THE Government is optimistic that the alliance formed by the Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UNPD) will falter on the basis of the continued economic growth that has led to the landmark single-digit inflation at 7.8 per cent.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said in Lusaka yesterday that a record economic achievement never reached in many decades would stifle criticism by PF leader Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema of UPND.
Meanwhile, Dr Musokotwane has challenged the opposition political party leaders that have continued criticising Chinese investment to take time and look at how much Chinese investment was coming into Zambia.
Dr Musokotwane said the Government would respond to the unrestrained criticism by the two leaders by growing the economy to levels that every Zambian would appreciate and that should create jobs, reduce bank interest rates and give value to the Kwacha, among other benefits to the people.
Thousands of Zambians were being employed in the mines, hotels and other manufacturing companies that were being opened as the economy continues to register growth. He said while the opposition leaders had continued to criticise Government’s economic policies, the international community was praising the Government for managing the economy well.
“There is lack of understanding about the economy. That criticism by these opposition leaders does not make sense. Do they understand how many Zambian workers would have been on the streets if Lumwana and other mines were not open?” Dr Musokotwane asked.
He urged Zambians to judge the Government by the economic performance which was registering growth of around five per cent on average while the annualised rate of inflation had dropped to the single digit and the lowest in over three decades.
He said the issue of increasing tax bands on pay as you earn to relieve workers from the taxes on their salaries was still under discussion and was certain the best decision for the workers and the Government would be reached.
Government would not reintroduce subsidies in the importation of fuel because it wants to construct infrastructure to benefit the population.
Dr Musokotwane said the Government has the option of subsidising fuel and another one of saving the money to build hospitals, roads, schools and invest in agriculture. “The question is which option is the best, having no schools and clinics and take the money to fuel or having these important things constructed,” Dr Musokotwane said.
Massive construction of houses by individuals was part of the general growth benefits because it had now become much easier to purchase building materials.
On Chinese investments, Dr Musokotwane told journalists after touring NFCA Africa Mining Plc facilities in Chambishi that armchair criticism was not healthy for the development of Zambia.
There was need for the opposition political parties to appreciate the investment pouring into the country other than criticising everything.
[pullquote]“There is lack of understanding about the economy. That criticism by these opposition leaders does not make sense. Do they understand how many Zambian workers would have been on the streets if Lumwana and other mines were not open?” Dr Musokotwane asked.[/pullquote]
Dr Musokotwane wondered how the opposition political leaders could fulfill their promises to the electorate because they intend to chase the investors who brought in wealth.
“Zambian people should be wary of such leaders making fake promises because nobody can fulfill every citizen’s aspiration at once without serious investment,” Dr Musokotwane said.
Dr Musokotwane asked what sort of investments would come to Zambia if some vocal opposition political party leaders were voted into power because they were planning to chase the investors.
Opposition political parties needed to look at the positive side of the mining sector because it had continued to create jobs for the Zambian people.
Business levels in the next five years would increase in the country because the mining sector was expected to stimulate other activities like value addition when Multi Facility Economic Zones are completed.
[Times of Zambia]
With all due respect Mr. Musokotwane, you are there to serve the people of Zambia and not the MMD. We don’t expect such talk from a person of your calibre, regardless of you political affiliation.
Dr.Musokotwane sir, with a deafening silence to their usual nkhani yamukachasu, stay focused moving our country to Greatness and prosperity for every hardworking citizens. Ignore those armchair critics in titular and inconsequatial opposition rhetoric because they have no future in democratic elections.Theirs as put it ‘ni nkhani yamukachasu”. Understand that they are highly indebted legion of losers too desperate for their lives over the concessional money they have kept receivng over the years in pledge of giving away to capitalist loaders from Taiwan to Boers of SA our land, minerals and contracts Zambians on aggregate vote national wide will never give them in risk of the country.
Economic Growth is not about shaming the opposition with figures on paper,try explaining those figures to people in Mwinilunga,Gwembe valley,kabwata site and service, chief kanongesha and the like and see if they will even listern to you. All the people want is economic empowerment.How many times have we heard about these figures,when are we going to see the fruits trickle down to the common man in Chadiza
people are not st.puid anymore! how manytimes have they been fo.oled by such kind of statements, Wina azalila
#1 Go and re-educate yourself on Zambia’s constitutional democracy again. Nobody becomes a minister first and then a party member. Every cabinet minister is a Party member first and then a cabinat minister. His core duty is to execute the party policies which are designed to help benefit the masses. It is the party that serve the masses and not individuals. If the minister stops towing the party line he is history and that is why we hold by elections when an MP is expelled because the Allegiance to the party comes first.
By the he is DR Musokotwane and not MR. He did not spend all those years in school to be called MR.
On the Topic, DR Musokotwane is right on the money. What is happening in our economy is unprecedented and all Kaponyas just can’t fathom it.
Improving the President’s and Cabinet Minister’s economic situation does not mean that the economy is expanding and working for everybody! And this is what the opposition and other critics are pointing out to you bwana Minister.
Juxtaposing the Minister’s statement with “LT’s pics of the week” showing raw sewerage flowing in the streets Kabwata without this govt bothering to take care of such basic infrastructure makes even the most die-hard MMD devotee roll their eyes at such empty pronouncements. Show me real development for God’s sakes—–STOP IMAGINING TOO MUCH AND JUST GET TO WORK—-you will not have to spend too much time trying to convince anyone of your imaginary development, people will simply see it, plain and simple!!!!
The so-called is nothing but a legion of over stretched and hopelessly frustrated sore losers without a future. We are all aware that losing elections 3-5 times can be frustrating and scaring more especially if you pitching with an establishment that knows you in and out better than your own trolls you using to ingratiate you. Just look at Sata from an anti independent Zambia crusade to a paragon of hatred and lies despite his fragile heart at clear and present risk of a second and final crunch due to an overload of hatred and lies.
#3 What are you on about. Let talk about mealie meal. Is there anything as close to the Zambia hearts as mealie. People in all those places you are mentioning have started to benefit from the mealie reduction. Are these not benefits. Am sure by mentioning Kabwata site and service you are referring indirectly to the sewer spillage in the road you saw on pictures, but come on whose job is that. central Government or Local Government. And which council is in charge of Lusaka City Council? They need a grant for central government for that?
Get real my friend, real wealth takes time to build , brick by brick and surely the MMD government under the current team is doing just that and results are there for all to see that the country is finally headed in the right direction
Musokotwane show them!!.I believe in you.Figures? please,these are the same figures USA,China,EU and other majors economies use to measure their economic growth.Why should you dispute the same figures in Zambia? The ecomomy is growing period.
#4 He did not spend all those years for people to call him what he wants. People are free to call anyone what they please. Mr., Miss., Dr. who bloody cares? It is only people who lack confidence who insist on the title acquired through education. Know this that education is only a tool.
#5 Answer me, is it central government to take care of such sewerage spill or Local government.? And What is the purpose of Local government? And Who is in charge of Local Government in Lusaka? Answer those questions before you stupidly get blinded by the obvious.
#8. What specific indicators is Musokotwane using? Which ones are more meaningful to Zambia? Is he going to measure rGDP or nGDP? Does the use of either matter? Support substance not smoking mirrors.
The opposition and their bloggers are frustrated which is why they never discuss issues but insult. The PF being the biggest culprit knows that the economy is growing and is very frustrated which is why they insult 24/7 even on blogs.
The PF knows that Zambia has recorded a historic bumper harvest this year. The PF knows that Zambia has recorded a historic inflation rate. The PF knows investment is pouring into the nation. The PF is very frustrated hence the insults even on blogs 24/7.
Stop the frustration and take part in the economy. Zambia is for everyone. 90 day economic miracle policies will not deliver sustained development to the people.
#10 the person in-charge of local government is the Minister of Local Government, a member of RB’s cabinet. Anyone operating at level lower than him is accountable to him just like the Minister is accountable to the president. Go get yourself some real education yourself!
Stay focused with massive capital expenditure on special infrastructure projects around the country. I support the decision of removing fuel subsidies and commit trillions of Kwacha to Medium and Long Term Public Investment Plans. The economic repo effects will be extraordinary. Ignore trolls because truth is that to unlock Zambia’s growth potentials, we have to be focused on strategic investment in physical infrastructure that will stimulate economic growth. Nkhani yamukachasu of chasing all investors, renationalize the economy and give them to cadres for mismanagement and patronage is not only rubbish talk but utopia preserved for deluded kaponyas only.
On the issue of raw sewerage in Kabwata, the PF led LCC should why they have not dealt with the problem. What has the PF led LCC been doing anyway?
#11 what are you using to determine economic growth? Maize production?
#15. Where is the minister of Local Government, anyway? Why can’t he hold PF councilors responsible, is he scared of them?
@ #16 naMayo!
Most of the World uses GDP figures as a measure of economic growth. Zambia’s economy grew by close to 6.3% last year and govt forecasts that it’ll grow even higher this year.
@ #17 naMayo!
Asking the Minister of Local Govt and Housing to act on a problem that clearly the PF led LCC can solve is admitting that the PF led LCC has failed.
#11 We are using indicators used the world all over Inflation, GDP, Trade Surplus and all these numbers have been stunnigly awesome. Real GDP would even be better since it is a component of changes in the value of money, ie inflation or deflation. National GDP is also on the upswing as evidenced by what the mninister said Massive construction of houses by individuals was part of the general growth benefits because it had now become much easier to purchase building materials.
This Economic is on fire my friend. What you are seeing is historic and unprecedented. Get in on the act and start contributing to the brand called Zambia, then sit there and there the sky is falling everywhere and Zambians are dying like flies.
Zambia needs a very well developed infrastructure to facilitate economic development in the national Government portfolio. With massive capital expenditure in the economy, business will grow and the private sector as a whole will grow, never recorded before. Certainly fantasized kaponyas devoted to rehearsing insults around the clock will miss out because these unfolding opportunities are for seriously hard working citizens only. According to guidelines for preparation of the medium and long term plan and draft development budget framework for 2011 and 2012/13 I have seen, the government will provide financial resources to fund the projects with closer supervision.
I would be very happy if anyone can point me atleast one developmental project initiated,implemented and commissioned by RB’s administration using the very economic figures,just one….a rural school block or indeed a health center wouldnt take that long to complete in the 2yrs he’s been president,or just a stretch of road that has been started and completed
Everything project that he has commissioned so far is someone else’s work,all he’s been doing is to officiate.What has he done ever since he’s been president?
Surely,we cant use a maize bumper harvest as a yardstick for economic growth,is that how low we’ve sunk,blaming local councils for potholes
#4. I went back to school and at my university all my lecturers and tutors are PhD holders. But guess what- they are all happy to address them with their first names. But thats the trouble with most Africans. Even in the kitchen at their homes they want their nephews, nices, sons, daughters and wives to address them as Dr. Shikapwasha. I once lived in a place where I was sandwihed by solicitors/barristors, medical doctors and you name them. Unless, (at a party in summer) you started discussing academic experiences, thats when you knew who was what. In Zambia even a dog who be asked to bow when a Dr. passes by.
#21 Clearly admittance that the MMD is finally delivering and thanks for recognizing that projects take time to deliver. Also don’t get confused and think MMD=RB, just because PF=SATA and UPND=HH. MMD is the only true party that does not depend on individuals but systems put in place that keep delivering regardless of who is at the helm. Just like great teams and companies don’t depend on individuals but systems and so is the MMD. The results you see today are all a manifestation of MMD’s great policies and the team in place is almost the same team that LPM left. Some of you mistakenly thought MMD was doing fine because of Magande and now you have been made to swallow humble pie. It is about a system and party polices at work here.
#10, It may not be the responsibility of the central govt to man a pick and shavel to take care of such infrastructure problems. But it sure is the duty of any responsible govt, central or otherwise, to ask tough questions when even simple things such as fixing potholes and broken sewer pipes is still a challenge to a mature such as Zambia.
Central govt’s job is not only to fund RB’s travels, NO! If govt claims are true that it gives local councils adquate funding, why isn’t some LOCAL GOV’T MINISTER (or somebody) asking probing questions of these councils? Are these ministers only there for show? And aren’t these ministers part of the central govt?
Also, where do you get this idea that if a local council is not headed by MMD it is therefore not under govt control? D.am
Government is steadfastly in the economic development overdrive. GRZ will fund the many initiatives while the rest of the funds should come from other players in the economy, mostly the private sector local and foreign, through practically best private sector financing initiatives or public private partnerships policies. This is essentially what is meant by public investment plan so as to stimulate other players to come in line with the government objectives and development priorities of the time which PF kaponyas don’t understand. It is no surprise that the response thus far is overwhelming from Zambians and off-shore institutional investors.
Predicatively in the next 10 years these preoccupied PF kaponyas as losers only equipped with insults will be irredeemably useless and even turn to psychotropic drugs due to their self created poverty in the face of many opportunities time is presenting every hardworking Zambian today. They are trapped in utopia when others are aggressively pursuing opportunities. In time of national development, that is when smart hardworking citizens build their prosperity. Alas, PF kaponyas are busy eating on insults.
Dont get me wrong-education is very good for any society. But, that doesnt mean those less or not educated are any lesser people. They are equally important-most of them even have wisdom and are very intellegent people. Take for instance the way our chiefs used to organise their chiefdoms. They strategised and had contingent plans in place- which our government in Zambia are totally failing. I am not talking of the current politicised chiefs.
Na Mayo
Tell me what you are suggesting Zambia should use to measure economic growth if you have problems with inflation rate,GDP,per capital,FDI inflow etc?
#23
are you going to point me at some projects or not,,by the way when are you finally repatriating from,mmd can make use of your zeal back hme,not just blogging away day n night.
One of your ministers says RB is the best thing to ever happen to Zambia after sliced bread,unless you are saying RB is useless and hasnt actually done anything,more like he will have no legacy to stand on once he leaves plot 1.He’s striving on Levys projects,arent you the same people who say RB is performing miracles,which is which now
Dear PF Kaponyas,
Work up the train has taken off. Its either you take a fleight to its next station or you are left for good. Zambia will never again revvert herself to socialism. Responsible capitalistic spirit is here to stay where you are rewarded according to your input. Apply yourselves now because Zambia has discarded the socialised economics for good.If you vest in insults, you will live on insults, hardwork its prosperity.
MMD Caders please look at this week in Pictures and tell me that thats the development you want in Zambia. If yes you can hung with your inflation and your kwacha is just sinking low everyday, you call that development in Zambia My dick!!!!
“I would be very happy if anyone can point me atleast one developmental project initiated,implemented and commissioned by RB’s administration using the very economic figures,just one”
The Chipata/Mfuwe Road which will enhance tourism and agriculture in the area.
All of these ambitious national development project will be managed professionally to get maximum results as another MMD free market leadership legacy that is institutional than individualistic. President Banda and his administration of technocrats spearheading these developments have done their ground work and noted that the poor state of infrastructure and lack of in the country is caused by poor management of resources which this administration is aggressively arresting. The projects to be funded through Public private partnerships include networks of roads, railways, ports bays in Namibia, Angola’s Bengwela, Mozambique’s Nacala (SP), airports upgrades to international standard, oil refineries, industrial parks, information technology and irrigation infrastructure.
As far as improving the transport network is concerned, the government focus through the plan would be to open up the western and North western part of the country that have been neglected for a long time.
The 3 Es are in-charge.
#10, MMD Chief Bootlicker:
Where thou at? Answer my questions @24!!
Or should I just assume you are simply a typical cadre, a pank blinded by nothing but a.s.s liking. A dimwit who hides when confranted with the facts—-what a shameless “BOOTLIKER” that you are. Who looks s.t.u.p.i.d now!!!!!!
This economist Finance Minister is trying to confuse us. We have all studied Basic Macro and Micro economic performance measures and indicators. Musokotwane month on month reduction in annualised general inflation , actually food price based indices, driven by good rains and excess maize, is hardly real measure of economic growth. Meawhile Energy cost have gone up 30%, kwacha weaker at historically high levels K5,200/ $1, Industrial inflation cost of Capital goods sky rocketing.(now costs K300m to build a standard 3bedrooned house up from K150m), Roads to expensive to build, Our Official Unemployment rate has not moved( we want this figure + # of net jobs added each month like USA), GDP growth (Anything less than 8% cannot create real development)
I am not pleased with all these useless figures. Yes I agree I have humble education but I want to see economic indicators and not just figures that cannot even be backed by what we see. To hell with your figures. People will not eat figures. Stop being academic and face reality and issues as they come. Keep those figures to yourself as an academic exercise for your PHD or whatever!!!
# 35,
I don’t see how Chief can worst his time on such daft questions followed by a lethargy of insults on him. Its clear that you are a very limited chap in your brain evident by your incoherent questions and passion for insults.
What did Sata tell Mwanawasa and Zambians on the PF councils following his 3rd time rejection by Zambians on the ballot? Archieve what he said instead of embarrassing yourself further.
“Also, where do you get this idea that if a local council is not headed by MMD it is therefore not under govt control? D.am” quote refer to sata’s stmt.
Sorry meat to say “waste”
I don’t see how Chief can waste his time on such daft questions followed by a lethargy of insults on him. Its clear that you are a very limited chap in your brain evident by your incoherent questions and passion for insults.
meanwhile Bank Base rates have still not moved and Lending rates are stubbornly high at between 25% – 30% per annum. and we all know that its only commercial lending that releases capital into the productive sector to produce real growth. It seems that the Financial sector must be considering more to their assessment of Credit Risk (both Retail & Corporate) than the 7.8% food driven inflation you refer to. Tell us why? It may be because wth weak kwacha at K5,200 /$1 cost of importing Capital equipment to set-up production facilities has gone up 30%. not to mention fuel. coupled with decline in sales revenue in USD terms as revenue earned in kwacha, most cashflow plans and business plans have been thrown into -ve Net Present Value. so bank lending Rates reflect this risk of failure.
Now back to mechanics of measuring economic development which my selfless compatriots and brothers Chief, Mr.Capitalist and Sharp shooter have articulately explained without a single line of insults, how do want the National economy to be measured? They have done a fabulous job and pride to the country. This is why i opted to give them full control of the debate. We are open to sustain intellectual debate.Imagine miraclously Zambians risked their country with Sata God forbid, how would you be measuring national development?
Mr or Dr Musokotwane must be ashamed that the civil servants are not paid in time ,for the past 3 months , every month some workers are missed on the pay roll deliberately .The figures of inflation he is talking about is just academic because they don’t translate into any thing . just pay the workers all of them at right time.The centralized payment system is not working.Each month people have to move up and down to chase for salaries wasting a lot of man hours and on top that you have to make earnest prayer each month so that you are not missed on the pay roll , these are the issues that our minister should devote his energies instead of useless statistical figures that do not bring butter and bread on the table
#32
what about chipata mfuwe rd,,,has the project kicked off yet,or has the funds been sourced yet.Not even a grader is on site yet,you people in mmd should have first hand information on such issues.
Like #36 Digger has put it, Fuel was hiked 2months ago,zesco is increasing its tarrifs,kwacha is tumbling against the green buck every minute, so what magic is going on behind the scenes,there must be something you guys are seeing that we cant, though we are not blind
#32 Mr Capitalist.. Sorry to disappoint you mate.. Chipata/Mfuwe Road?.. there is no road.. you govt is trying to find money.. yes contractor has been selected.. but knowing your MMD, we will still be talking about this road project 20 years from now, like many of white elephant road projets elsewhere.. hopefully, there will be no MMD by then, zambia having been taken over by an industrious, focused, tough KK reincarnate…
@ RED CARD -Smoothcriminal
You asked for and I quote “atleast one developmental project initiated,implemented and commissioned by RB’s administration“end quote. Here is an excerpt on the same project.
President Banda launches K290 billion upgrading of Chipata/Mfuwe road
President Rupiah Banda this morning launched the K290 billion upgrading works on the Chipata/Mfuwe road in Eastern Province.
Speaking during the flagging off of the project, President Banda said the tarring of the 104 km road by Sable Transport and Construction Company will not only benefit the tourism sector in Malambo but also the residents of Chipata and Mambwe districts through easy transportation of people, goods and services. Lusaka Times, Dec 29, 2009.
cont. from #45
You asked for a project commissioned by the RB administration and I have given you one. All you have talked about concerning Digga’s post is irrelevant to my post on the Chipata/Mfuwe road because it was not what I was talking about. It is also not what you asked. You asked on any one project commissioned by the RB administration and I have given you one.
<b"there is no road.. you govt is trying to find money.. yes contractor has been selected.. but knowing your MMD, we will still be talking about this road project 20 years from now"
Prove the Govt is still trying to find money.
“there is no road.. you govt is trying to find money.. yes contractor has been selected.. but knowing your MMD, we will still be talking about this road project 20 years from now”
Prove the Govt is still trying to find money.
#45 Mr Capitalist.. I know you are smarter than that.. you can only “COMMISSION”, a completed project as India did the other day for their mammoth $3billion new Airport terminal. “IMPLEMENT” means actual construction work is or was in progress.. So in the full context of the question you were asked points to a really fully completed project.. Answer is: none, zero, zilch, nada, kulibe, tapali. 2 years of this guy and nothing.
I see there is a serious battle here between PF and MMD cadres. I see all MMD cadres are out today in full throttle. They have been quiet lately. Has RB commanded you to get out there and defend his dwindling popularity?
#48 Mr Capitalist. K1 trillion+ funding defficit RDA currently has.
@ #49 Digga
I find it interesting that you say that considering that it does not match the definition of commission.
commission: the act of granting authority to undertake certain functions[wordnetweb dot princeton dot edu]
Fake MMD bootlicker: # 1 is very correct. Mr Musokotwane has lost it also. Its not about shaming the pact, he should focus on serving the Zambian people. Why can’t these guys leave the pact alone and just work? What economic growth is he talking about when patients in UTH lie on the floor without even beddings, farmers are still stuck with their maize when rupia promised them during campaigns in Milanzi that FRA will start buying on 1st May? What single digit inflammation when interest rate is 20%?
“Musokotwane month on month reduction in annualised general inflation , actually food price based indices, driven by good rains and excess maize, is hardly real measure of economic growth.”
Considering agriculture made up a big chunk of our GDP growth in 2009 together with Mining and Construction according to the June CSO bulletin, In increase in production in the agriculture sector is going to have positive effects on our real GDP. Let us also not forget that according to the June CSO bulletin, agriculture, foresty and fishery is a larger employer than mining and quarrying. Therefore growth in the sector is largely significant. Also excess maize results in increased foreign exchange earnings from exports. Zimbabwe already plans to buy 500,000 MT of maize.
Seriously as a seasoned Economist, we implore Dr Musokotwane to deliver like his colleague Fundanga or Felix Mutati. Dr pls leave these politicking to these uneducated chaps like shikapwasha. It doens’t suit u. Be professional like Magande. Imagine Vision 2030 is now dead. Its now corruption 2030!! Hahaha
I am enjoying this discussion. It seems the MMD guys think everyone who wants the current government to deliver is PF. Is that the case?
Nevertheless, the so called PF bloggers, like Digga and Worried Woman, have raised tangible questions and points. Am waiting to hear what the MMD bloggers gonna say. MMD bloggers do not ignore such important points.
“Meawhile Energy cost have gone up 30%, kwacha weaker at historically high levels K5,200/ $1, Industrial inflation cost of Capital goods sky rocketing.”
It is expected that energy costs will go up due to the deficit. The whole SADC region is experiencing energy deficits due to increased economic activities. The CSO bulletin for the month of June shows household energy plus rent have gone up 1.7%, I hardly don’t think that is skyrocketing.
The weakening of the Kwacha is mainly an external one. They are still fears about this global recovery. A look at the performance of the S&P/TSX confirms this. It has been on a downward swing. Even stocks of big companies like Wal-Mart has been heading downhill. Investors are seeking safe investments and the safest are govt treasury…
“Roads to expensive to build,”
Well that is the thing with capitalism, more competition tends to lower costs.
New construction firm launched
By NKOLE CHITALA
FLAME Arab Contractors has been officially launched in Zambia with Government hoping that the firm can reduce the price of constructing a kilometre of a road from US$1 million to US$350,000.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said the Egyptian company is able to deliver six kilometres of road per day compared to the available contractors who work on an average 100 kilometres per week.
He said the cost of constructing a kilometre of road in Egypt is about US$150,000 compared to US$ 1 million on average per kilometre in Zambia.[end excerpt] DailyMail Zambia,
Wow look how much the MMD kaponyas bark when they see NUMBERS.
Imagine their delight when their own family can eat regular meals and their friends all have jobs.
MMD Chief Bootlicker says:
#5 Answer me, is it central government to take care of such sewerage spill or Local government.? And What is the purpose of Local government? And Who is in charge of Local Government in Lusaka? Answer those questions before you stupidly get blinded by the obvious.
BOOTLICKER.
Is Lusaka WATER AND SEWARAGE a P.F Controlled entity?
In the big cities you have seen WHO builds INFRASTRUCTURE OF THIS MAGNITUDE?
It is ALWAYS A FEDERAL JOB and not a local council job.
Stop blaming P.F for MMD’s belief that if it does not fund P.F councils properly they will not function.
We have heard G.K…
“meanwhile Bank Base rates have still not moved and Lending rates are stubbornly high at between 25% – 30% per annum”
That is a lie. Bank lending rates have actually been coming down. Ecobank offers 19%, International Commercial Bank offers 19%, Stanbic Bank lowered lending rates from 25% to 19%.
Commercial Banks do look at inflation. The thing is Zambia has a history of double digit inflation rates which makes it difficult for banks to lower interest rates even further due to risk. Zambia is maintaining single digit inflation rates and in time, lending rates will go down further. Zambia’s financial sector has also experienced growth with new banks coming into the sector like Ecobank, UBA, ICB just to name a few.
Capitalist
Project commissioning is the process of assuring that all systems and components of a building or industrial plant are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational requirements of the owner or final client..
RB has not commisioned any project,that was just a pronouncement,an intention to commence a project.There’s no money,otherwise by now some graders would have been on site,such projects are included in the budgets,Mfuwe was not,show us evidence that the same project is underway as we speak?
Civil Servants are always complaining about late salaries,fuel hikes,rising electricity tarriffs, rising food costs,kwacha always in free fall,whats the magic of this economic boom
“#48 Mr Capitalist. K1 trillion+ funding defficit RDA currently has.”
Does this mean then that the RDA has not funded the project?
CAPITALIST MORON
“The PF knows that Zambia has recorded a historic bumper harvest this year. ”
Even a grade 5 knows that over supply can cause LOW prices.
Lets see if the farmers are rewarded or stolen from this year?
Your ANTI P.F rants are annoying and full of scare tactics with no merit.
CAPITALIST MORON is lost again.
Commissioning is the act of TEST RUNNING or STARTING UP a project for the first time.
It looks like you have never been near a PROJECT of any sort.
Signing off on a idea is not development until it is BUILT.
If there is no road today and no action on the ground this project is still in the DREAM phase.(R&D)
“RB has not commisioned any project,that was just a pronouncement,an intention to commence a project.There’s no money,”,
Have you seen sable transport and construction’s financial statements to come to this conclusion?
Zimbabwe already plans to buy 500,000 MT of maize.
STRAIGHT AFTER ZAMBIA PAYS ITS DEBT VIA MAIZE TO ZIMBABWE.
1.7% is not sky rocketing? what standard are you using to mearsure whether 1.7% is neither skyrocketing nor expensive for a Zambia civil servant who gets his salary late,to a zambian,even 0.01% is skyrocketing
The weakening of the dolloar is an external one due to the global recovery? i thought you guys proclaimed that RB did a good job and took us out of the recession with flying colours,are we still being affected by this global slump
Mr. Capitalist says:
July 6, 2010 at 12:26 pm
“#48 Mr Capitalist. K1 trillion+ funding defficit RDA currently has.”
Does this mean then that the RDA has not funded the project?
THE R.D.A IS UNABLE TO FUND IT!
This is why it still is at the Begging stage from donors.
“Even a grade 5 knows that over supply can cause LOW prices.”
In a closed market, over supply can cause Low prices. This is why Govt has approved exporting the excess maize. It is in order to expand the market. You don’t need to study economics to know that.
“Commissioning is the act of TEST RUNNING or STARTING UP a project for the first time.”
What is the definition of launch then. In the excerpt I pasted on comment #45, the article says president RB launched. What is to launch then??
“The weakening of the dolloar is an external one due to the global recovery? i thought you guys proclaimed that RB did a good job and took us out of the recession with flying colours,are we still being affected by this global slump “
Recession is 2 consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. It has nothing to do with the weakening of the currency. RB took us out of recession.
In-fact, a weak Kwacha is sort of a dark horse following our bumper grain harvest of which we are planning to export the excess. It’ll mean our maize will be cheaper than other maize exporting nations (mainly South Africa) therefore giving us a competitive advantage.
“THE R.D.A IS UNABLE TO FUND IT!
This is why it still is at the Begging stage from donors. “
Whatever you say. No one has shown me financial statements of Sable Transport and Construction which is why I will leave you to your opinions. After all, we must respect people’s opinions right??
Ofcourse there no money,otherwise a stretch of the Mfuwe rd would have been completed by now, or atleast we could have seen some activity on the ground,do we really need to see sable Transports accounts,thats petty.And its true he has not commisioned any project,he cant point at any project in the 9 provinces of zambia and thats just a painful fact.If we go by the defintion of Project Commissioning i pasted above,it will show that you practically lied about RB commissioning Mfuwe rd
In a closed market, over supply can cause Low prices. This is why Govt has approved exporting the excess maize. It is in order to expand the market. You don’t need to study economics to know that.
YOU DONT NEED A BRAIN TO KNOW IF COUNTRIES AROUND YOU GROW THE SAME PRODUCT THEN PRICES WILL BE LOW ALL ROUND.
What is the definition of launch then. In the excerpt I pasted on comment #45, the article says president RB launched. What is to launch then??
AN IDEA THAT’S ALL!
JUST THE SAME HOT AIR DAILY PUMPED FROM MMD.
If you are so proud of one project in 14 months then this president must be a winner and go getter for Zambia.
All he seems to be doing is selling Zambian assets through untendered processes.
“1.7% is not sky rocketing? what standard are you using to mearsure whether 1.7% is neither skyrocketing nor expensive for a Zambia civil servant who gets his salary late”
I am using percentage figures. In terms of percentage figures, it cannot be considered as skyrocketing.
Surprising to see that there is no rebuttal of Musokotwane’s speech either from PF or UNPND. This is going to test them as they still have not come up with a coherent manifesto on anything let alone the economy. It is true as to say that generally things in Zambia are looking up but a lot still needs to be done. This is hardly surprising given the fact that the economy was in free fall for close to thirty years and so to rectify it will take longer than 90 days. If the figures for inflation had gone up, then PF supporters would not be questioning how the figures had been formulated. The price of a bag of mealie meal has gone down which I suspect to most Zambian voters is a more important issue than whether or not the chief justice refused to shake hands with Sata.
Sable Transport and Construction Company will not only benefit the tourism sector in Malambo but also the residents of Chipata and Mambwe districts through easy transportation of people, goods and services. Lusaka Times, Dec 29, 2009.
6 MONTHS LATER AND NOTHING ON THE GROUND YET.
AMAZING HOW MUCH SOME KAPONYAS WILL LICK B.UTTS OF THEIR GLORIOUS LEADERS OF MISERY.
@ #72 RedCard-Smoothcriminal
Well I gave you one project and you have dismissed it. Here is another one. The Nasanga farming block.
quote @ #57
The weakening of the Kwacha is mainly an external one. They are still fears about this global recovery. A look at the performance of the S&P/TSX confirms this. It has been on a downward swing
quote@ #70
Recession is 2 consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. It has nothing to do with the weakening of the currency
I think you are confused now,,,take a break,have a shot of espresso and come back later mate
CAPITALIST AND SENIOR CITIZEN WHY DON’T YOU COMMENT ON THE R.D.A SCANDAL STORIES?
WHAT ABOUT MISSING FUNDS IN A.G REPORTS?
It’s all nothing to care about right?
Removing laws to catch THIEVES ABUSING OFFICE.
Typical dictators only wanting to protect themselves for more money.
#60 Mr Capitalist. you need a basic course in general banking & finance, Credit Risk theory, Lending and banking Credit products. What you refer to is what is called Bank Base Lending Rate. This rate reflects the Inherent Risk across a bank’s general customer portfolio and general economic environment. And would be the minimum return they expect on any risk product(lending). Don’t confuse yourself. Different Customer segments operating in different industrial sectors have different risk profiles and lending is done at a premium over base.. (Base Plus). The basis point reflects indivdual risk. Retail (personal Loans) have a general 10% risk premium over base. thats why the retail loans are going at 30% p.a even 35% at some financial institutions. This if FACT!
YOU DONT NEED A BRAIN TO KNOW IF COUNTRIES AROUND YOU GROW THE SAME PRODUCT THEN PRICES WILL BE LOW ALL ROUND.
But who said the market is limited to countries around you? International trade is much more wider than that.
“AN IDEA THAT’S ALL!”
And where did you get that definition. Here is the definition of launch;
# establish: set up or found;
# plunge: begin with vigor;
# get going; give impetus to;
Mr. Capitalist says:
July 6, 2010 at 12:53 pm
@ #72 RedCard-Smoothcriminal
Well I gave you one project and you have dismissed it. Here is another one. The Nasanga farming block.
LETS TAKE YOUR ONE PROJECT AND RAISE IT TO SOMETHING WORTH TALKING ABOUT.
One idea unfunded and started in 18 months.
CELEBRATE ZAMBIA CELEBRATE
@ #74 Capitalist
I know you are using percentage figures, we all are using the same figure of 1.7%,my question is; what standard or measure are you basing your argument that 1.7% is not skyrocketing,give us some form of standard measure,like base salary against electricity tarrif or fuel,you are an economist,you can do better than that
Mr. Capitalist says:
July 6, 2010 at 12:57 pm
YOU DONT NEED A BRAIN TO KNOW IF COUNTRIES AROUND YOU GROW THE SAME PRODUCT THEN PRICES WILL BE LOW ALL ROUND.
But who said the market is limited to countries around you? International trade is much more wider than that.
Only AFRICANS EAT MAIZE MEAL AS ITS MAIN DIET.
Suffer in a over grown un marketed product.
“AN IDEA THAT’S ALL!”
And where did you get that definition. Here is the definition of launch;
6 Months later people wait to see the LAUNCH of machinary for making roads as promised last year.
You can launch something just by talking about it CORRECT.
But a project without action is LAUNCHING NOTHING.
growth needs to be planned and i’m sorry to say in Zambia we don’t plan for it. we knew they’d be increased mineral output yet we still transport over road instead of rail. so we keep on repairing the roads instead of doing new roads. also if growth was as they say it is it would have meant increased govt revenue, instead my paye is still high. is it the local authority or Lwsc in charge of sewage in Lsk?
ARE YOU PROUD THAT RUPIAH HAS NOTHING TO SHOW FOR HIS OWN PROJECTS?
WE HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT THESE MEZ’S FOR YEARS SINCE LEVY CREATED THE LAUNCH OF THOSE BUT TODAY THERE IS NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.
THE PEOPLE WAIT AND FEED ON LAUNCHES AS IF THESE LAUNCHES CAN FEED THEM TODAY.
@ #77
I did not dismiss your project,i argued against it with facts,RB made a pronouncement about this project almost 8months ago,up untill now nothing has come off,only hot air,so i did not dismiss it,rather you dodged it because you dont have any facts.
“Different Customer segments operating in different industrial sectors have different risk profiles and lending is done at a premium over base.. (Base Plus). The basis point reflects indivdual risk.”
I already know this. Banks are business entities hence they’ll have different rates for different customers in different industrial sectors. What I was referring to was the ex ante real interest rate.
Why would banks announce that they are dropping prime rates? Which interest rates where you referring to when you claimed they are between 25-30 percent??
SORRY IF I HAVE SOME PEOPLE THINKING OF LUNCHES.
A MMD LAUNCH HAS NO FOOD FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.
Im out,take care lads, GK bigup!!!
Capitalist always nice having banter with you,dont choke on that espresso
OK, HERE ARE MY FINAL POSTS THEN I AM OFF.
“Only AFRICANS EAT MAIZE MEAL AS ITS MAIN DIET.
Suffer in a over grown un marketed product.”
True but not all grow it in excess. An example is Sudan will have to import maize, Kenya had to import maize last year, Zimbabwe has a grain deficit of 500,000 MT therefore it is importing. Clearly this is getting asinine.
RB made a pronouncement about this project almost 8months ago,up untill now nothing has come off,only hot air,so i did not dismiss it,rather you dodged it because you dont have any facts.
Pres. RB did not make a pronouncement, he launched the project. There is a difference.
“I know you are using percentage figures, we all are using the same figure of 1.7%,my question is; what standard or measure are you basing your argument that 1.7% is not skyrocketing,give us some form of standard measure,like base salary against electricity tarrif or fuel,you are an economist,you can do better than that “
Actually economists use percentage figures more often than not. They deal with huge chunks of data hence making it more prudent to use percentage figures.
“Capitalist always nice having banter with you,dont choke on that espresso “
Right, more cheap shots. Impossible to have a civil conversation with the opposition. Of course the PF bloggers are the biggest culprits. It is close to impossible to have a civil conversation with them.
“WE HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT THESE MEZ’S FOR YEARS SINCE LEVY CREATED THE LAUNCH OF THOSE BUT TODAY THERE IS NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT.”
I think you meant to write “MFEZ”. The projects are moving. Lumwana MFEZ was launched recently by Mr. Felix Mutati. Some humble pie is coming your way concerning these projects.
Anyway, I am off.
We are in control now!
#65 Mr Capitalist.. You can be so naive at times.. “have I seen Sable Transport Financial Statements”.. You have no clue as to the structure of ROADSIP programme Levy & Magande hatched do you?.. You have no idea as to how actual public projects are executed.. The construction companies demand 10-20% down payment on cost of works before the move their machines on site, after submitting performance guarantees. They dont have the 20billion to put upfront. Thats the reason we have all the scandals in the Auditor Generals report. The road works are not PPP ventures you seem to think.. You really lost
These people are s.t.u.p.i.d! Are you still talking inflation? Single or double digit it does not matter! It is jobs and prices relative to income you ignorant m.o.n.k.e.y.s!!!
Digga, i like your comments. Very sensible and enlightening.
Digga, are you involved with projects back home?? I’d like to know where i can invest back home but dont know where to start from. Investing in infrastructure projects to be more specific. Any ideas??
Its just a matter of time people!
#98 If you think inflation does not matter may I suggest you remember the Zimbabwe situation? Also dont forget that food prices including mealie meal have gone down. That will definitely make a difference to the buying capacity of the average Zambian.
It would be economic suicide for Zambians to elect the UPND/PF Pact when its leader (Sata) has little or no basic knowledge of how the real world works.
To suggest that he can revive Zambia’s economy within 90 days or reduce fuel prices within 90 days of being elected is simply ludicrous. Ask Sata if he knows what a hedge fund is and how their speculations on the global supply of fuel affect the price of petrol. Ask him to differentiate between structural debt and a budget deficit. The Post is not doing anyone favours when they are giving Sata an easy ride to tell people blue lies.
Has anyone noticed if you translate what Senior Citizen is saying into Chinese it actually makes sense?
shame Mr Musokotwane will have to learn the hard way when he is employed on minimum wages at RB farm in Lundazi next year
#100 Ghostrider. Thanks my friend. I’m not into public works at home but into cross border transportation and farming. A lot of guys are getting involved in public procurement tenders back home. Many have quit their jobs to go into construction though not easy. talkign to these guys and going to Tender Board and Zambia Development Agency woould help if you are interedt in Construction Tender. The good thing is that there is regulatory requirement for all Public works tenders / jobs to have a Zambian as Joint Venture Partner. So WBHO of SA or Group 5, for example, cannot tender for Public Works job unless via JV with Zambian owned company. e.g The LEVY Junction project in Lusaka where ESCO was has ZCON ltd JV with Group5. ZCON is a zambian civil engineer guy doing very well actually.
So thats the game going round you have to be registerd with the NCC and Zambia Procurement Authority where you will be graded as to the size of the projects you can tender for. take into account your financial position and history experiance on Public Works completed and “COMMISIONED”. So start with small projects like construction of a ward at a clininc or cloass room block etc.. and then you build up.. So if you interested. go down to ZDA and tender board when you are in Zambia.. another thing.. You need to secure land if you haven’t.. Kafue, chilanga, lusaka west, east it doesn’t matter.. Land is going fast real fast and prices are sky rocketing.. not only will it be a good investment, but you will be able to pledge it as security for the Performance Bond you will need from bank.
#104
Take your ignorance to china!
Zambia is ready to be developed, but the MMD will never do it, because they ‘believe in the markets’.
Look at the positive result achieved with a few bags of fertilizer (which goes against their anti-government and pro-private sector philosophy), and good rains.
Now imagine that they taxed the mines for $1.2 billion a year, and actually invested in real farmer support (transportation, price support, roads) and got Zambian farmers off dependence on rainfall through irrigation works. Right now, 3% of Zambian farmland is under irrigation, even though Zambia has massive floodplains that are begging for small dams and irrigation districts.
Those are taxes that are going uncollected, and jobs uncreated. And that is the choice the MMD hsa made.
anyone else who demonises chinese investment is nothing but a nonsensical brat.chinese investment is everywhere including here in the united states which owes chinese government millions of dolars and what more zambia a developing country to refuse aid is like foregoing meals and waking up at 12am to eat but only to find there is no food readly availble.wake up zambians when are we going to learn sure
” growing the economy to levels that every Zambian would appreciate and that should create jobs, reduce bank interest rates and give value to the Kwacha, among other benefits to the people. ”
Typical neoliberal nonsense. There is no such thing as indirect benefit of economic growth, other than as an unintended consequence. You benefit directly or not at all. Anything else is mere chance. And lowering inflation to single digit numbers is not ‘economic development’. Measuring economic growth by GDP (economic activity within the borders of Zambia by anyone, Zambian and foreign) when the nation’s economy is in foreign hands and there is no limit on the expatriation of funds, is deceitful.
Bane, who is going to eat figures? The figures on the growth of our economy does not mean anything if 1. Civil servants are not paid on time, 2. Farmers still can’t sell their maize at K65,000 a bag despite the corrupt government announcing the floor price, 3.You still find potholes on the Kitwe-Chingola road, 4. Blackouts are the order of the day and Zesco keeps on changing Managing Directors. The Zambian government is simply clueless for how do you expect a foreign soccer coach to change the fortunes of your teams when you dont even have a decent soccer stadium and the red lipped Vice President is proud to talk about hiring of a coach….shame!
If Zambia as a country wants to take a long term trajectory towards an innovation and knowledge driven economy, then Mr Sata does not fit into that arrangement. What we have so far are knee jerk reactions from Mr Sata which lack any kind of economic and political cohesion. I have waited for a day when Mr Sata will address a political rally outlining his party manifesto with minimum fuss. The man is polished and slippery.
Actually I too in line with MMD Chief Bootlicker is withdrawing my earlier ststement. In fact, after due consideration of the current dispensation of the great people of Zambia, notwithstanding the letter of recall I found on my desk this morning, I find it necessary to withdraw all of my previous robotic recitements in support of this thieving regime otherwise cloaked in the wrong name of the MMD. There is nothing democratic about this party as the name suggests. It is a consortium of the most selfish, uncultured gangsters who must be dismissed by the very democracy they ushered in come 2011. Countrymen and women I have suffered the brunt of the MMD despite serving them diligently on this blog. I am a man of many talents who should not have found it necessary to hide my name, if not for
People, why do we still patronize illiberal democratic practices that apportion developmental success to an individual?? That mmd cadre is on point to say their party is not driven by individuals but the collective(MMD). The party & its government since 1964 developed Zambia & not Kaunda…and chiluba unfortunately single handedly underdeveloped Zambia in 10years. So quit the retrogressive questions of what has Rb done..even under the leadership of LPM(MHIRIP) the collective in MMD initiated development. aluta continua!
We don’t eat figures. The Inflation rate can be 1% but if the majority live below the poverty datum, them the 1% is bullshit. We have heard countries like Uganda with impressive figures on papper but on the ground there is massive poverty. Useless Musokotwane. We don’t want your figures. We don’t care about them. After all any government can manipulate those figures in their favour. We want jobs, ability to buy bread and butter, milk, meat, clothing and have access to quality education and health care, proper housing and road infrastructure. This is what we want. And on top of that you can have you 0% inflation but if your Rupiah & sons, Dorah, Kundas and some senior civil servants are plundering our tax payers’ or donor money, then we will support the opposition and put them into…
We don’t eat figures. The Inflation rate can be 1% but if the majority live below the poverty datum, them the 1% is bull. We have heard countries like Uganda with impressive figures on papper but on the ground there is massive poverty. Useless Musokotwane. We don’t want your figures. We don’t care about them. After all any government can manipulate those figures in their favour. We want jobs, ability to buy bread and butter, milk, meat, clothing and have access to quality education and health care, proper housing and road infrastructure. This is what we want. And on top of that you can have you 0% inflation but if your Rupiah & sons, Dorah, Kundas and some senior civil servants are plundering our tax payers’ or donor money, then we will support the opposition and put them into governen
We don’t eat figures. The Inflation rate can be 1% but if the majority live below the poverty datum, them the 1% is bull. We have heard countries like Uganda with impressive figures on papper but on the ground there is massive poverty. We don’t want your figures. We don’t care about them. After all any government can manipulate those figures in their favour. We want jobs, ability to buy bread and butter, milk, meat, clothing and have access to quality education and health care, proper housing and road infrastructure. This is what we want. And on top of that you can have you 0% inflation but if your Rupiah & sons, Dorah, Kundas and some senior civil servants are plundering our tax payers’ or donor money, then we will support the opposition and put them into governen
No. 118 mmm, why are you reposting your article?
After reflection of the malfeasant statements I have previously made, allow me to retort. Due to the current dispensation of the great people of Zambia, notwithstanding the letter of recall I just found on my desk this morning, I find it necessary to withdraw all of my previous robotic recitements in support of this thieving regime otherwise cloaked in the wrong name of the MMD. There is nothing democratic about this party as the name suggests. It is a consortium of the most selfish, uncultured gangsters who must be dismissed by the very democracy they ushered in come 2011. Countrymen and women I have suffered the brunt of the MMD despite serving them diligently on this blog. I am a man of many talents who should not have found it necessary to hide my name, if not for
contd from #120…the shady business I was in cahoots with this here MMD. Please accept my humble apology for the people I have insulted. Don not judge me for it is hard to see the truth when one is enjoying money he has not worked for. Now also recognize that due to the stress I will inevitably be exposed to as a result of my difficult decision, I am prone to hallucinations and may relapse into my undesirable role as a propagandist for the regime. I may even contradict my statements by refusing to acknowledge what I just wrote, just as my equally yoked and disillusioned comrade MMD Chief Bootlicker. In this case dear Zambians, I pray thee that your compassion precedes your wrath. Thank you.
Situmbeko, mwan’esu, tuhela ma politicians to swim in their own filth; you’re a techno and above that. If people are to believe you, they must see the benefits of economic growth, if there is any, trickle down to them. That means jobs for my cousin in Bweengwa, a market for my uncle who’s a rice farmer in Barotseland, Another thing, you’re in the wrong camp, wa hesu. RB can now boast of having sunk to the levels of Kafupi – using insulting language in Chichewa, just like Chief Daylight Robber Kafupi used to talk trash in Bemba. The Zambian President should be all-ebracive and address gatherings in the official language. (see “The Post” story)
I M SHOCKED!
How can Rupiah treat me like this? Why not just close the entire embassy if you gonna recall all staff! Politics aside, RB you have dissappointed me!
#114 Senior Citizen, has some PF cadre stolen your identity?
@110
Who in Zambia is against Chinese investment?
What we have heard so far is that the investors should not come to do simple jobs that the poor Zambian people can do.
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda on Tuesday apologized to UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and the Indian community over mwenye statement.
In a statement issued this afternoon by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere, President Banda regretted the statement he made in Ndola in which he made reference to Hichilema’s wife, Mutinta, and consequently brought her name into politics.
to # 124, my fellow Zambian though we have had our inevitable difference, especially my being the puppet’s puppet it is unfathomable for you and indeed myself to accept my change. However, you will bear with me, I have indeed noticed that my identity has spun off aprographal tactics by the less sympathetic to my plight. However I do understand this current dispensation as I have caused direct hurt to bloggers here, and indirect hurt to Zambians by my failure to reveal the piggishness of the MMD regime and its associates. I will have you know that I am now blogging from a public library following my unceremonius recall. I will continue blogging, though this time it will be sense, if only to redeem myself from my previous misdeeds. Thank you countrymen and women.
MrK , Digga and all sober Zambians, I would like to warn you that these MMD cadres masquerading as economists are pathologically clueless and liars. They don’t know squat about how economic growth borne of intended development is measured. Let’s put a webnar together for our obviously ignorant brothers so they too may be in the know.
to # 124, my fellow Zambian though we have had our inevitable difference, especially my being the puppet’s puppet it is unfathomable for you and indeed myself to accept my change. However, you will bear with me, I have indeed noticed that my identity has spun off aprocryphal tactics by the less sympathetic to my plight. However I do understand this current dispensation as I have caused direct hurt to bloggers here, and indirect hurt to Zambians by my failure to reveal the piggishness of the MMD regime and its associates. I will have you know that I am now blogging from a public library following my unceremonius recall. I will continue blogging, though this time it will be sense, if only to redeem myself from my previous misdeeds. Thank you countrymen and women.
We all know by now how these people never-mean-what-they say even if it is against their own common sense. What economic growth is the learned Dr. tokin abt? He is on record many times to have given lame excuses as to why windfall tax can not be re-introduced. Even their own kids that may be in grade two would not buy such pronouncements of cheap reasoning, more so collective intelligence of the general public. They keep on saying they are in a hurry to develop the country, inviting Chinese and Indians to come and help themselvs to our resources. What they forget is that these resources (minerals) are finite. They say the benefits will be seen after 2030, hey, by then all our resources wud hav bn depleted developing India and China with nothing left for our kids! God help Zambia!
At the end of the day we all know and have suffered at the hands of MMD. 20 years have passed and the hour that we voted for hasnt delivered. RB knows very well that MMD time is up hence his frequent unexplained trips to earn some commission. Let him earn enough coz he will need money for court fees after 2011
PF cadres gone mad
As you can see my fellow progressive Zambians, # 132 MMD Chief Bootlicker with whom I have collaborated with on many a bloggers endeavor in the stalwart defense of the Movement for Mass Destruction is suffering from the identity disease schizophrenia brought about by our realization and guilt of bootlicking the MMD. As myself, I can no longer tell left from right. When one has been accustomed to diplomatic comfort, and the rug is suddeny pulled from under your feet, one’s mind suffers an intelligence breakdown of catastrophic proportion. You will recall my colleague MMD Chief Bootlicker going so mad on Saturday last week, that he pur EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION to respond to a well-meaning blogger. He claimed to have a Superman ability to hammer any Zambian physically as proof of
his potent physical ability, which is also strengthened by the rich Embassy Menu- you know the occasional caviar, prime duck and such. He is a former undying defender of the MMD who just fell of his “mini-bus blue” colored horse, as my distinguished convict Katele Kalumba. If only fighting could be achieved by keyboard! I was glad to note that MMD Chief Bootlicker quickly recovered from his hallucenogenic induced fervour, upon being reminded by another erstwhile blogger that Embassy Resources should not be wasted on trivial matters, otherwise the Post Newspaper would be informed well before their press time. We do have records of this matter right here on this site, thus the rant that I am a PF cadre only cements my disillusioned colleague’s schizophrenia. Forgive him as you forgive me.
Brilliant ! bravo Mr Musokotwane bravo MMD, bravo bumlickers for bring the inflation rate down. By the way how much is mealie meal in now? Please those in Zambia give us data, how much is sugar, bread, salt, kapeta etc? On a brighter note i’ve just sent money to my mum at exchange rate of K7,669/ £1 which is not bad at all considering it was K7,100/ £1 a month ago. I only only hope it will be K10,000/ £1 by the time i will be going for holiday in 3 weeks time.
As you can see my fellow progressive Zambians, # 132MMD Chief Bootlicker with whom I have collaborated with on many a bloggers endeavor in the stalwart defense of the Movement for Mass Destruction is suffering from the identity disease schizophrenia brought about by our realization and guilt of bootlicking the MMD. As myself, he can no longer tell left from right. When one has been accustomed to diplomatic comfort, and this soft rug is suddenly pulled from under your feet, one’s mind suffers an intelligence breakdown of catastrophic proportion. You will recall my colleague MMD Chief Bootlicker going so mad on Saturday last week, that he put EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION to respond to a . He claimed to have a Superman ability to senselessly hammer any Zambian physically as proof of
Happy days! inflation is coming down the kwacha is depreciating what more can we ask from professor Musokotwane. At least now my mum will be able to buy 2kg sugar at K5,000. This is what you call working government the positive macro achievements are finally starting to trickle down.
contd from 136…his potent physical ability, which is also strengthened by the rich Embassy Menu- you know the occasional caviar, prime duck and such. He is a former undying defender of the MMD who just fell off his “mini-bus blue” colored horse, as my distinguished convict Katele Kalumba. I was glad to note that MMD Bootlicker quickly recovered from this hallucenogenic induced fervour, upon being reminded by another erstwhile blogger that Embassy Resources should not be wasted on trivial matters, otherwise the Post Newspaper would be informed well before their press time. We do have records of this matter right here on this site, thus the rant that I am a PF cadre confirms my disillusioned colleague’s schizophrenia. I was forced to repost/correct my grammar. Recall letters make…
“The construction companies demand 10-20% down payment on cost of works before the move their machines on site, after submitting performance guarantees. They dont have the 20billion to put upfront.”
That is not the reason I was asking for Sable Transport and Constructions financial statements. I was asking because only they can determine whether they have been receiving payment or not. I never said they receive the “K20 billion” upfront, you did.
Doc, just continue with development. The PACT members are busy destroying their parties. Instead of growing their parties as democracy dictates, each composite member is stagnating. When they wake up, they will find a shell of their previous parties. Just wait and see faces.
Please somebody am still waiting for an answer, by how much has mealie meal prices reduced? am desperate to know because i’ve got dear relatives down there. At least i know the kwacha has massively depreciated meaning more kwacha per pound and i got no problem with that.
DELETED
I am sorry the so called single digit of yours does not make sense to me. Let your economic growth show by improving the lives of our poor people in our society, to hell with your developement only on paper
National development the RB and MMD legacy
Meanwhile, the construction of Lusaka General Hospital will be completed by November this year three months earlier than schedule.
Mr. Simbao said works on the hospital have reached an advanced stage and that the Chinese company building the hospital for free will also provide equipment.
The Minister explained that government will provide personnel at Lusaka General Hospital once it is constructed.
The construction of Lusaka General Hospital will bring the number of hospitals to eight in Lusaka following the upgrading of clinics.
By the way, Drs Musokotwane and Fundanga were HH’s lecturers – let him debate them on the economic policies they are driving for the country.
# 3 Mwalasa, you’ve hit the nail on the head, we’ve had enough of figures on paper, what people want is food on the table, how about empowering people, sustainable programmes, We are just tired of all nonsense of figures on paper, tatwasambilila bonse….
Development? How many paved roads do exist in Lusaka alone? How much plumbing does exist in Lusaka alone? Let us look back few years. How was the infrustrature in KK times regardless of the food shortages? I saw roads mended then and I am told Rupiah Banda likes to fly. He prefers to go see better life outside of Zambia than seeing the misery he has caused to the nation, and this gooney stands up to lie about development. The inflation can also be caused by failure of people to purchase those goods in stores. There is less money in the country and it is only in the crooks’ hands. The Kundas, Bandas’ Chilubas’ and those generals that LPM put in jail for stealing from the general population. Inflation is low only to those that money and good jobs. To the rest of Zambians, it is over 50%.
” “There is lack of understanding about the economy. That criticism by these opposition leaders does not make sense. Do they understand how many Zambian workers would have been on the streets if Lumwana and other mines were not open?” Dr Musokotwane asked ”
Let’s say that miraculously the entire mining industry closed overnight. That would mean that 58,000 people would become unemployed. The entire Zambian workforce is 5,400,000. Unemployed (rate): 2,700,000 (50%). It would make 1.16% of the workforce unemployed.
Now if the mines were taxed at 50% of profits ($1.2 billion), thousands of doctors, nurses and teachers could be hired. Irrigation works would create new farmlands and farms. Farmers could be supported and have their incomes raised. It could create millions of jobs.
What I am saying is that the financial effect of the mines on the economy is far greater than the job creating ability of the mines can ever be.
And minister Musokotwane would acknowledge that if it wasn’t for the corrupt deals made between the mines and his party.
#139. Financial statements would show the Income but they would not tell you what company they got the money from. I thought when you asked for financial statements you had something up your sleeve but apparently there was nothing there. Leave these issues to us.
Let’s suppose for a moment that they did get the money from RDA, the pertinent question should be, is there road construction happening?
Answer is a resounding NO!
Whether paid or not, Sable is not constructing the road. The question we all should be asking is, WHAT THE ,,,, is the hold up?
@ 150 naMayo!
I am no accountant but just throwing it out there. Wouldn’t it show up in the journal entries? Just throwing it out there. Maybe the accountants can explain this to me.
I am also thinking if let’s say Sable T&C has an account receivable of a couple of million of Kwacha’s, and they are paying it off, wouldn’t then that show by indicating that the company received cash for the account receivable. I am not sure how accountants do it but I think you debit cash and credit account receivable. I honestly am not sure.
And touching on your other point, certainly there must be road construction going on. I mean if you look at picture #8 and #9 of the week in pictures on this link [lusakatimes dot com slash ?p=22789] that certainly shows road construction[tbc
cont from #150
road construction must be going on. Imagine the opportunity costs to Sable T&C if they just left earth moving equipment line up like that when it could be earning them an income elsewhere. Also just throwing that out there.
@148 you are spot on.
Problem is Musokotwane is now clearly showing why he has a Phd. He is full of theories. Numbers add up to nothing if people’s lives dont change. One needs to take a walk around the densely populated townships of Lusaka or go to the villages then you will know that the numbers Musokotwane talks about end with him and the his friends in Brenthood drive. It’s not enough to have single digit inflation on paper when people still live in poverty, roads save for Lusaka are in a deplorable state….
#141 Msana Wanzili…. man there no sugar for K5,000 any more. that is for iya ku pimisha. 2kg whitespoon sugar is K12,000 and a 1kg pack is K7,000. Whole Chicken is now about K30,000, but not less than K25,000. things are tough. expect more phone calls from home. You need to carry more pounds when you go. things are very expensive.. All that happens in zambia is repricing of goods in line with devaluation of kwacha so that the dollar earnings remain the same. but nobody reduces prices when currency strengthens. Most annoying! but govt say they do not intervene on consumer pricing..
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Mr. Capitalist says:
July 7, 2010 at 7:28 am
cont from #150
road construction must be going on. Imagine the opportunity costs to Sable T&C if they just left earth moving equipment line up like that when it could be earning them an income elsewhere. Also just throwing that out there.
WHY WHEN IT COULD BE SITTING THERE AND GETTING PAID FOR BY CORRUPT RDA DEALS.
#4MMD Chief Bootlicker- That is where you are wrong. MMD climbs trees from the branches. They have breached their consititution several times by appointing people who are not MMD members just to flustrate the opposition
Just to add, the fact that we allow the mines to keep all the profits ($2.4 billion) and that there are only 58,000 jobs in mining created, means we are paying foreign mining companies $41,379.- per job.
In other words, the minister thinks it is a good deal that we pay the mining companies $41,379.- for every job ‘they create’.
If you add the damage done to the road network, which they refuse to pay for, the mining companies are a net drain on the economy.
@ 157 MrK : Your comments deserves repeating:
“The fact that we allow the mines to keep all the profits ($2.4 billion) and that there are only 58,000 jobs in mining created, means we are paying foreign mining companies $41,379.- per job.
In other words, the minister thinks it is a good deal that we pay the mining companies $41,379.- for every job ‘they create’. “
Think about this, Dr Musokotwane:
1. Population living below $2 a day; Over 87%, Below $1 a day over 65% of Zambian population.
2. The percentage of Zambians without access to clean water 42%
3. The percentage of Zambians without access to safe sanitation -45 %
3. Life expectancy of a Zambian born today – 38 years, lowest in the world.
4. Percentage of Zambians with access to electricity – less than 19% of total population.
4. Percentage of children with stunted growth – 55% of population
5. The rate of infection of HIV and effects of HIV/AIDS – 226 new infections everyday and on the rise.
6. Human Development Index (comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living) = HDI =0.481 World Ranking =164
What development???
Its definitely positive and good to have a lower inflation rate and to be proud that thousands of Zambians are working with picks and shovels digging copper for the Australians and other foreigners.
But don’t suppose for a minute that we are stupid enough to mistake that for real development. ZCCM built infrastructure – roads, houses, sports centres, stadiums, etc – plus paying taxes and providing employment in 5 towns on the Copperbelt. What have these capitalist foreign thieves done in the areas where they operate ? Its no wonder that the so-called development is a sham that does not benefit the people of Zambia. No country has developed by neglecting its own people and favouring foreigners that continue raping the country.
Next time you open your mouth to speak about development, tell us about the poverty levels in this country. Tell us how the Human Development Index has improved in the 20 years that MMD has been in charge of government. Show us real, solid stats.
We know what the Minister is saying to the Zambian people, here is what he said to the IMF. The minister admits that although the mines are contributing to GDP, they are not contributing to government revenues. This is pretty explosive, I would say.
Zambia: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial
Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding
June 10, 2010
14. Improving the performance of revenues will be a key area of focus in the medium-term.
While the contribution to GDP by sectors such as mining has increased dramatically over the last decade, this has not been matched by commensurate contributions to domestic revenues.
In addition, the revenue burden continues to be borne by personal income taxpayers, while corporate and import taxes and VAT continue to underperform. The government remains on track to undertake a comprehensive review of tax policy and administration this year (structural benchmark for end-September 2010), and will draw on past technical assistance and the ongoing technical assistance on VAT.
In the mining area, the government has commenced discussions with the mining sector aimed at resolving legacy issues related to the development agreements as well as the adherence to the current tax regime.
In this context, the government intends to draw on lessons stemming from the ongoing audit of selected mining companies. The Government will continue to draw on the expertise of the IMF and other relevant development partners on the ramifications stemming from these discussions for the fiscal regime of the mining sector.
(Signed:)
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane
Minister of Finance and National Planning
This is from a June 2010 letter to the IMF, specifically ” Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, Washington, D.C. 20431, USA ”
In other words, the MMD minister of finance states that although the present tax and investment regime has increased the exportation of Zambia’s copper, it is not contributing to the GRZ’s revenues. I remember him defending that the mines ‘are’ paying taxes in a tv interview. I hope this is because the Minister has changed his opinion.
If he would do so in public, I believe that he would find that he has the support of the entire Zambian nation, including the political opposition.
All we are looking for, is that the bulk of natural resource wealth remains in the Zambian economy, under *Zambian ownership*.
Lucky are we who even have access to blog on this site because many people in George compound do not even know or have seen a Computer,how about those in Villages?. MMDs are like mad dogs,they just yap without seeing,thats what Mr.Musokotwane is doing.I really cant understand why he is lowering himself very low to mix up with thieves like Chiluba,Musokotwane should have continued making blocks at his farm in Lusaka West,his blocks are really good.The foolish part about these Leaders is that they always say they have done alot,and that there are alot of developmental projects they are carrying out,without mentioning a single example of the so-called develpment.Atleast,during Mwanawasa’s time,I managed to buy a car but what is Mr.Bwezani doing?,he is taking us back to FTJ times,Shame!