Tazara set to move around 700,000 tonnes of goods by June next year

Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is set to move around 700,000 tonnes of goods by June next year, up from 600,000 hauled this year, signalling success in capacity rebuilding measures.

TAZARA Managing Director, Mr. Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, told the TANZANIAN Minister of Transport Omari Nundu and his deputy, Dr Athumani Mfutakamba, on a visit to the institution’s head office that TAZARA performance had been steadily improving.

He informed the Ministers that, so far at the half way point, month to month performance this year has been at around 80 per cent of the budgeted level.

The Chief Executive said that, with current capacity building projects due to be completed by December 2012, it was expected that TAZARA would regain operational capacity to transport one million tons per annum, once again.

However, the Managing Director observed that even at that recaptured level of performance, the share of goods going by TAZARA would still be unsatisfactory.

Mr. Mbikusita-Lewanika said there was urgent need for massive additional investments and railway sector transformation aimed at enhancing haulage capacity to a level of five million tons annually in the years beyond 2012.

He pointed out that while in the early years TAZARA had been transporting as much as one million tons of freight, it had achieved this while accumulating losses to the tune of about US$59 million by 1983.

In his remarks the Minister urged Management to adopt best practices in addressing industrial relations in TAZARA.

He pointed out that where people live and work together it is usual to experience differences, but such problems needed to be promptly and amicably addressed.

Referring to recent industrial disturbances, the Minister announced that a Special Board Meeting is to be convened, and that it shall consider appointing an independent team of experts to independently review and investigate all contentious issues that have arisen.

He urged team spirit among staff and all employees, saying that both governments of Tanzania and Zambia were committed to finding lasting solutions to TAZARA.

The ministers’ visit followed a meeting with Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa, MP, Zambia’s Minister of Communication and Transport, who was in Dar es Salaam as a Special Envoy of President Rupiah Banda to deliver a message to President Jakaya Kikwete.

ENDS////////////

The opposition upnd to appeal in the supreme court the decison by the lusaka high court to nullify the mufumbwe election results

THE OPPOSITION UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAS INDICATED THAT IT WILL STILL PROCEED WITH AN APPEAL IN THE SUPREME COURT DESPITE THE DECISION BY THE LUSAKA HIGH COURT TO DISMISS ITS APPEAL TO STAY THE DECISION TO NULLIFY THE MUFUMBWE ELECTION RESULTS.
THE LUSAKA HIGH COURT YESTERDAY THREW OUT AN APPEAL BY THE FORMER MUFUMBWE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ELLIOT KAMONDO, IN WHICH HE WAS ASKING THE COURT TO STAY THE DECISION TO NULLIFY THE ELECTION RESULTS OF APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE NULLIFICATION OF THE MUFUMBWE RESULTS FOLLOWED THE VIOLENCE WHICH CHARACTERIZED THE BY-ELECTION IN THE SAME CONSTITUENCY WHERE SEVERAL VOTERS WERE MAIMED DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
JUDGE PHILIP MUSONDA HAS SINCE SAID THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA SHOULD GO AHEAD AND SET THE DATE FOR THE BY-ELECTION STATING THAT THERE WAS NO LIKELIHOOD THAT THE APPEAL WOULD SUCCEED.
BUT IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX UPND SPOKESPERSON CHARLES KAKOMA EXPRESSED SHOCK AT THE MANNER THE COUNTRY’S JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS OPERATING CHARGING THERE IS NO WAY ONE COUNTRY CAN HAVE TWO LEGAL SYSTEMS IN PLACE.
ASKED IF IN HIS VIEW HE THINKS THE COUNTRY HAS TWO PARALLEL LEGAL SYSTEMS, MR KAKOMA OPTED TO QUESTION THE MANNER IN WHICH COURTS ARE HANDLING CASES INVOLVING THE OPPOSITION IN THE COUNTRY AND CITED THEIR PENDING CASE WITH THE NAMWALA AREA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MAJOR ROBBY CHIZYUKA WHICH IS IN THE COURTS OF LAW.ENDS////

Mine workers union of Zambia president Rayford Mbulu vows not to resign

MINE WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA (MUZ) PRESIDENT RAYFORD MBULU HAS CHARGED THAT HE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY ANY GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL AND WILL THEREFORE NOT RESIGN FROM HIS POSITION DESPITE CALLS FROM THE LABOUR MINISTER FOR HIM TO DO THAT.

LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY MINISTER AUSTIN LIATO YESTERDAY ASKED MR MBULU TO RESIGN SAYING HE IS HOLDING ON TO THE OFFICE ILLEGALLY.
MR LIATO SAID MR. MBULU WAS NOT IN ANY FORMAL EMPLOYMENT AND THAT THE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH PERSONS FROM REPRESENTING OTHER EMPLOYEES.
HE SAID THIS WAS THE REASON WHY MR. MBULU WAS BARRED FROM CONTESTING THE POSITION OF ZCTU PRESIDENT AT THE JUST ENDED ZAMBIA CONGRESS OF TRADE UNION QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE.
BUT IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, MR MBULU CHALLENGED GOVERNMENT TO APPROACH HIM IF THEY HAVE ISSUES WITH HIM STATING THAT AS A ZAMBIAN, HE HAS THE RIGHT TO ASSOCIATE AND BELONG TO ANY GROUPING.
HE QUESTIONED THE AUTHORITY THE LABOUR MINISTER HAS IN DECLARING HIS PRESIDENCY AS ILLEGAL STATING THAT UNDER THE MINE WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA CONSTITUTION THROUGH WHICH HE WAS ELECTED, HE IS STILL THE INCUMBENT UNTIL 2014 WHEN HIS TENURE EXPIRES.
AND MR MBULU HAS ACCUSED MR LIATO OF MEDDLING IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE LABOUR MOVEMENT IN THE COUNTRY.
HE STATES THAT GOVERNMENT WANTS A LABOUR MOVEMENT THAT DANCES TO ITS TUNE, BUT WAS HASTE TO STATE THAT HE WILL NOT SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE.
MR. MBULU WAS DISMISSED FROM HIS EMPLOYMENT AT CHAMBISHI METALS ON THE COPPERBELT FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE ZAMBIA CONGRESS OF TRADE UNION QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE WHICH SAW UNION PRESIDENT MR LEONARD HIKAUMBA RETAIN HIS POSITION UNOPPOSED.

AND CHANGE LIFE ZAMBIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FATHER FRANK BWALYA HAS ACCUSED GOVERNMENT OF MANIPULATING THE JUST ENDED ZCTU QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE.
MR. HIKAUMBA’S RETENTION OF THE ZCTU PRESIDENCY CAME AFTER HIS ONLY CHALLENGER MINE WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA PRESIDENT, RAYFORD MBULU’S NOMINATION WAS THROWN OUT DUE TO FAILURE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS TO STAND AS ZCTU PRESIDENT.
MR. MBULU’S NOMINATION WAS THROWN OUT BY THE LABOUR COMMISSIONER AFTER FAILING TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF STATUTORY INSTRUMENT NUMBER 23 OF 2008 OF AMENDMENT ACT OF THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT CHAPTER 289 OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA.
BUT FATHER BWALYA SAYS GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SO MANIPULATIVE OF THE ZCTU IN ORDER TO HOLD ON TO POWER.
HE SAYS THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT GOVERNMENT HAD A HAND IN THE OUTCOME OF THE QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE.
HE STATES THAT THE MMD KNOWS VERY WELL THAT IT WILL HAVE INFLUENCE OVER THE ZCTU IF IT CAN HAVE SOMEONE WITHIN THE LABOUR MOVEMENT SECTOR.
THE ZCTU QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE USHERED IN NEW OFFICE BEARERS TO OVERSEE AFFAIRS OF THE LABOUR MOVEMENT FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
ZCTU PRESIDENT LEONARD HIKAUMBA RETAINED HIS POSITION UNOPPOSED WITH ROY MWABA BOUNCING BACK AS GENERAL SECRETARY.
MR MWABA WILL BE DEPUTIZED BY COSMAS MUKUKA THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF BASIC EDUCATION TEACHERS’ UNION OF ZAMBIA.MEANWHILE, FATHER BWALYA HAS DESCRIBED 2010 AS A VERY DEVASTATING YEAR FOR ZAMBIA, CITING WHAT HE TERMS AS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO PUT IN PLACE A PEOPLE DRIVEN CONSTITUTION.
HE ALSO SAYS THAT THE MUTILATION OF THE LAW ON CORRUPTION BY REMOVING THE ABUSE OF OFFICE CLAUSE FROM THE ANTI CORRUPTION COMMISSION (ACC) ACT WAS ANOTHER DETRIMENTAL HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR 2010.

ENDS////

BOZ to state the way forward with regards the operations of finance bank Zambia limited

The central bank has indicated that it will in the next ninety days state the way forward with regards the operations of finance bank Zambia limited.

Director bank supervision at the bank of Zambia mr lameck zimba says only after 90 days will central bank tell the nation the fete of the bank.

He explains that under its supervisory role, the central bank is mandated obliged to take such action especially to safeguard the interests of the public.

Mr zimba explains that the central bank does not want the bank to fail; even to shut down as it has dare consequences on the economy.

And mr zimba has explained that poor management and none adherence to corporate governance is what necessitated the central bank to take over the bank.

He revealed from the investigation that the central bank conducted, shareholders were found wanting as it can to light that they were giving each other loans from the depositors monies.

And acting assistant director bank supervision mbinga kafunya has assured all the clients at the bank that the bank will not close despite some assertions from certain quarters of the media.

Mr kafunya further explained that the selection of first rand bank to run finance bank Zambia limited was made after massive consultation from all stakeholders including the government.

The duo were speaking on a Zambia national broadcasting corporation open line programme today.

Ends/////////////

food reserve agency in Zambia secures additional storage space

THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY HAS SECURED ADDITIONAL STORAGE SPACE TO ENSURE SAFE STORAGE OF ALL THE CROPS PURCHASED THIS YEAR.

THE AGENCY SAYS THIS HAS COME IN THE MIDST OF MANAGING SPILLAGES WHEN TRANSPORTING MAIZE FROM SATELLITE TO MAIN HOLDING DEPOTS.

FRA EXPLAINS THAT THE SPILLAGES ARE AS A RESULT OF FARMERS HAVING USED ORDINARY BAGS INSTEAD OF ULTRA VIOLET TREATED BAGS.

FRA PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER MWAMBA SIAME ADMITS THAT THE AGENCY HAS HAD DIFFICULTIES IN TRANSPORTING STOCK FROM CERTAIN LOCATIONS WHICH SHE ATTRIBUTED TO BAD TERRAIN AND ROADS WHICH HAVE BECOME IMPASSABLE.

IN A NEWS STATEMENT TO RADIO PHOENIX MRS SIAME STATES THAT THE AGENCY HAS SINCE SENT TARPAULINES TO SATELLITE DEPOTS TO COVER THE MAIZE IN AREAS WHICH ARE DIFFICULT TO REACH.

MEANWHILE, FARMERS IN LUANSHYA DISTRICT HAVE EXPRESSED WORRY THAT THEY RISK LOOSING THIS YEAR’S MAIZE CROP IF THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT DISTRIBUTE BASAL FERTILIZERS IN TIME.

LUANSHYA DISTRICT FARMERS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIRPERSON LUIS SIANDYABANTU HAS DEMANDED THAT NIOYOMBO INVESTMENTS TELLS THE FARMERS IF THEY HAVE D-COMPOUND IN STOCK OR NOT.

HE SAID THE FARMERS WERE BITTER BECAUSE THEIR MAIZE CROP WAS BEGINNING TO SHOW NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES AFTER AN EXCELLENT CROP GERMINATION AND GROWTH RATE.

THE FARMERS NOTE THAT IF GOVERNMENT DOESN’T ACT QUICKLY, THE WHOLE ESSENCE OF THE FARMER INPUT SUPPORT PROGRAMME WOULD BE DEFEATED.

ENDS////////////

GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO EXPEDITIOUSLY CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND ADDRESS THE CONCERNS BEEN RAISED BY LOZI PEOPLE.

GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO EXPEDITIOUSLY CALL FOR DIALOGUE FROM ALL STAKEHOLDERS AND ADDRESS THE CONCERNS BEEN RAISED BY LOZI PEOPLE.

AND DR SKETCHLEY SACIKA WHO IS ALSO THE FORMER SECRETARY TO THE CABINET HAS DESCRIBED THE CURRENT FORM OF GOVERNMENT AS TOO CENTRALIZED AND HAS SINCE CALLED FOR DECENTRALIZATION IF DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE REGISTERED IN ALL PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.

SPEAKING ON RADIO PHOENIX LET THE PEOPLE TALK PROGRAMME, DR SACIKA EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS NEED TO REDUCE THE POWERS OF A PRESIDENT STATING THAT REGIONALIZATION IS THE WAY A NUMBER OF DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES ARE GOING AS IT ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL.

SPEAKING ON THE SIDE LINES OF THE CONTINUED WRANGLES IN WESTERN PROVINCE ESPECIALLY WITH REGARDS TO THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT, DR SACIKA EXPLAINED THAT THE LOZI PEOPLE FEEL BETRAYED AND THEIR INHERITANCE STOLEN HENCE NEED FOR DIALOGUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

DR SACIKA DESCRIBED UPRISING IN WESTERN PROVINCE AS EMOTIVE AND SENSITIVE ADDING THAT THE ISSUES BEEN RAISED CANNOT BE RESOLVED THROUGH POLITICAL MANIPULATION BUT PROPER DIALOGUE FROM ALL STAKEHOLDERS.

BUT HE NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT DO NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND THE MATTER HENCE CREATING UNNECESSARY CONFUSION IN THE COUNTRY.

AND SPEAKING DURING THE SAME PROGRAMME SOUTHERN AFRICA CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTIVE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE HABASONDA HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE LOZI PEOPLE HAVE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS BUT WAS HOWEVER QUICK TO ADVISE ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED TO APPROACH THE MATTER IN A BETTER WAY.

MR HABASONDA STATES THAT POLITICIANS SHOULD NOT MANIPULATE THE BAROTSE LAND AGREEMENT BUT MUST ENSURE THAT THEY DIALOGUE SO THAT THE RECENT CASES OF VIOLENCE ARE AVOIDED.

HE ADDS THAT GOVERNMENT MUST DESIST FROM USING FORCE AMONG THE LOZI PEOPLE BUT RATHER SHOULD FIND A NEUTRAL GROUND AND DISCUSS THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THEM.

AND MR HABASONDA HAS RETALIATED THAT THE WHOLE NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE PROCESS HAS BEEN A SHAMEFUL EXERCISE AS IT DID NOT TAKE ON BOARD THE WISHES OF THE ZAMBIANS.

AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE SAME PROGRAMME REVEREND EDITH MUTALE HAS ACCUSED FIRST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT DR KENNETH KAUNDA AND MR SIKOTA WINA OF BEEN HYPOCRITES AND HAS SINCE CHALLENGED THEM TO COME OUT IN THE OPEN AND SHOW LEADERSHIP ON THE MATTER.

THE OTHER CALLERS BEMOANED THE STANCE THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON THE BAROTSE LAND GOVERNMENT AND CAUTIONED THEM SAYING TIME IS NOW FOR IT TO SIT DOWN AND RESOLVE THE ISSUES WHICH THE LOZI PEOPLE ARE RAISING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE THE COUNTRY ERUPTS INTO CHAOS.

ENDS///////////

Ecobank strives to grow even further in 2011

ECOBANK ZAMBIA LIMITED HAS SAID IT EXPECTS TO GROW EVEN FURTHER NEXT YEAR DESPITE THE COMPETITION IN THE BANKING SECTOR.

SPEAKING IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX IN LUSAKA ECOBANK MANAGING DIRECTOR CHARITY LUMPA STATED THAT THE BANK HAS PERFORMED FAIRLY WELL IN THE MARKET IN THE YEAR 2010 WITH ITS CUSTOMER BASE STRETCHING UP TO 4,000.

SHE SAID WITH THE 2011 ECONOMIC GROWTH PROJECTED AT OVER 6% THE BANK WILL CONTINUE TO BE INNOVATIVE SO THAT IT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ITS GROWTH.

AND MRS. LUMPA ADDS THAT THE BANK IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING ITS CAMPAIGN DUBBED “RHYTHM OF AFRICA” WHERE A NUMBER OF PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN LINED UP FOR THE CLIENTS.

ends

Zambian govt warns people trying to cause confusion in the country

GOVERNMENT HAS WARNED THAT IT WILL NOT CONDONE PEOPLE TRYING TO DESTABILIZE THE COUNTRY AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN CAUSING CONFUSION IN WESTERN PROVINCE WILL FACE THE WRATH OF THE LAW.
HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER MKHONDO LUNGU SAYS GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE PEACE AND SECURITY TO THE WESTERN PROVINCE.
HE WAS REACTING TO A RIOT IN MONGU ON DECEMBER 18, WHICH RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 21 PROTESTERS.
MR. LUNGU SAID THE POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE MATTER TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSE OF THE RIOT, WHICH HAS COME TWO MONTHS AFTER A SIMILAR PROTEST.
DURING THE FRACAS, ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT PRESIDENT CHARLES MILUPI WAS INJURED AND POLICE IN MONGU HAVE SINCE ARRESTED 21 PEOPLE IN CONNECTION WITH RIOTOUS BEHAVIOR.
CONFIRMING THE ARRESTS, POLICE SPOKESPERSON NDANDULA SIAMANA SAID THE 21 WERE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE.ENDS////

A Z ambian economist describes as redundant the position taken by govt on economic growth

AN ECONOMIST HAS DESCRIBED AS REDUNDANT THE POSITION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT THAT IT WILL TAKE THE COUNTRY YEARS FOR THE ZAMBIANS TO START BENEFITTING FROM THE ECONOMIC GROWTH THAT HAS BEEN REGISTERED.
IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, PROFESSOR OLIVER SAASA EXPLAINS THAT ZAMBIANS DO NOT NEED TO WAIT FOR YEARS BEFORE THEY CAN START BENEFITTING FROM THE GROWTH THAT THE COUNTRY HAS RECORDED.
PROFESSOR SAASA ARGUES THAT THE BELIEF THAT THE COUNTRY HAS BEEN FOCUSING SO MUCH ON POVERTY REDUCTION FOR TOO LONG AND THAT WHAT IS NEEDED NOW IS TO SHIFT TO WEALTH CREATION IS MISPLACED.
HE EXPLAINS THAT THE WEALTH CREATION MUST BE DONE FOR A PURPOSE AS IT MUST NOT JUST BE ABOUT GETTING MONEY RATHER IT SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON IMPROVING THE SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE GENERAL CITIZENRY.
PROFESSOR SAASA HAS SINCE STATED THAT POVERTY REDUCTION MUST BE GOVERNMENT’S NUMBER ONE TARGET EVEN AS IT PURSUES WEALTH CREATION.
ENDS////

The Zambia chambers of mines asks government to facilitate predictability of the tax policy regulation

THE ZAMBIA CHAMBER OF MINES HAS ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO FACILITATE PREDICTABILITY OF THE TAX POLICY REGULATIONS TO ENABLE THE INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY.
THERE HAVE BEEN CALLS FROM VARIOUS PLAYERS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVISE THE TAX REGIME IN THE INDUSTRY TO ENABLE THE COUNTRY BENEFIT FROM THE MINES, SINCE COPPER PRICES HAVE SOARED HIGH ABOVE 8,000 US DOLLARS PER TONNE.
CHAMBER OF MINES IN PRESIDENT NATHAN CHISHIMBA NOTES THAT UNCERTAINTY IN THE POLICY FORMULATION IS CREATING ANXIETY AMONG INVESTORS.
HE SAYS ZAMBIANS SHOULD FOCUS ON THE FUTURE AND ITS LONG TERM BENEFIT THAT ARE ACCRUABLE FROM THE INDUSTRY STATING THAT THE MINING INDUSTRY REQUIRES COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AND NETWORKING AMONG SECTOR PLAYERS TO FURTHER SPUR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FOR THE COUNTRY.
MR. CHISHIMBA SAYS FOR THE INDUSTRY TO SUSTAIN GROWTH AND CONTRIBUTE TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POSITIVELY, SECTOR PLAYERS SHOULD ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND EFFICIENCY IN THE WAY THEY RUN AFFAIRS IN THE INDUSTRY.
MR. CHISHIMBA, SPEAKING DURING THE 2010 INTERNATIONAL MINING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION HOSTED BY KONKOLA COPPER MINES IN CHINGOLA RECENTLY NOTED THAT SINCE THE YEAR 2000, MORE THAN 5 BILLION US DOLLAR INVESTMENT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE INDUSTRY, AND SAID CERTAINTY OF POLICIES IN THE INDUSTRY IS VITAL, NOW THAN EVER BEFORE AS THE PLAYERS ARE FOCUSING ON ONE OBJECTIVE OF STEERING THE INDUSTRY TO HIGHER HEIGHTS.
THE INVESTMENT IN THE MINING SECTOR SINCE 2000 HAS RESULTED IN TRIPLED COPPER PRODUCTION FROM 250,000 TONNES TO MORE THAN 700,000 THIS YEAR AND ATTRIBUTED THE GROWTH TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VARIOUS MINES.
AND GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED MINING COMPANIES TO HELP SUSTAIN GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRY AND JOB CREATION IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE REBOUND IN THE PRICE OF THE MINERAL, COPPER, ESPECIALLY NOW THAT THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IS OVER.
MINES MINISTER MAXWELL MWALE SAID IT IS GOVERNMENT’S DESIRE TO SUPPORT COMPANIES THAT REMAIN VIBRANT AND STEADFAST EVEN IN AN EVENT THAT ANOTHER SHOCK OCCURRED IN THE INDUSTRY.
HE SAID WITH MORE MINING FIRMS COMING ON BOARD, THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE PROGRESS TOWARDS ATTAINING THE 20% CONTRIBUTION TO GDP BY 2015.
ENDS////

Tourism council of zambia calls for more infrastructural investment

TOURISM BOARD OF ZAMBIA CHAIRMAN MR. TIMOTHY MUSHIMBWE HAS CALLED FOR MORE INVESTMENT IN THE SECTOR IF ITS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY IS TO BE ENHANCED.

MR. MUSHIMBWE STATES THAT THE TOURISM INDUSTRY GLOBALLY IS THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRY BUT THE COUNTRY’S CURRENT LEVELS OF EARNINGS FROM THE SECTOR OF 300 MILLION DOLLARS IN GROSS TERMS ARE NOT ENOUGH HENCE NEED FOR MORE INVESTMENT.

HE TOLD RADIO PHOENIX THAT UNLESS THE COUNTRY PUTS IN PLACE THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLATFORM FOR THE INVESTORS TO PARTICIPATE, THE TOURISM SECTOR WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONSTRAINED.

MR. MUSHIMBWE NOTED THAT THE BED SPACE WHICH IS CURRENTLY AT 12,000 WILL HAVE TO BE GROWN AS WELL AS OPENING UP OTHER AREAS IN THE COUNTRY BY PUTTING UP THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS ROADS AND AIRPORTS.

THE TOURISM SECTOR, WHICH HAS EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VISITORS DUE TO MISFORTUNES IN NEIGHBORING ZIMBABWE, WAS ALLOCATED K63.3 BILLION IN THE 2011 NATIONAL BUDGET WITH THE FOCUS ON ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.

FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS, THE KAFUE AND LUSAKA NATIONAL PARKS GOT K37.7 BILLION AND ANOTHER K26.6 BILLION WENT FOR THE MARKETING OF TOURISM SITES.

ENDS/////////

Zambia's major political parties urged to promote internal democracy

MAJOR POLITICAL PLAYERS IN THE COUNTRY HAVE BEEN URGED TO PROMOTE INTRA-PARTY DEMOCRACY AND ALLOW TO BE CHALLENGED BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SAME PARTY AT THE CONVENTION.

IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX ZAMBIA CHRISTIAN COALITION SPOKESPERSON JOHN MWENDAPOLE SAYS THE CURRENT SCENARIO WERE THE MMD SAY PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA SHOULD GO UNOPPOSED IS NOT GOOD FOR THE GROWTH OF COUNTRY’S DEMOCRACY.

HE STATES THAT RULING MMD MEMBERS WHO ARE VYING FOR THE SAME POSITION SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTEST AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.

MR MWENDAPOLE HOWEVER NOTED THAT IT WILL NOT WORK WELL FOR THE MMD IF ANOTHER PERSON TAKES OVER THE INCUMBENT PRESIDENT BEARING IN MIND THAT 2011 GENERAL POLLS ARE NEARER.

AND HE ALSO SAID THE MAJOR OPPOSITION LEADER MR. MICHAEL SATA SHOULD ALLOW OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT TO CHALLENGE AT THE NATIONAL CONVENTION STRESSING THAT DICTATORIAL TENDENCY THAT HE EXHIBITS SHOULD BE CURTAILED.

THE RULING MMD HAS SET APRIL 2011 AS THE MONTH IN WHICH THEY WILL HAVE THE NATIONAL CONVENTION WHILE THE PATRIOTIC FRONT WHICH HAS NEVER GONE FOR A NATIONAL CONVENTION IS YET TO SET THE DATE.

ENDS//////////  

Govt called on broaden tax base in review of anticipated reduction in EU aid inflows

AN ECONOMIST PROFESSOR OLIVER SAASA HAS CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS THE ANTICIPATED LOW LEVELS OF AID INFLOWS FROM THE DONOR COMMUNITY.

THE OUTGOING EUROPEAN UNION HEAD OF DELEGATION DR DEREK FEE SAID LAST WEEK THAT THE EURO ZONE FINANCIAL CRISIS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE FLOW OF DEVELOPMENT AID TO ZAMBIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES NEXT YEAR.

AND DR. FEE SAID THE RECENT REVELATIONS OF ALLEGED CORRUPT ACTIVITIES IN THE ROAD AND HEALTH SECTORS GREATLY AFFECTED THE CONFIDENCE OF DONORS IN 2010.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION DECIDED TO SUPPORT AND IMPROVE PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN GOVERNMENT AS A MEANS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

BUT SPEAKING IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX PROFESSOR SAASA SAID THERE IS NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO BROADEN ITS REVENUE BASE IN PROPORTION TO THE ANTICIPATED REDUCTION IN AID INFLOWS.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GLOBAL RECESSION HAS NOT WEANED OFF IN EUROPE HENCE IMPACTING NEGATIVELY ON THEIR ECONOMIES AND CONSEQUENTLY THOSE DEPENDENT ON THEM.

PROFESSOR SAASA SAID HOW MINES ARE TAXED HAS TO BE REVIEWED AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS SO THAT THE REVENUE THAT GOVERNMENT GET FROM ITS CAN BE INCREASED.

ENDS/////////

TOURISM BOARD OF ZAMBIA TO LAUNCH THE NEW BRAND OF THE COUNTRY'S TOURISM SECTOR BEFORE THE END OF THE 2ND QUARTER OF 2011

THE TOURISM BOARD OF ZAMBIA HAS PROJECTED THAT IT WILL LAUNCH THE NEW BRAND OF THE COUNTRY’S TOURISM SECTOR BEFORE THE END OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2011.

TOURISM BOARD OF ZAMBIA CHAIRMAN MR. TIMOTHY MUSHIMBWE HAS TOLD RADIO PHOENIX IN LUSAKA THAT THE RE-BRANDING PROJECT WHICH IS ONGOING IS A MAMMOTH TASK AND REQUIRES TIME AND APPROPRIATE RESOURCES IF AN EXCELLENT AND ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO BE ATTAINED.

AND MR. MUSHIMBWE SAYS THE BOARD TARGETS TO ACHIEVE THE 3 MILLION ARRIVALS BY THE END OF 2017 AND SUBSEQUENTLY INCREASE OVER 1.5 BILLION DOLLARS OF NEW INVESTMENT IN HOTELS, LODGES, TRANSPORT, FOOD SUPPLIES AND ANCILLARY SERVICES.

HE EXPLAINS THAT THE BROAD PLANS TO ALSO INCREASE BOTH TOURIST ARRIVALS AND THE VISITOR VALUE BY INCREASING THE LENGTH OF OVERNIGHT STAYS, EXTENDING THE TOURIST SEASON AND TARGET HIGH YIELDING MARKETS.

SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF LIVINGSTONE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TOURISM EXCELLENCE AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (LIUTEBM) IN LUSAKA TODAY, MR. MUSHIMBWE SAID CURRENTLY TOURISM INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES ABOUT 2.8% OF THE G.D.P AND PLANS TO RAISE IT TO 5.4% BY 2012.

AND THE TOURISM COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA (TCZ) CHAIRMAN MARK O’DONNELL HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO LOBBY GOVERNMENT AND ADVOCATE FOR FAVOURABLE POLICY CHANGE AND CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT TO REALIZE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE TOURISM SECTOR BOTH AT REGIONAL AND GLOBAL MARKET.

MR. O’DONNELL SAYS THE TOURISM SECTOR AT THE MOMENT FACES A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES SUCH AS LACK OF ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CREDIT WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED IF THE LOCAL TOURISM IS TO THRIVE IN THE FUTURE.

HE COMMENDED LIUTEBM FOR THE INITIATIVE STATING THAT THIS WILL HELP IN ADDRESSING THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS THAT THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IS CURRENTLY FACING.

AND SPEAKING AT THE SAME FUNCTION LIUTEBM VICE CHANCELLOR DR PATRICK KALIFUNGWA SAID THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THE UNIVERSITY IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE GRADUATES BEING CHURNED OUT OF IT ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY CONFIDENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL ACUMEN BEFITTING THE MARKET DEMAND.

AND LIUTEBM BOARD MEMBER CHARITY LUMPA THE LAUNCH OF THE UNIVERSITY WILL HELP EMPOWER THE INDUSTRY PERSONNEL WITH ALL KINDS OF MANAGERIAL SKILLS WHICH HAVE BEEN LACKING.

ENDS/////////////////

SINDA MODERN MARKET COMMISSIONED

THE ACTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING MINISTER DR EUSTARKCHIO KAZONGA HAS CALLED ON THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THE COUNTRY TO TAKE THE LEADING ROLE PROVIDING THE MOST NEEDED SOCIAL SERVICES IN AREAS THEY OPERATE FROM.

SPEAKING WHEN HE COMMISSIONED SINDA MODERN MARKET TODAY, DR KAZONGA SAID LOCAL AUTHORITIES PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE.

DR KAZONGA ADDS THAT GOVERNMENT UNDER ITS PROGRAMME HAS PLANNED TO BUILD MODERN MARKET IN ALL MAJOR CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE KEEP ZAMBIA CAMPAIGN AND MODERNIZATION GOVERNMENT WILL NOT TOLERATE PEOPLE TRADING ON THE STREETS.

ENDS////////////

RB RECINDS HIS DECISION TO DINE WITH ANUJ KUMAR RATHI

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA HAS SAID HE WILL NOT HAVE LUNCH WITH MR ANUJ KUMAR RATHI WHO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT WON THE AUCTION BID TO DINE WITH THE HEAD OF STATE.

THIS COMES AFTER THE PRESIDENT’S INSTRUCTIONS YESTERDAY TO MMD NATIONAL TREASURER MR SURESH DESAI NOT TO ACCEPT THE K260 MILLION MR RATHI PLEDGED AT THE MMD FUNDRAISING DINNER.

ACCORDING TO A NEWS STATEMENT PRESIDENT BANDA ISSUED THE DIRECTIVE TO MR DESAI YESTERDAY AFTER IT CAME TO HIS ATTENTION THAT THE WINNER OF THE AUCTION WAS MR RATHI WHO WAS LAST YEAR CONVICTED FOR CORRUPTION.

THE PRESIDENT INSTRUCTED MR DESAI TO RETURN THE MONEY IF MR RATHI HAD ALREADY HONOURED THE PLEDGE OR REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT IF HE HAD NOT DONE SO.

PRESIDENT BANDA SAID HE DID NOT RECOGNISE MR RATHI AT THE DINNER WHEN HE WON THE BID AND HIS NAME WAS NOT PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

PRESIDENT BANDA WAS ONLY INFORMED OF MR RATHI THE FOLLOWING DAY AND HE IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MR DESAI NOT TO ACCEPT THE MONEY.

THE PRESIDENT SAID THE MMD WOULD NOT ACCEPT MONEY PERCEIVED TO BE DIRTY OR FROM PEOPLE WITH A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND.

THIS IS CONTAINED IN A PRESS STATEMENT AVAILED TO RADIO PHOENIX BY SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DICKSON JERE.

ENDS///////////

Govt still to release budgatary allocation to ECZ

THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING HAS NOT RELEASED THE FINANCES THAT HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA FOR ITS PROGRAMMES.

AND THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ) HAS MAINTAINED THAT THE COMMISSION IS NOW FINANCIALLY CONSTRAINED.

IN AN INTERVIEW WITH RADIO PHOENIX, ECZ PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER CHRIS AKUFUNA SAYS THE COMMISSION IS STILL BEING OWED COLOSSAL SUMS OF MONEY AND BECAUSE OF THIS MANY OF ITS PROJECTS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.

MR AKUFUNA SAYS THE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS HAVE RESULTED IN THE COMMISSION ACCRUING ARREARS FOR THE OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER ALLOWANCES OWED TO REGISTRATION OFFICERS.

HIS COMMENTS COMES IN THE WAKE OF COMPLAINTS FROM SOME REGISTRATION OFFICERS WHO CARRIED OUT THE CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION THAT THEY STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR MONEY.

AND AN ASSISTANT FIELD OFFICER FROM NDOLA WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE JUST ENDED CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE SAYS THEY ARE YET TO BE PAID OVER TWO WEEKS FROM THE TIME THE PROCESS ENDED.

THE OFFICER WHO SOUGHT ANONYMITY SAYS THE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN TO THE COUNCIL OFFICES,ONLY TO BE FURNISHED WITH INFORMATION THAT THAT THEIR MONEY HASN’T YET BEEN RELEASED BY THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING.

THE CONTINUOUS VOTE REGISTRATION EXERCISE BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA CAME TO AN END ON 30^TH NOVEMBER 2010.

ENDS///////////

Zambian Govt starts to issue oil and gas exploration licenses

ZAMBIA HAS STARTED ISSUING OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION LICENSES TO LOCAL AND FOREIGN COMPANIES IN A BID TO BECOME AN ENERGY PRODUCER, AFTER IT PASSED A LAW ON NEW LICENSING FEES

MINES AND MINERALS MINISTER MAXWELL MWALE SAYS GOVERNMENT APPROVED THE LAW ON NEW LICENSING FEES ON THURSDAY AND THE SEVEN FOREIGN AND LOCAL COMPANIES WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN SELECTED WOULD NOW BE ISSUED WITH LICENSES.

THE COMPANIES HAD DELAYED THEIR EXPLORATION WORK PENDING THE NEW LAW.

MR. MWALE SAYS GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUING THE COMPANIES THEIR LICENSES BUT IT WAS EXPECTED THAT ACTUAL EXPLORATION WILL ONLY START NEXT YEAR AROUND APRIL AFTER THE RAINY SEASON IS OVER.

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 LIMITED TO EXPLORE FOR OIL AND GAS.

END/////////

RB vows to win the 2011 presidential elections

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA HAS VOWED THAT THE RULING MMD WILL WIN THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

AND PRESIDENT BANDA HAS REVEALED THAT HE SACKED THE FORMER SPORTS DEPUTY MINISTER MR MAYNARD MISAPA FROM HIS POSITION BECAUSE HE WAS SELLING STRATEGIC INFORMATION TO THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT.

SPEAKING AT KITWE TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE TODAY WHEN HE LAUNCHED THE COPPERBELT MMD PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE, MR. BANDA SAID MMD NEED TO WIN SO THAT THE DEVELOPMENT THAT THE COUNTRY HAS RECORDED CAN BE SUSTAINED.

MR.BANDA HAS HOWEVER INDICATED THAT THE RULING MMD NEEDS RELIABLE LEADERS WHO WILL BE ABLE TO ARTICULATE WHAT THEY HAVE DONE FOR THE PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THOSE ON THE COPPERBELT.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE COPPERBELT PROVINCE IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE MOST STRATEGIC PLACES POLITICALLY BUT ALSO HAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS OF OVER 800,000 WHO ARE A MAJOR FACTOR IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

MEANWHILE, PRESIDENT BANDA SAID HE SACKED MR MISAPA BECAUSE HE WAS SELLING OUT GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TO THE OPPOSITION PATRIOTIC FRONT.

THE PRESIDENT FURTHER HAS ACCUSED MR. MISAPA OF BEEN GIVEN HUGE SUMS OF MONEY BY THE PATRIOTIC FRONT.

ENDS////////

Mpombo appeals the high court judgement

The outspoken kafulafuta member of parliament George Mpombo says that he and his lawyers have appealed the judgement passed last month to expel from the ruling mmd.

The ruling mmd expelled the kafulafuta parliamentarian last month from the party for bringing the name of the party into disrepute.

But Mpombo has today told radio phoenix that he will ensure that the matter is conclusively dealt and justice prevails.

He explained that last week he instructed his lawyers Wynter Kabimba and company to proceed with the appeal the judgement passed by the high court last month.

Mr Mpombo said he is not taking any chances are since determined to ensure that fight to the very end.

In her ruling dated November 30, 2010, Ms Justice Florence Lengalenga said the MP had failed to satisfy the court on his right to relief and how he was likely to suffer irreparable damage or injury if the injunction was not granted.

The application was dismissed with costs.

Recently, the Lusaka High Court dismissed Mr Mpombo’s application for an injunction to restrain the MMD from asking the Speaker of the National Assembly to declare the Kafulafuta Constituency seat vacant, following his expulsion from the party.

Mr Mpombo had argued that the grounds of the expulsion lacked merit.

ends///////////////

Lusaka magistrate cort fines Munali and Mandevu parliamentarians after finding them guilty of unnecessary honking

THE LUSAKA MAGISTRATE COURT HAS FINED MUNALI AND MANDEVU PATRIOTIC FRONT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MUMBI PHIRI AND JEAN KAPATA AFTER FINDING THEM GUILTY OF UNNECESSARY HONKING.
DELIVERING JUDGMENT THIS MORNING IN THE LUSAKA, CHIEF RESIDENT MAGISTRATE CHARLES KAFUNDA TOLD THE COURT THAT THE OFFENCE THE DUO COMMITTED OF UNNECESSARY HOOTING ATTRACTS SANCTIONS.
AND FOLLOWING MITIGATION BY DEFENSE LAWYER REMY MAINZA URGING THE COURT TO CONSIDER A FINE FOR HIS CLIENTS, MAGISTRATE KAFUNDA FINED THE TWO MPS 750 PENALTY UNITS EQUIVALENT TO 135 THOUSAND KWACHA EACH OR 30 DAYS SIMPLE IMPRISONMENT IN DEFAULT.
THE JUDGMENT TODAY FOLLOWS THE PROTEST THE TWO CONDUCTED EARLY THIS YEAR BY HONKING AFTER THE COURTS ACQUITTED FORMER SECOND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT DR FREDRICK CHILUBA OF ALL CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS.
THE GOVERNMENT REFUSED TO APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT AND THIS PROMPTED MANY CITIZENS TO PROTEST BY WAY OF HONKING EVERY FRIDAY AT 17 HOURS.
END////

NWASCO needs about 130 million dollars level of investment per year

THE NATIONAL WATER AND SANITATION SECTOR NEEDS ABOUT 130MILLION US DOLLAR LEVEL OF INVESTMENT PER YEAR IF THE COUNTRY HAS TO MEET THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL (MDG) ON SAFE AND CLEAN DRINKING WATER BY 2015.
SPEAKING TODAY AT THE END OF THE YEAR MEDIA BRIEFING IN LUSAKA, NATIONAL WATER, SUPPLY AND SANITATION COUNCIL (NWASCO) DIRECTOR KELVIN CHITUMBO HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE SECTOR HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AT A SLOW BUT STEADY PACE DUE TO LOW INVESTMENT IN THE SECTOR.
MR CHITUMBO WHO DISCLOSED THAT THE YEAR 2010 HAS RECEIVED CLOSE TO 30 AND 40 MILLION DOLLARS STATED THAT THE LOW INVESTMENT IN THE SECTOR HAS HAMPERED THE PERFORMANCE OF WATER UTILITIES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY OPERATING IN THE COUNTRY.
AND MR. CHITUMBO HAS ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE SECTOR HAS BEEN RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM DONORS LIKE DANIDA WHO HAVE SO FAR PLEDGED ABOUT 2 BILLION KWACHA WORTH OF INVESTMENT AND SUPPORT BUT THIS IS NOT ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE WHOLE SECTOR.
MEANWHILE MR. CHITUMBO HAS WARNED WATER UTILITIES THAT IT SHALL NOT TAKE KINDLY TO SERVICES WHICH ARE BELOW THE GUARANTEED SERVICE AND THAT ANY UTILITY FOUND WANTING WILL BE PENALIZED WITHOUT FAVOR.
AND THE COUNCIL HAS NOTED WITH CONCERN THE LACK OF COORDINATION BETWEEN WATER SUPPLIERS AND PLANNING AUTHORITIES WHICH HAS RESULTED IN NEW AREAS HAVING POOR WATER AND SANITATION SERVICE.
MR CHITUMBO SAYS THERE IS NEED TO ENHANCE COORDINATION BETWEEN THE TWO PARTNERS IF SUPPLY OF QUALITY WATER AND SANITATION HAS TO BE ACHIEVED.
HE OBSERVED THAT DESPITE MANY SUCCESSES RECORDED IN 2010, THERE IS A LOT TO BE DONE AS THERE ARE SO MANY CHALLENGES WHICH STILL REMAIN LIKE WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT, CONTAMINATION OF WATER SOURCES BY INDUSTRIES ESPECIALLY ON THE COPPERBELT AND COMMERCIAL UTILITIES ADHERENCE TO SERVICE LEVEL GUARANTEES AMONGST OTHERS.
END////

DEC arrests a Nigerian drug kingpin

THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION HAS ARRESTED A NIGERIAN DRUG KINGPIN WHO HAD BEEN ELUDING THE COMMISSION FOR A LONGTIME.

EMMANUEL EMEFUNA OKECHUKWU, A BUSINESSMAN, WAS ARRESTED TOGETHER WITH FABIAN ANAYOU UZOEYE ANOTHER NIGERIAN NATIONAL AFTER A LONG TRAIL AT PICK AND PAY SHOPPING COMPLEX IN LUSAKA’S WOODLANDS AREA

MR. OKECHUKWU WAS FOUND WITH SACHETS OF COCAINE HIDDEN IN HIS SOCKS WHILE MR. UZOEYE HID THE COCAINE IN HIS CAR.

ALL THE SUSPECTS ARE DETAINED IN POLICE CUSTODY AND WILL APPEAR IN COURT SOON.

AND THE DEC HAS ARRESTED EIGHT PEOPLE IN SEPARATE INCIDENCES IN LUSAKA FOR TRAFFICKING IN DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF COCAINE.

AMONG THOSE ARRESTED IN LUSAKA’S CHAWAMA TOWNSHIP ARE THREE TEENAGE MUSICIANS WHO INCLUDE A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL FOR TRAFFICKING IN EIGHT SACHETS OF COCAINE.

THE YOUNG MUSICIANS WERE ARRESTED TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER PEOPLE WHO INCLUDE A PRODUCER AND A TAXI DRIVER.

THEY WERE ARRESTED FROM AN IDENTIFIED MUSIC STUDIO IN CHAWAMA’S KUOMBOKA AREA AFTER OFFICERS CONDUCTED A SEARCH IN THE STUDIO WHERE THE COCAINE WAS FOUND.

MEANWHILE, 50 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED COUNTRYWIDE IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS FOR TRAFFICKING IN DIFFERENT QUANTITIES OF CANNABIS WITH A TOTAL WEIGHT OF ONE TONNE.

THIS IS ACCORDING TO A NEWS STATEMENT RELEASED TO RADIO PHOENIX BY DEC PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER JOHN NYAWALI.

ENDS////

The world bank boss sceduled to be in zambia for a two day visit

THE WORLD BANK GROUP PRESIDENT ROBERT ZOELLICK IS SCHEDULED TO BE IN THE COUNTRY FOR A TWO DAY VISIT FROM 16 TO 18, DECEMBER, 2010.

THE VISIT WILL FOCUS ON WAYS OF ENHANCING ZAMBIA’S COMPETIVENESS AND SUSTAINING GROWTH, PARTICULARLY THROUGH STRENGTHENING THE KEY SECTORS OF AGRICULTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, MINING AND HEALTH.

MR ZOELLICK WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA, PARLIAMENTARIANS AND LEADERS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND CIVIL SOCIETY AND WILL ALSO VISIT COMMUNITIES AT WORLD BANK SUPPORTED PROJECTS.

DURING THE VISIT MR ZOELLICK IS ALSO EXPECTED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT GOT ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ZAMBIA’S MALARIA BOATER PROGRAMME THAT HAS ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS IN REDUCING MALARIA OVER THE PAST DECADE.

MR ZOELLICK WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY WORLD BANK AFRICA REGION VICE PRESIDENT MRS OBIAGELI EZEKWESILI AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS.

AND WORLD BANK COUNTRY MANAGER MR KAPIL KAPOOR SAID MR ZOELLICK’S VISIT COMES AT A TIME WHEN ZAMBIA HAS ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND THERE ARE SIGNS OF A BETTER FUTURE.

FROM ZAMBIA MR ZOELLICK WILL TRAVEL TO MAIL FOR THE SECOND LEG OF HIS TRIP.

ENDS/////////////

some FBZL skeptical on continuing being their clients

SOME FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA CLIENTS HAVE THREATENED TO PULL OUT OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION FOLLOWING THE INDEFINITE TAKEOVER OF THE BANK BY THE BANK OF ZAMBIA (BOZ).
SOME CUSTOMERS WHO SPOKE TO RADIO PHOENIX THIS MORNING EXPRESSED SKEPTICISM ON WHETHER THEY WOULD CONTINUE BEING CLIENTS OF THE BANK CITING UNCERTAINTY FOLLOWING THE NEW TRANSITION.

MOST OF THE CLIENTS SPOKEN TO WHO SOUGHT ANONYMITY INDICATED THAT THEY ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING TO PART WAYS WITH THE BANK BECAUSE OF THEM BEING IN THE DARK ON WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.
HOWEVER A FEW CLIENTS SPOKEN TO SAID THAT THERE IS NO NEED FOR SOME PEOPLE TO FEEL INSECURE ABOUT IT BECAUSE THINGS MIGHT BE BETTER CONSIDERING THAT IT IS THE CENTRAL BANK THAT HAS TAKEN OVER.

MEANWHILE A CHECK BY RADIO PHOENIX AT THE FINANCE BANK HEADQUARTERS ALONG CAIRO ROAD IN LUSAKA REVEALED THAT NORMAL BUSINESS OPERATIONS WENT ON WITH LONG DEPOSIT QUEUES INSIDE THE BANK BEING SEEN.

AND OUTSIDE OF THE BANK, LIFE WENT ON NORMALLY WITH SOME FAIRLY LONG QUEUES OF CLIENTS SEEKING TO ACCESS THEIR FUNDS AT THE FINANCE BANK AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES (ATM).

LAST FRIDAY, BANK OF ZAMBIA GOVERNOR CALEB FUNDANGA ANNOUNCED THAT THE CENTRAL BANK HAS TAKEN OVER OPERATIONS OF FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA INDEFINITELY.

end.
author Mutale Kani

ZAMBIA TO RECEIVE $28.3 MILLION IN EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY (ECF) FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF).

ZAMBIA IS SET TO RECEIVE $28.3 MILLION IN EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY (ECF) FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF).

THE BRETON WOOD’S INSTITUTION GOT IMPRESSED WITH THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.
ACCORDING TO INFORMATION POSTED ON THE FUND’S WEBSITE ,THE DECISION TO APPROVE THE EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY  ARRANGEMENT WAS ARRIVED AT AFTER THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPLETED THE FIFTH REVIEW UNDER EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY  ARRANGEMENT WITH ZAMBIA.

THE IMF STATEMENT SAYS COMPLETION OF THE REVIEW ENABLES THE IMMEDIATE DISBURSEMENT OF AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO $28.3 MILLION AND BRINGS THE TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND THE IMF TO $310.3 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENT, THE ECF ARRANGEMENT FOR ZAMBIA WAS ORIGINALLY APPROVED IN JUNE 2008 AND THEN AUGMENTED IN MAY 2009 BY ABOUT US$256.4 MILLION. 

ZAMBIA HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FUND SINCE SEPTEMBER 1965.
ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENT, ZAMBIA HAS BEEN ACCREDITED FOR PUTTING IN PLACE SOUND MACROECONOMIC POLICIES THAT HAVE SPURRED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUPPRESSED PRICE RISES.

ACCORDING TO MANAGING DIRECTOR AND ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD,  NAOYUKI SHINOHARA, THE COUNTRY HAS ALSO MADE STRIDES IN MAKING CREDIT ACCESSIBLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A VITAL STEP IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

(ECF) FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF).

THE BRETON WOOD’S INSTITUTION GOT IMPRESSED WITH THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.
ACCORDING TO INFORMATION POSTED ON THE FUND’S WEBSITE ,THE DECISION TO APPROVE THE EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY  ARRANGEMENT WAS ARRIVED AT AFTER THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPLETED THE FIFTH REVIEW UNDER EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY  ARRANGEMENT WITH ZAMBIA.

THE IMF STATEMENT SAYS COMPLETION OF THE REVIEW ENABLES THE IMMEDIATE DISBURSEMENT OF AN AMOUNT EQUIVALENT TO $28.3 MILLION AND BRINGS THE TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND THE IMF TO $310.3 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENT, THE ECF ARRANGEMENT FOR ZAMBIA WAS ORIGINALLY APPROVED IN JUNE 2008 AND THEN AUGMENTED IN MAY 2009 BY ABOUT US$256.4 MILLION. 

ZAMBIA HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FUND SINCE SEPTEMBER 1965.
ACCORDING TO THE STATEMENT, ZAMBIA HAS BEEN ACCREDITED FOR PUTTING IN PLACE SOUND MACROECONOMIC POLICIES THAT HAVE SPURRED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SUPPRESSED PRICE RISES.

ACCORDING TO MANAGING DIRECTOR AND ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE IMF EXECUTIVE BOARD,  NAOYUKI SHINOHARA, THE COUNTRY HAS ALSO MADE STRIDES IN MAKING CREDIT ACCESSIBLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A VITAL STEP IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

END.....

PUBLISHED BY AUGUSTINE SICHULA

Global fund releases 1.1 million dollars to ZNAN

THE GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TB AND MALARIA HAS RELEASED A TOTAL OF $1.1MILLION TO THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL AIDS NETWORK (ZNAN). ZNAN IS ONE OF  THE FOUR ZAMBIAN PRINCIPLE RECIPIENTS MANDATED TO FACILITATE HIV AND AIDS ACTIVITIES TO ZAMBIAN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

ZNAN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER SAM KAPEMBWA HAS TOLD RADIO PHOENIX IN AN INTERVIEW THAT  THE $1.1MILLION IS PART OF THE FIVE YEAR GRANT OF $33MILLION WHICH ZNAN THROUGH ITS SUB RECIPIENTS HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTING.

MR KAPEMBWA HAS EXPLAINED THAT THE FUNDS RECEIVED WILL GO MAINLY TO THE PROCUREMENT OF DRUGS FOR TREATMENT OF HIV AND AIDS AND OTHER OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AND REAGENTS AND WILL BE CHANNELED TO 12 HEALTH INSTITUTIONS SERVING CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

HE HAS DISCLOSED THAT ZNAN THROUGH THE 12HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IS SUPPORTING 2,300 PATIENTS ON ARVS AND WILL ALSO PROMOTE A.R.T ACTIVITIES TO BE UNDERTAKEN WHICH INCLUDE TRAINING OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND NON HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND DISSEMINATION OF ART MESSAGES AND PROVISION OF FOOD SUPPLEMENTS TO PATIENTS ON ARVS.

MR KAPEMBWA SAYS THE ROUND 4GLOBAL FUND GRANT COMES TO AN END THIS MONTH BUT THE TREATMENT PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE AT THE 12ZNAN SUPPORT HEALTH INSTITUTIONS AND THE ROUND 8 GRANT OF $10MILLION WILL RUN FOR FIVE YEARS FROM 2009 TO 2014.

HE HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR THRUST OF THE GLOBAL FUND ROUND 8 GRANT IS TO SCALE UP PREVENTION AND MITIGATION ACTIVITIES AS THE COUNTRY INTENSIFIES ITS FIGHT AGAINST THE HIV AND AIDS.

end//////////

BOZ TAKES OVER THE RUNNING OF FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED

THE BANK OF ZAMBIA HAS INDEFINITELY TAKEN OVER THE RUNNING OF THE EMBATTLED FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED.
AND MR. LEONARD HAYNES HAS SINCE BEEN APPOINTED AS ITS INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF THE INCUMBENT OFFICERS WHO HELD VARIOUS SENIOR POSITIONS.
ANNOUNCING THE DEVELOPMENT TO JOURNALISTS THIS EVENING BANK OF ZAMBIA GOVERNOR DR CALEB FUNDANGA SAID THIS HAS BEEN DONE WITH FULL APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BASED ON THE INSPECTION FINDINGS AT FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED.
DR FUNDANGA EXPLAINS THAT THE MOVE IS IN LINE WITH ITS POWERS AS CONTAINED IN SECTION “81 CLAUSE TWO SUB SECTION A” OF THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT CHAPTER 387 OF THE LAWS OF ZAMBIA.
HE ADDS THAT THE SUPERVISORY ACTION THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN FOLLOWS THE FINDINGS FROM THE INSPECTIONS WHICH WERE UNDERTAKEN BETWEEN OCTOBER 2009 AND OCTOBER 2010 WHERE A NUMBER OF SERIOUS BREACHES OF THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT WERE OBSERVED.
DR FUNDANGA STATES THAT THE POSITION IS TAKEN TO PROTECT FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED FROM FURTHER DAMAGE WHICH HAS BEEN CREATED BY SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT, WHO HE SAID HAVE FAILED IN THEIR DUTIES TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

AND DR FUNDANGA STRESSED THAT GOVERNMENT WILL GUARANTEE ALL GENUINE DEPOSITS IN AND OTHER GENUINE LIABILITIES OF FINANCE BANK ZAMBIA LIMITED AS WELL AS ENSURE THAT THERE IS STABILITY IN THE BANKING SECTOR AS THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTIONS TO THE BANK’S COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL BANKING SERVICES.
THE BANK OF ZAMBIA SAYS IN ORDER TO ENSURE SMOOTH POSSESSION PERIOD, IT HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS ITS AGENTS WHO HAVE SINCE BEEN DEPLOYED ACROSS ALL BRANCHES, SECONDED STAFF FROM FIRSTRAND LIMITED TO MANAGE THE OPERATIONS OF FINANCE BANK.ENDS////

Bio-fuels scam from Bio Partners Limited and Zambia Alpha One shut down

THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (FSA) HAS SECURED HIGH COURT WINDING-UP ORDERS AGAINST TWO UK FIRMS, BIO PARTNERS LIMITED (BIO PARTNERS) AND ZAMBIA ALPHA ONE LLP (ZAMBIA ALPHA).

THE TWO FIRMS OPERATED A COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEME WHICH INVESTED FUNDS IN THE FARMING OF A BIO-FUEL CROP IN AFRICA BUT NEITHER WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE FSA TO DO SO AND THE SCHEME TOOK IN ALMOST £1 MILLION FROM UK INVESTORS.

THE FSA GAVE THE MANAGEMENT OF BIO PARTNERS AND ZAMBIA ALPHA AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT A SATISFACTORY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION AND PRODUCE EVIDENCE THAT THE SCHEME WAS BEING MANAGED COMPETENTLY.

NO SUCH SOLUTION OR EVIDENCE WAS PRESENTED HOWEVER SO IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMER PROTECTION THE FSA SERVED PETITIONS TO THE COURT ON 15 NOVEMBER 2010, WHICH WERE HEARD AND DETERMINED ON AN EXPEDITED BASIS ON 8 DECEMBER 2010.

COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES ALLOW A GROUP OF INVESTORS TO POOL THEIR ASSETS WITH A VIEW TO SHARING THE PROFITS. PARTICIPANTS DO NOT HAVE DAY TO DAY CONTROL OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSETS, SOMETHING THAT MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY AN FSA AUTHORIZED OPERATOR.

MARGARET COLE SAYS  THE FSA’S MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ENFORCEMENT AND FINANCIAL CRIME STATING THAT IF THINGS GO WRONG FOR PEOPLE WHO’VE INVESTED WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED BUSINESS THEY RARELY GET ANY MONEY BACK BECAUSE THE FIRMS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPENSATION SCHEME.

MS COLE SAYS THE FSA HAS A SHARP FOCUS ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO ALL WE CAN TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM THE PERILS OF UNAUTHORIZED BUSINESS AND ANYBODY CONSIDERING WHETHER TO INVEST IN AGRICULTURAL OR CROP SCHEMES LIKE THIS SHOULD ONLY DEAL WITH FSA AUTHORIZED FIRMS.

SHE HAS STATED THAT OPERATING A COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEME IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS REQUIRING FSA AUTHORIZATION AND WITHOUT THE PROPER AUTHORIZATION, NEITHER BIO PARTNERS OR ZAMBIA ALPHA HAD ANY BUSINESS RUNNING ONE OF THESE SCHEMES AND PUT INVESTORS' MONEY AT RISK.

ANYBODY WHO INVESTED IN THE SCHEME SHOULD NOW CONTACT THE PUBLIC INTEREST UNIT OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER'S OFFICE.

END/////////