First Quantum Minerals says it does not expect the final value of the K76.5 billion tax claim against it by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to be “material”.

The claim for Zambian kwacha 76.5bn – equivalent to $8bn and comprising $6bn in interest and $2bn in penalties on the $150m assessment claim on duties – relates to the import of capital items, consumables and spare parts for use at the Sentinel mine from January 2013 to December 2017.

In its March quarter results statement released on April 27 the company said, “a process for provision of all relevant documentation has been agreed between the company and the ZRA. Based on the work undertaken to date, the final value of the claim is not expected to be material.”

According to Chairman and CEO Philip Pascal, “the process is approximately two-thirds complete by value and has not identified any material errors. The company unequivocally refutes the assessment, is committed to transparency and continued engagement with the ZRA on the issue.”

First Quantum also revealed that it is owed substantial amounts in value-added tax (VAT) repayments from government.

The quarterly report noted that the “amount of VAT accrued by the company’s Zambian operations at March 31, 2018 was $368m of which $271m related to Kansanshi. Management continues to engage in regular discussions with the relevant government authorities and considers that the outstanding VAT claims are fully recoverable.”

First Quantum said it ended the March quarter with $810m of net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in addition to $1.67bn of committed undrawn facilities.

“These, together with expected cash flows, support the company’s belief in its ability to meet current obligations as they become due,” the company stated.

President Edgar Lungu this morning joined hundreds of congregants from the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in celebrating 40 years collaboration between the diocese of Zambia and the United Kingdom.

Speaking shortly after the service, President Lungu made a passionate appeal to the Christian community to join the political arena.

The President noted that Christian influence will bring decency to the political arena.

President Lungu observed that the non-involvement of Christians in politics has contributed to divisions in the country.

He wondered why Christians shun politics when politicians are drawn from different churches organisations.

President Lungu expressed optimism that the full participation of Christians in politics will make Zambia a better country.

The President urged the church to continue partnering with government by offering advice and guidance in the affairs of governance.

President Lungu also urged politicians to emulate the collaboration exhibited by the Anglican Church of Zambia and the Diocese of UK.

President Lungu counseled politicians to leave in harmony instead of destroying and dividing the country.

He said there is no need for politicians to demonize each other.

“Bring Christ to the political arena.” President Lungu appealed.

Meanwhile President Lungu mesmerized the congressional when He energetically danced during the praise and worship service.

The congregation raptured in praise as they were overwhelmed with President Lungu’s participation in the singing and dancing of Christian songs.

President Lungu was accompanied by the First Lady Esther, National Guidance and Religious Affairs Rev Godfridah Sumaili, Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe and other senior government officials.

The service was characterized with bible readings, poems and Christian hymns.

And delivering homily to the fully parked church service, Bath and Wells Diocese Bishop, Right Rev Peter Hancock implored congregants to continue reflecting the love of God to the world.

The clergyman observed that the world is in dire need of God’s love as evidence from the turmoil in many parts of the world.

He implored congregants to shine there light in various communities by following the footsteps of Christ.

Bishop Hancock said people should be able to see the glory of God through.

He described the 40 years partnership has beneficial and edifying.

Speaking at the same service, National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili thanked President Lungu for accepting to attending the 40 years celebration

The arrival of Bupe and Mapalo, the former co-joined twins , brought almost the entire business district of Kawambwa to a standstill as nearly every curious onlooker stood in awe watching their arrival back home.

The former co-joined twins arrived back to their home district after undergoing a successful operation at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka last week.

It had to take restraint by security personal to stop curious onlookers from blocking their way as nearly everyone stopped whatever they were doing when news went round that the twins have arrived back home.

Thankfully after receiving them at his office, Kawambwa District Commissioner Ivo Mpasa , later led a small motorcade carrying Luka and Mapalo straight to Kachema Musuma Orphanage Centre until government through its provincial administration refurbishes their parent’s house, as recommended by Health care technocrats.

“ Bupe and Mapalo will not be allowed to proceed home but will be kept at Kachema Musuma Orphanage Centre for the next three months to allow government to renovate their parents’ house, “ he said.

Mr. Mpasa has since appealed to Bupe and Mapalo’s parents to be patient with government as they await for the house to be worked on.

The district commissioner paid glowing tribute to the University Teaching Hospital ( UTH ) medics for carrying out a successful operation on the twins.

He thanked President Edgar Lungu for ensuring that the former conjoined twins underwent a successful operation to separate them adding that the President will be keen to see how the babies will be faring while in Kawambwa.

On 2st February , 2018 , there was an air of anxiety and cheer at University Teaching Hospital (UTH), when a medical team comprising of more than 15 doctors and 10 nurses performed one of the country’s historic operation on conjoined twins, Luka and Mapalo thereby giving them hope of bringing them to normal life.

The procedure lasted for 12 hours on the material day.

PRESIDENT Lungu’s elder sister, Bertha Lungu, has broken her silence to defend her brother and family by condemning those alleging that he stole someone’s identity, saying the matter had gone too far and as a family, they have had enough.

She explained that the family had been patient and tolerant hoping that those making falsehoods about the President and his family would get tired, but were shocked that other people were joining the bandwagon of lies.

Ms Lungu wondered why none of the people questioning the President’s identity had bothered to question her or any of the other relatives dotted around Lusaka, Copperbelt or in Petauke.

“The young sister to our mother is in Mtendere and anyone, even Mr Mulongoti, can go there and ask her. Our other aunt, the young sister to our father, is in Mukwama Village, Chief Kalindawalo in Petauke. And it is easy to find all these people. So why create lies instead of asking us” she wondered.

She also wondered why people wanted to see the President at funerals, “balefwaya tufwe so that bashininkishe ati epotwaba? (they want us to die so that they prove we exist?”

“We were seven and only three of us are alive. Me, Chagwa and Ackim. So they want us to die to prove that Chagwa is Zambian?”

Ms Lungu, who produced her NRC on request by the Daily Nation, explained that their family originates from Petauke where her eldest sister, Beauty, now late, was born. Of the seven children, Bertha was born in Lusaka and her younger brother, Chagwa in Ndola.

She says because of segregation and fear of hospitals in the old days, most women gave birth at home and had children registered at clinics later. She says no one should claim there was a hospital that time because that would be a lie.

Other family members listed included two other younger brothers and sisters. Four of them have since died including their parents, their father in 1992 and the mother in October 2003.

She said all the people clamouring to take over from her brother should wait upon the Lord and when their time came, it would happen or it may turn out that someone not even connected to any of them, may actually take over as President.

She said this was what happened when her brother became President because no one expected that to happen when President Sata died.

Ms Lungu Chama charged that it was disappointing that Mr Mulongoti who supported President Lungu during the 2015 Presidential elections could turn around and claim that President Lungu is a foreigner who stole someone’s identity just because he was not offered a job.

Ms Lungu also explained that contrary to what most people claim, her brother took care of his family long before he became President.

He made sure he built a house for his late mother Elizabeth Jere and a family house which Bertha and her family are still occupying in Lusaka’s Jack Compound before he became Republican President.

Ms Lungu said contrary to allegations that President Lungu has built mansions for his family and accumulated wealth after becoming President, the family chose to live simply. “Ilya ni contract and contract ilapwa so why should we change our lifestyle,” she said.

She said her parents were humble and she would also remain humble and respect the people of Zambia because she’s a law abiding citizen. “President Lungu built a ten bed roomed house for our late mother Eliza Jere before he became President and a six bedroomed house for rent where I am currently staying and my sister in law, Joyce Musamba, she’s the one occupying mum’s house and part of the house is on rent,” said Ms Chama.

Today’s Scripture

“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.”
(Colossians 4:3, NLT)

Look for Opportunity

Paul was writing these words while he was in chains in prison. He was arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted “limitations,” but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.

No matter what “chains” you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free. Remember, He has equipped you with His power. He’s promised to walk with you all the days of your life. When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, remember, God is still at work in your life. Like Paul, keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Pray for those opportunities to be opened to you. If you fall, get right back up and press forward with even greater determination to accomplish the dream that God has planted in your heart. The prayer of the righteous avails much, so keep praying because He promises to break the chains and open doors of opportunity in your life.

A Prayer for Today

“Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You’ve planted in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, and opening doors of opportunity in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

MINISTER of Works and Supply Honourable Felix Mutati says civil servants who want to have fun and enjoy the rich tourism sites of Livingstone and other places should stop using public resources and use their own.

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And Earlier, Controller of the Government Transport Control Unit (GTCU) Ernest Kunda warned that the exercise that started in Lusaka and now in Livingstone is an on-going practice that will cover the entire country.

He said time has come for the cleansing of the civil service from abuse of public resources which include Government vehicles adding control has to take place now.

“What we are seeing here, 29 vehicles have been impounded in Livingstone, some people are coming here to indulge in tourism. We are not against people having fun and indulging in tourism, if you are going to have that do it with your own resources. Don’t come and have fun here using people’s resource,” he said.

Mr. Mutati said government is not stopping anyone from visiting the Victoria Falls but “leave the Government vehicle parked and for the use it was meant” adding that those that are going to have fun at Government expense are going to be dealt squarely.

He said when people complain that Government is not working it is all because of a small clique of people that is bent on tarnishing the reputation Government by misusing public resources and warned that their days are now shortened.

The regulation is not only about Government motor vehicles but other resources adding that the auditor general’s report year in and out raises concerns on issues of misuse, misapplication and over expenditure of public resources which should come to an end, said Mr Mutati.

He said already on the cards is the introduction of the call-centre where the public will be able to engage with the Government Transport Control Unit and report any form of abuse of the vehicles.

In addition to this, the minister said his Ministry is designing a programme that will kick start the sensitisation exercise for both the general public and the civil servants on how best to minimise wastage of public resources. The exercise will be rolled out to all parts of the country.

“So we are in Livingstone as part of this critical journey to ensure that people’s money is not wasted,” he said.

Mr. Mutati said his Ministry has taken 2018 as a year of turning around and give oxygen to the fortunes so that they get new lease of life which he said is achievable as the staff are geared to demonstrate how it will be best done.

He said the Transformation Agenda which is anchored on the five pillars is the initial step towards changing the people’s mind-set so that they buy into the journey for revival.

“For the Ministry, for 2018, we have said principally we are going to have fun. We are going to enjoy ourselves and deliver for the people of Zambia,” he said.

The ministry , he said , is going to concentrate on the five priorities which are the Transport policy, which includes control of the usage of motor vehicles and it has been finished only waiting for final approval and will be implemented.

Secondly the minister said his ministry wants to transform and restructure Government Printers and give it more oxygen so that it will be able to do the works it used to do in the past.

Thirdly, Mr Mutati said in a statement signed by the ministry’s public relations officer Ndubi Mvula that there is a number of wasting and idle assets situated on prime areas of Lusaka and elsewhere which will be developed into productive resources.

“ The fourth issue is to support the valuation of Government and other properties so that the council countrywide so that they have the capacity to collect rates. Once capacitated, the councils will be able to enhance their service delivery, “ he said.

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And for ESCO, Mr Mutati said there is a transformation programme already underway looking at the life of the firm beyond 2019 after the completion of the Kazungula Bridge.

“What is important is that you have to chew what you can bite and that is the philosophy,” he said.

Earlier, Controller of the Government Transport Control Unit (GTCU) Ernest Kunda warned that the exercise that started in Lusaka and now in Livingstone is an on-going practice that will cover the entire country.

He said his team will not relent nor get tired of controlling the use of Government vehicles because a lot of taxpayers’ was being wasted at the expense of service delivery.

Mr Kunda said that not only will the exercise be conduct during the day but will also be done after 18 hours countrywide because the regulations are very clear and expects people to “simply comply. There is nothing wrong with one getting authorisation”.

He said people whose intensions are bent on abuse are the ones that have a habit of disregarding the law but cautioned that they will face the wrath of the law which is very active and alive.

“Like the Honourable Minister MUTATI once pointed out that we do not to rejoice in impounding and charging penalties because that is not the best way of collecting revenue. All we want to see is compliance with the rules, simple,” he said.

The Livingstone operations which started at about 07:00 hours was conducted at the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road junction with Airport Road, Nakatindi-Sesheke Road and Mosi-oa-Tunya-Victoria Falls Road resulting into 29 government vehicles impounded and charged.

The majority were from outside Livingstone being used by Government employees who have been attending the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) annual general meeting at Avani Hotel.

And many taxi drivers expressed happiness when they saw the Government Control team swung into action saying as they drive passed the check points “mwachita bwino (you have done well) to impound these vehicles. There is too much abuse of government vehicles here in Livingstone. Also visit the bars and night clubs, you will find them”, as they were heard saying.

President Edgar Lungu has relaunched the make Zambia clean, green and health campaign with the a call to Citizens to embrace the initiative.

The re-launch of the campaign is aimed at making cities, towns, villages, public institutions and places clean to improve the health standards of “ all our people .”

And Mr. Lungu has urged Zambians to remain committed to embrace, promote and maintain a clean, healthy, safe living and working environment to foster prosperity in the nation.

Speaking during the colourful relaunch ceremony held at new Soweto annex, today , President Lungu said government has resolved to promote clean living as a way of fostering national development.

He said general cleanliness is a pre-requisite in averting disease associated with unhygienic living.

“ The general cleanliness of premises, residencies and community surroundings still remain a challenge which poses a risk to the health of the Zambian citizenry, “ he said.

President Lungu said that government introduced the green aspect as a way of preserving and sustaining the environment and the campaign has now been re-branded as “make Zambia clean, green and healthy campaign”.

The President has therefore urged individuals, households, institutions, church, civil society and cooperate world to partner with government in promote the make Zambia clean, green and health healthy campaign.

The Head of State bemoaned that cleaning of premises, residents and community surroundings remains a challenge in the country.

“ I therefore call for a mind- set change if Zambia is to become a clean, green and health country, “ said the Republican President who at the same time noted that unhygienic living poses a risk to the health of the citizenry.

President Lungu insisted that government should not be left alone to champion the programme adding that the campaign will only successes if all stakeholders joined hands with government in promoting clean living.

And Mr. Lungu has urged Zambians to remain committed to embrace, promote and maintain a clean, healthy, safe living and working environment to foster prosperity in the nation.

He also noted that the practice of poor waste disposal has further been made worse to failure by some companies in the private sector to sensitise their customers on appropriate means of waste disposal particularly packaging materials.

He explained that the failure has impacted negatively on most local authorities who have not been able to effectively collect and manage waste due to lack of capacity to do so.

“ Government however remains committed to the programme, hence our gathering today at the new Soweto annex market sheds, “ he said.

He said that the move is to illustrate the PF government’s determination to provide a conducive trading environment aimed at promoting good health for traders and their customers.

The president also disclosed that government is also working towards the enactment of the solid waste management legislation, in an attempt to keep maintain and sustain the environment legislation is expected to further strengthen private sector participation in the provision of solid waste services.

And speaking earlier at the same function, Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale thanked President for taking keen interest in the promoting of the make Zambia clean, green and health campaign.

Mr Mwale said the local authorities have been inspired by the President’s zeal to champion clean living.

He stressed that the campaign will only be achieved if all stakeholders joined hands with government in embracing the make Zambia clean, green and health campaign.

Mr Mwale said the ministry will soon engage other ministries, churches, companies and the cooperate world in order to support the campaign.

And Lands and Natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata said her ministry stands ready to support the clean, green and health campaign initiative.

Mrs Kapata pledged to help the ministry of Local government in town planning.

She said the planning of the city will include the planting of tree and grass so as to protect the environment from degradation.

Meanwhile President Lungu has appealed to companies to sensitize consumers on how to dispose used packaging materials.

He complained that most companies have failed to take responsibility hence the littering of packaging materials.

President Lungu said this has resulted in the environment being impacted negatively.