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Fans Banned From Stadiums After Covid-19 Cases Spike

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Government has banned football fans from all games due to the spike in Covid-19 cases.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said they would comply with the directive announced by Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga.

“The health of players, officials, fans and other stakeholders remains our priority and the decision by Government to prohibit fans from stadia will allow us to continue with football under the new normal based on advice we have received from the Ministries of Health and Sport,” Kashala said.

“We appeal to all clubs to ensure that they follow all COVID-19 health guidelines such as putting in place hand washing facilities, sanitizing, social distancing and masking up without fail.

“These measures will help in ensuring that football continues to be played despite the prevailing situation in the country.”

Red Arrows Recovery Continues After Downing Buildcon

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Red Arrows recovery continued on Saturday when they beat hosts Buildcon to collect their second straight league win.

Arrows beat Buildcon 2-1 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to hand the early season pacesetters their third straight defeat of the season.

Francis Simwanza struck a left-footed shot in the 20th minute to put Arrows ahead.

But four minutes later, Chipolopolo striker Brian Mwila headed-in the equalizer off a Shadreck Musonda cross in his first match back after three quiet seasons in Europe.

However, veteran striker James Chamanga refused to be eclipsed and struck in the 33rd minute when he powered he was way through two Buildcon defenders before beating goalkeeper Benson Mwale.

Arrows are ninth on 15 points, just three points behind fourth placed Buildcon from 10 and 12 games played respectively.

In Lumwana, Lumwana Radiants won their first game under new coach Tenant Chembo after losing his first three matches when they beat Green Buffaloes 1-0 via Felix Nyaende goal.

In Kafue, visitors Indeni snatched a late point to finish 1-1 away against fellow promoted side Young Green Eagles.

The two sides went into the break scoreless before Young Green Eagles put the hosts from spot in the 68th minute through Andrew Phiri.

Moses Phiri then stole a last gasp point for Indeni with an 89th minute equalizer.

2020/2021 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 12
08/01/2021
Kabwe Warriors 1-Zanaco 2
09/01/2021
Lumwana Radiants 1-Green Buffaloes 0
Buildcon 1 -Red Arrows 2
Young Green Eagles 1-Indeni 1
10/01/2021
Napsa Stars-Prison Leopards
Forest Rangers-Kitwe United
20/01/2021
Lusaka Dynamos-Green Eagles
POSTPONED:
Zesco United-Nkwazi
Nkana-Power Dynamos

Speaker of the National Assembly Tests Positive for COVID 19

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Speaker of the National Assembly Tests Positive for COVID 19

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has tested positive for COVID 19.

Dr. Matibini who confirmed the development to ZNBC News in a statement today said he is currently in isolation and being managed from his home.

And the speaker has dispelled rumors suggesting that he is in a critical condition and requiring oxygen following his positive COVID 19 test.

Dr. Matibini said he is in high spirits and on the mend as he has continued to follow all guidelines and instructions from the healthcare team whom he has described as professional.

He said the COVID-19 causing virus is vicious, has no boundaries and is not selective of social status.

The Speaker has advised citizens to take the disease seriously because it has the potential to disrupt the lives of many people.

Dr. Matibini further said the control and prevention of Covid-19 requires national unity and collective responsibility.

He said taking such measures can help Zambia fight the further spread of the deadly disease.

Dr. Matibini has also cautioned citizens against ignoring health guidelines but continue to follow them to avoid contracting the disease.

Napsa Stars Welcome Gor Mahia Challenge and Zesco United Duo

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Napsa Stars coach Mohamed Fathi is relishing their CAF Confederation Cup date against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia and has also welcomed the signing of a high profile duo from Zesco United.

Kenyan defender David Owino and Burundi midfielder Enock Sabumukama have joined Napsa just 24 hours after Napsa were drawn against Gor Mahia in February’s CAF Confederation Cup group stage qualifier decider.

“I think it is a fair draw and it will be very interesting to play this team because they have a big history but also we are writing our history in this competition and at continental level,” Fathi said.

Napsa will visit the 1987 winners of the competitions’ old format, the CAF Cup Winner Cup, on February 14 in Nairobi and host the Kenyan giants on February 21 in Lusaka.

“You see, when you start away, it is an advantage on our side but also it gives them an advantage although it depends on how it goes at home.

“But of course there is too much pressure on the home team especially when they don’t get the result and we have also been through that experience before.”

Meanwhile, Owino have joined Napsa on a two year deal after five years at Zesco.

Sabumukama has signed a three year deal after spending three years at Zesco.

“The two players are experienced players and are national team players for their countries,” Fathi said.

They also have big continental experience with Zesco United so it is a big step for us and they will add value to the team.”

Ndola council releases K320,000 for building Pamodzi market

Chief Editor
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Ndola council releases K320,000 for building Pamodzi market

The Ndola City Council has released K320, 000 for the construction of Pamodzi habitant modern market shelter and an ablution block.

Pamodzi Councillor Manase Siwila said the market will accommodate over 150 marketeers.

“A local contractor, Mary Investment limited, has been awarded the contract to build the market shelter and it is expected to complete the works within three months,” he said.

Mr. Siwila added that the construction of a modern market shelter will improve the manner in which traders are doing their business as they will be accommodated in a new shelter.

He Siwila however warned that he will not accept sub-standard works on the project.

And Pamodzi Habitat market chairperson Edward Bwalya thanked government for looking into the plight of the traders.

Mr. Bwalya said the new market shelter will give marketers dignity as they will be conducting business in a conducive environment.

The Lubambe Mine Extension is such good news to be ignored-President Lungu

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The Lubambe Mine Extension is such good news to be ignored-President Lungu

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has assured Lubambe Copper Mine of Government support to expedite the Lubambe Extension Project.

The President says the Lubambe Extension is “too much good news to be ignored”. The Head of State who visited the Chililabombwe based mining firm yesterday has directed State House Minister, Honourable Freedom Sikazwe and other Technocrats in his office to ensure that Lubambe gets all the support and necessary approvals required to ensure that the Extension project takes off.

The President requested Lubambe Director Operations Tony Davis to provide details of the help that Lubambe required so that all pending processes could be expedited.

The President has however, emphasised that all processes required for the project to take off, must be followed to the letter to ensure that the project is executed appropriately.

“You have my support on this project, but I wish to emphasise that all processes and requirements must be fulfilled so that everything is done according to book and within legal requirements and provisions”, the President said.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa, other Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and local Government Leaders in Chililabombwe.

President Meeting with Lubambe Copper Mine management team
President Meeting with Lubambe Copper Mine management team

And Lubambe Director Operations Tony Davis thanked the President for visiting Lubambe and for pledging support to the Extension Project. Mr. Davis said Lubambe will do its part to provide all required detail and information on the Extension Project. The President was taken on a brief surface tour of the Mine by Tony Davis and later had an opportunity to address Lubambe staff.

While at the mine, the President urged Lubambe employees and the Labour Unions at the Mine to increase production. “I want to tell you that nothing succeeds like hardwork. We all need to work hard and sustain production so that no job is lost. Produce more and demand more.”

The President also thanked Mine management for being one of the outstanding Mines in Zambia in terms of safety and discipline, despite the tragedy that happened in November last year that claimed 1 life, Lubambe has generally had a good safety record, he said.

Speaking at the staff address, Director Operations Tony Davis informed the President and staff that the future of Lubambe lay in the Extension Project Located 6km South of the existing Mine.

In July last year, the Mine completed an Advanced Concept Study that confirmed the potential of the Lubambe Extension Project at 247 Mt @ 3.64% total copper. It is without doubt one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped copper resources in the world.

Mr. Davis also revealed that the Mine has increased production by 70 per cent from 1 million tonnes of Copper Ore in 2017 to 1.7 million tonnes of Copper ore in 2020.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu being received at Lubambe Copper Mine
Zambian President Edgar Lungu being received at Lubambe Copper Mine
Zambian President Edgar Lungu being received at Lubambe Copper Mine
Zambian President Edgar Lungu being received at Lubambe Copper Mine

Lubambe Director Operations Tony Davis thanked the President for visiting Lubambe and for pledging support to the Extension Project
Lubambe Director Operations Tony Davis thanked the President for visiting
Lubambe and for pledging support to the Extension Project
Lubambe Mine Employees at the event President Lungu attended
Lubambe Mine Employees at the event President Lungu attended

Doctors condemn the actions of Honeybee Pharmacy and the Government systems that allowed it

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Doctors condemn the actions of Honeybee Pharmacy and the Government systems that allowed it

RDAZ statement on the parliamentary public accounts committee report on faulty Healthcare supplies in circulation

The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has as its primary mandate, to safeguard the welfare of all doctors in Zambia.RDAZ membership reports daily to the various frontlines of healthcare in order to deliver quality services to the Zambian people across the country.Our doctors continue to work tirelessly in the face of challenges,including the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The Association condemns in the strongest possible terms,the provision of unsafe,substandard health supplies to healthcare professionals.It is the expectation of our membership,particularly those working in public institutions,that they will be fully supported by Government in the service of Zambian patients.We serve in good faith,and-in compromising our ability to work safely by distributing defective personal protective equipment and supplies-our faith in the system has been sorely tested.The actions of Honeybee Pharmacy,perpetrated under government’s watch,have endangered the lives of the Zambian people and has betrayed the trust Zambians have placed in our healthcare system.It is unimaginable to consider the extent of damage to human life the substandard supplies have caused which include but not limited to unwanted pregnancies and infections from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV among others.

On behalf of our membership, RDAZ therefore,demands swift,exhaustive investigation and action to ensure that such an egregious dereliction of duty to healthcare workers and Zambian public will never again be sanctioned.We further call upon ZAMRA to enact an immediate and aggressive recall exercise of all substandard products.RDAZ will keenly follow up the proceedings,to ensure that the safety and confidence of our members and the public are once again restored.

For God and Country,

Dr.Isaac Sakala

President Resident Doctors Association of Zambia

Kapumbu Suffers Last Minute Axe From CHAN Team

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Defender Fackson Kapumbu has suffered CHAN heartbreak after he was axed from Friday’s travelling party to join Chipolopolo in Cameroon.

Kapumbu was a late call-up for the tournament after impressing in the All Stars vs. The Rest game on December 28 in Lusaka that ended 1-1.

The Zesco United defender had eagerly waited and trained for 12 days in Lusaka to get on the plane with the other call-ups who stayed behind due to administrative reasons or had continental engagements.

But Kapumbu’s fellow late call-up from “The Rest” team, midfielder Harrison Chisala, has travelled after attending to CAF Champions League obligations with Nkana.

Kapumbu’s club mate and midfielder Kelvin Mubanga has also travelled together with Nkwazi defender Pride Bwalya.

Napsa Stars defender Luka Banda, who also had a continental assignment in the CAF Confederation Cup, is en route to Cameroon.

They will join Green Eagles midfielder Amity Shamende joined the team last Tuesday in Yaoundé after his clubs’ CAF Confederation Cup away date there in Cameroon against Cotonsport.

Shamende later featured in Chipolopolo’s 2-0 friendly win over hosts Cameroon on January 7.

Chipolopolo will kick off their 2021 CHAN Group D campaign on January 19 against Tanzania, then later play Guinea on January 23 and wrap-up their preliminary stage fixtures on January 27 against Namibia.

El Mukuka inks artist deal with global heavyweight Ultra Records

Entertainment Editor
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El Mukuka inks artist deal with global heavyweight Ultra Records

Popular Greek-Zambian house music DJ and Producer El Mukuka has signed an artist deal with Ultra Records, one of the world’s largest dance music labels.  Ultra Records is headquartered in New York City and home to household names such as Kygo, Steve Aoki, Black Coffee and Benny Benassi. The 28 year old DJ first appeared on the Zambian scene as a teenage rapper and producer in 2008 on the popular TV show “Smooth Talk” hosted by Innocent Kalaluka before switching to house music exclusively in 2013 with his debut release “Heart” that won him a ZNBC Born n’ Bred Music Video Award and country-wide recognition. After travelling to Boston to pursue his music education at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Mukuka returned to Zambia and in 2016 released his first international hit entitled “Bottle of Loneliness” that charted in several countries around the world including: Spain, Argentina, Russia, Estonia and Zambia.

El Mukuka holds an impressive discography with high-level collaborations and releases on top labels around the world. His rigorous touring life has seen him perform all across the African continent playing at clubs, festivals and private parties including a keynote performance in 2020 at the largest dance music festival on the continent, Ultra Music Festival South Africa. El Mukuka’s appreciation and love for his two diverse cultures has not only enriched his identity but also inspired him as an artist. The rising African star has been a true pioneer in the Zambian music industry and is best known for fusing Kalindula music with Western deep house & pop. With his international career quickly taking off, Mukuka is set to pave the way for Zambian musicians to penetrate the international music market and to raise the Zambian flag around the world.

The Decision to Purchase the Expensive Gulf-Stream G650 instead of ATR 72 was reckless and irresponsible

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The Decision to Purchase the Expensive Gulf-Stream G650 instead of ATR 72 was reckless and irresponsible

By Sean Tembo

1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), we have noted with interest the ongoing raging debate on the Presidential Jet. From the time that this Gulf-stream G650 aircraft was purchased a few years ago, we have been strongly opposed to the decision. However, our basis for opposing the procurement of the aircraft is premised on the fact that a more affordable aircraft such as an ATR or Bombardier could have been purchased by ZAF for use by the President, as opposed to purchasing a top-of-the-range brand and model. For example, the Government of Botswana recently purchased a brand new ATR 72 for use by the President for about US$22 million, and the Government of Angola recently purchased a brand new Presidential Bombardier Global 500 for US19 million. The Gulf-stream G650 that the Zambian Government bought costs around US$70 million before any security fittings.

2. From our point of view, there is no question that a President of the country needs a dedicated aircraft for ease of travel. Such an aircraft has to be suitable for long distances and it has to look decent and befitting of a Head of State, but it should not be extravagant. The decision by the Government to purchase an expensive Gulf-stream G650 aircraft instead of an affordable ATR 72 or Bombardier, was reckless and irresponsible especially in view of competing for national needs. Even within the Gulf-stream family, there are more affordable models such as the G500 which costs about US$40 million. Across the globe, a Gulf-stream G650 is the Rose Royce of aircraft and is only procured by superstars such as Floyd Mayweather using their own hard-earned money. It is therefore shameful for President Lungu to seek to enjoy such exaggerated opulence using taxpayer’s money.

3. As Patriots for Economic Progress, our further view is that despite the gross mistake that the Government made to endow exaggerated opulence on President Lungu through the procurement of a Gulf-Stream G650, in the middle of national economic collapse, it would not be a good idea for any new Government that might be formed after 12th August this year, to sell the Presidential Jet. Firstly, given the global economic downturn, the market for such an aircraft is extremely depressed and we as a nation would be unlikely to realize even 25 percent of the purchase price for the Gulf-Stream G650.

4. Additionally, there is no doubt in our minds that any President who leads this country will require a Presidential Jet to allow for their ease of travel to various parts of the globe to represent us. Using commercial flights is totally unreliable as there are often delays and cancellations in connecting flights. It would be embarrassing to this nation for our President to fail to deliver his speech at the United Nations General Assembly because he is marooned in Dubai due to a canceled connecting flight.

5. The issue of chartering flights is often very expensive, especially for long-haul flights. Most countries especially in Europe and North America have very strict technical requirements for any foreign aircraft to enter their airspace. Most of the aircraft available for charter do not meet those requirements, and the few that do tend to be extremely expensive. Therefore, plans by any aspiring presidential candidate to sell the Presidential Jet once they ascend to the Presidency, are ill-informed and retrogressive for the nation. This is because neither commercial flights nor charter flights are suitable for Presidential travel. Any such move to sell the Presidential Jet would be premised, not on the wider best interests of the nation, but on the narrow individual interests of such a new President and his desire to undo the legacy of his predecessor.

6. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to take this opportunity to appeal to all presidential candidates, who are in essence potential presidents of this Republic, to ensure that they focus on building on the legacy of their predecessor, should the Zambian people be gracious enough to elect them into office. One of the contributing factors why this country has remained undeveloped, 57 years after independence, is because every new President that is ushered into office spends a disproportionately large amount of national resources trying to undo the legacy of their predecessor instead of building on it. Already, we have seen such an appetite with some Presidential Candidates such as the UPND leader Mr Hakainde Hichilema. For this nation to make progress, the wider interests of the masses must be paramount and rank above any individual interests of a President and their desire for self-aggrandizement.

Some Councils are ignoring my Ministry over Covid-19 measures, complains Charles Banda

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Some Councils are ignoring my Ministry over Covid-19 measures, complains Charles Banda

Local Government Minister Dr. Charles Banda says some instructions being issued on covid-19 preventive measures by some local authorities have not been cleared by relevant authorities.

Dr. Banda has since cautioned that all local authorities that intend to issue statements on Covid-19 measures or any other policies must ensure that they receive blessings of the ministry which is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in order to enforce presidential directives appropriately.

Mr Banda reiterated that the directives by President Edgar Lungu during his last address on covid-19 measures in terms of bars and nightclub operations, restaurants, gyms, casinos, funerals among others are still in effect.

Some local authorities have issued various measures intended to stop the spread of covid-19 such as the ban on weddings and closure of bars among others.

Meanwhile, Kasempa District Commissioner Phelosopher Chandamali has implored residents in the area to adhere to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines in the resurgence of the pandemic.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS , Mr. Chandamali disclosed that the second wave of Covid-19 is real and Kasempa district is not spared.

“The District has recorded a number of case so far, therefore we should all adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines to curb the spread of the virus,” he said.

Mr. Chandamali said he did not expect to find anyone not wearing a face mask as his office distributed enough masks through various institutions.

“If the residents have disposed of the face masks, then that is a mistake because the face masks we gave them were reusable face masks,” he said.

He further warned the business community and the clergy that those who will be found wanting in adherence to Covid-19 guidelines will be dealt with.

“Any church, bar, shop and other businesses that will be found not complying with the preventive guidelines will be closed,” he warned.

Mr. Chandamali has therefore urged everyone to take Covid-19 seriously in order to curb the spread of the virus in the district and the nation at large.

He also warned civil servants who have a tendency of disregarding Covid-19 guidelines that if found wanting, his office will deal with them.

It’s dishonest to claim that President Lungu was a blessing and has brought good to Zambia-M’membe

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It’s dishonest to claim that President Lungu was a blessing and has brought good to Zambia-M’membe

Zambia’s Socialist party reports that its President Fred M’membe has said that politicians must learn to argue with facts and figures. Dr. M’membe is the Socialist Party president.

In a statement issued from his Garden compound office, Dr. M’membe said politicians must attend to the quantitative aspect of a situation and make a basic quantitative analysis.

He stated that every quality manifested itself in a certain quantity and that without quantity, there could be no quality.
“To this day many of our politicians still do not understand that they must attend to the quantitative aspect of things – the basic statistics, the main percentages, and the quantitative limits that determine the qualities of things,” Dr M’membe stated.

“They have no figures in their heads and therefore cannot help making mistakes and wrong conclusions. Let’s learn to argue with facts, figures; let’s learn to have a head for figures.”

He added that it was: “crass dishonest” to claim that President Edgar Lungu was a blessing and has brought good to Zambia.
On Wednesday, They carried a lead story where Lusaka Province PF secretary Kennedy Kamba claimed that President Lungu was a blessing to Zambia who has brought good to Zambia.

“This claim is wrong because it agrees neither with facts over the years of Mr Lungu’s presidency, nor with the social facts, statistics are so far known to us,” Dr. M’membe argued, adding that rural poverty Lungu’s presidency is 76.6 percent.

“The three poorest provinces of our country – Western, Luapula and Northern provinces – have poverty levels of 82.2 percent, 81.1 percent, and 79.7 percent respectively.”

He stated that Zambia’s maternal mortality rate was 213 deaths/100,000 live births, infant mortality rate stood at 56 deaths/1,000 live births and physician density or doctor ratio is nine doctors/100,000 population.

Dr M’membe added that Zambia had a death rate of 11.6 deaths/1,000 population.

“Is this the good, the blessing Mr. Lungu has brought us?” Dr. M’membe asked. “The truth is the history of humankind is one of continuous development from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom. That is what dialectics teaches us. And this process is never-ending.”

He stated that in any society in which classes existed, class struggle would never end.

“The struggle between truth and falsehood will never end. Zambia’s problems are complicated, and our brains must also be a little complicated,” Dr. M’membe stated.

“Today our population is 17,426,623 (July 2020 est.) and at our current population growth rate of 2.89 per cent (2020 est) in the next 15 years our country’s population will more than double.”

He asked what life would be like for a doubled Zambian population in 15 years, in terms of food, water, sanitation, housing, education, health, transportation, and so on and so forth.

Lawrence Sikutwa sells off his shares in Madison Finance for US$ 35 million.

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Lawrence Sikutwa sells off his shares in Madison Finance for US$ 35 million.

Lawrence Sikutwa & Associates Limited and ZFI Holdings Limited, the two largest shareholders in Madison Financial Services (MFS), have separately executed Share Purchase Agreements with XYLEM Trading Limited, relinquishing their combined 72.05 per cent shareholding in the insurance giant for $35 million.

According to a market announcement, LSA and ZFI, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Mauritius and legal owner of 34.91 per cent of the ordinary issued shares in MFS, are relinquishing their shareholding in MFS following the execution of separate SPA.

Madison Financial Services has faced a series of liquidity, credit and solvency issues governance related lapses that triggered regulatory take over in 2019.

Xylem Chief Executive Officer Kajiya Kantumoya expressed not only confidence in Madison as a local bred company but the Zambian economy as a whole that despite the economic downturn, would soon rebound to allow Madison thrive.

“Our investment in Madison Financial Services signifies our confidence in the Zambian business landscape as well as the Zambian economy which we believe will get better going forward. As an investment target for us we believe Madison was a better target having a pedigree of over 28 years and being Zambian owned entity. The length of existence is beyond any private owned entity in Zambia while LSA has done a tremendous job that has taken the group this far listing on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE),” Mr. Kantumoya said.

“With Xylems $35million investment, we are positioned to recapitalize all the business units in the group, strengthen its corporate governance principles, introduce new and exciting products on the insurance side and in the asset management space through Madison Finance that the Zambian Public will appreciate and benefit the injection of new competitive blood that will take Madison to its number one spot in the country,” he said.

Xylem Trading (Pty) is a company and investment vehicle incorporated in South Africa with a diversified investment portfolio which includes regulated financial services in Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Seychelles.

XTL specializes in commodity trading in fuel and grain in the SADC.

Fuel pump prices remain unchanged-ERB

Chief Editor
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Fuel pump prices remain unchanged-ERB

The Energy Regulation Board has announced that pump prices of fuel products will remain unchanged following the introduction of Statutory Instrument number 125 of 2020 on Value Added Tax (Zero-Rating Amendment) order by government.

The ERB disclosed that the order will have no effects on the current pump prices of petroleum products across the country.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka, ERB Board Chairperson Jane Kabwela explained that SI No. 125 has included petrol and diesel to the schedule of zero rated petroleum products.

Ms. Kabwela indicated that the SI was aimed at cushioning the impact of pump price increase and to further stabilize the price of petroleum products.

The ERB Board Chairperson disclosed that the SI, which was effected on January 1, 2021, responds to the various changing variables as a result of the exchange rate and its effects on the pricing structure of petroleum products.

She further said the order is meant to benefit the consumers as well as ensure security of supply.

Ms. Kabwela however indicated that the capped national pump prices of fuel products will remain the same.

“The Energy Regulations Board in cognizance of this positive development has maintained the wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products following the VAT Amendment order contained under SI No. 125 of 2020,” she explained.

She has meanwhile called on the public to contact the ERB offices across the country for additional information.

Mumbi Phiri calls for arrest of PF masqueraders smuggling mealie-meal

Chief Editor
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Mumbi Phiri calls for arrest of PF masqueraders smuggling mealie-meal

Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has called on security wings to clamp down mealie meal smuggling by bringing to book all the culprits including those masquerading as members of the ruling party.

Mrs Phiri explained that it is unfortunate that the said masqueraders are involved in mealie meal smuggling into neighbouring countries claim to have been permitted by the ruling party when infact not.

She said the ruling party does not support illegal activities like smuggling , yet some people say they have blessings of the party to avert being apprehended by security wings.

Mrs Phiri was speaking in Chililabombwe when she accompanied President Edgar Lungu for his Copperbelt working visit which included an address to miners at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

The party Deputy Secretary General called on the Police, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Immigration Department to apprehend people involved in mealie meal smuggling unselectively as the ruling party does not condone the vice.

Ms Phiri said people purporting to engage in mealie meal smuggling in the name of the ruling party should be reported to the party secretariat so that they can be prosecuted in the courts of law.

She bemoaned the prevailing rampant trend of mealie meal smuggling as it contributed to high mealie meal prices on the local market negatively affecting the local communities.

Government has deployed ZNS officers in border areas to curb smuggling.

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