Insure your goods, traders told
FINANCE Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe has urged marketeers in the country to start insuring their goods to avoid complete loss each time a calamity struck.
Ms Mwanakatwe observed that each time fire broke out in markets, marketeers ended up losing property and money and they failed to start other businesses because of lack of back up capital marketers through empowerment programmes.
She observed that many people had not been insuring property such as houses, buildings or shops and that when they suffer calamities such as fire, they remained with nothing. Ms Mwanakatwe said it was important for traders to insure their property and businesses against any losses.
Speaking after she toured Kulima Tower Bus Station to check on the restaurant stalls that were gutted last week, Ms Mwanakatwe said Government was keen to improve the welfare of marketeers through empowerment programmes.
She was, however, saddened by the fire incident at the bus station and urged traders to begin to insure all their goods.
“You all need to start insuring your goods it is an important thing to do, if you insure your goods and an unfortunate thing happens the insurance comes to your aid and your goods will be replaced,” said Ms Mwanakatwe.
And Ms Mwanakatwe who is Lusaka Central Member of Parliament has since promised to help those affected by the inferno revive their businesses.
Ms Mwanakatwe urged the traders to continue to rally behind the leadership of President Edgar Lungu and continue to support the PF government with its pro-poor policies. “I have been briefed about what happened here and I am saddened that your businesses have come to a stand still especially those who are affected by the inferno, but as your servant, I will ensure I help all those who have been affected so that you get back to your feet and begin to trade again,” she said.