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Government to enhance collaboration with UN agencies

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Government to enhance collaboration with UN agencies

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jack Mwiimbu says government will support the successful implementation of the ninth United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country programme with a proposed assistance to Zambia worth over 32 million United States dollars.

Speaking during the presentation of credentials by UNFPA Country Director, Seth Broekman, Mr Mwiimbu thanked UNFPA for the invaluable support it has rendered to Zambia in achieving its ambitions of improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups.

Mr Mwimbu who is also Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security said government remains committed to continued collaboration with agencies of the United Nations system and development partners in implementing national programmes.

Mr Mwiimbu further reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are achieved.

He stated that government through the Eighth National Development Plan has integrated population issues to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s development agenda.

Mr Mwiimbu disclosed that for the period of 2023 to 2027 under the ninth country programme, government and UNFPA have partnered on enhancing integration of population factors and support in generation of population data.

He explained that the two parties have focused on harnessing demographic dividend by promoting girl’s education, enhancing family planning provision and scaling up skills development for quality jobs.

Mr Mwiimbu added that prevention of child marriages and reduction of teenage pregnancies as well as gender based violence are among other areas of focus for the period.

“I want to assure you that this partnership of so many years has led to great aspirations, achievements by this country in improving the quality of life for our women, young people and the communities in Zambia,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Director, Seth Broekman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Zambia in an effort to improve the quality of life for the people.

Mr Broekman assured that UNFPA’s will support the achievement of Zambia’s development aspirations.

State, WWF act to save Magoye river catchment

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State, WWF act to save Magoye river catchment

By Benedict Tembo

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu says the Magoye ecosystem is under threat as a result of various socio-economic factors.

During the launch of the Magoye Restoration and Protection Plan in Monze District on Monday, Mr Nzovu said that the environmental risks have resulted in disturbance of the normal functioning of the ecosystem, thereby undermining its ability to provide critical services and the related benefits.
He cited the recent floods that affected the people of Central and Southern provinces, particularly those along the banks of the Kafue plains.

The Magoye River Catchment Restoration and Protection Plan is the first of its kind to pursue declaration of a river catchment as a water resource protection area.

Mr Nzovu noted that if no measures are put in place to restore the Magoye River catchment area, alot of people will suffer.

He said this was because the river supports a population of more than 200,000 people and over 400,000 livestock.

Magoye contributes significant flows into the Kafue River.

“Therefore, measures should be taken to preserve the river as it is the source of the water for the people of Pemba, Gwembe, Magoye and Mazabuka districts,” he said.

Mr Nzovu said Government has prioritised the restoration and protection of the Magoye ecosystem with a view to recreate, initiate or accelerate its recovery from disturbance.

He said some of the measures to be undertaken include: revegetation – establishment of vegetation on sites where it has been previously lost; habitat enhancement – increasing stability of a site as habitat for some desired species and remediation – improving an existing ecosystem with the aim of replacing another that has been destroyed.

Mr Nzovu assured traditional leaders and the people of Southern Province that the ministry will enhance the planting of trees along the Magoye River to reduce its further degradation.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Mike Mposha said his Ministry will strive to provide quality water to the people of Zambia through the restoration of degraded rivers.

And WWF Zambia Country Director Nachilala Nkombo noted that climate change negatively impacts the ecosystem, economic activities and livelihoods.

She called on local communities to support the restoration plan as it will bring back valuable environmental, social and economic values.

Ms Nkombo said WWF will continue to support desilting efforts of Magoye and transformation of agriculture to sustainable practices.

Zambia offers Kenyan farmers land to grow Maize in Zambia

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Zambia offers Kenyan farmers land to grow Maize in Zambia

Kenya’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi revealed a deal between Kenya and Zambia that could see the cost of maize floor in that country drop.

Linturi, who was hosted by Zambian counterpart Reuben Mtolo in Lusaka on Monday, March 6, announced that the two countries would ink a deal allowing Kenyan farmers to grow maize in Zambia.

“I am happy the Zambian government has agreed to offer Kenyan farmers land for large-scale farming in Zambia. Kenyan farmers will in turn be required to export their yields back to Kenya in order to boost our food supply and security,” he stated.

The CS welcomed the commitment from Mtolo, maintaining that the partnership between the Kenyan and Zambian governments would lead to the realisation of food and nutrition security locally.

Linturi further explained that the new memorandum of understanding would lead to the reduction of the cost of maize and its products in the country.

“Based on the projections he shared with us, the farmers will be able to achieve the objective of bringing down the cost of unga because clearly, they got it right and there is something to learn from them.

“We will be able to work out a price at which they will be able to sell maize to the country at of course a much lower price than we are currently getting from the traders,” he reiterated.

Zambian farmers would also benefit from the deal as their government agreed to supply Kenya with their surplus maize in the short term.

Meanwhile, he warned the farmers in the country who caused an artificial shortage in the country by holding onto their produce with the hope of getting better rates.

He advised them to release the maize, stating that once the product from Zambia is harvested, they would be forced to sell it at throw-away prices.

Linturi expressed confidence that the six-month duty-free importation window would see the country meet its local demand for maize.

Currently, a 2-kg packet of maize flour retails between Ksh185-250. During his campaigns, President William Ruto vowed to lower the cost to Ksh70 once he assumed office.

Is It 14 Hours Yet? President HH and the Rapid Depreciation of the Kwacha

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Is It 14 Hours Yet? President HH and the Rapid Depreciation of the Kwacha

By Kapya Kaoma

In Ballycountry, it is 10 hours, August 24, 2021! Soon, the Kwacha will appreciate from K21 to K10 to the US dollar at 14 hours, when the best economist and the most intelligent President will be sworn in. In Zambia, however, it is March 7, 2023, and like koswe, President HH is busy smelling for “dollars” abroad while the Kwacha is at 21 to $1, and counting.

Despite winning the annual global lying contest, he finally said the truth so loudly, “black mamba interest” under which international debt is contracted sniffle poor nations from getting out of debt. Which economist didn’t know that? Only a foster child of the IMF/World Bank was made to believe that his predecessor’s refusal to sign off to the evil IMF deal was due to incompetence! Now the once celebrated “economist” has to helplessly watch as the Kwacha falls into disarray.

I called President Hichilema very ignorant when he boasted that the Kwacha was the best performing currency against the U.S dollar in the world. He wrongly attributed it to his leadership, yet every economist knew that the U.S dollar was at its weakest due to the COVID Pandemic, the Ukraine War, the cooling Chinese economy and other global factors that led and are still leading to fears of a global recession. Moreover, the price of copper was at its highest. Currently, copper prices are low and the global economy is uncertain. HH has nothing to do with how the Kwacha performs–another reason he cannot do anything to arrest its depreciation. He can only hope for the best!

The artificial rapid appreciation of the Kwacha was chiefly due to HH’s love affair with the IMF/World Bank–they saw him as a fool who would dance to whatever he was told by those capitalist vultures. But this love affair has already led to some headaches–like Lungu, HH has refused to follow Bretton Woods’ recommendations on restructuring the Chinese debt. Why? Because like his predecessors, the negative economic effects on Zambians will lead to political instability of untold magnitude capable of ending his political career before 2026. So how will he negotiate the economic territory in which he thrashed himself?

The Kwacha becomes the victim. Just as the Kwacha gained after the IMF long awaited deal came through (foolishly at a lower rate of less than K15 to $1), the same vultures have to withhold their dollars–weakening the Kwacha under the premise that the strong Kwacha harms investors. But Zambia has to pay its bills, pushing the Kwacha even further down. Another reason Zambian financial institutions have to fund capital projects like the roads–the debt limit cannot be lifted without restructuring the national debt. So harsh times are coming!

The Bretton Woods institutions and China have one goal–making maximum profits. HH’s endless “koswe” trips won’t stop the Kwacha’s free fall as long as copper prices are low, the Chinese and US economies are uncertain, the war in Ukraine continues and chiefly Zambia’s debt is not restructured. To be fair, HH cannot be blamed–these factors are beyond his reach. He doesn’t control the US or Chinese economy, the war in Ukraine or copper prices. Sadly, just as HH unfairly blamed Lungu when the Kwacha hit 20 and counting to a dollar, his opponents will blame him. Because he took credit for its appreciation, he and his cronies must equally take responsibility for the Kwacha’s depreciation–unfair as it is.

Is it not time we understood the answer to the stabilization of the Kwacha? We need to move from a consumption to a production economy. The engine of Zambia’s economic growth is ourselves. Sadly we are the most ignored. Farming, for example, is profitable–so why not invest heavily in farming? It is foolish to even argue about how many bags of fertilizers each peasant farmer should get–if fertilizers were made cheaper and readily available and agriculture moved beyond maize to include flowers, horticulture, poultry, and animal husbandry, Zambia would be in the better position to compete on the world market. If local companies were empowered to build roads and other big capital projects, our economy would become stable. Sadly, we only reward foreign investors! No wonder President HH and Mr. Musokotwane can defend giving the Chinese company 700 million dollar-loan to build and manage our road for 25 years–knowing too well that the lifetime of Zambian roads are between 10 to 15 years!

In Ballycountry, economists are only qualified to work with foreign investors!

Retired teachers still occupy Government houses in Kitwe

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Retired teachers still occupy Government houses in Kitwe

Kitwe District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Christopher Nyungila has called for the intervention of the District Commissioner’s office to remove retired teachers that have been paid repatriation funds from government houses.

Speaking in Kitwe today during a special Heads of Government departments meeting in Kitwe today, Mr. Nyungila reported that teachers that have been paid repatriation funds are resisting to move out of government houses.

He explained that teachers are given 30 days to leave government houses once they are paid repatriation funds.

“About 98 percent of teachers’ houses in Kitwe are occupied by retired teachers and families of deceased teachers, and all houses at Kitwe Boys and Helen Kaunda Secondary schools are occupied by retired teachers and families of deceased teachers that have been paid repatriation but they are resisting to leave government houses,” He said.

He explained that the aim of paying out retirees their benefits is to ensure that the government serves the money it is paying teachers on housing allowances.

He noted that with the current situation the government will not serve on housing allowances because retired teachers are not giving room to serving teachers to move in government houses.

Mr. Nyungila has since appealed to the district commissioner to help remove the retired teachers that have received their dues from government houses to allow serving teachers to move in.

Recently the government released K3.4 million for payment of personal emoluments to teachers in Kitwe district.

The funds were used to offset outstanding arrears in leave travel benefits, terminal benefits and repatriation for deceased and retired teachers.

First memorial service for former president Rupiah Banda to be held this Saturday

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First memorial service for former president Rupiah Banda to be held this Saturday

The first memorial service for the late fourth president Rupiah Banda will be held on Saturday 11th march 2023.

In a press statement to the media, Secretary to the cabinet Patrick Kangwa has announced that President Hakainde Hichilema and the first lady Mutinta Hichilmena will lead the memorial church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 10: 00hrs.

Mr Kangwa says the memorial church service will be followed by the blessing of the tomb stone and wreath laying ceremony at the presidential burial site, Embassy Park in Lusaka.

He however advised the public that attendance at the blessing of the tomb stone and wreath laying ceremony is strictly by invitation.

The secretary to the cabinet said the event has been restricted to only close family members of the late fourth president and a few invited guests.

He noted that members of the public are encouraged to follow live proceedings of the memorial on the national broadcaster and other media platforms.

New Heritage Party expresses concern over LGBTQ march with police escort in Zambia

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New Heritage Party expresses concern over LGBTQ march with police escort in Zambia

On March 4th, a group of LGBTQ individuals in Zambia marched with police escort, which prompted a response from the New Heritage Party. In a press statement issued on March 6th, the party expressed concern and dismay at the police’s handling of the event.

“The New Heritage Party wish to express our deep concern and dismay at your handling of this case and wish to state from the outset that you are belittling and insulting the intelligence of Zambians,” said Chishala Kateka, President of the New Heritage Party. “Stop endangering our lives.”

The party also addressed the LGBTQ community, questioning why they feel the need to “push their depravity on our society” and stating that their behavior does not align with Zambia’s cultural and Christian values. “Stop pushing the boundaries. Please do not think for a single minute that we, as a society, will accept and applaud your behaviors,” Kateka said.

The Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP, also issued a press statement on March 6th, condemning the behavior of the LGBTQ group. “Government finds as irresponsible the behavior by a group of people that at the weekend marched at Lusaka’s showgrounds, chanting and carrying placards in support of homosexuality,” Kasanda said.

He went on to emphasize that homosexuality is prohibited in Zambia and anyone who goes against the law will be punished. “I further wish to stress that homosexuality is prohibited in Zambia as provided in Sections 155 and 157 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” Kasanda said. “Government is concerned that the group decided to use the permit that was given in good faith by Police to raise awareness against women and girls sexual and Gender Based Violence to champion an illegal and criminal cause.”

The police, according to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale, were allegedly “duped” by the group. “It has come to the attention of the Zambia Police Service that during the said March-past, conveners exhibited a different agenda from the one whose permit they sought for. The agenda seemed to have highlighted issues of LGBTQ (Homosexuality),” Mwale said.

The government and the New Heritage Party have both made it clear that they do not condone the behavior of the LGBTQ group and that it goes against Zambia’s laws and values.

Investing in Children is Investing in the Future, Says Media Network on Child Rights and Development on International Children’s Day of Broadcasting

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Investing in Children is Investing in the Future, Says Media Network on Child Rights and Development on International Children’s Day of Broadcasting

Media Network on Child Rights and Development (MNCRD) Executive Director Henry Kabwe has said there is a need to ensure that society does not only focus on the protection of children but also on their development.

Commenting on International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) celebrated on 5th March, 2023, under the theme:Invest in us; protect us: we are the future,” Mr. Kabwe said children’s lives should be enhanced in order for them to fulfill their potential.

Mr. Kabwe said investing in children is as good as investing in the future of the country.

He said with the introduction of free education in Zambia more children are getting access to education.
“Radio and television stations will host children to conduct media activities in the annual commemoration of the international children’s day of broadcasting – ICDB.The media network on child rights and development (mncrd) joins the rest of the world to appreciate various media outlets that will provide platforms for the children to do shows and present news to the general public.This year’s theme is timely as it presents a two tier approach to enhancing the lives of children in order for them to fulfill their potential – protection and investment.The theme – invest in us; protect us: we are the future – reminds us of the need to ensure that we not only focus on the protection of children but also on their development.Investing in children is as good as investing in the future of the country,” Mr. Kabwe said.

“With the introduction of free education in Zambia, we are seeing more children getting access to education. the demand and pressure on schools to have children and the increased teacher – pupil ratio, which in some cases is reaching 150 learners, shows the gaps that were there as poor and vulnerable families were discriminated against in the development cycle.The pressure created should drive government to engage partners to ascertain the needs and meet them through local and international budget support.Such support should extend to the review of the curriculum process and the need to reform our examinations system to make learners concentrate on getting knowledge, behaviors, values and skills from the education system other than merely passing examinations as the primary purpose.The expansion of early childhood education (ece), the school feeding programs and other interventions including quality health can help prepare our children to become competent, accountable, uncorrupt, responsible and skilled citizens able to take zambia to socio-economic development,” Mr. Kabwe stated.

He also spoke against rampant child abuse in the country.

Mr. Kabwe noted that child abuse continues being unreported in many communities that have accepted child labor, sexual abuse, corporal punishment and other demeaning forms of abuse.

“As chairperson of the Zambia national education coalition (Zanec), Mncrd will continue to engage government in the promotion of quality education in Zambia.This can be grossly affected when children are not protected from any form of abuse. Child abuse has been banned through the statutes but it continues being unreported in many communities that have accepted child labor, sexual abuse, corporal punishment and other demeaning forms of abuse.”

He said law enforcement agencies should work with communities to protect children from abuse.

“We call upon law enforcement agencies to work with communities to protect children from abuse and ensure that the compulsory access to education is effected. We need to protect children from pedophiles that have increasingly been abusing, especially girls, within the school, community and child right NGO settings.We implore the media to continue sensitizing the public on the children’s code act of 2022 and using children to promote child rights issues in Zambia.
The media can equally help address misconceptions about child rights and enable the public to appreciate the value of promoting and protecting children’s rights,” Mr. Kabwe said.

Government procures 8,000 oxygen cylinders for distribution to various health facilities across the country.

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Government procures 8,000 oxygen cylinders for distribution to various health facilities across the country.

Zambian Government in partnership with the Global Funds (GF) has procured 8,000 oxygen cylinders worth US$1.6 million which will be distributed to various health facilities across the country.

Zambia has in the recent past contributed to the Global Fund and has pledged US$5.5 million for the Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment, covering 2020-2022.

Zambia is both a donor to the Global Fund and an implementer of Global Fund-supported programs.

Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) Public Relations Manager Patricia Ndulinga, who confirmed the development in a statement, said the gesture was meant to mitigate the stock imbalance of the critical commodity in health facilities.

She said the oxygen cylinders would attend to patients’ needs in health facilities because it was a extremely critical health commodity in the supply chain in meeting service delivery.

She said oxygen cylinders were a critical part of a clinical setup as oxygen therapy was used in emergency rooms, surgical procedures or for patients who require oxygen on a long-term basis for their medical condition.

She said the distribution of the oxygen cylinders had already started with the first recipients being the Kitwe Teaching Hospital, the Solwezi General Hospital and Mukinge Mission Hospital.

She said the National Heart Hospital, Kabwe Central Hospital, Chitambo District Hospital, St. Paul Mission in Nchelenge District, Kalindawalo General Hospital in Petauke District, Lewanika General Hospital, Choma
General Hospital and other health facilities were yet to receive.

Ms Ndulinga said the agency had also received 185 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ventilators valued at K 24 million with Copperbelt and North-Western provinces having received their allocations and distribution had continued to other health facilities across the country.

She said ZAMMSA had also collaborated with the National Malaria Control Centre (NMCC) to ensure that Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) procured at a total cost of K174 million was delivered to all health facilities across
the country in the shortest possible time.

She said among other essential medicines and medical supplies of different categories delivered to health facilities included analgesics, anti-malarial, laboratory consumables, anti-cancer drugs, paediatric antibiotics and anti-asthmatics.

Others are oral anti-diabetics, vitamins, renal products, medical equipment, anti-coagulants, minerals and Anti-Retroviral (ARV’s).

Ms. Ndulinga said the agency was determined to continue working with all co-operating partners to provide necessities that would help in improving quality healthcare services to the people in all parts of the country in line with Government’s aspirations.

The Global Fund pools the world’s resources to invest strategically in programs to fight HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, build resilient and sustainable systems for health and strengthen pandemic preparedness.

Its financing primarily comes from the public sector, with 94% of the funding coming from donor governments.

The remaining funding comes from the private sector, foundations and innovative financing initiatives.

The Global Fund raises and invests money in three-year cycles known as Replenishments.

This three-year approach was adopted in 2005 to enable more stable and predictable financing for countries and to ensure ongoing program continuity.

The Sixth Replenishment resource mobilization cycle, which ran from 2020-2022, ended last year.

CBU Academician objects to the manner in which the Lusaka-Ndola Road will be financed

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CBU Academician objects to the manner in which the Lusaka-Ndola Road will be financed

Copperbelt University (CBU) academician Mwiya Songolo has opposed the manner in which the financing of the planned upgrading of the Lusaka-Ndola Road into a dual carriageway will be done.

Chinese group Macro Oceans Investment Consortium has been awarded the tender to construct the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway and rehabilitation of 45 kilometres Luanshya-Fisenge Masangano road under public-private-partnership.

According to information, financing institutions include the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Worker’s Compensation Fund Control Board and Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited.

But Mr. Songolo, a lecturer in the school of mines, said the 25-year deal will only benefit foreigners and impoverish Zambians.

He charged that Cabinet coerced National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and Worker’s Compensation Fund Control Board to loan to the so called foreign investors money and make profit for themselves and repatriate that profit to their country.

Minister of Infrastructure Charles Milupi has been justifying that it is not the Government which will fund the US$577 million concession agreement for the construction of 327 kilometres of the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

“Bo Milupi (Minister of Infrastructure) you are missing the point altogether. We are not disputing that NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board should not invest their money, which is my money particularly for NAPSA where on a monthly basis I contribute from my salary through payroll. Yes I agree, my contribution should be invested by the NAPSA Board of Trustees. However, I would like to put it straight to you that you as Cabinet coerced these two Zambian institutions to loan to the so called foreign investors to use my money and make profit for themselves and repatriate that profit to their country. Your argument that we encourage Zambian investors to invest so that profit is retained in Zambia doesn’t hold any water at all uncle Charles.”

“A consortium allows two or more businesses to combine their capabilities when developing and delivering a tender. The primary driver of a consortium approach is that it allows for greater economies of scale, efficiency and effectiveness. Instead of getting a consortium that has money, you solicited people who only have US$10m. Where is the aspect of greater economies of scale here, uncle Charles? If anything, you would have done well if you encouraged Zambian companies the way you coerced NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board to form a Zambian consortium. It’s only in that way would the profits made be retained in Zambia. Your insistence to justify this wrong decision is out of subjective rationale. How can you float a tender for PPP calling for investors to partner with and the investor convinces you to coerce your own companies and lend your money, people’s money to an investor who has nothing at all,” Mr. Songolo questioned.

The CBU don branded the PPP deal with the consortium as ill timed and a danger to the country.

“For the Lusaka Ndola Dual Carriageway you are saying GRZ is not paying any single ngwee but will be able to get a share from what the Consortium will profit out of the toll fees after paying the principal and interest to NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board. Don’t cheat yourself, I and my fellow Zambians are the investors but we will not get the investment on return like you in CEC. The Consortium is not investing anything apart from being so clever to use our money and make us pay for the use of our money and for the profit accruing to the Consortium and a bit that will go to government out of that profit. The one investing is myself and my fellow Zambian citizens whom you have decided to impoverish through this PPP. I and my fellow Zambian citizens who contribute monthly to NAPSA will be compelled by your cabinet to pay high toll fees because it’s law enacted by Parliament. From these high toll fees, the Consortium will be able to pay NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board their principal and interest. The Consortium will still retain much profit out of my toil paying high toll fees. NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board will retain and use the profits from the interest on their principal and spend it in Zambia BUT for the Consortium, No. The Consortium’s gain or profit made out of my monthly contributions (principal borrowed) and profit for using my principal will be spent elsewhere because they are not a Zambian company. Don’t you see this uncle Charlie? At the end of it all, me who got you into government for my livelihood to be improved will continue in abject poverty because the toll fees will reduce my income not for one day or a year but perpetual,” Mr. Songolo said.

He continued:”So, then why did you get into government uncle Charles, to impoverish me and my fellow Zambian citizens further? Uncle Charles, my dear President HH and Finance Minister Dr Musokotwani, on this one, you have missed it badly and it’s a danger to the country. I and my fellow Zambian citizens have been insisting that we can develop our country Zambia using our own resources and the President should look at what we have instead of continued seeking of foreign investment. Now, in pursuance of FDI, you have ended up getting conmen to manage what we already have. You don’t trust that we could have established a consortium of Zambian companies to manage our own money. Wouldn’t it have been better for you to invite Zambian companies on board to form a consortium and facilitate for NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board to lend it money unlike your urge to enrich foreigners? If a Zambian Consortium was to manage the toll fees and maintain the road for 25 years, wouldn’t that have been a great milestone? I’m very much disappointed on this one, uncle Charles. In fact if anything, Mopani Copper Mines should not have been struggling where to source US$300m because NAPSA alone has that amount from my monthly contributions. It will be folly if government finds a foreign partner to own shares in MCM when we have the people’s financial institutions with money to fund the mines so that the profits from copper are not repatriated.”

Mr. Songolo said the Chinese consortium does not have the financial muscle to bring in foreign direct investment into the deal.

“At the end of it all, me who got you into government for my livelihood to be improved will continue to be in abject poverty because the high toll fees will reduce my income not for one day or a year but perpetual. My income will be reduced to enrich the foreign Consortium who has borrowed my monthly contributions as a loan from NAPSA AND Workers Compensation Fund Control Board. So, then why did you get into government Mr President, uncle Charles, and uncle Situmbeko only to impoverish me and my fellow Zambian citizens further? My dear President HH, Uncle Charles, and the Finance Minister, my uncle Dr Musokotwani, on this one, you have missed it and you are taking the country on a wrong trajectory. I and my fellow Zambian citizens have been insisting that we can develop our country, Zambia using our own resources and the President should look at what we have and can do instead of continued seeking of foreign investment. Now, in continued pursuant of FDI, you have ended up getting a foreign Consortium without financial muscle to bring in FDI. Instead you brought the foreign consortium to manage our money which we already have because you are convinced that we can’t manage our own finances properly,” he said.

“Mr President, you don’t trust that through your facilitation, we could have established a consortium of Zambian companies to manage our own money. Wouldn’t it have been better for you to invite Zambian companies to come on board to form a consortium and facilitate for NAPSA and Workers Compensation Fund Control Board to lend it money unlike your urge to enrich foreigners? If a Zambian Consortium was to manage the toll fees and maintain the road for 25 years, wouldn’t that have been a great milestone in as far as the benefits accruing to Zambians? The profit that was not going to accrue to us in thi PPP would only be that which the company contracted to construct the dual carriageway will make. I’m very much disappointed on this one, Mr President and my two uncles. In fact if anything, Mopani Copper Mines should not have been struggling where to source the US$300m which my fellow Engineer Sakanya has been crying for because NAPSA alone has that amount from our monthly contributions. It will be folly if government finds a foreign partner to own shares in MCM and reduce the 100% shareholding from Zambians when we have the people’s financial institutions with money to fund the mines so that the profits from copper are not repatriated from the country,” Mr. Songolo said.

Woman sent to jails for stealing from 6 different people on the some day

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Woman sent to jails for stealing from 6 different people on the some day

The Nchelenge Magistrate court has jailed a 26 year old woman to 30 months simple imprisonment for theft.

Before Resident Magistrate Luckson Mbewe was Carol Matakala who pleaded guilty to six counts of theft contrary to section 272 of the penal code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

This was in a matter that came up for sentencing before Magistrate Lackson Mbewe.

Brief facts in all six counts are that on 7th February 2023 around 09:30 hours, Memory Musonda of Yenga village was home when she received the accused who asked for a bicycle so that she could take her child to the hospital.The accused was given the bicycle but never returned it.

On the same day around 10:00hours Roydah Mwansa of the same village was home when she received the accused who asked to use her phone .Mwansa gave the accused the phone but never returned it.

On the very day the accused is reported to have gone to Joyce Kalimba of the same village around 10:30 hours and requested to use her Radio Cassette, which she never returned.

Around 11:00 hours the same day,Joyce Kabesa was home when the accused visited her and asked for a phone so that she could call her relatives. Which she never did.

Around 12:00hours,on the same day, Janet Chibwe was home when she received the accused who asked for a phone so that she could use it to call her relatives, the phone which she never returned.

Around 14:00hours the same day,Christine Chilombo was home when the accused requested for a phone so that she could use it. She was given but never returned it.

Police in the area instituted investigations upon receipt of all complaints which led to the arrest of the accused,when interrogated,Matakala admitted having committed the offence adding she sold the items to unknown people

In mitigation, Matakala pleaded with the court to exercise leniency as she had two children to look after.

In sentencing, Resident Magistrate Mbewe informed Matakala that he would exercise leniency as she was a first offender who readily admitted the charge without wasting the courts time.

“I will give you a custodial sentence to help you reform and deter would-be offenders. In count one I sentence you to 30 months simple imprisonment,count two 12 months simple imprisonment,count three twelve months simple imprisonment,count four twelve months simple imprisonment,count five six months simple imprisonment and count six ,six months simple imprisonment “,he said.

He informed Matakala that her sentences will run concurrently with effect from 1st March, 2023.

Government committed to fund innovations by young people

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Government committed to fund innovations by young people

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu says Government is committed to improving the welfare of Artists in the country through the provision of funds.

Mr Nkandu says he is impressed with the innovations among youths who have brilliant ideas but lack funding to actualise their business models.

He was speaking when he toured various exhibitions at Mulungushi Conference Centre where innovators have displayed their activities as part of this year’s youth day celebrations.

Mr Nkandu underscored the point that the innovations that the Zambian youths have, can transform the economic activities in the country and can culminate in job creation.

“As the Ministry we are ready to provide resources to these youths who have brilliant and workable ideas to transform the economic outlook of the country, as you are aware, the Government is committed to improving people’s livelihoods through job creation,” he said.

And Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise development Elias Mubanga has called on the Zambia Development Agency to link the young innovators to markets for their products.

Mr Mubanga also urged the Youths to utilise his office by applying for funds to develop their business models in a bid to foster social and economic development in the country.

“Money is there at my Ministry so I encourage you to take advantage of the funds to grow your business in order to better the lives of the people in the country,” he said.

Mr Mubanga expressed happiness with some of the innovations in the area of mitigating climate change which has been ravaging the country and the world at large.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Arts Minister, Rodney Sikumba disclosed that Government has come up with a lot of incentives to promote the tourism industry

Mr Sikumba added that his Ministry has allocated funds in this year’s national budget to allow the film industry to purchase equipment on duty free in a quest to boost the Artists.

He said that his Ministry has introduced duty free on the importation of art equipment in order to make the film and Arts industry more competitive.

The Minister further encouraged Zambians especially youths to venture into the Tourism industry as the industry is not the preserve of the foreigners only.

The exhibitions are part of the youth day commemorations slated for March 12, 2023 and will run up to the eve of Youth day.

NAQUEZ calls for the inclusion of free education policy in the constitution

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NAQUEZ calls for the inclusion of free education policy in the constitution

National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQUEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa says the free education policy should be enshrined in the constitution and other parts of the legislature.

Mr Chansa revealed to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the policy is not secure because it is not in the constitution and it can be tempered with due to its existence.

He added that Education is a very important Human right and also a very critical public good which must be consumed by all citizens.

“Education is the best equalizer and key to success and all Zambians must be able to be availed with this public good”. He added.

He further stated that the Education policy must be enshrined in the constitution, national policy and also in the education act.

Mr Chansa mentioned that when the policy is legal the government will be compelled to give the service to the people.

“As it is the policy is not secure and reinforced, it is just a Presidential decree, it’s not in the constitution, it’s not in the national policy, it’s not the act and therefore it’s very vulnerable to abuse and it can also be scrubbed off anytime”. He explained.

Zambia to co-host second summit for democracy

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Zambia to co-host second summit for democracy

Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe has announced that Zambia is set to co-host the second summit for democracy, together with other four countries across the continent.

ZANIS reports that Mr Haimbe disclosed that Zambia will co-host the summit on March 29 and 30, 2023, with the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Mr Haimbe stated that President Hakainde Hichilema will co-host the summit for the African region, with 16 African countries at the level of Head of State expected to participate.

The Minister explained that Zambia’s selection to host for the African region comes against the background of the country’s strong commitment to the principles of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law and human rights.

“World leaders from co-host nations will assemble in a virtual leaders-level plenary on March 29, 2023, this will be followed by a series of gatherings with representatives from each government, civil society, and the private sector in each co-host location,” Mr Haimbe said.

He revealed that the objective of the Second Summit for Democracy 2023 (SD42) is to underscore the global desire for transparent, accountable and rights respecting governance.

Mr Haimbe further said the first Summit for Democracy (SD41) was hosted by the United States of America in December, 2021, which kicked off a year of action by participants to make democracies more responsive and resilient.

He said this will build a broader community of partners committed to global democratic review.

The summit will be held under the theme: ‘Free, fair and transparent elections in Africa.”

The sixteen African countries expected to participate in the summit include Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles and South Africa.

Modern Cooking Facility for Africa welcomes the European Union as a new donor in Zambia

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Modern Cooking Facility for Africa welcomes the European Union as a new donor in Zambia

The European Union and Sweden join hands to fund the Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) in Zambia, supporting the programme’s expansion and further development to scale up access to clean and modern cooking solutions in the country.

It was announced today, at a launch event in Lusaka hosted by Sweden, that the EU will contribute EUR 12.5 million (ZMK 250 million) to the MCFA programme over 5 years to support market development for clean cooking in Zambia and increase awareness of the positive impact that a transition to clean and modern cooking can have on health, nature and the climate.

“We can protect the environment by providing alternatives to harmful cooking practices. Our support for the MCFA programme will ensure that the right infrastructure and technology are in place for a transformation to clean cooking in Zambia, reducing deforestation and pollution, and improving the health of thousands of Zambian women,” said Jacek Jankowski, Ambassador of the European Union to Zambia and COMESA, in connection with the launch event in Lusaka.

The MCFA programme offers results-based financing combined with catalytic grant financing to help private companies developing and selling clean cooking services and scale up their businesses in six Sub-Saharan African countries. A first funding round was launched in April 2022 with the overall aim of supporting about 10 businesses. The first round of projects is currently undergoing detailed due diligence.

Sweden, the initiator and first donor to the MCFA programme, is providing a total contribution of SEK 325 million (~EUR 32.6 million/~ ZMK 684 million) to support programme development and scale-up in all project countries.

“MCFA is an innovative and exciting vehicle that engages the private sector to provide clean and sustainable cooking solutions at a reasonable price in Zambia and five other African countries. The supported companies will have a positive impact on human health, the environment and gender equality, as well as support a green and just energy transition, which is one of the main priorities of the current Swedish Presidency of the European Union,” commented Johan Hallenborg, Sweden’s Ambassador to Zambia.

Currently, some 16% of the population in Zambia has access to clean cooking. The aim is for 170,000 new affordable clean cookstoves to be distributed by the first companies funded by MCFA, benefiting some 870,000 people in Zambia. Current factors limiting access to clean cooking services in the country are affordability and access to credit, as well as consumer cooking behaviours and a lack of awareness of the associated benefits of clean cooking.

“We are very pleased to have brought the EU onboard as a new investor in the MCFA programme, joining Sweden and Nefco as part of the Team Europe initiative. The EU’s contribution will further financially incentivise the provision of clean cooking technologies to urban consumers, allowing us to increase scale in Zambia and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy access,” said Ash Sharma, Head of MCFA and Vice President at Nefco.

The EU funding will be provided under the Zambian Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transformation Programme (ZEEST), whose main objective is to unlock the potential of the private sector to contribute to the attainment of national energy efficiency and climate resilience goals. The programme is funded by the 11th European Development Fund, with a total value of EUR 25 million (ZMK 500 million). The contribution to MCFA is a crucial component of ZEEST and part of the European Union Global Gateway initiative, a new European strategy to boost smart and clean projects that combine public and private financing. Global Gateway includes five areas: climate and energy, transport, health, digital development, and education and research to support green and digital transitions beyond Europe’s borders. The initiative is implemented through a Team Europe approach, with different actors working together on common priorities and principles to achieve scale and have visible impacts in partner countries.

The Modern Cooking Facility for Africa (MCFA) supports access to and scale-up of higher-tier clean cooking solutions, currently in six Sub-Saharan African countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The overall aim of the MCFA programme is to enable the distribution of at least 750,000 clean cookstoves and associated fuels, providing access to clean cooking solutions for approximately 3 million Africans. The first funding round (MCFA1) was open between April and June 2022 and received significant interest in all project countries. Among the applications received, all types of sustainable fuels were represented. The total financing available to companies across all project countries is EUR 30.8 million (~ ZMK 646 million). The aim is to contract initial MCFA projects at the end of the second quarter of 2023.

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