Monday 28 February 2011

PAY THE AFFECTED AND AFFLICTED OVER 1964 BAROTSELAMD AGREEMENT FOR THE 14 JANUARY FRACAS AND POLICE BRUTALITY-ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT TOLD

CENTRE FOR POLICY DIALOGUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEO SIMUTANYI HAS CHARGED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY THE AFFECTED PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED TRAUMA, INJURIES AND UNFAIR TREATMENT IN THE CASE OF THE PROTESTS THAT ROCKED MONGU ON 14TH JANUARY THIS YEAR IN RELATION TO BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MR. SIMUTANYI SAYS  RECENT JUSTIFICATION BY VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE KUNDA THAT POLICE HAD TO USE FORCE IN BRINGING CALM TO MONGU ON THE SAID DATE WHICH LED TO TWO PEOPLE DYEING IS UNJUSTIFIABLE AND UNCALLED FOR.
THE CPD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HAS STATED THAT USE OF VIOLENT MEANS TO RESTORE CALM AND STOP THE PROTESTS WAS NOT THE SOLUTION BUT DIALOGUE WAS THE BEST WAY TO SORT OUT THE MESS BEFORE THE POLICE KILLED TWO PEOPLE.
HE HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE ENSURED THAT ANY POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED IN THE SHOOTING ARE BROUGHT TO BOOK WITHOUT ANY HESITATION AND NOT CONTINUE TO SHIELD THEM BECAUSE THEY INFRINGED ON PEOPLE’S FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND ASSEMBLY WHICH IS ENSHRINED IN THE CONSTITUTION.
MR SIMUTANYI HAS STATED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE NOT OVER REACTED IN THE MATTER BUT CONSULTED BEFORE RUSHING TO KILL AND SHOT AT INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO ONLY WANTED TO AIR THEIR GRIEVANCES.

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ZAMBIAN POLITICIANS ADVISED TO BE ISSUE BASED IN THEIR CAMPAIGNS AS THE COUNTRY GOES TO THE POLLS THIS YEAR

THE GERMANY GOVERNMENT HAS ADVISED ZAMBIAN POLITICIANS TO BE ISSUED BASED IN THEIR CAMPAIGNS AND AVOID POLITICS OF CHARACTER ASSASSINATION BEFORE THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS DATE IS ANNOUNCED.
GERMANY AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA FRANK MEYKE SAYS THIS YEAR’S GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE NOT ONLY IMPORTANT TO THE ZAMBIAN AND THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE BUT HAS DRASTIC IMPLICATIONS IF NOT CAREFULLY HANDED IN TERMS OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FROM EUROPE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
AMBASSADOR MEYKE SAYS POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS BASED ON PERSONAL ATTACKS WILL NOT BRING ANY DEVELOPMENT TO THE NATION AS IT WILL ONLY DEPICT A BAD IMAGE ON THE COUNTRY’S POLITICIANS.
THE GERMANY AMBASSADOR WHO WAS SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX SAID THE ELECTIONS ARE PARTLY PUBLIC RELATIONS AS THEY WILL PAINT A PICTURE TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD OF WHAT ZAMBIA AND WHAT IT PEOPLE MADE OF.
AND ADDING THEIR VOICE, THE ROYAL KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA HARRY MOLENAAR SAYS POLITICIANS SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON ISSUES WHICH ARE AFFECTING THE ZAMBIAN.
AND AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR PLEDGED HIS COUNTRY’S SUPPORT TO THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS ESPECIALLY TOWARDS THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND ITS SUBSEQUENT SYSTEM.

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ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS NOT TO ENTERTAIN THE BAROTSE AGREEMENT OF 1964 WHICH BROUGHT PROTESTS IN WESTERN ZAMBIA ON THE 14TH JANUARY THIS YEAR

THE KAZANGA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION “MUTIMA WA NKOYA” AND THE NKOYA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT HAVE CHARGED THAT THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT OF 1964 SHOULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER WELL MEANING ZAMBIANS.
THE ASSOCIATION ARGUES THAT IF LAND AND OTHER MATTERS ARE VESTED IN THE LITUNGA AND HIS COUNCIL, WITHOUT GOVERNMENT CONTROL, THERE IS LIKELIHOOD OF THE NKOYA CHIEFS LOSING THEIR ANCESTRAL LAND TO THE BAROTSE ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, KAZANGA CULTURAL ASSOCIATION AND THE NKOYA ROYAL ESTABLISHMENT REPRESENTATIVE ALLISON MAYANKWA SAID IF THIS HAPPENS, THE NKOYA AND OTHER INDIGENOUS NON MAROTSE TRIBES SETTLED IN WESTERN PROVINCE WILL BE OPPRESSED.
MR MAYANKWA SAYS THIS WILL LEAD TO DISPUTES AND FIGHTS BETWEEN THE NKOYA’S AND LOZI INDUNA’S WHOSE PEOPLE ARE SETTLED IN KAOMA AS WITNESSED DURING THE EARLY 1990’S.
HE FURTHER STATED THAT THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT WOULD CREATE AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY THAT WOULD NOT PROMOTE BASIC FREEDOMS OF ASSOCIATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION.
HE HAS POINTED OUT THAT IF THE LITUNGA IS GIVEN AUTHORITY TO COLLECT LOCAL TAXES, IT WILL IMPOVERISH THE NON MAROTSE DISTRICTS LIKE KAOMA AND LUKULU AS IT WAS THE CASE DURING THE PERIOD 1905 TO 1964 WHEN BAROTSELAND WAS A SELF GOVERNING TERRITORY.
MR MAYANKWA HAS STATED THAT RATHER THAN BEING A VEHICLE FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE, DEVOLVED AUTHORITY AND GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT, THE 1964 AGREEMENTS VEST JUDICIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY IN THE HANDS OF THE LITUNGA, HIS FAMILY AND HIS COUNCIL WHICH SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE.
HE SAYS THE AGREEMENT FOR THE NON LOZIS’ IS PREMISED ON A MASTER SLAVE LEADERSHIP WHERE THE NKOYAS ARE REGARDED AS MERE SUBJECTS WITH NO RIGHTS, WHILST THE LITUNGA, HIS FAMILY AND INDUNA’S ARE ABOVE THE LAW.


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THE CASE IN WHICH FORMER FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED CHAIRPERSON DR RAJAN MAHTANI AND OTHER SHAREHOLDERS JOURNED TO 4TH MARCH THIS YEAR.

THE CASE IN WHICH FORMER FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED CHAIRPERSON DR RAJAN MAHTANI AND OTHER SHAREHOLDERS WHO HAVE FILED IN A COURT INJUNCTION TO RESTRAIN THE BANK OF ZAMBIA TO STOP INTERFERING IN THE OPERATIONS OF FIANCÉ BANK HAS BEEN ADJOURNED TO 4TH MARCH THIS YEAR.
THE MATTER FAILED TO TAKE OFF TODAY AT THE NDOLA HIGH COURT AS THE PRESIDING JUDGE MUNALULA LISIMBA DID NOT SHOW UP AS HE HIS REPORTED TO BE ATTENDING FAMILY BEREAVEMENT IN LIVINGSTONE.
THIS IS THE MATTER WERE LAWYERS REPRESENTING DR MATHANI MADE SUBMISSIONS THAT THE NDOLA HIGH COURT GRANTS AN INJUNCTION TO THEIR CLIENTS AND OTHER SHAREHOLDERS OF FINANCE BANK.
THE LAWYERS ALSO NOTED THAT THERE IS NEED FOR AN INJUNCTION TO STOP THE BANK OF ZAMBIA FROM INTERFERING WITH THE PETITIONERS INTERESTS.
THE LAWYERS ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE THAT THE BANK OF ZAMBIA IS USING STATUTORY POWERS RATHER THAN THOSE SET BY PARLIAMENT ADDING THAT THERE IS NO CONSENT IN THE LAW TO RECAPITALIZE A BANK IN POSSESSION.
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TWO EUROPEAN FOREIGN DIGNITARIES ACCREDITED TO ZAMBIA ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF THE BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964 UNDER THE FRAMEWORK OF THE DECENTRALIZATION POLICY.

TWO EUROPEAN FOREIGN DIGNITARIES ACCREDITED TO ZAMBIA HAVE ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF THE BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964 UNDER THE FRAMEWORK OF THE DECENTRALIZATION POLICY.
THE DECENTRALIZATION POLICY HAS BEEN APPROVED BUT STILL REMAINS TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
SPEAKING TODAY DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF A TWO DAY CENTRE FOR POLICY DIALOGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN LUSAKA, ROYAL KINGDOM OF NETHERLANDS AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA HARRY MOLENAAR SAID THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD OVERCOME INERTIA AND PUSH FOR DEVOLUTION OF POWER.
AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR POINTS OUT THAT IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE DEVOLUTION OF POWER THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE WILL HAVE A REAL SAY IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES IN WHICH TRADITION LEADERS SHOULD PLAY A ROLE AS WELL TO ALLOW FOR AN ALL INCLUSIVE PROCESS.
HE HAS STRESSED THAT THOUGH THE CONTEXT MAY BE DIFFERENT, THE BAROTSELAND ISSUE COULD BE TRIGGERED BY PERCEPTIONS OF MARGINALIZATION AND NEED FOR POLITICAL INCLUSION AND THIS NEEDS THE GOVERNMENT TO APPROACH WITH MATURITY AND ENCOURAGE A DEMOCRATIC RESOLUTION.
AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT WAS SADDENED BY THE FACT THAT DEMANDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT BY SOME ADVOCATES ENDED UP BEING VIOLENT RESULTING IN THE UNFORTUNATE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE AND STILL APPEARS TO BE UNRESOLVED AND A MATTER OF CONCERN.
HE HAS FURTHER SAID IT IS WELL RECOGNIZED THAT TRADITIONAL AFRICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM HAD AND STILL HAVE A CONSENSUAL WAY OF RESOLVING CONFLICT AND HAVE AN EQUITABLE PENAL SYSTEM THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT COMMUNITY NEEDS.
THE AMBASSADOR HAS STATED THAT CONSENSUS-BUILDING, DISCUSSING AND DEBATING AN ISSUE UNTIL THERE IS AN AGREEMENT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTIONS BY AFRICA TO THE MODERN DEMOCRACY.
HE ADDS THAT THERE ARE POSITIVE THINGS IN TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY STRUCTURES THAT CAN BE RETAINED IN MODERN SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THE CHALLENGE STILL REMAINS THAT OF IDENTIFYING FEATURES IN CURRENT CHIEFTAINCY STRUCTURES THAT CAN BE INTEGRATED INTO MODERN DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL STRUCTURES.
AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME FUNCTION GERMANY AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA FRANK MEYKE ECHOED HIS COUNTER-PARTS SENTIMENTS BY ADDING FURTHER THAT IN ORDER TO DRIVE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM TRADITIONAL RULE FOR STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY, A NEW HOLISTIC APPROACH SEEMS TO BE REQUIRED INCORPORATING TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
AMBASSADOR MEYKE SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT IS CONFIDENT THAT THE DECENTRALIZATION POLICY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN WILL SUCCESSFULLY BE PUT INTO EFFECT DEVOLVING MORE POWER TO THE LOCAL LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT AND THUS STIMULATING RURAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE HAS FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT HOW THE ISSUE OF THE BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964 SHOULD BE HANDLED IS A QUESTION ONLY THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE CAN ANSWER AND ALL THE OUTSIDE GOVERNMENTS CAN DO IS TO ADVISE AND OFFER TECHNICAL SUPPORT IF REQUESTED.


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Saturday 26 February 2011

LOOK AFTER YOUR SUBJECTS INTERESTS ,ZAMBIAN CHIEFS TOLD

A POLITICAL ACTIVIST DANTE SAUNDERS HAS ADVISED CHIEFS IN THE COUNTRY TO ENSURE THAT THEY LOOK AFTER THE INTEREST OF THEIR PEOPLE AND NOT ISSUES CARELESS STATEMENTS WHICH MIGHT DIVIDE THEIR CHIEFDOMS ESPECIALLY THAT THE COUNTRY IS GOING TO A TRIPARTITE ELECTION ANY TIME SOON.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MR. SAUNDERS SAYS EVEN THOUGH THE CHIEFS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUPPORT ANY POLITICAL PARTY OR MEMBER OF A CERTAIN GROUPING, IT IS CARDINAL THAT THEY EXERCISE EXTREME CARE IN THEIR PRONOUNCEMENTS AND BE MINDFUL THAT THEIR PEOPLE DO NOT BELONG TO ONE POLITICAL PARTY BUT TO ALL THE PARTIES IN THE COUNTRY.
THE POLITICAL ACTIVIST SAYS THIS YEAR IS A VERY CRUCIAL IN THAT THE COUNTRY IS SLATED TO HAVE THE ELECTIONS WHICH ARE GOING TO DETERMINE THE COURSE OF DIRECTION THE COUNTRY WILL TAKE HENCE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CHIEFS ARE CAUTIOUS IN THEIR CONDUCT.
HE HAS STATED THAT THE CHIEFS IN THE COUNTRY MUST NOT TAKE POLITICAL SIDES BUT REMAIN NEUTRAL AS PER TRADITION BECAUSE DOING SO CAN CAUSE CHAOS AND HAVOC.
MR. SAUNDERS HAS STRESSED THAT NEUTRALITY WILL SAVE THE FACE OF MOST CHIEFS AND AVOID THE SITUATION WERE PEOPLE WILL BE LOOKING DOWN AT THEM LIKE THEY ARE POLITICAL CADRES.

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ZAMBIA'S HRC EXPRESS CONCERN AT THE STATE OF CONDITION THE TREASON CHARGED ARE LIVING IN.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON (HRC) PIXIE YANGAILO SAYS THE SILENCE OF THE COMMISSIONER ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE TREASON CHARGED FOR PROTESTING IN RELATION TO THE 1964 BAROTSE AGREEMENT IN WESTERN PROVINCE WHO ARE CURRENTLY DETAINED IN MUMBWA DOES NOT MEAN THE COMMISSION IS NOT CONCERNED.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MRS. YANGAILO SAYS THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN MAKING FRANTIC EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT THE INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT KEPT IN POOR AND BAD CONDITIONS OR MISTREATED.
MRS YANGALILO SAID THE COMMISSION OFFICIALS HAS BEEN VISITING INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS FROM TIME TO TIME TO CHECK ON HOW THEY ARE AND THEIR LIVING CONDITION.
SHE HAS POINTED OUT THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN AVOIDING TO COMMENT OVER THE MATTER BECAUSE IT IS IN THE COURTS OF LAW AND IS HOWEVER WAITING FOR MATTER TO BE CONCLUDED.
THE HRC CHAIRPERSON SAYS AT THE MOMENT THE COMMISSION IS ENGAGING VARIOUS INVOLVED STAKEHOLDERS TO FIND THE WAY FORWARD AS ONE WAY TO HELP RESOLVE THE MATTER QUICKLY AND PEACEFULLY.
MRS. YANGAILO HAS POINTED THAT THE EVEN THOUGH THE COMMISSION IS FIGHTING TO ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE INCARCERATED DO NOT HAVE THEIR RIGHTS TRAMPLED UPON; IT DOES NOT SUPPORT ANY ACT OF VIOLENCE BY ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE OR INDIVIDUALS

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Friday 25 February 2011

zambia government refuses to control inflationa and interest rates in the country

GOVERNMENT HAS POINTED OUT THAT IT HAS NO INTENTIONS OF CONTROLLING THE CURRENT RATES OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES IN ORDER FOR THE COUNTRY TO ATTAIN MIDDLE INCOME STATUS BY 2030 BUT WILL ONLY INFLUENCE THE SITUATION THROUGH THE BANK OF ZAMBIA.
FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING DEPUTY MINISTER CHILESHE KAPWEPWE TOLD PARLIAMENT THIS MORNING THAT IT IS DIFFICULTY FOR GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL THE INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES IN A LIBERALIZED ECONOMY LIKE ZAMBIA.
MRS. KAPWEPWE STATED THAT THE ONLY THING THAT GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO HELP STABILIZE THE INFLATION AND INTEREST RATE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE MACRO ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES ARE KEPT ON ENSURING THAT THE COUNTRY’S RATES ARE KEPT ON A SINGLE DIGIT RATHER THAN DOUBLE OR HIGH NUMBERS.
SHE NOTED THAT THE INTEREST RATES IN THE COUNTRY ARE REDUCING AS IT CAN BE SEEN FROM THE REDUCTION OF ABOUT 3.7PERCENT WHICH NOW STANDS AT 19PERCENT FROM THE PREVIOUS 22.7PERCENT.
MRS. KAPWEPWE WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM LUKULU EAST MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT BATUKE IMENDA DURING THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION, WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING AS A GOVERNMENT AGENTS INTENDS TO DO TO CONTROL THE CURRENT RATE OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES IN ORDER FOR THE COUNTRY TO ATTAIN MIDDLE INCOME STATUS BY 2030

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3024 MASTER PLANN MMD LUSAKA PROVINCE WORKING SAYS PROCINCIAL PARTY CHAIRPERSON

THE RULING MOVEMENT FOR MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY (MMD) LUSAKA PROVINCE CHAIRPERSON WILLIAM BANDA HAS CHARGED THAT THE MASTER PLAN 3024 HAS MADE THE PACT TREMBLE AND FAILED ITS PEOPLE.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MR BANDA SAYS HE HAS BEEN VINDICATED WHEN HE SAID THAT THE PACT WAS GOING NO WHERE DURING THE TIME WHEN THE MASTER PLAN 3024 WAS BEEN LAUNCH IN THE PROVINCE AND IF ANYONE FROM THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES IS DISPUTING THE FACT.
MR BANDA SAYS PEOPLE CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES THAT THE PACT WAS A NON-START EVEN FROM THE BEGINNING BECAUSE THE TWO PARTIES HAD DIFFERENT IDEOLOGIES WHICH THEY HAVE FAILED TO HARMONIZE UP TO NOW.
HE SAYS THE MMD IN THE PROVINCE IS WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE THAT THEY UNSEAT THE OPPOSITION PF WHICH CURRENT IS ROCKED WITH INTERNAL SQUABBLES WHICH CAN BE SEEN FROM THE RELIEVING OF ITS PARTY SPOKESPERSON GIVEN LUBINDA WITHOUT STATING THE REASON.
THE RULING PARTY PROVINCIAL CHAIRPERSON HAS STATED THAT PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT THE NON-EXISTENT PACT AND ARE FEED UP WITH THE RHETORIC’S COMING FROM PARTY MEMBERS WHO HAVE CONTINUED GIVING CONFLICTING STATEMENTS.
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THE RSZ PAYS GOVERNMENT TREASURY 10.9BILLION KWACHA IN 2009 IN FORM OF TAXES SAYS TRANSPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS DEPUTY MINISTER

COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT DEPUTY MINISTER MUBIKA MUBIKA HAS REVEALED THAT THE RAILWAY SYSTEM OF ZAMBIA (RSZ) PAID THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE TREASURY ABOUT 10.3BILLION KWACHA IN FORM OF TAXES IN 2009.
MR MUBIKA TOLD PARLIAMENT YESTERDAY MORNING DURING THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION THAT THE COMPANY ALSO OVERHAULED ABOUT 16 LOCOMOTIVES FROM THE 57 IT RECEIVED AT A TOTAL COST OF $7.2MILLION.
THE COMPANY FURTHER PLANS TO OVER HAUL 4MORE LOCOMOTIVES THIS YEAR EVEN THOUGH THE COMPANY HAS NOT DISCLOSED THE NEW PRICE THE EXERCISE WILL COST.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE COST GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING IN REPAIRING THE ROADS IN THE COUNTRY WHICH ARE GETTING DAMAGED DUE TO THE HEAVY TRACKS USING THE ROADS TO TRANSPORT HEAVY GOODS WHICH CAN BE TRANSPORTED USING THE WAGONS OF RSZ, GOVERNMENT HAS ENGAGED THE COMPANY TO ENSURE THAT THEY FINISH OVER HAULING THE REMAINING WAGONS.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE COMPANY HAS STARTED RECAPITALIZING AND INVESTING IN THE OPERATIONS SINCE THE TIME OF CONCESSION IN 2003 WHICH HAS RESULTED IN IMPROVED OPERATIONS

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THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT WILL NOT COMPENSATE ANY PERSON INJURED OR KILLED FOLLOWING THE VIOLENCE THAT ERUPTED IN MONGU OVER THE 1964 BAROTSELAND ISSUE

GOVERNMENT WILL NOT COMPENSATE ANY PERSON INJURED OR KILLED FOLLOWING THE VIOLENCE THAT ERUPTED IN MONGU OVER THE 1964 BAROTSELAND ISSUE.
INSTEAD THE STATE HAS CHALLENGED ALL THOSE INJURED OR AFFECTED AND WANTING COMPENSATION TO GO TO THE COURTS OF LAW IF THEY CAN PROVE THEIR CLAIMS.
GIVING A DETAILED REPORT ON THE PROTESTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN MONGU LAST MONTH IN RELATION TO THE BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT OF 1964, VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE KUNDA TOLD THE HOUSE THAT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED DUE TO THE PROTESTS THAT TOOK PLACE SHOULD GO TO COURT AND PROVE THEIR CASES IF THEY HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PIN GOVERNMENT OVER THE MATTER.
MR KUNDA WHO IS ALSO JUSTICE MINISTER TOLD THE HOUSE THAT GOVERNMENT WILL NOT EVEN CARRY OUT ANY INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF THE TWO LIVES LOST IN MONGU.
HE HOWEVER SAID GOVERNMENT MAY IN THE NEAR FUTURE CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS AVAILABLE AND SUGGESTED BY VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS.
AND THE VICE PRESIDENT HAS POINTED OUT THAT THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION IN CALLING FOR THE RESIGNATION OF THE RESPONSIBLE OFFICERS SUCH AS THE HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE OVER THE DEATH OF TWO PEOPLE IN MONGU.
MR. KUNDA SAID GOVERNMENT REGRETS WHAT HAPPENED IN MONGU AND CONDEMNS ANY ACT OF VIOLENCE.
AND MR KUNDA EXPLAINED THAT THE POLICE USED FORCE IN QUAILING THE PROTESTS BECAUSE THE CROWD WAS SEEMINGLY MILITANT AS THEY CARRIED MACHETES, CATAPULTS’ AND OTHER WEAPONS WHILE CHARGING TOWARDS THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
HE SAYS THIS IS DESPITE POLICE FIRING WARNING SHOTS IN THE AIR.
THE VICE PRESIDENT EXPLAINED THAT POLICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENTS HAD TO USE FORCE IN RESTORING CALM IN THE AREA BECAUSE OF EARLIER INDICATIONS FROM PLACARDS AND FLIERS WHICH WHERE BEING DISPLAYED INDICATING BLOODSHED AND LOSS OF LIFE.
MR KUNDA SAYS SOME OF THE FLIERS CLEARLY STATED THAT COME WHAT MAY, WESTERN PROVINCE MUST ON THE 14TH  OF JANUARY 2011, BECOME A COUNTRY OF ITS OWN AND NOT PART OF ZAMBIA WITH CLEAR DIRECTIVE FROM GROUPS SUCH AS BAROTSE FREEDOM MOVEMENT AND THE LINYUNGA NDAMBO TELLING NON LOZI’S SUCH AS THE MBUNDAS TO LEAVE THE PROVINCE.
THE VICE PRESIDENT WAS RESPONDING TO LUENA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT CHARLES MILUPI WHO RAISED A POINT OF ORDER EARLIER THIS WEEK CONCERNING WHY THE POLICE USED MAXIMUM FORCE THROUGH SHOOTING PEOPLE PROTESTING PEACEFULLY AND NOT USE SHOT BUTTONS, BLANK BULLETS AND OTHER PEACEFUL WEAPONS.
MR MILUPI ALSO WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER THOSE RESPONSIBLE SUCH AS THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE AND THE HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER WILL BE CHARGED OVER THE MATTER.


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Thursday 24 February 2011

COMESA SECRETARY GENERAL SINDISO NGWENYA HAS CALLED ON NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AMICABLY AND IN A QUICKER MANNER BEFORE NEIGHBORING ECONOMIES FROM REGIONAL BLOCKS LIKE THOSE IN EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA BECOMES AFFECTED

COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (COMESA) SECRETARY GENERAL SINDISO NGWENYA HAS CALLED ON NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AMICABLY AND IN A QUICKER MANNER BEFORE NEIGHBORING ECONOMIES FROM REGIONAL BLOCKS LIKE THOSE IN EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA BECOMES AFFECTED.
SPEAKING YESTERDAY DURING THE OFFICIAL SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE $8.6MILLION PROTOCOL GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE COMESA AIRSPACE INTEGRATION PROJECT FROM AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK IN LUSAKA, MR. NGWENYA NOTED THAT ECONOMIES OF COUNTRIES LIKE KENYA AND ZAMBIA ARE ALREADY FEELING THE IMPACT OF THE VIOLENCE CURRENTLY GOING IN THE REGION.
MR NGWENYA SAID THAT THE OFF SHOT EFFECTS OF THE PROTESTS IN NORTH AFRICA WILL RESULTING IN LOSE OF JOBS AND BUSINESS OTHER COUNTRIES IN AFRICA AS IT CAN BE SEEN IN KENYA WHICH IS THE BIGGEST EXPORTER SUGAR TO EGYPT ONE OF THE COUNTRIES PASSING THROUGH THE CRISES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CRISES IN NORTH AFRICA MUST BE RESOLVED PEACEFULLY SO THAT THE CONTINENT CAN CONTINUE ENJOYING THE REVIVED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IT HAS ACHIEVED SO FAR ADDING THAT THIS MUST NOT BE REVERSED.
MR NGWENYA STRESSED THAT THE USE OF FORCE AND AMMUNITION ON PEOPLE AS A SOLUTION TO END THE PROTESTS IN THE NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES SUCH AS LIBYA MUST NOT BE CONDONED AND THIS MUST NOT BE TOLERATED.
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ZAMBIA NATIONAL FARMERS UNION HAS EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE RECENT FUEL PRICE INCREASE

THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL FARMERS UNION HAS EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE RECENT FUEL PRICE INCREASE WHICH ON AVERAGE AMOUNTS TO APPROXIMATELY 13PERCENT STATING THAT THIS WILL DRIVE PRODUCTION COSTS UPWARDS LEADING TO COST PUSH INFLATION.
ACCORDING TO A PRESS STATEMENT MADE AVAILABLE TO RADIO PHOENIX TODAY IN LUSAKA, ZNFU PRESIDENT JARVIS ZIMBA SAYS THE REASONS WHICH HAVE BEEN ADVANCED FOR THE INCREASE IN FUEL IS UNJUSTIFIED BECAUSE THE COUNTRY HAS PUT ENOUGH MEASURES SUCH AS THE STRATEGIC RESERVE FUND TO HANDLE THE TEMPORAL INCREASES IN INTERNATIONAL FUEL PRICES AND SHIELD THE ECONOMY IN TIMES OF TEMPORAL SHOCKS.
MR ZIMBA HAS POINTED THAT IF ANYTHING, DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE NET EFFECT OF THE APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION IN THE DIFFERENT MONTHS SHOULD HAVE RESULTED INTO A MINIMAL OR NO INCREASE AT ALL ON FUEL PRICES.
HE HAS ADVISED THAT THE ENERGY REGULATION BOARD SHOULD DEVISE A MECHANISM BY WHICH THE BENEFITS OF REDUCED OIL PRICES IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS COULD BE TRANSLATED INTO REDUCED PUMP PRICES TO BENEFIT THE ECONOMY.
MR ZIMBA SAYS EVEN WHEN A CARGO HAS ALREADY BEEN PROCURED, NEGOTIATED CLAUSES COULD BE INCLUDED TO RESULT IN A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR THE CARGO MERCHANTS AND THE COUNTRY.

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ADB SPENDS IN EXCESS OF $12BILLION IN SUPPORTING VARIOUS SECTORS UNDER THE REGIONAL GROUPING COMESA

THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SAYS IT HAS INVESTED IN EXCESS OF ABOUT $12BILLION IN THE COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICAN REGION IN SECTORS SUCH AS SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND CAPACITY, OF WHICH THE BULK HAS ESSENTIALLY GONE TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBER COUNTRIES FROM 2000 TO 2009.
SPEAKING TODAY DURING THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE $8.6MILLION PROTOCOL GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE COMESA AIRSPACE INTEGRATION PROJECT IN LUSAKA TODAY ADB COUNTRY DIRECTOR FREDDIE KWESIGA FURTHER DISCLOSED THAT THE BANK IS CARRYING ANOTHER PROJECT WHICH IS IN THE PIPELINE WORTH $1.6BILLION.
MR KWESIGA SAYS THE BANK’S DECISION TO SUPPORT THE AIRSPACE INTEGRATION PROJECT WAS GUIDED BY THE NEED TO ASSIST THE AIR TRANSPORT INDUSTRY COPE WITH THE GROWING VOLUME OF AIR TRAFFIC WORLD WIDE AND IMPROVE AIR TRAFFIC NAVIGATION SAFETY THROUGH ADOPTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES AND ICT DEVELOPMENTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BANK NOTED THAT THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION MANDATED THE PROGRESSIVE REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING GROUND-BASED AIR NAVIGATION AIDS BY A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE SATELLITE-BASED AIR NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY KNOWN AS COMMUNICATION NAVIGATION SURVEILLANCE AND AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.
MR KWESIGA SAYS THE EXPECTED TOTAL COST FOR THE PHASE IS APPROXIMATELY $9.075MILLION WITH THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT FROM THE BANK GROUP AMOUNTING TO $8.625 MILLION AND THE GOVERNMENT OF RWANDA HAS ACCEPTED TO HOST THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT.
AND SPEAKING DURING THE SAME $8.6MILLION PROTOCOL GRANT AGREEMENT FOR COMESA AIRSPACE INTEGRATION PROJECT, COMESA SECRETARY GENERAL SINDISO NGWENYA EXPRESSED HAPPINESS WITH THE BANK’S CONTINUED SUPPORT ADDING THAT CURRENTLY THERE ARE VARIOUS PROJECTS WHICH THE TWO ORGANIZATION HAVE ENGAGED INTO FOR SOME TIME.
MR NGWENYA SAYS THE BANK HAS BEEN SUPPORT VARIOUS COMESA PROJECT NAMELY PUBLIC REFORM PROJECT VALUED AT $2.1MILLION FROM 2002 TO 2006,THE AGRICULTURE MARKETING PROMOTION AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAMME VALUED AT $8.6MILLION FROM 2004 TO 2011 AND ENHANCING PROCUREMENT REFORM AND CAPACITY PROGRAMME VALUED AT $8.1MILLION FROM 2006 TO 2011.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL SAYS IN ADDITION THE BANK IS FUNDING VARIOUS REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE TRANSPORT AND ENERGY SECTORS IN EXCESS OF $5BILLION IN THE EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS A DEDICATED PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT, THE COMESA COMMUNICATION, NAVIGATION, SURVEILLANCE/AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (CNS/ATM) WILL BE SET UP TO PROVIDE DAY TO DAY EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT.
THE AIM OF THE $8.6MILLION PROTOCOL GRANT AGREEMENT FOR THE COMESA AIRSPACE INTEGRATION PROJECT IS TO PROVIDE AN ENABLING LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR A UNIFIED UPPER AIRSPACE IN THE COMESA REGION AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR PROVIDING AND REGULATING REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PROJECT ARRANGEMENT TO FINANCE, BUILD AND OPERATE THE REGIONAL COMMUNICATION, NAVIGATION SURVEILLANCE/AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE.

published by augustine m sichula

ZAMBIA'S INFLATION RATE REMAINS STAGNANT AT 9PERCENT DESPITE FUEL INCREASES

THE ANNUAL INFLATION RATE AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX STILL REMAINS AT 9PERCENT DESPITE THE INCREASE IN FUEL PRICES IN THE COUNTRY.
MEANWHILE THE ANNUAL INFLATION RATES FOR FOOD HAS RECORDED A DECREASE AND NOW STANDS AT 4.5PERCENT FROM THE PREVIOUS 5.2PERCENT IN JANUARY 2011.
CENTRAL STATISTIC OFFICE ACTING DIRECTOR WILLIAM MAYAKA DISCLOSED THIS DURING THE ANNUAL QUARTERLY MEDIA BRIEFING TODAY IN LUSAKA STATING THAT THE RECENT INCREASE IN FUEL PRICES WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE MARCH CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
MR MAYAKA SAYS OF THE TOTAL 9PERCENT ANNUAL INFLATION RATE IN FEBRUARY 2011, FOOD PRODUCTS ACCOUNTED FOR 2.2PERCENT, WHILE NON-FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ACCOUNTED FOR A TOTAL OF 6.8PERCENT.
AND IN THE SAME VEIN MR MAYAKA HAS DISCLOSED THAT ZAMBIA HAS RECORDED  AN ALL TIME HIGH TRADE SURPLUS OF ABOUT 1,484.3BILLION KWACHA IN JANUARY THIS YEAR MEANING THAT THE COUNTRY EXPORTED MORE IN JANUARY 2011 THAN IT IMPORTED IN VALUE TERMS.
HE SAYS THE MAJOR EXPORT PRODUCTS IN JANUARY 2011 WERE FROM THE INTERMEDIATE GOODS CATEGORY MAINLY COMPRISING COPPER CATHODES AND SECTIONS OF REFINED COPPER AND COPPER BLISTER ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 90.7PERCENT AND OTHER EXPORTS INCLUDED RAW MATERIALS AND CAPITAL GOODS.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE COUNTRY’S MAJOR DESTINATION IN JANUARY 2011 WAS SWITZERLAND WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 62PERCENT FOLLOWED BY CHINA, SOUTH AFRICA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND THE UNITED KINGDOM FALLING IN THE FIRTH POSITION RESPECTIVELY.
AND IN REGIONAL GROUPING MR MAYAKA SAYS THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY WAS THE LARGEST MARKET FOR ZAMBIA’S TOTAL EXPORT WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 16.5 AND 17.7PERCENT IN JANUARY 2011 WITH ASIA FOLLOWING IN THE SECOND PLACE AND THE COMMON MARKET FOR EASTERN AND SOUTH AFRICAN GROUPING COUNTRIES FALLING IN THE THIRD PLACE.
PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE M SICHULA

ZAMBIA,S AGRICULTURE MINISTER CALLS ON IRLCO-CSA MEMBERS TO PULL RESOURCES TOGETHER TO SECURE FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION.

AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES MINISTER DR EUSTARCKIO KAZONGA HAS NOTED THAT THE REGION`S FOOD SECURITY IS AT STAKE IF MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED LOCUST CONTROL ORGANIZATION FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (IRLCO-CSA) DO NOT PULL THEIR RESOURCES TOGETHER URGENTLY
DR KAZONGA HAS URGENTLY IMPLORED THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED LOCUST CONTROL ORGANIZATION FOR CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (IRLCO-CSA) TO PULL THEIR RESOURCES TOGETHER AS A REGION TO CONTINUE FIGHTING PESTS SUCH AS THE RED LOCUST TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION.
SPEAKING TODAY DURING THE 34TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE IRLCO-CSA WHICH IS COMPRISED OF KENYA, MOZAMBIQUE, ZIMBABWE, MALAWI AND TANZANIA, DR KAZONGA HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE REGION BODY MEMBERS MUST NOT REMAIN COMPLACENT IN THE FIGHT TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY.
HE SAYS LOCUST AND OTHER MIGRATORY PESTS HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE MAN MADE OR POLITICAL BOUNDARIES AS THEY MIGRATE FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER CAUSING HAVOC TO THE REGION`S CROPS SUCH AS MAIZE HENCE THE  NEED TO APPRECIATE, MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING COOPERATION IN FIGHTING THE COMMON ENEMY.
DR KAZONGA HAS NOTED THAT ONE OF THE EARLIEST RECOGNIZED AND BEST KNOWN AND POTENTIALLY THE MOST DANGEROUS GENUS OF THE MIGRATORY PEST IS THE SWARMING LOCUST WHICH INCLUDES THE RED LOCUST.
HE HAS OBSERVED THAT   IF THESE ARE NOT CONTROLLED THEY ESCAPE AND INVADE AND DEVOUR CULTIVATED CROPS OUTSIDE THE OUTBREAK AREAS.
published by augustine m sichula

Wednesday 23 February 2011

AM NO LONGER PF AND PACT SPOKESPERSON DISCLOSES KABWATA MP GIVEN LUBINDA


THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT HAS RELIEVED ITS OUTSPOKEN PARTY SPOKESPERSON GIVEN LUBINDA OF HIS DUTIES AS THE MOUTH PIECE OF WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT WITHOUT STATING THE REASONS FOR REMOVING HIM.
MR. LUBINDA WHEN ASKED THE OFFICIAL POSITION ON THE EXISTENCE OF THE PACT BY RADIO PHOENIX, DENIED TO GIVE ANY OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION STATING THAT HE IS NO LONGER THE OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON THE PF AND THE PACT.
MR. LUBINDA HOWEVER EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE TURN OUT OF EVENTS BETWEEN THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES ADDING THAT IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS MADE CLEAR THAT ONLY HIM AND THE UPND SPOKESPERSON CHARLES KAKOMA WILL BE ISSUING STATEMENTS BUT OF LATE MANY MEMBERS FROM THE TWO PARTIES HAVE BEEN GIVING CONTRADICTING STATEMENTS.
HE HAS EXPLAINED THAT REMOVING HIM FROM THE POSITION AS PARTY SPOKESPERSON WAS DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION WHERE IT IS ENSHRINED THAT THE PRESIDENT WILL APPOINT A PERSON TO SAVE IN A CERTAIN POSITION SUCH AS THAT OF SPOKESPERSON.
MR. LUBINDA POINTED OUT THAT HE BELIEVES HIS REMOVAL FROM THE POSITION WAS DONE IN GOOD FAITH AND CAN NOT DISPUTE THE DECISION WHICH HAS BEEN MADE BY THE PARTY PRESIDENT.
THE FORMER SPOKESPERSON OF THE PF OUT LIGHTLY AFTER THE INTERVIEW REFERRED ALL THE QUERIES TO ACTING PARTY SPOKESPERSON WINTER KABIMBA WHO IS ALSO PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY.

published by augustine m sichula

royal netherlands ambassador to zambia harry mlenaar urges african governments to stregthen their legal system and draw international expriences in the fight against corruption

THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA HARRY MOLENAAR HAS NOTED THAT THERE IS NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND DRAW UPON INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES IF THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES LIKE ZAMBIA IF THE VICE IS TO BE FOUGHT ADEQUATELY.
SPEAKING TODAY AT THE OCCASION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL ZAMBIA AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR HAS STRESSED THAT THERE IS ALSO NEED TO IMPROVE THE CAPACITY FOR INTERNAL CONTROLS, ESPECIALLY IN THE PROVINCES AND STRENGTHEN THE FOLLOW UP TO THE AUDITOR GENERAL REPORTS.
AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR WHO DISCLOSED THAT ZAMBIA IS PARTY TO THE UN CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING A REVIEW BY ITS PEERS SAYS THE CONVENTION GIVES THE COUNTRY THE TOOL TO INVESTIGATE CORRUPTION AS IT OPENS THE DOOR TO INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION.
AMBASSADOR MOLENAAR HOWEVER NOTED THAT THE LATEST AUDIT PERTAINING TO 2009 WHICH REVEALED IRREGULARITIES TOTALING TO 318.17BILLION KWACHA SHOWS A REDUCTION IN PERCENTAGE AS IT CAN BE SEEN THAT IN 2008 IT WAS STANDING AT 3.28PERCENT BUT NOW STANDS AT 2.29PERCENT MUST BE A STIMULUS FOR ALL INVOLVED TO INCREASE THE VALUE FOR MONEY ZAMBIA IS STRIVING FOR.
AND TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT AKERE MUNA OBSERVED THAT MANY ARE TIMES THAT LEADERS DO NOT REALIZE THAT CITIZENS HAVE BECOME MORE OPEN AND ARE NOW ABLE TO SEE THAT WHAT THEY ARE DOING IS WRONG AND WOULD ONE DAY RESULT IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NORTH AFRICA.
published by augustine m sichula

Sunday 20 February 2011

MORE THAN 200 BUSINESSES IN LUSAKA, THE ZAMBIAN CAPITAL, FACE PROSECUTION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE BLOCKAGE OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE CITY CAUSING FLOODING DURING THE RAINY SEASONS

MORE THAN 200 BUSINESSES IN LUSAKA, THE ZAMBIAN CAPITAL, FACE PROSECUTION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE BLOCKAGE OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE CITY CAUSING FLOODING DURING THE RAINY SEASONS.
THE LUSAKA CITY COUNCIL (LCC) HAS EMBARKED ON A CRACKDOWN ON ALL BUSINESSES THAT WERE NOT SUBSCRIBING TO WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CITY, A SITUATION THAT WAS CAUSING THE BLOCKING OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
COUNCIL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER HENRY KAPATA SAYS THE COMPANIES IN QUESTION PAY ELECTRICITY AND WATER BILLS BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF BEING CUT OFF BUT THEY DON'T PAY FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT COLLECTION.
ACCORDING TO MY KAPATA, ABOUT 272 FIRMS FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WILL BE DRAGGED TO COURT OVER THEIR FAILURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WASTE MANAGEMENT DEMANDS.
THE COUNCIL HAS SO FAR SUED 160 FIRMS FROM KAMWALA -- A SHOPPING AREA SITUATED IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND SO FAR SIX BUSINESSES HAVE PROSECUTED AND FINED.
UNDER THE COUNTRY'S WASTE MANAGEMENT LAW, BUSINESSES WERE SUPPOSED TO PAY A LEVY TO PRIVATE FIRMS CONTRACTED BY THE COUNCIL FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION BUT THE BUSINESSES WERE NOT DOING THAT, A SITUATION THAT HAD RESULTED IN THE ACCUMULATION OF GARBAGE AND BLOCKING OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM.

published by augustine m sichula

THE ZAMBIAN BREWERIES PLC PLANS TO START OFF-LOADING AN ADDITIONAL OF 24BILLION KWACHA INTO THE ZAMBIAN ECONOMY EVERY YEAR

THE ZAMBIAN BREWERIES PLC PLANS TO START OFF-LOADING AN ADDITIONAL OF 24BILLION KWACHA INTO THE ZAMBIAN ECONOMY EVERY YEAR FOLLOWING THE START OF PRODUCTION OF CLEAR BEER USING LOCALLY GROWN BARLEY.
ACCORDING TO ZAMBIAN BREWERIES TECHNICAL DIRECTOR IAN MACKINTOSH THE COMPANY HAS ALREADY PAID OUT ABOUT $4.8MILLION TO LOCAL FARMERS FOR A TOTAL OF 12 000 TONS OF BARLEY HARVESTED DURING THE 2010 SEASON.
MR. MACKINTOSH SAYS THE COMPANY FEELS A SENSE OF PRIDE IN THAT IT IS SPENDING HUGE SUMS OF MONEY ON RAW MATERIALS THAT IT IS NOW ABLE TO SOURCE LOCALLY UNLIKE BEFORE WHEN THIS WAS IMPORTED ADDING THAT THERE IS ALSO A FEASIBILITY STUDY CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO ESTABLISH THE VIABILITY OF MAKING ZAMBIA THE BARLEY BASKET FOR THE SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL REGION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ZAMBIAN BREWERIES IS NOW SELF SUFFICIENT IN TERMS OF BARLEY PRODUCTION AND THE CURRENTLY PRODUCTION AND THE FEASIBILITY STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE LONDON-BASED SABMILLER PLC AIMS TO MAKE ZAMBIA THE CENTRE OF SUPPLY FOR THE WHOLE REGION.
THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR SAYS IF THE STUDY SUCCEEDS, ZAMBIA BREWERIES COULD BE PRODUCING FOUR TO FIVE TIMES OF WHAT IT IS CURRENTLY PRODUCING, PUTTING THE COMPANY IN GOOD STANDING TO EXPORT TO SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, TANZANIA, UGANDA, ZIMBABWE, MOZAMBIQUE AND ANGOLA.
MEANWHILE THE COMPANY HAS STARTED EXPORTS TO LOCALLY GROWN BARLEY TO TANZANIA ADDING THAT THE FIRST BATCH OF ABOUT 2000 TONS OF BARLEY WILL BE SENT TO THAT COUNTRY AND THE COMPANY IS ALSO EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES OF EXPORTING THE GRAIN TO UGANDA.

published by augustine m sichula

Wednesday 16 February 2011

THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT PARTY WELCOMS THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE IRENE MAMBILIMA AS ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ) CHAIRPERSON.

THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT PARTY HAS WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICE IRENE MAMBILIMA AS ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ) CHAIRPERSON.
THE PF STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS AT ECZ ARE COMPLICATED AND NEED A PERSON WHO UNDERSTANDS THEM LIKE JUSTICE MAMBILIMA.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, PF PRESIDENT MICHAEL SATA SAID JUSTICE MAMBILIMA’S APPOINTMENT HAS COME AT THE RIGHT TIME.
MR SATA HAS OBSERVED THAT TIME TO BRING IN A COMPLETE NEW PERSON WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTITUTION IS TOO SHORT HENCE HER APPOINTMENT IS SUITABLE.


PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE M SICHULA

THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN ZAMBIA REITERATES ITS DEMAND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVISIT THE POLICY ON 100PERCENT REPATRIATION OF PROFITS AND DIVIDENDS BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE MINING SECTOR.

THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN ZAMBIA REITERATED ITS DEMAND FOR THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE POLICY ON 100PERCENT REPATRIATION OF PROFITS AND DIVIDENDS BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN THE MINING SECTOR IS RE-VISITED TO COMPEL THE MINES AND OTHER FOREIGN COMPANIES TO KEEP THEIR MONEY AND PROFITS WITHIN THE ZAMBIAN BANKING SYSTEM.
ACCORDING TO STATEMENT MADE AVAILABLE TO RADIO PHOENIX TODAY, COUNCIL GENERAL SECRETARY REVEREND SUSAN MATALE HAS OBSERVED THAT THIS WILL INJECT LIQUIDITY INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND ALLOW LOCAL BANKS HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO LEND OUT TO ZAMBIAN INVESTORS AND ALLOW THESE DEVELOP THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND CREATE JOBS.
REVEREND MATALE SAYS GOVERNMENT AND ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY MUST INSTITUTE STRINGIEST VERIFICATION EXERCISES IN ORDER TO CORRECTLY RECORD AND MONITOR THE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS OF THE MINES AND OTHER FOREIGN INVESTORS AND MONITOR THE INSIDER SELLING AND TRADING HAPPENING BETWEEN THE MINING COMPANIES AND THEIR FOREIGN MOTHER COMPANIES.
SHE HAS POINTED OUT THAT THIS WILL STOP THESE COMPANIES FROM UNDERVALUING THEIR BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS ADDING THAT THE COUNCIL IS MINDFUL THAT FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DEPEND ON THE MINING COMPANY HONESTLY DECLARING CORRECTLY THE CASH FLOWS RESULTING FROM ITS MINING BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AS CAPTURED IN ITS RECEIPTS OR SALES RECORDS.
THE CLERGY HAS CALLED ON THAT THE PRESIDENT TO SET UP AN ECONOMIC COMMISSION TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH ZAMBIA IS LOSING IN UNCOLLECTED REVENUES FROM THE MINES AND OTHER INVESTORS HOPING THIS COMMISSION WILL COME UP WITH A BETTER WAY OF POLICING THE MINES TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH THE ECONOMY AND THE GOVERNMENT.
IN HER REITERATING CALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT TO REINTRODUCE THE WINDFALL TAX REVEREND MATALE HAS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN CLEAR AND UNWAVERING IN ITS DEMANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HIGH COPPER PRICES PREVAILING IN THE METAL EXCHANGE MARKET.

published by augustine m sichula

Saturday 12 February 2011

EGYPTIAN AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA SALAH EL SADEK HAS ASSURED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN INVESTMENT INFLOW FROM THAT COUNTRY INTO ZAMBIA

EGYPTIAN AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA SALAH EL SADEK HAS ASSURED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN INVESTMENT INFLOW FROM THAT COUNTRY ADDING THAT MORE INVESTORS ARE LIKELY TO COME TO THE COUNTRY AS ONE WAY OF REGAINING ON THEIR LOSES DURING THE PERIOD OF PROTESTS.
SPEAKING TO JOURNALISTS YESTERDAY IN LUSAKA AMBASSADOR SADEK SAID THAT THE INVESTORS WILL BE IN A HURRY TO REGAIN THEIR LOSES WHICH THEY MADE AND WILL BE SEEKING MORE INVESTMENTS IN THE COUNTRIES LIKE ZAMBIA WHICH ARE PEACEFUL.
AMBASSADOR SADEK HAS ASSURED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT THAT DESPITE THE PROTESTS WHICH HAVE BEEN GOING ON IN HIS COUNTRY, ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY WILL NOT BE AFFECTED IN ANYWAY AS THE PROBLEMS IN HIS COUNTRY ARE OF CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT AND NOT ECONOMIC FOCUS AND DIRECTION.
MEANWHILE ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY HAS BEGAN FEELING THE IMPACT OF THE EGYPTIAN 3WEEKS PROTESTS AS FUEL PRICES HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY MORE THAN 800KWACHA AND PETROL WHICH WAS COST ABOUT 7,639 KWACHA IS CURRENTLY  COSTING ABOUT 8,647KWACHA.
THE ENERGY REGULATION BOARD ADJUSTED THE PRICES UPWARD ON FRIDAY WHICH WERE EFFECTED LAST NIGHT, JUSTIFYING THAT THE INCREASE IS AS A RESULT OF THE EGYPTIAN CRISES WHICH HAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ROUTES NAMELY THE SUEZ CANAL.

PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE M SICHULA

OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT SPOKESPERSON GIVEN LUBINDA HAS REITERATED HIS SENTIMENTS THAT TIME IS FAST RUNNING OUT FOR THE PACT TO CONSOLIDATE IT MANIFESTOS AND COME UP WITH TANGIBLE RESOLUTIONS ON THE WAY FORWARD OVER THE PRESIDENCY ISSUE

OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT SPOKESPERSON GIVEN LUBINDA HAS REITERATED HIS SENTIMENTS THAT TIME IS FAST RUNNING OUT FOR THE PACT TO CONSOLIDATE IT MANIFESTOS AND COME UP WITH TANGIBLE RESOLUTIONS ON THE WAY FORWARD OVER THE PRESIDENCY ISSUE.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MR LUBINDA HAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PACT MUST START IDENTIFYING ITS CANDIDATES FOR PARLIAMENTARY SEATS AND ALL THE PEOPLE IT WANTS TO STAND ON THE ALLIANCE.
HE HAS NOTED THAT ANY DELAY WILL INJURE THE ALLIANCE MORE THAN IT IS AS THE OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES ARE ALSO WORKING HARD TO ENSURE THAT THEY WIN AND GET AS MANY PARLIAMENTARY SEATS AS THEY CAN.
MR. LUBINDA WHO IS ALSO KABWATA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT SAYS HE WILL NOT CHANGE HIS DECISION OVER THE MATTER AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS FOR THE PACT TO RESOLVE ALL ITS DIFFERENCES AND ENSURE THAT IT EMERGES VICTORIOUS IN THIS YEAR’S GENERAL ELECTION.
HE CHARGED THAT CERTAIN PEOPLE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE ARE AGAINST THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE TWO MANIFESTOS AND PROGRAMMES DUE TO FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

published by augustine m sichula

egyptian ambassador to zambia falah el sadek says what has happened in his country should be a lesson to other older african leaders

egyptian ambassador to zambia falah el sadek says what has happened in his country should be a lesson to other older african leaders to start thinking about paving way for a new crop of leaders especially the youths to be leaders as well.
speaking to journalist in lusaka today ambassador sadek pointed out that as african leaders there is need  not allow external forces to control the soveriegnity of the country but to bare in mind that one day the wish of the people who will remove you out of the high office.
he has stressed that there is need to learn the culture of dialogue and not to resort to violence as it costs the nation a lot of money which is needed fo other economic development.
ambassador sadek explained that president mubarak has saved egypt adequately and enough and his resignation came at a right time when the country needs change of laedership.
he has assured the world that egypt will bounce back economically has it has a strong base where it will start picking up from and the nation is alright at the moment.
and ambassador sadek has expressed happiness that the muslims in the country have today celebrated the birth of prophet muhammed peaceful in what he described as a peaceful nation.
published by augustine m sichula

ZAMBIAN NATIONAL HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY MAKING A FALSE ARMED ROBBERY REPORT

A Zambian national has been arrested for allegedly making a false armed robbery report claiming he had been robbed of eight drums of petroleum jelly, R9 000 in cash and a cell phone.
According to Newsday of Zimbabwe Patrick Kapenda (24) was driving a South African-registered haulage truck carrying 150 drums of petroleum jelly weighing 150 kilogram’s each and headed for Zambia.
Commanding Officer for Lupane police Chief Superintendent Johannes Gowo confirmed the arrest of Kapenda at the scene of the alleged crime, after police discovered that the robbery was a hoax.
Mr Gowo said Kapenda, who was driving a Zambia-bound South African registered haulage truck, had reported that he was robbed of his merchandise at the 125-kilometre peg in Mbembesi along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road on Wednesday morning.
The truck was carrying 150 drums of petroleum jelly.
Mr gowo said the Zambian reported a movie-style robbery where a small vehicle suddenly stopped in front of his haulage truck before the robbers, armed with guns, got out and took away his cellular phone, money and eight drums containing the petroleum jelly,” he said.
He has explained that kapenda was taken to the scene of the alleged incident because he was claiming that his truck was brought to an immediate stop during the robbery, which is impossible for a heavy-duty truck to do.
the police Chief Superintendent stated that On the scene it was established that there were no missing drums and the Nokia E90 cell phone he also claimed to have been stolen was there and The money was also found in his possession.
Police in Matabeleland north have of late reported a number of false reports, especially from foreign nationals.
It is alleged after making the false theft reports and obtaining a police report to that effect, the cross-border drivers would then sell the purportedly stolen goods when they got to their destination and pocket the proceeds.
PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE M SICHULA

MARKET ZAMBIA'S TOURISM POTENTIAL AGRESSIVELY NOW THAT YOU ARE REBRANDING THE ZAMBIA THE REAL AFRICA LOGO ZNTB URGED

Former Zambia national tourist board (ZNTB) chairperson Errol hickey has called on the ministry of tourism, environment and natural resources and ZNTB itself to aggressively market the country tourism potential through the rebranding of the tourism logo of “zambia the real Africa”.
Mr Hickey who is also chairperson for radio phoenix 1996 limited has observed that the rebranding of the logo has come at the right time when the country needs to continue marketing the tourism sector and contribute greatly to the economy through tax collection from tourists.
The former ZNTB chairperson has pointed out that the current logo “Zambia the real Africa” has failed to help improve the tourism sector due to inadequate and aggressive marketing from stakeholders charged with the responsibility.
He has also pointed out that government must at least give incentives to local tourist promoters like hotels, lodge owners and improve operations of the national heritage conservation and continue improving the cost of doing business in the country.
Mr Hickey has stressed that lack of aggressive marketing of the tourism sector in the country will make the rebranding of the logo an exercise in futility.
The ministry of tourism, environment and natural resources has embarked on rebranding the “Zambia the real Africa” logo which took over from “Zambia under the sun” has one way to help market more of the tourism sector.
published by augustine m sichula

Thursday 10 February 2011

THREE EMPLOYEES OF A CHINESE OWNED COMPANY, ZALCO STEEL PRODUCING COMPANY IN KABWE HAVE BEEN BURNT WITH ACID IN UNEXPLAINED CIRCUMSTANCES AND ARE CURRENTLY ADMITTED TO KABWE GENERAL HOSPITAL

THREE EMPLOYEES OF A CHINESE OWNED COMPANY, ZALCO STEEL PRODUCING COMPANY IN KABWE HAVE BEEN BURNT WITH ACID IN UNEXPLAINED CIRCUMSTANCES AND ARE CURRENTLY ADMITTED TO KABWE GENERAL HOSPITAL WHERE THEY ARE NURSING THEIR WOUNDS.
RADIO PHOENIX SOURCES HAVE REVEALED THAT THE MANAGERS AT THE COMPANY ESCORTED THE THREE VICTIMS TO THE HOSPITAL.
AND KABWE GENERAL HOSPITAL, MANAGING DIRECTOR STELLA MULILA HAS CONFIRMED TO RADIO PHOENIX THAT THE THREE ZALCO EMPLOYEES ARE CURRENTLY ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL.
BUT UPON REALIZING THAT SHE WAS TALKING TO A RADIO PHOENIX REPORTER, MRS. MULIMA EXPLAINED THAT SHE IS NOT ALLOWED TO TALK TO THE PRESS.
AND RAILWAY SYSTEM OF ZAMBIA UNION GENERAL SECRETARY JAMES KAPYANGA HAS CALLED ON THE MINISTER OF LABOUR TO SEND INSPECTORS TO KABWE TO INSPECT THE INDUSTRIES CURRENTLY OPERATING IN THE TOWN, STATING THAT MOST OF THE FOREIGN OWNED COMPANIES ARE ABROGATING LABOUR LAWS AND IGNORING SAFETY STANDARDS.

published by augustine m sichula

Tuesday 8 February 2011

ZAMBIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT HAS INCREASED BY 53 PERCENT

ZAMBIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT HAS INCREASED BY 53 PERCENT FROM US$ 1,019.0 MILLION IN 2006 TO US$ 1,557.4 MILLION IN 2009.
MEANWHILE THE PRIVATE AND PARASTATAL DEBT INCREASED AT A MUCH FASTER RATE OF 168 PERCENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD, BRINGING TOTAL EXTERNAL DEBT TO US$ 3,807.8 MILLION IN 2009.
ACCORDING TO MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY LIKOLO NDALAMEI OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, BOTH IN GRANTS AND CONCESSIONAL LOANS, IS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ZAMBIA’S DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.
MR NDALAMEI HAS EXPLAINED THAT CONSIDERING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS CONTRIBUTION, ZAMBIA DEVELOPED AN AID POLICY AND STRATEGY FRAMEWORK CONSISTENT WITH THE PARIS DECLARATION ON AID EFFECTIVENESS EMPHASIZING THAT
HE SAYS THE FIELD OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION IN THE COUNTRY HAS UNDERGONE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE AID POLICY AND STRATEGY FOR ZAMBIA IN 2007, COUPLED WITH THE JOINT ASSISTANCE STRATEGY FOR ZAMBIA (JASZ) 2007, AS WELL AS AN INCREASED INTENSITY IN THE USE OF GENERAL BUDGET SUPPORT AND SECTOR BUDGET SUPPORT.
THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY HAS POINTED OUT THAT ADDED TO THIS; THERE HAVE BEEN INCREASED CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES THROUGH THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY (PEMFA) PROGRAMME TO MANAGE BOTH DOMESTIC AND EXTERNALLY MOBILIZED GOVERNMENT REVENUE.
HE HAS FURTHER DISCLOSED THAT THE LEVEL OF TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS INCREASED FROM US$ 589 MILLION IN 2006 TO US$ 857 MILLION IN 2008, AND REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL IN 2009, BRINGING TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS OVER THE FOUR YEARS TO US$ 2.97 BILLION
MR. NDALAMEI SAYS THE INCREASE IN DISBURSEMENTS WAS ATTRIBUTED TO INCREASED DONOR CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S MACRO-ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT, BOTH PRE AND POST HIPC COMPLETION POINT, AND TO IMPROVEMENTS IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE.
HE HAS ALSO EXPLAINED THAT, COOPERATING PARTNERS WERE RESPONSIVE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PREFERRED AID MODALITY, WITH BUDGET SUPPORT DISBURSEMENTS INCREASING FROM US$ 136 MILLION IN 2006 TO US$ 244 MILLION IN 2008 BEFORE DECLINING SLIGHTLY TO US$ 238 MILLION IN 2009
MR NDALAMEI SAYS OVER THE FOUR YEARS, BUDGET SUPPORT ACCOUNTED FOR 26 PERCENT, OF THE TOTAL EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE DISBURSED ADDING THAT PROJECT SUPPORT PARTICULARLY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER INVESTMENT PROJECTS, AMOUNTING TO US$ 1.54 BILLION, OR 52 PERCENT, OF TOTAL AID WERE DISBURSED OVER THE FOUR YEARS.
THIS ACCORDING TO A PRESS STATEMENT MADE AVAILABLE BY MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER CHILESHE KANDETA

published by augustine m sichula

ZAMBIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT HAS INCREASED BY 53 PERCENT

WORKS AND SUPPLY MINISTER MIKE MULONGOTI HAS DISPELLED ASSERTIONS BY SOME SECTIONS OF SOCIETY THAT THE STATUS OF ROADS IN THE IN THE COUNTRY IS IN BAD CONDITION

WORKS AND SUPPLY MINISTER MIKE MULONGOTI HAS DISPELLED ASSERTIONS BY SOME SECTIONS OF SOCIETY THAT THE STATUS OF ROADS IN THE IN THE COUNTRY IS IN BAD CONDITION.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX MR MULONGOTI SAYS CERTAIN ROADS ARE DIFFICULTY TO WORK ON DURING THE RAINY SEASON AND IN THE END MAKES THEM IMPASSABLE BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN GOVERNMENT IS NOT LOOKING AND FINDING WAYS OF COMING UP WITH A LASTING SOLUTION.
MR MULONGOTI HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE DESCRIPTION OF ROADS IN THE COUNTRY  AS BEING  PATHETIC IS AN EXAGGERATION ON THE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS’ PART BECAUSE NOT EVERY ROAD IS IN BAD SHAPE.
MR MULONGOTI SAYS STARTING NEXT MONTH, THE MINISTRY WILL START ASSESSING THE DAMAGE ON THE ROADS AS BY THEN THE RAINS WOULD HAVE SUBSIDED .
PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE M SICHULA

KONKOLA COPPER MINES , THE ZAMBIAN UNIT OF LONDON-LISTED MINER VEDANTA, IS LIKELY TO LIST IN LONDON THIS YEAR

KONKOLA COPPER MINES , THE ZAMBIAN UNIT OF LONDON-LISTED MINER VEDANTA, IS LIKELY TO LIST IN LONDON THIS YEAR AFTER DELAYING ITS FLOAT FROM 2010, A BANKING SOURCE HAS SAID
THE LONDON-BASED BANKER TOLD REUTERS AT A MINING CONFERENCE IN CAPE TOWN THAT THE COMPANY EXPECTS  KONKOLA'S INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING TO BE LISTED THIS YEAR, AND GIVEN WHERE MARKETS ARE, IT IS  EXPECT A GOOD DEAL FOR INVESTORS IN THE COMPANY,"
THE BANKER WHO IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK TO THE MEDIA STATED THAT, THIS IS THE ONLY MAJOR COPPER ASSET IN AFRICA NOT YET LISTED
IN NOVEMBER, INDIA-FOCUSED VEDANTA POSTPONED THE LISTING, WHICH WAS MEANT TO RAISE ABOUT $1.1 BILLION TO BE USED BY KONKOLA TO EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS IN AFRICA'S BIGGEST COPPER PRODUCER

INVOLVE ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE REVIEW OF THE CURRICULUM

THE BASIC EDUCATION TEACHERS UNION OF ZAMBIA (BETUZ) HAS IMPLORED THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO BRING ON BOARD ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE CURRICULUM REVIEW EXERCISE.
IN  WELCOMING THE  MESSAGE OF THE CURRICULUM REVIEW PRONOUNCEMENTS BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DORA SILIYA ,BETUZ  GENERAL SECRETARY  JEFFREY  SIMUNTALI SAYS THIS  WILL ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION WHICH HAS SLOWLY BEEN DETERIORATING IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
MR SIMUNTALA HAS TOLD RADIO PHOENIX IN AN INTERVIEW THAT  REVIEWING  THE CURRICULUM IS LONG OVERDUE ADDING THAT TEACHERS MUST BE CONSULTED AND BE INVOLVED AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE CURRICULUM REVIEW  SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO GAPS.
MR SIMUNTALA HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE CURRICULUM SHOULD INCLUDE COURSES THAT WILL ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE VENTURE INTO SUSTAINABLE  BUSINESSES TO ENABLE THEM CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE HAS FURTHER STATED THAT THE INCLUSION OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS IN THE CURRICULUM WILL GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING TO REDUCE POVERTY AMONG THE ZAMBIAN CITIZENS AS THEY WILL ADOPT THE SENSE OF SELF RELIANT.
published by augustine m sichula

Sunday 6 February 2011

THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION HAS ADVISED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO EDUCATE FOREIGN INVESTORS ON THE COUNTRY’S LABOUR LAWS AND CULTURE TO AVOID ISSUES OF ABROGATING THE SAME LAWS.

THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION HAS ADVISED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO EDUCATE FOREIGN INVESTORS ON THE COUNTRY’S LABOUR LAWS AND CULTURE TO AVOID ISSUES OF ABROGATING THE SAME LAWS.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX ILO REGIONAL DIRECTOR JUAN SOMAZIA HAS OBSERVED THAT THE FOREIGN INVESTORS COMING INTO ZAMBIA DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE LABOUR LAWS OF THE COUNTRY HENCE IT IS CARDINAL THAT GOVERNMENT EDUCATES THEM INCLUDING THE ZAMBIAN WORKERS EMPLOYED BY THE INVESTORS.
MR SOMAZIA SAYS THE ZAMBIAN WORKERS WORKING FOR THE FOREIGN INVESTORS MUST BE EDUCATED ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS SO THAT THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO DO WHEN THEY ARE BEEN UNFAIRLY TREATED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.
THE REGION DIRECTOR HAS OBSERVED THAT MANY ARE TIMES THAT FOREIGN INVESTORS HAVE FLOUTED THE LABOUR LAWS BECAUSE THE ZAMBIAN WORKERS WORKING FOR THEM SEEM NOT TO UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS ADDING THAT LACKING OF A SERIOUS POLICY ALSO HAS AFFECTED AND WORSENED THE SITUATION.
HE HAS CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO APPLY THE LAW FULLY ON ANY INVESTOR WHO WILL BE FOUND WANTING STATING THAT THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE COUNTRY SHOULD HAVE A LAW THAT IT CAN NOT USE BUT TO SIMPLY PUT IT ON PAPER
MR SOMAZIA SAYS THE LAW MUST NOT BE MADE USELESS BUT BE UTILIZED TO THE FULLEST IF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE HAVE TO REALLY FEEL THE IMPACT OF INVESTMENT AND GOOD CONDITION OF SERVICE.

published by augustine m sichula

RELEASE THE 106TREASON CHARGED, DEMANDS 15CATHOLIC BISHOPS

IN ORDER TO FOSTER DIALOGUE AND NORMALIZE THE SITUATION IN WESTERN PROVINCE, 15 CATHOLIC BISHOPS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE ZAMBIA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE HAVE APPEALED TO PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA TO USE HIS PREROGATIVE TO RELEASE THOSE THAT ARE INCARCERATED IN PRISON OVER THE 1964 BAROTSE AGREEMENT FACING TREASON CHARGES
THIS ACCORDING TO A LETTER MADE AVAILABLE TO RADIO PHOENIX TODAY SIGNED BY HIS EMINENCE, MEDARDO CARDINAL JOSEPH MAZOMBWE RIGHT REVERAND GEORGE COSMAS ZUMAILE LUNGU BISHOP OF CHIPATA AND ZEC PRESIDENT AND RIGHT REVERENAD  IGNATIUS CHAMA BISHOP OF MPIKA AND ZEC VICE PRESIDENT,
AND THE OTHERS ARE MOST REVEREND TELESPHORE MPUNDU ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA, RIGHT REVEREND RAYMOND MPEZELE BISHOP OF LIVINGSTONE, RIGHT REVEREND PAUL DUFFY, OMI BISHOP OF MONGU, RIGHT REVEREND EMILIO PATRIARCH BISHOP OF MONZE, RIGHT REVEREND ALICK BANDA– BISHOP OF NDOLA AND RIGHT REVEREND CHARLES KASONDE BISHOP OF SOLWEZI AND OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
THE BISHOPS HAVE STRESSED THAT IN THE INTERIM, THE SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY MUST BE ACCORDED THEIR RIGHTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN OUR CONSTITUTION AND OTHER RELATED LEGISLATION
THE CLERGY MEN HAVE STATED THAT THEY RECOGNIZE THE DUTY OF GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER AND TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY BUT THIS DUTY SHOULD HOWEVER BE EXERCISED WITH DUE DILIGENCE
THE PRIESTS HAVE SAID THAT THERE ARE CONCERNS AROUND THE HEAVY PRESENCE OF ARMED POLICE IN MONGU BEFORE AND AFTER THE INCIDENTS OF 14TH JANUARY AND THE CONCERNS INCLUDE THE USE OF LIVE BULLETS ON THE ACTUAL DAY WHICH RESULTED IN DEATHS AND GUNSHOT INJURIES.
THE ZEC OFFICIAL HAVE FURTHER EXPRESSED ITS CONCERNS TO THE HEAD OF STATE AND HOPES THAT SUCH EXTREME ACTIONS WILL NOT BE USED AGAIN TO MANAGE PUBLIC ORDER NOT ONLY IN WESTERN PROVINCE BUT IN ANY OTHER PART OF OUR COUNTRY ADDING THAT INSISTENCE ON NEGOTIATION AND DIALOGUE SHOULD ALWAYS BE THE KEY FACTOR.
THE BISHOPS HAVE ALSO APPEALED TO THE ACTIVIST GROUPS, PARTICULARLY THE LINYUNGANDAMBO, BAROTSE FREEDOM MOVEMENT (BFM), MOVEMENT FOR THE RESTORATION OF BAROTSELAND (MOREBA) AND BAROTSE PATRIOTIC FRONT (BPF) TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO PEACEFUL MEANS OF ADVOCATING FOR THEIR DEMANDS. 
THE BISHOPS HAVE STATED THAT THEIR RIGHT TO ORGANISE AND ASSOCIATE MUST BE PROTECTED BUT THIS ALSO ENTAILS ON THEM A DUTY TO RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS WHO MAY NOT BELONG TO THESE GROUPINGS OR MAY HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT AT HAND.
THEY HAVE SAID THAT ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO THIS MATTER MUST DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMITMENT TO PEACE BY REFRAINING FROM VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION OR USE OF FORCE AS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING THEIR OBJECTIVES.

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re-examine your policies on the natural resources management and exploration ccz urges zambian government

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO RE-EXAMINE ITS POLICIES ON THE NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND EXPLORATION.
IN ITS POLICY BRIEF PUBLISHED IN ONE OF THE NATIONAL DAILIES, THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN ZAMBIA SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE (SEJ) PROGRAMME, IDENTIFIES THE EXPLORATION OF RADIO-ACTIVE MINERALS AS ONE AREA THAT NEEDS POLICY REVIEW.
THE COUNCIL HAS URGED THE GOVERNMENT FOR A SPEEDY DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY FRAMEWORKS THAT PROVIDE FOR RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY THE INVESTORS WHILE PROMOTING GOOD QUALITY LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THESE MINING AREAS
IT HAS CALLED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SHARING OF THE BENEFITS OF THE PROCEEDS OF MINING.
SPECIFICALLY, THE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES SAYS ZAMBIA NEEDS TO DEVELOP A NEW REGULATORY MINING FRAMEWORK FOR THE MINING OF RADIOACTIVE AND DANGEROUS MINERALS SUCH AS URANIUM.
CCZ SAYS THIS SHOULD PROTECT THE HEALTH OF THE CITIZENS, BIO-LIFE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FROM THE CARELESS MINING ACTIVITIES OF THESE MINERALS.
IT HAS FURTHER STATED THAT ZAMBIA DEVELOPS A POLICY THAT PROVIDES FOR RETENTION OF A PERCENTAGE OF COPPER PROCEEDS IN ZAMBIA.
CCZ HAS POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET A TIMEFRAME WITHIN WHICH ZAMBIA WOULD DEVELOP FULL SMELTING CAPACITY IN COUNTRY AND FACILITATE SETTING UP OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES THAT WOULD PROCESS COPPER INTO FINISHED PRODUCTS THEREBY ADDING VALUE AND CREATING MORE JOBS.
IT HAS SUGGEST THAT INVESTORS SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO BANK THEIR MONEY IN ZAMBIA TO IMPROVE LIQUIDITY IN THE LOCAL BANKING SYSTEM.

published by augustine m sichula