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The Committee has noted the information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It has also noted a communication dated 17 July 1998 received from the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). The Committee is examining the issues raised in this communication in its comments made under Convention No. 95.

1. The Committee has previously requested information concerning any statutory instruments issued under sections 7(2) and 9 of the National Service Act regarding compulsory national service and its practical application. The Committee previously noted the Government's statement that as from 1982 there has been no compulsion to serve in the National Service or to enlist for service by compulsion. The Committee notes the Government's reaffirmation that no statutory instruments have been issued since enactment. The Committee also notes that in view of the Government's perception of there being no external threat to the well-being of the country, it intends to review the Act. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to amend or repeal the above-mentioned Act so as to bring the legislation into conformity with the Convention and with the indicated practice.

2. In its earlier comment the Committee noted that pursuant to the Local Government Act (No. 22 of 1991) (Second Schedule) schemes for the encouragement of and participation in community development may be prepared and administered by a Council. It asked the Government to supply information on any such schemes adopted. The Government indicates that such schemes, from which communities may derive direct benefit, are adopted in agreement with the communities concerned, and that these schemes are usually of a minor nature, such as keeping their general surroundings clean in order to prevent epidemics. While noting these indications, the Committee repeats its request for information on such schemes adopted, including copies of any legal texts establishing them.