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The Luapula Province Chiefs Council and Financial Sector Deepening Zambia (FSDZ) have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch the Financial Inclusion through the Traditional Leadership Project in the Province.
The project which is aimed at empowering and improving people’s lives in Luapula province will run for three years at a cost of UK £1.5 million pounds.
Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa says the signing of the Project is timely as traditional leaders have been facing challenges in their chiefdoms.
Mr. Chilangwa says government will ensure that the launch of the financial inclusion for Traditional Leaders project in the province succeeds and benefits go towards its intended purpose.
ZANIS reports that the provincial minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba during a meeting held at the Provincial Administration offices in the conference room today.
And Financial Sector Deepening Zambia Chief Executive Officer Betty Wilkinson says the project will grow financial capabilities among the households and individuals through the establishing of savings groups in the Province.
Ms. Wilkinson says the Financial Sector Deepening Zambia is optimistic that the project will help improve the lives of people in Luapula Province.
Meanwhile, Luapula Province Chiefs Council Chairperson Senior Chief Mwewa of the Ngumbo people has commended FSD Zambia for accepting to work with the traditional leadership and people of Luapula.
Dr Nevers Mumba in court before he was convicted and sentenced
MMD faction leader Dr Nevers Mumba has been convicted and sentenced to three months simple imprisonment in a matter where he was facing one count of giving false information to police officer.
Dr. Mumba has however been acquitted in a matter where he was charged with criminal trespass.
Lusaka Resident Magistrate David Simusamba convicted and sentenced Dr Mumba to three months with an option to appeal within 14 days.
“I have heard with deep concern from the defence team of Mr Mumba. It’s my view that the convict being the former Republican Vice President and the public figure should have avoided that. I therefore send the convict to prison for three months from today and the appeal can be made within 14 days,” Magistrate Simusamba ruled.
Particulars in count one were that Dr. Mumba on November 8, last year, did give false information to a police officer Gladson Mwanza that he had an appointment with a Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) editor.
In count two, Dr. Mumba jointly and whilst acting with others unlawfully entered ZNBC newsroom with intent to intimidate and annoy staff on the same date.
Dr. Mumba was also alleged at the time he stormed ZNBC newsroom, to have threatened that he would make sure that the inauguration of then President-Elect Edgar Lungu did not take place.
He is said to have accused ZNBC and its editors of misleading the nation.
Magistrate Simusamba said some witnesses testified that Dr. Mumba used Bemba words, which when interpreted, were meant to intimidate and belittle the people he addressed.
He said when the police officers investigated the matter, they discovered that Dr. Mumba actually had no appointment with any editor at ZNBC.
Lack of enough classrooms has forced pupils at the newly upgraded Mnukwa Day Secondary school in Chipata district in Eastern Province to use the computer laboratory as a classroom and a dormitory for girls.
This came to light when a Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) crew visited Mnukwa chiefdom to check on developmental programmes taking place in the area. School Deputy Head Teacher, Jonathan Miti, said pupils, who were coming from far places and could not manage to be walking to and from school every day, were being accommodated in a computer laboratory which was also being used as a classroom.
Mr. Miti also noted that members of staff were also facing similar challenges because the school had just been upgraded and was using structures for the Primary school.
He said currently, teachers were renting grass thatched houses from nearby villages as a result of the school not having enough accommodation for them.‘’ We have been given three classrooms out of the seven which the Primary school has and we cannot ask for more because what the Primary school has done is enough generosity,’’ Mr. Miti said.
He said currently, the community was ferrying building materials such as sand, crashed stones and blocks to the new secondary school site for the construction of the school.
Mr. Miti said the community was also facing challenges of transportation of the building materials, adding that, women were carrying the materials on the heads, from a distance of over five kilometers.
He appealed to well-wishers to come to the aid of the school so that pupils can go to the new site and alleviate the sufferings of both teachers and pupils.
And Mr. Miti appealed to government to work on the Lunkuswe Bridge near Mnukwa palace which he said was a death trap especially in the rainy season.
He said when it rained heavily, there is always heavy current of water which overflows because the bridge was too low, thereby, disadvantaging pupils from the other side not to attend school.
President Lungu during the Kuomboka traditional Ceremony in Mongu on Saturday,April 8,2017-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has announced 21st April 2018 as the date for the Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi Speaking people of Western province.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Kuta in Limulunga district this morning, BRE Prime Minister (Ngambela), Nyambe Mwenda said the date has been permitted and blessed by the Litunga Lubosi Imwiko 11.
Mr. Mwenda called on the people of Zambia and other parts of the world to attend the event and witness the rich cultural and tradition of the Lozis.
The Ngambela cautioned the people against wearing party regalia at the ceremony stating that no one will be allowed to do so during the ceremony.
“The traditional ceremony should not be used as a political arena for anyone” said the Ngambela.
Mr. Mwenda said the only regalia that will be allowed is the red berets commonly known as Mashushu in Silozi.
He disclosed that Kuomboka is for everyone thus no one is officially written to requesting for their attendance because all are welcome.
Mr.Mwenda said people should not heed to fake news and speculations but wait for official statement from the BRE.
The Ngambela noted that the greatness of Kuaomboka ceremony has noted only gained prominence in Zambia but worldwide as well.
And Limulunga District Commissioner Litambo Ndombo told ZANIS in an interview that the works towards the mending of the Mongu- Limulunga road was progressing well in time for the ceremony.
A check on the road works this morning found the contractor and workers on site mending the road.
Following a rigorous tender process, GOtv Zambia Limited is delighted to have received ZICTA’s notification of the award of a network licence as Zambia’s private signal distributor.
GOtv was established in 2011 as a joint venture with the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). GOtv Zambia Limited together with GOtv Broadcasting (the content management business) set out with a mission to provide Zambians with fantastic local and international television entertainment.
In partnership with ZNBC, GOtv has been by providing affordable digital terrestrial television (DTT) services through a network covering 85% of the urban population. This network licence will allow GOtv Zambia Limited to continue the existing network services to the content company GOtv Broadcasting – thus providing great digital entertainment which contributes and supports the country’s move to switch from analogue to digital television.
“As a ZNBC partner and a trusted platform for digital migration, GOtv Zambia Limited will continue to distribute GOtv bouquets on behalf of GOtv Broadcasting, giving subscribers access to the best content on the best digital network. Since the network was digital from its inception in 2011, subscribers already have digital decoders and can continue to watch their favourite content unhindered” said Ngoza Kasungu-Matakala – GOtv Zambia Limited Managing Director
GOtv Zambia Limited is thankful to the Zambian government and ZICTA for the continued opportunities and for creating policies that are conducive for businesses to grow and make a meaningful socio-economic contribution in the country.
President Edgar Lungu having a light moment with cabinet Ministers shortly after the President State of the Nation address at Parliament Buildings
The eagerly anticipated impeachment motion against President Edgar Lungu is conspicuously missing from today’s Order Paper.
This may mean that the movers of the motion may have to wait a little longer after their notice of motion was excluded from the order of business in Parliament.
The Order Paper is list of items sanctioned by the Speaker which will be open for debate on a particular day.
Last week Mazabuka Central UPND Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo filed a motion in the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly that he was ready to move an impeachment motion against President Lungu.
The Government through Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya yesterday appealed to Speaker of the National Assembly to dismiss the motion on grounds that it is frivolous.
Below is the order of business for Tuesday as posted on the National Assembly website:
Wednesday, 28th March, 2018
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ZAMBIA
SECOND SESSION OF THE TWELFTH ASSEMBLY
ORDER PAPER – WEDNESDAY, 28TH MARCH, 2018
AT 1430 HOURS
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER (STANDING ORDER NO. 31)
251 Ms E Phiri (Kanyama) – to ask the Minister of Local Government:
(a) whether the Government is aware that garbage has started to accumulate again in Kanyama Parliamentary Constituency thereby frustrating the fight against the cholera epidemic; and
(b) if so, whether there are any measures being taken to ensure that the Lusaka City Council collects the garbage on a regular basis.
252 Mrs Chonya (Kafue) – to ask the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources:
(a) whether the Government is aware that Dingles Kafue River Lodge in Kafue District was issued with a Certificate of Title for a piece of land within Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s Chiefdom;
(b) if so, whether consent to convert the land was sought from the traditional leader; and
(c) if not, why.
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
W5 Mr Kasonso (Solwezi West) – to ask the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:
(a) how much money was collected, under the Environmental Protection Fund from the mining companies from January, 2015 to August, 2016;
(b) how much money was paid by each mining company in the same period; and
(c) what the money collected has been used for.
W6 Mr Kintu (Solwezi East) – to ask the Minister of Health:
(a) when additional medical staff will be deployed to the following health centres in Solwezi East Parliamentary Constituency:
(i) Mushindamo;
(ii) St Dorothy;
(iii) Mapunga;
(iv) Kang’wena;
(v) Mujimanzhovu;
(vi) Kichikwe;
(vii) Mututubanya; and
(viii) Luanfula; and
(b) how many of the following categories of staff will be deployed to each of the health centres above:
(i) medical doctors;
(ii) clinical officers;
(iii) pharmacy technologists;
(iv) environmental health technologists;
(v) nurses; and
(vi) laboratory technicians.
NOTICE OF MOTION AND ORDERS OF THE DAY
Mr Syakalima
Report of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply: That this House do adopt the Report of the Committee on Transport, Works and Supply on the Report of the Auditor General on the Management of Infrastructure Development 2010-2015, for the Second Session of the Twelfth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on 27th March, 2018.
1 The Rent (Amendment) Bill (N.A.B. 1/2018)
Third Reading
2 The Subordinate Courts (Amendment) Bill (N.A.B. 2/2018)
Third Reading
3 The Judiciary Administration (Amendment) Bill (N.A.B. 3/2018)
Third Reading
4 Thanks – His Excellency the President’s Address – Motion (20th March) – Resumption of Debate: (Ms Kasanda, MP).
Ambassador Mwamba (C) flanked by artistes Pilato, Petersen and Marky 2.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba from issuing statements without permission.
Over the weekend, Ambassador Mwamba issued a statement to the effect that Roan PF member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili had been evacuated to South Africa when in fact not.
Mr. Kambwili’s family later rejected the evacuation offer saying it was ill intentioned.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that such statements were supposed to be issued by the Minister of Information.
The Ministry said the Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Ronald Simwinga has cautioned Mr Mwamba to desist from issuing press statements without permission from the ministry,” read the statement.
“Following a press statement by Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Mr Emmanuel Mwamba that Mr Chishimba Kambwili had been evacuated to South Africa for specialist medical treatment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify as follows: Mr Mwamba’s statement had the potential to undermine the standing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Zambian government,” read the statement.
“Such press statements should to be issued by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting who is also the Chief Government Spokesperson. Mr Mwamba as well as other Zambian Heads of Mission abroad have been cautioned against discussing policy matters in the media.”
Kitwe United captain Moses Lolozi says beating Kabwe Youth on Sunday has motivated his side ahead of the Good Friday showdown against Power Dynamos at Arthur Davies.
Winger Austin Muwowo scored a lone goal as Chingalika picked up their first win of the 2018 FAZ Super Division season away in Kabwe a week after losing 2-0 to Green Buffaloes in the opener.
The Buchi Boys are now looking forward to Friday’s Kitwe derby against Power.
“We really wanted to win that match against Kabwe Youth for our supporters who are rallying behind us,” Lolozi said.
“That win is a stepping stone as we are going to Power with morale for the derby. We just need to continue doing our level best so that we can continue picking maximum points,” the ex-Mufulira Wanderers and Indeni defender said.
Lolozi is predicting a tough encounter against Power who have started the league campaign with two straight wins against promoted sides Kabwe Youth and National Assembly.
“It will be really a tough game but we have to rise to the occasion. If we follow the coach’s instructions we can even pull a surprise against Power,” Lolozi said.
Power are the early league leaders with six points after two rounds of matches played so far.
Trevor Simumba
International Trade Consultant Trevor Simumba has cautioned the ruling PF to tread carefully as the impeachment motion against President Edgar Lungu is expected to be tabled on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Simumba advised the PF to beware of backroom political deals.
He said not every MP is happy with the current President and a vote on impeachment is by one vote by one MP.
“Some may just decide that Zambia is better off with Madam Inonge as President,” he warned.
Mr Simumba said the one good lesson from this is that no one person can rule this country with impunity.
“I pray the President reflects on his legacy and makes a real effort to govern in the interest of the Zambian people and not in his personal and party cabal interest,” he said.
Mr Simumba said Members of Parliament should debate and vote based on their conscience adding that MPs are elected to serve the people of Zambia.
“President Lungu the ball is in your court, it just takes one phone call to your colleagues for dialogue to start,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Governance Adviser Isaac Mwanza has written to the Clerk of the National Assembly advising that the some of the grounds for the impeachment motion be struck out.
In a letter obtained in Lusaka, Mr Mwanza said while he fully recognises the right of any Member of Parliament to move the motion in accordance with the laid down rules, he is of the view that the following grounds must be struck out from the motion: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 2.1.5 on the following grounds: Under the principal of separation of powers, Parliament cannot debate matters which are before the court of law.
“Matters in ground 1.1 and 1.2 are matters which are active before the Constitutional Court (case number 2016/CC/33); ground 1.3 is a matter before the Constitutional Court which was raised by a way of Notice of Motion on 19th January, 2018 by Brigadier General Miyanda in respect of the alleged contravention of the Constitution of Zambia as amended by the President of the Republic of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu, while a matter relating to ground 2.1.5 may prejudice an active investigation being conducted by Zambia Police Service,” Mr Mwanza wrote.
He said, “Under the said active court case 2016/CC/33, Hakainde Hichilema and Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba as petitioners are seeking the same substantive reliefs as contained in the impeachment motion where they allege the President breached the Constitution. The Advocates for the petitioners were, as at 21st March 2018, filing arguments and other documents before the Constitutional Court on the very matters the Honourable Member seeks Parliament to deliberate on.”
He stated that as at the time of authoring this letter on 27th March, 2018, ground 1.3 was being argued before the Constitutional Court under cause 2017/CC/0004.
“It is my prayer that the rules of admissibility of motions would not allow Parliament to debate matters which are before the court of law,” he pleaded.
The recent introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill has sparked raging public debate across the country. However, this debate is primarily being based on assumptions as the salient features of the proposed NHI remain unclear. I outline some of the generic expectations of the NHI and provide comments on some aspects of the Bill to add to the debate.
NHI is one way of financing a country’s health care services using mandatory financial contributions by citizens as a primary source of funds. NHI works in the same way as private health insurance except that the former is established by the Government and obliges all eligible citizens to contribute. Currently, Zambia finances public healthcare through appropriations from the national budget based on various sources of Government revenue.
One main reason for considering NHI to finance healthcare is that current financing to health is insufficient. For instance, budgetary allocations to health averaged 9% of the total for the past five years, which is below the target of at least 15% agreed by African leaders under the 2001 Abuja Declaration. This underspending has resulted in an inadequate provision of quality health services to all. Consequently, public health services in the country have had to charge user fees to supplement the limited health resources. This exposes patients to out-of-pocket payments that the majority of the population can only ill afford or not at all, thereby creating financial barriers to health access.
Another reason for considering NHI is that it tends to be a more predictable financing mechanism as contributions come from a clearly defined constituency and are usually earmarked, compared to budgetary allocations. Further, budgetary allocations also tend to fluctuate annually and lack consistence. Additionally, NHI facilitates for income and risk cross-subsidies, a situation whereby wealthier groups make greater contributions to health care funding than the poor but all have access to the same range of health services while high risk groups are able to use more health services than those who are healthy, irrespective of the contribution made by each group.
In terms of the operations of the NHI, the Bill states that an authority or a parastatal similar to NAPSA will be established to manage an insurance scheme. The authority will be responsible for a number of functions including collecting and pooling of financial contributions; defining the health services contributors will receive; accredit/approve health service providers; design exemption mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable; and many others. Some people have asked whether NHI will replace budgetary allocations to health. The Bill is silent on this, but it appears NHI will supplement rather than replace budgetary allocations.
It is also important to realise that the NHI may have implications on the general well-being of the economy. The main source of NHI funds, according to the Bill, will be employer and employee contributions through payroll deductions. This means NHI will primarily rely on the formal sector which accounts for only 16% of total employment. It is well known that Zambia already has a narrow tax base, which limits general revenue collection. As the base for NHI will be even narrower, the rates may have to be very high in order to raise enough resources, thus potentially overburdening citizens already bearing numerous other taxes. While the Bill indicates that informal sector players and the self-employed will be expected to contribute to the scheme, it is unclear how this will be implemented when Zambia already struggles to collect taxes from this part of the economy.
Moreover, relying on a small formal sector means contributions may be limited. This implies that the NHI may only cover a small share of health financing and the treasury would be expected to bridge the gap. However, given the current state of public finance, and especially the debt repayment obligations Zambia faces, the NHI should aim to provide relief rather than put additional pressure on the fiscus.
As for employer contributions, these are principally an added cost to doing business. Additionally, some employers already have private health insurance schemes for their employees which they would want to maintain as NHI cannot guarantee comparable services to the private sector, at least in the short run. Thus, NHI is likely to be an added cost or tax.
To conclude, many issues still remain unclear about the NHI which the Bill cannot address it merely being a law. For example, will NHI cover a basic health care package, and if yes, what will it look like? What services will be free, at what levels? How will issues of moral hazard be guarded against? How will the NHI address issues of contribution equity? How will NHI account for contributors whose practices entail lower health-risks, to ensure that the contribution premiums are lower for such contributors? What sort of due diligence mechanisms will be established to determine the right level of contribution? Until these and many other issues are clarified, it is difficult for the public to have informed debates.
The author is a researcher at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR).
Bonang Matheba, the South African TV personality and entrepreneur is headed to Lusaka to attend the very first Champagne Picnic in Zambia, the newest addition to PR Girl Media’s calendar of premier events. The star has become a continental sensation featuring on Africa’s most popular Magazine covers and after the release of her hit reality show and autobiography, From A to B, tongues will not stop wagging about this mega celebrity.
The Lifestyle PR Agency, PR Girl Media has consistently introduced trend-setting events that showcase Zambia’s luxury and premium brands. “Bonang is quite the Ambassador for the potential and luxury that Africa has to offer so we are excited to show her Zambian talent, fashion and beauty. We trust that the message our country will put out to the rest of the world through her will echo on. We’re ready to see Zambia glow.” Managing Partners and sister-duo, Monde and Chishimba Nyambe confirming Matheba’s attendance at the champagne picnic.
The event will be an outdoor marvel in the plush gardens of the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. Under the theme “splash your colour”, Lusaka’s socialites and celebrities are encouraged to attend in their most fashionable to indulge in a glamourous afternoon of champagne, gourmet food and music. Zambian leading fashion designer Esnoko will showcase a preview of his latest line scheduled to dèbut at SA Fashion Week in April 2018. Also present, musicians Kuni, Roberto, DJ El Mukuka and Sebastien Dutch will perform at the colorful experience.
Stella Artois, the recently launched premium beer has sponsored the event to highlight their support of the culinary industry in Zambia. More details of the event can be found on the PR Girl Media social media pages and event tickets can be purchased from The Wine Shop at Arcades or Centro Mall.
Kambwili flanked by HH and GBM at Court on Tuesday afternoon
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has strongly condemned the treatment of Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili by the state.
Mr. Kambwili was picked from hospital, taken to Woodlands Police station then court and now under police custody as the matter could not take off.
Mr Hichilema accused the state of abusing Mr Kambwili’s basic human rights by refusing to grant him a police bond since he was charged with 39 counts.
Speaking to Journalists outside the Magistrate Court on Tuesday afternoon after he went to offer solidarity to Mr Kambwili who wanted to take plea in order to secure bail, Mr Hichilema said Mr Kambwili is being treated in a very dehumanising fashion.
Mr Hichilema who was accompanied by UPND Vice-president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba demanded that police should give Mr Kambwili a bond.
“We keep demanding that he be given police bond or bail as the matters he is charged with are all bailable. These are basic human rights enshrined in our constitution that even hardcore criminals are accorded. We appeal to the conscious of those who preach morals and values in our Christian nation to practice what they preach,” Mr Hichilema said.
He charged that these are the activities making the UPND call on the country to unite and demand for a better Zambia.
Mr Kambwili is detained at UTH after he failed to secure a police bond and his medical team insisted that he be taken back to hospital as his conditions is not stable enough.
At Woodlands Police Station, heavily armed riot police officers fired multiple shots to scare Mr Kambwili’s supporters who accompanied him to the police station after he was discharged from CfB Medical Centre.
He was later taken to UTH for medical attention after police refused to grant him bond.
Mr Kambwili is on Wednesday expected back in court to take plea and secure his bail.
Meanwhile, officials from the Human Rights Commission visited Mr Kambwili at CfB Medical Centre before he was discharged.
The HRC officials who visited Dr. Kambwili at CFB hospital were led by Commissioner Muchekeni Zulu who is a former Zambia Police Commissioner for Lusaka Province.
The visit by the HRC team comes a day after the institution expressed concern at the welfare of Dr. Kambwili.
On Monday, the Commission urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to consider granting Mr Kambwili bond, as a matter of human rights.
The HRC added that the offences which the NDC consultant has been charged with are bondable.
HH addressing Journalists outside the Magistrate CourtHH aids Kambwili to walk outside the Magistrate CourtKambwili after he failed to walkA tired looking Kambwili being held to remove his shoes at Woodlands Police Station by a family member.A tired looking Kambwili takes a nap at Woodlands Police Station
Minister of Religious and National Guidance Godfridah Sumaili
Government says it will soon introduce an Alcohol Bill to parliament as a control measure against the increased levels of acohol consumption in the country.
Religious Affairs and Guidance Minister Godfredah Sumaili says once enacted , the Bill will regulate alcohol consumption in the country especially by the youths.
“ Excessive beer drinking among youths in the country has reached is alarming hence coming up with a piece of legislation to regulate drinking, “ Reverend Sumaili said.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, the Minister said Government is greatly concerned about the abuse of alcohol by young people in Zambia.
“Alcohol abuse is unproductive at home and the nation at large. Therefore, Government is contemplating coming up with a legislation to regulate this vice among youths,” she said.
She said alcohol is unproductive and not only does it devastates homes but negatively retards national development.
Government, she added, would work closely with other stakeholders on the contents of the bill whilst reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good values and morals in young people in order to foster national development.
She noted that Zambia is a Christian nation therefore her dignity should be respected, upheld in line with the values and principles enriched in the constitution.
The development is in line with Republican President Edgar Lungu ‘s recent call during his address to the nation on the need to promote values and moral by all well-meaning Zambians.
Mr. Lungu expressed in his national address expressed his concern at the high levels of alcohol and substance abuse among the youths which he said has contributed to moral decay among the young people.
President Lungu however revealed that his government is making steady progress in strengthening the enforcement of the relevant laws and regulations so as to curb alcohol and substance abuse.
And in her message ahead of the Esther Holiday, the Minister urged the people to reflect their lives and dedicate themselves to God.
Zambia will on Friday March 30th, 2018 observe Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Sunday and Monday culminating into Esther Holiday.
It is during this period that the Minister is also requesting the church to rise to the occasion and bring the lost sheep to Christ through exhibiting good values and morals as opposed to the youths drinking irresponsi
ActionAid Zambia says it is saddened with the remarks attributed to Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita that potential Germany investors will enjoy a tax free break for the first five years , here.
In a statement made available to ZANIS today by ActionAid country Director Nalucha Ziba says the remarks attributed to Ambassador Mukwita are what she termed as ‘ illogical.”
Mr.Ziba stated recalled that during the 2018 budget presentation former Minister of Finance Felix Mutati announced that government has banned the 5-year income tax holidays that is facilitated through the Zambia Development Agency.
“In place of the tax holiday, government proposed to grant accelerated depreciation for capital expenditures by qualifying investments in priority sectors. We therefore, don’t understand what five (5) year tax breaks Ambassador Mukwita is referring to”, he said.
ActionAid is of the view that in a country like Zambia which is highly indebted, it is prudent that government relies more on tax revenue collection in a fair manner to raise more revenue and avoid relying on borrowing.
“Zambia cannot continue on a path of debt accumulation. The repayment of debts will adversely affect many Zambians, especially those living in poverty.
“For instance, if you look at the 2018 budget more revenue is going towards debt servicing than towards critical social sectors such as health which many Zambians rely upon. Currently, there is a shortage of critical essential drugs and medical equipment in most rural health centers and this is affecting many people who rely on public medical services.
“This is leading to increased inequality between those who have and those that do not have, ” he stressed.
The ActionAid country Director has advised government to look at other ways of collecting tax revenue citing adequately taxing the mines and strengthening tax compliance of the mining sector.
Recently, Ambassador Mukwita while addressing potential investors in Germany indicated that they would not pay taxes for investing in Zambia for the first five years.
