Govt is reconfiguring expenditure to growth sectors – Shamenda

Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says government is poised at reconfiguring national expenditure profile towards growth promoting sectors.

Speaking during the official opening of a pre-budget workshop organized by the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) today, Mr. Shamenda has observed that there is however need to devote a large proportion of resources to investments.

Mr. Shamenda says this is why government has been allocating funds towards infrastructure projects of roads, power generation and office blocks across the country.

He says government wants to balance growth with economic transformation.

Mr. Shamenda states that to this effect government has raised the minimum wage besides extending taxable threshold to the current k3000

He has urged trade unions to make proposals that reflect economic realities taking into account budgetary constraints and the need to grow the economy.

Mr. Shamenda said this in a speech read on his behalf by Labor Commissioner Cecilia Kamanga.

And speaking at the same function ZCTU president Chishimba Nkole says there is need for government to open up dialogue in areas that have remained contentious such as the wage freeze.

Mr. Nkole says ZCTU appreciates that tremendous work that government has embarked on especially in road infrastructure projects.

He also points out that ZCTU wants to see a more active government that appreciates the plight of workers.

He says in this regard the wage freeze should not have been imposed on workers despite the challenges that government may be facing.

Mr. Chishimba adds that the wage freeze was misplaced and it should not happen without reaching an agreement with the labor unions.