GAMBLING MACHINES TO BE REMOVED – LCC 

By Kalobwe Bwalya

LUSAKA City council (LCC) has directed shop owners to remove the gambling machines known as bonanzas and find specific places to turn into gambling establishments which will not be accessible to children.

LCC Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba expressed concern with the escalating number of gambling machines that were being used in shops especially in the outskirts of the city.

In an interview, Ms. Mwamba said the development had led to underage children patronising such shops and taking part in gambling activities resulting in some young learners absconding from school.

She expressed worry that the situation had not only raised concerns about the well-being of young people who had now made gambling a part of their routine, highlighting the urgent need for effective education and prevention programs.

She said it was the responsibility of facility owners to uphold the law and protect the youth from participating in gambling and other activities that were not suitable for young people.

She said the local authority will not allow such illegality in the city to continue but that it will ensure that people followed what the law stipulated.

She said it was sad that young children below the age of 10 year were involved in gambling using bonanzas in public places which she said would not be tolerated.

She warned that the local authority will not hesitate to deal with truant shop owners who were in the habit of breaking the law with impunity.

“The Council is calling upon all owners of gambling machines particularly bonanzas to, with immediate effect, remove the machines and find specific places to turn into gambling establishments which will not be accessible to children and failure to which the authority will not remain with no other option but to move in and enforce the law and maintain order,” Ms. Mwamba said.

And Ms. Mwamba said the Council was working closely with relevant authorities to address this issue and will be conducting regular inspections around the city starting with Chipata Compound to ensure compliance with regulations.

She warned that anyone found waiting will be answerable and stern action will be taken so that it could serve as a lesson to would-be offenders.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding the welfare of children in communities and promote a safe and healthy environment for all residents of Lusaka,” she said.