Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of infrastructure through acquisition of modern equipment to furnish Zambia’s standardization laboratories.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says government is mindful that Zambia’s industry needs to have access to an internationally recognized, but supportive national quality infrastructure that can provide the required independent evidence of product compliance.
Ms. Mwanakatwe says government through her Ministry has to this effect developed the national quality policy meant to enhance the regulatory framework and providing guidance that is in tandem with international guidelines.
Speaking this morning during the official handover of a mobile testing laboratory procured by the United Nations Development Programme for the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) at a cost of US$150, 000, Ms Mwanakatwe says the mobile testing laboratory has been procured under the UNDP project that promotes innovative, inclusive and equitable growth in the pre-urban areas of Zambia.
She notes that the mobile testing laboratory is not only a testing facility, but also a way of improving the quality of products produced by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia.
Speaking at the same event, UNDP and UN country coordinator Janet Rogan says the testing laboratory is state of the art and is first in Zambia in taking business development services to the door steps of companies that need support especially SMEs.
Ms. Rogan says the UN believes setting standards is key to support improvement in the quality of products.
And Acting ZABS Director, Nicodemus Malisa says the mobile laboratory will be stationed in Eastern province and will be mainly used for testing food products.