Kabemba Backs 24-Hour Economy, Challenges Kalaba Over Fuel Claims

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) president Judith Kabemba has described the move to transition Zambia into a 24-hour economy as progressive, stating that it will create jobs and boost productivity.

Kabemba also challenged Citizens First president Harry Kalaba to explain what happened to the “cheap fuel” he allegedly promised Zambians during his time in government.

The remarks follow an announcement by Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa that Cabinet had approved the extension of business operating hours to 24 hours for premises such as markets, shops, and bus stations.

Reacting to the development, Kabemba said the decision is a progressive measure aimed at improving efficiency and addressing challenges associated with limiting business operations to daytime hours.

She noted that the policy would enable businesses to maximise productivity and improve access to services.

“Businesses such as supermarkets, retailers, salons, barber shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, event management firms, distribution hubs, pharmacies, manufacturing companies and transport operators, among others, will experience growth,” she said.

“We commend government for this progressive initiative. Only a person with no vision would condemn 24-hour business operations.”

Kabemba further accused Kalaba of misleading Zambians over a purported deal for cheap fuel during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

“That fuel has never materialised to date. He must tell Zambians what happened to the K5 per litre fuel he promised. The people of Zambia have not forgotten, and we will continue reminding them,” she said.

She added that Kalaba was not in a position to criticise government policies, citing his previous performance in public office.

“How can someone who means well for Zambia condemn such a decision? Unless they do not have the country’s best interests at heart. In fact, Kalaba should be the last person to comment on the performance of the economy because when he served as minister and Member of Parliament for Bahati, he failed lamentably,” she said.

Kabemba also referenced the 2021 general election, stating that Kalaba was rejected by voters in his constituency.

“In 2021, the people of Bahati rejected him convincingly. That speaks volumes,” she said.

She emphasised that being in the opposition should not mean opposing every government initiative.

“Being in the opposition does not mean opposing everything. Initiatives like this are commendable,” she said.

Kabemba urged government to ensure adequate security for businesses operating at night and encouraged business owners to take advantage of the new policy.

“We, as DP, appreciate the United Party for National Development government for being proactive in improving the lives of Zambians. We also appeal for strict security measures to protect businesses operating at night,” she said.

She further urged citizens to ignore critics of the policy.

“Business owners should take advantage of this opportunity and ignore those who condemn everything government does. For them, politics is just ‘akalilo’ (a means of survival),” she stated.