Civil Society Picket Parliament Over ATI

The civil society coalition on the enactment of the access to information bill this afternoon picketed parliament where they presented a petition demanding the enactment of the access to information law.
The coalition which presented the petition signed by 101,799 people from 70 districts in the country to the chairperson of the information and broadcasting committee Kabinga Pande is displeased by what it says is the casual manner the PF government has handled the enactment of laws which have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the citizens.
Coalition chairperson Fr. Leonard Chiti who led coalition members says the culture and attitude of dragging and procrastinating which is detrimental to the wellbeing of the country has continued to be the order of the day in the PF government.
Fr. Chiti says it is disheartening that president Edgar Lungu and his regime in their pronouncements are reluctant to enact the bill because they feel some sections of the media will use the law irresponsibly.
He states that the President’s statement including that of the minister of information and broadcasting services Chishimba Kambwili on the bill indicate a clear lack of commitment to a cause that they themselves championed prior to and after the 2011 general election.
Fr. Chiti further states that the coalition will remain steadfast and work with progressive members of parliament and other stakeholders to ensure that the PF government tables the ATI bill without any delay.