Government has sourced five million Euros from the European Union to recapitalize the three government institutions charged with consumer welfare to enable them address the problem of sub-standard products on the Zambian market.
Commerce Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati says government is concerned with the continued flow of sub standard products on the Zambian market and has taken measures to address this problem.
Mr Mutati said the five million Euros would be used to equip the Zambia Bureau of Standards, so that the regulatory body is able to support and create products that are meaningful and of good quality to the Zambian people.
He also noted that the capacities of the Zambia Competition Commission and the Zambia Weights and Measurement Agency will be uplifted and their operations spread around the country under the same secured funds.
Mr. Mutati who called for a cultural shift by Zambian consumers to refuse sub standard products was speaking in Lusaka today at the commemoration of the World Consumers Rights Day whose theme is Raising Awareness on Consumer Rights and Obligations.
Mr Mutati also revealed that government was working towards revising the competition policy and legal framework to enable consumers sue against products.
The Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister also revealed that his Ministry will this year re-launch the Proudly Zambian campaign and urged the local producers to package their products according to international standards if they are to stay in business.
And Speaking of behalf of the Zambia Consumers’ Association-ZACA President, ZACA Member, Sharon William said the liberalized market policies have been taken as a passport to exploit consumers.
Ms. Williams also noted that the ever skyrocketing prices of essential commodities have put a strain on the quality of life for many consumers in the country.
She further called upon government to quickly address the problem of load shedding which she said has negative impact on the lives of the Zambian people.
And in a Vote of thanks, ZACA Chairman, Mulonda Ililonga appealed to government to look at the problem of prices increaments.
And speaking when he led Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister inspection of Melissa Supermarket in North mead, Zambia Bureau of Standards Senior Inspector, Suzyo Kaira said his office is working hard to ensure Zambian Consumers are not exploited.
Mr. Kaira called upon Zambians to visit the Bureau of Standards office to air their problems.
ONE HOPES THE 5M EUROS DO NOT VANISH IN THIN AIR.
Thats more money to misappropriate!!Do we really need these monies? if only we could use wisely what we have, we wouldnt be adding on too our debt burden!
This system of begging whenever we want to do something should stop. That is why we don’t develop. We have enough money in the current ABB to implement all these programmes we want to undertake. Look at the yellow book and see how useless programmes and activities are given prominence. Rearrange the budget and fund some activities on your own instead of begging. And provide UTH with better funding instead of what it currently gets
i will steal all the money and kill all the europeans period!!!!