Presidential Empowerment Initiative Fund (PEIF) says President Edgar Lungu has pledged to continue empowering traders and other less privileged people in the country.
Speaking when disbursing bales of clothes to traders dealing in Second hand clothes and shoes at Lusaka’s Kamwala Market, Fund National Coordinator Clement Tembo said it is President Lungu’s desire to see to it that the needs of all the vulnerable people in society are met.
“His Excellency the Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has continued on his path, he really wants to make sure that all those that are purported or seemingly vulnerable in society are taken care of.”
“He is very mindful himself that his beginnings were very humble, he knows where he is coming from and the time has come for him to pay back, to remember the people that put him on that seat. Therefore, he has remembered today that we come to our women and citizens that are working hard everyday trading in Salaula,” Mr. Tembo said.
Mr. Tembo observed that it has been difficult for traders to conduct their businesses due to Covid-19, hence the Head of State has seen it fit to give second hand clothes to the traders to sustain their operations.
He urged the beneficiary traders to put to good use the startup capital they have received, so that they can boost their businesses.
“Due to Covid-19, it has been very difficult for our women to trade. All you traders have faced challenges to trade during this period of Coronavirus and things are getting even harder this time around.”
“Therefore he thought it wise that he hands over these worn clothings to you our traders and we just hope that you put them to good use,” he stated.
And some of the traders who have benefited from the second hand clothes thanked President Lungu for the gesture as it will go a long way in uplifting their livelihood.
Traders from Kabwata and Kanyama markets have also benefited from the empowerment program.