USAID Open Space senior media lawyer has emphasized the need for the quick implementation of the access to information (ATI) law in Zambia.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, USAID Open Space senior media lawyer, Joe Nkandaani called on the Ministry of Information and Media to expedite the process of passing the commencement order in order to operationalize the ATI law.
He noted that the ATI law is eagerly awaited by the public as it will enable individuals to access relevant information.
“Basically what had remained was if someone wants to access information, the forms that they are supposed to use to apply for request to access information, the guidelines as well, and the rules which were still being developed,” he said.
Nkandaani noted that relevant stakeholders like the civil society organization and other organizations had made submissions to the ministry of information and Media regarding the guidelines, regulations and the implementation of the access to information law adding that what had remained is for the Ministry to complete that task of incorporating the information that was made by the stakeholders and finally present the final document.
Nkandaani emphasized the importance of incorporating the submissions made by civil society organizations and other stakeholders into the final document further urging the Ministry to expedite the process of ensuring that the required forms are ready without delay.
He also stressed the need for public bodies to promptly appoint information officers so that the public is aware of the appropriate channels for accessing information once the law is in effect.
