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Mwense Member of Parliament (MP) Jacob Chongo has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ to increase the number of centres for people to verify their details in his constituency.
Mr. Chongo says out of the 32 polling stations only four centres have been designated as verification centres.
He says the four centres will only discourage people from verifying their details because of the long distances.
Mr. Chongo has also appealed to ECZ to allow people to verify their details from any part of the country and not necessary from where they had registered.
He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Wednesday.
[ ZNBC ]
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati has said there was need to consolidate regional integration between the
American and African continents.
Mr. Mutati noted that Africa was growing and opening up to more opportunities through the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) making it possible for African counties to make progress.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the official opening of a joint session of the Private Sector, Civil Society and African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP) at Mulungushi Conference centre in Lusaka today, ahead of the official opening of the AGOA forum tomorrow, Mr Mutati noted that Zambia was determined to make progress in the cost of doing business adding that many African countries had taken steps to improve their economies.
‘’Zambia and other African countries are determined to make a change and are fully committed to deepen regional integration,’’ the Minister said.
At the same occasion, United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella said US was committed to promoting Africa’s economic growth through trade.
Mr. Storella noted that AGOA was a critical pillar in growing the economic relationship between America and Sub-Saharan African nations.
Ambassador Storella observed that Africa was an important strategic partner of the US describing the continent as a rising market and destination for the American continent as well as global investment and Trade.
He said there was need for the Private Sector to ensure that free and fair trade existed and to ensure that policy makers were held accountable for their actions in a transparent process, especially trade policies that negatively affected producers and consumers.
‘’America is pleased to join the Private Sector and Civil Society from the 37 AGOA eligible partners and around the World. The US celebrates AGOA’s success today in expanding and diversifying a two -way U.S-Africa trade providing opportunities for businesses and growing African economies through trade,’’ Mr Storella added.
The US envoy further stated that this year’s joint Private Sector and Civil Society agenda was an innovative way to finance economic development which would ensure small and Medium enterprises participate in regional and world markets.
[ ZANIS ]
Bonnie Mwamelo has decided to rescind his decision to step down as Faz executive committee member. Mwamelo issued a statement today at Football House at which he declared he was returning to serve as Faz vice president.
Mwamelo said: “Following my posting on social media announcing my resignation as Vice President yesterday, I am pleased to state that was hastily and inopportune pronouncement is reversed and set aside I continue as Vice President of the Football Association of Zambia and remain committed to the President, Executive Committee and our vision as set out.
I regret the premature leakage of that posting to the media, its subsequent publication and any distress that may have caused our members of the football fraternity and nation as a whole.
With this statement, let me restate my commitment to discharging my duties diligently and to the best of my abilities as we continue on the path to development, success of Zambian football and the Chipolopolo which we have all firmly placed on the road to success.”
A United States of America (USA) firm will heavily invest in Zambia’s energy industry by setting up a solar equipment plant in Zambia.
Wise Power Systems Global President William Rawheiser said this in an interview with ZANIS today upon arrival at the Lusaka International Airport ahead of Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which officially opens in Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka.
Mr Rawheiser said that the solar power equipment plant to be set in Lusaka will be affordable for people in rural areas where hydro power electricity was not accessible in some cases.
He observed that most towns in Zambia were not connected to the national grid and instead used thermal power generation which he described as ‘costly to run’.
Mr Rawheiser could not however, immediately disclose the cost of the planned solar power equipment plant.
The Power Systems President said he decided to come and invest in Zambia because of the good climate and gesture by the Zambian Government with a resolve to wooing foreign investors.
And Deputy Chief of Mission at the Zambian Embassy in New York, Alfred Choiza said the plant would help boost Zambia’s economy as well as provide employment opportunities to the local people.
Mr. Chioza said it is Government’s determination to continue attracting foreign investors into the country because Africa and Zambia in particular has abundant raw materials which only needed value addition.
He expressed optimism that more US investors were willing to come and invest in Zambia.
Over 3, 000 chief executives as well as Government leaders from United States are expected to participate in the AGOA Forum.
The 2011 AGOA theme is Enhanced Trade, Through Increased Competitiveness, Value Addition and Deeper Regional Integration.
Zambian President Rupiah Banda is expected to officially open the AGOA on Thursday.
The aim of the strategy on AGOA is to provide a framework through which Zambia’s competitiveness and comparative advantage can be harnessed and channeled to exploit opportunities in the US market.
The family of the late President Levy Mwanawasa has described as misguided and immature attacks on President Banda by the late president’s son, Patrick.
The family has said that Patrick Mwanawasa’s comments in Tuesday’s Post Newspaper do not represent the views of the family.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Late President Mwanawasa’s sister Evelyn and his eldest daughter Miriam Mwanawasa.
The Mwanawasa family has declared its unwavering support to President Rupiah Banda and urged politicians to stop using youths in the country to push their political agenda.
They said that it will be folly for them to support anyone else in this year’s election because President Banda has continued to build on the promises of the late Dr Mwanawasa.
Patrick was on Tuesday quoted in the Post Newspaper, attacking President Banda’s leadership.
And Zambia Daily mail reported that former MMD Lusaka district secretary Michael Phiri has advised former President Mwanawasa’s son, Patrick, to desist from publicly attacking President Banda.
Mr Phiri said if Patrick has any issues to raise with the President, it would be wise for him to seek audience with the head of State instead of disparaging his leadership in the media.
He was reacting to a story in yesterday’s Post newspaper in which Patrick was quoted as saying President Banda’s government is brainwashing Zambians into believing that it is bringing development.
MrPhiri said Patrick should not allow himself to be used by selfish people to attack the head of State, but approach him and express his concerns in an amicable manner.
“While he has the freedom of expression and speech, he must be mindful of what he says in public. He is saying there is no development; doesn’t he have eyes to see? I beg the young man not to be used by other people,” he said.
Mr Phiri said if Patrick has failed to meet the President through the normal channels, he could use Mr Banda’s local and foreign trips to see him as he either departs or arrives.
“The President travels frequently on national duties. He could go to the airport to join those seeing him off or welcoming him back. President Banda would be the happiest person to see the son of his predecessor, his own son, and I am sure he would give him an appointment there and then,” he said.
Mr Phiri said if Patrick is experiencing problems because he is no longer living in State House, the best would be for him to meet the President and explain his situation.
Mr Phiri also urged Patrick to refrain from making alarming statements bordering on national security, which he cannot prove.
He said it was wrong for Patrick to accuse the authorities of ordering the killing of people in the recent unrest in Mongu and Mazabuka when he does not have evidence to back his claim.
File:Some young men on the business end of beer at a pub in Lusaka
Dear G.P
My husband drinks a lot of beer.What are the health risks for this.
Mrs X
Dear Mrs X,
For thousands of years, man has poured litres of alcohol down his neck.There has been lots of research done on the health benefits and risks of taking alcohol.One thing scientists agree on is alcohol may be beneficial if taken in moderation and detrimental if taken in excess.
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this.
Nothing is absolutely safe for everybody, I think there is a sensible level of drinking and sensible doesn’t mean “saving up” whatever number of drinks is deemed reasonable per week and drinking them all at once at a single sitting on the weekends. That’s binge drinking, and is well documented as to having severe adverse effects on a person’s health.
Immediate Health Risks of excessive Alcohol consumption
Hangovers-Headaches, nausea, vomiting, aches and pains all result from drinking too much. Drinking to the point of drunkenness makes you sick.
Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. These immediate effects are most often the result of binge drinking and include the following—
Unintentional injuries– road trattfic accidents, falls, drownings, burns, fights
Violence, including intimate partner violence and child maltreatment.
Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and increased risk of sexual assault. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases
Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels that suppress the central nervous system and can cause loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and body temperature, coma, respiratory depression, or death
Long-Term Health Risks
–Weight gain. Alcohol is not water. A beer has about 150 “empty” calories that provide few if any nutrients.This leads to a beer belly.Some research suggests thatt the Beer Belly can be attributed not to drinking beer, but to drinking a lot of beer… quickly.
–Depressed immune system. Impaired immunity makes you more likely to contract viral illnesses such as flu and infections.
–Heart disease
In men over 40 and women past the menopause, small amounts of alcohol (a couple of drinks a day) may reduce the risk of heart disease. For everyone else, too much alcohol is likely to cause weight gain, prevent proper exercise and be a cause of heart disease.
–Sexual health problems
Too much alcohol shrinks genitals and lowers fertility. Being drunk can loosen inhibitions and affect your judgement. This can make you less likely to use a condom or other protection properly (or at all) and so increase the risk of a sexually transmitted infection or unintended pregnancy
–Liver diseases including
Alcoholic hepatitis.
Liver Cirrhosis
Among persons with Hepatitis C virus, worsening of liver function and interference with medications used to treat this condition.
–Pancreatitis
Long-term heavy drinkers can develop this painful condition. The pancreas makes insulin and other substances needed to properly digest food. If left untreated, pancreatitis causes malnutrition and can lead to diabetes
Diabetes
Regular heavy drinkers are often overweight and, as with all overweight people, can go on to develop diabetes. Though manageable, people with diabetes don’t live as long and have to eat restricted diets and take medicines daily or inject themselves with insulin.
–Neurological problems
Not only can people fail to remember what went on during a heavy session, persistent heavy drinkers can develop memory loss problems. A dementia-like illness called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is caused by vitamin B1 deficiency. This is caused by poor absorption and storage of thiamine brought on by too much alcohol over too long a period.
-Strokes are caused either by blood clots clogging arteries in the brain (ischaemic stroke) or by blood vessels bursting and leaking into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). A very heavy session (more than eight units for men, six for women) causes dehydration and makes the blood thicker and more likely to form clots in the brain and elsewhere. Prolonged heavy use of alcohol also raises blood pressure and can be another cause of stroke.
–Psychiatric problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicide.
–Social problems, including unemployment, lost productivity, and family problems
–Cancer
Cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon.. In general, the risk of cancer increases with increasing amounts of alcohol.
–Thread veins and brittle nails– Alcoholic drinks contain lots and lots of calories so weight gain among people who don’t drink sensibly is common. Alcohol affects the circulation by expanding blood vessels. This causes thread veins, often on the face, and purple, bulbous ‘drinker’s nose’. Heavy drinkers usually don’t eat properly and too much alcohol stops the body absorbing the nutrients it needs. This leads to poor skin and brittle hair and nails.
Finally, lets not forget alcoholism. Alcoholism is a disease to which some people seem predisposed. Alcoholics are unable to control their drinking–how much, when, and if. Alcoholism puts you at great risk for other health problems, and it can shorten your life by more than 10 years. Alcoholism cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Through education, treatment, and self-help support such as AA, people can learn to live alcohol-free .
Recommendations
If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation. This is defined as not causing intoxication, and consuming no more than 1 beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 shot of liquor per day if you are a woman and no more than 2 if you are a man.
Eat a meal before you drink. Food in the stomach will slow the entrance of alcohol into your bloodstream by preventing it from entering your small intestine which absorbs alcohol faster than the stomach. High protein foods, like cheese, are best at slowing down the effects of alcohol, and thus help prevent a hangover
Responsible drinking
Here are some ways to drink responsibly, provided you DO NOT have a drinking problem, are of legal age to drink alcohol, and are not pregnant:
NEVER drink alcohol and drive a car. Have someone designated to drive if you’re going to drink, or plan an alternative way home, such as a taxi or bus.
DO NOT drink on an empty stomach. Snack before and while drinking alcohol.
Drink slowly to avoid becoming intoxicated and ONLY in moderation.
If you are taking medication, including over-the-counter drugs, check with your pharmacist before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can intensify the effects of many drugs and can interact with other drugs, making them ineffective or dangerous, or making you sick.
DO NOT drink at all if you have a history of alcohol abuse.
If alcoholism runs in your family, you may be at increased risk of developing alcoholism yourself, and may want to avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
Being drunk decreases your inhibitions, making you more likely to do things you may regret later. When intoxicated, you are significantly more likely to endanger your health or that of others, more likely to catch a sexually transmitted disease, more likely to be involved in an automobile accident, and more likely to become permanently injured or die.
United Party for National Development spokesperson Charles Kakoma (L)
United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the PF had no ability to foster economic development in Zambia because its leadership was recycled and had little or no knowledge about economic liberation.
Mr Kakoma said it would be suicidal for Zambians to vote for a PF Government in the 2011 elections.
He said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that the PF leadership was dominated by recycled politicians, some of whom had worked as informers of the colonialists and were now failing to understand modern politics.
“When you look at the PF leadership, you will find that those recycled politicians are the ones who dominate the party and promote dictatorial tendencies.
“When someone tries to bring modern politics of articulating issues of national development, they do not entertain him,” Mr Kakoma said.
And UPND president Hakainde Hichilema’s special advisor and spokesperson Douglas Syakalima said the PF should not apportion blame on anyone if they had failed to convince the Zambian people to vote for their party and its leader Michael Sata in this year’s elections.
Meanwhile,THE Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has said the Patriotic Front (PF) is jittery and crying foul against the United Party for National Development (UPND) because they have foreseen that they are losing this year’s elections.
FODEP executive director Macdonald Chipenzi said the statement by PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba had come too early when the Zambian voters had not yet started voting and it amounted to crying foul after the party mishandled the alliance with UPND.
Mr Kabimba on Monday was quoted as saying the UPND was playing the role of a spoiler in this year’s elections.
He said the UPND was working to spoil PF leader Michael Sata’s chances of winning the elections.
Mr Chipenzi said the PF and UPND had an opportunity to hold the alliance firm but it collapsed due to lack of mutual respect and the parties involved must stop crying foul.
“Next time alliances should be formed on mutual trust and respect.
These two parties were insincere to each other with one calling the other as inferior and the PF is now crying foul.
“What the PF are saying basically is that their future depended on the alliance. What they are doing now amounts to being jittery and crying foul,” Mr Chipenzi said.
Patriotic Front Munali Member of Parliament Mumbi Phiri says it would be abnormal for her to discourage residents in her area from getting solar geysers from ZESCO when it is their money being used.
Mrs. Phiri says whether the project is a political gimmick by the ruling MMD of not, residents in her area should take advantage of the geysers but should cast their votes wisely.
She tells QFM that it is too late for the MMD to fool people into voting them back into power during the forthcoming general elections as people have already made up their minds on who to put in office.
Mrs. Phiri has also challenged the Zambia Electricity Supply Cooperation (ZESCO) to expand their generosity to supporting students the same way it did with the solar geysers.
She says it would be generous for the power supply company to sponsor some vulnerable students at the national resource development centre (NRDC)
BETHEL City Church International has distanced itself from the two pastors who were arrested by the Drug-Enforcement Commission (DEC) after allegedly being found with more than US$70,000 counterfeit notes.
And DEC spokesperson John Nyawali has advised Bethel Church International to lodge an official complaint and disown the two men if indeed it was true that they were not engaged by the church as pastors.
Bethel general secretary Stanley Benwa said in a statement released by the church’s headquarters in Ndola that the former Bethel City Church International, now known as Bethel Church International, would like to make it clear that Collins Kashingwa and Nkambe Chasha, arrested after being found in possession of counterfeit US dollars notes, were not members of the church.
“Collins Kashingwa and Nkambe Chasha are not Bethel Church pastors.
The only Bethel pastors at Matero congregation are Henry Tembo and Gabriel Mutemba,” he said.
He said DEC should further charge the two men for giving wrong information.
Pastor Benwa said Bethel Church International licensed 11 pastors in Lusaka at a Nakatindi Hall function at which the names of the pastors were made public.
The function was open to the media and Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha graced the event.
He said linking the two men to his church was not only disturbing but denting the image of the church.
But Mr Nyawali said as far as DEC was concerned, the two men were pastors from Bethel Church International until after the church lodged an official complaint.
“Once we have an official complaint we will then carry out further investigations and charge the two men for giving false information if they are found wanting,” Mr Nyawali said.
On Sunday, DEC arrested two pastors from Bethel City Church in Lusaka for being in possession of more than $70,000 of counterfeit notes.
Pastor Kashingwa, 31 and Chasha, 29, were arrested from Ody’s Filling Station on Great East Road after they were found with $77,200 of counterfeit notes.
Meanwhile, another pastor from Tabernacle of Influence Church in Lusaka has been arrested for being in possession of K5 million counterfeit notes.
Quincy Kakompe, 30, was arrested from Longacres area after he was found with the counterfeit notes.
Mr Nyawali said Pastor Kakompe, who was carrying a BIBLE at the time of his arrest, had the counterfeit Kwacha in K50,000 notes.
He said the pastor was arrested with another person, Francis Mwela, a freelance cameraperson.
“The commission is saddened with clergymen who are perpetuating criminal activities as this is bringing the name of the Church into disrepute. As such, I would like to appeal to pastoral bodies to consider vetting pastors before they are ordained,” he said.
Expelled Kafulafuta Member of Parliament George Mpombo
A WITNESS yesterday told the Lusaka chief resident magistrate Joshua Banda that former Defence minister George Mpombo allegedly falsified three receipts when he was asked to retire imprest.
And magistrate Banda yesterday ordered that trial should proceed even when the accused’s lawyer Wynter Kabimba was not present in court yesterday because he was in court when his client’s matter was adjourned to yesterday’s date.
Mr. Mooya Haalwindi, a soldier who was Mpombo’s ADC in 2008, testified that he got the receipts from a named Ndola man to produce the three receipts amounting to K18 million and paid him K250,000 as a token of appreciation.
He said the man gave him one receipt for Luangwa Lodge in Eastern Province amounting to K10 million, another for Ndola’s Chabanga Lodge worth K5 million with the last for Kanjaba Lodge worth K3 million.
This is in a case in which Mpombo is charged with theft by public servant contrary to Section 277, forgery contrary to sections 342 and 347 and uttering a false document contrary to Section 352 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr. Haalwindi said it was not in order for Mpombo, 57, a farmer of house number 4 Katonte Farm, Ndola Rural to falsify information when trying to retire the imprest.
Mr Haalwindi said in 2008, Mpombo received a letter from the then permanent secretary reminding him to retire imprest and he called him (Haalwindi) and asked him why he did not manage to retire his imprest.
He was then given some receipts which he also handed over to Marble Mangala, Mildred Mulawo and Idah Shabwanga, all from Defence Ministry’s accounts department to retire the imprest on his behalf.
Mr Haalwindi said Mpombo then directed him to call a Mr Ignatius Lungu who was then his protocol officer while in Ndola who also in turn directed him to a named man whom he met the following day with Mpombo at Chabanga Lodge in Ndola where he produced three receipts from various lodges.
Magistrate Banda has adjourned the matter to July 1 for cross-examination because Mpombo’s lawyer Kabimba was not in court.
Mpombo informed the court when the matter came up for cross-examination in the afternoon yesterday that his lawyer could not be present before the court because he had travelled out of the country for a funeral.“My lawyer received an unexpected bereavement in the United Kingdom and he flew out of the country last night, so he cannot be before this court,” said Mpombo.
Mpombo told the court that his lawyer’s law firm was in the process of preparing a notice of adjournment.
When asked by the State prosecutor when his lawyer would return, Mpombo said his lawyer would be returning at the weekend.
Particulars of the offence are that Mpombo jointly and while working together with other known persons, being a public servant as minister of Defence, stole K18 million which came into his possession by virtue of his employment.
The offence is alleged to have been committed on unknown dates but between June and September 2008 in Lusaka.
Magistrate Banda adjourned the matter to July 1 for cross-examination.
[ Times of Zambia ]
PS International of the United States and Freshpikt Limited are expected to sign a letter of intent for a joint venture to invest US$42 million in tomato processing.
Freshpikt Limited is a local food processing and canning company which can compete locally and internationally.
The planned investment is part of the K480 billion worth of new investment expected to be signed during the 10th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Freshpikt Limited managing director Midge Drakes said PS International in a joint venture with Freshpikt Limited intends investing US$42 million in tomato processing between now and 2016.
This is contained in a media invitation letter to the Zambia Daily Mail and copied to the Freshpikt Limited board chairperson Chance Kabaghe in Lusaka on Monday.
Zambia is hosting the 10th AGOA forum from June 9 to 10, 2011 under the theme, ‘Enhanced trade through increased competitiveness, value addition and deeper regional integration’.
Mr Drake said Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutatiis expected to be guest of honour at the signing of the joint venture which will make Zambia a giant in tomato production and processing.
The signing ceremony, which is expected to take place tomorrow, will be attended by US trade ambassador Ron Kirk, US ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella along with several senior officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“On behalf of the board of directors of Freshpikt Limited and PS International, I wish to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to you,” part of the letter read.
Mr Mutati announced that Zambian private companies are expected to sign 12 business joint-venture partnerships with counterparts from the US amounting to US$100 million.
The development is expected to create over 2,000 job opportunities for youths in Zambia.
A RUSSIAN company, Agribiotech International Limited, will this year set up an organic fertiliser manufacturing plant in KapiriMposhi which is expected to create 3,000 jobs with an initial investment of US$28 million.
Speaking at the signing of the investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) in Lusaka yesterday, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati welcomed the development because the flow of investment between Zambia and Russia has been low despite the warm relations between the two countries.
“We need to change the equation and put more emphasis on trade and investment promotion. This is certainly good for job creation and economic growth. The journey that we are beginning today responds to the shift in the emphasis on trade and investment promotion,” Mr Mutati said.
He said Zambia has immense investment opportunities in all sectors of the economy.
Mr Mutati said Government will use the IPPA it signed with Agribiotech International Limited to reap more investment opportunities from American investors who will be attending the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Lusaka.
He said once set up, the organic fertiliser plant will reduce the cost of production, which has made Zambia’s agricultural sector uncompetitive in the region.
The minister said the development will also result in the transfer of unique technology between Zambian and Russian scientists.
Mr Mutati assured that Government will support the project because of the benefits that will accrue to Zambia.
Earlier, Russian Ambassador to Zambia Boris Malakov said there is need for Russia and Zambia to promote bilateral relations in the context of trade and investment promotion.
Mr Malakov said since Russia recovered from effects of the global financial crisis; his government has been receiving requests from Russian investors who are considering making substantial investment in Zambia.
He said Russia is placing more emphasis on increasing trade and investment co-operation with African countries because the continent has become different, as its voice in world affairs has become louder.
He said the joint venture will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector of Zambia and other countries in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African.
And Agribiotech vice-director of science Vladimir Petrov said both Zambia and Russia have huge potential for innovation in all sectors of the economy.
Dr Petrov said his company has introduced on the Zambian market an environmentally friendly product, which will go a long way in addressing many problems in the agricultural sector, especially those faced by small-scale farmers.
He said it will also reduce Zambia’s dependency on imported agricultural inputs.
Dr Petrov thanked the Zambian and Russian governments for their support to the project.
According to findings of tests conducted by the Golden Valley Agriculture Research Trust on the organic fertiliser (extrasol), the product has shown improvement in crop production.
“Crops treated with extrasol only showed almost similar results as crops applied with recommended fertiliser. The results have shown that farmers can save a lot of money and increase profits by using extrasol. Extrasol, being an organic fertiliser, would increase production of organic crops in Zambia by reducing on the need to use large quantities of compost manures that are labour-intensive,” the report reads in part.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rated Zambia among the top four high-performing African countries, with a projected influx of US$10.4 billion from exports compared to the US$900 million it earned 10 years ago.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that according to IMF projections on the response of African countries after the financial crises of 2008 and 2009, Zambia is rated among the top economic performers after Angola, Nigeria and Sudan.
“This is an extremely good performance considering that in 2000, Zambia had export earnings of less than US$1 billion, but in the last 11 years, the country has been able to improve tenfold, and we can use these resources to undertake economic infrastructure rehabilitation and development projects across the country,” he said.
He said in terms of projected growth, Zambia is again within the league of countries expected to grow economically this year at 6.8 percent.
DrMusokotwane says the country’s economy has made major strides in foreign direct investment, which has made it possible for Government to increase the amount of funds it can borrow for infrastructure development.
He said Government is also receiving money from mines in form of higher mining taxes and mining tax arrears from 2008 to 2010, which was not envisaged in the 2011 budget.
“Aside from that, Government was also selling bonds worth US$500 million and all this money will go towards the rehabilitation of urban roads in Libala, Chilenje and Kabwata in Lusaka and also towards infrastructure development in other parts of the country,” he said.
Dr Musokotwane said anyone making statements that road rehabilitation projects and other developments are being carried out at the risk of the country slipping into debt is not aware of the improved economic position the country has achieved.
“The indebtedness of a country and its ability to service that debt should not be seen at the level of nominal results; that is not correct. Look at the so-called debt to GDP ratio, how much debt you have, compared to your ability to pay back and you will see that Zambia is earning enough income to pay back the debt,” he said.
He said it is not true Zambia cannot finance its debt.
“Critics should not look at the amounts being spent but also at the ability of the country to pay,” he said.
Dr Musokotwane said in terms of Foreign Direct Investment, IMF estimates that Zambia would receive over US$1.5 billion in 2011 and a growth of over US$1.7 billion is projected for 2012.
“Those wondering where the money to service the development is coming from should be aware that all these factors, plus the resources Zambia is collecting from the mines in form of taxes, put Zambia in very good position to undertake development projects,” he said.
He said those criticising infrastructure development, rehabilitation and construction of roads should realise that improvement in a country’s economy is always reflected in better schools, hospitals and access to basic necessities.
In 2008, mining companies had a dispute with Government over corporate taxes, variable income taxes and mineral royalties but the matter was resolved and the mining companies are now paying arrears.
“The arrears the mining companies are paying have created extra revenue which has been channelled to infrastructure development and rehabilitation of urban roads,” he said.
President Banda recently commissioned the Lusaka urban roads project in all townships in the capital, which is expected to cost K300 billion.
The 162.2 kilometres stretch of the roads to be rehabilitated in Lusaka will cover Mandevu, Matero, Kanyama and University of Zambia townships.
Other townships include Northmead, Kamwala, Chipata, Zingalume and Kasupe townships as well as Ibex Hill suburb and the Lusaka International Airport road.
Other major road rehabilitation projects are being undertaken across the country.
Faz vice president Boniface Mwamelo has quit as executive committee member. Mwamelo, one of Kalusha Bwalya’s trusted aides, quits just a month after the executive survived a contentious no-confidence vote on the eve of the Faz annual general meeting held on April 30 in Kabwe.
“I will be announcing my formal resignation from Faz on Thursday.Will advise venue tomorrow (Wednesday),” Mwamelo told LT sports this evening.
Mwamelo refused to give any further details.
Mwamelo was elected together with Kalusha in 2008.
He was one of five original executive committee members to remaining after four other members quit in October triggering a period of discontent across Zambia’s football landscape.
He was elevated to Faz vice president following the resignation of his predecessor Emmanuel Munaile in October.
Munaile quit together with ex-executive committee members Pivoty Simwanza, Violet Bwalya and Henschel Chitembeya.
Those left standing together with Kalusha are Masha Chilemena, Keegan Chipango and Lenny Nkhuwa, the latter a executive club member of Faz Division 1 north team Nkwiza with Mwamelo.
Three children of Mulenga Township in Kitwe are admitted to Kitwe Central Hospital after an acid tanker crushed into the house they were sleeping in Monday night.
Kitwe Central Hospital Spokesperson Grey Chishimba told ZNBC News that one of the children sustained a fractured skull while the other two are reported to be fine.
The three children were all rescued from the debris of the extensively damaged house.
Mr. Chishimba named the three as Regina Chisenga aged two years, Theresa Chisenga, 11, and Sara Chisenga one year and five months old.
The accident happened after the acid tanker hit into a truck which had broken down and then careered off the road and landed on the house where the children were sleeping.
By Tuesday morning the acid tanker was still parked at the damaged house while the other truck was parked along the Kitwe Ndola Dual Carriageway.
[ ZNBC ]
