DAILY NATION Friday February 19, 2021

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By JOHN KOMBE

OVER 50 truck drivers who have been stuck at Sinoma Cement in Chongwe for more than two weeks under inhuman and unsanitary conditions at the parking yard have protested delays by the cement firm to avail them the commodity.

The truckers fear their continued stay would

expose them to diseases as the area had no proper toilets and bathrooms.

They wondered why the company had cleared their orders if they had no cement to give them.

One of the drivers, Mr Wilfred Phiri, told a Daily Nation crew that visited the area that he had been waiting for over a week to have his order cleared.

(To page 2)

Kasama RAIDED NDC, UPND BISH MP warns

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UPND chief “If truly Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu is trying to stop dedicated Christians from dedicating the country to Christianity, then that is sad and unacceptable because he does not hold the monopoly of wisdom,” Bishop Kaela said.

…apologise or else, …govt to ask No one Christian however powerful Mucheleka told

By AARON CHIYANZO

Former Archbishop TELESPHORE MPUNDU

DAILY

THERE is need for a serious marshall plan to exploit Gold reserves because Zambia is losing millions to illegal mining and exports of the mineral resource, a mining expert Edward Simukonda has said.

Mr Simukonda said disciplined Zambia National Service (ZNS) officers and thousands of unemployed youth cadets already trained to defend national interests should be employed to replace illegal miners, most of them By SIMON MUNTEMBA funded by foreigners. To Page 3

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU T is unacceptable for former Archbishop Telesphore OVERNMENT will next month hold virtual Mpundu to think he holds meetings with the International Monetary

or educated can stop other Christians for extended from dedicating the country to the credit facility creator in honour of Gospel values

[Page 4]

By KETRA KALUNGA

AN imminent fall out in the opposition threatens to scupper the anticipated mega 2021 electoral pact following the emergence of an HH/Kambwili running mate side arrangement that left out all other alliance parties.

It is not principled but aimed at drawing in bembas in the very clear knowledge that Kambwili has legal/criminal challenges which may preclude him from any meaningful role.

Yesterday, Opposition Alliance chairperson, Charles

By KETRA KALUNGA Milupi, who is chairman of the major alliance insisted that there were no HH/Kambwili side talks.

… Opposition alliance members for 42, 000 to …no market I G military resource to to form secret pact trying Fund (IMF) to negotiate an extended credit facility, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, has said.

the monopoly of wisdom and try to stop Christian from dedicating Zambia to Christianity, says Bishops Council of Zambia secretary-general Bishop Able Kaela.

Story on Page 3

nt a ‘Marshall Plan’ I regret joining UPND Sata Govt to crack whip ‘CONSTITUTE COMMISSION Page 3.

ZESCO DE Enforce 20pc subcontracts wishers Kenyatta and Odinga ‘UPND banking Govt bans movement

African Department, RO SALASSIE.

To Page 3

FARMERS will lose millions o TOstuck PAGE 3with income as they are of winter maize which they ca from which they expected to g This is because the governme them export the excess harvest The maize was produced at g irrigation, electricity and chemic Government asked farmers to 135, 000 tonnes when there wa in the country which led to hike prices.

Under the agreement, farmers some of the maize after meeting But Government has not sanctio (To page 3)

Simukonda Secretary to theMrTreasury FREDSON YAMBA

The two trucks the Scania from South Africa and the Freightliner (right), Zimbabwean deputy and provincial minister Mulenga Sata

By PRISCA LUMINGU-BANDA registered where found laden with Mukula has said.the Scania from South Africa The two trucks tree logs. [Pictures Linda Tembo Soko] Mr Sata, son to late President Michael Sata I REGRET having left the Patriotic Front

onpledge pricing cartels to heal divisions INQUIRY TO Lungu PROBE ACC’ CONSPIRING WITH ghost voters’ pigs in Isoka strictlyOF-ofPresident entonokay’ and the Freightliner (right), Zimbabwean dumped the ruling party that his father founded PAGE 3 elections andLinda joinedTembo the UPND. He however [Pictures Soko] “foolish pride,” former Lusaka tree logs.

to join the United Party for National See story on Page 4 where found three months aheadladen of the with 2016 Mukula general Development (UPND), it was only registered

See story on Page 4

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Lungu mourns Priests Chilinda, Muyenga

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IMF talks IMF talks on again on again STORY ON PAGE 4

rejoined PF in 2018. (To page 2)

Mr. Lusambo PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has expressed

sadness by the deaths of two Catholic Priests, Father Charles Chilinda and Father Patrick Muyenga who died in Lusaka’s Maina Soko Military Hospital on Thursday.

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SENIOR Chief Mukuni should declare interest in matters surrounding the 1990 privatisation process as he is believed to have acquired shares in Sun International, Government deputy chief whip, Tutwa Ngulube has said (To page 3)

THEINTEGRITY PEOPLE’S PAPER; BUILDING THE NATION THE PEOPLE’S PAPER; BUILDING THE NATION WITH REAL ISSUES URSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH

Friday February 19, 2021

HOME NEWS

I REGRET JOINING UPND - SATA Mr. Sata said he learnt from his actions that perseverance was key and communication was very important.

BY PRISCA LUMINGUBANDA

I

REGRET having left the Patriotic Front to join the United Party for National Development (UPND), it was only “foolish pride,” former Lusaka deputy and provincial minister Mulenga Sata has said.

Mr Sata, son to late President Michael Sata dumped the ruling party that his father founded three months ahead of the 2016 general elections and joined the UPND. He however rejoined PF in 2018.

He said it was a moment of weakness for him to join UPND and it was something he regretted.

“What I can say is that it

was a moment of weakness and it is something I regretted immediately. But what I can say is that even then people still reached out to me,” Mr Sata said.

He said even though he left PF, some people still reached out to him to ask him back. He was speaking in an interview on Millennium Radio yesterday.

Mr. Sata said he learnt from his actions that perseverance was key and communication was very important.

He said people should understand that in the game of politics people can be misled to make certain decisions.

“My challenge then was foolish pride and the lesson

learnt is that perseverance is key and communication is very important. In the game we are in, we must understand that people can mislead you to make wrong decisions,” Mr Sata said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sata has clarified that he will only declare interest to contest the Kabwata parliamentary seat on August 12 if the incumbent, Mr Given Lubinda does not re-contest the seat.

He said if Mr. Lubinda was not his good friend he would have added his name to the list of those vying for the parliamentary seat.

“Yes, I would like to sit in parliament and deliberate issues that are brought in the house. I would like to go back to Kabwata because

SOUTH African Airways and four other airlines operating in Zambia have been taken to court for failure to pay over US$600, 000 being the money owed to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as passenger safety charges.

CAA separately sued the five airlines in the Lusaka High Court demanding US$634, 234.96 which is owed to it from 2016 to January this year.

The five are South African Airways Doc Limited trading as South African Airways (SAA), Proflight Commuter Services Limited trading as Proflight Zambia, Ethiopian

Airlines Enterprise trading as Ethiopian Airlines, Mahogany Air Limited trading as Mahogany Air and Kenya Airways Plc trading as Kenya Airline.

It is also claiming damages, interest, costs and any other reliefs the court may deem fit.

In each of the five claims, CAA stated that it was mandated by the law to collect passenger safety charge per air ticket sold at US$10 per passenger international ticket and US$5 per passenger domestic ticket sold pursuant to Statutory Instrument No 71, the Civil Aviation Authority (fees) Regulations, 2016.

It said that the passenger safety charge was from December 1, 2016 collected from the aircraft passengers by the defendants on behalf of

it when the airlines sells passenger tickets and remit the money collected to the Civil Aviation.

The defendant stated that the total amount payable by the five Airlines to it for passenger safety charges was ascertainable from the number of passengers recorded in the Zambia National Airports passenger manifest for a given period.

CAA stated that SAA collected passenger safety charges amounting to US$179, 175.00 It stated that on January 11, 2021 it made a demand to SAA to remit the said money for passenger safety charge within 14 days from the date of demand.

It claims that SAA has failed and neglected to liquidate

Stranded truck drivers protest

… Sinoma Cement delays spark uproar

BY JOHN KOMBE

Mr Sata

that is where I started my political career from. If given Mr Lubinda was not the incumbent, I would have added my name,” Mr. Sata said.

He said his priority was to maximise the votes of President Edgar Lungu and the party and support whatever candidates the PF will have in all positions.

SAA, 4 others sued over US$600, 000 passenger safety fees

BY GRACE CHAILELESOETSA

DAILY

2

the whole amount of US$179 175.00 despite being repeatedly reminded to do so.

In the case of Proflight, the CAA said the airline collected US$47, 120.00 in safety charge.

It stated that Proflight has not remitted the money to it to-date despite that on January 11 this year, it made a demand to the airline to remit the money within 14 days from the date of demand.

The CAA claims Ethiopian Airlines owes US$75, 652.15 passenger safety charge from passengers but has not remitted the money to it.

And against Mahogany Air Limited, the CAA claims it owes US$265, 587.81 while Kenya Airline owes US$66, 700.

OVER 50 truck drivers who have been stuck at Sinoma Cement in Chongwe for more than two weeks under inhuman and unsanitary conditions at the parking yard have protested delays by the cement firm to avail them the commodity.

The truckers fear their continued stay would expose them to diseases as the area had no proper toilets and bathrooms.

They wondered why the company had cleared their orders if they had no cement to give them.

One of the drivers, Mr Wilfred Phiri, told a Daily Nation crew that visited the area that he had been waiting for over a week to have his order cleared.

Mr Phiri said he had run out of food rations because he only planned for a day’s waiting.

He said that the parking yard had no toilet and water making their stay even more miserable.

Mr Phiri said his superiors had paid for the cement, but to his surprise the company had not yet approved his order.

He said his colleagues who had been there for more than two weeks were also in a similar situation.

“Why is this cement company receiving money and

telling us to come pick the cement if it cannot fulfill the orders?” he questioned.

Another driver from Agroflo marketing of Chipata, Mr Pethias Miti said that sanitary conditions at the parking yard were giving them sleepless nights.

Mr Miti said that the only toilet which was available for use was more than 500 meters from the parking yard and was in a very bad state.

He said the situation had forced some drivers to use the bush to answer the call of nature.

And Sinoma Mpande Limestone Limited, Industrial manager, Ronnie Ngosa refused to comment, but promised to issue an official position after consulting with the factory and dispatch managers.

ZABS gets fuel testing equipment

BY AARON CHIYANZO THE Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has received new equipment for the petroleum testing laboratory which will expand its capacity to test all aspects of petroleum products, bureau testing laboratories manager Andrew Chipongo has said.

Mr Chipongo said the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Analyser which is valued at 48, 000 euros (equivalent to K1.2 million) will enable ZABS to offer more comprehensive tests for the petroleum industry.

He said the new equipment was procured with the help of the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP) at a cost of 48, 000 euros.

This is according to a statement issued by ZABS Marketing and Communications Manager, Nzali Chella.

Mr Chipongo said the pa-

rameters that ZABS would be able to test using the new equipment were broad with test results being produced within 30 minutes from the 48hours it used take with the old equipment.

“The equipment is quite robust as it can perform a wide range of tests on petroleum products simultaneously. With this equipment, our clients and the general public are assured of safe, effective, and clean petroleum products,” he said.

ZABS houses a petroleum Testing laboratory and has been conducting tests on behalf of regulators, oil marketing companies, and the general public to ensure that the petroleum products meet customer quality requirements as well as Government and industry specifications.

The ZABS Petroleum Laboratory is one of the five laboratories that maintains ISO 17025 accreditation status.

DAILY

Friday 19, February 2021

NDC, UPND SECRET PACT EXPOSED … Opposition alliance members trying to form secret alliance (From page 1) He said there were no discussions between the United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema and National Democratic Congress (NCD) leader Chishimba Kambwili as “the only pact known is under my chairmanship” In an audio that has gone viral, Mr Kambwili confirmed that NDC and UPND were in talks.

When asked why UPND and NDC which were already members of the Opposition Alliance were trying to form their own pact, Mr. Milupi said only discussions under his chairmanship sufficed.

“The discussions within the alliance are those under my chairmanship period,” he said.

And Patriotic Front Eastern Province chairperson, Andrew Lubusha said talks between Mr Kambwili and Mr Hichilema were mere attempts by the UPND leader to secure a Bemba running mate.

Mr Lubusha challenged Mr Kambwili and Mr Hichilema to tell their members the truth rather than pretending that their talks were about possibilities of forming a pact.

He said UPND and NDC were already part of the Opposition Alliance and

wondered which other alliance they were trying to form.

Meanwhile, PF member, Chrisantius Changwereza said Mr Hichilema did not have confidence in Bembas in the UPND National Management Committee, saying it was the reason he was on a hunting spree for an outsider.

Mr Changwereza also said Mr Hichilema and Mr Kambwili were not being sincere about their ongoing talks.

In an audio which has gone viral on social media, Mr Kambwili said the issue of the alliance between the NDC and UPND had nothing to do with junior members of the party.

He warned that members who would continue commenting on the ongoing talks with UPND would be disciplined.

Mr. Kambwili said the party members would be informed at the right time once discussions were concluded between the two parties.

“We have told you to leave the issue of the alliance to us who are discussing it, it has nothing to do with junior members of the party, “We had already said the issue of the pact is between us who are discussing that issue with UPND, and when everything is said and done, we will inform everybody. You are becoming indisciplined,” Mr. Kambwili warned in the audio.

Home News

POLITICIANS WON’T DIVIDE BEMBAS - CHIEFS

By PETER SICHALI POLITICIANS plotting to dismantle the Bemba vote will hit a snag in their efforts because we are now more united and will vote with one voice, Bemba chiefs have said.

Some politicians have reportedly planned to destabilise Northern, Muchinga and Luapula provinces so that votes in the upcoming polls are divided.

Chief Mpepo of Kanchibiya however said plans to divide votes based on ethnic lines would not succeed because his subjects will vote wisely.

He said politicians should instead campaign based on their manifestos and agenda for the country because the Bemba vote would not come on a silver plate.

“Those trying to divide people based on tribe because they come from a certain region will not succeed because people will vote wisely,” Chief Mpepo said.

And Chief Chikwanda of Mpika said it was unfortunate that politicians from Northern and Luapula provinces, some of whom had served as Cabinet ministers

have been swayed by selfish politicians to help divide the Bemba vote.

Chief Chikwanda said some people were now forming political parties out of selfish interests and frustrations.

He also said any efforts to dismantle the Bemba vote would not work.

“These political parties are being formed with a sole purpose of trying to divide the Bemba vote so as to disadvantage one party out of frustration,” he said.

Chief Chikwanda said the greediness and selfishness being exhibited by some individuals will lead the country in problems.

“In their hearts they even know that they cannot win elections but all they are interested in is to send one person to State House without taking into consideration the welfare of the country,” Chief Chikwanda said.

He said some presidents of some new political parties were doing things out of frustration after falling out of favour with the ruling PF. Chief Chikwanda said selfish politicians hired to divide the Bemba vote would not succeed.

Chief Chikwanda

Upward Adjustment of the Monetary Upward Adjustment Policy Rate of the Monetary The Bank of Zambia announced an increase in Policy Rate the Monetary Policy Rate from 8% to 8.5% on 17th February 2021.

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SATURDAY, 20 FEBUARY 2021

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|3

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.

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.

ZESCO Mobile App now available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store

The Bank of Zambia announced an increase in As a result of this increase, we wish to advise our the Monetary Policy Rate from 8% to 8.5% on esteemed customers that interest rates on all current 17th February 2021. loans which are linked to the Monetary Policy Rate have increased by 0.50% per annum (50 basis points) with As a result of this increase, we wish to advise our immediate effect. esteemed customers that interest rates on all current loans whichhave are linked to theofMonetary Policy Rate have Customers the option either having the monthly increased by 0.50% or perrepayment annum (50period basis increased. points) with repayment amount immediate Please visiteffect. your nearest Absa Bank Zambia PLC branch to confirm to us which option you prefer. Should we not Customers have the option of either having theproceed monthly hear from you before 2nd March 2021, we will repayment amount or repayment to extend the repayment period. period increased.

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Absa Bank Zambia PLC (registered number 119710006444) is regulated by the Bank of Zambia.

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Friday 19, February 2021

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UNPRINCIPLED ALLIANCES

IT is common knowledge that political pacts formed on the basis of selfish interests instead of the common good of society do not hold.

This is because the main players enter such pacts with hidden personal agendas that only serves their individual egos.

The Zambian political scene has not been spared of political alliances among the various key players over the years.

There has always been political alliances formed particularly during time for elections. These have often been formed for the sole purpose of trying to vote the governing party out of office.

Currently, there is raging debate within the so-called Opposition Alliance over what is perceived to be a secret pact among some of its key members.

For the uninitiated, the Opposition Alliance has among its key partners the United Party for National Development (UPND), the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD) with a host of one-person parties in tow.

The primary objective of the Opposition Alliance has been to organise some semblance of opposition unity against the ruling Patriotic Front.

But this Opposition Alliance is in danger of being scampered on account that the UPND under Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the most influential member has its own agenda.

Mr Hichilema, who has been the party’s president for almost 15 years and lost the presidential elections five times in a row, realises that he cannot win the coveted prize – State House – without shedding off the Tonga tribal tag that defines the UPND. He has been courting for example key politicians from the Bemba-speaking regions to join the party, and offering them senior positions in the party.

It is in this vein that the UPND and NDC under Mr Chishimba Kambwili have been secretly negotiating a pact between the two leaders to put up a formidable pair to run against President Edgar Lungu of the PF. Mr Hichilema, who has just been endorsed as UPND president has been hunting for a Bemba running mate and when Mr Kambwili fell out of favour with the PF and formed NDC, he saw him as someone who could help him get to State House.

But Mr Hichilema it appears did not seek the views of the other members of the Opposition Alliance. No wonder Mr Charles Milupi, its chairman and leader of the ADD is not amused.

Mr Milupi yesterday maintained there were no discussions between the UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and NCD leader Chishimba Kambwili as “the only pact known is under my chairmanship.”

But in an audio that has gone viral, Mr Kambwili confirmed that NDC and UPND were in talks.

When asked why UPND and NDC which were already members of the Opposition Alliance were trying to form their own pact, Mr. Milupi said only discussions under his chairmanship sufficed.

“The discussions within the alliance are those under my chairmanship period,” he said.

The confirmation of talks by Mr Kambwili between the UPND and NDC is proof of the desperation by the two parties to win the August 12 elections.

They are prepared to go it alone without the involvement of the other Opposition Alliance members – an alliance within an alliance.

We hope Zambians will see through this façade of unity and realise that it is premised on just winning the presidency without a national ideological agenda.

PURSUING JUSTICE AND EQUITY WITH INTERGRITY

GOVT TO CRACK WHIP ON PRICING CARTELS

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

GOVERNMENT will not condone the behaviour by some businesses engaging in price collusion and abusive of dominance for essential goods such as cement.

The State through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is therefore currently conducting investigations across various sectors.

This is to assess whether there are possibilities of price collusion, abuse of dominance and any cartel practices leading to sudden increases in price.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Christopher Yaluma, expressed concern at the increase in prices for a number of consumer products as well as increases in prices of raw and intermediate products.

Notable among these are consumer products such as sugar, wheat flour, edible oils dairy products, poultry and meat

products and other essential commodities such as cement which have recently increased by more than 50 percent in the last 12 months.

For instance, a 50 kg bag of cement was selling at K95 in January, 2020 and is now selling at K130, 2.5 litres of cooking was selling at K60 and is now selling at K96 and 2kg packet of sugar that was selling at K29 is now selling at K45.

Mr Yaluma told Journalists in Lusaka yesterday that his ministry was concerned over the sharp increases as they affected the welfare of consumers as well as industry that depended on inputs from other industries or players in respective value chains.

He regretted that some of the business entities had taken advantage of the current unfortunate circumstances and were engaging in price collusion and abusive of dominance.

“The ministry is concerned with these

Lungu warns against inefficiency in road project

By AARON CHIYANZO ANY inefficiency on the part of the Zambian team implementing the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Mwenda road project will not be tolerated, President Edgar Lungu has warned.

President Lungu said the project, which would be jointly undertaken with Democratic Republic of Congo, was very important.

He told Housing and Infrastructure minister, Vincent Mwale and Luapula province minister, Nickson Chilangwa not to be found wanting by their Congolese counterparts.

The President said this when he met DRC deputy prime minister in charge of Infrastructure, Willy Ngoopos Sunzhe at State House yesterday.

“I would like to assure you that we want to see the project implemented as quickly as possible,” said President Lungu.

President Lungu urged the DRC deputy prime minister not to hesitate to inform him of any challenges on the project.

The project will link Luapula province to Katanga Region in the DRC.

sharp increases as they affect the welfare of consumers as well as industry that depends on inputs from other industries or players in respective value chains,” Mr Yaluma said.

He said Government had noticed a trend of pricing of commodities and services, in particular, raw materials and rental charges, in foreign currencies by various players.

The law, Mr Yaluma said, provided that the legal tender in Zambia was the Kwacha.

“Government will not condone this practice as this has negative effects on inflation and cost of doing business in the country and undermines macroeconomic stabilisation efforts,” he said.

He said Government had taken keen interest in looking into factors that contributed to these price increases.

Mr Yaluma indicated that Government had therefore been in dialogue with industry and different private sector associations to have an in-depth understanding and look for lasting solutions.

Govt receives grant 52 ex-Maamba from Japan for Collieries Luangwa Bridge upgrade workers GOVERNMENT has received a grant from Japan for the redevelopment of the Luangwa Bridge.

The bridge is a key piece of infrastructure required to support increased trade traffic capacity on the Nakara corridor, connecting to Beira port in Mozambique.

Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji disclosed this in Chipata when he paid a courtesy call on the Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni.

Mr. Malanji, who was companied by Eastern Province Minister, Makebi Zulu and ruling Patriotic Front vice chairperson for mobilisation Geoffrey Mwamba, said the Luangwa Bridge, which was built in the 1950s, is old and needs to be upgraded but did not disclose how much the grant is.

He said the overnment wants to exploit the agricultural potential in the region.

Mr Malanji also said the government’s focus is to give impetus to the cotton farmers so that they can export the commodity to foreign markets like Turkey.

“We want to have one big farmer who will engage others in the out grower scheme for cotton. Turkey is a big market for textile and we want to export our cotton,” Mr. Malanji said. He said groundnuts farmers will also be supported as modalities are in place to start exporting peanut butter to Saudi Arabia.

And Paramount Chief Mpezeni welcomed the decision Government has taken to help cotton farmers and boost agriculture in general.

– ZANIS.

Public Order Act amendment will come after Aug 12 polls - Lubinda

By NOEL IYOMBWA JUSTICE Minister Given Lubinda has told parliament that Government is committed to amend the Public Order Act. Mr. Lubinda told the house in a ministerial statement that Government is anxious to reform the Act but that it requires adequate time.

He said that the Act will be revisited after the 2021 general elections, adding that the Patriotic Front is the first party to pronounce the amendment of the Public Order Act. He said the process would have started if the elections were not near.

Mr. Lubinda explained that politically sensitive laws are best handled a long distance in time before general elections.

“The PF government was the first to pronounce the possibility of amending the Public Order Act, it was the desire to present an opportunity to amend the Public Order Act,” Mr Lubinda said.

“Government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu is committed to reviewing the Act. If the elections were not near, the process would

have started so the process will be initiated after the 2021 general elections this is a commitment by the PF government,” he said.

Mr Lubinda said it will be too late to start talking about the public order amendment bill which will affect the elections, adding that it would not be prudent to talk about it.

Mr. Lubinda noted that he anticipated that some political parties will still be recovering from the loss so they would want laws that would advantage them in the future.

And the minister has told parliament that the PF government is not working with any organisation or non governmental organisations.

He was responding to Katombola Member of Parliament Derrick Livune who wanted to know if the PF government was sponsoring the Young African Leaders Initiative to be commenting on government matters.

Mr. Lubinda stated that PF has a policy of not leaving anyone behind in its governance, that it listens to all organisations.

He said any organisation or individuals are at liberty to comment on matters that affect them.

sue over unpaid K6m pension

By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA TWENTY-TWO years after their retrenchment at Maamba Collieries Limited, 52 former workers have taken the company to court demanding payment of their pension amounting to over K6 million.

Mr James Chinene and 51 others want the Lusaka High Court to order Maamba Collieries Limited to pay K6, 182, 620.69 being total pension due.

They are also claiming damages and interest on the money.

In a claim filed on February 11 this year, the 52 stated that they were retrenched in 1998 and at the time, they were below the age of 55 years, therefore not qualified to receive their pension contributions.

They said that upon employment, they joined the Zambia State Insurance Company Pension Scheme which was a compulsory requirement for all employees.

“The plaintiffs’ salaries were every month of the subsistence of their employment deducted an amount by the defendant purportedly going to the pension scheme as their contributions,” they said.

Mr Chinene and others claim that an inquiry with ZSIC Pension Scheme showed that their money was paid to Maamba Collieries Limited.

The plaintiffs said they had not received any response or explanation from the company over the matter.

The 52 allege that Maamba Collieries Limited has refused or neglected to pay them their dues.

DAILY

Friday 19, February 2021

Home News

|5

Housewife nabbed STATE ENHANCES BULK CARGO LAW COMPLIANCE over cocaine HOROSCOPE FEBRUARY 2021 DAILY

Wednesday February 17, 2021

By PETER SICHALI

By NATION REPORTER

A 49-YEAR-OLD woman in Lusaka has been arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for allegedly trafficking in cocaine.

Rhoda Zulu, 49, a housewife of Kamwala South has been arrested for allegedly trafficking in 51.4g of cocaine.

DEC public relations officer, Theresa Katongo said the suspect was intercepted at her house.

Ms Katongo also said the DEC arrested Ilunga Chisha, 44, also of Kamwala South for allegedly trafficking in 2.8g of cocaine.

And Ms Katongo said the DEC had in North-Western and Eastern-Provinces arrested eight people for unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis plants weighing over 300 kilograms.

“Those arrested include Lucky Gumande, aged 39, Rodgers Makondo, aged 61, Taby Muke, male aged 31 and an 18 yearold boy of Kisalala Compound in Solwezi for unlawful cultivation of

UPND’s Mucheleka, 4 others discharged

…court discontinues criminal case

By STEPHEN MWEWA THE Kasama Magistrate’s Court has discharged UPND Deputy Secretary General, Patrick Mucheleka, and his four others on a charge of malicious damage to government property.

This was after the state entered a nolle-prosequi.

In this matter, Mucheleka, Elias Mubanga, Samuel Ngwira, Chinyimba Bwalya and Kelvin Bwalya were alleged to have destroyed NRC issuance machine.

They were also alleged to have gone away with a generator set on September 13, last year.

Details were that on the material day the five allegedly attacked the officers from Home Affairs who were conducting NRC mobile registration exercise in Kasama’s Chitamba village.

They allegedly destroyed the NRC issuance machine and got away with the generator.

However, when the matter came up for continued trial yesterday, the State applied before Principal Resident Magistrate Osward Chibalo that the accused persons be discharged.

The State said this was because the office of the Director of Public Prosecution had issued instructions to discontinue the case.

fresh cannabis plants weighing 260 kilograms,” she said.

Ms Katongo said others arrested in Eastern Province Aries (March 21-April 19) were Show Msimuko, aged 38, Alick Phiri aged 53, Emmanuel Something small Banda, 39, and Simon Zulu 69 is for unlawful cultivation of fresh -bugging you today cannabis plants likely weighingit56has and most kilograms. something to do with your She said all the suspects health Trycustody not to and freak out are in police too much,were because you arrangements being made for their appearance before can probably take care of courts. it with little changes.

GOVERNMENT has created a unit to enforce compliance of Statutory Instrument (SI) number 7 of 2018 that makes it mandatory for all 20) Taurus (April 20-May transporters of heavy and You cargo and toyour people -bulk transport a especially sweetie, minimum of 30your percent by rail if you’re attached -- are transport.

Ministry of Transport and but more loyal than ever, Communications Permanent not in a dysfunctional, Secretary, Misheck Lungu, said gooey way. Everything the unit would effect penalties feels just right, on companies that failand to your feelings of warmth are comply.

He said the SI was meant awesome.

to create an opportunity for rail companies to have more business.

Mr Lungu said the SI would enable both private operators and Tazara have enough cargo to transport through rail and Gemini 21-June 20) would also(May help preserve road You and from your friends infrastructure heavy cargo.

“We have a unitinto at theaMinistry have turned highwhose task isgossip to ensureengine, that powered companies comply SI be and while thatwithcan number 7 of 2018 that compels greatto fun, youa minimum may need them transport to30letperitcent idleoffor while of theirabulk of if you through don’t want wear cargo rail,” Mrto Lungu said.

Meanwhile Mr Lungu out some of the key parts. has advised Tazara to engage

two or more companies to run on open access to expand revenue base.

Mr Lungu said the institution was making about $6 million per year from one operator for using Tazara railway facilities and was Cancercharging (June 21-July 22) currently 1 dollar per Let for theeach big picture tonnes kilometre.

“Having more stagnate foroperators the will time help the -institution to generate being deal with life in money privateright operators small from pieces now. using the rail facilities,” Mr It’s easier, Lungu said. for one thing, and you can lot Mr Lungu said also there get was a need more if you keep for more done private companies to set up wagons to operate from fretting aboutonthe Tazara facilities at a fee. long term.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

You’re all about the revisions today, even of your deepest held plans.

You might decide to pitch them altogether and try something totally different, or it could be that you only need minor Mr Lungu revisions.

ADVERT FOR EMPLOYMENT The Health Professions Council of Zambia is a statutory regulatory body under the Ministry of Health with both statutory obligations to regulate the registration of health care facilities and health practitioners as well as maintaining optimal standards of competence, care and professional conduct. It was established under the Health Professions Act No. 24 of 2009. The Health Professions Act continues the existence of the Medical Council of Zambia which was established under the repealed Medical and Allied Professions Act. The mission of the Health Professions Council of Zambia is ‘to safeguard the quality of health care services by regulating and monitoring the professional conduct of Public and Private Health practitioners, Health facilities and Training Institutions.’

The Council seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill up the position of SENIOR PROCUREMENT & SUPPLIES OFFICER X (01) Job Profile: To Supervise and Undertake the procurement of goods, services and works in order to facilitate efficient and effective functioning of the Institution Main Duties: • Supervises & undertakes timely and accurately the preparation of procurement plans in order to facilitate decision making • Supervises & undertakes efficiently procurement of goods, services and works in order to ensure their timely availability and facilitate smooth operation of the Institution • Co-ordinates effectively Supply Contract Management in order to ensure timely delivery of goods, works and services and efficient utilization of resources

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Supervises & undertakes timely the preparation of bidding documents in order to facilitate invitations of bids Supervises & undertakes effectively the maintenance of an up-to-date supplier register in order to establish a reliable supplier base Supervises & undertakes effectively the provision of secretariat services to the Procurement Committee in order to facilitate smooth conduct of business Supervises & undertakes effectively the storage and distribution of goods in order to ensure availability and safety for maintenance and efficient operation Supervises & undertakes effectively the maintenance of accurate records of goods, services and works in order to facilitate efficient storage and retrieval of information Supervises & undertakes timely the preparation of procurement reports in order to meet statutory requirements and facilitate decision making Undertakes effectively the implementation of performance management systems in order to facilitate improvement in performance and productivity.

Supervises & undertakes effectively the utilization of resources in order to attain the objectives of the unit

Reporting relationship, Knowledge and skills requirements:

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Report to the Manager-Procurement and Supplies Full grade twelve (12)/ Form five (5) Certificate Bachelor’s degree in Purchasing & Supplies or equivalent from a reputable University Member of the Zambia Institute of Pur-

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chasing and Supply with a latest practising license Minimum of 8 years work experience in reputable institutions i.e. Regulatory Statutory board/ /Public Institutions/ Health Sector Non-Government Organisation will be an added advantage Goal-oriented and able to work independently to achieve results, as well as able to collaborate with a diverse team.

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Excellent English language oral and written communication skills.

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Able to write analytical and technical reports.

Please, note that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic applicants who meet the requirements are urged to only apply ONLINE using the following email address-info@hpcz.org.zm All Application letters should include daily contact phone numbers, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified photocopies of Green National Registration Card, Academic and Professional Certificates and three traceable referees with their phone numbers and email addresses in softcopy form to be addressed to: The Chief Executive Officer/ Registrar Health Professions Council of Zambia Plot No. 7 Chaholi Road, Rhodes Park PO Box 32554 LUSAKA Tel/Fax: +260 211 239317 closing date: Friday, 19th February 2021, 17:00 Hours.

Only short listed candidates will be responded to and acknowledged by phone.

“Promoting Quality Healthcare and Safeguarding the Public is Our Prime Concern”

6

Friday 19, February 2021

Business News

SUBSISTING LOANS TO GO UP - BAZ

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

VARIOUS commercial banks will start sending notifications to their clients who borrowed loans linked to the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).

This followed the adjustment of the policy rate by the Central Bank to 8.5 percent from eight percent, says Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Mwanza.

Mr Mwanza explained that clients should expect a moderate increase on loans linked to the MPR. “It was quite an expected move given the pressure on inflation, the measure was meant to try and contain inflation from rising further.

“However, the impact of this announcement on the banking public is such that for those that have borrowed from the banks and their loans linked to the MPC. We should expect a modest upward adjustment of 0.5 basis points,” he said.

Mr Mwanza indicated that clients should therefore look out for notifications from their various commercial banks advising the various options which could be take.

“The options might be if you want you could increase your loan tenure depending on your cash flow profile or indeed you can ask your bank to increase your monthly instalments.

“Those are the two options available for those that borrowed and their loans are linked to their MPC,” Mr Mwanza said.

Commenting on the same, Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) welcomed the decision by the Bank of Zambia to adjust the policy rate upwards..

CTPD Researcher for Public Finance, Wakumelo Mataa, said the rise in the policy rate was expected to subdue aggregate demand pressures and moderate inflation in the medium-term. Mr Mataa explained that this implied that commercial bank lending rates would go up, money supply would contract and there would be a slowdown in demand-pull inflation.

He however said CTPD remained concerned by the sustained fiscal pressures that had continued to inhibit the effectiveness of targeted monetary policy measures.

FQM projects 785, 000 tonnes copper output

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

NOTIFICATION OF THE CUT-OFF DATE – 5TH FEBRUARY 2021 process of preparing the Resettlement and Compensation Action Plan (RCAP). The process involves Socio-economic Survey and Property Valuation.

ZESCO Limited is improving the transmission and distribution system in Lusaka and surrounding areas by rehabilitating and upgrading its electrical infrastructure through the implementation of the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project (LTDRP). The aim of the Project is to improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply within the power transmission and distribution network in line with Government’s efforts to increase access to electricity.

ZESCO Limited has carried out valuation and socio-economic survey of would be affected properties and socio-economic survey for the 33kV servitude from 7th December 2020 to 26th January 2021 under the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project (LTDRP).

As part of the Scope of works, ZESCO will be constructing and upgrading the 33kV Distribution line(s) of the Matero Corridor (Industrial Substation to Mungwi Road Substation, Liverpool Substation to Mungwi Substation and Liverpool / Matero Substation) in order to improve reliability of power supply in Industrial Area, Matero and surrounding areas.

In accordance with the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was partially undertaken revealing that there would be a number of resettlements from the Servitude. In order to fulfil this requirements of the Environmental Management Act, ZESCO is in the

Following the completion of the valuation of affected properties, detailed survey and socio-economic survey which involved the valuation of structures and other economic activities in the project area, ZESCO Limited would like to inform the general public that the Cut-Off Date for any new construction or economic start-up activities in the area identified for the construction of transmission and distribution lines under LTDRP has been set as Friday 5 February 2021. Any persons occupying the project area after the cut-off date will not be eligible for any applicable assistance provided by the project. Similarly, fixed assets (such as built structures, etc) es-

tablished after the cut-off date will not be included in the program. The cut-off date will also be announced through posters within the servitude (Zambeef Macro – Matero and Chidikhas Pub) and in the Times of Zambia, Daily Mail and Daily Nation on Wednesday 17th February and Friday 19th February 2021.

Please be informed that a Feedback and Grievance Redress Mechanism attached to this notice has been set up for individuals who may want to have particular grievances considered.

Should there be need for more information regarding the cut-off date, the general public is advised to contact the undersigned on: +260-211- 361357 or +260976-308770 or visit the LTDRP Project Office at Aquarius House along Katima Mulilo Road near Arcades Round About in Arcades Area.

Yours Faithfully ZESCO Limited

KENNEDY SICHONE PROJECT MANAGER – LTDRP

FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) has projected its 2021 copper production to grow above 785,000 tonnes, banking on the resilience of the workforce and adaptability to the new ways of working.

This makes FQM one of the top global copper producers with one of the largest mineral reserve bases, says Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Philip Pascall.

“Our success in overcoming the various challenges the year presented was directly attributable to the dedication and resilience of our workforce and their adaptability to the new way of working,” Mr Pascall told shareholders this week.

Mr Pascall explained that the mining firm’s focus in 2021 would remain on debt reduction to enable it to plan for returns to shareholders and growth.

He explained that FQM’s net debt decreased by US$266 million last year with US$136 million of that reduction coming in quarter four.

On the cashflow, the company recorded US$1.6 billion from operating activities, a US$724 million increase from 2019.

Mr Pascall said the mine would continue to maintain defensive health and sanitary protocols while supporting public health authorities in each jurisdiction as necessary to combat Covid-19.

“We continue to prioritise the health and safety of our workforce and extend all efforts to protect our operations from Covid-19 and help mitigate the spread through the communities.

“I am very proud of the efforts of our entire First Quantum team in this regard. In addition, we recently published our policy on climate change which formalises and further demonstrates our commitment to the environment and reducing emissions across the business,” he said.

ZRA embraces new audit initiative

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

A PROGRAMME to provide practical assistance in the audit of companies within the banking and finance sector as well as telecommunications sectors has been launched by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) The Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) audit assistance programme is jointly conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), It will be conducted by the Swedish Tax Agency (STA).

ZRA Commissioner General, Kingsley Chanda, said Zambia faced many challenges in the taxation of the banking and finance sector as well as telecommunications sectors.

Mr Chanda said ZRA auditors therefore needed to understand business models and value chains, particularly revenue recognition in the

telecommunications sector and financial instruments in the banking and finance sector.

“The first one was in 2018/ 2019 relating to audit assistance in the Mining Industry where we recorded notable success arising from the programme.

We were assisted by experts from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“It is this success which motivated us to make a request for another TIWB programme to focus on the Tele communication and Banking industry. It is my sincere hope that this particular programme will generate similar results,” he said during the virtual launch of the programme.

Meanwhile, ZRA yesterday donated 2,200 bed sheets and 1,400 blankets to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) valued at K650, 000.

Mr Chanda said during the donation that ZRA was aware that UTH had challenges to meet all its financial and material obligations.

He stressed that clean medical linen was important as they allowed patients to feel more comfortable and at ease.

In receiving the donations, UTH Director-Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services, Alex Makupe, said clean linen was critical especially during the Covid-19 pandemic as the Hospitals received patients on a daily basis.

Dr Makupe explained that per bed space at UTH was currently changing linen three times per night.

7 | Friday February 19, 2021

E-paper. dailynation.info/online

WTO CHIEF WANTS TO GET GLOBAL ECONOMY GOING Dr Okonjo-Iweala admitted her tenure comes at a time the WTO was facing many challenges but stressed the importance of working together.

G

ENEVA – Nigeria’s Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and African to be selected director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) says her key priority is to quickly get the global economy going again through addressing the business and health consequences brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am honoured to have been selected by WTO members as WTO director-general,” said Dr Okonjo-Iweala in her acceptance speech, publicised soon after confirmation of her candidature by the multilateral trading body on Monday.

“A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and

rapidly from the devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.”

Dr Okonjo-Iweala admitted her tenure comes at a time the WTO was facing many challenges but stressed the importance of working together.

“We can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today,” she said.

WTO members made history when the general council agreed by consensus to select Dr Okonjo-Iweala as the organisation’s seventh director-general.

She takes office on March 1 and becomes the first woman and the first African to be chosen as director-general. Her term, renewable, will expire on August 31, 2025.

“This is a very significant moment for the WTO. On behalf of the general council, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her appointment as the WTO’s next director-general and formally welcome her to this general council meeting,” said general council chair, David Walker of New Zealand who, together with co-facilitators, led the nine-month DG selection process. . – AFP.

Advertise: dailynationadverts@gmail.com

Beitbridge reaches financial closure HARARE - The US$300 million re-development of Beitbridge border post reached financial closure recently, with work having already started.

The Zimbabwean side of the Beitbridge border post is being upgraded under a 17-and-a-half-year concession granted by the Zimbabwe to Zimborders.

Zimborders Consortium is made up of a group of Zimbabweans, South Africans, international entrepreneurs and financial institutions and experts.

The project, to be implemented under a Public Private Partnership with the Government, will be privately funded with a -17-and-half-years’ operating concession period following the completion of the construction works expected within two years.

RMB Capital, which acted as financial advisor to Zimborders, said the financial closure had been reached while media consultant for Zimborders, confirmed to The Herald Finance & Business that

the commencement of works but could not provide more details.

The redevelopment of the border post will make it more efficient, leading to increased regional trade, benefiting the Zimbabwe economy and fiscus, and SA’s economy indirectly.

Through the concession, the development has a focused socioeconomic impact: In addition to upgrading the ageing infrastructure at the border post itself, the concession also requires the delivery of social infrastructure to the adjacent town of Beitbridge, including a water treatment plant, housing and a fire station.

Beitbridge is one of the busiest border posts in Africa, which not only connects Zimbabwe and South Africa, but also serves as the transit point for the majority of northsouth trade in Southern Africa. Research has shown that Southern Africa has witnessed an increase in the volume of commercial and private cross-border traffic.

– THE HERALD, Zimbabwe.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Supply and Delivery of Mobile Phone Devices The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a German federal enterprise which offers workable, sustainable and effective solutions and systems for efficient service delivery. Most of GIZ’s work is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

LUSAKA PROVINCE PLANNING AUTHORITY P.O . BOX 50063 LUSAKA SECTION 53 OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING ACT , NO. 3 OF 2015

GIZ is hereby inviting suitable bids from the established firms for the Supply and Delivery of Mobile Phones:

PUBLIC NOTICE IN RELATION TO CHANGE OF LAND USE. Harvest Group of Companies Limited on Sub, T of Lot. 18893/M, Sub. Q of Lot.18893/M, Sub. P of Lot. 18893/M and Sub. U of Lot. 18893/M Lusaka South, Kafue District, intends to apply for planning permission for Change of Land Use from Residential to Commercial (ServiceStation) zone. The Lots question are approximately 715 Square Metres, 865 Square Metres, 865 Square Metres respectively and 715 Square Metres and are bordered by Sub. K and Sub. L to the West and a Road Reserve to the South, to the East and to North.

S/N

The application may be viewed at Lusaka Province Planning Authority (opposite Ridgeway Post Office Entrance) and submissions or observations on the application may be made to the Planning Authority without charge. Submissions or Observations must be in writing andmade within the period of 30 days beginning on the first date of the period for the publication of this notice being 17/02/2021 and ending on 18/03/2021.

Signed : The Executive Secretary On behalf of LUSAKA PROVINCE PLANNING AUTHORITY. Date of erection of site notice 17/02/2021.

E12022021

This application may have significant environmental impacts and/or a significant impact on the amenity of adjoining properties.

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

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MOBILE PHONE, QUAD CORE PROCESSOR, 3GB RAM, 32GB, 4000mA BATTERY, ANDROID 9 PIE, DUAL SIM.

120

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MOBILE PHONE SOLAR CHARGER

120

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PHONE COVERS AND SCREEN PROTECTORS

120

Interested bidders must submit their COMPLETE bids via email: zm_quotation@giz.de with the subject line “25.02.2021_MOBILE PHONES_91147841” The closing date for handing in the BIDS is Thursday 25th February 2021 at 13:00hrs For further clarification, interested parties may send enquiries to zm_ inquiry@giz.de GIZ Procurement Unit

Friday February 19, 2021

8

Economic diversification and job creation over the last five years Dear Editor,

Send an email to dailynation@ymail.com

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

UPND HELD A ‘CONFUSION’ AND NOT A CONVENTION ...they came out of the convention more confused than they were before Dear Editor,

F

OR 15 years the UPND shunned holding a convention but out of pressure they decided to hold one this year. Geez! by so doing, they have only exposed themselves.

It is now an open secret that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is a dictator and the UPND are not a democratic party, "Nota Bene," no relation with Harry Kalaba's party.

Any person with a sound mind would question the rationale behind the holding of an elective general assembly when people are not elected

Dear Editor, PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu during the last address for this life of Parliament made a pronouncement that Government was in the process of introducing the bill to Parliament that seeks to regulate the use of social media.

The President’s tone entails that social media will not be criminalised but it is the usage which encroaches on the domain of others.

The legal gaps in the cyber

to key positions. It just does not make sense, why hold an elective event and yet people are not elected to key positions?

The UPND came out from the convention more confused than they were before.

They still do not have a vice president and only their demigod knows when and who will be their vice president.

Like they say, "Bally will fix it." Besides, I don't know but for some reason I’m likening their slogan to what us Christians say that "God is in control."

The UPND must have so much faith in their demi-god,

to them he can fix anything, nonetheless, going by the status quo he is proving to be a very bad fixer. He is terrible at fixing things.

The position of the party chairman is now vacant and the same can be said of many other positions including that of the secretary-general.

This is bewildering. Maybe they should not have held the convention to avoid this chaos. I honestly empathise with them.

What the UPND held on Valentine's Day was a sham of a convention. For instance, they had some Journalists reportedly being chased from

witnessing the vote. Was it really only voting that was taking place? This party and it's "infinity president" needs fixing.

Going by their modus operandi - their next convention should be held in 2036 (15 years from now) or never because Mr Hichilema, their life president's term is endless, niwamuyayaya, mpaka day yobwela yesu.

I really hope their next convention - kaya ni liti - will be better than what they just had because that was not a convention but a confusion.

MARVELLOUS SAKALA.

OVER the last five years, the Patriotic Front (PF) under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu's placed placed “economic diversification and job creation” as a core strategic focus in our national development blue-print, the 7th National Development Plan (7NDP).

Today, as we close off the 2017-2021 7NDP implementation period, PF has “walked the talk” in delivering economic diversification, building economic resilience, and creating employment for our people.

Concerning job creation, the PF Government over the last five years has recorded numerous successes including, but not limited to, the following: • PF Government, through the CEEC, financed the Cassava Value Chain which has resulted in the commissioning of a starch processing plant called Premiercons Starch Company, one of the largest cassava starch processing plants in Southern Africa. The processing company, with the capacity to produce over 26, 000 tonnes of starch, is projected to create over 29, 000 jobs under this Cassava Commercialisation Project.

• PF Government, through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) group of companies, created over 11, 000 jobs by, among other things, ensuring that StateOwned Companies become profit-making.

• This positive transformation is evidenced not only by the number of jobs created, but also by the increase in the value of the IDC group from K44.5 billion to about K101 billion in

Criminalising cyber nuisance long overdue law have caused legal hurdles to successfully prosecute the perpetrators of offences committed whilst on the cyber space. There has been claims by other sections of society that the social media law is meant to gap freedom of expression. We do not think this assertion is accurate and it does not coincide with the spirit of the Presidential proc-

lamation. There is a trend by social media patrons to share nudes and trade seditious materials in the groups. The law should criminalise the act of knowingly belonging to groups that share porn and other acts which are a nuisance to our society.

There are some developments which needs attention with the view to bring about

sanity on the cyber space.

Among the notable developments that needs attention includes the advent of social media marketing and other digital facilities.

We have seen some people with huge Facebook following spending their innovative time online. While this innovation is commendable, there is need to stretch the cyber

law in a manner it can be beneficial to the nation at large.

The proposed legislation must provide for the mechanism for the integration of mandatory membership to regulatory bodies for people with significant following on social media. It should also be a responsibility of bloggers to be subjected to taxation laws for the advertisement which

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2015 and 2018, respectively.

Further, the IDC group has recorded a significant increase in dividends from K43 million to K123 million in 2015 and 2019, respectively.

The Zambezi Cashew Project in Western Province was projected to create 500 direct jobs and over 15, 000 jobs across the value chain.

The Eastern Tropical Fruits in Katete was expected to create over 600 jobs by the third quarter of 2020.

The Kalene Hills Fruit Processing Project in Mwinilunga was expected to create over 700 jobs.

The Mununshi Fruit Company in Mwense was poised to create 350 jobs.

These few examples highlight the undeniable fact that despite the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic which has adversely affected the economies of the world, Zambia inclusive, the PF Government has been delivering its promises, namely: economic diversification and job creation.

Finally, President Lungu has continued to provide leadership to accelerate industrialisation, achieve sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and spur rural development.

It cannot be denied that President Lungu has also provided leadership in managing the Covid-19 pandemic by allowing the wheels of the economy to continue turning under the new normal.

This is contrary to his competitor's prescribed “complete lockdown” of the country which would have led to a collapse of the economy.

SUNDAY CHILUFYA CHANDA, PF Media Director.

are done on their platforms.

The pages with significant following should be affiliated to bodies where they will be liable to pay affiliation or subscription fees. This affirmative step will bring about responsibility among the bloggers with large following.

With reactiveness, social media will consequently contribute to the growth of the economy as the government will have more revenue streams from online.

MARVIN CHANDA MBERI,

DAILY

40 boreholes in Chinsali repaired

By NATION REPORTER OVER 40 communal boreholes in Chinsali have been rehabilitated by the local authority and are set to improve access to clean and safe water for about 15, 500 people.

The council will also embark on drilling 39 water points in selected sites , which would include 30 in communities and nine in schools commencing next month.

The borehole rehabilitation project, done with support from UNICEF which the local authority contracted out to China Gansu Engineering Corporation started last November.

Chinsali Municipal Council, assistant public relations manager, Lolavye Simukoko said the communal boreholes would help prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases as sanitation levels were being enhanced.

Mr Simukoko said some of the notable works done were the redevelopment of boreholes, installation of tanks and tank pumping cylinder heads, resurfacing of drainages, unblocking of soak pits, and replacing of galvanised iron riser pipes and rods with stainless steel rods. He said in a statement that the 40 previously-non-functional water points were from Lubu, Malalo, Munwakubili, Ituntwe, Ichinga, Lubwa and Chipanga.

Mr Simukoko said other wards to be benefit from the sustainable water sources were Kaunga, Nkakula, Chambeshi, Mikunku, Chilunda, Itapa and Chunga.

He said identification of the sites was conducted through a joint assessment exercise by the Council and the District Nutrition Coordinating Committee.

“It should be noted that the communal boreholes will help prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases in the district as sanitation levels are being enhanced,” said Mr Simukoko.

Mr Simukoko thanked UNICEF for its generous financial contribution and long-standing support towards the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes.

He appealed to community members to take responsibility of the water points so as to ensure their sustainability.

Friday 19, February 2021

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