.Mulenga Sata

By CLEVER ZULU –

LUSAKA Mayor Mulenga Sata has bemoaned the mistreatment of travellers by bus operators at intercity bus terminus in Lusaka.
Mr Sata has since called for an end to the vice which was torturous to the travelling public.
The mayor was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) launched a booklet on consumer protection for the public transport sub-sector at intercity bus terminus in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Sata said he was saddened with the situation that has led to traveller’s rights being violated.
“I am saddened with the situation where travellers are continuously being harassed by public transport operators. At times travellers have lost their monies, luggage and some have been swindled,” he said.
The mayor wondered where the sector regulators were before applauding CCPC for launching the booklet which aims to educate and sensitize consumers in the sector on their rights and where to complain when they are violated.
“I commend the CCPC for the timely intervention which will bring sanity to our bus stations and bus stops in Zambia. I also urge public transport operators to start respecting consumers as theirs businesses depended on them,” he said.
Mr Sata was speaking in a speech led for him by his deputy, Portipher Tembo.
CCPC board chairperson Kelvin Bwalya said the commission in 2013 received over 15 cases against the intercity bus operators which were investigated and resolved.
Mr Bwalya has advised members of the public to take advantage of the 5678 toll free line to report unfair trading practices.
Mr Bwalya said the commission is spreading to all parts of the country so as to build a more effective and well informed consumer base in the marketplaces.
Consumer Rights Association of Zambia (CRAZ) President Aaron Kamuti said there was need for action to be taken against those who abuse consumers and commended CCPC for hearing the cries of the travellers.