Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The ministry of local government and rural development has recognized the vital role that bicycles play in putting rural communities on the move in order to foster micro and macro rural development in Zambia.
The ministry’s permanent secretary for administration Maambo Haamaundu says bicycles usage plays a critical role to help bridge mobility challenges in various sectors of social service delivery.
Mr. Haamaundu notes that the bicycles are helps prevention and management of lifestyle diseases and are beneficial for the heart, muscles and lungs.
He was speaking when he flagged off the pedal to empower cycling circuit in Lusaka facilitated by world bicycle relief to make world bicycle day.
And speaking earlier at the same event world bicycle relief country director Chikwenyu Moongahas appealed to government through the ministry of local government and rural development to advocate for a reduction in the 25 percent duty charged on bicycle importation.
Mr. Moonga notes that in the rural areas where distance is a real barrier, bicycles are used to access education, health services and most importantly to sustain livelihoods.
He says bicycles are a necessary ingredient in the attainment of sustainable rural development, the majority of rural dwellers rely on bicycles as the mile solution to mobility.