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15 May, 2020
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17 April, 2020
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
GOVERNMENT should relax penalties for non-compliance on tax returns for the next two months as most companies will be unable to meet their statutory deadlines, says Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM).
ZAM vice president for South, Chipego Zulu, lobbied Government to provide a two months grace period for submissions of tax returns by companies.
“We propose the relaxation of compliance with statutory deadlines for the next two months. That is to provide grace period to enable compliance.
“This is arising from penalties due to companies being unable to meet statutory deadlines for submissions of tax returns,” Ms Zulu said in an interview.
Value Added Tax is due on the 18, withholding tax on 14, PAYE/NAPSA on 10, income Tax on 21 and excise duty on15 of every month.
Ms Zulu also suggested that Government should AfDB CRAFTS COVID-19 FIGHT PACKAGE
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE African Development Bank (AfDB) will unveil a financial assistance package for member-states including Zambia to lessen the economic and social impact of the coronavirus, as it approves $2 million emergency assistance for the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Last Thursday, the institution raised an US$3 billion in a three-year social bond, the proceeds from which will go to help alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic.
AfDB indicated that it would soon unveil a financial package to enable governments and businesses undertake flexible responses to lessen the economic and social impact of the pandemic. "It is estimated that Africa will require billions of dollars to cushion the impact of the disease as many countries scramble together contingency measures, including commercial lockdowns, in desperate efforts to contain it,"AfDB said in a statement.
It is the largest dollar-denominated social bond launched in international capital markets to date.
Additionally, AfDB on Tuesday this week approved $2 million in emergency assistance for the World Health Organization (WHO) to reinforce its capacity to help African countries contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant, which is in response to an international appeal by the WHO, would be used by the world body to equip regional member countries to prevent, detect, investigate, contain and manage cases of COVID-19. "It is one part of several Bank interventions to help member countries address the pandemic which, while slow to arrive in Africa, is spreading quickly and is straining already fragile health systems,"AfDB said.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
According to the AfDB, the WHO Africa region would use the funds to bolster the capacity of 41 African countries on infection prevention, testing and case management.
AfDB expected the WHO Africa to boost surveillance systems, procure and distribute laboratory test kits and reagents, and support coordination mechanisms at national and regional levels.
US$50 million
The grant would contribute toward a US$50 million WHO Preparedness and Response Plan, which other partners including the United Nations system, are also supporting. proper guidance for exporters
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has advised all exporters and handlers of consignments in transit to report to any nearest customs offices immediately for guidance.
This includes exporters or agents who wish to request for re-entry of their goods into Zambia and consignments whose customs declarations were fully processed but the goods have not yet made exist.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
This is in view of the developments arising from the global effects of the Covid-19 ‘ZAMBIA BANKING ON CHINA FOR RELIEF’
ZAMBIA is banking on China’s positive response to benefit from calls by the World Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to official creditors for suspension of debt payments for highly indebted countries.
WBG and the IMF have jointly urged bilateral creditors of the poorest countries to offer debt relief with immediate effect as most of them, such as Zambia, were still drawing support from the International Development Association (IDA).
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
ABOUT US$ 3.5 million has been invested in the procurement of machinery and 10 milling plants to be set up in Rufunsa district by Consolidated Gold Company.
The company Chief Executive Officer, Faisal Keer, said the targeted gold milling plants would produce 300 grammes of gold per day that translated into 7.5 kilogrammes per month.
This is meant to help IDA countries with liquidity needs to tackle challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak and allow time for an assessment of the crisis impact and financing needs for each country.
Commenting on this, an economist, Oliver Saasa, said Zambia would benefit more if China responded positively to this call as most of the country’s debt was with that country.
“Zambia has very little bilateral loans. Much of our loan is commercial and it is non concessional, the substantial of that close to 40 percent is in the Eurobonds, those are individual investors and those you cannot really reschedule.
But it is a good statement especially for China because for China, we owe them a lot so if they respond positive that will be a plus for us,” Professor Saasa said in an interview.
Professor Saasa said this move would be a relief as it would allow countries to default on their loans with penalties. He explained that the WBG and the IMF were trying to ensure that there was equal supply and demand on the global market.
He further explained that the two organisations were aware that market depression in caused by the highly indebted countries would temper with supply and demand on the market.
“It is a call showing that we are in a crisis and depressed in Zambia or depressed in Africa will lead to macroeconomic instability globally and when there is macroeconomic instability by these highly indebted countries then it affects the equilibrium in the global market,” Professor Saasa said. Rufunsa gold investment advances
Mr Keer said explained that the gold milling plants had a capacity of processing 30 tonnes per day and would be operational next month.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
He indicated that the company was expected to obtain the mineral processing license by the end of this month as it was in the process. “We will then proceed to MINING INDABA ON CARDS
THE mining industry is considering to hold an indaba where it will present to Government all issues impacting the sector whose outlook this year is gloomy.
This is according to the Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) Chief Executive Officer, Sokwani Chilembo.
Mr Chilembo said the planned indaba would address many issues impacting the mining industry such as the five percent import duty on copper concentrates.
He expressed concern that the chamber had not yet received feedback from the Ministry of Finance regarding their submission even after the Minister, Bwalya Ng’andu, promised that Government would look into the matter.
…chamber to analyse sector outlook
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE global growth is expected to go into recession this year, an outcome far worse than during the 2009 global financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
The IMF indicated that global growth was projected at –3.0 percent in 2020, but would rebound to 5.8 percent in 2021.
Dr Ng’andu when giving the economic status of the country mentioned that Government would review the submission from ZCM.
“We have not yet received response but we are hoping to engage soon.
We are hoping to engage soon because the issues are many in the sector so we really need to have some sort of small indaba to go through all of them.
“There are too many issues. So we are hoping we engage with Government soon on all the issues impacting the mining sector because the outlook is not very good at all,” Mr Chilembo said in an interview.
Mr Chilembo indicated that the chamber would soon write to the Ministry of Finance regarding the indaba.
He emphasised that there were many issues impacting the mining industry which needed to be corrected
“We have not yet written to them, we will be doing so soon. Right now there is no feedback from the ministry.
“We are pushing, the situation now is that there are so many things that need to be corrected in the industry that is just one, so we are trying to see if we can get together and present all of the issues. If we just deal with one issue, it may “So it does not really directly affect substantial part of the debt stock, for China yes. But it is a good statement especially for China because for China, we owe them a lot so if they respond positive that will be a plus for us,” Prof Saasa
THE removal of the 10 percent duty on export of crocodile skins has made some positive impact on the viability of the crocodile business, says the Zambia Crocodile Farmers Association (ZaCFA).
Association spokesperson and Kalimba Farms chairman, Bill Thomas, said Zambia’s crocodile farmers were poised to upscale investment, production and exports of skins following Government’s intervention to suspend the export duty on the industry.
Mr Thomas said the farmers who survived the negative financial impact of the 10 percent export duty, now hope to focus on improving the quality of the skins, increase their capacity, and upgrade and create facilities to enable local value addition for the local and international markets.
He said historically crocodiles had been seen as a pest and dangerous but Zambian farmers had turned them into a renewable resource that could earn the country foreign exchange and create jobs in rural communities.
“The Zambian crocodile industry has the potential to lead the world market. In the valuechain, crocodile skins benefit the manufacturing, agriculture and tourism sectors,” Mr Thomas said.
According to the World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Wednesday this week, the growth forecast was marked down by more than six percentage points relative to the October 2019 and January 2020 update.
The IMF said 2020 growth rate for the group excluding China was marked down 5.8 percentage points relative to the January WEO projection.
It explained that adverse confidence effects were likely to further weigh on economic prospects.
“Among emerging market and developing economies, all countries face a health crisis, severe external demand shock,
The IMF however stressed that global growth was expected to rebound to 5.8 percent in 2021, well above trend, reflecting the normalisation of economic activity from very low levels. It explained that the advanced economy group was forecast to grow at 4.5 percent, while growth for the emerging market and developing economy group was forecast at 6.6 percent.
Mr Thomas said the crocodile industry had huge potential to position Zambia as a global power in the farming and supply of crocodile skins.
He said Zambian farmers already supply crocodile skins to leather companies like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and many big international fashions brands.
“Government’s support and positive promotion of this renewable industry is crucial and similar to other industries the repayment of long outstanding VAT claims would be extremely beneficial, but we understand that with the COVID-19 pandemic it would be difficult to expect too much at this time,” Mr Thomas.
Mr Thomas said ZaCFA was considering setting up a tannery or cooperate with an existing tannery that would build the local manufacturing base of value-added leather products in order to boost local processing and production.
And member, Suresh Desai, said crocodile farms played an important role in the Zambian communities. Mr Desai said the crocodile industry employs people from rural communities, with some farmers having built clinics, churches and education facilities. GLOBAL ECONOMY HEADS FOR RECESSION ….will plunge to -3 percent dramatic tightening in global financial conditions, and a plunge in commodity prices, which will have a severe impact on economic activity in commodity exporters,” the IMF said.
IMF indicated that even with a sharp rebound in the remainder of the year and sizable fiscal support, the economy was projected to grow at a subdued 1.2 percent in 2020.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU AN agreement to strengthen market access for smallholder farmers through the Warehouse Receipt Systems (WRS) has been signed between the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and with Lusaka Security Exchange (LuSE).
Through this agreement, WRS will allow smallholder farmers to obtain finance using produce deposited in a certified warehouse as collateral.
WRS is a platform jointly managed by the Zambia Commodities Exchange (ZAMACE) and LuSE.
The partnership would help to strengthen market access for the smallholder farmers in the country, said WFP Country Representative, Jennifer Bitonde.
“This partnership aims to increase uptake of smallholder farmers on the WRS, which could significantly improve their livelihoods, incomes and access to markets,’’ Ms Bitonde said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday.
It said the rebound in 2021 depended critically on the pandemic fading in the second half of 2020, allowing containment efforts to be gradually scaled back and restoring consumer and investor confidence.
“Significant economic policy actions have already been taken across the world, focused on accommodating public health care requirements, while limiting the amplification to economic activity and the financial system.
“The projected recovery assumes that these policy actions are effective in preventing widespread firm bankruptcies, extended job losses, and system-wide financial strains,” the IMF said.
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU FINANCIAL Service Providers (FSPs) that will borrow funds from the K10 billion stimulus package are expected to peg interest rates on the money at no more than 17.5 percent, says the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).
This is against the current interest rates prevailing on the market which are between 28 and 30 percent.
If FSPs borrow funds at 12.5 percent from BoZ and lend to clients at no more than 17.5 percent, then they have access to more funds from the facility.
This is contained in the BoZ said in its guidelines titled ‘The K10 Billion Stimulus Package. Frequently Asked Questions.’
The Central Bank last month introduced a K10 billion refinancing facility to enable FSPs to support businesses and households in the wake of the covid-19 outbreak.
BoZ said much as FSPs would determine the interest rates, they were obliged to pass on the benefits of lower interest rates, fixed interest rates and the possibility of a payment holiday to their clients.
“The bank will regularly monitor performance and any FSPs that fail to comply will be subject to mandatory repayment.
“With regard to interest rates, the Bank has provided incentives for FSPs that offer lower interest rates to their clients,” BoZ said.
It indicated that BoZ had provided additional incentives to FSPs which lend to their clients at no more than five percentage points above the cost of funds from the Central Bank.
The central bank said it would check on the benefits being passed on prior to the disbursement of funds.
“All FSP are subject to regular reporting to the Bank and this is in addition to the bank’s continuous surveillance through on-site and off-site inspections.
“Failure to report appropriately shall result in sanctions as guided under section 14 and the imposition of such sanctions is without prejudice to the Bank’s use of its regulatory powers as provided for in the Bank of Zambia Act and Banking and Financial Services Act,” BoZ said.
FSPs, said BoZ, were supposed to demonstrate how the benefits obtained on the Facility are passed on to their clients. WFP, LuSE ink agro financing deal
LuSE Chief Executive Officer, Pricilla Sampa, said trust and confidence remained key under the partnership, stating that smallholder farmers would now have access to markets through the WRS.
“Having WFP as a partner will help with this, as by raising awareness on the WRS and providing trainings on what the market is looking for, WFP can contribute to enhancing smallholder farmer’s confidence in the system.
“This was crucial to its development, as they are the main food producers in Zambia,” Ms Sampa said. The warehouse operator issues an electronic receipt for the produce, which can be used to secure a loan from a financial institution.
This will help farmers to access the much-needed finance to invest in agriculture and ensures that food is stored properly to reduce losses.
In addition, the WRS allows farmers to sell their goods to structured markets, where they will earn more than they do through informal markets.
Under this partnership, WFP will increase uptake in the WRS by mobilising smallholder farmers and raising awareness on the trading platform. K10BN INTEREST SEALED AT 17.5 P.C.
The Bank of Zambia
THE CASE OF REGRIGERATORS
THE word ‘fridge’ or ‘refrigerator’ is common in our everyday conversations. It may not be far from the truth to state that at least 75 per cent of town homes in Zambia own a refrigerator, used for cooling, mainly food items for extended freshness. Most often than not, when one takes their faulty refrigerator to a repairer, the common detected problem is ‘Exhausted Gas’. The repairer would also talk about pressurizing the refrigerator with more gas.
By FRIDAY PHIRI
Considering all these numer ous negative effects of open air burning, it is by law illegal and a chargeable offence to prac tice open burning in Zambia. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 (EMA), regulates the environment by enforcing measures aimed
But what is this gas? Where does it come from? Is it natural or human made? How does it impact us and the environment in general? This article answers some of these questions.
So here is the story. The so-called gases used in refrigerators, air conditioners, foam food packaging, and fire extinguishers, are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—a group of odourless manufactured chemical compounds.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have existed since 1930s, used in refrigeration and air-conditioning. These were observed to be depleting the Ozone Layer in the 1970s and the global community agreed to phase them out. Production of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are now mostly OPEN AIR BURNING: ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW A FTER slashing the backyard garden and the surrounding, the temptation to burn the grass residues is always high. Thus, it may not be far from the truth that we all, in one way or the other, have been involved in burning waste in our back yards. This, in simple terms, is referred to as open air burning.
Scientifically, open air burning is defined as an environmentally unacceptable practice of setting on fire of a wide range of different types of waste or unwanted products that includes dump fires, pit and barrel burning, fires on plain soil or fields and forests. Why is this unacceptable? Because it pollutes the air. But we will come back to this and more negative effects later.
According to a study conducted in 2006 on waste genless than 10% of residential areas in the country on average, are serviced with regard to waste management. And this seems to be the foundation of the problem of open burning, not only in Zambia but globally. Causes
In many parts of the world, open burning is practised because it is the cheapest, easiest and most sanitary means of volume reduction and disposal of combustible materials. This is especially true for people with no access to organized waste handling and who have been left to their own devices for materials disposal.
Further, this is rampant in areas of low incomes, poor waste attitudes and culture, and low levels of literacy. This, is unfortunately the case for Zambia, especially in urban and the environment. Air pollution is defined as a condition of the ambient air arising from the presence or introduction of one or more pollutants in the air that endangers the health, safety or welfare of humans or that interferes with the normal enjoyment of life or property, endangering animal or plant life.
According to the 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) report, around seven million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that lead to diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections including pneumonia.
Open burning also affects the climate through the release of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) such as Carbon Dioxide, Oxides of Sulphur and Oxides Zambia hugely relies for electricity.
As a key ingredient in the normal functioning of the economy, reduced energy has its own effects on the socio-economic development of the country.
Other direct effects of openair burning include the destruction of ecosystem diversity and habitat as insects and other animals are wiped out.
Further, the low temperature burning and smoldering conditions typical of open burning promote the formation of many toxic and potentially harmful chemicals. These chemical compounds may form during open burning regardless of the composition of the material being burnt.
The compounds produced from open burning can travel long distances and deposit on soil, plants, and in water, is eaten, the pollutants are passed on to humans, thus affecting human health. It is also worth noting that smoke and particulates from open burning sources can trigger respiratory health problems, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with Asthma or other respiratory diseases, and those with chron ic heart or lung disease. Legal Provisions
IT is the month-end of February, and shoppers are busy buying various merchandise for home use. Catherine (not her real name) is among the shoppers. She is not a usual client in this fancy supermarket, but she is here today after she got a raise on her salary.
FUTURE
Every Friday, only in the Nation With FRIDAY PHIRI WHY PAY FOR A PLASTIC CARRIER BAG? — ZEMA EXPLAINS continued use of plastic car rier bags and encourage reuse and recycling. With this, the EPR Regulations therefore present economic benefits among them a reduction of waste disposal costs, job cre ation through establishment of recycling industries and conservation of natural re sources.
At the till, she hands the cashier the money. As the transaction is in the process, the cashier asks her whether she would require a plastic carrier bag. She answers with a definite YES! Unknown to her is that a plastic carrier bag is not dished out for free anymore; it comes at a minimal cost.
This particular shop is charging K1 for the carrier of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 65 of 2018 (“the EPR Regulations”), which banned the use, manufacture, trading, retail, importation and commercial distribution of plastic carrier bags and plastic flat bags that are below 30 microns in thickness.
But how and why are supermarkets charging for plastic carrier bags? This article therefore attempts to answer the charge question. EPR as a principle
EPR is defined as actions that extend a person’s financial or physical responsibility for a product to the post-consumer stage, and includes; waste minimization programmes; financial contributions to any Regulations require a person or persons whose activities generate waste with potential to pollute the environment to employ measures essential to minimise waste through treatment, reclamation, reuse or recycling. It is based on the globally recognised ‘Polluter pays’ principle, that those who produce products that pollute should bear the costs of managing and/or preventing damage to human health and the environment.
Aside the ban on plastics that are below 30 microns in thickness, other packaging materials and products covered under the EPR Regulations include; Cartons, Non-returnable Glass and Plastic Bottles, Plastic Carrier and Flat Bags, Beverage Cans, Waste Oils and Lubricant Containers, Used Lead Acid in line with the National Standard ZS 719 by the Zambia Bureau of Standards. The Plastic charge
Regulation 10 of EPR provides that a person who at any premises makes plastic carrier bags or flat bags available to customers as a means of carrying goods purchased, or to be purchased, from the person shall provide an alternative shopping bag, and that the person reserves the right to require a customer to pay a fee for the provision of an alternative shopping bag.
This means that alternative shopping bags maybe provided for free or at a fee. An alternative shopping bag is defined as a carrier bag that is made from environmentally friendly materials designed to be used over a period of approximately OUR ENVIRONMENT
For instance, Solid Tech Systems—a recycling compa UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF TREES TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY H UMAN life, economy, and culture depend on a healthy, functioning environment. A healthy environment however largely depends on trees, which have several functions in the ecosystem.
Under the Amendment, all countries will gradually phase down HFCs by more than 80 percent over the next 30 years and replace them with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
With a deforestation rate of between 250,000 and 300,000 hectares per year, Zambia cannot afford to ignore the importance of planting trees, while at the same time promoting alternative sources of energy and livelihood for the majority of people involved in destructive practices fueling deforestation.
According to Hon. Dr. Dennis Wanchinga, Minister
Zambia is yet to ratify the Kigali Amendment but the process is already underway.
“In fulfilling the Zambian government commitment to the Montreal Protocol Amendments, government is in the process of ratifying the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Recently, Cabinet gave approval for the ratification. And ZEMA, under the auspices of the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, is working on the ratification protocols for submission to Parliament,” explains Mrs. Chipili.
They not only give oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life and habitat to the world’s wildlife, but also provide materials for tools, shelter and ultimately, food for both human beings and wildlife. Environmental Value
Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Trees remove carbon from the air, getting absorbed and stored as cellulose in their trunks, branches and leaves. This process is known as carbon sequestration.
In view of the fact that carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, any destruction of trees/forests, coupled with increased industrial activities—burning of fossil fuels to power industry, transport, heating etc., has a direct relationship to high concentration levels of carbon in the atmosphere, thereby causing global thereby keeping things cool in summer, they also preserve warmth during harsh winter and windy seasons.
Several studies have proven that one mature tree can produce the same cooling effect as 10 room-sized air conditioners. Through their moderation of the local climate, trees can also save up to 10% of local energy consumption.
Further, the role of trees in shielding us from the downfall of rain and hailstorms is well documented. As highlighted and argued by environmental experts against deforestation and forest degradation, trees have a water retention and soil and continue to sustain life throughout human existence. They have a wide variety of economic, practical and commercial value. Wood was the very first fuel, and is still used for cooking and heating by about half of the world’s population. Other uses include timber for construction, furniture, tools, sporting equipment, paper and thousands of other household goods.
In economic terms, it is estimated that some 1.3 billion people around the world depend on forests for their livelihood—that is 20% of the global population. This includes income from the sale of trees project statistics, the forest ry sector contributes 5.5% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Way Forward
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES: used in modern refrigerators and aircons commenced in the 1980s as a transitional measure.
In Zambia, ODS are regulated by the Environmental Management (Licensing) Regulations Statutory Instrument No.112 of 2013 covering a variety of matters regarding environmental protection including air quality control, waste management, hazardous waste and other substances harmful to the environment such as pesticides.
ZEMA is working towards fulfilling obligations of the Montreal Protocol and is thus collaborating with stakeholders among them; government, industry, civil society and the refrigeration sector.
“The Agency is committed to assist the Zambian community in the phase-out of ozone depleting substances and reducing the impact of the same on global warming,” assures John Msimuko, ZEMA Director General.
The author is Principal Information and Communications Officer at ZEMA; fphiri@zema.org.zm
It is generally agreed that investing in environmental sustainability serves as an insurance policy for health and human well-being.
And the opposite is true; the degradation of the environment – the air we breathe, food we eat, the water we drink, and ecosystems which sustain us – is, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), estimated to be responsible for at least a quarter of the global total burden of disease.
Ozone Layer
The Ozone layer is a band of naturally occurring gas in the stratosphere (10-50 km altitude). If the total volume were compressed to sea level pressure, it constitutes a layer of about 3mm thick.
Its presence is vital for the survival of life on earth as it serves as a shield against exposure to direct radiation (UB-V). Thus, depletion of the ozone layer leads to dire consequences on human health and the environment.
While Small quantities of UV-B radiation are essential to human health, for generation of Vitamin D, excess amounts produce skin cancer, cataracts and immunosuppression. It is also said to cause severe photo-allergies and accelerated ageing of the skin. In some cases, it has also been shown to activate viruses such as Herpes.
Global efforts to deal with ODS are traced to the 1970s and 1980s when the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985. This was quickly followed by the adoption of the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances.
And Zambia has been actively involved in the implementation of the Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer, together with the Protocol and its amendments. The recent amendment is the Kigali Amendment of 2016, which came into force on 1st January, 2019.
Why the Kigali Amendment?
As earlier alluded to, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were replaced by Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). However, the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) has been found to be a bigger concern as they are potent global warming causing Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). According to the UN Environment, reduction and ultimate phase-out of HFCs would help to avoid global warming by up to 0.4°c this century, hence the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
“With HFCs use as an alternative to ODS in cooling equipment, their role in warming the atmosphere became a greater concern. In 2016, the Parties to the Montreal protocol adopted the agreement on HFCs at the close of the 28th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 28) in Kigali, Rwanda,” says Irene Lungu Chipili, Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Corporate Affairs Manager.
A new report, The State of the World’s Nursing 2020, identified important gaps in the nursing workforce and priority areas for investment in nursing education, jobs, and leadership to strengthen nursing around the world and improve health for all.
And in solidarity with health professionals who are doing everything humanly possible to save lives, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) takes this opportunity to remind the public that we can make the burden of our health colleagues lighter during this critical period by adhering to the preventive measures that have been prescribed to stop the spread of COVID-19.
According to a 2016 report by UNEP entitled Healthy Environment, Healthy People, environmental degradation is estimated to cause 174 to 234 times as many premature deaths as occur in conflicts annually. Disproportionate impacts of environmental harms are evident on specific groups—the poor, young, elderly, women and migrant workers, the report noted.
Zika, Ebola, MERS, SARS and other new zoonotic diseases (spread from animals to humans) such as the current COVID-19 pandemic (still being studied but initial analysis showing that it also originated from animals), are believed to be on the rise mainly attributed to exponential population growth, intensive livestock breeding, related to disturbed environments and biodiversity emphasised on World Health Day (7th April, 2020) during which the World Health Organization (WHO) called for strengthening of the global health workforce.
HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN loss.
Just in case you have forgotten; here are some of the measures: - Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitiser); - Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms; - Cook meat, eggs and other animal products thoroughly before eating; - Maintain a social distance of at least 1m; - Cover your nose and mouth with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw tissue in a bin; and - Wear a mask whenever in public place. Help stop the spread of COVID-19; stay at home! The author is Principal Information and
Communications Officer at
ZEMA; fphiri@zema.org.zm
The financial costs of environmentally related health risks are generally in the range of 5 to10 per cent of GDP, with air pollution taking the highest toll. Air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental risk to health (some 7 million people across the world die each year due to daily exposure to poor air quality).
Further, it is estimated that lack of access to clean water and sanitation causes 58 per cent of cases of diarrhoeal diseases in low and middleincome countries. Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene result in 3.5 million deaths worldwide, representing 25 per cent of the premature deaths of children younger than 14 years.
Unfortunately, climate change is worsening the scale and intensity of these environment-related health risks, and is acknowledged as a major health risk multiplier, with existing impacts that are expected to increasingly affect human health including through negative changes to land, oceans, biodiversity and access to freshwater, and the increasing frequency and higher impact of natural disasters.
Evidence exists, however, of the catalytic and multiple benefits of investing in environmental quality in terms of development, poverty reduction, resource security, reduced inequities and reduced risks to human health and well-being.
A healthy environment (clean air and water, sanitation and green spaces), among others, is not only associated with a reduced disease burden but also lowers levels of stress and reduced symptomology for depression and anxiety.
It is against this background that an integrated approach is promoted for improving human health and well-being through increased engagement by the health sector in ecosystem management and decisionmaking.
Thus, it is believed that enhancing ecosystem resilience and protection of the planet’s natural systems is not negotiable. This includes building capacity of the environment, economies and societies to anticipate, respond to and recover from disturbances and shocks through agro-ecosystem restoration and sustainable farming systems; strengthening ecosystem restoration, in particular wetlands, dryland vegetation, coastal zones and watersheds, through reforestation and reducing logging pressures to increase resilience and mitigate extreme weather conditions of storms, drought and floods.
As the global community, and Zambia in particular, battles COVID-19, we are called upon to support the Ministry of Health and all health professionals in general who are on the frontlines in the fight against the pandemic.
This message was in fact,
