New LASF board unveiled

By Sharon Siame

Local Government and Rural Development Minister GIFT SIALUBALO has tasked the newly appointed Board of the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund -LASF- to look into unpaid benefits to retirees amounting to approximately to 512 million Kwacha.

Mr. SIALUBALO has further requested the Board to look into the issue of Non-remittance of pension contributions amounting to K207.26 million.

The Local Government Minister said this when he unveiled the LASF Board of Directors in Lusaka today.

Mr. SIALUBALO also challenged the board to prioritize the needs of retirees and to drive the fund towards a future where pensioners receive their dues promptly.

He said some of the other pressing issues include outdated legal frameworks and evolving industry trends.

Those appointed to the LASF board include renowned pension expert MARTIN LIBINGA as the Chairperson and the members include EMMANUEL MWINSA, ZULAWU President, SOMBO KAELA, Luanshya Municipal Council Town Clerk, DESMOND BANDA, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Others are MARTIN SODALA, Chief Rural Development Officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, AGNESS MSISKA, Acting Senior Parliamentary Counsel at the Ministry of Justice and MUCHIMBA DILS, a Civil Society Representative.

And Mr. LIBINGA said the Board is ready to undertake pension reforms to make the Institution financially viable.

He said the members have also accepted the responsibilities entrusted to them and that they will uphold high levels of transparency.