NAPSA to extend social security to informal sector

KITWE District Commissioner Lawrence Mwanza has hailed the move by NAPSA to extend its social security protection scheme to the informal sectors saying the move will eliminate old age poverty.

Mr Mwanza noted that a lot of people in the informal sector in the district were not on any social security scheme yet the informal sector remains a key pillar in national development as it contributes significantly to the country’s domestic product.

He was speaking in Kitwe yesterday during the launch of the extension of coverage to the informal sector field engagement.

Mr Mwanza said it was the desire of government for all citizens to participate in some form of future savings such as pension schemes.

“As the district administration, we are looking forward to the successful implementation of this programme so that members of the five priority informal sector groups here in Kitwe namely domestic workers, bus and taxi drivers, marketeers, saw millers and small scale farmers will be registered by NAPSA,” Mr Mwanza said.

Mr. Mwanza has since called on Kitwe residents in the informal sector to register with NAPSA so that they secure their future.

He also urged NAPSA not to relent in carrying out the sensitization programme as it would empower people with the necessary information about the scheme and also give them an opportunity for a dignified life after retirement.

And NAPSA acting Regional Manager North, Simuwana Mudenda said NAPSA was targeting to capture 200 thousand informal workers by the year 2026.

Mr. Mudenda said the informal sector in Zambia makes up 70 percent of the population yet it remained uncaptured under the social security protection scheme.