Friday, February 1, 2013

ZAWA graft allegations shock labour movement


From ALEX NJOVU in KitweTHE Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it is shocked with revelations of high levels of corruption at the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).
On Wednesday, Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo revealed that some foreign planes have been secretly flying into selected game parks to airlift wildlife out of the country.
ZCTU Kitwe district chairman David Mwamba said in Kitwe yesterday that government should expeditiously deal with individuals at ZAWA who are allegedly involved in corruption and plunder of wildlife.
“These revelations by Ms Masebo are shocking, I am personally surprised.  It is shocking to hear that planes from outside Zambia are flying into the country to get our animals. This is disturbing, we are busy talking about high poverty and unemployment levels when some selfish Zambians are making a lot of money dubiously,” Mr Mwamba said.
He said it is worrying that ZAWA is making headlines in the press for all the wrong reasons.
He commended government for embarking on the campaign against corruption.
Mr Mwamba called on Zambians to support government in fighting corruption because the vice is detrimental to national development.
“ZAWA is an important wing of government in the promotion of tourism in Zambia. Corruption is bad because it benefits a few individuals, we cannot believe that planes were being flown into our game parks to get our animals. This is sad and we are happy that investigations have been instituted into this matter,” Mr Mwamba said.
He urged government to firmly deal with the culprits.
Mr Mwamba said the labour movement will continue working with government to improve the welfare of Zambians.
Early this week, Ms Masebo said it is unacceptable that planes secretly fly undetected into Zambia’s game parks and take away government trophy.
“When you get to know what is happening, your heart will bleed. This country is being plundered,” Ms Masebo said.

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