Enact Access to Information Bill, govt urged

GOVERNMENT has been urged to enact the Access to Information Bill because it will not only benefit the me dia but also allow the general citizenry to access informa tion as and when they need it.

In his submission, on the Report of the Committee on Media, which was laid on the table of the House on June 9, 2022, Committee chairper son Raphael Mabenga said his committee undertook a study on the review of media space in the country.

And Parliament yesterday adopted the report on Media, Information and Communi cation Technologies that is aimed at improving the envi ronment under which jour nalists operate in the country.

Mr Mabenga also said a me dia that operates freely plays a pivotal role in a democratic dispensation and creates a platform for debate regarding governance and also in help ing society hold accountable those holding public office.

Mr Mabenga, who is Mu lobezi Member of Parliament said for the media to be ef fective, the onus is on govern ment to create an enabling environment through provi sion of policies that guarantee media freedom.

And Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda said the media is facing a lot of challenges which is hinder ing the industry from properly carrying out its mandate of in forming the public.

He said the challenges should be addressed quickly to allow the media to perform its mandate unhindered.

He said the media is critical if Zambia is to attain and re alise its development aspira tions as captured in the vision 2030.