By Jackson Mapapayi
The United Party for National Development (UPND) in North western province says no youth in the province should ever think of returning to the markets and bus stations because the New Dawn administration wants young people to become more productive.
UPND North western province youth chairperson Bruce Kanema said the pronouncement by President Hakainde Hichilema to remove cadres from markets and bus stations does not mean that the head of State does not want to work with the youths.
He said to the contrary, President Hichilema has much respect for the Zambian youths and he has a good plan for them.
Mr Kanema has since urged youths in the region to form cooperatives for them to access empowerment funds from government.
“And this is why the UPND government has created the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises so that innovative youths will be empowered with start-up capital to run their own businesses and create employment for themselves and others,” said Mr Kanema.
Mr Kanema stated that North western Province is blessed with three big mines and advised young people to form cooperatives and engage in viable business ventures like chicken rearing so that they can start supplying to the mines.
He said by forming cooperatives, the youths would now take advantage of the yawning market for various products in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The government is able to provide capital to the youths once you come up with cooperatives, then make a proposal and you will be funded.
“And the money for capital for the youths is readily available, so you don’t have to give a reason to go back in the bus stations and markets to collect money that is supposed to go to the council for improved service provision,” he said.
He said government is committed to addressing the plight of young people in the country.
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