President Hakainde Hichilema says government is working on reducing the cost of living and the cost of doing business.
President Hichilema said his government has heard the concerns from the people of Zambia regarding the high cost of living and has started putting in place measures to address it.
The head of state said the reduction in the price of fuel is one step that will help in lowering the cost of production which will in turn increase production and lower the price of commodities including food.
He was speaking in Mansa during this year’s International Labour Day celebrations at Kaole Stadium.
President Hichilema paid glowing tribute to workers for their efforts to grow the economy by 4 percent despite the country experiencing drought last year.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said government will continue working on protecting workers rights and that reports of some employers not allowing employees to belong to unions will not be accepted.
President Hichilema also said government will continue to strengthen social security such as extending a waiver on NAPSA penalties.
Mr. Hichilema said he has since directed NAPSA to extend tax waivers to allow people that were affected by the drought to pay.
He said following cabinet approval of the minimum wage for bus and truck drivers, he expects all employers to comply with the new law.
Speaking at the same event Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba said her ministry is currently undertaking reforms aimed at improving the life of a worker.
Earlier ZCTU President Blake Mulala said government must be supported in its fight against corruption.
Credit : ZNBC