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(LUSAKATIMES) Privatization has not helped Zambia- Ngesa

Privatization has not helped Zambia- Ngesa
Monday, July 20, 2009, 14:08

Zambians making a living in hard times, here traders are conducting their business under Zescos high voltage lines oblivious to the danger. An Ndola based MMD presidential aspirant says there is need for Zambia to initiate means of re-opening the various industries that were closed as a result of the privatization programme so as to increase revenue generation for government through tax.

Speaking in an interview in Ndola over the weekend, Charles Ngesa said it has now become clear that the privatization process did not help the Zambian economy, hence the need for government to institute measures of re-opening these industries to enhance job-creation and strengthening the nation’s economy.

Profits benefiting foreign investors and their countries more than Zambia and its people.Mr Ngesa said the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund misled the Zambian government when the two institutions propagated the privatization process until government implemented it.

He observed that the closure of industries, especially in Ndola, reduced the income generation avenues for government, leaving it to depend mainly on the public service workers and the mining industry.

Mr Ngesa further observed that even the companies that are operating under the ownership of foreign investors are not ploughing enough profits in the local economy, especially in the mining industry, and are benefiting foreign investors and their countries more than Zambia and its people.

He also observed that the mass loss of employment in the country as a result of privatization raised the poverty levels in the country.

Mr Ngesa urged government to be bold and use necessary legal processes through the International Court of Justice to reverse the economic damage that has been brought about by the privatization process.

The privatization process has led to the closure of many companies on the Copperbelt, leaving thousands jobless, especially in Ndola, which was a major industrial town.

Some of the notable companies that were closed include Dunlope Zambia Limited, Lever Brothers, Johnson and Johnson limited, Colgate Palm Olive and Swarp Spinning Limited among several others.

And Mr Ngesa observed that the MMD is capable of beating all existing political parties in the country including the PF and the UPND alliance in the 2011 general elections.

He, however, observed that the on-going squabbles in the party over the presidential candidate may disrupt its focus if the problem is not solved wisely.

He observed that the party was still strong and formidable country wide to beat all political parties.

Mr Ngesa disclosed his intentions to challenge president Rupiah Banda at the forth coming MMD convention to be held before the 2011 general elections.

He urged the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) to allow president Banda to be challenged at the convention to enhance prevalence of democracy, the principal on which the party was formed.

Labels: CHARLES NGESA, PRIVATISATION

posted by MrK @ 5:55 PM