Today: Mon 21st September, 2020

National Consumer Conference 2008 Launch

In view of the growing consumer concerns regarding the quality of products and services in the country, the regulators for energy, information and communication technologies and water and sanitation services will with effect from 2008 hold annual consumer conferences to sensitise consumers on their rights

Communications Authority of Zambia (CAZ), Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) have been collaborating mainly through Consumer Watch Groups (CWGs) to sensitize consumers on their rights and address consumer complaints on the quality of services and products since 2005. This has been so because as regulators, we recognise the importance of consumer involvement in regulation.

In view of the absence of adequate consumer sensitization efforts in the country and in order to enhance consumer awareness, we will be holding the first National Consumer Conference from 24th to 25th January 2008. The national conferences will highlight the challenges consumers face and develop suggestions on how these issues can be addressed by service providers and regulators.

This year's national conference will be held under the theme: "Consumer you have the power Towards an enlightened consumer in the liberalized economy".

The national conference will seek to achieve the following:

• Raise awareness on the roles and responsibilities of consumers, service providers and regulators of telecommunications, energy and water and sanitation services;

• Avail service providers an opportunity to outline the challenges and prospects; and

• Provide a platform for consumers to offer suggestions for improvement in the quality of services.

This year's theme is therefore a reminder that consumers have the right to demand value for the money and ensure that service providers meet consumer expectations.

The national conference will attract not less than 300 delegates from across the country, who will discuss the challenges they face and suggest ways of strengthening consumerism in Zambia, among other issues.

As regulators we believe this is an opportunity for members of the public to take a more participatory role in addressing and finding solutions to consumer concerns. It is our pleasure therefore, to launch the first National Consumer Conference as a necessary forum to highlight the plight of all consumers in Zambia. Members of the public are invited to participate in the conference to be held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre and make a difference to service provision in Zambia.