Finance Minister Alexander ChikwandaFinance Minister Alexander Chikwanda
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has signed a Statutory Instrument (SI) that brings into force the Bank of Zambia (Monitoring of Balance of Payments) Regulations 2013, whose objective is to monitor Balance of Payments in a transparent manner.
This is according to a statement released in Lusaka yesterday by the ministry’s public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
Mr Kandeta said in view of the signing of the SI, “the ministry of Finance takes this opportunity to affirm that in no way do the regulations stipulated in the SI 32 of 2013 constitute any intentions,implied, disguised, concealed or otherwise by any other definition, to introduce exchange controls in Zambia.”
He said the ministry appealed to the public to ensure that instead of denigrating the regulations, the measures should be seen as a significant step towards creating high transparency standards in managing the Zambian financial system.
The regulations apply to financial service providers licensed under the Banking and Financial Services Act, importers of goods or services exceeding US$10 000 or the equivalent in other foreign currency, exporters of goods or services exceeding $10 000 or equivalent in other foreign current and financial service providers designated under the National Payment Syatems Act, 2007.
Among others, and in relation to outflows, the BoZ would monitor the value of any imported goods, the value of any imported services including management services, loans granted to non-residents, trade credits from non-residents and investments made in form of equity or investments made in form of debt securities outside Zambia by persons resident in Zambia.
Mr Kandeta said in relation to inflows, the BoZ would monitor, among others, the value of goods or services exported out of Zambia, profits or dividends received in respect of investments abroad, borrowings from non-residents and trade credits to non-residents, investments in the form of equity from abroad, investments in the form of debt securities from abroad and receipts of both principal and interest on loans for to non-residents.
In relation to international transactions, the BoZ would monitor, among others, the value of imported or exported manufacturing services or goods to or from non-residents, the net cost effect of telecommunications services, the value of international transport, courier and postal services and international money transfers into and out of Zambia.
“The people of Zambia have been complaining about lack of reliable and accurate information on the resources that are generated in the country or which come from foreign sources, to develop Zambia. This is an opportunity for affected players to ensure that accurate records on foreign exchange transactions are maintained and this is the way to go for a country endowed with resources but whose capacity to unroll development to higher echelons has been hampered by poor transparency and accountability practices,” me Kandeta said.
Former Chief Justice Matthew Ngulube has urged lawyers through the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to work closely with judges to resolve the problem of delays in the administration of justice and delivery of judgments.
Mr Justice Ngulube said bench and LAZ should work together quietly in a shared resolve and commitment to confront the problem of delays in the justice system.
He was speaking in Livingstone on Saturday night when he officiated at the LAZ Gala Dinner at Zambezi Sun Hotel.
The LAZ Gala Dinner marked the end of the three-day annual conference in the tourist capital which was held under the theme Enhancing the Practice of Law through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
“Since 1988, LAZ and the Judiciary have been making efforts to address the subject of delays in the administration of justice but I understand that delays are still a problem today.
I submit that there would be no alternative to the bench and the bar except the bench and LAZ working together preferably quietly in a shared resolve and commitment to confront the problem and defeat it,” he said.
Mr Justice Ngulube, who has over 44 years in the legal profession and is currently a retiree to the bench, said there was need for all stakeholders to put to an end the problem of delays in the administration of justice and delivery of judgments.
“I have been out of circulation for a good 11 years and I don’t know if there have been improvements in the delay producing the legal culture of the relaxed adjournment policy where learned colleagues courtesyly and routinely accede to each other’s request for adjournment,” he said.
He said in 1992, LAZ council held its first meeting in Ndola where the long standing problem of delayed judgments were discussed and remedial measures were suggested as outlined in the minutes item 5 (a) on delayed judgments.
Mr Justice Ngulube said since judges were blaming lawyers for contributing to delays in the dispensation of justice as outlined in the 1992 meeting, it was imperative that lawyers talk to the judges to find the solution to problem.
He said some judges had alleged that some lawyers go to court unprepared and ask for unnecessary adjournments thereby leading to delays in the dispose of justice.
According to the minutes, some members also observed the question of delays in delivering judgments should be different from the question of protracted trials.
“Whereas lawyers could be accused of contributing to protracted trials, they cannot be guilty of contributing to delays in the delivery of judgments because judges were solely responsible of delivering judgments.
In spite of these conflicting observations, the consensus among members was that lawyers should talk to judges and find a solution,” Mr Justice Ngulube said.
He said following the 1992 LAZ meeting, It was resolved that a special committee formed to address the problem and the committee was formed during the same year.
“The committee left no stone unturned and made many excellent suggestions to address the problems.
Practical and implementable solutions started being put in place and an example is the High Court Rules Committee which LAZ was an active and effective member which came up with the 1997 amendments designed to eliminate the problem. Under this amendment, each new case was supposed to be concluded within a period of 12 months,” he said.
He also said the first batch of judges were chosen and sent to United Kingdom for masters degree in commercial subjects while others went for an attachment for commercial courts in that country.
“I was also grateful to the former Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Jon Lomoy who incidentally supported good and doubtful causes acceded to my pleas and persuaded his Government to fund 100 per cent construction of the new Magistrate Court opposite the Central prison in Lusaka.
This Court has effectively put an end to delays in criminal cases where a large number of their Worships used to share a few courtrooms and I hope active plants exit to address the same problem in other cities,” he said.
Mr Justice Ngulube said there were several ideals such as computerisation of the courts and the introduction of specialization or divisions so that the Lordships and Worships were called upon try cases only within their comfort zones.
Speaking at the same dinner, LAZ president James Banda thanked the delegate for attending the Association’s annual conference.
Notable delegates during the dinner included Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu, Attorney General Mumba Malila, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Rodgers Mwewa, Cabinet Office special duties permanent secretary Inutu Suba and Cabinet Administration permanent secretary Ala Mwewa.
Others notables included Southern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Namachila, Southern African Development Community (SADC) Lawyers Association president Kondwa Chibiya, former Chief Justice Annel Silungwe and former Cabinet Minister in the MMD regime Bradford Machila.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba Sata arrives in New Orleans to attend 61st Annual American Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba Sata arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana last evening to attend the 61st Annual Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) Conference which runs from May 4 to 8 2013.
The First Lady was met on arrival at Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport by Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States Palan Mulonda and Embassy officials.
During the conference the First Lady will be inducted as a fellow to the Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologist during the Presidential Inaugruration Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday.
Earlier today Dr Kaseba Sata held a closed door meeting with ACOG President Dr Breeden James. Also present was ACOG vice president Dr Hal Lawrence and Ambassador Mulonda.
During the meeting The First Lady and Dr James discussed areas of mutual cooperation. The First Lady appealed to ACOG to come to Zambia and support projects aimed at improving maternal health.
Dr Kaseba Sata and Dr James highlighted the need for training of traditional birth attendants (TBA) who operate in outlying areas of the country.
The First Lady noted that with increased training of TBA’s, the country would see a reduction in maternal mortality.
And Dr James said the ACOG would be meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss academic programs intended for Africa.
The First Lady who is a gynecologists is expected to attend several high level meetings with health experts.
Napsa Stars captain Harry Milanzi says Saturday’s 1-0 over Nkana is a morale booster to his team.
Milanzi on Saturday scored a lone goal as Napsa ended Nkana’s unbeaten run this season.
In a postmatch interview, Milanzi said the win over Nkana will raise Napsa’s confidence in the FAZ Super League.
The striker recalled that Napsa started the 2013 season on a low note after losing three consective matches.
Milanzi has since declared that Napsa is ready to face any team in the league.
He indicated that Napsa hopes to beat Red Arrows in their next match.
And Nkana coach Masautso Mwale said Nkana is not shaken by their first loss suffered at Napsa.
Mwale ,however, said a loss is awalys a bad result.
He told journalists in a postmatch interview in Lusaka that Napsa won because they utilised one of their few chances on Saturday.
Mwale added that Nkana were now focusing on their next match against Zanaco.
The Wusakile Boys are still on top of the league with 16 points in seven matches.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this morning’s press conference. Yesterday, the nation laid to rest 18 innocent people who died in yet another road traffic accident when the minibus they were travelling in collided with a truck along the Kabwe road. We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for those that are still recovering from their injuries. This incident again reminds us of our frailty as human beings.
The Bible points out that our lives are but a mist. None of us knows when our turn will come to answer the Lord’s call. As a son who lost a mother in a road accident in 2008, I know the pain that the families of the victims of this tragic event will be going through. These avoidable deaths should urge us not towards the edge of despair, but towards an appreciation of the responsibilities we bear as citizens of a nation that claims to follow Christ.
A nation that has been the envy of the continent in the way it has managed transition of power from one regime to another. A nation blessed with abundance in land, water, natural resources, and indeed our most treasured and greatest resource – our people.
We have so much and yet so many live in despair. We have an amazing chance to make great strides in our development and yet we continuously seek the path that leads to mediocrity and neglect. Abraham Lincoln, that famous son of America, once said:
“The legitimate object of government is to do for the people what needs to be done but which they cannot by individual effort do at all or do so well for themselves”.
Our direction as a nation is as much dependent on what the government can be expected to do for us as it is on what we can be expected to do for ourselves. Although many may not yet fully realise it, Zambia is facing a political, social and economic crisis.
We have no official roadmap for a constitution-making process that has gobbled billions of rebased kwacha, our second highest ranked Government official stands accused of inappropriate and undiplomatic language against our biggest trading partner in Africa, public order laws continue to be applied selectively to silence and intimidate the Opposition, laws continue to be amended and altered without adequate stakeholder consultation creating uncertainty and deterring inward and external investment, the energy crisis continues unabated with load-shedding now a standard feature in the majority of the homes of those lucky enough to have electricity, stories of untold misery in health institutions around the country continue to shape the lives of ordinary citizens, traffic accidents claiming multiple lives seem now to occur with greater regularity than ever before.
And all the while, our Government is playing with people’s lives by promoting unnecessary expenditure through avoidable by-elections. To make matters worse, our Government has taken the radical step of removing the subsidy on fuel without taking any responsible steps to contain the enormous and unnecessary expenditure and abuse of taxpayer resources that is taking place every day at the expense of our development.
While there may indeed be reasons for the removal of the subsidy on our fuel, we question the legitimacy of this action by the PF administration when nothing is being done to reduce the enormous waste of resources that continues to drain funds that would be better spent on development. Why remove the subsidy before putting your expenditure priorities in the right order? Why are you still accepting defections from the Opposition in Parliament when you know this will put a strain on our national finances? We ask those members of parliament from Solwezi East and Feira that have abandoned the parties on whose tickets they were elected to examine their consciences.
[pullquote]Why are you still accepting defections from the Opposition in Parliament when you know this will put a strain on our national finances? We ask those members of parliament from Solwezi East and Feira that have abandoned the parties on whose tickets they were elected to examine their consciences.[/pullquote]
We ask them to think long and hard about setting an example of selfless leadership. Mr. Taima, Mr. Ngoma: you and I are supposed to represent a new generation of thinkers. You and I both know you were not elected to defect. You and I know that you were elected to serve your constituents; to ensure that the underprivileged in the areas you campaigned so hard in, could have a chance at a decent life. Each of you comes from a constituency in which many have to walk miles to seek medical attention, where our men, women and youth have to spend backbreaking hours scratching the land to make a living.
Misery upon misery has been piled upon the poor and underprivileged in our land and while politicians continue to bicker and fight, their problems only become worse. We urge the PF administration to get its house in order and stop treating their development responsibility as a political weapon. Every area has the right to development and not just areas with a PF member of parliament.
We must reclaim our country and redeem it from the circus it is fast becoming. Only yesterday, another MMD Member of Parliament resigned. We are all responsible for taking such action as is necessary to make our nation better in each of our communities.
We urge every concerned Zambian to get involved now in shaping the future of Zambia. Not tomorrow, not even this afternoon or this evening but now. Let us not be responsible for the failure of our state. Let us not allow the PF administration the freedom to apply resources as they deem fit against the wishes of the people.
My urgent appeal goes directly to our Republican President.
[pullquote]Demonstrate that you are as committed to reducing unnecessary government expenditure as you are to saving money by removing the fuel subsidy. You can start by reducing the bloated cabinet you promised to fight while you were in Opposition.[/pullquote]
We urge you President Sata and your Patriotic Front administration to live up to your Party name and act patriotic. If Mr. Taima’s seat has not yet been declared vacant by the Speaker of the National Assembly, reach out to the Opposition in Parliament to rescind this decision. Reject any further attempts to join your ranks through unnecessary by-elections.
This means not allowing Mr. Justin Chishiba who is intending to resign from the MMD to cause yet another waste of resources meant for development. Have a heart for the people on whose backs you rode to power and on whose minds you planted your promises.
Demonstrate that you are as committed to reducing unnecessary government expenditure as you are to saving money by removing the fuel subsidy. You can start by reducing the bloated cabinet you promised to fight while you were in Opposition.
Our country cannot afford the cost and inefficiency of having 41 deputy ministers with an average of 2 deputy ministers per ministry, costing us billions in salaries, remuneration and support costs every month. Why would the Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce , Home Affairs, Local Government and Housing, Transport, Works, Supply and Communication each need 3 deputy ministers?
For the sake of our politics, for the sake of our people and for the sake of posterity – our future generations, we urge you to refrain from ruining our future.
My final appeal goes to every Zambian that truly cares for this country. Get involved now. Make a difference. Join our effort to restore our nation to the place that God always intended for it to be.
The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has called on government to reconsider the move to increase fuel pump prices as it has adverse effects on the national economy.
In an interview with ZANIS today, ZACA Executive Director Muyunda Ilionga said the move will result in increased cost of living for the Zambian population, whose majority is still wallowing in poverty.
Mr Ililonga has implored government to also consider the plight of the unemployed, poor and lowly paid citizens whose budgets cannot be stretched.
He stated that the increase in fuel prices will lead to increased cost of goods and services thereby impacting the lending services in the banking sector as workers will not have the capacity to save.
ZACA further explained that increased fuel prices and the pending revision of electricity tariffs will cripple the private sector as it remains an active participant in growing national economy.
Mr Ililonga said fuel and electricity play a major role in the production cycle and that increased prices will raise the cost of production for private sector businesses, which will not expand and result in increased unemployment levels.
He said as government is striving to alleviate the life of all Zambians and create employment, there is need to control and stabilise the economy.
Various stakeholders in the provision of goods and services such as transport have announced upward adjustment in their services due to the increased pump price of fuel following government’s announcement of the removal of subsidise on petroleum products.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) says it is not shaken with the resignation of their Kafulafuta Member of Parliament James Chishiba to join the ruling Patriotic Front on the Copperbelt.
MMD Chairman for elections, Kenneth Chipungu, said the party knew very well that Mr Chishiba was going to part company with the former ruling party a long time ago.
Mr Chipungu, who is also Rufunsa Member of Parliament, said his party knew that Chishiba wanted to resign from the MMD soon after the 2011 general elections and that his stay in the MMD was highly questionable.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that such kind of MPs lack principles because causing unnecessary by- elections was a drain to the national coffers.
He condemned the move adding that by- elections are too costly to the nation which is under developed such as Zambia.
Mr Chipungu said money going for by-elections would have been used to build clinics, schools and other important things as opposed to wasting huge sums of money on by- elections caused by individuals who are self-centred.
The Rufunsa MP has further advised Zambians and the people of Kafulafuta and Feira not to vote for such people as they are not interested in national development and their constituencies.
Mr Chipungu said Kafulafuta is a very poor constituency without basic needs of the people, stating that for Mr Chishiba to defect to the ruling party was a misguided strategy which the people of the constituency are not happy with.
He noted that MPs ditching their parties to join the Patriotic Front should be taught a lesson by the electorates like was the case in Lukulu West where the people vehemently refused to vote the PF to deter others planning to do the same.
“Zambians should look at such people carefully. Electorates are not fools to be cheated and fooled all the time. It is high time such people should swallow a bitter pill”, Mr Chipungu said.
Mr Chipungu made an ernest appeal to the electorates in Feira and Kafulafuta to seriously reflect and make a right decision on the voting day in the two constituencies by not voting the same people and instead usher in serious politicians eager to develop their constituencies.
He said MPs should not always think that their constituencies can only be developed if they belong to the ruling party.
He said it is the responsibility of Government to take development to every party of the country.
Kafulafuta Member of Parliament, James Chishiba, announced his defection to the ruling PF today during the press briefing citing bad leadership style being exhibited by party president, Nevers Mumba.
Meanwhile, Mr.Chipungu is happy with the 10 000 hectors of land given to Rufunsa district for the construction of the district administration structures.
Mr Chipungu told ZANIS that on Tuesday Chief Mupashya will be handing over the peace of land to Government for the construction of the newly created district offices in Rufunsa.
He said recently, the Permanent Secretary, Provincial Planning Officer and other stakeholders held a meeting to finalise few outstanding issues such as where to take those people who would be displaced following the construction of the modern structures for Rufunsa district town.
Kabwe Warriors today ended Green Buffaloes unbeaten run to win 2-0 at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.
Buffaloes defeat comes just 24 hours after Nkana’s unbeaten run also came to an end when they lost 1-0 away at Napsa Stars in Lusaka.
Both Nkana and Buffaloes were hitherto this weekend Faz Super Division Week Seven games the only unbeaten teams in the top flight since the start of the season on March 16.
Warriors win also benefitted from the 21 minute send off of Buffaloes goalkeeper Davy Kaumbwa who was red carded for elbowing Abudi Sakala while battling for the ball in a corner situation.
Kampamba Chintu stepped up to successfully convert penalty to score his second goal of the season.
Warriors sealed their home win over 10-man Buffaloesin the 61st minute through another veteran after striker Owen Mwendabai raced into the box to blast in the second just four minutes after coming on for Shabby Mwaba.
Mwendabai’s goal brought his tally to four so far this season.
Warriors rise from sixth to fourth place on 14th place, two points behind leaders Nkana
Mopani Copper Mines has increased its monthly grant to Zambia Rugby Union League champions Diggers by $ 1000 (KR 53,000).
Diggers chairman Chileshe Bweupe made the revelation during the club’s annual general meeting in Kitwe on Friday.
Bweupe said the grant has been increased from $25,000 (KR13,250) to $35,000 (KR18,500).
“Mopani has increased the monthly grant to the club from $25,000 to $35,000 to enable us help junior players with their education sponsorship and improve our youth rugby,” he said.
“We have since commenced assisting the deserving players,” Bweupe added.
He paid tibute to Mopani CEO Danny Callow over his firm’s support to Diggers.
” Many thanks to Mr. Danny Callow for his personal commitment to Diggers which motivated us to regain the league title after it eluded us for four years from 2008.”
Meanwhile, Bweupe bounced back as Diggers chairman unopposed together with his vice Brighton Mvula, secretary Millington Mambwe and treasurer Lawrence Njovu.
Struggling FAZ Super Division side Forest Rangers have fired coach Weston Mumba.
A committee member at the club has told LT Sports in confidence on Sunday.
Mumba’s eminent dismissal comes hours after Forest lost 1-0 to Konkola Blades away in Chililabombwe.
“Yes, the secretary (Lubinda Maginda) told him (Mumba) that his services were no longer needed.
We are just finalising everything,” the source revealed.
Neither Maginda nor Mumba was available for a comment as their mobile phones were off.
Forest have lost six matches and winning one so far in the league.
Mumba’s assistant Shex Chipoya is expected to take charge of the team.
After last week’s 2-1 loss to visiting Nkwazi in Ndola Mumba said:”It’s dangerous, we can’t go five games without a win it’s a risk to my position as coach.”
Forest hired Mumba late last season after Hector Chilombo left the Dola Hill outfit to join Power Dynamos as an assistant to Beston Chambeshi.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on President Michael Sata to dispatch a special envoy to South African President, Jacob Juma, with unreserved apology as a reparation measure over Zambia’s Vice President, Guy Scott’s remarks on the people of South Africa.
UPND Chairman for International Relations, Mulondwe Muzungu, said South Africa is a great African nation which, under its able and dynamic leadership, is instrumental to the development and growth of economies of her neighbours including Zambia.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Muzungu noted that since the advent of the African National Congress Government, Zambians and South African people have enjoyed strong bonds of brotherly friendship and mutual respect which Zambia should not destroy.
He said the UPND would like to see the country run in a manner that sustains peaceful political and economic relations with its neighbours and the international community.
Mr Muzungu observed that Zambians cherish peace and would love to see their peace maintained.
The Guardian UK recently quoted Zambia’s Vice President Guy Scott in an interview alleging that the South Africans are backwards in terms of historical development.
-Fifteen Chisamba road accident victims have finally been laid to rest at the old St. Mary’s cementery in Kabwe yesterday.
And government says the death of eighteen people arising from one accident was a big loss and tragedy not only to the bereaved families but the nation at large.
Speaking at the occasion of burial at the cemetery in Kabwe today, central province minister, Phillip Kosamu, said the loss of these lives was devastating and that it has happened barely eight weeks after another accident on the same road which claimed the lives over
50 people.
“Most of these people were business men and women who were travelling to Lusaka to purchase merchandise for trade in Kabwe. They were on their way contributing to the economy of Kabwe and consequently to the nation as a whole,” Mr Kosamu reiterated.
Mr Kosamu said road safety, which includes issues such as road worthiness of vehicles, the state of the driver as well as obedience of the road traffic rules, was a responsibility of everyone to be adhered to in order to avoid accidents.
To the bereaved families, the Minister said the people of Kabwe and the nation at large share the pain, sorrows and grief on such huge loss, and assured them of government’s quick response of speeding up investigations to ascertain the cause of the accident.
And in a separate interview Kabwe Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Winston Makukula, said his organisation was badly hit because the majority of the commuters in the bus were community business people who were trying very hard to earn a living and fulfill the government’s wish of putting more money in people’s pockets.
Mr Makukula appealed to transport owners to join the Chamber and business Association so that they can work together in providing business skills and ethics that would help them achieve their business goals and targets without resorting to illegal or unauthorized means
of raising more money such as pirating, overloading and over speeding to make many trips.
He said the association has observed that there was too much drunkenness among public service vehicle drivers especially at night, adding that there were too many buses being driven by unlicensed conductors.
He appealed to the government to urgently work on the much needed dual carriageway between Lusaka and the Copper belt as the number of accidents on this road testifies to the urgent need to sort out the problem that traffic congestion has caused.
Presiding at the church service, Rev Timothy Chipyoka said the stretch between Kabwe and Liteta in Central Province has repeatedly been a scene of accident which should make the believers to declare the stopping over the power of the devil to rule over Zambia.
Rev Chipyoka urged the mourners to remain firm during this trying moment and look to God for the strength bearing in mind that everyone will die but each in the way God wants.
The death toll in the April 30 Chisamba accident rose to 18 by yesterday after the death of one victim who died at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka yesterday.
Fifteen out of the eighteen deceased were buried by government at a common burial site which took place at St. Mary’s Old Cemetery today in Kabwe, while the others have been buried by relatives elsewhere.
MMD Vice President for Political Affairs Michael Kaingu has charged that he see the PF government to be in power for only a single term due to its poor leadership.
And Dr. Kaingu has observed that the PF leadership was full of arrogant people who have now ended up bringing the country into disrupted with the South Africans.
Speaking during a press briefing at his Kozo lodge in Livingstone on Saturday morning, Dr. Kaingu said that he does not see the PF to be in power for more that one term especially that outspoken Fr. Frank Bwalya has abandoned them.
Dr. Kaingu said that there is nothing which the PF government has done since it took over power from the MMD in 2011.
He said that all the developmental projects the PF was boosting about were left by the MMD which includes the Eurobond and the bid to host the UNWTO.
Dr. Kaingu charged that the PF government is lack to have found a strong foundation which was left the MMD but that it was unfortunate that the PF is trying to subdue and hide what was left by the former government.
The MMD vice president has also condemned the docility of Zambians for failure to take the PF government to task following increment in the price of fuel.
Dr. Kaingu said that on the day when fuel prices were hiked, Zambians marched and celebrated the Labour Day without feeling anything.
“The docility of Zambian people amuses me, when PF announced the fuel subsidy they kept quiet without asking for an explanation from government why they have increased the fuel price when it is cheaper on the international market,” he said.
“And when the prices of fuel was increased many Zambians marched and celebrated Labour Day without feeling anything,” Dr. Kaingu said.
He said that it was surprising to note that the PF government was increasing the price of fuel when neighboring countries were reducing.
“They are increasing fuel prices when their neighbors are reducing. And even on the international market fuel is cheaper,” he said.
“As Zambians we need an explanation from the PF government and not the waffling ministers are telling us. PF do not know what they are doing in government,” Dr. Kaingu said.
And Dr. Kaingu has observed that the PF leadership was full of arrogant people who have now ended up bringing the country into disrupted with the South Africans.
Commenting on the Vice President’ statement which has sparked the international attention, Dr. Kaingu said that it was unfortunate that the Vice president Guy Scott insulted the people of South Africa for no apparent reasons.
He said it was also wrong for Government Spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni to try to mend it instead of apologizing to the South African government.
“There is no private life in leadership and our Vice president has embraced the government and he has put us in disrepute with our colleagues in South Africa,” he said.
“Sakeni is trying to mend it but it is not possible. They should just apologize because there was no apparent reason to insult them,” Dr. Kaingu observed.
“PF has brought a type of leadership with no respect because they are very arrogant. They should know that they will come out of power and those they are insulting will wait for them, people like Kabimba,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kaingu has paid tribute to Catholic priest Fr. Frank Bwalya for being robust and energetic by deciding to dump the PF government.
Dr. Kaingu said that Fr. Bwalya took PF into government single handedly adding that it is wrong for the PF to call him mad because he has turned against them.
He said that the crusade must continue until Zambian put the right person in state house.
“Fr. Bwalya is robust and energetic; he took the PF into government single handedly and now they are calling him a mad man because he is criticizing them. Fr. Bwalya is welcome in the MMD infact I can resign as vice president so that he can take up that position,” Dr. Kaingu said.
Vice-President Dr. Guy Scott has told a Pan-African conference organized by the Oxford University Union that Zambia is seeking to create opportunities for young Zambians to access affordable mortgages in a bold move designed to reduce the housing deficit in the country.
Delivering a keynote address at the Oxford University-Africa Society “Pan-African Conference 2013” themed “Towards a 21st Century African Renaissance”, Dr. Scott said the lack of access to affordable loans for decent homes has led to many young people entering the labour market to live in sub-standard accommodation for which they pay rents perpetually.
The Vice-President said the high interest rates banks charged on home loans hindered people’s access to affordable housing.
“The interest rates charged on homes here (Britain) are almost negligible and therefore people are able to get home loans even before they complete their postgraduate studies,” Dr Scott said.
The government is targeting to bring mortgage interest rates to an average of five percent in order to make as many young Zambians as possible to afford homes when they graduate from school. “You need to borrow at affordable rates in order to buy a house.”
At national level, Zambia has restructured some loans it inherited from the previous administration to longer-term arrangements and invested them in infrastructure development.
He also assured investors that Zambia’s political stability provides the necessary confidence business looks for when investing in any country.
His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho made the closing speech. Other speakers included senior diplomats, business leaders and academics assembled from a cross section of areas related to the theme of the 2013 conference. Dr Scott, a graduate of the prestigious Cambridge University lectured at Oxford University before he returned to Zambia. His wife Charlotte, a graduate of Oxford, participated as panelist during a session on infrastructure, urbanization and economic growth.
Meanwhile Dr. Scott told BBC Focus on Africa’s Joseph Onyango in a special interview earlier that unemployment was one of Zambia most immediate challenges the PF government was working hard to address.
“We are working hard to diversify the economy and we are doing this very fast. We are creating jobs but there is a huge gap we have to fill because only half a million people were in formal employment at the time we came to power.”
He said the government had put in place changes that sought to create more incentives for investors creating employment rather those simply seeking to extract the country’s resources without due regard to sustainable development.
Dr Scott dismissed as noisy, the Zambian opposition who had it a habit to rush to the international community seeking sanctions against the people of Zambia.
“The opposition are insincere…they are trying to create trouble for the government. They have lost support and now want to create a false impression in the eyes of the international community.”
He said the question of the trial of former president Rupiah Banda was before competent courts of law that would decide the outcome following Parliament’s decision to lift his immunity from prosecution.
There are no violations in Zambia warranting international intervention because the country is functional democracy where the rule of law, respect for property rights and a free political space were guaranteed in the constitution.
