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Control in the Parastatal Sector of Zambia
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 November 2008
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The term ‘parastatal’ is used rather loosely in Zambia, being often applied to a wide range of bodies such as boards, corporations, and companies that operate in the state-dominated sector of the economy. It is unfortunate that there has not been greater consistency in official usage, but these organisations have grown up over the years in different forms to meet felt needs and not according to a preconceived plan. The vagaries in terminology also reflect a degree of uncertainty in government policy on how the public sector should be ordered, as well as a piecemeal approach in its interventions in the economy since independence. However, in recent years the nomenclature has received greater attention out of a recognition that the parastatals loom rather large in the economy, often being more prominent than government departments and more visible than the private sector.
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References
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page 424 note * Those marked with an asterisk fall under Z.I.M.C.O., and are marginal cases with greater autonomy.
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page 433 note 1 The parastatals also serve as a pace-setter for salaries and perquisites in the civil service. In November 1980 the Committee of Inquiry into Public Service Salaries recommended increases that ranged upwards as high as 80 per cent – the lowest paid gained K288 per annum to reach K984, while at the top the Secretary to the Cabinet received an extra K7,700 to reach K18,200; Times of Zambia, 23 November 1980. Among the more striking allowances proposed were K300 per month for a person residing in a house over K35,000, or 4½ times the full salary of an ordinary worker. A number of senior officials received free transport, fuel, and a driver, as well as an entertainment grant, thereby bringing them into line with the emoluments proposed for Z.I.M.C.O., while those travelling abroad to North America or Europe could get a per diem of up to K120.
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page 437 note 2 Personal interview, Lusaka.
page 437 note 3 Daily Parliamentary Debates, 30 March 1979.
page 438 note 1 Mapoma, op. cit.
page 438 note 2 In fact, in 1980 the price of the cheaper ‘roller meal’ rose more than the normally expensive ‘breakfast meal’, inexplicably favouring the better-off consumer.
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