By Chembe Mbale
Transport and Logistics Minister FRANK TAYALI has urged Zambian truck drivers to adopt safety measures, including travelling in groups, when crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC.
Mr. TAYALI says the approach, commonly used by drivers of other nationalities, could improve security and reduce the risk of attacks while operating in the DRC.
He has also assured Zambian drivers that the Government is engaging the Congolese authorities to improve safety and put an end to the attacks targeting truck drivers.
The Minister was speaking in an interview with journalists at Sakanya Border in Ndola before receiving the body of JOSEPH CHIVANGA, a Zambian truck driver who went missing and was later found dead in the DRC earlier this month.
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary LAWRENCE MWANZA described the attacks on Zambian truckers crossing into Congo as unfortunate.
Meanwhile, Zambian drivers, led by a representative from the State House drivers’ desk, AUSTIN MWIINGA, appealed to the Government to prioritise their safety by strengthening security engagement with the Congolese authorities and putting measures in place to protect lives.
A family representative of the deceased, Bishop CHALI KASONDE, thanked the Zambian Government for facilitating the repatriation of the body.
JOSEPH CHIVANGA was on a trip to transport acid to Kolwezi in the DRC when he went missing.
His body was later found at Tenke Fungurume Mortuary in Congo.
