Friday, March 29, 2024

FRA gets 7-day ultimatum

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GOVERNMENT has directed the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to pay farmers within seven days of the purchase of their maize.

And Government has vowed not to pay satellite depot supervisors who are allegedly conniving with ghost farmers to demand payment of undelivered maize.

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ben Kapita, told Parliament yesterday that farmers were only expected to wait for less than seven days before receiving payment for their maize.

He said the seven-day period was aimed at enabling FRA officials to ensure that stocks were verified before making the payment.

Mr Kapita also said FRA would purchase 270,000 metric tonnes of maize from the K205 billion allocated in this year’s budget.

However, he said FRA would have to find alternative sources of funding to purchase the rest of the 130,000 metric tonnes of maize.

The minister was responding to a supplementary question by Kalomo MP Request Muntanga (UPND) who wanted to know why farmers were not being paid their maize in good time.

This followed a question by Gwembe MP Brian Ntundu (UPND) who wanted to know the cash crops the FRA was buying and the measures Government had taken to ensure that all the crops grown in Zambia were purchased by the agency.

In response to the question, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Daniel Kalenga, said the FRA Act only allowed the agency to purchase maize, rice, soya beans, cassava and sorghum.

He said it was not possible for FRA to purchase all crops grown because it was not within its mandate.

And Mr Kapita said his ministry has received information that some satellite depot supervisors were conniving with ghost farmers to demand payment for undelivered maize.

He said some supervisors had failed to prove that the maize whose payment was being demanded was delivered.

Mr Kapita also told the house that Government had signed an agreement with a Chinese company to rehabilitate silos for storage of maize.

And Mr Kapita defended FRA as the most competent board.

This was after calls by Mr Ntundu for the minister to dissolve the board.

Mr Kapita said the chairman of FRA was the biggest farmer in the country and that there were other experts in the field of agriculture who sat on that board.

51 COMMENTS

  1. Had Mazoka not received KK’s endorsement, UPND could have stood brighter chances to MMD in 2001.Since UDA has become another political monument, Zambians must prepare for a long MMD rule beyond 2015. Zambia is in for the traditional 27 year rule lockup. I know the truth pains, but hey; every development strongly points to that scenario or outcome. MMD strategists are already positioned and perfecting strategies to obliterate their foes and cement an outright victory. So KK should just back off and invest his time making his ways right with God, all humanity and Levy or the next leader in his last hours remaining. The UDA prospects are nothing but episodes of nightmares just as are Sata’s dreams to ever rule. Unwritten firm on who know the way of democracy and power politics.

  2. THE Lusaka High Court yesterday adjourned the case in which former President Frederick Chiluba and others have challenged the registration of the London High Court judgement.

    This is a case in which Dr Chiluba and others were found liable to having conspired to defraud US$46 million from the Zambian government.

    High Court Judge, Japhet Banda adjourned the matter to August 23, saying he first wanted to deal with the preliminary issues (PI) raised by Dr Chiluba, Access Financial Services Limited director, Aaron Chungu and Lusaka businessman Faustin Kabwe.

    Judge Banda also reserved ruling to August 10, 2007 on the preliminary issues raised by Dr Chiluba.

    The former President and others have questioned whether Part II of the Foreign Judgement (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, Chapter 76 of the Laws of Zambia, applied to the judgement of Judge Peter Smith.

    In raising the preliminary issues, Dr Chiluba and others through their lawyers Robert Simeza and John Sangwa, have argued that the registration of the London High Court judgement was a nullity because procedure was not followed.

    Mr Sangwa submitted that the Act in question was passed in the former Northern Rhodesia in 1937 and modelled after the English Act of 1933.

    He said before such a judgement could be registered, the person seeking to register it should prove or establish that Part II of the Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act had been extended to the country of the judgement.

    Mr Sangwa said the President after being satisfied to give recognition to a foreign judgement, was supposed to issue a statutory instrument (SI) ordering and directing that Part II of the Act be extended to that country.

    He said the SI should identify a country to which Part II of the Act would be extended and which judgement would be recognised.

    Mr Sangwa submitted that a judgement such as that of the London High Court could only be registered after the SI had been issued.

    He said the Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act only extended to two countries, the Territory of Gilberts and Ellis Islands issued by the Northern Rhodesia governor in 1956 and to the Solomon Islands.

    Mr Sangwa observed that since 1964, no Zambian president had ever issued a statutory order extending Part II of the Act to the United Kingdom.

    But Attorney General, Mumba Malila, argued that the contention by defendants in their PI was unconventional and misconceived at law.

    Mr Malila said the approach adopted by the defence in putting across arguments was “patently and legally flawed.”

    He said: “My Lord, the learned counsel for the respondents argued that it was for the applicants for registration of the foreign judgement in this case the Attorney General to demonstrate that a statutory instrument (SI) had been issued by the President to make the application of the Act to the British judgements.

    “My Lord, it’s my submission that the argument by my learned colleague is unconventional and totally misconceived because all laws in Zambia which include this are judiciary noticed.”

    Mr Malila said it was, therefore, not for him to show that an SI was passed but rather it was for the respondents to show that the SI was not passed.

    Mr Malila submitted that section 6 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act provided that every Act should be made public and judiciary noticed.

    He said section 3 of the Act as cited by Mr Sangwa applied to foreign countries other than Commonwealth countries.

    Mr Malilia said it was unfortunate that the Act did not define the words “Her Britannic Majesty Dominion” although it was clear that the expression included the United Kingdom.

    Mr Malila explained that until Zambia attained its independence, the powers to extend Part II of the Act were exercised by a governor.

    He submitted that the defence was at the risk of misleading the court and stressed a point they should have not even raised at all.

    But Mr Sangwa argued that it could not be logically contended that the words “Her Britannic Majesty Dominion” included the UK itself.

    He stated that the words referred to territories, which were under the British colony.

    Mr Sangwa stated that even if the President made a directive, another order ought to be made under section 3 of the Act, extending it to the country in particular.

    Others found liable to have conspired to defraud the Government include, former Zambia Security Intelligence Services (ZSIS) director, Xavier Chungu, former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mine chairman, Francis Kaunda, former Zambia Ambassador to the United States, Atan Shansonga and former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Stella Chibanda.

  3. ZRA beats target …rakes in over K2 trillion in 90 days
    By Times Reporter

    THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has collected over K2 trillion in revenue in the last 90 days against the targeted revenue of K1.8 trillion for the just ended quarter.
    ZRA Commissioner-General, Chriticles Mwansa, said more revenue was collected in the last 90 days due to improved revenue systems put in place.
    Speaking yesterday at the second quarter ZRA media briefing at the ongoing Lusaka’s 81st Agriculture and Commercial Show whose theme is, “Economic Empowerment”, Mr Mwansa said clearing of goods at boarder points would from now on be monitored at the ZRA headquarters (HQ) where the data collected at the boarders would be automatically entered as a way of improving efficiency in its operations.
    He urged the public to make use of the ZRA public website recently launched, where companies would make use of the tax calculations to know their employees’ salaries among others

  4. #1 PATRIOT.I know you`re interested in springing up a debate when you say that Mazoka lost the 2001 elections.Do you know what people mean when they say FTJ gave LPM the presidency?LPM had clearly lost those elections had it not been for FTJ and Chungu rigging those polls.Remember what happened in CHILUBI island,results being certified before actual votes where even counted and in Ndola central were the number of votes “counted” were far more than the actual registered voters(ask General Miyanda).In the 2006 elections LPM WON those elections plain and simple.SATA made a political miscalculation that cost him those elections.In a nutshell VJ out thought SATA.Despite LPM knowing that he was going to lose the Urban vote,he campaigned in urban areas anyway and got votes that made the difference in the long run.Had SATA seriously campaigned in rural areas,the outcome would have been different.In our analysis of events,we need to be as objective as possible and NOT economical with the TRUTH.

  5. Ref 3. ZRA was a creation of Dr Chiluba and Late Penza. The fruits being enjoyed by this government were mostly created by Dr Chiluba. Before 1991 there was no ZRA unless one is so dull as to not acknowledge that.

  6. #3 TRULY ZAMBIAN.Whether people like it or not,what Zambia is currently enjoying is as a result of the foundation that was led after 1991 by FTJ`s administration.The question of FTJ misappropriating public funds is another issue which I personally don`t support.Let`s face it that without SAP(for those with a short memory=Structural Adjustment Programme)there would have been no HIPC and the benefits that followed.

  7. #7 Chapi a country like Zambia which is rich in minerals needs no handouts and your HIPC. If fair trade was to prevail we can live on borrowing. Pilz dont be blind if there was real meaning and mindful of canncelling the debts where is it done in bits. This are just gynamstics to hold countries like ours the system of Imperialist slavery. You know very well that there have been strong force from a big section of people to tell the developed nations to cancell the debts. Pipo have to campaign and fight even risking their lives. Chapi do you know what SAP did to the Zambians or you just want to deny it. All this is done to convince poor nations to enter new agreements like EPA, ACP which will last other generation to come. #5 Truly Zambian, Before your ZRA and Chiluba and Penza idealogy Zambia had more function institutions like cooperatives and Lintco who were doing a better job. President needed not remind them that its harvest season go and start buying the products like maize.

  8. #3 Ask The other Pundit he knows he drunk Tarino, Qeunch, Tip top during Kaunda era. He was putting shoes from Bata and his grandmother chitenge from Kafue and Livingstone textiles. But crooks like Chiluba under minded these developments because of selffish gain and you know the result today where your FTJ and Penza are even before bell had rang. Thank God Zambians are peaceful and intelligent otherwise they would have been bloodshed in that country. A person like Penza and Chiluba should not be allowed to come near the government coffers. Zambia was invaded and fought a invisiable war for 10 years thank the 21 Ministers who resigned due to the third term otherwise Zambia would have been worse than Zimbabwe today. Truly Zambian you know what SAP means ask Capt. Solo he will tell you.

  9. I agree with Chapi without SAP, Zambia would have been worse off than Zimbabwe. Pre 1991 pregnant women were almost giving birth on queues for essential commodities like sugar and “Saladi”. Queuing from 4.00 a.m to only a bottle of “Saladi” round about 10.00am was the order of the day.

    LPM needs to appreciate what FTJ has done. FTJ had the best cabinet on the continent of Africa. I had a privilege of meeting the likes of General Tembo, Brig.Gen Miyanda, Dr Remmy Mushota and the indefatigable Micheal Sata. General Miyanda is one of the most loyal men I have met so far.

  10. #8 EASY.Zambia`s debt cancellation hasn`t been a bad thing and if funds that were supposed to service that debt were put to good use then tangible development could seen.Zambia should not depend on handouts because it just shows lack of seriosness on the part of gov.#3 KC alludes to the fact that ZRA was even able to raise over half a BILLION US DOLLARS in just three months and yet we continue having a deplorable roadnetwork,health facilities are in poor state and that`s why you find these medical evacuations taking place.The energy sector is a big joke,we continue having fuel shortages and yet no serious investment has been made up to now about the exploratin of oil deposits that were discovered in NW PROVINCE.When it comes to education,after more tahn 4 decades of independence,can we be talking about having just 2 universities in the nation.What happened to the Northrise University that LPM was talking about?All we need is prudent management and we should be fine as a nation.

  11. #11 chapi Iam not saying to its bad thing the debt cancellation the only problem is it has animal in it which will only appear later. Why strings attached to this debt cancellation. Always corruption and bad governance is used as a weapon to deny some hard working countries the development they need. Which part of the world has no corrupt practices. In the west its has just different names. Just to name a few enron in USA, Siemens in Germany or actual the American Mortgage which fired 7000 workers yesterday. Yes serious nations have the collection of taxes done by the finance ministry this has been lacking in Zambia. We need someone learned who lived outside Zambia to recognise this. Chapi you dont just work and start building something you have to plan and also you also target. Its will be misconcept to 2000 universities with a population of 11 million. How are the statistics in the health sector, in past uth was affording certain services but our good formal president destroyed the

  12. ctd.. once Zambias pride. The leaders are working its just last a cancer hospital was opened at UTH. Are these to you no development. For the first time roads are being repaired. In my home village the last time I saw a grader was in 1990. Yes we have a lot to do Chapi and our leaders are working tireless to do this. For the first you parliament committees monitoring all project being undertaken. It takes year to see the real results. Remember Rom was not built in a day. Iwe Truly Zambia how about the queueing of newspapers what was the cause of those that. You communication and information are the best tools we have in our lives. Why do you want to praise Chiluba when he is a failure. He fire Miyanda, He chased Lemmy Mushota. He axed Kasonde. The list long. He maintained Sata because he saw that he has abit dull and he use him to achieve his aims.

  13. Gentlemen, I am quite sure many of you will remember that in past contributions, Kuku and I reminded you that there is so much money in the hands of the local people.ZRA collecting such a colossal amount is testimony to that fact.We are not prioritising dev. projects in Zambia.I don’t even see the fruits of all this revenue if UNZA/CBU keep being closed,UTH has no modern equipment,majority of the people still have no access to healthcare,education, and other social amenities.Listen,we can argue the whole night about which President did good or bad but that does not enhance yours and my life.This is a time for all dev. focused individuals to come together and iron out the bottlenecks to our progress.For how long are our countrymen and women going to remain this docile.We need to start investing heavily in education.An educated population is certainly a recipe for dev.We do not need to look at one’s forehead to give them a job

  14. Easy #12&#13.Easy will it have to take us more than 4 dacades to plan on building some more universities?I think our gov just lacks seriousness.I`m sure you`re old enough to remember the road tragedies that took alot of lives on the Ndola-Kitwe road.KK took some action to sort out that problem by building a dual carriage way.It`s not just enough to repair these roads but let`s have an elevated mindset by constructing new roads.The cost might be enomous but the long term benefit outweighs the cost.The outlying areas would see significant development when serious effort is put in road construction and tourism would tremendously improve.If you checked the Auditor General`s report about the Health Ministry,you`ll find that alot of funds were misappropriated and yet we continue sending VIP`s for medical treatment outside the country.Easy,I would tell you that if the gov pumped in resources in UTH for eg.there would be no need of evacuting these people at such great expense…continued

  15. #15 now you are talking sense. We such highs like ndola-kitwe daul carriage.i expected this when chiluba came inton power because nearly died with my uncle on the l-town road but wat did he do he just extended the road from landscorner to mazabuka.I think we need trains which will benefit everyone one. Think of emissions, global warming and envirnomental hazards. About UTH there have been neglection I think now pipo are now realising. For me maybe other education means could be meaningful which can give everyone a chance to work. We have some many graduates already but they are just lootering on the streets because of no jobs. We something radical not just university it must be diverse.

  16. Chapi can you do metaplan and send it to the government if Iam not mistaken you mentioned you worked at uth before.

  17. continued from #15.There`s absolutely no need to be sending people for specialist treatment.All we`re doing is using mornigside`s equipment for which they charge us heavily.Personell wise UTH is even superior and get it from me coz I used to work there.Why don`t we just purchase the neccessary equipment and improve our health facilities for the benefit all citizens.I don`t personally care under whose clock this takes place so long as it happens.Easy,what we need is selfless and purpose driven individuals to run our country and whose #1 interest in service to the nation.The problem we have in Zambia is that MP`s are there for personal gain.You remember just recently they approved their increament and awarded themselves car loans which they don`t even repay.This is what makes me conclude that these guys aren`t serious about development.

  18. #17 EASY.God willing l`ll be there in December and I will present such suggestions to the relevant authorities and we will see how it will go from there.

  19. State House was a creation of Sir Roy Welensky. ZRA was a creation of Dr Chiluba and Late Penza. The fruits being enjoyed by this government were mostly created by Dr Chiluba and sir Roy. Before 1991 and 1964 respectively there was no ZRA or state house unless one is so dull as to not acknowledge that.

    adapted from True Zambian #5

  20. You FTJ sympathisers seem to have no eyes to see beyond 1991-2001. All you think is Zambia was built within 10 years. All those tall buildings we see in Lusaka were built in 10 years. Hey #20, open your eyes. What happened to Zambia Airways, ZR, NCZ, Mansa Batteries, ITT-Supersonic, Textiles, Car Assembly Plant, NAMBOARD, Roads Dept, etc. All gone in 10 years. Where is your pride? What belongs to Zambia. Nothing apart the vast land.

  21. This is typical of Zambian blogs. They die faster than they come. Luska Times has just turned into another graveyard of disdainful acts resulting to loss of the megre traffic gained. Now its only 2-3 fellas mutating their user IDs in hope of redeeming a blog on its way to the archives. What demon is in Zambians who resort to insults whenever they bump into those believed spinning challenging rhetoric on different platform? Their thuggery has kept killing useful discussion platforms. No one would pleaure patronising a blog hacked by any interest group.

  22. Chapi #23. FTJ’s rule is a bitter debate on this blog. Some see illusions. Look at the list of vital companies I’ve listed above. Look at Nitrogen Chemicals the back bone to our agriculture. By the way, what is happening to our Chilanga Cement? In my own opinion and having lived through those years, FTJ did more harm than good. Even now we talk of a better economy. Zambia has no backbone. Everything belongs to foreigners. Where is your pride?

  23. By the way, Chapi! We need your brilliant ideas back home. UTH our major only hope we the poor, is nothing apart from getting a dying bed. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

  24. #24 GLUCO. You point out that everything belongs to foreigners. How do you propose to redress the imbalance? State ownership is no answer. Also, unlike Asians and Europeans, Zambians do not have an entrepreneurial tradition. It is going to take many decades to get enough Zambian entrepreneurs through into the economy. In the meantime, the country has to rely on foreign investments. Companies like Zambia Airways, Zambia Railways, ZCCM had to be sold off. Unfortunately Zambia Airways colapsed under the weight of its massive debt. For all his faults, Chiluba put in place painful, but necessary, measures. One big problem though was that some people took advantage and looted state property Russian style.

  25. Gluco #21, you are right on my man. I was trying to see if Pipo see the ’cause’ and ‘effect’ relationship in #5. Obviously my view is the economic changes seen in the last few years can NOT be attributed to FTJs one move of re-establishing ZRA. By the way Welensky and Hone had, a Revenue Authority, Kaunda changed the name to customs and excise department.
    Its outrageous to suggest Mr Chiluba came up with the idea of revenue collection. If you read #5, you will notice the writer used ‘reverse psychology’.She knew nobody will agree with her wild idea so the solution in her mind was to add the statement with the word ‘dull’ to prevent those against that cheap association from voicing out.

  26. Chitapankwa #26. I may not have the answer to the concern you raised. I just have a feeling that the major players in our economy should not be foreigners. These guys will 1 day pack and go like they have done before even under SAP. My suggestion would to encourage local investors and GRZ to have golden shares in these major firms though not possible as you already stated. But the answer lies within Zed. Hey #27, I get your point & your thinking

  27. #28 GLUCO you are right and HEY its fine that one brings contra so that we can debate and educate one another this way we shall find a lasting solution to our problems. I have done a research in Europe to find out how many Zambians own businesses or even farms in the west. I found one pharmaticist in UK but he has to fight racisim. In short he is not accepted. Just afew have decent jobs the rest are labours cleaning or doing shifts with their education. Maybe the only difference is one can own a car and sometimes adquate medical care otherwise the majority in diaspora are free slaves who went to the foreign land.All we need is to be mindful FDI yes but let them benefit the locals. We need a Marshplan. The Germans brought in foreigners after the second world war and built the infrastractures they go to their countries but the efforts remained and this there to see.Invest in Insfrastractures is a answer to our problem.

  28. #26 Chitapankwa, it is not a tradition that Zambians do not have entreprenueral skills.The basis of any project is CAPITAL.Can we access capital to engage in capital intensive projects?We have the will-power to engage ourselves but we lack the necessary funds.Lenders do not have the confidence to loan out huge sums of money where there is no collateral.It would make sense for Zambians to strive to list their Small Enterprises on LUSE.This action raises a huge possibility for them to acquire capital.Look at the revenue that ZRA raked in.This tells you that there is money out there in people’s hands.What we need is to figure out how to capture this money and use it to develop small private enterprises.We need to aspire for greater heights.And I don’t mean this should be a plan for 1 -5 years.Set out long-term goals for this,maintain financial discipline and stay in-line with recapitalisation.The problem is people make a bit of profit and use that to live large for the moment.

  29. #32 Chapi, good question. A stock exchange has multiple roles in the economy. These include raising capital for businesses for expansion through selling shares to the investing public, mobilizing savings for investment by a rational allocation of resources for several economic sectors such as agriculture, commerce and industry; this would result in a stronger economic growth and higher productivity levels. Exchanges also facilitate company growth through increases in market share, enhance corporate governance by encouraging a wide scope of ownership, this tends to improve management standards and efficiency. They also promote the creation of investment opportunities for small investors, aid government capital-raising for development projects by selling bonds for instance. LUSE in this instance would need to implement favorable listing requirements like reducing on the required capitalization outlay for small businesses.

  30. cont’d
    This relaxed requirement would definitely encourage small businesses to list on the exchange and raise capital required for growth.LUSE can also increase its education and sensitization efforts to capture the attention of those that may want to invest in stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, treasuries and bonds. In conjunction with the Securities and Exchange Commission, LUSE can push for legislation that will enable companies do business in the capital market within its guidelines. LUSE would need to collaborate with Financial Institutions such as Banks, Credit Unions in issuing Short-term debt instruments as well as Insurance companies issuing Annuities. I believe too that people have not adequately embraced investing in the market because they think it is all about stocks and the high risk involved. Sensitizing people about the wide array of products available through different institutions would be ideal alternatives, i.e. Corporate Bonds, Municipal Bonds etc.

  31. cont’d
    These actions would generate new funds for Corporate entities as well as Municipalities and obviously earn investors a handsome return on their investments as well as preserving their capital. LUSE can also help the establishment of brokerage houses which would provide an intermediary functionality between investors and the exchange. An education campaign can also be instituted to encourage individuals to become Stock Brokers after undergoing a rigorous exam process set by LUSE. Professional certification must become an ingredient in this sector to develop confidence in the investors. Lastly, LUSE would need to make major upgrades in their technology so that market data is accessed by investors in a timely manner; companies are reporting their operations to investors and providing forward-looking statements in an accurate manner, investors having access to company financial reports. This would aid investors in making informed and intelligent decisions about the these companies.

  32. #30 KC. Your last sentence supports my initial assertion that Zambians have no business tradition. The biggest NGO in the world is a lender of small loans in Bangladesh. Small scale poor farmers are given small loans. Over 95% of the money lent out is repaid back and the NGO has grown to the point where big commercial banks are beginning to feel the heat. South East Asians have a tradition as traders that’s why they are so successful. Just go anywhere in the world, including US, UK, etc. You will find them running small businesses while Africans continue to be at the mercy of white and Asian employers. Of course there are exceptions to this, e.g. the Ibo people of Nigeria – they are good at business. It is not enough to just have access to capital. You have to know what to do with it. In this global world capital flight is something all countries have to deal with, and Zambia is no exception. Good fiscal and monetary discipline equals net capital inflow!

  33. My humble analysis of what needs to be done in Zambia is to boost the manufacturing sector.What I`ve observed has been happening in Zambia is increased TRADE(buying and selling of goods) and not much emphasis has been put in production.The construction industry is trying to boom but there`s no support system for it.Production of cement has been so low and unable to meet the demand and we end up importing Cement instead of creating more cement manufacturing plants.When you`re talking of farming,fertiliser production is so low and yet the demand is enomous.80% of people in Zambia that are doing well are either supplying to the mines or doing cross border trading and this isn`t the way to go.God forbid,if the copper price would go down then we`re back to square zero.The gov should make sure this little boom we`re experiencing is sustained by tangible development.My suggestion would be,gov should give incentives to indigenous Zambians to invest in manufacturing so as to sustain this boom.

  34. #37 Chapi if you above I mentioned investment infrastractures this not only construction of roads, it includes your point of process industries. Why should we need to go UK to buy a bubble when it can be made home.This where the problem is shifting of Manufacturing industries to where raw materials are. If we can succeed in this then we might have saved our country. Maybe in addition of to what KC said business angels would be better as a starting point because of the risk involved are low. Stock exchange is very risk because of world competition. Companies like ZRA, Zambia Sugar which make profits can start given loans in for venture capital, Securitization. The backborne of any economy is a small and middle scale companies. On the other hand we need technology because agriculture is very risk since it 80% it depends on nature. What are going to do when we have drought. This is my experience when a dry period occurs then all farming initiatives die out.

  35. There is need to move away from too much academic analysis when it comes to business. Businesses are built by people who have the ability to make things happen. Usually such people know nothing about the stock exchange and business theory. They come from humble beginnings and over a period of as long as thirty years, build successful businesses. The problem with some Zambian owned businesses is that they are built on quick, ill-gotten money. Such businesses eventually collapse because they rely on contracts obtained through corrupt means, e.g. contract to supply a government department without going through a proper tendering process. #33 alludes to the shortage of cement. Surely that means that there is an opening for another cement factory and in any country of entrepreneurs, this would be an opportunity, not a bad thing. Instead of condemning Chilanga cement entrepreneurs would be importing additional cement and/or investing in another plant to meet demand.

  36. #41 Easy. There is no shortage of cement in the world. Even you can import cement and become extremely rich in the process. Business is about spotting opportunities and taking advantage. Let’s quit complaining and take advantage of the economic opportunities that now exist in Zambia. It is common for there to be a shortage of materials and labour during an economic boom.

  37. #42 chitapankwa i dont support your thinking because in zambia right weave a shortage of cement whereby the local market cannot finish their projects in time. after on the black the same commodity is very ex´pensive. take care pipo will eat your ears if they hear this.

  38. #43 Easy. Black markets always exist when there is a shortage. In Zambia, we need to move away from the idea that cement equals Chilanga, sugar equals Nakambala, etc. Chilanga is NOT obligated to sell all its products in Zambia, just Zambia Sugar company should not be forced to sell all its products in Zambia. There is no shortage of Forex in Zambia. Therefore all that is needed is more imports and/or more factories.

  39. #43 Easy. I would also like to add that forcing Chilanga Cement to sell all its products locally might lead to the complete collapse of the cement industry in the country. Let them satisfy their huge foreign contracts. After all their first obligation is to their shareholders and employees.

  40. #45 you are writing like you are one of the beneficiarers. its only in zambia where thry will satify the foreign market at the expense of the locals. zambia sugar follows a different strategy that why they can export.

  41. #40 & #42 CHAITAPANKWA.Your suggestions make alot of business sense but doesn`t sustain the nation in the long run.If we continue relying on imports,then the products would very expensive or of poor quality if at all they are affordable.They`re so many opportunities that can make people generate alot of resources in production and are even sustainable.My suggestion isn`t that everyone should get involved in production or manufacturing but serious effort should be put to attract a boom in this sector.

  42. #47 Chapi. I appreciate your line of argument. Many incentives have been tried in other countries to encourage locals to invest and become empowered. Unfortunately, these have had the side effect of encouraging local people to connive with foreigners, who after all have the money, and the result is that foreigners have ended up benefiting even more. #46 Easy, No, I am a beneficiary of the cement shortage. I am just pointing out the facts of life. If the government so much as tries to interfere in Chilanga’s operations, the investors will leave. They would do so in any country in the world. Last year Peugeot Left UK without any regard for the thousands of employees who were thrown out of work. It is survival of the fittest out there in the big bad world!

  43. #49.I`ve been involved in purchasing some heavy duty equipment to be used directly in production.My major obstacles have been the gov bottlenecks and taxes and duty imposed.My main contention is that gov should encourage individuals like me who are directly impacting the manufacturing sector by offering things like a tax break.I`m an indigenous Zambian who isn`t trying to even get foreign help to to boost the manufacturing sector but can`t get basic encouragement from the gov.If indegenous Zambians are encouraged in this sector,they`ll passionately try to make sure that such ventures succeed coz we got no other place to call home.I got a little business going on here in the USA but my heart isn`t in anything I do here coz this basically ain`t my home.

  44. #49 Chitapankwa, Motor vehicle industry is different from processing you can easily move one place to another because of cheap labor. Look many companies have left western european for far east and east europe because of cheaper labor. I wouldnt favour Africa because we are already in the tief when it comes to wages.# 50 What I mean to the whole ideas are concepts. We should know what we are going to use the machines once we buy them and trained manpower should be available.

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