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LAP Green Limited, the owner of Zamtel, is likely to connect over 6,000 households to broadband internet in Lusaka under the Next Generation Network (NGN) after the rollout plan for the town is completed next week.
The firm has so far invested US$23 million to roll out the NGN exchanges in the country and is expected to complete phase one of the roll-out plan in Lusaka next week.
A visit to the NGN exchanges showed they have been switched from analogue to digital.
In a continued quest to upgrade and modernise fixed line infrastructure across the country, Zamtel has embarked on phase one of decommissioning of all old analogue land line exchanges and replacing them with the NGN exchanges (Digital).
This change from analogue to digital exchanges will enable customers to get the benefits of additional features on their land lines such as fast and affordable broadband internet, audio and video conferencing as well as missed call notification, among other services.
Corporate communications senior manager Kennedy Mambwe said the NGN roll-out plan is advancing well and almost complete in Lusaka.
“We want to upgrade all infrastructure and make sure that every household can have broadband internet speed.
“We want to push internet penetration rates since they are significantly low and ensure that places with land line numbers starting with 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29 numbers have access to the network,” he said.
Mr Mambwe said currently Woodlands, Ridgeway, Chinika, and Lusaka main areas can access the broadband technology.
He was speaking during a media tour of Zamtel in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Mambwe said phase one will be completed in Lusaka by next week while the whole network will be finished by the end of February.
The firm has currently installed 96 sites in all the districts.
He said 450 sites will be installed in the next 30 months.
He said the new management is focusing on deploying significant investment in internet services.
On the Third Generation Network (3G), Mr Mambwe said the firm is currently deploying the 450 sites which will see the rural areas get connected to second generation (2G) while the urban areas will be connected to 3G.
He said part of the US$180 million investment will be used to roll out the 3G network.
Phase one migration is a build-up to a successful cutover pilot migration that was performed at the Woodlands exchange in Lusaka recently.
The phase started on December 17, 2010, lasting until January 20, 2011, and will see exchanges at Ridgeway, Chinika, Emmasdale and Lusaka Main overhauled and replaced with next generation technology.
Phase two of the project to install new and advanced NGN countrywide continues within the first quarter of 2011.
Zamtel plans to invest US$180 million in the next two years as part of the company’s restructuring programme.
Zambia began the year in similar fashion to the start of 2010 on the Fifa/Coca Cola World rankings.
The team began 2011 ranked in the 80’s brackets again after starting 2010 in 84th place.
This time around, Zambia have slumped to 81st dropping five places from 76 in December.
Zambia’s fall was not helped by their 4-0 loss to Kuwait in a friendly on New Years Eve in Cairo.
Meanwhile, Kuwait have since beating Zambia now lost two successive matches at the on-going Asian Cup in Qatar with defeats to Uzbekistan on Wednesday and China on Saturday losing 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.
Kalusha Bwalya will next month be going for not one, but two elective Caf positions at the 33rd Caf ordinary general assembly to be held in Sudan.
According to a press release from Caf, Kalusha will stand for both a Caf and Fifa executive position at the ordinary assembly to be held in Khartoum on February 23 towards the close of the 2011 CHAN finals.
For the Caf Southern zone executive committee position, Kalusha will be up against four other Cosafa zone candidates.
Topping the list is 2010 Fifa World Cup organizing committee CEO Danny Jordaan of South Africa.
Others are Adam Mthethwa of Swaziland, Namibian John Muinjo, and Angolan Justino Fernandes, all are all heads of their respective national Football Associations.
Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu completes the list of candidates for the Caf executive committee position for the Cosafa zone.
The post is currently held by ex-SAFA president Molefi Oliphant who will not re-contest the post.
Meanwhile, Kalusha is also targeting one of the coveted two Caf zone Fifa executive committee position currently held by the Jacques Anouma from Cote D’Ivoire and the beleaguered Amos Adamu from Nigeria.
Kalusha will be up against both Anouma and Adamu including favorite for one of the positions Jordaan including two other candidates.
Mofamed Roauraoua from Algeria and Cosafa president Suketu Patel who trounced Kalusha for the Zone 6 top job by 7 votes to 2 in 2006.
Chishimba addressing the press during the announcement of his Presidential Candidature
United Progressive People’s Party-UPP Chairperson Saviour Chishimba has declared that he will contest the country’s presidency in this year’s tripartite elections.
Dr. Chishimba has affirmed his decision to run for plot one at a media briefing in Lusaka, Wednesday.
Dr. Chishimba says his party will shock the country by emerging victorious in the general elections.
He said UPP has been on the ground since it was launched almost a year ago.
Dr. Chishimba says his political party will soon launch a mass nation-wide campaign drive to ask for votes from the electorate.
And Dr. Chishimba says the UPP is geared for a national convention ahead of the tripartite elections.
He said the electoral process in his party will start with elections in all the country’s 72-districts, which will culminate into a national convention.
Meanwhile Dr. Chishimba has called on government to deal firmly, and without hesitation, with people agitating violence over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
He says government must use whatever is at its disposal, to quell any possible violence in Western Province.
Dr. Chishimba has told ZNBC News in an exclusive interview that there is need to sustain the culture of peace and tranquility in the country.
He has also condemned people circulating flyers in Western Province asking non-Lozi speaking people to leave the area by Friday, January 14.
And on Tuesday President Rupiah Banda warned Zambians against taking part in the planned meeting over the Barotseland Agreement in Mongu this Friday.
President Banda said the planned meeting by the group calling itself the Black Bulls will not take place.
And CARITAS Zambia Executive Director Sam Mulafulafu says there is no justification for people to be violent over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
Mr. Mulafulafu has strongly condemned persons that are agitating violence over the agreement.
He says it is unfortunate that non-Lozi speaking people are now being asked to leave the area by Friday January 14th.
Mr. Mulafulafu was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Wednesday.
File:The RUINS-University of Zambia student residence
Government says it remains committed to improving infrastructure in higher learning institutions in the country.
Education Deputy Minister Borniface Kawimbe says it is government’s duty to look into the welfare of students.
He was speaking after a conducted tour of the newly constructed hostel at the University of Zambia Great East Road campus on Wednesday.
Dr. Kawimbe has expressed gratitude to the Canadian government and Barclays Bank for contributing towards the completion of the students hostels.
Meanwhile, UNZA Registrar, Alfred Ng’andu has assured students that the new hostels will be occupied this semester.
This is contrary to reports that students will not occupy the new hostels this semester because UNZA management had not finished paying the contractor.
And Zhang Jian whose company Huajiang Investments was responsible for constructing the new hostels, confirmed that all logistics have been put in place for students to occupy the new hostels.
Kasama Central Patriotic Front Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba has been reported to Police by his sister-in-law for allegedly threatening violence.
Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba popularly known as GBM
Doreen Sefuke who is married to Mr. Mwamba’s young brother reported the MP to Emmasdale police station around 11:40 hours today.
Mrs. Sefuke says she has reported the Parliamentarian, popularly known as GBM, to police for physical harassment and threatening violence, when she attempted to follow up on the 11. 5 million kwacha debt owed by Mr. Mwamba’s Company.
She says Mr. Mwamba in the full view of some police officers at Manda Hill Police station on Tuesday physically harassed her and threatened to beat her up at the police station.
Mrs Sefuke says she had gone to report Mr Mwamba after he threatened to beat her for asking for the money which was due to her, when he followed her and continued with his threats.
She said she is suing Mr. Mwamba not because of the money but on principle of violence against women.
But when contacted for a comment, Mr. Mwamba denied the allegations leveled against him by Mrs. Sefuke.
Mr. Mwamba accused Mrs. Sefuke of being a hired MMD member who is out to tarnish his political image.
Mr. Mwamba says Mrs. Sefuke should have channeled any complaint against him to his young brother, other than going to speak to him directly.
Mr. Mwamba also challenged Mrs. Sefuke to proceed with legal action.
The Lusaka Magistrates Court recently discontinued a case of wife battery against Mr Mwamba after he reconciled with his wife.
Mr Mwamba had been charged with battering his wife Chama.
President Rupiah Banda on arrival at the breaking ground ceremony of the new Lusaka Stadium
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President Banda being decorated by Chinese Embassy staffer when he arrived at ground breaking ceremony of the new Lusaka Stadium
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President Rupiah Banda with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Hui Liangyu during the ground breaking ceremony of the new Lusaka Stadium at the Independence Stadium site
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Lusaka mayor Daniel Chisenga with Science and technology Deputy minister Given Mungomba at the ground breaking ceremony of the Lusaka Stadium
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The artistic image of the Lusaka Stadium which will be constructed by the Chinese government.
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Drug Enforcement Commission public relation manager John Nyawali with part of the 32kg contingent of marijuana confiscated from a Malawian national who was to deliver to Chibolya Compound
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Drug Enforcement Commission public relation manager John Nyawali passing in front of two cars which carried 32kg contingent of marijuana confiscated from a Malawian national who was about to deliver to Chibolya Compound
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Zambia Under 23 first goal scorer Kangwa Chileshe after he was substituted during the Africa games qualifying match at Nkoloma Stadium
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Zimbabwe Coachs celebrating after the final whistle where Zambia Under 23 lost 3-2 during the All Africa games qualifying match at Nkoloma Stadium on Saturday.
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Under 23 Coach Lucky Msiska during an interview after his lads went under against Zimbabwe at Nkoloma Stadium
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Service Chiefs waiting to see off President Banda to North Western Province at Lusaka City Airport.
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President Banda talking to Inspector general of Police Francis Kabonde before departure for North Western province at Lusaka City Airport
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Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) Cooperate affairs officer Wezi Chomba speaking during a press briefing .
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Bicycles are a major source of transport in Chipata. Here, a woman cycling along the township roads
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Bicycles are a major source of transport in Chipata. Here, a woman is being transported to her destination at the cost of K1000.
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A jukebox at a drinking spot at the Zambia Malawi border
The United Party for National Development UPND has disclosed that the Pact is not yet ready to announce its presidential candidate for the general elections.
UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma says the Pact leadership will only announce the presidential candidate after the two parties agree on a number of issues to avoid confusion in the future.
Mr. Kakoma said it would be premature to announce the PF/UPND pact candidate before agreeing on the power sharing mechanism and the social and economic agendas of the two parties once in government.
In an interview with QFM Mr. Kakoma said that even if they announce the Pact presidential candidate at the last minute, it will not be hard to sell the candidate because both of them are already known to the public.
Mr. Kakoma however says the Pact is ready for the general elections regardless of when president Rupiah Banda will announce the date of the elections.
He has called on the Pact supporters not to be worried over the Pact leadership.
File: Maize that has been purchased from farmers waiting to be transported to sheds by the Food Reserve Agency
Several interest groups have expressed happiness at Zambia’s latest raking as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies in the next five years and attributed the success to Government’s prudent and consistent policies that support long-term economic growth.
Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba said the positive strides Zambia was making in the global economy were an indication that forward-looking policies that support long-term growth had a positive impact on the economy.
The January 6, 2011 edition of The Economist has graded Zambia as number nine on the list of 10 countries whose economies would peak between this year and 2015 because of rising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and prudent economic management, among other factors.
Mr Chishimba said it was evident in Zambia policy emphasis had been on economic growth led by four sectors which included mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
He said all the sectors had seen considerable investments in the last few years, resulting in the growth of the economy.
“The positive strides Zambia is making in global rankings are a reflection that prudent, consistent and proactive policies that support long-term growth in the economy have a positive impact on the economy.
“It is also a reflection that Foreign Direct Investment is a necessary ingredient to accelerating expansion of the domestic economy,” Mr Chishimba said.
In a separate interview, Private Sector Development Association chairperson Yusuf Dodia said it was encouraging to get positive feedback on Zambia’s economic performance.Mr Dodia said it was important that the Zambian Government placed emphasis on diversifying the economy so that if copper prices on the international market fell, other sectors could lead the economy.
He said Zambia should also strengthen the processing industry so that the bumper harvest being recorded could have a major impact.
Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Geoffrey Sakulanda said prudent economic management and fiscal discipline should be credited for Zambia’s high standing in the world.
Mr Sakulanda said the Government’s reduced borrowing from commercial banks had worked well for the economy.
Global Commodity Market Institute country director Mwango Chisha said Zambia should maintain prudent economic management to attract more FDI.
Mr Chisha said good economic policies were responsible for attracting massive investment from countries such as Brazil.
Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia Copperbelt chairperson Kenneth Mulalami said it was encouraging that Zambia earned a positive ranking because it was good for the hotel sector.
MMD Spekesperson and Education Minister Dora Siliya
Education Minister Dora Siliya has directed school management countrywide to allow pupils who fail to pay school fees and for those who buy uniforms from outside schools to attend classes.
At a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Siliya said the ministry had received numerous complaints of pupils being sent away due to non-payment of user fees which in some schools are high.
She urged school managers and parents to use Parent Teachers Association (PTA) meetings as a platform for them to discuss such issues and agree on how much should be paid as user fees.
Ms Siliya said the Government had set guidelines on how schools should be managed and could not allow children to stay away from school for even an hour because it would be retrogressive.
She said confusion in some schools resulted from poor planning between the parents and teachers.
The minister said it was therefore important for teachers and parents to attend PTA meetings to avoid such grievances.
Ms Siliya said the ministry was aware of some schools championing their own agenda and were chasing away pupils who had bought uniforms from outside the learning institutions.
And Ms Siliya took a swipe at some non-governmental oganisations always criticising Government programmes.
Mr. Tembo of John Laing Compound makes more than K70 000 a day in selling plastic bags
By Chanda K. Chishimba
Zambians should view the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE) as an investment vehicle that can lead to a better and more financially rewarding future. If invested well, your money would work excellent wonders for you in the future. LUSE affords investors an opportunity to determine the direction of economic activity while going about with their personal lives. Investing in major companies on the LUSE provides one with the opportunity to earn a profit legally. Here are some tips on investing in the stock market.
Avoid investing all your money in one stock. The risk involved in not diversifying is that, if the company goes bankrupt or its revenue is consistently below market expectation, your investment is lost without recourse. The best investment strategy is to research all companies listed on the exchange and look for the following; industry, debt ratio, price per share, revenue per annum, number of employees, and management experience. It is very important to know how the company funds its operations. Is it a highly leveraged company? Does it have enough operating capital? What amount of debt versus income does the company have?
Set realistic investment goals and objectives. You need to determine whether you are a short-term or long-term investor. This helps in choosing an investment strategy that is in line with your goals. If you want to make a quick small profit, or you want to use the funds under 1 year, then you are a short-term investor. Be wary though, there are risks involved. If you are in the market for a long time, then you are a long-term investor. In this category, you can hopefully recoup any short-term losses you may incur. Remember, the stock market is like a pendulum. For great success in the market, “buy low, sell high”.
Understand the mix in your portfolio. For example, you cannot invest in 10 stocks in the same industry. If that industry goes bust, then there goes your hard-earned investment. Make sure to diversify among industries. Now this does not mean you invest in all industries. What it means is that you master an understanding of the inherent systemic issues in each industry. Some industries will boom in an economic upturn and some will not. This is very normal. Other industries, called defensive stocks, will boom in an economic downturn. Industries such as Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Defense will be your best bet in a declining economy. Look at average income for the industry and decide if that industry will be a good mix for your portfolio.
Determine how much money you can invest without sacrificing your current need for income. Set up a budget that ensures that you are adequately covered for current financial demands, as well as, how much you can save from your monthly pay. Although budgeting has been a thorn in the foot for most households, remember, this is your future as well as that of your family. Strict budgeting starts with reviewing your income versus expenses. Are some expenses necessary? Is it necessary to always eat out than to eat at home? Do you really need that extra pair of shoes? Once you cut down these unnecessary expenses, you relieve your income of extra stress. This extra income is what you can invest in the market.
Make sure to invest in stocks that pay a dividend. For the moment, do not view the dividend payment as income to be carelessly spent on non-essentials. Reinvest, or buy more stock in that company with the dividend. By doing so, you are increasing your share in the company, and any subsequent dividend payments increase your equity. A dividend is simply a distribution of profit by management. Notice though, that the price of the stock reduces by the amount of the dividend. So essentially, this is not even a profit for you the investor. This is the more reason why you need to reinvest, buy more shares, so in the future when the price of the stock is higher, and you own more shares through dividend reinvestment, you can sell the stock and realize a genuine profit.
Before you buy your friend a beer, learn to pay yourself first. This means prudently using your income by setting aside a small amount to invest. Do not think that the stock market is only for the wealthy. A small investment in the market today, goes a long way in the future. It is the financial management decisions you make today that determine your situation in the future. Investing in the market takes a lot of discipline.
Always find time to review your portfolio. Ignoring this advice is your sure way to losing everything you have invested. A portfolio review, once very 90 days, gives you, the investor, an opportunity to see which of your stocks are better performing and which ones are not. If it were your strategy to rebalance your portfolio, this would be the best time. However, remember that each time you rebalance, you are paying broker fees that eat into your profits. So, only rebalance when it is very necessary.
Know the competence of your broker. Determine if your broker is investing your money with your interest at heart. Some brokers will advise you to rebalance your portfolio every other day, saying this is in your best interest. You have the right to question such decisions. As stated earlier, each time you rebalance, you are paying a broker fee. Essentially, you are enriching your broker through your own ignorance. When you engage a broker, make sure they understand your strategy, goals, and objectives.
Take advantage of the Kwacha Cost Averaging when you invest in the stock market. Because what you pay for a stock per share is a cost to you, you can ensure that you average out this cost for better chances of lowering your cost exposure. Here is how it works; if you invest K500, 000 in a K50, 000 stock, the number of shares is 10. However, if you spread out the initial investment (K500, 000), and buy stocks at different times (when the stock price is lower), your average cost would be something like K45, 000, for 11 shares. When the price of the stock goes to K50, 000, your portfolio value would be K550, 000. Therefore, you would have already made a profit on your investment.
Remember, you do not have to invest in the stock market if you cannot afford to. However, whenever you can, make it a practice to invest as this gives you an opportunity to gain from the expertise of management in these companies, their growth, and expansion. The stock market provides you with a probable opportunity to gain a profit legally. Remember too, that, investing in the market requires patience. If you are not the patient type, then the casino is your only bet.
President Rupiah Banda greets Service Chiefs, who came to see him off on friday, at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open the MMD provincial Conference
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President Rupiah Banda with his supporters at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open the MMD provincial Conference
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President Rupiah Banda talking to Chief government sporkesperson Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province
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President Banda arrives in Chipata aboard the Zambia Air Force plane
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President Banda boarding his official vehicle when he arrived in Chipata
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A busload of MMD cadres arrives at Chipata Teachers' Training College for the MMD Eastern Province conference
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An MMD cadre dressed in a Rupiah labelled T-shirt captured at the MMD Eastern province conference
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MMD cadres wait to receive their matresses before the start of the Eastern province conference
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An MMD cadre going to his room after receiving a matress for the Eastern province conference
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An MMD cadre going to his room after receiving a matresses for the Eastern province conference
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MMD cadres vying for the provincial positions captured in campaigning in Chipata
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MMD cadre vying for the provincial positions captured in a campaign mood in Chipata.
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Delegates to the MMD conference dancing before the start of the event
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President Banda arrives at Chipata Teachers Training College for the MMD Eastern province conference
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President Banda captured with a smile on his face
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MMD acting National secretary Chembe Nyangu captured during prayer at the start of the MMD Eastern province conference
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Delegates to the MMD eastern province follow proceedings during the event
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MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu talks to President Banda
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Kapoche MP and Foreign Affairs deputy Minister Fashion Phiri addressing party members
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An MMD cadre carrying the party's chitenge material
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Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale raises the Patriotic Front party symbol when he was called on to talk to members of the party in Chipata
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Delegates to the MMD Eastern province conference casting their votes for the new leadership
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Delegates to the MMD Eastern province conference casting their votes for the new leadership.
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MMD acting National Secretary Chembe Nyangu stretches after a long tedious process of counting votes.
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MMD chairman for Mines, Kaunda Lembalemba captured while talking on the phone.
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One of the winning candidates to the MMD Eastern province conference being congratulated
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cadre or policeman...A policeman captured taking results of the MMD Eastern province conference instead of concentrating on police duties of maintaining peace and order
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MMD Eastern province vice chairman Sam Thole is lifted after winning the elections
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MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu is wrapped in chitenge material after he won the elections
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Chilufya Chishala (l), the man who withdrew from the race congratulates MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu after Mr Zulu won the elections
President Rupiah Banda has said that the country will not hold elections on 1st April this year, as alleged by PF leader Michael Sata.
President Banda ssaid Mr Sata’s statement that he has set April 1st, which is fools day, as date for the tripartite elections are false.
And President Rupiah Banda has bemoaned the low number of registered voters in North Western Province in the on-going voter registration exercise.
President Banda said the number of registered voters in the province so far was unsatisfactory adding that there was need for more people to be captured in the exercise so that they participate in this year’s general elections.
ZANIS reports that the President was speaking shortly after arrival at Solwezi airport when he addressed Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) party officials, Heads of Government and Parastatal institutions and members of the general public who were on hand to receive him.
President Banda said he wanted to see a bigger number of people registered as voters in the province as it was the only way they could exercise their right to vote in this year’s general elections.
He has since called upon Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) party officials in the province to ensure that more people were captured as voters.
President Banda is in Northwestern Province to officially open the MMD National Provincial conference after successful ones in Central, Copperbelt, Western and Eastern Provinces.
He was accompanied by Ministers of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti, Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga and MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga.
On hand to receive him were Cabinet Ministers of Energy Kenneth Konga, Foreign Affairs Kabinga Pande, Gender and Development Sara Sayifwanda, Youth, Sports and Child Development Kenneth Chipungu, Education Deputy Minister Richard Taima, Provincial Minister Daniel Kalenga, Senior MMD party officials, cadres and Heads of Government and Parastatal institutions.
The Chambishi Magistrates court has granted K500 million bail with two working sureties to each of the seven suspects in their own recognisance for allegedly stealing 30 copper blisters worth over K1.7 billion.
This is in a case in which Richard Chileshe Mbulu, John Mapona, Victor Bweupe, Evans Mulenga, Mukwapatila Tembo Kampango, Kelvin Tembo and Danny Ngosa are charged with copper theft contrary to section 275 (A) chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
ZANIS reports that in his ruling on Monday, Kitwe Magistrate, Davy Simfukwe said it was only fair for the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the seven accused persons.
Particulars of the offence were that the seven on December 29, last year in Chambishi, jointly and whilst acting together with other unknown persons allegedly stole 30 blisters of copper valued at K1,765,090,800,the property of Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS).
Mr. Simfukwe granted the accused K500 million bails each in their own recognisance with two working sureties in managerial positions from established companies.
“The said sureties will only be allowed to sign for the accused upon Investigative Officers visiting both their residential and business premises and a report be made to the court as to their standing in society,” Mr Simfukwe said.
Magistrate Simfukwe ordered each accused person to surrender their title deeds to any of their properties valued at K500 million or in alternative handover a motor vehicle worth K500 million to the court.
Mr Simfukwe said the motor vehicles shall be parked at the Copperbelt Division Prosecution Offices located at the Ndola Central Police in an event that the accused decided to do so.
He also ordered the accused to surrender their passports to the court.
Mr Simfukwe ruled that the accused should not leave the jurisdiction of the court without authority and that they should report to the Copperbelt Division Prosecution offices every Friday at 10:00 hours until the case was disposed of.
Earlier, Defence Lawyer Freddie Chalenga applied that his clients be granted bail pursuant to section 123 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr Chalenga argued that his clients were Zambians of fixed abode and that the offence they were charged with was bailable.
But the State objected to the bail application on grounds that the crime was highly organised.
The State argued that it took five days for Police Officers to arrest some of the accused and that Chileshe, Kampango and Tembo only surrendered to Police after an ultimatum.
Southern Province Minister, Elijah Muchima has said farming would continue improving the socio-economic status of people despite poor rainfall patterns in some parts of region.
Mr Muchima said Southern Province is historically a great contributor to the country’s grain basket and noted that a number of maize bags that contributed to the 2.8 million tonnes Bumper Harvest came from the Province.
He said farmers had realised the importance of agriculture as a business venture owing to the incentives that Government had put into the Agriculture sector.
The Minister was speaking in an nterview with ZANIS at Cabinet Office yesterday.
‘’However some parts of the Province are not likely to benefit from agriculture due to the poor rainfall pattern that these areas experience,’’ he said,
Notable places with poor rainfall patterns are Livingstone,Sinazongwe,and some parts of Zimba.
The maximum annual rainfall in these areas is about 800mm and the altitude is 24cm above sea level.
And Livingstone District Agriculture and Coordinator (DACO),Tundu Kaonga advised farmers in places around Zambezi valley where rainfall was erratic to practice conservation farming as a an alternative.
Mr.Kaonga said Conservation farming reduced moisture evaporation from the soil surface and lessened water run-off.
The DACO said the long term benefits of conservation farming included stable crop yield.
Mr.Kaonga said this during at interview at his office recently.
Meanwhile, Livingstone farmers Cooperative Chairperson Rwinnick Mapanza urged his fellow farmers to seek professional advice on new farming methods.
He said some farmers did not cooperate with Extension Officers who could offer them good farming techniques.
