Maravi

Envoy urges government to effect job creation policies

Envoy urges government to effect job creation policies
By Kabanda Chulu
Mon 04 June 2012, 06:59 CAT

THE PF government should put into practice its policies to create jobs and other income-generating activities, says Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Arve Ofstad. In an interview, Ambassador Ofstad said people voted for the new government and were expecting change in their livelihoods.

"Zambians are expecting what the PF government policies will do for them. People want to see how these will be put into practice in order to create jobs, improve livelihoods and creation of income generating activities," Ambassador Ofstad said.

"We all know that normally it takes more time for a new government to implement new policies but government should be certain about these issues because they matter to people, so we are still waiting to see full implementation of all its programmes."

On the areas of cooperation with Zambia, Ambassador Ofstad said Norway had been providing development aid to the country for more than 40 years.

"This time we want to focus on two or three programmes, that is, budget support which we provide directly to the government and collaborating with local institutions that handle financial management and anti-corruption work so that money meant for government is not misused but put to good use. We are working with ZRA, OAG (Office of the Auditor General), Central Bank, these are crucial institutions to manage the flow of money and resources into government system," said Ambassador Ofstad.

"Another area we are strongly involved in is agriculture. We want to reduce effects of climate change by supporting conservation farming. It is not a major system in Zambia but it is growing and it will ensure good harvest for farmers regardless of climate changes and we also support wildlife conservation with national parks."

Labels: JOBS, UNEMPLOYMENT

posted by MrK @ 2:25 PM