About K900 billion meant for public development programmes is still lying idle in commercial banks.
This has been revealed by Secretary to the Treasury, Evans Chibiliti.
Mr. Chibiliti said this when he appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts chaired by Mbabala Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Hachipuka in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, Wednesday.
He said controlling officers in most departments have not fully utilised project funds in commercial banks.
Mr. Chibiliti warned that officers failing to implement development projects should be made accountable and answerable to political leaders.
[ZNBC]
Well, Mr Chibiliti, the money is not lying idle. It’s earning those banks some serious cash while our people languish. I guess it is an issue of putting unqualified relatives in key positions who don’t even understand development and are just happy to sit draw salaries and do nothing. They don’t even think of how to improve things because in the first place they never even deserved those jobs. Please hire qualified people in these positions who have a vision and can develop our country. This is the only chance to catch up with the rest.
Give that money to ZESCO
Is there any proof that the money is really lying idle in banks? would you mind naming the commercial banks holding the monies and would you mind showing us the bank statements you are quoting from?
I don’t think this money you are talking about exists… and if does, its probably lying in one of Mwanawasa’s Swiss accounts.
can you imagin how Much our country would earn if they invest an extra k100Billion in agricultre this farming season?
Take some of the money to UNZA, CBU and Mulungushi University. We need to start designing and manufacturing our own passports – free of foreigners who may know how to forge them.
Some of it can be channelled to Agriculture as #5 has already alluded. This move will ceratainly help in this eminent world food crisis of which the UN is reportedly on CNN/BBC as having said that Africa must solve its own food problem.
Like some one has stated elswhere, we have useless people as goveernment leaders. Why are these funds not with BOZ?
Whoever is earning interest will be made to dance to the tune of law at work. This government is an organized cartel of thieves and plunderers.
The MMD is failing the people and Mwanawasa should resign if he has morals.
Be transparent and tell the nation exactly where such financial information is being obtained from. Let the time for hoodwinking the citizens be a thing of the past. As it stand Mr Chilibiliti is simply unless the nation can also prove by counter-checking the source of information.
#9 ulifontini, Mr Chibilti is a secretary to the treasury, therefore he knows what hes talking about.
i agree with #3, bwana chibiliti is not saying the truth, if anything the money is not there. let him tell us which ministries are keeping those monies in those banks?
Why keep that monies in banks? The value of the money will not be the same tomorrow and so are the prices of the commodities. As others have already alluded to why not give the three public universities and avoid unnecessary closures. The UNZA employees here is the money for you and the govt should not fail to meet all your requirements especially what you are being owed by them. No wonder Zambia is not developing because the money is being hoarded by some people who mind is retrogressive. Is waiting for by-election?
Money ldling in the bank! All my foot pls that money is urgently required by some key sectors of the economy and aportion it to need areas without any further delay-Education,Health,Energy, Agric,Roads so far are in dire need of that money.Pls shows us that you are really the new deal govt this time than ever before.
Isn,t this corruption as well? How can such money lie idle when councils are going 2 years without pay the employees?How can the the gorv continue funding the ministries which has the budget surpluses are neglect sectors such as Education,Health and Agriculture. I guess part of the monies is for the youth which up to today do not have proper guidline on how to dispurse the funds. Ain’t you not tempting those leaders who are corrupt to dip in there hand?
GRZ ought to be ashamed of itself…anyway thats what happens when you put “boot lickers” in key positions….instead of executing programs…they are busy at the airport bidding farewell and welcoming.. “u know who”…..
WTF do you all Zambian abroad know about what going on home.
Please shut up you dont know whats happening there
Go there and contribute ur skills professional
ZAMTEL teeters on knife edge, 800 workers to go
By Gideon Thole
THE Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL), operating on a K150 billion deficit, will retrench more than 800 workers this year to save the firm from total collapse.
Acting managing director, Mukela Muyunda, said in an interview in Ndola that the step to lay off 30 per cent of the workforce was a crucial cost-saving measure.
Mr Muyunda said ZAMTEL employed about 2,700 workers countrywide and spends about 70 per cent of its turnover on staff-related payments.
“The current situation should be brought under control without any delay. We are spending more than 70 per cent on staff costs.
“I want to assure all our employees
……..“I want to assure all our employees that those who are going to lose their jobs, both unionised workers and senior managers, are going to be taken care of. This is a surgery which is expected to be conducted to save the company,” he said.
Mr Muyunda said a performance evaluation system was already in place while other cost-reducing measures were being introduced.
Cell Z, the ZAMTEL mobile telecommunication service provider, will stand on its own and will be expected to operate smoothly as a programme to make it viable was already in place.
Mr Muyunda said the company management and the National Union of Communication Workers (NUCW) had agreed on a monthly programme to reduce the d
..Mr Muyunda said the company management and the National Union of Communication Workers (NUCW) had agreed on a monthly programme to reduce the deficit between now and March next year.
“The company has been operating on losses. We have to start by making a profit of at least K20 billion this year alone in order to make the company viable again.”
Mr Muyunda said there would be no salary increments for all ZAMTEL employees this year because any upward adjustment would worsen the company’s financial position.
….He said staff rewards should correspond with capacity to produce goods and services and not any other means.
“The union is demanding a 50 per cent increment. Management, the union and a team of experts sat and tried to see if 50 per cent was possible, but it was discovered that it was not possible to effect such an increment.
“We even considered 30 per cent, 20 per cent and even a one per cent rise, but the company would still be making huge losses,” he said.
…..He said ZAMTEL was facing serious liquidity problems such that it was now failing to remit statutory obligations, such as Pay As You Earn.
He said it was up to the ZAMTEL management and staff to save the company from crumbling.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Muyunda held a meeting at the company’s Arusha road offices with members of staff from the head office in Ndola and other departments.
….Meanwhile, NUCW general secretary, Wellington Chella, has appealed to members countrywide to remain calm as the union and management were trying to find a way to resolve the matter.
Mr Chella said the workers should give the union and management a six-month grace period in which to resolve the differences over demands for a 50 per cent salary top up.
…..And NUCW deputy general secretary, Paul Sunkutu, said there was need for patience as protests could aggravate the situation.
Mr Sunkutu said the union was aware that the company was facing serious financial problems, which needed to be handled with care.
“It is now an open secret that there is still a laissez-faire attitude in the manner some sections of ZAMTEL and some managers have been operating in the past, but this has to come to an end,” Mr Sunkutu said.
The acting managing director had been addressing a series of meetings in ZAMTEL units about the status of the firm.
Zulu 83….thanx for the update…its seems there are problems everywhere….I cant seem to get it…why do they keep on talking about the unspent K900bn when there is dire need of money in various sectors…can they release the damn money!!!!…i seriously cant understand they way GRZ operates…somebody make me understand…its eating me up!!!
THIS MONEY IS NOT LYING IN ONE ACCOUNT. IT IS MONEY THAT WAS SENT TO DISTRICTS ALL OVER ZAMBIA BUT BECAUSE THE DISTRICT CONTROLING OFFICERS COULD NOT GIVRE THE MONEYS TO RELATIVES BECAUSE OF MONITORING PUT IN PLACE BY THE NEW DEAL, THEY WOULD RATHER THEY LEAVE IT.
IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEES OR OFFICER WHO ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE MONEY WHO ARE NOT WORKING AND MUST BE PUNISHED.
THIS IS A TOTAL OF MONEYS SPREAD ALL OVER ZAMBIA. ASK THEM TO REMIT IT BACK TO BOZ OR ELSE THE BANKS ARE BENEFITTING FROM THE INTERESTS WHILE TAXPAYERS KEEP DYING OF HUNGER,DISEASE AND POVERTY.
“Zambia is today in good hands – Swedish envoy” Careful with this flattery.”Of course many challenges remain. President Mwanawasa has in various ways, and not least recently, demonstrated courage and leadership in addressing pressing issues, and he is thus contributing to the vision of Africa, in which principles of human rights and democracy are highly cherished,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
Zambia is today in good hands, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Lars Ronnas has observed.Hosting a dinner for close to 50 guests who gathered at his Kabulonga residence in Lusaka to celebrate Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s 84th birthday on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Ronnas said Zambia was doing well and there was progr
“Of course many challenges remain. President Mwanawasa has in various ways, and not least recently, demonstrated courage and leadership in addressing pressing issues, and he is thus contributing to the vision of Africa, in which principles of human rights and democracy are highly cherished,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
” In doing so, Zambia with other countries in the region, forge the necessary bonds that bring us together as an international community based on common values.”
Ambassador Ronnas praised Dr Kaunda and his comrades for their contributions to the struggle for independence.”On an evening like this, with so many distinguished guests, please accept that I turn my attention in particular to those of you here present who contributed so much in the struggle for independence and self-determination.
First and foremost, to your own country Zambia, but also as a Frontline state, providing shelter and safe haven for the various liberation movements in the region at the time,” Ambassador Ronnas said. “You did so at your own country’s peril and with much hardship. And you succeeded in your noble endeavours.You were part of a truly historic process which transformed Africa into a continent of nation building based on the free will of its people. That struggle of yours also changed relations between Europe and Africa. Today our relations are strong and sound, based on common values and aspirations.”
Ambassador Ronnas observed that in many ways the struggle for self-determination was also one in defence of human dignity.”That is, that without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, language, religion or political opinion, all men and women have equal rights and are entitled to enjoy them.I mention all this, because whatever wrongdoings and failures that have followed in this region, the great achievements of attaining independence, of liberating people so that they may determine their own destiny, will always be recognised as one of the great changes that took place during the last century,” he said.
Ambassador Ronnas said the Nordic support in the struggle for independence and self-determination was rooted in within their churches, trade unions and what was nowadays called civil society.”The Nordic countries lent their support to this process of liberation. To take just one example among many: You yourself, Dr Kaunda, sent Simon Kapwepwe to Sweden to solicit our assistance in terms of scholarship and the education of professionals, as you prepared to head your first government.
These ties between our nations grew strong from the very beginning and they remain a solid base as we seek to cooperate and dialogue in resolving today’s challenges,” Ambassador Ronnas said.”As contacts developed, information became available, a strong sentiment emerged that we must side with those who were fighting to overcome the unjust systems that prevailed at the time. And so our governments have continued to respond to public sentiments and engagements for southern Africa up until today.
Attacks on human rights, the widespread use of discrimination and persecution were and are an affront to all of us, to our strong common sense that we are all bound together as human beings.”He reminded his guests of the importance of Dr Kaunda’s message of one nation.”Your message Dr Kenneth Kaunda about one nation, your refusal to accept divisions along line such as of being white or black, or of any other ethnicity, was of great importance then, and it continues to carry a message to this region and beyond,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
“In 1969 our late prime minister Olof Palme, on a visit to Zambia, standing at the edge of the Zambezi River, looking towards the then Rhodesia, remarked that here the border is drawn that marks the end of civilisation. I was only a young teenager at the time.Though he gave voice to what many of us felt, and it compelled us in our different small ways to demonstrate support to those who lived and suffered under illegal racist regimes.”
Ambassador Ronnas observed that although the region has changed dramatically since then and apartheid was gone, frontline states has become a community of development and of cooperation in various fields, the struggle to achieve and uphold a just and decent society was a permanent one.”The question as to whether justice and decency prevail in society, is not to be answered dependant on which government is in power. It is to be judged by whether men and women live in freedom from fear and freedom from want. And for that every government, irrespective of background and previous credentials, must be held accountable,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
“The context may have changed, the surrounding circumstance will not be the same. Though what must remain is our norms and principles to guide us as this region engages in efforts to resolve issues where democracy, peace and the well being of ordinary people are at stake.”He said although it was 17 years since Dr Kaunda left government office, his advice was still sought by many people.
“It is a tribute to your wisdom that people from differenet walks of life still seek your advice and assistance. Your campaign against the pandemic HIV/AIDS is one but only one example of how you have continued to contribute to the well being of this nation. At the age of 84, you still stand as a an example to others.”And Dr Kaunda thanked the people of Sweden and other Scandinavian countries for their selfless support to the region’s liberation struggle and in today’s developmental efforts.
The dinner was attended by the British High Commissioner, Nowergian Ambassador, Finnish Ambassador, Malawian High Commissioner, President Levy Mwanawasa’s economic advisor Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Grey Zulu, Elijah Mudenda, among others.
”He reminded his guests of the importance of Dr Kaunda’s message of one nation.”Your message Dr Kenneth Kaunda about one nation, your refusal to accept divisions along line such as of being white or black, or of any other ethnicity, was of great importance then, and it continues to carry a message to this region and beyond,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
Great stuff Mr Ambassador. Indeed “On Zambia, one Nation” has help us stadn together in times of trouble, want and happiness. Many thanks to Dr DK Kaunda one more time for introducing this spirit of “UBUNTU” and oneness as a people.
Keep doing well Dr DK Kaunda.
#27-39 Chapi, we appreciate your passion to write but your contribution is just too long. One prof. once indicated that our messages should be like a gril’s mini skirt – short enough to reveal necessities but long enough to hide essentials.
Back to the lecture at hand: if this money is really there, as the Treasury alleges, there is only one wise way to divert it- Food reservation for the biblical seven years of hunger the world is about to face.. Let us learn from how Joseph saved Egypt from famine by storing grain in the years of plenty.
#27 – #39 IS AN IMPOSTER.
I thought that LT had taken care of such lunacy.
The MMD government is failing to implement developmental projects and at the end they just steal that money for elections. You can not imagine a normal government can have that amount of money idle when people are suffering. These thieves are foolish
“Zambia is today in good hands – Swedish envoy” Careful with this flattery.”Of course many challenges remain. President Mwanawasa has in various ways, and not least recently, demonstrated courage and leadership in addressing pressing issues, and he is thus contributing to the vision of Africa, in which principles of human rights and democracy are highly cherished,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
Zambia is today in good hands, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Lars Ronnas has observed.Hosting a dinner for close to 50 guests who gathered at his Kabulonga residence in Lusaka to celebrate Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s 84th birthday on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Ronnas said Zambia was doing well and there was prog
Of course many challenges remain. President Mwanawasa has in various ways, and not least recently, demonstrated courage and leadership in addressing pressing issues, and he is thus contributing to the vision of Africa, in which principles of human rights and democracy are highly cherished,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
” In doing so, Zambia with other countries in the region, forge the necessary bonds that bring us together as an international community based on common values.”
Ambassador Ronnas praised Dr Kaunda and his comrades for their contributions to the struggle for independence.”On an evening like this, with so many distinguished guests, please accept that I turn my attention in particular to those of you here present who contributed so much in the struggle for independence and self-determination.
“Zambia is today in good hands – Swedish envoy” Careful with this flattery.”Of course many challenges remain. President Mwanawasa has in various ways, and not least recently, demonstrated courage and leadership in addressing pressing issues, and he is thus contributing to the vision of Africa, in which principles of human rights and democracy are highly cherished,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
Zambia is today in good hands, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Lars Ronnas has observed.Hosting a dinner for close to 50 guests who gathered at his Kabulonga residence in Lusaka to celebrate Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s 84th birthday on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Ronnas said Zambia was doing well and there was prog
Ambassador Ronnas observed that although the region has changed dramatically since then and apartheid was gone, frontline states has become a community of development and of cooperation in various fields, the struggle to achieve and uphold a just and decent society was a permanent one.”The question as to whether justice and decency prevail in society, is not to be answered dependant on which government is in power. It is to be judged by whether men and women live in freedom from fear and freedom from want. And for that every government, irrespective of background and previous credentials, must be held accountable,” Ambassador Ronnas said.
Ba Chibiliti, it’s either you didn’t put these funds in the alleged bank accounts or you did so, turned around and deliberatly kept very quiet knowing very well these funds would earn interest you and others would pocket.Even your potrait makes me think you are that sort of a govt official.
YOU GUYS GO ON SAYING MA IRRELES INSTEAD FO COMING UP WITH PROJECTS OR IDEAS OF DEVELOPING YOUR COUNTRY OR HOMELAND.STOP BEING NAIVE THE MONEY IS THERE WAITING FOR YOU.
Please ba Chibilti give the nation details of these commercial banks enjoying our moneies freely on top of that they even charge commission. I strongly suspect that if that K900bn is there for sure atleast 80% of it is with the friends of MMD. probably it could be the one being used for purchase of crued oil by some known banks. So don`t play to the gallery please tell the truth. We want details of these funds and for what projects there were meant for.
Its`clear indication that our rulers dont have any plans.Is Zambia too developed to have money idiling in banks?why are they calling it development fund.Look at entrance from copperbelt to lusaka (I mean at that 23rd anniversary)Mandevu.so filthy.Cant they just take a drop of this money just for a facelift?Ministers including this myopic Chibiliti pass through this place more often and cant pretend.Is he proving his ignorance to us or what?
its better the monies lie idle than disbursing it to suspect projects!! the article obviously left that out to make it juicier!!if all were privy to some of the proposals not only would we fall over laughing we would probably call in the Police to investigate attempted theft !!! always two sides to every coin !!
#48 is an imposter. Don’t be misled.
Sure it shows the lack of planning and visionless among the current crop of govt. leaders we have. How can such huge sums be sitting on the banks ASS? Where are all the Rasta men who used to plan for the old tree? Mwawa ba Monk Abash Mvulumende yaba kabwa aba. Shame on you damn polities of today in the midist of abject poverty and you let money idling for these vulture businesses? yaaaaaaabbbabbaaaa!!!! panse mkwai!!!