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The Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has called for the inclusion of clear payment timelines and a dispute resolution mechanism to strengthen accountability in the National Road Fund Agency (Amendment) Bill of 2025.
ZAM Chief Executive Officer, Muntanga Lindunda, stated that the proposed bill seeks to amend the National Road Fund Act of 2002, with the overall aim of enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of road infrastructure funds.
She made the remarks when she appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters, chaired by Mwandi Member of Parliament, Sibeso Sefulo, on Monday at Parliament.
ZAM was invited to present its views on three pieces of legislation: the National Road Fund (Amendment) Bill–2025, the Building Societies (Amendment) Bill–2025, and the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Bill–2025.
“Strengthening accountability, incorporating clear payment timelines and a dispute resolution mechanism would be essential,” Lindunda stressed.
In relation to the Building Societies (Amendment) Bill, Lindunda expressed support for the proposed change in the financial year-end and recommended the inclusion of a transition clause to ease implementation for affected institutions.
On the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Bill–2025, she urged that independent inspections be carried out by Zambian officers to complement the efforts of neighboring countries in combating illicit trade.
“There is also a need to put in place safeguards to protect national sovereignty where foreign laws might apply,” Lindunda cautioned.
She further proposed the inclusion of ZAM and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development in the Steering Committee overseeing border reforms.
Additional proposals included sharing administrative oversight of the electronic Single Window system between the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Smart Zambia Institute, standardizing border procedures, and instituting mandatory recusal for committee members with potential conflicts of interest.
“ZAM remains committed to promoting a policy and legislative environment that fosters industrial growth, trade efficiency, and sustainable economic development,” Lindunda stated.
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