Resolve fuel crisis, demands UPND

THERE is a need for a permanent solution to the problem of fuel instead of always issuing reactionary statements, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has said.

UPND Copperbelt Information and Publicity Secretary, Lawrence Mwanza, said the fuel shortages cause a lot of disruptions in the economy.

Mr Mwanza said in Kitwe yesterday that this should not be entertained at such a critical time when the economy was performing badly.

"We are concerned with the latest shortage of fuel being experienced not only on the Copperbelt but also in other parts of the country where almost all towns have run out of the commodity. Motorists are being forced to spend many hours on queues.

"We urge Government to put priorities right and ensure the normal supply of fuel is urgently restored as failure to do so may result in further increase in commodity prices," he said.

Mr Mwanza observed that it was just a few months ago when the country went through the same problem, attributing it to poor planning and corruptly awarding of contracts to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

He advised Government to clear the outstanding debt with OMCs so that the supply chain remained uninterrupted.

Government, he said, should urgently address all the concerns of the local fuel tanker drivers which had been outstanding for a long time.

Mr Mwanza said that fuel tanker drivers provided an essential service to the country and therefore needed to be given good conditions of service.

He said it was shameful that the same category of drivers of foreign origin enjoyed better conditions of service at the expense of the local tanker drivers.

"There is a need to ensure that the driver's association is strengthened and open a desk specifically to attend to driver's needs in the country we strengthen. This will include both bus and taxi drivers.

"We are alive to the fact that this industry employs thousands of our people who deserve better and humane conditions of service," he said.