President Lungu calls for calm ahead of polls

President Edgar Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has called for calm among Zambians as the election period draws nearer.

And President Lungu has reassured Zambians that as a Republican President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, he will continue to preach peace, love and unity in the country.

Speaking when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Lusaka, President Lungu also directed Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda to finalize the formulation of the National Productivity Policy which he believes will go a long way in helping Zambian workers.

The Head of State says there is also need for employers to ensure that they expeditiously tackle all the challenges their workers maybe facing in a bid to improve productivity in the country.

He says he is aware that the greatest challenge facing the nation is productivity adding that all stakeholders must work together in order to improve productivity to move the country forward.

President Lungu has since directed Mr. Shamenda to put into practice this year’s Labour Day theme which is “achieving national development through productive decent work sustainable job creation and social justice”.

And in his welcoming speech, Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda launched the Call Center for his ministry where grieved employees can call to lodge their complaints by dialing 7010 from any network.

Mr. Shamenda has also urged politicians to stay away from learning institutions saying these are the future leaders who should not be disturbed.

Speaking at the same event, ZCTU President Chishimba Nkole has called on government to examine the operational challenges in the informal sector.

Mr. Nkole has also expressed concern with some employers who are violating labour laws saying government should move in and deal with such culprits without fear or favour.

And Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President Tyson Chisambo has called on government to reduce the rending and interest rates by commercial banks saying this is affecting the growth of the local enterprises.

Meanwhile, International Labour Organization (ILO) Director Country Office for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Alexio Musindo says the focus for Zambia should not just be job creation but also creating descent and sustainable jobs for local people.