Lusaka – based businessman Chrispin Chiinda says local authorities should desist from closing businesses found to be in conflict with the law, but should instead engage in amicable dialogue to resolve the situation.
And Chiinda has observed that some SMEs and upcoming businesses fail to meet certain statutory obligations in acquiring permits from the council due to certain impediments.
Chiinda states that there is need to stop the “Tom and Jerry” (hide n seek) kind of behavior by creating an enabling environment where local authorities become friendly forces with the business community.
His observation is from the background where people running businesses in the community usually close their shops whenever word goes out that the council is conducting compliance checks.
This, according to Chiinda is as a result of processes involved for one to acquire trading permits.
“Councils should not close any business, but must endeavor to sit down with the particular business to amicably resolve the impediment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chiinda who is also aspiring as member of parliament for Munali constituency states that the business community is an important partner in the development of the constituency.
“In our quest to preside over Munali in 2026, we will give the necessary support to the business community to avoid any interruptions to the business,” Chiinda said.
“It will be our duty with councilors to propose an easy payment plan where some permits can be obtained via instalments to avoid disturbing business operations,” he said.
Chiinda alias Chris Mall added that promotion of young people in the business remains top priority on his agenda for Munali constituency.
Francis Chipalo
