By Kennedy Gondwe |BBC News|
A decision by Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu to declare Friday a public holiday- a day after the country’s 55th independence day celebrations – has drawn a backlash from some Zambians who consider it unnecessary.
Zambia celebrates 24 October as an annual public holiday to mark the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
But President Lungu also declared Friday a holiday “to give citizens enough time to reflect on our duties and obligations as citizens of this great nation”.
As we prepare to celebrate our 55th Independence Anniversary on 24th Oct, this year, I have declared Friday 25th Oct a public holiday to give citizens enough time to reflect on our duties and obligations as citizens of this great nation.
🇿🇲 pic.twitter.com/uZKayE2JL5— Edgar Chagwa Lungu (@EdgarCLungu) October 23, 2019
With businesses hit by power cuts that last up to 15 hours a day, Zambians on Twitter have been critical of Mr Lungu’s decision.
Corect my brotther
This country is now like wheelbarow being driven where you rest at any time forgeting there is work to do— ElitonGeneralDealers (@ElitonGeneralD) October 23, 2019
Think of the Manufacturing industry like the Mines who work 24/7. They will have to pay overtime to workers on this day which is un planned. Increasing cost on an already strained economy. My thoughts!
— Chama Kapambwe (@KapambweChama) October 23, 2019
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