Prioritise local transporters, govt urged
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
GOVERNMENT has been asked to ensure that local transporters are given priority and business unlike the current situation where they were sidelined.
Petroleum Tankers Association of Zambia (PTAZ) Secretary-General, Benson Tembo has also commended the government for addressing some of the concerns raised by the industry players.
Mr Tembo was speaking in a vote of thanks following an address by Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali in Lusaka at the Industry Breakfast and Land-linked Zambia 2021 launch.
Mr Tembo pointed out that the local transporters were unfairly treated and could not benefit from the logistics deals as most businesses were given to foreigners.
“We would like to thank the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema and new Dawn Government for creating the Ministry of Transport and Logistics as it was the missing link,” he said.
And the minister promised that a network that seamlessly links roads, rail, air and maritime for transporting cargo and passengers within and through Zambia will soon be implemented by the government.
This is to take advantage of Zambia’s position of being land-linked, Mr Tayalisaid.
Mr Tayali stated that Zambia’s position of being land-linked created abundant opportunities for improving transport systems, particularly with regard to supply chain activities such as warehousing and the conveyance of goods.
“To this effect, Government intends to implement an intermodal network that seamlessly links roads, rail, air and maritime for transporting cargo and passengers within and through Zambia,” Mr Tayali said.
