By CATHERINE NYIRENDA and CHARITY MOONGA –
STAKEHOLDERS have reacted with mixed feelings to the 2015 National Budget presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda.
Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) is disappointed that Government has maintained the wage freeze in a Golden Jubilee year when workers are supposed to be celebrating.
ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said in an interview that maintaining the wage freeze would not only erode purchasing power of the workers but it is also a violation of the workers right to free and fair collective bargaining.
“Whether Government or the private sector, they have no right to impose a wage freeze, so this is really our major disappointment in a jubilee year when we are supposed to be celebrating fifty years but we are given this gift,” Mr Hikaumba said.
Mr Hikaumba said the labour movement anticipated unprecedented industrial unrest going by sentiments from workers, which he said Government should take the blame if it happens.
He said the silence on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) was also another disappointment as workers would continue to pay more than industries to subside Government operations.
He, however, commended Government on the employment freeze which had been lifted and would see about 5,000 teachers recruited, workers in Agriculture and security wing.
European Union (EU) head of delegation Gilles Hervio said the Union would study the budget and make a comprehensive report.
He was also happy that Government had decide to encompass more crops in the in the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) in preference to Maize which had dominated.
Mr Hervio, however, hoped that the new mining tax system would not have a negative impact on the mining industry.
National Movement for Progress (NMP) president Ngandu Magande hoped that the new mining tax system would increase revenue collection for Government.
“Am not familiar with the restructured mining tax system, but I hope it’s not controversial like my windfall tax and I hope technicians did their homework before the country is left yawning with holes,” he said.
He welcomed Government spending in infrastructure development but advised that the developments should benefit Zambians also unlike the trend where foreigners are mainly benefiting.
MMD Lunte Member of Parliament Feliex Mutati said the issue of poverty and unemployment had not been clearly stipulated.
Meanwhile, Mr Chikwanda delivered the 2015 budget in Parliament without the usual pomp and splendor.
Mr Chikwanda arrived at Parliament building at 13:50 hours with the copper briefcase amid tight police security.
The minister, clad in a grey suit and a white shirt, was accompanied by his wife Margaret and daughter Bwalya.
He was received at parliament by ministry of finance and some parliament officials.
The usual pomp and splendor as well as cultural dances were absent from the budget delivery ceremony this year but the contents of the
speech drew cheers mainly from the Government side of the House.

Mr Chikwanda went straight to the House where upon entry, members shouted ‘hear hear’ after which he went to shake hands with his fellow
ministers.

Meanwhile, speaking in an interview after the speech, Choma central UPND MP and party spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa said Government
should have increased the budgetary allocation to the bursary scheme.

Mr Mweetwa said that at the moment there was too much pressure on the bursary scheme therefore the need for Government to increase that
allocation.