YOUTHS’ CHALLENGE
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has just demonstrated what the government expects from youths – economic independence that could lead to improved livelihoods.
Come March 12 next year, the youth cooperatives which have been empowered must show that indeed the programme was not a political gimmick to win votes.
They ought to realise that some political cynics have dismissed the empowerment drive as only directed at members of the Patriotic Front even when the government has gone out of its way to explain otherwise.
If anything, the President has shown that the Patriotic Front government will walk the talk when it comes to youth empowerment programmes.
This was evidenced yesterday during the Youth Day celebrations under the theme: “Enhancing National Development through Sustainable Youth Partnerships.”
Youths have in the past complained about the high unemployment figures within their ranks and for those with a business acumen, lack of capital.
And yesterday, President Lungu put into practice what his administration has been trying to do to help the huge army of unemployed youths start to earn a living through their own sweat.
He handed over fuel tankers, Mitsubishi Rosa minibuses, and earth moving equipment as empowerment to youths’ cooperatives from across the country during the 2021 national Youth Day celebrations.
We hope the beneficiaries will realise that the start-up capital and equipment given under the empowerment programme is coming from taxpayers who expect to see some returns from the investment.
President Lungu said Government had already procured 50 fuel tankers of which 25 were in the country and two have already been given to the youth to start operating.
“Today, my government is empowering 25 cooperatives of young people with a fuel tanker each, affirming its commitment to sustainable youth partnerships in national development,” he said yesterday.
The beneficiaries must not treat the support as an entitlement and misuse the money. The cooperatives under which the empowerment programme is coming through should operate in a transparent manner especially on financial matters.
The cooperative spirit entails that all members are equal and there should not be anyone trying to “lord” it over other members.
The youth must show the nation that given the resources, they can make a difference and lead responsible lives.
President Lungu has already assured that his government will continue to support the youth in various sectors to prevent them from engaging in vices, that often times destroy their lives.
There is already a fund for youths to access in the aquaculture sector which is there for the asking.
Just yesterday, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Benson Mwenya said aquaculture Youth Funds are still available,
Dr Mwenya said youths should visit the ministry and get information regarding the funds.
So rather than become tools of political violence, youths must reflect about their lives and join the bandwagon of those striving to change their lives through taking advantage of the youth empowerment programmes.
This is especially so for youths in rural areas who complain that only their colleagues in urban areas benefit from such programmes.
CONSUMERS must play a pivotal role in combating the use of plastic material to prevent pollution which is an environmental hazard, says Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
CCPC Inspector, Matyola Chipapa, observed with concern the indiscriminate disposal of plastic material among residents.
He told the Daily Nation in Livingstone that the trend was causing negative effects not only on the environment, but also on humans and animals.
Mr Chipapa noted that some plastic materials were poisonous as they were made from toxic materials and should be disposed of in designated areas.
He said if exposed to living organisms, plastics could cause ripple effects that might lead to death and hence the need to handle them carefully.
According to Mr Chipapa, plastic materials could clog drainages and water bodies and should therefore disposed of in proper waste bins.
The CCPC inspector said, there is need for every resident to play a part in sensitizing and reducing the use of plastic despite it being a major component of people’s daily lives.