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Government has said that its decision to allow the Food Reserve Agency to sell the maize it bought at K65, 000 per 50kg to millers at K60, 000 is aimed at ensuring Zambians have access to reasonably priced mealie meal.
Agriculture Minister Emmanuel Chenda said that government remains committed to ensuring that the country’s staple food is made available to all the domestic consumers in the country for enhanced food security.
Mr. Chenda has told QFM News that government will therefore ensure that it makes realistic rather than economic decisions at the expense of the ordinary Zambians.
FRA has announced that it will in the first week of December start selling maize to millers at K60, 000 per 50kg bag, making a loss of K5,000, per bag.
This comes in the wake of mealie meal shortages which hit some parts of the country recently with Kitwe and Chingola being the worst hit.
ZAMBIA’s annual inflation rate for November has increased to 6.9 per cent from 6.8 per cent in October, and the country recorded a reduced trade surplus valued at K310.6 billion in October 2012 from K478.1 billion.
The rise in the rate of inflation was driven by the soaring of some non-food prices Central Statistical Office acting director Goodson Sinyenga said.
He said the annual rate of inflation as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.1 percentage points from the 6.8 per cent in October 2012 to 6.9 per cent this month.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Sinyenga said between October 2012 and November 2012 the annual rate of inflation increased for Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, clothing and footwear; housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.
Mr Sinyenga said the annual rate of inflation decreased for food and non-alcoholic beverages such as health, transport, communication, recreation and culture and among others.
“Of the total 6.9 per cent annual rate recorded in November 2012, the food products accounted for 4.1 percentage points, while non- food products accounted for a total of 2.8 percentage points,”Mr Sinyenga said.
He said the annual food inflation rate posted at 8.0 per cent in November 2012 compared to 8.2 per cent registered the previous month.
This implies that there was a 0.2 percentage points decline in annual food inflation and Mr Sinyenga said the annual non-food inflation shot up.
He said in terms of provinces, the Copperbelt had the largest provincial contributions of 1.9 percentage points to the overall inflation rate of 6.9 per cent followed by Lusaka which accounted for 1.3 percentage points.
The lowest contributions came from North-Western and Western Provinces with 0.2 percentage points each.
Commenting on international merchandise trade, Mr Sinyenga said Zambia had posted a trade surplus valued at K310.6 billion in October 2012 from K478.1 billion registered in September 2012.
This means the country exported more in October 2012 than it imported in norminal terms.
He said the country had continued to record trade surpluses since January 2012 with the highest amount valued at K478.1 billion recorded in September 2012.
The lowest trade surplus was recorded in February 2012, valued at K45.1 billion.
SPAR Downtown and Spar Crossroads have been fined K63 million each for allegedly selling expired products and goods without labels.
A Lusaka Magistrate Court fined the two shopping outlets after finding them guilty of the material charge contrary to Section 50 (1) and (2) as read with Section 52(1) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act number 24 of 2010.
This relates to a matter in which the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), jointly with the Lusaka City Council Public Health department, carried out random inspections in Lusaka’s retail shops including Spar Downtown and Spar Crossroads.
It was found that the two shops allegedly had a number of products displayed on their shelves for sell to customers that were found to have had either expired or had no expiry dates, or no proper labeling.
This is according to the statement released yesterday by CCPC public relations officer Hanford Chaaba in Lusaka.
In passing the sentence, the magistrate fined both Spar Downtown and Spar Crossroads 150,000 penalty unit’s equivalent to K27 million each for breaching Section 50 (1) and (2) of the CCP Act.
The Court also fined the two 200,000 penalty units (equivalent to K36 million) each for breaching Section 52(1) of the same Act.
Section 50(1) and (2) of the CCPA states: “A product that is sold in Zambia shall have a label to product labeling clearly indicate the product name, the ingredients used in the product, the date of manufacture and expiry of the product, the manufacturer’s name, the physical location of the manufacturer, the telephone number and any other contact details of the manufacturer.
“A person or an enterprise shall not sell any goods to consumers unless the goods conform to the mandatory consumer product information standard for the class of goods set by the Zambia Bureau of Standards or other relevant competent body”.
Section 52(1) states that a person or enterprise should not sell any goods to consumers unless the goods conform to the mandatory safety standard for the class of goods set by the Zambia Bureau of Standards or other relevant competent body.
In September this year a Lusaka Magistrate Court found guilty and fined Mercury Express Logistics Zambia Limited, Mark Foden and Charles Nkandu K8 million on one count of effecting a merger acquisition without the authority from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
MONZE District has continued facing serious challenges in the supply of fuel due to frequent stock outs at the only functional Kobil filling station available.
This follows the closure of Puma filling station for some months in the District which had resulted into shortages as Kobil filling station alone could not meet the high demand of the commodity.
And speaking during the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) stakeholders meeting held in Monze Tuesday at Linga Longa Lodge, Monze District Commissioner Lucia Mwiinde expressed worry over the situation as it had encouraged the mushrooming of illegal fuel vending.
Mrs.Mwiinde said that the quality of fuel sold illegally could not be guaranteed as it was usually mixed with other harmful substances.
She said that the storage of illegal fuel was also improper because of safety risks associated with it in homes and other undesignated areas which might lead to loss of property, personal injuries and loss of life.
Mrs.Mwiinde encouraged the private sector in Monze to take advantage of the business opportunity by setting up filling stations to guarantee stable supply of fuel in the District.
She said that the local authority and ERB were available to provide requisite guidance to those who would show interest in putting up such investment.
The District Commissioner for Monze also appealed to ERB to ensure that Zambia Electricity Supply Cooperation (ZESCO) improves the supply and quality of power to the District as a matter of urgency.
She said that Monze District was developing at a fast pace with participation of both Government and the private sector investing in infrastructure development in which electricity is a cardinal component.
Mrs.Mwiinde however commended Government for its efforts towards addressing the problem of load shedding which resulted from high demand for power outstripping the Country’s generation capacity.
She said that Government had commenced rehabilitation works at Kariba North Bank to give an extra 360 Mega Watts while construction works at Ithezi-Thezi hydro power station expected to generate 120 mega watts had also been commenced.
Mrs.Mwiinde said that Government was also facilitating construction of two thermal power stations in Sinazongwe that will be able to produce about 900 mega watts upon attainment of full production.
She said that all these projects and many others taking place in other parts of the Country once completed will contribute to reduction of load shedding and lead to improved quality of power supply.
PICK n PAY Zambia has opened its outlet in Kitwe with the Government commending the chain store for investing over K132 billion into the country.
In a speech read for him by Copperbelt Deputy permanent secretary Stephen Lindundu, Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge commended the chain store for its massive investment of over K132 billion.
Mr Musenge said the chain store had worked hard to develop strong community relations through its corporate social responsibility.
“Pick n pay committed to achieving certain targets in Zambia including a total investment of K132billion in five years and it further committed itself to creating 1000 jobs in the country,” he said
Pick n Pay general manager Andy Roberts said the chain store signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with the Zambian government last February.
Mr Roberts said in the agreement, Pick n Pay pledged a total investment of K132 billion and was hopeful that by March next year the amount would be exceeded.
He said the chain store also committed itself to creating 1000 jobs within five years and that the target would be exceeded after opening the Luanshya and Ndola stores.
“The opening of this new store in Kitwe is therefore not only an act of commercial expansion but an expression of confidence in the economic future of the Copperbelt Province and Zambia at large,” he said.
And Kitwe Mayor Chileshe Bweupe commended Copperhill for changing the face of the city by constructing the chain store.
Government says the latest United Nations (UN) report which has revealed a reduction of new HIV infections by 58% confirms the tremendous efforts the country was making in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
And the Network of the Zambian People living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+) has described the reduction in new infections as remarkable.
Health Minister Dr. Joseph Kasonde says it was pleasing to note that the efforts being made by both government and other stakeholders were paying dividends.
Dr. Kasonde expressed happiness at the reduction shown in the report, adding that the ministry has been greatly dedicated in fighting the virus which has greatly contributed in this reduction.
He disclosed that the ministry is waiting for other reports like the demographic and health survey which he hoped would also reflect the positive development the country was making in fighting HIV/AIDS.
A UN report has revealed that Zambia has drastically reduced new HIV infections by 58 per cent and achieved more than 80 per cent HIV treatment.
The UNAIDS’ World AIDS Day report for 2012 showed that Zambia was among countries in the world that had made immense progress in combating HIV/Aids.
And the Network of the Zambian People living with HIV/AIDS (NZP+) has described the reduction in new infections as remarkable.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview today, NZP+ Director Richard Sikananu held that preventing new infections is the way forward to an HIV free Zambia.
He said although treatment is essential and should be encouraged, prevention is a better solution to the scourge.
Vice President Guy Scott says some civil servants have become “too cozy” are now frustrating the PF government’s development plans.
“The PF was voted on the platform of change, unfortunately some people in these ministries and government departments don’t want to change. Don’t be too surprised if a signature visits you one of these days,” Dr. Scott said.
Dr. Scott was speaking in Livingstone this morning when he officially opened the Zambia International Investment Forum on behalf of President Michael Sata under the theme value addition for wealth and job creation-a win win for all.
“Some of these officers have become too cozy in their nests like a fish in its pond. Don’t be too shocked if you get fired. We want to move this country forward,’ Dr. Scott said.
He said the PF government will not hesitate to fire civil servants that are blocking its developed plans.
Dr. Scott said some civil servants in government ministries have become too cozy and are frustrating government’s development programmes.
He said the PF was voted into government on the platform of change adding that Zambians are still expectant of real change.
Meanwhile, Dr. Scott said the PF government is interested in promoting foreign investment that will benefit the local people.
He said government is eager to work with foreign investors that will seek to improve the welfare of the people in communities where they will be operating.
Dr. Scott also bemoaned the high interest rates charged by commercial banks in Zambia saying they are prohibitive for domestic investment.
At the same meeting, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Bob Sichinga said his ministry is ready to drive the next phase of Zambia’s industrialization.
Zambia national team players go through a training session under theguidance of Head Coach Herve Renard (right) and Physical Trainer Patrice Beaumelle at the Olympic Youth Development Center in Lusaka
The Zambia national soccer team comprising mainly of local players is on Thursday evening set to leave for Saudi Arabia ahead of two friendlies with that country this weekend.
Zambia will face Saudi Arabia in Dammam on Saturday before the two teams clash again on Tuesday.
The squad which regrouped in Lusaka on Monday has been training at the Olympic Youth Development Centre.
The team has been beefed up by Russia based midfielder Chisamba Lungu, Aaron Katebe of Hwange in Zimbabwe and Kampamba Chintu who is un-attached.
Coach Herve Renard has excused Nkana striker Reynold Kampamba who is in Europe attending trials at Swiss side Young Boys and Green Buffaloes keeper Davy Kaumbwa who is scheduled to leave for Ivory Coast to take part in military games.
Renard has since recalled in Napsa Stars keeper Kalililo Kakonje as a replacement for Kaumbwa.
The Frenchman will name the provisional Chipolopolo squad for next year’s Africa Cup after the Saudi Arabia outing.
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Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Kalusha Bwalya
Kalusha Bwalya has suggested that Fifa rankings should be calculated basing on official international matches only.
Friendly matches also count on the monthly Fifa rankings.
In his latest article published by Forbes Africa Magazine, Kalusha said the rankings compiled by the world soccer governing body can be misleading because friendly matches also matter.
“My opinion is that rankings should only be calculated through official qualifying international matches.
“Fifa rankings can be so misleading because friendly matches also count and as such football associations with larger budgets can afford more significant high profile friendlies earning them false increased grading.
“If one were to use rankings as a true measure for grading teams, how do you explain the likes of Ethiopia ranked 33rd and Niger ranked 42nd in Africa qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations over Egypt, Senegal and Cameroon?” the Faz boss wrote.
With only about one month before the rebased currency is introduced on the market, the Bank of Zambia has directed all business entities offering goods and services to the public to start the dual display of prices on December 1st to 31st 2012.
This is in a bid to promote common understanding among stakeholders about currency rebasing and how it will be conducted in the country.
Chairperson for the technical committee on Kwacha rebasing, Fabian Hara, told a media briefing in Lusaka today that the central bank issued technical guidelines in September 2012.
Mr. Hara, who is also Bank of Zambia Acting Director of Banking, Currency and Payment Systems, said all business entities should comply with the technical guidelines so that people can fully understand the process of rebasing.
He explained that the Bank of Zambia would also ensure that various stakeholders understand the rebasing exercise for it to be implemented smoothly.
He noted that one of the key areas covered in the guidelines is the dual display of prices for goods and service.
Mr. Hara said the main objective of the dual display of prices for goods and services was also to give an opportunity to the general public to familiarize themselves with price equivalence in the rebased currency.
He added that as provided for in the guidelines, the process of dual display of prices will be done in two phases.
He explained that phase one will start on 1st December 2012 and will go up to 31st December 2012 while phase two is expected to start during the transition period that from 1st January to 30th June 2013.
Mr. Hara said the first phase was optional while the second one will be mandatory adding that anyone who will be found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.
He disclosed that penalties have already been prescribed for merchants and entities that will fail to abide by the law.
He said during this period, an interim currency symbol (KR) will be introduced for purposes of displaying prices but will be temporary during the six months transition period for the rebased currency. Thereafter, the symbol KR will cease to be used in reference to the rebased currency.
He noted that effective from July 1st 2013, the rebased Kwacha will assume the symbol (K), adding that there was need therefore for business entities to begin the process of training their workers on how best to manage the various aspects of the currency rebasing.
He further called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to educate the public across the country on the process of rebasing the currency and the dual price display.
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has today filed a petition in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the Public Order Act.
LAZ president James Banda has revealed in a statement released to the media that the LAZ Litigation team filed the petition challenging certain provisions of the Public Order Act.
Mr Banda says the action has been taken in the public interest and is in line with LAZ’s objectives which include promoting the rule of law and the rights and liberties of individuals and also promoting the reform of the law both by the amendment of and removal of imperfections in the existing law.
He says LAZ will not wait for the High Court to set a date of hearing and determine the matter.
On 1st November 2012 LAZ announced that due to the continued unreasonableness exhibited by the Government through the Police to prevent citizens from holding public gatherings they had decided to challenge the Constitutionality of the Public Order Act or some provisions therein in the High Court.
Senanga UPND Member of Parliament Likando Mufalali has charged that President Michael Sata’s directive to set up King Lewanyika University at Namushakende in Western Province is an exercise in futility.
Speaking in an interview with Qfm News, Mr. Mufalali says the project is untenable describing it as a political pronouncement without a budget.
Mr. Mufalali says in as much as a university is needed in Western Province, the President should have made the announcement way before the presentation of the 2013 national budget.
He says the fact that the pronouncement is not contained in the yellow book, it is evident that construction of the said University will not be done anytime soon.
And Mr. Mufalali has charged that the construction of a University and a Stadium in Barotseland will not erase the Patriotic Front government’s dented image in the eyes of the people of western people.
President Sata recently ordered for the construction of Lewanyika University and a Stadium in Western Province in an effort to implement his campaign promises.
Meanwhile, the creation of five more districts and the presidential directive that a modern stadium and a university be built in Western province has cheered a lot of people in the region.
Mongu District Commissioner Morris Litula said the development is in line with the manifesto of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and fulfilment of promises which President Michael Sata made during his pre-election campaigns last year.
Mr. Litula said the building of a stadium and a university will enable the people in the region to enjoy some of the facilities which have never been in Western province before.
He said President Sata was now giving the people of Western province what they had always wanted to have.
He further explained that the government was working well and has managed to unite people of Western Province.
United Party for National Development, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
United Party for National Development (UPND) Leader Hakainde Hichilema says it is pointless for the MMD to call for a stronger opposition when it is also seen to be encouraging its members of parliament to join the ruling Patriotic Front.
Mr. Hichilema says it is a contradiction to hear the MMD call for stronger ties with the UPND when it is failing to put its own house in order.
He says it is not right for the MMD to make calls for stronger ties with the UPND in the media when the rightful formal procedures can be followed.
Speaking to QFM News in an interview, Mr. Hichilema says the opposition in the country needs to be seen to be getting more serious and committed instead of being seen to be destroying democracy.
He says it is also important that the opposition sits down to talk of the many challenges facing the country instead of making calls through the media.
Mr. Hichilema says it is clear that the ruling Patriotic Front wants to create a one party state but that will not be accepted.
The Zambia Federation for Employers (ZFE) says employers in the country have no option but to implement the new minimum wage following the dismissal of its legal challenge by the High court.
ZFE Executive Director Harrington Chibanda has since advised employers to ensure that there is industrial harmony.
Mr. Chibanda says the court ruling was very clear stating that there is no need for confrontation over the revised minimum wages.
The federation had challenged government over its decision to issue statutory instruments to increase the minimum wages but the Lusaka high court ruled that labour minister Fackson Shamenda was within the law when he announced the new minimum wages.
Speaking to QFM News, Mr. Chibanda says the federation is now looking forward to seeing enhanced dialogue between employers and employees.
Transparency International Zambia has announced that it will table the allocation of 1.5 billion Kwacha to the First Ladies office at the annual General meeting to be held over the weekend.
TIZ executive director Goodwell Lungu says TIZ has put the matter as part of its agenda during its forth-coming AGM after which the institution will state its position on the matter.
State house had clarified that the K1.5 billion allocated to the First Lady’s office in the 2013 national budget as merely for transparency and as a departure from the old culture of Government incurring illegal expenditure.
And Operation Young Vote (OYV) has said that the justification by State house with regards the 1.5 billion Kwacha allocated to the First Lady’s office does not change the fact that the office in question is not a constitutional office.
OYV executive director Guess Nyirenda said that the PF government therefore should have continued with the old system were the First Lady’s office was catered for in the State house budget.
Mr. Nyirenda has challenged the government to explain the constitutionality of the office of the First Lady to the public for it to be given a budget line.
He has emphasized that it was wrong for the government to have gone ahead and fund the operations of the First Lady’s office.
Mr. Nyirenda was speaking to QFM news in an interview.
