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Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Stenographer, Ms Jean Mwenfa Simukonda using the new digital interface to issue mining licenses
Have you ever dreamed of taking a pan down to the river and pulling up nuggets of gold? This ancient practice still holds allure for many people, but it wasn’t always legal to pan for gold in Zambia. But the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD) has just changed all that.
We visited the MMMD to find out more about it.
We met with head of Mineral Economics at the Ministry, Mr Willy Chilufya He explained to us that the MMMD has recently started issuing gold panning certificates in an effort to promote and legalise small-scale gold mining. The move, Mr Chilufya explains, is aimed at formalising small-scale mining and processing of gold in areas like Lufunsa, Vubwi, Lwano and Petauke where gold deposits have been found in streams.
“The gold panning certificate is valid for two years after issuance and is basically meant to give rights to Zambian citizens and cooperatives who want to pan for gold,” he says.
But before the decision was taken, the Ministry sought out the facts. Mr Chilufya explained that the Zambian Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, the Bank of Zambia and ZCCM-IH conducted a study to gather evidence that would help the Ministry of Mines understand the potential that small-scale gold miners may have to create meaningful jobs and contribute to the government treasury.
“This team has given us findings and recommendations that will serve as a strategy going forward as regards to gold panning and trading in Zambia. As a Ministry our thought is to have a formal system that will enable gold panners to sell gold to us so that it can sit as a government reserve in the central bank.”
Mr Chilufya says the panning certificate is currently being issued at the Mineral Economics office at the offices of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development in Lusaka.
“It is being issued electronically through the Mining Cadastre Administration System(MCAS), a web-based mining rights cadastre system that has been put in place by our partners, the European Union. The requirements for one to get a gold panning certificate are very simple. One just has to fill in a form, bring a tax clearance, Identification and they are good to go,” he says.
This is good news for those individuals and cooperatives out there who wish to follow the right channels to realise their gold panning dreams.
Health Minister Dr Chitalu ChilufyaMinister of Health Chitalu Chilufya has dissolved the board of the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council pursuant to provisions of Section 5 of the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Act number 10 of 2002.
Dr. Chilufya stated that Government is repositioning the National AIDS Council to improve its usefulness in providing coherent multispectral coordination as part of the escalated response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, affirming that in due course he will appoint new board members.
Dr. Chilufya has since emphasized that the new council must move expeditiously to give practical effect to the President’s personal resolve to stem the tide against the epidemic.
“The council must do more to promote actions for prevention, promote quicker testing and treatment, curbing stigma, and mainstreaming positive messaging in our broader response against AIDS,” Dr. Chilufya said
Dr. Chilufya is positive that the President’s personal commitment has given renewed impetus to the ministry as it confronts the epidemic.
And Dr. Chilufya has profusely thanked the outgoing Council Members for their diligent service to the country, during their tenure of office.
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 today.
Over fifty Zesco poles that were stationed at Chama Day Secondary school have been burnt by unknown people in Chama district.
And Ministry of Gender Permanent secretary Felix Phiri who is in the area on a tour to hand over tillers and Tractors has described the act as unfortunate.
Dr. Phiri says the development will slow down efforts by Government to improve the welfare of people.
Chama district Commissioner Leonard Ngoma has told ZNBC news at the scene of the incident that the fire was noticed around 12:00 hours.
Mr. Ngoma says it is strange that the poles got burnt within the premises of the school.
He explained that the poles were put at the school for connecting power in Makeni compound.
Mr. Ngoma says Zesco authorities in the area have reported the matter to police.
Meanwhile, Chama council secretary Judith Mambo has appealed to Government to consider allocating a fire tender to the district.
Mrs. Mambo says the council could not put off the fire due to lack of a fire tender
Diggers Rugby Club’s chances of winning the 2017 National League suffered a major setback following a narrow 13-12 loss at Mufulira Leopards on Saturday.
Mufulira’s Daniel Kunda placed two tries with his team mate Dean Zulu converting one of them before he scored two penalties later in this rescheduled match played at the Leopards Cage in Mufulira.
Third placed Diggers scored three penalties through Jubilee Chisenga who converted a double and another was inked by veteran Patrick Chanda.
With two matches remaining, the Men at Work are now 11 points behind leaders KPF who have 56 points from 13 matches played.
In other weekend rescheduled matches, Buffaloes crushed Ndola Wanderers 75-0 on the Copperbelt with Nkwazi overcoming Konkola 47-12 in Chililabombwe.
League leaders KPF, champions Red Arrows, Green Eagles, Roan and Kansanshi were all on bye at the weekend.
ZAMBIA RUGBY UNION LEAGUE
Saturday, 16 September 2017
Konkola (12 ) vs (47) Nkwazi
Mufulira – A (13) vs (12) Diggers
Ndola (0) vs (75) Buffaloes
Nchanga (21) vs (0) Chibuluma (Walkover to Nchanga as Chibuluma failed to travel)
Shepolopolo will face South Africa in the semifinals of the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship on Thursday after winning Group A with seven points.
South Africa also won Group C with seven points after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Botwana.
The Zambian Women coached by Albert Kachinga on Sunday wrapped up group matches in style after thumping Madagascar 7-1 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Barbra Banda scored twice with other goals coming from captain Noria Sosala, Misozi Zulu, Grace Chanda, Rachael Nachula and Rhoda Chileshe as Zambia overcame Madagascar.
Zambia had beaten Malawi 6-3 before drawing 1-1 with hosts Zimbabwe in their first two Group A matches.
Zimbabwe finished second in Group A with five points, Malawi with four points and Madagascar finished bottom of the group with no point after three straight defeats.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Kafue Member of Parliament Miriam Chonya has called on Government to bring down the number of roadblocks mounted by the Zambia Police traffic Unit between Lusaka and Kafue to curb traffic jams.
Ms. Chonya has observed that more than three roadblocks mounted between Lusaka and Kafue Districts coupled with the toll gate in Shimabala inconvenience road users especially motorists and commuters.
And Ms. Chonya states that the Frequent User Discount system in which motorists pay up to k200 before they can qualify for a user discount of K10 per day has not given them relief in Kafue and she has since urged Government to revisit the designed system.
“The people of Kafue are cooperative and do support government when it comes to developmental projects. They equally expect government to listen and reciprocate when they cry out. Right now the issue of the tollgates and roadblocks is causing a strain on the people who are going to Lusaka to earn some money that helps to boost our local economy. We hope government looks into these issues urgently” Ms. Chonya said
Ms. Chonya who also donated equipment for physiotherapy and K10, 000 was speaking at a fundraising dinner dance hosted by the newly upgraded Kafue General Hospital last evening officiated by Lusaka Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe called on Kafue residents familiarise themselves with the Seventh National Development Plan in order to appreciate Government’s to development the District and the nation at large.
And Mwakalombe pledged K10, 000 in his own capacity to support the hospital.
“Familiarise themselves with the Seventh National Development Plan in order to appreciate Government’s to development the District and the nation at large” Mwakalombe said
The other donations and service pledges were made by individuals and the local business houses in Kafue. Well-wishers from Chongwe also donated some five wheelchairs and over k80, 000 was raised during the event.
Patriotic Front (PF) supporter who was allegedly attacked by United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters in the just ended by-elections in Chilanga has died.
In a statement to the media today, PF media Director Sunday Chanda announced the death of Teacher Kalaluka of Chimanja ward in Chilanga constituency.
Mr. Chanda says Kalaluka was violently attacked by UPND cadres during the Chilanga Local Government election campaigns last week and was admitted in University Teaching Hospital and the family has moved the funeral to Lusaka’s Kanyama Township.
And Mr. Chanda since called on Zambia Police to expedite their investigations into the violence which has resulted into the death of Teacher Kalaluka as the PF mourns with the bereaved families.
Mr. Chanda further called on all political players to engage in issue-based politics because that is what the Zambian people have always demanded for.
“We regret to announce to the nation about the death of Teacher Kalaluka of Chimanja ward in Chilanga constituency who was attacked by the UPND cadres” Mr. Chanda said
GBFC
Zanaco’s Faz Super Division title defence suffered a major setback when Green Buffaloes beat them 2-0 in their top two showdown at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The defeat was Zanaco’s second straight loss after Nkwazi stunned them 1-0 on Wednesday in another Lusaka derby at Edwin Emboela Stadium.
Zanaco were second best throughout the match as Buffaloes sealed a deserved triumph in the first half.
Friday Samu and Mike Katiba were on target in the 24th and 45th minutes respectively to see Buffaloes go three points clear of Zanaco on 53 points whose two week reign ended on Sunday with under 11 games left to play.
Meanwhile in the late kickoff at the same venue,Red Arrows and Forest Rangers exchanged places after the latter lost 2-1 away.
Joseph Zimba put Arrows ahead in the 32nd minute but Forest equalized in the 35th minute through Patrick Illongo.
Francis Kombe then converted an 86th minute penalty to hand Arrows the 3 points.
Arrows are 11th on 37 points after swapping places with Forest on 35 points.
Minister of Finance Felix Mutati and the Speaker Of The National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini Touring Parliament Motel
K10 million has been released by the government to facilitate the PARTIAL rehabilitation and replacement of aging infrastructure, fixtures, and fittings at Parliament Motel in Lusaka.
This came to light when the MINISTER OF FINANCE FELIX MUTATI briefed the SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DR. PATRICK MATIBINI on the measures taken by the Treasury to ensure that Members of Parliament who do not have residencies in Lusaka had conducive lodging facilities during their stay in the Capital City when on Parliamentary and other related business.
DR. MATIBINI and MR. MUTATI conducted a joint inspection of the facilities last Thursday; the day before the official opening of the second session of twelfth National Assembly by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. An initial joint inspection of the facilities by the Speaker and the Minister was conducted in June, 2017.
Speaking after the tour of the motel last Thursday, DR. MATIBINI noted the tremendous progress made in rehabilitating the facilities “over a short period of time,” and added that, “time has come to relook at the situation and begin fashioning long-term improvements with the ultimate goal of rebuilding.”Minister of Finance Felix Mutati and the Speaker Of The National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini Touring Parliament Motel
Meanwhile Mr. MUTATI stated that the release of K10 million for the rehabilitation projMinister of Finance Felix Mutati and the Speaker Of The National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini Touring Parliament Motelect at Parliament Motel was in line with the policy of the government and the vision of President Edgar Lungu to ensure the provision of a conducive working environment for the discharge of public services.
During the official opening of Parliament last Friday, President Lungu reiterated government’s commitment to implement the decent work agenda and finalize the occupational safety and health policy; and the social protection bill, to provide a conducive environment for workers to fully exploit their potential in work places without worrying about occupational accidents.
Parliament Motel was commissioned in 1967 but has undergone negligible maintenance over the decades resulting in inadequacy and deterioration of boarding and lodging facilities such as rooms, the kitchen, and the dinning.
The Speaker was accompanied on the tour of Parliament Motel by Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Cecilia Nsenduluka Mbewe, while Mr. Mutati was accompanied by Accountant General Dr. Dick Chellah Sichembe.
Minister of Finance Felix Mutati and the Speaker Of The National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini Touring Parliament Motel
FILE: President Lungu Leaving for South Africa this Afternoon
President Edgar Lungu has left South Africa for New York to attePresident Edgar Lungu has left South Africa for New York to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly. Africa has been pushing for a seat at the UN Security Council and it is expected that this issue will be tabled to the UN organ in New York. Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says President Lungu is also expected to hold side meetings with various stakeholders while in New York. He says Zambia has been receiving refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is hoped that this humanitarian crisis will also be tabled at the summit. Mr. Chanda says the number of refugees has reached about 5-thousand, hence the need to solve the humanitarian challenge to avoid numbers rising. And on Saturday, President Lungu met with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma and held a closed-door meeting at State House in Pretoria. Mr. Chanda says many issues were discussed surrounding bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries. The President left South Africa at 09hrs.nd the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Africa has been pushing for a seat at the UN Security Council and it is expected that this issue will be tabled to the UN organ in New York.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says President Lungu is also expected to hold side meetings with various stakeholders while in New York.
He says Zambia has been receiving refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is hoped that this humanitarian crisis will also be tabled at the summit.
Mr. Chanda says the number of refugees has reached about 5-thousand, hence the need to solve the humanitarian challenge to avoid numbers rising.
And on Saturday, President Lungu met with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma and held a closed-door meeting at State House in Pretoria.
Mr. Chanda says many issues were discussed surrounding bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The President left South APresident Edgar Lungu has left South Africa for New York to attend the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Africa has been pushing for a seat at the UN Security Council and it is expected that this issue will be tabled to the UN organ in New York.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says President Lungu is also expected to hold side meetings with various stakeholders while in New York.
He says Zambia has been receiving refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is hoped that this humanitarian crisis will also be tabled at the summit.
Mr. Chanda says the number of refugees has reached about 5-thousand, hence the need to solve the humanitarian challenge to avoid numbers rising.
And on Saturday, President Lungu met with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma and held a closed-door meeting at State House in Pretoria.
Mr. Chanda says many issues were discussed surrounding bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The President left South Africa at 09hrs.frica at 09hrs.
Six people have been injured while dozens escaped unhurt in a road accident involving a Lusaka bound Bus known as peace Soldier. The bus overturned at Kalashili Village in Samfya District, Luapula Province.
Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo said that the bus which was driven by 37-year-old John Kalumbi of Kawambwa District was over speeding when the driver lost control and careered off the road along the Musaila – Samfya road. Mrs. Katongo says the accident happened around 09:00hrs on Saturday.
However, Samfya District Commissioner Nason Bwalya says the accident happened when the bus had a tyre burst and overturned. Mr. Bwalya says 15 people have since been admitted to Samfya District Hospital.
And Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa has wished injured victims of the Peace Soldier Bus accident a quick recovery.
Yesterday, a Kawambwa – based bus owned by Peace Soldier buses company got involved in a road traffic accident on the Musaila – Serenje road.
Samfya District Commissioner Nason Bwalya confirmed the accident which happened at around 09:00 hours.
Mr. Bwalya confirmed the Lusaka – bound bus developed a tyre burst and overturned injuring some passengers while others survived unhurt.
Mr. Bwalya said there were no deaths recorded but that about 15 passengers had sustained injuries and were rushed to Samfya district Hospital.
And Mr. Chilangwa who wished the victims God’s healing, regretted the accident.
“Peace Soldier Buses Company has no record of killing people, we have been very impressed with Peace Soldier’s clean record on the road as government. So to me this accident is very regrettable and I can only wish the people who sustained injuries a quick recovery and God’s healing. We are with them in prayer, ” Mr. Chilangwa said.
Mr. Chilangwa who personally called proprietor of Peace Soldier Buses Gilbert Chishimba thanked God for sparing people’s lives.bus1
The Accident SceneThe Accident SceneThe Accident Scene
THE two fire engines at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport spilling water over the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft in a picturesque arc of mist that glowed in bright sunshine during the inaugural flight to Ndola
Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise in talks about founding regional divisions in Zambia and Chad and aims to buy part of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national operator in a push to consolidate its lead as Africa’s biggest carrier.
Chief Executive Officer Tewolde GebreMariam said in an interview that an outline plan for a joint-venture airline in Zambia should be signed with the government and private-equity investors in a few weeks, leading to a final agreement by November.
That will give Ethiopian a new hub in Lusaka serving southern Africa alongside Malawian Airlines, in which it has a stake.
Mr. Tewolde said parallel discussions are underway in Chad for the establishment of a new national carrier there.
Ethiopian also wants to take equity in state-owned Congo Airways, with which it already has a strategic partnership including technical assistance, the CEO said in Addis Ababa, where his company has built up a major hub targeting inter-continental transfer traffic.
While Ethiopian Air is pursuing alliances on several fronts, with Uganda mulling proposals for a joint venture and Equatorial Guinea’s Ceiba Intercontinental a candidate to upgrade a maintenance deal into something bigger, Tewolde said there’s no truth to reports that his company is seeking to buy Arik Air, the largest airline in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country.
“We haven’t had any discussions and we have not submitted a bid,” the CEO said, adding that while there were talks last year, Arik is now under the control of national receiver Asset Management Corp. of Nigeria.
He said he was also unaware of interest in Arik from any other bidders.
Bloomberg
From Left to Right: Dr. Liya Nawa Mutale Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Arts, Mr. Augusto de Castaneda Vice President-Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Charles Romel Banda M.P Minister of Tourism and Arts, H.E Amb. Humphrey Chilu Chibanda Zambia’s Ambassador to Spain and Permanent Representative to the UNWTO
Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda MP has once again pushed for more Zambia’s leadership role in the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
At its 107th Session meeting held in Chengdu, China at the close of its 22nd Session General Assembly, Zambia was elected as Chair of the Executive Council for the year 2019. Further, the 107th Executive Council session unanimously returned Zambia’s role as 1st Vice Chair of the Council for the year 2018 before assuming the chairship of the UNWTO governing board in 2019.
Zambia becomes the first country in the history of the UNWTO to be granted a leadership in the Executive Council for a 3-year consecutive period.
In 2015 at its 21st Session General Assembly held in Medellin Columbia, Zambia was elected into the Executive Council for a period ending 2019.
This came after 30 years of not being part of the UNWTO governing Board. In 2016 at its 104th Executive Council Session held in Luxor Egypt, Zambia was elected as 1st Vice Chair of the Council for the year 2017.
Speaking in Chengdu, China, after being granted this leadership role, Mr. Banda stated that, this was a great achievement for the country and will ensure Zambia adds a voice to the development of tourism in the world.
Mr. Banda has said the decision by the 107th Executive Council meeting to return Zambia as the 1st Vice Chair of the Council provides Zambia with an opportunity to have a vital role in the assembling of the new team at the UNWTO Secretariat as the new Secretary-General elect Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia assumes office in January, 2018.
Mr Banda added that with renewed mandate as 1st Vice Chair of the Council, Zambia will play a leadership role as the UNWTO embarks on reforms in the organisation as decided by the 106th Session Executive Council.
At its 106th Session Executive Council meeting the Council decided to embark on reforms that will strengthen the rules of procedures of the organisation, a task that starts in 2018.
On the Executive Council Council’s decision to elect Zambia as Chair of the Council for the 2019, Mr. Banda said this signifies the confidence that the Council has in Zambia’s leadership in the organisation.
As Chair of the Council for the year 2019, Zambia will preside over the holding of the 23rd Session General Assembly to be held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to France who isZambia elected to UNWTO Executive Council
Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda MP has once again pushed for more Zambia’s leadership role in the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
At its 107th Session meeting held in Chengdu, China at the close of its 22nd Session General Assembly, Zambia was elected as Chair of the Executive Council for the year 2019. Further, the 107th Executive Council session unanimously returned Zambia’s role as 1st Vice Chair of the Council for the year 2018 before assuming the chairship of the UNWTO governing board in 2019.
Zambia becomes the first country in the history of the UNWTO to be granted a leadership in the Executive Council for a 3-year consecutive period.
In 2015 at its 21st Session General Assembly held in Medellin Columbia, Zambia was elected into the Executive Council for a period ending 2019.
This came after 30 years of not being part of the UNWTO governing Board. In 2016 at its 104th Executive Council Session held in Luxor Egypt, Zambia was elected as 1st Vice Chair of the Council for the year 2017.
Speaking in Chengdu, China, after being granted this leadership role, Mr. Banda stated that, this was a great achievement for the country and will ensure Zambia adds a voice to the development of tourism in the world.
Mr. Banda has said the decision by the 107th Executive Council meeting to return Zambia as the 1st Vice Chair of the Council provides Zambia with an opportunity to have a vital role in the assembling of the new team at the UNWTO Secretariat as the new Secretary-General elect Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili of Georgia assumes office in January, 2018.
Mr Banda added that with renewed mandate as 1st Vice Chair of the Council, Zambia will play a leadership role as the UNWTO embarks on reforms in the organisation as decided by the 106th Session Executive Council.
At its 106th Session Executive Council meeting the Council decided to embark on reforms that will strengthen the rules of procedures of the organisation, a task that starts in 2018.
On the Executive Council Council’s decision to elect Zambia as Chair of the Council for the 2019, Mr. Banda said this signifies the confidence that the Council has in Zambia’s leadership in the organisation.
As Chair of the Council for the year 2019, Zambia will preside over the holding of the 23rd Session General Assembly to be held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to France who is also the Permanent Representative to the UNWTO stated that he was delighted for these two new leadership roles the Executive Council has given to Zambia in the UNWTO.
Ambassador Chibanda has reiterated that in line with Zambia’s quest to increase the presence in international diplomacy Zambia shall continue seeking to provide leadership in various international organizations.
Mr. Banda and the delegation are expected back in Zambia on 18 th September 2017. also the Permanent Representative to the UNWTO stated that he was delighted for these two new leadership roles the Executive Council has given to Zambia in the UNWTO.
Ambassador Chibanda has reiterated that in line with Zambia’s quest to increase the presence in international diplomacy Zambia shall continue seeking to provide leadership in various international organizations.
Mr. Banda and the delegation are expected back in Zambia on 18 th September 2017.
This is a power supply station which will transmit power to the economic facility zone and onwards transmission to the city of Lusaka.
First Quantum Minerals says it was on course to meet quarterly production guidance from its Kansanshi and Sentinel after reaching agreement on a power levy.
The company said in July that copper production guidance from Kansanshi for the year had been increased to some 248,000 tonnes from 240,000t previously, while output from Sentinel had been lowered to 185,000t (195,000t).
In terms of the electricity supply agreement with ZESCO, First Quantum will pay an increased levy of $0.09 per kilowatt hour.
In return, First Quantum will be allowed to import a portion of its total power requirements from alternative suppliers.
The power levy had been a bone of contention this year after the firm refused to pay the increased rate.
This led to ZESCO cutting power to Kansanshi and Sentinel, effectively registering another political headwind for First Quantum which has been embroiled in a number of disputes with government.
In terms of the agreement, the increase in the power levy – from a previous level of $0.06/Kwh – would be imposed in two increments with the first increment beginning immediately.
The balance of the increase would be applied once the power import deal had been agreed and formalised.
The tariff will also be reviewed on finalisation of a ‘cost of service study’ which has been commissioned by the Energy Regulation Board, said First Quantum.
The study is expected to be available in early 2018.
“The tariff is backdated to January 2017, with a portion of the arrears to be applied to improving the stability of power supplies for Kansanshi and Sentinel. The Zambian government and ZESCO have committed to provide continuous unrestricted supply of power to First Quantum’s operations and to facilitate the importation of power from alternative suppliers,” it said.
“The four-week scheduled maintenance of the Kansanshi smelter was completed within the planned time period. The staged restart and ramp-up process was initiated on September 12; steady-state operations are expected during the week beginning September 18, 2017,” the company said in an announcement.
Finance Minister Felix MutatiGovernment has extended the period for the ‘Time to PAY ‘ agreement to allow companies and individuals clear their premiums with the Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA.
The initial deadline was December 31st 2017 but will now end in June 2018.
The ‘Time To Pay’ was initiated in April this year together with the Tax Amnesty which expired two days ago.
Minister of Finance Felix Mutati says the extension is meant to allow the private sector and individuals to breathe and give them enough time to clear their books with ZRA.
Speaking at a pre-budget breakfast meeting in Kitwe yesterday morning, Mr. Mutati said government cannot squeeze the private sector because they contribute the much-needed tax.
Earlier, Chingola Chamber of Commerce and Industry Coordinator Roster Chalwe pleaded with the minister that the Time to Pay be extended up to the end of 2019.
Mrs. Chalwe said the local Small and Medium Enterprises -SMEs have many challenges and they need enough time to pay.
She added that government must consider giving SMEs a two-year tax holiday so that they build capacity the way foreign investors are given tax holidays in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Mufulira Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Lackson Ndhlovu submitted that the threshold for local companies to subcontracted must be increased from the current 20 percent to 30 percent.
And Kitwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Past President Berry Mwango suggested that maritime transportation on the Kafue river be initiated since water is available throughout the year.
Mr. Mwango says bulk goods between Chililabombwe and Lusaka can be transported on the Kafue river to free up the roads which are being damaged by heavy trucks.
