Detail equality plan - think tank

By VIOLET TEMBO THERE is need for the Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund (PEIF) handlers to draft policy documents and guidelines for the plan to succeed, says Institute of Certified Forensic Investigations Professionals (IICFIP) liaison director for Africa Professor Gibson Mwewa.

Speaking at a media briefing in Ndola, Prof. Mwewa added that there was need for the Ministry of Community Development to train beneficiaries before they received funds.

He said provincial and district support committees, comprising business experts, must be established for accountability and transparency purposes.

“It is my suggestion that for the initiative to benefit many intended people, repayment incentives in the form of future bigger loans should be considered. Transparency and accountability in the management of the Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund is paramount as this will ensure that funds benefit the intended recipients,” Prof. Mwewa said.

He said President Lungu’s initiative was good as it was aimed at benefiting many people who did not have startup capital.

Prof. Mwewa emphasized that the initiative should not be politicised and urged opposition political parties to stop discouraging marketeers from repaying the loans obtained under the PEIF.

He said the initiative was a revolving fund and that for it to benefit more people, beneficiaries had to pay back.

“There is need to help people venture into self-employment by setting up small businesses and seizing the opportunity in various trades is honorable and commendable. I congratulate President Lungu for coming up with the PEIF. There is need not to politicize the initiative because it is benefiting many people regardless of the political affiliation,” he said.