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Zesco United have beaten Indeni 2-0 in the away Ndola derby to open a ten point lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division table.
Zesco left it late to collect three points in this round 27 tie played at Indeni Sports Complex on Saturday.
Indeni managed to hold Zesco until the 83rd minute when defender Mwila Phiri breached the Oil Men backline.
Coach Numba Mumamba’s Zesco doubled the lead four minutes later with new signee Chitiya Mususu opening his account at the Ndola side – months after joining them from Zanaco.
The win pushes Zesco to 52 points after playing 24 matches as Indeni drop one place down to number 11 on 33 points.
At Sunset Stadium, Zanaco edged Forest Rangers 1-0 at home in Lusaka on Saturday to reclaim second position in the FAZ Super Division.
Congolese attacker Lassa Kiala scored the goal after 58 minutes to enable his side to displace Forest from second position.
Zanaco have increased their tally to 42 points, one above now third placed Forest, after playing 24 and 27 games respectively.
Elsewhere in Saturday’s action, Lusaka Dynamos were stunned 3-1 by Red Arrows to drop three places down up to number seven.
Winger Francis Simwanza registered a brace with Saddam Phiri scoring Arrows’ other goal and Wily Stephanus scored a 90th minute consolation goal for Dynamos.
Dynamos remain stuck on 37 points and Arrows are just a point behind.
Government has emphasized the need for industrialization in creating decent jobs for the people and in reducing poverty.
Kasama District Commissioner, Kelly Kashiwa said industrialisation holds the key in creating employment opportunities for the youths.
Mr. Kashiwa said industrialisation is a pathway to reducing poverty and accelerating the country’s transition into a middle income country.
“Industrialisation has been instrumental in the economic development of the country, and the process has improved productivity and allowed for mass production, which has in turn increased standards of living.” he said.
The District Commissioner said this when he officiated at the Labour Day award ceremony for employees for of China State Construction Company in Kasama today.
He stated that government attaches great importance to employment creation as the top most strategy for ensuring stability and overall growth.
Mr. Kashiwa has since commended the contractor for recognizing the effort of its workers who are doing delivering development for the people of Kasama.
“It is encouraging to see contractors recognising the efforts that workers input in ensuring services delivery for the people of Kasama” he said.
And Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director, Lackson Simumba explained that the company is doing its best to provide employment to more people in the region through the industrialization agenda.
He explained that the company which is the biggest employer in Northern and Muchinga provinces is also planning to create 200 new direct jobs through the initiatives it will undertake of constructing a bottling plant, chemical plant and a mini hydro power station.
“Chambeshi is implementing a number of projects in the region as part of our diversification agenda with the potential of providing over 200 new jobs through the water bottling plant the chemical plant and the mini hydro power station that will be set up in both Northern and Muchinga provinces” he said.
Mr. Simumba further commended the company for recognizing the contribution of its staff stating that it is a right step in motivating workers.
Meanwhile, China State Construction Project Manager Goody Gu praised the outstanding relationship that China and Zambia has continued to enjoy.
Mr. Good has further promised to deliver quality water project for the people of Kasama.
“Zambian workers are helping us with their sweats and hard work. All Chinese staff of China State for this project will work together with Zambian workers. And we must give Kasama people a high quality project” he said.
The company which is constructing the 27 million dollars water and sanitation project in Kasama and Mbala has given out award in form of bicycles to the five best performing employees while the rest have been given a 2.5 litres of cooking oil, 2 kg sugar and 25 kg bag of mealie meal.
Greenfield commodities Limited a Zambian Fertilizer distributor, has praised President Edgar Lungu and the government implementing sound policies towards the agriculture sector
Company managing Director, Jacob Chisenga, has also lauded President Lungu for prioritising agriculture field days saying that they are a vital means of facilitating knowledge transfer between farmers and agricultural experts.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, Mr Chisenga noted that Zambia’s agriculture policies once well enhanced, can ensure each region of the country has a thriving agricultural industry that contributes to food security, economic development and job creation.
Mr Chisenga who is a youth, has therefore, implored the youths to take advantage of the good agriculture policies that the government has initiated to venture into the industry , which he said is the major employer world over.
He has since urged the youths to support the government of President Lungu as it has initiated several youth empowerment programs that will change the wellbeing of young people.
Minister of Health Jonas Chanda says despite a reduction in the number of new COVID- 19 cases, Zambia has continued to observe a stagnation in the number of cases requiring hospitalisation, with a slight increases in admissions and critical cases noted in the past few days.
Dr. Chanda says the development is a reminder of the fact that community transmission is still ongoing and people remain at risk of contracting the disease.
In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, the Minister has encouraged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion even in spite of the reduced numbers of cases being recorded in order to timely isolate and treat cases while ensuring that the chains of transmission are broken.
And Dr. Chanda indicated that as the Ministry continues with setting up of community vaccination sites, 236 vaccination site across the country have been set up with a target of setting up at least 50 more sites.
“As part of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, we have also continued to closely monitor any reports of adverse effects following immunization through the Zambia Medical Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA),” the Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanda announced that in the last 24hrs, 7,266 doses were administered bringing the cumulative number of vaccinated persons to 39, 300.
He added that 84 new confirmed cases were recorded out of 6,500 tests conducted bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 91, 670.
“On an encouraging note, no new deaths were recorded in the last 24hrs. The cumulative number of COVDI-19 related deaths stands at 1,251 classified as 703 COVID deaths and 548 COVID-19 associated deaths,” he said.
Dr. Chanda noted that a total of 79 discharges were recorded from both the COVID-19 isolated facilities and home management bringing the cumulative number of total recoveries to 90, 012.
He added that there are currently 407 active cases of whom 356 are under community management and 51 are admitted to COVID-19 facilities while 37 are on oxygen therapy and 11 in critical condition.
President Edgar Lungu has directed the Ministry Of Labour and Social Security to extend sector-based minimum wages to other sectors in the country in order to protect the rights of vulnerable categories of employees.
President Lungu told Minister of Labour Joyce Nonde-Simukoko to further expedite the process of coming up with the sector minimum wages.
ZANIS reports that the Head of State gave the directive during the commemoration of the 2021 International Labour Day in Lusaka held at Mulungushi International Conference Center under the theme “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19” is expedited.
President Lungu said his government has continued putting in place sector based minimum wages to protect the rights of vulnerable categories of employees, as demonstrated on 18th December, 2020, when government issued the minimum wages and conditions of employment for truck and bus drivers to regulate the terms and conditions of service for them.
“There are still other sectors that need to be considered. I, therefore, wish to direct the minister of labour and social security to ensure that the process of coming up with the sector minimum wages is expedited,” said President Lungu.
President Lungu at the labour Day Celebrations with Labour Minister Joyce Simukoko, with Former President Ruphia Banda and PF SG Davies Mwila
President Lungu, who led the Labour Day celebrants in observing a minute of silence for workers that had died due to Covid 19, said government has prioritised interventions aimed at supporting enterprises, safeguarding jobs and creating creation.
He said his administration has developed covid-19 workplace safety and health guidelines to reduce workers’ risk of exposure to covid-19 at the workplace.
President Lungu said government has devised social protection interventions with support from the cooperating partners, such as the Covid-19 emergency cash transfer programme targeting 38,000 households in 20 districts.
He disclosed that the National Pension Scheme Authority has registered 37,142 informal sector employees following the issuance of statutory instrument no. 72 of 2019, aimed at extending social protection to the informal sector.
President Lungu said the 2021 Labour Day theme emphasizes the need for the country to remain resilient to the shocks arising from the covid-19 pandemic and embark on economic recovery through industrialisation and productivity.
He said in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, embarking on massive infrastructure development is one way of creating jobs for Zambians.
Labour Day Celebrations
The Head of State said since 2020, a total of six industrial yards have been completed in Chipata, Kasama, Solwezi, Ndola, Mongu and Kitwe out of the 8 yards earmarked for construction.
The President pointed out that the Lusaka traffic decongestion project has created over 1,000 jobs and that more jobs have been created for Zambians construction of roads, bridges, schools, universities, hospitals and other infrastructure.
He pointed out that Zambia can never develop without a productive human resource as it is the country’s greatest asset.
President Lungu called on Zambians to work hard and help develop the country, stating that the national productivity policy launched in March, 2021 will help the country achieve economic prosperity and improve the standard of living.
The President noted that investments for enterprises in the multi-facility economic zones (mfez) and industrial parks increased from US$ 2.3 billion in 2019 to US$ 2.9 billion in 2020 with participating numbers of enterprises rose from 123 in 2019 to 128 in 2020, creating an estimated 14,775 jobs in 2019 to 16,676 in 2020.
President Lungu also disclosed that government has created 5,237 jobs under the Lake Tanganyika project through a covid-19 relief package of US$ 200,000 and further provided employment opportunities to 93,44 out of the targeted 150,000 of which 49 per cent are females.
He said 37,500 vulnerable women have income at household through the empowerment of over 2,500 women cooperatives countrywide with various agricultural and value addition equipment.
President Lungu urged the labour movement and employers to work together to improve the welfare of workers in the country by ensuring that deserving workers are rewarded.
The Head of State presented awards to Amadeus Mukobe for being the most hardworking civil servant with 33 years of service, while Zambia Revenue Authority’s Marko Sikalumbi and Professor Yakub Mulla were also awarded from quasi government and the private sector.
The Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) has threatened to drag Minister of Higher Education Brian Mushimba to court for failing to appoint a Board at the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA).
ZFE President Myra Ngoma said the minister and his predecessor had failed to appoint a board for the Authority to enable industry stakeholders such as ZFE and its affiliate provide an oversight role in skills development and promotion of Entrepreneurship in the country.
Mrs Ngoma said it is a constitutional requirement that the minister of Higher Education should put in place a board at TEVETA, which has not been done for the last four years.
The Federation of Employers however commended government for acquiring a commercial farm for the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) to engage in agricultural productivity.
Mrs Ngoma urged President Lungu to extend the initiative to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for acquisition of and management of state farms on behalf of government for mass production of agricultural products.
The Union leader speaking at celebrations to mark International Labour whose theme was “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19”, said such a development can assist in addressing the high levels of unemployment among youths in the country.
Mrs Ngoma appealed to President Edgar Lungu officiated at the event to ensure that the Tobacco and Nicotine Bill under the Ministry of Health should be withdrawn from parliament to accommodate for wider consultation.
She said the bill in its current format caters only for the health and safety reasons and ignores the economic benefits of the crop especially that under the 7NDP, Tobacco has been listed as a cardinal crop to drive the country’s agricultural diversification agenda.
Mrs Ngoma pointed out that the effects of the Covid 19 have adversely affected the labour market and economy and that it would take time to turn around things.
She disclosed that according to a study conducted by SADC and ILO on the impact of Covid 19 on the labour market, it will take no later than the year 2025 to get back to the pre-covid socio-economic conditions of 2019.
The ZFE Leader said such a scenario spells doom for employment in Zambia and the SADC region hence the need for government and stakeholders to explore ways of creating employment.
Mrs Ngoma further called for increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Labour for the promotion of the productivity policy in the country.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Chishimba Nkole praised government’s response, handling and management of the Covid 19 pandemic in the country.
Mr Nkole said at a time when other countries were locking down their economies, President Lungu took the interests of workers and ensured that the country’s economy continued operating normally without affecting the socio-economic welfare of Zambians.
The trade union leader however bemoaned the high levels of poverty and unemployment in the country with the cost of living being high for most Zambian homes.
Mr Nkole said the gap between the rich and the poor, especially the worker keeps widening amidst increasing exploitation and abuse of workers’ rights.
He said there is need respect the rights of workers and a need for decent work and conditions of service if productivity is to be achieved.
Mr Nkole urged government to cushion the plight of workers with increased social protection programmes and improved working environments and protection of workers’ rights.
And ILO Country Director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe George Okutho observed that the Covid 19 pandemic has devastated the Zambian economy especially the tourism sector, among others and the labour market.
Mr Okutho observed that many workers had lost employment while enterprises have had their productive capacity curtailed.
The ILO Director however commended government for the social protection programmes it has put in place to mitigate the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Mr Okutho said the financial stimulus package for Small and Medium Enterprises and the emergency Cash transfer for vulnerable households and persons has helped to bring some relief to Zambians.
He said the theme for the 2021 Labour Day celebrations of “Promoting Industrialisation through Productivity, Decent Work and Sustainable Economic Growth amidst Covid 19” resonates well with ILO conviction that industrialization must promote import substitution, increase productivity and respect human dignity.
Mr Okutho urged government to tackle youth unemployment, expansion and extension of social protection to vulnerable Zambians, enhance skills development, promote uptake of renewable energy and promote social dialogue among stakeholders.
And Minister of Labour Joyce Nonde assured that the tripartite partners will work to ensure that there are less job cuts in the country amidst the ravaging Covid 19 pandemic.
Former National Democratic Congress(NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili has re-joined the the ruling Patritic Front (PF) and has pledged to support President Edgar Lungu during the August general election.
Speaking a colourful ceremony when he was welcomed back into PF by PF National Chairperson Samuel Mumba, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila among other party officials, Mr Kambwili said that he has decided to renew his membership with the PF to support the party’s development agenda.
Mr Kambwili said that PF has never departed from its pro poor policies and wants to ensure there is continued development, adding that the PF administration is the only government that has delivered tremendous development in just 9 years.
Mr Kambwili said parties that subscribe to tribalism must not be supported by any well-meaning Zambians.
And welcoming Mr Kambwili, Mr Mukupa said the PF welcomes all members including those who return to the party. He said the PF will work with Mr. Kambwili to ensure that the PF wins the August polls.
Meanwhile, PF Secretary General Davies Mwila called for unity and discipline in the party. Mr. Mwila said people must be able to embrace one another further stating that more people are expected to join and rejoin the party.
He said the party has already commenced mobilization and further stating that Mr. Kambwili re-joining the party is part of the mobilization.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Chairman Kennedy Kamba said any form of indiscipline will not be tolerated in the party.
Mr. Kamba said youths are expected to respect the party leadership.
President Edgar Lungu has yesterday commissioned the Longacres Flyover Bridge in Lusaka with a call on motorists to observe stringent road safety measures on the newly built infrastructure.
Speaking when he made a keynote address in Lusaka during the commissioning of the flyover bridge, President Lungu advised motorists to adhere to the required speed limits so as to protect lives.
Mr Lungu observed with concern the increase in speeds and damage to newly constructed infrastructure which has been caused by high speeds and failure to obey road signage.
He emphasised the need for road users to guard the infrastructure jealously.
Mr Lungu implored citizens to use the road infrastructure appropriately,
And the President vowed to continue rolling out infrastructure development countrywide.
“This will definitely not be the last project that we will launch as we have a lot in stock. We will continue to change the face of Zambia even as we continue to bring services closer to where true power lies and that is you the Zambian people,” Mr Lungu said.
The President also noted an increase in the number of people living in the outskirts of the capital city because of the reduced travel time and cost owing to the Lusaka decongestion project.
“It is because of the high quality infrastructure that the city of Lusaka has witnessed an increase in the value of land even in far-flung locations,” Mr Lungu said.
The President further called on the business community to make the most of the Lusaka decongestion project.
“The improved road infrastructure is an enabler for economic activities. It is my government’s desire and expectations that the citizenry will take advantage of these developments to utilise the new business opportunities which arise from such infrastructure,” Mr Lungu added.
The President also commended local consulting engineers acknowledging that they are equal to the task.
“I would also like to acknowledge the services rendered by Allione consulting engineers, the design, review and supervision consultant, for ensuring that we obtain value for money on the project. It is now evident that our local consulting engineers when well supported can rise to the occasion to manage our infrastructure projects of varying magnitudes, “he said.
Meanwhile Mr Lungu paid tribute to the contractor Afcons Infrastructure Limited of India for completing the project ahead of schedule.
“To Afcons Infrastructure limited, I wish to thank you for the commitment to ensuring that the project is completed within the contract period and cost and to very high and acceptable quality,” Mr Lungu said.
Speaking during the same event, Minister of Local Government Charles Banda says the project is being completed way ahead of schedule despite challenges faced by COVID-19 pandemic.
“You may recall that this project started in July, 2018 and was to be completed in 36 months, meaning that it was scheduled for completion in September this year. i am glad to report to you sir that the project is now at 98 percent completion,” Mr Banda says
And the Minister said the flyover bridges have reduced traffic in the city.
‘I am glad to inform you sir that the three flyover bridges you launched earlier, that is the Makeni Bridge launched in august 2020, the Arcades which Your Excellency launched in October, 2020 and the Arcades Flyover bridge commissioned on 24th March 2021, have resolved major traffic bottlenecks with traffic congestion in Lusaka largely reduced,” he said.
And Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Ngulkham Gangte said the Lusaka City road decongestion project has succeeded in transforming Lusaka into a modern city.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the project sets a benchmark for superior quality, durability and timely exhibition in infrastructure projects in the country. It is a matter of satisfaction to me that Afcons Limited has measured up to the expectation of Government and the people of Zambia,” he said.
Zambia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Brazilian Fertilizer Company Agronelli has held talks aimed at commencing the fertilizer partnership between Zambia and Brazil.
Speaking when she addressed stakeholders during a virtual meeting, Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil Alfreda Mwamba called on Agronelli to consider possibilities of partnering with the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) through technology advancement and production of phosphate fertilizer.
Ambassador Mwamba said that Agronelli’s fertilizer would enable Zambia to produce the drought- resistant bumper harvest as well as benefit the small scale and commercial farmers in the country.
“Once the centre is set up in Zambia, exports could be made within the region and economic benefits will be attained in line with the National Agricultural Policy,” she noted.
Dr. Mwamba added that the partnership will further contribute to the increase and availability of inputs on the market as well as boost crop production and diversification.
She reiterated that the phosphate fertilizer from Brazil will enhance government’s efforts of sustaining the country’s food basket.
And Agronelli Company Director Renato Costa notified the stakeholders that the Brazilian fertilizer company is ready to send a one-ton foot container of fertilizer to Zambia as a pilot project to ascertain its results on the Zambian soil.
Mr. Costa said his company is ready to do business with Zambia because of the country’s vibrant Agro vision.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Principal Agricultural Economist, Peter Zulu advised Agronelli to send the sample of the fertilizer to Zambia for evaluation before importation.
Mr. Zulu assured the Brazilian company that Zambia is open to meaningful investment in order to develop the Agricultural sector.
Other Stakeholders that participated in the meeting include the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia Agricultural Research Institute and the Zambia Development Agency.
This is contained in a statement issued to the media in yesterday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil, Grace Makowane.
Visiting Bangladeshi Army Chief of Staff General Aziz Ahmed says Zambia and Bangladeshi need to enhance their bilateral cooperation at military level.
Speaking upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka for a six days working visit to Zambia, General Ahmed said the military cooperation can be enhanced through training and exchange programmes.
“We considered that there are a lot of scope to enhance, to establish our military cooperation with regard to exchange of training programmes …and consider joint exercises ” said General Ahmed.
General Ahmed who is accompanied by his wife Dilshad Nahar, in a seven member delegation is in the country at the invitation of his counterpart Zambia Army Commander Lt General William Sikazwe
He was welcomed by Deputy Army Commander Dennis Alibuzwi and other senior defence force officials.
General Ahmed thanked Lt General Sikazwe for inviting him to visit Zambia, on a reciprocal visit, following the Zambian Army Commander’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh in February 2020.
ZANIS reports that General Ahmed said such visits by military leaders can help build upon the two country’s bilateral cooperation and bring them much closer.
The four star General stated that Bangladeshi is the world’s largest contributor of soldiers for United Nations (UN) peace keeping operations and that both countries can learn a lot from each other.
“Like Zambia, Bangladeshi has been participating in the United Nations since 1988, its more than 31 years, At the moment we are the highest troops contributing country in the United Nations, and while performing different duties in mission areas, Bangladeshi troops came in contact with Zambian troops, and came to know each other, assist each other. Such visits at the highest level can help both countries” explained General Ahmed.
General Ahmed recalled that Zambia was the first country to acknowledge and support Bangladeshi’s independence with cooperation and mutual ties growing exponentially.
“Zambia has a special place in our history, am sure you know that Bangladeshi got its independence in 1971, and Zambia was the first African country , who recognized our independence…and his Excellency Kennth Kunda visited Bangladeshi, and in return two of our former Presidents visited Zambia.” said General Ahmed
General Ahmed will hold separate high level talks with Minister of Defence Davies Chama, Zambia Army Commander Lt General William Sikazwe, Zambia AirForce Commander Major General David Muma, and Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Lt General Nathan Mulenga.
While in Lusaka, General Ahmed will visit some military and civilian establishments among them Burma Mosque, Lusaka Musuem and lay wreaths at the Presidential Memorial Park in Lusaka.
He will also visit the Lafarge Cement Plant in Chilanga as well as inspect ZNS Farms in Chisamba.
The General and his delegation will also travel to Livingstone to view Zambia’s tourism flagship the Victoria Falls and other tourism sites.
General Ahmed is expected to leave Lusaka for Dhaka, Bangladeshi on May 5, 2021.
The Lusaka Times of 27 April 2021 published an article entitled, “The recent comments from South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni that the Zambian economy will not register any meaningful growth this year due to poor economic policies has upset the Zambian government.” While the intention of this commentary is not to dwell on the growth or not of the Zambian economy and to prove or not whether Mr. Mboweni’s statement is correct or not, I simply share with readers the performance of the South African economy, in particular its trend of growth, using GDP and GDP per capita growths, since independence from Apartheid.
I’m no economist and I don’t claim to be. I’m simply an international and regional trade expert who has worked with the United Nations for fifteen years helping African countries, among other developing countries to improve their integration in the global economy. In my career, I use economic and trade statistics almost each day to help countries that we support understand how their countries are performing. South Africa is not an exception.
When I read the article about South Africa’s Minister of Finance’s remarks about Zambia’s economic growth, and the Zambian news of 7pm the same day, I was struck by one of Jesus’ parables, when He said, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?” I think it is a similar saying to, ‘Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.’
The South African economy may be more humongous in size than Zambia’s and indeed, any other African countries. But its growth over the years presents a mixed picture that basically follows similar patterns of squeaks and groans as other African economies’. Mr. Mboweni should have broached the sensitive topic he is now bringing to light about our country during the period 1999-2007 when South Africa’s economy was exhibiting spectacular growth, from for example 2.4% to 5.6% shown in Figure 1 below for GDP.
Problem is that he punctures Zambian’s mood of optimism when his own country’s economy, for which he is the driver is facing acute growth challenges perhaps worse than ours, given South Africa’s GDP size is about fifteen-fold that of Zambia and a population equally larger. As can be seen in the image, GDP growth for the period 2010-2019 shrank appallingly from 3.0 to 0.2%.
South Africa GDP annual average growth rate in %
On the other hand, GDP per capita at $6,000 is about sixfold larger than Zambia’s. While experiencing the highest growth peak that reached 4.3% in 2006 shown in Figure 2 below, and a road to external bliss, when the ‘speck in the brother’s eye’ would have been Zambia’s to take care of, the period from then to 2019 saw extreme growth oscillation of the economic pendulum between one extreme and another.
The worst came in 2019 when GDP per capita growth surrendered to the level of minus 1.2%. And, the presence of Covid19 only makes the situation worse and ignites a sense of hopelessness that the economy will not get back to its 2007 growth level soon.
South Africa’s annual average growth rate per capita in %
Clearly, the statistics shown in the foregoing do not exempt the South African Finance Minister from the blame that he is pilling on his Zambian counterpart and government. He has, as much a job to do as his counterpart to make the economy serve its people, in particular the majority poor Africans in South Africa. “For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has re-assured Zambians of determination and commitment to improve the state of infrastructure in every part of the country as highlighted in the 2021-2026 Patriotic Front (PF) manifesto.
The President said PF government will continue to invest in massive infrastructure development for economic development, job creation and ultimately poverty reduction.
Speaking when he commissioned the Longacres flyover bridge under the Lusaka city decongestion road project, President also commended cooperating partners for the support.
“I wish to reiterate my government’s sincere appreciation to the people and government of India for their support and partnership on this project as well as many other projects being implemented throughout the country. The people of Zambia will forever treasure this support and partnership as it truly brings about the transformation of lives for the Zambian people,” he said.
He said the PF government has demonstrated consistency and commitment in making the lives of all Zambians better without leaving anyone behind as evident from the number of projects being completed countrywide as well as those that are in progress.
He said improved road infrastructure is an enabler for economic activities.
“It is my government’s desire and expectations that the citizenry will take advantage of these developments to utilise the new business opportunities which arise from such infrastructure.
The areas which were not previously suitable for certain business ventures have now become easily accessible, with enhanced suitability,” President Lungu said.
Minister of Energy Matthew Nkhuwa says the government is committed to ensuring that local transporters are empowered in order to grow the capacity of the petroleum transportation subsector.
Mr Nkhuwa says all contracted government suppliers and OMCs importing petroleum products into Zambia are expected to support the empowerment programme initiated by the government.
The Minister said it will now be required that contracted government suppliers importing petroleum in the country announce 50% of their import volumes through the Secretariat for equitable distribution to all local transporters.
This is contained in a statement made available to the media yesterday.
He noted that importers of petroleum products have been urged to engage the Secretariat through the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy.
Mr Nkhuwa noted that the Secretariat currently has representation from the institutions such as TAZAMA Pipelines Limited, Energy Regulation Board, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Indeni Petroleum Refinery Limited Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia and Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers and Allied.
“ Empowerment of Zambian transporters all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and contracted Government suppliers importing petroleum products into Zambia are required to announce fifty Percent (50%) of their import volumes through the Secretariat for equitable distribution to all local transporters,’’ he stated.
Mr Nkhuwa noted that the mandate of the Secretariat is to ensure transparency and efficiency in non-petroleum products and Ensure the administration of transportation petroleum products is done by Zambian.
He said government is updating on all activities of Oil Marketing Companies in the transportation of Government fuel.
Zesco United’s quest for a ninth FAZ Super League title continues this Saturday with an interesting Ndola derby date away to a resurgent Indeni FC across town at Indeni Sports Complex.
Leaders Zesco are seeking a ninth straight league win while tenth positioned Indeni are hoping to maintain their seven-match unbeaten run in which period they have garnered four victories.
Zesco come into the match after beating mid-table side Red Arrows 2-1 last Wednesday in Ndola to bounce back from their 2021 ABSA Cup final loss to Lusaka Dynamos on April 24 at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
That victory over Arrows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium restored Zesco’s eight point lead on 49 points with eleven games left for them before they reach the finish line.
“The game against Arrows was very important in terms of motivation on our part after coming from a loss,” Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba said.
“I think it was very important for us as we prepare for Indeni because Indeni have been performing very well in the last few games that they have played.”
However, despite Zesco beating Indeni 3-2 in the first leg derby meeting at Levy Stadium on December 12, The Oilers have lost just three of their thirteen home games this season.
“That really shows that we are expecting a very tough game as we go to there because Indeni has always used home advantage so we really need to go and be at our best so that we get maximum points,” Numba added.
Furthermore, Indeni’s last tasted defeat on February 20 when they lost 3-1 at home to third placed Zanaco.
Meanwhile, Zanaco will be out to reclaim the number two spot that they lost to Forest Rangers in midweek when they host the latter at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka on the same date.
Forest have 41 points while Zanaco have 39 points with ten and eleven matches left to play before this seasons league title is concluded.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION WEEK 27 FIXTURES
01/05/2021
Power Dynamos-Nkwazi
Prison Leopards–Young Green Eagles
Indeni-Zesco United
Kabwe Warriors-Lumwana Radiants
Kitwe United-Buildcon
13h00: Red Arrows-Lusaka Dynamos
15h00: Zanaco-Forest Rangers 02/05/2021
Green Buffaloes-Napsa Stars
Green Eagles-Nkana
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