Questions have emerged over the status of […]

Questions have emerged over the status of the public Wi-Fi launched at Chisokone Market after a trader whose names remains withheld confirmed to Zambian Business Times-ZBT that there is no Wi-Fi service at the facility, despite the market hotspot launched in November 2024 under the ZamFree National Public Free Wi-Fi Initiative, a government programme aimed at expanding internet access in public spaces and promoting digital inclusion.

 Meanwhile, Zambia National Marketeers Association ZANAMACA has disclosed to ZBT that the association was never involved in the project’s implementation and cannot verify whether it is operational.

 Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT ZANAMACA President Mupila Kameya noted despite the association representing market traders, no information on the installation or operation of the Wi-Fi was shared.

 “To be honest, I am only hearing about the internet and WiFi installations. We do not have clear information on which markets were covered, whether they installed the equipment or how it is operating,” Kameya said.

He said institutions implementing such projects should work closely with organizations representing traders to ensure the intended beneficiaries understand and utilize the services. “These are our markets. They may have worked with the local authorities, but stakeholders like ourselves should have been part of the planning process. When people ask us about such projects, we should be able to provide the correct information,” he said. Kameya added that there appeared to have been inadequate sensitization of traders. “If people simply come and install equipment without informing the marketeers, many traders may not even know such a service exists. That is the gap we are talking about,” he said

Article by Karen Ngulube