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ZCCM IH , a listed investment company on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, has announced this week that t the company’s board accepted the offer from Barrick Gold Corporation, the Canadian company to buy its stake which will result in a cash realization in excess of USD 160 million. ZCCM IH owns a total 2.28% in Lumwana Copper Mines in Zambia and Jabal Sayid in Saudi Arabia as at March 21st 2011.
The initial investment for ZCCM IH cost USD 30 million in 2006 and therefore the potential return of investment is in excess of 400% during the period 2006 to 2011.
Meanwhile, Equinox Minerals Limited Board of Directors has with immediate effect resigned from the firm following the takeover its shares by Barrick Gold Corporation.
Equinox Minerals President and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Williams has complimented the board for its outstanding contribution, which he says have built Equinox into a leading global mining company.
Mr. Williams, along with David McAusland, David Mosher, Jim Pantelidis and Tony Reeves have resigned from the Equinox Minerals Limited Board.
This is contained in a web press release by Equinox Minerals obtained by Zambia News and Information Services in Solwezi today.
The statement says Rick McCreary, Jamie Sokalsky, Kelvin Dushnisky and Rob Krcmarov have been appointed to the Board and Jennifer Mazin has been appointed as the Assistant Company Secretary.
“Equinox announces that, following the satisfaction of all conditions to the offer by Barrick Gold Corporation to acquire all of the common shares in Equinox at a price of C$8.15 per share by way of takeover bid, the below changes have been made to the Equinox Board of Directors (“Board”) effective immediately.
“Mr Craig Williams, Mr David McAusland, Mr David Mosher, Mr Jim Pantelidis and Mr Tony Reeves have resigned from the Board.
” Mr Rick McCreary, Mr Jamie Sokalsky, Mr Kelvin Dushnisky and Mr Rob Krcmarov have been appointed to the Board. Ms Jennifer Mazin has been appointed as the Assistant Company Secretary,” the statement reads.
It furthers says it has also been resolved that the number of Board members be reduced from seven directors to six directors.
Meanwhile, Mr Williams complimented the board for its outstanding contribution, which along with the Company’s dedicated management team have built Equinox into a leading global mining company.
“The Company that I co-founded with the late Dr Bruce Nisbet in 1993 has evolved from a $10 million junior explorer to a major copper miner valued at over $7 billion.
” A credit to all involved in driving Equinox over the last 18 years. I offer my sincere thanks to all who have worked with me over those exciting and stimulating years,” he said.
Equinox Minerals developed and owned a 100 percent large scale copper mine in Zambia’s North-western Province.
File: PF leader Michael sata with villagers during his campaign trail in Milanzi
By Elias Munshya wa Munshya
Michael Sata is undoubtedly the most popular personality in Zambian politics. President Banda has admitted to being charmed by Sata. One of the reasons why Mwanawasa had to order Sata’s medical evacuation to South Africa when he suffered a stroke was due to the likeability or, for a lack of a better term, “the playability” of Sata. Mwanawasa quipped, “It is good to still have you alive”. President Chiluba had such allure for Sata that he affectionately called him “King Cobra.” Kaunda still warms up to Sata. Kaunda’s downfall could have been far much earlier had it not been for Sata’s populist politics as Governor of Lusaka.
Sata’s likeability is not limited to the presidents, however. To the ordinary millions in Zambia, Sata is likeable. When he addresses meetings be it in Lusaka, Luanshya or Lukashya, thousands turn up to see the Cobra. Even in the south where people seldom vote for him, when Sata visits Choma or Kalomo southerners turn up in numbers. Going by the numbers of people who went to see him in Mongu and Kalabo, it seems that the Cobra has charmed the West too. On whether these charms will translate into his election as president this year remains to be seen, however.
Sata’s opportunism is responsible for his popularity. Having noticed a crack in the Barotse wall, he is using it to gain attention in Mongu. Opportunism is a quality derided by many Zambians and yet admired by as many. Sata misses no chance to use people and events for his own benefit. When miners protested on the Copperbelt under the Mwanawasa regime for reasons unrelated to Sata, he claimed responsibility for their action. By so claiming, Sata had identified himself with the suffering of the ordinary folk. Mwanawasa was swift to lock him up for inciting violence and espionage. He was only rescued by the judiciary, even after the DPP had signed a certificate of indefinite detention for espionage—a very serious offence under our laws. To date, Sata has not been called back to answer those charges.
Sata’s alleged moral life also brings him into bracket of the common struggles for many people in Zambia. He does not fit the definition of a man of good morals and neither could “sober manners” be used to describe him. But it is this common flair and common touch that make him popular. No ordinary person would feel adjudged to be in Sata’s presence. Sata’s common flair makes him likeable as a person.
Recently, there had been talk of the need for moral men and women to take over politics. The major champion of this has been Nevers Mumba, who even authored a popular book on the subject “Integrity with Fire”. A stump political speech of Nevers’, centers on allowing people of integrity and character to join and participate in politics. Realistically, however, moral integrity seldom translates into political clout. Zambians do not necessarily like politicians simply because they have good moral character. Mumba’s crusade for more moral leadership is an ideal that lacks common and popular appeal. Given the choice between the ideal man and the real man, people in politics go for a real man since they identity themselves with a real person who faces the same challenges as they do. In politics, people seldom go for the ideal character that makes it difficult if not impossible to become. Thus, between Mumba and Sata, Sata would be more likeable because the masses see themselves in him. This is more reason why using Sata’s family scandals to bring him down has not worked.
Sata is liked because he is seen as a practical person. Robbed of complex theoretical analyses, Sata reduces everything around him to its utility. He is a utilitarian politician par-excellence. For him education should be able to translate into practical benefit. Thus, when he was minister of health he removed all hindrances that made it difficult for Zambia Enrolled Nurses to become registered nurses. He categorically encouraged many ZENs to enrol and become RNs.
Chiluba last year castigated Sata for failure to write MMD minutes in proper English. He crudely compared Sata’s English writing skills to writing “Taiwanese.” But this is now. When Sata was actually writing wrong syntax, Chiluba found no problems with him at all because of the political benefits he derived from having a populist figure as his National Secretary. Zambians do not care about written English as much they do about whether their leader would be able to care practically for their interests. Sata understands very well that politics is not about writing English as much as it is about meeting people in compounds and drinking “katata” with them. Given the choice between a good writer and a caring person, it looks like the people of Zambia like a caring person better.
In these 2011 elections, Sata will be very difficult to beat, partly because people are just frustrated with Banda and partly because of Sata’s personal touch. On the common front, Hakainde Hichilema’s failure to work on popular characteristics has downgraded him to a third level candidate.
What is most telling about HH is the fact to date; Zambians have not been introduced to his wife or to his children. HH might have good reasons for his decision to shield his family from public view. But this is where he misses the point. In politics, you need to show the people that you are just like them. That means that if you have a family, you need to show the people your spouse and your children. Zambians deserve to know and meet and see Mrs Hichilema and their children. If HH continues to hide his family, State House will be unworthy of him. Zambians want to know him, but more than that, they want to know his wife—the way she looks, the way she combs her wetlook or perm and the way she ties her Chitenge. Zambians want to gossip about her. In Zambia, as elsewhere, it is through the gossip of popular figures that ordinary people find connection with them.
Zambians had their own gossip about Mama Betty Kaunda. And about her children, both the well-behaved ones and the naughty ones, like Kambarage. When the stories of Kambarage surfaced, Zambians disliked this Kaunda naughty boy. But Kambarage’s naughtiness only went to show that the Kaunda family, even if he was president, still had common problems that many Zambian families face. Zambians had lots to gossip about Vera Chiluba and her children too. Each time that Castro misbehaved Zambians did not like it, but at least it humanized Frederick Chiluba. Mrs Mwanawasa had her own share of gossip too.
Rupiah Banda’s family life is also very fascinating. Moreover, while some Zambians would dislike his choice of a wife, it is clear that the folder for gossip has gone a long way to reassure the people that the old Rupiah Banda is as human as any other Zambian is. Young Thandiwe has demonstrated the truth of the song, “Age aint nothing but a number.” In our fascination of why she went for a husband old enough to be her own grandfather, we find the answer in the fact that she is as human as any Zambian can be. In fact, many girls from Chipata to Chililabombwe find themselves in situations very similar to hers. And many do choose husbands their senior.
With regard to presidential aspirants, Sata has shown us his wife and the adversities of his children are in the public domain. People have had to make their opinions about Dr. Kaseba. How she looks, what she does, and how passionate she is about seeing her husband get into State House. She is as ambitious as her husband is. She and her husband are quite looking forward to getting into State House. That ambition is a quality that a common person in the compounds of Mongu would expect from an aspiring first family. But as for HH, he has chosen to take the ideal way and shield his family from public glare. HH should learn populist politics from Kaunda, Chiluba and Sata.
I do question whether Michael Sata has the intelligence or the temperament to lead our great nation. But one thing I do not doubt for a bit, is the fact that Sata is a man of the people. He is a common man. And whether Zambians will give him the keys to State House this year remains to be seen. But for now we wait for another one of Sata’s mammoth rallies in Chadiza, Chiwempala and Chaisa. At these rallies, Sata’s message is simple—“change in ninety days” and “more money in your pockets”—populist slogans from a populist politician.
VATICAN Ambassador to Zambia Archbishop Nicola Girasoli
The Vatican ambassador to Zambia Nicola Girasoli has said the Catholic Church is not an enemy of governments but that it is a partner in development and social justice.
Ambassador Girasoli observed that it is unfortunate that the media has recently concentrated on individuals to reflect the opinion of the church on various issues.
He says Zambia is a big family and that there are some people who hold different opinions on various issues.
The Apostolic nuncio, however, charged that the Catholic Church will avoid any kind of involvement in partisan political debates but will always promote, protect, defend human rights, and dignity.
[ QFM ]
Tourism, Environment and Nature Resources minister Catherine Namugala says government is worried of the high levels of deforestation in the country.
Ms. Namugala said it was for this reason that government has put in place legislative measures to incorporate communities in the fight against deforestation in the country.
She said that it was paramount for every Zambian to plant trees in the country as a measure of mitigating the challenges of deforestation the country has continued to face.
The minister said it was in this manner among others that government was keen to see to it that the issue of deforestation is given the urgency it deserves.
The Tourism Minister said this yesterday to mark the World Environment Day which falls tomorrow that the levels of deforestation was a matter of concern which needs urgent attention.
This years World Environment Day is being cerebrated under the theme” Trees for people.” Zambia and other countries world over depend largely on forest to support people’s livelihood.
Ms. Namugala said forests plays a very important role in peoples lives saying it is everyone responsibility to ensure that trees are preserved for the benefit of all mankind.
Police in Kalomo are investigating circumstances in which a 40 year old man was brutally murdered and dumped in shrubs nearby the district hospital mortuary early this week.
Police sources in Kalomo confirmed the development to ZANIS saying passersby found Nemiah Mudenda’s decomposed body on Thursday in the nearby Magrimond compound before the matter was reported to Police.
The deceased who was aged 40 years and has since been buried.
His relatives said he hailed from Siamatendu village in chief Siachitema area.
Police suspect foul play and investigations have been instituted over the matter.
“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters…”
(Proverbs 18:4, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
All over the world, there are people who are lonely, they’re hurting, they’ve been through disappointments; they’ve suffered heartache and pain. As believers, God has given us something to offer them. We have life-giving, refreshing water in us. With our words, we can bring healing. With our words, we can lift them out of depression. With our words, we can tell them, “You’re beautiful. You’re amazing. You’re talented. God has a bright future in front of you.” Those life-giving words will break the chains of depression. They will break the chains of low self-esteem. You can help set people free from the strongholds that are keeping them back. You may not know all that is happening, but God can take one compliment, one encouraging word, and use that to begin the healing process and set that person on a brand new course. And when you help break the chains off of others, any chains that you might have will be broken off, too!
Today, choose to speak encouragement. Choose to speak life. Tell others what they can become, give compliments, and live life as a healer. Pour out that life-giving water with your words and watch it come back to you in abundance!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Your healing waters to flow through me by your precious Son, Jesus. I choose to pour out life onto others and refresh them with life-giving words. Direct my words, order my steps, and let everything I do glorify You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Zambia went top of Group C after a convincing 3-0 home win over Mozambique at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on Saturday in the two sides’ 2012 Africa Cup qualifier.
The Zambia players wore black arm bands in honor of former Zambia and Nchanga Rangers international Willie Phiri who died on Thursday in Chingola.
Zambia’s win ended a three match winless drought at Nchanga stretching back 10 years where Zambia recorded three successive draws against Namibia, Angola and Nigeria between 2001 and 2002 in World and Africa Cup qualifiers.
The first half finished scoreless on Saturday in which the star of the show was Zambia’s prodigal son Collins Mbesuma of Golden Arrows in South Africa who has found favor under Dario Bonetti.
Mbesuma blasted a thunderbolt free-kick in the 8th minute but it was parried on the right post by Mozambique goalkeeper Kapango.
Six minutes later, Mbesuma’s cross found Emanuel Mayuka but the striker from Young Boys in Switzerland failed to convert in front of an inviting goal.
On 20 minutes, Christopher Katongo threaded a pass through to Mbesuma but the Gold Arrows striker shot from outside the box.
Zambia survived a scare in the 27th minute from Mozambique striker Fransico Muchanga’s whose shot was kept out by Kennedy Mweene
Two minutes after the half-hour mark Christopher Katongo was denied the opening goal after referee Solomon Wokoma of Nigeria ruled it out for offside.
Seven minutes before the break, Mayuka exchanged a neat one-two with Mbesuma but the former shot flashed across the face of goal.
The floodgates for Zambia in the second half opened as early as the 48th minute with Katongo scoring his first of two goals.
Katongo rifled in the opener from the near right post from a flicked assist off the head of Mbesuma.
Four minutes later, Pelembe almost equalized but blasted his shot high and over from close-range.
However, Kapango was the busier of the two goalkeepers denying Rainford Kalaba from a 62nd minute’s free-kick before Katongo wrapped up his brace in the in the 68th.
Mbeusma was rewarded for his hard work good on the day with Zambia’s third after robbing a poorly cleared ball before saluting the crowed on his knees with arms stretched wide.
Zambia move to nine points from four games, two more than Libya who could return to the top of the table on Sunday away to bottom place Comoros.
Mozambique stay put in third place on four points from four matches played.
Zambia’s next game will be away to Comoros during the weekend of September 2-4 while Mozambique travel to Libya hoping to keep their now slim qualifying dreams alive.
Zambia Development Agency ( ZDA ) Director of Investment Promotions and Privatisations, Muhabi Lungu has resigned his position to join politics.
Mr. Lungu, once a staunch United National Independence Party (UNIP) stalwart today said he was quiting his position to join politics adding that he will campaign for President Rupiah Banda .
And Youths for Continuity with President Rupiah Banda have reaffirmed their support for President Rupiah Banda and the ruling MMD in this year’s elections.
Addressing Journalists in Lusaka today, Mr. Lungu said he will contest on the ruling party ticket the Lusaka Central Seat held by the opposition Patriotic Front Parliamentarian Guy Scot
dismissed calls by some politicians for change of government as are they based on vengeance and personal vendettas those in government.
He explained that causes that inspire revolutions are not driven by hatred but by higher ideals, principles and values.
Mr. Lungu who is also Home Affairs Minister, Mkhondo Lungu’s first born son reiterated that President Banda has performed exceedingly well warranting a new five year mandate.
In attendance were veteran politician and MMD chief wing, Vernon Mwaanga, former finance minister in the UNIP government, Rabson Choongo and Livestock and Fisheries Development Minister, Bradford Machila.
Others were MMD National Deputy National Secretary, Chembe Nyangu, Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Attorney General, Abyud Shonga and immediate past LAZ president Stephen Lungu.
Students from tertiary institutions, Current and former senior government officials
And at the same function, Youths for Continuity with President Rupiah Banda Coordinator, Mwansa Kapumpwe said his group has turned the government’s current economic growth and national development into an election issue.
Mr. Kapumpwe said the group realized that most youths in the country lacked information on a number of national issues hence the need to embark on awareness programmes using various community radio stations.
He explained that the group has since partnered the MMD’s national youth led by Moses Muteteka to engage the young people in understanding some of their challenges such as unemployment and education.
Concerned residents of Nyawa area in Kazungula District have expressed their concern at the on going trend of political cadres who are allegedly going round in the area collecting details of voters’ cards.
This came to light yesterday when a ZANIS crew was in the area to publicize the on going inspection of voter registration exercise that commenced on Monday this week accross the country.
Concerned residents in the area expressed disappointments in the manner in which the suspected political party cadres are convincing the registered voters to surrender their voters’ cards to them.
They questioned the motive behind the exercise saying it may be one way of disenfranchising them ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.
And two teachers from Nyawa Basic School confirmed the development in separate interviews with ZANIS yesterday.
Mr. Owen Mooya suggested that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should have deployed Voter Education Facilitators prior to the voter register verification exercise so that the the electorate could be educated on various issues.
He said the people who are surrendering their voters’ cards are doing that out of ignorance saying the culprits behind that are using sweet talk in order to convince them to do so.
Meanwhile, one of the registered voters in the area has complained to the officers stationed at Nyawa central polling centre that some people’s voters’ cards have been ‘ confisticated ‘by the named culprits hence making it difficult to verify their details in the voter register.
When contacted for a comment, Chief Nyawa confirmed receiving the report and described the happenings as politically motivated.
The Chief told ZANIS that he would soon make a follow up on the matter.
Nansongwa and Chilli areas in the Nyawa Chiefdom are some of the places where such reports have been happening.
A University of Zambia (UNZA) thrid year student has died on the spot after being ran over by a speeding vehicle on Great East Road. Manda Hill Police Post Officer in Charge Mubita confirmed the accident to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday saying the accident happened on Thursday night at the UNZA footbridge along Great East Road.
Mrs Mubita identified the deceased as Gwezani Thole, a third year student in the School of Education who was ran over by a mark II registration number AAX 63 and that the accident occured about 23 hours.
She said one passenger named Richard Witima who was on the vehicle that hit the student, sustained bruises on his hands and head, and was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Mrs Mubital also disclosed that another passenger identified as Luyando Mulwanda has since been detained at Northmead Police Post to assist Police with investigations.
The driver of the vehicle has since bolted and police have launched a manhunt. Police said the deceased is believed to have been coming from a drinking spree in Kalundu residential area.
Tourists enjoying a safari in Luangwa national park.
Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has launched a holiday loan facility which it has said is aimed at boosting the domestic tourism.
The Tourism Board has said that the involvement of local people as tourists will enhance growth and sustainability of the tourism sector.
ZTB managing director Felix Chaila said in Kitwe during the launch of the holiday loan package that domestic tourism has the potential to contribute effectively to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) .
“Tourism is a sustainable resource which local people can explore to increase productivity as it would enable them to refresh after taking time off on holiday with their families,” Mr.Chaila said.
He noted that despite Zambia being endowed with diverse tourism attraction sites local people do not have an opportunity to go on holiday as compared to foreign tourists because of financial constraints.
Mr. Chaila stated that this situation prompted ZTB to partner with local and international financial institutions to introduce the holiday loan package to enable local people who are in employment and have an opportunity to go on holiday.
“This way the employers and their workers will be engaged to actively participate in the tourism sector and also promote domestic tourism through local work force, ” He said .
ZTB chairperson Timothy Mushibwe said the involvement of local people as tourists will enhance growth and sustainability of the tourism sector.
Mr. Mushibwe said the sector needs full participation of the Zambians as key players through service provision such as catering and travel agency institutions.
” The Tourism Board would like to provide an equal opportunity to the local tourists and partner with them so that an economic value can be realized, ” He said.
Mr. Mushibwe said the response from local and international banks on the loan package has been overwhelming and hoped other banks can come on board to promote local tourism.
The Ministry of Health has announced that the
first round of Child health week will be held from 20th to 25th June
2011.
Ministry of health Spkesperson Kamoto Mbewe said all logistics
including vaccines,drugs and other supplies are available and are
being distributed.
Dr. Mbewe explained that activities during the child health week will
include Provision of Vitamin A, deworming,immunisations for
measles,DPT,BCG,Polio and tetanus toxoid and family planning services,
ZANIS reports that he disclosed that other activities will include
paediatric HIV counselling and testing and screening for severe acute
malnutrition in selected districts as well as sensitisation on
utilisation of mosquito nets and malaria case management.
Dr Mbewe urged parents and guardians to ensure children under five
received the service as well as to continue taking their children
under the age of five to health facilities as these immunisations were
offered rountinely.
Speaking during a press breifing in Lusaka today, Dr. Mbewe further noted that
measles cases have continued to increase in Eastern Province but were
under control in Northern and Luapula Provinces.
He stated that 15 % of children immunised proved to be restant that was
why parents needed to keep taking their children for immunisation.
Meanwhile,the Ministry of Health has this April recruited 502 health workers.
Dr Mbewe said recruitment was based on the December 2010 graduates and
have since filled existing funded and vacant positions.
He said of the recruited were 73 junior doctors who have since been
posted to Livingstone,Ndola, Kitwe and UTH, 265 enrolled and
registered nurses, 20 clinical officers while 144 include
paramedics,pharmacists and biomedical scientists.
He added that those who had been left out would be recruited in June under the
K52 billion budgeted for 2011 meant to recruit 1,753 health workers.
Dr. Mbewe said the amount would also cater for health workers who would be
promoted and non medical health workers.
He further stated that the June 2010 graduates would be recruiited once official
results were out and the register with relevant professional and
regulatory bodies around made available around September and October
this year.
Dr. Mbewe also announced that all essential drugs were adequately
stocked in the country up to September and the procurment process for
the period beyond September was on schedule.
He explained that the Board for Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority (PRA )
had been put in place and would launch the quality assurance lab under
PRA which would be used in the detection of counterfeit drugs.
He said that procurement of third line ARV drugs was underway and
that contracts have been signed to cover treatment of patients
requiring the treatment and would be received soon.
VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda yesterday told Parliament that the homosexual pictures distributed by the MMD delegation in Northern province recently was meant to sensitize people on the illegality of Homosexuality in Zambia.
Mr Kunda said during the ‘Vice-President’s question time’ that a leader of an opposition party has been promoting homosexuality and urged all Zambians to reject this because Zambia is a Christian nation.
Mr Kunda said this in response to a question from Lukashya MP Elfreda Mwamba (PF) who wanted to know why an MMD delegation which recently visited Northern Province was distributing pictures of an “obscene nature” as it showed two men in a compromising situation.
The Vice-President said the reason the pictures were being circulated was to sensitise the people. He said the laws of Zambia do not support homosexuality, which is illegal.
Kunda also told Parliament that the MMD government will take the Constitution Bill back to Parliament soon after winning the 2011 tripartite elections. Mr Kunda said that the Draft Constitution rejected by Parliament has many good clauses when responding to Chongwe MP Sylvia Masebo (MMD), who wanted to know what would happen to the Constitution-making process after the rejection of the Mung’omba Draft.
“We will bring back the Constitution when we win elections this year. There are a number of good clauses that were lost in that document and we will make sure that we bring it back,” Mr Kunda said.
Mr Kunda further said that the newly created districts of Ikelenge and Mafinga would not have their own constituencies. He said the Mung’omba Draft, had it been adopted by Parliament would have provided for more constituencies to accommodate new districts.
He was answering a question from Zambezi West MP Charles Kakoma (UPND), who wanted to know whether the new districts would have their own Constituencies like all other districts.
[pullquote]“We will bring back the Constitution when we win elections this year. There are a number of good clauses that were lost in that document and we will make sure that we bring it back,” Mr Kunda said.[/pullquote]
“Some members of this House sabotaged the Constitution-making process by voting against the Draft Constitution as recommended by the National Constitutional Conference (NCC). We shot ourselves in the foot by rejecting that draft, and we lost a lot of new clauses including some that would have promoted women’s rights,” he said.
And Mr Kunda has reiterated that the kind of parallel vote tabulation (PVT) that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) want to conduct during the forthcoming elections is illegal.
He, however, said that this does not stop political parties from collecting results as they come in as long as they do not release them to the public because doing so may mislead some people and cause chaos.
Mr Kunda was answering a question from Mandevu MP Jean Kapata (PF) who wanted the Vice-President to state Government’s position on PVT.
On roads, the Vice-President told Parliament that the money government is using to improve the infrastructure throughout the country has been budgeted for.
This was in response to a question from Luena MP Charles Milupi (ADD) who asked where Government is getting funding for road works.
Mr Kunda said the funding is perfectly legal, adding that supplementary budgets are requested for when actual allocations are exhausted.
PRESIDENT Banda has invited the private sector to consider investing in maize storage infrastructure following increased production in the country’s agriculturalsector.
Mr Banda said it is important to address the challenge of grain storage Zambia is facing by constructing and rehabilitating more silos and storage sheds in strategic locations of the country.
“Given the major maize harvest the country has recorded, my government realises the need to increase national storage capacity of agricultural inputs and products,” Mr Banda said.
Speaking at the official opening of the 54th Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show, President Banda said Government is already undertaking the rehabilitation of storage facilities in selected parts of the country.
“Given that this is an enormous financial undertaking which requires long term planning, I invite the private sector to consider investing in storage infrastructure,” Mr Banda said.
And the President also said Government has embarked on the development and commercialisation of farm blocks to make more land available for investment.
The move will promote public private partnership aimed at enhancing economic diversification and growth.
The President said he was particularly happy that work in Nansanga farm block in Serenje is progressing well with prospective developers being indentified for investment.
Mr Banda also said Government has allocated K1 billion in this year’s national budget for the development of Luswishi farm block on the Copperbelt Province. He said the money will go towards the construction of roads and bridges in the farm block.
“It is envisaged that once this farm block is fully developed and operational, agriculture production will flourish in the province,” Mr Banda said.
The President said because of the good policies in the agricultural sector, Zambia has yet again produced the highest quantity of maize ever recorded in the country.
Zambia has produced 3,020,380 metric tonnes of maize this year compared to 2,795,483 metric tonnes produced in 2010.
“This represents an increase of eight percent. You will agree with me that this achievement is a clear testimony that our agriculture policies and programmes are succeeding and it is not only with maize that we have recorded a surplus. We also have more wheat, soya beans and other crops which have also performed above expectation,” Mr Banda said.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda has called on Zambians to take note of the fact that the country is emerging from economic doldrums and needs peace and unity to develop, JERRY MUNTHALI reports.
Mr Banda said during a luncheon hosted for him by the Lumwana Mining Company in Kitwe yesterday that Zambians should maintain peace and respect for each other as the nation goes to the polls later this year.
“Zambians must take note of the fact that our country is emerging from the doldrums, from its economic problems. We need to do more to move forward, we need peace and unity.
“As we go to the poll, we need to maintain respect and peace and allow Zambians to elect leaders of their choice. Our country must move forward in unity,” Mr Banda said.
He thanked the mining companies for working hard to contribute to the country’s economic development.
Lumwana Mining Company Limited managing director Adam Wright said his company joined the Chamber of Mines of Zambia because it recognises the importance of having a united and robust mining industry.
Mr Wright said Lumwana Mining Company is poised to increase production following the acquisition of Equinox Minerals by Barrick Gold.
Parliament heard yesterday that government spent over K2 billion on the construction of late Republican president Levy Mwanawasa’s mausoleum and grave.
Works and Supply Minister Gabriel Namulambe told Parliament that a sum total of the project was K2,876,147,959.20.
Mr Namulambe explained that government had engaged a construction firm called Messrs Yangts Jiang Enterprise Limited of Lusaka to construct the grave of the mausoleum of late Dr.Mwananwasa.
He revealed that the project was initially set to be completed by 20 April, 2011 but that could not be attained due to erratic funding.
Mr. Namulambe said the mausoleum would be expected to be completed on 20th July, this year.
He was responding to a question by Kanchibiya Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Davies Mwango who wanted to know which company has been contracted to construct the mausoleum for the late third republican president.
The parliamentarian also wanted to know the exact cost of the project and when it was due to be completed.
And the Works and Supply minister has maintained that the rehabilitation of roads across the country is on-going and as such, government has put in place a master plan to improve the road infrastructure.
Mr. Namulambe was responding to a question by Kanyama PF MP Colonel Gerry Chanda who wanted to know when the
Government will come up with a master plan to rehabilitate all the damaged bituminous roads province by province.
Col. Chanda also wanted to know how much such an exercise would cost and what the time-frame for undertaking the
rehabilitation of the roads.
