Carry identification, Newspaper vendors told

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 15:59:42 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

NEWSPAPER vendors should carry identification cards or wear appropriate corporate vests to be allowed to trade for a specific period of time and in designated places, says Local Government minister Vincent Mwale.

The minister said government will engage security wings to ensure newspaper vendors are not harassed as they sell newspapers on the streets.

Mr Mwale said government did not want the flow of information to be disrupted or the business of newspaper firms affected following reports of misunderstandings between security officers and vendors.

The minister said this in Lusaka yesterday when he met heads of marketing and distribution of various newspaper companies following complaints of alleged harassment and intimidation of newspaper vendors from security officers in town.

Mr Mwale who is Chipangali Member of Parliament said government would for now allow all newspaper vendors to trade within a specific timeframe and they will be required to  possess IDs and vests for easy identification.  

He said government would allow authenticate newspaper vendors who also sell talk time but should possess identification cards as well as vests for identification purposes and specifically trade in only the two commodities.

Mr Mwale said he would summon telecommunication firms to discuss the best collaboration business ideas with newspaper vendors while seeking long term measures such as specific booths for newspapers and magazines.

“As Government we do not want to see the disruption of the flow of information which newspapers are ably doing hence we will engage the army to allow you to trade but ensure that your vendors possess IDs and vests for easy identification purposes,” he said.

Heads of marketing and distribution unanimously agreed to ensure vendors immediately come up with an association as well as badges and vests.

The meeting was attended by Lusaka Town Clerk Alex Mwansa, Lusaka City Council deputy mayor Chilando Chitangala.