Translate law on vending into local languages -PS
By ALFRED TEMBO EASTERN Province permanent secretary, Chanda Kasolo said there is need to translate statutory instrument (SI) 10 of 2018 into local languages for the benefit of those who are unable to read English.
(SI) 10 of 2018 was signed recently to deal with the control of public nuisances and street vending in the country.
Mr Kasolo said adherence to such basic laws would help the country realise its ambitious goal of achieving the status of becoming a middle income country by 2030.
But despite improvement in maintaining a clean environment following the cholera outbreak late last year, street vending has continued in Chipata and other districts in the Eastern Province.
Mr Kasolo said he expected the police and other law enforcement wings to do their work to prevent the street vending from becoming prominent again.
“I look forward to a day when I find someone prominent and do a citizen’s arrest, this would send a strong message on the need to buy from designated markets and authorised people,” said Mr. Kasolo who further explained that compliance in this area would institute a culture of cleanliness.
“It is also my view that SI 10 of 2018 be translated in vernacular languages, as this could help people understand what the law provides,” he explained.
The permanent secretary said it was less costly for individuals to live a hygienic life as compared to the hefty amounts that would be spent on damage control after health outbreaks.
He added, “We are over loading our clinics and hospitals with patients suffering from diseases and conditions that can be controlled,” and further tasked. Police should do their duties and work towards preserving sanity in the city.”