Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA) has stressed the need for government to make the tobacco industry pay for its environmental damages through adequate taxation.
Association Executive Director, Brenda Chitindi says government must also support viable alternatives to tobacco farming in order to limit the environment impact of the practice.
In her World No Tobacco Day message, Ms Chitindi says this year’s World No Tobacco Day offers an opportunity for all Zambians to come together and claim their right to a healthy environment.
She notes the need for government to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of Articles 17 and 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and hold the tobacco industry accountable for its environmental damages.
Ms Chitindi states that Government must not fall for the corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by the tobacco industry as part of efforts to green wash its image.