Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Cabinet has approved in principle the introduction of the Bill in Parliament to repeal and replace the Non-governmental organizations Act no.16 of 2009 in order to strengthen the current legal framework by providing for the regulation, coordination and regulation of NGOs in line with the National Non-Governmental Organisations policy approved by Cabinet on 9th April, 2018.
In a statement made available to Q-News, Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda says Cabinet noted that Non-Governmental Organisations play a pivotal role in contributing to national development by complimenting Government’s efforts in service delivery and also through advocacy, capacity building activities and checks and balances to Government.
Ms Kasanda says the need for the creation of a conducive environment for active participation of NGOs in national development through putting in place appropriate legislation is the best way for both government and the Non-Governmental Organisations.
She says Cabinet also approved in principle the introduction of a bill to amend the Forest Act no.4 of 2015 in order to provide for stiffer penalties, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and establish procedures for the gazeting, excision and bring the law in line with new and emerging issues such as Forest Carbon Stock Management.
Ms Kasanda states that Cabinet is of the view that the current Forest Act of 2015 is weak regarding penalties against offenders.
She says this scenario, therefore, has continued to pose enforcement challenges and perpetuate illegal activities in the forests with an observed increase in repeat offenders.
Ms Kasanda adds that it also time for government to protect its forest natural resources especially for selected high value endangered tree species such as Mukula,Rosewood,Teak and Mukwa so that the citizens benefit from such, through value addition going forward.
Other Cabinet approvals include the introduction of a bill in Parliament for the regulation of private security companies in Zambia in order to monitor the companies’ activities and enhance accountability, appointment of a thirteen member team of the Zambia Law Development Commission and implementation of the Cash Plus Approach in order to enhance the efficacy of social protection programmes and offer the ultra-poor and vulnerable in the country, an opportunity to be lifted out of poverty.