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LAZ backpedals on chief justice re-appointment bid

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THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has given a second expert opinion stating that the chief justice requires to be ratified by Parliament if he is re-appointed after reaching the retirement age.

LAZ, as a friend of the court seeking to help the bench arrive at a fair decision, earlier gave another opinion from an expert who was of the view that there was no need for a judge reappointed after retirement to be ratified by Parliament.

This is in a matter in which Lusaka businessmen, Faustin Kabwe and Aaron Chungu have petitioned the continued stay in office of Chief Justice Ernest Sakala and Judge Peter Chitengi.

The latest opinion is contained in an application by LAZ honorary secretary, Margaret Chalwe seeking to file the views the association obtained from constitutional lawyer, Eva Jhala.

Ms Jhala said the president could appoint a judge who has attainted the age of 65 for a further period not exceeding seven years.

In her legal opinion on constitutional matters regarding the chief justice and Judge Chitengi’s continued stay in office, Ms Jhala said the discretion of the president was subject to the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

She said the legal requirement for a judge to vacate office under Article 98(1) was mandatory at attaining 65 years, but the same article qualifies the requirement in the proviso by vesting the president with the legal competence to permit a judge to continue in office for such a period as may be necessary to enable him deliver judgment or do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before he/she attained that age.

“This means there must be evidence showing pending work and indicating how much time will be required to complete that work so that the president can effectively exercise his legal competence to set the period required,” Ms Jhala said.

She said this permission is derived from the notion that the period would be short to complete existing work and that no new work would be undertaken by the judge during such period.

Ms Jhala said in the second scenario, the president has powers to appoint the chief justice and judge of the Supreme Court under Art 98 and has further power to re-appoint a judge under special conditions, that is a judge who has reached retirement age under Art 98 (1) (b) subject to the conditions laid out in the substitutive appointing provision.

She said any new appointment to office after vacation, for whatever term, should comply with the conditions for appointment and that the National Assembly should ratify the appointment.

The Article maybe used not as an exception to the retirement clause but to circumvent the age of retirement, thereby defeating the intentions of the people in coming up with a retirement age for judges.

“In addition, as stated above, it will be important to take into account the issue of validity in so far as the exercise of judicial competence is concerned during any period that a legal competence was not exercised or improperly exercised.

[Times of Zambia]
“The consequences must be analysed and a solution found even if Parliament has to pass a validation instrument,” Ms Jhala said.

EU under fire over Zambia aircraft ban

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THE Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) has condemned the action by the European Union (EU) to blacklist Zambia’s aviation sector from flying into the Euro Zone.

The AOOA has described the blacklisting of Zambian aircraft from entering the EU flying zone as unjustified and high-handed.

The operators said in a statement that the damage done by the adverse publicity on the ban had continued to threaten Zambia’s fragile but positive economic progress.

They said the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recently posted a significant safety concern for Zambia as a result of the Government’s delay in replacing its Air Service Permit (ASP) certification procedures with the ICAO’s Air Operating Certificates (AOCs).

AOOA said it was unfortunate that the EU blacklisted Zambia’s aviation sector without attempting to assess its performance.

“Unfortunately, this adverse publicity is peppered with inaccuracies and potentially
libellous statements to the extent that Zambia’s AOOA has been moved to issue this statement to clarify the position in Zambia,” the statement states.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Board of Airline Representatives has also indicated its concern over the blacklisting of Zambian planes into the Euro Zone, which is being discussed by the members’ executives.

The Government has not yet completed the switch from ASP to AOC certification procedures within the time frame agreed with ICAO and all Zambian scheduled and non-scheduled air operators currently operating in and out of the country are properly certified by the Zambian authorities under Zambian laws.

The laws are regularly updated to accommodate ICAO’s recommendations and Zambian expectations in the ongoing process of compliance.

The statement further states that at the time of writing, no Zambian air operators were in default of any pertinent aviation regulations materially affecting their operational safety.

“International media references to dubious Zambian airlines are, therefore, considered unjustified and libellous. In point of fact, Zambia has one of the most favourable safety records on the continent,” the statement reads.

The EU’s blacklisting of Zambian aviation means that EU travel agencies have been advised not to book their clients on any Zambian-registered aircraft, suggesting that their travel insurance policies might not cover their clients on Zambian aircraft.

[Times of Zambia]

Mpombo Vs Rev Lungu: Clergyman ‘spills the beans’

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EVANGELICAL Youth Alliance (EYA) president, Moses Lungu has said former Defence minister George Mpombo and other senior MMD members allegedly approached him requesting that he launches a series of attacks on President Rupiah Banda shortly after the elections last year.

Speaking at the lapse of the 48-hour ultimatum that he gave Mr Mpombo to resign from the MMD and state the reasons for quitting Cabinet and the national executive committee (NEC) of the ruling party, Reverend Lungu said leaders should strive to remain with integrity.

He said Mr Mpombo was part of a group that paid him and another non-governmental organisation (NGO) about K2 million for them to start attacking President Banda.

Rev Lungu said he declined to embark on the mission despite getting the money.
He challenged Mr Mpombo to explain queries raised at the Ministry of Defence over unretired imprest when he was still minister.

He said the tension the former minister was causing against the MMD and President Banda was unnecessary and that he should respect people elected into public office.[quote]

“I expect Mr Mpombo to speak the truth, all I request him to do is to tell the nation the true reasons for his resignation,” he said.

Rev Lungu dismissed allegations of receiving financial aid from Mr Mpombo on account of destitution.

He also denied ever being excommunicated from the Baptist Association as alleged by Mr Mpombo, saying he was still a credible clergyman.

However, Mr Mpombo described Rev Lungu’s allegations as cheap and unsubstantiated propaganda.

He said Rev Lungu was being used for negative propaganda by some MMD members.
On allegations on unretired money, Mr Mpombo said Rev Lungu should know that imprest was recoverable and not treated as a crime.

“I was just informed of the unretired imprest money by my former PS [permanent secretary] long after I had resigned, so that cannot be a reason for my resignation,” he said.

He said a month ago, he held a meeting with Secretary to Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja, Ministry of Works and Supply Permanent Secretary, Bizwayo Nkunika, and his former PS to resolve the matter.

“This matter was resolved because unretired imprest is recoverable anywhere and is not a crime,” he said.

Mr Mpombo said it was even laughable that Rev Lungu could talk of such petty allegations when he threatened to spill the beans about him just a few days ago.

He described Rev Lungu as “toxic political material trying to earn a living through impersonations and malicious attacks”.

Mr Mpombo said whoever had evidence linking him to any malpractices when he was at the Ministry of Energy was free to take him to court.

He also said he was aware of an article on the Internet suggesting that he had oil dealings with former first lady, Maureen Mwanawasa when he was Energy minister.

[Times of Zambia]

Sweden advises Zambia on how to improve the business environment

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The Swedish Government has advised Zambia to come up with clear policies aimed at facilitating improved trade in the country.

Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Maria Anderson de Frutos, says there is need for the Zambian government to put in place effective trade measures that would bring more investment to the sector.

Ms Anderson told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that Zambia has a lot of business opportunities that can also contribute towards enhancing national development.

She, however, stressed that the current business environment has a lot of challenges that have affected private sector growth.

The Ambassador pointed out that long process and corruption experienced when acquiring business licenses have a negative effect on the country’s business environment.

She said this is why government should quickly put in place stringent measures that will ensure that trade facilitation processes are improved to attract more foreign direct investment.[quote]

Ms Anderson further pledged her country’s commitment to invest in all the country’s developmental sectors.

She disclosed that many Swedish companies are interested to invest in Zambia’s energy and agricultural sector as a way of assisting the country to diversify its economy from being dependent on copper to other sectors.

Meanwhile Ambassador Anderson as expressed happiness with the way the Zambian government has responded to investigate the embezzlement of donor funds at the Ministry of Health.

Ms Anderson said the recent investigations have proved that the Zambian government is interested in working out effective ways of dealing with corruption involving public funds.

She further stated that there is need for Zambians to be sensitized and understand that donor funds should be utilized in the right way that will benefit the end users.

Recently the Swedish government withdrew its support to the Ministry of Health following revelations of misuse of the funds by some officials and over ten officers have since been arrested in connection with some embezzlement.

ZANIS

2009 Mobile Banking Conference opens in Lusaka

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Government says there is need for the nation to continue to leverage technology in the country in order to build more advanced features and functionality to enhance service delivery.

Transport and Communications Minister, Geoffrey Lungwangwa, says technology is ever advancing, hence the need for the country to make every effort to enhance service delivery through it.

Professor Lungwangwa said although the country has made significant strides in improving service delivery, there was need to maintain the pioneering spirit and continue providing critical service enhancements to create multi-benefits that meet the critical need of the people.

Prof Lungwangwa said this today when he officially opened the first ever two-day 2009 Mobile Banking conference hosted by Celpay in Lusaka.

He said the uptake of mobile banking has been phenomenal in Zambia and that the mobile platform is the obvious step in making banking more accessible.

Pro Lungwangwa said this illustrates the appropriateness of the channel to facilitate high volume and low transaction as well as its relevance to the rural target market which was traditionally a cash-only space.

He said through mobile banking, the country has managed to overcome the barriers of entry to banking, particularly in areas with little or no infrastructure.

The minister observed that the service of mobile banking would make life easier for the people in remote rural areas like teachers and health staff among others.

He said mobile banking has proved to be a viable alternative to traditional bank branches in rural areas, adding that this has put into practice the Government’s efforts to promote the financial inclusion of all Zambians.

Prof Lungwangwa said the increasing cellphone penetration in the country has opened up opportunities for network operators and financial institutions to form partnerships that will help reach rural and peri-urban markets.

Meanwhile, Pro Lungwangwa has reiterated Government’s commitment to reducing the cost of doing business in the country by developing an efficient, effective and affordable Information Communication Technology (ICT) system.

Pro Lungwangwa said ICT was truly transforming the way business is being done in the country.

Professor Lungwangwa said the optic fibre backbone infrastructure currently under construction would not only transform business operations but also make the country a more conducive business environment.

Prof Lungwangwa urged the participants to respond to the challenge on how they would take advantage of the transformation in the ICT sector, especially the development of high capacity, high speed, efficient and affordable internet connectivity.

He further called on the delegates to respond to the extended penetration of the mobile phone system to communities that are currently marginalized and the increasing transformation of Zambia into a knowledge driven economy as more people access information and knowledge through ICT.

The minister said everyone should realize that ICT is transforming lives of people and that the Zambian generation was in a transformation age and people should transform accordingly.

And Celpay Zambia Limited Managing Director, Miyanda Malambo, said partnerships were important in delivering quality service to the people in the country.

Mr Malambo said there is need for stronger partnership to take mobile banking services to rural areas and educate and sensitize people on the Mobile Banking services.

ZANIS

A Stimulus Package Financed By the West?

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Vice-President George Kunda
Vice-President George Kunda
By Henry Kyambalesa:

I wish to comment on Vice-President George Kunda’s shameless call for a financial stimulus package financed by Western countries, which appeared in the Times of Zambia of September 15, 2009 under the title “Africa deserves financial stimulus package – Veep.” He made the call during a high-level meeting of Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) regions and the European Commission.

The call is an embarrassment to the people of Zambia. It shows that we have actually failed to govern ourselves almost 45 years after independence. Besides, the Honorable Vice-President should know that some leaders in developed economies are being accused by their people of misusing public resources by bailing out failing local companies. One can easily surmise what would happen to such leaders if they decided to bail out mismanaged African economies.

As I have often maintained, donor countries do not have unlimited resources; they have to make do with scarce resources by going through public expenditures line by line, program by program, agency by agency, department by department, and ministry by ministry in order to eliminate unnecessary application of public funds. We need to start doing the same in order to wean our beloved country from its current dependence on donor funding.

In January 2009, the Vice-president was quoted as having defended the bloated Zambian Cabinet as follows: “I believe that our government is of the right size, representative and effective. I know that there have been calls from many sections of society to reduce the size of our Cabinet, but I think it is the right size.”

There is a need for the government to perform existing and planned essential government functions with a smaller number of Cabinet Ministers by abolishing some of the government ministries which do not seem to add any value to the dispensation of public services, and merging some of the ministries which have similar functions.

Civil servants in ministries to be abolished or merged should be encouraged to seek early retirement with full benefits. Professional and skilled civil servants should be re-deployed in the new government ministries, as well as in government agencies.

There is also a need to abolish the positions of Deputy Minister, Provincial Minister, Provincial Permanent Secretary and District Commissioner, as well as reduce the number of Zambia’s foreign embassies by having clusters of countries to be served by single embassies.

To paraphrase Mr. Bill Clinton’s words, there is a need for us to create a government that is smaller, that lives within its means, and that does more with less. Otherwise we will continue to embarrass ourselves by continuing to beg for assistance from wealthy nations.[quote]

And we will continue to be chastised by some officials in donor count­ries who rightly or wrongly believe that Africa lacks compe­tent people to provide sound leadership in commerce, industry and government. The follo­wing words of an unnamed aid official quoted by Timberlake on page 199 of his book entitled Africa in Crisis: The Causes, the Cures of Environ­men­tal Bankruptcy (published by New Society Publishers in 1986) should, therefore, not be surprising: “In a sense, we’re talking about … sending smart white boys in to tell them how to run their countries.”

Clearly, we need leaders who are willing to develop new attitudes, skills and strategies in order to wrestle successfully with the complex and volatile socio-economic conditions of our time. And such leaders should be technocrats, and not clueless figureheads like a good number of those incompetents who are in President Rupiah Banda’s administration who seem to be preoccupied with promoting the interests of the ruling party and its members.

Zambians are fed up of government leaders whose functions seem to be that of whining and bickering day in, day out.

2 year old burnt to death

Guest Editor
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A two-year-old girl has died in Kawambwa after a grass
shelter she had made with her friends caught fire while they were playing in it.

Grandmother to the girl, Cecilia Nkalamo, 63, confirmed the death to ZANIS at the funeral house in Kawambwa, today. She named the girl as Caren Mambwe of Mutofwe village in Chief Munkanta’s area in Kawambwa district.

Mrs Nkalamo said the incident happened on Monday around 11:00 hours
when Mambwe was playing in a small grass shelter that she had made
with her friends inside a ditch.

She explained that Mambwe was in the company of four friends and as they were playing, they lit a fire.

Mrs Nkalamo said Mambwe’s four friends managed to get out of the ditch and started shouting that there was fire where they were playing.

She said when some neighbours rushed to the ditch, they found Mambwe already dead as she was badly burnt.

And a check by ZANIS at the scene revealed that a named neighbour
dug a ditch which is about three meters deep where he got soil for
molding bricks.
The ditch has never been buried and children from nearby houses play in it.

Sources from Kawambwa Police confirmed the burning and death of Mambwe adding that she was buried yesterday.

ZANIS

Govt allocates K700m for women empowerment

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Government has set aside K700 million for empowering women in the country.

Community Development and Social Services Deputy Minister, Moses Muteteka, has disclosed that the K 700 million would be disbursed through eligible women groups countrywide.

Mr Muteteka, who is currently in Kaputa on a tour of Northern Province, told ZANIS in an interview today that all provinces will benefit from the money allocated.

He said each province will get about K 40 million as empowerment in an effort to alleviate poverty in the country.

The deputy minister said the money is targeted for widows who are vulnerable but viable in the communities.

Mr. Muteteka hoped that the money would help reduce poverty and in turn improve the livelihood of the people.

He named some of the women cooperative groups that are expected to benefit from the money as Mama Mpapa and Chikamuneka in Northern Province among others.

Mr Muteteka urged the beneficiaries to ensure that they put the money to good use, pointing out that he was particularly impressed with women clubs for doing their part in working together.

ZANIS

PF MP Kapata accuses MMD of being undemocratic

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Patriotic Front (PF) Mandevu Member of Parliament (MP), Jean Kapata, has accused the ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) for not preaching democracy and exhibiting the tenets of democracy that the party was founded on.

Mrs Kapata says postponing the holding of the MMD National Convention to somewhere after 2011 is a sign that the party is waving away the principles of democracy.

She says President Rupiah Banda should not be feared but allowed to be challenged now at the MMD convention as opposed to postponing the convention if truly the ruling party is practicing multipartysm.

Mrs. Kapata was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

She said calls by MMD party cadres from districts, provinces and senior National Executive Committee (NEC) members against holding the convention this year are not justified for a party in government that is also ruling.

“President Banda should be subjected to a national convention to see if people want him because waving away to hold a convention this year is stepping away from the principles of democracy. MMD should preach democracy the party was founded on.

“What are they fearing for not holding the convention now when former republican president, Frederick Chiluba and the late Levy Mwanawasa passed through the same process and they were elected. Calls by MMD cadres to postpone the convention are not justified,” she said.

She said former MMD party and republican president, Chiluba and departed the late Mwanawasa were elected at the National Convention and wondered why Mr Banda could not be subjected to national convention where his two predecessors passed through.

Mrs Kapata further accused MMD National Chairman, Michael Mabenga, of making the MMD into a dictatorship by not subjecting its party president, Rupiah Banda, to a democratic process where he can be elected.

Nine MMD Provincial committees have so far endorsed President Banda as the sole party presidential candidate for 2011 polls.

And Mrs Kapata has said former ministers should not be intimidated but allowed to voice out on what is happening in MMD.

She condemned the harassment of former Finance and National Planning Minister and Chilanga MP, Ngandu Magande, and former Defence Minister and Kafulafuta MP, George Mpombo, who are not allowed to speak out what they know about what is transpiring in MMD and its futuristic by certain members of the ruling party.

ZANIS

MMD Lusaka Chairman accuses Lusaka Mayor of politicking on street vendors

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Cleaned up Lusaka Street
Cleaned up Lusaka Street

MMD Lusaka District Chairman, Paul Chihande, has accused Lusaka Mayor, Robert Chikwelete, of politicking when government is determined to implement policies that benefit the Zambian people.

Mr Chihande says the move by government to chase vendors from the streets in Lusaka should be taken seriously and without politicking.

Mr Chihande observed that it was not right for the Mayor, who is also the Father of City, to distance himself the issue of vendors by saying he was not aware that government has removed vendors from the streets.

Speaking in an interview today, Mr Chihande said he is shocked by the Mayor’s utterances.

He reminded Mr Chikwelete against frustrating government’s efforts in ‘Keeping the City clean’.

He said the office of the Mayor should be in the fore front spearheading development, adding that Mr Chikwelete should be alert of developmental projects at all times being implemented by government.

“As MMD Lusaka district, we are surprised that Lusaka Mayor, Mr Chikwelete, is not aware of government ridding of vendors from the streets. It is his office to be alert, co-ordinate and implement government programmes,” Mr Chihande said.[quote]

Mr Chihande has said Lusaka is now clean and people are walking freely following government’s intervention to chase the vendors off the streets.

The MMD District Chairman thanked government and the Lusaka City Council (LCC) for the move, saying it is a step in the right direction to attaining the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on quality sanitation.

Mr Chihande appealed to the vendors to abide by the law governing this country.

He said the LCC and state police should not relent but close in so that the vendors do not return to the streets.

He said people should not blame government for chasing them but they should blame themselves for opting to sell their merchandise leaving the market stands empty instead of utilising them.

Over the weekend, a combined team of government officers, LCC police and state police, swang into action and chased the vendors from the streets.

By yesterday, those vendors who defied government orders were fined while more than 65 traders who were arrested will be taken to a ‘fast track courts’ established at the LCC.

ZANIS

Mwense DC calls for improved ZNBC radio signal

Guest Editor
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Mwense District Commissioner, Benjamin Chama, has complained over poor radio reception in the area.

Mr Chama says most people in Mwense area cannot access the ZNBC radio signal and are forced to listen to Democratic Republic of Congo’s
Kasenga Frequency Modulation (FM) transmission.

Mr Chama was speaking to ZANIS in Mwense yesterday.

He said at the moment people in the area only access the ZNBC
television signal which he said was not enough for local information dissemination.

Mr Chama said it is difficult to know what is happening in the country
because neither radio one nor two signals are accessed in the area.

He appealed to ZNBC to consider improving its radio signal
to enhance communication in the area.

ZANIS

A 20-man Chinese delegation jets in and promise to open new mines

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Copperbelt Provincial Minister, Mwansa Mbulakulima has said Copperbelt province is a good province to do business investments in.

Mr. Mbulakulima said this at the Ndola International Airport today when he received a 20-man Chinese delegation that is in the country to carry out a copper and power generation feasibility study tour valued at $100m.

He expressed happiness at the Chinese investors’ decision to invest in the mining industry, to contribute to Zambia’s economic development.

He further commended the Chinese for their plans to put up a power generation plant that would supply electricity to the three mines that they intend to open up in the country.

He assured the Chinese investors that they had made a sound judgement to invest in Zambia, because the country is geographically well located for maximization of business undertakings.

Speaking earlier, the Chinese delegation leader, Shu Yinbiao, who is the Executive Vice President of State Grid Company expressed the need for Zambia and China to partner in face of the current global economic crisis and explore the best means of protecting the economies of the two friendly nations.

He said his company had already started negotiating with the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO)on setting up the planned power generation plant.

The Chinese delegation will later proceed to North Western Province where they intend to open two mining companies.

Mr. Yinbiao explained that his team was interested in opening up three mines, one located on the Copperbelt and two in Mwilunga in North Western Province at a total cost of US $3billion.

ZANIS

KK, FJT invited to Ukusefya pang’wena annual celebrations

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Preparations for Ukusefya pang’wena traditional ceremony of the Bemba people set for this Saturday, September 19, 2009, have reached an advanced stage.

And paramount chief Chitimukulu says he expects the event to be more organized and successful this year than ever before.

The paramount Chief said he, together with the organizing committee, thought it wise to invite the two former republican presidents, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dr Fredrick Chiluba, to Ukusefya pang’wena annual celebrations.

The chief said their coming would add value to the event as it had taken long since they last attended the ceremony.

A check by ZANIS at the main arena found the works progressing well.

Preparatory Committee spokesperson, Wilbroad Chanda, told ZANIS in an interview that he was optimistic that all the remaining minor works would be finalized before Friday in readiness for the event.

Mr Chanda expressed happiness at the overwhelming commitment shown by the joint committee members of Mungwi and Kasama districts.

He added that from the onset, the membership has shown serious commitment in organizing the event.

Mr Chanda hoped that the event would be joyous and spirit-thrilling for most people expected to attend the ceremony.

ZANIS

Poor workmanship flops handover of Siavonga airstrip

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The official handover of the newly constructed Siavonga airstrip failed to take place on Tuesday for alleged poor workmanship on the aerodrome.

Officials from the civil aviation department refused to takeover the airstrip and described the works done on it as sub standard.

The airstrip, whose construction works have already been completed, was scheduled to be handed over to the government at a ceremony by a committee that was appointed to spearhead all works on it.

The long awaited handover ceremony flopped after civil aviation officers inspected the strip to determine the safety and security of planes that would land on it once opened.

Aviation Security coordinator, Joseph Phaika, told the gathering that according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ACHAO), the airstrip was of sub standard and not internationally recommended.

Mr Phaika charged that there are currently international standards that have been set up by ACHAO and must be followed by Zambia.

He cited lack of markings, signages and chopping off of more than 200 meters of the runway as some of the reasons that could not permit the airstrip to resume its operations.

Mr Phaika added that the fencing which was done around the airstrip to prevent livestock and other wildlife animals from crossing the runway as poorly being done.

“There is literally nothing to show the pilot that this is the airstrip because there are no sign posts and markers on it. Instead there are small shrubs and grass over growing off the shoulders of the airstrip,” Phaika observed.

He said the airstrip in its current form poses a danger to caravans that would want to land on it and cannot be recommend for operation until the committee addresses the issues raised.

And Chief Simamba, in whose chiefdom the airstrip has been constructed, told the gathering that though he was not an expert, he was not happy with the kind of fencing that was done by the committee.

“I am not an expert but what I have seen on this airstrip gives me a wrong impression and I wonder if it will last for a long time.

Chief Simamba, however, said he looks forward to seeing the airstrip starting operations, saying there is need for those involved in the project to put things in order.

Mike Mulabe, Ministry of Tourism Standards Inspector, said he would give a conclusive report to the ministry on the recommendations by the civil aviation.

“My ministry is the one that funded the project and as I go back to Lusaka, I will submit a report to the Permanent Secretary on what is obtaining on the ground and how money was spent,” he said.

Mr Mulabe observed that once opened, the airstrip will give tourists visiting Siavonga a choice either to travel by road or fly to the area.

A concerned stakeholder, Heman Striedl, observed that the opening of the airstrip in Siavonga will also not only improve tourism but will also benefit those in the health sector as they will be able to fly their patients.

Government had released a total of K71 million to the committee to enable it erect a fence around the airstrip to prevent animals from accessing the runway.

But some quarters of society, including the Lusaka Province Joint Operations Committee (PJOC), took the committee to task on allegations that the money released was too much as compared to the kind of fencing that was done.

ZANIS

Zamtel privatisation process starts

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THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has started advertising the sale of up to 75 per cent shares in Zamtel in the international media after Cabinet approved the partial privatisation of the company.

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) said yesterday in an advertisement in South African financial daily Business Day that prospective bidders were invited to place bids to qualify for the proposed sale of an equity stake in Zamtel.

The pre-qualification criteria to bid for Zamtel includes a minimum of five years of licenced operation in the telecommunications industry, as the entity’s primary activity.

The intending bidders also need to have at least three million subscribers with total assets exceeding the liabilities by at least $250 million.

“A list of prequalified bidders will be announced on or around Wednesday, 21st October 2009. Prequalified bidders will be provided with a process letter detailing the guidelines for the bidding process,” the advertisement reads.

Sources said the ZDA would also allow consortia to bid for the purchase of Zamtel but the lead member of such a group should be from the telecommunications business.

A senior Government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Government would not put a price tag on Zamtel because it might lower the price.

The ZDA said up to 75 per cent of Zamtel would be offered for sale, while the Government would retain a 25 per cent stake, which it might sell at a later stage through an initial public offering on the Lusaka Stock Exchange.

Zamtel is Zambia’s only licensed fixed-line provider of voice and data communications.
Revenue for the year to end-December was $100 million, according to the ZDA.

The Government official defended the sale of 75 per cent of the shares in Zamtel, saying that increased the commitment of any possible investors and gave Zambia the edge in the stake sale bargaining process.

“The buyer always pays a premium when getting a controlling stake in a company. We own 100 per cent of Zamtel now but where are we?” the source said.

“The Government advertised the sale of 20 per cent shares in Zamtel in the 1990s but no investor came up. Zamtel requires money to turn around,” the source said.

The Government considered breaking the firm up but the value of individual Zamtel parts would have been less than if it was sold as an entity.
[Times of Zambia]

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