By Mingeli Palata
Nursing my green bottle while in that Zambia Institute of Marketing award giving ceremony at Sandy’s Creations a few kilometres south of Lusaka and seeing the former first lady in public after the funeral of our most beloved late President Mwanawasa was such a good thing for my Friday. I counted myself luckier when I heard that the guest of honour would be the ‘new’ minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Honourable Felix Mutati because then I could have firsthand insight into what this new cabinet has on offer. One thing though was for sure; Uncle Felix is a funny guy and nice guy so I knew we weren’t going to be bored.
He began by congratulating himself over his appointment (With a few cheers in the audience) and also for being the first minister to speak after the ‘rebranding’- in his own words. I am glad he spent some time
telling us all about his new job. He called himself the Chief Executive Officer in charge of marketing at a company called Zambia Plc. I thought that was a nice one. Yet I am not too sure about what followed then.
A point of emphasis in his speech was that his job is
to sell Zambia to the outside world, to attract investment in our country Zambia. He went on talking about how in the last few years the Government had done well in coming up with attractive packages to woo foreign investment.
My dearest Minister didn’t say much about local industry contrary to my expectations. He didn’t say how is his ministry would provide an enabling environment (Marketing) for local investors to have successful businesses. He did not talk much about incentives for the local lodge, carpenter, musician, farmer or the kantemba in chilenje. He did not talk about how is ministry should collaborate with the ministry of labour to ensure that foreign investors do not abuse Zambian workers or see to it that they adhere to our labour laws.
Nothing has changed, the new cabinet hasn’t heard the cries of the locals, they have not understood why they lost the urban vote but more importantly it just confirmed my fears of having the same old people who have failed us over the years run the affairs of beloved our country. Alas, the very composition of cabinet tells you that we are in for nothing but the same old politics and the same old policies that have failed us in the last 44 years. We are faced with new challenges which require new ideas and fresh minds. I expected better than that from the ‘new’ President. I was expecting a female vice President from civil society or from the business world for instance.
The likes of Situmbeko Musokotwane, Chileshe Kapwepwe and Vernon Mwanga are the same old people who tried and have failed this country.A walk in the main streets of Lusaka makes you think it was once a war
zone area or is some historical site. More than 60% of Zambia is living in abject poverty. No proper roads in the city, no good schools for our children and our medical facilities are nothing to write home about. All this in a country that has 40% of Southern Africa’s water, a lot of fertile land, a good weather pattern, 8 neighbouring countries, peace and stability, available labour/manpower and what more could we be asking for than fresh brains with fresh ideas. Come on friends, Zambia is too rich to be poor.
Comrades, sometimes life is too busy and perhaps too comfortable that we barely notice the suffering that those who don’t have the luxury of an online newspaper are going through. Do you ever take time to think about that mother with three children living in a two
roomed house in Chibolya compound selling tomatoes at City Market and making just enough to buy a Pamela for her house hold. Think about her children’s education; a government school in Kanyama were kids sit on bricks and will be lucky if the underpaid teacher actually shows up that day. Think about her children who when sick probably won’t find drugs at Kanyama clinic and whose prospects of being attended to by a doctor are illusive.
God Help Zambia
I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY TO GOD FOR MY COUNTRY.ONE DAY WE WILL OVERCOME:JUST LIKE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AHVE DONE IT THROUGH OBAMA.WE JUST AHVE TO FOCUSED UNITED AND WE WILL GET THERE ONE DAY.
sad senerio indeed.
Zain has let me down/ no GPRS
Well said number 1.
Are you sure nothing has changed? dont be so pessimistic i can see LT has chosen the pictures to show the worst part of zambia . looking at the story and the picture if you are not Zambian you would think nothing good ever gets out of zambia. people are building and there is development somewhere PLIZ show it as well.
#5 you and me must be in that 40% group that are doing well in Zambia. To be honest for the majority , the rest of the 60%, this article is right on the money. In fact things have even become worse for them. I’m really concerned that the majority of the people are in this 60% and those of us seeing things change are few and the gap between the poor and the rich is getting even wider. As someone relatively rich, am uncomfortable with this widening gap. These poor people can vote in a Hitler like Sata and our status will be in trouble. I think MMD should take care of the 60% please. It’s time wealth trickled down to the poor. Look at the roads and where they sale and shop? This is real.
#6 am not rich and not very poor and thats just because i have a job today and can afford three meals after a struggle. you are right there is alot to be done to address the poverty situation.
What our the politician keep on miss is that they need local investors in the same way as foreign one. I have lived in Europe of several years and with 2 masters. When I came back, I started my own company. This company is just one year old, but it has employed 30 Zambians, pay ZRA K300m per month on average. its first year of existence it paid company Tax of K500m. With these, not a single support from CEEC or ZDA or any Government SME support programme. I am not complaining, because I was one the lucky people to have means to start a business. But if only the governemnet can support local business men and women, and at the end of the more jobs will be created as well as more money for
The pictures above are the reason I will never go back to Zambia. Thanks ba LT. This only adds to my collection to show my kids reasons they have to work hard and be proud and feel lucky they were born in England.
God save our gracious Queen!
Long live our noble Queen!
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen.
Bana 8 are yu sure? That cizungu! Kwati awe! lol!
continued – now taking this company as an example, if 1000, such companies are formed by Zambia, ZRA will receive, K300 billion per month and K500 billion as company taxes. At the same time, 30,000 jobs will be created. Meaning, the work force it self will be more than KCM or Lumwana. Meanwhile, the Govt is busy giving incentives to Foreigners, and leaving the local investor to strungle. I wish some one can pump sense to this so called minister of commerce.
Ba #8 are you sure? That cizungu kwati awe! lol
#10 I am very sure, foreget about the English. its just like any other, say Tonga. So if I make one or two mistakes, to me it not a big issue. I was trying to say is that money is there pa Zed. We just need more SME. If anything you can make more money here than in Europe or USA.
#12- As I said foreget about Cizungu, am Tonga. But coming to the issue at hand, in addition to what I have written above. Even us Zambians, we need to change the working culture as well as being honest in our business dealings. Instead of just blaming the Govt for everything day in and day out, we have role to play on our part.
# 12 you have made my day…
LETS NOT BE PESSIMISTIC. MUSOKOTWANE IS TOTALLY A NEW MINISTER. HE IS A STEADY AND MORE WISE HAND THAN MAGANDE. CHILESHE IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR DEPUTY MINISTER AND SHE IS A WOMAN. AS FOR VEEP THAT JOB IS KEY AS WE HAVE RECENTLY SEEN. IT IS BEST IN THE HANDS OF SOMEONE LIKE KUNDA WHO SHOWED HIS TRUE WORTH DURING THE TRANSITION BY DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION EVEN AGAINST GREAT ODDS. WE NEED TO ADDRESS POVERTY BUT NOT IN DESPAIR BUT WITH A CLEAR VISION. LETS ADVISE HONESTLY WHERE WE CAN AND LETS ALL AS ZAMBIANS DO OUR PART. DEVELOPMENT IS NOT FOR POLITICIANS ALONE!
#13 Thought you said you have two matsters! Been having a drink?
The problem Africa has is leaders are so busy making themselves rich. The difference between the rich and the poor is just unbelievable! But, is Abanda bothered? No!
To think things will change in Africa is more than a big ask. I did ot like Levy when he became president. But, my word! The man was a one off! What do we see now? Chiluba getting away with all the rubbish that he did.
We have created a situation for our selves where we believe we do not have to look up to gevernment for anything. Time and again a few Zambians who can afford three meals have come up on here slaing those that can not.
FDI will not solve Zambia’s development challenges. It is high time MMD changed their investment policies to concetrate on domestic investment.We have seen financial crises in Latin America and Asia that have resulted from FDI and Mutati doesnt seem to understand a thing. He has reduced his job to that of wooing foreign investors.I think Commerce and Trade is more than that.Just look at the way the Kwacha depreciated before the elections, foreignors can withdraw their investment at no notice and it is the kwacha that will depreciate. Mutati has even asked foreignors to externalize all their profits as long as they pay tax.I think this is wrong. Mutati is an account and should understand
Now, this writing. Thumbs up! This is a good piece man. Its not just a question of wooing so-called investors. At a point, you sit down and look back. What have you achieved from the so-called foreign investment? What are the benefits – employment, living wage, poverty reduction, infrastructure development, etc – before you even talk of GDP. Alas for Zambia, nay! But someone is boasting that he is marketing the country. Shame!!!
#8 Nothing personal. You pay ZRA K300m and your company in it`s first year of existance has paid/paid K500m! Blimey!
Ba businessman ba ku Zed! When you go out namacinci sana when you can not even lie!
Like I said, reason why I will never bring my children to Zed! lol
#15 Wewewe Cheers mate.
Sometimes i tend to think Mutati belongs too much to the Chiluba, Mungomba, Chitala, Penza click of extreme capitalism. that group that auctioned our companies including Zambian airways etc. am i wrong?
#17, yeah I have two masters, and I dont drink. May be just tired, I have been working since 06:00hrs and now its almost 20:00hrs. Tired , i guess. Going home now. later
Just say “no major changes” and don’t say “nothing has changed” my friend. Zambia is moving forward and there’s no doubt about that, the only problem is that the movement is at a snails pace.
#22 Cheers mate. You were not at home! I am glad you are a true Zambian. Took the trouble to go to an Internet Cafe! lol! Only pulling your leg.
#23 Walasa! point.
#23 Ba Zulu come back to me when we have different pictures from the ones above.
#26 that will take long just ask LT to go and get better ones that are not slanted to suit their analysis.
who is lossing hope when there is room for change?
#27 Wewewe. So the pictures above are not from Zed are they? Too early to expect any change I know. Two years from now, the pictures above will be far much better!
Wewewe, when did you last go to Zed? Any chance you grew up on the CB? Probably not! I grew up their mate. We used to have what was then called RECs. They are no longer there. Mine townships used to have tarred roads, you will be lucky to find any remains.
Oopss! There!
Njala iliko, I can’t dispute the facts but I chose to remain hopefull.
#31 Good on yah!
#29 i agree with you on a number of points. i was born and grew up on the Copperbelt i know how it looks like esp. launshya. i am Zambian and come to Zambia so so often. all am saying is that in the midst of despair there is something happening though not at a scale we want. What was Chalala in Lusaka five years ago? if you put that picture up on LT would you be lying? what was Lumwana eight years ago? just a dream! today there is a modern mine and houses. what was Chambishi Copper smelter two years ago? just bush not even a dream ! have you been there lately? why has Lusaka run out of land is it poverty? All am saying is, there is also a positive side depends on how we handle it.
If you talk all those pictures i have mentioned add a few more you can easily do another story or analysis depicting development in Zambia. You would not be lying. would you?
Meant ‘took’ in #34
Ba #9 mulichipuba sana imwe. You are even pround to live in a land not your own where you cant even vote and say you are proud to be abroad?! How many Englishmen are pround to be staying in the US or Aussie? Zed chalo sana iwe kapoli
Mingeli Palata, I love your articles. God bless you
Mingeli, when i say i love your articles i’m talking about the fact you bring out.Not that I take pleasure in seeing those pictures.May i not be misunderstood for i know and share the suffering of my country. God bless Zambia.
#36 If you are in the UK legally you should know that as a Zedian you are entitled to Vote (commonwealth). You tool! There are people who have made it in foreign land.
How many Englishmen are proud to be STAYING in the US or Aussie? Loads mate!
No need to insult other people. If you are not poud to be staying here then go back mate-simple. What are you doing here then?
Mingeli excellent pictures. No need to hide. This is the Zambia we know.
Sad the people you are fighting for do not care about themselves Mingeli! Well done.
Insala ku Zed am here on a Business Trip. I will be going back 2more
Mukabaposhepo. Why are you a Gooner? I am gutted we have something in common! Well, atleast I go to see games!
Good article….what is lacking in Zambia is sincerity from our leaders. They have the brains and exposure to change things but they have just not decided to work for Zambia. Tears come back when I remember LPM’s self writen mission statement. If just half our leaders would lead with a sincere mission, Zambia would change. When am old enough to contest, I will join politics…things have to change….we cant go on like this imwe ba Monko and Momas!
Hon. Minister, As a minister of trade and industry of such a resource-rich country like ours, make sure that our borders are carefully managed. Ensure that goods and/or services that can be easily produced here are never imported. Protect the local producers by NEVER allowing any cheap sh*t into our country no matter who gets hurt in the process… Sometimes to be a great leader, you’ll have to take some unpopular steps.
This is really sad and even sad that our politicians are so very greedy, its all about them en those with connections to these politicians r the ones who get to enjoy all the wealth. We can only hope and pray for our country we r in need of credible leaders Pipo who will have the interest of the nation at heart
Mingeli is a deluded man. Is it not this very fo#ol who de campaigned opposition leaders that were talking about encouraging joint ventures in his LT articles? He ridiculed presidential candidates purely on geopolitical issues and today wants to pretend economics. misgivings. It is fallacy, Mingeli, to plant mangoes and cry for apples from that same tree. If you are disgruntled about not getting a job from the man you supported, go hang and don’t give us this bull.Felix is the decent man of them all.
Insaka ku Zed, you are the only person av seen proud of staying in a foreign land. I wonder if you even disclose you true identity while there. How do you manage the feeling of being an economic refugee and things like racism?
#47, your comment is very interesting. Anyway, I like Mingeli palata’s Come on friends, “Zambia is too rich to be poor”.
This is very true and solet us now move on. We all have a Zambia to develop together.
I thus reecho the point by Mingeli and others on ‘May God bless Zambia’ and Zambians whereever they are.
LOOKING AT THOSE PICS HAS MADE ME REALISE JUST HOW FAR WE ARE FROM BECOMING A DEVELOPED COUNTRY! GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH SO MANY NATURAL RESOURCES AND YET WE STILL SUFFER.
WHEN ARE WE GOING TO START DREAMING OF PRODUCING NUCLEUR ENERGY, MANUFACTURING OUR OWN VEHICLES, PLANES, MILITARY HARDWARE? HOW ABOUT BUILDING STATE UNIVERSITIES IN EACH PROVINCE, MODERN ROADS, AIRPORTS?
THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN ZAMBIA IS DOWNRIGHT DISCREPIT, OUTDATED AND JUST PATHETIC! CAN’T WE LEARN A THING OR TWO FROM THE JEWS. JUST LOOK AT ISRAEL!
Zamians are also to blame they rejected HH who seems can bring change having listened to his speech. Well let them suffer they are cursed.
I tend to disagree with you on your accusations that Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane and Chileshe Kapwepwe have ALWAYS FAILED Zambia. You would have done better if you went further and stated how these two people failed Zambia.
Let us not just generalize because it is fashionable to criticize others.
What is Ubuntu?
There is no place like home. For most of us home is Zambia. Beautiful country and people. We have political problem s that is why our economy is so bad. However Zambia is a young nation, and believe in names (old names). Things should change with time, if we are patient. Good things come to those who wait. 2011 might just be the begining of the end of our troubles but it will take longer than that perhalps two or more decades to be where we were in 1975 and even longer to be better. One zambia one nation, God bless.
#9 Insala ku Zed. You young Kaponya have just arrived and like all of us when we first came to the West, you tend to think you are in heaven. Soon reality will set in and you will miss that beautiful Zambia. These are racist countries, you have to be tough to stomach open discrimination. You always have to be superior to be equal. That is the truth.
#55 If you have a lower job sorry you are in a very wrong place. Not my fault though! Just arrived no mate! I have lived here for more than 15 years.
If you do not like it go back mate. There is racism alright but racism is there in Zed as well. The only difference is we are so poor we even “worship” ba nyenye ku Zed.
Truth is Zambia is dirty and most Zambians have a culture of dirt. A few developments like Arcades or Mandahill and such like are an infusion of a higher culture. It is not intrinsic in Zambians to take care of their surroundings. If you bother to probe the income levels of the people who live in the surroundings depicted in the pictures (re: article) you’ll be shocked how much money they have. There’s a debilitating culture that says somebody will do it for us. In riches or poverty, most Zambians are really faecal. This is also true for most of our neighbors. Soweto has 100 times more infrastructure than Lusaka and yet it is relatively dirtier by SA standards because of bad culture.
Iwe ka # 10 – who the hell are you to start criticizing other people’s English when even the owners of the language don’t mind. That’s the problem with us Zambians, you want to be associated with the English even when uli chifita! You can sing the English national song but fail our proud and free song.
I have to disagree with Mr Felix Mutati on FDI at this time. If he thinks he will woo more investors, he is crazy. In case he hasn’t noticed, the global economy is in a recession. Investors have also pulled out of Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe is suffering. Hungary had to even borrow from the IMF.
What I propose is massive incentives for local investors and a K700 BILLION package for CEEC and various institutions that are in charge of giving local investors loans. Also, an additional K200 BILLION for govt owned banks so as to lower interest rates and give loans. Of course they should not just print money, they should look into their books and check the money they have.
cont from #59]
At this point in time, we can only rely on the locals. Investors are just too scared to invest anywhere due to this economical crisis.
Can somebody challenge me. What is wrong with Zambia is not lack of money or lack of politics (they have plenty of that). They lack ability to think beyond what a government can do for them. Those who have gone out to curve out a living on their own have done so hapharzadly destroying the environment and suburban ambience. They build recklessly with tin boxes, cardboards and make shop standards right on the floor!! Why would somebody sell oranges or vegetables on a pavement floor? This, apparently, is very normal to this dirt cultures. The problem there is not the govt, sir. You are wrong, it is individuals. How can you build a township without walkways or drainage systems. Whose problem?
#58 to be honest I can not remember our national anthem. No offence. I just can`t. As for English the man was claiming to have two masters! lol!
Icintu cintu umwene. The sleepy president was promising bakamushi heaven on earth.
He has gone off to sleep now and all is history. What is annoying is to see a person from Zambia spouting tripe as if they were chained to come here. One can only love it or “F” off!
I know for sure that there’s a lot of developments in Zambia. But these structure lack basic services like sewer lines and paved roads. Zambians build houses without proper sewer lines but septic tanks. What’s so difficult in laying a sewer manifold line with points where people can connect? What is so difficult to pave roads in the townships where the rich will stay..well they have money don’t they? The people in the manucipalities were raised in the dirt culture and so they have no meaningful health values to protect. They grew up in the dirt and they don’t see it as wrong. The problems are bigger if they are embedded in the culture syche that govt must do everything.
How I wish most of you(bloggers) people can go back home and help develop Zambia other than just criticising here. You seem to have some good idea especially that you are educated, it would be nice to see you home and do something for mother Zambia. I’m sure everyone can do something better than just complaining here.
#62. Insala ku Zed
I don’t know about the UK but in Canada, one can have what you call a “double degree” meaning you can have a degree in both accounting and information technology. the only thing is instead of taking you about 4 years to complete, it takes you about 5 years.
The other thing I wanted to say is since you are not proud to be Zambian, why are you blogging on a “ZAMBIAN SITE” or a website that is filled with “Zambian Content”?? Shouldn’t you be voting for the BNP or something.
KEEP RECYCLING, ITS GOOD FOR THE ENVIROMENT.
The Zambians will waste million of hours talking about individuals rather than SPECIFICALLY tackling the issues that affect them daily. In fact, most politicians visit these sites and read the stuff here and are put off because there are no challenging opinions coming up. Well, if you articulate your problems, you will probably get some answers. I have always wondered why Zambia can’t use funds from financial houses to promote good roads, water supply, sewer systems, and care for the environment? Why we let so much energy of unemployed youths go to waste? Isn’t there a way we can elevate community service for money or scholarship or food or prizes?
I visited Zambia a few years back. I saw so many youths aged between 15-24 y/o. They hang in every corner of a shop and at every traffic lights some of them formed a stream of walking soldiers to nowhere. I asked myslef, all these dirty unpainted builings and falling roofs in shops and government structure don’t need a coat? Can’t they be forced to do so to creat jobs? The college fields, school play grounds are in disrepair. The ministry for sports and youths, can’t they come up with some self-sustaining schemes? What about academies of sports? what about emergency health services to work with insurance groups? Small activities will open up bigger opportunities.
Paper industry?
Mingeli since you are so bright, RB should have appointed you as a Minister. The only problem is that you’re pointing out that there is a problem but you’re not offering solutions. We all know that there is a problem. What we want are solutions. Another thing, the spelling errors in your article are irritating.
You know, if you follow the developmental history of the United States you’ll see that it was triggered by a culture of FARMING first and foremost. It was not the mining industry, although the gold rush in california kicked in some dubious development including decadency. But farming was the big deal. South Africa started off as a farming colon too. The gold part came later. Is there a pattern here, yes! The most important task of a government is to feed its people! When they are secure with food they will do anything like look for gold in spare time. Obviously, peasants farm are not competing well recently but we can do something. Then move to fabrics and paper production.
ZESCO is bleeding today because of people like Felix Mutati where he was director of finance. Someone should find Robinson Mwansa and ask why Mutati was gotten rid of together with Sikasote. Liato’s story of fraud at ZESCO is a very badly kept secret. The most honourable person to have served ZESCO was John Wright. MHSRIEP.
What Zambia needs is just ONE leader, may not be a president, but a leader with authority enough and an audience. He must hate DIRT. I mean really raising issues of general dirtiness in Zambians. Then, he must articulate problems with solutions NOT for political reasons. He should demonstrate daily through the press, through forums all the obvious answers. You see leadership should not be claimed or fought for in the courts of law. Leadership must be earned!! But do we have such self-less and high articulate individuals in all fields of life: economics, mines, farming and eduaction? Do we have such people who can talk and we listen without even thinking about politics? Is there such people?
#72. Confused
I disagree with you. What we need are federal governments.
sorry, must read “is a federal government”
With due respect, #71 is boring!! I hate such comments. They serve no purpose at all. I don’t support ZESCOs position at all. But I know the problems in the energy insdusty, I even know what it costs to fix a generator or a turbine. In the energy sector, if you rule out collaborations or open policy in power distribution you are DEAD. Energy is like communication. The industry is riddled with suffocating middlemen and outdated regislation or distribution systems. The team required to make ZESCO perform must have great exposure beyond 5 years in Kalingalinga at Unza. Zambia and SA have lagged behind 10 years to fix power systems and we up for trouble.
Why does MMD prefer foreign investment to domestic investment? I hear some Zambian firms put money together to buy ZANACO but govt prefered a foreigner bidder who will at the end of the day externalise his profit. Whatever we see in whites, they are not any better. This mentality must change from top down. Look at the way Zambians have revamped the construction industry in Zambia. Larfage had to expand their production plant because of increased demand. Dont underestimate Zambias, just give them an enabling environment: i mean access to capital and they can do wonders. The increase in GDP govt is attributing to FDI is partly due to construction boom by Zambians. Mutati wake up.
#76. I agree.
# 63, 67, 68 etc. Confused. I have followed you and you are not confused at all. I agree to most of your suggestions in this thread and others. Let me add that other than agriculture as the main stay, tenacity in pursuing policies is key.Late LPM was tenacious, had agric as the key & so the apparent stabilization of the kwacha. If you live outside Zambia, be told that as we speak, farming inputs have not yet reached peasants. Large amounts of maize was not bought from peasant farmers. The so called fertilizer support initiative is in chaos with officials still debating who qualifies and who doesn’t. I excuse them this time due to elections but hunger will not spare us come 2009.
#73. Unitary or federal government is not critical at this atage when the country is terminally ill. You need ideas and solutions that people can buy in soon and begin to execute. Worry about government structures and spending tax money meaninglessly later!
# 73. Nigeria has a federal govt., right? Japan has a unitary govt., right?
Isn’t there a way of bringing the issues in the article to the minister. In the governance of Zambia, don’t we have MPs etc who we can reach and tell them what we want. don’t we have access to Govt. Isn’t our system a democracy, govt by the people for the people. Is it not possible to get Mutati to hear what Zambians want, isnt he living on taxpayers money. If the govt is so unreachable, then we have a wrong system of governance. Why can’t the writer speak to Felix himself. Is felix Mutati in heaven? Could it be that we have altogether a wrong governance system in Zambia, where the poeple can’t speak to touch Govt, perhaps only hope in elections.
79. Confused
You are proposing a govt run by a single person. What sense is that. How is one person based in Lusaka going to know what Eastern Province needs.
Let eastern Province set its own rules and decide which sectors of the economy eastern province would like to invest in. If The provincial govt of Eastern province sees that tea and cotton growing is the strong part in their economy, they’ll invest in that instead of waiting for the central govt which focuses on mining to do it for them.
With a federal govt, we will surely root out the corrupt. [tbc
# 82. That was the arguement for Nigeria too.
cont from #82]
Taxes that work for the copperbelt province do not necessarily work for Southern Province. We need a federal govt and a double tax system. What do I mean by a double tax system?? What I mean is for example, the central govt sets the country’s tax at (e.g) 6%, the provincial govt will then set the remainder of its tax at whatever it wants. So for example, southern province can add 2% and Lusaka can have 5%.
With the double tax system, the people pay the 5% central tax plus the 2% provincial tax if they live and work in Southern Province. So the people who live in SP pay a total of 7% taxes. Of course central tax will have to be low.
#83. Confused
OK. Lets take Nigeria. In Nigeria you can see the difference between the Delta State and other states. You can notice the difference between cities like Lagos and Abuja.
You can see that it has worked for others whereas other leaders have failed to run.
In short, it is the fault of the leaders of the states fault and not the central govt.
What is your take on USA and CANADA which both have federal govt systems.
I think we should agree on a system of governing ourselves no matter what type of leader. One where a sata can fit, a LPM can fit or whoever. We should not only hope in a particular leader.
We need a system where accountability is paramount. One where the elctorate can put to task any leader who fails to deliver what they promised in elections. A system that makes the elected servants to those who gave them their votes. We need a system where all those who live on Tax payers money know that they are employed by tax payers. A system where the tax payer knows thier power and can demand accountability on how the tax is used. In zambia voters dont use their power in between elections.
#81. Correct. There’s no line of direct communication to govt ministries and manucipalities. Ideally, the MP is set as apinacle for criss-crossing ideas to and from govt.
The greatest achievement of LPM is that he created his own way of listening to people. He called people in their personal capacities frequently. I don’t suppose that every president will follow that.
The trouble is NOT at the legislative level like parliament, the trouble is when “bakaponya” with degrees at the councils in pronvinces who are required to implement or generate projects/ideas which should be financed. That’s where there’s a big disjoint! That’s where “corruption” is seen.
By the way, its been less than 3 days since the new cabinet took over, Very premature to say nothing changed.
#83 Confused
What is your take on
-USA
-CANADA
-AUSTRALIA
-GERMANY
-MALAYSIA
-SWITZERLAND
-UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
-VENEZUELA
-EVEN SOUTH AFRICA
#81 and 86. You may be interested to know that in South Africa accountability is strongly monitored. In fact, corruption is almost none-existent due to heavy scrutiny in manucipalities. The politics at that level are very tough!! Now, SA gives about R125 billion to manucipalities every year for projects. Imagine that kind of money? But, almost 80% of that money goes back to govt every year. Why? They lack skilled people to carry through heavily monitored projects or ideas. So: it is not the money in Africa. It is ideas and skills.
Somebody says, we should have a federal govt bra bra bra bra so that each province can decide what they want to do …cont
In Zambia, too much emphasis has been put on elections, which mainly come every 5 years. While elections are great, they are only a one day opportunity for people to participate in governace. I think we need to invest in developing governance structures where people cant effectively have a say at any time, not just at elections. Right now, people are hoping for 2011. Imagine. Why can’t we have a system where we don’t have to wait for 2011 but can still have any leader chewing out tax to attend to our concerns today. Those we vote in in 2011 will live on our tax. Can’t we put our tax to work for us even today. aren’t we paying tax today. Then why can’t we be listened to today?
There’s only one province with sufficient skills to begin projects and carry them through and prove that they used money wisely. That is Gauteng (pta and jhb etc). The rest have billions and lack skills. To avoid misappriaption and go to jail, the return the money. Now, what is the answer? Clearly, the idea of provincial/federal system can’t work if the skills base or rate of building and retaining such skills is shoddy. Hence SA has decided to end provincial govts and go for a unitary base where they can build a critical mass of skills to promote development. This is being discussed. You see, point is, money and structures are not enough with crtical mass of skills. For Zambia, provinces?
#90. Confused
The problem with SA is racist policies like BEE and Affirmative Action which has led South Africa into a brain drain as the skilled are leaving the country due to lack of opportunities and an escalating crime rate. It just so happens that the majority of the skilled people leaving happen to be white. BEE is no different from a Zambian MP awarding himself a contract to construct a road in Lusaka.
You live in SA, Obviously you know the difference between Gauteng and the Western Cape. Why is it Cape Town is voted Africa’s best city??
Thanx #90. At least that accountability in RSA has highlighted the real problem ie ideas and skills. It is a step forward. In Zambia we also need to reach a stage where we really know what the problem is. We seem to be at sea, blaiming this or that. That’s why corruption is rife. May be we should learn from RSA how they managed to develop the system of accountability. It is certainly better to have the money go back to govt than have it disappear altogether. I believe Zambians can do even better in terms of ideas and skills.
Unless we effect an effective governance system, the people will always be cut off from Govt. That’s why you have a Mutati speak and a Mingeli complain, same room.
good night
Gentlemen, good night. Been good hearing from you. God Bless Zambia.
#92. Confused
If it is Gauteng (jhb and pta) why is it Cape Town (Which is the Western Cape) is voted Africa’s best city (Mayor, Helen Zille)???
Some of the most successful countries have been run on a federal government system. Canada, Australia and the USA are just some few examples. A unitary government has failed us in Zambia. You cry for new ideas and yet you shun them down when proposed. A Federal govt is a new idea, why are you shunning it down.
You talk of certain provinces have less skilled labour than others, but if western province had incentives and low taxes for local investors, what would stop skilled people moving there and starting a business??
The financial auditing systems in South Africa is a killer. They never use “ba kaponya” in govt to audit friends and give them bills of cleanliness. By law, all councils should be audited by PRIVATE firms and such reports should be MADE PUBLIC in the local media. That is what scares everybody who handles govt money in RSA. In RSA, govt money is dangerous. Make sure you know what you’re doing. You go jail if you misappropriate funds even if it R5000. In Zambia, we did well under KK in the 70s. All districts were audited and the culture died with UNIP governors. Parliament must make a legislation to audit all govt funded institutions and send to jail those who misuse grants. Like USA and Japan
#91,UK-Zed Observer, Potential lines of communications are plenty E.g. ZNFU, ZUM, Chambers of Commerce name them. But the cadre type of leaders we have see these as threats. Just recently, the millers were being regarded as trouble makers and as usual,Teta was busy rushing to the press to condemn them instead of engaging them to know what’s up. Further, Zambians are too politicised. Look at a man like Miyanda, against all odds, he wants to be a president instead of transforming his party into an advocacy pressure group. Everyone thinks their ideas can only materialize if they are president.
Financial auditing and projects auditing keeps corrption at bay in every society. It is pretty easy to root out courrption. You don’t need kids’ gloves. It can be done!
#97. I am not shunning a federal system. I am merely saying everything is possible where you have skilled people.
#98
I was just about to switch off when I saw your comment. Great stuff. yes please let us have that in Zambia too. Hope those in zambia can reach their local MPs and let them commit themselves to tabling this suggestion to Parliament.
Do Zambians have much access to their local MPs? Will read your answers tomoro. gud night all.
Fair results and congrats Chipolopolo.
Meantime:
Vote president HH and his UPND Team for a possible youthful team of GRZ to lead Zambians to economic independence.
Kala kabotu alakuyasa mavwa. This is our time, as youths, and this is surely our moment to work with new Personal Computers tools – calculator boy – to serve all Zambians of all backgrounds for a real ray of change and hope that all can believe and trust in.
“A PF Parliamentarian in Kasama has charged that time for party president, Michael Sata, to be Zambia’s President is gone.
Controversial Kasama Central Member of Parliament, Xavier Chishimba says Mr. Sata has lost in three consecutive Presidential elections.
Chishimba is calling for PF to hold a national convention to elect new leaders.”
Source: w w w . muvitv . c o m/ news/ Nov2008/ 15thpnews1 . h t m l
Let the Undereducate’s PF have a convention now that National elections are over.
#154 continued.
“Dr. Chishimba, who was at logger head with the PF rank and file prior to the recent presidential elections, claims there are well-wishers world wide willing to fund the holding of the PF convention.Meanwhile, when contacted for a comment PF Vice President, Guy Scott says Dr. Chishimba is not a member of the party. PF Vice President, Guy ScottHe says Dr. Chishimba is only for now being protected by the law and that he is irrelevant to the PF. Dr. Scott says the party’s central committee will decided when to hold the convention.”
How then can the mighty UPND Team under the good leadership of president Hakainde Hichilema join with PF into a PACT.
# 48 walasa. no matter how poor zambia is, i’ll forever be proud to have been born there. Nsala ku zed, its entirely wrong to say u’ll never bring you kids home. in nyanja we say, ‘kwanu ni ku mutu.’ meaning whenever things go wrong, you immediately touch your head. when things begin to suck in the uk, u gonna come running back to the zed.i find it really weird getting all patriotic over a country thats not your own. you kinda look like a muselala kwakaba.away from that, i think its unfair to expect earthquakes of so soon after the election. only time will tell.lets just support these guys.
Nsala ku zed, “kwanu ni kwanu, mtengo unakanga njoka”
Oh i missed the nice discussion on the development of Zambia. anyway i can still contribute and then bena confused can comment when they work up tomorrow. There is a system of communication with MPs being set up with the help of donors! not yet in all provinces but parliamentary offices have been opened in a number of constituencies where people can meet their MP. The other problem we have is the ‘some of us mentality’ alot of people dont even know their councilor how can they influence decisions in the council? and the council meetings i think are open to the public people can seat in the gallery and listen in and later engage their councilor.
SHAME EVEN ETHIOPIA IS DOING BETTER THAN US!!!!
yaba! some pipo are funny.on one hand yu want the country to move forward,on the other yu are threatening not to retain home bcose yu feel fimofimo.some even go to an extent of daring never to take their kids to their homeland,shame on yu.turn around and see how best yu can help yo country rather than showering scorn and insults to sweet zed,yes we’ve problems but some of us have great hope for the land.plz fellow zeds in diaspora,lets in a way be positive about mother zed, and help if yu can in anyway.remember there is no place sweeter than home!!!
#8,chirwa fo zed,yu might be criticised fo the language,but yo contribution speaks volumes,surely yu’re right on target.there is need to balance FDI and local investments.the song shud not be entirely FDI day in day out,no country can fully develope without the inpute of its citizens.thanx to CEEC,hope it works.note,a foreigner will make his money and leave some day,but a successful local investor will be home to stay,imagine if we had 200 costatin chilalas,50 HHs,20 GBMs,62bwalya chitis,the list is endless.viva zed,viva local investors,viva FDI!!!
#9. Zambia does not need you. Stay there where you are and your Queen. Remember that even if your children have their UK citizenship, they will always be strangers. Instead of constructively seeing the possibility of helping the country, you are just burying your head into the sand and rocks of that cold racist country. The recession has come and soon they will be asking you come back to Zambia!!!! God save us from such senseless, selfish small minded people. Obama told the America people: “we fall and rise as a nation.” This should be our challenge too.
Nothing has changed indeed we keep talking and debating about the same issues.No one ever offers solutions in Zed.we have quite a number of very rich zambians and yet these people dont care about the well being of their fellow zambians.how many of them are involved in community projects.Why cant the likes of HH,Valentine Chitalu etc adopt schools in these compounds and upgrade them.Its because we are selfish and greedy thats why the country will always remain poor.
Does anyone remember how a tsunami committee was formed in Zed by Zambians (i stand to be corrected but i think Kopulande was involved) to raise funds for the Tsunami victims? when zambia is faced with disasters like floods no one offers any help save for the govt and donors.
Guys we have development pa Zed.We will continue slowly and one day the dream will come true for Zed as long as the corrupt and selfish leaders are out of power.At the moment the poor will remain poor, it is not your fought.
Luck the almighty God made you the way things are.
Viva H H, man of good development for Zed.
Mingeli Palata for president! Like Mugabe, RB can’t see this sad reality through his dark glasses.
I do hope RBB will find it within himself to build a brain bank that will assist him in articulating the way forward. He needs to build a new vision for the development of Zambia which his ministers will pursue. He cannot just depend on his ministers who are only there to represent sectional interest and tribal balancing. He needs a STRONG advisory team at State House, which could even work on a part time basis, otherwise Zambia will remain where it has been since 1991.
It is better to be where we were in 1991 than being somewhere before 1964 when we were fighting for political indepence. President HH offers the current as in being in 2008 though his UPND is still going to appeal to the Zambian people in 2011.
May God bless Zambians.
Shame on you #9, you think if we have pipo like you the World will be a better place???? U are not even ashamed of yoself lazy boy/girl.U forget it took a persons sacrifices to make the England you and yo Children are enjoying,infact even your living there.
How can Zed develop anyway with pipo ranning away from their routes, insteady of giving themselves and join the good Zambian loving pipo to make yo home better,you take a refugee in another land and completely forget about your own routes you shameless being.
You deny yo home coz its in ruin, insteady of working on making it a better.Shame on you Lazy,hopeless and unwise man. You lost your senses,surely fyakumena kubukulu mwabilima-sana
#9. It is supremely naive to believe that acquired citizenship in a foreign country, especially outside the United States, would amount to wealth or guaranteed high standards of living. Personally, I hold no citizenship of any foreign country even if I have opportunities to do so. I am a Zambian and will make sure my children keep that identity. Life is full of surprises and home is home. A paper will NEVER turn you into a Briton. Ask the British. The US is no longer keen on admitting naturalised UK citizens into the country without visas. This goes for Canada too! The British are racists and they will protect England from marauding Africans. Just wait. I am proud to have been born Zambian.
Zambia’s population is a little under 11 million. It is unbelievable that we can’t raise the standard of living of such a “small” population. We have 40% of the fresh water rivers in Southern Africa. Less than 10% of our arable land is active. There are no deserts nor mountains. We have waterfalls for power generation. We have minerals in all province except western province. We go for direct foreign investments in the mines and not in farming. We have more than 17 national game reserves for tourism. We are peaceful. We have low national debt. Our current deficit as percent of GDP is less than our growth rate. How can we develop? Pretty simple, here are the steps:…….cont.
For every plan and policy provide a package of incentives and make it easy for citizens to band up and compete. The changes must occur in all spheres. Those changes must stimulate economic activities. Lets pick a ministry and see what kind of activities can be simulated merely by changing policy.
1. Education: Schools use stationery, uniforms (clothing), chemicals, equipments, books, shoes, sports attire, bags etc. What would happen if we created a conglomerate at National level that would source cheaper sources for such goods or create factories to make them. We can ask Zambians to brainstorm this. Can we create a revolution here?
What if we created an incentive for those who can set up factories for school requisites? What if we offered incentives for factories that will use local cotton to produce school uniforms and shoes? Can’t we make some interesting legislation on this. Can’t we make it compulsory for each province to create sports academy and we create National color or prize systems for competing teams? Can government privatize such legally constituted academies? What if we forced eductors to start incorporating technologies in education? What can be simulated? Jobs in software and hardware? Jobs for trainers of integrated computer techn in teaching?
What would happen if we awarded THE HIGHEST TAX INCENTIVES in the land for a mining company that opens a school in the rural area and supports a specific number of teachers? Can we offer a huge incentive by reducing income tax from 35 to 10% for such mines that maintains schools with integrated technology in teaching? That is not asking too much is it? What is we made some changes to the management of schools in the urban areas like instituting management boards….along with this we amend labor laws which allows highly trained Zambians in other sectors to participate in teaching while they earn a taxible income. We want to build a cuture of research and innovation quickly.
I end there on EDUCATION. I will move to COMMERCE and FINANCE tomorrow.
#111 WELL SPOKEN. THIS GUY HAS THE MARKINGS OF AN INFERIORITY COMPLEXED LUNATIC WHO WORKS AS A SECURITY GUARD IN THE UK AND THINKS HE IS IT! HE PROBABLY LIVES IN A “SHANTY COMPOUND” (RUN DOWN AREA) OF A UK TOWN AND HAS NO MONEY TO FLY BACK TO ZED ON HOLIDAY OR EVEN TO VOTE!
THE PROBLEM IN ZED IS PRIMARILY POLITICAL. TOO MANY BASIC MISTAKES IN RUNNING THE ECONOMY! I SEE NO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER WITH THE “NEW” CABINET.
No 125, PF Man, LEAVE THAT COWARD TO TEACH HIS CHILDREN HOW TO BE COWARDS AND CONTINUE FEEDING OLD WHITES AT HOMES FOR THE AGED IN U.K. HIS FATHER BACK HOME I AM SURE WAS MR FOLOKO, A COOK FOR SOME WHITE MAN.
Lets move on. In a struggle, there are always some cowards. Shaka used to kill them just to keep the struggle moving. ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION.
[email protected]
Thanx #124 Confused. Those are wonderful ideas.
Mutati and other negotiating for FDI need to know that China’s appetite for copper has given us muscle which when flexed can land zambia favourable terms with investors. China knows that their huge population lowers production costs. Foreign companies go their to take advantage of low labor costs, produce products and export them to rest of the world. Knowing this China does not allow foreigners to just do anything. It demands 50% ownership, joint ventures etc. Foreign investors oblige. Zambia is now in a position to make demands of investors in copper mining. They need the copper. They will not go away. Zambians should be tough negotiators.
Actually, seeing that the USa, UK and the rest are buying huge stakes in banks in order to save them, Zambia can think of owning copper mines. We can go into joint ventures to develop a new mine for instance. I dont think the West will ask waht are we doing. Mutati and friends should take advantage of this window. Right now partial nationalisation is sweeping the world. After all China herself has state owned companies. We had ZCCM, which had schools, hospitals etc. Let’s pursue this option of having mines 50% owned by GRZ, and not just wholly foreign owned.
Also, HIPC canxd our $7bn debt. No more donor pressure on us. We can go on to borrow say $2bn to invest in new mines.
# 127. I would also add that the economic growth in Zambia of +5% in the last 4 years is mainly due robust consumerism. That view is shared by all economists within and abroad. Therefore, we have a scenario here which we must harness for the better. However, if inflation kicks in, if it will, how much of this consumerism will disappear? To me, I would imagine then that inflation is the greatest enemy of the economy, high interest rates are not good either. But what actually fuelled consumerism? How many jobs have been created by direct foreign investment? If we can answer that question then probably we can debunk the theory of FDI into resourcses and allow DFI to relocate to durable things.
# 128. The concept of flexing muscles of mineral resources such as copper is long overdue. But, be very careful!! I will explain later. Let me say this: China’s policy is to move 300 million people from rural areas into well-structured urban cities in 10 yrs. That is like moving the entire population of the United States!! That implies alot of construction and deman for copper will pick in 2009 to unprecedent levels!! Gold and platinum will be overshadowed by copper. Do Zambians politicians know this? We must play a good game of empowering Zambians NOT by grabbing shares from foreign companies but by funding Zambians to open their own Cu mines. The current tax levels and royalties are fine!
sorry. ..flexing muscles over mineral resources..
he main cost in opening up mines is in exploration. It is very expensive to sink “boreholes” and collect samples from 30 or 50 meters underground. Most reseources in Mbala, Luapula, Northen province are yet to be excavated. Capitalization of a new mine is a tough one without external financing. But with a good payback period and robust prices, zambian consortiums could raise capital. Please leave the ZCCM model out…it caused alot of headaches in the past. Current prices (from March 2009), huge demand are good reasons for Zambians to raise capital. This is a MUST. If we want to boost consumerism (construction by Zambians), we must empower them further to boost the economy.Keep govt out.
Here in the UK, inflation has steadily increased due recent high fuel prices. As we now oil prices have reduced by more than 50% in the past few weeks. Good for motorists. But gas prices for heating homes etc still remain high. Overall, the lower oil prices will reduce inflation as related costs drop. I expect that Zambia’s inflation will keep increasing till local fuel prices start dropping. I also expect that recent depreciation of ZMK has made imports more expensive, fuelling inflation. My hope is that lower energy costs and the slight gain in ZMK will help. But we certainly need good management of inflation and interest rates.
A weaker Kwacha to a dollar is NOT good. An extremely stronger kwacha currency is just as ugly. My guess is that keep the Rand at K450 and the dollar at K4000 for a while. There it is a win win situation. Remember, the Zambians who will export may need enough Kwacha to stay afloat. Also, at that rate you could undercut Kenya, Botswana and South Africa in tourism. The use of dollars in the economy undermines free market forces. But, that can disappear if the exchange stays stable. Protect the Zambian consumers because they are propelling the economy, at the same time examine the sources of goods and services that are being consumed to avoid overruning the balance of payments.
Grabbing shares from foreign miners should never be done. I would rather we owned new mine developments. It would be good to have a mixture of foreign owned mines and zambian owned mines.
I worked in ZCCm for some years. During privatisation, a lot of people lost jobs – engineers, teachers, medical personnel etc. I hear that FDI in the sector has created a lot of new jobs. That could be one lot of consumers. I expect the new mines to have propped up local industries e.g. consumed a lot of locally made supplies such as overalls, dust coats. Apart from the mines, may be tourism, agriculture & manufacturing have grown significantly too – more consumers.
There is nothing anyone can do to save Zambia in its present form. Instead, Zambia must be allowed to comlete its predetermined cycle as a failed state.
Remember that Europe and USA invested heavily in Asia (auto-making, clothing factories, computer technologies etc) on the basis that consumerism in Asia had risen to appreciable levels. Well, if 80% of the goods and services consumed are produced within the country, then there’s nothing wrong with consumerism as in Japan, Korea, UK and Germany. The US maintained high levels of consumerism when in actual fact they had shipped all their manufacturing base overseas. Hence the troubles. America wanted to make up by attracting external funds through stocks and bonds. Wrong! Zambia must attract FDI not in treasury bills either. FDI into resources is daisy. FDI into equipment & manufacturing is ok.
#136. Can we say that the USA should be allowed to sink as a failed capitalist state? The current economic activities in the USA are at 1980 level, sir. What do you call that? A failed system? There is no credit crunch in Zambia because consumers are not into bank loans. They play with cash. I guess that is not a sign of a failed state. Zimbabwe shows the hallmarks of a failed state. To be honest, there’s a lot we can do to change Zambia. The population is 0.25 that of Nigeria and yet we have more resources. We are the most blessed lazy people on earth. Today, in Sunday times (RSA), Zambia has been praised highly. I wish I can give you the article.
Of course where ever possible, leave govt out of business. Politicians always mess up. look at Tazara, indeni and the oil procurement in Zed. Even Zesco itself.
The problem is in Zambia we have not yet reached a stage where zambians can source big money. Look at emarald mining. Zambians have licences but no money to operate the mines. I think the biggest problem in zambia is lack of money on the part of zambian professionals and business people. Look at Zanaco, how can it be that Zambians did not buy it up. Zanaco makes its money in Zambia. We need serious empowerment, more than CEEC, that’s for SMEs.
#135. I am with you. I hear you.
#138 what did RSA praise us for. I am itching to know, if you dont mind please. Do they have a website i can read it on.
#133. Yes, Zambia has capacity to lower fuel costs by a further K2000. The impact of that will be huge. Surreptitiously this will put alot of reckless cars and drivers on the road. Howbeit, the impact on the viability of several business will be high and obviously cheaper energy is a plus for investors in manufacturing.
RB promised to look into the pricing mechanism of fuel and why Zambia is so expensive. That was one promise I remember very clearly. If govt wishes to keep the oil money, then they must lower interest rates to boost credit lines and spur growth. The later is even better.
#141. The article is titled: ” A page from Zambia tells us people can be smarter than presidents” by Mondli Makhanya. On page 38 of Sunday Times (Nov 16, 2008). I am not sure how you could reach this article but try and search on “sundaytimes.co.za”
The articles praises Zambians and particularly KK for the peaceful transition of power and the effort towards creating a stable democracy. I liked the comment that “no chairs were thrown”, “meetings were not disrupted” and “no ploitician” beaten in Zambia’s elections. South Africa is urged to study the situation in Zambia. It is a gracious article.
#142 I hope RB was not just politicking. govt taxes make the bulk of fuel prices. In the Uk it is 50 to 60%. In Zambia, it is close to 50%. You have things like, import tax, vat, road levy etc slapped on pump prices. As for the other costs, it’s outside his realm. apart from global oil prices, what we feed Indeni refinery is expensive. indeni was configured for the 1970s economy when copper production was at its peak, requieing a lot of heavy fuels. demand for copper dropped. Now we buy crude oil, mix it with pure diesel, parafine and petrol, plus a semi processed material called condesate, then ship that to Indeni to refine it into diesel, petrol etc. The end is expensive petrol.
Sorry, I type so fast and I have no time to run my text through the spell filter. I generate several typos in the process. I really don’t care because ppl can make out the meaning easily.
#144 continued. So one major cause of high oil prices is the configuration of indeni refinery. The feedstock that we pump into Indeni is very expensive, compared to other refineries. One solution we had was to install a hydrocarbone cracker at Indeni so that the unrequired fuel oils can be broken down into lighter elements – petrol, etc. But the world bank did not allow Govt to borrow such money for that, prefering private investment. The other option was to altogether do away with Indeni and pump refined products through TAZAMA pipeline.
#144. Yes, distillation is an energy-intensive process. In fact, that alone is probably used as a reason for hiking prices by Indeni. High energy consumption. But what is the energy efficiency of the distillation columns at Indeni. Have you bothered to ask that question? It is very low. Probably, as you have said, they keep rehabilitating without polishing up the process itself. Due economic expansion, another distillation system to handle the oil from Namibia is long overdue. Here Sata had good foresight!! Well, the road levy on fuel is stealing. Rather, we should have tollgates for heavier vehicles. Why should we let SMEs suffer who don’t even drive on highways? Vat and tax alone.
co-mingled oil from angola…not Nambia. Sorry about that.
#147 Well, they charge rail operators road levy too.
Indeni is old and inefficient. We contracted Tazama to pump our crude oil and Indeni to refine it. Boy, losses at these guys’ facilities are unbelievable. Unfortunately these loses also end up in pricing fuel at pumps. We need a new refinery. Sometimes it’s cheaper to land fuel from RSA by road than get it from Indeni. It happened in 2002, Indeni cried to Govt to save them from that competition.
#148 Confused. I am signing off now. Its been great chatting with you and others. Need to wake up early tomorow for school run before going to work.
Good night and my regards.
Is there a possibility that pilfering takes place along the crude oil pipeline from Dar too? I guess not. Otherwise crude oil itself is difficult to use without fractionation.
Direct fuel importation from RSA is good under a crisis but not as norm. I think the business cycle of Indeni supports so many local businesses. May be it was wise to protect them. But they should be given ultimatum to jackup or shutup! I would like to see GTL processes (gasification of coal to produce petrochemical products) kick in with support by Indians who want to setup at Maamba. That will help. Also, further oil exploration in the country might help. Do we really have oil?? Angola’s growth is @ 15%.
At least you have a job. I am unemployed due to restructuring but I can live without a salary for donkey years. I look forward to chatting again. It was a mind stimulating topic.
‘An opposition Patriotic Front official has taken a swipe at Kasama Central Member of Parliament, Savior Chishimba following remarks made in connection with the PF leadership and convention.Mr. Chishimba was yesterday said that PF leader Michael Sata will never be President of Zambia as time has run out.He also called for the party to hold a convention.In reaction, PF official, Mrs. Charity Banda says Chishimba is not a member of PF and should not involve himself in matters of the party.She disclosed that the party is discussing the issue of the convention and that everything is in line.’ Source:w w w . muvitv . c o m /news /Nov2008 /16thpnews6 . h t m l
‘National Chairman Langtone sichone said political party leaders should not put personal interests first at the expense of those of the nation. Mr. Sichone who is also Spokesperson for the Zambia Centre for Inter-Party Dialogue charged that the recent disturbances in Kitwe were politically instigated and should be condemned.He urged peace loving Zambians not to allow a few disgruntled political elements to put the country on fire.’
Source: w w w .znbc. co . zm/ media/ news/ viewnews. c g i?category = 9 & i d =1226850710
True on DISGRUNTLED POLITICAL ELEMENTS. Viva UPND and president HH for Zambia come 2011.
Zambia we need to realise were we are getting it wrong. We put petty issues first but not development. Petty issues such us tribe which will not take us anywhere. Our friends are moving and such things will always pull us behind. Not untill we start focussing on development as the main agenda will we go forward and better our living standards. We have capable people not politicians like Mwanga who are famous for nothing actully politicians will always reduce us. Remember if Zambia is poor outsiders laugh at the whole nation and not a province or tribe.
There is no hope for you bantus. You’d best accept the Chinaman into your nation! Then you can intermarry; create a new super-bantu race. Your bantu race is destined the same fate as the native americans. The native americans were just as hopeless as you bantus. ACCEPT THE CHINAMAN!!! VOTE FOR CHANG FOR CHANGE – change the whole world needs!!!
Cont#. We need to think outside the box ladies and gentlemen. Some people can speak louder but they are just good at making noise. Let us look at someone’s capabilities, what he has done for himself, how clean he managed to get his resources as the Lozis say you cannot promise to sweep or clean someone’s house when yours is so dirty. We need hard working people who have first worked for themselves thats when they can work for us as a nation. They say take good care of yourself family as an example thats when people will entrust you with the whole nation.
Zambian we can not all the time be seeking asylum in other people’ nations where we cannot raise our heads and pretend all is well and when we are doing third class jobs. Let us build our nation, look at Namibia you do not see them everywhere seeking asylum because they have a development Agenda and whoever comes in follows that policy.
#158. Anonymous, sense.
Can someone educate me on how many MP’s we have in Zambia and what impact they are making. If there are more than 100 and there are no acheivements ,why can’t we only have 9 or 18 , one or two for each province like the US system has 1 or 2 senators for each state. That would really save on tax payers money.
Insala pa Lusaka … I’ve been fortunate enough to have been offered a good job abroad and manage to send ka change mu Finance Bank head office branch every month-end. I’m not even 30 years old and you watch me as I go back home, marry a Zambian woman, educate my children at Kabwata Basic and motivate them to make something out of it.
To the rest of the bloggers, good job highlighting what’s wrong and where to go forward. We’ll get there. Proudly Zambian.
#160 I agree with you
The govt should seriously consider reducing the number of MP’s. Honestly these pipo do nothing as far as developing their constituency is concerned. The moment they are appointed they just think of how they will achieve their goals of making themselves rich. This is why next time we need to elect someone who is well qualified for the job e.g. H.H and anyone is educated and can make good decisions on our behave.
Have you ever wondered if all you Zeds that are so good at condemeing what is happening in Zambia woul done day come back to develop the country. No one will develop Zambia execpt Zambians but we are all sitted in front of computers and passing negative comments on Zambai without providing any support.
So Stop these useless chats and start thinking of how you (who is reading this now)and think of how you could help your country.
Please people help me!! Which party is stronger between PF and UPND??The recent by-election showed that UPND had about over 300,000 votes whilst PF had over 600,000. To me this entails, PF achieved twice as much as UPND.Therefore, PF is better place to form the next government especially if they strategize deligently. UPND still has along way to go in terms of popularity.From my analysis they are slowly losing grip in southern province because of failing in the provincial HQ. Come 2011, they will only win 50% or less of southern province votes. Mind you the voters’register was not updated. Which means it is the same people that voted in 2006 who voted in this by election.
Therefore, going by these statistics, PF has done tremendous well and is expected to do very well in 2011 with the new voters’register in place. This is indeed healthy for our young democracy.UPND had performed very under Andy.
zambia will only develop if we change our attitudes towards work.we shoud learn to work delligently and not waste time.the behaviour of some civil is really disgusting.when u got to an office for something, they’ll take their sweet old time before attending to you, thereby impeding ur progress.they just dont do anything quick enough.things that take a day to accomplish abroad take 10 days in zambia cos ur always told ati come back tomoro.i dont now what point they are trying to prove.mayb its trying to show whos boss.tho we know u worked hard to get there we would appreciate it if we just got our things done on time.mabwana plis next time u do that just know that ur holding back development
Ka #57 u are really confused. You even had the audacity to type that. Shame on you
confused whom do you think can keep on reading your ideas; let others contribute as well.