DAILY NATION Thursday September 24, 2020

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PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTEGRITY Vol. 6. Issue 2716

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Thursday September 24, 2020

HH LAUNCHES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ?

‘Taskforce on Corruption must be probed’ PAGE 4

By PETER SICHALI

THE Taskforce on Corruption that was constituted to probe former President Frederick Chiluba should be investigated because it was a conduit for corruption and fixing of perceived political enemies, Zambian Republican Party president (ZRP) Wright Musoma has said.

MMD NEC disowns Nevers Mumba

...as he admits he made his money from privatisation

Drug, money laundering cases drop

BY NATION REPORTER

H

AKAINDE HICHILEMA has launched his 2021 Presidential campaign and has admitted making his money from hefty fees which he multiplied through wise investment in such business as cattle stocking, according to a video circulating on social media.

But when contacted UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma was surprised and expressed total ignorance of the video, putting doubt on the source.

STORY ON PAGE 3

Central Bank loses grip on the Kenyan shilling Debt servicing expenditures are estimated to utilise up to 49 percent of ordinary revenues in the financial year 2020/21, the report observes. Story on Page 7

Local contractors in K500m boost The stimulus package was initiated in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Story on Page 4

ABOUT 67 arrests from 26 money laundering cases involving K62, 238, 477.21 and USD1, 031,912.36, were recorded by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in the first six months of this year. STORY ON PAGE 4

Kasama MP sued over K2m. Page 4

Kelvin Sampa has been sued for alleged failure to pay over K2 million owed to RL Extrem Investment Limited.

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Thursday 24, September 2020

Home News

Mandevu marketeers storm out of meeting

By NATION REPORTER MARKEETERS at Lusaka’s Tiyende Pamozi Market in Mandevu yesterday boycotted and stormed out of meeting at which they were supposed to elect cooperative leaders after several of their members were blocked from participating.

The marketeers observed that the cadres who had ‘illegally’ taken over the show wanted to impose their preferred candidates.

And area councillor, Teddy Mwaba has justified the action taken by the marketeers saying that he does not support illegality.

Mr Mwaba has since called for the nullification of the election which went ahead with only a few people despite several members walking away in protest.

“Elections for new office barely at Tiyende Pamozi Market, old Ngoma) is an eye opener to many markets in Lusaka that, marketeers have been deprived of their rights of choosing the leaders of their choice.

“As Councilor of the ward, I wish to call upon the authority to look into the operation of the ZCU cooperative, otherwise, it is no longer a cooperative but a political party,” he said.

Mr Mwaba asked the marketeers not to pay any levies to the cooperative except for garbage collection and other cleaning activities. He said necessary levies should only be paid to Lusaka City Council staff.

FILE PHOTO : The trucks have been abandoned in what appears to have been an attempt by the smugglers to dodge the security anti-smuggling drag net in the night.

Maize Smugglers abandon trucks at Mutenguleni graveyard TWO trucks with maize which was about to be smuggled into Malawi have been abandoned at Mutenguleni graveyard in Kasenengwa.

The trucks have been abandoned in what appears to have been an attempt by the smugglers to dodge the security anti-smuggling drag net in the night.

The Zambia National Service officers in Chipata District found the two trucks that were laden with about 700 X 50 kilogram bags of maize in the graveyard following a chase of nine trucks that were carrying the grain.

Government has put a blanket ban on the movement of maize and all maize products during the night to curb smuggling that has become rampant in towns that share border lines with neighboring countries.

And on Monday night during routine anti-smuggling patrols, the ZNS officers pursued nine trucks that were using village roads leading into neighboring Malawi.

It seems the two truck drivers diverted their vehicles into the grave yard after being tipped by villagers that they were being trailed by ZNS officers.

ZNS Land Development Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Kahembi

disclosed that the drivers swept off the trails left by tyres leading to the graveyard in an attempt to cover their tracks.

Lt Col Kahembi said the two truck drivers left the vehicles locked and ran away, forcing officers to guard the vehicles overnight.

He said the two trucks that have since been towed to the ZNS warehouse in Chipata had about 700 by 50kg bags of maize, bringing the total number of bags impounded between the September 15 and September 21, 2020 to 1,700.

And Lt Col Kahembi has warned that officers will target all smugglers regardless of what means they use to transport the commodity.

Meanwhile, a resident of Nchaba village which is the closest area to the said graveyard expressed displeasure at the use of the site by smugglers to hide the two trucks.

Abraham Luwo said the graveyard is sacred and should be respected by all citizens by not using it for illegal activities.

“No one is happy with what happened here. It is wrong that these men drove to the graveyard in the night and parked their trucks there in an effort to run away from law enforcers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of the maize on the two trucks found in the graveyard Chisomo Jere has denied that the maize was not destined for smuggling.

Mr Chisomo said the maize was destined for Chipata where he had allegedly arranged to sell to a named private buyer.- ZANIS

MMD NEC DISOWNS NEVERS MUMBA

By OLIVER SAMBOKO

THE MMD national executive committee has distanced itself from party president, Nevers Mumba’s claims that the Patriotic Front rigged the just-ended Lukashya parliamentary by-election.

A NEC member, Dauzeni Tembo, said Dr Mumba’s utterances were a great concern to senior members of the party.

MMD Lusaka district chairman, Reuben Mambwe also called on law enforcement officers to immediately arrest Mr. Mumba for inciting people to rise against legitimate institutions like the ECZ. Mr Tembo said Dr Mumba should stop issuing wild statement aimed at seeking attention and swaying the public from discussing national issues.

He said the MMD leader should instead explain why the former ruling only managed to get a paltry 114 votes in the Lukashya by-election.

"Firstly, I want to put it on record that as a bona fide MMD member that Iand other members distance ourselves from the outbursts by Dr Mumba.

Mr Tembo said that it was unfortunate that Dr Mumba was issuing statements on behalf of the party without consulting other senior members.

Dr Mumba

He said the allegations were serious and would definitely land him in deep trouble.

And Mr Mambwe urged Mr. Mumba to stop crying over the loss in Lukashya constituency by-election, saying he was told not to go ahead and field a candidate but he did heed the advice because he was always allergic to good and sound advice.

He said the wild allegations he made about the rigging of 2021 elections by ECZ using an IT company based in South Africa should result in his arrest.

“We therefore want to warn Mr. Mumba to stop this pettiness and address principle issues of calling for all-inclusive free, fair, transparent and democratic intraparty elections,” said Mr Mambwe.

Meanwhile, PF vice national youth chairperson, Benjamin Siwila, said Dr Mumba should tell the police why he withheld information on rigging if he had evidence. Mr Mwila said it was of utmost importance that police and the Electoral Commission of Zambia take interest in the allegations.

He said the opposition leader should as a matter of integrity, reveal the name of his informant and report the matter to police and ECZ. Mr Mwila called on the police to pursue the matter swiftly and ensure the truth and justice prevail.

President Lungu sends team to fight locusts upsurge in Mongu

AN Inter-ministerial delegation has arrived in Mongu to deal with the invasion of the African migratory locusts which have invaded some parts of Western Province.

Minister of Agriculture, Michael Katambo is leading a delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit(DMMU) .

The team arrived in Mongu yesterday aboard a Zambia Airforce plane. Welcoming the ministers , Western Province Permanent Secretary Danny Bukali disclosed that Sesheke is the worst hit district by the locust. Mr Bukali said the people of Western Province

are worried about the invasion of the locust and were yearning for the government’s quick intervention.

Mr Bukali said the response by the President to send a team to the province will rekindle their hopes and avert possible hunger.

And Mr Katambo has assured the people of Western Province that the African migratory locusts which have invaded the province will be contained so that farmers should not lose their winter crops.

Mr Katambo said President Lungu had directed that a multi-sectoral approach be used in the fight against the Locust. He said the Ministry will work with the International

Red Locust Control organisation to fumigate the affected areas through aerial and ground spraying.

And the Minister in the office of the Vice President Olipah Phiri reiterated the Government’s commitment toward the eradication of the migratory pest.

Earlier, Provincial Minister Richard Kapita assured the delegation that the provincial administration was more than ready to offer the necessary support towards the fight against migratory pests in the province.

The affected areas in Western Province include, Mwandi, Sesheke, Kalabo and Mongu districts.

- ZANIS

Expelled Nakacinda has no right to sue, argues MMD

By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA OPPOSITION MMD has told the Lusaka High Court that Raphael Nakacinda has no right to seek an injunction because he was expelled from the party.

In this matter, nominated Member of Parliament, Mr Nakacinda has sued the MMD seeking a declaration that his purported expulsion from the party is illegal, invalid and void.

Mr Nakacinda wants the court to declare that his purported expulsion was illegal by reason of procedural impropriety and absolute defiance of the established rules of natural Justice.

He cited MMD national secretary Elizabeth Chitika as the defendant in this matter. Mr Nakacinda also wants an order of interim injunction restraining Ms Chitika either by herself, agent, servant or otherwise from continuing to interfere with his membership in the MMD. But in an affidavit in opposition to summons for an order of interim injunction, MMD deputy national secretary Gregory Mofu stated that Mr Nakacinda has at no point challenged his suspension dating back to February 22 2016 until his expulsion on June 22, this year.

Mr Mofu said despite Mr Nakacinda being

suspended, he along with other expelled and suspended members proceeded to organise an illegal convention contrary to the MMD constitution.

He stated that Mr Nakacinda’s actions together with others resulted into the commencement of the matter under cause no.

2016/HP/ 0989.

He said in the matter, Judge Sharon Newa ruled that Mr Nakacinda together with co-defendants Mr Felix Mutati, Mr Mwansa Mbulakulima and Mr George Kangwa had no powers to hold a convention and further ordered that the Registrar of Societies to rectify the register of office holders of the MMD .

Mr Mofu contended that Mr Nakacinda was served a letter of expulsion dated November 15, 2019, at his home, Parliament and at a Police station in Kafue and further was called and texted in relation to the disciplinary proceedings and he deliberately refused to attend.

He said that Mr Nakacinda as a suspended member of the MMD, and more so now that he is expelled, has no right to seek an injunction or purport to assert any rights as a member of the party.

He added that it is not fit and proper case for the Court to grant an interim injunction.

Mr Sikumba

Tourism sector calls for VAT exemptions

By NATION REPORTER ALL tourism packages, both International and Domestic should be VAT exempt to help recover the sector and mitigate the negative effect of Covid-19 for a period of Five years subject to review, the Livingstone Tourism Association has said.

The association also demanded that Corporate Tax of 35 percent must be reviewed to be consistent with other priority sectors such as agriculture that was pegged at 11 percent.

Association Board Chairperson, Rodney Sikumba said the tourism sector in Zambia was still in its infancy stages of development and that without the exemption, Livingstone, as a tourist capital cannot compete with neighbouring Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Mr Sikumba said capital items which should be addressed in the 2021 budget included construction materials for the purpose of tourism development, Four Wheel Drive vehicles used for tourism activities and buses.

“Equipment or materials to be used in tourism industry should not attract VAT,” said Mr Sikumba in a statement.

Mr Sikumba also said although park fees, bed night levies, concession fees and other statutory fees do not attract taxes at the moment, they should also not attract VAT.

DAILY

Thursday 24 September, 2020

HH LAUNCHES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN ?

From Page 1 But when contacted UPND spokesman Charles Kakoma was surprised and expressed total ignorance of the video, putting doubt on the source.

In a polished campaign video trending on social media HH is projected as the wise investor, compared to President Lungu who invested in social events.

The video states that HH like President Lungu participated in the privatization where they charged hefty fees, which he, the wise one invested prudently resulting in his becoming a millionaire, therefore Zambians should vote for him.

But Citizens’ Democratic Party president Robert Mwanza has accused HH of mocking Zambians and especially pensioners and other aggrieved people who were suffering the effects of badly managed privatization.

He described the advertisement as being ill timed, ill-advised and an affront to Zambians facing hardship due to mismanaged privatization, whose corruption and irregularity was being exposed and to which Zambians wanted answers.

And Mr Mwanza described the advert as distasteful considering the privatization programme destroyed so many lives and sent many to their graves while the Saturnia pension scheme, in which Mr Hichilema has interest, continues to subject hundreds of pensioners to abject poverty by holding onto their pension.

Mr Mwanza said it was shocking that a man seeking to lead the nation would show total disregard for the families of the people who have been defrauded from a flawed pension scheme.

He said UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has for the first time admitted that he created his wealth from the sale

of public companies he participated in selling. “It is all there in the video, even boasting about making money from the privatization process which he has been denying all along,” he said.

And Lusaka businessman Chrisantius Changwereza said it was surprising that after telling the nation that he had made his money long before the privatization programme, now his handlers were reportedly admitting that his money came from the privatization process.

“Could this mean that the story we heard on radio about making money from sale of cattle before the privatization process, was all a lie? ” he asked.

In a political advertisement just which has gone viral on social media and reportedly released by Mr Hichilema’s team, a narrator confesses that Mr Hichilema “multiplied his wealth” upon the sale of public companies because he charged hefty fees.

The narrator adds that he used the money he made from selling companies to buy land and cattle and ended up being a millionaire.

The narrator boasts that Mr Hichilema is “smart” and deserves to be President for multiplying his wealth from the sale of public assets.

The advertisement ends by asking the public to vote for Mr Hichilema.

Mr Hichilema has always denied his riches are as a result of the money he made from the sale of public assets.

Mr Hichilema, as advisor to Government during the privatization programme in the 1990s, is accused of deflating the actual value of the then Musi-O-Tunya Hotel and later became a shareholder in the same hotel after its sale.

Lately ordinary citizens have been petitioning Mr Hichilema to refund them pension money allegedly held by his insurance companies.

‘Taskforce on Corruption must be probed’

By PETER SICHALI

THE Taskforce on Corruption that was constituted to probe former President Frederick Chiluba should be investigated because it was a conduit for corruption and fixing of perceived political enemies, Zambian Republican Party president (ZRP) Wright Musoma has said.

Mr Musoma said some of Mr Chiluba’s forfeited properties have not been returned despite being acquitted of all corruption allegations.

He said the commission of inquiry on privatisation that millions of Zambians have been demanding should also be extended to the Taskforce on Corruption that was used as a conduit to cleanse those

that enriched themselves through privatisation.

Mr Musoma said the taskforce on corruption was constituted to persecute former President Levy Mwanawasa's perceived political enemies and shielded the corrupt therefore it should be investigated.

Mr Musoma said it was unfortunate that assets and money that were seized from President Chiluba by the taskforce could not be traced.

"If at all the Taskforce on Corruption did a good job, where is the money and assets for Dr Chiluba?" he said.

Mr Musoma said the Taskforce on Corruption also fraudulently cleared UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and those that dubiously benefitted from privatisation.

HOME NEWS

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WE WON’T DEFAULT, SAYS YAMBA

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

GOVERNMENT’S request to suspend coupon payments should not be treated as a default because it is part of the debt management strategy, says Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) president, Lubinda Haabazoka.

And Government has explained that it was current on Eurobond interest payments and would not default.

Secretary to the treasury, Fredson Yamba said Government had already paid interest on the $750 million Eurobond amounting to $20 million and the next due payment was mid-October.

The strategy was embarked on with the help of Lazard Freres Gestion of France.

And Dr Habaazoka was reacting to The Financial Times report that Zambia was headed for Africa’s first Covid-related debt default after the country made international bond market debut in 2012 and is now seeking repayment delays Government has asked in-

vestors in its US dollar bonds to accept delays in their interest payments into next year, in what would be the first African debt default on private creditors since the pandemic.

Zambia in May this year hired Lazard Freres Gestion of France for US$5 million to restructure the US$11.2 billion foreign debt over a three year period.

However, Dr Haabazoka explained that the public solicitation was part of the procedure any bond issuer had to go through in the current circumstances.

He said in a statement that the markets and citizens should therefore not treat the current solicitation to suspend coupon payments as a default.

“EAZ is encouraged that the Zambian government has joined other countries in implementing measures aimed at cushioning the negative economic effects of Covid-19 among which is debt management,” Dr Haabazoka said.

EAZ, he said, was impressed with the appointment of

Lazard Freres as financial advisor to help restructure Government’s external debt as the practice was around the world for countries with bonds actively trading on the international capital markets.

Dr Haabazoka indicated that Zambia was not the only emerging market undergoing the same procedure.

He said Government would still trade business as usual should the bond holders refuse to suspend coupon payments.

Dr Haabazoka encouraged the public to take keen interest in what was happening around debt management in the country.

He warned the public not to be speculative as issues to do with commercial debt or bond markets were highly sensitive to market information.

“Earlier this year, we called upon Government to immediately engage its global partners in the aim of suspending certain multilateral debt payments and negotiating for easing down conditions es-

Mr Yamba

pecially on commercial debt as practiced by similar countries,” he said.

President Edgar Lungu’s government said on Tuesday that it was seeking “the suspension of debt service payments for a period of six months” from holders of its $3bn worth of international bonds, beginning in October.

Meanwhile, Government launched a CONSENT SOLICITATION PROPOSAL to seek approval from the holders of its Eurobonds to agree to a sixmonth debt service standstill related to payments due on the Eurobonds.

‘Mopani shares will be offloaded to the public’

By SILUMESI MALUMO

WE shall give Zambians an opportunity to own shares in Mopani Copper Mine once ZCCM-IH offloads shares, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Richards Musukwa, has said.

Meanwhile, Mr Musukwa said four investors have shown interest to take over the operations of Chambishi Metals.

The minister said ZCCM-IH would be used as vehicle to offload shares in Mopani and

Zambians would be given an opportunity to buy shares in the mining firm.

Mr Musukwa said this when Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) paid a courtesy call on him yesterday.

"Government will welcome Zambians and miners to have shares in Mopani so that they have stake in the mine,” he said.

Earlier, MUZ president, Joseph Chewe, appealed to Gov-

ernment to allow miners buy shares in Mopani.

He said that the workers wanted Government to give a road map on how Mopani would run once Glencore International existed the country.

Mr Chewe said workers want to ensure that they get their benefits from Glencore before another investor was engaged by Government.

NUMAW president James Chansa said it was important that Government and stake-

HH claim lacks detail - Nawakwi lawyers

By GRACE CHAILE-LEOETSA

UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s legal battle against Edith Nawakwi for defamation, has hit a snag with State Counsel Chifumu Banda saying the claims he made lacked detail, therefore difficult to settle a meaningful defence.

In this matter, Mr Hichilema is demanding US$3 million from Ms Nawakwi as damages for libel for alleging that he illegally benefited himself from the privatisation exercise which included the dissolution of Lima bank.

He also wants an injunction restraining the former Finance minister, whether by herself, servants or agents or otherwise from further publishing or causing to be published or broadcast the defamatory words.

But in an affidavit in sup-

port of summons for an order for further and better particulars filed in the Lusaka High court, by Ms Nawakwi’s lawyer, SC Banda, stated that Mr Hichilema’s statement of claim filed on September 4 2020, lacks detail to enable the defendant to settle a meaningful defence.

Mr Banda stated that he has since written to Mr Hichilema’s advocates Messrs.

Malambo and Company requesting for further and better particulars. In his demand letter dated 18th September 2020, SC Banda asked the plaintiff’s lawyers to include the full text of the programme entitled “the Hot Seat” and the words complained of, set with reasonable certainty.

He further requested particulars of the date , time and place of the alleged publications and to set out the precise words complained of.

SC Banda said the UPND leader has to reply by October 9, 2020.

In his statement of claim, Mr Hichilema stated that Ms Nawakwi said he was lucky not to have been booked by the Anti-Corruption Commission with regards to the country’s privatisation process and urged him to keep quiet.

Ms Nawakwi demanded that Hichilema produces a bid and price for the house he acquired on Serval Road where he stayed until he moved to Muka Muya in Lusaka east.

She alleged that Hichilema acquired the house on Serval Road without declaring that he was making a misdemeanor (crime).

But, Mr Hichilema has argued that the alleged defamatory words by Ms Nawakwi in their natural and ordinary meaning were meant to be understood that

holders continued to dialogue in order to find ways of how Mopani would be run.

In response, Mr Musukwa said that was the wish of Government to ensure that the assets were in the hands of Zambians.

Meanwhile Mr Musukwa said four investors had shown interest in taking over operations of Chambishi Metals.

He said two were Zambians investors, one from America and the other from United Kingdom. he was a thief, a corrupt person, a person of questionable character and that he is guilty of numerous offenses relating to the dissolution of Lima Bank and the sale of its assets when in fact not. He said the defamatory words were false and published maliciously as he has never acted as receiver, manager or liquidator of Lima Bank contrary to what Ms Nawakwi alleged.

Mr Hichilema argued that Subdivision 14/3/A/F488a, Serval Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka never belonged to Lima Bank prior to him acquiring it as alleged by the FDD leader.

He stated that the words uttered by Ms Nawakwi were malicious as he and she were competitors in politics as they aspire for the presidency.

Mr Hichilema wants an order directing Ms Nawakwi to retract the defamatory words.

He also wants aggravated and exemplary damages, interest on the sum found due, costs and any other relief the court may deem fit.

Thursday 24 September, 2020

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LOCAL CONTRACTORS IN K500M BOOST

By KETRA KALUNGA

HH’S PRESIDENTIAL BID SO, Mr Hakainde Hichilema has decided to open up and confess that he made his reported vast fortune from the privatisation programme introduced by the MMD government in the 1990s.

But the admission falls short of what is expected from the president of the United Party for National Development (UPND) – admitting that he cheated durng the programme.

He has been challenged openly that he failed to declare interest in the entities he was assigned to sell on behalf of the government and thereby profited as an individual.

The UPND leader has admitted that he created his wealth from the sale of public companies he participated in selling by investing what he earned in form of fees.

Mr Hichilema has previously denied that he made his fortune from the privatisation of state-owned enterprises.

In a political advertisement just released by his team in which he has launched his presidential campaign, a narrator confesses that Mr Hichilema "multiplied his wealth" upon the sale of public companies because he charged hefty fees.

The narrator adds that he used the money he made from selling companies to buy land and cattle and ended up being a millionaire.

The narrator boasts that Mr Hichilema is "smart" and deserves to be President for multiplying his wealth from the sale of public assets.

The advertisement ends by asking the public to vote for Mr Hichilema.

The advert is typical of what one would expect from a client of Cambridge Analytica – glossing over the salient issues that has left thousands of Zambians as destitutes and some dying in abject poverty.

Mr Hichilema stands charged with deceit and must therefore provide honest issues to the allegations made against him.

Forum for Development and Democracy (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi has accused Mr Hichilema of fraudulently benefitting from the sale of state assets such as Livingstone’s Mosi-O-Tunya Intercontinental Hotel, by failing to declare interest as a director in Sun International of South Africa, the company he recommended and eventually bought the hotel.

Mr Hichilema and Senior Chief Mukuni are both directors in the hotel.

As Ms Nawakwi, who was Finance Minister at the same, said, she did not realise that the hotel was actually being sold to Mr Hichilema himself.

Does one need to attend Law School to see that there was actually something fishy in the sale of the hotel?

Mr Hichilema must also explain his involvement in the controversial Saturnia Pension Fund in which former BP Zambia workers have been fighting to access their benefits. Ex Konkola Copper Mines workers might also lose all they ever worked for.

No wonder the public has been demanding that a commission of inquiry be set up to look into the privatisation programme. Quite clearly, there was insider trading and fraud at the highest level.

For example, how does one explain how the Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Privatisation Agency Valentine Chitalu and Mr Hichilema formed companies that are running the Saturnia in complete disregard of conflict of interest.

These are Menel Management Services through which they hold shares in African Life Financial Services and Benefits Consulting Services which were managers and administrator of the Saturnia Pension Trust Fund.

But even as Mr Hichilema launches his bid for the republican presidency, he must also examine his conscience as to whether he has been squeaky clean in his business dealings.

We doubt if Zambians will allow him to deceive his way to the presidency.

DAILY

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BOUT K500 million out of the K5 billion stimulus package for local contractors will be released, National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has said.

The stimulus package was initiated in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

NRFA public relations manager, Alphonsius Hamachila,

said Government would soon release a tranche of K500 million as part of the stimulus package.

Mr Hamachila has meanwhile refuted reports that the NRFA had diverted the Covid-19 funds meant for local firms to pay foreign road contractors.

He explained that Government through the NRFA was making available a stimulus

package for local roads’ contractors to cushion the impact of Covid-19 on their businesses.

“Government through NRFA is making available a stimulus package for local road contractors and NRFA will soon be receiving an initial trance of K500 million from this stimulus package,” he said.

Mr Hamachila said the purpose of the Covid-19 fund was

to stimulate local businesses through small-scale and medium road contractors to help mitigate the economic impact of the Covid-19.

In July this year, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister, Vincent Mwale, announced that Government was going to borrow about K8 billion to create a Covid-19 bond.

The money was meant to help stimulate the economy.

Minister warns against illegality Kasama MP sued in NRCs issuance

By NOEL IYOMBWA

ANYONE who contravenes the law in the issuance of national registration cards will be dealt with by the law, Home Affairs minister Stephen Kampyongo warned in Parliament yesterday.

The minister observed that it was disheartening that some sections of society, particularly political parties have been insinuating that non eligible persons were obtaining NRCs. “The law is very clear regarding persons who are eligible to obtain NRCs and anyone who contravenes the law has to be dealt with accordingly, “ Mr Kampyongo said.

He maintained that Government is targeting to issue a total of 1,500,000 national registration cards in the 2020 mobile NRC issuance exercise.

Mr Kampyongo said this will comprise 770,000 National registration cards under phase

one and 750,000 under phase two.

He said phase one of mobile issuance of NRCs progressed well and the NRCs which were issued were being counted and validated.

The minister said that the nation would be given the final statistics at an appropriate time and appealed to Members of Parliament to urge all eligible citizens to take advantage of the 2020 mobile national registration exercise to obtain national registration cards.

Mr Kampyongo disclosed that Government through the ministry of Finance released K200 million for the exercise in five provinces namely Muchinga, Central, Lusaka, Southern and Western provinces.

The minister said that during the first ten days, the registration teams did not operate at full capacity due to delays in the delivery of key

‘Ponzi probe on course’

By NATION REPORTER

THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) says it has made substantial progress in consolidating the membership database for Ono Savings and Credit Association (OSCA) and Comsave Credit Union (Comsave) and is expected to conclude this process within the next few weeks.

In a joint statement, BoZ and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) also stat-

By OLIVER SAMBOKO

ABOUT 67 arrests from 26 money laundering cases involving K62, 238, 477.21 and USD1, 031,912.36, were recorded by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in the first six months of this year.

This is according to statement by DEC public relations

ed that progress had been made with regards to ongoing investigations into the operations of OSCA and Comsave.

The two public institutions said the membership database would form the basis for the verification exercise that shall be conducted thereafter.

“We, therefore, wish to remind members of the public who had undertaken financial transactions with either Comsave or OSCA, to ensure that they keep safely docu-

over K2m

By GRACE CHAILELESOETSA

equipment as a result of the late receipt of key equipment from countries of origin due to lock downs.

He however said that issuance of NRCs is a right of all eligible citizens in line with the provision of national registration act chapter 126 of the laws of Zambia.

“All citizens who have attained the age of 16 and above are entitled to obtain an NRC not only for elections, but as an identity document used for all services such as employment and opening of bank account. mentary evidence that shows proof of having transacted with OSCA and Comsave,” they stated in their joint statement.

They said their primary focus was to ensure that interests of all stakeholders were protected, while the due process of the law takes its full course.

“This requires that investigations are thorough and comprehensive. We, therefore, wish to implore the public to remain calm as investigations of this nature take time to conclude,” said the statement.

Drug, money laundering cases drop Officer, Theresa Katongo.

Ms Katongo said in the same period DEC recorded 1, 920 arrests for drug related offences countrywide, representing a 28 percent reduction from 2, 672 arrests recorded in the same period last year.

She said of the total arrests for drug related offences 1, 813 comprised males, 107 females and 133 juveniles.

Ms Katongo said of the total arrests, 367 persons were convict with 288 cases disposed of through other legal provisions while 1,066 cases

KASAMA Central Member of Parliament, Kelvin Sampa has been sued for alleged failure to pay over K2 million owed to RL Extrem Investment Limited.

According to the claim in the Lusaka High Court, the firm supplied 226 security boots at K550 per pair totalling K124,300 and 4,200 security and safety boots worth K450 per pair amounting to K1,890,000.

The supplied items altogether cost K2, 014,300.00.

RL Extrem Investment Limited stated that the items were supplied after a written contract dated November 2019.

The plaintiff stated that it was agreed that upon delivery of the goods, Mr Sampa would pay 50 percent of the total amount.

According to the firm, the goods were delivered in November last year and duly acknowledged by Mr Sampa .

Mr Sampa however failed to pay the 50 percent or any other sum, as agreed.

RL Extrem Investment Limited wrote a demand letter on June 23, this year addressed to Mr Sampa’s lawyers for the payment.

The defendant said that Mr Sampa has allegedly failed, refused or neglected to settle the claimed amounts.

The plaintiff is claiming payment of K2, 014,300.00 and interest as per judgement act as well as costs.

were still pending at various stages of the court processes.

Seven convictions were also recorded in cases involving money laundering.

DEC, she said, seized cannabis plants, herb and seeds totalling 27.06 tonnes, compared to 133.75 tonnes recorded in the same period last year, representing 56 percent reduction.

DAILY

Thursday 24 September, 2020

ADVERTISEMENT

5

6

ZAM wantsMFEZ industr budget to yards on cou focus on economic stability

will continue to affect the manufacturing sector for some time to come.

“The increased inflation which reached a high of 16.6 percent in May 2020, has also made yardsraw in the L

By BUUMBA CHIMBULUof local the purchase Works are go materials costly," she and the contr CONSTRUCTION of said. industrial yards in the on site.

Ms Muleya said that that “Once Lusaka South Multithe pandemic disruptdone, we will Facility Economic supply chains and to see SMEs Zoneed (LS-MFEZ) companies continued to and the zone which will boost local struggle in tothe acquirefrom inputs there,” M participation production. said. area for is expected to

By SANFROSSA also ob She stated ZAM be completed in the that He MANYINDA the budneed to in next expected 12 months.the 2021 get to address theincentives effects to GOVERNMENT’S 2021 Participation willing to inve of local investors of the Covid-19 through budget must ensure zone. Mr in theprovision economic of morethe medimacroeconomic stabilexpressed co zoneum is currently to long term stimulus ity through an apprecithat Zambia h low due to, among

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU facilities. ated exchange rate and competition f other reasons, the Government She said reduced inflation, says countries suc minimum investment should use the Rwanda, Devel- Ken the Zambia Association of US$500,000 which BOUT $250, 000 has been opment Bank of Zambia Egypt, South of Manufacturers (ZAM). some locals say is invested in setting up a (DBZ) as the disburser Mozambique prohibitive.

ZAM expected that laboratory that will establish gold of the Business stimulus package, Zimbabwe th content in ore which will be bought such a measure would LS-MFEZ whose interest rates were better incenti Development from artisanal and small scale gold enhance growth in the lowerFrancis and repayment Mr Kunda s Manager, miners Zambia. economy, Chief Executenors minimum US Kunda, said were longer.

ZCCM-IH has set up the laboratory in tive Officer, Florence Mu000 investme Ms Muleya construction works of explained partnership with Karma Mining Services leya. investors the industrial yards that Zambia’s public to q and Rural Development Limited in She said in an interallow entities find their good but we think that this needed to identify and supavailable weredebt currently on position had dete- ince Consolidated GoldtoCompany. view that coming from feet quicker andOfficer, provide the perhaps should be depoliti- port sustainable viable ecowas athe limiting course.

Chief Executive Mabvuto riorated, prompting the backdrop of an eco- Mr government much needed jobs. local busines Kunda Chipata, explained that the purpose cize of and taken to be a com- nomic units within the SME to reduce its nomically turbulent however mercial intervention than brackets, because businesses explained that thetowards theMr jointNcube venturewas wasspeaking to developina gold payments non- said had been lob 2019, the organisation industrial an interview Daily in a political one,” Mr Ncube had plunged into financial processing and with tradingthe operation debtyards, and non-wage relatits parent Min onceed completed, anticipated that growth Nation. said. distress.

Zambia. expenditures. Commerce T would boost local Mr“As Chipata muchsaid as the theinvestment Govern- was He said there should be He, however, commended in the sector would conShe said that reduced Industry whic participation in the inment line with oneprovided of ZCCM-IH’s strategic has some clear and transparent criteria Government for quick retinue to decline, given payments had resulted talking to Min economic objectives of value creation which was stimulus packages such as for identifying the beneficia- sponse to protect employees the tough macroeco- into zones. accrued domestic Finance to im explained in tothe diversify its Zambia investments away fromries.

Bank of Targeted and avert massive job losses. nomic environment that Hearrears and long overdue incentives. an interview that copper to other minerals such as gold Medium Term Refinancing Mr Ncube said sustain“Here weMining haveServices observed ensued into the year. the industrial “As Karma and Rural Development, our Value Added (VAT) invest yards Tax “For and other precious metals. expertise gold processing, mostly workingnoted that Facility and COVID -19 bond able Small and Medium that SMEsis inhave been hit but we are Ms Muleya refunds. qualify, one h would enable small He said this during the laboratory with artisanal and smallcorposcale gold miners.’’ to businesses, it is important Enterprises (SMEs) with roharder than bigger last year, the manufacShe added ZAM invest minimu and medium sized that media tour in Lusaka yesterday. to“This relook at the criteria being bust business model and rates because corporate tend turing sector grew only at US$500,000 also expected Governentrepreneurs to set is also in line with Government’s used. should be suphave a buffer of“This cashlaboratory resome of the l 2.4 percent. up businesses in the ment to take the first step classification of gold as a strategic experience is targeted at the ore that would be receivedto from various “I think issuehe with it is ported during of a fair serves to SMEs investors zone.in the actualisation "Worse stillwith for 2020, of the tha resource for our Zambia,” said. operations we are setting up starting miners, this who period would get shareas andopposed limiting the criteria established forChiefCOVID-19. and micro enterprises one is on the anticipated Consolidated Gold Company ‘Proudly Zambian’ cam-facto Rufunsa,who were we arethe working with smallnegative “That value for their material. invest les tablepaign and weby have identifying and Faisal empowering He said“As doing would mostly operate on hand to there and Executive Officer, Keer, explained effects of the Coronavibuyingyou locally scale miners art is anal miners KarmasoMining Services and Rural S$500, 000 y Citizen Economic thethe beneficiaries.

For be usable we to stimulateDevelopment, economic growth. mouth basis,” Mr Ncube that laboratory would from the surrounding rus area,” he said. (COVID-19) our expertise is in gold manufactured goods. disease not be entitle and Empowerment process about 30 samples day. Government, think the intention is per very said, said.working Mr Keer said the laboratory would also processing,he but we are mostly

Thursday 24 September, 2020 Thursday

6

12 March, 2020

‘INITIATE MORE TAX A RELIEF MEASURES’

ZCCM-IH INVESTS $250, 000 IN GOLD LAB

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

M

ORE tax relief measures are critical to assist businesses remain afloat, says RSM Zambia, an audit, tax and consulting firm.

RSM Zambia Managing Partner, Given Ian Ncube, said it was critical for Government to come up with tax relief to businesses to give them some space on their cash flows.

Mr Ncube explained that the relief could take the form of payment deferrals, penalty waivers and tax credits.

This, he explained, would

Mr Keer said the laboratory was critical to determine the gold accurately in the

with artisanal and small scale gold miners.

be open to the general public for them to come and have their samples tested.

Commission who are constructing industrial

I

Internal Procedures the National Financial Switch

N this edition, we conclude on the series of articles from the 2020 Code of Ethics and Banking Practice, as we look at safeguarding and protection of your account.

PROTECTION Confidentiality: Commercial Banks will continue to treat all your personal information as private and confidential (even when you are no longer their customer). This entails that NOTHING about your accounts nor your name and address will be disclosed to anyone (any third party), including other companies in the bank’s group, without the written consent of the customer, except in the following circumstances permitted by law: 1. Where the bank is legally compelled to do so 2. Where there is a legally recognised duty to public interest to disclose 3. Where disclosure is made at the customer’s request with written consent 4. Where the bank’s interests require disclosure Your personal information, credit documentation, record showing particulars of transactions and aby other records shared with the bank will be stored safely and maintained and retained for a period of 10 years or longer, as prescribed in Section 47-51 of the 2017 Banking and Financial Services Act, No. 7

incentives,” M said.

Banks have internal proce-

dures foraccessible handling disputesfin -Developing and affordable with customers well as ucts and services to as support thewritNationa ten procedures for handling Inclusion Strategy of customer complaints, and

this information available -Promotion of Financialis Literacy program at every bank branch. groups

»» Should youandhave a awareness com-Fraud Prevention Security plaint about the quality of

B

ANKING plays an integral role in the de-

and Exchange Commission.

The Association also works to ensure that the bank-

to are communications sent to PROTECTING YOUR Creditin Information countvelopment and/or of debts owed and to industry commerce BAZ is a mouthpiece of the banking sector and is ing industry views put forward when government you from theMany bankareas as of soon as Reporting Tips the bank may be disclosed any economic dispensation.

In this regard, mandated to address various ACCOUNTS matters of common in- determines policy or legislation. law and possible. sooner you ento Credit Agencies banks play anReference important role in the creation of new dustry interest through lobbying, advocacy and poli- including international law The impact upon the interests gageinyour bank on the probfirst apply open banks » Athus creditcyreport is aThe descripwhere: capital (or capital formation) in a country»and influence.

AssociationWhen aims atyou facilitating the ofto commercial Zambia. areand faced an of account aForloan, tion your credit history growth 1. the Your have given bankThe a banking help economic growththe process. sys-of industrial and innovation the sector,oras obtain well example,lems issues you of micro fiscal with, policiesthe and it will for environment the bank the bank inform what and behaviour written consent at the time tem facilitates the intermediation of internal and payment as building and sustaining good-will andwill public con- you financial sectoreasier reform affect the be trading to work you in finding a identification need that is fidence maintained by the banking of opening international trade. your account in the commercial sector. One you of thewillfor bankstoin Zambia and with the Association consults its solution.

The more informaprove yourmembers identi-to form Credit Reference Bureau and/or credit facilThe historyavailing of the banking sector in Zambia ways this mandate is realisedsubmit is throughtoengagement industry position on many such isprovide ofabout your ty. This important for your »» The repayment of your agencies datesities; as faror back as 1906, when the first commercial with critical Government andis ministries as sues.

With thetion activeyou participation the member financial challenges, the more and may required loan time positively im- security 2. You have fallen behind bank-Standard Chartered Bank was established, withonwell as other critical stakeholders in the Zambian econ-be banks, the Bankers Association of Zambia works to fosbank explore ways in in- the in pacts on your credit history by law. The bank willteralso your payments and of Southern it firstwith branch opened in Kalomo District omy. an environment whichcan financial services are valwhichInto further assist may » However, late and missed form you on what check youInhave made Province. the lastnot 114 years of theproexistence»and operued and can prosper. communicating the you. industry’s payments negatively affect be made with credit reference satisfactory to sector yourin Zambia, ationposals of the commercial banking the HOW WE WORK views, the Association works with Government, the your cooperation, the your credit bank for repayment of your country currently has 18 registered commercial banks.

Theprofile Bankers Association ofagencies.

Zambia works with its regulators, otherWith industry associations, the community, bank will take responsible »» Your the to right to analysis, dis- advice and advocacy and community groups debtinto following formal Taking account the critical derole played by the have members provide and the media. steps tothat develop a plan with CUSTOMER CARE pute incomplete or and youof have been sectormand in the provision banking services to all sec- any contributes to the development of public policy on Some of the initiatives the Bankers Association you on for dealing with inaccurate information given one month’s notice ofin the country tors of the economy the existing banks banking and other financial services. of Zambia is working in collaboration with theyour Bank difficulties, conFinancial Difficulties on your credit report.

You of Zambia thethe bank’s intention to dis- an umbrella realised importance of establishing The Bankers Association works to ensure of Zambia and financial other key stakeholders include the folsistent with yours and the The bank will should send your system cred- can continue Where the represent amountthe interests body close. that would effectively of that the banking to deliver the endeavour lowing: to understand any financial bank’s interests. it disputes directly to theto Zambian owed or arrears amount is the sector. benefits of competition banking custompro- shared digital payments channels through Credit Reference Bureau difficulties you may have, thebackground fact (but not It in wasdispute, against this that in 2008, the ers.

-Promoting that provided the report vided you approach the bank RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES the Association amount) of dispute Bankers of this Zambia (BAZ) was formalin good time. Should your Complaints containing the error will also be disclosed; or ly registered.

Prior to the establishment of BAZ, the The Banking and Financial Association operated has informally You can obtain your credit account go into default, the 3. Your cheque been with re- the»»chairing bankturned in a particular year, all related report secre- from the Credit Reffirst step the bank will take Services Act No. 7 of 2017 prounpaid by offering the bank tarialfor services, as coordinating of Bureau, trading as will be to try and contact you vides for the appointment of erence lackasofwell funds with an-all activities the membership.

The Association’s role has overtime to discuss the matter further. an Ombudsperson for finanTransUnion Zambia swer “Refer to Drawer” evolved to include It is therefore imperative that cial service providers. Howev(R/D); or the promotion of efficiencies, innovations and industry growth and positioning memyou always inform the bank, er, the Ombudsperson has not Remember: A Good Credit 4. Where information subber-banks to continue supporting both private sectorBuilds Good Credit within banking hours, of any yet been appointed, and as Record mitted by a bank reported and Government economic agendas enshrined in the changes in your postal/physi- such, banks will handle custo the credit agencies is Terms country’s National Policies. Data Transparency cal address, email and phone tomer complaints as guided proved toDevelopment be erroneous, BAZ at participating at the highest levelbank of in the Banking and Financial Your will inform you on numbers. theaims bank must correct the decision making in the country continIf you find yourself in finan- Services Act (Customer Comyour rights to access your perinformation held by through the the ued engagement with the three primary regulators of sonal information held by the cial difficulties, you should let plaints Handling and Resolucredit reference agencies Credit Reference Agencies sector-the Bank of Zambia, your bank know and, respond tion) Directives, 2019. bank the within services a reasonable time Information about your ac- the financial

serviceinprovided by banks, -Leadership the development of policy tion. there are internal procedures for handling com-

plaints fairly and speedily.

HOW WE ARE GOVERNED However, if you are not The Bankers Association of Zambia satisfied with ofthe internal through a committee Chief Executive procedure, entitled commercial banks you whichare meets monthl to affecting escalatetheyour complaint matters banking sector. The through bank’s through hierar-the Association are the coordinated to Executive the Chief Execu- Th who chy reportup to the committee. tive Officer ofevery youryear bank Committee is elected at the Ann »» Bank always on Meeting and staff is madeare up of: standby to assist customers The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson withmember any clarifications they Executive and the BAZ CEO who may have.

Once the inter- S The Bankers Association of Zambia nal led procedure has Officer beenwh currently

by Chief Executive and if & the cused byexhausted, the Public Relations Administr aggrieved, and atomer Researchremains and Communications Offi the bank recommends that The Chief Executive Officer with suppo such customer management team, play agrievances crucial role in referred toto the Chief Ex-aw BAZ’sae responsibility improve public ecutive Officer of the Bankunderstanding of the industry’s contribu ers Association of Zambia w country’s economy and communities, emphasis on consultation with stakeholde (BAZ) Having in brief the backgrou With discussed your cooperation, the please out for a tworesponsible series column on banklookwill take lating individual financial awareness stepsto to develop a plan with as joins restdealing of the world in commemorati youthe for with your fiFinancial Week. consistent nancialLiteracy difficulties, withContact yours address and the bank’s inBankers Association of Zambia terests.

Floor, be Citibank House As3rd always, sure to join us Elunda 3 to you next Stand week4646, as we bring Addisexciting Ababa Roundabout another topic regardBox 34180 ing P.O. banking matters. Please Lusaka, share yourZambia comments and Tel: +260 211 234208/55 thoughts with us via Email: Fax: +206 211 233046 Mirriam.Zimba@baz.co.zm

Thursday 24 September, 2020

CENTRAL BANK LOSES GRIP ON THE KENYAN SHILLING »» Nothing has been more delicate for Dr Njoroge than holding the Kenyan shilling steady.

N

AIROBI - Before taking stock of the performance of demonetisation, Dr Patrick Njoroge stood outside a packed conference room.

Away from the glare of cameras, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) boss breathed deeply.

For that brief moment, he showed a rare side of himself, then quickly, as if resigned or resolute about the spectacle he was about to orchestrate.

Nothing has been more delicate for the former International Monetary Fund executive than holding the Kenyan shilling steady given how a small change of value affects every household in the country. From the cost of petroleum to the cost of imports.

A few months into office, Dr Njoroge clamped down on currency dealers from commenting about the currency. He then went after analysts who spoke to the media and reigned in international media that extensively reported about the currency.

And for several years, he was able to keep the currency steady despite growing concerns that Kenya had quietly moved into currency control regime.

But the bubble appears to be bursting as the CBK struggles to keep the currency from losing ground against the dollar. Bank executives, who only agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, said the CBK has adopted strong arm tactics against the undeniable forces of demand and supply, a ticking time bomb that will either implode or transform into a dollar black market — if it has not already done so.

“Right now we are at 108.50 on the interbank. If they opened and allow everyone to do what you have to do, it will run to 112 because of panic,” said a banking executive.

‘Acceptable mark’ A spot check by the Nation in at least 10 commercial banks on Tuesday revealed that banks have crossed the Sh113 mark for every dollar sold and are headed towards Sh115, but are not reporting the same, to keep it at the ‘acceptable mark of Sh108.’ None of the commercial banks was willing to sell the

dollar on Tuesday at less than Sh111 on average.

Kenya imports three times more than its export. The country has also accumulated enormous foreign debt which is repaid by buying dollars.

Covid-19 has made things worse by cutting exports drastically and disrupting tourism.

There has also been less portfolio investments from hedge funds that invest in the bonds or stocks market.

Treasury Cabinet Sscretary Ukur Yatani said last month that things could have been much worse without new dollar loans. For transparency Kenyan

EXTERNAL DEBT Prevailing depreciation of the Kenya shilling exchange rate presents a new but potent risk to external debt service and requires closer monitoring, report.

The report exposes the catch-22 situation the country finds itself in with loan repayment gobbling up nearly half of revenue generated this financial year.

currency traders exchanging a minimum of Sh250, 000 per transaction have a Reuters page where they post prices.

Once you post a price you cannot renege, but now if you see demand you can post a higher bid to take advantage.

But here is where regulatory overreach is coming in. According to multiple sources, if you put in a higher bid, CBK officials call the bankers and at times summon them to Haile Selassie Avenue for a dressing down.

“When the CBK looks at that page and sees people speculating, the director of financial markets calls traders, bankers, CEOs, and it’s just ugly,” said a source.

Artificial shortage But since you cannot post a high price on the platform, you

»» But the bubble appears to be bursting as the CBK struggles to keep the currency from losing ground against the dollar.

»» Covid-19 has made things worse by cutting exports drastically and disrupting tourism.

can’t sell expensively to other banks because you will be summoned for distorting prices.

Hence you stop selling publicly to other banks, creating an artificial shortage that drives prices even higher.

“You find that because you have relationships with these clients, if someone wants $5 million, you have to stagger it.

You tell him you do not have $5 million, ‘you take this $500, 000.

If I get some more I will give you’, which is creating more inefficiency in the market because the demand continues to pile up,” a source said.

IMF, which in 2018 claimed the shilling was being managed, has asked Kenya to allow the shilling to depreciate.

“CBK should also continue to allow the exchange rate to act as a shock absorber,” said Tao Zhang, deputy managing director and acting chair.

Meanwhile to add more woes to the Shilling, the national debt is projected to increase

by Sh750 billion in the next 10 months. That is Sh2.6 billion a day. At this rate, parliament budget experts estimate that, by 2022 when President Uhuru Kenyatta leaves office, the debt could hit Sh9.2 trillion - more than three times the total annual budget.

They anticipate little borrowing space beyond three years because of a statutory ceiling of Sh9 trillion, which implies this could be the first crisis for President Kenyatta’s successor in 2022.

It is estimated the national debt will pile up to Sh7.5 trillion

by June next year, up from Sh6.6 trillion this June, according to the latest Parliamentary Budget Office report.

“As at June 2020, the national debt stock had reached Sh6.6 trillion (Sh873 billion or 15% increase) and is projected to reach Sh7.5 trillion by June 2021,” states the report released this month.

Domestic revenue

Governor Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Dr. Patrick Njoroge

PBO attributes the increment to the impact of low generation of domestic revenue largely because of disruption to businesses by Covid-19 and pressure from expenditure on ongoing programmes.

“The impact of Covid-19 on the economy is expected to adversely affect revenue generation,” PBO notes in its report titled “The clouds are gathering as the winds blow away the pandemic.”

In previous financial years, the primary balance grew on account of significant expenditure on infrastructural projects, energy production and social expenditures.

ernment bailout is insufficient to revive the economy.

“The magnitude of the economic stimulus to be undertaken in order to bring back the economy is likely to require significant financing beyond what has already been provided for in the budget,” the report states.

The experts warn the rising external debt portfolio poses a high risk of debt distress in the absence of mitigating factors.

“Since the onset of Covid-19, external debt risk has persisted owing to domestic economic pressure, shocks on Kenya’s exports, non-conducive international financial market conditions for refinancing and the country’s reduced access to concessional financing.

in the second supplementary estimates of the 2019/2020 financial year but “its utilisation is yet to be reported on.”

Despite operating on a shoestring budget, the government has still been wasteful. The report reveals Sh7.6 billion has been wasted in unnecessary commitment fees.

“Despite the planning of government financing for each financial year, the country continues to incur commitment fees arising from non-disbursement of external debt. Since financial year 2015/16, a total of Sh7.6 billion has been incurred as commitment fees,” the report states.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic, which struck the country in March, forced emergency spending while restrictions shut down the economy, occasioned job losses, and altogether depressed government revenues.

The report cautions that the current financial year will present difficult economic conditions for fiscal consolidation measures required to maintain debt at sustainable levels. The PBO warns that a planned gov-

External debt service “Prevailing depreciation of the Kenya shilling exchange rate presents a new but potent risk to external debt service and requires closer monitoring,” it says.

The report exposes the catch-22 situation the country finds itself in with loan repayment gobbling up nearly half of revenue generated this financial year. Debt servicing expenditures are estimated to utilise up to 49 per cent of ordinary revenues in the financial year 2020/21, the report observes.

“This implies that, at best, only approximately 51 per cent of revenues will be available for financial year 2020/2021 budget implementation,” it adds.

And the problem is worsened by the fact that some of the heavy capital projects like the Standard Gauge Railway are yet to make money as had been anticipated.

The operational cost of the SGR has chalked up Sh40 billion in pending bills. This figures adds to another Sh80 billion in pending bills in the roads sub-sector. The report notes that, in an attempt to address this, Sh60 billion was provided

It explains: “This is an extra burden arising from debt disbursement inefficiencies due to late issuance of letters of credit and lack of allocation of the required counterpart funding.” And the costly inefficiencies continue, given that at the end of the third quarter of 2019/2020 financial year, only Sh98.4 billion (42 per cent) of the Sh232.78 billion net foreign financing had been disbursed.

PBO however notes that there is a silver lining in the dark Covid-19 cloud - cost savings.

For instance, some sectors like education may spend less than what was allocated due to the nationwide school closures for at least half the financial year.

Capitation funds, which are allocated per learner (at basic, tertiary and university level) to support operations and maintenance in learning institutions, account for 25 percent (Sh124.4 billion) of the entire education budget.

Given that major users of various utilities were not in session for the first half of the financial year, there is an opportunity to save some capitation resources.

– DAILY NATION, Kenya.

Debt disbursement

Thursday 24, September, 2020

Let us concentrate on service delivery

8

Dear Editor, THE continued debate on whether PF President Edgar Lungu is eligible to contest the 2021 presidential elections is not only unhealthy but untimely.

The Head of State is busy with his mandate to deliver to the Zambians according to his campaign promises and yet we want to engage him in unwarranted debate over his legibility to contest 2021 elections even when the court ruled on the matter.

He has the right to voice what he feels but that should not be a reason to sway the country from attending to various immediate needy areas of various electorates to concentrate on the debate.

When the time for filing of nominations come, relevant legal bodies will guide the nation accordingly.

So, where is the fuss? It is not time for flling in yet.

Let us therefore give our President and other leaders room and support to deliver to our aspirations as per their campaign promises.

Why should the courts even be asked to interpret on this debate as if there are nominations filling in, in progress?

It is however good that while other political parties and their leaders are seriously engaged in the debate instead of service delivery to the Zambians, President Lungu is on marathon service delivering to all Zambians irrespective of political affiliation.

MIKE MULENGA, Lusaka.

Unemployed teachers shocker

Dear Editor, I AM shocked the government through the Ministry of General Education was not aware of the more than 50, 000 unemployed teachers loitering the streets until it was brought to light two days ago.

It is even more worrying for the ministry through its spokesperson to confirm that they are actually in need of teachers and will forth hence engage the Ministry of Finance for authority and recruitment financial allocation.

These are people making the President seem like he is not working because how did they go to sleep over such a serious matter? It’s shocking that the ministry do not have statistics of teachers on the streets, meaning they do not even make follow ups to know how many teachers are offloaded on the market yearly, which is unacceptable.

How then do they want Government to plan without such very important information, yet we have people on the government payroll who are supposed to help in proper data dissemination for proper government action?

Ms Nondo Chilongo, the Ministry of General Education spokesperson has clearly stated that the ministry is in need of teachers since the last recruitment was two years ago and Government should just recruit since there is a shortage of teachers countrywide.

WISDOM MUYUNDA, Chingola.

Send an email to dailynation@ymail.com

You can also send contributions on any topic. Anonymity when requested will be granted. Send your text message to: 0967 697056 / 0954 328223 / 0972 067699

Some Chinese businesses should be regulated Dear Editor,

UPND SECRETARY-GENERAL CLAIMS POLITICAL PARTY IS POWERLESS OVER PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE Dear Editor,

THE United Party for Nation Development UPND SecretaryGeneral Stephen Katuka says the party is not at liberty to discuss issues of Presidential nominee as Hakainde Hichilema is the defacto presumptive party presidential nominee perpetually.

These sentiments were earlier aired by the party’s then vice president for administration Mr. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba who has since rejoined the ruling Patritiotic Front led by President Edgar Lungu.

Many other UPND officials and members have reiterated this sentiment over time, some even claiming that there is a clause in the party constitution which permits Mr Hichilema to remain is president until he wins the national Presidential elections.

We cannot confirm this notion however because the UPND constitution is a hidden touchy agenda even from some of the highest-ranking party officials.

In as much as these claims are unsubstantiated, one would be hard-pressed trying to defend any against the stated as there has been no publicly held conventions and the people, no proper literature or substantiated policy to hold the party accountable for.

All that is out there is critique of the current government and jumping on the bandwagon championing whatever justso-called unsubstantiated trendy story independent of

Mr Katuka the destructive nature of our country’s reputation to the global community.

It is imperative that there is nothing Mr Hichilema will not do to get power. He is willing to put everything on the line, he has evolved in character, has actually disgraced all the values he once claimed to stand for to the point where he is cursing in public, he has reported debts from a lot of unscrupulous entities, cozied with people he once called enemies, lost public image and now he is the number one troll on Facebook. All for what?

But why that thirst for power?

Why such hunger and bitterness?

What does HH really want to achieve from being president? Mr Hichilema has no unique or even properly defined policies, he is

not passionate about anything like Michael Chilufya Sata was when he led the Patriotic Front as the opposition party.

Mr. Hichlema’s passion seems nothing other than becoming president. Or maybe there is something else we don’t know because the man is so secretive and with insurmountable shady dealings.

He seems too reluctant to disclose anything about himself and everybody who defects says the same about him. HH is a fraud.

It’s not too much to ask. The Zambian people deserve to know the real intentions of the man who has fought tooth and nail to be their leader. We respect and have been inspired by the resilience and tenacity.

But we don’t care about that now or how much money he has or how he made his billions. What we care about is the nature of a leader he shall be if he will ever be.

We deserve to see the party constitution, we deserve to see the party manifesto and we deserve to discuss their policies side by side as we discuss for MMD, FDD, PF and UNIP. We are not voting for a Facebook or WhatsApp admin, we shall be voting for the President of the Republic of Zambia and we want it to remain a democracy. Abash undemocratic tendencies. As the Bemba’s say, “Ichikwanka bacimwena kumampalanya!”

CONCERNED ZAMBIAN YOUTH.’

INVESTMENT from foreign investors is an integral part of any country, and Zambia is not an exception. To have foreign investors in the country is one thing and to have the foreign investors who add economic value to the country is another.

It is an established fact that there is a bilateral relationship between Zambia and China which spans decades.

This bilateral tie has led to proliferation of Chinese investors into our country to invest in various sectors of the economy.

These include agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, tourism to mention but a few.

The foreign investors in these sectors are welcome. This is because they add value to the economic wellbeing of the country. But, some Chinese have been involved in businesses which Zambian entrepreneurs can run.

It is unacceptable that some Chinese sell chickens, roasted maize, fritters and other merchandise at Lusuka’s Soweto Market.

If these Chinese nationals who claim to be investors and involve themselves in businesses which Zambians can, then where are going as a country.

This is a clear indication that the law to regulate their businesses in our country is porous.

However, these Chinese should be regulated on the nature of businesses which they can do and others which can be left to Zambian entrepreneurs.

Under any stress of imagination, this is unfair and the trend should be stopped before it gets out of hand.

ELEMIYA PHIRI, Lusaka.

DAILY

Thursday 24 September, 2020

HOME NEWS

KAZUNGULA PROTEST ENTERS SECOND DAY

K217m released for bridges’ repair

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

REHABILITATION of washed away bridges in Zambia has started at a cost of K217 million, the Road Development Agency (RDA) has said.

And acting director and chief executive officer, George Manyele, said that the rehabilitation exercise of the washed away crossing points had started.

He said in an interview yesterday that RDA provincial regional managers were spearheading the exercise “We had tasked our regional managers to go around their respective provinces to capture all structures that were washed away and those that are on the verge of being washed away.

"This task has been completed and the total budget to address all the washed away crossings in the country is K217Million," Mr Manyele said.

He said provincial regional managers had been advised to devise a strategy of prioritizing the crossings so that areas with larger population were not cut off.

Mr Manyele stated that funds were being released slowly for the national exercise and that a contractor had been engaged to start phase one of installing acrow bridges in the country.

He explained that the exercise would start with Eastern province before the onset of the rainy season.

“Government through the RDA bought 131 Acrow bridges. I must confirm that all components of these bridges are in the country and the first set will be installed in Eastern Province.

"The contractor has been engaged and money has been released to start the process," Mr Manyele said.

He said once the exercise was completed in Eastern province, the nation would be informed where phase two would be conducted.

Meanwhile, Mr Manyele said the 923-meter-long bilateral Kazungula Bridge project between Zambia – Botswana has advanced and currently stood at 99 percent in completion.

“I together with RDA board members this month inspected the bridge and I can confirm that the bridge will be fully complete in the Month of October 2020," said.

He said there would be a last detailed technical inspection after which RDA would hand over the bridge to the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development for official opening protocols.

Officially launched in 2014, the $259.3 million project is co-financed by the governments of Botswana and Zambia with support from the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

9

By ANDREW MUKOMA

T

HE protest by truck drivers at the Kazungula Border has entered the second day with trucks building up on the Zambia side.

By 11:00 hours yesterday, no Zambian or foreign truck driver had been allowed to cross into Botswana as drivers had blocked the border point.

However, foreign transit truck from South Africa were being cleared and al-

lowed to cross into Zambia by authorities in Botswana.

On Wednesday, some Zambian and foreign truck drivers blocked the entry and exit point at Kazungula Border in protests against the slow pace at which authorities in Botswana were clearing vehicles into that country.

The reduced pace is reportedly as a result of additional restrictive measures in view of the Covid-19 outbreak. The drivers closed the border crossing point on

the Zambian side to prevent their counterparts from Botswana entering Zambia.

The drivers were protesting against the slow pace at which they were being cleared by authorities in Botswana which had led to trucks being marooned on the Zambian side for over a week.

Kazungula District Administration Officer Mbeha Akabondo who addressed the drivers assured them that the situation was going to be addressed by yester-

day as assured by authorities in Botswana.

However, the situation has not improved with trucks marooned in Zambia as they were not crossing into Botswana.

The situation has been worsened by the breakdown of one of the ferries leaving only one operating.

Information reaching the Daily Nation indicated that authorities in Botswana were still reluctant to allow trucks from Zambia into that country.

ZNS to embark on dams, fish ponds construction

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

THE Zambia National Service (ZNS) has directed its land development branch to quickly deploy the eath-moving equipment in the construction of dams, fish ponds and bridges so that they help the nation in fully diversifying economy through enhanced agriculture.

Deputy commandant and chief of staff, Major General Benson Miti said the service would continue to work on programmes that shall help Government and the nation in

general reap benefits for the trust reposed on them.

Major. Gen Miti said this at the official unveiling ceremony of the newly procured eath-moving equipment at ZNS Land Development Branch Headquarters yesterday.

The eath-moving equipment was procured from CAMCO Equipment Zambia Limited at the total cost of US$135, 860 using internally generated resources.

"Bought at a huge cost $135, 860, ZNS Land development branch is therefore being di-

rected to quickly deploy this highly versatile piece of machinery in the construction of dams, fish ponds and bridges so that we help our nation in fully diversifying our economy and through enhanced agriculture," Brig.Gen Miti said.

He said the equipment should thus assist to redress the effects of climate change in some drought prone areas, enhance aqua-cultural production and help connect agricultural farm areas to sources of inputs markets for their produce.

He said the ZNS had adopt-

ed an ambitious programme of systematically replacing some of its equipment that were fast wearing away as well as generally beefing up on the current equipment holding.

He appealed to CAMCO to continue with the transfer of technological know-how for the newly procured equipment to service personnel so that they would be able to effectively handle the servicing it. He also called upon officers to guard the equipment jelously to ensure the people Zambia benefited from the initiative.

Proflights starts ‘new normal’ flights to Jo’burg Missing soldier to be declared dead?

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

PROFLIGHT Zambia will launch four times a week passenger flights from Lusaka to Johannesburg, South Africa from October 1, this year.

This comes barely days after South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced the country would reopen its international borders on October 1, 2020, under level 1 of lockdown.

Proflight will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the addition of twice-weekly cargo flights departing Lusaka on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

This is according to Proflight Zambia Director Flight Operations, Josias Walubita.

Captain Walubita said Proflight had become the first in Zambia to ferry passengers and cargo to Johannesburg under the new normal.

“We are excited to announce our new route – Lusaka-Johannesburg. This is a great opportunity for all citizens in Zambia to travel to Johannesburg– whether for business or leisure – on our comfortable plane,” Captain Walubita said.

He said the first Lusaka-Johannesburg flight, scheduled for October 1 this year was already receiving overwhelming

response from the public.

“So far, the response from the general public has been great.

We have a lot of interest from the public for this route,” he noted.

Captain Walubita explained that introduction of the Lusaka-Johannesburg route was an indication of Proflight Zambia’s commitment to growth and regional expansion.

“It’s just plane smart for us to spread our wings from Lusaka to Johannesburg. It’s simply amazing that this expansion allows us to link our esteemed customers to two hives of commercial activity. It is indeed a great achievement and a milestone in our growth as an airliner,” he

Life-saving skills for women on offer

By NATION REPORTER

The Every-ones-World Leadership Foundation programme (ELF) is inviting applications for a three-month online leadership development programme designed to give lifesaving skills.

The Leadership development programme targeting young women aged between 16 and 21 is open for applications from September 15th for the first intake in January 2021.

Only 100 founder members would be accepted as participants in the inaugural course and the intake will build up to 200 each in the second and third intakes of 202 A limited number of scholarships are available for the first course.

“If you are a young woman aged between 16 and 21, wherever you are in the world, you can apply to join a three-month online leadership development program designed to give you

a head start on your life's journey,” founder, Yene Assegid who is based in Zambia said.

The programme is a dream come true for Dr Assegid who wants to give the tools to realise ambitions and learn how to lead effectively to the young women.

Ethiopian-born Assegid will teach the key insights from the over 20 years she has presented in leadership training around the world.

Raised in Belgium, Dr Assegid completed her university stud-

said.

Captain Walubita urged travellers to get on board and assured them of safety against COVID-19.

“We are also adhering to public health guidelines on COVID-19 throughout the journey,” he stressed.

He said more flights would be instroduced when demand increases and was currently looking at reintroducing the direct Ndola/ Johannesburg and Lusaka/ Durban flights at a later date.

Eligibility to enter South Africa is subject to the South African COVID-19 entry regulations once they are released in the coming days.

ies from Bachelor degree to PhD in the United States of America.

She holds the level of Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a credential held by only five percent of ICF members worldwide.

Fluent in English, French and Amharic, with conversational German, KRIO, Spanish and Mandarin, Assegid has worked in a wide variety of cultures, training executives, managers and individuals in private companies and civil society organisations as well for European Union and United Nations' agencies.

By GRACE CHAILELESOETSA

THE State has asked the Lusaka High Court to declare dead, a Zambia Army soldier who has been missing for over eight years to enable the management of his estate.

The Attorney General cited Staff Sergeant Royd Lwengeshi as the deceased.

Zambia Army (ZA) Man Power and Personnel Administration officer, Lieutenant Colonel Elias Zulu in his affidavit in support of originating summons filed in Lusaka High Court stated that Staff Sergeant Lwengeshi joined the Army in 1994.

Lt.Col Zulu said S/G Lwengeshi who was deployed in Kabwe went missing on November 11, 2011 while on vacation leave. He was aged 39.

He stated that after the search for him by his family proved futile, the Army convened a board

of inquiry on November 20, that same year into his whereabouts.

Lt Col Zulu said prior to the convening of the board of inquiry, the Zambia Police Service did issue a missing report dated January 18 2012.

He said another ZA board of inquiry was convened on May 5, 2020 to declare S/G Lwengeshi dead.

He stated that despite taking the said board of inquires proceedings and other documents, Public Service Pensions Fund Board declined to compensate the estate of S/G Lwengeshi on account of failure to produce an order swearing and declaring his death.

He stated that the law presumes a person to have died if their whereabouts are unknown for a period of seven years or more, therefore it is a fit and proper case in which the court can exercise its discretion and grant the order sought.

DAILY DAILY

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Thursday 24, September 2020

Kopala News

EPIROC EMPLOYEES UP IN ARMS

By SANFROSSA MANYINDA

SOME employees at Epiroc Zambia Limited in Chingola have complained that they are being mistreated by one of the managers at the firm.

Epiroc, formerly Atlas Copco is one of the leading global productivity partners for the

mining and infrastructure industries.

The employees who opted to remain anonymous, told the Daily Nation that a named manager abused them verbally and physically.

“He beats us up especially those that operate from the head office. He also uses insulting

language on us and challenges us to report him anywhere we wanted as nobody can punish him,” they said.

The employees also charged that they on several occasions failed to report the named manager to the police for physical abuse for fear of losing their jobs.

They alleged that the abusive acts happened in full view of other company managers who do nothing to defend them.

And when contacted for a comment, company service manager, Thomas Collins who could neither confirm nor deny the accusations only said that he had been away from the office

for so many weeks and could not say anything, a statement the employees said was not true.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kaziya, advised employees not to fear but report to relevant authorities when such things happen.

Mr Kaziya said that no one had

the right to mistreat employees at any place of work.

“Ensure that you report such cases because if you do not, the labour officers will not know and abuse will continue,” he said.

Mr Kaziya directed the Senior Labour Officer in the district to investigate the matter and come up with a comprehensive report.

Meanwhile, Chingola acting Senior Labour Officer, Mutete Susiku, said that his office had not at any point recorded such complaints from Epiroc employees.

K11m water project underway in Kitwe

By ROGERS KALERO GOVERNMENT will spend 488, 000 euros (K11.2 million) to put piped water in Kitwe’s Chipata Township, Riverside ward councillor, Chando Mbao has said.

Residents in Chipata Township have been drawing water for drinking from shallow wells for a long time.

Mr Mbao said the water project was aimed at connecting all the households in the township, which has about 50, 000 people.

In an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Mr Mbao said, apart from the water supply project, Government had lined up a number of projects to improve the welfare of the people in the area. He said a project to construct a clinic in the constituency was under way in the area “Yes, I can confirm that we have lined up a number of projects in Chipata Township. One of the projects is the water supply project to connect each household to piped water “Government is to spend about 488,000 euros on this project and we expect the residents to guard this project jealously. We don’t want to hear thefts and vandalism,” Mr Mbao said Mr Mbao advised the residents to support developmental projects in the area because they were meant for them.

He said Government and area Member of Parliament (MP) Joe Malanji had been working hard to improve people’s lives through setting up revolving fund and putting up developmental projects “Government is putting up infrastructure like roads and other things, while the area MP is trying his best to empower youths and women.

“For those receiving revolving funds from the area MP, they should put it to good use. For infrastructure developmental, people must guard it jealously,” he added

DAILY

Thursday 24, September 2020

N/West-Mosi News

| 13

SOUTH UPND CRIES OVER ‘DELAYED’ NRCs

By ANDREW MUKOMA

Voter trainers get electoral tips

THE UPND in Southern Province has asked Government to deploy officers who will monitor the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) in the region.

Provincial chairman, Billiard Makwembo, charged that in certain areas, the department of National Registration was handling the exercise with “double standards.”

The provincial chairman appealed

to Home Affairs Minister, Stephen Kampyongo, to take particular interest in the matter.

Mr Makwembo has told the Daily Nation in Livingstone that, in some areas, the process had not started while in other areas, the exercise was taking place in undesignated locations.

“We are extremely disappointed as UPND leadership in Southern Province with the double standards being exhibited by the department of National Registration.

“Yesterday, 22 September 2020 was second day for the mobile registration of NRC but it has not commenced in many districts of Southern Province as scheduled,” Mr Makwembo said.

He charged that in Livingstone, the office of the District Commissioner, Livingstone City Council and the police did not have any information on mobile issuance of NRC. Mr Makwembosaid that in Siavonga, instead of maintaining the official registration centre, the officers at the

department of the NRC had decided to relocate.

“We urge the minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo to deploy his officers on the ground without any delay for inspection. This element of political criminality cannot be entertained,” he said.

“We demand also for an explanation from PF as to why mobile National Registration Card process has not commenced in some areas as scheduled,” Mr Makwembo said.

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI THE training of District Voter Education Trainers (DVET) in North western Province has started under the auspices of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

The provincial voter education workshop is aimed at introducing participants to the voter education content, approach and methodology for voter registration.

Provincial Local Government Officer Adrian Zulu, emphasised the need for enhanced voter education in all areas.

Mr Zulu called on trainers to prove that they were indeed voter education activists who would contribute in disseminating information within their spheres of influence.

He cited the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 which empowers the ECZ to make regulations providing for the registration of voters and voter education.

He said Voter education was an important programme aimed at mobilising citizens to participate in the electoral process in order to improve people’s voter education knowledge.

Mr Zulu stressed that the principle of non-partisanship and that political neutrality must be upheld at all times whether as trainer or voter education facilitator in the delivery of voter education.

He said the ECZ would undertake a robust national voter education programme to mobilise first time voters, youths, women, persons with disabilities and those who were currently registered, an exercise which could only succeed through concerted effort.

“Therefore, the training of the DVETs is significant in enhancing the quality and skills of officers carrying out various electoral assignments,” he said.

The ECZ is scheduled to conduct Voter Registration exercise from 28th October to 30th November 2020 and targets to approximately register 9 million eligible voters in this year’s registration.

And every Zambian aged 18 and above and in possession with a green national registration card, including all registered on the current register of voters will be required to register.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA

PUBLIC NOTICE LAUNCH OF THE ONLINE VOTER PRE-REGISTRATION The Electoral Commission of Zambia wishes to inform all stakeholders and members of the public that the Online Voter Pre-Registration will be launched on Monday, 21st September 2020. The exercise will end on 6th November 2020. The Online- Voter Pre-registration is not a final registration. All those who will pre-register online will be required to visit a physical Registration Centre to submit their biometrics, have their details verified and obtain a voters card. Registration Centres will be open during the period 28th October to 30th November 2020. Registration Centres will operate from 07:00hrs to 18:00hrs hours each day.

Those who may not have access to internet to enable them to pre-register online can visit any registration centre to register and obtain their Voters cards. The Online

Voter Pre-Registration is convenient as those who will pre-register online will be expected to spend less time at registration centres.

The Commission is calling upon all eligible Zambians to register during the 2020 Voter Registration Exercise even if one is currently registered. If you do not register you will not vote in the 2021 General Elections. The current Voters card will not be used in the 2021 general elections.

ISSUED BY: The Chief Electoral Officer Electoral Commission of Zambia, Elections House Haile Selassie Avenue P O Box 50274, LUSAKA.

Thursday 24 September, 2020

FEATURES

DAILY

14

The Impact of Covid-19 on the Zambian Economy

A Summary of the Zambian Economy: Zambia is well known for its richness in mineral resources including copper, gold, cobalt, uranium, emeralds and manganese. Copper in particular is important to Zambia as its exports are a major source of income to the country.

In 2018 the world had seen a drastic fall in the price of copper; this is mainly due to the reduced demand for Copper from China due to onset of trade restrictions with United States of America and the slump in global demand on various products across the world.

Furthermore, Zambia was seeing a fall in output of copper due to the slump in prices resulting in mines slowing / shutting down on their operations. [1] Agriculture, the other major sector of Zambian economy, equally faced challenges due to repeated droughts for the past years. The droughts dwindled farming outputs i.e. maize, wheat and soya and other crops. As a consequence, the price of mealie meal, the staple food of Zambia increased due to deficits in maize production.

Another challenge posed by drought was a shortage in electricity supply in the country, since approximately 95% of the country’s electricity source comes from hydroelectric plants. The affected industries were manufacturing, mining, construction and commerce.

The aforementioned factors affected the performance of the local currency which reduced the value of the Kwacha from 11.9 to the Dollar to 15.5 Kwacha at the end of the year.

Effects of the Pandemic on Zambian Economy: The Covid-19 pandemic impact is being felt in all sectors of the

The Impact Covid-19 on Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) and Households in Zambia The SME (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) sector of Zambia is estimated to account for 97% of all businesses. SME contributes about 38 percent to the country’s GDP. However, the sector still faces challenges and that being the inaccuracy in the financial records of companies and this can cause financial service providers (FSP) to potentially finance incompetent organisations.

SME’s find it difficult to access finances from the bank as they may not have the adequate security or financial records that would provide an assurance about their capacity to repay loans. This has led to business failure and closure for these SMEs. The SME sector continues to have and is still having a difficult time handling the affairs of the business during the period of Covid-19. There has been massive downsizing of the workforce in the country, leading to increased unemployment rates. There are some businesses that have been forced to close down due to the business being financially fragile [4]. This is a case where the low liquidity is not able to meet the ever rising cost owing to high exchange rate, high inflation, high wage demands and overall high cost of inputs such as fuel and electricity.

Furthermore, it has been seen that the Bank of Zambia has is-

sued a 10 Billion Kwacha Stimulus Package. This stimulus package is being applied in order to enable the financial services providers to on-lend to local SMEs and households that have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This facility targets the four sectors prioritised in the National Development Plan of Zambia (Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism and Energy) [5] Through this stimulus package, it is hoped that the business sector, including SMEs, wil access affordable finance which has been pegged at 17.5% as opposed to an average 30% commercial rate. By supporting businesses to sustain operations, it is anticipated that there will be no job losses arising from the impact of COVID-19.

The fear of Covid-19 continues to grow as households are uncertain about the number of people infected as there may be a lack of testing kits. Moreover, as the fear grows the people are worried that they will not have access to medical check-up if they do catch the virus. In addition to this the

Another 24% has access to basic hygiene services. The numbers shown proves that a large proportion of the Zambian population do not have access to basic use of water. [6] Financial Aid Provided to African Countries The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is providing financial assistance and debt service relief to member countries facing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has currently allocated $88 billion in total to several countries globally. Approximately 102 countries have requested financial aid from the IMF [7].

The fund has doubled and the access to its emergency facilities is trying to be allocated through to the many countries that are requesting its aid. There is an approximate demand of about $100 billion in financing. [8] It has been reported by the World Bank that over the next 15 months, the World Bank Group will be making available $160 billion in financing, tailored to

Global price of Copper

7,000 6,800 6,600 U.S. Dollars per Metric Ton

T

HE COVID-19 virus, posed an unprecedented threat to all; having first appeared in China in December 2019. The alarming rate at which Covid-19 has spread throughout the world has not only affected the public healthcare systems but all the economies across the globe.

Global recession seems to be in an inevitable consequence.

Global trade has, for example, been affected negatively by the pandemic. The widespread implementation of guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has heavily impacted every country and its day to day affairs. Zambia, a landlocked country in Africa, is heavily dependent on imports and these guidelines which have been imposed has caused there to be restrictions on travel and trade. The closing off of the country’s borders to its neighbours is thus fuelling the issue of an already fragile economy.

This paper is gives an insight into the current state of the Zambian economy and business further brings out some of the short and long term measures which should address the current situation both from social and economic perspectives.

economy with business shrinking due to low demand and stiff supply conditions. The local currency, the Kwacha has slumped from 15.5 to a Dollar to about Kwacha 19.5 to a Dollar.

The economic situation in Zambia has become challenging and the fiscal situation constrained due to the pandemic.

The Treasury in Zambia is striving for efficient mobilization of domestic resources. It has been predicted that the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the country has caused a downward shift of the predicted 3% of economic growth to an approximate of -4.2% .The government is hoping to engage its external partners for support and cooperation on the fiscal side of the economy.

COVID-19 has further triggered a demand and supply shock. On the supply side we have seen a fall in employment levels. The fall in employment levels is caused by the fall in the supply for goods, the restriction of travel and the closure of workplaces as there had been a lockdown imposed in many countries. On the demand side the consumers and the suppliers were deferring spending in order to have a stronger financial position due to severe uncertainties facing households.

Additionally the economy has also suffered from the restrictions of travel as Zambia holds one of the natural wonders of the world (Victoria Falls). Zambia attracts a vast number of tourists and the tourism industry contributes approximately 7.1% of the country’s GDP. The restrictions on travel has caused there to be a massive fall in the number of tourists visiting the beautiful tourist attractions of Zambia. [2]

6,400 6,200 6,000 5,800 5,600 5,400 5,200

2018

2019

2020

Source: International Monetary Fund

poverty levels in Zambia are very high; many people would find it difficult to sustain the burden of hospital bills and lodging fees for the quarantine period.

Despite many African countries having difficulties in providing basic healthcare to all of its population, Zambia has been in a better position when compared to other African countries as the healthcare has been financed mostly by the government and external donors. This is reducing the out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare expenditure per person resulting in cheaper health care services for people of Zambia when compared to the other countries in Africa.

Another problem which African countries face is the restricted access of water and the maintenance of proper hygiene and sanitation. The (WHO) has recommended the public to wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to remove the viral contagions on the hand. This recommendation cannot be met in Africa as there is restricted access to water. Additionally if there is access to water this water may be contaminated and this would not be hygienic and it can cause there to be an increase in water borne diseases.

The total number of Zambians in the country is 17.35 million of that it has been estimated that approximately of 33% of Zambians do not access to basic sanitation.

the health, economic and social shocks that countries are facing.

This includes up to $50 billion for African countries. The World Bank has taken fast action to help African countries strengthen their pandemic response and health care systems. Nearly a billion dollars for the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been approved in Africa. The World Bank has amounted $1.9 billion in aid across the globe which is assisting 25 countries, was rolled out as an immediate response by the World Bank. [9] The African Development Bank Group (AFDB) has provided foreign aid to many African countries to relieve the economic impact that each country has faced from the COVID-19. [10] An approximate of 297 million students in Africa are out of school because of the pandemic.

The governments of Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, alongside many other countries, have launched e-learning platforms. The governments have partnered with national broadcasters, telecoms, and private organisations. Maintaining and increasing access to education is a vital step during the global pandemic. [11] As the number of cases continues to rise across the world, the situation appears to be worsening. It is important to keep the people of the country safe and

try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus across the country. It is the responsibility of the government and other related institutions in ensuring the different sectors of the economy continue to thrive despite the current COVID-19 challenges.

Solutions some Governments across Africa have implemented in order to improve the economic position of the country Other governments across the world have adopted economic packages including fiscal, monetary, and financial policy measures in order to support the country’s economy. These economic measures are targeting households, firms, health systems and banks in order to reach everybody. There are several other African countries who have taken more successful measure in reducing the spread of Covid-19.

The solution each country has taken to try improve its economy is going to be analysed in order to understand what Zambia can do to its economic position. [12] Senegal has developed an immune based diagnostic test for Covid-19 which is heavily subsidised and charged at about $1 per test. A multifunctional robot has been developed in order to reduce the strain in which health care workers do taken when doing these tests on the patients of the hospital. [13] Ghana has produced a low-cost Covid-19 antibody test which is currently going through regulatory reviews. In Kenya many of the existing factories have changed their production products in order to produce masks which can be used for the general use across the public throughout the world, this is considered to be an aid for its market as the businesses will not be sitting idle as well as it will continue to support the people reduce the spread of Covid-19.

[14][15] Measures Zambia must take in order to improve its Economic Position The Zambian government has been striving hard to keep the spread of the COVID -19 virus at the lowest level and had put in measures of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks by all and is ensuring strict adherence of the same.

Some of the suggestions to improve on the economic position are given below both in Short term and in the long term Short Term Measures: a) Austerity measures can be considered in order to reduce the government budget deficits through the cutting of government expenditure. b) Support the SME’S and business houses with easy access to finance which will enable them to keep afloat the business and to maintain the employment of their personnel. c) The scale of finance and support to SME can be based on the number of people in employment in that establishment. The Support can be more for people who have more personnel on their rolls.

This will also ensure that people are retained in employ-

ment. d) Tourism can be improved by waiving the visa fees and allowing on arrival short term Visa for Tourists from anywhere in the world. Steps to be taken to promote other destinations in Zambia which are still to be explored by incoming tourists. e) VAT refund on any purchases by tourists of goods manufactured in Zambia (restricted to an amount to be fixed) to be made easier on their exit.

Long Term Measures: a) Value addition to Zambia’s mineral resources is cardinal.

Currently many of our minerals are being exported out of the country in raw form resulting in low revenue generation in terms of sale value as we’ll as taxation to the exchequer. b) Investments into the value addition manufacturing / refining in the mining sector has to be promoted by giving Incentives to such Investments which will improve the foreign exchange earning of the country. c) Other minerals like gold which has been found recently are to be organised and a gold refinery be set and an auction floor for Zambian gold be set up with base in Lusaka. d) To invest in alternate source of energy like solar and windmill energy thereby reducing the dependence on hydroelectric power.

Some of the Social measures which can be taken to handle the pandemic are: Short Term Measures: a) To provide test kits for free/ subsidised rate to enable mass testing access b) Government can open an online portal for primary and secondary education (for all students) to enable the students to continue their education from their homes. c) To introduce multi-functional robots in routine health care places as in Senegal this will avert the scarce healthcare professionals to expose themselves to the virus. d) The cities can be fragmented into different areas and each area has got a community health personnel and data on people who are infected with the virus and to enforce strictly quarantine rules.

Long Term Measures: a) To encourage online platform trade wherein essentials like groceries and vegetables and other household are available on online store which will avoid people rushing into stores for such purchases. b) To invest more in healthcare personnel recruitment and training. The training of healthcare personnel especially Nurses and other allied areas be taken up in a large scale. c) To immediately improve in fibre optic (Internet) infrastructure across the country. ________________________ Written by Mr Anish Balasubramanian , Year 13 Student of Baobab College, Lusaka, Zambia

Contracts Contracts& Tenders & Tenders 15

NAME OF PROCURING ENTITY:

16

Thursday 24 September, 2020

TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ONE STATION WAGON MOTOR VEHICLE FOR THE UNIVERSAL ACCESS AND SERVICE FUND Zambia Information And Communications Technology Authority

Subscribe to our e-paper at K5/day

IFB NO. BOZ/HQ/ONB/15/2020– SUPPLY, CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PV PLANTS AT THE BANK OF ZAMBIA HEAD OFFICES IN LUSAKA AND REGIONAL OFFICES IN NDOLA

Tuesday 17 September, 2020 0211 243527

NUMBER OF STAGES

1

EVALUATION MECHANISM

Least Cost Selection

CEEC PREFERENCE TYPE

No Preference

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT

No

POSTQUALIFICATION

Yes

UNSPSC CODES

44000000-Office Equipment and Accessories and Supplies Participation Fee Required

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE IN (DAYS/HOURS):

26/23

NAME OF PROCURING ENTITY:

APP REFERENCE NUMBER:

1006/5555/ZICTA/ASC/53/20

34/23

TENDER UNIQUE ID:

5555/2/35/2020

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE IN (DAYS/HOURS): APP REFERENCE NUMBER:

1006/7232/92020105

TENDER UNIQUE ID:

7232/1/35/2020

STATUS:

Bid Submission

PAYMENT TYPE

DESCRIPTION:

ROOFTOP MINI SOLAR PLANT

PAYMENT AMOUNT (ZMW)

500

PROCUREMENT METHOD RATIONALE

IFB NO. BOZ/HQ/ONB/15/2020– SUPPLY, CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PV PLANTS AT THE BANK OF ZAMBIA HEAD OFFICES IN LUSAKA AND REGIONAL OFFICES IN NDOLA

PAYMENT TERMS AND METHOD

online bid submission through e-GP by downloading a deposit slip and depositing the amount or through visa card and then upload the deposit slip onto the system

Open National Bidding

BID SECURITY TYPE:

Bid Security Required

Electronically on the e-GP - System

CONTRACT AWARDED IN LOTS

Yes 2

STATUS:

Bid Submission

DESCRIPTION:

SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ONE STATION WAGON MOTOR VEHICLE FOR THE UNIVERSAL ACCESS AND SERVICE FUND

Bank of Zambia

AWARD CRITERIA DETAILS

BEST EVALUATED BIDDER WITH LEAST COST

SUBMISSION METHOD DETAILS

ONLINE THROUGH THE ZPPA EG-PROCURE SYSTEM

PROCUREMENT TYPE:

Goods

PROCEDURE:

Open Bidding National

COMMENCEMENT TYPE

Advertisement of Notice

AWARD CRITERIA DETAILS

THRESHOLD

Below

PROCUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

SUBMISSION METHOD DETAILS

NUMBER OF STAGES

1

PROCUREMENT TYPE:

Works

NUMBER OF LOTS

EVALUATION MECHANISM

Least Cost Selection

PROCEDURE:

Open Bidding National

LOT NAME (0)

Laptop and Desktop computers

CEEC PREFERENCE TYPE

Company Ownership Preference

COMMENCEMENT TYPE

Advertisement of Notice

LOT NAME (1)

Printers and scanners

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT

No

THRESHOLD

Below

No

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

16/10/2020 10:00:00

POSTQUALIFICATION

PROCUREMENT TECHNIQUE

DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION

UNSPSC CODES

25100000-Motor vehicles

NUMBER OF STAGES

1

09/10/2020 16:00:00

PAYMENT TYPE

Participation Fee Required

EVALUATION MECHANISM

Least Cost Selection

END OF CLARIFICATION PERIOD

500

CEEC PREFERENCE TYPE

No Preference

BID OPENING DATE

16/10/2020 10:30:00

PAYMENT AMOUNT (ZMW) PAYMENT TERMS AND METHOD

PAYMENT TO BE MADE THROUGH THE ZPPA ZANACO ACCOUNT PROVIDED ON THE ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT PLATFORM

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT

No

POSTQUALIFICATION

Yes

BID SECURITY TYPE:

Bid Security Declaration Required

UNSPSC CODES

BID SECURITY AMOUNT TYPE

Percentage

72000000-Building and Construction and Maintenance Services

CONTRACT AWARDED IN LOTS

No

PAYMENT TYPE

Participation Fee Required

DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION

13/10/2020 10:00:00

PAYMENT AMOUNT (ZMW)

500

END OF CLARIFICATION PERIOD

30/09/2020 10:00:00

BID OPENING DATE

13/10/2020 10:30:00

PAYMENT TERMS AND METHOD

Payment Terms and Method: Online payment through the e-GP system by downloading the Bill Master form, then proceed to deposit the amount and upload the deposit slip onto the e-GP system

DATE OF PUBLICATION/INVITATION 11/09/2020 16:28:57

TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF LEASED PRINTING SERVICES EQUIPMENT ON A ONE (1NO) YEAR FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT NAME OF PROCURING ENTITY:

Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE IN (DAYS/HOURS):

20/4

APP REFERENCE NUMBER:

1006/10419/TI35

TENDER UNIQUE ID:

10419/3/545/2020

STATUS:

Bid Submission

DESCRIPTION:

THE PROVISION OF LEASED PRINTING SERVICES EQUIPMENT ON A ONE (1NO) YEAR FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT

PROCUREMENT METHOD RATIONALE

COMPETITIVE BIDDING

AWARD CRITERIA DETAILS

MULTIPLE AWARDS TO BEST EVALUATED BIDDERS

SUBMISSION METHOD DETAILS

ONLINE

PROCUREMENT TYPE:

Non-consulting Services

PROCEDURE:

Open Bidding National

COMMENCEMENT TYPE

Advertisement of Notice

THRESHOLD

Below

PROCUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

NUMBER OF STAGES

1

EVALUATION MECHANISM

Least Cost Selection

CEEC PREFERENCE TYPE

No Preference

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT

Yes

POSTQUALIFICATION

No

UNSPSC CODES

82121500-Printing

PAYMENT TYPE

Participation Fee Required

PAYMENT AMOUNT (ZMW)

500

PAYMENT TERMS AND METHOD

Online through Electronic Procurement System

BID SECURITY TYPE:

Bid Security Declaration Required

CONTRACT AWARDED IN LOTS

Yes

NUMBER OF LOTS

2

LOT NAME (0)

SHOPS

LOT NAME (1)

OFFICES

DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION

06/10/2020 15:00:00

END OF CLARIFICATION PERIOD

15/09/2020 10:00:00

BID OPENING DATE

06/10/2020 15:30:00

DATE OF PUBLICATION/INVITATION

04/09/2020 15:15:51

15/09/2020 10:14:52

TENDER FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF LINE GEAR MATERIALS FOR THE 2020 GRID EXTENSION PROJECTS

NAME OF PROCURING ENTITY:

Rural Electrification Authority

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE IN (DAYS/HOURS):

1/23

APP REFERENCE NUMBER:

1006/20076/REA/ONB/G/3/2020

TENDER UNIQUE ID:

20076/2/30/2020

STATUS:

Bid Submission

DESCRIPTION:

Procurement of line gear materials for 2020 projects

AWARD CRITERIA DETAILS

best evaluated bidder (s) online bid submission only

BID SECURITY TYPE:

Bid Security Required

CONTRACT AWARDED IN LOTS

Yes

NUMBER OF LOTS

2

SUBMISSION METHOD DETAILS

LOT NAME (0)

BOZ Head Office, Lusaka – Executive and Annex Buildings

PROCUREMENT TYPE:

Goods

PROCEDURE:

Open Bidding National

LOT NAME (1)

BOZ Regional Office, Ndola - Main and Annex Buildings;

COMMENCEMENT TYPE

Advertisement of Notice

DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION

THRESHOLD

Below

21/10/2020 10:00:00

PROCUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

END OF CLARIFICATION PERIOD

NUMBER OF STAGES 14/10/2020 16:00:00

1

EVALUATION MECHANISM

Least Cost Selection

BID OPENING DATE

21/10/2020 10:30:00

CEEC PREFERENCE TYPE

No Preference

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ESTABLISHMENT

No

POSTQUALIFICATION

No

UNSPSC CODES

26120000-Electrical wire and cable and harness 39120000-Electrical equipment and components and supplies 25173900-Electrical components 26121600-Electrical cable and accessories

PAYMENT TYPE

Participation Fee Required

PAYMENT AMOUNT (ZMW)

1,000

PAYMENT TERMS AND METHOD

As guided by ZPPA via e-GP

BID SECURITY TYPE:

Bid Security Required

BID SECURITY AMOUNT

2

BID SECURITY AMOUNT TYPE

PERCENTAGE

CONTRACT AWARDED IN LOTS

Yes

NUMBER OF LOTS

2

LOT NAME (0)

Line gear lot 1

LOT NAME (1)

Line gear lot 2

DEADLINE FOR BID SUBMISSION

18/09/2020 10:00:00

DATE OF PUBLICATION/ INVITATION

03/09/2020 08:10:57

Tender for the Supply and delivery of various Information Technology (ICT) Equipment for Workers Compensation Fund Control Board

Government

DATE OF PUBLICATION/ INVITATION

NAME OF PROCURING ENTITY:

Workers Compensation Fund Control Board

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE IN (DAYS/HOURS):

29/23

APP REFERENCE NUMBER:

1006/1287/3

TENDER UNIQUE ID:

1287/2/21/2020

STATUS:

Bid Submission

DESCRIPTION:

Supply and delivery of various Information Technology (ICT) Equipment for Workers Compensation Fund Control Board

PROCUREMENT METHOD RATIONALE

Open Bidding National to allow for wide participation by Zambian Nationals

AWARD CRITERIA DETAILS

best evaluated bidder (s)

SUBMISSION METHOD DETAILS

online bid submission only

PROCUREMENT TYPE:

Goods

PROCEDURE:

Open Bidding National

COMMENCEMENT TYPE

Advertisement of Notice

THRESHOLD

Below

END OF CLARIFICATION PERIOD

04/09/2020 12:00:00

PROCUREMENT TECHNIQUE

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

BID OPENING DATE

18/09/2020 10:30:00

16

Thursday 24, September 2020

Positive Vibrations no 231

GHOSTS OF THE PAST

Part III - Profits first THE business or corporate approach in doing things is a mixture of ruthlessness as well as outright good, manifested through donations, and others from the so-called “Corporate Social Responsibility.” Great deception!

As such the Ghost of the past is a combination of the “good and bad.” Take for instance our most talked about Copper Belt region; like it or not, it became a shell of itself beginning with the bungled Privatisation programme linked to the early part of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

To date, there are empty or collapsed buildings and rotting infrastructure, which has sadly, become a “decoration” of suffering – all because of privatisation. This is the unfortunate icing of our recent past, which others are justifying, with little room for reason. The privatisation of State enterprise is less than 30 years, covering about only three generations and nothing comparable to the meticulous pursuit of the NAZIS. (Some NAZI criminals, where hiding in plush farms in South America!)

- Is Privation and prosecution an old song?

Interestingly, there is a minority school of thought who strongly believe that since privatisation was more than 20 years ago talking about it now, is redundant.

They argue, it is a mere detraction and political ploy.

Maybe, and maybe not!

What I can share with those who may not know is that it takes a full circle of 30 years, for conflict to blow up or register!

If we take a seemingly “legal route” of obstructing justice, then public morality will suffer a big and nasty dent, which cannot be rationalised.

The pursuit of the NAZIS, and the reparation process all stand on firm ground. So is the debate and suggestions of a conclusion on Privatisation. NOBODY need FEAR anything if no wrong was occasioned!

Some are mixing issues of criminality with issues of safety of person. Well, my take as always, is that nobody is above the law and the State has a DUTY to ensure a fair trial, which is the logical conclusion.

The good news is that the law is neutral and has no favourite colour. President Frederick Chiluba was subjected to intrusive investigations and President Levy Mwanawasa is on record stating that “we are giving President Chiluba an opportunity to clear his name.” President Rupiah Banda and many other notable citizens stood trial. This demonstrates that nobody is above Law! Let me quickly state that I do not agree with some of the statements and arguments against, in the cases of Presidents Chiluba and Banda. As such my advice is that any investigation should NOT be reduced to Torture and equally no investigation and defence; should be allowed to take into account irrelevant considerations.

Therefore, I do not expect anybody, howsoever done to obstruct or undermine justice.

- The Big issue For record and posterity, the big issue here is, “the privatisation process and IMPORTANCE of ACCOUNTABILITY in establishing

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by itself, as I said last week, is not in a firm position to deal with the problem, which could assume a political dimension. Who then? The people of Zambia, who are the real MASTERS! President Lungu has indicated that he will not let the people of Zambia down! facts and the TRUTH” It is NOT necessary for me to mention names. A combination of commonsense and investigations will settle the matter!

I must confess that we have an interesting past and I am not too sure whether this is the kind of past that we would be happy to pass down to our children. It is a past dented with deception, dishonesty, plunder and outright official theft of public assets and resources! A past which has for hundreds of years terrorised locals and damaged the environment, without meaningful compensation!

Zambian copper boosted and expanded some multinationals and built several cities in and

outside Africa. The electricity we talk about from Kariba Dam is a consequence of terror, humiliation and human blood of the locals brutalised by the colonial government through forced removals.

- Meaning of Privatisation The formal meaning of Privatisation is NOT offensive.

It does not include criminality.

“It is the transfer of a business, industry or service to private ownership and control.” The process is intended to help government save money and increase efficiency, where private companies can move goods quicker and more efficiently!

Was this the case? Or is it a case of voluntary slavery – Neocolonialism?

- Receivership and duty of care Here is an important aspect of receivership at law: “A Receiver can only act in accordance with the instructions and authorisation of the appointing authority. IF THE GENERAL APPOINTMENT ORDER DOES NOT GIVE SPECIFIC AUTHORISATION THEN THE RECEIVER MUST SEEK ADDITIONAL APPROVAL BEFORE PURSUING A CERTAIN COURSE OF ACTION. For example, the Receiver must be previously authorised to file claims against third persons, to sell or abandon the assets placed in the Receivers’ custody or to distribute the proceeds of Assets liquidated.

- The State’s role in Protecting Zambia The only entity therefore that can stop the seeming psychosis by the vultures from descending hard on Zambia is the Zambian STATE and not its government.

(Please note that there is a difference between State and Government, although the two tend to overlap in both usage and practice) - Transparency & Accountability For purposes of emphasis, transparency and accountability, one of the reasons I established AFRONET together with other respected Africans of imminent standing, was to address the dearth of knowledge on key

issues that tend to hinder Human Rights Work and Development.

The synergies of the Dynamic triangle, Human Rights, Development and Democracy, are intertwined and invite merit over gossip/innuendo.

Using the human rights platform to peddle immoral and repulsive agendas; is totally unacceptable.

No human rights person worth his/her name can defend a wrong, when presented with controversial information.

- NO fear and NO Favour I certainly and without FEAR or FAVOUR stand ready to defend ANY PERSON but NOT any doubtful ACT. Please note; this issue has no political touch and I would not be engaging on a political platform.

- Deficiency of thought Many scholars, and some commentators, including those who masquerade as experts in Human Rights Law have deliberately refused to draw a linkage between political struggles against monopoly capital and legitimate Human Rights causes. Sadly, they opt to defend trappings of imperialism!

- Human Dignity and Reasonableness If the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) recognises that “Human Dignity” and “Reasonableness” are key elements, I do not see how one cannot classify the liberation struggles as a human rights campaign. In my understanding, ALL Nationalists without exception were Human Rights Defenders.

If you take South Africa, many white folks rejected a system that was not only barbaric, but in every manner politically and socially undesirable. But and but, it had its own defenders!

Many things happen here on earth, so much so that even EVIL and DECEPTION can be justified. If slavery, discrimination, racism, sexism, homosexuality etc, can/could be defended; what about the privatisation or Neocolonialism; which cuts a seemingly friendly face?

- Double Standards

Take note that the UDHR of 1948, powerful as it is, was a compromise document against a background of participating countries, with serious Human Rights problems, but again, that “contradiction” could have been the reason for the commendable push, against established brutal systems!

Of course some global Human Rights players will not support certain methods that involve violence. Prominent global groups refused to support the Campaign to free Mr. Nelson Mandela, because he was advocating for Violence. I have said several times that people tend to confuse strategy with tactics!

Unavoidable violence won freedom in most parts of the World out of no choice. There was an evidenced pattern of gross Human Rights violations that outraged the world, beyond the recent phenomena of propaganda. (I am aware of those who conjure up Human Rights Violations, to misinform and attract sympathy. The Human Rights movement is anchored on evidence based fact finding!)

- The Melt-down Let me now address the citizens who are mixing issues and looking at impropriety through political lens.

President Edgar Lungu, has publicly stated his anti-corruption position. He desires the fight against corruption to be widened and he has been equally categorical on privatisation.

I am shocked to see reverse accusations. ADVICE: The public deserves to know about its assets and resources. Politicians should not reduce Zambians to mere voters. Remember “WE THE PEOPLE” in the Constitution?

- No Jokes The President is not joking, so we must seize the opportunity provided by his leadership to exercise civic responsibility, contrasted with irresponsibility.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by itself, as I said last week, is not in a firm position to deal with the problem, which could assume a political dimension. Who then? The people of Zambia, who are the real MASTERS! President Lungu has indicated that he will not let the people of Zambia down!

It is possible that some citizens are concerned with what is happening in the now. I would not worry so much about that because, everything is seasonal and as I have said before; the fight against corruption is a roller coaster. What is fundamental is the integrity of government and its processes.

Duty and Responsibility ALL Zambians have a civic duty and responsibility to protect Zambian Assets; now and before. This means that there are no sacred cows. Anger, will not help!

It is cheap to criticise not because your criticism is legitimate but because you want to advance a personal agenda. I know people who have condemned corruption because they are not “participating.”

Check the “scandals” in procurements!

CAUTION: SILENCE IS GOLDEN! Are you sure ZNBC, Zesco, and the Airport is now owned by the Chinese government?

See you next week.

Comments: ngandem12@ gmail.com Cell/SMS 0977776191 and 0955 776191

Page 17

WORLD

News of the

EX-PRESIDENT FUMES

JOHANNESBURG - Former president Kgalema Motlanthe has bemoaned South Africa's treatment of undocumented immigrants, saying the country largely excludes migrants from society.

While honouring the memory of renowned human rights lawyer, advocate George Bizos SC, the former president alluded to his dissatisfaction with how immigrants were treated by the government and South African society.

Motlanthe was speaking at Bizos' memorial service, organised by the ANC. Bizos died at the age of 92 from natural causes on September 9.

He said: South Africa's undocumented migrants, economic refugees and asylum seekers look for hope and opportunity in South Africa. Yet they have been largely excluded from our society. There is a rush to send the oppressed back to their troubled homes, rendering them stateless beings floating between borders.

Motlanthe said South Africa's treatment of immigrants exposed fault lines in society.

"Population movement(s) are in constant motion and the ghost of the past now set the stage for the conflict of the present. Our response

…Former president Kgalema Motlanthe slams SA's treatment of undocumented immigrants

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe to migrants and refugees have exposed enduring and dangerous fault lines in our societies. Migration remains central to politics, economy, society and formation of culture on (the) African continent.

"This raises fundamental questions to our response as a nation, the politics of identity and the ideals of humanity.

What started in the hope for a better future, these treacherous journeys to build a new life

Health chief hails African leadership in Covid-19 fight LONDON - The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has praised African leaders for supporting a joint continental strategy to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

John Nkengasong told the BBC’s Newsday programme that public health initiatives on the continent, including increased testing, contact tracing and wearing of face masks, had led to a drop in new coronavirus cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) previously said the Covid-19 outbreak in Africa may have passed its peak.

On Monday it released fresh data that indicated Africa had reported a 12 percent drop in new virus cases.

Dr Nkengasong said: “Our numbers reflect the public health efforts and leadership as the continent has rallied around a joint continental effort scaling up testing and following up contact tracing and very importantly masking.

“This virus is in the community and without a strong community response and engagement there’s no chance that we can fight and that is what we are doing.”

Dr Nkengasong said the continent’s experience with diseases like Ebola had helped countries to develop contact tracing measures that have helped in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the early interventions put in place by different countries also helped in containing the virus. – BBC.

are often met with racism, segregation, xenophobia, discrimination and further violence. The critical question is, 'Are we treating these migrants differently to how Uncle George was treated?'" the former president said.

For more than a decade, South Africa has wrestled with the identity of being xenophobic, with many foreign nationals killed, attacked or blamed for the ailing economy.

In February, City Press reported that Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said its processes for undocumented immigrants were inadequate and this was exacerbated by budget cuts, shoddy systems and overburdened state machinery. Last year, home affairs spent close to R42 million to fly undocumented immigrants to their countries.

Motlanthe said South Africa's approach to foreign nationals was denying the country a bounty of legal minds such as Bizos.

"However, given the opportunity to register into education, to apply their minds, skills and creativity, become professionals in their own right, would we not find a bounty of advocates, specialists, contributors and builders such as Uncle George?" he said.

Bizos – famously known as former president Nelson Mandela's treason trial lawyer and confidant – fled Nazi-torn Greece, his country of origin, at the tender age of 13. The family immigrated to South Africa.

– NEWS24.

Angola detains dos Santos-linked executive on graft claims LUANDA - Angolan state prosecutors on Tuesday arrested a businessman with close links to ex-president Jose Eduardo dos Santos over corruption claims, amid an anti-graft drive largely aimed at the former regime.

Carlos Manuel de Sao Vicente, who headed a group of companies that sold insurance contracts to state oil giant Sonangol, was placed in preventative custody after some of his business assets were seized.

He is married to a daughter of Dos Santos, who has been widely accused of appointing cronies and family members to key positions during his 1979 - 2017 rule.

Only a small elite benefitted from Angola’s vast oil and mineral reserves during the tenure of Dos Santos, who has moved overseas along with most of his family.

Swiss prosecutors in 2018 froze $900 million held in accounts belonging to De Sao Vicente as part of a money-laundering investigation.

Earlier this month, Angola prosecutors seized building and hotels owned by one of De Sao Vicente’s companies, AAA Seguros, to probe corruption allegations.

AAA’s insurance role in Sonangol had already been revoked by presidential decree in 2016 over claims its management lacked transparency.

Angola’s Attorney General Alvaro Da Silva Joao on Tuesday said De Sao Vicente had been placed in preventive detention after a day of questioning.

“The interrogation... resulted in strong indications of embezzlement... abuse

Thursday 23, September 2020

Anti-graft agency goes after 191 Foreign ministry staff with illegal bank accounts abroad NAIROBI - The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has asked Foreign Affairs ministry staff operating illegal bank accounts abroad to comply with the law or face legal action.

The anti-graft agency says 191 employees of the ministry are operating illegal bank accounts outside the country.

In a letter to the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau, EACC gave the officers up to end of October to comply with the law.

Article 76(2)(a) of the Constitution prohibits public officers from operating bank accounts outside the country without EACC’s approval.

Such account holders are also required to submit annual bank statements to the commission not later than January 31 of each year.

EACC chief executive Twalib Mbarak in a letter to Kamau said an audit of accounts held by public

officers outside Kenya reveals that up to 191 officers serving under Foreign ministry are illegally operating accounts outside Kenya. All the 191 employees are in active foreign service.

Another 58 employees sought approval but defaulted on yearly submission of bank statements to the commission as required by the law.

“An audit of bank accounts held by public officers outside Kenya has established that 191 officers serving under your ministry, currently in active foreign service, are illegally operating bank accounts outside Kenya, having not declared their operation to the commission,” Mbarak’s letter reads. Mbarak now wants the affected employees to regularise their accounts before October 31 or face action.

“Consequently, in accordance with Section 4(4) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, the commission hereby requires the ministry to bring this compliance notice to the attention of all suspects whose names are listed.”

“The commission is considering legal action, including initiation of criminal proceedings to hold the non-compliant officers to account for their respective violations of the law.” – THE STAR, Kenya.

Insurgency in Moz threatens food security, says WFP JOHANNESBURG - Worsening violence by militants with links to Islamic State in northern Mozambique are causing thousands to go hungry as they flee their homes and abandon farms, the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday.

Militant attacks in gas-rich Cabo Delgado province, near the border with Tanzania, began in 2017. The violence has gathered pace in 2020, with insurgents seizing key towns for brief periods and hitting military and other key targets. – REUTERS.

Zim’s opposition MP released on bail

Angolan ex-President Jose Eduardo dos Santos

of power, corruption (and) influence peddling... among others,” Joao said in a statement.

“Due to the seriousness of the criminal offences... the defendant was taken to prison in Viana (Luanda) and awaits further procedures.”

De Sao Vicente has previously denied wrongdoing.

He appears to be the latest target of an anti-graft campaign led by President Joao Lourenco, which has been mainly directed at his predecessor’s family members.

Last month, the ex-president’s son Jose Filomeno dos Santos landed five years in prison for diverting oil revenues from Angola’s sovereign wealth fund, which he oversaw from 2013 to 2018.

His half-sister Isabel dos Santos is meanwhile being probed for a long list of crimes including mismanagement, embezzlement and money laundering during her stewardship of Sonangol.

Both have repeatedly denied the accusations. – AFP.

HARARE - A Zimbabwean court on Tuesday freed on bail an outspoken opposition leader and lawmaker a month after he was arrested for promoting anti-government protests.

Job Sikhala, vice chairman of the main opposition party Movement for Democratic Change Alliance was released after posting bail of Z$50, 000 and ordered to stop posting content online or in WhatsApp groups “with intention to commit public violence.” – AFP.

Mali junta told to hand power back to civilians quickly

PARIS - Mali’s military junta must restore power to civilians and arrange quick elections, France’s president said on Tuesday, warning that the French role in fighting Islamist militants in the region would depend on it.

Former Mali Defence Minister and retired colonel Bah Ndaw was named interim president on Monday while the leader of the junta that seized power last month, Colonel Assimi Goita, was appointed vice president. – REUTERS.

Poisoned Navalny discharged from Berlin hospital

BERLIN - Putin critic Alexei Navalny has been discharged from a Berlin hospital where he was being treated for Novichok nerve agent poisoning.

His team alleges he was poisoned on the orders of President Vladimir Putin but the Kremlin strongly denies any involvement.

– BBC.

Thursday 24 September, 2020

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CALL US ON +260 97 9353594 / 0978008888 FARM NO. 29, MAKENI ROAD, LUSAKA ZAMBIA

E-mail:nationwideestates@yahoo.com P.O.Box FW 292, Lusaka,Zambia.

139 Group Floor, Carousel Center, Lumumba Kafue Road. Junction, mobile phone +260978813886/+260965502464/+260979439871.

CHISAMBA Katuba 2ha 300m off Great North road K300,000.6ha,piggery 6km off great north road K400,000.3ha cottage, borehole, wirefence, zesco power K1m.2ha to 40ha 12km east of fringilla K65,000 per ha.

CHIBOMBO near Ibis Gardens tarred Great North roadfront,2ha,4ha,8ha,10ha,12ha K250,000 per ha. Same area 300 to 600m off Great North road,2ha,4ha, K125,000 per ha.2.5ha,3 bedroom house, poultry, near Chibombo Basic School K300,000.Liteta area 8ha K900,000.23ha near Mungule Place K1.5m.

MUMBWA Tollgate 78ha K1.5m.40ha In Mumbwa town K50,000 per ha can Sub-divide.

CHIBOMBO Near Ibis Gardens 4 bedroom house on 4ha 300m off great north road with poultry K2m.55ha K750,000.

SERENJE Nansanga farm block 118ha K750,000.16ha price offers invited.32ha K150,000.80ha K500,000.230ha K850,000.265ha K2m.105ha.18ha offers.

MKUSHI 3km from town 160ha K1.2m.35ha K1.3m.390ha K1m.Shiwang’andu 200ha K1m.

KABWE 6ha 2km off Lusaka K225,000.45ha 3 bedroom cottage, borehole, Zesco 3-phase power,20km from Kabwe cbd 500m off Great North Lusaka road K5.5m.

KAPIRI town ten shops as a complex K250,000.Kapiri Hillside plot 20m x 40m with five room house K150,000.

COPPERBELT NDOLA Northrise 5 bedroom house K1.5m.Mitengo 3 bedroom house K300,000.

LUFWANYAMA Emerald mines seeking partners, investors, sponsors or financiers.

EASTERN CHIPATA City Kalongwezi 3 bedroom house K650,000.4 acres Great east Msekela road junction K1m.

LUSAKA KALUNDU Lusaka west 2km off mumbwa road several plots,20m x 30m K35,000.30m x 30m K45,000.40m x 50m K60,000.50m x80m K80,000.

MUNGWI Road, Lusaka west near Appolo several plots, one acre tar roadfront commercial K400,000.2Bedroom house on 4 acres K3m.several plots 50m x 80m K130,000.40m x 50m K80,000.

MAKENI off Mumbwa road one acre K180,000.Makeni West Kacheta area,2ha to 80ha K100,000 per ha. Before Oriental 4900sqm 3 room house K1.3m.makeni south tar road front commercial plot for shopping mall and filling station or warehouses 4 acres K6m.

MAKENI Great North roadfront. Makeni West Kacheta 11 acres K400,000.

KAFUE estates plots, 20m x 30m K35,000.Shikoswe 20m x 30m K40,000.

Mpande area one acre to 3 acres K60,000 per acre. Hillside 50m x 100m K100,000.

Chikupi 50m x 50m K60,000. 59m x 100m K80,000. Greenfields 30m x 87m K120,000.Town 40m x 40m K100,000.

Kafue Lusaka road near Avic 30m x 40m K40,000.

MIKANGO Mwanawasa Settlement, several pieces 2ha to 3ha K125,000 per ha.

Five hectares 300m off Leopards Hill road opposite Barracks entrance commercial K2m.Nkwashi 2ha K1m.Plot 2500sqm K80,000.

PALABANA Lusaka East, Chalimbana river damfront 40ha to 300ha K200,000 per ha. Away from dam 600ha K150,000 per ha. Also same area 2ha 80ha K90,000 per ha.

KANAKANTAPA ,Chongwe, 22 acres, 3 bedroom house 3 fish ponds, poultry facility 2500birds capacity K3m.6ha K250,000.

WATERFALLS, Silverest area 1km off great east road several plots,30m x 30m K150,000.30m x 44m, 30m x 47m, 33m x 60m,K250,000 each.

Same area, buildings can be residential or offices K1.5m.

CHINIKA GARDEN house area, warehouse near SGS Filling Station plot sizes 3 acres built space 20m x 60m.U$D740,000 warehouse 4,738sqm K6m.House 6 rooms plus Mumbwa roadfront K850,000.

NDEKE Meanwood, 3 bedroom house K580,000,3 bedroom house,2x 1 bedroom houses small shop wallfenced K1.5m.

MAKENI off Kafue road , motor vehicle workshops on 2.5 acres and 2 acres adjacent, big truck and bus parking space, service pits, storerooms U$D 1.8m.

MAKENI East commercial plot 6,603sqm K700,000.3 bedroom executive house, ceramics K3m.

SHIBUYUNJI MWEMBESHI Bridge 75 acres K1m.300 acre K3m.

CHILENJE South 2x2 bedroom house houses one plot K850,000 2 bedroom house K500,000.

KAFUE Roadfront opposite Embassy Mall 2 acres, office block, big space for further construction K38m.

CAIRO road Kafue roundabout Commercial plot 3100sqm K36m BARLASTONE PARK ,Lusaka west 8 acres with 5 bedroom house, 4 and 2 bedrooms, workshop, storeroom ,2 boreholes,2 water tanks,Orchard,K10m.

CHIPATA Compound 3 bedroom house K200,000.2 bedrooms K250,000.Chunga Extension 3 bedrooms K400,000.

CHILANGA Shimabala, Safari Ranch 26 acres,6km off Lusaka Kafue Great North road,40km from Lusaka cbd four chalets, solar power, dinning room, kitchen, braistand, two offices, fish pond, two boreholes, some zebras, puku, peacock K2m.

Good for weekend and holiday camping.

FAIRVIEW near Levy Park, complex comprising several shops, warehouses , storeroom ,offices, showrooms, U$D4m.

KATUBA 6.5ha K400,000.15 acres K15acres K350,000.3.8ha K260,000.73ha 11km off Great North road K2m. 2.5ha(7 acres 2 bedroom house, piggery, borehole hand pump power generator K1.3m.

KAFUE Greenfields plot 30m x 87m K50,000.Shikoswe Turn off 3 big shops,K500,000.Chirundu roadfront 0.394 acres fenced U$D 380,000.Kafue Gorge road 18ha K1m.Mungu 200 acres K35,000 per acre.

BARLASTONE PARK 2 acres K300,000 or one acre K150,000.

STATE LODGE area plot 50m x 50m K400,000. 4 bedroom house K2m.

K A N A K A N TA PA , C h o n g w e , 4 . 3 h a K250,000.

LEOPARDS HILL road Palabana turn off 770sqm K100,000.

CHILANGA Opposite Chilanga Cement,3 bedroom house 1km off kafue road double storey K3M. SHIMABALA 7ha K1.7m. Lusaka westwood 100 acres K3m. Quarry Road 20 acres K2m.Barmoral 7 acres K1.3m.

Mwembeshi 50 acres K15,000 per acre.

Barm0ral plot 30m x 40m K75,000.

RUFUNSA 12 acres on offer letter 2km off Great east road K100,000.

PALABANA University 12 acres(5ha) K200,000.

KAMWALA Trading area, double storey building with ground floor shops plus offices or hostel rooms with kitchen upstairs K18m.Shop K1m in Kamwala.

LUANGWA River 17ha for lodge near game park K350,000.

CHALALA 2x3 bedroom houses K875,000.

CHIPATA Compound complex one small shop, two bars, one tavern,storeroom,3 bedroom house, three flats, 6x2 bedroom houses.7 x 1 bedroom house houses, shelter and car park K1.3m NDEKE Meanwood plot 18m x 22m K170,00.Chamba Valley plot 20m x 30 K180,000. Kanyama flats 4x2 bedroom K160,000.

CHILANGA house double storey near Golf club, plot size 80m x 80m K2m.

Mt Makulu area 1.5 acres K400,000.1.4 acres K650,000.Musamba premises for school or shops nine rooms plus five toilets K2m.

KAFUE Kasaka area 4ha(ten acres)price to be discussed. Mungu 50 acres K35,000 per acre.

LUSAKA City Center,Cha Cha Cha road large shop/warehouse U$D800,000.Off kafue road Warehouse 4274sqm.200m off kafue road near Carousel. Price to be discussed.

MUNGWI road, Barlastone Park Lusaka west warehouse and shops K600,000.

Plots 25m x 40m K80,000.

LEOPARDS Hill road off tarmac two kilometers 2.8ha(7 acres) K450,000.

CHAWAMA Shopping Complex available for sale comprising: Sizes 326sqm K12,000.135sqm K7,000.45sqm.44sqm.1700sqm K160, 000.140,138sqm.207sqm.427sqm,44o sqm.346sqm LUSAKA Kafue Great North roadfront, Makeni near Makeni Mall, complex comprising:8x3 bedroom double storey flats(mansionnettes),Shop 75sqm,restaurant/bar with upstairs extension 170sqm,second floor office space on top of restaurant 170sqm,upstairs church hall 600sqm,showroom,events hall for weddings ,meetings, workshops, conferences 1,800sqm.Warehouse at rear 719sqm.

Price U$D14m or Kwacha equivalent.

CENTRAL CHIBOMBO 3 bedroom house in Shifwankulu- Spin along Great North road K350,000.20 acres 13km off Great North road on Old Mumbwa road K800,000(Liteta).

KAPIRI 2.7ha 30m of Great North road K120,000 44ha 7km off Ndola road K200,000.on offer Letter.199ha K750,000.30km from Kapiri Hospital.22ha 20km off Ndola road K100,000.22ha CHISAMBA opposite golden valley 250 acres K40,000 per acre. Kamaila area 4ha(10 acres)K200,000.

COPPERBELT MASAITI 150ha K2000 per ha.100ha K850,000.

LUFWANYAMA 10ha(25 acres) K90,000.

MPONGWE MACHIY area 800ha K2.5m.

CHINGOLA Maiteneke 2 bedroom house K90,000.

KITWE Bulangililo house 7 rooms K150,000.

KAOMA near tbz farms 178ha K2m.

SOUTHERN Bridge plot for lodge near border 1750sqm K100,000.

Monze town center on Livingstone road,

complex of eight shops K8M.Choma old Machapopota road plot 40mx 90m K85,000. Mazabuka Lodge 13room K2m.

KARIBA LAKE waterfront 4ha(10 acres) with 3 bedroom lodge U$D600,000.3 acres overlooking Lake Kariba Plot for Lodge K300,000.

CHIPEPO Lower Zambezi river waterfront fishing business or tourist lodge comprising 3 bedroom lodge on 7 acres, on Monze Chisekesi road,6 fishing riggs,two speed boadts,U$D800,000.

MUCHINGA MPIKA town plot 50m x 50m with 2 rooms K180,00.Farm 2700ha K3,00 per ha.

SERENJE Nansanga block 2000ha K75m.

CHINSALI 5000ha K35m.

NORTHERN: SENGA HILL 12ha (30 acres) on Mbala Kasama road with house 6 rooms, six boreholes,warehouse,shop,grocery,80km from Mbaka 85km from Kasama K1.2m.Chama Matumbo roadfront 1.5ha K175,000 KASAMA 10,000ha K70m.

ACCOMMODATION OFFERED LUSAKA KABULONGA off Brentwood Drive 6x4 bedroom houses double storey, masters self-contained K36,000 each per month.

MAKENI near Kankole house 3 bedrooms K35000.4 bedrooms K7,000. Makeni Konga houses and warehouses rent ranging K5000 to K8,000.

MAKENI opposite Andres Motel 500m off kafue road 3 bedroom house K18,000 per month.

BARLASTONE PARK off Mungwi road,flats,6x2 bedroom K4,500.4x1 bedroom K3,200, CHALALA off Lilayi road 4x2 bedrooms K2,500.

COPPERBELT KALULUSHI Napsa Complex 3 bedroom hose K4,000.

REAL ESTATE TO LET MAKENI Konga warehouses and storerooms ranging K6,000 to K8,000.

MAKENI Kafue road,150m off Great North road light and heavy vehicles workshops with offices, storeroom, service pits and big parking yard K75,00 per month.

CHAWAMA near Chawama market , several shops available for short or long lease sizes 326sqm K12,000.135sqm K7,000.45sqm.44sqm.1700sqm K160, 000.140,138sqm.207sqm.427sqm,44o sqm.346sqm Carousel shopping center, several shops on the ground, first, second and third floors including events halls ,furnished with kitchens for self catering can be hired for weddings, workshops, seminars, meetings, conference etc. various sizes and amounts.

LODGE, GUESTHOUSE , OFFICE Complex along Independence Avenue Rhodes Park near Civic Center details on request and rental open to discussion.

MAKENI Los Angeles Road, HOTEL 91 rooms, 4 offices, one bar, 3 bars, 3 conference halls, big swimming pool, baby pool, two car parks, twelve shops,3km from Cairo road post office.

Long lease rent to be discussed.

LUSAKA Kafue Great North roadfront, Makeni near Makeni Mall, complex comprising:8x3 bedroom double storey flats(mansionnettes),Shop 75sqm,restaurant/bar with upstairs extension 170sqm,second floor office space on top of restaurant 170sqm,upstairs church hall 600sqm,showroom,events hall for weddings ,meetings, workshops, conferences 1,800sqm.Warehouse at rear 719sqm.

BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT CONTAINERS-old steel containers in Makeni South K35,000.Scrap metals also available from a road constructors yard.

Mining, copper, cobalt, gold, emerald, beryl, aquamarine, to maline, amethyst, garnet-existing registered and liceneced mines are looking for partners, sponsors, investors, financiers or outright purchasers.

AGRICULTURE- Vast agricultural farming lands available for partnerships or joint ventures.

We invite persons, companies, organizations, local or international to enter into any agreements where locals can make land available and foreign or local investors provide capital then market produce locally and abroad-crops, livestock ,game ranching or fisheries.

REAL ESTATE AND ACCOMMODATION WANTED Landlords or property owners in all areas of Zambia and Africa Free Trade Countries are invited to list with us for marketing, selling ,leasing and renting: houses, flats ,shops, warehouses, factories, hotels, motels, lodges, tourist facilities, mines, plots farms, office building, highrise buildings, filling stations, companies, businesses, bars, restaurants, butcheries, shopping malls, blocks of flats, housing estates.

If you have idle land, we can sell for you either as a whole or by sub-dividing into sub-divisions or plots. Send us your e-mail address so that we send you our blank standard mandate forms which you can fill to give us required details.

SA shows early signs of economic recovery says Reserve Bank

19 / Daily Nation, Thursday 24 September, 2020 NAIROBI - Kenya Airways has initiated talks with companies that leased it aircraft to return them earlier than planned, as a way of cutting on its huge costs and reduce losses.

The national carrier says one company has already accepted to take a plane that hasn’t been in use, even as the management refers to the discussions as difficult.

“The discussions are so that we can be allowed to return the aircraft that are not in use or reduce rentals they charge us,” said KQ managing director Allan Kilavuka.

He said the airline had resorted to reaching out to the companies seeing it was pointless to have several planes lying idle while they continue to cost it an arm and a leg.

In an interview with Smart Business, Kilavuka said in the menu of discussions was identifying the possibility of having the firms charge the airline for leased aircraft on utilisation-based manner, where KQ would only be billed when the planes are flying.

“We are also in talks to be allowed to convert some of the aircraft into cargo carriers especially the Dreamliners and other wide body planes. The cabinet conversion will involve temporarily removal of seats.

But it has to be approved by the lessors,” Kilavuka said.

The airline’s cargo operations are currently ranging from seven to 10 percent of its total

SURVIVAL MOVES …Kenya Airways in talks to return leased aircraft

Kenya Airways plane at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last month. Kenya opened its airspace and started international flights after a four months ban due coronavirus pandemic. operations and it says it has been difficult to raise that figure due to the low number of passengers and reduced frequencies.

Kilavuka said the low number of travellers had reduced available seat kilometres to 15 percent compared to last year, a factor that forced the airline to cut the number of aircraft in the skies.

“We have to ensure that we are serving the market that is available,” Kilavuka said.

The strategy to approach its aircraft’ lessors, KQ believes, will be part of the solution to reducing huge costs that have pulled it down, even as Kilavuka admits that KQ cannot survive without a bailout from government.

“I can tell you for sure, we

would not survive without bailout. We have not had any significant revenue for six months since Covid-19 halted our operations and there were costs that we continued to incur,” he said said.

The airline’s management has kept under wraps how much they sought from the State as bailout. – DAILY NATION, Kenya.

Toxic risk disinfected from banking sector

HARARE - The Zimbabwe Asset Management Company (ZAMCO), says it has managed to eliminate potentially hazardous systemic risk from the banking sector after taking over $1.1 billion worth of non-performing loans (NPLs), giving debt ridden firms a new slate to make a fresh start.

ZAMCO chief executive Cosmas Kanhai, said in an interview after it assumed bad debts, the NPLs rate among banks dropped from a peak of 20 percent to five percent, which is in line with the global trends.

Dr Kanhai said while ZAMCO’s primary function was to clean up the banks’ balance sheets to stem out the hazards associated with the bad loans, the lifting and restructuring of the NPLs gave firms that were struggling to repay latitude and time to get back on their feet.

More than 65 percent of companies that had their bad loans assumed by ZAMCO from banks, had managed to pay up and were now in sound positions, Dr Kanhai pointed out.

In fact, Dr Kanhai said that ZAMCO was running ahead of schedule and could complete resolution of the NPLs much earlier than its gazetted 10 year lifespan. He said that the asset management firm will not exist in perpetuity and so will fold down after fulfilling its mission.

ZAMCO was established by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in July 2014, as part of holistic measures to deal with the hazardous and systemic potential risk of

rising (NPLs) in the banking sector.

The decision to form the debt assumption firm was in recognition that high NPLs invariably constrain banking institutions’ credit intermediation capacity thus, acting as a drag on economic growth.

Dr Kanhai said that ZAMCO was formed with the specific mandate to take over bad debts and prevent problems that could constrain the intermediation of banks, which has a serious negative effect on the economy.

“In terms of our core mandate, we have done very well because our mandate was to prevent banks from closing. So when we took over the NPLs, we cleaned up the

balance sheets of banks.

“It means that banks no longer had nonperforming assets, we also gave the banks Treasury Bills (TBs), as you are aware TBs are risk free asset, which means the capital adequacy ratio of banks improved.

“And from a liquidity side, they also had TBs, which they could use as security to access liquidity, so it helped the banks quite a lot. So in terms of the core mandate, ZAMCO achieved this very well,” he said.

Dr Kanhai said they are now working on the secondary phase of their mandate, which is to resolve and recover the NPLs from firms that owed banks. – THE HERALD, ZIMBABWE.

JOHANNESBURG - There are early signs the South African economy is slowly starting recover but it’s nowhere near the performance recorded in the first quarter of the year, according to an economist.

The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) on Tuesday released it business cycle indicators – which are used to forecast the direction of the economy.

The composite indicator for July increased by 2.6 percent month-on-month.

Increases were recorded for eight out of 10 components.

The largest contributors to the July figure were the number of residential building plans approved, as well as the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index – the latter of which increased from a low of five in the second quarter to 24 in the third, Fin24 previously reported.

The composite coincident indicator – which gives an early reading on GDP – increased by 3.7 percent on a month-on-month basis for June. It was supported by increases in retail and new vehicle sales, and to a lesser extent industrial production as economic activity improved after lockdown restrictions eased.

On a month-on-month basis, June was the first month to show an uptick since November, up 3.7 percent,

noted Investec economist Annabel Bishop.

On a year-on-year basis, economic activity for June fell by 32.3 percent. May’s economic activity was revised to -34.9 percent year-on-year and in April economic activity was down 33.2 percent yearon-year drop.

“The positive outturn on the month in June is indicative of green shoots of recovery in the economy,” Bishop said.

Overall the economy in the second quarter contracted by 16.4 percent on a nonannualised basis.

“Green shoots are essentially early signs that economic recovery is tentatively beginning, but in themselves are not an actual indication that a very robust economic recovery is firmly underway, with the co-incident indicator of economic activity in June still contracting versus a year ago, by the -32.3 percent y/y,” she explained.

Bishop said the SA economy is not likely to soon return to the economic activity reported in the first quarter. Investec expects the economy to grow by 25.9 percent on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted annualised basis.

It has penciled in a yearly contraction of 12.1 percent, in comparison the SARB expects a contraction of 8.2 percent and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development expects a drop of 11.5 percent.

The lagging indicator, which indicates whether a shift has happened increased 2.1 percent month-on-month in June. – FIN24.

Ghana plans $500m London listing of gold royalty fund - sources LONDON/JOHANNESBURG - Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, is planning an up to $500 million listing of its gold royalty fund in London in October, though the deal could still run into political opposition, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Agyapa Royalties, a government-backed fund that holds equity interests including mining royalties in the state’s gold assets, has hired Bank of America and JPMorgan to pursue an initial public offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange this year, the sources said.

Royalties are payments that give the owner the right to receive a percentage of production from a mining operation, or retain a stake in them.

Ghana wants to take advantage of the precious metal’s strong performance this year to raise $400 million-$500 million from the IPO, the sources said. The fund’s shares will also be listed on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange.

However, the listing could be derailed or pushed back because of resistance from Ghana’s main opposition party ahead of a December general election, the sources said.

“It’s genuinely 50-50 at the moment, but if the local politics works out, the deal is ready to go this year,” said one of the sources.

The listing provides an opportunity to raise funds without increasing the national debt burden, Ghana’s deputy minister for finance Charles Adu Boahen said, and capital raised will be invested in infrastructure, education, health, and housing.

In written answers to Reuters’ questions, Adu Boahen dismissed the opposition National Democratic Congress’s criticism of the listing and said Agyapa Royalties’ registration in Jersey is for tax efficiency.

“The Opposition is saying many things, which is understandable considering this is an election year,” he said. “Agyapa does not seek secrecy and... will comply with international corporate governance standards.”

JP Morgan declined to comment while Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If it goes ahead, the listing would benefit from a surge in gold prices as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed investors into safehaven investments. While the spot gold price has come off a record high hit in August, it is still up a whopping 27 percent so far this year at $1,931 an ounce.

Canadian companies Yamana Gold and Wheaton Precious Metals have both signalled their intention to add a London listing this year. For London investors, it is an opportunity to increase gold exposure and potentially fill the gap left by South Africa’s Randgold, which delisted in 2018.

– REUTERS.

DAILY

Thursday September 24, 2020

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…as FIFA lift transfer ban imposed on Kitwe giants

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

Stephen Adams

THE world football governing body FIFA has lifted the transfer ban which was imposed on MTN/FAZ Super Division champions Nkana Football Club following a dispute with Ghanaian goalkeeper Stephen Adams who is owed US$14, 833 by the club.

Adams had reported Nkana to FIFA for unfair dismissal after his contract was prematurely terminated by the club which was ordered to pay US$27, 000 plus a five percent interest per

annum.

Nkana paid Adams US$15, 000 in the first two installments and failed to pay the remaining balance, a situation which compelled FIFA to impose a three-season transfer ban on “Kalampa.”

However In a letter to Nkana FC dated September 23, 2020, FIFA Head of Players’ Status, Erika Montemor Ferreira confirmed that the ban has been lifted after the player and the club signed a new agreement which compels the Kitwe side to pay the player his entitlements before December 5, 2020.

Fereira acknowledged receipt of the communication of the legal representative of the player confirming that the parties involved in the matter have settled the

matter.

“We acknowledge receipt of the communication of the legal representative of the player, by means of which he confirmed that the parties settled the matter.

“Consequently, we will now proceed to the closure of the present matter.

Furthermore, we kindly inform your club that the ban imposed on it in line with the aforementioned decision is now lifted,” said Fereira.

Nkana Football Club president Joseph Silwamba, cheered by the news pledged to uphold good governance at the club.

Silwamba hailed the Football Association (FAZ) led by president Andrew Kamanga for the support during the transfer ban

matter.

“As a club, we are grateful to everyone who was involved in ensuring that this matter is put to rest and we move forward as Nkana FC. We are very grateful to Stephen Adams and his lawyers, Ghanaian Football Federation, FAZ and FIFA for their favourable consideration of our appeal. We shall uphold governance going forward and respect FIFA statutes,” Silwamba said.

In May last year Adams reported the club to FIFA for unlawfully terminating his contract in June 2018, just six months into the deal.

Adams joined Nkana FC in January 2018 on a free transfer and signed a three-year deal but had his contract terminated after just six months.

Sports minister unaware of ZA wrangles

By MUKWIMA CHILALA

MINISTER of Sport, Youth and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga has remained tight lipped over the happenings in the Zambia Athletic Association ahead of this year’s election.

Mulenga said he cannot make a comment on the matters obtaining in the association as his office was yet to get a report on the issue.

The ZA has been hit by infighting ahead of the executive committee elections which are set to take place next month.

One of the aggrieved members, Jonathan Chipalo, is said to have written to the ministry of Sport and

Sports Council to intervene in announcing the election date.

Chipalo and his fellow Olympian Samuel Matete have been at loggerheads with the ZA executive over what is termed as silence to announce a date for the elections.

Chipalo and Matete argues that the association is supposed to go for its election in October having had their last election on October 1, 2016.

According to the ZA constitution elections are to be held every four years at an elective general meeting in the last quarter of the year.

But Mulenga said he could not comment on the matter because he was yet to be furnished with details regarding the upcoming election.

Juventus re-sign Alvaro Morata JUVENTUS have completed a loan deal with Atletico Madrid to bring striker Alvaro Morata back to the club.

The Spain international, 27, has signed until the end of 2020-21 but Italian champions Juventus have options to extend the loan by 12 months or buy him for a pre-agreed fee.

Juve will pay the La Liga side 10m euros (£9.2m) for each season they have Morata on loan.

He only signed a permanent deal with Atletico on July 1 after a loan spell. Juventus have the option to buy Morata at the end of this season for about £41m, or after a second campaign on loan for about £32m. He previously played for Juve between 2014 and 2016, helping them to win two Serie A titles.The Spaniard has since had permanent spells with Real Madrid and Chelsea, before he initially joined Atletico on an 18-month loan deal. – BBC.

Under-17 players during training at Barca Academy

Fitness levels worry U-17 coach

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

ZAMBIA Under-17 women national team coach Kangwa Kaluba has expressed concern at the fitness levels of the players summoned to start preparations for the 2020 COSAFA U-17 women’s championship.

In an interview, Kangwa who has summoned 45 players to camp said the Covid-19 induced break from all football activities has had a negative impact on the girls as they are not in good shape.

Kangwa said the majority of the girls

are struggling because games had been suspended and they were not training at their respective clubs.

“The majority of the players are not in good shape. We all know the reason, the league has not been active due to the Covid-19 challenge. We could see that the majority of our girls are struggling,” he said.

“From the list we have, we have half the team from last year and the other team is new. The under-17 has a four-year project and one of the goals is to produce quality players that will graduate to the senior

team.”

Kaluba said the team would be aiming to do better than last year’s third place finish in Mauritius.

The team commenced preparations for the 2019 Cosafa tournament to be held in South Africa next month.

Cosafa has set up a tentative calendar subject to the Covid-19 situation in the region that will see the under-17 women tournament played from October 15-25 while the senior women championship is lined up for October 19-31 in Port Elizabeth.