POSITIVE VIBRATIONS No 94
Law, Order and Trading
BARELY a few weeks ago, expectant and responsible Zambians were desperately looking forward to a brief by the Ministry of Health on whether we were winning the war against cholera or not.
Well, reports suggest that we are winning and if that be the case, we must remain alert and steadfast. Politicking and whatever postulation, will not help anybody.
It is therefore appropriate, fair and reasonable to commend the line ministries that were involved in the fight against cholera. In particular, the Ministry of Health and its personnel; for doing such a commendable job, notwithstanding the worrisome frustrations.
The sad bit is, (and we must pinch ourselves) that what the Ministry of Health has been doing in fighting the cholera outbreak, is something that is preventable and avoidable. Good hygiene is all it takes and not throwing garbage or littering at will, including the disgraceful act of urinating anyhow and anywhere – even when the toilet is just around the corner.
I have seen well dressed men (and women from kitchen parties) after parking a good looking car, approach a nearby wall/ shrub or tree and pee, without regard to public health and the efforts of landscaping/beauty.
The argument of few toilets is actually highly debatable. For me, I was shocked when I learnt that some uncouth people have no problems dumping waste, such as urine, in a used water bottle. Very sad for Zambia!
It would be amiss not to mention the heroic efforts of all the defence and security wings of government for the wonderful patriotism exhibited. These men and women in uniform did us proud such that my column this week interrogates dynamics around trade and commerce if you will, in the context of law and order. The idea is to provoke debate and reduce discussions at the individual level, away from group influence.
For purposes of emphasis, I want to state that today, I am addressing the issue of law and order in the context of trade and commerce – and this includes all manner of vending as has been promoted, defined or indeed defended.
First, I wish to go on record as stating that legal trading is important and is a legitimate function that significantly helps grow our economy. As a matter of fact, the Zambian government recognises this fact and has had a Ministry dedicated to commerce and trade. Therefore, there is no dispute or issue with trade.
If anything, the Zambian government led by President Edgar C. Lungu, is doing all it can, to make doing business in Zambia, easier for the benefit of all Zambians. A visit to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, will attest to this fact.
But, this fact, is in sharp contrast to the bullish, illegal and disruptive trading that has been seen in the streets of Lusaka lately. Mishanga boys, then street kids and now illegal vendors!
To some, whose lives begin and end at promoting illegality, vending, the problematic industry and incubator of epidemics, is just okay. Therefore, introducing Law and Order, to this section of society, is such an inconvenience!
We have heard how farm/land owners have been victimised by overzealous political party cadres such that limiting the phenomena to just the Patriotic Front era is not only dishonest but highly mischievous. This “industry of Lawlessness” appears to associate itself with the change over from the dreaded vigilantes of the 1980s. For many in this bandwagon, it is “business as usual.” All that changes is the name, colour, symbol and lifestyle!
Lest we continue cheating ourselves by politicising disease, we need to come to terms with the fact that combating or fighting disease, is neither cheap nor easy.
It is very expensive and disrupts national priorities, including politics, seriously. For instance, the authorities would be so irresponsible to allow political activities in the form of public rallies, because it is common knowledge that political supporters and sympathisers, travel long distances, only to register presence/curiosity at a rally!
Pointing fingers as we have seen/heard, is probably the easiest thing – but easy as it is; equally irresponsible. The government needs to come to terms with the fact that those pointing fingers of blame have no direct responsibility but duty towards the common good. The primary holder of public good is government and so far, a good job continues being done!
Second, what I think we need is a win-win formula. A formula which accepts that vending is an important commercial activity, which activity, must without fear or favour, face regulation. (I see no other way)
Those who wish to engage in vending must accept the simple fact that Zambia is a country of Laws – a member of the international community, with health obligations as detailed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In view of the fact that indiscipline appears to be dominating the streets, I would suggest that President Lungu, as Commander in Chief of our armed forces, continues to deploy relevant security personnel for purposes of maintaining law and order.
The importance of this recommendation is that I can feel the pulse of my brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, who take “pride” or claim to have no other choice but to engage in vending; warming up for “serious business.” They want to come back on the streets and this is not good at all.
I am of the view that we should not compromise on law and order. Rather, local government and the city council must work flat out to find solutions to the problem. Whatever the solution, it must not include turning streets into market places. The Town and Country Planning Act, does not just support the craze of lawlessness, in the name of earning an income to send children to school or pay rentals.
Third, the artificial congestion in the Central Business District (CBD) of Lusaka is not only a health hazard. It is also a serious security risk. To that extent, while appreciating the benefits of cross border trade, I am unable to appreciate the illegal activities that are associated with cross-border/in-land trading.
As far as I know, you cannot expect a poisonous tree to produce non-toxic fruits. The fruits would be poisonous and so are activities that stem out of illegality. Yes, the “fruits” may be so low and just hanging and can be picked up very easily, but that fact alone does not make them less dangerous!
The above is what I see as a problem with trading as we have seen on the streets of Lusaka. In all fairness, apart from the hustling that motorists are subjected to by agents of the devil, vendors in Lusaka display their merchandise and operate on the famous principle of willing seller/willing buyer! As far as I know, nobody is forced to buy from the vendors.
I am not oblivious to the highly illegal activities of some guys, who have literally imposed themselves as agents on smallscale farmers that sell their merchandise at Soweto Market.
This bullish mentality and the practice of forced agency, has sadly extended to Bus stops, where accountability and transparency seriously undermine the integrity of the city council.
How can Lusaka City Council expect to be financially sound when there are leakages/gaps in its revenue collection as evidenced in the collection of levies at Bus stops?
With such a scenario, one would not be wrong to conclude that even the aspect of collection of other income streams could be compromised!
I see no substitute to Law and Order if the true intention is to grow the Zambian economy.
It is expected that there will be political considerations to do the easier thing, which is, to just allow vending on the streets and our Father in heaven will be kind to us and protect us from future epidemics.
This may be one view in sharp contradiction with reality. Here is my reasoning: Epidemics are a national problem, which require all of us to project a nationalistic posture and work towards elimination.
I have many friends and relatives who are working 24/7 just to ensure that all are cared for. This takes massive effort – financially, materially and emotionally. All these efforts cannot be water under the bridge. It is your life, my life and our country.
All political parties, namely the ruling party of Patriotic Front, the opposition United Party for National Development, the Forum for Democracy and Development, People’s Party, Green Party and a host of others, will need Zambians to go and vote for the adopted candidates in 2021.
You see, standing in a queue to cast one’s ballot requires you to be fit and free from the embarrassing episodes of cholera. For this and many other reasons, it is important that all political players accept that Law and Order is critical.
Beyond administering the Public Order Act, government has an obligation to administer other equally important pieces of legislation, which are still good law. This is not only food for thought but food for action.
With this measured approach, which seeks a Win-Win outcome, the government machinery is equal to the task and we must demonstrate our loyalty and allow works to show the true Zambian character.