chibeleka further commended ZABS for its role in promoting standardisation, quality assurance and consumer protection on food stuffs and non-food substances in the country
He said ZABS is a key partner in advancing national development espoused in the Eighth National Development Plan and the Vision 2030.
Mr Chibeleka explained that the institution has made significant progress in expanding testing capacity, upgrading laboratories and enhancing compliance with regional and international standards.
He said this when he toured ZABS in Lusaka today.
He said the government prioritises quality in products that are produced both locally and internationally.
“Your work contributes significantly to industrial growth, trade facilitation and ensures public safety which are essential to achieving our national aspirations,” he said.
Mr Chibeleka has also challenged ZABS to ensure that products produced by small and medium enterprises in the country adhere to acceptable standards.
Meanwhile, Mr Chibeleka has disclosed that the government has come up with a Public Service Change Management, a framework that looks at and addresses products, excellence and performance.
Mr Chibeleka said this document calls for the public and the private sector to do their best and change the mindset in terms of output and performance in order to develop the country.
Later, Mr Chibeleka, who was accompanied by Human Resource Officer Rabson Manda, toured and inspected the laboratory to familiarise himself with the operations.
And speaking earlier, ZABS Executive Director, Nathan Sin’gambwa, said ZABS ensures that products that are manufactured locally and those that enter into the country are of high quality.
Mr Sing’ambwa explained that the production of food and non-food products and other essential services should be in line with the International Standards Organization (ISO), which comprises experts and technicians that approve recommended specifications for products.
He further disclosed that ZABS is constructing a new and bigger laboratory plant in Lusaka owing to limited space at its current location.
