Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
THE Non Governmental Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged President Edgar to give some clear strategic policy direction as to how Government is addressing the deepening economic crisis in the country when opens the Fifth session of the Eleventh National Assembly this Friday.
NGOCC Chairperson Sarah Longwe says the economic meltdown is without doubt adversely affecting more women and children.
Ms Longwe says the President should therefore reassure the nation as he reopens Parliament that he is pro
viding the much-needed leadership at this very critical time.
She says while appreciating that some of the challenges the country is facing are as a result of some global happenings, Government should take some “housekeeping” measures to ameliorate the suffering of the majority citizens.
She says the NGOCC as the focal point of the women’s movement in Zambia, expects the Head of State, in his opening speech to Parliament to provide some clear policy measures that the Government will take to diversify the economy away from the dependence on Copper.
Ms Longwe notes that for many years, successive Governments, including the Patriotic Front (PF) have been talking about diversification without any tangible action.
She adds that deliberate measures and practical actions need to be put in place to drive industrialization in Zambia.
Ms Longwe says in this regard, it is NGOCC’s considered view that the Industrial Development Corporation requires broad based involvement by economic and social science experts right from the onset in order to provide an opportunity for real investment initiatives.
She states that one of the priorities for the IDC should also be focused on harnessing industry-driven skills development across sectors by closely collaborating with human capital development organs for multidimensional knowledge and skills building.
She further notes the need to urgently devise mechanisms to free up resources and redirect them towards poverty reduction programmes in order to cushion the impact of the high cost of living being exacerbated by the depreciating Kwacha.
The NGOCC Chairperson has also urged the President to provide direction and clarity on the Constitutional Roadmap on the enactment of a new people driven constitution.
Ms Longwe says the Zambian people have been very clear in terms of the enactment of the new constitution through a popular mode that will allow broad based participation by citizens to be held before the 2016 Tripartite Elections.