Reduce roadblocks, cops told
By MUKOSELA KASALWE GOVERNMENT should reduce the number of roadblocks mounted between Lusaka and Kafue as it is an inconvenience to motorists, says UPND Kafue Member of Parliament Miriam Chinyama.
Ms Chinyama said motorists and daily commuters were being inconvenienced by the more than three roadblocks mounted between Lusaka and Kafue, coupled with the toll gate at Shimabala.
She said the system of the frequent user discount designed for Kafue residents had not given the local motorists much relief and appealed to government to consider a more affordable and constant fee.
In an interview with Daily Nation at the weekend, the lawmaker, said the current situation where motorists had to pay up to K200 before they could qualify for a user discount of K10 per day needed to be reviewed.
The parliamentarian said the issue of the tollgates and roadblocks was causing a strain on the people who were going to Lusaka to earn some money with the aim of boosting the economy and expressed hope that the government would look into the concerns urgently.
‘‘The people of Kafue are cooperative and do support Government when it comes to developmental projects. They equally expect government to listen and reciprocate when they cry out.
‘‘Right now the issue of the tollgates and roadblocks is causing a strain on the people who are going to Lusaka to earn some money that helps to boost our local economy,’’ Ms Chinyama said.
Ms Chinyama said over K80, 000 was raised at a fundraising dinner dance for the upgrading of Kafue General Hospital on Saturday in Kafue, where she donated some physiotherapy equipment and K10, 000 cash.
Officiating at the function, Lusaka Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe called on everyone to familiarise themselves with the Seventh National Development Plan to appreciate what government had put in place in terms of its development agenda.
He pledged K10, 000 in his own capacity to support the hospital. Other cash donations and service pledges were made by individuals and the local business houses in Kafue. Wellwishers from Chongwe also donated some five wheelchairs.
Organising Committee Chairperson Mr Daniel Zyambo who is also member of the Lions Club, thanked everyone for turning up to support the cause and pledged to link the hospital to other hospitals around the world, particularly in India.