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Mkushi mining investors urged to formalise CSR terms

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Mkushi mining investors urged to formalise CSR terms

Chief Shaibila of the Lala people in Mkushi district has urged mining investors to ensure that they sign formal corporate social responsibility (CSR) terms documents with traditional leaders by the end of this month.

Chief Shaibila said the move is in tandem with efforts aimed at ensuring that communities in the chiefdoms benefit from the exploitation of minerals within their locality.

He observed during the Mining Indaba in Mkushi that the wealth derived from mining activities has often not benefited the communities in the chiefdoms.

Meanwhile, chief Chitina of the Swaka and Lala people stressed the need to include the participation and inputs of the chiefs in the efforts of protecting natural resources such as the forests and the rivers.

Chief Chitina said that he is aware that some mining activities have been impacting negatively on north Swaka as well as Mkushi head waters forest reserves.

He said the two forest reserves play an important role in maintaining environmental balance that ensures adequate water in rivers such as Lunsemfwa, Chibefwe and their off-shoot streams.

“These forests and rivers are crucial to the farming activities in which Mkushi provides 40 percent of the wheat in the country, as well as being amongst the leading producers of maize, soya bean crops,” he said.

Chief Chitina further said chiefs are best placed to harmonise socio-economic issues that may arise from some communities who get edible mushrooms and caterpillars from the forests.

He further noted that chiefs can play a major role in helping to curb the negative impact on rivers by siltation from dumping of mining waste.

And Mkushi District Commissioner (DC), Jonathan Kapungwe, has implored the District Development Coordination Committee (DDCC) to maximise participation in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Mr Kapungwe said there is need to appreciate that the IDP is designed for local participation to develop solutions aimed at addressing current and projected challenges.

He said to this effect, the multi-sectoral composition of the DDCC would play an important role in providing data and other facts from the sector pillars that are connected with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

He said the IDP is a critical intervention towards charting the development of the district using locally sourced solutions to local problems.

Meanwhile, Mkushi Council Chairperson, Melson Chilemu, said the essence of IDP planning format is to strengthen the local governance through capacity building.

Mr. Chilemu said this is manifest in the wide representation of the IDP forum, adding that there is representation from Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Ward Councillors, as well as the multi sector DDCC.

And Mkushi Council Secretary, Emmanuel Lukupwa, pointed out that the IDPs are unique as they have both the spatial as well as the sectoral aspects indicated in the plans.

Mr. Lukupwa explained that this implies that the IDP plan contains socio-economic and physical aspects in the respective framework.

He said the physical aspect is in reference to the spatial framework.

He has since thanked the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for funding the IDP training and forum in Mkushi district.

The IDP forum was attended by more than 70 participants who are drawn from governmental and non-governmental sectors, WDCs, Ward Councillors as well as traditional leaders namely chiefs Chitina, Shaibila and Mulungwe.

UPND is a Group of Vendors Trying to Sell State Assets – Msoni

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UPND is a Group of Vendors Trying to Sell State Assets – Msoni

UPND-ALLIANCE partner, All Peoples Congress (APC) president, Nason Msoni has described the UPND led government as vendors, whose interest has now shifted to selling a military jet for profits.

Msoni observes that the appetite of selling government assets by the UPND is unprecedented to the extent of disposing off a military jet meant to protect the President.

His comment follows the revelations by former Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Stardy Mwale who said the jet was not an ordinary plane but Air Force One.

Mwale, has since requested President Hakainde Hichilema to weave his oath of secrecy in order for him to speak about the purchase and the nature of the plane under investigations.

Msoni says the revelations were serious as they questions the mental capacity of merchants (vendors) trying to sell a military jet with most advanced instruments designed to protect the President.

“Following the serious revelation made by the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Mr Stardy Mwale, the burden now invariably shifts on the reasoning and the mental capacity of the Merchants (vendors ) themselves trying to sell a military Jet with the most advanced instruments on board meant and designed to protect the president. It is clearly stated that additionally there is a top up of $50 million USD worth of security equipment installed in that jet over and above its normal cost price,” he said.

Msoni has also noted with sadness that no normal reasoning human being can contemplate to sell such an important equipment for a song, given the important security installations fitted on board at such a colossal cost.

He said the argument advanced by the vendors in reference to the UPND leadership of saying the jet was too expensive to maintain does not make sense.

“The argument advanced by the merchants is that this jet is too expensive to maintain and they intend to sell it and buy a similar one. I don’t know whether this line of argument really makes sense to anyone. It is absolutely a senseless argument meant to hoodwink the gullible citizens,” he said.

Msoni has since demanded that Zambians stop the sell of the jet by a government of vendors.

“The Jet cannot be sold and must not be sold because the equipment is meant to Protect the head of state. In any case the question of selling the Jet must now put off completely because it is potentially an exhibit. “You cannot sell an exhibit “

On the other hand, what we expect however, is that those who are charged with the responsibility of providing enhanced security for the office of the President will appropriately counsel the errant merchants from selling an important piece of equipment meant to protect the office holder,” said.

He has since advised the UPND administration to value the security of the President and not profits they want to achieve.

“It is important to note that profits and security are at variance to each other. Undoubtedly the motivation for the sell of the jet is driven by pride, bitterness and the corrosive hate for the previous administration,” said Msoni.

Health care system a death trap – Canisius Banda

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Health care system a death trap – Canisius Banda

The current Health system in the country is a death trap because a citizen now has a high chance of dying from a curable condition under this UPND healthcare system, Dr Canisius Banda Patriotic Front (PF) Chairman for Health has said.

Dr Banda further says that the supply chain of life-saving commodities was both inconsistent and erratic.

“Inconsistent and erratic supply of health commodities in healthcare equals death for some patients. For citizens to be offered the care that they require is now a matter of chance. Quality healthcare is now not guaranteed in our public health facilities,” he said.

He said Dr Christopher Kalila, a UPND Member of Parliament and the chairman of this Committee, concluded that the supply chain of essential medicines, surgical supplies and laboratory reagents is below par and worrisome.

Dr Banda said what was important to note was that though he was UPND, Dr Christopher Kalila had chosen, in defence of sanity and citizens, to speak the truth as he saw it. He said the cancellation of the nine framework contracts, which was a key contributor to this crisis, was malicious and unwise.

Dr Banda said emotions should not drive the health agenda in Zambia but objectivity and professionalism. He said the cancellation is a governance scandal.

“What this report shows is that our healthcare system has collapsed. It has died. With only a 50% countrywide availability of these items, this also means that the failure rate of our health facilities to save a patient is high,” he said.

He said further, the finding that UPND’s ZAMMSA did not know the national annual needs of these commodities was extremely worrying.

Dr Banda said this meant that all procurements occurring at the moment were being done blindly which reflected the quantification of failure. Now no one really knew exactly how much of each item Zambia needed per year.

He said this was not surprising because innocent and competent civil servants, with capacities to collect commodity data, quantify and procure were all fired falsely blaming them for being partisan. Dr Banda said this was what happened when the Civil Service was both politicised and run
incompetently, the service suffers and people die.

He said the over 80% illegal expenditure on these commodities by health facilities as they seek to maintain quality in the care that they offer critically compromised other pillars of the healthcare delivery system.

He said the promise before the August 2021 elections was that, in pursuit of fiscal discipline, no minister under the UPND would drive a VX or expensive motor vehicle.

“But today, not only do they drive these expensive cars but the UPND is also guilty of over-pricing government procurements, further defrauding and wasting people’s resources,” he said.

Dr Banda said as an example, one ministerial vehicle equals more than one facility utility vehicle and yet these health facilities had no transport for life-saving commodities.

He said the healthcare system was a matter of life and death. But as this report shows, the UPND does not care whether the citizens live or die

Government Launches Interim Guidelines on Carbon Market and Trading INTERIM GUIDELINES ON CARBON MARKET AND TRADING

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Government Launches Interim Guidelines on Carbon Market and Trading INTERIM GUIDELINES ON CARBON MARKET AND TRADING

The government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has developed Interim Guidelines on Carbon Market and Trading, which will enable the country to manage the approval, implementation, and regulation of carbon projects.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Eng. Collins Nzovu said that the transactions on the carbon market are intended to meet commitments under climate change conventions or simply to offset institutional or individual carbon footprint and thereby contribute to good environmental management.

Speaking during the launch of the Interim Guidelines for Carbon Trading and Marketing today, Eng. Nzovu explained that the carbon market refers to trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought.

“The reason for putting a monetary value on carbon is to promote the reduction of the emissions and thereby contribute to addressing global warming and subsequently climate change,” he said

He said that the interim guidelines on carbon markets and trading outlines some administrative measures and procedures to guide government and stakeholders in the regulation and management of the carbon market in Zambia during the interim period until the enactment of the Climate Change Act.

Eng. Nzovu further added that Zambia has been facilitating the implementation of projects under the carbon market since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 which gave emission reduction targets to industrialised countries, adding that following the promulgation on the national policy on climate change in 2016, the government set out to enact the first ever climate change legislation called the “Climate Change Act”, whose enactment is expected during the first half of 2023, will provide for the regulation of the carbon market in Zambia.

“Therefore, the Ministry has aligned the interim guidelines to the rules guiding the functioning of the carbon market under the Paris agreement, which were finally agreed at COP-26 in November 2021,” he said

He mentioned that in a bid to benefit from carbon trading in the interim period, the New Dawn Government in 2021 issued a Statutory Instrument – SI No. 66 of 2021, the Forestry Carbon Stock Management Regulations, explaining that the SI No. 66 encourages community forest groups to mobilise and participate in carbon trading through among other things reduction in deforestation and forest degradation, forest conservation and sustainable management of forest.

“SI No. 66 is however, restricted to forest related carbon and does not address other forms of carbon as such to incorporate the other forms of carbon which are equally important with enormous potential for exploitation, the government through my Ministry has developed interim guidelines for carbon markets and trading which will enable the country facilitate approval, implementation and regulation of carbon projects in the interim,” he mentioned

The Minister said that the guidelines are meant to ensure that the country does not lose out from the carbon market but takes advantage and ensures Zambian people, especially the rural communities, benefit from this innovative source of climate financing.

He further said that the government will not provide finance to project developers for the carbon market but will only play a role in facilitating the partnerships that project developers come up with.

“We will also pay extra attention to ensure that local market players, especially local communities participating in this market are not exploited, but get their fair share of the accrued benefits,” The Minister said

Eng. Nzovu disclosed that the guidelines will address the categories or projects interventions eligible for consideration inline with the national aspirations as outlined in the National Policy on Climate Change of 2016, as well as the Nationally Determined Contributions – NDCs.

He further disclosed that the guidelines will address considerations regarding technologies and their relevance and appropriateness proposed for the buying of project components, adding that technical considerations related to quantification of carbon, measurement, verification, monitoring and international best practices in general.

“Other guidelines will include, benefit sharing and mechanism inline with the government policy. And steps in the application and approval process which include templates for preparations of projects consents and documents and score cards for use during evaluation of project proposals,” Eng. Nzovu said

Situation at Kasumbalesa Border to be resolved urgently – ZRA Commissioner

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Situation at Kasumbalesa Border to be resolved urgently – ZRA Commissioner

The Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda says the current situation at the Kasumbalesa Border Post is not conducive for efficient trade facilitation hence the need to resolve it urgently.

Speaking when he met the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC General Directorate of Customs and Excise Mr Banda stated that the Authority will allocate more officers at the Border to help decongest the Border, and will work with officials from DRC to implement the resolutions of extended working hours on both sides.

“With the onset of the rains, the situation at the Border might result in an outbreak of diseases,” he mentioned

Mr Banda explained that it is important for the two Authorities to meet and check on the progress made on the resolution that were made when the Zambian and DRC officials met in June this year, with the objective to resolve the traffic congestion at Kasumbalesa Border on both sides of the border.

“On the Zambian side the rain season is not good for the trucks, as part of the trucks avoid those routes coming into Kasumbalesa, so, our strategy worked well in June after the meeting because the roads leading to Mukambo where still passable,” Mr Bnada said

And the Southern African Development Community – SADC Drivers Association President Eugene Ndhlovu has appealed to the Revenue Authorities to resolve the existing challenges as the current situation is posing health and security risks to the truck drivers.

“Most of the points have been made clear on how we can deal with the problem holistically, for us as an Association that looks into the welfare of truck drivers, we are very much concerned with what the drivers are going through in this long queue where there are no toilets, water, and security. Our prayer and wish is that as we seat in this manner, we discuss the long lasting solution,” Mr Ndhlovu said

He explained that the challenges towards Zambia’s Border with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC had worsened barely two months after it was supposedly corrected by the two country’s governments which momentarily brought traffic flow to normal.

“This has prompted the SADC truck drivers association to write an open letter to President Hakainde Hichilema as well as call for a suspension on the clearance of trucks heading to the DRC in the interim, to reduce the number of trucks stuck on the Zambian side of the border,” he said

Mr Ndhlovu disclosed that most trucks stuck on the highway are in transit, already cleared at the point of entry into Zambia and are only waiting for acquittals to enter the DRC which has failed to implement fast track clearance while using Zambia as a truck park.

It is estimated that over 3,000 trucks are stuck on the Zambian side stretching 70 kilometers, it is alleged that the current situation was caused when truck drivers on the Zambian side went on strike for six days and the situation was later worsened when clearing agents on the DRC side went on strike for five days.

The Kasumbalesa Border is the busiest crossing point for trucks going into the DRC and neighbouring countries, and on average 500 cargo trucks pass through the Kasumbalesa Border each day.

In October this year, the situation at the Kasumbalesa Border worsened following the continued sit-in protest by truck drivers, the Zambian side at the no man’s land had been blocked with no trucks from Congo DRC not entering Zambia as it is the case with trucks going into DRC Congo.

The truck drivers at the Kasumbalesa Border had blocked the Congolese from walking into the Zambian side for purchasing anything or taking merchandise into Congo, this resulted in the Congolese nationals to start throwing stones at the Zambian side, a situation that made things go out of hand, as some shops where looted and the Zambia Police dispatched more man power to help curb the situation according to Copperbelt Province Police commanding officer Sharon Zulu.

Ms Zulu described the situation at the Kasumbalesa Border as hostile, adding that the Congolese started throwing stones at the Lorries for protesting drivers which blocked walk paths into the DRC, thus, preventing Congolese traders on foot and bicycles from crossing into the DRC with their merchandise.

Government implores stakeholders to invest in electricity generation

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Government implores stakeholders to invest in electricity generation

Government Chief Spokesperson, Chushi Kasanda, has called on stakeholders to invest in electricity generation and supply to help curb power shortages in the country.

Ms Kasanda, who is also the Minister of Information and Media, explained that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is facing an energy crisis which in the medium to long term may increase and affect Zambia due to the planned increase in copper production.

She said the financial status of ZESCO is not enough to forestall the envisaged power shortages, thus it is imperative to inquire into factors that can persuade private players to venture into electricity generation to come on board.

‘’The price or tariff for electricity is one of the major factors. Although the tariff must be conducive, it must be justifiable on economic grounds and also be sensitive to the needs of the poor,’’ she said in a statement issued to the media.

Ms Kasanda said stakeholders are generally in agreement with the initial government position on the findings of the cost of service study and principles for tariffs setting following consultative meetings held in all the provinces in the country.

The consultative meetings were meant to understand the cost of service study in the energy sector.

Ms Kasanda cited the importance of more investment in increased electricity generation through the various sources to match growth in population as well as demands of growing economy as one of the principles agreed upon by the stakeholders.

“Currently, the electricity sector is not very attractive to investors due to tariffs that do not cost reflective,’’ she noted.

Ms Kasanda further said the stakeholders were also in agreement with the tariff adjustment towards cost reflectivity which will be undertaken gradually over a period of five years beginning in 2023 to minimize their impact on individuals and businesses.

“The adjustment of tariffs will be done in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act No.11 of 2019. This requires a predefined period of public consultations, which would mean that any adjustment in tariffs would only be done by the Energy Regulation board in the second quarter of 2023. The multi-year migration path envisages gradual increases over the subsequent four years,’’ she explained.

Nalumango demands moral uprightness among church leaders

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Nalumango demands moral uprightness among church leaders

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has said government expects leaders of the church to be men and women of good moral standing in society. Mrs Nalumango said the church is a holy body of Christ hence its leadership should be morally upright.

She said government is however saddened with the behaviour of some church leaders who find themselves doing wrong things. She revealed that government will nevertheless continue to offer moral support to the church in order to help it grow.

Mrs Nalumango was speaking at an induction service of Reverend Roy Kanchele, who has been ordained as Bishop for the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Western Presbyterian for a period of four years.

She was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President for Parliamentary Duties, National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Ndiwa Mutelo. The Vice President congratulated Bishop Kanchele on his ordination, saying the position shows the confidence the UCZ has in him.

She has since advised the newly ordained Bishop not to relent in his duties of uniting the congregants saying the task ahead of him is huge. The induction service, which was attended by hundreds of congregants, was held at All Saints UCZ congregation in Livingstone’s Highlands area.

And in accepting his new ministry, Bishop Kanchele pledged to use the power of God to lead the church. Bishop Kanchele emphasised that without the hand of God prevailing over him, he would not have risen to his current position.

He added that as a church, his vision and direction is to continue working on financial viability. Bishop Kanchele stressed that the church is working on an investment policy that will enable it to become financially sustainable.

He revealed that the church further plans to establish a radio station in order to reach out to masses and carry out other evangelism programmes.

Bishop Kanchele expressed confidence that that his team will support him in making sure that all the plans are actualised.

World needs interventions to reverse biodiversity loss-Muchima

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World needs interventions to reverse biodiversity loss-Muchima

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Elijah Muchima, says natural resources and biodiversity contribute significantly to the gross domestic product of Zambia and offers livelihoods to many communities.

Mr Muchima said Zambia’s four to nine percent of surface land is covered by wetlands, which are critical in maintaining and supporting a wide range of biodiversity.

Mr Muchima said this at a press briefing on Zambia’s position on the 15th session of the Conference on parties (COP15) to the convention on biological diversity in Montreal, Canada yesterday.

The Minister said it was important that the parties to the convention are gathering in Montreal, Canada to talk about the issue of the post 2020 global biodiversity framework aimed at halting and reversing the biodiversity loss and achieving nature positive world by 2030.

He said according to an assessment report for 2019, over 75 percent of the global land surface and 85 percent of wetlands have been lost, adding that over one million animal and plant species risk facing extinction in the next decade.

Mr Muchima noted that unless interventions are put in place, the globe risks losing animals and plants.

He said Zambia has 480 forest reserves, 20 national parks and 36 game management areas.

He explained that the exploitation of natural resources in Zambia is evidenced through deforestation and land degradation as well as land encroachment of protected areas and unsustainable fishing methods among others.

Mr Muchima added that Zambia supports the maintainance of 30 percent of protection of land by 2030.

He said 40 percent of land is protected in the country.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources further said Zambia supports the establishment of a global biodiversity fund to least developed countries and the capacity building mechanism as well as access to technology and scientific approaches.

The issue of biodiversity is of paramount importance to any country in the world, noting that for Zambia to attend such kinds of meetings is a step in the right direction as natural resources will be preserved for posterity.

Government saddened by theft at Muvi TV

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Government saddened by theft at Muvi TV

The government has described the theft of equipment at Muvi television station in Lusaka yesterday as a senseless and criminal act. Chief Government Spokesperson, Chushi Kasanda, said the government learnt about the theft of equipment for news gathering and editing with deep regret.

Ms Kasanda, who is also Minister of Information and Media, said in a statement to ZANIS today that police should thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that culprits are brought to book and are punished.

“This has caused a disruption in the station’s programming and dissemination of news and information to the public,” she said.

She further said government values the smooth flow of information to the public and is therefore concerned about any disruption in this area. Ms Kasanda has since encouraged media houses to closely work with the police in securing their facilities.

Meanwhile, Police in Lusaka have apprehended five suspects in connection with the breaking-in and theft that occurred at MUVI television station yesterday.

Zambia Police Service Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, has confirmed the arrests in a press statement to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka today.

Mr. Mwale said police have also recovered some of the stolen items, among them, three television sets, a pay point visa machine and a central processing unit (CPU).

He added that all the five suspects are detained in police custody while investigations have intensified.

Mr. Mwale said yesterday at 08:00 hours, police received a report of breaking into a building and committing a felony therein where studio equipment was stolen at MUVI television station.

He said police visited the scene and immediately launched investigations into the matter.

“The incident is believed to have occurred on December 17, 2022 between 01:00 hours and 05:00 hours at MUVI Television Station located along Nangwenya road in Mass Media area,” said Mr. Mwale.

Police intercept vehicle carrying 12 prohibited immigrants

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Police intercept vehicle carrying 12 prohibited immigrants

Police in Lusaka has intercepted a motor vehicle, Toyota Alphard carrying 12 suspected prohibited immigrants. Zambia Police Service Deputy Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, said the vehicle, registration number AIC 4225, was carrying 12 suspected prohibited immigrants, all believed to be Pakistan nationals.

Mr. Mwale said in a statement to the media that police received information yesterday that there were suspected prohibited immigrants at a named lodge around Kabangwe area in Lusaka. He said the police receive information at around 22:30 hours on December 17, 2022,

“Acting on the information, officers managed to intercept the said motor vehicle as it attempted to leave,” said Mr Mwale.

He added that the Zambia Police and the Department of Immigration have since instituted investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration has apprehended two Zambians for trafficking and aiding foreign nationals into the country.

The suspects have been identified as Shadrek Mabolyo aged 50 of Choma district and Mudenda Mutena aged 38 of the Livingstone district.

Department of Immigration Public Relations Officer, Josephine Malambo, said the duo was intercepted aboard a Toyota Alphard registration number AIC 4225 believed to belong to a company called Green Bird of Choma, carrying eight Pakistani and Bangladesh nationals suspected to be prohibited immigrants.

Mrs Malambo stated in a statement to media that this came to light following a tip off from members of the public about the presence of the suspected prohibited immigrants at Sagonde Lodge located within Lusaka’s Kabangwe area.

A team of Zambia Police and Immigration officers rushed to the area and managed to intercept the said motor vehicle as it attempted to leave.

She said the 12 suspects are currently detained at Lusaka Central Police station pending further immigration formalities, while the duo is also in police custody pending further investigations.

‘’We wish to warn business owners who may be found wanting and perpetrators of human tracking and smuggling to desist from such conduct as they will face the full wrath of law,” she warned.

Mrs Malambo has also urged members of the public with information about any individual, business or employer who may be aiding illegal immigrants or contravening any of the provisions of the immigration and deportation Act to report to the nearest immigration office.

The government on right development trajectory-Mweetwa

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The government on right development trajectory-Mweetwa

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has dispelled allegations from the opposition political parties that the government has failed to deliver to the expectations of the people since it got into office in August last year.

UPND Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, clarified four critical issues of national interest namely stocks level of medicines in health institutions, proposed increase in ZESCO electricity tariffs, Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and Presidential foreign trips.

Mr Mweetwa said at a press briefing in Lusaka today that the situation in health institutions is not as bad as it is being portrayed by some opposition political parties.

He explained that the latest report shows that the stock level of medicines in health institutions is over 65 percent stable, contrary to speculations by the opposition that there are no drugs in the country.

He observed that the insinuations from some circles of society that there are no drugs in health institutions are only meant to sway the attention of Zambians from the reality that government is on the right trajectory in developing the country.

On the proposed increase in electricity tariffs by ZESCO, Mr Mweetwa explained that the hike will not not be immediate because the research report has to be studied before the rise is effected.

He said the proposed report has given ZESCO alternatives to explore more on the issue and recommend the outcome to the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) before the increase is considered.

Mr Mweetwa further stated that even when the tariffs are adjusted upwards, the low-income people will be paying less than those in commercial or high-income bracket.

He said it is too early for the opposition to conclude that ZESCO has increased tariffs.

The UPND spokesperson also clarified that the impending load shedding programme that has been drawn is as a result of low water levels in Kariba dam.

And on the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), Mr Mweetwa revealed that farmers have continued collecting farming inputs.

He said the delay in the distribution of inputs was caused by many factors such as lengthy negotiations with suppliers.

He cited Choma in Southern Province as one district where over 20,000, out of 27, 000 farmers have accessed farming inputs, saying the rest of them will continue collecting tomorrow Monday, December 19.

Mr Mweetwa further said other delays in the delivery of farming inputs were due to government’s exercise to remove ghost farmers from the list of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Mr Mweetwa has reiterated that the presidential foreign trips are beneficial.

He said the trips are not even gobbling huge sums of tax payers’ money due to the lean delegation President Hakainde Hichilema carries each time is travels abroad.

He said unlike previously, the President uses commercial flights on most of his flights in order to cut down on unnecessary expenses such as plane parking fees on foreign land.

Mr Mweetwa observed that since the UPND’s ascension to power, the government has performed extremely well despite negative sentiments from some circles of society, especially some opposition political parties.

“In a nutshell, the UPND administration is on a right trajectory to transform the country for the benefit of all Zambians regardless of party affiliation,” he said.

By supporting the demand for elected officials to declare assets, Ambassador Gonzales is helping Zambia fight corruption

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By supporting the demand for elected officials to declare assets, Ambassador Gonzales is helping Zambia fight corruption

By Venus N Msyani

Showing that he supports assets declaration by elected public officials, the United States Ambassador to Zambia is rendering the support Zambia needs most in the fight against corruption.

Zambians are demanding that president Hakainde Hichilema declare his assets and liabilities publicly and may have started losing hope because of a lack of support. Gonzales’s article acts as a booster to this demand.

Standing up for accountability with elected officials’ finances is the way to go for Zambia to end corruption.

In his own words, Gonzales says corruption will not be dismantled overnight, but it can be dismantled through systematic reforms that 1) enhance transparency, particularly in public procurements and asset declarations by public officials; 2) empower robust media and civil society to conduct oversight; and 3) bolster strict accountability mechanisms.

Ambassador Gonzales says Zambians play a crucial role in the fight against corruption by demanding action on these efforts from elected officials.

President Hichilema is an elected official hence would be a mistake to think he is missing in Gonzales’s mind. Closely analyzing his language, the Ambassador is encouraging Zambians not to lose hope. To keep demanding until Hichilema publicly declares his assets and liabilities.

Every Zambian need read Gonzales’s article. Was posted on December 9, 2022, by the US Embassy in Lusaka to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day and the title is Corruption is a Cancer, You Are the Cure.

No doubt it will take the fight against corruption in Zambia to another level. At the moment the fight can be described as stalled as hesitating to declare assets and liabilities is draining peoples’ confidence.

Nevertheless, Gonzales doesn’t deny the new dawn administration credit it deserves. He commends the administration for its commitment to addressing corruption and taking initial steps in the right direction by canceling high-profile and problematic public contracts signed under dubious circumstances and by investigating credible corruption complaints.

“There is still much more work to be done to end corruption in Zambia systematically and hold those engaged in corrupt practices to account.” Observes Gonzales.

Yes, much more work is needed to end corruption in Zambia but the fact remains the same. Gonzales’s opinion will make a huge difference. At the moment Zambia needs more support like this. Once every Zambian realizes that corruption is cancer and he/she is a cure, the work ahead will be easy.

Standing up for accountability with elected officials’ finances is the way to go for Zambia to end corruption. Hichilema must declare his assets and liabilities.

It would be folly for anyone to attribute the current economic hardships to the UPND-HH

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It would be folly for anyone to attribute the current economic hardships to the UPND-HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that his determination to steer the country away from poverty is unquenchable and enduring.

Speaking on arrival from the United States of America where he attended a high-level multilateral US-Africa Summit with several Heads of State led by the President of the United States of America Joe Biden, President Hichilema said that it would be folly for anyone to attribute the current economic hardships to the UPND-led Administration.

The president said that Zambia is faced with economic sluggishness due to the many years of mismanagement, endemic corruption, theft of public resources and reckless borrowing by some of those at the helm of power before him.

Mr. Hichilema has since stated with emphasis that he is now more determined to deliver to the Zambian people, affirming that his resolve will not be distracted, neither will it be diminished until Government under his leadership attains its objectives to among other things, improve the livelihoods of all Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.

Mr. Hichilema was quick to mention that on the sidelines of the Conference in America, he held bilateral discussions with other Heads of State and Governments.

The President said that he also took part in several meetings with American Captains of Industry and Investors that are willing to explore business opportunities in Zambia.

Mr. Hichilema reaffirmed that some of the investors have committed investments of 150 million united states dollars into the mining sector as earlier reported in the Media.

While in the United States of America, President Hichilema attended the US-Africa Leaders Summit and held various bilateral talks and other engagements on investments with the world’s leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

He was welcomed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Water and Sanitation Development, Mike Mposha, Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata and Defence and Service Chiefs and various senior government officials.

The six days working visit has resulted in Zambia striking a deal of US$150 million investment in the mining sector.

The US-Africa Leaders summit was aimed at deliberating on opportunities for public-private partnerships, bolstering the US-Africa economic relationship, access to capital, food insecurity, and promoting sustainable economic growth and development in African countries.

Mwiimbu urges Zambians to unite against crime

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Mwiimbu urges Zambians to unite against crime

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, has implored citizens across the country to apply for the construction of more police posts through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to enhance security in their respective communities.

Mr Mwiimbu stated that the government has redirected resources to local communities through CDF which enables them to invest in various community projects and services such as security.

He said the transfer of power, ownership and responsibility in decision-making processes to the people has created a government system that is responsive to local needs and preferences.

Mr Mwiimbu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chongwe Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo, during the commissioning of the Kanakantapa police post in Chongwe district.

He commended residents of Kanakantapa ward for contributing their own resources towards the construction of the police post which has been completed using CDF.

Mr Mwiimbu said the police post and other projects that are underway will play a key role in fostering economic growth at constituency level.

He said police officers deserve to work under good working conditions such as modern police stations that will meet their needs.

“Police posts such as this one will enable our officers to operate in an efficient and effective manner with the community,” Mr. Mwiimbu said.

He also urged residents of Kanakantapa ward to cooperate with police officers who will be working at the police post to curb crime in the area.

Speaking during the same event, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, Mervis Nkomeshya, said the Department of Resettlement under the Vice President’s Office is grateful for the effort made by the community to ensure that the police post was constructed.

Ms Nkomeshy stated that a community-based approach allows the communities to come up with their own strategies and innovations as they understand their challenges and needs better.

“We recognise the sacrifices made by the Kanakantapa community in coming together to build this police post which we are commissioning today. You put your community first and this is what good citizens do to make a community better and safe to live in,” Ms. Nkomeshya said.

She added that the Department of Resettlement is looking forward to working with the community in Kanakantapa to implement other projects which will contribute to enhancing the welfare of people in the area.

Meanwhile, Chongwe Mayor, Christopher Habeenzu, said the noble cause by the community in Kanakantapa will contribute to promoting public safety and security as well enhance the quality of lives of the people in the area.

Mr Habeenzu also called for the construction of more police posts in Chongwe to maintain law and order in local communities.

“There is need for adequate numbers of functioning police posts in Chongwe to serve as primary response centres for people in the area,” Mr Habeenzu said.

He has since commended all stakeholders who contributed towards the construction of the police post.

And Lusaka Province Police Commissioner, Cleto Kaanza, said the opening of Kanakantapa police post marks the beginning of service delivery and intensification of fighting crime in the area.

Mr. Kaanza has therefore called on the community in the area to give timely feedback to the police to enable them improve delivery of services.

He has since urged police officers who will be working at the police post to execute their duties professionally.

Hichilema optimistic Zambia will soon reach agreement with creditors

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Hichilema optimistic Zambia will soon reach agreement with creditors

President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed optimism that Zambia will soon reach an agreement on the common framework with its creditors regarding the country’s debt.

The President said a technical committee engaged in the process is working towards addressing issues of debt sustainability.

He said the committee, which sat this week in Washington with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is yet to conclude the discussion as other countries on board need to be given time.

And the President has called on those involved to speed up the process of the talks with regards to the management of the country’s debt stocks.

Mr Hichilema stated the continued delays have potential to drive the country into indebtedness and then derail other development objectives which his administration is working so hard to manage.

The Head of State further indicated that failure to correctly prioritise areas which needed borrowing had disadvantaged the country in the past.

President Hichilema pointed out that as a way forward, the government will only borrow for projects that have a return on investment.

The President reiterated his administration’s focus on attracting more investment to grow the economy and bring about prosperity.

President Hichilema was speaking in an interview with US based Bloomberg Television’s anchor, Jennifer Zabasajja, during a special live interview at Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has expressed happiness at the outcome of his visit to the USA where he engaged in private bilateral talks and attended the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

The President said it was pleasing that Zambia managed to clinch a US$150 million mining investment deal at the summit.

He said the deal was in line with his government’s policy on investment promotion towards economic recovery.

Mr Hichilema pointed out that in a world where technology was advancing, the new mine investors are bringing in innovation which will be of great benefit to the country.

President Hichilema also expressed optimism that commitments made by U.S President Joseph Biden would be actualised as Africa is determined to chart a new path for the future of its people.

The President further called on fellow African leaders to remain united and follow up on the commitments made at the just ended summit.

President Hakainde has since left Washington DC for Zambia after attending the summit and engaging in other bilateral talks whose aim was to deepen and expand partnerships between the US and African countries, institutions and people.

President Hichilema took advantage of this platform to reiterate Zambia’s unique position as the investment destination of choice, not just for the US and other African countries, but for the global community at large.

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