By Mast Reporter
KANCHIBIYA Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda has welcomed the decision by Cabinet to introduce a bill aimed at addressing the concerns of Zambian workers regarding pension reforms.
In a statement yesterday, Chanda said for too long, workers in Zambia had dreaded retirement, fearing financial insecurity and uncertainty in their latter years.
He said this should not be the case.
Zambians now had an opportunity to reverse the sad reality and put in place a system that secured life after retirement.
“…one that gives workers hope and confidence for their future. We must enact reforms that will make Zambian workers look forward to retirement, not fear it,” Chanda said.
“While we appreciate this step by the government, our advocacy does not end here. We will continue to engage and monitor the process to ensure that the proposed bill includes lump sum payments under the NAPSA Act. This remains a critical issue, as it directly impacts the financial security and dignity of workers,” he said.
Chanda pledged to take the fight to Parliament and continue to push for what was right for the workers.
He said the government could count on his support for any measure that genuinely advanced the welfare of workers.
“Now is the time to do what is right. Now is the time to secure a better future for all Zambian workers. Indeed, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
There has been increased calls for an overhaul of the pension regime in Zambia to allow workers to bet lump sum benefits instead of paltry monthly pension payments as is the case today.
