The sixth Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) has recommended that a statutory instrument be issued to ban the practice by local businesses to quote their prices in US dollars. The ZIBAC conference said there was need to ban businesses from quoting their prices in dollars because it demeaned the local currency.
According to resolutions read out by conference convenor Evans Chibiliti, Zambia also needs to expedite implementation of the business licensing report and increase resources devoted to tourism marketing. It was resolved that the Zambia Wildlife Authority and tourism department should quickly be restructured.
Zambia should urgently complement investment in extension services, research, rural roads and irrigation in order for it to achieve meaningful economic progress. ZIBAC also called for a predictable export policy, especially for food grains and to improve land tenure systems and security of title.
With regard to infrastructure enhancement, it was recommended that there should be cost-effective tariffs at Zesco, while managing it commercially, reviewing efficiency and reviewing the firm’s salary structure. On petroleum, creating a tax regime to contribute to an enabling environment and establishing sufficient petroleum storage capacity across the country for a uniform pricing are necessary.
In telecommunications, there is need to submit three Information communication and technology bills to Parliament by August 2009 and to reduce international gateway fees by December 2009.
The gathering also said government should formulate a responsive business model and restructuring for a viable competitive company to commence by June 2009, besides addressing the cost of restructuring. And ZIBAC also recommended revamping operations of bulk transportation through railway and called for infrastructure rehabilitation.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Court rejects corrupt official's application
Lusaka High Court judge Evans Hamaundu has rejected an application for judicial review by a former ministry of Health official allegedly involved in the theft of K10 billion.
Henry Kapoko filed an application for judicial review to challenge the seizure of his property and that of other people by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). But Judge Hamaundu, in his ruling May 21, indicated that the applicant had no direct and personal interest to the seizure of the motor vehicles and that the action ought to have been taken to court by the owners of the seized property. He said the owners of the seized motor vehicles would be in a better position than the applicant to give to the court the reasons why the motor vehicles should be released to them.
“While I am aware that the applicant has shown that the vehicles were seized pursuant to investigations being conducted against him, it is my view that the owners of those motor vehicles have a more direct and personal interest to the seizure of the vehicles than the applicant,” the judge said.
Henry Kapoko filed an application for judicial review to challenge the seizure of his property and that of other people by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). But Judge Hamaundu, in his ruling May 21, indicated that the applicant had no direct and personal interest to the seizure of the motor vehicles and that the action ought to have been taken to court by the owners of the seized property. He said the owners of the seized motor vehicles would be in a better position than the applicant to give to the court the reasons why the motor vehicles should be released to them.
“While I am aware that the applicant has shown that the vehicles were seized pursuant to investigations being conducted against him, it is my view that the owners of those motor vehicles have a more direct and personal interest to the seizure of the vehicles than the applicant,” the judge said.
Suspend thieves, says RB
President Rupiah Banda is not happy that no attempt is made to suspend civil servants allegedly stealing public funds. Banda said this May 21 when he closed the sixth Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) conference in Livingstone.
He said instead of facilitating investigations by suspending those suspected of theft, it seems nothing is being done as the accused continue to freely serve in public office. He said transferring a person from one ministry to another does not solve anything at all but only shifts the problem.
“We have this problem of the K10 billion for which I have been attacked as President. I wasn’t there when they were stealing and building those mansions.
If you ask the Secretary to the Cabinet (Dr Joshua Kanganja who was present) or anyone of those who are responsible, the (suspects) are still sitting in the ministry right now,” he said.
Banda wondered why there has been no single attempt to suspend the suspects despite some of their property having been frozen by the Anti-Corruption Commission. He called for serious investigations into the matter and find out what was going on than just looking at the suspects.
“So you have the Patriotic Front having a hey day, you have The Post newspaper, the UPND (United Party for National Development), all of them saying it’s Rupiah Banda who caused all this. But Rupiah Banda was not even there, he was working with his gum boots at the farm. But the people who did this are sitting in the ministry today,” President Banda said.
He said he would like to see a situation where when one is caught stealing, that person is not allowed to continue serving but put aside until the matter is resolved.
“If someone is sitting on 10 cars and builds mansions, unless he says they are not his but belong to his grandfather, they should be put aside and investigated properly. Suspend all others who could have been there also,” President Banda said.
He said there is need to be tough with the manner with which public resources are being handled. He said allowing people with selfish motives to plunder public funds will make the current leadership fail to leave a legacy for posterity. He said there is a bad atmosphere in the country especially that there is a new President after the demise of President Mwanawasa.However, he said the bad atmosphere should not be there but instead everyone should be ready to work as one family regardless of class in society.
President Banda said ZIBAC has been helpful to Government such that it has brought to the fore the need to do more than what has been done and more especially on the need to implement the set recommendations.
“In order to implement recommendations, there must be harmony amongst all of us. Discussions help a lot. The private sector is our partner and without it we cannot resolve many of these problems we are facing,” Banda said.
And Lord Cairns said he did not want to interfere in the running of the country but that if there are civil servants or ministers who are not ready to move with President Banda’s vision, they should be changed. He urged President Banda to see to it that Cabinet and the civil service are accountable.
He said instead of facilitating investigations by suspending those suspected of theft, it seems nothing is being done as the accused continue to freely serve in public office. He said transferring a person from one ministry to another does not solve anything at all but only shifts the problem.
“We have this problem of the K10 billion for which I have been attacked as President. I wasn’t there when they were stealing and building those mansions.
If you ask the Secretary to the Cabinet (Dr Joshua Kanganja who was present) or anyone of those who are responsible, the (suspects) are still sitting in the ministry right now,” he said.
Banda wondered why there has been no single attempt to suspend the suspects despite some of their property having been frozen by the Anti-Corruption Commission. He called for serious investigations into the matter and find out what was going on than just looking at the suspects.
“So you have the Patriotic Front having a hey day, you have The Post newspaper, the UPND (United Party for National Development), all of them saying it’s Rupiah Banda who caused all this. But Rupiah Banda was not even there, he was working with his gum boots at the farm. But the people who did this are sitting in the ministry today,” President Banda said.
He said he would like to see a situation where when one is caught stealing, that person is not allowed to continue serving but put aside until the matter is resolved.
“If someone is sitting on 10 cars and builds mansions, unless he says they are not his but belong to his grandfather, they should be put aside and investigated properly. Suspend all others who could have been there also,” President Banda said.
He said there is need to be tough with the manner with which public resources are being handled. He said allowing people with selfish motives to plunder public funds will make the current leadership fail to leave a legacy for posterity. He said there is a bad atmosphere in the country especially that there is a new President after the demise of President Mwanawasa.However, he said the bad atmosphere should not be there but instead everyone should be ready to work as one family regardless of class in society.
President Banda said ZIBAC has been helpful to Government such that it has brought to the fore the need to do more than what has been done and more especially on the need to implement the set recommendations.
“In order to implement recommendations, there must be harmony amongst all of us. Discussions help a lot. The private sector is our partner and without it we cannot resolve many of these problems we are facing,” Banda said.
And Lord Cairns said he did not want to interfere in the running of the country but that if there are civil servants or ministers who are not ready to move with President Banda’s vision, they should be changed. He urged President Banda to see to it that Cabinet and the civil service are accountable.
Mobile hospitals? Committee to assess cost-effectiveness
Government has, in the past few weeks, been attacked by opposition parties and other stakeholders over the proposal to older mobile hospital worth US$53 million dollars. Now Chief Government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha, says the issue should not be blown out of proportion because Government is still assessing their cost effectiveness.
General Shikapwasha says Government will hear from every Zambian through an assessment committee to ascertain whether or not mobile clinics are cost-effective.
He said this May 21 when he featured on Radio Christian Voice programme on “Health delivery services in Zambia”.
“The issue of purchasing mobile clinics is misinformation. Government has not yet bought them because it is still assessing the situation before it can make a decision. If the people say they do not want them, then why buy things which people will not use,” he said.
Shikapwasha said after the committee finishes assessing the cost-effectiveness of mobile clinics, a report will be tabled before Cabinet that will decide whether the facilities should be bought or not. He said Government will carry out wide consultations on the issue of mobile clinics because some people are in support of the idea while others are against it. He said just recently, traditional rulers who represent people came out in the open to support the purchase of mobile clinics contrary to the views of some people and especially those in urban areas who feel they are not a better initiative.
Shikapwasha was responding to a caller who said it will be disobeying people’s will if Government goes ahead and buys mobile clinics when they do not want them.
“We have not bought them yet. So there is no disobedience to the people. But of course there are those in urban areas who think they are not cost-effective. All those will be considered by the committee,” he said.
Gen. Shikapwasha said the mobile clinics issue is not new to Zambia because it has been carried out by the Ministry of Health since the 1970s especially those for eye problems. He said more than 50 per cent of the people in rural areas cannot reach clinics within five kilometres and mobile clinics can help to lessen this problem. He said the Ministry of Health is considering the cost-effectiveness of mobile clinics compared with continued construction of permanent structures.
“Government has been looking at this issue and there is no need to say the President wants a cut from this. I have challenged those saying this to produce evidence but they have not up to now,” he said.
And Gen. Shikapwasha attributed the shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics to pilfering by some officers in the Ministry of Health who own private clinics. He appealed to Zambians to report any such incidences and corrupt practices at the Ministry of Health to the Anti-Corruption Commission and other law enforcement agencies so that culprits can be dealt with accordingly.
“My appeal is that if you see civil servants building mansions, please report them to the relevant bodies that fight corruption,” he said.
General Shikapwasha says Government will hear from every Zambian through an assessment committee to ascertain whether or not mobile clinics are cost-effective.
He said this May 21 when he featured on Radio Christian Voice programme on “Health delivery services in Zambia”.
“The issue of purchasing mobile clinics is misinformation. Government has not yet bought them because it is still assessing the situation before it can make a decision. If the people say they do not want them, then why buy things which people will not use,” he said.
Shikapwasha said after the committee finishes assessing the cost-effectiveness of mobile clinics, a report will be tabled before Cabinet that will decide whether the facilities should be bought or not. He said Government will carry out wide consultations on the issue of mobile clinics because some people are in support of the idea while others are against it. He said just recently, traditional rulers who represent people came out in the open to support the purchase of mobile clinics contrary to the views of some people and especially those in urban areas who feel they are not a better initiative.
Shikapwasha was responding to a caller who said it will be disobeying people’s will if Government goes ahead and buys mobile clinics when they do not want them.
“We have not bought them yet. So there is no disobedience to the people. But of course there are those in urban areas who think they are not cost-effective. All those will be considered by the committee,” he said.
Gen. Shikapwasha said the mobile clinics issue is not new to Zambia because it has been carried out by the Ministry of Health since the 1970s especially those for eye problems. He said more than 50 per cent of the people in rural areas cannot reach clinics within five kilometres and mobile clinics can help to lessen this problem. He said the Ministry of Health is considering the cost-effectiveness of mobile clinics compared with continued construction of permanent structures.
“Government has been looking at this issue and there is no need to say the President wants a cut from this. I have challenged those saying this to produce evidence but they have not up to now,” he said.
And Gen. Shikapwasha attributed the shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics to pilfering by some officers in the Ministry of Health who own private clinics. He appealed to Zambians to report any such incidences and corrupt practices at the Ministry of Health to the Anti-Corruption Commission and other law enforcement agencies so that culprits can be dealt with accordingly.
“My appeal is that if you see civil servants building mansions, please report them to the relevant bodies that fight corruption,” he said.
RB travels to Malawi for Bingu wa Mtharika's inauguration
President Rupiah Banda is scheduled on May 21 left for Malawi to attend the inauguration of the newly elected President of Malawi Bingu Wa Mutharika. Banda was expected to be among other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new President in Malawi. The ceremony takes place May 22 in Blantyre.
President Banda was accompanied by Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga, MP. He is expected to return to Zambia shortly after the ceremony. President Banda flew from Livingstone Airport to Blantyre on May 21 after closing the 6th Zambia International Business Advisor Council(ZIBAC) meeting.
President Banda was accompanied by Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga, MP. He is expected to return to Zambia shortly after the ceremony. President Banda flew from Livingstone Airport to Blantyre on May 21 after closing the 6th Zambia International Business Advisor Council(ZIBAC) meeting.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Farmers' associations differ over maize floor price
Two farmers associations - the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and the National Association for Peasant and Small-Scale Farmers of Zambia have differed over the newly announced floor price for maize grain. Government last week announced that the floor price for maize this season would be ZMK65,000 (US$13) per 50kg bag. ZNFU has dismissed the figure as unacceptable and has rejected the floor price suggesting that FRA should have set the floor price at between K75,000 and K85,000 per 50kg bag.
Speaking at a press briefing on May 20 Rodger Phiri said more than 50,000 peasant and small-scale farmers are happy with the floor price of K65,000 per 50kg bag as they have pegged their farm price at K60,000. Association president Rodger Phiri said the floor price is fair to Government, millers, consumers and other stakeholders in the industry. He said the floor price of maize would assist in lowering the cost of mealie meal.
“What we mean by farm gate is that when buyers purchase the commodity from our farms they pay K60,000 but when we the farmers transport it to them, then we charge K65,000 per 50kg bag,” he said.
Phiri said since Zambia is a free market economy, farmers disatisfied with the FRA floor price are free to set their own price. He said most countries in the region namely, South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia have recorded a bumper harvest and it will be unreasonable to sell maize at more than K65,000 per 50kg.
“As a country, we cannot afford to over-charge because we shall be out of business bearing in mind that other countries in the region have equally recorded a bumper harvest and their maize is being sold cheaply. Our association believes that Government cannot continue to subsidise consumption but should stabilise food prices,” Phiri said.
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) chairperson, Costain Chilala on May 16 announced that his agency will pay K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag of maize. Chilala said the agency will pay K65,000 per 50kg of maize and K60,000 per 40kg of rice, representing 18 per cent and 15 per cent increases over last year’s prices.
Speaking at a press briefing on May 20 Rodger Phiri said more than 50,000 peasant and small-scale farmers are happy with the floor price of K65,000 per 50kg bag as they have pegged their farm price at K60,000. Association president Rodger Phiri said the floor price is fair to Government, millers, consumers and other stakeholders in the industry. He said the floor price of maize would assist in lowering the cost of mealie meal.
“What we mean by farm gate is that when buyers purchase the commodity from our farms they pay K60,000 but when we the farmers transport it to them, then we charge K65,000 per 50kg bag,” he said.
Phiri said since Zambia is a free market economy, farmers disatisfied with the FRA floor price are free to set their own price. He said most countries in the region namely, South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia have recorded a bumper harvest and it will be unreasonable to sell maize at more than K65,000 per 50kg.
“As a country, we cannot afford to over-charge because we shall be out of business bearing in mind that other countries in the region have equally recorded a bumper harvest and their maize is being sold cheaply. Our association believes that Government cannot continue to subsidise consumption but should stabilise food prices,” Phiri said.
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) chairperson, Costain Chilala on May 16 announced that his agency will pay K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag of maize. Chilala said the agency will pay K65,000 per 50kg of maize and K60,000 per 40kg of rice, representing 18 per cent and 15 per cent increases over last year’s prices.
Public Accounts Committee welcomes RB's position on Corruption
Corruption is continuously growing in Zambia as more revelations are made of rampant abuse of office by civil servants.The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has commended President Rupiah Banda for directing Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja and law enforcement agencies to work together and get to the root cause of alleged corrupt practices in Government.
Committee chairperson, Charles Milupi, said in Lusaka yesterday that the president’s move to call for forensic investigations into abuse of public funds was a positive indicator of the Government’s commitment to fight corruption.
Milupi, who is Luena member of Parliament, said in an interview that it was encouraging to note that the president had come out strongly to condemn abuse of public resources. He said the call for forensic investigations into abuse of public funds illustrated the political will which citizens needed from the highest level of the political hierarchy in the country. He said that corrupt practices diverted national resources to selfish personal gain at the expense of national development.
Milupi noted that when a person stole from the Government, it derailed the social and economic development of the country.
He called on the public to develop a culture of zero-tolerance of corruption.
And Youths Against Corruption (YAC) has expressed dismay at reports of misappropriation of public resources. YAC executive director, Rickson Kanema, said the youth in the country were appalled that public resources had been abused by some selfish Government employees. Kanema called for stringent measures so that abusers of public resources could be severely dealt with to deter would-be offenders.
Committee chairperson, Charles Milupi, said in Lusaka yesterday that the president’s move to call for forensic investigations into abuse of public funds was a positive indicator of the Government’s commitment to fight corruption.
Milupi, who is Luena member of Parliament, said in an interview that it was encouraging to note that the president had come out strongly to condemn abuse of public resources. He said the call for forensic investigations into abuse of public funds illustrated the political will which citizens needed from the highest level of the political hierarchy in the country. He said that corrupt practices diverted national resources to selfish personal gain at the expense of national development.
Milupi noted that when a person stole from the Government, it derailed the social and economic development of the country.
He called on the public to develop a culture of zero-tolerance of corruption.
And Youths Against Corruption (YAC) has expressed dismay at reports of misappropriation of public resources. YAC executive director, Rickson Kanema, said the youth in the country were appalled that public resources had been abused by some selfish Government employees. Kanema called for stringent measures so that abusers of public resources could be severely dealt with to deter would-be offenders.
RB is right man says Tetamashimba
President Banda is the best candidate for the ruling party to contest the 2011 general elections. MMD information and publicity chairperson, Benny Tetamashimba, said in Livingstone yesterday in an interview that it will be difficult for the MMD to win the 2011 tripartite elections without Banda.
“President Banda has no choice but to accept the party decision to adopt him as presidential candidate in the 2011 general elections. President Banda is wrong to state that he will consider accepting the party’s adoption because he is the only capable person who can lead the party to victory in 2011,” he said.
Banda on May 19 said he would be ready to be adopted as presidential candidate in the 2011 tripartite election but emphasised that his adoption would have to be on merit. But Tetamashimba said the MMD was banking on Banda for the 2011 presidential election battle.
“The MMD has no any other candidate for the convention and for the subsequent general election in 2011. It will be impossible for the MMD to win the elections without President Banda. The President was wrong when he said he will consider accepting the party’s decision to adopt as presidential candidate. As far as the MMD is concerned, he is the only one. He is the man we are going to vote for at the convention and we shall adopt him as our presidential candidate,” Tetamashimba said.
He said it would not be a matter of choice or consideration for Banda to accept the adoption because the party has “already” resolved. Tetamashimba said it would be difficult for the MMD to sell any other candidate other than President Banda.
He alleged that those aspiring to contest for the MMD presidency are only working at destroying the party. He said the MMD was happy that President Banda does not want the ruling party to adopt him without other contestants. He said the president was a democratic leader who wants to be adopted on merit and not on the basis of being unchallenged.
“Whether the President wants it or not, he will be the one to lead the MMD to victory in 2011. The other people who want to contest the MMD presidency will just destroy the party. For now Banda is the most suitable candidate the party has and we are not going to risk by thinking of adopting someone else,” Tetamashimba said.
He said every part of the country is looking up to President Banda to lead the party in the next general elections.
“President Banda has no choice but to accept the party decision to adopt him as presidential candidate in the 2011 general elections. President Banda is wrong to state that he will consider accepting the party’s adoption because he is the only capable person who can lead the party to victory in 2011,” he said.
Banda on May 19 said he would be ready to be adopted as presidential candidate in the 2011 tripartite election but emphasised that his adoption would have to be on merit. But Tetamashimba said the MMD was banking on Banda for the 2011 presidential election battle.
“The MMD has no any other candidate for the convention and for the subsequent general election in 2011. It will be impossible for the MMD to win the elections without President Banda. The President was wrong when he said he will consider accepting the party’s decision to adopt as presidential candidate. As far as the MMD is concerned, he is the only one. He is the man we are going to vote for at the convention and we shall adopt him as our presidential candidate,” Tetamashimba said.
He said it would not be a matter of choice or consideration for Banda to accept the adoption because the party has “already” resolved. Tetamashimba said it would be difficult for the MMD to sell any other candidate other than President Banda.
He alleged that those aspiring to contest for the MMD presidency are only working at destroying the party. He said the MMD was happy that President Banda does not want the ruling party to adopt him without other contestants. He said the president was a democratic leader who wants to be adopted on merit and not on the basis of being unchallenged.
“Whether the President wants it or not, he will be the one to lead the MMD to victory in 2011. The other people who want to contest the MMD presidency will just destroy the party. For now Banda is the most suitable candidate the party has and we are not going to risk by thinking of adopting someone else,” Tetamashimba said.
He said every part of the country is looking up to President Banda to lead the party in the next general elections.
We need attractive investment policy, says RB
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda says Zambia needs an attractive investment policy to entice and retain foreign investors. He says because of an increasingly competitive investment environment in the world, Zambia needs an attractive investment policy.
He was speaking May 20 in Livingstone at the 6th ZIBAC conference under the theme, “The Global Economic Crisis: Zambia’s Response to growth and Competitiveness”.
The ZIBAC theme, he says, is a clear challenge and there is need to respond to the global financial crisis so that the country does not just mitigate the effects of the crisis but position itself to move forward as the economic crisis begins to clear and normalcy returns to the global economy.
The president says new approaches to partnerships, joint ventures and business strategies should be considered to increase the size and scale of investment, which includes the public private partnership (PPP). He assured the private sector and the cooperating partners that his administration would continue to attach strong political will and commitment to private sector development.
“We will continue to appreciate all the support we have received from our cooperating partners to implement the next phase of the private sector development programme. One big lesson is the need to move faster in implementing programmes and the reforms we have agreed upon. We need to monitor effectively the implementation of reforms and programmes,” Banda said and was aware that the private sector is concerned about the approval of the recommendations on the business licensing reforms. He assured the business community that Government has worked tirelessly to ensure the report was finalised and all the consultative meetings held.
“The report will soon be presented to cabinet for consideration. Government has to further accelerate the implementation of reform policies and programmes. Through this forum, I want to get an appreciation of how we can move quicker in implementing the resolutions that have been agreed upon,” he said.
Further, the president said Government has put in place a framework for monitoring the implementation of all agreed policies, programmes and projects on a monthly basis. He said this will ensure that any bottlenecks in the exercise will be identified and addressed on a timely basis.
“Zambia has to compete in the global economy. This means that our industries must produce goods and services that can compete within Zambia and with the rest of the world. To do this we need to create a conducive business environment and a favourable investment climate,” the President said.
The response to the global economic crisis, he said, should be to ensure that there is adequate safety net to protect the vulnerable in the society to moderate the suffering of the people who lose jobs, like the case in the mining sector.
“We should ensure that we maintain food security through promotion and prioritising measures to support the continued growth of the agricultural sector. Infrastructure should equally be kept in focus to allow the country place itself on a stronger footing once the recovery begins to take shape,” Banda said.
He said Government is experiencing a reduction in its domestic revenue collections and that this is not only a wake-up call to implement resolutions made at many forums such as the ZIBAC, indaba, the North-South Corridor but also a call to diversify the economy away from copper production.
And Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) chairperson, Lord Simon Cairns, says he was a little aggressive when two years ago he took a swipe at the slow implementation process of the resolutions of previous gatherings. But he is now impressed that the atmosphere in Zambia is rather different as regards the implementation of resolutions of ZIBAC meetings.
"There is now increased political will to work with the private sector in the implementation of resolutions. When you allow the private sector to do what it has to do, it creates sense in the economy. I have a great sense that there is much more for Zambia to do in the region,” Lord Cairns said.
He said the global crisis is largely in all the G8 countries while China and India’s economies will continue to grow throughout the next few years. He said Government has to be a provider of social goods that allows civil society to be looked after as well as allow the private sector do what they are supposed to do and believed there is more convergence now by all players than before, adding that there is great understanding on diversification.
“Zambia is a great country and can do more and has a number of great advantages. Everyone is talking about the right things and the question is just getting them to happen,” he said.
Danish ambassador to Zambia Harry Molenaar says donors’ primary purpose is to assist the Zambian government to reduce poverty. He said this can happen when there is more productivity and competitive businesses. However, Molenaar aid this requires a sound policy environment for the private sector to operate.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said there has been some progress made since the last meeting in 2007.
“The output of this process will be implementation, implementation, implementation. Two key issues are what must we do to move the process of reducing the cost of doing business in particular here in Livingstone the tourist city,” he said.
Mutati said Government intends to convert all licensing under one umbrella known as the one-stop-shop. He said the other issue is that of bringing down the fee for the international getaway before the end of August 2009.
He was speaking May 20 in Livingstone at the 6th ZIBAC conference under the theme, “The Global Economic Crisis: Zambia’s Response to growth and Competitiveness”.
The ZIBAC theme, he says, is a clear challenge and there is need to respond to the global financial crisis so that the country does not just mitigate the effects of the crisis but position itself to move forward as the economic crisis begins to clear and normalcy returns to the global economy.
The president says new approaches to partnerships, joint ventures and business strategies should be considered to increase the size and scale of investment, which includes the public private partnership (PPP). He assured the private sector and the cooperating partners that his administration would continue to attach strong political will and commitment to private sector development.
“We will continue to appreciate all the support we have received from our cooperating partners to implement the next phase of the private sector development programme. One big lesson is the need to move faster in implementing programmes and the reforms we have agreed upon. We need to monitor effectively the implementation of reforms and programmes,” Banda said and was aware that the private sector is concerned about the approval of the recommendations on the business licensing reforms. He assured the business community that Government has worked tirelessly to ensure the report was finalised and all the consultative meetings held.
“The report will soon be presented to cabinet for consideration. Government has to further accelerate the implementation of reform policies and programmes. Through this forum, I want to get an appreciation of how we can move quicker in implementing the resolutions that have been agreed upon,” he said.
Further, the president said Government has put in place a framework for monitoring the implementation of all agreed policies, programmes and projects on a monthly basis. He said this will ensure that any bottlenecks in the exercise will be identified and addressed on a timely basis.
“Zambia has to compete in the global economy. This means that our industries must produce goods and services that can compete within Zambia and with the rest of the world. To do this we need to create a conducive business environment and a favourable investment climate,” the President said.
The response to the global economic crisis, he said, should be to ensure that there is adequate safety net to protect the vulnerable in the society to moderate the suffering of the people who lose jobs, like the case in the mining sector.
“We should ensure that we maintain food security through promotion and prioritising measures to support the continued growth of the agricultural sector. Infrastructure should equally be kept in focus to allow the country place itself on a stronger footing once the recovery begins to take shape,” Banda said.
He said Government is experiencing a reduction in its domestic revenue collections and that this is not only a wake-up call to implement resolutions made at many forums such as the ZIBAC, indaba, the North-South Corridor but also a call to diversify the economy away from copper production.
And Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) chairperson, Lord Simon Cairns, says he was a little aggressive when two years ago he took a swipe at the slow implementation process of the resolutions of previous gatherings. But he is now impressed that the atmosphere in Zambia is rather different as regards the implementation of resolutions of ZIBAC meetings.
"There is now increased political will to work with the private sector in the implementation of resolutions. When you allow the private sector to do what it has to do, it creates sense in the economy. I have a great sense that there is much more for Zambia to do in the region,” Lord Cairns said.
He said the global crisis is largely in all the G8 countries while China and India’s economies will continue to grow throughout the next few years. He said Government has to be a provider of social goods that allows civil society to be looked after as well as allow the private sector do what they are supposed to do and believed there is more convergence now by all players than before, adding that there is great understanding on diversification.
“Zambia is a great country and can do more and has a number of great advantages. Everyone is talking about the right things and the question is just getting them to happen,” he said.
Danish ambassador to Zambia Harry Molenaar says donors’ primary purpose is to assist the Zambian government to reduce poverty. He said this can happen when there is more productivity and competitive businesses. However, Molenaar aid this requires a sound policy environment for the private sector to operate.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said there has been some progress made since the last meeting in 2007.
“The output of this process will be implementation, implementation, implementation. Two key issues are what must we do to move the process of reducing the cost of doing business in particular here in Livingstone the tourist city,” he said.
Mutati said Government intends to convert all licensing under one umbrella known as the one-stop-shop. He said the other issue is that of bringing down the fee for the international getaway before the end of August 2009.
RB orders two ministers to clear mess at border
President Rupiah Banda on May 20 ordered two of his Cabinet Ministers to immediately deal with the disorder and clear the filth at the Kazungula Border Post in Livingstone.
President Banda said with deep frustration he has continued to hear about the disorder prevailing at the Kazungula Border Crossing but nothing has been done to normalize the situation. He directed Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti and Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane to deal with the mess at the border as a matter of urgency.
“I will be expecting a report on what has been done in a week’s time, not later than Friday 29th May, 2009,” President Banda said and added: “I find it unacceptable that we, as Government, can watch the situation at that border post deteriorate to the extent it is.”
He described the situation as an embarrassment to the Zambian citizens and Government. Livingstone residents and tourists have been complaining on the poor state of the Kazungula border post, which has been deteriorating without any maintenance.
President Banda said with deep frustration he has continued to hear about the disorder prevailing at the Kazungula Border Crossing but nothing has been done to normalize the situation. He directed Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti and Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane to deal with the mess at the border as a matter of urgency.
“I will be expecting a report on what has been done in a week’s time, not later than Friday 29th May, 2009,” President Banda said and added: “I find it unacceptable that we, as Government, can watch the situation at that border post deteriorate to the extent it is.”
He described the situation as an embarrassment to the Zambian citizens and Government. Livingstone residents and tourists have been complaining on the poor state of the Kazungula border post, which has been deteriorating without any maintenance.
Ground breaking HIV AIDS case in Livingstone High Court
Livingstone High Court on May 20 heard a ground-breaking case to determine whether mandatory testing for HIV and discrimination based solely on HIV status of an individual is constitutional in Zambia.
The case, Kingaipe and Another v Attorney-General, involves two former Zambian Air Force (ZAF) employees, Stainley Kingaipe and Charles Chookole, who were allegedly subjected to mandatory testing for HIV without their knowledge and were dismissed due due to their HIV status. The two men are seeking reinstatement and damages for mental and emotional anguish suffered as a result.
Priti Patel, a lawyer with the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) says: “As decisions in South Africa and Namibia make clear, there is no legitimate medical or policy reason for discriminating against HIV positive persons in the military and subjecting them to testing without their consent. Zambia should send a clear message to the military that such unlawful treatment will not be tolerated.”
Both applicants in the case worked with the ZAF for over 13 years, having joined the institution when they were 21 years old. They held non-combat duties throughout their careers at ZAF and in 2001, they were allegedly subjected to an HIV test without their consent or knowledge and given anti-retroviral treatment without their knowledge. In October 2001, without their knowledge or participation, a Medical Board reviewed their medical records and declared them permanently unfit for service. They both continued to work at the ZAF for a full year after the Board decision, performing so well in their jobs that one of the applicants was promoted during that time. Neither of them took a day of sick leave during that one-year period but in October 2002, they were both dismissed.
A paralegal working with Zambian AIDS Law Research and Advocacy Network (ZARAN) Dimuna Phiri, stated: “The testing of individuals without their consent not only violates fundamental rights guaranteed in the Zambian Constitution, but also has harmful public health consequences because it increases stigma.”
SALC and ZARAN are assisting the Legal Resources Foundation of Zambia in prosecuting the case.
The case, Kingaipe and Another v Attorney-General, involves two former Zambian Air Force (ZAF) employees, Stainley Kingaipe and Charles Chookole, who were allegedly subjected to mandatory testing for HIV without their knowledge and were dismissed due due to their HIV status. The two men are seeking reinstatement and damages for mental and emotional anguish suffered as a result.
Priti Patel, a lawyer with the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) says: “As decisions in South Africa and Namibia make clear, there is no legitimate medical or policy reason for discriminating against HIV positive persons in the military and subjecting them to testing without their consent. Zambia should send a clear message to the military that such unlawful treatment will not be tolerated.”
Both applicants in the case worked with the ZAF for over 13 years, having joined the institution when they were 21 years old. They held non-combat duties throughout their careers at ZAF and in 2001, they were allegedly subjected to an HIV test without their consent or knowledge and given anti-retroviral treatment without their knowledge. In October 2001, without their knowledge or participation, a Medical Board reviewed their medical records and declared them permanently unfit for service. They both continued to work at the ZAF for a full year after the Board decision, performing so well in their jobs that one of the applicants was promoted during that time. Neither of them took a day of sick leave during that one-year period but in October 2002, they were both dismissed.
A paralegal working with Zambian AIDS Law Research and Advocacy Network (ZARAN) Dimuna Phiri, stated: “The testing of individuals without their consent not only violates fundamental rights guaranteed in the Zambian Constitution, but also has harmful public health consequences because it increases stigma.”
SALC and ZARAN are assisting the Legal Resources Foundation of Zambia in prosecuting the case.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
South endorses RB for 2011 elections
As Patriotic Front declares his candidature for the 2011 elections the MMD in Southern Province has now endorsed President Rupiah Banda as the party’s sole candidate for the presidential elections. MMD Southern Province chairperson, Solomon Muzyamba said in Livingstone May 19 that the province had decided that Banda should lead the party into the 2011 elections.
Speaking when he welcomed the president, Muzyamba said the party had started reorganising itself from branch level in preparation for 2011 polls.
The president is in Livingstone to officially open a three-day sixth Zambia International Business Advisory Council (Zibac) which started May 19. He said he was grateful for the confidence shown in him and happy that the province had resolved to ensure he stood for the presidency in 2011. He appreciated the support the party in the province continued to show to his leadership and he was also praying that God granted him the ability and wisdom to perform and to maintain the strength up to 2011 for him to be able to stand.
Receiving the president at Livingstone Airport were Lands Minister Peter Daka, Commerce Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, Mines and Minerals Development minister Maxwell Mwale, Labour and Social Security Austin Liato and several permanent secretaries. The president was accompanied by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.
Speaking when he welcomed the president, Muzyamba said the party had started reorganising itself from branch level in preparation for 2011 polls.
The president is in Livingstone to officially open a three-day sixth Zambia International Business Advisory Council (Zibac) which started May 19. He said he was grateful for the confidence shown in him and happy that the province had resolved to ensure he stood for the presidency in 2011. He appreciated the support the party in the province continued to show to his leadership and he was also praying that God granted him the ability and wisdom to perform and to maintain the strength up to 2011 for him to be able to stand.
Receiving the president at Livingstone Airport were Lands Minister Peter Daka, Commerce Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, Mines and Minerals Development minister Maxwell Mwale, Labour and Social Security Austin Liato and several permanent secretaries. The president was accompanied by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.
Now alleged corrupt official seeks court review to retrieve seized property
An official in the alleged theft of K10 billion from the Ministry of Health has applied to the court challenging the seizure of his property by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
Henry Kapoko of Woodlands Extension argues that the decision by the ACC to seize all the property belonging to him and innocent third parties is irrational and unreasonable.
According to the affidavit in support of the exparte application to seeking leave to apply for judicial review, Kapoko says on April 2, around 06:30 hours, officers purporting to be from the ACC went to his residence with a search warrant to search for documents. He says the search, which lasted for over eight hours, resulted into the officers seizing all the vehicles they found at his residence, some of which belonged to innocent third parties. Kapoko also says despite explaining that the vehicles were not his, the ACC officers went ahead and seized all of them and extended the seizure to other people they thought had a hand in the alleged corruption. He says the third parties are Rudo Chitengu, Murruam Chinyanbu, Mwila Kalikeka, Mabishe Notulu and a woman called Gloria.
He further says the X5 BMW vehicle seized belongs to Fred Chileshe, the unregistered van to a Mr Hassan, another unregistered Mercedez Benz CLS 500 to Rashidi while the Hummer and the Ford Ranger belong to another person.mKapoko says on April 27 he was summoned by the ACC and was questioned regarding the confiscated items and was detained without any charge at Chilanga Police Station. He claims that he was coerced into signing some restriction orders on the property purported to be his even when the officers knew that to be false and described the whole acts as being malicious.
Henry Kapoko of Woodlands Extension argues that the decision by the ACC to seize all the property belonging to him and innocent third parties is irrational and unreasonable.
According to the affidavit in support of the exparte application to seeking leave to apply for judicial review, Kapoko says on April 2, around 06:30 hours, officers purporting to be from the ACC went to his residence with a search warrant to search for documents. He says the search, which lasted for over eight hours, resulted into the officers seizing all the vehicles they found at his residence, some of which belonged to innocent third parties. Kapoko also says despite explaining that the vehicles were not his, the ACC officers went ahead and seized all of them and extended the seizure to other people they thought had a hand in the alleged corruption. He says the third parties are Rudo Chitengu, Murruam Chinyanbu, Mwila Kalikeka, Mabishe Notulu and a woman called Gloria.
He further says the X5 BMW vehicle seized belongs to Fred Chileshe, the unregistered van to a Mr Hassan, another unregistered Mercedez Benz CLS 500 to Rashidi while the Hummer and the Ford Ranger belong to another person.mKapoko says on April 27 he was summoned by the ACC and was questioned regarding the confiscated items and was detained without any charge at Chilanga Police Station. He claims that he was coerced into signing some restriction orders on the property purported to be his even when the officers knew that to be false and described the whole acts as being malicious.
Zambia police officers trained in UN peacekeeping
Twenty-four police officers in Zambia, trained for United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, will May 22 pass out after completing a two-week United Nations Police (UNPOL)course in Zambia.
Funded by the German Government through the Pan African Police Capacity Building Program, the United Nations Core Competencies in Peace Operations course was developed and delivered by the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) from May 11 to 22. The main topics of the curriculum were: community policing, report writing, the United Nations Code of Conduct and dealing with vulnerable groups, which include women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
“The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre works closely with the German Government to provide training and support in numerous African countries to make peace operations more effective,” said Frank Delorey, a PPC senior facilitator. “This UNPOL course develops core competency skills so each police officer can confidently enter into United Nations/African Union Missions."
Police officers, men and women, travelled from various police units across Zambia to participate in the course.
“This course benefits the Zambian police officers who will be serving in United Nations and African Union missions as we have gained international exposure on policing,” says Peter Thomson Lungu, Zambian Police Chief Inspector and course participant. “Not only will it help us in a peacekeeping mission, but it will help our own police force on mission.”
Capacity development is a fundamental aspect of the Pan African Police Capacity Building Program. The objective of this program is to improve East, North and Southern African police and gendarmerie organizations’ training capacity so they can increase their contributions to United Nations and African Union peace operations, and assist the region in building their African Standby Brigades.
“The German Government is proud to contribute through its Peace and Security in Africa programme which was initiated in 2008 to international peace and security,” said Ms. Astrid Ilper, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission from the German Embassy. “Through well-trained police officers, Zambia will be in a position to positively contribute to peacekeeping missions throughout Africa and the world.”
Funded by the German Government through the Pan African Police Capacity Building Program, the United Nations Core Competencies in Peace Operations course was developed and delivered by the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) from May 11 to 22. The main topics of the curriculum were: community policing, report writing, the United Nations Code of Conduct and dealing with vulnerable groups, which include women, children, the elderly and the disabled.
“The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre works closely with the German Government to provide training and support in numerous African countries to make peace operations more effective,” said Frank Delorey, a PPC senior facilitator. “This UNPOL course develops core competency skills so each police officer can confidently enter into United Nations/African Union Missions."
Police officers, men and women, travelled from various police units across Zambia to participate in the course.
“This course benefits the Zambian police officers who will be serving in United Nations and African Union missions as we have gained international exposure on policing,” says Peter Thomson Lungu, Zambian Police Chief Inspector and course participant. “Not only will it help us in a peacekeeping mission, but it will help our own police force on mission.”
Capacity development is a fundamental aspect of the Pan African Police Capacity Building Program. The objective of this program is to improve East, North and Southern African police and gendarmerie organizations’ training capacity so they can increase their contributions to United Nations and African Union peace operations, and assist the region in building their African Standby Brigades.
“The German Government is proud to contribute through its Peace and Security in Africa programme which was initiated in 2008 to international peace and security,” said Ms. Astrid Ilper, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission from the German Embassy. “Through well-trained police officers, Zambia will be in a position to positively contribute to peacekeeping missions throughout Africa and the world.”
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Losing money in Govt officers' style
Government is losing a lot of money through unretired imprest by employees. The latest Auditor general's Report reveals that K24 billion (US$4,800,000) was lost in 2007 through unretired imprest.
Zambia's parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard May 18 that K24 billion given to officers in various Government departments as imprest in 2007 was not retired. Auditor-General, Anna Chifungula informed Parliament's oversight committee when Secretary to the Treasury, Likolo Ndalamei appeared before the committee to be questioned on the issue.
PAC Chairperson Charles Milupi said the Public Accounts committee observed with sadness that there was no control in Government departments especially where imprest was concerned because the issue kept being captured by the Auditor-General in her report every year. He said K24 billion is too large an amount for Government officers not to retire but instead turn such imprest into cheap loans to be recovered over a long period of time. He cited Western Province as one such province where there is a “total” collapse in the accounting system with too much connivance among officers.
“In Western Province, officers are conniving amongst themselves regarding imprest and the system has collapsed. They come here to tell us that recoveries are being made from salaries, but when you check the payroll, you find that this is not even reflecting,” Milupi said.
He said in some cases controlling officers were part of the connivance, the situation becomes worse because then there is no one to save the situation.
And Ndalamei said it was unfortunate that even senior officers such as controlling officers were sometimes failing to retire imprest. He requested that the committee avail him with a copy of the responses made by controlling officers from Western and Southern provinces where audit queries for 2007 have been serious. He said his office is working at sealing all loopholes and that all officers found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.
Zambia's parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard May 18 that K24 billion given to officers in various Government departments as imprest in 2007 was not retired. Auditor-General, Anna Chifungula informed Parliament's oversight committee when Secretary to the Treasury, Likolo Ndalamei appeared before the committee to be questioned on the issue.
PAC Chairperson Charles Milupi said the Public Accounts committee observed with sadness that there was no control in Government departments especially where imprest was concerned because the issue kept being captured by the Auditor-General in her report every year. He said K24 billion is too large an amount for Government officers not to retire but instead turn such imprest into cheap loans to be recovered over a long period of time. He cited Western Province as one such province where there is a “total” collapse in the accounting system with too much connivance among officers.
“In Western Province, officers are conniving amongst themselves regarding imprest and the system has collapsed. They come here to tell us that recoveries are being made from salaries, but when you check the payroll, you find that this is not even reflecting,” Milupi said.
He said in some cases controlling officers were part of the connivance, the situation becomes worse because then there is no one to save the situation.
And Ndalamei said it was unfortunate that even senior officers such as controlling officers were sometimes failing to retire imprest. He requested that the committee avail him with a copy of the responses made by controlling officers from Western and Southern provinces where audit queries for 2007 have been serious. He said his office is working at sealing all loopholes and that all officers found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.
Now Chiefs support RB's mobile hospital idea
When the story that government was planning to establish mobile hospitals in rural areas broke out through a private newspaper it raised a lot of dust. The dust has not settled as debate continues.
Now the House of Chiefs has in its debate welcomed the proposal with members saying the concept would benefit the rural populace which lacked health services.
House of Chiefs chairperson, Chief Mumena of the Kaonde in Solwezi said May 18 Zambians should stop politicking on the mobile hospitals because matters of health were about life and death.
“The House feels that the mobile hospitals is a bright idea. The mobile hospitals are not new in Zambia, we used to have mobile dental clinics in the past,” Chief Mumena told journalists shortly after the House debated the clinics.
The traditional ruler said the rural areas needed the mobile hospitals more than the urban areas describing the situation in the rural areas as an emergency. He said the House of Chiefs felt that while the Government was waiting to construct permanent hospitals, the mobile clinics should be used in rural areas as an alternative. Chief Mumena, however, urged the Government to quickly start constructing feeder roads if the project was to be sustainable.
Earlier during the deliberations, Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a of Zambezi supported the mobile hospitals, saying she needed them in her area as soon as possible, while Chief Jumbe of Mambwe District said the mobile hospitals were viable in rural areas.
Chief Simaamba of Siavonga District and his Samfya counterpart Chief Nsamba said in as much as the mobile hospital concept was good, the Government should first work on the feeder roads in rural areas to improve health delivery.
In welcoming the mobile hospital concept, Chief Kashiba of Mwense District warned that the concept should not be used as a substitute for permanent hospitals.
Chief Nkweto of Chinsali argued that in colonial times, the mobile clinic worked well because the feeder roads were better unlike now where rural areas had no access to good roads making it difficult for the rural populace to enjoy health services.
Chief Ntambu of Mwinilunga District said the mobile hospitals concept on face value was better but it had hidden costs such as maintenance and drivers’ expenses among others.
He said the Government should therefore inject money in building permanent hospitals.
Chief Anananga Imwiko of Lukulu District welcomed the mobile hospitals concept, saying his chiefdom would benefit considering that people had to cover long distances to access health services.
Chief Nzamane of Chipata District who is also the House of Chiefs vice-person called on the House to make the Government accountable in as far as quality health service delivery to the rural areas was concerned.
Now the House of Chiefs has in its debate welcomed the proposal with members saying the concept would benefit the rural populace which lacked health services.
House of Chiefs chairperson, Chief Mumena of the Kaonde in Solwezi said May 18 Zambians should stop politicking on the mobile hospitals because matters of health were about life and death.
“The House feels that the mobile hospitals is a bright idea. The mobile hospitals are not new in Zambia, we used to have mobile dental clinics in the past,” Chief Mumena told journalists shortly after the House debated the clinics.
The traditional ruler said the rural areas needed the mobile hospitals more than the urban areas describing the situation in the rural areas as an emergency. He said the House of Chiefs felt that while the Government was waiting to construct permanent hospitals, the mobile clinics should be used in rural areas as an alternative. Chief Mumena, however, urged the Government to quickly start constructing feeder roads if the project was to be sustainable.
Earlier during the deliberations, Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a of Zambezi supported the mobile hospitals, saying she needed them in her area as soon as possible, while Chief Jumbe of Mambwe District said the mobile hospitals were viable in rural areas.
Chief Simaamba of Siavonga District and his Samfya counterpart Chief Nsamba said in as much as the mobile hospital concept was good, the Government should first work on the feeder roads in rural areas to improve health delivery.
In welcoming the mobile hospital concept, Chief Kashiba of Mwense District warned that the concept should not be used as a substitute for permanent hospitals.
Chief Nkweto of Chinsali argued that in colonial times, the mobile clinic worked well because the feeder roads were better unlike now where rural areas had no access to good roads making it difficult for the rural populace to enjoy health services.
Chief Ntambu of Mwinilunga District said the mobile hospitals concept on face value was better but it had hidden costs such as maintenance and drivers’ expenses among others.
He said the Government should therefore inject money in building permanent hospitals.
Chief Anananga Imwiko of Lukulu District welcomed the mobile hospitals concept, saying his chiefdom would benefit considering that people had to cover long distances to access health services.
Chief Nzamane of Chipata District who is also the House of Chiefs vice-person called on the House to make the Government accountable in as far as quality health service delivery to the rural areas was concerned.
Investigations into Zambian Airways on course
The Zambian Airways saga has continued to find space in the media especially in the privately owned Post newspaper. The newspaper is one of the owners of the defunct airline and on May 18 carried a story suggesting that the investigations into the Zambian airways saga had stalled. The paper also suggested that the three organisations investigating the matter - the police, the anti-Corruption Commission and the drug Enforcement Commission had now targeted employees of the Development Bank of Zambia for possible abuse of office.
Police Inspector General Francis Kabonde refuted a report in the Post newspaper of May 18 that the matter had stalled. He insisted that investigations were on course and that the first of these was handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for an opinion before arrests could be effected.
Police Inspector General Francis Kabonde refuted a report in the Post newspaper of May 18 that the matter had stalled. He insisted that investigations were on course and that the first of these was handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for an opinion before arrests could be effected.
RB appoints committee to oversee Pretroleum exploration
President Rupiah Banda May 19 announced the appointment of seven members of the Petroleum Committee, which would be responsible for formulating policies relating to the exploration, development and production of petroleum in Zambia. He has appointed four Cabinet Ministers as members of the Petroleum Committee in line with the provisions of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 2008. Among its functions the committee would also approve the oil and gas exploration, production and award licenses to would-be investors.
Appointed to the Petroleum Committee are Maxwell Mwale, MP, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Chairperson), Kenneth Konga, MP, Minister of Energy and Water Development – (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Minister of Finance and National Planning (Member) and Felix Mutati MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Member).
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Others are Dr. Caleb Fundanga, Governor of the Bank of Zambia (Member), Andrew Kamanga, Energy Consultant (Member) and Guy Phiri, Engen Petroleum Zambia Limited (Member)
Appointed to the Petroleum Committee are Maxwell Mwale, MP, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Chairperson), Kenneth Konga, MP, Minister of Energy and Water Development – (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Minister of Finance and National Planning (Member) and Felix Mutati MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Member).
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Others are Dr. Caleb Fundanga, Governor of the Bank of Zambia (Member), Andrew Kamanga, Energy Consultant (Member) and Guy Phiri, Engen Petroleum Zambia Limited (Member)
Monday, May 18, 2009
RB orders investigations of corrupt prone ministries
President Mr. Rupiah Banda on May 18 ordered Secretary to the Cabinet Dr. Joshua Kanganja to work with the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and other agencies in trying to get to the root cause of the alleged corrupt practices in some Government Ministries.
President Banda said he will not condone any acts of corruption in his Government and pledged total support to the law enforcement agencies investigating allegations of corruption in various Government Ministries. He was saddened that allegations of serious corruption involving huge sums of funds have persisted despite Government efforts to fight the vice.
“I want a full report on these allegations. We cannot condone such acts of abuse of public funds,” President Banda said.
The President said it was clear that most of the alleged corruption cases in Government Ministries could not have started in the last six months when he was elected President going by the amounts of funds and assets involved. Nevertheless, the President said he takes no comfort from the corruption allegations and appealed to all Government officials to adhere to the principle of zero tolerance to corruption.
President Banda said he wanted thorough forensic investigations to be carried out in the mentioned Government Departments in order to get to the root cause of the allegations.
However the president also urged the investigating agencies to carry out their work within the law. He said alleged perpetrators should be subjected to the due process of the law and their rights to a free and fair trial should be respected at all times.
President Banda said he will not condone any acts of corruption in his Government and pledged total support to the law enforcement agencies investigating allegations of corruption in various Government Ministries. He was saddened that allegations of serious corruption involving huge sums of funds have persisted despite Government efforts to fight the vice.
“I want a full report on these allegations. We cannot condone such acts of abuse of public funds,” President Banda said.
The President said it was clear that most of the alleged corruption cases in Government Ministries could not have started in the last six months when he was elected President going by the amounts of funds and assets involved. Nevertheless, the President said he takes no comfort from the corruption allegations and appealed to all Government officials to adhere to the principle of zero tolerance to corruption.
President Banda said he wanted thorough forensic investigations to be carried out in the mentioned Government Departments in order to get to the root cause of the allegations.
However the president also urged the investigating agencies to carry out their work within the law. He said alleged perpetrators should be subjected to the due process of the law and their rights to a free and fair trial should be respected at all times.
RB announces ZIBAC meeting for Livingstone
President Rupiah Banda on May 18 says the 6th Zambia International Business Advisory Council (ZIBAC) will be convene in Livingstone from May 19 to 21, 2009. He says the 6th ZIBAC meeting, would be held at the Zambezi Sun in Livingstone, would comprise a team of ten high-level business leaders from different countries and business sectors led by Lord Simon Cairns. He says the theme of this year’s ZIBAC meeting is “The Global Economic Crisis: Zambia’s Response to Growth and Competitiveness.”
President Banda will officially open the ZIBAC meeting May 20 and would later chair some sessions before returning to Lusaka. The ZIBAC process was used in the past to identify key priorities and action plans to address issues such as telecoms policy, labour reforms, and private public partnerships for infrastructure development, citizen’s economic empowerment and mining agreements.
The 6th ZIBAC meeting would take place over three-days with a restricted number of participants that would include the President, selected Cabinet Ministers, Business Representatives, Cooperating Partners and International Advisors.
ZIBAC was created in 2003 to provide advise to the President of the Republic of Zambia and his Cabinet through the support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), other Donors and the Commonwealth Business Council.
President Banda will officially open the ZIBAC meeting May 20 and would later chair some sessions before returning to Lusaka. The ZIBAC process was used in the past to identify key priorities and action plans to address issues such as telecoms policy, labour reforms, and private public partnerships for infrastructure development, citizen’s economic empowerment and mining agreements.
The 6th ZIBAC meeting would take place over three-days with a restricted number of participants that would include the President, selected Cabinet Ministers, Business Representatives, Cooperating Partners and International Advisors.
ZIBAC was created in 2003 to provide advise to the President of the Republic of Zambia and his Cabinet through the support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), other Donors and the Commonwealth Business Council.
A Cobra saves Ndola woman from being gang raped
A Ndola woman on May 12 escaped being gang raped when a snake emerged from a thicket, scaring off her three assailants. Copperbelt commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa confirmed this May 15 in Ndola. He said the rape attempt happened around 15:00 hours in the bush between the Indeni Oil Refinery and Kaloko township
Mutentwa said the three assailants allegedly abducted the woman and managed to tear her underwear in an attempt to rape her but before the suspects could start taking turns on her, a cobra emerged from the bush and they all ran way for their safety.
Mutentwa said the victim also managed to run to safety and later reported the incident to the police.
“The woman was only saved by a snake from the three men who ran away when the cobra emerged from the bush,” he said.
Mutentwa said the three assailants allegedly abducted the woman and managed to tear her underwear in an attempt to rape her but before the suspects could start taking turns on her, a cobra emerged from the bush and they all ran way for their safety.
Mutentwa said the victim also managed to run to safety and later reported the incident to the police.
“The woman was only saved by a snake from the three men who ran away when the cobra emerged from the bush,” he said.
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