Mpika MP Kapyanga writes open letter to HH over Tazara

By NATION REPORTER

FRANCIS Kapyanga, the Mpika Member of Parliament has written an open letter to President Hakainde Hichilema over the plight of TAZARA workers who have gone for four months without salaries.
Mr Kapyanga said workers were the backbone of a vital institution, yet they had been subjected to severe suffering due to the government’s failure to fulfill its commitment to timely salary payments – a promise he emphatically made during his campaign.
“Mr. President, families are being destroyed under your watch. Children have been forced out of schools, universities, and colleges because their parents cannot afford tuition fees.
Many workers have lost their household belongings to creditors, while others are drowning in debts to money-lending institutions,” he said.
The lawmaker said the workers could not meet even their most basic needs, a situation that was an indictment of President Hichilema’s commitment to labour rights and justice.
“It is especially disheartening to see your government disregarding its own labour laws, which demand that workers be paid promptly. This blatant violation undermines not only the dignity of the workers but also the credibility of your leadership.
“If this government cannot adhere to its own laws, how can the citizens trust you to honour the promises you made when you sought office?” Mr Kapyanga asked.
He also asked the head of State for clarity regarding the TAZARA recapitalisation process because government had recently signed agreements in China with promises of reviving the vital railway system, yet there had been no tangible progress.
“How long must the workers and the people wait for you to deliver on this commitment?” Mr Kapyanga asked.
He said people entrusted him with the responsibility to lead with integrity and deliver on his promises.
Mr Kapyanga said the ongoing neglect of TAZARA workers was a betrayal of that trust.
“I appeal, you to take immediate action to resolve this crisis. Pay the workers their overdue salaries without delay, and provide a clear timeline for the recapitalization of TAZARA. The time for excuses is over.
“These workers and their families deserve better. It is now up to you to demonstrate true leadership and honour the commitments you made to the people who believed in you,” he said.