State to continue improving social welfare

By RABECCA CHIPANTA –

GOVERNMENT says it will continue implementing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the vulnerable in society.
Speaking during the opening of a workshop for the training of beneficiaries of street vendors’ empowerment scheme in Ndola, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child development Permanent secretary Agness Musunga said the Action plan for youth empowerment and employment aimed at addressing unemployment was one of the programmes being implemented by Government.
Ms Musunga said following the launch of the Action plan by President Edgar Lungu through her ministry, Government had identified quick-win projects with high impact on creating employment for the youths.
Ms Musunga said that the youth street vendors empowerment scheme that was recently launched was expected to empower youth street vendors with small loans which they would be expected to pay back with minimal interest within the stipulated time frame.
She added that the overall objective of the scheme was to provide capacity building to street vendors in terms of training, finance and equipment in order to make their businesses sustainable and profitable for their improved livelihoods.
Ms Musunga said that  the Government, through its partnership with the Zambia Postal Services (ZAMPOST) intended to train 500 youth vendors in Ndola and Kitwe, who would start accessing the loans as of June, 13, at any post office nearest to them.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Permanent secretary Howard Sikwela said that the introduction of the scheme on the Copperbelt would help alleviate cases of poverty, early marriages, drug abuse and illegal mining among others.
Reverend Sikwela urged the beneficiaries to utilise the money by using it for its intended purpose and ensure that they paid back the loans on time.
And United Street Vendors Foundation Society Limited President Teddy Sinkala thanked Government for recognising them by improving their living standards through the empowerment programme.
Mr Sinkala noted that the foundation was happy with what Government had done adding that it had recognised that the sub sector had a high potential and a quick impact to poverty alleviation in the country.