Socialist Party youths threaten protests over Lusaka City Council fuel scandal

The Socialist Party (SP) Youth League has issued a 10-day ultimatum for arrests to be made in the fuel siphoning scandal at the Lusaka City Council, threatening to protest if the demand was unmet.

The Zambia Monitor reported that over 50,000 liters of council fuel, worth over K1.5 million, had been misappropriated.

LCC Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson, Mainda Simataa, called for immediate government intervention and suspension of those involved.

The SP Youth League claims investigation into affected areas, including Kanyama, John Laing, Bauleni, Matero, Zingalume, Mandevu, Chipata and Chawama, revealed substantial waste accumulation, which could have been managed if the fuel designated for tipper trucks had not been stolen.

Stanley Muba’sa, the Party National Youth Spokesperson, emphasized that only 40 percent of the city’s daily 1,200 tonnes of waste was properly disposed of, with the rest contributing to potential cholera outbreaks.

Read More: Lusaka City Council allegedly stinks with fuel scandal, as audit chair calls for probe of misappropriated 50,000 liters of fuel

He warned of a severe cholera risk in the upcoming rainy season due to the scandal.

Muba’sa demanded the arrest of those responsible and refund of the stolen fuel value.

He claimed the involvement of high-ranking government officials, using the siphoned fuel for council by-elections and criticized government’s silence.

The SP Youth League plans a peaceful march from the Freedom Statue to State House to demand action should President Hichilema fail to address the issue.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.