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MMD NEC to have the final say on the adoption process

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Gabriel Namulambe (C) and State Chief of staff Austin Sichinga

MMD chairperson for elections Gabriel Namulambe has instructed lower organs of the party entrusted with adopting candidates ahead of this year’s tripartite elections not to issue any statements to the media regarding pre-election adoptions.

And Mr Namulambe has asked Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Masebo to state her position on which platform she wants to re-contest her seat.

He has also warned that candidates should not declare themselves as having been adopted following their victory at pre-constituency elections because such declarations could only be done after approval by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

At a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday held at the MMD secretariat, Mr Namulambe said the adoption process was continuing in all the constituencies and was progressing well.

He said the MMD’s goal was to ensure that the party won the elections, adding that the issue of any candidate coming out first at constituency level was less important.

“I want to inform the MMD lower organs that the process is ongoing and there should not be any issues of people declaring themselves as having been adopted after winning the pre-constituency elections.

“This is not the case because there are other things that need to be determined before adopting anybody,” Mr Namulambe said.

[pullquote]Mr Namulambe has asked Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Masebo to state her position on which platform she wants to re-contest her seat.[/pullquote]

He said candidates should wait until they received their adoption certificates signed by himself and the party national secretary, Richard Kachingwe.

Mr Namulambe said the notion that whoever came first at the lower organ would be automatically adopted was misleading.

He said there were other interviews that would be conducted by the provincial executive committee, with the final being NEC.

“So it is after the approval by NEC that candidates are adopted, this business of candidates declaring themselves as having been adopted is neither here nor there and it is therefore too early to announce who has been adopted,” he said.

He also said the perceived differences in Chiengi Constituency did not exist and that jealousy people were the ones spreading reports that there was confusion in the adoption process.

Mr Namulambe said the party would wait to know on what party platform Ms Masebo wanted to re-contest her seat.

[Times of Zambia]

Malawi chief disputes Milton Phiri’s story

Guest Editor
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Chief Fuka Mapili, whose names are Witly Graham Phiri, of the Thonga people of northern Malawi has said he is not aware about President Rupiah Banda’s father having originated from his chiefdom.

The traditional leader refuted claims by former Zambian ambassador to Botswana Milton Phiri that President Banda’s father, Bwezani Banda was born in Tukombo Village of his chiefdom.

The 71-year-old traditional authority, as they are known here, who presides over 50, 000 subjects with six senior group village headmen and 25 village headmen, said in an interview at his Mbamba headquarters yesterday that he was not aware of Mr Banda having roots in his chiefdom.

He said it was wrong for people to suggest that President Banda’s parents were Malawians just because of the name as the Banda name was common to Zambia and Malawi.

“We have heard that there are some people who say that President Banda comes from here in Malawi. Many of us here in my chiefdom are not aware about that, we have tried to make our research to establish if he has any relations but there is no truth in those allegations.

“There is no truth in that. If it is because he is a Banda, and because Bandas, Phiris come from Malawi go to Lundazi, go to Chipata but there are Bandas who are born there, their parents are from there, the same with President Banda he doesn’t come from here,” he said.

He said there were a number of elderly people in FukaMapili area who would have remembered Mr Bwezani Banda if the allegations by the former Zambian envoy to Botswana were really true.

Chief FukaMapili, who has been on the throne since February 25, 1984, said Chewa speaking people in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia shared the same heritage as they all come from the same roots, in Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We have relatives in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia and we all fall under Kalonga Gawa Undi and that is why we meet every year in Mkaika, Katete for the Kulamba traditional ceremony,” he said.

The chief, however, said as far as he and his people were concerned in his area, President Banda was Zambian, just like his parents.

“I don’t know much about President Rupiah Banda but I know about Kaunda (former president Kenneth Kaunda) because he is even my relative. We do not have any records that Mr Bwezani Banda was born here,” he said.

Asked specifically about Tukombo Village as claimed by Mr Phiri, the traditional leader, who was flanked by his chief adviser Sume Chirwa said the village was within his chiefdom but that there was also no record on President Banda’s family.

He advised politicians to desist from making unfounded allegations but to find lasting solutions through dialogue by talking to each other.

He said it was important for traditional leaders as well as elected leaders to dialogue over issues that affect their countries.

“My word to our friends in Zambia is that first, we wish them all the best. We wish them well; if there is anything they want us to do together they are welcome any time.

“If they will need us chiefs from here to go we are ready to go there and be together with our friends Zambians and Malawians as our culture is one and the same. So what we want is please let’s live as one people, if anything is wrong let’s sit down and think together,” he said.

Mr. Phiri recently said President Banda’s father, Bwezani Banda was born in Tukombo Village in Chief FukaMapili’s area in Nkhata Bay in the then Nyasaland.

President Banda has dismissed Mr Phiri’s allegations and on Monday, the president’s brother, James also refuted the allegations that their father was born in Malawi.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Musokotwane cautions Zambians over PF

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Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has warned Zambians that they would grapple with huge supplementary budgets if they voted for opposition parties such as Patriotic Front (PF) that had promised to give cash to the people and undertake development projects within 90 days.

Dr. Musokotwane said such parties would leave chaos in the country because they would mismanage the economy and cause high levels of poverty since there was no example of a place where such promises had been fulfilled anywhere in the world.

The minister said this in Parliament on Tuesday evening after Kabwata PF Member of Parliament (MP) Given Lubinda submitted that the K1.4 trillion supplementary budget the Government was asking for showed lack of control and was contrary to the promise the Government made in 2003 not to overspend by more than two per cent of the budget.

This was when the House debated the Supplementary Appropriation Bill for 2009.

Mr. Lubinda said the K1.4 trillion represented about eight per cent of the national Budget and called on the minister to assemble measures that would curb over-expenditure by permanent secretaries.

But Dr Musokotwane said Mr Lubinda debated from a point of ignorance because the supplementary budget resulted from the global economic crisis when the buying power of the Zambian people went down and affected the taxation system because of uncertainty about their jobs.

The minister said as such, the Government had to spend more to cushion the impact of the crisis and also protect Zambians from losing their jobs.

He also told the House that the lack of controls had resulted from the failure by the opposition MPs to support the Constitution Amendment Bill that sought to implement the draft Constitution where progressive provisions on controlling budgets were contained.

Dr. Musokotwane said instead of supporting the progressive law, the opposition MPs from the PF walked out of the House and wondered why they were not steadfast on national matters.

[pullquote]He also told the House that the lack of controls had resulted from the failure by the opposition MPs to support the Constitution Amendment Bill that sought to implement the draft Constitution where progressive provisions on controlling budgets were contained[/pullquote]

He challenged Mr Lubinda to ask if he did not understand matters and also explained that the United States of America, China and other developed countries spent more to stem losses of economic activity.

Dr. Musokotwane told the House that economics were not just about figures on how one spent more but were about explaining contexts which Mr Lubinda failed to do when he accused Government of overspending.

Bweengwa MP Highvie Hamududu urged the Government to provide a ceiling of supplementary expenditure beyond which controlling officers should not exceed.

[pullquote]He challenged Mr Lubinda to ask if he did not understand matters and also explained that the United States of America, China and other developed countries spent more to stem losses of economic activity.[/pullquote]

And Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande said the Government was in the process of training officials working at Zambian missions abroad to improve their skills in promoting the country’s economic and political interests internationally.

Mr. Pande said the embassies had a lot of work for Zambia, resulting in the Zambia Development Agency approving US$2.4 billion by September last year and $7.6 billion from the Asian market between 2007 and 2010.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Veep opens Mining, Energy Conference

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LVice President George Kunda has urged investors in the mining industry to shift their focus from copper mining to other equally profitable minerals.

Mr. Kunda said Zambia has abundant mineral resources such as iron ore, uranium, and gemstone among others which investors should exploit.

The Vice President said this in Lusaka today when he officially opened the first ever Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference held under the theme “Developing a Self Sustaining Zambian Extractive Industry Driven by Private Public Sector Partnerships”.

He said the theme for the conference was appropriate as it echoed Government’s policy of facilitating the development of a private sector driven mining industry.

ZANIS reports that Mr Kunda said Government had created a favourable investment climate in the mining sector in order to create employment and to reduce poverty among the people.

The Vice President also stated that the mining sector remained a key contributor to the country’s economic growth.

He called for increased investment in infrastructure and energy to be at par with the economic growth, Zambia was currently experiencing.

“Transport and communication infrastructure have come under pressure due to the increase in mining activities in the mining sector, without infrastructure doing business will be difficult”, he said.

He also called on investors to partner with Government to equip Zambians with skills for them to be good custodians of investment.

The Vice President further urged stakeholders in the mining industry to support the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) which is aimed at managing mineral resources for the benefit of Zambians.

Speaking at the same occasion, Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale stated that Government would not nationalise the mines anymore.

Mr. Mwale said Government’s strategy for the development of the mining industry was to attract and to retain private investment.

He said the privatisation process which Government undertook in the mining sector between 1996 and 2000 was bearing fruit as evidenced by the flood of investment into the country.

The Minister noted that the country was recording positive economic growth owing to revival of the mining industry.

“The revival of the mining industry is evidenced by the resurgence of mineral exploration in Zambia . Over US$400 million has been invested in mineral exploration over the last ten years by both large and small companies. Zambia has also opened up oil and gas exploration”, he said.

Mr. Mwale further said the revival of the mining industry could also be noted by the recapitalisation of older mines that had resulted in the execution of development projects that could not be undertaken previously such as the Konkola Deep Mine project.

He said the country had recorded significant increase in capital investment in mining, adding that even in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008, capital investment continued to flow into the mining sector.

“Although the economy is diversifying into other sectors, the contribution of mining to economic growth will continue to grow. This is possible as Zambia has enormous mineral resources some of which are yet to be explored and exploited. I hasten to say that 42 percent of the country still remains to be explored”, he said.

He further called for an accelerated rate of exploration of mineral resources in order to raise the country to middle income status.

Mr. Mwale pointed out that the increase in exploration activities could only come about through the development of new mines and increased production volumes from existing ones.

And the Minister said Government was currently reviewing the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008 to bring it in line with international best practices and ensure the sector contributed to economic growth.

Mr. Mwale said Government was aware of the need to improve the competitiveness of the mining industry and was implementing measures to improve the country’s infrastructure and labour productivity.

He said a conducive investment environment and a competitive industry would raise the inflow of investment beyond the current high levels.

The mining conference has attracted over 600 delegates locally and from South Africa, United Kingdom, Russia, United States America (USA) and India and it runs until this Friday

[ ZANIS ]

Sinazongwe Coop appeals for water pump

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Lake Kariba in Sinazongwe district

A cooperative in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province has appealed to Government to buy them a water pump to save the affected farmers from failing to cultivate their winter
crops this year.

Buleya Malima Irrigation Scheme Chairperson Peter Munakacheka told
ZANIS in an interview today that the cooperative has only remained
with one water pump because the other one is damaged.

Mr. Munakacheka said one pumping machine is not enough to pump water
to the 71 hectares of the irrigation Scheme.

He said the farmers have no money to buy the pumping machine which is
valued at K22 million.

The Chairperson said many farmers will fail to cultivate this year, if
the damaged water pump is not replaced.

He also said said most crops cultivated using the irrigation scheme
includes, maize, okra, and vegetables which have contributed to
uplifting the living standards of many people in Buleya Malima.

Government rehabilitated the Buleya Malima Irrigation Scheme at the
cost of K2.3 billion in 2006 and it is the biggest in Sinazongwe
district.

[ ZANIS ]

Mbola Joins Msiska’s Team

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Lucky Msiska’s side has been boosted with the arrival of left-back Emmanuel Mbola for the Olympic qualifier against Algeria.

Mbola joined camp on Tuesday bringing to four the number of foreign-based players at Msiska’s disposal for their must-win second round, return leg qualifier against Algeria.

The TP Mazembe defender joins striker Roger Kola and midfielder Justin Zulu of Rishon Le Zion in Israel in the Under-23 team.

Midfielder Chisamba Lungu of Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast in Russia is the other player.

Meanwhile, the team trained in Chingola today ahead of Saturdays clash at Nchanga Stadium.
Zambia must win the game by four unanswered goals.

ZESCO to distribute free energy saving bulbs

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Zesco LTD Managing director Ernest Mupwaya addressing a press briefing in Lusaka
Zesco LTD Managing director Ernest Mupwaya addressing a press briefing in Lusaka

The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) Limited and Electrometer Zambia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the supply contract of two million Compact Florescent Light bulbs to be distributed to customers at no cost.

The bulbs will be manufactured locally by Electrometer Zambia at total cost of US$ 4.6 million over a period of two years.

ZESCO Managing Director Ernest Mupwaya signed on behalf of his company and Electrometer Zambia Managing Director Magdy Abdelhakim signed on behalf of his organisation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, ZESCO Board Chairperson Kwalela Lamaswala said the MoU represents yet another significant investment on the part of the power utility company in ensuring delivery of its mission aimed at encouraging a culture of energy efficiency among its customers.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Lamaswala said in a speech read on his behalf by ZESCO Board member Professor Jorry Mwenechanya that such initiatives complement numerous projects that the company recently commissioned with a view to reducing demand on domestic electricity.

He added that this will be carried out through the deployment of strategic energy efficient appliances in order to support the growing customer base and ultimately reduce load shedding.

Mr Lamaswala said the florescent light bulbs will be distributed through ZESCO’s customer service centres around the country and via operational teams on the ground who will conduct door to door operations.

He pointed out that this will ensure that conventional bulbs are replaced with energy efficient bulbs in order to support the drive for new connections.

Speaking at the same occasion, ZESCO Managing Director Ernest Mupwaya noted that connecting customers and keeping them on supply was the primary objective of the company.

Mr. Mupwaya added that this was why ZESCO decided to sign the MOU with Electrometer Zambia to connect more people across the country.

And Electrometer Zambia Managing Director Magdy Abdelhakim said the bulbs will go a long way in saving electricity consumption.

Mr. Abdelhakim expressed happiness that the MOU between the two companies has finally been signed.

Witnessing the Signing of the MOU between ZESCO and Electrometer Zambia was Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Salah Eldin Abdel-Sadek who called on the two companies to continue being cooperating partners.

Mr. Abdel-Sadek said this is very vital as the two are partners in the economic development of Zambia.

ZANIS

Three children of the same family found dead in Senanga District

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Three children between the ages of three and five years old and of the same family were last week found dead some five kilometers away from their village.

Police Spokes person Nadula Siamana confirmed the incidence yesterday adding that among the three deceased was a seven year old girl who was found alive but in a confused state.

Miss Siamana said Police suspects a foal play in the case as the bodies of the deceased juveniles were found intact while their necks seemed to have been tempered with.

Miss Siamana further said that the four children were abducted from home on Monday last week at around 10 hours.

She said one suspect who is a close relative to the children has since surrendered himself to the Police adding that Police was still investigating the matter as postmortem has not yet been conducted.

Political opportunists irk Sata.

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PF leader Michael Sata

Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata has observed that the political arena in the country has become infested with opportunists who want to aspire for political offices for personal gain.

Mr. Sata said most people are trying to find their way to parliament and not even concerned about which party should form the next government for the benefit of the Zambians.

The opposition leader added that the kind of attitude among some political leaders has seen a lot of people crossing from one party to the next.

Mr. Sata has since advised political leaders in the country to be selfless and ensure that they have a heart of serving Zambians.
[ QFM ]

Interview with upcoming Zambian artist

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JESSE

Jesse is an upcoming Zambian RnB singer. His songs fuse English, Bemba and Nyanja.

KAPA187: Welcome to the interview, for the readers who do not know you, can u tell us a bit about yourself.

JESSE: My full name is Jesse Phiri, born in Lusaka, Zambia, 23 years ago. I am the fourth in a family of 6. Currently, I am a graduate with a Diploma in Insurance and I am also an RnB Artist.

KAPA187: How long have u been doing music and what was your inspiration to start?

JESSE: I started singing solo in church at the age of 6. To be honest, no one really inspired me to start singing. I just remember my mom choosing and helping me to learn songs that I would sing. But of course along the way I developed interest in some well renowned singers such as Mainza Chipenzi and R. Kelly to mention a few, who have inspired me to what I am today.

KAPA187: What is your motto, or advice you live by?

JESSE: In everything that you do, every noble cause that you endeavor, put GOD first and apply your best effort

KAPA187: If you could be any singer in the whole for a day, who would it be and why?

JESSE: I wouldn’t want to be anyone else but me because I believe I am a unique and special singer and I delight in what I do.

KAPA187: What has been your biggest achievement since starting your music career?

JESSE: My biggest achievement to date would be reaching the last 5 from 30 contestants of “The Ultimate Slinger Season 2”, a very tough and challenging but educative singing contest. It is a Sling Beats/ZNBC initiative. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the contest due to circumstances beyond my control.

KAPA187: Do you write your own songs, and do u have any plans of releasing an album?

JESSE: Yes I do write my own songs, I have plans of releasing an album as soon as possible but first I am looking to establish myself in the Zambian music industry as a force to reckon with.

KAPA187: Nakupeza is a nice song. How did it come about?

JESSE: Nakupeza is a concept that I have always had. When I got the beat to the song and wrote, everything just fell in place. I intended Nakupeza to not only be a wedding song but also for anyone who has found ‘the one’.

KAPA187: where do u see yourself in the next 5 years?

JESSE: I see myself as an internationally recognized artist/inspiration/role model with so much to offer to my country.

KAPA187: Do you do any vocal training?

JESSE: I have attained beginner’s level of voice training at the moment. Am awaiting to start intermediate voice training soon.

KAPA187: Where can your fans listen to your music.

JESSE: Facebook/jesse Zambia and reverbnation

THE MUSIC

Jesse is new to the music industry and hasn’t released a lot of music. A stand out track that has releases is Nikupeza. This is a song for those who have found that special someone.

NIKUPEZA


another good song of his is Nikukonda

NIKUKONDA


Fuel filter replacement tips for Toyota Prado

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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a, mid-size four-wheel drive vehicle in the Toyota Land Cruiser range.The Prado redefines the rugged 4WD, with exhilarating performance, ground-breaking off-road capabilities and breathtakingly bold new looks.Even if, Prado has had several facelifts in its production years, the process to replace the fuel filter is the same throughout.

The Fuel filter also has the power to clean fuel of particulates before it reaches to the engine. Fuel filter must be altered every 42 000km. This job must not take you more than 20 minutes for completing. Fuel filter replacement is rather an easy task for Toyota Prado. Below are a few easy to follow tips for fuel filter replacement.

Toyota Prado makes use of a fuel filter to eliminate rust as well as debris from reaching the engine. If debris or rust in the fuel stream gets through to the engine, there are chances of damage to several components. The fuel filter, which is positioned in line between the engine and the fuel tank, plays a major role to prevent damage to the components. It removes all rust or dust particles from reaching to the engine. Suggested intervals for replacing fuel filters may vary slightly depending on the automobile model. It can be beneficial to change the filter after every 30 000 to 40,000km or 18-24 months depending on the usage of the vehicle. This is a standard recommended interval. However, you should determine when you need to change the filter. When you find the filter dirty during vehicle inspection, replace it. Never neglect a clogged or dirty filter. Failure to replace fuel filters may hit hard on your pocket later. Changing the filter at regular intervals will help you get the best out of your Japanese vehicles.

There is no need to seek for an expert aid for changing the filter. You can save your hard earned money by changing it on your own. With little efforts and some knowledge you can do it in an easy and effective manner. If you do not have knowledge or do not want to waste your time, then it’s better to seek expert aid for this. Otherwise, you can start the procedure with few things.

Things that you will need for fuel filter replacement include replacement filter, vehicle jack, tube pliers, disposable towels, screwdriver, plastic gloves, and crescent wrench and tube pliers.

Instructions for fuel filter replacement:

  • First you need to turn off the engine.
  • After that, open hood with hood support rods
  • After this, you need to loosen the negative battery terminal nut.  You also need to lift negative battery cable off the terminal and then set it aside
  • Raise the vehicle on the side of passenger with vehicle jack. You should even locate fuel filter below your vehicle beside rear wheel. Remember you need to put on plastic glove.
  • Clamp both of the tubes feeding fuel filter with tube pliers
  • You have to pull both tubes off the fuel filter, which they are attached to
  • Now, you need to remove screw tightening fuel filter bracket across fuel filter.
  • Pull that fuel filter out of the bracket.
  • Insert the replacement fuel filter into fuel filter bracket.
  • You also need to plug two fuel tubes into the stems of fuel filter.
  • Tighten bracket across new filter with screw you removed previously.
  • You have to even release tube clamps too.
  • Lower your vehicle and reattach negative battery cable.

With this step, it completes the replacement procedure for fuel filter. So, when next time you find that there is need to replace the filter, you can change the filter easily on you own.

Katele Kalumba sets the record straight

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Katele Kalumba
Katele Kalumba

MMD Chiengimember of Parliament Katele Kalumba says some individuals violated procedure when applying for adoption for the parliamentary seat ahead of this year’s elections.

Dr Kalumba said in an interview from Chiengi yesterday that it is not acceptable for the adoption procedure to be circumvented.

“It appeared as if they were coming here to challenge the perceived hegemony and to use the words that a deputy minister, who I won’t name, used ‘the evil genius of Katele’,” Dr Kalumba said.

Dr Kalumba said those who failed to follow procedure by applying for adoption in Mansa are the ones who provoked the sensibilities of MMD leaders in Chiengi, who feel sidelined.

He dismissed assertions that he is stopping aspirants from applying for adoption for the Chiengi parliamentary seat.

“The procedure is clear because nominations are supposed to be lodged with the local organs which go through the procedure before candidates are recommended to the national executive committee,” Dr Kalumba said.

He also said he will not stand because he wants to concentrate on ‘securing his freedom’ through the legal process.

Dr Kalumba, who is former MMD national secretary, said he is not available to contest the seat because he stands convicted by courts of law and that he has appealed against his conviction.

“I am not just available to stand because by law, I was convicted and I have appealed. I have decided to pursue my freedom through the legal process and I want to give it all my time because I know that I am innocent. One does not appeal when they know that they are guilty,” Dr Kalumba said.

He vowed to use whatever legal channel available to secure his freedom.

“In my view, I believe that I am innocent. It is up to the courts of law and legal infrastructure available to Zambian citizens to establish whether I have a basis for appeal or not,” Dr Kalumba said.

He also said he has been injured by media reports suggesting that he has stopped his wife, Lumba, from contesting the Chiengi parliamentary seat.

“I love my wife, I respect my wife. We make individual decisions and bring them to the family for consultation and counsel. But we finally make up our minds, depending on our analysis of the information available. My wife is quite capable of analysis. I stood by her when she made the decision to go to the convention, regardless of the fact that I was not standing and as a family, we are grateful that the party received her,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said his wife has made an independent analysis on whether to contest the Chiengi seat and she feels that the situation does not favour her to do so.

He urged MMD members to remain solidly behind President Banda to ensure victory in this year’s tripartite elections.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

ZAMTEL reduces local tariffs by 50% with immediate effect

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Zamtel Corporate Affairs director Amon Jere
Zamtel Corporate Affairs director Amon Jere

ZAMTEL has reduced its local tariffs applicable to the Family and Friends Tariff Plan by 50 percent with immediate effect.

This development comes barely two months after the telecoms giant reduced its international call rates to selected destinations by the same margin.

Company chief commercial officer Amon Jere said the reduction in call rates is meant to make communication even more affordable in Zambia and help bridge the communication divide.

“The rates were previously K15 per second during peak periods and K10 per second during off peak. We have since reduced these to almost half during both peak and off peak times,” Mr Jere said.

He said this in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday.

The Zamtel Family and Friends is a closed user group value addition service that allows customers to enlist up to six numbers of their closest family and friends to stay in touch at reduced rates.

Mr Jere said since re-branding in April, the firm has continued to register positive growth now averaging 39 percent for mobile subscribers and more than 100 percent in fixed broadband internet customers since the introduction of the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL).

And the company signed up to be the official communications partner at the just ended AGOA Forum in Lusaka, turning the entire Mulungushi International Conference Centre into a hot spot offering high broadband internet speeds to delegates, the media centre and secretariat.

In the last six months, Zamtel has launched an unprecedented number of products and services including mobile internet, M-top up, Call Conference Bridge, ADSL and Zamtel Tunes.

This is besides the on-going Talk & Talk Extra promotion and free internet browsing at the Zamtel flagship retail outlets at Manda Hill, Cairo Shopping Mall and Crossroads.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Government to re-develop Findeco House

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Lusaka's tallest building, Findeco House, which has 22 floors.
Zambia's tallest building, Findeco House(R), which has 22 floors.

GOVERNMENT intends to re-develop Findeco House under a public private partnership (PPP) arrangement after receiving unsolicited bids.

PPP unit director David Ndopu says there have been numerous unsolicited bids for the re-development and maintenance of Findeco House under the PPP model.

Mr Ndopu says in fulfilling the legal requirements for dealing with unsolicited bids, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning PPP unit is requesting for proposals from firms and consortia to redevelop the building.

“The proposal is to modify and upgrade the building into an ultra modern building,” he said in a public notice issued to the press in Lusaka yesterday.

MrNdopu urged interested parties that meet the application requirements to submit information demonstrating financial capabilities, amount of investment, period of executing the project up to commissioning and the length of the concession.

The deadline for submissions is June 17 at 14:30 local time.

Government initiated the process for the establishment of an implementing framework for public private partnerships in 2005 to allow participation of the private sector in the delivery of social and public infrastructure.

The PPP policy was developed in 2007 and launched in November 2008, while the Act was passed in August 2009.

Government is currently facilitating the implementation of PPP projects in the various sectors of the economy.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Zambia’s Economy to grow by 6.7%

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Traffic flowing along Freedom Way in Lusaka
Traffic flowing along Freedom Way in Lusaka

ZAMBIA’S economy is projected to grow at 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent in 2011 and 2012 with manufacturing, electricity, gas and water and construction sectors making major contributions, the latest African Economic Outlook report has said.

The report says the expected growth in the manufacturing sector will contribute greatly to Zambia’s overall growth prospects by reducing dependence on imports, with a wider base of locally-produced goods and services.

In the secondary industry, for 2011 and 2012, growth is projected at 9.6 percent and 10.1 percent respectively with manufacturing, gas and water and construction making major contributions.

In the primary industries, agriculture is performing well and was expected to grow by 7.6 percent in 2010, the report reads.

However, this will depend on increased agriculture and mining output but these in turn need stable international commodity prices, stable exchange rates and climatic conditions, the report says.

The report attributes the growth to the recovery of the economy from the financial and economic crisis which saw the country record 6.6 percent gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 after posting 6.4 percent in 2009.

The report says the agricultural sector is performing well and that growth for 2011 and 2012 is projected at 3.2 percent and 4.6 percent respectively.

Although average growth in the agricultural sector is expected to reduce to about 1.2 percent for 2011-2013, the provision of farming inputs and expected stable exchange rates and commodity prices will sustain positive growth in the sector.

In 2010, Zambia recorded its largest ever maize harvest of about 2.8 million tonnes, compared with 1.9 million tonnes in the previous season.

Major staple food crops such as maize, sorghum, rice, groundnuts, Irish potatoes, mixed beans, sweet potatoes and cassava contributed to higher production in 2010.

On the mining sector, the report says the sector has recovered from the crisis and is expected to show 7.4 percent growth for 2010 and that production in the sector is expected to be 7.5 and 8.5 percent higher in 2011 and next year, respectively.

Copper production was projected to increase to 740,000 tonnes in 2010, a level not seen since 1973 and up 8.0 percent from the 696,900 tonnes in 2009.

It says the growth in the sector benefited mainly from improved copper prices and the business environment in the economy.

Much of the growth is expected to come from Konkola Copper Mines and Lumwana Mines, as well as the resumption of production at Luanshya and Bwana Mkubwa mines which were closed during the financial crisis.

The report states that Government used tax and expenditure measures to save jobs in mining and related production sectors.

About 8,500 jobs were still lost during the crisis but with these measures, about 1,500 jobs were regained in 2009 in mining and other sectors and more people are being re-employed.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

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