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MINISTER of Transport and Communication Brian MushimbaMinister of Communication and Transport Brian Mushimba says the laying the optic fibre network in various parts of the country is nearly complete with only 10 percent of the works yet to be done.
Mr. Mushimba says this is aimed at boosting the country’s access to internet connectivity.
He says the construction of communication towers is also in progress.
The Minister was speaking on the side lines of the SADC Ministers meeting in Durban, South Africa.
Mr. Mushimba said government’s effort of putting up various communication infrastructure will increase access to communication by 94 percent nationwide.
He said Zambia attaches importance to the provision of easy access to communication as it is a vehicle for achieving socio-economic targets that government has set.
Mr. Mushimba said government has put up an optimal policy and regulatory framework that will ensure people have affordable access to communication facilities
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC news by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Mission in South Africa, Naomi Nyawali.
Traders at Shibuyunji Market in Shibuyunji District have boycotted paying levies to the local authority because it has allegedly failed to construct sanitary facilities at the trading place.
The traders are also not happy that the local authority has not employed general workers to keep the market clean.
The traders told ZANIS that they will not pay any levy to the council until the local authority constructs the toilets and employs workers to be cleaning the market.
They said it is wrong for the council to be levying them without providing any service to the market.
A month ago, traders at the main market near Nampundwe Mine appealed to the council to construct better trading shelters at the market.
Council Secretary Gladys Lilanda could not be reached on her mobile phone.
Chief Mweemba (r) and Chief Sinazongwe joyfully welcomes President edgar Lungu at Chief Sinazongwe Palace in Southern Province 21-04-2017. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANISSenior Chief Mweemba of Sinazongwe District in Southern Province has urged fellow traditional leaders to work with President Edgar Lungu and the ruling party to ensure development in their areas.
Senior Chief Mweemba says while Chiefs must remain non-partisan, it is imperative that they work with the government of the day to enhance their subjects’ development.
The traditional leader says he is going to work with President Lungu regardless of what others think because it is for the benefit of his subjects.
He says he does not understand why some people have a tendency of labeling anyone seen to work with government as a politician and that development must not be politicized.
Meanwhile, the Senior Chief has appealed to President Lungu to declare his area as a district so that his subjects can have easy access to development and government services.
He is also appealing to government to build him a new palace saying he is squatting in a dilapidated structure
Zambeef has announced that it has entered into a Share Sale Agreement with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for the sale of 90 per cent shareholding in its wholly owned subsidiary, Zampalm Limited to the IDC for a cash consideration of US$16 million.
The US$16 million cash is to be paid on completion, with a further Performance Amount of up to US$2 million dependent on performance milestones over the three years from 2018 to 2020.
Zambeef Chairman Dr. Jacob Mwanza said the transaction is in line with and a continuation of the Group’s strategic vision, which will allow Zambeef to focus on growing its core business, which is the production and retailing of cold chain meat and dairy products, cropping and stockfeed, delivered through the Group’s extensive processing, distribution and retail network.
Dr Mwanza said the deal would further allow Zambeef to continue to reduce its overall gearing, and in so doing, reduce interest costs.
Zampalm was incorporated in 2009 following Zambeef’s acquisition of Zamanita Limited in order to develop an oil palm plantation and crushing mill in Zambia as a continuation of its strategy of vertical integration.
In addition to its position as a leading edible oil and soybean meal producer, Zamanita also owned the only solvent extraction plant in Zambia.
It is estimated that 50%-70% of Zambia’s edible oil consumption of approximately 120,000 Metric Tonnes per annum is imported as finished edible oil from the Far East, East Africa and South Africa.
Zampalm was created to substitute those exports and produce palm oil entirely in Zambia for the domestic market.
Zampalm owns 20,238 Hectares of land on title in the Northern Province of Zambia, on the Eastern side of Lake Bangweulu, to the North-West of Mpika town.
Zampalm currently has approximately 413,362 palms planted over an area of 2,911 Hectares in the main plantation, with another 172,000 seedlings in the main and pre-nursery.
As at 30 September 2016, the assets of Zampalm had a book value of US$19 million, representing approximately 6.3 per cent of the Group’s gross assets.
Following the disposal of Zamanita, the Board has reviewed its strategy for Zampalm and concluded that given the long timescales required to create value from a greenfield project, it was in the best interests of Zampalm stakeholders to seek a new majority shareholder.
Zambeef will however retain a 10 per cent shareholding.
Protestors heading to the PF Secretariat to petition against Felix MutatiYoung African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza has said the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) has lost its relevance to the Patriotic Front (PF).
Commenting on calls from some PF Members in some provinces to have the Finance Minister Felix Mutati fired, Mr. Mwanza said the ruling party now can go for elections without forming an alliance with the former ruling party.
Mr. Mwanza further stated that if the PF will win or lose the 2021 elections, it will purely depends on themselves and their performance.
Mr. Mwanza has since urged President Lungu to learn from the fall of Zambia’s fourth President Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
Mr. Mwanza said Zambians told Rupiah Banda to reduce his love for foreign travels and concentrate on local travels but he ignored the advice.
“You can’t have a President even in 2017 who keep the globe map on his desk”
“He needs to get out more frequently and interact with people, listen even to those who may have divergent views”
“If he keeps getting assurances that all is well from those close to him, he may wake up to the sane rude shock that sent RB crying”
“And those that were mostly not giving him the best of advice run away, like vultures, to PF” Mwanza said
Zambia National Soccer team arrive at Houri Boumedian Airport in Constantine aboard a chartered Rwanda Airways Plane
President Edgar Lungu has congratulated the Zambia National Soccer Team for their 1 – 0 win against Algeria in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup return leg qualifier in Constantine, Algeria on Tuesday night.
The President has said the good and impressive start by Chipolopolo in the 2018 World Cup Qualifier tournament signifies the glorious performances ahead.
“I happy for the victory that the Chipolopolo boys posted in last night’s 2018 FIFA World Cup return leg qualifier against Algeria. The team has shown resilience and commitment to deliver good results for Mother Zambia. It is therefore imperative that as Zambians we rally behind the Chipolopolo to build their zeal and momentum for more victory.”
The President hailed the incorporation of some players from the Under-20 team into the senior team as a well thought out move and emphasised the need to address shortcomings which were encountered during the first two matches so far played.
“As Patron, I wish to urge the Football Association of Zambia leadership to continue supporting the Chipolopolo Technical bench for the team to achieve desired results. I convey my profound congratulations to the Chipolopolo and the entire bench. May the Almighty God continue to guide you and grant you blessings in this journey,” the President said.
“This performance by our soccer team represents the model Zambian citizen doing duty for mother Zambia abroad. These are the envoys Zambia desires that in both their private and public capacities, their focus is to project positively the cause of their country. The boys’ determination to win is an act in the direction. In all areas of our lives, one great lesson we learn from the football team is that national interest must always supersede our narrow personal interest as it were,” the President says.
The Zambian team celebrates winning the Zambia Rugby 7s international tournament
Paratus Zambia has cheered Zambia’s national Rugby 7s team for winning the 2017 Zambia international tournament in Lusaka. As one of the sponsors of this year’s tournament, Paratus is thrilled to see its investment bearing fantastic results and also taking the name of Zambia to the top of the sport.
The Zambia A team emerged winners after beating Zimbabwe in the final held at the Leopard’s Hill Polocrosse Club at the weekend. The event featured teams from across Southern Africa including Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Zambia entered two main teams and a few selects teams.
“We are extremely proud that Zambia A won this year’s rugby seven international tournament in Zambia,” said Paratus country manager Marius van Vuuren.
The tournament attracted a strong crowd of rugby fans and the sport kick-started its revival this year after a number of years in the doldrums.
“Since being relaunched this year, we are extremely proud that the Zambia Rugby 7s has been a huge success. We are certain that our sponsorship will continue to grow our legacy of helping to grow the sport as well as giving people unforgettable rugby experiences,” he added.
Van Vuuren says Zambia’s win was a big step in the right direction, especially considering that the sport is developing. “Rugby is a developing sport in Zambia and a lot of people are realising dedication, teamwork and determination of the sport, its players and fans.”
“We are glad that we are contributing towards the development of the sport. I believe that with the support we are putting in rugby, it will inspire people across the country and allow them to participate in developing it further,” he said.
He is confident that a lot more could be done by sponsor companies in helping the sport win approval at local, regional and international levels. “I believe that the more we support rugby, the more it will popularise and people will love it more.”
Paratus has built its business success on teamwork and networking, thus supporting rugby in Zambia was part of the company’s way of promoting the values of teamwork and networking that are essential to help companies grow and unite people.
Apart from uniting people, sport helps improve people’s health. Paratus is committed to promoting healthy living by sponsoring and encouraging sports like rugby. It believes its support will drive healthy living and an active lifestyle.
Van Vuuren says this tournament was an exciting one because it was being hosted right here in Zambia. “We are happy that a lot of people praised our teams and I hope this kind of support will continue.”
“Paratus is celebrating its seventh anniversary this year in Zambia, so it is only fitting that we give back through supporting Rugby 7s,” he concludes.
The Zambian team celebrates winning the Zambia Rugby 7s international tournament.
Former President Rupiah Banda and PF Secretary General Davies MwilaTwo soldiers and a businessman were arrested last month for allegedly conspiring to assassinate former President Rupiah Banda and special assistant to the President for political affairs Kaizer Zulu.
The three have since been charged with two counts of conspiracy and they appeared in the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court yesterday for explanation of the charge.
Steven Phiri, Steven Chooka and Milner Mwanakapwe are also charged with unlawful possession of other people’s National Registration Cards (NRCs).
When the matter came up, the State applied for an adjournment so that the charges can be separated because conspiracy to murder can only be tried by the High Court while unlawful possession of NRCs can be heard in the Magistrate’s Court.
But defence lawyers objected to the application and asked the court to dismiss it.
In his ruling, senior resident magistrate Kenneth Mulife adjourned the matter to today for plea in the unlawful possession of NRCs and explanation of the charge in the conspiracy to murder case.
Mr Mulife also reserved ruling for bail application to today.
This was after defence lawyers applied for bail stating that the accused persons have been in custody for over a month.
“Your honour, we wish to make another application for bail, pursuant to Section 123 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The law is clear that any person arrested over a bailable offence can be granted bail,” one of the defence lawyers, Keith Mweemba, said.
But State prosecutor Godfrey Mwanyino objected to the application on grounds that the accused persons are a danger to the witnesses in the matter.
“Your honour, we have considered that the offences the accused stand charged with are bailable and being the discretion of the court to grant bail to the accused.
“However, we strongly object the application because some witnesses who are key in this matter, whose lives are in danger, may be interfered with,” he said.
Another defence lawyer, Martha Mushipe, argued that the court has discretion to grant bail upon fulfilment of the set conditions.
“Your honour, the accused persons are of fixed abode, able to provide sureties and two of them are service men in the defence force and they reside in a barrack situated in Lusaka West.
“Our view is that this court grants them bail on the basis of our submissions and the fact that two of them are unwell and need medical attention,” she said.
However, Mr Mulife said the court could not grant bail to the accused persons before taking plea and explanation of the charges.
It is alleged that between June 30 and August 8 this year in Lusaka, Phiri and Chooka, who are soldiers, and Mwanakampwe, a businessman, jointly and while acting together with other unknown people, conspired to murder Mr Banda and Mr Zulu.
The three suspects are also alleged to have unlawfully possessed eight NRCs belonging to other people.
Health Minister Dr Chitalu ChilufyaDisability Rights Watch is delighted with the indication from the Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya that the Mental Health Bill will be presented before the National Assembly this coming sitting.
In a statement today, Disability Rights Watch National coordinator Bruce Chooma has commended the minister regarding his pronouncement on mental health bill, adding that taking the bill to parliament is a great move which will put the human rights standing of the Republic of Zambia to a higher level in as far as upholding the rights of persons with disabilities is concerned.
Mr. Chooma says the Bill which has been pending for than two decades covers the issue of dignity for persons with mental disabilities.
Mr. Chooma further stated that the Bill will raise the dignity and self-determination capacity of persons with mental disabilities to a more human rights based status.
“The issue of supported and assisted decision making should be clear in this Bill”
“All-in all the right of persons with mental disabilities to enjoy and exercise legal capacity should be upheld through this Bill”
“We are highly grateful to the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. C. Chilufya for ensuring that the Bill at last sees itself into the National Assembly. We as DRW will avail ourselves, with our experts, to give direction and witness input to the committee of the National Assembly which will handle the Bill”
“The Bill will repeal the archaic Mental Disorders Act of 1949 and among other things establish the Mental Health Commission and promote community based support services for Persons with mental disabilities and mental health conditions and promote access to mental health services at primary health care level” Mr. Chooma said
Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda unveiling the placardLuanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda has said the economic prospects for Luanshya town are becoming bright with the increase of copper prices on the world market.
In a statement yesterday, the luanshya Mayor revealed that he has started engaging the China Nonferrous Metal Company Luanshya Copper Mine (CLM) over the reopening of Baluba underground mines which is on care and maintenance and the possibilities of reopening of 28 shaft Mine now that the copper prices on the world market were increasing.
Mr Chanda has since urged the management of CLM to quickly consider reopening the mines as soon as possible so that Luanshya can also benefit from the God given natural resources.
The luanshya mayor further urged CLM to also consider improving the condition and welfare of it’s workers.
And Mr. Chanda has appealed to the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (ECE) to consider increasing the amount of electricity being supplied to the mines which was reduced to 70 percent of the mine’s requirements now that there was an increase in copper demand on the market.
The Mayor noted that Luanshya residents were hopeful that services provided by facilities owned by CLM such as Luanshya Trustee School and Roan United Football Club must improve following the upswing in copper prices.
“I want to appeal to the management to do more in they social corporate responsibility (SCR) to the Luanshya community so that Luanshya can feel it’s impact as the biggest investor in the town” Mr. Chanda said
The luanshya mayor was accompanied by his deputy mayor Mr Golden Mulenga and other officials.
Meanwhile the the CLM management has said will not idle but doing everything possible to ensure that the mining sector positively contributes to improving the wellbeing of Luanshya residents.
And CLM Deputy Chief Executive Officers Wan Jijan said there were a number of issues which needed to be resolved before the reopening of Baluba Underground mine; the company’s flagship was reopened.
He added that currently CLM was only operating its new mine Muliyashi Open Pit Mine while it’s old mine Baluba was in 2015 placed under Care and Maintenance.
“Anyway! the mines have extended the working hours from 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours to 24 hours services
Secretary General Stephen KatukaUnited Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Steven Katuka Mr. Katuka has said UPND intends to hold several thanksgiving rallies across the country which will be addressed by the UPND senior leadership that includes the UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and his Vice-President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM).
Mr. Katuka believes that peaceful and lawful assemblies, demonstrations, meetings and rallies are part of the democratic tenets that must be allowed like the PF members have been doing against Finance Minister Felix Mutati of late.
“We intend to hold several Thanksgiving prayers countrywide” Katuka said
And Mr. Katuka has expressed concern regarding the seemingly countrywide demonstration by PF supporters against the Minister of Finance Felix Mutati calling for his resignation.
Mr. Katuka says UPND is not interest on the merits or demerits of these demonstrations as that is really none of UPND’s business as the demonstrations are purely an internal PF and MMD led Mutati faction.
Mr. Katuka has observed what he teemed as the usual selective application of the Public Order Act in Zambia where PF members can easily get into the busy or streets without a police “permit” and start demonstrating.
Mr. Katuka wondered how PF members are being allowed to demonstrate especially at a time when the country is under the threatened State of public Emergency where such activities are not allowed.
Mr. Katuka says the current status quo vindicates Mr. Hichilema with his sentiment at a Press Conference in South Africa suggesting that there is selective justice and application of laws in Zambia.
Mr. Katuka has since reiterated Mr. Hichilema’s allegations that some laws in the country favours those in the ruling party to the disadvantage of the opposition especially the UPND.
Mr. Katuka adds the the UPND President and some seniour members have been very consistent in their messages both home and abroad that there is suppression of the rights of those holding different views from those of the PF in the country and both Zambians and the international community must pay attention to the UPND’s observation on some Zambian laws with a view to correct the situation so that it favours all citizens.
Meanwhile, the UPND Secretary General has commended Zambia Police Service for what he deemed as seemingly change of heart and professional conduct and hope that from now onwards, the police will also allow the UPND members who wish to hold thanksgiving rallies on the release of their party leader Mr. Hichilema to do so according to the provisions of the Public Order Act.
“We now hope the Zambia Police Service have finally reflected and have had a change of mind on the discriminatory application of the Public Order Act so that even UPND members will be allowed to freely hold both indoor and outdoor party mobilisation meetings as well as given their constitutional and democratic space to actively engage citizens and share their messages without hindrance” Katuka said
Zambia National Soccer team Coach Wedson Nyirenda talking to JournalistsCoach Wedson Nyirenda has praised Zambia’s character in Tuesday night’s 1-0 away win over Algeria that saw them complete back-to-back 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B triumphs over The Fennecs.
Zambia eliminated the four-time World Cup finalists from the race to Russia after the result left Algeria rooted at the bottom of Group B on 1 point with two games left to play.
Chipolopolo had just three days prior to Tuesday’s win in Constantine defeated Algeria 3-1 in Lusaka on September 2.
Patson Daka scored the all-important goal in the 66th minute to move Zambia within three points of leaders Nigeria whom they face away in their penultimate Group B match on October 7.
“It was not an easy game in Lusaka and it was equally not easy one here in Constantine,” Nyirenda said is a post-match interview.
“Algeria played a very good game and showed character.
“They attacked a lot but we had a a plan of containing them and hitting them where it matters most.
“It worked for us, I commend the players for what they have done.”
Second placed Zambia, on 7 points, must now beat Nigeria away next month to join them on 10 points for them to take Group B qualification to the wire.
Zambia will host 3rd placed Cameroon in their final game on November 6 who are out of the race on 3 points.
Kitwe United coach Ernest Koffi says the Buchi Boys won’t underrate New Monze Swallows in Wednesday’s 2017 Barcalys Cup pre-quaterfinal clash at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Debutantes United and Swallows will get the Barclays tournament underway when they clash in the 13h00 kick off match.
“We don’t need to underrate any team.
We have to do our home work correctly,” Koffi said.
“We need to proceed further in the competition,” he said.
Winners between Swallows and United will play Zesco United in the quarter finals.
“Playing Zesco will be exciting. Zesco is a big club and have made a name.
Playing them will mean that our boys will have to do something for the team to progress further,” Koffi said.
Winners of this year’s Barclays Cup will get K350, 000 while runner ups will pocket K180, 000.
President Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator CentrePresident Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator CentrePresident Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator CentrePresident Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator CentrePresident Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator CentrePresident Edgar Lungu with Air Force Commander Lt Gen Eric Chimese at the official opening of Zambia airforce L15 Flight Simulator Centre at ZAF Lusaka BasePresident Edgar Lungu inspects Quarter Guard at ZAF Lusaka Base
His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Dr. Andrew Parmley
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Dr. Andrew Parmley will be visiting Lusaka, Zambia next week from 13th to 15th September 2017 to promote bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. The Lord Mayor will be accompanied by Alderman Sir. Michael Bear.
During the visit, the Lord Mayor will meet with senior Government and business leaders to explore business and investment opportunities for UK-based companies particularly in financial and professional services, energy and infrastructure sectors of the economy. He will also espouse the strong desire by UK’s financial and professional services to work with international partners to deliver mutual benefits as Zambia seeks to develop institutional/financial capacity to underpin economic growth.
High Commissioner for Zambia to the United Kingdom Mr. Muyeba Chikonde who held a pre-visit consultative meeting at Mansion House yesterday said the visit by the Lord Mayor Alderman Dr. Parmley to Zambia, to promote the City of London as the partner of choice for infrastructure and energy projects earmarked over the 4-5 years, including financial (PPP model included) and design and consultancy could not have come at a better time when His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia had launched the country’s 7th National Development Plan that gives guidance on the country’s development priorities.
The High Commissioner urged the Lord Mayor to also explore opportunities in the agriculture sector including agribusiness and food processing, which he said were major priority for Zambia. His Excellency Mr. Chikonde stated that Government was happy that agriculture was attracting investments from the UK highlighting the recent investment into Zambeef by the UK’s CDC Group.
The High Commissioner stated that it was important to facilitate closer collaboration between the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to enhance sharing of best practice and exchange of information for mutual benefit. His Excellency Mr. Chikonde assured the Lord Mayor Dr. Parmley of the Zambian Government’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties between Zambia and the United Kingdom.
He expressed optimism that the Lord Mayor’s visit will help raise awareness about the vast investment opportunities available in Zambia to the UK businesses and called on Zambian companies to seek partnerships with UK-based companies.
The Lord Mayor informed the High Commissioner that his delegation would also promote the work of the UK Export Finance and explore opportunities in Fintech, and encourage the use of digital electronic systems to enhance access to finance for small and medium size business.
