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Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister, Richard Musukwa
ZAMBIA remains on course to hit the 1.5 million tonnes annual Copper production target by 2015, Mines, Energy and Water Development deputy Minister Richard Musukwa has told Parliament.
Mr Musukwa also refuted assertions that relations with the mining companies had stifled over the recent years hampering the Copper production targets.
Mr Musukwa was responding to a question by, MMD Liuwa Member of Parliament (MP) Situmbeko Musokotwane, who wanted to know whether assertions that relations with the mining companies had soured thereby affecting production targets.
Mr Musukwa said during yesterday’s Parliamentary proceedings that once developing mining companies go into full production, Zambia would increase Copper production to more than the envisaged 1.5 million tonnes mark.
“There has been steady increase and once mining projects ramp up operations, we envisage to hit the 1.5 million tonnes Copper production by 2015. We have no squabbles whatsoever with the mining companies and we still continue to attract Foreign Direct Investment in the mines,” he said.
Mr Musukwa also said, 366, 627 tonnes of Copper was produced in 1991, 424, 141 tonnes was produced in 2004, while 667, 604 and 763, 805 tonnes was produced in 2011 and 2013 respectively. The response followed a question from MMD Chembe MP Mwansa Mbulakulima.
North-Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu
The National Restoration Party (NAREP) has welcomed the move by the Anti-Corruption Commission to probe PF Mongu Central Member of Parliament and North Western Provincial Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu.
NAREP Youth League Secretary General Bwalya Nondo said in a statement to media yesterday that if the minister is found wanting the law must take its full course.
He however cautioned the ACC not to be selective when handling corruption cases involving government officials.
“We don’t know how far the Anti-Corruption Commission has gone in probing Honourable Kambwili concerning the advert that was published in the Daily Mail a few months ago congratulating him for the degree he obtained at Copperstone University”, said Mr Nondo.
Mr Nondo recalled that in the recent past ministers alleged to be involved in corruption activities were fired before the investigations were launched.
However, he wondered why Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili has not been suspended following the adverts that were published in the Daily Mail a few months ago congratulating him for the degree he obtained at Copperstone University.
“The minister involved was not suspended while others in the past were fired even before the investigations could take place”, he said.
He alleged that the PF government is using the Anti-Corruption Commission to intimidate those that have fallen out of favour with the party and those with a different view from them.
Mr Nondo said the general public wonders as to how independent the Anti-Corruption Commission is because of its selected investigations.
“There have been so many ministers who have been accused of being involved in corrupt practices but the Anti-Corruption Commission has not moved in to probe them. Some ministers have been probed but nothing positive has come out. Stop hoodwinking Zambians, we want see results not political gymnastics”, Mr Nondo observed.
He has since appealed to ACC not to be impartial in the way it functions adding that whoever is involved in corruption must be dealt with regardless of their political belonging.
“We call on His Excellency, President Michael Sata to immediately suspend the honourable minister in question and pave way for proper investigations because there is no way we can have a minister who is being probed for corruption in office. We also urge the general public to report anyone involved in corruption”, he noted.
The Bank of Zambia through the Registrar of Banks, Financial Institutions and Financial Businesses has with immediate effect revoked the bureau de change licence of ATICS Bureau de Change Limited.
ATICS Bureau de Change Limited surrendered its licence to the BOZ last month on the 19th of June on account of unsustainable business operations.
The revocation of the licence entails that ATICS Bureau de Change Limited has ceased to operate as a bureau de change under the Banking and Financial Services Act and the Banking and Financial Services (Bureau de Change) Regulations, 2003.
However, the revocation of the licence does not relieve ATICS Bureau de Change Limited of any obligations it incurred or assumed during the period of validity of the licence.
This is contained in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by the office of the Assistant Director of Communications at the Bank of Zambia.
GOVERNMENT has summoned the Indian contractors engaged to build the 650 Health Posts countrywide at about US $56 million following concerns raised by stakeholders on the slow pace at which the implementation process is moving.
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde met officials from Angelique International Limited, Jaguar Overseas Limited and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited in Lusaka yesterday, the meeting he said was the first in the series of others to be held quarterly to discuss the progress on the construction of the 650 health posts.
The three Indian firms were engaged to construct 650 health posts starting from April 25, 2014 to April 25, 2016.
Dr Kasonde said besides his personal concern, Members of Parliament and their constituents had also raised alarm over the slow manner in which the construction works were progressing.
“I would like to share with you the concern that we have and the concern that has been expressed but without adequate data on the rate at which implementation is being carried out in the provinces. These concerns have been expressed by, among others, our colleagues in Parliament and more importantly their constituents in the constituencies where you are operating.
“We cannot keep quiet about it. We have assured them that we shall keep in consultation with the contractors and this is part of that consultation. I have called this meeting because I am concerned in some cases about the lack of progress,” he said.
Dr Kasonde said it was imperative that progress on the construction was followed up as the facilities were of public interest and reiterated that Government would not remain mute on such a critical matter.
Dr Kasonde said also that the Government was indebted to its Indian Government for the financial support and thus would ensure that the funds were utilized for their intended purpose.
“For these reasons, we must meet every so often and I think it will be roughly quarterly and see where we are and where we are going. That is the purpose of this meeting,” he said.
The Minister, with officials from the three Indian contracted companies and those from the Ministry of Health then held a closed door meeting whose findings he said would be made public in due course.
Angelique International Limited assistant general manager, Santosh Kumar, Jaguar Overseas Limited project engineer Perumal Raja and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited project manager Sanjeeva Reddy assured the minister that they would complete the project within the stipulated time frame.
THE Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola is a time for Copperbelt residents to relax and enjoy among other things, music. Here some showgoers entertain other showgoers at one of the stands
THE Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) has recorded a drop in the number of people that attended the show this year.
The 50th ZITF started on Wednesday, July 2, this year and ended on Tuesday this week running under the theme ‘Showcasing 50 years of business transformation and development’.
ZITF marketing manager Moses Chitoshi said in an interview yesterday that the fair had recorded a drop in the number of attendance from 105,372 last year to 90,550 this year. This represents a reduction of 14 per cent.
Mr Chitoshi however said the ZITF had recorded an increase in the number of exhibitors.
He said 453 exhibitors were local and 91 were foreign bringing the number of exhibitors to 544.
This represents an increase of 17 per cent in comparison to last year.
The countries that participated were the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Syria, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.
“The increase in the number of local and foreign exhibitors is attributed to our marketing efforts like our door-to-door campaign and the efforts of the Zambian missions abroad,” Mr Chitoshi said.
Meanwhile, some exhibitors spoken to said they were happy with the organisation of the fair and that they had achieved what they had come to do.
Others however, called for improvement. Hydraform Key account manager Nalini Naidoo from South Africa said they had achieved what they had come to do.
A Tanzanian exhibitor however said she and her team had not reached their target. Hand of Products of Tanzania chairperson Esther Lugoro said the ZITF management had work to do to ensure that more Copperbelt residents attended the event.
Ms Luguro said the rent for the exhibiting stands was high and not as many people as the previous trade fairs went to the show.
Some show goers were happy with the exhibitions while others called for reduction in gate fees as that had negatively affected the numbers in the fair.
The Zambia Red Cross said it had attended to more than 150 people between Sunday and Tuesday.
ZRC publicity and information officer Potipher Chumamunda said their stand had not had any critical cases and it had recorded a drop in the number of diabetic and high blood pressure cases as compared to last year.
The cases for this year were predominantly cuts from sharp objects and those that collapsed because of exhaustion.
VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Guy Scott receives a bouquet of flowers on arrival at the official opening of this year’s International Trade Fair in NdolaSCRAMBLE for customers. Two exhibitors at the ZITF battle to attract customers using microphones onZambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) climax: Showgoers get busy during this year’s ZITF in NdolaSHOWGOERS admiring products at the ongoing 50th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has said that State House would issue a statement regarding President Michael Sata’s visit to Israel and reiterated that he would not compel the Minister of Health to answer questions regarding President Sata’s health.
Dr Matibini made the ruling following a point of order raised by United Party for National Development (UPND) MP, Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know whether it was in order for Government not to provide answers regarding the President’s health or his whereabouts.
Dr Matibini said the Ministry of Information had already issued a statement when the President left the country and that he was on a working holiday.
“You have rightly pointed out yourself that there was an official announcement or communication from the Minister of Information clarifying the dates when the President arrived and also confirming the fact that the President is within the jurisdiction of the country.
“The Vice President indicated that in as far as that subject is concerned, all communications will be issued by State House. That is the current position, as and when need arises, those communications will be made,” he said.
Zesco United have defeated a poor Nkana 1-0 today in Kitwe to maintain their ten year unbeaten record at Nkana Stadium
The games lone goal came early in the second half of the game after an evenly matched first period.
Winston Kalengo scored the games lone goal in the 52nd minute when his shot off a corner took a deflection off defender Masauso Zimba before going in.
Zesco generally dominated Nkana who lost goalkeeper Rabson Muchelenganga just after the break after failing to recover from a collision with Alfred Luputa in the 38th minute.
However, his replacement Charles Mweemba found himself as the easy target for Nkana’s poor day at the office with rowdy fans not giving him any time to breathe clearly not forgiving him for conceding the goal.
Zesco join leaders Zanaco on 33 points but stay second on goal difference after fifteen games played.
Nkana stay put in fifth place on 26 points from fourteen matches played.
The champions now head to Nchanga Rangers on Saturday to play their final rescheduled fixture.
Speculation is high as to the whereabouts of Zambia’s 5th Republican president -Michael Sata. President Michael Sata was last seen in public on 25th May during the African Freedom day celebrations.His frail appearance that day coupled with his failure to to show up for the official opening of the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka later that day fueled rumours about the president poor health status.
On the 22nd June the government announced that the President Sata was in Tel Aviv Israel on a working holiday,the 2nd working holiday he has had this year,the first being in London in February 2nd 2014.
According to the government, the president was in Israel at the invitation of invitation of out-going Israeli President His Excellency Mr. Shimon Peres.However, at the time President Shimon Peres was reportedly on his way to the United States of America.Israel media reported that President Sata was admitted at Sheba medical centre.Government however insisted that the President was on working holiday in Israel.
Meanwhile the Zambia Voice has disputed media reports that President Michael Sata arrived back home from his working holiday in Israel on Friday aboard the presidential challenger and has stated that it was doubtful that the Head of State could have landed at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
“I was at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport much earlier than the time some sections of the media have reported the presidential challenger landed. Some of the colleagues from the media found me there and there was no plane that landed at the airport at 22:05 hours. The presidential challenger could not have landed at the Kenneth Kaunda International without anyone seeing it. It is highly likely that someone is not saying the truth,” Mr Tayali said.
Zambian Voice executive director has since challenged government to show proof of President Michael Sata’s arrival in the country since the Head of State has not appeared to the public including some of his own ministers.
There are unconfirmed reports that the President flew back into the country on Saturday afternoon around 15 hours aboard the presidential challenger that landed at ZAF Mumbwa airforce base.The presidential chopper is then said to have picked him from Mumbwa ZAF airforce base and taken him to State House.
Mr Tayali charged that speculation could have been avoided if there was transparency in the handling of the office of the President.
He said even the presence of the sentries at State House could no longer be relied upon as a sign of his presence because in the past, they have remained there even in his absence.
Civil rights activist, Brebner Changala, is today expected to file in a writ of mandamus in the High Court in an effort to obtain an order to compel Cabinet to constitute a medical board to determine the health status of President Michael Sata.
Mr Changala confirmed to the Daily Nation yesterday that his lawyer Makebi Zulu had completed all the paper work and that today he would be filing in affidavits at court.
He said the process was delayed because he was collecting exhibits that needed to be submitted to court when suing the Attorney General.
The civil rights activist said he was suing the Attorney General because he was the one who was expected to advise cabinet to constitute a medical board.
“There is need for cabinet to constitute a medical board to ascertain the health status of President Michael Sata. It is over seven days since we wrote to the then acting President Wynter Kabimba asking him to exercise his powers to ask cabinet to consider the question of physical or mental capacity of President Sata.
“There are a lot of unprecedented things that have happened in our country such as handing over power. Mr Sata must be given enough time to rest,” Changala said.
He said some of the exhibits that would be submitted to court include the campaign videos for President Michael Sata, the 2011 September swearing in footage at the Lusaka High Court, the footage when he was addressing the army personnel in Livingstone, a footage when the President appeared in court in May 2014, and his appearance at the Freedom statue on May 25th 2014.
Mr Changala said there was a lot of exhibits that would go with his affidavit that he wanted both the court and cabinet to review as they would be determining the matter.
He said he was doing this for the good of the nation and that it was only fair that President Michael Sata’s health status was examined.
Ex-Nchanga Rangers striker Bornwell Mwape is hoping to work hard for his play at his new club Amazulu.
Mwape joined the South African club from Nchanga this month on a three year deal.
“The coach has welcomed me well and so far I’m enjoying the set up and the guys have been very good to me,” Mwape told Amazulu’s official page.
“It’s up to me to prove to them that I’m a good player. I’m very happy to be part of the team now, although I’m still finding life new because I’ve only been in South Africa three times.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a good season for me, I’m prepared to work very hard to reward the faith shown by the team.”
Amazulu signed the 22-year-old striker in February just a season after impressing them in action with Zambia where he scored five goals in eleven matches.
Mwape scored 13 competitive goal for his childhood club Nchanga last season.
Government has expressed concern at the lack of progress in the construction of six hundred and fifty (650) health posts across the country.
Government has expressed concern at the lack of progress in the construction of six hundred and fifty (650) health posts across the country.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with contractors in Lusaka this morning, Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, says government is very much concerned with the state of affairs concerning the construction of the health posts.
Dr. Kasonde says government together with the contractors will go through the three construction agreements to see how best the construction of the 650 health posts can be expedited.
Dr. Kasonde has however expressed hope that the target of having the 650 health posts in place will be met.
The Health Minister, who refused to give further details as to when the actual works will commence, says government remains committed to ensuring that the health posts are constructed within the stipulated period of time.
Meanwhile, the three Indian contractors have assured the nation that they will complete the construction works within the agreed timeframe.
The tenders for the construction of the health posts were awarded to Jaguar Overseas, Angelique Limited and Megha Medical Centres.
Wife to Zambia’s gallant freedom fighter Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Chilufya Kapwepwe with Col. Panji Kaunda at Kapwepwe farm
Widow of late freedom fighter, Simon Kapwepwe, Salome, says the golden jubilee of Zambia’s independence is an important national event that all Zambians should celebrate.
And Lubwa Mission Superintendent, Elija Chisulo, says the golden jubilee was an important event to his institution as it was where most freedom fighters emanated from.
Mrs Kapwepwe says the jubilee of Zambia’s independence was a cardinal development that every Zambian should celebrate.
She said Zambians should not shun the jubilee celebrations because of the various social-economic challenges such as lack of employment but celebrate the jubilee in unity.
ZANIS reports that the late freedom fighter’s widow said this in an interview at her home in Chinsali district today.
Zambia this October 24 celebrates her 50th independence anniversary with a number of activities in various districts in the country.
And Lubwa Mission Superintendent, Elija Chisulo, says the jubilee was an important event to his institution as it was where most freedom fighters emanated from.
Rev Chisulo told ZANIS at Lubwa Mission that the jubilee celebrations were important to his mission as it was where the father of the nation, Kenneth Kaunda, comes from.
He said the jubilee was also significant as it was marks the coming of Christianity by late David Kaunda, the father of Dr Kaunda, who came from Malawi.
He said when the late Mr Kaunda and his wife, Nyamunyirenda, settled in the area, they collectively erected a church which attracted other missionaries from other parts of the world to do missionary work in the area.
KASAMA Central Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Mwamba second (left) with his wife Chama Mwamba
Former Defense Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has called on Zambians more especially leaders to bury their political and tribal differences and endeavor to unite as Zambians.
Mr. Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, has since urged the people of Zambia to foster peace and unity as the country celebrates Heroes’ and Unity days.
The Kasama Central lawmaker has also urged the people of Zambia to recognize and appreciate the role Heroes played in the country’s liberation.
Mr. Mwamba, who is also Patriotic Front (PF) Kasama Central Member of Parliament, says this is the time that Zambians should unite and not to look back on the differences they have had in the past.
He says people should realize that they need each other for development and thus the need for them to remain united in a bid to promote peace and stability in the country.
Sub-chief Mwanamute of the Nkoya speaking people in Namushakasha area in Kaoma district of Western province says there should be political and tribal balance in choosing candidates for the forthcoming Mangango Constituency by-election slated for August 19.
In an interview with ZANIS, Sub-chief Mwanamute, whose name Davy Yowera, said the Nkoya people, being the hosting community, should be accorded an opportunity to field a Nkoya candidate in the Mangango Constituency by-election.
He charged that the Nkoya people were paying for their gesture of receiving many tribes which in turn do not appreciate the services accorded to them, adding that many tribes, such as the Luvales, Mbundas and Chokwes do not want to share political power with Nkoyas.
Sub-chief Mwanamute said in 2006 chief Mutondo recommended Mwendoi Akakandelwa, a Lozi, and in 2011 he also recommended Taundi Chiseke, a Luvale, adding that this time around he has recommended Chrispin Shumina, a Nkoya, to be fielded in the forth-coming Mangango Parliamentary by-election.
He said Luvales and Mbundas have politically dominated all the constituencies in Kaoma district with UPND’s Carlos Antonio heading the Kaoma Central Constituency.
Sub-chief Mwanamute complained that Nkoyas have been suppressed as the Luvales and Mbundas are now the majority in the district forcing Nkoyas not to be in the political corridors of the country.
He insisted that there should be tribal balancing in the political sphere of the district, a principle that kept former President, Kenneth Kaunda, in politics for 27 years.
But Kaoma district UPND youth chairperson, Joseph Kwanga, appealed to all the sub-chiefs of the Nkoya speaking people in the area to allow voters to choose a candidate of their choice.
Mr Kwanga said people have got the right to elect anyone as long as that person is accepted by the majority voters and warned that tribal politics will lead to anarchy in the area.
He said chiefs were the custodians of the land, tradition and culture hence they should not be dragged into active politics.
Mr Kwanga said the political positions of Mangango Constituency has been shared equally with the Nkoya Members of Parliament dominated the Constituency for over 20 years while the Luvales have just ruled for five years, adding that the complaint coming from sub-chief Mwanamute was null and void.
President of the Young African Leaders Initiative Andrew Ntewewe has defended the organisation’s leaked document which he calls the Constitution Masterplan in which the organisation is proposing that the 2016 general elections be held under the current constitution.
Addressing a news conference Wednesday morning, Mr Ntewewe defended the proposal saying it is the best one for Zambia’s democracy.
“It is a proposal and stakeholders are free to debate it and refine it. We believe it will help us save cost and ultimately arrive at a new constitution for the Republic of Zambia,” Mr Ntewewe said.
He also denied that YALI has been compromised by state agencies.
“It is incorrect to state that this proposal shows that we have been bought or compromised. We made the proposal in the spirit of give and take and promotion of democracy. We have not been compromised,” he said.
Mr Ntewewe explained that YALI is not going against the position of the Grand Coalition of the Constitution which has been fighting for a new constitution.
“We are not deferring with our coalition partners. We are simply offering alternative view point,” he said.
Asked why YALI submitted the document to the Ministry of Justice behind the back of its partners in the Grand Coalition, Mr Ntewewe explained that YALI was going to discuss the master plan after receiving feedback from the Ministry.
“We were going to share this document with everyone. It was never going to be a secret. We don’t understand why the Ministry is even treating it as a secret document. These are just our thoughts as an organisation,” he said.
Under the proposal dated May 13, 2014, submitted to the government, YALI is proposing that the 2016 general elections be held under the current Constitution as amended in 1996.
It said it is of the view that the public allows reasonable time for Cabinet to endorse the work of the technical committee appointed to draft the constitution and provide authority for the release of the draft constitution to the public.
YALI proposed that a national referendum be held alongside the 2016 general elections and that the new constitution should be adopted during the first sitting of parliament after the elections.
“The cost of running a referendum is equivalent to the cost of running a general election. YALI is aware that the approximate cost of the 2011 general elections stood at K322 million and so if the referendum is held separately any time before 2016, taxpayers will have to spend more than K800 million to which government urges that it would have to divert funds from priority areas such as health, education, agriculture and infrastructure development.”
In view of the above, YALI proposed the holding of the referendum alongside the 2016 general elections,” the document stated.
“The new constitution should be operationalised in 2017. By implications, the 2016 general elections will be held under the 1996 Constitution of Zambia,” YALI, which is party to the Grand Coalition agitating for the release of the draft constitution to the public, stated.
YALI proposed that beginning January 2016, until the time when the referendum is held, the Electoral Commission of Zambia should conduct voter registration exercise and update the voters roll by ensuring eligible voters were captured and ready to participate in the referendum.
