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Government says the fuel price remains unchanged despite the importation of cheap fuel from Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Energy Mathews Nkhuwa said despite the arrival of the commodity from the Arabian kingdom, it will not result in the reduction of fuel pump price in the country.
Mr. Nkhuwa explained that the K 20 million fuel consignment coming from Saudi Arabia is far much less because the country uses one billion kwacha on fuel per month.
ZANIS reports the Energy minister to have disclosed during an interview today that the essential commodity from Saudi Arabia will get on the market as it is already refined.
“This consignment will not see a reduction in the pump price its far much less.
“The country uses one billion kwacha worth of fuel per month so this K 20 Million is not adequate but may be in the long run it may result in the reduction of the pump price.
“The fuel will not go through Indeni Oil Refinery because it’s a finished product so it can go straight to the filling station,” he said.
Mr. Nkhuwa further explained that the fuel comprise Petrol and Diesel, adding that it will take some time for the whole consignment to reach the country.
The ship carrying fuel from Saudi Arabia will dock at the port of Dar es salaam tomorrow Wednesday August 1st , 2018 after which pumping fuel from the ship will start on 10th August.
The commodity will then be pumped into the Zambian storage tanks in Tanzania and later on transported to Zambia using the trucks.
The importation of cheap oil from Saudi Arabia is under a government-to-government oil deal.
Dr Haabazoka being interviewed by ??? channel of Russia recentlyThe newly elected Economics Association of Zambia President Lubinda Haabazoka has vowed to resuscitate the association.
Dr Haabazoka observed that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to bring the Association back to its old vibrant self.
He noted that the Economics profession in Zambia which has been shadowed by Accountants.
Dr Haabazoka was voted in as EAZ President during the Association’s Annual General Meeting held at the COMESA Secretariat last week on Saturday.
Dr Habazooka who is Head of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Zambia Executive Director takes over from Dr. Chrispin Mphuka.
Dr Haabazoka polled 145 votes against Trevor Hambayi’s 29 votes and Shula Kampamba’s 4 votes to become the new EAZ President.
Dr Austin Mwange, a Lecturer at ZCAS University in the faculty of Accounting, Economics and Finance was voted in as the association’s Deputy President.
Mutisunge Zulu who is an Economist and Finance specialist serving as an Energy and Infrastructure Credit Lead at Stanbic Bank is the new National Secretary while Dr Valentine Mwanza was voted in as National Treasurer.
Dr. Valentine Mwanza is a Former Regional Manager for Zambia Open University and University of Zambia Development Studies Lecturer and will be deputized by Head of Research at ZCAS University –Dr. Kwesi Sakyi.
Bank of Zambia Senior Economist and Statistician Philippe Masengo, Securities and Exchange Commission Analyst Benson Mwelili and Auditor at the Auditor General’s Office Lubinda Sinyani are the new Committee members for EAZ.
Dr Haabazoka said he will work with his new team to see to it that the Economics profession is fully legislated.
He said this will ensure that all practicing economists in Zambia pay a mandatory subscription fee to the EAZ.
Dr Haabazoka said this is one of the way in which the association would become Self sustaining.
The Zambia Medicine Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) says that it is still investigating reports of the Chinese contraceptives that have flooded the market.
ZAMRA Public Relations Officer, Ludovic Mwape told ZANIS in an Interview in Lusaka today that inspectors are already on the ground investigating the matter.
Mr. Mwape said the Authority is concerned that the Chinese contraceptives which is on the market currently has instructions and labeling in the Chinese language.
He said by law, it is illegal to sell any goods in the country with instructions, labelling, branding or any writings in a foreign language.
Mr. Mwape stressed that the official and accepted language to be used on packaging is English which is easy for people to read and understand.
He said the inspectors started their investigations on the contraceptive a week ago to determine its safety, quality and any health complications that it may bring.
Mr. Mwape said the contraceptives in question are already in their lab for assessment and research by members of the inspectorate department.
He has since appealed to members of the general public to remain calm as ZAMRA conducts its independent research.
Mr. Mwape said once the findings are carried out and concluded, members of the public will be informed of the outcome.
The band was ecstatic to receive an invitation to headline the colour festival in Ndola especially as they were the first international act to do so. The show was a massive success with an incredible turnout of 8000 people. “So many people travelled from all over Zambia and it was such an honour to see our Zambian fans out in their numbers and know our songs so well!” Savara said of the show in Ndola.
Sauti Sol’s Zambian fan base is a testament to their music and following the show in Ndola, they thought it appropriate to go to Lusaka and host a private show for the media and their key contacts in Zambia. The event was held at Misty Jazz restaurant and cafe. In attendance were media personalities as well as various musicians. It was a way for Sauti Sol to introduce themselves and begin a new relationship with the Zambian media. This also went to demonstrate their commitment to coming back for a public show in Lusaka.
Sauti Sol performing in at Misty Jazz resturant and cafeSauti Sol received a portrait of themselvesSauti Sol with Media personality Roxy and Singer MampiSauti Sol performing in at Misty Jazz resturant and cafeSauti Sol with Zambian Rapper/media personality Cleo Ice Queen
ABOUT SAUTI SOL
Aptly crowed Best Group at the Mtv Africa Music Awards, the Kenyan band comprises of Bien-Aime Baraza (guitar, songwriter, vocalist), Willis Chimano (vocalist, Keytar and saxophone), Polycarp “Fancy Fingers” Otieno (guitar) and Savara Mudigi (vocals, percussions, and drums). Friends for longer than they have been bandmates, they cite this bond as one of the main reasons for their current success.
Bien, Chimano and Savara began as an acapella group in highschool before meeting Polycarp and adopting the name Sauti Sol ; loosely translating to “voice of the sun”. Creating music together for over a decade, the band has honed their craft blending resonant pop lyrics with traditional Kenyan influences and soulful vocals. Their distinctive style and penchant for risk-taking has propelled them into stardom rarely achieved by East African musicians.
In 2017 the band announced their next project as a collaborative effort with other major African artists. “We are always looking for new ways to create music and give our fans something fresh. As consistent ambassadors of our beautiful continent, we were eager to create music that celebrates the diversity on the continent and allows our wider audience to appreciate that we have mutual experiences” Chimano explained. Featuring the biggest artists on the continent such as Patoranking, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy, the resulting African Sauce LP is a tour-de-force of African ingenuity. The lead single, Melanin , was an instant hit with the vibrant video garnering a whooping 4.6 million views on YouTube within a month of release. To date this is the only video by a Kenyan artist to hit over 10 million views.
As they release hit after hit from African Sauce LP , the guys embark on the Melanin World Tour beginning June 2018 with performances in Africa, Australia, Europe and the USA.
Sauti Sol has generated over 55 million video streams and a million audio streams on all major platforms internationally. Sauti Sol has won the most acclaimed awards in Kenya and Africa and internationally (Kisima music Awards, Channel O Awards, Mtv Europe Music Awards for best African group and at the US BET awards for best African Act.
The Millennium Challenge Account Zambia has handed over an 11 million dollar Waste Stabilization ponds in Lusaka’s Kaunda Square residential.
Minister of Water, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Dennis Wanchinga says the expansion of the sanitation facilities will help avert outbreaks of water borne diseases.
Dr Wanchnga was speaking during the handover the 11 million United States dollars Kaunda Square Waste Stabilization ponds by Millennium Challenge Account Zambia, in Lusaka.
Dr Wanchnga said the recent Cholera outbreak could not have been recorded if proper sanitary facilities had been put in place.
The Minister said Government and its cooperating partners are investing heavily in the water and sanitation sector to improve the lives of people.
And United States Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote is pleased with the Zambian Government’s move to prioritise the health of the people.
Mr. Foote said the US government will continue to partner with Zambia to improve the water and sanitation sector.
He explained that the US government donates US$ 500million annually, mainly aimed at reducing poverty levels as well as improving the lives of Zambians.
Meanwhile, Millennium Challenge Corporation Principal Deputy Vice President Kyeh Kim says the handover of the stabilisation ponds is a demonstration that the MCC is delivering on its promises.
[ZNBC]
FILE: Then Finance Deputy Minister Miles Sampa launching Zambia’s US$750million-worth bond at Deutsche Bank’s Fixed Income Trading Floor on Wall Street in New York, USA, on Thursday 13 September, 2012. This was after his telephone call with Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, who endorsed the transaction. photo by Chibaula D. Silwamba GRZ
The Green Party says Government should tread cautiously and avoid criminality on Eurobond refinancing.
Responding to a question on President Edgar Lungu’s request for a Turkey business entity to refinance the Zambia Eurobonds, Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba said there is nothing sinister for a private business entity to refinance the Eurobond provided such an arrangement is done within the prescribed laws.
Mr. Sinkamba explained that the largest portion of our foreign debt is owed to commercial creditors and accounts for nearly half of the total external debt stock of US$3.0 billion Eurobond debt.
“This money in question is not money lent by bilateral or multilateral to Government. Rather it is private money lent by commercial creditors to Government. There are agreements and rules that govern bilateral and multilateral transactions. And there are laws and regulations that govern commercial transactions between Government and private entities. So logically, there is nothing sinister for Government to enter into a lending transaction with bilateral and multilateral partners. And equally, there is nothing sinister for Governmet and a private entity to enter into any transaction including the propsoed bailout by way of refinancing the Eurobonds. The only catch is that either way, any such transaction should be executed within the framework of agreements and the prescribed law,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
“So, the starting point is for Government to tread cautiously on the proposed Eurobond refinancing strategy. Since the proposed arrangement is not a bilateral or multilateral financing arrangement but private business entity, this triggers into effect the Zambia Public Procurement Act on award contracts especially as regard to single-sourcing. It also triggers in the Anti-Corruption Act, Public Procurement Act, Public Finance Management Act, Minister of Finance (Incorporation) Act, Citizens Economic Empowerment Act, Zambia Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other laws and regulations,” he said.
He said that since commercial debts, and particularly Eurobonds, carry significantly higher borrowing costs than concessional debt, and considering the amounts involved in the prposed Eurobond bailout, there is no doubt in his mind that legally, any private refinancing arrangements such as the proposed arrangement would require public tendering for competitiveness’s sake as required by law.
“The amounts involved are colossal. If it is a mere grant without any additional costs to the already agreed upon costs at vesting, there would have no problem at all. We would not have needed any bidding process if there is no additional costs. But where any arrangement entails additional costs, then the bid process and other requirements are triggered in,” Mr. Sinkamba explained.
He however indicated that the laws provide for limits for single-sourcing depending on the amount involved and added that any disregard of such thresholds is criminal.
“So, Government leaders should be cautious so as to avoid any elements of criminality in the proposed transaction by following requirements of the prescribed law,” he added.
Asked what he would have done differently if his party was in government, Mr. Sinkamba explained that refinancing of the Eurobond debt would not have been an option. He said his government would have opted for dismantling of the debt by liquidating it through extra revenue from marijuana industrialization.
“You see, we have been vindicated on our marijuana industrialization agenda. The whole world has come to agree with us that marijuana is big business and they have since provided frameworks for implementation of our agnda. Our programme is targetted to generate in excess of US$36 billion per annum from the marijuana industrialization. With this sort of extra money in our hands, we could have simply paid off the entire domestic and external debt currently estimated at US$13.5 Billion. We could have been a debt-free nation by the end of 2019,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of the Republic of Turkey and First Lady,Mrs Emine Erdogan disembarks from the Presidential Plane on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.President Edgar Chagwa Lungu welcomes his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportRecep Tayyip Erdogan President of the Republic of Turkey receives a bouquet of f lowers from 7 year old girl Temwani Mponela at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.First Lady Esther Lungu. Turkish First Lady Mrs. Emine Erdogan, His Excellency, Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of the Republic of Turkey and His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu pose for a photo with Temwani and Fahkhaan at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportRecep Tayyip Erdogan greets Lusaka Province Minister Bowman lusambo on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportRecep Tayyip Erdogan President of The Republic of Turkey walk abreast with His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportRecep Tayyip Erdogan President of the Republic of Turkey, inspects a guard of honor on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.Recep Tayyip Erdogan greets Turkish officials on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportRecep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey and His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being entertained by traditional dancers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey and His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu being entertained by traditional dancers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.FIRST Lady Esther Lungu (r) with her Turkish counterpart Emine Erdogan during a visit at the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust secretariat in Lusaka on 28/7/2018.Pictures By Angela Ntentabunga.FIRST Lady Esther Lungu (r) with her Turkish counterpart Emine Erdogan during a visit at the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust secretariat in Lusaka on 28/7/2018.Pictures By Angela Ntentabunga.IRST Lady Esther Lungu (r) with her Turkish counterpart Emine Erdogan during a visit at the Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka on 28/7/2018.Pictures By Angela Ntentabunga.IRST Lady Esther Lungu (r) with her Turkish counterpart Emine Erdogan during a visit at the Kabwata Cultural Village in Lusaka on 28/7/2018.Pictures By Angela Ntentabunga.President Edgar Lungu and President of Turkey Recep Erdogan with there delegation take the official photography at State House
President Edgar Lungu and President of Turkey Recep Erdogan with there delegation during the official talksPresident Edgar Lungu confers with President of Turkey Recep Erdogan at state House shortly before official talksPresident Edgar Lungu welcomes President of Turkey Recep Erdogan at state House shortly before official talksPresident Edgar Lungu welcomes President of Turkey Recep Erdogan at state House shortly before official talksPresident of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan signs a book of visitorsPresident of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan pays his last respects to former Heads of State at the Embassy Park in LusakaPresident of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan pays his last respects to former Heads of State at the Embassy Park in LusakaPresident of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan pays his last respects to former Heads of State at the Embassy Park in Lusaka
PDF cabinet Ministers at the State Banquet
PDF cabinet Ministers at the State Banquet
Givern Lubinda and Chief Justice Ireen MambilimaPresident Lungu and Turkish President at the BanquetMinister of Religious AffairsMinister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora SiliyaPresident Lungu and Turkish President at the BanquetLabour Minister Joyce SimukokoZambian Singer Maureen LilandaFormer First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa at thePresident Edgar Lungu and President of Turkey Recep Erdogan going through the photo album shortly before his departure at Kenneth Kaunda International AirportPresident Edgar Lungu and President of Turkey Recep Erdogan going through the photo album shortly before his departure at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
There is wisdom in the age old adage that says a “drowning man clutches at straws”.
It explains how a man drowning in a river or mire will clutch at a floating blade of grass in the false hope that he can heave himself over it and remain buoyant. It is the pinnacle of desperation that defies logic.
Mr. Brebner Changala’s recent idle chatter regarding the source of PF by-election campaign funds are the guttural delirium of an opposition sinking in the mire of its own bitter muddied waters. He is outside the realm of logic and reason and his gripes are the regurgitation of sour grapes and malice.
It has also been said that insecure and envious people try to put others down to raise themselves up just as it has been observed that some people pitifully attempt to sound smart by peppering non- issues in order to re-gain their long lost validation.
Mr. Changala and his ilk-need to be wary of false knowledge; because it is more dangerous than ignorance. Like Leonardo da Vinci once said: “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
Mr. Changala has deceived himself and his assertions and opinion appear to be shaped by mindlessness meanness and ignorance.
Let’s help Mr Changala:
On which law does he premise his calls? To start with, the Patriotic Front is a club and not a public institution.
As a “Political Activist” he of all people should know that any political party gets support from its members, friends and well-wishers especially during campaigns. This support does not have to be monetary but could be in the form of campaign materials, among others.
As clearly manifested in consecutive election results, (unlike the opposition) our grassroots membership has been growing steadily and organically since the Patriotic Front was formed.
In the case of the just ended campaigns, the Patriotic Front had supporters and well-wishers who printed posters and t-shirts at their own cost which they later donated to the campaign. Others voluntarily branded their vehicles for campaign purposes and the Party only came in to provide these members and well-wishers with approved designs for different candidates.
We do not know if these are the people Changala wishes to audit? Really Brebner!
Or is there a public institution which is missing funds which Mr Changala suspects could have been found in PF campaigns? Can he furnish the general public with such details?
His assertions are not only a flagrant display of malice and ignorance but of the law on election campaigns and election funding as well.
If Changala wants to sniff around for financial impropriety in political circles then he is barking up the wrong tree. Let him sniff, burrow and follow the trail in the reeking hole of his bosom buddies-the UPND.
They are fronts for capital and they are funded by those who seek to own and control our mineral wealth …can he call on them to provide audit of their previous campaigns?
Let Mr. Changala pursue the strong whiff of allegations widely reported in a leaked document that the UPND engaged disgraced UK data analytics firm “Cambridge Analytica” to influence voters ahead of the 2016 elections or indeed the Panama Papers and offshore accounts for Mr. Hichilema.
He should also do a study on the poverty ramifications of the Privatisation Process still haunting countless Zambians today, and the morality of questionable wealth simultaneously amassed by the UPND leader while many Zambians became jobless and destitute.
It’s clear that Changala, Hakainde and their cohorts are living in bitter denial.
It has additionally been said that the jealous are possessed by a mad devil and a dull spirit at the same time. There is a strain of delusion and a cult of malice and envy in the opposition leadership and some of the so-called civil rights activists which makes them averse and allergic to reality. They refuse to face reality, but choose to continue burying their heads in the sinking sand.
In a desperate attempt to conceal or divert attention from their own defects and the sludge they are sinking in, they grasp at imaginary straws and flaws in others.
They have refused to man up and take responsibility to put their put their house in order. They always moan and find others at fault even when they should be looking for the culprit in the mirror. Others must always take the blame; never themselves!
If it’s not about rigging, then it’s about the Electoral Commission of Zambia or the courts. And now that they recently lost 13 out of 14 elections, exacerbated by multitudes of debilitating defections even in their “strongholds”, they now blame voter apathy and covetously gossip about PF Campaign funds. What self-deceiving folly!
They more they ignore the actuality of the quick sand they are in and the more they lunge at the PF in a blind rage of envy and bitterness, the deeper they sink in the bog and the more the people of Zambia see them for whom they really are.
His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the Patriotic Front will not be distracted by red herrings. We are too focussed on development and serving the people.
To Brebner, UPND and company; it takes considerable knowledge and courage just to realise the extent of one’s own ignorance. Truth will always be truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance. We hope this will help you for your own sake. We can explain it for you; but we cannot understand it for you.
_The author is the PF Media Director at the Patriotic Front Secretariat in Lusaka_
Makishi dancer perform at the official opening of the Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka
About 20 foreign countries and over 1000 exhibitors have so far confirmed their participation in this year’s 2018 Agriculture and Commercial.
This year’s agriculture show which is the 92nd edition will be held under theme Sustainable Economic empowerment.
And preparations for the show which is expected to run from 1st to 6th August have reached an advanced stage.
Agriculture and Commercial Show society of Zambia (ACSSZ) President Caroline Silwamba explained that works on most exhibition stands have advanced and people are now just doing final touches in readiness for the show.
“Works on most stand have advanced, I can state here that the response from both and international exhibitors to participate in the show is encouraging, “revealed the ACSSZ President.
Mrs. Silwamba, who did not disclose the official guest of Honor to open this year’s show, said the society has continue to receive over whelming response from both local and international exhibitors.
The 20 foreign countries to participate, 106 international exhibitors have confirmed taking part in the show with various exhibitions in different sectors.
The show will also hold seminars for show goers especially in the agriculture sector such as promoting sustainable business in Zambia and importance of bleeding resilience in livestock production for farmers.
“The holding of seminars is aimed at providing a variety of services for show goers apart from entertainment and others, “she added.
To add colour to the show, South African artists Mafikizolo and Jah Prayzah from Zimbabwe as well as some local artists will be on the cards.
“We want to tell the people out there that for the first time we will hold seminars especially for farmers so that we do not just provide entertainment but we want to be seen to give other products, “ said Mrs. Silwamba.
She encouraged prospective exhibitors not relent and utilize the remaining day to come forth and be part of the show by showcasing their products and services.
Central Province Health Director (PHD), Charles Msiska, says there is need to introduce and educate pupils in schools on sexual reproductive health.
Dr Msiska disclosed that so far adolescent groups have been formed in schools, with a view to help sensitise pupils on the risks of HIV and AIDS, maternal deaths and also on the importance of using contraceptives.
Confirming the development to ZANIS in Kabwe, Dr Msiska said a group of young nurses and other health workers are on the ground piloting the initiative in vulnerable districts of Central Province such as Luano and Ngabwe.
“These adolescent groups and peer groups that have been formed will also help teach the girl child on dangers of abortions, among other things’’ he said.
He added that lack of information on sexual reproductive health is abetting the escalation of illegal abortions which he said often times resulted in loss of lives especially among young girls.
He said he is optimistic that the groups will play an important role in teaching against early marriages and the importance of abstinence from sexual activities.
Meanwhile, Dr Msiska has called on the church to partner with the Ministry of Health in linking people to health services and preaching abstinence from sexual activities.
And Dr Msiska noted that the church is made of people among them youths and is better placed to integrate health issues in their programming for the congregants in order to achieve a healthy population.
“The church plays an important role in linking people to health services, it is an entry point for people to access health services and must tirelessly work to supplement government efforts” he said
The Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) has funded the Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF)– to roll out high capacity milling plants in maize producing regions of the country as a way of mitigating high mealie meal prices.
ZCF Chief Executive Officer James Chirwa says the Cooperative has already received the first disbursement of the funds and is spending nine point eight million dollars to set up huge milling plants in Luanshya and Mbala Districts.
Speaking after touring the Milling Plant constructed by the Mine Workers Union of Zambia in Chambeshi, Mr Chirwa said ZCF is taking milling plants to maize producing areas so that it can add value to the maize.
And Mine Workers Union of Zambia President Joseph Chewe said the union has decided to venture into various businesses as a way of participating in the diversification of the economy.
Mr Chewe says the Union through its holding company Shimaini Investments, will create a lot of jobs to ensure that people have a source of income.
Meanwhile, The Nakonde Milling Company in Muchinga Province has further reduced mealie-mealie prices for its consumers.
This has been confirmed to ZANIS in an interview today by Nakonde Milling Company Director of Finance Willa Mung’omba.
Mr Mung’omba said a 25 kilogram bag of Mealie-meal is being sold at K65 while a 10 kilogram bag of breakfast meal is going for K30.
Mr Mung’omba added that the reduction in mealie-meal prices by the local company is attributed to the adequate and availability of raw materials such as maize.
Mr Mung’omba noted that the reduction in mealie-meal prices is a way of giving back to the community.
In January this year, Nakonde Milling Company reduced the price of mealie meal from K170 to K75 and later to K68.
The setting up of Nakonde Milling Company through a loan from the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has stabilized and recorded a dramatic reduction of mealie meal in Nakonde by over 100 percent.
Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) director Hope Ndhlovu Chanda
The Zambia Law Development Commission Director Hope Chanda has appeared in court on two counts of corrupt acquisition of public property.
In the first count, it is alleged that Ms Chanda willfully failed to comply with procedures when she awarded a contract worth 60,000 Kwacha to Chipo Mushota Nkata for consultancy services.
In court two, it is further alleged that the suspect willfully failed to comply with procedures when she awarded a contractor for catering services to Vinnid Innovation.
When the matter came up in court today, Ms Chanda pleaded not guilty to both counts.
After taking plea the state applied for an adjournment which was granted by Lusaka Magistrate Greenwell Malumani.
The matter has since been adjourned to August 27th for commencement of trial.
Government has launched the construction works for the upgrading of Kapanda and Kasongo rural health centres into Mini hospitals.
The development is fulfillment of government’s commitment of taking health services as closer to the people as possible.
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya says the two health institutes will offer full out-patient and in-patient services with four wards for all the four major health disciplines.
The Health Minister also disclosed that the hospitals which will be constructed within the space of six months will have theatre services.
And Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa described the launch of the two mini hospitals as fulfillment by government of campaign promises.
Mr Chilangwa indicated that government’s desire is to take development to all parts of the country and the launch is a clear testimony of development being transmitted to the people.
Teaching Council of Zambia ( TCZ ) Registrar Ebby Mubanga says the council has made payroll deduction arrangements with PMEC to enable teachers to pay for their practicing licenses through the payroll deductions in a space of three years.
Dr. Mubanga said when he officiated at the launch of the Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) Payment through Payroll Management Establishment Control (PMEC).
“ The payroll deduction is for teachers in government institutions who have not paid for practicing certificates, “ he said.
Every teacher in the country is expected to be registered and issued with a practicing certificate.
“The law states that a teacher shall apply to the council for a practicing certificate in the prescribed manner and form upon payment of the prescribed fee” Dr. Mubanga said.
19000 out of the 133,190 registered teachers have applied for the practicing certificates
The practicing certificate is valid for three years after which certified or licensed teachers are mandated to renew.
And Dr Mubanga says that continuing Professional Development (CPD) by teachers is a bedrock of professionalizing teaching.
“The CPD process needs to be attractive and available to all teachers regardless of their geographical location and positions held, “he said.
The registrar said that CPD is vehicle through which the teaching profession is nurtured and it needs to be done thoughtfully.
The Teaching Council of Zambia is mandated to regulate the teaching profession in the best interest of the Zambian community.
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has urged government to pursue the refinancing of Zambia’s sovereign debt with great caution.
CTPD Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo said Zambia should avoid projecting desperation if the country is to find sustainable solutions that will help it navigate through the growing debt crisis without further indebting the country.
Mr Mwaipopo further said there is need to clearly define what the country hopes to archive or get out of this restructuring efforts warning that failure to do so will just leave the country in more debt.
Mr Mwaipopo said the move by the Zambian government to seek help in refinancing the US$ 750 million Eurobond scheduled to mature in 2022 at this time may translate into increased costs due to the suspended IMF bailout program package.
He said Government should concentrate on realizing fiscal consolidation and the operationalization of a sinking fund.
“The Ministry of Finance informed the general public in 2017 that the government would operationalize a sinking fund that was to help government set aside funds for the repayments of Eurobonds when they fall due after 2021. This strategy had the potential to reduce the risk of default and ease pressure on debt servicing when the Eurobonds Mature,” Mr Mwaipopo said.
“Bond refinancing works better when a country’s credit rating and macroeconomic conditions improve because this could translate into lower yield rates on bonds. If a the yield rates fall below the coupon rate of the Bond, refinancing using the same terms as the original bond would translate into servings,” he said.
“Furthermore, the terms of the new bond can be altered to allow for better repayment terms. For Zambia, following the increased illusiveness of the IMF bailout package, and the adjusted debt-sustainability assessment from medium to high risk of debt distress, Zambia’s dollar securities became the worst-performing in the Bloomberg Barclays Emerging Markets USD Sovereign Bond Index, which includes more than 70 countries.”
He added, “CTPD is of the view that the Zambian government should first work on improving its credit worthiness by reengaging with the IMF and pursuing visible fiscal consolidation. Bond refinancing can then be done at reduced cost to the Zambian people.”
Mr Mwaipopo continued, “We are in agreement with the recent recommendations advanced by the IMF’s Resident Representative when he said government should not to tap into the international market at this time as the financing conditions are pretty tight right now, and would be very expensive.”
He stated that government needs to trade cautiously as it explores refinancing options adding that there will be need to count the cost and clearly establish payment plan from the very onset, otherwise it may turn out to another huge cost to the Zambian economy and the Zambian people.
“If Zambia is to acquire a bilateral financing bailout from Turkey, at what cost will this be What is in it for turkey? he questioned.
Mr Mwaipopo has since called upon the government to publish full details of the reported 12 trade and economic deals signed with Turkey.
He said this will help the public to know and appreciate what the country may be getting into as a country.
