Access to information is not a privilege but an entitlement for every citizen-MISA

Media Institute of Southern Africa Zambia Chapter Acting Chairperson Helen Mwale says access to information is not a privilege but an entitlement which every citizen should be able to enjoy.

Speaking at the MPs access to information workshop Ms Mwale observed that though access to information is recognized in the constitution there is need to actualize its legislation as the constitution does not expressly provide for this right.

She bemoaned the lack of commitment and political will in enacting the law despite the country belonging to the african union which recognizes the right to public information.

“Despite Zambia being part of the African Union which recognizes the right to public information, citizens continue to wait for this law to be enacted due to government inertia or lack of political will”. Ms Mwale observed.

She wondered why the country is still waiting for a law which was promised 24years ago when the country reverted to democratic rule in 1990.

“It is now over 20 years since the country reverted to Multiparty democracy but the laws that are supposed to enhance citizen participation in governance and also to make informed choices continue to lag behind. This is sad”. She said.

She also expressed worry that the country only seems to practice democracy during elections without putting in place laws to actualize the governance system that can successfully exist if access to information from public institution is not limited or denied.

she further called for the logical conclusion of the ATI Bill saying the ATI Bill enactment promise is like constitution song that is on power play and seems never to come to an end or a logical conclusion.

And speaking at the same event Parliamentary committee on information chairperson Kabinga Pande said his committee is determined to have the ATI Bill brought to parliament before the end of the year.

He said that the tabling of the bill in parliament has taken long because government was still making consultations on it.

He furthered said his committee will be meeting the minister of information in the next few weeks so as to have a clear picture on the progress on the consultations.

He also stressed the importance of having the ATI Bill enacted saying it will give the media the independence it requires to report on issues without difficulties in accessing certain information from some institutions.