Night driving ban lifting cheered
NORTH WESTERN Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry immediate past president Mathias Mutupa told the Daily Nation in an interview that the decision to revise Statutory Instrument number 76 of 2016 will not only reduce on the cost of doing business but also contribute to the growth of the economy.
Mr Mutupa noted that the decision will improve revenue collection by government as well as improve the efficiency of the movement of goods and services.
He said the transport sector especially roads, significantly contributes to the growth of the Gross Demostic Product (GDP) of the country.
He observed that Zambia being a land linked country depends on the road sector for the movement of various goods and services.
"We are excited with the revision of the SI by Government through the Minister of Transport and Communication to lift the ban on the movement of trucks at night. As a business person, this is a very positive move and has come at the right time," he said.
He said the road infrastructure development that government has put in place will now start giving back to the national treasury through toll gates.
He observed that, the move will also help in the movement of farm inputs from central warehousing facilities into the production areas.
"So, it is welcome move and we would like to commend government for that," he added.
He however sounded a word of caution to the drivers to be cautious and ensure that they have enough rest whenever they are on long distance trips.
He said there was need for road discipline among drivers to avoid fatalities.
Recently, government announced the decision to lift the ban on night movement of trucks by revising SI 76 of 2016.