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Minister of General Dennis WanchingaGeneral Education Minister Dennis Wanchinga has said improving learning materials in Zambia is an integral aspect of fostering development in the teaching environment.
Dr. Wanchinga said the transfer of teachers from one town to the other is aimed at reducing residence monotony for teachers that have overstayed in one part of the country.
Dr. Wanchinga has since urged teachers in the public service to cooperate with his Ministry as a way of elevating the education standards in Zambia.
“Teachers in the public service to cooperate with his Ministry as a way of elevating the education standards in Zambia” Dr. Wanchinga said
Meanwhile, Teacher unions have called for a halt on the recent spate mass transfers of teachers in Zambia.
Secondary School Teachers’ Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) Vice president Kennedy Zyangale says the mass transfers of teachers has an effect on teachers’ social lives.
Zyangale says the abrupt transfers of teachers also disturbs the learners’ academia, adding that the transfers have torn apart the teachers’ families.
“The mass transfers of teachers has an effect on teachers’ social lives” Zyangale said
Kennedy Malama(r)Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration Dr Kennedy Malama says Government is committed to ensuring that all running projects are completed on time before embarking on new ones.
He said Government will also ensure fair distribution of hospital services because this is essential in an effectively functioning health delivery system.
Dr Malama, told journalists in Chipata after inspecting infrastructure projects and health services which included maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, Eye Hospital, which is almost complete, with comprehensive outpatients wings, two operating theatres, inpatient wards among others.
The PS further inspected service provision at Chikoma Zonal Health Centre in Vubwi.
He expressed satisfaction with range of services being provided.
Dr Malama, who is accompanied by MoH Director of Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services Dr Mzaza Nthele, is in Eastern Province checking on infrastructure projects and provision of health services.
The Permanent Secretary inspected Chipata and Vubwi district hospitals that are being constructed at the cost of K10 million and K13 million respectively.
He inspected the prefabricated Antiretro Viral Treatment center at Chipata Central Hospital and maternity wing at Mwami Adventist Hospital where he commended the role the church has continued to play in supplementing government’s effort in the provision of health care services to the people.
Dr Malama said focus is being placed on ensuring that hospitals have all the necessary competencies and making certain that they operate according to their level.
Dr Malama said Government will strengthen and expand clinical disciplines at all levels of hospital care and enhance the efficiency of patient care at all points.
He said the ministry will continue to build the capacity of service providers in order to improve service delivery, this is evidenced by the number of new specialized training programmes that have been introduced in Zambia.
At Level 1 hospitals, Dr Malama said special focus shall continue to be given to strengthening the provision of quality, essential surgical, obstetrics and anaesthesia service.
Dr Malama said other interventions strengthening the provision of quality essential and emergency obstetrics and gynaecology services as well establishing and strengthening the provision of quality essential and emergency anaesthesia services.
At Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, Dr Malama said the interventions being implemented include establishing and strengthening the provision of quality, comprehensive, highly specialized, and complex surgical care.
Dr Malama said the Government is establishing and strengthening the provision of quality, comprehensive, highly specialized, and complex obstetric and gynaecologic care.
This is contained in a statement issued to Pan African Radio news by Ministry of Health
Head of Communications and External Relations officer Stanslous Ngosa.
Dora SiliyaMinister of Agriculture Dora Siliya says Government will start the distribution of farming inputs by 15th October, 2017 in order for farmers to prepare adequately for the 2017/2018 farming season.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Specialized Technical Committee STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment in Addis this morning, Ms Silya said government had put in place mechanisms to ensure that the challenges faced last year in distribution of funds were addressed.
Ms.Siliya said 200 billion kwacha had been set aside this year for the 2017/2018 farming season.
She urged Zambians to take Agriculture as a business and not only grow food for their household consumption.
Ms. Siliya said government had this year devised a mechanism to separate vulnerable farmers from those who are in farming strictly for business.
She said her ministry has recommended vulnerable farmers to the ministry of community development for assistance
The Minister noted that the E Voucher programme was a project that government had put in place to ensure timely and effective distribution of resources to farmers.
And Ms Siliya said government was eager to grow the agriculture sector by supporting irrigation and mechanization.
She said government had since constructed three water harvesting sites in order to capture rain water, adding that through irrigation, crop production could be enhanced.
The Minister also said government was committed to ensuring that there was improved mechanism in farming as opposed to the use of the hole.
She said government was taking the AU decision on relegating the hole to the museum seriously and is committed to ensuring that rural areas are empowered with tillers.
Ms. Siliya said the governments will in 2018 use the $40 million loan from EXIM bank of India purely for mechanization in Agriculture and irrigation farming.
And on the STC meeting, Ms Siliya said Africa has realized the need to support Agriculture because it had the potential to create jobs and wealth.
She said in Zambia, Agriculture was the main stay of the economy and measures had been put in place to grow the sector.
The Minister said declarations such as the Malabo declaration that demands that each country’s budget targets 10 percent towards the Agriculture sector must be supported.
She said Zambia has already made tremendous progress as the Agriculture sectors budget keeps growing every year.
A 34-year-old man of Lusaka has shot dead his 26-year-old girlfriend after a dispute.
Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed in a statement Friday morning.
Mrs Katongo added that the couple’s baby also sustained a bullet wound in the neck.
“We received a report of murder which happened in Lusaka Province yesterday, 05th October, 2017 at about 20:00 hours in Meanwood Ibex Hill area in which Shinka Kaputo aged 34 of unknown house number in Meanwood is alleged to have shot dead his girlfriend, Precious Manganasa aged 26 of unknown house number, Lusaka West using a Pistol,” Mrs. Katongo stated.
“The victim went to the accused person’s residence to pick her daughter aged two years seven months who was at her father’s residence in Meanwood. She (Mangesana) sustained a bullet wound on the neck. The scene was visited and a pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition was recovered.”
Mrs Katongo said the victim went to the accused person’s residence to pick her daughter aged two years seven months who was at her father’s residence in Mean wood.
She sustained a bullet wound on the neck. The scene was visited and a pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition was recovered.
Mrs Katongo stated that Kaputo was in police custody whilst Mangesana’s body was lying in UTH mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Mrs. Katongo also revealed that Police have established that the baby was also shot in the neck and the orojectile was stuck in the neck and it has been extracted by medical personnel at Fairview Hospital.”
In her last Facebook post yesterday, Mangesana wrote; “I honestly think Moody People are Retarded! Literally Psychopaths!Y’all just wake up Angry at the world Like who Upset you?”
Molcolm Moffat Collage drama group performing during the Serenje district commemoration of the world Teachers day held at Molcolm Moffat Collage of Education of Education.Molcolm Moffat Collage drama group performing during the Serenje district commemoration of the world Teachers day held at Molcolm Moffat Collage of Education of Education.Teachers in Serenje District marching along Nganswa road to Malcolm Moffat collage of Education venue for the commemoration of the world Teachers day. during the Commemoration of the world teacher’s day.Teachers from Handbar Kapotwe Primary school in Serenje district dancing during commemoration of the world Teachers day held at Molcolm Moffat Collage of Education.Teachers from Ibolelo Secondary School in Serenje district march to Malcolm Moffat collage of Education venue for the commemoration of the world Teachers day. 4.Molcolm Moffat Collage drama group performing during the Serenje district commemoration of the world Teachers day held at Molcolm Moffat Collage of Education of EducationTeachers from Kimale primary school singing solidality song during the World Teachers Day at Solwezi Trades in SolwezTeaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley M’hango (second right) with Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) senior trustee Jairos Banda join Kyawama High school music teacher Cliff Nyimba ( r ) in dancing to the song entitled “Do not kill” locally known in Kaonde as Kwipaya ne during the World Teachers Day celebrations held at Solwezi TradesTeaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley M’hango (l) awards Meheba Boarding secondary school head teacher James Kawan’u for being innovative, hardworking and result oriented head teacher in the province as provincial education officer Vengi Sinda(r) looks on during the World Teachers Day celebrations held at Solwezi Trades in SolweziTeaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley M’hango (l) joins Solwezi City College of education music teacher David Kapalu masquerading as Makishi in the dance entitled “ Unity in our Society” locally known in Luvale as Mwokolo during the World Teachers Day celebrations held at Solwezi TradesTeaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley M’hango (l) awards Mushitala primary school teacher Tabita Ng’andu for being outstanding in Methodology teaching skills and also for being hardworking young teacher as North- Western assistant secretary (m) Mukwambuyu Katungu looks on during the World Teachers Day celebrations held at Solwezi Trades in Solwezi
Given Lubinda
Justice Minister Given Lubinda has asked the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to summon those that are accusing others of corruption.
Mr. Lubinda said ACC should not only wait for people to report matters to them but should also summon those that had been accusing others in public to swear under oath about their allegations.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the ratification of the appointment of Mrs. Cecilia Mbewe as Clerk of the National Assembly and Mr. Kapetwa Phiri as ACC Director General, Mr. Lubinda said the fight against corruption was for everyone and that MPs were at liberty to bring in bills that could help improve operations of the ACC.
He added that MPs should enact laws that would help the new ACC Director General excute his duties diligently.
During the same debate, Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu wondered why some politicians were accusing the President and some ministers of being corrupt when they were not involved in any government procurement process.
” Mr speaker the procurement act is very clear, politicians are not involved in the procurement processes. So I am wondering were ministers come in on this matter.” he said.
The Malambo law maker explained that procurement teams consisted of technocrats and law enforcement agencies including the ACC.
“Politicians are not there during these processes. The security wings such as DEC, OP and ACC are there during these processes, that is why people should understand when ACC says there was nothing wrong with this or that procurement process, because they are there from the start.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Zulu wondered why some politicians were questioning ACC for taking long in investigating some cases.
He said investigations were complex and investigative wings should be given enough time to conduct the process.
The Eastern Province Minister urged MPs to take time to read and understand the issues pertaining to public procurement and corrupt acts.
He said MPs had the power to enact laws that can help give power to institutions like the ACC and Public Procurement Authority- PPA.
Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Rowland Msisika explains a presentation at the National Development Coordination Committee meeting held at Mulungushi Conference CenterLewanika General Hospital Sr. Monde Liywali (front) leading Health Professional Council of Zambia Chairperson Prof. Sekelani Banda (r) with his entourage inspecting the hospital during the National Health Care Standard Baseline Assessment and Orientation of Health Facility In-charges in Mongu, Western ProvinceHealth Professional Council of Zambia (HPCZ) Chairperson Prof. Sekelani Banda (l) after paying courtesy call to Western Province Medical Director Dr. Francis Liywali (r) for the National Health Care Standard (NHCS) Baseline Assessment and Orientation of Health Facility In-charges in Mongu, Western ProvinceGovernment recently engaged China Geo Co-operation company (CGC) to construct Independence High way in Solwezi into a Dual carriage way to carter for increased flow of traffic in the area at a total cost of K586 million. Above, CGC workers putting the water pipe culverts along the Independence High way near the Finance Bank in SolweziThe Nkoya traditional cultural group from Manyinga await to welcome Vice- President Inonge Wina at Kabompo airstrip before she commissioned the North-Western province to the national electricity grid in Kabompo recently.Vice- President Inonge Wina is received by nine year old girl Tionenji Mbewe (r) at Kabompo airstrip before she commissioned the North-Western province to the national electricity grid in Kabompo recentlyIna Ruthenberg world Bank Country Manager- Zambia confers with Jacob Chulu (r) and Titus Kalenga both Community Market Conservation board members shortly before the handover of the Carbon Payment cheque of 814,00 US Dollars to Community Market Conservation Chief Executive Officer Dale Lewis at PamodziIna Ruthenberg world Bank Country Manager- Zambia signs on the cheque whilst Director in the Ministry of Agriculture Monde Ngwaba looks on shortly before the handover of the Carbon Payment cheque of 814,00 US Dollars to Community Market Conservation Chief Executive Officer Dale Lewis at PamodziIna Ruthenberg world Bank Country Manager- Zambia flanked by Director in the Ministry of Agriculture Monde Ngwaba (l) handover the Carbon Payment cheque of 814,00 US Dollars to Community Market Conservation Chief Executive Officer Dale Lewis at PamodziNorth-Western province education officer Vengi Sinda (second light) leads Teaching Service Commission (TSC) chairperson Stanley M’ hango ( second right) to address head teachers drawn from all schools in the province at Solwezi College of EducationTourism and Arts Minister Hon. Charles Banda (left) explaining the need to market Zambia as a tourist destination of choice to Panorama Country Director Daniela Pawleniak. Panorama is a United Kingdom based Media Consultancy firm
Zambia National Soccer team Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene
Sports Minister Moses Mawere is upbeat Chipolopolo will overcome Nigeria in Saturday’s crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
Nigeria leads Group B on 10 points while Zambia is second on seven points.
“My wish is that the boys brings a positive result from Nigeria. I have all the confidence that they will carry the day,” Mawere said.
“This is a very crucial game and it will determine our chances of going to our first World Cup,” he said.
Zambia is facing Nigeria minus injured striker Brian Mwila and forward Emmanuel Banda while striker Patson Daka is racing against time to be fit for the match.
“The players available are equal to the task. Issues of injury are normal in football, Mawere said.
“I am very positive the boys will deliver to the expectations of the Zambian people,” he said.
Zambia arrives in Nigeria on Thursday after a four-day training camp in nearby Ghana.
President Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Administration Patrick Kangwa during the swearing in ceremony at State HouseNewly appointed Principal Private Secretary Dr. Simon Miti talking Oath before President Edgar Lungu during the swearing in ceremony at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu taking officail potography with the newly appointed Ambassadors, Permanents Secretaries and other cabinet Ministers shortly after swearing in ceremony at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Higher Education Mabvuto Sakala whilst newly appointed Principal Private Secretary Dr. Simon Miti (r) and newly appointed Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Administration Patrick Kangwa looks on during the swearing in ceremony at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Principal Private Secretary Dr. Simon Miti during the swearing in ceremony at State House6-President Edgar Lungu receive letter of Oath from newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Egypt Maj. Gen. Topply Lubaya during the swearing in ceremony at State House-President Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Germany Anthony Mukwita during the swearing in ceremony at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to USA Ngosa Simbyakula during the swearing in ceremony at State HousePresident Edgar Lungu congratulates newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Brazil Afreda Kansembe during the swearing in ceremony at State House
On Friday, 29th September, 2017, the Minister of Finance presented the 2018 fiscal year budget under the theme: “Accelerating fiscal fitness for sustained inclusive growth without leaving anyone behind”. The budget was presented at the time when according to the 2015 Living Conditions Monitoring Survey (LCMS), Zambia’s national poverty levels is at 54.4% and rural poverty at 76.6%. The poverty connotation is associated with citizens lacking access to essentials required for a dignified standard of living such as health, education and a decent standard of living. The cost of living has consistently been increasing in the last two years making it difficult for many households to access basic needs. The budget was also released at the time the economy is trying to fully recover from economic turbulence of 2015 and 2016.
The budget is well premised on a very important theme of fiscal sustainability which has been a perennial problem with the PF government. The 2018 budget also seems to be well aligned to the seventh national development plan. On the Pillar of enhancing human development, the budget seems to have sustained the drive of promoting human development. Allocations as a share of the budget to both key sectors of Education (16.1%) and Health (9.5%) compared to 2017 allocation of 16.5% and 8.9% respectively have remained high reflecting the importance that the budget attaches to human development.
These have been proposed to be spent on various aspects of education and health including construction and rehabilitation of education and health facilities at all levels, equipment and material acquisition, staff recruitment and financing mechanism for tertiary education level. Of concern to the JCTR is that like in previous years, over 50% of the allocation goes to administrative expenses. This pattern which seems to have continued in 2018 will hamper the realization of the aspirations of 2018 budget in the area of human development. Of the total education allocation of K11.56 billion for instance; only K1.8 billion will go to primary and secondary school infrastructure, student loans and scholarships, university and college infrastructure as well as skills development. The pattern is the same in health. Despite the total allocation of K6.78 billion to the health sector, only K1.5 billion has been allocated to health infrastructure development, drugs and medical equipment acquisition. It seems the larger share of the allocation is to administrative expenses which have remote benefit to the patients.
Also, of concern is the allocation in the Water and Sanitation sector. Key on the projects will be the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Improvement Project under the Millennium Challenge Account aimed at increasing water in Lusaka but also unbundling the arrears owed to the contractors and suppliers. Of the total amount allocated of K816.26 million, K564.51 million is meant for water and sanitation. Out of which K239 million (42.3%) is meant for the Lusaka Sanitation Project. This leaves an amount of K325.51million to deal with the problem of water and sanitation in the 9 provinces (109 districts) of our country. This amount is insufficient to help rectify the challenge of clean and safe drinking water by most citizens in the 9 provinces. Zambia’s water problem is bigger than Lusaka water problem.
Poverty and vulnerability reduction pillar has also received fair attention from the 2018 budget. Under the Social Protection Programmes, measures that include implementation of the social cash transfer scheme and food security pack are being proposed. However, of concern to the JCTR is lack of coordination in the implementation of social protection programmes. The issue of wrong targeting where people who are not in real need are given social cash transfer should also be addressed. Social cash transfer should be targeted at the very poor echelon of our society.
Of major concern also is the silence of the 2018 budget on the needs of workers who bear the heavier burden of financing budgets through pay as you earn. The tax free threshold has remained stuck at K3, 300 while the highest tax band has remained at 37.5% and as if this were not enough, the allowable pension contribution of K255 will now be subjected to tax. This is indeed at variance with the budgets spirit of not leaving any one behind. In the light of increased cost of living and minimal salary increment; workers have little to smile about in 2018 but to continue tightening their belts. Government should have given workers some tax relief by reducing allocations to defence and public order and safety. Zambia is one of the most secure and orderly countries to warrant such continued high allocations. This is not to trivialize the work of maintaining safety and security of the country but a country that is not at war cannot justify allocating almost 10% of the budget to defence and safety and security combined.
Government’s chances of realizing its lofty intentions can only be assessed through its measures to raise revenues and pillar five of creating conducive governance environment for a diversified and inclusive economy speaks to that. The share of the budget to be financed from domestic resources of 68.5% still falls below the level of 70% reached during the previous MMD government and it seems the country continues to rely heavily on debt financing. While the projected external financing in the 2018 budget has fallen by almost 50% compared to 2017 budget, JCTR is alarmed at the proposed increased domestic borrowing of almost three times the 2017 level.
A budget that is premised on job creation through the private sector cannot afford to borrow this much as this will crowd out the private sector who is supposed to invest and create jobs. Government increased domestic borrowing is also likely to push up lending interest rates by banks which will increase cost of doing business and ultimately counter the well-intended target of job creation. The JCTR also notes that continued increase in the allocation to loan repayments; both external as well as domestic is indicative of how serious the issue of debt is to the country.
The Centre therefore demands that Government urgently shares its Medium term Debt Management Strategy which the Minister of Finance announced that it was adequate to deal with the issue of public debt with citizens to acquaint themselves with it in order to hold government accountable. JCTR further urges Government to quickly table the loans and guarantees act before Parliament for amendments to allow Parliament have oversight on the country’s borrowing in line with the provision of the amended constitution as announced by the Minister of Finance. This exercise is long overdue. At the rate we are accumulating debt, this exercise is too important to be left to the whims of the Executive who has demonstrated unbridled appetite for borrowing. Above all, JCTR urges government to invest borrowed resources in projects with high economic returns such as roads that open up rural areas and connects them to markets.
The introduced excise duty of K2 on cement also seems contradictory to the budget’s desire of creating jobs and leaving no one behind. The construction sector is one of the sectors that has been growing fast and contributing to the economy. The introduced duty will unnecessarily increase the cost of construction especially to ordinary people who are building houses.
Overall, the proposed revenue measures seem to fall short of the high intentions of reducing poverty, inequality and creating jobs so that no one is left behind. While JCTR acknowledges measures such as removal of tax holiday of five years offered to foreign firms, the total financing measures proposed are inadequate to deliver the good intentions of the 2018 budget.
The budget is almost silent on effectively taxing mining companies. The informal sector is another sector that has been almost let scot free. The challenges facing collection of informal sector taxes go beyond the upward adjustment of informal sector tax such as base tax which the minister announced but administration of the informal sector taxes.
The budget should have also provided more incentives for local industrialization. Other than creation of industrial economic zones and parks, the budget has not offered much on how it will industrialize the economy and create jobs. The budget also has no relief to workers as they continue to bear the burden of generating tax revenues through pay as you earn.
Gerald Chiluba meeting MMD National Secretary Raphael Nakacinda at the party Secretariat in LusakaThe MMD Diehard Youth Wing has appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly to censure the language of members of parliament so as to avoid unnecessary provocation in the August house.
In a statement, MMD Diehard National Coordinator Gerald Chiluba notes that the continued character assassination and hate speech should not have a place in parliament as the place is meant for serious business.
Mr Chiluba said parliament is not meant for settling scores but a place of serious business of passing and endorsing legislative policies aimed at improving the wellbeing of Zambians.
He said the conduct of MPs should be exempary to the citizens because people need to have confidence in the house and that cannot happen if MPs cannot guard against being provocative and the use of insulting language.
Mr Chiluba further noted that parliament proceedings are published and broadcasted live on radio and TV and that there is need for members to guard against using insultive language as members of the public including school going children usually listen to the radio.
“We dont want to destroy the moral fabric of the wide national listenership that includes children and school going youths. Leaders are emulated, hence what type of role models are we potraying that use provocative unpalatable insults and hate speech in parliament.
“We want to secondly appeal to the speaker to share the commitment to work towards the achievement of a more interpersonal and peaceful environment in parliament that enables MPs to use respectable language and debate matters that have a direct bearing on the citizenry.
“It is indeed a matter of deep regret that at this critical moment in the life of our parliament some MPs have chosen to surbodinate national interests in favour of narrow personal political vengeance,” he said.
Mr Chiluba has since urged the Speaker not to allow the intergrity and the reputation of parliament to be jeopardized due to the egos of a few MPs with personal issues and uncontrolled tongues but rather remain committed to promoting healthy talks and language so as to maintain the stature and effectiveness of the house.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (right) with British Minister of State for International Development, Rory Stewart after a meeting at State House in Lusaka on Thursday,October 5,2017
The United Kingdom has pledged to continue supporting Zambia’s development agenda.
ZANIS reports that Visiting British Minister of State in Charge of Africa and International Development Rory Steward said the United Kingdom is keen on working with the Zambian government on a number of bilateral issues which fall in the frame work of the common wealth.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on President Edgar Lungu at State House in Lusaka today, Mr. Steward said Zambia plays an important role in the region due to its stability.
“Zambia’s stability has an effect on other countries in the region”, said Mr. Steward.
“The United Kingdom is willing to help Zambia as the country deals with refuges.
The British minister also said that his government is concerned with the levels of poaching in Zambia and that the UK will do all it can to help reduce the vice.
Mr Steward said Britain is ready and willing to work with the Zambian government in order to improve the welfare of the Zambian people.
“We would like to see where we can work together whether it is in governance, livelihood or education,” said Steward.
And President Lungu said, it was important that the two countries scale up their development cooperation especially that Britain has created a new ministry in charge of African developmental issues.
The Head of State said Zambia is diversifying from mining to agriculture and process raw materials as opposed to mere production.
President Lungu said Zambia was now encouraging and attracting investments in other sectors including the energy sector.
“We are in a transforming path of our economy so that we can improve the quality of life”, said President Mr Lungu.
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says the concession agreement which the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and Intelligent Mobility Solutions Limited has entered into to provide traffic management solutions and services at a cost of $500 million will not require government to spend money.
Mr Mushimba said this at a press briefing in Lusaka on Thursday.
He said the partnership with Intelligent Mobility Solutions Limited would introduce the use of electronic systems to enforce road traffic regulations.
Below is the full statement
PRESS STATEMENT ON A CONCESSION AGREEMENT ON A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA THROUGH THE ROAD TRANSPORT AND SAFETY AGENCY (RTSA) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INTELLIGENT MOBILITY SOLUTIONS (IMS) TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY IN ZAMBIA
HON. Eng. BRIAN MUSHIMBA, MP, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS
4TH OCTOBER 2017
Good morning. Allow me to thank you all for coming to my press briefing this morning and through you to inform the public that Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Road Transport and Safety Agency has entered into a Concession Agreement with Intelligent Mobility Solutions Limited a Consortium of Kapsch International and Lamise Trading.
The Concession Agreement is aimed at providing advanced road traffic management solutions and services in the transport sector.
As you are aware, Zambia has in the recent past experienced some of the worst accidents that have resulted in the loss of lives of our brothers and sisters on our public roads.
You may wish to note that in 2016, over 2,200 people died as a result of road traffic accidents on our public roads.
These lives were more important to all of us and as Government we cannot sit back and watch so much lives being lost.
In addition, the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has over the years faced numerous challenges in providing various services to the public as a result of lack of adequate resources to render services to the public as expected.
On a number of occasions, motorists have spent long hours on the queues in pursuit of services from RSTA.
In line with Government’s vision of a Smart Zambia to leverage on the use of information communication technologies (ICTs) in providing services, it is only prudent to bring on board the private sector in providing some services such as the Advanced Road Safety Management Solution and Services through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and reduce pressure on Government fiscal space.
The partnership is intended to reduce the rising incidences of road crashes and fatalities to improve the road safety record of our country and improve the provision of services to the public.
This partnership will introduce the use of electronic systems to enforce road traffic regulations.
The partnership will help improve the performance of RTSA on its core mandate and build capacity in RTSA to use modern methods of law enforcement using electronic systems. The partnership will help to scale up road safety interventions.
The procurement process for this project was in line with the dictates of the Public Private Partnership Act of 2009 where the unsolicited bids are subjected to an open tender in accordance with section 42 (6) of the Act.
The project was advertised in the print media for a period of one month and five competing bids were received and evaluated where Intelligent Mobility Solutions Limited which is a consortium of KAPSCH of Australia and Lamise Trading was awarded the concession to implement the Advanced Road Safety Management Solution and services.
The project is at no cost to Government of the Republic of Zambia while the concessionaire will provide among other solutions and services the following:-
Traffic management field equipment such as CCTV cameras, and road signs, Vehicle inspection centers, Border tolling facilities, High speed weigh in motion nodes to reduce overloading, and Road safety enforcement equipment.
RTSA retains its core mandate of regulation, education and collection of road tax, driver licensing fees and carbon tax.
While the concessionaire will enforce road safety and collect fines from traffic offences such as overloading, over speeding and road user charges for vehicle inspection and registration.
The Concessionaire will recover his costs over the course of the seventeen-year project duration through receipts of a portion pegged at 15 percent of user charges relating to the project such as traffic fines, vehicle inspection fees collected.
Further you may wish to note that 85 percent of these collections will be remitted to the Zambian Government Treasury.
Members of the press, ladies and gentlemen
Let me assure you that Government of his Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu remains steadfast to ensure that Zambia’s interests are safeguarded in implementing this project to benefit the people of Zambia today and our future generations.
We cannot afford to remain behind when technology in most advanced economies has enabled them achieved their success through the use of technology.
My ministry remains committed to make our roads safe to protect the lives of our people. I am confident that together we can achieve safer roads in Zambia and achieve our vision of becoming a hub of transport, communications and meteorology services by 2030 to be a reality.
