Connect with:
Thursday / June 12.
logo
mobile-logo
HomeStandard Blog Whole Post (Page 65)
Tech

The Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia-BETUZ has reiterated that government is still owing money in settling and leave among other allowances to some teachers on the Copperbelt.

Earlier The Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia-BETUZ had disclosed that government was owing over K3 million in allowances to teachers on the Copperbelt. BETUZ indicated government did not only owe teachers on the Copperbelt but also owed teachers around the country adding that the over K3 million which was being owed to teachers dates as far back as 2010 hence the need for government to begin paying off this debt.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – BETUZ Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson Aaron Kunka has since appealed to Government to urgently clear the backlog of these allowances and other related remunerations to the teachers so that they are motivated further.

Kunka noted that Government has started liquidating, “we witnessed what we call PE and they started with the retirees and most of them have been cleared and we are yet to see the clearance of these other allowances from our teacher members. He added.  

“Am not preview of how much the balance is now especially that we have the new teachers on board who have not equally been settled.” He said.

He said the union will continue to rehearse with government and remind the administration to meet its obligations as well as advocate for better conditions for its teachers.

Kunka has also thanked Government for commencing liquidating the backlog and the support it has rendered to the education sector so far.  

0 Comments
0 likes

The Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia-BETUZ

Agribusiness

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture says Government is still carrying out assessments to determine how much maize is remaining in the strategic reserves even if he has maintained that the country has enough maize in stock.

Despite the Minister of Agricuture Mtolo Phiri promising that there is enough Maize in the Country, Calls have continued from concerned stakeholders and experienced hands in statecraft demanding that Government immediately ban the export of Maize and mealie meal to prevent an impending catastrophe.

Continued export and even the news that government is planning to allow imports of maize shows that there is confusion and inexperience, a situation many feel is causing the shortage of mealie meal and maize leading to the higher prices of the commodity in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Green Mbozi said assessments were not yet concluded as to ascertain how much maize was remaining in the strategic reserves.

Responding to the ZBT query on how many tons of maize was currently available in the country, Mbozi said Government has been releasing maize to the millers and it was very difficult to tell how many tons was remaining in stock.

He mentioned that Government is aware of escalating mealie meal prices in some selected parts of the country caused by high demand but said government will not ban the commodity export stating that there was enough maize and mealie meal for the country.

He said he was aware that in some parts of the country the prices are quite high as they are going up to k300 per 25 kilograms of breakfast meal adding that he was also aware that at Sakania boarder post the price of the commodity is about k600 per 25 kg.

Mbozi said the prices are high especially in the places near boarders because of the proximate to the boarder where the population on the other side is facing hunger leading to high demand which further affect prices.

He said this is because of the pressure colleagues in Congo, Tanzania and in Malawi among others are facing as there are deficit in terms of maize which is a staple food in these countries.

Mbozi reiterated that Government has not banned the export of maize and mealie meal as it has only restricted the export while making assessments of what is remaining in the strategic reserves.

He also mentioned that there has not been export quotas set to control exports as the maize which is allowed to be exported is not from the Food Reserve Agency. “The ones we are saying we can give a permit if any person have their own maize anywhere and they can prove that they didn’t take from FRA yes they can take it.” “What is there in the strategic food reserve is for Zambians and if traders or farmers have their own maize which they grew and they have it in their storage we can issue them a permit.”

When asked about measures that Government is putting in place to arrest the increase in mealie prices, Mbozi said, “the measures which are there is that we still have maize in the strategic reserve and on a weekly basis when needs arises we release sufficient stocks of maize to selected millers located in the various areas of the country.”

He said Government is working on the situation as it is closely monitoring the maize that is given to the millers. In land its easier but on the boarder there is need to increase the security personnel to help protect the maize and mealie meal from going out.

Mbozi said people are only taking advantage to smuggle the commodity as most of the boarders are very wide and practically it is not possible for Zambia to guard and put security personals along the border length, “and because of that we have challenges as people move at awkward time in the night in ungusseted roads where most likely there are no officers.”

0 Comments
0 likes

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of

Mining

Demands from various stakeholders on the Copperbelt have continued on the need for the owners of Chambishi Metals Eurasian Resources Group – ERG to take a stand of either revamping the plant or surrender it to the Zambian Government to find alternative investors.

Former Mining Suppliers President Augustine Mubanga has charged that failure to which, the owners of chambishi metals should be penalised because the continued closure of the plant is tantamount to economic sabotage when the conditions are very favourable and they have failed to reopen a facility.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mubanga said the plant should be given productive life as it is wrong to continue putting it on care and maintenance or else Government should find ways and means of bringing back the plant to production.

He said Chambishi metals is an important asset that relates to the new dynamics in the mining sector. With the drive towards electric vehicles, it is the only plant in Zambia that is able to process exclusively cobalt and copper, hence demanding for its urgent reopening as there are various benefits that the country can accrue from an investment of such magnitude when in full operation.

Stakeholders in the mining sector and residents of Chambishi have in the last three years continuously advocated for the re-opening of Chambishi Metals whose other operations include treatment of cobalt/copper sulphide/oxide concentrates, and cobalt carbonate/hydroxide materials.

The continued closure of Chambishi metals has continued negatively affecting the construction sector as the availability of gypsum, which this mine used to produce, affects locally produced Cement prices. Cement is a key determinant of the cost of brick and mortar construction.

Mubanga said the continued closure of Chambishi metals is tantamount to trying to destroy the economy of the country because they are denying an opportunity for people’s employment, businesses, and the country revenue that it may have or may accrue from the asset. “They are also denying the host towns from benefiting from corporate social responsibility projects.” He added.

ERG put Kalulushi District-based Chambishi Metals on care and maintenance in January 2020 when over 200 workers were sent home due to lack of feedstock to continue sustaining its operations and up to date operations have not yet resumed. The regulations for tax on imported feedstock was lifted but the plant remains closed.

Chambishi Metals when operational, is the country’s largest producer of cobalt and gypsum, a key ingredient in the manufacturing of cement and key for enabling growth of the construction sector.

Meanwhile efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of mines and minerals development proved futile by press time.

0 Comments
0 likes

Demands from various stakeholders on the Copperbelt

Tech

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has for the 2nd year running walked away with the most awards at the annual Zambia Institute for Public Relations and Communications (ZIPRC) conference and awards night held recently in Livingstone.

Airtel emerged winner in 4 categories that included, the ‘Best Public Relations Campaign’, the ‘Best Digital Platform’, the ‘Best Digital Media Campaign’ and the ‘Best Publication’.

The Conference and awards night were graced by Southern Province Minister, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa who is also Member of Parliament for Choma.

Speaking about the awards that were received on behalf of the Company by Head of Corporate Communications Yuyo Nachali-Kambikambi, Airtel Zambia Managing Director Manu Sood said the Company was delighted and humbled to be recognized with the awards.

Manu said, “We feel proud to be playing our part in enabling connectivity and thereby supporting economic growth as envisaged in the 8th National Development Plan. Airtel is committed to providing the Best Customer Experience through our wide network across the Country and continued focus on Customer Service.”

He added that Airtel was proud to see that the Airtel App won the Best Digital Campaign as well as Best Digital Platform, because Airtel App has become very popular among a fast growing customer base due to its many advantages which includes it being safer to use for mobile money as the screen displays the name of the person you are sending money to.

“For the Best Public Relations Campaign, we are proud to note that over 7000 Zambians took part in “The Voice Africa” which is an Airtel title sponsorship and the number one competition format music and entertainment show in the world, airing in over 180 countries. Our 2022 Annual Report which won the Best Publication Category provides an overview of the company’s financial and operational performance over the past year including our work with the communities.” Remarked Manu.

This is according to a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – by Airtel’s Head of Corporate Communications Yuyo Nachali -Kambikambi.

Picture below, is Southern Province Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa handing over one of the 4 awards to Airtel’s Head of Corporate Communications Yuyo Nachali -Kambikambi at the just ended ZIPRC in Livingstone.

0 Comments
0 likes

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has for the

Tech

The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited – ZACL has disclosed that airports across Zambia saw more tourists arriving from various parts of the world especially from within Africa and Europe in 2022 when compared to 2021. The rebound in arrivals however have not yet surpassed the pre-Covid levels.

ZACL is however cognizant of major downside risks which include a new COVID-19 variants, high international crude oil prices, higher global inflation and supply chain disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Acting Managing Director of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited, Maggie B. Kaunda said ZACL served over double the numbers, they served about 1.7 million passengers in 2022 compared to about 750,000 passengers in 2021. ZACL served about 550,000 passengers in 2020 and about 1.9 million passengers in 2019.

Kaunda said this was driven by the relaxation of COVID-19 measures following continued reduced positivity rates globally such as the removal of the PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to Zambia by the Ministry of Health. She added that the passenger statistics in 2022 represented an overall recovery of 89% to preCOVID-19 levels, compared to recovery levels of 41% in 2021 and 29% in 2020.

Kaunda explained that overall international passengers recovered by 83% and domestic passengers by 111% with Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and Solwezi Airport recording the highest recovery rates at 96% and 121%, respectively. Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (HMNIA) which serves the tourism industry recorded the least recovery at 50% of 2019 levels.

She said the hosting of various meetings and conferences in Zambia such as the 4th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (MYCM), the 38th Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) and the 2022 Africa Innovations Ministerial Summit also contributed greatly to this recovery.

Kaunda said recovery in domestic passengers was driven by competitive pricing of domestic travel provided by Zambia Airways and Proflight Zambia into Livingstone, Solwezi and Ndola.

“Going into 2023, international passenger traffic is expected to continue growing given the upsurge in confidence in air travel provided by increased vaccination rates, safety measures and Governments continued support.”

She said the attainment of 70% vaccination rate of eligible population in Zambia in 2022 coupled with the waiver of visa requirements for selected countries which include China and the United Kingdom is expected to result in an increase in passenger numbers at our airports.

Uncertainties of China’s Zero COVID-19 policies which had constrained both domestic and international market and the recent easing of travel restrictions in China also poses a new risk to recovery due to the potential for importation of infections. She said ZACL will continue to engage key stakeholders in the industry to ensure that they collaborate and make Zambia an attractive and affordable destination for meetings and conferences

0 Comments
0 likes

The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited - ZACL

Tech

The Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia PTAZ says despite the stringent measures being undertaken by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Road Transport and Safety Agency RTSA, Zambia Bureau of Standards and the Energy Regulatory Board ERB, on the Zambian tankers, it is unfortunate that some foreign fuel tankers are being exempted from inspections as they rely on mutual recognition.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – PTAZ Secretary General Benson Tembo said, foreign tankers are currently being exempted from inspections considering that they are inspected by the respective countries and that they can just come into the country a situation he said do not happen to Zambian fuel tankers when they go in other countries as they are subjected to inspections.

He said the situation has allowed some foreign tankers with effects to bring fuel to the country suggesting that foreign fuel tankers are supposed to be sub-contracted by licensed transporters in Zambia who understand the Zambian standards.

“If they are subcontracted by the Zambian licensed transporters, Zambian transporters will then take full responsibility to make sure that the tankers meet the Zambian standards unlike what is happening today where the tankers are found on the road without any inspection at the boarder or point of discharge.” He said.  

Tembo since called on the intuitions mandated to inspect fuel tankers such as the Energy Regulatory Board ERB, Zambia Bureau of Standards, and the Road Transport and Safety Agency RTSA among others to up their game in as far as inspecting foreign tankers is concerned.

He said there is need for the institutions such as ERB, Zambia Bureau of standards and all other institutions involved to do better and be fair than they have done in the past adding that the issue of allowing foreign tankers bringing fuel in the country without inspection must be stopped as it is costing Zambians.

Tembo said the approach must be changed and foreign tankers should be sub-contracted by the Zambian transporters licensed by the ERB or any other institution so that they are able to take full responsibility and make sure that they only allow tracks that meet the Zambian standards.

“Currently what we are seeing and learning is that we have encouraged foreign companies and if we ask the OMCs they say they don’t contract the foreign tankers but they are contracted by the people who are supplying them fuel.”

“I can buy a tanker today and I have to wait for 8 months for me to put that tanker on the road in Zambia while my colleague in Zimbabwe will buy a tanker and put it on the road even tomorrow, so you can see the difference hence the need to adhere to the provision of the Zambian set up and then those suppliers supplying fuel must also abide by the regulation.”

Meanwhile, PTAZ has challenged government to build safe parking spaces for fuel tankers that meet the set standards across the country. he said this will help the country boost its revenue collections.

0 Comments
0 likes

The Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia PTAZ says despite

Uncategorized


The Seventh Day Adventist – SDA North Zambia Union Conference has denied allegations that the church has a hand and has been careless in supervising its youth groups with the latest calamity resulting the capsizing of the super boat on Lake Bangweulu which left about 14 church members dead by drowning.

This is the second incident of deaths by drowning of SDA members in two successive years, leading to members of the public alleging calling for independent investigations. Last year in January 2022, Six SDA church members drowned in lake Kariba in Siavonga see link https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/tragic-sda-youth-camp-meeting-was-characterized-by-illicit-activities/


Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT before the burial ceremony for the 14, SDA North Zambia Union Conference President Tommy Namitondo said the Church understand from the community leaders that the accident was a normal accident and not caused by the church.


The SDA union President Namitondo told ZBT that accidents happen around the country and it would be wrong for anyone to think that the accident was caused by the church.“In as far as we understand from the community and the leaders of the community the accident was a normal accident and not caused by the Church.”

“This is the most unfortunate situation and the highest calamity the church can have to burry young people but we believe God has not forsaken us.” He remarked.“On our side as the churches we need to enhance the insurance policies and we encourage people who have meetings to improve the safety on which mode of transport people may use but when you are talking of the place where the accident happened there is only one mode of transport which is water.”


Meanwhile, the union President Namitondo has pledged that the church with the help of Government will intensify thorough investigations to determine the cause of the accident and improve on the findings.
The incident happened on Friday 31st March 2023 when the superboat said to have a carrying capacity of 16 which was reportedly carrying 44 SDA church members capsized on Lake Bangweulu in Luapula Province between Chilubi and Chishi Islands. The general citizenry have however expressed concern as this is not the first time members are perishing in uncertain circumstance. Namitondo has since cautioned church members countrywide to adhere to all safety regulations whenever they are on a journey.


When asked about the measures taken to enhance member safety, Namitondo said, the local churches are controlled by the local conferences who are tasked to ensure that things are done in the rightful manner. “As a local organisation we will control the way people travel, engage each other with the local SDA Churches to strengthen already existing safety measures going forward. “We know that we are far as the union and we don’t do these local meetings them as we don’t organise them as they are not under our jurisdiction but the local conferences.”


“We have several safety measures in place already and what the union needs to do is to check if the measures are being implemented and the local conferences have also the duty to check whether their local churches are implementing safety measures that have been put in place.” He said.


President Namitondo has also clarified that the members where not going for a youth camp but visiting another local Church to promote camps that will be held near the end of April this year. He added that the Church will render financial support to the affected Families and ensure that they have a way to start after this calamity.


“We pray that God will comfort the families, the church and the nation and am encouraging the members that we should continue praying, when the devil attacks you don’t surrender but you continue with the battle. We know we are not on a holiday, we are in the battle field and anything is possible to discourage us but we shall not be discouraged.”

0 Comments
0 likes

The Seventh Day Adventist - SDA North

Mining

The annual Copper production at one of the largest underground mines in Zambia, Lubambe copper mine has continued decreasing year in year out despite Despite Government’s aspirations to hit the 3 million copper production target.

The 2022 copper production at Lubambe stood at 17, 917 metric tons from the 18, 373 metric tons produced in 2021. This is also far below the 44 162.98 MT produced in 2018, 46 029.79 MT in 2019 and 21 062.13 metric tons produced in 2020.

Lubambe Copper Mine is a large-scale operating underground copper mine situated on the Zambian Copperbelt close to the town of Chllilabombwe. The Mine is 80% owned by EMR Capital Resources, while 20% is held by ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc.

According to Government official statistics obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – Chililabombwe’s Lubambe Copper Mine recorded a decrease of about 26 245.81 metric tons of copper production in 2022 when compared to 2018.

The decrease is however against the new dawn government’s aspirations to hit the 3 million tons of copper production in the next nine years which requires large scale mines to increase productions.

This has also contributed to Zambia’s 2022 annual copper production which dropped by 5% to about 760,000 tons from the 800,696 tons which was produced in the preceding year 2021. Efforts however to get a comment from Lubambe Copper Mine proved futile as officials could not give answers by press time.

0 Comments
0 likes

The annual Copper production at one of

Tech

The Zambia Consumer Association ZACA has expressed worry on the continued silence by the Zambia’s wholly owned Mobile Network Operator Beeline telecom Zambia to operate as Zedmobile Zambia regarding the commencement of operation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – ZACA Executive Secretary, Juba Sakala said after the launch in December, 2022, consumers expected the company will commence operations as expected on the 31st of January.

He said consumers are concerned as they don’t want what had happened to the previous company as they are now looking forward for the company to commence operations as soon possible and if possible they should call for a media briefing to give an update on what is happening as users are anxious to use the fourth mobile service provider.

Sakala was of the view that there could be some challenges and logistics and other issues but being quiet is a source of concern when the consumers are highly anticipating the commencement of operations for the Zambian wholly owned company that they would want to exceptionally support.

“It is unfortunate that the project looks to be slipping away in the consumers hands but going forward we need them to give a brief statement on what they are doing and when exactly they will commence operation as going quiet gives more suspicions and questions so we hope they explain what is on the ground.” remarked Sakala.

ZedMobile was launched in December 2022 but consumers have not been able to have access even to sim cards for the Zambian wholly owned mobile networker operator.

Beeline was granted an operating license in February 2021 and had initially been set to launch commercial mobile phone services and operations in June of 2022 but encountered problems to meet the deadlines which was at the time blamed on Covid-19 and its related socio-economic impact.

Then later during the year 2022, ZICTA’s Manager – Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Banji Michelo confirmed that Beeline was granted an extension because they were unable to commence operations due to challenges with the procurement process owing to Covid-19. ZICTA then stated after Covid 19 concerns lessened that “but now the company will launch operations on January 31, 2023.” Stated Michelo.

And when contacted by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, earlier, Beeline promoter Kelvin Hambwezya said he could not comment on the matter.

0 Comments
0 likes

The Zambia Consumer Association ZACA has expressed worry

Companies

United Capital Fertilizer UCF has disclosed plans to construct an independent power substation that will help to build a self-sufficient projected production of fertilizers in the next two years.

UCF plans to increase production from the current 200 000 metric tons to over 300 000 metric tones in 2024 which translates to 600 000 for both Urea and D compound a situation which is anticipated to settle the local and regional demand market.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT – UCF Chairman Chance Kabaghe said the project is likely to cost $600 million as they will also need to put in place a 75Mega watts power plant so that they are self-sufficient in terms of electricity.

He said with the persisting electricity problems in the Country, the company may not afford to run a fertilizer plant which has problems hence the need for their own independent power substation.

Kabaghe explained that the power plant project alone is projected to cost about $75 million dollars as roughly it costs about $1 million per megawatt.

“Currently UCF consumes power from ZESCO with some transformers, but once we start producing at the projected full capacity in the next two years we will not need ZESCO as we will have our own station because we are anticipating all those problems to come in future and we need to be in house so that we can stay.” Said Kabaghe.

“Because once we start exporting fertilizer and people buy forward, we cannot afford to disappoint them so we need to have all the necessary components in place in particular the heating facility because the requirement for electricity is very high.” He said.  

Kabaghe said realization of the 600 000 fertilizer production, entails that there will be no need for the country to import fertilizer as the country will be safe sufficient as the fertilizer will be locally produced while the product will be easily accessed with low prices.

4 Comments
0 likes

United Capital Fertilizer UCF has disclosed plans