PUT FREEDOM FIGHTERS ON PAY ROLL, SAYS VJ
By ADRIAN MWANZA
FREEDOM fighters should be put on payroll, to save them from poverty after their contribution to the country’s independence, veteran politician, Vernon Mwaanga has suggested.
Mr Mwaanga has also advised the new dawn government to work hard to fix the economy because that was what people voted for.
He said in an interview that Government should come up with a strategy that would enable them look after people that helped the country acquire independence.
Mr Mwaanga said as the country was celebrating its 57th independence anniversary, the New Dawn Government needed to look after freedom fighters, most of whom were facing challenges.
He said in countries like Namibia, freedom fighters were on a scheme which made it possible for them to get allowances due the contributions they put in.
Mr Mwaanga said that it was unfortunate that people that put their lives on the line so that the country could attain its independence had been neglected.
‘’Sometimes freedom fighters come to me asking for money for rent and even electricity. This should not be the case because these people really did a lot for the country,’’ he said.
He said he had discussed with fourth republican president Rupiah Banda but that they could not implement the project but was hoping that the new government could look into the matter by putting them on payroll.
Mr Mwaanga also said there was need for people from various political parties to coexist and do away with acts of political violence.
He said the country had shown the world that it was a hub of democracy as there was always a smooth transition of power without any qualms.
Mr Mwaanga challenged Zambians to be tolerant of each other as the freedom fighters had intended and not a situation where violence prevailed.
He said development needed to continue regardless of who was in power and that the new government needed to ensure that they fixed the economy because that’s what made Zambians voted for.
‘’The country should continue making strides, 57 years after independence, so the government should strive to ensure that the economy gets back on track as soon as possible,’’ he said.
