Ndola resident questions the 'sell' of Lubuto Library

A Ndola resident, Edward Ndalama has questioned the sell of Lubuto Library. 

He says our job is to promote and protect the enterprise of our local people by protecting their businesses. 

“This is how we protect and support our families and community. A new Shoprite or big business company in Lubuto will not really expand choice, but narrow it down by kicking small retail businesses out of business. What we need are not quick fix solutions to expand people’s choices, but long term measures to improve the ability and capacity for our local small businesses to service their community. For example, improving the general business environment conditions in Lubuto,” says Ndalama. 

Ndalama says a community that cannot read is destined to be poor because it will not be able to produce enough good decision maker. 

“We were born, raised and educated in Lubuto; we used to read from that Library and hoped that one day our kids would read there too. But the dream is about die adding that the world is changing fast and the dynamics of social, economic decision making are also rapidly changing. A community that cannot read is destined to be poor because it will not be able to produce enough good decision makers,” he says. 

Explaining what has happened to the community over the years, Ndalama says TV content is packaged and delivered in a certain way to achieve corporate ends. 

“You cannot have children relying packaged TV content for knowledge, it is bad for them. TV content is packaged and delivered in a certain way to achieve corporate ends. What we need is to encourage our children to read real content from real people in the print and able to debate ideas! Without a Library, this will not happen,” he explains. 

He also stresses that the community hall was built for a purpose and modifying its use means it is lining it up for a subsequent quick sale too. 

“We need to encourage kids to play outside, and interact with other kids in a clean, safe social environment; not in the streets or kids watching TV all day long! Smart children learn the art of smart decision making outside, in a real environment and not inside the house in front of a TV or using an Xbox or PlayStation. We need the community Centre as much as we need a Library,” he says. 

Ndalama has since encouraged people to speak out via dialogue and make sure their views are heard. 

“People shouldn’t allow the future to be thrown away for the sake of the quick profit of a few,” he says.