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People who want to see my Government fail are not happy to see the Kwacha Strengthen-Preisdent Lungu

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People who want to see my Government fail are not happy to see the Kwacha Strengthen-Preisdent Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has lashed out at critics who want to see the Government fail. Speaking when he met the Clergy in Chibombo District, central province yesterday, President Lungu said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government will never fail not even in the near future.

He said it is shocking that some people are not happy with the good performance of the Kwacha. President Lungu said the country will continue to prosper.

“This Government will never fail, not even in the near future. People are criticizing us that the appreciation of the Kwacha is out of Luck, they are saying that President is very lucky. They said the same thing when we recorded a bumper harvest, ” President Lungu said.

President Lungu urged the clergymen and women to continue praying for peace as the country goes to the polls next month. President Lungu said that the church has the responsibility to preach love and pray for peace before, during and after the elections.

“Continue with prayer, God hears our prayers and prosperity will come to Zambia because of prayer. Continue praying for us and for peace to continue prevailing in our country,” he said.

The Head of State said the country has identified itself as a peaceful nation, adding that this reputation should therefore be sustained and further appealed to the church to continue providing guidance to politicians so they can uphold peace and love for one another.

“It is only through the church that Christianity and sanity can be practiced in politics,” President Lungu stated.

And the President has advised the church leaders to sensitize their members on various empowerment programmes that the government is undertaking.

“The government is implementing a number of empowerment programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people,” he said.

And President Lungu has assured the church leaders that funds are available under the COVID 19 Social Relief Fund aimed at empowering the churches and other religious organisations.

He said the government is now finalizing the process of harmonizing how the scheme will be implemented.

The Head of State has since advised the clergy to engage the provincial administration on the procedures to be followed in order to access the funds.

And speaking on behalf of other Church leaders, James Manda commended the government for various empowerment programmes that are being undertaken in the District and in other parts of the country.

“The Social Cash Transfer Programme is one of the notable empowerment schemes that have continued to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable people in the communities,” Pastor Manda stated.

Earlier, business came to a standstill at the roadside market in Keembe Constituency, as traders lined up to have a glimpse of the Head of State who took time to interact with the marketeers.

President Lungu who walked over a kilometer from Chibombo District Administration Offices to the market, also distributed face masks and sanitizers to the traders and urged them to observe the prescribed health guidelines of avoiding contracting the COVID 19.

Meanwhile, President Lungu appealed to the people of Chibombo to vote for leaders that will find it easy to work with Government. He said the district has been electing opposition UPND members of parliament who for some reason have taken an antagonistic approach to development.

“Give us members of parliament who will work with us. I was MP in 2011 and we had no people to work with. Now in 2021 give us people to work with. The people you have chosen here have for some reason chosen not to work with us,” President Lungu said.

And earlier President Lungu paid a courtesy call on Chief Chitanda of the Lenje speaking people. The chief said there is no wind of change in the country.

“We have seen that there is no wind of change, the chiefs have put it in black and white that the people voted for UPND members of parliament in Katuba, Keembe, Chisamba and Chibombo who have not delivered and the chiefs have realised that for them to see development they need to vote for the PF,” Chief Chitanda said.

Kwacha’s Strength is backed by Economic Fundamentals; Government Policy and High Copper Prices-Former Finance Minister

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Kwacha’s Strength is backed by Economic Fundamentals; Government Policy and High Copper Prices-Former Finance Minister

Former Minister of Finance, Bwalya Ng’andu has attributed the strengthening of the Kwacha to consistent high copper prices on the international market and renewed confidence in Government’s policy direction.

Speaking during a Patriotic Front (PF) Virtual Rally, Dr Ng’andu who is also former Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Deputy Governor. said one important factor responsible for the strengthening of the Kwacha is the price of copper that has been fairly high for a period of time.

“It is not just a blip but over a period of time we have seen copper price rising, reaching even the margin of US$ 10,000 per tonne over a consistent period of time. That means that there are inflows now, improved inflows into the foreign exchange market through the Mineral Royalty tax that the mining companies pay.

“So, if you accept the notion that Exchange Rate is fixed by dynamics on the supply side and on the demand side then you very well understand that because there are more dollars coming into the market, the kwacha obviously is in a place where it can get stronger,” Dr Ng’andu said.

He added that the appreciation of the kwacha can also be attributed to the successes of the PF Government policies.

Dr Ng’andu recalled that between September and November last year, the country was going through issues of debt default, which created a scenario that the Zambian economy was about to implode.

He said because of this, many players withdrew from the market and there were no foreign offshore investors to investors in the securities market.

Dr Ng’andu explained that this meant that there was no additional foreign exchange in the market.

“But now I think there is renewed confidence in what we are doing, I think there is now a firm belief that our policies, our policy direction is correct but also that we are implementing these policies correctly and that is beginning to create this improvement in confidence and we have seen now a number of offshore investors coming back into the market and playing a very active role in supporting the inflow of foreign currency into the Zambian market,” he said.

On energy, Dr Ng’andu said at the time the PF Government assumed office, Zambia’s power generation capacity stood at 1,900 Megawatts (MW).

He said the PF Government has added 1,350 MW of power to the national electricity grid, bringing the power generation capacity to the current 3,250 MW.

“If this process continues, very soon we will be able to generate far beyond what we need and consequently can become a net exporter of power in the region,” Dr Ng’andu said.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Zambia’s kwacha jumped the most since December 2019 as soaring commodity prices helped ease investor concerns about a debt revamp by Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter.

The currency gained 5.1% against the dollar at 6.41 p.m. in Lusaka. It has advanced 13.6% this month, making it the world’s best performing currency in the period tracked by Bloomberg.

Zambia depends on copper for more than 70% of its foreign-exchange earnings, and sustained high prices of the commodity is helping boost dollar supply. Investors have also been lured by local currency bond yields of nearly 33%, with the expectation that the government will finalize a long-awaited deal with the International Monetary Fund after elections next month.

Copper’s record prices have been more than enough to offset a 3.6% drop in the southern African nation’s production in the six months through June compared to the same period a year earlier. Copper climbed as much 3.2%, the most since May 27 on Monday.

Seed Co to make it compulsory for all their staff to get vaccinated from next month

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Seed Co to make it compulsory for all their staff to get vaccinated from next month

Seed Co, one of the largest seed company in the Southern African region has threatened to fire all workers who have not take a COVID-19 vaccination beginning 1st August 2021.

According to a leaked internal memo, the company’s regional Managing Director Dr. E.E Mhandu said with effect from 1st August 2021, all employees without a COVID-19 certificate will be sent on leave.

He said the company will further request to see a COVID-19 certificate within 24 Hours or a negative CPR test result as and when the workers come to the factory.

“The Board and Management of Seed Co is commended for shaping leadership in being among the first to be vaccinated. In addition, the Board approved the purchase of 10,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines for staff and key stakeholders. The roll out of the vaccinations has started and there is no excuse for anyone at Seed Co not being vaccinated as we thrive to create a COVID-19 free workplace,” the memo read in part.

It continued,” While it is recognized that the individual has a right to choose not being vaccinated, the company will exercise its right to protect vaccinated staff by barring entry of all unvaccinated employees and others into Seed Co buses and premises.

Seed Co is headquartered in the Zimbabwean capital Harare but has presence in several African countries including Zambia.

Zambia to receive 151,200 doses of the Johnson and Johnsons today

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Zambia to receive 151,200 doses of the Johnson and Johnsons today

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr Kennedy Malama says the country is today expected to receive another consignment of 151,200 doses of the Johnson and Johnsons vaccine from the United States Government.

Speaking during the Covid-19 update, Dr Malama said this is part of dose sharing through the COVAX Facility.

Dr Malama noted that the Emirates plane carrying the vaccines is expected to touch down at 14:35hrs.

He said the government has placed a premium on COVID-19 vaccine mobilization, stating that the 4.4 million doses procured by Government are expected in the country within this quarter.

“This is in addition to the other vaccines namely Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Pfizer which are in the pipeline under the COVAX Facility,” he said.

He added that in the last 24 hours, 3,500 Dose 1 and 10,483 Dose 2 of AstraZeneca as well as 5,699 doses of Johnson and Johnson, have been administered.

“For Zambia, vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary but we urge members of the public to consider getting vaccinated as the vaccine induces immunity which reduces the chances of getting infected but more importantly getting the severe disease and dying from COVID-19,” said Dr. Malama.

He further said in the last 24 hours 640 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported out of 7,224 tests conducted, giving a positivity of 9%.

The Permanent Secretary also said 21 new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.

“We discharged 869 patients 83 from facilities and 786 from community management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 183,534,” Dr. Malama said.

He explained that currently, the ministry has 6,106 active cases, with 5,556 under community-based management and 550 admitted to COVID-19 treatment facilities.

“We had 62 new admissions in the last 24 hours, among those currently admitted, 403 are on Oxygen therapy and 151 are in critical condition,” he said.

ERB concludes investigating petroleum tanker fire incident

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ERB concludes investigating petroleum tanker fire incident

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has concluded investigations into recent fire incidents involving four fuel tankers and left one driver dead in the light industrial area in Lusaka.

ERB Communication Officer Mwila Kombe said the board established that the fire incident involved two petroleum tankers belonging to Hamington Global Logistics Limited, Mpanshya Oil Transporters Limited and a trailer belonging to Oasis Filling Station, while the fourth truck was a South African registered motor vehicle.

Mr. Kombe said the evidence gathered by the ERB shows that the fire incident occurred during the illegal decanting of fuel between the petroleum tankers belonging to Hamington Global Logistics Limited and Mpanshya Oil Transporters Limited.

“The indicative results show that of illegal fuel decanting which is contrary to initial reports of the fire having been triggered by a mechanical fault as had been alleged by the drivers,” he said in a statement made available to the media.

He further said the board also established that the source of the fire was a spark from one of the two generators that were found at the accident scene with two hose pipes connecting the two vehicles still attached.

He explained that in view of these findings, the ERB will further engage Hamington Global Logistics Limited and Mpanshya Oil Transporters Limited to show cause why enforcement action should not be taken against them for various breaches of license conditions.

“Offloading fuel in an undesignated area is contrary to clause 2.2.2 of their transportation license condition which states that, “the licensee shall only offload petroleum products at the consignee’s designated place,” Mr. Mwila said.

He said the licensee is not supposed to engage in any activities that impede or may impede either proper implementation of the licensed activity or any licensed activity of other licensees.

Mr. Mwila further said engaging in such activities impedes proper management of licensed activities contrary to clause 2.2.3 of the transportation licence condition.

He said failing to report an incident to the ERB and submit a written comprehensive incident report to the board within seven calendar days is contrary to clauses 2.1.4 (C) of the licence condition.

Mr. Mwila revealed that the ERB will soon be engaging Oasis Filling Station, whose trailer was caught up in the fire with, regard to parking at premises that do not conform to the requirements of the local authority.

He explained that parking premises should be equipped with the necessary safety equipment and measures for vehicles transporting petroleum products

Chief Chitambo of the Lala speaking people dies from COVID-19 complications

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Chief Chitambo of the Lala speaking people dies from COVID-19 complications

Chief Chitambo of the Lala speaking people of Chitambo District in Central Province has died at the age of 76. Chitambo District Commissioner ,Jeliaty Ntembwa, has confirmed the matter to ZANIS in an interview.

Mr Ntembwa who is also the Insaka YeLala Chairperson, said the traditional leader whose name was Freddy Chisenga, died in the early hours of yesterday at his palace in Chalilo Ward of Chitambo District.

He revealed that Chief Chitambo tested positive to COVID-19 which has led to his demise.

“The traditional leader passed away in the early hours of Monday at his palace after contracting the COVID-19,” he said.

Mr Ntembwa said he is deeply saddened by the demise of the traditional leader who played a pivotal role in the development of Chitambo district.

He stated that the burial for the late Chief is expected to be on Wednesday, July 28,2021..

And Chief Chibale of the Lala speaking people of Chibale chiefdom in Serenje District who made the announcement by traditionally firing gunshots urged mourners to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 health guidelines.

He said the disease has so far claimed many lives hence the need to prevent any further spread.

Northern province is now ranked 4th on the list of provinces with high maize productivity

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Northern province is now ranked 4th on the list of provinces with high maize productivity

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba says Northern province is now ranked number four on the list of provinces with high maize productivity.

He said this has been necessitated by the efficient and timely distribution of farming inputs coupled with a good agriculture policy environment.

“In terms of maize productivity,we are number four in the country but for beans, we are number one. The perfomance in the agriculture has been very good, obviously due to the good policies that Government has put in place,” he said.

Mr Chakaba said the farmers in the province are now cultivating maize for commercial purposes and not for consumption as it was in the past.

He was speaking when Neria’s Investments General Manager Mr Martin Chaikatisha paid a courtesy call on him in Kasama.

Mr Chakaba appreciated that inputs are being delivered on time and the floor price of maize is good, which is forcing farmers to venture into agri-business.

He commended Neria’s Investment for the timely distribution of inputs to the province adding that this is the first time that farmers will be receiving inputs as they take their maize to satellite depots for sale.

He said the economy in the Northern province is anchored on agriculture, an activity, he said has transformed the lives of the people in the area.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba meeting with Neria's Investments General Manager Mr Martin Chaikatisha
Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba meeting with Neria’s Investments General Manager Mr Martin Chaikatisha

Meanwhile, places that are difficult to access during the rain season have been prioritised in the fertilizer distribution exercise during this year’s farming season to ensure farmers receive inputs on time, Neria’s Investment general manager Martin Chaikatisha has disclosed.

Mr Chaikatisha says Neria’s investments’ strategy is to ensure depots that are in remote places with a rough terrain are stocked with inputs.

“So in places like Chilubi Island, Kaputa and Nsama, we have done 100 percent of the deliveries to avoid the bad terrain,” he said.

He said Neria’s Investment has already done 80 percent of the deliveries in the Northern province and that the exercise will soon be finalised.

Mr Chaikatisha said Neria is ready to start the distribution of inputs to the farmers once Government flags off the exercise.

Konkola Copper Mines starts oxygen distribution to Government Hospitals

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Konkola Copper Mines starts oxygen distribution to Government Hospitals

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) announced today that it has started supplying oxygen to Government run hospitals and health facilities on the Copperbelt as part of the concerted efforts in the fight against Covid-19.

At the end of June, the Company indicated that its subsidiary, KCM SmelterCo Limited, had offered to supply oxygen for medical interventions, particularly to enhance oxygen saturation and breathing in patients infected by the Covid-19 from its 750 tonnes per day Oxygen Plant at the Nchanga Smelter.

KCM now informs that it held successful meetings with officials from the Ministry of Health, who also conducted on the spot checks at the Oxygen plant and were satisfied with the quality of the oxygen available and the process of filling cylinders at the plant.

KCM Chief Executive Officer Christopher Sheppard said he was pleased to announce that after receiving a green light for KCM SmelterCo Limited to supply the oxygen to the Ministry of Health, the Company filled 20 oxygen cylinders for the Ronald Ross Hospital of Mufulira on 26th July 2021. The KCM SmelterCo has capacity to fill up to 200 oxygen cylinders in a day.

Mr Sheppard commented that, “Saving lives has always been our priority as reflected in our safety and health policy, whether it is for our employees or people in our communities because every life matters. Mr Sheppard has further called on like-minded organisations to join in the efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic by donating medical oxygen cylinders to the Government in order to boost oxygen supply to the health facilities.

“If we have more organisations coming on board to procure oxygen cylinders to donate to the Government, then we will be able to give out more oxygen to the public hospitals and save more lives, together,” Mr Sheppard added.

Recently, an analysis of oxygen samples delivered for testing from the Oxygen Plant at the Nchanga smelter in Chingola to the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) were returned with results of 95.7 percent and 97.8 percent, respectively.

KCM and the Ministry of Health have agreed a roadmap for delivering the oxygen to public hospitals, which will culminate into the signing of an agreement for long-term oxygen supply to enable the country to effectively deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

PF continues to question the silence by the Commonwealth over what it describes as violence from UPND

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PF continues to question the silence by the Commonwealth over what it describes as violence from UPND

The Patriotic Front has questioned the silence by the Commonwealth over the continued violence being perpetrated by the opposition UPND.

PF Secretary General Hon Davies Mwila says it is regrettable that the Commonwealth and other stakeholders have remained mute over the continued attacks on PF members and the destruction of their property by the UPND.

Speaking when he addressed party officials and members at Matero Community hall, Mr. Mwila accused the Commonwealth of siding with the UPND as they are always quick to speak against violence when it is allegedly caused by the ruling party.

Hon. Mwila’s comments come in the wake of the recent destruction of the party property in Sioma, Chawama and Mandevu constituencies by suspected UPND cadres.

He has further noted with concern that the Commonwealth are always quick to meddle into the affairs of Africa but cannot do so when the same is happening in the west and other European countries.
The PF Chief Executive Officer has since directed his members to be alert in order to thwart any plans of violence on them by the opposition party.

Mr. Mwila further warned that the party will not sit idle and continue to watch its members being attacked and their property being destructed by the opposition but will stand up and defend themselves.

Meanwhile, Hon. Mwila is confident that President Lungu and the PF will get 100 percent votes in Lusaka because of the unprecedented development his government has implemented within a short period of time.

He explained that the PF government has achieved more compared to the UNIP and MMD governments that had ruled the county for 27 and 20 years respectively.

The PF Secretary General is holding campaign meetings as well as checking on campaign command centers in all the constituencies in Lusaka district.

Beston Chambeshi Back In The Chipolopolo Seat

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Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi has been appointed as interim Chipolopolo Zambia boss.

Chambeshi takes over from Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who left the post by mutual consent on July 17 after seventeen months in charge.

“Considering the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September-November, and the lengthy recruitment process, it would not be possible to employ a substantive national coach,” FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mungala said.

“In view of the short time before the commencement of the World Cup qualifiers, FAZ has announced a reconstituted interim technical bench for the Senior Men’s Football National Team to be headed by Mr. Beston Chambeshi who will be assisted by Numba Mumamba.

“In addition, the executive committee appointed Croatian Aljosa Asanovic as Technical Advisor as part of the technical bench. The reconstituted bench will be in charge for three months.”

This is Chambeshi’s third short-term appointment as Chipolopolo coach after overseeing the 2018 COSAFA Cup campaign when Zambia finished   runners-up to Zimbabwe in Polokwane.

Chambeshi was also in charge of Chipolopolo’s June 2019 friendly away dates against Cameroon, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire.

Chipolopolo has September’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B qualifiers dates against Mauritania away in Nouakchott and Tunisia at home in Ndola.

Ten-Man Shepolopolo Suffer Olympic Heartbreak

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Shepolopolo suffered Olympic heartbreak on Tuesday when a resolute ten-man  Zambia lost 1-0 to Brazil in their final Group F match in Saitama.

The result saw Shepolopolo fail to attain the 4 points they needed to stand a chance of earning one of the two best third place quarterfinal berths in the  twelve-team, three-group Olympic women’s football competition.

Shepolopolo suffered two setbacks in the 13th minute of the match when a red card and injury dented their game plan.

Defender Lushomo Mweemba was sent off for a foul on goal-bound Brazilian striker Ludmila.

Ludmila’s momentum then left goalkeeper Hazel Nali injured in the subsequent duel for the ball.

Play resumed in the 19th minute when coach Bruce Mwape made some tactical changes starting with   Ngambo Musole replacing Nali while defender Vast Phiri came on for forward Avell Chitundu.

But Musole’s immediate task after replacing Nali was to collect the ball from the back of her net on the restart in the 19th minute when Andressa  blasted-in a rocketing free-kick.

Brazil then  found it hard to  penetrate a solid Shepolopolo who collectively defended for the remaining 90 minutes producing a catenaccio display that would have left an enthusiast of the Italian game impressed.

Shepolopolo exit the Olympics on 1 point in Group F in third place, six points behind Brazil and Holland who advanced to the quarterfinals on 7 points.

China bowed out bottom on 1 point after an 8-2 loss to Holland. 

Political Parties Must State Their Positions On Street Kids!

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Political Parties Must State Their Positions On Street Kids!

The other day, we were awakened by a phone call from Radio Phoenix – one of the nation’s premier radio stations. The reporter was soliciting our opinion on various political parties’ positions on street kids as the nation gears up for the polls in a couple of weeks.

Do these political parties even have a position on street kids in the first place? If so, how come they haven’t already unveiled their plans? Unfortunately, most if not all political parties, are inauspiciously mute on street kids when the issue is supposed to feature prominently on the campaign agenda! Why this hypothesis?

Lest we forget, those we keep referring to as street kids are fast transitioning into adulthood. In due course, they will no longer have the nerve to keep pestering us for alms or indeed continue eating from junkyards!

Left with zero options, you’ll soon see them graduating into hardcore criminals or bandits if they haven’t already done so. As a matter of fact, these are the kind of individuals we see breaking into our homes or businesses and indeed constantly harassing innocent citizens at bus stations and markets while camouflaged as party cadres!

Well….they’ve even taken their delinquency to a new level and assumed lofty titles as commanders. You see them clad in military fatigues and flaunting sophisticated weaponry while those in authority look the other way. It’s just a matter of time before these individuals start mobilizing their own ‘armies’ to unleash terror and havoc in our communities if they aren’t already doing so.

What do we make of the latest burst at a hideout in Lusaka where DEC has brought in individuals found in possession of drugs and offensive weapons among other things? These are undoubtedly some of the graduates from the streets.

One of our grave mistakes is allowing such individuals to come close proximity with those in authority! This has made them to become big-headed knowing that once they get arrested, it’s just a matter of someone up there ordering the police to let them off the hook.

At the end of the day, we are not only churning out but fast nurturing monsters whom we are going to have trouble reigning in.

To our political parties, it’s never too late! Cut off the ties with those criminals. Start elucidating your stimulus packages to address this conundrum once and for all.

Instead of randomly rounding up street kids and carting them off to ZNS training facilities and offloading them right back onto the streets to begin life anew without the means to do so, the country deserves to know what each political party is going to do differently.

Kwacha appreciation elates PMRC

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Kwacha appreciation elates PMRC
Executive Director Bernadette Zulu
Executive Director Bernadette Zulu

The Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) is elated with the continued appreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollar.

PMRC Executive Director Bernadette Zulu said over the past week, the country has witnessed the appreciation of the Kwacha, the highest in its history at a rate of 5.6 percent from K22.69 on July 12 to K21.41 on July 23, 2021.

Mrs. Zulu said despite the negative impact of the pandemic, notable shifts in the market have triggered the appreciation of the Zambian Kwacha.

“According to the Bank of America, it is anticipated that copper prices could reach as high as US$20,000 per metric ton by 2025 amid the widening supply and demand deficits due to the United States led global economic rebound that would boost demand for metals used in manufacturing and construction industries,” she stated.

Mrs. Zulu explained that the foreign earnings from copper exports are a critical factor that will strengthen the local currency as the global economy continues to recover from the pandemic.

She further said copper will play a big role in the post Covid-19 recovery since countries are looking to permanently shift from fuel combustion powered vehicles to electric powered automobiles meant to reduce global carbon emissions.

Mrs. Zulu explained that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, global economies experienced instability due to reduced trade and restricted movements.

“In the same year, the global economy was projected to contract by 4.9 percent while Zambia’s economy projected a 4.2 percent contraction owing to the pandemic, climate change as well as the volatility in copper prices, which greatly weakened the Zambian Kwacha,” she said.

She said as of December 2019, the Zambian Kwacha was trading at K14.05 before it depreciated to trade at K22.69 against the United States Dollar as of 12th July 2021.

She added that the government’s recent acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines places Zambia in a position to benefit from the higher copper prices on the global market, a situation she said is another notable factor for improved trade volumes.

She added that the appreciation of the Kwacha is further attributed to the improvements in supply associated with the forthcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation.

Mrs Zulu further noted that improved prospects of a formal Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the IMF has attracted growth in the demand for government securities and bonds.

The PMRC Executive Director hoped that the current appreciation of the Kwacha will lead to the reduction in the cost of doing business and consequently a decline in the prices of major commodities.

“The gains in the Zambian Kwacha must be sustained by more investment in the backward and forward linkages in the agricultural sector through the investment in agro-processing, research and development as well as enhanced extension services in the sector as a viable earner of FOREX and driver of the economy,” Mrs. Zulu explained.

“The demand and supply factors that have led to the appreciation of the Zambian Kwacha are as a result of the government’s efforts in achieving macro-economic stability through current account sustainability as enshrined in the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP 2020-2023),” she said.

First batch of 95 pallets for 40 constituencies containing ballot paper have arrived

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First batch of 95 pallets for 40 constituencies containing ballot paper have arrived

The first batch of 95 pallets for 40 constituencies containing ballot papers for next month’s August 12th 2021 general elections are expected to arrive in Zambia on July 28th 2021 at approximately 12.40 hours Zambia time aboard an Emirates Sky Cargo air plane.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says there will be four flights to airlift the ballot papers whose schedule has been sprayed over three days, with the first batch of pallets arriving in Zambia on Wednesday July 28th 2021, to be followed by the second consignment on Thursday July 29th aboard two planes on same day, and the last dispatch will be on Friday July 30th.

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano announced today in Dubai that the printer as of yesterday Monday, had transported the pallets for 40 constituencies to the airport for screening and other formalities as per that country’s protocols in readiness for dispatch on Wednesday, July 28th 2021 aboard an emirate’s cargo plane.

“Packaging including the first batch which we did see yesterday was taken to the airport. Its currently under quarantine as per advised in readiness for transportation,” Mr Nshindano announced.

ECZ CEO Kryticous Nshindano explains security features to stakeholders
ECZ CEO Kryticous Nshindano explains security features to stakeholders

Mr Nshindano addressing stakeholders at Al Ghurair Printing factory stated the pallets will leave Dubai international airport in the early hours of Wednesday, 28th July, aboard Emirates Sky Cargo flight number EK9542, and is expected to touch down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 12.40 hours Zambian time.

“The first flight which will depart in the early hours from Dubai, will arrive tomorrow at 12.40 hours and the commission will be sharing with you as stakeholders the list of what is packaged in the pellets,’’ he said.

The Chief Electoral Officer explained that the transportation of the second and third batch of pallets for 80 constituencies will be dispatched on Thursday,29th of July, 2021 aboard two cargo planes under the same carrier and will arrive at 12.40 hours.

Mr Nshindano further added that the last consignment of pallets for the last 40 constituencies will be dispatched on Friday 30th July, 2021 and will arrive on the same day by 12.40 hours the same day, concluding the exercise of dispatching the election ballot papers for four election type.

“We are going to have to two flights on 29th July which should arrive on the same time as well and the last flight will be on the 30th Friday. In total we are going to have four flights and this will mark the end of that exercise,’’ he stated.

Mr Nshindano said the commission is already in the process of making arrangements to inform stakeholders in Zambia on formalities of who will receive and witness the consignment of pallets whose total tonnage is 49, 236 kilograms, as it arrives in the country.

Amongst the first constituencies to receive their pallets include Katuba, Keembe, Chisamba, Chitambo, Itezhi-Tezhi, Bwacha, Kabwe Central, Kapiri Mposhi, Mkushi South, Mkushi North, Mumbwa, Nangoma, Lufubu, Muchinga and Serenje.

The other constituencies are Mwembezhi, Chililabombwe, Chingola, Nchanga, Kalulushi, Chimwemwe, Kamfinsa, Kwacha, Nkana, Wisakile, Luanshya, Roan, Lufwanyama, Kafulafuta, Masaiti, Mpongwe, Kankoyo, Kantanshi, Mufulira, Bwana Mukubwa, Chifubu, kabushi, Ndola Central, Chadiza and Chapata central.

Meanwhile the Churches Coalition Monitoring Group (CCMG) has disclosed that the coalition will carry out a paralleled vote tabulation during this year’s polls based on random selected sites.

CCMG delegation leader Emmanuel Chikoya revealed during a stakeholder meeting in Duba with ECZ, that the organization is however facing challenges in accrediting monitors who are critical to the success of the PVT with respective districts managing the electoral process.

Father Chikoya appealed to the commission to consider extending the period of accreditation whose deadline is this on Friday July 30th 2021 and started on July 1st and standardize the requirements.

CCMG delegation leader Emmanuel Chikoya said whilst the commission had set a deadline, it was important stakeholders were given time to accredit as notification was not received good time.

ECZ Chairperson listening to Al Ghurair management explaining
ECZ Chairperson listening to Al Ghurair management explaining

Father Chikoya said the process in the past was not restrictive but would close a day before polls adding that district electoral officers were as well issuing conflicting positions on the accreditation process from that which is guided by ECZ.

In response, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano noted the concerns raised by CCMG but explained that there were reasons for the commission to have set a deadline 12 days before the elections’ day.

Mr Nshindano said there were a number of aspects that the commission had looked at such as adequate time to screen applicants and verify their backgrounds so that they do not repeat past mistakes of accrediting people with questionable character.

Mr Nshindano said the commission had done enough notification of the process of accreditation which started at the time of holding nomination of candidates participating the elections, and that it was not fair to accuse the commission of wrong doing.

Mr Nshindano advised that it was important stakeholders adhere to the guidelines set by the commission in ensuring that they prepare adequately as the date of elections is well known in advance.

I didn’t want to Divide PF Votes and see Heartless individuals Win and Govern Zambia-Kambwili

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I didn’t want to Divide PF Votes and see Heartless individuals Win and Govern Zambia-Kambwili

Former National Democratic Congress party leader Chishimba Kambwili has said that opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema does not deserve to govern the country.

Speaking during the door-to-door campaign in Luanshya, Mr. Kambwili, who is a ruling Patriotic Front (PF) member, said that Zambia is in safe hands under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.

“People of Roan and Zambia at large have been there and I know what am talking about. Some opposition leaders I worked with, we cannot mention names but you know them, they have hearts like snakes.

“I am back in PF because my party I belonged to for many years is better than what I saw on that side. There was hell,” Mr. Kambwili said.

Mr. Kambwili said that Mr. Hichilema is a bitter person and it is possible for him to divide the nation, adding that he’s coming back to PF because he did not want to divide votes in PF strongholds if he stood and allow someone who does not deserve to govern win August elections.

“If I stood on NDC ticket, I would have divided votes on the Copperbelt, Northern, and Luapula. As a result, allow heartless individuals to win, and become guilty of allowing Zambians to suffer. This is what I was against,” he said.

Mr. Kambwili appealed to the people of Luanshya and Zambians at large to reject leaders who do not mean well for the country. Meanwhile, the people of Luanshya have reaffirmed their support for His Excellency President Mr. Lungu and the PF.

The people assured Mr. Kambwili that on August 12 they will give maximum support to the Head of State so that he continues with the developmental agenda.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Patriotic Front (PF) Youth Chairperson, Eric Nsofu, has urged youths in the province to vote wisely in this year’s general elections.

Mr Nsofu said youths should vote for leaders who care for their well-being, adding that government has shown that it cares for their welfare evidenced by the many empowerment programs it has initiated across the country.

He added that the PF government under President Lungu has also shown that it is development-oriented as seen from the many developments it has undertaken which have transformed the country.

“The Patriotic Front government does not want to leave any one behind in terms of development. This is evidenced by the developments the party has taken all over Zambia and this is why we need to vote President Lungu back in office on 12th August,” he said.

The Youth Chairperson said this when he addressed PF youths at the party office in Luwingu district. Mr Nsofu also urged the youths to promote peace and not allow themselves to be used as tools of violence.

And former Lubansenshi Constituency Member of Parliament, George Mwamba, who is now contesting as an independent parliamentarian candidate for Lubansenshi, said he is impressed with the conduct of PF youths in Luwingu.

Mr Mwamba noted that the PF youths in the province have been peaceful from the time the campaign started in May.

“I like the conduct of PF youths during these campaigns. This is how all youths should behave unlike causing confusion,” he said.

He explained that although he is standing as an independent candidate he is not shy to tell the people to vote for PF parliamentary candidate Taulo Chewe if they do not want him.

Meanwhile, the Socialist Party in Luwingu said it will make history as it will record victory in Lubansenshi Parliamentary Constituency.

Efforts to get a comment from the United Party for National Development (UPND) failed by press time.

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