Edgar Chagwa Lungu lying, a 24-hour-economy in Zambia not attainable, insists Mark Simuuwe
Edgar Chagwa Lungu lying, a 24-hour-economy in Zambia not attainable, insists Mark Simuuwe
By Pamela Mulenga and Derrick Sinjela
ZAMBIAN Political Philosopher Mark Simuuwe insists that attainment of a 24-hour- economy as envisaged in the 2021-20260Patriotic Front’s manifesto is wishful thinking.
During a broadcast live An Economic Analysis Broadcast Live on Saturday 26th June 2021, Mr. Simuuwe laughed at the proposal on a account that the the PF leadership led by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Vice President Mrs. Inonge Mutukwa-Wina have no capacity to turn Zambia into 24-hour-economy due to financial constraints, built by a US$ 12 billion debt burden.
Simuuwe based his argument on reduced investment in the social sector; health and education, noting that no feasible mechanisms are in place to inspire the teachers and medical personnel.
Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Simon Kamwendo Miti with Vice President Inonge Mutukwa-Wina and Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu
“According to World Health Organization (WHO) target, nurse to patient ratio is pegged at one to five but the current status in Zambia is one to 35, thus overburdening already poorly remunerated medical staff. How do you have capacity to employ three shifts at any health facility to create a 24-hour- economy as Government has failed to recruit more qualified nurses because there is no money and what can give Zambians guarantee that a 24-hour-economy is possible,” teased Simuuwe.
As an experienced political philosopher, Simuuwe says the employment act does not provide sufficient incentives in form of over time income for extra hours employees render, citing the education sector whose teachers are clearly bankrupted by credit facilities.
“Normal working hours is eight, meaning that for a 24-hour-economy to become a reality, teachers would report in three hour shift, let us say a hundred in the morning, hundred in the afternoon and another hundred in the evening meaning that three hundred teachers must be employed, which a bankrupt Government has no capacity to employ. If this is what is prevailing in Zambia, then the PF 2021-2026 manifesto through Dr. Lungu and Mrs. Mutukwa-Wina is lying,” said Simuuwe.
Edgar Chagwa Lungu lying, a 24-hour-economy in Zambia not attainable, insists Mark Simuuwe
The political philosopher noted that in industrialized countries; the United States of America (USA) and Great Britain, to name but two, a 24-hour-economy is flourishing as it is anchored on the manufacturing industry.
“They produce to export and import raw materials from naive third world countries like Zambia, thus demand is high, creating sustainable revenue,” observed Simuuwe.
The Patriotic Front has introduced in the 2021-2026 manifesto a 24 hour economy aimed at empowering the youths.
