SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE POLICIES - TRADERS

A NEWLY-formed market association says Zambians should support well-meaning policies regardless of their political, religious and tribal affiliations.

Zambia Markets, Streets and Allied Workers Association (ZAMSAA) Interim President Poster Jumbe said it was sad that some politicians had either chosen to keep quiet or deliberately mislead some sections of society even on well-meaning policies.

Mr Jumbe said the decisions which government had taken to approve the implementation of National Alcohol policy to reduce alcohol intake was a step in the right direction and deserved to be supported.

The ZAMSAA president also cited the policy of cleaning up the work place every last Saturday of the month as another well-meaning policy.

He urged politicians and other citizens alike to change their attitude towards work and embrace unity in diversity in order to set the stage for economic development and national unity.

"We need to embrace unity in diversity so that we can move together. If the ruling party comes up with an idea which means well, the opposition should support it. If it has loopholes, they should suggest how the ideas can be refined.

"As a nation let us encourage each other to do good things for the nation, instead of celebrating over the misfortunes of each other. So the action which the government has taken to improve cleanliness and reduce alcohol intake should be commended," Mr Jumbe said.

He also said his association was concerned with the sale of alcohol in markets, especially at Chisokone market where people were getting drunk as early as 08:00hours.

"Instead of implementing by-laws that would bring law and order in the markets, the councils are sleeping. The law must be firm and strict regarding people selling beer in the markets," he said.