By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Open Spaces Zambia Senior Media Lawyer Joe Nkadaani has commended government’s commitment to ensuring that Access to information Bill (ATI) is enacted.
Mr Nkadaani however said they are concerned that it seems the bill was not amended when civil societies and other stakeholders pointed out some lacunas.
Speaking on the sidelines of Panos institute Southern Africa media and civil societies workshop in Livingstone yesterday, Mr Nkadaani added access to information is key to Development as information is power.
Mr Nkadaani also explained that this will help the media in writing stories on time as information will now be made readily available when needed.
And Livingstone Press Club President Mercy Ngoma described the bill as progressive.
Ms Ngoma emphasized that the Access to Information bill (ATI) is not a media document but rather a legislation to help the citizenry to ably participate in the governance of the country.
“As media, this development is exciting as it gives more power for us to effectively play our watchdog role, we also take time to remind ourselves that even as this document comes to life after the Presidential assent, we must also show responsibility as we enjoy this right,” she said.
