- PS says trucks will soon be handed over to selected youth co-operatives
FANNY KALONDA,
IDEON NYENDWA
Lusaka, Ndola
GOVERNMENT has concluded the management of the fuel tanker project, through Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and will be handing over the trucks to selected youth co-operatives.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe also says Government will soon open applications for the motorbikes empowerment programme.
Mr Chileshe said over K120 million has been serviced from the fuel tanker project in five years.
On the challenges, he cited lack of sincerity and commitment from OMCs when it comes to paying for the usage of the fuel tankers.
Mr Chileshe said this when he signed a memorandum of understanding with Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) aimed at sensitising young people on keeping safe on the road.
“As you are well aware, these tankers were acquired on a loan basis in 2021.
“We have tried to manage it quite well. I must report that Government has been paying the supplier, because when something like this happens, the inclination is to assume that Government is doing this because it’s an election year or election period,” he said.
Mr Chileshe said more than K120 million has been serviced over the past five years for the tankers, which are operated on commercial basis.
He noted that with the right support, the youth can manage capital-intensive operations successfully.
“This handover represents a strategic move to transfer productive assets into youth ownership.”
Mr Chileshe also said the nationwide initiative will equip eligible young people with motorbikes to provide transport and delivery services.
The motorbikes will be awarded on a loan scheme, with clear repayment terms and support mechanisms, including business skills, training, and linkage to microfinance where necessary.
“Through this programme, you have beneficiaries who will receive practical rider training, road safety instruction and assistance to obtain valid licences through RTSA-led courses and mobile testing units,” he said.
RTSA chief executive officer Amon Mweemba said the partnership will help educate young people on driver responsibility, road safety and defensive driving.
Mr Mweemba is concerned about motor vehicle accidents, citing the MoU as being critical to addressing the matter.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Muchinga Province are overwhelmed by victims of motorbike accidents.
Muchinga Province permanent secretary Tuesday Bwalya is concerned that majority of the accidents are caused by motorbike riders colliding with pedestrians and other road-users.
“Our hospitals are recording high numbers of motorbike accident victims, and this situation is unacceptable,” Dr Bwalya said.
Dr Bwalya questioned the competence of some riders, suggesting that unlicensed and untrained individuals could be behind the surge in accidents.
He urged road-users to exercise caution, with a call on law enforcement agencies to heighten surveillance to prevent injury and further loss of life.
