Luapula province endorses amendment of retirement and benefits clause

As deliberations for the Constitution making process comes to a close today in Luapula Province, the Convention has resolved to amend Clause 1 under Article 251 in the Draft Constitution on retirement and benefits.

The decision was made with a view to effect that a public worker retire from public service at 55 years with the option of continuing up to 60 years as provided for in the Draft Constitution.

During the debate on the Article, Chief Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni, who is also Mansa Central Member of Parliament advised the house to also explore provisions for persons who intended to retire early than the stipulated retirement age.

He cited an example to which he himself retired before the stipulated retirement age and had difficulties accessing his benefits.

Mr. Sakeni also noted that there are cases where some people join the service early and may wish to leave early hence the need to consider at the length of service.

Among other contentious clauses that were retained included  Article 107 Clause1 which states that the Vice President for the republic shall be elected as a running mate to the presidential candidate and Article 120 Clause 2 on the Draft Constitution which states that the President shall appoint ministers from persons who are not members of parliament.