DAILY NATION Monday April 27, 2020

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Vol. Issue2412 2578 Vol. 6. 5. Issue

Monday April8,27, 2020 Tuesday October 2019

C3765-30-31

US$58 MILLION

OR ELSE..

...in another mukula scam Ms Siliya

Kasama MP warns eyes UPNDCEEC chief K10bn BoZ Mr. Sampa

Mr. Mucheleka

Minister 4 lambasts new Covid-19 cases recorded I will sue Joe procurement Mwale, says …apologise or else, Agro dealers demand (p.3) financing officers (p.4) Chitimukulu Mucheleka told Secure high-value US$58 million pension funds illegally externalised for speculation and property development. P3

88 Cases

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Covid-19 update Cases

Deaths

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88 total cases recorded 378 tested in the last 24 hours 42 patients discharged 4 new case in the last 24hours 43 active cases 3 deaths recorded

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By SILUMESI MALUMO

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Ministry of Health briefing by days

I AM going to sue Joe Mwale so that he can expose the dossier he has against me in court, Paramount chief Chitimukulu has said. The Paramount chief said Mr Mwale a senior citizen had defamed him many times and he would now face the wrath of the law. He said in an exclusive interview yesterday, that this time around he would not tolerate Mr Mwale but drag him to court. STORY ON PAGE 2

SWITCH OFF, OR IT’LL TRIP!

marketing@zesco.co.zm

First Lady Esther Lungu being welcomed by Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe yesterday on arrival in Kitwe for Kitwe Teaching Hospital’s Open Day - Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

Mr. Lusambo

ON PAGE 4

“Police should also get ready for the general elections in 2021. People should respect democracy and let popular candidates take the day instead of intimidating people to vote for their candidates.” (p.3)

Kenyatta and Odinga pledge to heal divisions E OF AFR ST

Mr Kanganja

Y ZAM DL

AN BI

IMF talks on again

PLEASE use alternative sources of supply such as Solar or Generators.

TAKE CHARGE, Nakonde IG transit ban sparks DIRECTED protest. Page 4

A IC

The two trucks the Scania from South Africa Avoid overloading the ZESCO power system and the Freightliner (right), Zimbabwean registered where ladenappliances with Mukulaat the same time as this will Do not turn onfound multiple tree logs.overloading [Pictures Linda Tembo Soko] grid, which may result in the cause the electricity system tripping off and might lead to additional or longer loadshedSee story on Page 4 ding hours.

minerals, Govt told

PRO U

Covid-19 positive cases by days

70

• • • • • •

TA

75

See story on Page 19

Commonwealth ALERT! sidelines ZCID on dialogue preps POWER OVERLOAD

a member of the

See story on Page 4


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COVID-19: ENLIST VILLAGERS THE awareness levels on COVID-19 in villages and outlying areas of the country need to be upscaled through effective sensitization programmes. It is important to be proactive and boost sensitisation programmes in villages and far-flung areas so that the ravaging COVID-19 can be kept away from these areas. Certainly, it is not pleasant to imagine the rapid speed with which the pandemic can spread across villages in an event that the contamination reaches these locations. The health systems in the countryside are not as strong while literacy levels are low, thus making inhabitants in such areas highly susceptible to COVID-19 attack. This is why a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Response Network (RN), has rolled out a sensitization programme to villages in Kazungula, Livingstone and Zimba districts, reaching out to information-starved villagers. RN has trained 23 volunteers who have since been dispatched to villages in Kuyaba, Simwatachela, Sipatunyana chiefdoms and other areas to sensitise the villagers about the COVID-19. This is a very a noble and proactive move because villagers have insufficient information about the deadly disease, firstly, because television and radio networks have not reached all parts of the rural outposts. Secondly, literacy levels in villages are not at their best while some inhabitants view the pandemic from a remote standpoint, as none of their own has been affected to date. Therefore, more of the NGOs should emulate RN and replicate the initiative to other parts of the country. Evidently, sensitisation programmes have mostly been active in the urban areas so is testing and screening exercise. There are so many NGOs in the country that have unfortunately gone mute in the face of rising figures of COVID-19. This is an opportune time for NGOs to enhance their advocacy and awareness programmes because COVID-19 is not only a health problem; it has also impacted on the economic and social strata of the country. Economic, social and other activities have slowed down not only in the urban areas, but also in the rural areas. Villages in particular, could be the hardest hit if the pandemic lingered its ugly presence there. In fact, many villagers opt for other forms of treatment as opposed to getting treated in conventional health facilities. This means, therefore, that some villagers may not present themselves before health personnel if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19. It is also true that people in outlying areas have been fed with misleading information about the pandemic. With inaccurate information circulating all around, it is highly likely that it has reached villagers who will resist getting to the clinic owing to sensetionalised and alarming information. There is information circulating that if one is taken to an isolation centre, they lose all their rights and freedoms and that their chances of getting back to their families are slim. Such inaccuracies should be expunged immediately and this can effectively be achieved through raising awareness in all areas. Government alone cannot manage to reach out to the breadth and length of the country. NGOs, therefore, must design awareness programmes to encompass chiefs, village headmen and community leaders such as ward councillors, who are close to the people. Messages should be crafted in a professional and an attractive manner to have a positive impact on the recipients.

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I WILL SUE JOE MWALE - CHITIMUKULU By SILUMESI MALUMO

I

AM going to sue Joe Mwale so that he can expose the dossier he has against me in court, Paramount chief Chitimukulu has said. The Paramount chief said the senior citizen Mr Mwale had defamed him many times and he would now face the wrath of the law. He said in an exclusive interview yesterday, that this time around he would not tolerate Mr Mwale but drag him to court. The Paramount chief said his lawyers were currently working on the matter so that the court process could commence. He said the lawyers were working tirelessly to ensure

that the matter was concluded. “Tell Mr Mwale that I am taking him to court and he should be ready to expose whatever he has against me,” Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said. Mr Mwale was quoted in some section of the media saying that Paramount chief Chitumukulu must not be stubborn or else the dossier against him would be unpacked. He said he had nothing to fear because he was aware of the things the Paramount chief does which would be exposed to the nation. But the traditional leader said Mr Mwale would face the wrath of the law for defaming him. He said that it was uncalled for, for Mr Mwale to continue

issuing defamatory statements against him. Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said whatever Mr Mwale was talking about was false and baseless. He, therefore, urged the senior citizen to be ready to stand in court so that he could expose the dossier. “So Mr Mwale has said something again about me, tell him that am taking him to court so that he can expose the dossier. ‘And I am shocked that he is failing to expose whatever he has and he has continued to issue statements, but tell him that am taking him to court,” Paramount chief Chitimukulu said. The traditional leader said he would not tolerate what he termed as stupid politics which Mr Mwale was playing.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu

TAZARA under resuscitation - Minister Extend tax

By NATION REPORTER

THE Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) will be revamped in order to make the joint company viable once again, Transport and Communications minister, Mutotwe Kafwaya has said. Mr Kafwaya said Government would make sure that the joint railway company was able to stand on its own instead of depending on the treasury for support. He said during an interview

on Kasama Radio that TAZARA should start managing its own operations such as paying of salaries."Last year, I was the chairman for the Council of Ministers for TAZARA, this year I am the co-chairman. “Last year, I travelled to Tanzania for the Council of Ministers' meeting, and in that meeting we requested the board of TAZARA that they write a business case which will guide us on how we will revamp the company," he said Mr Kafwaya said in

the business case, the board should indicate clearly how many engineers the company should have, the number of locomotives they wanted to have as well as wagons. He said the board was also requested to come up with a budget that would support the business case so as to overcome the challenges the company was going through. Mr Kafwaya said Zambia and Tanzania were committed to ensuring that TAZARA regained its lost glory.

By SILUMESI MALUMO

Agro dealers fume over unpaid arrears

IT is disheartening that government has failed to dismantle the arrears owed to agro dealers, throwing them in destitution, Agro Business Association of Zambia (ABAZ) has said. Association president Mary Tembo said it was shocking that even after engaging the Ministry of Finance on many occasions nothing had been done. Recently the Ministry of Finance released about K20 million to pay agro dealers from the K870 million debt.

Ms Tembo claimed government had not shown seriousness in dismantling arrears which had made the agro dealers continue suffering. She said in an interview yesterday, despite President Edgar Lungu announcing the release of the money to pay arrears, the agro dealers had not been assured of getting their money. Ms Tembo complained that agro dealers would not continue operating in the next farming season because government had failed to pay

them. “Despite engaging the Minister of Finance we have not been given proper feedback, what they told us was that they are working on it and they are waiting for the committee which has been put in place to look into the money issue,” she said. Very soon, Ms Tembo said, the Ministry of Finance would state that the money had been diverted to other sectors of the economy instead of caring about us.

Tutwa lashes out at Kambwili By SILUMESI MALUMO

CHISHIMBA Kambwili should take time to examine the veracity, propriety and effect of statements which are often nionsensical and misleading Government Deputy Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube said. Mr Ngulube said Mr Kambwili must contribute to safeguarding the lives of people than thrive on the obsession of always attacking President Edgar Lungu. Mr Kambwili had accused President Lungu of wantonly opening church gathering thereby endangering the lives of the Zambian people to make political gain. At no time, he said, had President Lungu called onwholesale gather of church congregation, ‘President

Lungu was on firm ground advising the Church to follow measures which had been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” He told Mr Kambwili to stop rushing to issue statements before reflecting on the national issues which the Head of State highlighted. Mr Ngulube said it was important that people who were vying for the higher office in the land gave Zambians correct information. Misinforming Zambians will not make them gain political mileage but instead expose themselves of the lack of knowledge on nation issues, Mr Ngulube said. “All along when the President has been struggling in the fight against COVID Mr Kambwili was nowhere to be seen and he wants now to

capitalise on what is happening to give false information. We want to urge him that he cannot gain political mileage out of this unfortunate situation. “People of Zambia know that the President has done his best under this circumstance to ensure that we prevent the escalation of the cases. And also the President did not say that people should just go and infect themselves, he actually strictly stated that the Church must adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines. “So Mr Kambwili should not pretend that he did not hear what the President said, no one will be allowed to worship unless they adhere to the measures such as social distancing and masking,” Mr Ngulube said.

relief to citizens JCTR By NATION REPORTER

GOVERNMENT should reduce the impact of COVID-19 on Zambians by extending relief directly to the citizenry through temporary suspension or reduction of taxes,the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflections (JCTR) has said. JCTR acting director Father Alex Muyebe said while the economic measures announced by Government so far were appreciated and that there was need to lighten the burden of high costs of most goods and services on citizens. Fr Muyebe said taxes should be reduced or temporary suspended in order to protect the dignity of human life. “There is need to consider extending relief directly to the citizenry through temporary suspension or reduction of taxes directly linked to the households during this pandemic i.e. Pay as You Earn and Value Added Tax (VAT). “This will be mainly for the purpose of easing the burden of the high costs of most goods and services in order to protect the dignity of human life,” he said. Fr Muyebe also said the decision to further extend the list of medical supplies that were not subject to import duty and VAT for an initial period of 6 months was a progressive move in the fight against COVID-19. He said the measure protects the fundamental right to life of all Zambians and protects the poor from exploitation with regards to the high costs of protective garments.


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Return ‘stolen’ WEST UPND YOUTHS WARN HH pension funds By AARON CHIYANZO

….over US$58 million invested outside the country must be repatriated, demands the Citizens Democratic Party By AARON CHIYANZO

OVER US$58 million pension funds illegally invested outside the country should immediately be repatriated to Zambia, Citizens Democratic Party (CDP) president Robert Mwanza has demanded. It was on record, that a named company had externalised vast sums of money to invest in property and speculation against the laws of the country. Mr Mwanza said the massive illegal externalisation of money had impacted negatively on the economy when it was supposed to benefit Zambians. He said in an interview that offshore investments of pension funds were done illegally and do not benefit the owners of the funds. “Zambian pension funds have mostly been abused to escape detection. We are aware that pension funds have been used as a conduit through which millions of dollars have been externalised out of the country at the expense of local development and security of pension scheme members,” said Mr Mwanza. Mr Mwanza said Government should ensure that all the funds that had been invested outside the country were brought back. He said over US$51 million had been invested outside Zambia while millions were also stashed in

offshore accounts. “The illegal externalisation of money from Zambian pension schemes has been ongoing for a long time denying the country much-needed capital for national development,” said Mr Mwanza. Mr Mwanza said pensions were designed to be a social safety net for retirees so that governments do not have to spend money caring for retired people. He said that apart from putting the lives of pensioners at risk, the illegal externalisation of money could also affect the performance of the local currency. Mr Mwanza urged Government to ensure that all people behind the scourge were brought to book. “What is funny is that even companies owned by some politicians who want to rule this country are involved in this scam. So there is no patriotism there, it’s a sign that some people we cannot trust them with our country,” he said.

We are aware that pension funds have been used as a conduit through which millions of dollars have been externalised out of the country at the expense of local development and security of pension scheme members.

UPND youths in Western province have warned party president, Hakainde Hichilema of a looming destruction of the party if the decision to dissolve its executive committee is not rescinded within 48 hours. Youths said they were disappointed with Mr Hichilema for failing to reverse the ‘illegal’ dissolution of the executive committee despite several pleas. Youth chairperson, Mbangu Mbangu, said the dissolution was illegal because elections were supposed to start from the lower structures. Mr Mbangu said the party had abandoned officials who had sacrificed a lot for it to get

where it was today. “I was shot in Mulobezi and still have some bullets inside me, I have been in prison all because of UPND,” he said Mr Mbangu has since given Mr Hichilema 48 hours to see to it that the decision to dissolve the executive committee in Western province was rescinded. And provincial vice youth chairman for politics, Boyd Muyotwa, said all the 19 constituencies had agreed to melt the party in the province if the dissolution was not rescinded. Mr Muyotwa said youths in the province would not let a few selfish individuals destroy the party by imposing their preferred leadership. He said the leaders that had been abandoned helped build

CEEC eyes K10bn BoZ financing By TROY MUKUPA

THE Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) will soon submit a proposal to the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) for funding, CEEC director general, Lukando Mukumbuta has said. Mr Mukumbuta said CEEC had received thousands of applications from citizens asking for financial capital but had not been too responsive because of resource constraints. He however said that CEEC would submit a proposal for consideration for the K10 billion that had been given to the Central Bank for empowerment purposes. Mr Mukumbuta said CEEC had just completed the construction of industrial yards which would be made available to citizens that would want to venture in manufacturing or agro-processing. He said the main challenge had

OVER 700 villagers in Mwembeshi have sued the State and Franshoek Farm Limited for allegedly taking possession of land which they claim to have lived on for more than 50 years and which also had graves of their ancestors. Davidson Kashanga and 779 other villagers are seeking a declaration from the Lusaka High Court that the certificate title no L 205 issued to the farm be cancelled on grounds of impropriety in its acquisition. Kashanga and the others have argued that no consideration was made of the villagers who have lived on the said land for more than 50 years and therefore, have an interest in the subject land. They cited Franshoek Farm Limited and the Attorney General as first and second respondents. The villagers also want to be deemed lawfully entitled to the subject land and that after such declaration, they be awarded costs for the action.

According to a Statement of claim filed in court, the villagers claimed that they have lived on the land for more than 50 years, upon which land exist graves of their ancestors and other community developments. They stated that Franshoek farm had now obtained a title deed no L3085

the party together with its founder, Anderson Mazoka. Meanwhile, provincial youth chair lady, Munkombwe Mufwambi, warned that the UPND was headed for doom if a few selfish individuals were allowed to make illegal deci-

been finding capital for the many applicants who were interested but now would be easier with available funds. Mr Mukumbuta hailed the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance for the K10 billion that had been injected in the Zambian economy. He said the money had come at the right time now that CEEC had completed the construction of the industrial yards that would help in empowering citizens amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Mukumbuta said the commission would prioritize both rural and urban entrepreneurship. “The gesture by the Central Bank has really come at the right time when we have a lot of applications on our table that need funding. “As a commission we have completed the construction of industrial yards at a cost of 200 million kwacha. And we already have we come up with a proposal that will be submitted to the central bank next week,” he said. And Mr Mukumbuta has encouraged Zambians with brilliant innovations and good business proposals to apply for support from CEEC. Mr Mukumbuta said CEEC had the best conditions for clients with annual interests pegged at 12 percent per annum.

700 villagers sue company over land By CHINTU MALAMBO

Mr Hichilema

village. The villagers further claimed that the action by Franshoek to obtain title deeds to their land had caused them to suffer loss. Meanwhile, the villagers have sought leave of the court to serve the writ of summons to Franshoek farm through print media advertisement. This is according to an affidavit in support of ex parte summons for leave to serve writ of summons and statement of claim by way of substituted service. They stated that this was because efforts had been made to serve writ of summons and statement of claim on Franshoek farm but to no avail. The villagers stated that to the plaintiffs village after the company does not seem having the said land de- to have a registered office, as marcated and numbered a search conducted at PatF/175a/b by the Commis- ents and Companies Regissioner of Lands. tration Agency (PACRA) does The villagers contended not disclose a registered ofthat they had quite enjoy- fice. ment of the village land until "Therefore the plaintiffs the new developments of the intend to serve court process first defendant having ob- by advertisement in the print tained a title deed over the media,” read the document.

sions. “The same dissolved committee there is an old man, Mbingi Shishwashwa who was the right hand man of Mazoka, today they want to abandon him, we won’t allow that,” she said.

Secure high-value minerals, Govt told By SILUMESI MALUMO

GOVERNMENT procrastination in securing high value minerals which are being illegally exploited, is a great diservice mine expert Edward Simukonda has said. The country, he said, had lucrative minerals such as cobalt, tin, tantalum and tungsten which were being illegally exploited. “If really Government has a listening ear, we cannot continue losing these minerals which can change the country's economy, he said. Gold, Mr Simukonda said, was not the only mineral that required securing and that other precious minerals musr be secured too. “The country keeps losing millions of dollars through other high value minerals which unscrupulous people are

illegally exploiting. It's not easy to be given an ear if you are not in the system. When you talk, the words enter through one ear and goes out through the other. “It's very painful to see loss of Government revenue through illegal means and through foreign hands. Government must ensure that things are done in a right way so that the country can benefit from these minerals we have," he said. Mr Simukonda particularly pointed out that tin, tantalum, cobalt and tungsten as some of the minerals with high values being exploited by illegal miners including foreigners. "Look at the prices of these metals on the London Metal Exchange and compare them to copper and you will understand why I keep on talking about these minerals,” he added.

NDC insists on fuel price reduction By NATION REPORTER

THE Energy Regulation Board (ERB) should reduce pump prices to help cushion the social effects of COVID-19, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said. However, the Energy Regulations Board, ERB, recently explained that fuel price reductions were not feasible because of the unstable exchange rate which has led to a sharp depreciation of the Kwacha. NDC president Chishimba Kambwili said fuel pump price reduction and crude oil world over had become a trending phenomenal which should also benefit Zambians. “We also recall vividly that President Edgar Lungu, in December, ordered a 20%, 15%, 10% salary cut from his salary, ministers and high earners in the civil service, respectively, and to channel funds towards reduction of local fuel pump prices in order to cushion harsh economic impact that citizens were experiencing. We hope the directive was not mere rhetoric,' Mr Kambwili said.

Mr Kambwili explained that NDC believed that those initiatives would help trigger social benefits to the Zambian people. “We strongly believe that the nation should have taken advantage of this fall in international crude oil to negotiate for a sustainable contract, as this may safeguard security of supply in the medium term to avoid further economic shocks,' he said This week's global oil market prices have reduced following the COVID-19 pandemic encircling economic lockdowns in many countries, coupled with uncertainties within the OPEC agreement. Cuban Crude oil prices had reduced by 69% from $69.58 $21.57 per barrel and the Zambian Kwacha had only depreciated by 30% since December, when the last increment was effected. Some African countries such as Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, among many others in the southern African region have reduced their fuel pump prices ranging from 5% to 15% reduction.


Monday 27 April, 2020

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NAKONDE TRANSIT BAN SPARKS PROTEST A DECISION by Government to suspended entry of In Transit (IT) vehicle through the Nakonde border to curb the spread of corona virus, has sparked protest from clearing agents who anticipate increased costs. Muchinga Province acing

Permanent Secretary, Jonathan Ng’onga, said the decision was as a result of increase in the number of covid-19 cases in Tanzania, but clearing agents have warned that the longer vehicles stayed in Tanzania pending clearance the more expenses they would incur. Vehicles designated as IT, are imported from Japan and

dock in Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania before they are driven into the country. “In view of the tremendous increase of the number of Covid-19 cases Tanzania has recorded, it has become imperative that some stringent measures are applied,” Mr Ng’onga said. He said the 14 mandatory quarantine period would

be implemented for people crossing the border at their own cost. But Nakonde Clearing Agents Association Chairperson, Steven Chileshe said the suspension of entry of IT vehicles through the Nakonde will not affect revenue collection by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), but impose additional costs on importers.

, said the move would cripple business at the border including clearing and insurance. Mr Chileshe said Government should instead disinfect vehicles on the Tanzanian side and allow them through to the border so that Zambian drivers could deliver the vehicles to their destinations. “We wish to appeal to Gov-

ernment to allow IT vehicles to enter the country after disinfection as complete suspension will negatively affect the economy and lead to loss of revenue for both ZRA and clearing agents,” Mr Chileshe said. Mr Chileshe said truckers were more likely to spread Covid-19 as compared to IT vehicles because they spend more days on the road with multiple stations. “We feel trucks that have been allowed to continue entering the country through the Nakonde are even more likely to spread the disease because drivers spend more time on the road from Dare-salaam to Nakonde with multiple stations, but IT vehicles only spend one to two days,” he said. Mr Chileshe said suspension of entry of IT vehicles would result in increased expenses such as parking fees and other fees on the Tanzanian side.

4 new Covid-19 cases recorded By AARON CHIYANZO

PO545

By PETER SICHALI

FOUR new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in the last 24 hours in Zambia from the 378 tests which were conducted in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces. Health minister, Chitalu Chilufya said 3 cases were picked from tests conducted in Lusaka while one was from those done on the Copperbelt. Dr Chilufya said during the Covid-19 update yesterday that one of the Lusaka patients had gone to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) with a dental abscess and was found with the Corona virus after tests. He said the other Lusaka patient was from Chilenje while health authorities were still following up on the Copperbelt patient to ascertain where he contracted the virus from but that he was admitted to Masaiti Isolation Centre. Dr Chilufya said all the 43 patients who were in isolation were stable, including the one who had severe malaria. He said the cumulative number of cases recorded in Zambia had now reached 88 with 3 deaths, 42 recoveries and 43 active cases. Dr Chilufya said mass screening and targeted testing would continue in selected areas of Lusaka and the Copperbelt to fish out Covid-19 cases that might still be roaming around. And Dr Chilufya said Government would continue ensuring that frontline health workers in Covid-19 fight were provided with all necessary safety equipment. The minister was reacting to reported concerns from doctors on Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and incentives for working under covid-19 conditions. He said Government would also ensure that the public was protected and provided with correct information at all times. Dr Chilufya said the public or Government would not be arm-twisted as the Covid-19 fight goes on but would continue to engage with representatives of interest groups such as the Medical Association of Zambia.


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Monday 27 April, 2020

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‘DON’T ENTIRELY DEPEND ON MINING’ By SANFROSSA MANYINDA

D

O not entirely depend on mining jobs but divert your energies to agriculture and contribute fully to economic development and poverty reduction, a Luanshya based entrepreneur and farmer Eleni Grigoraki has advised. Ms Grigoraki told the Daily Nation in an interview that the continued dependency on mine jobs was risky because of the unexpected downturns that come with copper price fluctuations and other factors. She noted that people on the Copperbelt continue struggling to diversify into other commercial activities when the mines were faced with challenges because they had solely depended on mining. Ms Grikoraki observed that the agricultural potential remained untapped and urged

Vandalised Zesco installation replacements cost K56,000 By NATION REPORTER

OVER K56, 000 has been spent to replace vandalized installations on transformers and power service cables in Solwezi, Zesco public relations manager Henry Kapata has said. Mr Kapata said Zesco officers who were manning the sub- stations were also being beaten by the vandals. He said the power utility company was engaging stakeholders and scrap metal deal-

people to change their mindset and start looking at agriculture as one of the most sustainable ways of development at household and national levels. "We need to ensure as farmers that we work hard so that we can be linked to markets through outgrower schemes that will improve the quality and quantity of supply and improve the long-term agricultural growth. This sector is a significant one that requires a boost," she said. Ms Grigoraki said that the agriculture sector continued to be a backbone of the country's economy, further calling on all farmers to work extra hard. She said it was sad that Luanshya and other Copperbelt towns had continued to rely on mining, and industry which time and again suffer price volatility. Agriculture sector in Luanshya, she said, had not yet

ers who were perceived to be buyers of the stolen cables. "The vandals are going to an extent of beating up officers who are manning the substations so that they can have access to certain installations and steal," he said. Mr Kapata called for total support from members of the general public to curb the vice so that there could no inconveniences with intermittent power supply as a result of vandalism. And Zesco regional manager Cephus Lungu said acts of vandalism were affecting the supply of electricity to customers. Mr Lungu said Zesco was spending colossal sums of money on replacement of vandalized installations. He called on the general public to come on board and fight against vandalism of Zesco’s property.

reached its full potential despite the availability of land and proper road infrastructure. "Increasing agriculture and agribusiness are critical for improving incomes and food security, reducing poverty, creating employment and creating a more resilient economy," she said. Ms Grigoraki commended President Edgar Lungu's call for local farmers to start supplying their produce to chain stores amidst the corona virus pandemic. She said that this was the time Zambians needed to wake up and realise their potential towards the growth of the sector.

‘PF should participate in maize growing’ By AARON CHIYANZO

THE ruling Patriotic Front (PF) should participate in winter maize farming to ensure a steady supply of maize on the market which will in turn stabilize mealie meal prices, a PF official Lemmy Bwalya has said. Mr Bwalya said as the party in power, PF should ensure that Government policy implementation was supported. He said in an interview that the party could participate in farming on a large scale after sourcing for funding from sponsors. Mr Bwalya said PF had the manpower from several volunteers who would be engaged to kick start the farming program. He said if the party could offload enough maize with other players, it would stabilize prices of mealie meal. Mr Bwalya pointed out that in China and several other well to do countries, political parties in power supplemented Government efforts by driving several

ZHONG Yang Eco-Agriculture Industry Park will set up a milling plant in Chalimbana ward in Chongwe, company Administrative manager, Fredrick Sashi has disclosed. Mr. Sashi disclosed the development to the Daily Nation yesterday. He said the first phase of the project would involve the mounting of Mealie meal and wheat flour milling plant equipment at a cost of US$3 million. He also disclosed that the company was currently engaging government on the possibility of a tax waiver on the importation of the machinery. He hoped that, the negotiations would be expedited so that, the equipment would arrive soon so that the project could start. Mr. Sashi revealed that the company

decided to diversify into the production of flour and mealie meal to enhance its value addition to its agriculture produce. He said that the company currently produces wheat and maize at its commercial farm and trades in the unfinished products, but this would change and translate into more beneficial value addition. He revealed that, the project

Lemmy Bwalya policy pronouncements such as farming. He said with the way Government and President Edgar Lungu were promoting fish farming in Zambia, the ruling party would have had several ponds and leading in the activity. Mr Bwalya said agriculture was the fastest machinery to economic devel-

opment, saying it was time to take the diversification agenda seriously. “It's time that we stopped being unprofitable to the party and Government and become genuine officials through sacrifice. As a visionary leader, I'm pleading with the party president to empower us with a commercial land with all it takes, so that, we can prove our leadership, through creating employment and contributing to the economy. “A lot has been said about economic development. But I want everyone to know that, during ancient time, development was driven by agriculture as Woodrow Wilson's put it. Before any system was used, agriculture was considered to be the fastest machinery in economic development,” he said. Mr Bwalya called on all PF members to volunteer and make themselves available once the party leadership adopted the idea of venturing into agriculture.

Covid-19: UPND MPs shock Kamba By SILUMESI MALUMO

WE find it strange and unbelievable that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has kept quiet when his lawmakers have failed to collect and distribute face masks, sanitisers and other necessities meant to combat covid-19 in Zambia, Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka Province secretary Kennedy Kamba has said. Mr Kamba in an interview yesterday, challenged Mr Hichilema to come clean and tell UPND MPs to collect the protective equipment, sanitisers and soaps meant for the fight Covid-19. “There must be collaboration between the Minis-

try of Health and Members of Parliament that belong to the UPND and it is unacceptable for any leader to shun the distribution of these necessities under the pretext that there is no transparency in managing resources towards the fight against Covid-19. This kind of conduct from opposition MPs is shocking, unbelievable and ridiculous at the same time especially that these are leaders are aspiring to take over government. “We have seen the magnitude of havoc that COVID-19 has caused to humanity around the world and we cannot afford to politicise this issue here in

Milling plant on cards in Chongwe By JOHN KOMBE

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would create additional job positions to the existing 300 employees working in the agriculture production department. Meanwhile Chongwe Municipal Council, deputy mayor, Evans M’hambi said the company’s repositioning of its operational strategy was momentous. He said the construction of the milling plant would create employment during the construction phase. He said that, the project would also create employment for the locals once the project is completed. He said this would enhance to economic and social development. Mr. Sashi also said the mammoth project will further raise the status of the town once the project is completed and operational. He he was confident that the project would be realised because the firm

had proved it capacity to perform through the commercial agriculture production activities which it was currently undertaking in the town. Mr. M’hambi stated that the project would also help to stabilise the price of Mealie meal and flour products in the district and beyond and described the diversification of the company’s operations to manufacturing as innovative and progressive.

US$3M Mr. Sashi disclosed the development to the Daily Nation yesterday. He said the first phase of the project would involve the mounting of Mealie meal and wheat flour milling plant equipment at a cost of US$3 million.

Zambia. Already the cumulative figures recorded so far in the country are extremely worrying. “We should not as a people, whether opposition or ruling party supporter try to play politics with this virus,” he said. “This was the time to come together as a people and fight this pandemic with one spirit. This is why we want Mr Hichilema to tell the UPND MPs to collect the apportioned equipment and give out to the people,” he added. Mr Kamba described the failure by UPND MPs to collect the items as “evil and unacceptable.” He said Mr Hichilema must show

leadership and be magnanimous enough and instruct all MPs and the entire structures of the party to collaborate with government wings to battle the pandemic. “HH must be ashamed that his Members of Parliament are trying to use the current circumstances as an opportunity to do politics and gain political mileage. This conduct is insensitive, careless and irresponsible. “We challenge HH to stop this kind of frustrated leadership being exhibited by UPND MPs and begin to act with sobriety,” he said. President Edgar, he said, Lungu was working day and night to ensure the nation wins against covid-19.

‘Intensify Coronavirus screening in rural areas’ By SILUMESI MALUMO

GOVERNMENT must intensify screening and testing for COVID-19 in rural areas to safeguard people’s lives, veteran politician Katele Kalumba has said. And Dr Kalumba applauded President Edgar Lungu for allowing businesses to operate in a quest to improve the economy. He said in an interview yesterday, there was need to intensify the screening and testing in rural areas order to protect people from covid-19. Dr Kalumba said screening and tests must not just be concentrated on the line rail but be rolled out in all corners of the country. He said that the process had not been heightened in areas like Chiengi district in Luapu-

la Province and that this was a great source of concern. “We have not seen seriousness in screening and testing areas in areas which are not along the line of rail and as a result we might see cases escalating said. Dr Kalumba who is former Minister of Finance Dr Kalumba said health personnel must be proactive in all corners of the country for the fight against the pandemic to be won. Meanwhile Dr Kalumba says President Lungu must be commended for boosting the business sector as it was critical in improving the economy. The former minister noted that the measures which President Lungu had put in place such as the Covid-19 recovery fund which was cardinal in unlocking the sector hat had been hit hardly by the pandemic.


Indo Bank cushions customers

Monday 13 April, 2020

6

‘FARMERS ABLE TO KWACHA TO GETDEMAND’ ON SADC MEET LOCAL 6

Monday 27 April, 2020

FUNDS TRANSFER SYSTEM Z By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

AMBIAN farmers have been able to satisfy the market with potatoes and other fresh farm By BUUMBA CHIMBULU produce, an indication that local producers availHE Bank have of Zambia able capacity de(BoZ) istoinmeet the the process the mand, of saysensuring founderthat BuyZed Kwacha is Ng'oma. among the campaign, Evans settlement currencies an Mr Ng’oma said in anon interelectronic cross border funds view that Zambians lately had transfer system for the the market Southbeen able to satisfy ern Development withAfrican potatoes and other Comfresh munity (SADC)such region. farm produce as cassava. The Integrated Regional This, he said, must be mainElectronic Settlement System tained as Zambia looked to (SIRESS) is an electronic cross diversifying othersystem cash border fundsinto transfer cropsfacilitates that earned the country that settlement of moneywithin through while funds the exports region in real uplifting socio-economic time and on a gross basis. profile.A total of 15 out of the total of BuyZed we countries are constant 16“As SADC member are

T

learn a lesson of not giving ByIndo ROGERS KALEROcustomerstwo units to one investor,” Bank cushions By BUUMBA CHIMBULU Mukupa said. GOVERNMENT should Mr launched INDO Zambia Bank (IZB) has Another a relief Trevor package miner, find two different inveswhich will enable customers, particularly thosesaid in keyMopani economic Chisenga, tors to take over Mopani sectors, defer their loan repayment for three months, waives management hadas itbeen in Mu-facility. allCopper chargesMine on itsunits net banking sweet talking miners and fulira and packages Kitwe, miners The relief are meantZambians to cushion in thegeneral impact caused into proposed. byhave COVID-19 on the economy and businesses. believing that it was conGlencore, the major “IZB is ableCHIMBULU provide relief in form of restructuring loans By BUUMBA tributing to the country’s and giving repayment deferments for an initial period of three shareholders in Mopani, development, but package theBansal. acINDO Zambia (IZB) launched a relief months,” said Bank’s Managing Director, Maheshkumar has placed theBank mine un- has tions were opposite and ill which will customers, particularly those in tokey Hecare explained that particular attention would be given cusder andenable maintenance conceived. economic sectors, defer their loan repayment for three tomers in sectors that were prioritised in the Seventh National despite Government inHeitssaid Mopanifacility. manmonths, as itthe waives allas charges on net banking Development Plan such agriculture, manufacturing, energy sisting that move was had a synThe relief are meant to cushion the impact and tourism withpackages special focus onagement the Small anddrilled Medium Enterillegal. clinorium and invitcaused by COVID-19 on the economy and shaft businesses. prises (SMEs). The miners said giving President Edgar is able providesaid reliefthat ined form ofsectors restructuring loans Mr“IZB Bansal, however, other wouldLungu also be two torepayment and units giving deferments for an initial of considered on aone case investor to case basis. to commission it period with the could be devastating three said Bank’s Managing Director, Maheshku“Themonths,” bank’s initiative hastobeen enabled by the Bank oflast Zampromise that it would the country’s economy mar Bansal. Relief Measures infor bia Prudential view COVID-19. 25ofyears, but suddenly and to the miners,that ifcan an in- on He explained particular attention would be given “The Government count IZB to the continue supporting changed stance. vestor holding licence to customers inthe sectors that thethe Seventh economic activities along withwere its effort to stimulate econoItprioritised was for inthis reason, for decided to National Development Plan such as agriculture, manufacmy inboth theseunits difficult times,” he said. he said, that Government turing, energysaid andthe tourism with special focus on the Small Mrout. Bansal repayment reliefrepossess packages were also pull should the asand Medium Enterprises (SMEs). meant to one support corporate, retail If the of the two insets and and individual give themcustomers to two Mr Bansal, however, said that other sectorsby would also be whose businesses had adversely affected COVID-19. vestors decided to been leave, different investors such considered onpackages a case case basis. He said the would be extended to individual custhey observed, the to numthat when one operator bank’sstanding hasbank beencurrently enabled enjoying by the Bank of tomers good with facilities ber “The ofin miners toinitiative be affectdecided toofrelocate, theinZambia Prudential Relief Measures inby view COVID-19. such as mortgages and personal loans providing relief on ed and the impact on the other one would still be “The can count on IZB to continue supterests and Government repayment periods. economy would not be as along mining. porting economic activities with toof stimulate Mr Bansal said this would depend on its theeffort merits their spemuch. Mr Chisenga said Mothecircumstances. economy in these difficult times,” he said. cific Stanslous Mukupa, an allpani did on notthe mean well for Mr Bansal saidhad thewaived repayment relief packages were He also said IZB charges Indo Net also bankoperator at South orebanking body retail Zambians and should go meant toand support corporate, and individual customers ing facility mobile platforms. shaft, said the had Mopani whose businesses been adversely affected by COVID-19. This, he explained, was meant to encourage customers to use and leave miners in peace. sagacashless learning point Hewas saida the packages would be extended toconduct individual safe, and convenient digital platforms their "But beforeto they can go, for Government split with customers in goodto standing currently banking needs. theybank should give enjoying us, our facilities such mortgages andmoney. personal loans by providing “Thein bank is as therefore calling on such Glencore customers to feel free units future privatisahas not relief on interests and repayment periods. totion. contact their respective branches across country It and been a goodtheinvestor. Mrsaid, Bansal said thiscases would on the merits of their present their respective consideration,” MrproblemBansal said. He therefore, thatfordepend has always been specific circumstances. Government must repos- atic from as far as 2015 also said from IZB had waived all chargesmining on the Indo Net sessHe the units Glen"Other compabanking and mobile platforms. core nowfacility and hand them banking nies are working with GovThis, he explained, was meant to encourage customers to two credible investors. ernmentdigital to fight covid-19, to use safe, cashless and convenient platforms to "From whatever has but they want to use conduct their banking needs. happened, there is a lesson covid-19 to leave Zambia, “The bank is therefore calling on such customers to feel to learn and astheir miners we what kind of an free to contact respective branches across theinvestor country think from this is Glencore?" Mr Chisenga and present their developrespective cases for consideration,” Mr ment, should wondered. BansalGovernment said.

in advocating for the growth of farmers through capacitating and guaranteeing market as well as diversifying into cash crops,” Mr Ng’oma said. Mr Ng’oma said the ecoparticipating in the SIRESS. nomic had broadBoZ lockdowns Governor, Denny Kalyened its belief that were local was a alya, said efforts being long term home the grown solumade to include Zambian Kwacha tion. as a settlement currency He on SIRESS. emphasised the need to Dr Kalyalya trading on delvemore intosaid value addition the platform wasto already taking for the country convert the place. abundant raw materials into He was responding to consemi-finished and finished cerns of goodsfrom fit forZambia humanChamber consumpCommerce and Industry (ZACtion and use. CI)Mr President Chabuka Ng’oma said it Kawesha was unon progress made on SIRESS. fortunate that the country was “SIRESS was birthed in 2009 seeingimplementation the opportunitieskicked now and dueinto2010, the Covid-19 crisis. off with South African “As a Bank country let being us think Reserve (SARB) apof homeasgrown solutions pointed the operator of and the buying on Zed in our view is at system behalf of the region. heart of them. Let usAfrican keep “Currently the South

Rand was the settlement currency. The idea was to get the Zambian Kwacha on the platform. We are trying to speedup this process especially in the context of the current Coronavirus (Covid-19),” Dr Kalyalya said. The Governor explained that if Zambia was using the settlement platforms such as SIRESS, some of the pressure being experienced such as the exchange rate would not be felt. Dr Kalyalya noted that apart from the correspondent banking charges, even the VISA sysMr used Ng’oma tems being in the markets had to be cleared in a certain producing to feed our nation country and that was very exbut more importantly let us pensive.

add value locally to satisfy local and regional markets,” he said. Mr Ng’oma observed that the country had for long relied on “If copper which we were using suppressed some of this theshouldn’t income have onceseen thesome prices we of reduced. the pressures that we are seeing he said, should onZambia, the Kwacha-United States dollar exchange arrangement,” learn from South Africa that he said. lock down, was still despite According to BoZ data, bethe earning through exports volume of transactions cause of value addition. processed by allusing countries in“Imagine our has maize, creased antoannual average we were by able value add and of 92.2cornflakes? per cent since the implemake What would mentation of the system from be the economic advantages 2014 to 2018. that accrue from the process? In terms of performance “What we are mostly imof Zambia’s payments on the porting the are volume processed SIRESS, and prodvalue uctstransactions and buyingincreased Zed among of by other things is that process an annual average of 115.7 per of making a processed prodcent and 96.4 per cent to 20,008 uct and value it,” bilMr transactions andadding ZAR5.723 Ng’oma. lion in 2018, respectively.

Economic Highlights With ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA

Every Monday... only in the Nation

By MUTISUNGE ZULU

A

EVOLUTION risk from finanS theofworld grapples cial to non-financial has effects, seen a with Covid-19 re-prioritization in the continue resource markets allocationtomap of most shave assetsovervaleigns globally. Top risks have uation causing a plummet evolved from trade wars, geoin demand for riskier assets political tensions and Brexit to that haspandemic fuelled aand sharp updisease climate tick in effects. haven assets such as change U.SAfrican treasuries and nations cangold. bear Key teseconomies like United timony to climate change States effects and China are set to slide into through energy bottlenecks as recession as theyremain suffer erratic busirainfall patterns ness disruption in factorypowacimpacting hydroelectric er generation potential. tivity and supply chains. Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Demand for commodities Botswana, Namibiaand and crude DRC such as copper have severely been impacted. have significantly ebbed lower Droughts remainbalancing rampant inconSub causing fiscal Saharan negating cerns forAfrica ‘Dutch(SSA) diseased’ naefforts to address povertions. Copper on abject the London ty. Africa has 10 years exactly to Metal Exchange (LME) slid to 2030, the$4,343 goldenper year for attainlows of metric ton ing all Sustainable Development in March and has reversed Goals (SDGs). Will Africa meet some of milestone? the losses to trade at the 2030 $5,010 a metricthat tondisease after startIt is evident paning theinyear $6,150 levels. demic 2020atsurpassed climate change effects throwing fiscal Emerging budgets intoMarket disarrayCurrency as global Rout has not spared the production possibilities cripple Kwacha No one saw COVID19 overnight. coming neither did the world facAsset sell-offin its pressure and tor pandemic risk models. This disease has infected stock, disinvestment risks across commodities and frontier currency marmaremerging and kets has widened debt to kets which has sucked purchasing GDP caused ferocious powerratios, from currencies as the currency routs, increased debt dollar environment tightens. repayment in dollar The dollar burdens index against a terms fiscal pressure on basketcreating of 6 major currencies poor, developing andofdeveloped – DXYis at highs 101.2 as countries. green back scarcity grips the It is for this reason that naworld. Pressure on the Kwacha tions seek debt relief. Some anawith have the Bank of Zambia’s lean lysts dubbed the year 2020 reserve the as a badlevels debt has as itexposed has eroded copper vulnerabileven thecurrency’s little economic gains itiesnations to external that made shocks as such given negaits anaemic import cover of tive growth is expected this year. 1.8Much months. as external aid may be sought, home grown solutions can never be overlooked to cushion some of the effects of supply disruptions especially in the food and chain store industry. Africa’s second largest copper producer Zambia is one nation that has not been spared of the disease pandemic effects. Amidst a par-

EAZ

Zambia’s Agro-Led Structural Is COVID19, ‘Copper and Kwacha’ Transformation in COVID era

will allow for competitiveness in the market. Zambia’s vast agriculture opportunities should not be restricted to maize but should extend to fish farming, poultry, cassava, dairy, cashew nuts, fruits and vegetables. the Southern African region has grappled with an acute grain deficit due to drought effects for 3 years of which Zambia has been fortunate to perpetually run surpluses. One aspect that has tended to be overlooked is that agriculservice burden in a currency ture is Zambia’s easiest way to weakening environment is boost manufacturing capability that haslean immense potential to set to the nations proaddress most of the The strategic duction possibilities. red reserves and revenue genermetal producer is set to have a ation challenges seem to tougher year thanthat 2019 whose impede growth in the economy. economic deterioration could The K10billionit life-line that the be pointing to the IMF for central bank throws to commerbailout. Zambia’s $750milcial if utilized lion banks, falls due in 2022efficiently but dewill see the emergence of strong teriorating credit risks make manufacturers in the coronachances of those refinance virus era for ready tovery tap thin the given a ‘CCC’ rating on into curve. The commerce its long-term issuer rating asteams should take this seriously sessment. and reflect Engagements on the massivewith imthe Washington based Zambia lender portation gaps between haveitscontinued as African and trading partners suchnaas tions seek for to Covid-19 South Africa.relief Access finance pandemicremains purposes. Rwanda however a challenge andthe Senegal successfulfor Small have to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) funding to the extent ly been allocated for that scalability will Zambia need funding. relief. Whether will It is at this that outgrows access IMFpoint funding whether schemes, clustering andanco-opfor Covid-19 relief or outeratives will be more is relevant right bailout package what than ever to allow the market waitsgroups to see.access Oththe liquidity pools foreffects, capital. The erwise Covid-19 Dr. pricing is right, yet access Copper and Kwacha bearsmay are still be a challenge. pointing towards the need for Zambia imports 10 times as robustasagile and sustainable much its trading South Africa intervention. does whose differential provides Mutisunge Zulu is currently the commerce and trade units a thetoNational the lot strategizeSecretary on how to of bridge Economics Association Zamthis gap. In 2019 Zambia’s import bia.for South Africa products acbill cording to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZSA) was ZAR30billion while it exported a tenth of that in reverse. Mutisunge Zulu is a Financial Analyst and Strategist currently serving as the National Secretary of The Economics Association of Zambia.

bears pointing Zambia to the IMF Sustainable Development Goals are under threat

tial lock down for 28 days, Head Covid-19, Fiscals of State Mr. the Edgar Lunguand on 25 Dollarin Debt April, his third address to the nation, directed his Commerce and Tradeassociated Ministry to effects ensure on loCovid-19 cal are ecosystem given priorityhas to the farmers business supply to added agriculture a layer of products additional super markets andZambian chain stores. pressure on the fisThis leap towards agro cals. isAsone a black swan event, led structural diversification. A it was never planned for neifurther to see the itAgriculther diddirective the world come. ture Ministry was giventriggered to boost As expected, it has winter maize growingreorganisain the spirit spending through of more granular diversification tion of budget lines which for in the sector to allow for a widthe next weeks will be utilised ened scope for other crops with following the Republican deliberate intent to, not Presonly idents against extension Zambia’s hedge foodofsecurity but partialthe lockdown. Zambia’s allow country to position itcases 40 withexport an additional self forare regional in these case whose infection was only uncertain times. discovered autopsy If Zambiafollowing gets this intervenof a right mysterious death. Various tion and scales production, then the sector to could be a poteninterventions include montial contributor gross etary stimulusto by thedomestic central product. Zambia’s liquidity 2019/2020 bank to provide to rainfall a absorbseason shock already that theechoes disease bumper harvest of the have risks pandemic has net caused such army worms andcentral floods been as announced. The experienced in the year. proThe bank has further relaxed winter maize visioning andproject capitalsurpluses rules to will be an additional stream of allow banks take credit risks foreign exchange revenue.

comfortably. In theismidst of structural Covid-19, What Agro led other risks to growth such is defined as transformation? It as energy agriculture bottlenecks, curincreasing producrencywith depreciation tion the intent ofand not high only addressing food security but widening value addition opportunities such as agro processing and creating synergies with other sectors such as mining that will leverage off argic-inputs. Maize can be used as a component in the copper floatation process. Sixty percent of Zambia’s man-

ufacturing is linked to agro processing. World Bank Agro led structural transformation. In 2018 the World Bank in its economic brief dubbed Agro led Structural Diversification outlined the need for Zambia to actualize its potential as a regional bread basket in addition to use agriculture as the easiest conduit towards boosting agro processing in stepping up manufacturing which the copper producer has struggled with since independence in 1964. Agriculture requires deliberate stemming from the LMEaction Copper price graph extracted from Bloomberg. right policies and efforts from those involved. It is very vivid fuel prices weigh ington based lender the Interthat marketscontinue are vasttoranging growth national Monetary Fund with from localmomentum chain stores, which which the been costCommerce Zambia aMinistry furtherhas downa Request for Proposal (RFP) tasked to address, to regional grade on its CCC credit rat- and commenced debt reorPresident Lungu which markets such to as negative East Africafrom and ing outlook ganisation discussions the Democratic Republic Constable, by Moody’s lastofweek. priced into the dollar bond go. This will allow farmers to Debt service withfor a weak Kwamarket causing a widening of earn as they supply cha aisliving burdensome forprodthe vice spreads thatforpushed on Centre Climateyields Change ucts to meet this demand. DRC treasury let alone debt to gross its 2022’sLand to 62% as its 2027’s Adoptive (SASSCAL) prohas over 1million metric tons of domestic product computa- gram rose to 41%.by the German govfunded maize demandto which Zambia tion escalates highs that has ernment. Earlier last year Zambisigned to absorb 600,000 metric pointed Zambia and other Af- an Will Zambia an IMF honey madego it tofor Chinese and tons earlier last year. rican nations to multilaterals British package? shelves while some of for Honey debt reorganisation, Zambia’s product are available is penetrating relief local or potential cancellation. Thethe copper producer for on shelves of Southhas African and international markets. One Ministry Fi- chain close to 3-years store. The grappled model is with perof Zambia’s Zambia’s top tertiary of institunancethe approached Wash- fectly closing a bailout deal with the right but the commerce autions Mulungushithe University thorities need to help the private is supplying 4-tons of honey to sector build scale to match comall Shoprite stores countrywide petitiveness and global demand. which is demonstration of a sustainability model of local enSustainable Development tities which should be emulated. Goals under threat. Zambia’s Further, Mulungushi is assisting Head of State directed his Agover 1,000 small scale farmers riculture and National Developin North Western Province under ment Planning Ministries to dethe Southern Africa Science Ser-

vise new climate change action Washington based the plans to secure foodlender production International in Zambia. It Monetary is evidentFund that that has had on the COVID19 doesinvestors impact attainability of with Sustainable Development edge a weariness that exGoals through reduced acerbated asset sell-offfunding presto SDG initiatives as fiscal budsure a few years back. gets focusdefault on fighting disease Credit spreads on pandemic Zambia’s effects. dollar National bonds Profor duction Frontiers maturity Possibility in 2022 and 2027 (PPFs) have altered6,727bps with reblew out to aberecord sponse allocation towards and 3,982bps (above 10yrpubUS lic health causes which simultreasuries) from 1,975bps and taneously entail lower resource 1,538bps towards at startthe of drivers year reallocation of spectively. 2022’s, 2024’s the economyThe which will lead to and 2027’s are Africa the worst lower productivity. is 10 emerging dollar bonds years awaymarket from meeting SDGs after Angola’s and Gabon’s which include sustainability in 2023 and 2025’s that have simenergy generation from renewilar blown out on suppressed able diversified sources such crude prices. as solar, alleviation of hunger With aballooning external through widened crop base and initiatives weak such debt agriculture of $11.23billion, as winter of maize, the electric car reserves $1.4billion, rising era that will allowand for elevated reduced inflation at 14% dependency on fossil fuelssecuthat yields on government cause a spiral effect in therisks clirities fuelling repricing mate change fight and causing interest rate embracspirals ing of technology in education Zambia’s growth environment to mentionsuppressed. but a few. Increasing remains Private agriculture produce and creating sector pulse has been in conmarkets locally that absorb chain traction for awillyear meastore demand helpas alleviate sured by Purchasing Manpoverty by providing a sustainagerslivelihood Index (PMI) asfarmers. lack of able for local

liquidity, currency and energy risks continue to weigh.Views. Debt The Economists

Pronouncements are only as good as those tasked to actualize them run with the directive. In the COVID era, this provides a silver lining for the local market. It’s creates an instant market and demand that also poses a challenge for the farmers and local producers to meet standards that


Monday 27 April, 2020

Stick to the rules or risk losing more money Minister warns SA businesses JOHANNESBURG Government estimates about 1.5 million people, about 40 percent of the workforce, will be able to return to work at the end of this month as more companies are allowed to operate, however they need to adhere to specific rules to ensure the risk of transmission of the coronavirus remains low. Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Saturday provided a detailed breakdown on the industries that are allowed to operate during level four of lockdown. This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced that the restrictions on economic activity would be lifted in a gradual risk-adjusted process, based on coronavirus levels. The National Coronavirus Command Council determines the alert level based on evidence of the infection rate and the capacity of the health system to provide care. South Africa is currently at level 5, in which drastic measures are taken to control the spread of the virus. At this level only essential services may operate.

When we move to level 4 on Friday May 1, more businesses may be allowed to operate, while keeping to specific health and safety precautions. A curfew will also be enforced to restrict the movement of people. The lockdown is still to be enforced, but more companies will open up for business and more people will get to go to work, DlaminiZuma explained. “We are taking all the measures to make sure the speed of the spread of the infection is not high, so as not to overwhelm health services … If we do not stick to the conditions to the restrictions, we will move swiftly back to level 5,” Dlamini-Zuma added. She warned that if companies do not stick to the health and safety rules they will be closed down. “Industries must stick to the guidelines. If you take short cuts, and try to save money, you will lose more money when that company or factory has to close because people are infected,” said Dlamini-Zuma. Workplaces and even public transport service providers must offer hand sanitisers and everyone must wear a face mask. Workplaces will also have to screen staff for symptoms of the virus. In large companies, testing for the virus may even be possible. “If we stick to all the things that need to be done, then we may be able to hold onto level 4 and eventually get to level 3 … If the numbers go up, we may go back to level 5,” Dlamini-Zuma added. - FIN24.

OPEC member Angola says producer cuts insufficient, more action needed LONDON - Angola sees an oil production curb by OPEC, its allies and other top producers as insufficient to balance global markets, state news agency ANGOP quoted resources and petroleum minister Diamantino Azevedo as saying on Friday. “It is up to everyone to understand that, despite the measures taken by OPEC, oil producers in various countries should be aware that they may be called to take more drastic measures,” Azevedo said. “Because of the lack of storage capacity, continued production is becoming unjustified,” he added, referring to the strained ability of global oil consumers to store up unwanted oil amid economic lockdowns brought on by the coronavirus. Amid the unprecedented reductions by major producers, Angola committed to cut almost a quarter of its output from an October 2018 baseline. March production stood at 1.39 million barrels per day

(bpd) and Angola is obliged to reduce its output to 1.18 million bpd from May. According to a preliminary plan for June oil exports, Angola is set to ship several more crude cargoes than the month before, but traders say the schedule has yet to be finalised. Angola, Africa’s number two oil exporter after Nigeria, is working to reform its oil industry to halt a production slump that has dented the economy, including privatising stakes of state oil giant Sonangol. The country is vulnerable the recent plunge in oil prices, which reached two-decade lows this week before rebounding slightly, due to a largely offshore industry with high production costs and years of lacklustre investment. Azevedo said Angola risked being left behind by other countries with more accessible oil reserves and better infrastructure and that its own industry was hamstrung by “conflicts of interest, lack of investment and leadership.” – REUTERS.

SA TO CAP LOSSES FOR BANKS GIVING CORONAVIRUS LOANS

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O H A N N E S B U RG - South Africa will cap losses for banks participating in its R200 billion loan-guarantee programme as the government seeks to rekindle the economy devastated by the lockdown to curb the coronavirus. Lenders, the National Treasury and the SA Reserve Bank have created a credit-guarantee programme in which the government and banks will share profits made from the difference between the cost of funding and the rate of interest charged on loans, Treasury said in an email. Should the gains not be enough to offset losses, these will be absorbed by banks as much as six percent of the loan, with the government shouldering the rest. Treasury doesn't expect any losses under the baseline scenario, Roy Havemann, chief director of financial markets and stability, said by phone. "If things go badly," potential losses could be as high as R24 billion over five years for banks and the government, he said.

The initial phase of the project will target R100 billion of loans that will be offered at a single interest rate that still needs to be determined, and pegged to the SARB's benchmark rate, the Treasury said. Banks will also be charged a guarantee fee. South Africa is following the lead of other nations around the world seeking to provide stimulus to their economies through their banking systems. The loan guarantees form part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's R500 billion support package aimed at rekindling growth and helping those worst affected by the lockdown. Banks would still adhere strictly to risk principles,

said Nolwandle Mthombeni, an analyst at Mergence Investment Managers. "Banks will be affected to the extent that their customers default, but even then it will be limited to six percent of loan size. I expect banks will still do what they can to assist clients." Other key features of the programme: • A six-month repayment holiday will start from the first drawdown, from which interest will accumulate. • Repayment of interest and capital starts after six months and businesses have a maximum term of 60 months. • Each company may

take out only one Covid-19 loan. • Loans will be available to businesses in good standing and with an annual income of less than 300 million rand. • Funds can be used for operational expenses such as salaries, rent and lease agreements, and contracts with suppliers. • Loans will cover as much as three months of operational costs and will be drawn down monthly. • Banks are not obliged to extend Covid-19 loans, and those that do will use their normal risk evaluation and credit-application processes. – BLOOMBERG.

IMF nods $309m in Covid-19 financing to MOZ JOHANNESBURG - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday it has approved a disbursement of $309 million to help Mozambique meet urgent balance of payment and fiscal needs stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. African nations including Mozambique have become heavily indebted in the past decade and are seeking support from the IMF, World Bank and European Union for wide-ranging debt relief. Last Thursday Mozambique lowered its forecast for economic growth this year to 2.2 percent from a previous forecast of four percent because of

Tao Zhang “Mozambique is expected to be significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, dashing prospects of a nascent economic recovery following two powerful tropical cyclones that struck in 2019,” the impact of the virus, which has infected 65 people. Its budget showed the country, which was struck by two devastating cyclones last year, expects to record a deficit of more than 10 percent of gross

Pandemic could fuel demand for 'diaspora bonds', says WB WASHINGTON/LONDON - The coronavirus pandemic and its devastating economic impact on developing countries could fuel fresh interest in so-called diaspora bonds that allow migrants to support their countries of origin, experts from the World Bank and other groups say. Dilip Ratha, the World Bank’s lead economist on migration and remittances, told

Reuters that diaspora bonds could generate about $50 billion a year in total for developing countries, potentially helping to offset a sharp drop in foreign direct investment that is slated to fall by 37 percent this year. However, such claims have met with scepticism in some quarters, given the plight of many migrants who have lost jobs and income during the crisis and as direct transfers

domestic product in 2020. “Mozambique is expected to be significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, dashing prospects of a nascent economic recovery following two powerful tropical cyclones that struck in 2019,” IMF Deputy Managing Director and Chair Tao Zhang said in a statement. “Given Mozambique’s limited fiscal space and high public debt, additional external support, preferably in the form of grants and highly concessional loans, is also urgently required to meet the country’s elevated financing needs and ease the financial burden of the pandemic.” The IMF’s emergency

financial support is under the Rapid Credit Facility. The Fund said significant disruptions are emerging in services, transport, agriculture, manufacturing and communications coupled with a much worse external environment affecting export-oriented sectors, such as mining. To mitigate the impact of the pandemic and preserve macro-economic stability, the government has taken several steps to increase health spending, strengthen social protection to the most vulnerable and support micro-businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, it added. – REUTERS.

of wages to their home countries - known as global remittances - decline sharply. World Bank officials on Friday warned that developing economies could suffer close to a three percent decline in economic output if consumption and investment do not rebound quickly after the coronavirus pandemic. Ratha said the World Bank has previously worked with Nigeria and India on diaspora bond issues and that other countries have expressed interest in recent months as they scramble for resources to fight the virus and mitigate its

impact. Jay Benson, a senior researcher with the One Earth Future Foundation in Denver, Colorado, said potential issuers with large diasporan populations included Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ratha said diasporan investors were typically less skittish than outside investors. “They have a connection to a country and have a vested interest, as they might return,” he said, noting that migrants also often had greater access to land and assets. – REUTERS.


Monday 27, April2020

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Unholy political alliances withering away

Social Media HON BOWMAN CHILOSHA LUSAMBO FIGHTING COVID19 ON ALL FRONTS Only collective effort will defeat Covid-19. The community has to be sensitized and fully engaged. In Kabushi Constituency yesterday, we interacted with our people and shared information on Covid19 prevention and distributed face masks. #Covid19Zambia... COMMENTS Luckson Chibaye II: We understand the right against corona but not in the manner that it is being conducted. Honorable you are a public figure and the moment you visit such places during this pandemic is tantamount to promoting Covid 19. It is obvious that when people see you they will gather in huge numbers as you can see. This fight is causing more problems than solutions. Muyunda Akufuna: If we had even 10 of our MPs like you, Zambia would be a better Country... Most MPs have gone into oblivion!! Caleb Jerome Jnr Daka: Preventive Maintenance Prefect aka Kabushi 1 #Goodwork Gracious T Kalyondo: Good job Honourable.But why not give them a bottle each of the sanitiser, some soap for washing their hands etc, so that they can have them on their stands and in shops and sanitise their hands regularly. Masks? Am not sure if they may be able to avoid throwing them anyhow and touching them but they must still be distributed. Fridah Paul Tembo: You are doing a good job but the place is too crowded people are not observing 1mtr distance.. Enerstol Enerst Fridah: Paul Tembo my words too đ&#x;¤” Derrick Elemu So, you only beat those from Lusaka or you have now listened to the criticisms you got for beating up people? That’s how leaders behave, not that behaviour you displayed in Lusaka... Mule Zion: This is how we are fighting coronavirus in Zambia. Thankyou Mr. Lusambo for gathering those crowds. You are a man of action. Leah Musonda: You’re doing a great job hon..you should visit Solwezi and see how our opposition MP has failed his people ,,,this is the time u should come in and care for the people.... My opinion sir thank you.. Henry Kapanta: What’s your reply to what Seer1 said the other day, he seemed very upset đ&#x;˜‚ if he was still in Zambia I’m very positive he would have looked for you Sir Honourable SlimCobra Patrick: God will surely bless you honourable u are doing a great job....never mind about the critics even Jesus was criticized am your number one fan ...... representing the people of Chienge constituency Luapula province Florence Soko Soko: U are doing a good job honourable Bowman lusambo u in are in your constuincy, God bless you Douglas Douglas: Good job honourable. Vision 2040. PF for life Sylvia Raymond’s: Great job man of action â?¤ Bishrow Chellah Honorable I think that move was a dangerous one looking at the numbers u were moving with Ramaphosa Hazard Jacob: Well done Hon good job keep it up... Have a request to make Lewis Shimba Zimba: Atleast now hon you have noticed that the best way to fight this virus is not by being confrontational ie beating. Maseboh Bruno: Please honourable you should be telling you followers to adhere to physical distancing Chelsea Drogba Atishani Seer1 wants at neutral ground, he said he can whip you with your boys, mwilatina bamwine respond to him

DAILY

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Dear Editor, WE learn of the recent political deviant behavior by Hichilema’s defacto spokesperson James Lukuku to be an abuse of democracy.

SO WHO DOES CHIEF MUKUNI THINK HE IS DECEIVING?

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Dear editor, EFERENCE is made to the thought-provoking front page story “Tongas are more – Mukuni� (Daily Nation, April 14, 2020) in which it was reported that Senior Chief Mukuni of the Toka-Leya said that Tonga is the only tribe that outnumbers Bembas. He reportedly argued that the 21% majority population the Paramount Chief Chitimukulu made reference to, was a combination of Luapula and Muchinga provinces, which were viewed as Bemba speaking, but not necessarily Bemba inhabited. For those who haven’t read this article yet (and I highly recommend it), here is a bit of why he omitted to mention the “Bantu Botatwe�.

When I first came across this term, I was so moved that I thought I should share it with the esteemed readers. The “Bantu Botatweâ€? is an acronym for Tonga, Ila and Lenje speaking people spanning across Southern, Central and Lusaka provinces. Can that justify the notion that the Tonga tribe outnumbers the Bembas that Chief Mukuni was passionately talking about? I doubt it. I don’t know about you, but I am getting really worried by the antics of Chief Mukuni. Firstly, I can simply put it down to “ethnocentrismâ€?, but the Toka-Leya chief’s frequent U-turns in the last few years have given me cause to wonder if there isn’t more to him than mere “ethnocentrismâ€?. Whichever way one looks at him, there is a good reason why Zambians should take what he preaches with a pinch of salt. So which of the Chief Mukunis do we listen to? The one who wants the Bemba to emulate the Tonga speaking people, who recognize the importance of voting, or the one who preaches that Tonga is the only tribe that outnumbers the Bembas? So who does Chief Mukuni think he is deceiving? I guess you know what he is driving at. From not dousing the flames of Tonga tribalism that UPND leaders once ignited in 2006, he is now fanning them. Besides, I do rather suspect, he is also stoking the tribal-embers with the “It’s time for a Tonga to rule Zambiaâ€? mantra – trustingly repeated by some “Bantu Botatweâ€? and others. This is unfortunate as there has been growing awareness and strong sense of dĂŠjĂ vu that the leaked document which disclosed that Hakainde Hichilema had engaged disgraced – now defunct – UK data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica to influence voters ahead

of the 2016 general elections with the said mantra which proved as the most effective means to the overwhelming voter turnout of over 70% of mostly underage firsttime voters, in each of the UPND strongholds. As expected, Cambridge Analytica has re-emerged incognito, with an Egyptian owner, Ahmad Al-Khatib as its sole investor and has its focus on the Middle East and Africa. The new company, Auspex International, has allegedly kept ex-Cambridge Analytica director Mark Turnbull at the helm, according to media reports disclosing that an unnamed African country – most likely Zambia – was already on board as one of the first clients. So, will the spectre of Cambridge Analytica still haunt Zambia’s 2021 elections? Funding for social media advertising and manipulation could determine the outcome of Zambia’s 2021 vote, moreover, with a monthly fee of US$ 225,000 for a period of 15 months from March, 2020. Elections are big business, and look no further than the ongoing UPND frenzy over the upcoming 2021 elections for proof. It is hard to miss how much money would be made in both the main event and the ecosystem around it. UPND politicians are no longer just candidates, but also brands, backed by elaborate merchandising and advertising apparatuses that would be designed to probably catapult their public image to victory. Outside the core tug of war, media companies around the country would wrestle for the attention of viewers, listeners and readers with elaborate, attention-grabbing infographics and chyrons. As Zambia inches towards this critical vote, it does so in the shadow of profound questions about the changing nature of elections in the country and beyond. Over the last few years with exposure to smartphones, there has been rising alarm over the role of social media in politics around the nation. 2016 was arguably Zambia’s first social media election, where UPND leader for the first time invested significant sums of money into shaping the behaviour and conversation of voters on these platforms. He spent considerable amounts of money on data analytics and data mining firms that specialised in consuming, digesting and regurgitating voters’ online behaviour into political messaging. One of the major fears for

analysts watching the 2021 vote is return of these social media parasites. In this regard, the election in Zambia will be a bellwether for the increasing anxiety over the role of foreign private companies in Zambian elections. Underneath this panic over social media lies a broader conversation on the changing nature of elections. Money is more influential than ever and normative ideas about democratic values are in decline. More and more, the real decision-makers are those who can use their money more efficiently to tilt the scales in their own favour – basically, those who invest the most in branding and advertising, in lobbying foreign funding, or even as in Zambia, in manipulating the electoral system directly by rejecting the Constitutional Amendment Bill. For voters, the process of achieving truly representative or inclusive government has never been more difficult. When financial gain trumps all other consideration our collective tolerance to injustice increases, leaving many who don’t have access to power or influence vulnerable to the whims of the people with the deepest pockets. Political advertising should be a special class of its own, separated from the vagaries of advertising in general. The stakes are very high, because the outcome would have an impact far beyond the individual or outfit buying or selling these services. Social media changes everything, and we aren’t quite able to grasp its massive scale yet. It is a salutary lesson to us Zambians which we’ve all learned since 2016. MUBANGA LUCHEMBE

The recent decision for the UPND dominated political alliance to go separate ways with veteran media tycoon Steven Nyirenda’s party, NAREP, is a prophecy come true. We are on record of having predicted the political shutting of this opinionated association as they have not reconciled their diverse political views. It is becoming clearer that the goal of the alliance is to usher HH to State House and not to offer alternative solutions. We have consistently advised them to harmonize their manifestos but their preoccupation was to be mischief makers. With the general elections looming, the UPND dominated opposition is not even courageous enough to declare HH their Presidential candidate. They are scared because such attempts will not go well with our older brother Chishimba Kambwili who equally is eagerly itching to lead UPND dominated alliance. It is apparently clear that it is just a matter of time before Kambwili is shown the exit door. The PF and its alliance partners must not be moved because they have formed a greater alliance with the Zambian people. The UPND led alliance is at the verge if defeat, no wonder the members are slowly but surely disengaging themselves from power hungry clew. There is no weapon that is fashioned against the people centered President Lungu will be allowed to succeed under any circumstance. HH has been a very inconsistent politician who takes sides when it suits him. This is therefore a call up to Zambian people to appreciate that President Lungu has been a listening President and has given primacy to the voice of reason. MARVIN CHANDA MBERI Youth Rights Activist Lusaka

Chief Mukuni


Kopala 9

DAILY NATION | Monay April 27, 2020

Catholic sisters aid street kids By SANFROSSA MANYINDA

NKANA, KWACHA IN HEALTH BOOST By ROGERS KALERO

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KANA and Kwacha constituencies have received a shot in the arm after their respective Members of Parliament (MPs) Alexander Chiteme and Joe Malanji spearheaded and funded clinics with maternity wings. In Mindolo and surrounding areas, residents would access medical services from the newly-refurbished maternity ward at Mindolo one clinic, which

was was handed over at the weekend. Mr Chiteme, who spear-headed the community initiative in Mindolo, said he had spent more than K300,000 on the project. Mr Chiteme said the newly-refurbished maternity ward has a space of 20 beds and expecting mothers will no longer travel to Kitwe Teaching Hospital (KTH) to seek maternity services He said the maternity ward, which was initially started as Constituency Development

Fund (CDF) project, was later completed using his personal resources amounting to K320,000. "The most important thing is that, with the opening of this maternity ward, expecting mothers will no longer travel to Kitwe Teaching Hospital to seek maternity services,'' Mr Chiteme said He said he also bought beds, curtains, connected electricity and water to ensure effective operation of the ward At Miseshi Mindolo clinic, Mr Chiteme donated

SHUTDOWN NOTICE ZESCO Limited wishes to inform its esteemed customers and the public that there will be an interruption of power supply in the following areas: WOODLANDS, WOODLANDS EXTENSION, NYUMBA YANGA, CHILENJE, LIBALA, PART OF IBEX HILL, PART OF KABULONGA PURPOSE:

To Facilitate Maintenance Works

DATE:

Wednesday 29th & Thursday, 30th April, 2020.

TIME:

From 08:00hrs to 16:00hrs per day.

FIGHT CORONAVIRUS: Customers are encouraged to purchase electricity units through channels such as online banking and mobile money. Customers are further advised to report faults by contacting Zesco National Call Centre on 0211 363636 (all networks) or 322 (MTN & Airtel) or SMS supply status query and account/prepayment number to 3600.

E24042020

However, all supply lines must be treated as live as power may be restored before the stated time. We regret the inconvenience this may cause.

face-masks, surgical gloves, mechanical personal scales and other items to be used at the clinic And speaking earlier at Mindolo one clinic, Copperbelt Principal Infrastructure officer Joachim Longwe said the construction of the maternity ward had been going on for a long time until the MP decided to complete the building so that it could be operational In Kwacha constituency, Mr Malanji said he will spend US$210,000 on the construction of a maternity wing at Bulangililo clinic in order to reduce walking distance to KTH for maternity cases. Mr Malanji, who is also Foreign Affairs Minister, said the construction of a maternity wing and the existing clinic infrastructure would operate on a 24-hour basis as a mini hospital. The MP was speaking on Saturday when he inspected the construction works at the clinic. "In Kwacha East, Bulangililo, Ipusukilo and Nkana East, the health services go to sleep after 17.00 hours, and so we would like to put up a maternity wing here at Bulangililo clinic. "Once this maternity wing is completed, together with the existing clinic infrastructure, it would operate for 24 hours as a fully-fledged mini hospital. The total cost of this maternity wing is US$210,000,'' Mr Malanji said He said his desire was to improve health and education infrastructure in the constituency so that they were capable of delivering quality services to the increasing population He said the construction of a maternity wing and the upgrading of various primary schools into secondary schools was a clear indication of his desire to improve health and education standards Mr Malanji was also working hard to alleviate poverty in communities through revolving funds for marketeers in Ipusukilo , Kwacha , Bulangililo and other parts of the constituency.

CATHOLIC sisters in Kitwe have extended a helping hand to the vulnerable to ameliorate their challenges in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Sisters of St John the Baptist donated items which included hand soap, bathing soap, washing powder and bales of sugar worth K6, 566 for the vulnerable as a way of improving their livelihood. Handing over the items, Sister Florence said the Sisters of St John the Baptist were prompted to make a donation to the community because of the challenges people were facing in the face of the Covid-19. Sister Florence handed over the items to the Kitwe City Council for onward distribution to the most affected vulnerable group in the community. She advised the local authority to identify the appropriate beneficiary for the items with special consideration for street kids and persons with special needs. And receiving the donation,

Kitwe Mayor, Christopher Kang’ombe, thanked the Catholic sisters for the good gesture towards the fight against Covid-19. Mr Kang’ombe said that out of the 170 children on the streets, 30 had placed in designated care homes and as such they urgently required groceries and food stuff. The Mayor said, therefore, that the items from the Sisters of St John would be given to the 30 children. “Street kids need urgent care and this is also in relation to avoiding the spread of corona virus, because if they are left on the streets they will be at risk of catching the virus,’’ the Mayor stressed.

Mr Kang’ombe

UCZ gatherings remain suspended By SANFROSSA MANYINDA THE United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has maintained that worship services, group meetings and other activities remain suspended during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Acting Synod Bishop, Rodwell Chomba, however said that the mode of offerings and family churches would continue as earlier prescribed. Bishop Chomba made the announcement in a pastoral letter dated April 25, 2020 to all congregations in the country and obtained in Kitwe. He said that the UCZ had decided that members should

continue with the earlier precautions until the review date which was May 9, 2020. "Fellow believers, you may wish to note that the President’s guidance is on conditional on our abilities as congregations too meeting social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, sanitising and hand washing guidelines. "This being the case, the UCZ has decided that we continue with the earlier precautions up to the review date, which is the 9th May 2020,” he said. Bishop Chomba emphasised that Sunday worship service, Holy Communion and other sacraments remain suspended.

P.O. Box 34553, 23rd Floor, Findeco House. Lusaka.

MILLENNIUM RADIO 90.5 FM


Monday 27 April, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

DAILY

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ZAMBIA ELECTRONIC CLEARING HOUSE LIMITED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Zambia Electronic Clearing House Limited (ZECHL) is a corporate entity registered under the Companies Act 1994, Chapter 388 of the Laws of Zambia whose main objective is to provide reliable, efficient and cost-effective clearing and switching services to the financial sector. The company now wishes to recruit for the positions to be based at its Head Office situated at COMESA Head Office in Lusaka. 1. OPERATIONS MANAGER Job Summary To provide daily operations oversight of all the organization payment streams ATMs, POS, Mobile, Cheque Truncation System (CTS). Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Develop and implement policies and procedures on clearing and settlement of all payment streams. - Ensure operations’ policies and procedures of the Organisation are followed correctly to avoid risks; and also ensure that the credibility of the Organisation is upheld by enforcing professional standard of operating in staff members. - Good understanding of contemporary payments systems and their effect on the payment eco system - Monitor daily operations to ensure a free flow processes, and also supervise the execution of daily tasks - Provide mentorship to members of the operations team by observing their daily activities and assisting them in solving complicated issues arising from errors in operations. - Provide support to Banks on all clearing and payments streams and settlement issues; - Coordinate the review and update of business rules for all payment streams from time to time; - Ensure client data is protected from the public and secured against fraud by enforcing access rights and verification levels - Co-ordinates and implements the testing of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) as set out in the BCP procedure document; - Verification of Settlement positions for all clearing payment streams; - Allocation of workloads, supervision and coaching of subordinate staff - Monitor the functionality of the system and applications for integrity and availability. - Implement approved improvements to clearing payment streams. - Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services through improvements to each payment clearing stream; - Manage customer help desk. Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - Degree in Banking/ Business Administration/ Management Information Systems/ Computer Science or equivalent; - A Master’s degree in a relevant field an added advantage. - At least five years’ relevant experience in Payments CTS, EFT and Switching of Automated Teller Machines and Point of Sale processes should be a MUST. - Membership to any relevant Professional Body - Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications. - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills. - Effective communication skills. - Strong business acumen and detail-oriented 2. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Job Summary The Business Development Officer should be adept at scanning the payments business environment and be able to make sound decisions that will provide direction in terms of product and service development in the payments industry. Ultimately, should have strong business acumen as well as demonstrate excellent management, communication, and analytical skills. Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Develop and sustaining solid relationships with company stakeholders and customers. - Good understanding of contemporary payments systems and their effect on the payment eco system - Ability to critically analyze payments system products and services and make recommendations - Good analytical skills and report writing skills - Operate as Executive Assistant to CEO from time to time - Understanding of the local and regional payments eco system - Providing insight into product development and positioning. - Analyzing financial data and developing effective strategies to reduce business costs. - Conducting market research to identify new business opportunities. - Collaborating with company executives to determine the most viable, cost-effective approach to pursue new business opportunities. - Meeting with potential members to the clearing house to present company offerings and negotiate business deals - Developing Business and or product proposals for new business Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Finance, Economics, Marketing, ICT or related field. - At least five years’ relevant experience working as a Business Development Officer or similar role. - Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications. - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills. - Effective communication skills, strong business acumen and detail-oriented - Experience working in a payments system industry an advantage. 3. COMPUTER HARDWARE ENGINEER Job Summary Research, design, develop, and test computer or computer-related equipment. Supervises the installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Analyse information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications. - Analyse user needs and recommend appropriate hardware. - Troubleshooting tasks and ensure permanent fixes are implemented on the infrastructure systems - Ensure timely resolution of system incidents to avoid disruption of business - Enforce adherence to ICT and Engineering standards and procedures - Ensure that system enhancements are effected as prescribed to maintain undisruptive operations - Confer staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall infrastructure system. - Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications. - Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, analysing and recording test data. - Provide training and support to all computer users - Recommend solutions to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation. - Coordinate and supervise routine maintenance of computer infrastructure and undertake installations. Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering or related field - Minimum of 5 years of experience in hardware or circuit design - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Experience working in a payments system environment an advantage - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills. - Effective communication skills. - Strong business acumen and detail-oriented 4.

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

Job Summary To provide human resource management function of the company. The role provides human resource services by implementing best practices of the profession and establishing systems, procedures, and policies, and monitoring HR projects. Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Enhances the organization’s human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices. - Manage and implement best in class employee life cycle HR practices (from hire to retire). - Provide accurate and timely data, reports, analytics and recommendations for decision making. - Manages and implements the Performance Management System (PMS) for all staff. - Manages a pay plan by conducting periodic pay surveys; scheduling and conducting job evaluations. - Ensures planning, monitoring, and appraisal of employee work results, uphold employee discipline, hearing and resolving employee grievances; and counselling employees. - Ensures legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable human resource statutes, policies and regulations. - Retains historical human resource records by designing a filing and retrieval system and keeping past and current records up to date. - Manages human resource staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees. - Assist in managing procurement processes and effective security services. - Managing insurance policies of all classes. - Managing the institution’s staff health care scheme. - Secretary of the procurement committee Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management or related discipline - Membership to the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management is required. - Certificate in purchasing and supply and ZPPA knowledge an advantage - At least five (5) years’ relevant experience in a reputable organisation. - Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications. - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills, Detail-oriented and self starter - Exceptional decision-making skills and Effective communication skills. 5.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Job purpose To provide Administrative and Secretarial services to CEO and Senior Management and produce various narrative and technical documents. The role provides office services by implementing administrative systems, procedures, and policies, and monitoring administrative projects. Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Provide office secretarial services to the CEO and Senior Management staff. - Types from shorthand noted or manuscript, letters, memoranda, tables, reports, and other documents of a routine and confidential nature for senior staff. - Keep the CEO’s diary and coordinate all meetings. - Receives, places, filters and conveys telephone calls, tactfully screens visitors to offices under his/her watch to prevent unnecessary interruption of Senior staff. - Orders and keeps reasonable supply of office stationery and other requisits to facilitate movement of correspondence and production of documents. - Makes internal and external travel and accommodation arrangements for all staff travelling. - Maintain a logical and systematic filling system for all correspondence. - Makes necessary arrangements for meetings, seminars and workshops of the Organization. - Ensures proper record keeping of all company documents. - Assist Manage the Administrative function of the company. - Supervise the Office Assistant - Ensures availability of office supplies and maintain clean and healthy office surroundings.

Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - Diploma in secretarial and office Management - A degree or diploma in Business Administration, Public Administration or Human Resources will be an added advantage - Typing speed of 250 to 300 words per minute. - At least five years’ relevant experience. - Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications. - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Effective communication skills and decision-making skills. - High Computer skills in Microsoft word suit, ability to work with minimum supervision, sober character. - Capable of handling confidential matters. - A Member of the Professional Secretary Association of Zambia 6.

ASSISTANT SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS OFFICER

Job purpose To assist the Systems Applications Officer plan and strategize on the utilisation of ICT in addressing organisation and stakeholder needs. The role contributes to the development of new operational systems and methods in line with modern national payment systems Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Provide first line support on the National Financial Switch and Cheque Truncation Systems - Monitor the network and applications to ensure minimal downtime for IT systems - Assist in the implementation of interfaces for ATM, POS, Mobile Money Channels - Conversant with modern applications coding languages and programming. - Handle Customer inquiries on the National Switch both telephonically and through emails. - Record and report all technical issues affecting the smooth operations of IT systems. - Track assigned incidents and ensure timely resolution - Escalate complex technical issues to L2 support - Follow up customer queries with necessary ZECHL personnel - Maintain all incident records Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or related field. - At least 3 years’ experience in IT Support - Knowledge of Unix/Linux systems - Able to write SQL queries - Knowledge of any scripting language will be an added advantage - Basic understanding of electronic banking transactions & cards operations - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills. - Effective communication skills, Strong business acumen and Detail-oriented - Experience working with a payments switch (IST, Postilion, SmartVista etc) an added advantage. 7.

ASSISTANT DATABASE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Job purpose To assist the Database Administrator, provide superior National Financial Switch application support services in order to ensure availability of reliable and quality information systems and support services that meet user requirements. Key Accountabilities The successful candidate will among other things: - Provide first line support on the National Financial Switch and Cheque Truncation Systems - Carry out Database administrator functions for ZECHL ICT systems. - Respond to database related customer inquiries on ZECHL ICT systems. - Troubleshoot and resolve all applications and database issues affecting the smooth operations of IT systems. - Track assigned incidents and ensure timely resolution - Escalate complex technical issues to Level 2 support - Follow up customer queries with necessary ZECHL personnel - Maintain database schema records - Maintain backup logs, tapes and related records Academic and Professional Qualifications & skills - A full grade 12 certificate/School Certificate with credit passes including English language and Mathematics - A degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or related field. - At least 3 years’ experience in IT Support - Knowledge of Windows, Oracle and MS SQL - Able to write SQL queries - Knowledge Unix/Linux systems - Capable of automating Unix tasks - Capable of writing Unix shell scripts - Knowledge of Java, PHP or C# - Knowledge of Oracle Weblogic, Apache Tomcat - Basic understanding of electronic banking transactions & cards operations - The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. - Excellent analytical, problem-solving and management skills. - Exceptional negotiation and decision-making skills. - Effective communication skills, Strong business acumen and Detail-oriented If you meet the above qualifications, please send your application letter and a detailed CV including your full address, contact numbers, with copies of academic & professional certificates to: zechl_admin@zechl.co.zm In order to reduce the risk of the spread of the COVID – 19, please note that all application responses should be in electronic form no hand delivered application letters will be accepted. The closing date for receipt of applications is 8th May 2020 PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED


DAILY

Monday 27 April, 2020

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AS THEORIES, MYTHS SWIRL ON 5G, SO ARE SCIENTIFIC FACTS

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Many theories have been mere falsehoods, and it is not surprising that YouTube moved swiftly to take down content linking 5G to coronavirus. By SILUMESI MALUMO

T

HE outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has fuelled more theories and myths on 5G technology. Even on the briefest glance at news sites nowadays, you are almost guaranteed to find a conspiracy bite on that. The technology innovation which is heralded as the great hope for the ICT industry has suddenly been imbued in so many conspiracy theories. The following are the trendiest theories currently: (1) 5G might suppress the immune system (2) Viruses can communicate through radio waves. (3) 5G has accelerated the spread of coronavirus, there are these and many more. Amidst this growing conversation, theories and myths have casted a climate of fear on many people. For instance, there has been concerns that 5G uses a higher frequency of radio waves compared to older generations, and thus posing a risk to both the environment and human beings. On the other hand, there is a telling argument that has come up from experts against that claim. The frequency of that wireless technology are within recommended thresh-

Mr Bwalya olds set by international guidelines. The recommended guidelines can be as high as 300 GHz and the maximum for 5G will probably only be in the tens of GHz. This is according to the Public Health of England. And Information and communications technology expert Zimri Kapambwe Bwalya implied that 5G technology was an innovation to improve the internet technology. Mr Bwalya said the myth that 5G had necessitated the outbreak of the coronavirus was misguided as the technology was just like other internet technology which were developed some time back. This is just the technology which was developed to enable a fast pace for the end users to have easy access. He said the actual idea behind deploying 5G is for the ICT industry to have remark-

ably fast-paced and indestructible internet speed for users. It enables signal carriers to transfer data at a breakneck speed and users to download huge files of any kind faster than before. “It also means easier conveyance of great amounts of information for carriers and alleviated network jamming. The other assurance pegged to it is that consumers will consistently get strong faster connections. Strong internet connectivity has been at the centre of so many developments in the advanced world, from self-driven cars, automated robots, remote machinery control to surveillance,” Mr Bwalya said. Contrary to assertions that that 5G leads to the spread of corona virus, research has revealed that 5G could be useful even in the fight against corona virus. In fact 5G is a secret behind countries like China containing the pandemic quicker than any other nation. In China’s health system for instance, 5G has promoted cooperation by enabling connectivity, maintaining effective communication among hospitals. It has also enabled medical data and reference sharing between hospitals and scientific research institutions, especially in the rapid increases in data volume and mounting demand for remote and HD-video based treatment scenario. It is not surprising that some authorities that have come to appreciate 5G have been quick to dismiss claims that it is a major contributor to the spread of coronavirus. Perhaps it is the more reason why Full Facts, the UK Independent fact checking charity

and giving a clear position of their own findings. “As we’ve written about before, there is no evidence that 5G is harmful to humans. 5G is the next generation of wireless network technology, following on from 4G. Like 4G, 3G and 2G before it, 5G mobile data is transmitted over radio waves a small part of the whole electromagnetic spectrum (which includes microwaves, visible

light and X-rays)” the report read in part. The other fact is that radio waves are non-ionising and that means that they are not capable of causing harm to the DNA inside cells as long as safety limits are observed, and that has been a benchmark for all 5G vendors. Obviously that explanation would suffice to put that speculation to rest. In this social media culture where more often than not speculations spread faster than the truth, you better take some information with a pinch of salt until some facts are closely checked. Many theories have been mere falsehoods, and it is not surprising that YouTube moved swiftly to take down content linking 5G to coronavirus. The google owned streaming giant announced through their spokesperson that it has removed all videos falsely linking use of wireless com-

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munication technology to the spread of corona virus since they violate YouTube policy and could misinform users in harmful ways. On assertions that a virus can communicate through radio waves, the fact is that the coronavirus is not something akin to a computer virus. Even from a layman’s point of view, wireless airwaves cannot transmit a virus into a human body and there is no correlation between the two and there is certainly no reason to believe that. Technology is ever evolving to adapt to current trends and demands. For instance, at some point a relatively never known phenomenon called

2G made its debut on global ICT innovations. Thereafter, there was an evolution to 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 4.5G and now 5G. Despite protests and theories swirling in some parts of the world, 5G’s capabilities and its burgeoning fame is currently on the lips of every techno-savvy consumer on the other hand. From the glass half-full point of view, whatever else can be said about 5G is that after years of research, inventions and envisioning, is that the world has found what it has been looking for; the most trending technological solution to drive ICT’s for the next decade or so.

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MANYINGA STARTS THOROUGH SCREENING By JACKSON MAPAPAYI

A

UTHORITIES in Manyinga district have launched a strict and mandatory screening exercise for passengers on all public vehicles to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Council and health officials are disinfecting motor vehicles including buses that are entering and exiting the district. Manyinga Town Council Secretary, Kate Mukonde,

said the multi-sectoral team was on the ground to ensure thorough screening and disinfecting. The exercise was launched at the weekend at Kasamba checkpoint in the North-western province district. "And the exercise is being coordinated by the local authority in conjunction with the District Health office," she said. Ms Mukonde said that the local authority had spent over K50,000 on procurement of health and safety equipment

for staff especially those involved in garbage collection and public health inspection. She said the local authority, under Cap 281 of the Local Government Act, has a mandated to provide public services including public health and safety. “The local authority has, among other measures, procured several 100 litre-drums, hand washing basins, hightech thermometers, hand sanitizers and disinfectants meant to be used by passengers entering Manyinga Dis-

13

South villagers get Coronavirus tips By ANDREW MUKOMA

trict,� she said. Meanwhile, Ms Mukonde said the local authority, working with security wings, would this week start inspecting all public places to ensure adherence to health guidelines, such as wearing face masks in public places such as markets and bus stations. She said the council would also continue inspecting bars and other drinking places in accordance with statutory instrument number 21 and 22 of 2020.

A NON Government Organization (NGO), operating in Livingstone, Kazungula and Zimba districts, has trained over 20 volunteers and sent them out to sensitize villagers about the novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. Response Network (RP) has further distribution over 300 face masks to the guardians of the over 600 school girls the organization is sponsoring in various schools to prevent them from contracting the disease. RP Country Director, Matengenya Mutukwa, said that a total of K 170, 000 would be spent on the programme to fight against COVID-19. Mr Mutukwa said the 23 trained volunteers had been dispatched to communities in Kuyaba, Simwatachela, Sipatunyana chiefdoms and other areas to sensitize the villagers about the COVID-19. "As Response Network, we have taken up a strategy to fight the COVID-19. We cannot underestimate the impact it has caused on many companies. "Our strategy is to ensure that we continue operating by directing our efforts in sensitizing the community about the corona virus. We have embarked on sensitizing the rural communities on how they can make hand sanitizers with the local products by mixing methylated spirit and glycerine," he said. Mr Mutukwa said the programme would run up to August this year. And RP programs coordinator, Elizabeth Banda, said that the organizations was sponsoring 600 girls in various schools in the three districts and would distribute face masks to all those that were looking after the girls.

E25042020

DAILY

Monday 27 April, 2020


Monday 27, April 2020

Features

DAILY

14

By Makeli Phiri

A

S continuation from last week, establishing vetiver grass is not difficult. For best results, the vetiver root divisions, or slips, should be planted in a double or triple line to form parallel hedges across the stream bed. The hedgerows should be about 30 – 40 centimeters apart. The root system is too massive and strong for the grass from the nursery, should be turn into a handful of the grass, roots and all from the clump. The resulting piece, the slip, is what gets planted in the field. Before transporting the slips from the nursery to the field, cut the tops off about 15 – 20 centimeters above the base, and the roots 10 centimeters below the base. This will improve the slips chances of survival after planting by reducing the transpiration level and thereby preventing them from drying out Vetiver grass can be planted from single tillers when planting material is scarce, the only disadvantage is the plant would and takes too long to get established and form a hedge. However, if this system of establishing is adopted. The use of fertilizer would come into play. Fertilizer (DAP – diamonium phosphate) can simply be dripped into the planting hole before planting the slips. If planted correctly, the slips can withstand up to one month of the dry weather. Some slip may die and leave gaps in the hedge line. These gaps should be filled by planting to new slips. Planting the slips too for apart would render the system almost useless, because they would take too long to form a hedge and would provide little

VETIVER GRASS AN IDEAL PLANT

These gaps should be filled by planting to new slips. Planting the slips too for apart would render the system almost useless, because they would take too long to form a hedge and would provide little protection. Moreover, without the extra support of the hedge to hold the soil, fertilizer and moisture against the vetiver grass, the plants would not be able to survive the worst drought. protection. Moreover, without the extra support of the hedge to hold the soil, fertilizer and moisture against the vetiver grass, the plants would not be able to survive the worst drought. The combined effect of contour cultivation where this is needed and the hedge’s performance in slowing and spreading the runoff is to

increases infiltration of water into the soil. For maximum protection against erosion, the hedges should be spaces apart at the proper vertical interval. The vertical interval is the distance from one hedgerow to the next one down the slope. The actual distance measured along the ground, called the surface

run, depends on the steepness of the slope. with a vertical interval of two meters, the hedge on a five percent slope would be about 40 meters apart and whereas those on a 2 percent slope would be about 100 meter apart. Once the hedges have been established in the from field, the only care they will need is annual trimming to a height of about 30 – 50 centimeters to encourage tilling and prevent shading of the food crops. With this system of water storage, the plants can benefit from the sunshine also, that is when rain is caught and held in catchment between the hedgerows. Water is soaked into the soil to the benefit of the crop.

Vetiver grass establishing can fit in any individual farming system perfectly. Once the hedges have established, no further protective work would be needed and maintenance would be minimal. Therefore, farmers need to have their own vetiver planting material. Should a gully start to form anywhere, vetiver can be obtained from an existing hedge and planted across the incipient gully to prevent its spread, that is permanently and at no cost except for the farmer’s labour. Why then that it is an ideal plant? So many trees and grasses have been tried over many years as measures to prevent

erosion. As of today vetiver plant has proved to be the most ideal. The plant is ideally suited for the vegetative system of soil and moisture conservation. The vetiver grass has the following characteristics: • When planted correctly, it will quickly form a dense, permanent hedge. • Its fibrous root system, penetrates and binds the soil. • It is perennial and requires minimal maintenance. • Its sharp and aromatic roots repel rondents, snakes and similar pests. • Its leaves and roots show resistance to most diseases. • Once established it

can withstand drought, flood, and long periods of waterlogging. • Vetiver does not compete with planted crops and it has no negative effects. • It is cheap and easy to establish as a hedge and to maintain, as well as to remove if it is no longer needed. • It will grow in all types of soils, regardless of fertility, pH or salinity. • It is a climax plant, and therefore, even when all surrounding plants have been destroyed by drought, fire, pests, disease, flood or other adversity, the vetiver will remain to protect the ground from the onslaught of the next rains. With the heavy rains being experienced now in some parts of the country, which have caused a lot of havoc by washing away valuable top soil and vital bridges, the establishing of vetiver grass along roadways and on such delicate bridges would save such structures from being washed away. Vetiver grass is the answer it will bind the soil and protect the bridge structures naturally, erosion would be prevented and the government would save millions of Kwacha on putting up new bridges. Once established on such infrastructure, the vetiver hedge indeed would take most of the erosive power out of this runoff as well as protect the edge of terraces and river banks in vulnerable areas along the rivers or streams. Roadside can stabilize with establishment of vetiver grass and completely prevent erosion. This is how ideal vetiver grass is. Therefore, a plant that can thrive under extreme conditions should be able to do a job of stabilization anywhere. This plant is a wonder plant with its so many diverse uses.


DAILY

Monday 27, April 2020

Cuba sends doctors to South Africa to combat coronavirus HAVANA - Cuba sent 216 healthcare workers to South Africa on Saturday, the latest of more than 20 medical brigades it has sent worldwide to combat the coronavirus pandemic, in what some call socialist solidarity and others medical diplomacy. The Communist-run country has sent around 1,200 healthcare workers largely to vulnerable African and Caribbean nations but also to rich European countries such as Italy that have been particularly hard hit by the novel coronavirus. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has urged nations not to accept Cuba’s medical missions on charges it exploits its workers, which Havana denies. But the calls have largely gone unheeded as overwhelmed healthcare systems have welcomed the help. Cuba, which has confirmed ,1337 cases of the virus at home and 51 deaths, has

News of the World

one of the world’s highest number of doctors per capita and is renowned for its focus on prevention, communityoriented primary health care and preparedness to fight epidemics. “The advantage of Cuba is that they are a community health model, one that we would like to use,” South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told a news briefing earlier this month. South Africa has recorded 4,361 cases, including 86 deaths, with 161,004 people tested for the virus as of Saturday. The country has a special relationship with Cuba, which supported the fight against apartheid - a conflict that included Cuban troops who fought and died in southern Angola. After Nelson Mandela was freed from prison in 1990, he repeatedly thanked revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. South Africa sent medical supplies to Cuba to assist in the fight against coronavirus in the plane that is now returning with the Cuban medical brigade, Cuba’s embassy there wrote on Twitter. “These are times of solidarity and cooperation. If we act together, we can halt the spread of coronavirus in a faster and more cost effective manner,” Cuba’s ambassador to South Africa, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, said in a statement. - REUTERS

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IFTY seven people were on Saturday arrested at a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Trans Nzoia County for contravening a government order against public gatherings. This directive is among many the government issued through the Ministry of Health as part of measures of contain the spread of the coronavirus. It was said that the members of Mitume SDA Church in Saboti misinterpreted Justice Aaron Makau's ruling on alternative forms of worship, following a petition to allow the resumption of services, but with restrictions. Trans Nzoia West Deputy County Commissioner Abdulahi Khallif said they would be arraigned and then quarantined. They were taken to the Trans Nzoia County Police Headquarters for processing. AT least 12 rangers have been killed by suspected members of a Rwandan rebel group in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Government official Cosma Wilungula said Friday's attack was the deadliest in recent history. He said about 60 militiamen had ambushed a convoy of civilians that was being protected by the rangers. Africa's oldest nature reserve is a popular tourist

DAILY NATION THE VOICE OF REASON AND BALANCE

15

CORONAVIRUS: POLICE ARREST 57 PEOPLE AT SABOTI SDA CHURCH Commissioner Khalifa asked the public not to defy the ban on church meetings, saying they would not escape arrest by feigning ignorance. Mr Joseph Namunyu, the church’s Ministerial Director for the North West Conference, said an investigation would establish why the people met. “We will establish why they had to assemble against the government’s directive,” said pastor Namunyu He called on the government to roll out public awareness especially on the court ruling that many misinterpreted. On Friday, the High Court asked churches to explore alternative forms of worship, such as broadcasting their

determination of this case, I direct alternative forms of worship such as broadcasting the church service, without breach of any government regulations or directives currently in force, do proceed through online or social media platform that can be accessed.” - DAILY NATION, Kenya

services online, during the coronavirus pandemic. The Judiciary issued a statement clarifying Justice Makau’s court’s ruling, noting he said services should only be held without contravening any rules set by the government. In his ruling, Justice Makau said, “Pending the hearing and

DR Congo's Virunga National Park hit by 'deadliest' attack attraction, known for its population of mountain gorillas. The biologically diverse park is a Unesco World Heritage site in the restive east of the DR Congo. Another six people were injured in the attack blamed on militiamen from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose leaders have been accused of links to the 1994 genocide in which some 800,000

ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. The group has so far made no public comments on the accusations against it. A statement on the park’s website said there were indications that this was an attack on the local civilian population. “Virunga Park Rangers were not the target of the assault, but lost their lives responding to the attack in defence of the local population,” the

statement said. Kidnappers have been known to target tourists in the park. In 2018 attackers killed park ranger Rachel Masika Baraka during the brief kidnapping of two British tourists and their driver. The park closed to tourists on 23 March following advice from experts that gorillas might be vulnerable to complications from catching Covid-19. - BBC

POST NEWSPAPERS LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) This serves to notify all persons who bid but have not yet paid for the purchase of any of the properties that the liquidator will within ninety (90) days from the date hereof repudiate the sales contracts and offer the same to the other bidders. This is meant to realise proceeds of sale to settle, subject to statutory priority and sufficiency of such proceeds, outstanding liquidation costs and payments.

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E26042020

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This is also to notify any 3rd party who may be interested in landed properties, radio equipment and print press equipment (newspaper printing machinery) to indicate their interest with and make offers to the Liquidator’s office in case existing bidders do not complete their respective transactions.


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DAILY NATION April 27, 2020 https://twitter.com/dailynationzm

‘FAZ NEEDS FINANCIAL FREEDOM’ F

O O T B A L L Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says there is need

for the association to be financially independent to deal with challenges that come with engaging a national team coach. Kamanga said the challenge involving national team coach

Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic whose contract is yet to be approved by government would have been concluded if the association was financially independent. Kamanga said there is need

for football in Zambia to be commercially viable and sustainable for the Zambian game to move forward. The FAZ chief who will be seeking a second term as FAZ president during

the postponed elective FAZ Annual General meeting is however confident that Micho’s issue will be concluded soon as promised by government. “The (Ministry of Sports) Permanent Secretary Stated that the process is being cleared up, we should make an announcement soon in terms of where we are but hats off to the government for the commitment but even FAZ we have committed $15000 to meet the bill of the coach for the first time we are doing this as FAZ,” Kamanga said. Meanwhile Kamanga who beat Kalusha with just 7-votes in the race to Football House with 163 votes during the 2016 elective FAZ AGM, said he has met the expectations of FAZ chancellors in his four rule as FAZ Chief after he took over

K1million pledge impossible, says Siwale By MUKWIMA CHILALA FORMER FAZ executive member Blackwell Siwale has expressed skepticism over FAZ president Andrew Kamanga’s K1 million pledge to super league clubs saying it was impossible looking at the association’s current financial state. Kamanga was recently quoted as having said he planned to increase monetary allocation to Super League clubs from the current K200,000 to K1 million and also to increase sponsorship for National Division One League teams from the current K25,000 to K100,000 for each team from next season.

form Kalusha Bwalya in 2016. Kamanga who is accused of having failed as FAZ president despite having guided Zambia to win the under-20 AFCON and also guided the She-polopolo to qualify for the postponed Olympic Games said he has been able to deliver according to the FAZ members’ expectation. “If you go on social media I will get zero votes but if you go to the FAZ members I have delivered according to their expectations because the members have a deferent perspective of what we are doing,” Kamanga said. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to giving FAZ affiliated clubs more resources adding to the K5000 and soccer jerseys to help them run their clubs efficiently.

He said increasing league monies to K1 million for clubs from broadcast and league sponsorship would provide relief to management at clubs and increase competition. But Siwale, the former Nchanga Rangers president who became a critic of Kamanga after his ejection from the FAZ executive committee, wondered why the FAZ president was making such promises during an election year. Siwale challenged Kamanga to explain how FAZ would raise the money when the association was presently struggling financially. He noted that Kamanga’s promises to increase the sponsorship of teams were meant to hoodwink councillors into winning their votes. Siwale said it was surprising that Kamanga was talking about the increase in sponsorship even before realising the initiative on bonds.

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