Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The race for promotion in FAZ National Division 1 remains tight with City of Lusaka, Chambishi, Kafue Celtic and Kansanshi Dynamos earning the early pacesetters status.
Celtic, Chambishi and City are tied at the top of the table on 18 points apiece after nine matches played in the season.
However, Celtic are number one on better goal difference ahead of City and Chambishi.
The trio has been exchanging the top spot from the start of the 2020/21 season.
Kansanshi Dynamos in fourth place, one point behind the leading trio.
“The league is tough so we just need to continue working hard if we are to win promotion to the Super Division,” said Chambishi coach Israel Mwanza.
Four teams will be promoted to the Super Division from Division One.
Meanwhile, Nchanga Rangers are now three points away from the top following two consecutive victories in four days.
Nchanga beat Gomes 2-0 in Ndola on Thursday to move to 15 points after playing nine matches.
Brave beat Zesco Shockers 7-0 earlier on Sunday at home in Chingola.
Transport and Communication Minister Mutotye Kafwaya says the PF government has managed to lower the cost of communications since assuming power in 2011.
Mr Kafwaya has observed that the overall cost of communication services especially internet and voice charges has recorded a marked reduction.
He said the PF government has invested heavily in the improvement of communication infrastructure across the country which has now started bearing fruit.
Mr Kafwaya was soaking in Lusaka on Friday when he officiated at the launch of a new product by Zamtel called Unlimited Freedom.
“As the government of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, we hold the view that every Zambian should have access to quality communication services. It is for this reason that we have invested heavily in the last few years in upgrading and rolling out of communication infrastructure even in some of the remotest parts of the country,” Mr Kafwaya said.
“If there is one other sector where His Excellency President Lungu and the PF administration has scored highly besides road construction is the telecommunications sector. The reforms undertaken by the PF government has resulted in overall improvement in sector performance through increased competition and better customer appreciation,” he said.
Mr Kafwaya added, “Pricing for most of the services in the sector have also seen a marked reduction which has translated into major savings for the consumer.”
“The Zambian people should be reminded that not too long ago, you were paying higher prices for voice and data services but due to the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Lungu, my Ministry has implemented broad ranging legislative and regulatory reforms that are now reaping profits.”
Mr Kafwaya said Unlimited Freedom product speaks to the desire by the government to continue creating an enabling environment for individuals and businesses to flourish.
“In a digitally connected environment we are currently living, the desire of huge data cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, the need to make these services affordable and accessible to all becomes even more important. By introducing Freedom Unlimited, Zamtel is responding to the needs of the customer as well as entrenching its position as Zambia’s most affordable provider of world class digital services.”
He continued, “I am reliably informed that with Freedom Unlimited Offers, you talk and browse limitlessly with no restrictions and no worries about data or minutes depletion. This is a revolutionary product and a game changer for the industry. I wish to take this opportunity to encourage other players in the industry to emulate Zamtel and deploy initiatives that places the customer at the centre of their existence.”
Transport and Communications Mutotwe Kafwaya chats with Zamtel CEO Sydney Mupeta during the launch of Unlimited Freedom at Zamtel House on Friday morning
And Zamtel Chief Executive Officer Sydney Mupeta said Freedom Unlimited creates better value for customers as it puts them firmly in control of their communication needs.
Mr Mupeta said Freedom Unlimited gives customers endless possibilities as they are able to enjoy free calling and browsing without worrying about depleting the purchased bundle.
“This is a segmented time-based customer proposition on voice and mobile data in response to the huge demand for data consumption as more people adopt digital lifestyles,” Mr Mupeta said.
Freedom Unlimited allows mobile customers to enjoy free calling and browsing within the specified subscription duration without limitations of the bundle value they have purchased by subscribing to *422#.
Government has disbursed over K3 million for social cash transfer beneficiaries in Limulunga district in Western Province.
The funding is expected to benefit a total number of 3, 940 community members in the district.
In an interview, Limulunga District Social Welfare Officer, Khuzwayo Msoni said since the inception of the programme in 2016, the lives of less privileged and vulnerable people in the district has improved.
Mr Msoni noted that government is committed towards ensuring that the number of vulnerable people is increased adding that about 2000 people will be registered for 2020/2021 to be included on the list of social cash beneficiaries.
“Government through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is going to pay all the people on the scheme from January to December this year, especially those beneficiaries that were not captured,” said Mr Msoni.
Mr Msoni noted that government will continue to prioritise human development and economic productivity without leaving anyone behind.
He said the Social Cash Transfer in the district is targeting female and child headed households, as well as the disabled and the aged.
“The lives of people on the social cash transfer has greatly improved as they are now managing to venture into various business activities, also sending their children to school and forming cooperatives among other man programmes in the district,” said Mr Msoni.
Mr Msoni further explained that government’s consistency in the payment of the social cash transfer in the district, will lead to improved livelihood among people in the community.
And Community Welfare Assistance Committee Chairperson for Limulunga East, Raphael Kanduli said there was transparency in the identification and selection of beneficiaries to be put in the social cash transfer in the district.
Mr Kanduli said the department of social welfare in the district is continuously encouraging and sensitizing social cash transfer beneficiaries to prudently use the monies in the way that would uplift their living standards.
The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme, MP, this week handed over 20 motor vehicles and a speed boat to 16 districts in Luapula, Muchinga, Northern Provinces where the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project, which is focusing on combating climate change, is being implemented.
The Minister also launched the 2020 Budget Analysis Report on National Budget Allocations and disbursements to climate smart programes and projects.
Speaking at the joint handover and launch ceremony in Lusaka, Mr. Chiteme said the vehicles and a speed boat is aimed at easing transportation as well as ensure efficient and effective delivery of project outputs in Luapula, Muchinga, Northern Provinces.
The Minister said the main objectives of TRALARD are to improve natural resource management in selected districts, to support sustainable livelihoods and in the event of an eligible crisis or emergency, to provide immediate and effective response to the eligible crisis or emergency.
Mr. Chiteme said the TRALARD Project activities are community-driven and will assist reduce poverty and vulnerabilities in line with the strategic objectives of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).
“The 16 districts where the project is being implemented are as follows: (i).Luapula Province: Chifunabuli, Kawambwa, Lunga, Nchelenge, and Samfya districts; (ii).Muchinga Province: Chama, Lavushimanda, Mpika, Mafinga, Isoka and Kanchibiya districts; (iii).Northern Province: Chilubi, Mbala, Mungwi, Mpulungu and Nsama districts,” Mr. Chiteme said.
The Minister said a brand new boat has also been procured for Lunga District.
In addition to the beneficiary districts, the Minister said three vehicles will be donated to the provincial planning units and another three vehicles to the project implementation units in the three (3) provinces.
“I urge all recipients to prudently and effectively use these motor vehicles and boat for the attainment of project objectives. Only authorized persons should utilize the vehicles and boat and for the intended purpose,” said Mr. Chiteme in the company of Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota, Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga and Ministry of National Development Planning Director – Human Resources and Administration Nicolynn Nyoni.
Minister Chiteme handing over 20 vehicles, speed boat to Luapula, Muchinga, Northern Provinces for climate change Project
Launching the 2020 budget analysis report on the national budget allocations and disbursements to climate smart programmes, Mr. Chiteme said the Government, through the Ministry of National Development Planning, commissioned a consultant to undertake a detailed analysis of allocations as well as expenditures on climate change programmes outlined in the national budget.
And World Bank Country Manager Dr. Sahr Kpundeh said climate change remains a huge development challenge for the world, including Zambia.
“In Zambia the World Bank is supporting [the] Government to tackle climate vulnerability in four ways: – Building resilience of the poor in some of the remotest areas of the country to climate variability and change; helping build good policies and strategies to cover the most vulnerable with social protection programs, investing in human capital; and promoting jobs in the rural areas through diversified, resilient and sustainable livelihoods,” said Dr. Kpundeh.
Minister Chiteme handing over 20 vehicles, speed boat to Luapula, Muchinga, Northern Provinces for climate change Project
“The World Bank is happy to be witnessing the handing over of a boat to Lunga District and 20 vehicles to the project implementation areas for the TRALARD Project. It is hoped that the vehicles and the boat will ease project implementation and in turn ensure that the development objectives are met,” said Dr. Kpundeh.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the three provinces, Permanent Secretary (Luapula) Mr. Mushota thanked the Government for the TRALARD Project and the provision of vehicles and boats.
Mr. Mushota appealed to the Ministry of National Development Planning to also purchase a vehicle each for Lunga and other districts that were only allocated boats.
This is according to a media statement released by Ministry of national Development Planning spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba in Lusaka.
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Masiye Banda has called on the public in Mwinilunga district to work with the police in safeguarding the Kasenseli gold mine.
Mr Banda said Kasenseli gold mine is a national asset that needs to be safeguarded for the benefit of everyone.
He said the investment at Kasenseli is an economic game-changer for not only Mwinilunga district but the nation at large.
“May I challenge the community around Kasenseli to play their role by ensuring that they support the police who are providing security at the site,” Mr Banda said.
Mr Banda was speaking in Solwezi today when he paid a courtesy call on North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela.
“The community has a role to play in protecting the site which is everyone’s investment and they can do that by being law abiding,” he said.
Mr Banda noted that government wants to see the growth of Kasenseli into a viable gold mine that will contribute to the country’s economic development and job creation.
And Mr Mangimela however, appealed to the ministry to consider expanding the Solwezi central correctional facility which he said is congested due to inadequate space and also build a modern facility in Kabompo district.
“We are grateful that departments under your ministry like the Zambia Police, Correctional Services, Immigration and National Registration have received a fair share of vehicles which will enable them reach out to far flung areas,” Mr Mangimela said.
He also appealed to the ministry to consider upgrading Mwinilunga police station and equip it with more officers to help protect the gold mine at Kasenseli.
Mr Banda is in Northwestern province on a familiarization tour of departments under his ministry to appreciate their challenges as well as visit the Kasenseli gold mine to assess the security situation.
Napsa coach Mohamed Fathi is not feeling the pressure but just concerned about his sides’ five-game winless start to the league season.
That run is in contrast to their debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign where they have collected back-to-back victories and scored nine goals against two.
Furthermore, Napsa’s continental form even suggested that they may have just turned the corner following the pre-season departure of their influential forward Collins Sikombe to Lusaka Dynamos.
But Napsa danced to a familiar tune when they returned to league action last Wednesday losing 2-1 away to Zanaco that saw them slump to the bottom of the log with three draws and two defeats from five games played.
“Giving me concern doesn’t give me pressure because if I have pressure, I won’t be able to move forward,”Fathi said.
“But it gives me concern over the problems we have in defence and why certain individual players are not putting in maximum concentration during the game.
“Napsa are back in action this Saturday when they host mid-table side Green Buffaloes in a Lusaka derby clash at Woodlands Stadium.
“We have to focus, we have a game on Saturday against Buffaloes and we still have some games in hand,” Fathi said.
“I know even if we win these games (in hand) we won’t be number one but I think it will improve our position on the table.
“In the long run, we will manage to touch the top four very soon in the first round.”
Indeni coach Dabid Chilufya believes his side is officially this season’s giant-killer as Saturday’s Ndola derby away date against Zesco United looms.
The fourth placed promoted side head into their lunchtime kickoff Ndola derby at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium against their more successful cross town rivals following two recent big kills.
Indeni beat Power Dynamos 1-0 in Ndola on November 29 and followed that up with another home victory on December 9 when they stunned ailing defending league champions Nkana 2-0.
“It is a clear picture, or it is a clear signal, to the other teams that are coming and to say that Indeni is not a pushover. It is a team that can win anytime,” Chilufya said.
But those victories over the two Kitwe giants were punctuated by a 1-0 away loss to Nkwazi on December 5 who are just behind them in fifth place and both sides are tied on 12 points, three behind Zesco.
However, Chilfuya could have a valid point after also holding Red Arrows and Green Buffaloes after starting the season with a 2-0 away loss against his former side Zanaco on October 31.
Meanwhile, Indeni face second placed Zesco who are looking warmed-up after a slow start to the campaign.
Zesco are unbeaten it last four games with two wins and as many draws.
Victory for Zesco in the derby will see them reclaim top spot for at least 24 hours before neighbours Buildcon home game against second from bottom Kitwe United on Sunday at the same venue.
Zambia’s top DJ/Producer, El Mukuka collaborates with South African heavyweight Cuebur on the brand new single ‘I’ll Hold You Down’ featuring the vocal talents of Marocco and James Sakala – out across all digital platforms today.
After years of friendship and remixing work for one another, El Mukuka and Cuebur finally drop an original collaboration entitled ‘I’ll Hold You Down’. The song is a sexy, slow tempo Afro-pop “tropical” track ideal for the summer. The sensually smooth vocal delivery by Marocco and James Sakala gives the song a laid back, fun and cheeky vibe that builds throughout the entire track.
El Mukuka commented on the team of artists saying “Cuebur, Marocco and James Sakala are common names within my repertoire, but this song I feel is something different and special.”
Cuebur, a SAMA nominated music producer, mix engineer and club DJ who hails all the way from Middelburg, Mpumalanga, made a name for himself after he released his hit song ‘Pepe’, which was featured on DJ Zinhle’s ‘Feminine Touch’ album. Since then he has produced songs for some of SA’s most popular artists, including Heavy K, Shimza and Da Capo.
“2020 has been such a weirdly challenging year full of high and low notes but I have been fascinated by the amount of inspiration I’ve had this year. Tons of new music is on the way and I truly hope that 2021 can see a return to international touring, which I miss incredibly”, says El Mukuka.
Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has warned that the continued acts of KCM liquidator Milingo Lungu at KCM are illegal and that his continued activities at KCM will surely be costly not only to ZCCM-IH but the nation as well in the long run.
Reacting to a media statement by Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited with regards to rumours in Zambia that the Provisional the Liquidator is set to split the KCM business into two separate units and is considering divesting one or both of these units to unnamed, opportunistic and potentially ESG-challenged investors, Mr Sinkamba said that urged President Lungu, as a lawyer, to direct Mr Milingo to pack his bags at KCM and wait for the outcome of the arbitration process in South Africa and/or further directions of the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.
Mr Sinkamba further appealed to Government to engage Vedanta into a meaningful dialogue, since it appears from the tone of the statement that the company is still ready to resolve the difference amicably.
Below is the full statement that Vedanta issued
VEDANTA UPDATE ON KCM
10 December 2020, London: Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited and its parent, Vedanta Resources Limited (“the Parent Company”), issues the following statement with regards to rumours in Zambia that the Provisional Liquidator is set to split the KCM business into two separate units and is considering divesting one or both of these units to unnamed, opportunistic and potentially ESG-challenged investors. Such action would be in violation of the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling in its judgment dated 20 November 2020.
On 20 November 2020, the Zambian Court of Appeal delivered a judgement ordering that the winding up proceedings against KCM be stayed pursuant to section 10 of the Arbitration Act, 2000. Whilst it is the firm intention of the Company to find an amicable solution to the dispute with ZCCM-IH that is in the best interest of KCM and Zambia, Vedanta will act within its rights to ensure that its interests in KCM are fully protected and the provisional liquidator does not act in flagrant breach of the Court of Appeal’s decision. Moreover, Vedanta will take all necessary steps both in Zambia and internationally to safeguard its interests in KCM should the provisional liquidator attempt to dispose of KCM’s assets to any third party who would axiomatically be party to an unlawful act.
Vedanta remains strongly committed to KCM, its operations and employees, local communities and the Government of Zambia, just as it has been over the past fifteen years. This commitment includes providing significant financial and technical support to KCM in order to stabilise current operations as well as further developing the assets to allow for a successful turnaround of the business, as outlined in our Financial Letter of Support submitted to the KCM board of directors and the Zambian High Court on 16 August 2019. Vedanta will also ensure the payment of all outstanding validated and approved creditor debt.
Any agreement would be subject to terms that are consistent with the current shareholders’ agreement between Vedanta and ZCCM-IH.
Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary Danies Chisenda says the Government remains steadfastly committed to uplift people’s wellbeing especially women and girls by upholding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for all.
In a statement read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director for Population and Development Mr. Charles Banda at the official opening of the 2020 GRZ/UNFPA 8th Country Programme Annual Review and 2021 Planning Meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Chisenda commended the United National Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued collaboration with the Zambian Government to improve the welfare of the people.
Mr. Chisenda, who is Permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation, said the 2020 annual review and planning meeting presented a great opportunity to all multi-sectoral participants to reflect on the implementation status, and determine to what extent the work was leading towards the desired development outcomes.
“Government has sharpened its resolve in guiding the country on population matters by launching the 2019 National Population Policy and its Implementation Plan this year. The implementation plan has clear targets; and as we plan for next year, it will be vital that all stakeholders refer to the two documents to guide our immediate results,” Mr. Chisenda said. “I assure you that the Government through our ministry is committed to track progress on the implementation of the 8th GRZ/UNFPA Country Programme on population and development to ensure that critical targets are achieved as detailed in our various work plans.”
The Permanent Secretary noted that the Government of Zambia was cognisant of some setbacks in the implementation of the 2020 annual works due to COVID-19 and other natural disasters.
“Whatever the context, whether COVID-19 or a climate-related disaster or any other crisis, the 8th Country Programme’s focus remains on uplifting people especially women and girls by upholding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for all. You all may be aware COVID-19 has unmasked the extent to which such crises exacerbate inequalities,” Mr. Chisenda said. “Zambia and UNFPA have worked well together even in this COVID-19 environment and for this, the UNFPA Country Office – through the able leadership of the Country Representative Madam Gift Malunga – is greatly appreciated.”
UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Gift Malunga
And UNFPA Country Representative Gift Malunga reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to sustain its support to Zambia and partners towards securing the health and wellbeing of all women and young people. She noted that COVID-19 had presented unprecedented challenges to humanity.
“Despite this setback, we have all demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability as we have continued to deliver on our mandate which is even more critical in times like these when we need to continue to safeguard the health and wellbeing of women and young people,” said Ms. Malunga.
She expressed optimism that the participants will deliver on the 2021 priorities.
“Some of these priorities include: Supporting continuity of essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including maternal health care services that have been disrupted, with potentially serious implications for maternal and new-born health; procurement and supply of family planning commodities; adolescent and youth SRH and empowerment; prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV) and support for the Population and Housing Census; and advancing the Demographic Dividend.”
Under the 8th Country Programme (2016-2020), UNFPA supports Zambia in implementing its national priorities as articulated in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF).
This is according to a media statement issued by Ministry of National Development Planning spokesperson Mr. Chibaula D. Silwamba in Lusaka yesterday.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to India, Judith Kapijimpanga, has presented a memento to Zambia’s First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda from Gandhi Smriti, a museum, where India’s icon Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated from.
The memento was first presented in New Delhi, India, when the Zambian High Commissioner held a day’s exhibition in honour of Dr. Kaunda’s contribution to Africa and global peace efforts, at a function that attracted diplomats from Malawi, Tanzania and the academia.
Speaking when she presented the memento to the First Republican President at his residence yesterday, Mrs Kapijimpanga said the younger generation should know that Dr. Kaunda also immensely contributed to the release of South Africa’s former and late President Nelson Mandela, from Robbin Island prison.
“It is high time that the world remembered the sacrifice that Dr. Kaunda made in liberating Zambia and the Southern African region,” Mrs Kapijimpanga said.
She added that in 1990 Dr Kaunda, declared a five day holiday after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, were he visited regional Presidents that convened in Lusaka ahead of his ascension to the Presidency in South Africa.
The High Commissioner praised India’s Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti Museum for taking time to celebrate the ideology and humanism of Zambia’s First President, where he believed that he was not free if his neighbours were not free.
“The event coincides with the 150th birthday anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who largely inspired Dr Kaunda’s non-violent movement against colonial masters,” Mrs. Kapijimpanga added.
Mrs Kapijimpanga explained that the memento was a gift from the Indian people to Dr Kaunda with love.
And Dr Kaunda thanked India and Mahatma Gandhi for the inspiration in the struggle for independence.
The government has launched the 2019 Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative EITI Report.
Speaking at the official launch in Lusaka, Mines Minister Hon. Richard Musukwa said the reports will promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
Hon. Musukwa said the EITI report will keep the public informed of all the tax payments the extractive industry makes to the government.
“And further the reports are done so that on the part of government the public is aware of how the resources received from mining companies are disbursed in a transparent manner. This 12th EITI report is based on the 2019 financial year,” Hon. Musukwa said.
He said the mines and minerals Policy underscores the importance that the government attaches to the mining sector.
“This commitment can only be complete if the country benefits from the natural resources through prudent management of the mining sector. Government is happy with the works EITI is doing to ensure that the proceeds from the mining sector are accounted for in a prudent and transparent manner,” He said.
And Hon. Musukwa urged unlicensed small scale miners to formalize their operations by obtaining mining licenses.
“Zambia is endowed with a lot of natural resources some of which is mined by small-scale miners who are unlicensed and the government has embarked on an exercise to ensure that all people who explore the minerals are licensed,” Hon. Musukwa said.
“Further government through EITI and PACRA has started implementing the beneficial ownership requirements for companies to disclose their beneficial owners and help government fight illicit financial flows in the extractive sector and the entire mining chain,”
Lusaka Province Mayor Miles Sampa says there is a need to improve on garbage collection and recycling of waste in the city, in order to sustain the desired health that people need.
Mr Sampa said the generation of solid waste material has increased due to population growth and if garbage is not managed properly, it will bring about disease outbreaks.
Speaking during a courtesy paid on him by Binzagar Mercantile Private Limited (BM) yesterday, the Lusaka Mayor said the council is keen to progress in waste-to-energy conversion because there is too much garbage in the city and nowhere to take it.
He stated that increasing on recycling methods will not only allow the council to keep the city clean but will also contribute towards economic growth through job creation.
Mr Sampa added that as a city father, he has experienced challenges in the garbage collection and delivery process, especially during the rainy season, noting that the dumpsite needs work, hence the need to venture more into recycling of waste.
He said during the rainy season garbage closes the inner roads, causing difficulties in entry and exit of the site.
“We need to partner with friends and stakeholders that will help us with capital because the whole process needs a lot of capital investment” he explained.
He stated that it is unfortunate that many proposals brought to his office to turn garbage into electricity, fuel, and fertilizer among other materials usually come to a halt following meetings such as that held yesterday and that he looks forward to the progress and full execution of BM’s proposal to launch a recycling plant in the city.
“With the Central Government, the Ministry of Local Government and ourselves I am hopeful that we will come to an agreement that will better the lives of the people of Lusaka” he said.
The Lusaka City Mayor assured BM that they are in good hands with the Council’s Public Health Department, through the Waste Management Unit, and that his office will give them the necessary support to complete the task.
This was according to a statement made available to ZANIS by Lusaka City Council Public Relations Officer Lisa N’goma.
Over 400 fuel tankers and trucks carrying various goods and other merchandise into Zambia have started crossing the border at Nakonde from Tanzania following a joint border meeting held at Tunduma in Tanzania last night which was chaired by Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone.
The over 400 fuel tankers including about 450 In-transit IT vehicles have been marooned at Tunduma in Tanzania for the past 6 days following protests by Tanzanian truck drivers and drivers of IT vehicles who were protesting against alleged harassment by Zambian authorities and individuals.
A crew from ZANIS this morning around 06:00 hours found fuel tankers crossing into Zambia from Tanzania
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone told ZANIS at Nakonde this morning that the joint meeting held last evening between the region administration of Songwe in Tanzania and Muchinga in Zambia, concluded to allow the movement of fuel tankers and other trucks to start crossing into Zambia.
Mr. Sichone said the partial agreement was to allow Zambia not to face a shortage of essential goods such as fuel and medicine.
The Provincial Minister added that a full agreement will be effected this evening after a scheduled joint meeting that was held last evening which agreed in principle to start releasing IT vehicles.
“We were in a serious situation in Zambia because some of the vehicles marooned on the Tanzanian side included fuel tankers and we therefore, agreed that fuel tankers and other trucks carrying goods and other merchandise should be allowed to cross into Zambia.
Mr. Sichone said the normal operations at the Nakonde/ Tunduma border were expected to normalise within the next 24:00 hours.
And Nakonde Member of Parliament Izukanji Siwanzi was happy that the border standoff has been resolved.
Mr. Siwanzi thanked the provincial minister for resolving the situation that he said had a huge economic effect on the country’s economy.
“As area member of Parliament for Nakonde am happy that the border standoff has been partially resolved and by tomorrow normal operations are expected,” said Mr. Siwanzi.
And Muchinga Truck Drivers Association of Zambia Chairperson for Richard Chola also commended the provincial minister for resolving the boarder standoff.
Mr. Chola appealed to all stakeholders to give both Zambia and Tanzanian authorities’ time to completely end the standoff.
“We are happy with what has been resolved so far. This standoff was going to harm our economy,” said Mr. Chola.
