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The Week in Pictures
ZESCO eases load shedding
ZESCO has increased its generation to 710 megawatts from 400 and will reduce load shedding after removing some of the dead weed that had blocked the water intake at Kafue Gorge power station.
Zesco acting managing director, Musonda Chibulu, said at a media briefing that the generation capacity, which had declined to 400 megawatts rose to 710 megawatts after the removal of dead weed known as hippo grass and water hyacinth.
The Kafue Gorge power station, Zambia’s largest power plant, has capacity to generate 990 megawatts.
Mr Chibulu said investigations revealed that the partially blocked water intake was as a result of an unusually high flow of dead weed from the Kafue River.
He said large amounts of weed suspended under the water surface found its way to the trash rack and in the process blocked normal water flow into the tunnels.
He explained that the station was designed with a protective screen to prevent floating weed from entering the inlet to the tunnels.
Some of the dead weed had signs of having been cut by sharp instruments such as machetes which contributed to the blockage of the tunnels.
Mr Chibulu said the weed accumulations were normally removed by a mechanical basket but the weeds were stuck to the trash rack and could not be moved in the usual way.
He said the company had to shut down the station on Tuesday night to facilitate inspection by a camera and removal of the weed which was entangled in the trash rack.
He said another shutdown was carried out on Wednesday from 23:00 hours to 04:00 hours and the exercise improved the water flow, which resulted in increased power generation.
Zesco had raised its power imports from Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo to 500 megawatts after switching off machines at Kafue Gorge on Wednesday to allow workers to remove the weed.
Mr Chibulu said the Zambia Army was requested to provide divers and equipment to carry out further works to ensure thorough cleaning.
The power deficit resulted in extensive load shedding throughout the country and to mitigate it, Zesco had to import 250 megawatts of power at U$S260,000 per day.
Zesco director of generation, Christopher Nthala, said with increased generation of electricity at Kafue Gorge and Kariba North Bank, the company expected to reduce load shedding.
He said the total power generation would reach 1,630 megawatts once Kafue Gorge is fully operational.
The country’s total power demand after some copper mines suspended production in 2008 now stands at 1,450 megawatts.
Mr Nthala said currently the company was supplying 480 megawatts of electricity to the mines but the companies were asked to reduce production by 80 megawatts.
[Times of Zambia]
PF, UPND team up
THE Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) have agreed to work together in a move meant to provide more effective checks and balances to the MMD Government.
But MMD deputy national secretary, Jeff Kaande, said the MMD was not scared of the PF and UPND working together because it had become stronger.
In a joint statement issued by PF president Michael Sata and his UPND counterpart Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka yesterday, the two leaders said the parties would work together at all levels on all matters of national importance.
The two opposition political parties are also demanding early presidential and parliamentary elections.
Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema said the two parties held a meeting in the morning yesterday where the landmark agreement was made.
“We have therefore started a long and difficult march in the same direction, not as one organisation but as two giants in Zambian politics,” they said.
The opposition leaders said the two political parties were the only representatives of the majority of the Zambian people.
Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema alleged that the MMD had in the past taken advantage of the differences within the opposition ‘‘o entrench bad governance and massive inefficiency’’.
The two leaders said the suffering of the Zambians would not end under the current Government.
They said the parties were responding to the loud and growing appeal from the party members and the general public.
They said they would lay groundwork for an effective, accountable, efficient and pro-poor government to replace the MMD.
However, Mr Kaande said that the PF and UPND could even merge with other political parties but the MMD would still beat them in the 2011 elections.
He said calls for early elections were ‘‘wishful thinking’’ because the country would only hold presidential and general elections in 2011.
“That is just politicking. They are just entertaining and pleasing themselves because they have no power to call for early elections,” Mr Kaande said.
He wondered what power the two political parties had for them to call for early elections when they were due in 2011.
[Times of Zambia]
COMESA Ministers hit a deadlock on the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause
The Economic Partnership Agreement for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Council of Ministers has hit a deadlock over the implementation of the most favoured nation (MFN) clause, which is critical to the launch of the Comesa Customs Union (CU) slated for Sunday next week. ESA has stated that the MFN clause which favours certain developed Countries trading with COMESA member states be reviewed or excluded in its application to all developing Countries as it contravenes the World Trade Organisation rules that provide for South to South Cooperation. But Zambia’s Commerce and Industry Minister Felix Mutati has urged COMESA to unblock the deadlock on the conditions of the MFN clause if the Launch of the Customs Union was to succeed. Mr Mutati who is also the Chairperson of ESA was speaking in an Exclusive Interview with ZANIS in Zimbabwe’s Resort Town of Victoria Falls. He said the member states must unite and come up with a common stance that is comprehensive and support regional Integration. “Time has come for us to conclude and implement the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as we have been discussing and far to long hence the need to conclude quickly to alleviate the Poverty levels in our various Countries” Said Mr. Mutati. He said Zambia’s exports to the European Union (EU) rose to US$5 billion , indicating the country’s significant economic development. Mr. Mutati called for the removal of all trade barriers between COMESA and the European Union. The European Union is the biggest importer of Zambia’s none traditional products, such as vegetables and flowers, hence the need to conclude the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement. Some Member States who are massively exporting to Asian Countries have strongly objected to the implementation of the MFN clause saying the MFN would injure the bilateral relationship exiting with these Countries. Others were agreeable to the implementation of the clause saying it would improve trade among the member states.[quote] Meanwhile Mr Mutati has revealed that a quarter of Zambia economic growth was as a result of the intra COMESA trade. He said COMESA was the bridge of the International Markets and urged member states to work towards achieving the regional integration through the Customs Union. He added that 70 % of Zambians growth was generated through exports with COMESA. 19 COMESA member states are expected to launch the CU on Sunday at a Summit under the theme Consolidating Regional Economic Integration Through Value Addition Trade and Food Security. ZANIS
Zambia Wind Down Preps For Rwanda Clash
Striker Emmanuel Mayuka has said the whole team is looking forward to a good outing against Rwanda on Saturday when the two teams clash in a 2010 World/Africa Group C Qualifier at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Mayuka joined the team at 17:30 in Ndola just 30 minutes after landing from his Israel base at Maccabi Tel Aviv via Johannesburg.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker arrived together with his namesake and Zambia teammate Emmanuel Mbola of Pyunik Yerevan of Armenia and on the same flight as the Rwanda national team.
“We are here to win and that’s the most important thing,” Mayuka said.
“To me and the rest of the team it is important to win.”
The duo were the last remaining members of the team remaining to join Zambia in camp who arrived earlier in the day on Wednesday in Ndola after flying directly from Johannesburg where the team had set-up a 2-week training camp.
Meanwhile, Rwanda coach Branko Tucak and his technical bench refused to talk to the press until Friday afternoon.
Both Zambia and Rwanda on Thursday held lunchtime training sessions at Konkola and Nchanga Stadium’s in Chililabombwe and Chingola respectively ahead of their 14:00 kickoff on Saturday.
The training at Konkola attracted a huge crowd whose highlight was Collins Mbesuma’s goal scored in a one-on-one with first choice goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene that received the biggest cheer.
Zambezi Airline makes maiden flight to South Africa
Zambezi Airliners today made its first flight to Johannesburg,
South Africa as part of its expansion programme in the region.
Speaking from Johannesburg upon arrive at Oliver Tambo International Airport Chief Executive Officer Cornwell Muleya says the Airline has today become a new regional carrier.
He stated that the airline is ready to contribute to economic development of Zambia.
Mr. Muleya said the decision to starting operating the international flight to Johannesburg and later to Dar-es-salaam was arrived at after assessing the market conditions and the upgrading of fleet requirements to the two Boeing 737-500 series aircraft.
He said the Airliner has now become the first ever Zambian Airline to operate a modern twin-jet which boasts of a quieter passenger cabin.
Mr. Muleya is hopeful that the Airlines will grow its fleet in line with market demands.
” Zambezi Airlines intends to grow its fleet in line with market demand, we want to grow the airline through frequency and then expand our network through beneficial partnerships with other carriers” said Mr. Muleya
Mr. Muleya has since paid glowing tribute to the government of South Africa and Zambia for the support which has made it possible for the Airliner to start regional flights.
The official Johannesburg route launch is set for Saturday.
The Zambezi Airliner B737 left Lusaka today at 10:00 hours and safely landed at OR Tambo International Airport at 11:50 local time.
The Airliner will commence its regional flights to Johannesburg out of Lusaka and Ndola on June 20th and will operate a full schedule.
ZANIS
Editor’s Note
It has been brought to our attentiopn that the last name of the Zambezi Airlines CEO was incorrectly spelt. LT wishes to sincerely apologize to Mr Cornwell Muleya for the emabarassement caused. The articles has been updwith the correct spelling
Ministry of health probe on track- Investigators
The three law enforcement agencies involved in the investigations at the Ministry of Health say they are saddened by a report in one of the tabloids stating that some Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) officers are frustrated by the manner in which the investigations have been progressing.
ACC Acting Director General Rosewin Wandi says the three law enforcement agencies consisting of the Zambia Police Service (ZPS), Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) are working smoothly as a well-coordinated team.
She was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today.
Ms. Wandi stressed that, whatever the source referred to as hijacking the inquiry, was not correct, adding that all the three agencies have well-defined responsibilities and an important role to play in the investigations.
She said the joint command has so far made substantial progress, adding that more arrests and additional charges will be made.
Ms Wandi further said, the investigating officers clearly know that communication of any information relating to the on-going investigations has to be done through the established channel of the joint command.
Speaking at the same occasion, Commissioner of Police, Graphael Musamba said members of the general public should leave the investigation to be carried out by the three agencies, for them to do their job.
ENDS
Government and unions urged to conclude negotiations
The Citizens Committee (CC) has expressed concern over the continued strike action by teachers and health workers in the country.
Committee Executive Director Gregory Chifire says the action is likely to impact negatively on pupils and patients.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, that there is need for the speedy conclusion of the on-going negotiations for improved conditions of service for teachers and health workers.
Mr. Chifire noted that poor people have been worst affected by the strike action as they depend on government schools and health care centers.
He urged government to improve the conditions of service for the teachers and health workers as they are key to the economic growth of the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chifire has suggested that in view of the withholding of donor funds to the Ministry of Health, Parliament should consider suspending the mid term gratuity for Members of Parliament (MPs) and channeling the money to the health sector.
He noted that the health sector should be protected and supported at all times hence the need for government to channel gratuity money for lawmakers to the health sector.
And Mr. Chifire has commended President Rupiah Banda for the stance he has taken in fighting corruption in the country.
He said the stance taken by President Banda to investigate corrupt practices in government will ensure that all corrupt practices involving government ministries and departments are exposed.
ZANIS
ZESCO partners with Egyptian company
Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has entered into a partnership with an Egyptian company based in Ndola to manufacture prepaid meters.
Director for Distribution and Supply Joe Chiyassa, who confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, said the move is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for the prepaid initiative.
Mr. Chiyassa said the metering exercise has been a cost saving measure for the utility company as it leaves no room for error to the mutual benefit of both clients the utility firm.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chiyassa says the ZESCO is aware that accessibility to the prepaid electricity tokens has in some areas been difficult.
He however, assured the public that the company was doing everything possible to address the problem.
Mr. Chiyassa said the institution is looking into the possible establishment of more token selling centers and engaging third party vendors to ease access to the prepaid electricity tokens.
He urged residents to embrace the prepaid initiative as customers are able to control and monitor the usage of electricity.
He noted that the response from the public has been good as more residents are demanding for the prepaid service.
About 23,000 households were metered by ZESCO in the first phase and about 65,000 were metered in the second phase of the exercise and 30,000 more are earmarked for the third phase of the exercise.
ZANIS
Zambia moves up a place on FIFA rankings
Zambia moved up one place to third on the list of Confederation of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA ) nations in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Wednesday.
Chipolopolo have moved above 2006 FIFA World Cup campaigners Angola, who have slipped to 97th in the world, 28th in Africa and fourth on the list of COSAFA Nations.
South Africa maintain their lead at the top of regional teams (72nd in the world, 17th in Africa), followed by the ever-improving Mozambique (87th, 22nd).
The other big movers have been Zimbabwe, up five places to 101 in the world, 29th in Africa, and Botswana, also up five places to 118th on the global list and 33rd in Africa.
ZANIS
Copper prices plummet
Copper prices have dropped to below $5000 a tonne due to weak demand especially from China.
Barclays Bank reports that copper prices Wednesday fell below $5 000 a tonne to trade at $4,936 a tonne.
On Tuesday, Copper was trading at $5050 a tonne.
Analyst warned copper’s recent strength masks poor fundamentals.
Markets are entering a seasonally quiet period after China’s copper restocking reduced.
China helped push copper prices up by 60 percent from a low of $3000 a tonne in January this year.
[ZNBC]
Former Bond actor demands end to child abuse
Former James Bond actor Sir Roger
Moore has called for a stop to the sexual exploitation of
children around the world.
The ‘Live and Let die’ star, who is also a longterm
ambassador for UNICEF, has demanded that officials should
pursue paedophiles across international borders, Contact music
reported.
Speaking in Germany to publicise a new report for UNICEF,
the 81-year-old actor called for police to enter foreign
countries in a bid to catch abusers and put them behind bars.
“Childhood is being destroyed by sexual abuse, violence
and neglect. We must stop it. If we do nothing, our silence
would mean acceptance,” said Moore.
“I can hardly imagine a more shameful violation of the
rights of children as the deliberate exploitation of their
bodies by unscrupulous adults to serve their sexual appetite.
They destroy the childhood of their victims and do harm to them that lasts throughout their lives. Perpetrators must be
followed across borders,” he added.
Meanwhile the VICTIM Support Unit (VSU) recorded an increase in sexual violence against women and children on the Copperbelt in the first quota of 2009.
Copperbelt police chief commanding police officer, Antonel Mutentwa confirmed the development yesterday.
The Child Protection Unit recorded 45 child defilement cases , in the first quota of 2009, as compared to 40 cases in the first quota of 2008, with most of the cases having been recorded in remote areas.
Statistics obtained from the Victim Support Unit on sexual violence show that 15 rape cases, 1 attempted rape and 2 indecent assaults were reported from 1st January to 31st March this year.
Mr. Mutentwa said, last year in the first quota there were 11 rape cases, 2 attempted rapes and 1 indecent assault case recorded.
ZANIS
The global economic situation is improving – Fundanga
Bank of Zambia Governor Caleb Fundanga says the increase in the price of copper on the global market is an indication that the global economic situation is improving.
Dr. Fundanga says he is happy that copper prices are now improving because the trend is a positive indicator of global economic improvement.
He told ZANIS in Lusaka today that recent rise in copper prices on the global market is a strong signal that the global financial crisis is on the mend.
Dr. Fundanga however said there is need for Zambia to continue concentrating on producing more agricultural products and improve other sectors such as tourism.
He said there is also need to produce other products through harnessing various resources that the country is endowed with.
Dr. Fundanga said diversification of other sectors will prepare and help Zambia cushion the effects of the global economic crunch.
He said production of various products will also shield Zambia from suffering the effects of reduced copper prices in future.
Copper prices had in the recent past hit record low prices of less than US$2 000 from over US$8 000 per metric tone a year ago.
Prices have however shown an upward trend on the global market with a metric tone of the metal costing over US$4000.
ZANIS
Training institutions challenged to offer relevant courses
Training institutions in North Western Province have been advised to design their courses in line with the booming economic activities in the area.
Solwezi District Commissioner Albert Chifita says training institutions should identify courses that are in demand by the current mining investors.
He said it is folly for training institutions in the province to ignore mine-related study programmes.
Mr. Chifita was speaking in Solwezi when he officiated at Solwezi Skills Training Centre’s second graduation ceremony. A total of 59 students graduated.
He said government was ready to partner and offer guidance to training institutions in order to break the syndrome of offering courses that may not be on demand.
And speaking earlier, Solwezi Skills Training Institute Principal Chiyenge Frank said the institution’s efforts have been hampered by poor infrastructure.
ZANIS
Reduced gate charges still high – ZAVOSOFA
Soccer fans in the country say the reduced gate charges for the Zambia-Rwanda game are still high for the ordinary soccer fans.
Zambia Voluntary Soccer Fans Associations (ZAVOSOFA) Patron Peter Makembo told ZANIS sports in an interview that the K30, 000 gate fee for the open wing was still high.
Makembo added that Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) should have taken into consideration the job cuts in the country and also the location of the stadium when determining the charges.
He said many supporters are now retrenched and will be coming from different parts of the country and will also need to provide their own accommodation and food.
He said due to these factors soccer fans had expected FAZ to allow free entry for open wing or reduce it even further than they have.
“That was the reason we had written to President Banda to consider us the soccer fans enter the stadium for free to cheer our national team” he said.
He has however commended government for coming to the aid of the soccer fans by appealing to FAZ to reduce the gates charges although they still remain high.
FAZ announced that it had revised the gate fees for the open wing for Saturday’s 2010 Africa/ World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Konkola Staduim in Chililabombwe.
Sports , Youth and Child Development minister Kenneth Chipungu said FAZ held consultations with his ministry following the outcry from most soccer loving Zambians.
Chipungu said government has commended FAZ for its swift and positive response in the interest of the soccer loving Zambians who he said cannot afford the initial gate fees.
And ZAVOSOFA has implored the chipolopolo boys to fully utilise home ground advantage to score more goals during their clash with Rwanda and Algeria.
He said Zambia should also take advantage of the opportunity to open up a seven point lead by wining their home games.
ZANIS