The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has applauded the government for releasing K44 million to pay arrears for local contractors engaged in road construction and maintenance.
Government has released K44 million to the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) to settle the one month arrears owed to routine road maintenance contractors across the country.
NRFA Public Relations Manager Alphonsius Hamachila said in a statement that the payment process has started and that the agency will finish paying all routine road maintenance contractors by Wednesday.
ZACA Executive Secretary Juba Sakala tells Money FM News that the move will motivate the contractors to do even more to improve the conditions of the roads.
Mr. Sakala further said the move will also improve liquidity in the economy as beneficiaries spend their money.
“In the same vain we appeal to the Minister of Finance Margaret Mwanakatwe to also release funds for payment of retirees’ benefits. Some pensioners have waited for as long as four years without receiving their benefits after retirement,” he said.
He said some retirees have become destitute and fail to afford basic needs.
Mr. Sakala said government must seriously consider their plight since government’s policy is to leave no one behind.