Tuesday 31 May 2011

ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT IMPLORES PRIVATE SECTOR TO TAKE KEEN INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS CURRICULUM

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS IMPLORED THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO TAKE KEEN INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS CURRICULUM AS THEY BENEFIT MOST OF THE END PRODUCTS WHICH COME FROM THERE.
SPEAKING TODAY DURING A MEDIA BREAKFAST ORGANIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, EDUCATION DEPUTY MINISTER DR BONIFACE KAWIMBE SAYS THE HIGHER INSTITUTION OF LEANING IS FACED WITH A GREAT NUMBER OF CHALLENGES SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE AS IN THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA.
DR KAWIMBE SAYS GOVERNMENT IS READY TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO THE PRIVATE COMPANIES WHICH WILL COME ON BOARD TO HELP PROVIDE MUCH NEED SOCIAL SERVICES SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT HIGHER INSTITUTION OF LEARN SUCH UNZA.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE $3MILLION WHICH GOVERNMENT HAS SOURCED FOR UNZA IS NOT ADEQUATE BUT WILL HELP IN THE RUNNING OF AFFAIRS OF SCHOOL HENCE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT OTHER STAKEHOLDERS COME ON BOARD TO PROVIDE FACILITIES SUCH AS INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT THE SCHOOL.
AND UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA VICE CHANCELLOR PROFESSOR GEOFFREY SIMUKANGA ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE INSTITUTION HIGHER OF LEARNING IS FACE WITH A LOT OF CHALLENGES SUCH BED SPACE, HOSTELS, LECTURE THEATRE AND LIBRARY WHICH NEEDS EXPANSION AS THEY CAN NOT CARTER FOR 12 000STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED.
PROFESSOR SIMUKANGA SAYS THE UNIVERSITY HAS SET UP A COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT AREAS WHICH REQUIRES AGENT ATTENTION AND WILL START INVITING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ENGAGE THEM TO SEE HOW THEY CAN HELP TO PROVIDE FACILITIES SUCH AS HOSTELS, AND LIBRARIES

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JAPANESE GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WORTH $3.7MILLION EQUIVALENT TO 5.5BILLION ZAMBIAN KWACHA TO THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT

THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY HANDED OVER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WORTH $3.7MILLION EQUIVALENT TO 5.5BILLION ZAMBIAN KWACHA TO THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO BE USED AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL.
SPEAKING DURING THE HAND OVER CEREMONY OF THE EQUIPMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL THIS MORNING, JAPANS AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA AKIO EGAWA STATED THAT THE AIM OF THE PROJECT IS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE HYGIENE AND ENHANCE THE TECHNICAL CAPACITY OF THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL.
MR. EGAWA POINTED OUT THAT EVEN THOUGH JAPAN IS NOW FACED WITH UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES CAUSED BY THE EARTH QUAKE AND TSUNAMI DISASTER WHICH OCCURRED IN MARCH THIS YEAR, HIS GOVERNMENT WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO CONTINUED COOPERATION WITH ZAMBIA FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY.
THE AMBASSADOR DISCLOSED THAT THE PROJECT HAS FACILITATED THE REHABILITATION OF TWELVE OPERATING ROOMS, 3 INTENSIVE CARE UNIT COMPRISING THE MAIN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND THE PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, 5OBSERVATION ROOMS AND 5BIRTHING ROOMS.
AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME HAND OVER CEREMONY, HEALTH DEPUTY MINISTER DR. CHRISTOPHER KALILA ALSO DISCLOSED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR SPENT ABOUT 7BILLION KWACHA TO REFURBISH THE THEATRE ROOMS AND INTENSIVE CARE UNITS FOR THE EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED PROPERLY.
DR KALILA THANKED THE JAPANS GOVERNMENT FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT IT HAS CONTINUED TO RENDERED TO ZAMBIA EVEN WHEN IT IS PASSING THROUGH UNPRECEDENTED TIMES ADDING THAT THE EQUIPMENT HANDED OVER TO ZAMBIA WILL GREATLY HELP PROVIDE GOOD QUALITY HEALTH CARE.

ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT RB CHALLENGED TO REIGN FOR ABROGATING THE CONSTITUTION OVER ITEMPI MINE

SOURCES AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTITUTION HAS NOT APPROVED THE COMMENCEMENT OF PRODUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE NEWLY OPENED ITEMPI MINE IN KITWE ALTHOUGH PRESIDENT BANDA COMMISSIONED IT.
THE SOURCES HAVE DISCLOSED THAT THE INVESTORS IN THE MINE HAVE ONLY SUBMITTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR RECOMMENDATION FOR RECOMMENDATION AND ECZ IS STILL CARRYING OUT CONSULTATIONS.
THEY HAVE STATED THAT THE INSTITUTION CAN NOT MANAGE TO CARRY OUT THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WITHIN A SHORT TIME AS IT INVOLVES MANY STAKEHOLDERS WHO MUST BE CONSULTED BEFORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT CAN BE APPROVED.
AND PATRIOTIC FRONT NATIONAL YOUTH CHAIRPERSON CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI HAS CHALLENGED PRESIDENT BANDA AND MINES AND MINERALS MINISTER MAXWELL MWALE TO REFUTE THAT THE MINE WHICH HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED IS NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY APPROVED BY THE SAME LAW WHICH THEY CLAIM TO PROTECT.
MR. KAMBWILI SAYS PRESIDENT BANDA MUST RESIGN FOR ABROGATING THE CONSTITUTION WHICH HE SORE TO UPHOLD BY COMMISSIONING A MINE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA, THE SAME INSTITUTION WHICH IS MANDATED TO DO SO ON BEHALF OF ZAMBIANS.
THE PF ROAN AREA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FURTHER STATED THAT PRESIDENT BANDA AND HIS MINISTER OF MINES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE EFFECTS WHICH WILL BE COMING FROM THE MINE SUCH AS POLLUTION HENCE THE REASON WHY THEY SEEM NOT TO CARE.

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Tuesday 24 May 2011

ZAMBIA'S RULING PARTY MMD CHARGES THAT PF LEADER CAN NOT CHEAT PEOPLE OF WESTERN PROVINCE OVER THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT OF 1964

FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING MINISTER DR. SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE HAS CHARGED THAT THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN PROVINCE MORE ESPECIALLY THE LITUNGA WILL NOT BE CHEATED BY PF LEADER MICHAEL SATA OVER THE BAROTSE AGREEMENT.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING IN LUSAKA THIS AFTERNOON , DR. MUSOKOTWANE SAYS THE PEOPLE OF WESTERN PROVINCE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THAT   WHEN MR SATA  WAS MMD NATIONAL SECRETARY AND HEALTH MINISTER, HE  THREATENED TO DE-RECOGNIZE THE LITUNGA WITH THREE OTHER CHIEFS WHO HE ACCUSED OF SIDING WITH UNIP.
DR MUSOKOTWANE STATED THAT MR. SATA MAKES STATEMENTS WHICH HE THINKS WILL GET HIM VOTES TO WIN AN ELECTION EVERY ELECTION TIME.
HE SAYS THE PEOPLE WHERE HE IS CLAIMING TO GAIN GROUNDS KNOW HIM FOR A PERSON WHO CHANGES GOAL POSTS TO WIN THE VOTES FROM VOTERS.
DR MUSOKOTWANE FURTHER SAYS MR. SATA IS TRYING TO USE THE  PEOPLE OF WESTERN PROVINCE AS A STEPPING LADDER TO WIN THIS YEAR’S ELECTION BUT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN.

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ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS TWO CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS BETWEEN MPIKA AND SERENJE ON THE GREAT NORTH ROAD

GOVERNMENT HAS CONTRACTED TWO COMPANIES TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS BETWEEN MPIKA AND SERENJE ON THE GREAT NORTH ROAD WHICH IS IN BAD CONDITION AT THE MOMENT.
FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING DEPUTY MINISTER CHILESHE KAPWEPWE WHO HOWEVER COULD NOT DISCLOSE HOW MUCH HAS BEEN SOURCED FOR THE ROAD SAID THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD IS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S VISION UNDER THE SIXTH NATIONAL PLAN OF IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE.
MS. KAPWEPWE POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT HAS REALIZED THAT IMPROVING THE INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS ROADS WILL GREATLY HELP THE COUNTRY IMPROVE ITS ECONOMY FURTHER AS IT WILL CONNECT PEOPLE LIKE FARMERS TO AVAILABLE MARKETS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCE.
SHE SAID THAT THE ASSERTIONS BY CERTAIN QUOTAS OF SOCIETY THAT GOVERNMENT IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMY IS A FALLACY WHICH SHOULD BE DISPELLED AT ALL COST BECAUSE EVIDENCE IS THEIR TO SHOW.
MS. KAPWEPWE WAS SPEAKING AT A MEDIA BRIEFING IN LUSAKA YESTERDAY.
AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME BRIEFING FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING MINISTER DR. SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE DISCLOSED THAT THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT WILL SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE THE ENGAGEMENT OF AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK OVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILWAY LINE FROM ZAMBIA TO ANGOLA.
DR MUSOKOTWANE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE THE BANK AT NEXT MONTH’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO FIND THE WAY FORWARD


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TELLS THE CITIZENS WHETHER ZAMBIA WILL LOSE ITS SHARES IN EQUINOX, ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT CHANLLENGED

THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT CHAIRPERSON FOR MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WILBER SIMUSAA HAS CHALLENGED GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT TO EXPLAIN TO THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE AS TO WHETHER THE COUNTRY WILL LOSE THE 2PERCENT SHARES WHICH IT HAS IN EQUINOX MINES AFTER THE TAKE OVER BY BARRICK GOLD.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, MR. SIMUSAA SAYS GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLAIN THOROUGHLY TO ZAMBIANS AS TO WHETHER ZAMBIA WILL LOSE OWNERSHIP AND WHAT HAS PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE COMPANIES DO NOT INVADE TAX.
MR SIMUSAA SAYS THE ARROGANCE OF GOVERNMENT ON VARIOUS MINING ISSUES LIKE THE NON-STARTER WINDFALL TAX AND FIVE YEARS TAX HOLIDAY TO FOREIGN IS MAKING THE COUNTRY TO LOSE OUT HEFTY REVENUE WHICH IT NEEDS TO USE TO DEVELOP INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS ROADS AND HOSPITALS WHICH ARE IN PATHETIC CONDITIONS.
HE SAYS THERE IS NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO REVISE TAXES SUCH AS THE FIVE YEAR TAX HOLIDAY WHICH WILL MAKE COMPANIES TO START PAYING IN TIME AND AVOID SUCH SITUATION OF COMPANIES LEAVING AND SELLING TO PROBABLY A SISTER FAMILY TO RUN AWAY FROM PAYING TAX.
THE PARLIAMENTARIAN NOTED FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE RUNNING AWAY FROM PAYING TAX AND COMMUNITIES ARE NOT BENEFITTING MUCH FROM THERE RESOURCES BECAUSE OF THE NON ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES WHICH WILL COMPEL FOREIGN COMPANIES NOT TO INVADE TAXES.
INSERT……….I WANT TO REPEAT
BARRICK GOLD IS IN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING EQUINOX MINES AT A PRICE OF 7.3 CANADIAN DOLLARS WHICH RUNS LUMWANA MINES IN ZAMBIA AFTER AN OFFER WHICH WAS ALSO ACCEPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
THE OFFER BY BARRICK GOLD, THE WORLD’S LARGEST GOLD PRODUCER, IS THE LATEST IN A GROWING TREND OF MERGER AND ACQUISITION ACTIVITY IN THE METALS AND MINING SECTOR.
THE COMPANY NOTED THAT ITS AGREEMENT FOR EQUINOX PREVENTS THE AUSTRALIAN MINER FROM SOLICITING SUPERIOR PROPOSALS AND GIVES BARRICK THE RIGHT TO MATCH ANY COMPETING PROPOSALS
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ZAMBIAN MAIN OPPOSITION P.F LEADER MICHAEL SATA DECLARES THAT THE RULING PARTY IN WESTERN PROVINCE IS WEAK AND ABOUT TO BE FINISHED

OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT LEADER MICHAEL SATA HAS DECLARED THAT THE RULING MOVEMENT FOR MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY IN WESTERN PROVINCE IS BECOMING WEAK AND ABOUT TO BE FINISHED WHEN THE PF COMPLETES IT WORK IN THE PROVINCE.
SPEAKING AN INTERVIEW WITH JOURNALISTS BEFORE DEPARTURE BACK TO LUSAKA AFTER HOLDING TWO RALLIES ONE IN MONGU AND THE OTHER IN SENANGA OVER THE WEEKEND MR. SATA SAID THE MMD WILL NOT MANAGE THIS TIME TO SWINDLE THE ZAMBIANS OUT OF THEIR VOTES BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE MADE UP THEIR MINDS FOR THE NEED TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT.
MR SATA WHO ACCUSED THE RULING PARTY OF TRYING TO DIVERT THE ATTENTION OF POLITICIANS DISCUSSING ISSUES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE WHICH ARE AFFECTING PEOPLE TO PET STATED THAT THE SIGNS OF THE RULING PARTY EXISTING GOVERNMENT ARE BEING WRITTEN CLEARLY ADDING THAT THEY SHOULD START PARKING.
HE SAYS THE RULING PARTY IS BLIND TO THE FACT THAT THE PATRIOTIC FRONT HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN WESTERN PROVINCE WHERE IT ALMOST NEVER HAD STRUCTURES TO TALK ABOUT AND THE MOVEMENT FOR MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY HAS BEEN CLAIMING TO BE POPULAR.
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W.F.P ADVISES THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT TO FIND THE MARKET FOR THE SURPLUS MAIZE

THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME HAS ADVISED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES TO FIND THE MARKET FOR THE SURPLUS MAIZE WHICH THE COUNTRY HAS RECORDED AS A RESULT OF THE BUMPER HARVEST ONCE AGAIN THIS FARMING SEASON.
SPEAKING TO JOURNALISTS IN AN INTERVIEW TODAY IN LUSAKA, WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME COUNTRY DIRECTOR AND REPRESENTATIVE PABLO RECALDE SAYS FINDING THE MARKET FOR THE MAIZE WILL RESULT IN THE COUNTRY EARNING THE MUCH NEEDED REVENUE.
MR RECALDE  HAS ALSO CALLED ON  GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND USE OF CONSERVATION FARMING, WHICH HAS BEEN FOUND NOT CONTRIBUTE TO DEGRADATION OF THE SOIL AND RESULT IN GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
AND SPEAKING DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF A ONE DAY AFRICAN CARBON CREDIT EXCHANGE  MEETING  IN LUSAKA TODAY MR. RECALDE POINTED OUT THAT  CLIMATE CHANGE IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT FOOD AND WATER RESOURCES THAT ARE CRITICAL FOR LIVELIHOOD IN AFRICA WHERE MUCH POPULATION ESPECIALLY THE POOR, RELY ON LOCAL SUPPLY SYSTEM THAT ARE SENSITIVE TO CLIMATE VARIATION.
MR. RECALDE HAS FURTHER  CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN MAKING GARBAGE ACCUMULATING IN THE DIFFERENT CITIES IN THE COUNTRY MORE VALUABLE BY MAKING IT USEFUL AND REDUCE ON POLLUTION AS ONE WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCING CLIMATE CHANGE.
AND SPEAKING DURING THE SAME EVENT AFRICAN CARBON CREDIT EXCHANGE (ACCE) CHAIRMAN PROFESSOR LOYD CHING`AMBO  CALLED ON AFRICAN COUNTRIES TO DEVELOP A STRATEGY OF MOBILIZING RESOURCES AND STOP WAITING ON DONOR AID WHICH IS DELAYED.
PROFESSOR CHING`AMBO STATED THAT AFRICAN COUNTRIES ARE BUSY PLANNING AND NOT IMPLEMENTING WHAT IS ON THE PLAN AND THIS IS NOT HELPING IN COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE WHICH MANY COUNTRIES ESPECIALLY  THOSE IN THE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ARE FACING AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE.

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Thursday 19 May 2011

ZAMBIA'S PRESIDENT , BANDA DENIES ATTACKING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE COUNTRY ON VARIOUS ISSUES

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA HAS DENIED ATTACKING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE COUNTRY BY STATING THAT THE CHURCH IS MADE UP OF INDIVIDUALS WHO SUPPORT THE PARTY AND OTHERS WHO DO NOT SUPPORT IT BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN HE HAS ANY GRUDGE AGAINST THE CHURCH.
SPEAKING TO JOURNALISTS BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE TO BOTSWANA WHERE HE HAS GONE TO ATTEND A TWO DAY SOUTHERN AFRICA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY EXTRA ORDINARY SUMMIT, PRESIDENT BANDA SAID THAT AT NO TIME HAS HE ATTACKED THE CHURCH HENCE THE ASSERTIONS ARE FALSE.
AND PRESIDENT BANDA HAS POINTED OUT THAT HIS GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO STOP DEVELOPING THE COUNTRY BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO THE ELECTIONS BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA WHERE THEY ARE STAYING.
HE SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT IS VERY INNOVATIVE HENCE THE ASSERTIONS BY THE PF LEADER MICHAEL SATA THAT THE 1TRILLION KWACHA ROAD PROJECT IS NOT BUDGETED FOR BUT A POLITICAL GIMMICK SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE PEOPLE TO JUDGE AS TO WHO IS TELLING THE TRUTH.
MEANWHILE PRESIDENT BANDA HAS CHALLENGED THE MEDIA TO INVESTIGATE AND NOT BASE THEIR WRITING OF STORIES ON ASSERTIONS OR RUMUORS BECAUSE THIS WILL MAKE THEM WRITE STORIES FROM AN UNFORMED DECISIONS POINT OF VIEW.
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Wednesday 18 May 2011

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHS THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE ICHIMPE COPPER AND COBALT PROJECT WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO COST AT A TOTAL SUM OF 690MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS IN KALULUSHI

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE ICHIMPE COPPER AND COBALT PROJECT WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO COST AT A TOTAL SUM OF 690MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS IN KALULUSHI.
PRESIDENT BANDA SAID THE MINE WILL CREATE 1700 JOBS AT CONSTRUCTION LEVEL OF MORE THAN 2000 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ONCE THE MINE IS OPENED IN 2014.
MR. BANDA SAID THE MINE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE 35,000 TONNES OF COPPER AND 200 TONNES OF COBALT PER ANNUM.
THE PRESIDENT URGED ZHONGHUI AND ALL OTHER INVESTORS IN THE COUNTRY TO OPERATE WITHIN THE ZAMBIAN LAWS AND REGULATIONS BY KEEPING THE ZAMBIAN WORKERS HAPPY.
HE SAID IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH INVESTOR TO FACILITATE MEANINGFUL SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGIES TRANSFER TO ZAMBIA IN ORDER TO ALIGN WITH THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN TO TRAIN ZAMBIANS AND EQUIP THEM WITH THE REQUISITE SKILLS.
AND ZHONGHUI MINING GROUP PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT JOEY ZHANG HAS COMMENDED THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT FOE EMBRACING CHINESE INVESTMENTS.
MR. ZHANG SAID THE MINING SECTORS IS BOOMING IN ZAMBIA DUE TO FAVORABLE INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT.

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ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT INSTRUCTS THE TOBACCO BOARD TO IMMEDIATELY STOP DEDUCTING 3% AS TURNOVER TAX FROM TOBACCO SALES FOR FARMERS

GOVERNMENT HAS INSTRUCTED THE TOBACCO BOARD OF ZAMBIA (TBZ) TO IMMEDIATELY STOP DEDUCTING 3 PERCENT AS TURNOVER TAX FROM TOBACCO SALES FOR FARMERS.
AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES MINISTER DR EUSTARCKIO KAZONGA SAYS TURNOVER TAX WILL BE PAID TO THE ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY (ZRA) BY INDIVIDUAL FARMERS.
DR KAZONGA TOLD THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION SERVICES IN LUSAKA TODAY THAT EASTERN PROVINCE HAD A SPECIAL MEMORANDUM THAT MANDATED TOBACCO FLOOR MANAGER AND TOBACCO MERCHANTS TO DEDUCT 3 PERCENT OF THE GROSS VALUE OF FARMERS’ TOBACCO SALES AS TURNOVER TAX PAYABLE TO ZRA.
HE HOWEVER SAID IT HAS NOW COME TO HIS ATTENTION THAT THE SYSTEM WAS APPLYING TO EASTERN PROVINCE ONLY AND THAT HE FOUND IT NECESSARY TO STANDARDISE THE MODE OF COLLECTING TURNOVER TAX FROM TOBACCO FARMERS.
DR KAZONGA URGED ALL TOBACCO FARMERS IN EASTERN PROVINCE TO PAY THE TURNOVER TAX DIRECTLY TO ZRA, AND DIRECTED TBZ AND TOBACCO MERCHANTS TO REMIT WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY DEDUCTED TO ZRA.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED THAT TOBACCO PRICES ARE NOT PLEASANT TO TOBACCO FARMERS AND THAT HIS MINISTRY IS MAKING CONSULTATIONS ON THE MATTER WITH RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS AT BOTH LOCAL AND REGIONAL LEVEL.
MEANWHILE, TBZ HAS DENIED THE ASSERTIONS THAT IT HAS REDUCED THE FLOOR PRICE OF TOBACCO BY 25 PERCENT.
TBZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AVEN MUVWENDE SAID THE BOARD DOES NOT CONTROL PRICES BUT REGULATES THE REST OF TOBACCO ACTIVITIES IN ZAMBIA AND THAT PRICES ARE DETERMINED BY MARKET FORCES AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
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ZAMBIA'S JCTR CALLS FOR AN INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY THAT IS SUPPORTIVE OF SECTORS THAT ARE LABOUR INTENSIVE TO SUSTAIN THE JOBS BEEN CREATED IN THE COUNTRY

JESUIT CENTRE FOR THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION (JCTR) HAS CAUTIONED THAT CREATING AND SUSTAINING THE 20,000 JOBS WHICH HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH GOVERNMENT’S ARTICULATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY THAT IS SUPPORTIVE OF SECTORS THAT ARE LABOUR INTENSIVE.
JCTR HAS NOTED THAT FOCUSING ON CREATING JOBS IN THE MINING SECTOR IS RISKY AS IT IS ONE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE SECTORS, THIS IS MAINLY BECAUSE IT IS HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY INTERNATIONAL MARKET FUNDAMENTALS MOSTLY OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF THE ZAMBIAN ECONOMY.
ACCORDING TO ITS MONTHLY BULLETIN BASIC NEEDS BASKET JCTR HAS EXPLAINED THAT IT HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED THAT THE HIGH AND SUSTAINED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY REDUCTION EXPERIENCE IN EAST ASIA WAS AS A RESULT OF INVESTING IN LABOUR INTENSIVE SECTORS SUCH AS MANUFACTURING, AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM. 
IT HAS NOTED THAT USING THE EMPLOYMENT INTENSITY EVIDENCE FROM ZAMBIA’S INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO, IN REAL TERMS, INVESTMENTS IN MANUFACTURING HAS CREATED MORE JOBS IN COMPARISON TO THE MINING SECTOR WHICH IS A VERY CAPITAL INTENSIVE SECTOR WHILE MANUFACTURING AND OTHER SECTORS SUCH AS AGRICULTURE ARE LABOUR INTENSIVE.
ACCORDING TO JCTR, “IF THE AIM IS TO INCREASE AND SUSTAIN FORMAL JOBS, THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ON BOOSTING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR RATHER THAN THE MINING SECTOR” CONSEQUENTLY, A VIBRANT INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY WHERE VALUE ADDITION IS THE DRIVING FACTOR SHOULD CREATE MORE FORMAL EMPLOYMENT OVER A SUSTAINED PERIOD OF TIME.
JCTR HOPES THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP TO ITS PLAN OF INCREASING FORMAL EMPLOYMENT FROM THE ESTIMATED 8.5PERCENT TO 20PERCENT AND REDUCING INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT FROM 64.7PERCENT 50PERCENT BY END OF 2015 AS STIPULATED IN THE SIXTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (SNDP) SINCE FORMAL EMPLOYMENT ACCOUNTS FOR ONLY ABOUT 10PERCENT OF THE COUNTRY’S WORKFORCE.
IT HAS STATED THAT WITH THE PREVAILING HIGH COST OF LIVING, IT BECOMES IMPERATIVE TO FIND LONG LASTING SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES FACED IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
MEANWHILE ACCORDING JCTR THAT CONDUCTS THE BASIC NEEDS BASKET (BNB), A TOOL THAT DEPICTS THE AVERAGE COST OF LIVING FOR A FAMILY OF SIX IN A SPECIFIC TOWN, FOOD COSTS IN VARIOUS TOWNS SHOWED A MARGINAL INCREASE LIKE IN LUSAKA, WHERE THE COST OF FOOD ROSE FROM K945,400 IN MARCH 2011 TO K957,550 IN APRIL.
THE INCREASE IN THE COST OF FOOD WAS INFLUENCED BY RISING PRICES IN COMMODITIES SUCH AS KAPENTA, MEALIE MEAL AND VEGETABLES AND SIMILAR PATTERNS WERE OBSERVED IN OTHER TOWNS SUCH AS KITWE AND LIVINGSTONE.
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ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT GIVE SOUTH AFRICAN RAPID AFRICAN ENERGY LIMITED LICENCE FOR OIL EXPLORATION

GOVERNMENT HAS DEMARCATED ONE OF THE MAJOR BLOCS OUT OF 43 EARMARKED FOR OIL EXPLORATION TO SOUTH AFRICA’S RAPID AFRICAN ENERGY LIMITED IN ITS PURSUIT FOR THE COUNTRY TO BE SELF RELIANT IN CRUDE OIL AND GAS.
THE BLOC 31 WHICH EMBRACES LUAPULA AND NORTHERN PROVINCES AND ONE OF THE BIGGEST AMONG THE TOTAL BLOCS WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY SOUTH AFRICA’S RAPID AFRICA ENERGY OWING TO ITS CAPACITY.
THE BLOC WAS DEMARCATED BY THE MINISTRY OF MINES AS THE COUNTRY SEEKS TO EXPLOIT ITS MINERAL AND OIL POTENTIAL IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
THE BLOC 31 HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR PETROLEUM AND IS ONE OF THE 7 GOVERNMENTS WHOLLY OWNED BLOCS ADDING THAT WHEREAS THE BULK OF THE BLOCS WERE BEING EXPLORED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES, THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO EXPEDITE EXPLORATION WORKS IN THE SEVEN BLOCS UNDER STATE CONTROL TO MAXIMIZE ON THEIR POTENTIAL.
IT IS GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THE SEVEN BLOCS RESERVED TO THE GOVERNMENT HAD 100PERCENT OIL AND GAS AND THAT IS WHY IT SEEKS TO AWARD TO CREDIBLE COMPANIES THAT WOULD ENSURE THAT RAPID AFRICA ENERGY LIMITED UNDERTOOK THE TASK.
THE MINES AND MINERAL MINISTER HAS STRESSED THAT ALL THE BLOCS THAT WERE TARGETED FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVE ALL BEEN TAKEN UP FOR EXPLORATION AS IT IS GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THE MORE IT SPREADS ITS RESOURCES IN EXPLORATION THE BETTER FOR THE COUNTRY AS THERE WAS LIKELIHOOD THAT OIL AND GAS WOULD BE DISCOVERED IN THE RESERVED AREAS.
GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO RETAIN AT LEAST 35PERCENT EQUITY IN THE COMPANIES TO DO EXPLORATION IN THE GOVERNMENT OWNED BLOCS WHICH ACCORDING TO ANALYSTS ARE THE RICHEST IN OIL AND GAS RESERVES.
IN THE PRIVATE BLOCS REMAINING, THERE WAS OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM POTENTIAL BIDDERS RESULTING IN ALL BEING TAKEN UP BY INTERESTED PARTIES.
RAPID AFRICAN ENERGY PLANS TO START EXPLORATION WORKS IN THE 31 BLOC SOON TO ENSURE AMPLE TIME WAS SECURED TO DO A GOOD JOB.
AND THE FIRST BIDDING ROUND ALSO FOR 23 OIL BLOCKS CLOSED BACK ON NOVEMBER 6TH 2009 AND 11 BLOCKS WERE AWARDED TO THE WINNING BIDDERS IN MID NOVEMBER.
FOUR FOREIGN COMPANIES AND FOUR ZAMBIAN FIRMS PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST ROUND NAMELY BRITAIN'S GP PETROLEUM AND PETRODEL RESOURCES, GLINT ENERGY OF THE UNITED STATES AND EXILE RESOURCES OF CANADA WERE CHOSEN ALONG WITH ZAMBIAN FIRMS MAJETU, BAROTSE PETROLEUM COMPANY AND CHAT MILLING COMPANY LIMITED.

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ZAMBIA-TANZANIA RAILWAYLINE WORKERS THREATEN TO STAGE A STRIKE FAILURE BY MANAGEMENT TO ADDRESS THEIR ISSUES SUCH LATE SALARY ARREARS

THE WORKERS UNIONS OF TAZARA HAS THREATENED TO STOP WORK IF MANAGEMENT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE VARIOUS ISSUES AFFECTING THE COMPANY AND ITS WORKFORCE.
SPEAKING TO RADIO PHOENIX, WORKERS UNION OF TAZARA GENERAL SECRETARY AFRICA MKANDAWIRE SAID THE UNION HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY TO DISCUSS THE VARIOUS ISSUES AFFECTING THE WORKERS SUCH AS LATE SALARY PAYMENT AND SETTLING OF ARREARS BUT THE PHONE CALLS HAVE GONE UNANSWERED.
MR. MKANDAWIRE HAS STATED THAT THE WORKERS ARE RILED BY THE STYLE OF LEADERSHIP EXHIBITED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR WHO CAN NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUES THEY HAVE BEEN PUTTING ACROSS TO UPLIFT THE STANDARDS OF THE COMPANY.
HE SAYS THE FAILURE TO LISTEN TO MOST OF THE ADVICE GIVEN TO MANAGEMENT FROM THE VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY HAS LED TO IT GOING DOWN DRASTICALLY, PERFORMING POORLY AND LOSING BUSINESS.
THE GENERAL SECRETARY HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKERS FEEL CHEATED BY MANAGEMENT WHICH CAN NOT BE TRUSTED ANYMORE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT WANT TO LISTEN TO THEIR CRIES.
MR. MKANDAWIRE SAYS THE ONLY SOLUTION REMAINING FOR THE WORKERS IS TO STRIKE SO THAT PRODUCTION GOES DOWN MORE THAN WHAT IT IS CURRENTLY.
HE SAYS THE WORKERS WILL ONLY RETURN TO WORK AFTER THERE HAS BEEN AN AMICABLE SOLUTION TO THEIR PLIGHT.
MEANWHILE UNION PRESIDENT BRIAN MWALE HAS DISCLOSED THAT THE UNION HAS TOLD THE WORKERS TO HALT THEIR PLANNED ACTION BECAUSE AT THE MOMENT MANAGEMENT HAS DECIDED TO MEET THE WORKERS IN KAPIRI MPONSHI WHERE THE MANAGING DIRECTOR WILL ADDRESS THEM OVER THEIR PLIGHT ON FRIDAY THIS WEEK.
MR. MWALE SAYS THE WORKERS WILL ONLY WAIT UP TO FRIDAY AND FAILURE BY MANAGEMENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN RAISED WILL RESULT IN THE WORKERS GOING AHEAD WITH WHAT THEY HAVE PLANNED.

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Tuesday 17 May 2011

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT IMPLORES SADC PUBLIC SECURITY SUB-COMMITTEE TO FORM A ROBUST RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BONDED STRONGLY ENOUGH TO STOP INTERNATIONAL CRIME SYNDICATES UNDERMINING THE REGION

THE ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT HAS IMPLORED THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) PUBLIC SECURITY SUB-COMMITTEE TO FORM A ROBUST RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BONDED STRONGLY ENOUGH TO STOP INTERNATIONAL CRIME SYNDICATES UNDERMINING THE REGION AS THEY PURSUE THEIR NEFARIOUS AND HEINOUS CRIMES.
SPEAKING TODAY WHEN HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE TWO DAYS SADC PUBLIC SECURITY SUB COMMITTEE MEETING IN LUSAKA, HOME AFFAIRS DEPUTY MINISTER GASTON SICHILIMA SAYS THE CITIZENS OF THE SADC REGION EXPECTS TO BE GIVEN WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN THIRST FOR WHICH IS PEACE.
MR. SICHILIMA STATED THAT IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT THE SADC PUBLIC SECURITY COMMITTEE IS EXPECTED TO APPLY THE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, WISDOM AND SELFLESSNESS SO THAT IT ASSISTS THE VARIOUS HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE SOUND DECISION THAT WILL BENEFIT THE REGION.
HE NOTED THAT THE PROTOCOL ON PEACE AND SECURITY MANDATES THE SADC PUBLIC SECURITY SUB-COMMITTEE TO THINK THROUGH ISSUES OF SECURITY AND ACCORDINGLY ADVISE THE LEADERSHIP ON THE WAY FORWARD AND CONSEQUENTLY THERE IS NEED TO USE ESTABLISHED STRUCTURES.
THE DEPUTY HOME AFFAIRS FURTHER NOTED THAT THE SUB COMMITTEE IS ENTRUSTED WITH THE AUTHORITY TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE REGION AND ITS TASK IS THEREFORE A MAMMOTH ONE THAT REQUIRES IT TO CONFRONT VARIOUS ISSUES THAT EITHER ANTAGONIZE OR FRUSTRATE THE REGIONS DESIRES.
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Monday 16 May 2011

ZAMBIA'S ENERGY REGULATORY BODY ENDORSES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE $230MILLION INVESTMENT OF ITEZHI-TEZHI HYDRO-POWER CORPORATION LIMITED

THE ENERGY REGULATION BOARD (ERB) HAS ENDORSED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE  $230MILLION INVESTMENT OF ITEZHI-TEZHI HYDRO-POWER CORPORATION LIMITED WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN ABOUT 41MONTHS STARTING THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS BRIEFING TODAY, ERB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BUTLER SITALI SAYS THE ITEZHI-TEZHI POWER CORPORATION WILL DEVELOP, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A 120MEGA WATTS POWER GENERATION PLANT AND ZESCO LIMITED WILL BE THE SOLE OFF-TAKER OF THE POWER TO BE GENERATED.
MR. SITALI HAS STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO MAJOR DEVELOPMENT OF GENERATION FACILITIES IN THE REGION FOR OVER 30YEARS HENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW GENERATION POWER PLANT WILL HELP MITIGATE THE CURRENT SHORTFALL OF ELECTRICITY.
HE SAYS APART FROM THE $230MILLION ITEZHI-TEZHI POWER PROJECT, THERE ARE OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS LINED UP FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY, OWING TO GROWING DEMAND AND A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTMENT AND ITEZHI-TEZHI POWER IS JUST BUT ONE OF SUCH NEW INVESTMENT.
HE DISCLOSED THAT OTHER PROJECTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ARE KARIBA NORTH BANK EXTENSION, NDOLA ENERGY COMPANY, KALUNGWISHI HYDROPOWER, KAFUE GEORGE LOWER AND KABOMPO HYDROPOWER STATIONS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECTS ATTESTS TO THE GOOD REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT PROVIDED BY THE ERB.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REITERATED THAT THE NEW INVESTMENT IN THE COUNTRY FITS VERY WELL WITH THE VISION WHICH IS A ZAMBIA WITH UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO RELIABLE, SAFE AND AFFORDABLE ENERGY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA MARK STORELLA SAYS THERE IS NEED FOR A ROBUST IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTI-GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA MARK STORELLA SAYS THERE IS NEED FOR A ROBUST IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANTI-GENDER BASED VIOLENCE, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUND AND A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN THAT ADDRESSES PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ABUSE.
ACCORDING TO A PRESS STATEMENT MADE AVAILABLE TODAY TO RADIO PHOENIX AMBASSADOR STORELLA SAYS THE ANTI-GBV SHOULD ALSO FORMULATE THE ANTI-GENDER BASED VIOLENCE COMMITTEE ABUSE ADDING THAT THE GBV LEGISLATION HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A POWERFUL FORCE IN THE WORK PLACE.
HE SAYS THE LEGISLATION WILL ELEVATE THE PROVISION OF CARE FOR VICTIMS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE HENCE THE PASSAGE OF THE LAW MARKS YEARS OF ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION BY COURAGEOUS AND VISIONARY ACTIVISTS COMMITTED TO RIDDING ZAMBIA OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.
AMBASSADOR STORELLA HAS REITERATED US SECRETARY OF STATE HILARY CLINTON’S SENTIMENTS THAT THERE NEED FOR EVERYONE TO BE COMMITTED IN EVERY COUNTRY TO WORK TOGETHER TO END THE ATROCITIES AND HOLD THOSE WHO COMMIT SUCH ACTS ACCOUNTABLE AND SUPPORT THE SURVIVORS.
HE HAS IN THE SAME VEIN CONGRATULATED ZAMBIA FOR PASSING THE GBV INTO LAW ADDING THAT NO WOMAN OR GIRL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD SHOULD HAVE TO WALK IN HEAR OR LIVE UNDER THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE.

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Friday 13 May 2011

CTPD HAS NOTES THAT THE PUBLIC DISCONTENT WITH THE MINING TAX REGIME WILL ONLY BE ALLEVIATED IF THE CULTURE OF SECRECY AROUND MINING GIVES WAY TO GREATER TRANSPARENCY IN ZAMBIA

CENTRE FOR TRADE POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT (CTPD) HAS NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC DISCONTENT WITH THE MINING TAX REGIME WILL ONLY BE ALLEVIATED IF THE CULTURE OF SECRECY AROUND MINING GIVES WAY TO GREATER TRANSPARENCY.
ACCORDING TO ITS RECOMMENDATION TITLED “A FOOLS PARADISE, ZAMBIA’S MINING TAX REGIME” CTPD SAYS CURRENT THE COUNTRY IS NOT GETTING WHAT IT IS SUPPOSE TO GET IN TERMS OF TAXES HENCE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT COMMUNITIES WHO BEAR THE BRUNT OF MINING’S SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS GET A FAIRER DISTRIBUTION OF MINERAL ROYALTIES.
IT HAS STATED THAT MINING TAX REGIME NEEDS TO BE TIGHTENED IN OTHER WAYS ESPECIALLY BY NO LONGER ALLOWING MINING COMPANIES TO OFFSET HEDGING TRANSACTIONS AGAINST INCOME.
CTPD HAS NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF KWACHA IN TAX REVENUE TO BE FOREGONE BY REPEALING THE WINDFALL TAX IN 2009, ADDING THAT A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE REVENUE BASED WINDFALL-BASED TAX SHOULD BE RE-INTRODUCED.
IT SAYS IT IS HIGH TIME THE GOVERNMENT RAISED MORE MINING TAX REVENUE AND INVESTED IT IN ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE SO THAT ZAMBIANS CAN START TO TRULY AND SUSTAINABLY BENEFIT FROM THEIR COUNTRY’S RESOURCE WEALTH.
CTPD HAS RECOMMENDED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD FURTHER INVEST IN DEVELOPING THE ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY CAPACITY TO COLLECT TAXES AND MONITOR AND AUDIT MINING COMPANIES.

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SHARING OF WARDS BY BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AT ZAMBIA'S UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL DISAPPOINTS WOMEN FOR CHANGE

WOMEN FOR CHANGE ARE DISAPPOINTMENT AND APPALLED AT THE SITUATION OF THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL FILTER CLINIC WHERE FEMALE AND MALE PATIENTS ARE SHARING THE DAME WARD.
WOMEN FOR CHANGE ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LUMBA SIYANGA SAYS THIS SITUATION OF POOR ACCESS TO HEALTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES IS NOT ONLY OBTAINING AT UTH, LUANSHYA AND ROAN HOSPITAL WERE RECENTLY REPORTED TO HAVE BED LINEN, PREGNANT WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS ARE SUBJECTED TO WALKING LONG DISTANCES AND SOME END UP GIVING BIRTH ALONG THE WAY.
MRS. SIYANGA HAS STRESSED THAT AS MUCH AS THE WOMEN MOVEMENT APPRECIATES WHAT GOVERNMENT IS DOING IN TERM OF CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CLINICS AND HOSPITALS, THERE IS NEED TO HASTEN THEIR PACE IN IMPROVING THE EXISTING HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE CLINICS AND HOSPITALS.
SHE SAYS IMPROVING THE EXISTING HEALTH SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY IS IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA BECAUSE LACK OF ACCESS TO GOOD HEALTH FACILITIES AND SERVICES IS A VIOLATION OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE AS ENSHRINED IN THE CONSTITUTION.
MRS. SIYANGA HAS STATED THE INCLUSION OF THE SOCIAL ECONOMIC RIGHTS IN THE CONSTITUTION WOULD ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA ENJOY ALL THEIR RIGHTS INCLUDING THE RIGHTS TO ACCESS TO GOOD HEALTH SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT WOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE OVER THE HEALTH OF THE CITIZENS.
MEANWHILE THE WOMEN MOVEMENT HAS REGRETTED THAT A LOT OF RESOURCES HAVE BEEN WASTED ON THE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS WITH NO REGARD TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA ON OPENING UP THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND ENSURING THAT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS ARE ENSHRINED IN THE CONSTITUTION.
IT HAS FURTHER ADVISED PROFESSIONALS LIKE UTH ACTING DIRECTOR DR LACKSON KASONKA NOT TO JOIN IN POLITICS OF DECEPTION, BUT CONCENTRATE ON SAVING LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA.

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ACTION AID ZAMBIA HAS CHALLENGED SABMILLER TO BE SPECIFIC IN ITS CRITIQUE TO THEIR REPORT WHICH POINTS OUT VERY SPECIFIC CRITICAL ISSUES IN SABMILLER’S TAX PAYING PRACTICES

ACTION AID ZAMBIA HAS CHALLENGED SABMILLER TO BE SPECIFIC IN ITS CRITIQUE TO THEIR REPORT WHICH POINTS OUT VERY SPECIFIC CRITICAL ISSUES IN SABMILLER’S TAX PAYING PRACTICES BY STATING THAT THE COMPANY HAS DISMISSED THE REPORT WITHOUT GIVING DETAILED AND FACTUAL INFORMATION THAT PROVES THE REPORT WRONG.
ACCORDING TO A COMMUNIQUÉ MADE AVAILABLE TO RADIO PHOENIX YESTERDAY ACTION AID ZAMBIA COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE PAMELA CHISANGA SAYS THE REPORT IS VERY CLEAR ON THE FACT THAT SABMILLER IS DODGING TAXES AND NOT EVADING TAXES BY STRATEGICALLY EXPLOITING WEAKNESSES IN THE ZAMBIAN TAX SYSTEM TO ITS ADVANTAGE.
MRS. CHISANGA HAS STATED THAT SABMILLER CLAIMS IT IS NOT INVOLVED IN AGGRESSIVE TAX PLANNING HOWEVER IT USES 65SUBSIDIERIES TO DIVERT FUNDS FROM ONE SUBSIDIARY TO ANOTHER LIKE THE CASE OF THE ZAMBIAN SUBSIDIARIES’ HAVE TO PAY MANAGEMENT FEES AND ROYALTIES TO THE COMPANY’ SUBSIDIARIES IN NETHERLANDS.
SHE HAS TAKEN TO TASK SABMILLER TO EXPLAIN THOROUGHLY WHETHER IT IS NOT AGGRESSIVE TAX FOR THE ZAMBIAN BREWERIES TO PAY ROYALTIES ON THE SALES OF CASTLE LAGER, EAGLE AND CARLING BLACK LABEL, TWO COMPANIES WHICH ARE PURE AFRICAN BRANDS.
MRS. CHISANGA HAS EXPLAINED THAT ACTION AID SHARED THE FINDINGS FROM SABMILLER’S TAX PRACTICE IN GHANA WITH OFFICIALS AT THE GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY AND ITS COMMISSIONER GENERAL, SAID THE RESEARCH FINDINGS SEEM TO BE BORNE OUT BY THE EXPERIENCE THAT IS A KNOW PRACTICE IN THE COUNTRY.
SHE SAYS THE ACTION AID RESEARCH WAS ALSO PEER-REVIEWED BY SENIOR OFFICIAL AT HER MAJESTY’S REVENUE AND CUSTOMS IN THE UK, WHO CONFIRMED THE FINDINGS AND THE GROUP’S EFFECTIVE TAX RATE FELL IN 2010, WHICH ITS ANNUAL REPORT ATTRIBUTES, AMONG OTHER THINGS TO ONGOING TAX EFFICIENCY MEASURES.
MRS. CHISANGA HAS STATED ACTION AID ZAMBIA IS VERY DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THE COMPANY USING INFLATED FIGURES TO MASK THE IMPACT OF ITS TAX DODGING.
MEANWHILE SABMILLER SAYS THE COMPANY’S TOTAL TAX DIRECTLY PAID TO GOVERNMENTS AMOUNTED TO JUST UNDER $7BILLION IN 2009 OF WHICH 77PERCENT WAS PAID IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES BUT IN 2009 TO 2010 THE COMPANY INVESTED OVER $500MILLION IN AFRICA ALONE.
BUT ACTION AID ZAMBIA SAYS LESS THAN ONE TENTH OF THE $7BILLION TOTAL TAX CONTRIBUTION THAT THE COMPANY QUOTES WAS ACTUALLY TAXES INCURRED BY SABMILLER ITSELF OF WHICH THE BULK OF IT WAS EXERCISE DUTIES, WHICH ARE PAID BY CONSUMERS AND NOT BY THE COMPANY.

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Thursday 12 May 2011

ZESCO LIMITED AND COPPERBELT ENERGY COPRATION PLC (CEC) IN CONSULTATION WITH VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS AGREES TO ADJUST THE BULK SUPPLY TARIFFS TO CEC BY 30PERCENT

ZESCO LIMITED AND COPPERBELT ENERGY COPRATION PLC (CEC) IN CONSULTATION WITH VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS HAS AGREED TO ADJUST THE BULK SUPPLY TARIFFS TO CEC BY 30PERCENT WITH EFFECT THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO A JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ MADE AVAILABLE TO RADIO PHOENIX TODAY THE TWO POWER UTILITIES AGREED THAT TARIFFS MUST SYSTEMATICALLY MIGRATE TOWARDS COST REFLECTIVITY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF THE POWER INDUSTRY IN ZAMBIA.
THE TWO POWER COMPANIES BELIEVE THAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE TARIFF WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT CURRENT EFFORTS OF EXPANDING GENERATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE SO AS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE BEING RENDERED TO CEC AND ITS MINING CUSTOMERS.

THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE HAS EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE MANNER IN WHICH POLITICIANS ARE CARRYING OUT THEIR UNOFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS IN THE RUN UP TO THIS YEAR ELECTIONS

THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE HAS EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE MANNER IN WHICH POLITICIANS ARE CARRYING OUT THEIR UNOFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS IN THE RUN UP TO THIS YEAR ELECTIONS BY STATING THAT NONE OF THEM IS TALKING ABOUT GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR FRANCO KAPIJIMPANGA HAS NOTED THAT THE ZAMBIAN POLITICIANS HAVE CONTINUED THEIR OLD HABITS OF MUDSLINGING AND HOODWINKING PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE AND BAD PAST LIVES ACHIEVEMENT.
MR. KAPIJIMPANGA HAS POINTED OUT THAT NONE OF THE POLITICIANS IS TALKING ABOUT HUMAN GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS CARDINAL TO THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE’S LIVES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAYS LACK OF MATURITY AND UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ISSUES HAS ENGULFED MOST OF THE POLITICIANS’ MIND WHO CAN NOT REALIZE THAT THE SAME PEOPLE THEY WANT TO VOTE FOR THEM ARE SUFFERING AND WILL NEED SOMEBODY WHO WILL IMPROVE THEIR LIVES.
THE INSTITUTE DIRECTOR SAYS ZAMBIANS MUST SHUN ANY POLITICIAN WHO WILL NOT TALK REAL ISSUES BUT CONTINUES TO TALK ABOUT OTHER POLITICIANS

Wednesday 11 May 2011

CITI BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED RECORDS REVENUE OF CLOSE TO 165BILLION KWACHA IN THE YEAR 2010

CITI BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED , ONE OF  THE LARGEST UNITED STATES INVESTMENTS IN THE COUNTRY WITH A CAPITAL BASE OF 370BILLION KWACHA AND ASSETS OF 1.5TRILLION KWACHA GLOBALLY  RECORDED REVENUE OF CLOSE TO 165BILLION KWACHA IN THE YEAR 2010.
CITI BANK ZAMBIA WHICH RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A 4PERCENT REDUCTION IN ITS BASE LENDING RATES TO 15PERCENT FROM 19PERCENT ALSO PAID TAXES TO THE ZAMBIAN TREASURY IN EXCESS OF 53BILLION KWACHA IN THE YEAR ENDED 2010.
THE BANK, WHOSE HEADQUARTERS ARE IN LONDON AND OPERATES IN SEVERAL AFRICAN COUNTRIES THROUGH FINCA BANK ZAMBIA, HAS BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING MICRO FINANCE TO THE VULNERABLE IN SOCIETY BY GIVING OVER 320MILLION KWACHA FOR THE PAST 7YEARS.
UNDER ITS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WHICH IS A WORLD WIDE NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION AIMED AT EMPOWERING THE YOUTH TO ENHANCE THEIR FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILL, THE BANK HAS SPENT ABOUT 470MILLION KWACHA.
CITI BANK’S MAIN FOCUS IS ON SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES IN ZAMBIA TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES ARE MINING, MANUFACTURING, ENERGY, RETAILING AND AGRICULTURE AND ITS MOST SIGNIFICANT RECENT DEAL OF THE YEAR WAS THE ZAMBIA SUGAR EXPANSION DEAL WHICH IS THE LARGEST SYNDICATE LOCAL CURRENCY DEBT IN THE COUNTRY.
AND CITI BANK THROUGH ITS ZAMBIAN BRANCH MANAGING DIRECTOR JOYCE WAINAINA HAS ESTIMATED THE THAT THE REGIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES WALLET IN AFRICA IS AROUND $1TRILLION WITH THE KEY GROWTH DRIVERS BEING EMERGING MARKETS.
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Monday 9 May 2011

W.H.O REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO THE FIGHT AGAINST POLIO

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION WHO HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO THE  FIGHT AGAINST POLIO.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE DR. OLUSEGUN BABANIYI SAYS  WHO WILL CONTINUE WITH THE  FIGHT AGAINST POLIO THROUGH ITS GLOBAL POLIO ERADICATION INITIATIVE.
DR. BABANIYI HAS HOWEVER COMMENDED  THE  ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT FOR  NOT RECORDING ANY POLIO SINCE 2002.
DR. BABANIYI WAS SPEAKING DURING THE PRESENTATION OF A RECONDITIONED VEHICLE TO THE LUSAKA PROVINCE MEDICAL OFFICE IN LUSAKA TODAY
DR BABANIYI HAS HOWEVER URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GOOD USE.
MEAN WHILE LUSAKA PROVINCE MEDICAL OFFICER DR TUCKSON  LAMBART SAYS  THE DONATION WILL HELP THE DISEASES SURVEILLANCE EFFORTS  IN THE FOUR DISTRICT OF LUSAKA PROVINCE THAT INCLUDES LUSAKA, CHONGWE, KAFUE AND LUANGWA DISTRICTS.

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COMESA CALLS ON MEMBER STATES TO ADOPT CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE STRATEGIES TO AVOID THE CONSEQUENCES OF FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION

COMESA ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL FOR  PROGRAMMES STEPHEN KARANGIZI HAS CALLED ON MEMBER STATES TO ADOPT CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE STRATEGIES  TO AVOID THE  CONSEQUENCES OF  FOOD SECURITY IN THE REGION.
SPEAKING TODAY DURING THE  OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE REGIONAL CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE MEETING AND STUDY TOUR TODAY IN LUSAKA MR. KARANGIZI NOTED THAT THE REAL REVOLUTION IN AFRICAN AGRICULTURE WILL HAPPEN WHEN AGRICULTURE IS EMBRACED AS A MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION MECHANISM TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION AS TO WHY AFRICA CAN NOT AIM FOR A GOOD PORTION OF THESE PLEDGES TO SUPPORT ITS  OWN ADAPTATION NEEDS IN AGRICULTURE ADDING THAT MITIGATION OF AFRICAN AGRICULTURE CAN CONTRIBUTE AT LEAST ANOTHER $10BILLION ANNUALLY.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME FUNCTION, EUROPEAN UNION CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMME OFFICER STEPHANIE ROUSSEAU DISCLOSED THAT THE EU TODAY UNDER THE FARMER INPUT SUPPORT RESPONSE INITIATIVE IMPLEMENTED BY THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES HAS RELEASED ABOUT 16MILLION EUROS.
MRS. ROUSSEAU ADDED THAT ANOTHER 11MILLION EUROS IS EARMARKED FOR CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE PROJECTS FROM 2012.
MEANWHILE, AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES PERMANENT SECRETARY ABEDNEGO BANDA HAS OBSERVED THAT THE REGION IS CURRENTLY FACING A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES SUCH AS LOW AGRICULTURE PRODUCTIVITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REVERSE THE SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC GAINS.
HE HOWEVER POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER FOR THE REGION TO REACH THE 1.2MILLION FARMERS WITH CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE MEMBER STATES DEVELOP POLICIES THAT SUPPORT THE UP SCALING OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE.

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Sunday 8 May 2011

ZAMBIA'S PRESIDENT TAKES A SWIPE AT THE OPPOSITION

PRESIDENT  RUPIAH  BANDA HAS TAKEN A SWIPE AT OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT PRESIDENT MICHAEL SATA  AND FORMER WORKS AND SUPPLY MINISTER  MIKE MULONGOTI DESCRIBING  THEIR  RANTINGS AS THOSE  OF FRUSTRATED PEOPLE.
SPEAKING AT LUSAKA  INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR TURKEY THIS MORNING, PRESIDENT BANDA SAID CONTRARY TO  ALLEGATIONS BY MR SATA, HIS GOVERNMENT  HAS MADE A LOT  OF PROGRESS TO DEVELOP ZAMBIA.
THE PRESIDENT ALSO SAYS THERE WAS NOTHING  SIGNIFICANT ABOUT MR SATA`S TRIP TO  LONDON.
AND  PRESIDENT BANDA SAYS  MR MULONGOTI  IS A FRUSTRATED MAN AND HAS SINCE ADVISED  HIM TO KEEP QUIET IF HE HAS NOTHING TO  SAY.
MEANWHILE, NEW GENERATION  PARTY  PRESIDENT HUMPREY SIULAPWA SAYS HIS PARTY WILL NOT SIT IDLE  AND WATCH MR MULONGOTI MAKE HIS OUTBURSTS AGAINST PRESIDENT BANDA AND HIS GOVERNMENT.
MR SIULAPWA SAYS  IT IS UNACCEPTABLE  THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BEHAVE IN THE MANNER IN WHICH MR MULONGOTI IS BEHAVING WHEN  NOT LONG AGO HE WAS BUSY PRAISING PRESIDENT BANDA.
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ZAMBIAN DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION ARRESTS 25 YEAR OLD NIGERIAN NATIONAL FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION HAS ARRESTED A 25 YEAR OLD NIGERIAN NATIONAL FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING.
IN A STATEMENT  RELEASED TO RADIO PHOENIX, DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER JOHN NYAWALI DISCLOSED THAT GIDEON AMAGBOUBI, A BUSINESSMAN OF KITWE WAS ARRESTED FROM BULANGILILO TOWNSHIP AFTER A SEARCH AT HIS HOUSE FOLLOWING A LONG TRAIL OF HIS ACTIVITIES
MR. NYAWALI DISCLOSED THAT  AMAGBOUDI WAS FOUND WITH TWO COCAINE EGGS THAT ARE RARE TYPE OF COCAINE TO BE FOUND IN ZAMBIA.
HE SAYS  AMAGBOUDI BECOMES A FIFTH NIGERIAN NATIONAL TO BE ARRESTED IN KITWE FOR TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS ARRESTED ON THE COPPERBELT TO 11.
AND MR  NYAWALI HAS ALSO DISCLOSED THAT ABOUT 234 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED ON THE COPPERBELT FOR VARIOUS DRUG TRAFFICKING OFFENCES IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS.
HE  HAS EXPRESSED WORRY ON THE INCREASING CASES OF DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES ON THE COPPERBELT ESPECIALLY THAT THE VICE IS BECOMING RAMPANT IN AFFLUENT NIGHT CLUBS AND AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT  2.7 TONNES OF CANNABIS WAS BEEN SEIZED IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS COUNTRYWIDE AND 102 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE.
MR NYAWALI FURTHER SAYS  200 BUNDLES OF MIRRA  WERE FOUND ABANDONED AT A BUS STATION IN NAKONDE DISTRICT AFTER THE SUSPECT REALIZED SHE WAS BEING TRAILED

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