Fri, 04 Aug 2017 13:34:45 +0000
IN reference to the report written in the Daily Nation on Monday 31st July 2017, I would like to express my difference in opinion.
Well, in as much as these observations may be factual we have to look at the reason as to why it is so.
Firstly, the 99percent of the Chinese in Zambia are investors and technical workers in different fields, implying that they will inevitably occupy the strategic positions in all sectors of the economy for Zambia to develop.
Initially, they are assisting us for the reason that on our on we have been unable to develop our nation.
It was mentioned that due to the vast investments in the agricultural sector, indigenous Zambians can no longer compete, just to serve as a reminder, it’s a partnership and not an absolute rule kind of system, and so Zambians shouldn’t try to compete but instead, work in partnership and hence acquiring more knowledge in their respective sectors.
The privatization of all public entities was not something you would term as a want but rather it was a need.
When the economy was State-controlled most industries did not run up to the expectations of the majority.
Lack of re-investment in industries led to low production, inefficiency, unemployment and under employment.
Zambians have not been relegated in any way! Projects and businesses have at no point been restricted to foreigners only.
We have just lost our reliance in these areas because we have failed to execute the given work at its best.
Taking for example roads, when given to Zambian constructors, in less than 5 years the roads are damaged hence opting for the Chinese constructors who will offer long-term quality and standard results.
Or should we go on giving Zambian constructors these projects and constantly renew them all In the name of privatization.
The truth hurts but all we ought to do is humble ourselves and work in partnership with the investors so as to perfect our skills, learn and see where we are lagging behind.
Furthermore, the presence of these Chinese investors has reduced the rate of unemployment in our nation.
Countless Zambian students are furthering their education in China, do you scrupulously think Zambia with its universities would have accommodated and educated all these students?
Already with this amount of students in China some students who completed their secondary school with good results but are still at home because there are no available positions in the universities.
It’s blameless to be inspired by developed nations like Russia and the USA, but we have to be realistic.
Zambia imports most of the large scale machinery, better still, our Zambian kwacha is not manufactured within.
How then do you expect us not to involve other nations and opt for commercialization?
It’s true that Zambians are directing their energies to tribal and political lines which should be used instead to grow and develop our nation.
Additionally, its 100percent possible to get any form of residence in China, be it permanent or citizenship, provided you have the required documents as it is in any other nation.
There are many Zambians in China with permanent residence and are well established.
ZRA and ACC have laws that are to be followed by every company, it so happens that taxes and charges are higher for foreign companies.
After inquiring with ZRA, all invoices even those submitted by foreign companies are translated to English which should answer the question as to how ZRA charges the foreign companies.
Well, being in the construction sector, for a structure to be demolished the rightful owner, who has relevant documentation (from the council) has a say as to whether the structure will be demolished or not.
Besides, a more constructive project has to be proposed before demolishing the previous one.
In conclusion, development is an ongoing process, we first accept our state, then see how we can work together with those that are willing to help Zambia become a better nation.
Ms. C Mumba
