Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu of the Bemba people has called on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to intensify sensitization campaigns on consumer rights. Speaking when officials from the Commission paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Mungwi District,…

Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu of the Bemba people has called on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to intensify sensitization campaigns on consumer rights.

Speaking when officials from the Commission paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Mungwi District, the Mwine Lubemba, Chitimukulu says many consumers continue to suffer violations of their rights due to limited awareness.

The traditional leader has expressed concern that a number of people are unaware of the mechanisms available for seeking redress when they are unfairly treated by traders.

“A lot of people have suffered because they do not know their rights, some have been denied justice simply because they do not know where to report their complaints,” he said.

The Mwine Lubemba noted that many consumers fail to receive compensation when they purchase defective products or encounter unfair business practices because they lack information on procedures to follow.

He urged the Commission to strengthen its outreach programmes and make greater use of radio stations to reach communities with consumer protection messages.

“Make use of radio stations to sensitize the community. We are not benefiting in any way when people continue to be suppressed of their rights because they do not know where to seek help,” Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu said.

And Northern Province Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Investigator, Milner Kazembe, has pledged the Commission’s continued commitment to enhancing public awareness on consumer rights and responsibilities.

Mr Kazembe said the Commission has rolled out various community engagement programmes aimed at ensuring that consumers are equipped with knowledge that enables them to make informed purchasing decisions.

“We are doing everything possible to scale up sensitization across the country so that members of the public understand their rights whenever they purchase goods and services,” he said.

He added that traditional leaders are critical partners in the commission’s awareness programmes because of their influence within communities.

“Traditional leaders look after large sections of the population, making them important stakeholders in disseminating information on consumer rights and protection, the Commission will continue to engage and work together to ensure communities are made aware of their rights and responsibilities, ” Mr Kazembe said.

And Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Kasama Office Investigator, Samson Musonda, has advised consumers to exercise caution when purchasing products by carefully checking all details before making payments.

Mr Musonda has urged consumers to carefully check details on products before they make payments and has stressed the need for consumers to obtain and keep receipts for all purchases.

“Consumers should always ensure they collect receipts after buying products because receipts serve as important evidence when lodging complaints or seeking compensation,” he said.

He further encouraged members of the public to promptly report cases of unfair trading practices to the Commission.