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UPND Accuses ECZ of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise

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UPND Accuses ECZ of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise

United Party for National Development (UPND) Religious Affairs Deputy Chairperson for Affairs, William Njombo has accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of conniving with the PF to slow down the ongoing voter registration exercise.

And Rev. Njombo says President Hakainde Hichilema’s advise to the ECZ to stop ‘playing games’ with the voter registration exercise is timely and must not be ignored.

Rev. Njombo stated that it was regrettable that the PF controlled ECZ had resorted to playing games with the people of Zambia by meddling in the voter registration exercise which he said was part of the electoral process.

“Because the PF knows that their time is up, they have now come up with deliberately manoeuvres to disenfranchise Zambians! They have messed up everything and Zambians are resolved to kick out the PF. And now they are using the ECZ to try and play games to try and disenfranchise Zambians.” says Rev Njombo.

ECZ has set December 12th as the deadline for the voter registration exercise which commenced on Monday this week despite a backlash from the general public and various stakeholders that the period was too short for the elections body to capture the targeted 9 million voters.

Stakeholders worry Eurobond default will cause economic crisis

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Stakeholders worry Eurobond default will cause economic crisis

THE Kitwe Chamber of Commerce has expressed fear that the country will plunge into economic distress if government fails to pay the portion of the Eurobond debt due today.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kitwe yesterday, Chamber Vice President Emmanuel Mbambiko said defaulting on the Eurobond payment will put pressure on the already poorly performing Zambian Kwacha.

“This will reduce Zambia’s confidence in the eyes of lenders as such it will be difficulty for the country to borrow in future or attract foreign investment,” he said.

He explained that defaulting is bad for business as well as the economy and that all Zambians should be concerned.

And in a separate interview, Green Party president Peter Sinkamba has taken a swipe at government for not implementing his calls to legalize the cultivation and sale of marijuana for the country to raise the needed money to pay the sovereign debt.

Mr. Sinkamba said government would have raised the money to pay the Eurobond debt money if it had listened to his advice on Marijuana cultivation.

“You will default and the chances of being bailed out are not there,” Mr. Sinkamba charged.

He said the impact of defaulting thereafter will be very hard on the general public because all the money meant for social services will go towards payment of the debt.

And the Mine Suppliers cried that they will become uncompetitive due to their imported mine products which will become more expensive as the default puts more pressure on the Zambian Kwacha which is expected to further lose value.

Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association President Augustine Mubanga told ZANIS in Kitwe today that the default will also restrict government from paying its local suppliers as it will be under pressure to pay the sovereign debt.

He noted that the constriction in government expenditure on local suppliers and contractors will also constrict production and economic growth in turn.

He however defended government on the possible default saying this would be as a result of government not having collected the projected tax revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic which slowed down most businesses in the country.

“In an event that Government defaults, it will not be deliberate but as a result of failure to raise enough revenue due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr. Mubanga said.

Mr. Mubanga further stated that Zambia will not be the first country in the world to default on the sovereign debt as there are some bigger economies that have defaulted in the past and still managed to rebound afterwards.

He cited Switzerland, Mexico, Greece and France as some of the countries that have defaulted on the sovereign debts in the past.

Last month, government missed payment of $42.5 million coupon on one of its Eurobonds and had asked the creditors to delay interest payment until April.

The bondholders have however not agreed to the request and the country is today supposed to make the payment or record a default.

Minister of Finance told Reuters yesterday that government was doing everything possible to avoid defaulting.

CK Urges ECZ to extend Voter Registration Exercise.

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CK Urges ECZ to extend Voter Registration Exercise.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Mr. Chishimba Kambwili has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider extending the ongoing voter registration exercise owing to the many challenges being experienced so far during Registration.

Commenting on the exercise which started on Monday 9th November 2020 and runs up until December 12th 2020, Mr. Kambwili has described the registration process as tedious.
He added that even if the process is cumbersome, Zambians should not be discouraged from trooping to registration centres but ensure that they register in masses.

He further advised the Electoral Commission Zambia to increase its manpower at registration centers as well as bringing additional machinery to capture prospective voters who are trooping to these centers.

Mr. Kambwili said this after successfully registering as a voter in the Roan constituency this morning.

He noted that there is power in the vote adding that Zambians have a chance to determine the destine of their future next year using the ballot.

The highlight of his Registration however came when he discovered that his details had been filled in as “female” but it was however rectified and corrected before his voter’s card was issued.

Mr. Kambwili was accompanied by NDC National Mobilisation Chairperson Mr. Christopher Mutale and his Private Secretary Fabian Mutale

Zambia still keen on buying a new presidential superjet from Russia

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Zambia still keen on buying a new presidential superjet from Russia

Zambia and Russia will discuss a new delivery timeline for a Sukhoi Superjet 100 plane (SSJ100) that it ordered from Russia two years ago.

Last year in February, Zambia took delivery of a new Gulfstream G650 VIP jet, which arrived from Israel in Lusaka on 28 February.

The aircraft (AF001) is believed to have been ordered at a cost of $65 million via Israel, where it was fitted with self-defence systems.

On the new purchase, Zambia’s Ambassador to Russia Shadreck Luwita said in an interview that Zambia will be proceeding with the order.

“The delivery period was rescheduled to this year. Unfortunately because of the lockdown, the delivery is yet to take place, the delivery period will be worked out,” Ambassador Luwita said.

Zambia considered buying an additional four jets but the diplomat said that no new deliveries were being negotiated for the time being, as the country was still waiting for the first jet to arrive.

The Russian industry and trade minister said in late 2018 that the aircraft would be flown to Zambia in 2019.

The delivery was suspended over lack of funding and rescheduled to 2020 but fell through because of the pandemic.

The SSJ100, a regional jet designed by Russian aircraft company Sukhoi, is a twin-engine plane that can carry up to 98 passengers and fly at a distance of up to 2,470 miles (3,975 kilometres).

The aircraft would replace the current presidential jet, the 17-year-old Bombardier Business Aircraft Challenger 604 9J-ONE (msn 5486).

The diplomat told Sputnik News in Moscow: “The delivery period was rescheduled to this year. Unfortunately, because of the lockdown, the delivery is yet to take place. The delivery period will be worked out.”

Zambia had considered buying an additional four jets, but Mr. Luwita said that no new deliveries were being negotiated for the time being, as the country was still awaiting the arrival of the first one.

News of the purchase comes as holders of Zambia’s Eurobonds rejected on Friday, a request from the Zambian government to defer interest payments, setting the country on a path towards becoming Africa’s first COVID-era sovereign default.

“While the government regrets that the bondholders did not approve the requests made by Zambia in good faith, we remain committed to finding a consensual and collaborative resolution to debt sustainability issues,” the Zambian government said in a statement.

The Vice President’s Statement on Zambia Defaulting in Parliament Misunderstood-Finance Minister

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The Vice President’s Statement on Zambia Defaulting in Parliament Misunderstood-Finance Minister

Finance Minister Hon. Dr Bwalya Ng’andu has said that Government remains committed to pursuing a constructive and very transparent dialogue with all its creditors including bondholders.

He emphasized that the government will not relent in its efforts to find a consensual and collaborative resolution to debt sustainability issues.

“Government is strongly committed to pursuing a constructive and very transparent dialogue with all its creditors including Bondholders to define a new cooperative and orderly process to put the debt back on a sustainable trajectory and thus be able to get out of the default situation.” Said Dr Ng’andu.

And further, the Minister has clarified that the Vice President’s statement in parliament as to whether or not Zambia will default on the payment of its coupon obligations to Euro Bond Holders has been misunderstood by some sections of the public.

The Minister holds the position that the Vice Presidents response in parliament reflected optimism that the Bond Holders would consider favourable the country’s request and continue with collaboration.

“There has been a misunderstanding on what Her Honour the Vice President said in response to a question in Parliament whether or not Zambia will default on the payment of its coupon obligations to Euro Bond Holders.

Her response reflected the optimism that the Bondholders would consider favourably our request and continue with collaboration, in which case the question of default does not arise.” said Dr Ng’andu

“However, since the decision is now known that they will not support the standstills or Consent Solicitation, and given the precarious fiscal position that requires us to treat all creditors pari-passu, Zambia would, unfortunately, have no other alternative but to accumulate arrears.” Dr Ng’andu added.

ECZ urged to extend voter registration

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ECZ urged to extend voter registration

The Alliance for Good Governance says unless there is an extension from 30 to 60 or 90 days in the mobile voter registration exercise, the 9 million threshold by the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ) will not be met.

Alliance for Good Governance Executive Director, Joseph Chileshe has told ZANIS in Ndola that the organization will be engage ECZ on the matter so as to allow as many people as possible register as voters.

Mr. Chileshe said it will be unfortunate if people will not be able to get voters cards due to not having enough time to register.

“We as an organization are on behalf of other Zambians asking the ECZ to consider extending the period for the mobile voter registration exercise.

“Mind you, there are already complaints that the system is very slow although ECZ have also committed themselves to beef up man power and equipment,” Mr. Chileshe said.

He noted that in case the commission does not agree to suggestions by various stakeholders on the need to extend the period, Zambians should fully utilize the period given and ensure they register as voters.

“It is time for citizens across the country to go in numbers and register as voters. We are encouraging everyone rather than just complaining about the loop holes identified to be part of those that have endured the difficulties and register,” he said.

He also tasked Politicians to encourage their members to registrator so as to take part in the democratic dispensation by choosing their leaders.

Mr. Chileshe has on the other hand commended the ECZ for putting up a solid sensitization campaign to make sure that the general public is aware about the ongoing exercise.

He called for a spread of campaigns not only on TV and Radio but urged ECZ to utilize institutions such as ZANIS so that no one remains behind with information.

The mobile voter registration exercise commenced on November 9, 2020 and will end on December 12, 2020, while EZC is targeting to register nine million voters.

President Lungu launches Zambia’s export of blueberry fruits to China

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President Lungu launches Zambia’s export of blueberry fruits to China

President Edgar Lungu has disclosed that government is focusing on policy and legislative reforms to educate local farmers on the emerging trends and opportunities in the agriculture sector.

President Lungu stressed the need for the agriculture sector to be transformed for export oriented in order for the economy to grow.

Speaking when he launched the export of fresh blueberry fruits to China by the Zambezi Berry Company, the Head of State explained that the country has the capacity to export agricultural products to competitive markets.

He observed that the Chinese market imports a significant quantity of blueberries from countries in North and South America hence was gratified that Zambia was positioning itself to compete for a larger share of the blueberry market in China.

The President was amused that in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the country was able to export agricultural products to competitive markets

“There is definitely no doubt that this blueberry project will raise the profile of the agriculture sector in our country, particularly in the horticulture subsector. With this project, we have also become the only country in the SADC region to have access to the lucrative market for blueberries in china. This is a significant development in the history of Zambia. The Zambezi blueberry company deserves many accolades for making this happen,” President Lungu indicated.

The Republican President commended Zambezi Berry Company for also creating employment opportunities for about 2,000 people, indicating that it was a significant contribution towards government’s thrust of creating more jobs for the people of Zambia.

He pointed out the need for the country to increase agriculture production and put in place appropriate systems that support exports, and he assured farmers, governments commitment to ensure that challenges in the sector were addressed.

The Head of State also disclosed that government was already in the process of reviewing the legislation on industrial hemp and cannabis cultivation in the country.

And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Li Jie noted that the milestone had contributed to the bilateral cooperation between Zambia and China.

Mr. Jie disclosed that Zambia has been exporting high quantities of honey to China adding that the two countries have signed a contract of three million United States dollars to continue the honey business.

Mr. Li pointed out the fruitful developments that both countries have achieved in the agriculture sector during the recent past which is a very encouraging development.

“This will contribute to the promotion of the bilateral economic and Trade Corporation and development of the relations between China and Zambia. China and Zambia have already attained fruitful achievements in Agriculture Corporation,” Mr Jie stated.

The Ambassador added that agriculture production in Zambia has further attracted investment from Chinese entrepreneurs.

And Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo indicated that government is ready to secure international markets for local farmers who are growing various products.

Mr. Katambo noted that his Ministry has observed an increased interest among local farmers to produce a variety of tree crops, fruits and vegetables for export markets.

“The Ministry is in support of this trend and welcomes this development. I therefore wish to inform you that the Ministry of Agriculture is now looking to expand our research and extension service capacity in order to adapt and provide adequate support to all farmers across the country,” Mr. Katambo stated.

The Minister indicated that it was through concerted efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry that secured market access for the export of fresh blueberry to China by the Zambezi Berry Company.

Meanwhile, Zambezi Berry Company Proprietor Graham Rae commended government for creating a conducive environment for both large and small scale farmers through favourable policies.

Mr. Rae indicated that these policies have helped shift focus from the country’s dependency on mining to agriculture.

He noted that government has encouraged farmers to diversify in order to be up to date with what is trending on the market, hence creating policies to ensure that the country is food secure.

“During the current leadership, government has called on farmers to diversify and we have seen agricultural production increase and I can assure you that it is one of the future African countries that is food secure. And that is because of good governance policies,” Mr Rae explained.

He applauded government for their support to ensure that his company was able to start exporting fresh blueberry fruits to China, indicating that the efforts have helped the private sector to thrive.

And traditional leadership in the area have assured their support to government policies that have so far birthed positive outcomes as witnessed at the launch of the export of fresh blueberry fruits to China.

Chief Sonkotwe task village heads to lead in voter registrations

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Chief Sonkotwe task village heads to lead in voter registrations

Chief Sokontwe of the Ushi speaking people in Milenge district has called on village heads to take an active role in mobilizing the community to register as voters.

This was noted when some Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) complained about some village heads not helping them mobilize the community.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Chief Sokontwe said it was unfortunate that some village heads were not assisting the VEFs in their dispensation of duties.

Chief Sokontwe, however, stated that he will meet the traditional leaders and urge them to take part in this important national exercise.

“Village headpersons have influence on their communities hence it is important that they participate and encourage residents to get voter’s cards. I will call for a meeting and talk to them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Milenge District Electoral Officer (DEO) Dewin Kaoma said the response from the community is impressive so far.

Mr. Kaoma, who is also Milenge Town Council Secretary, said each registration center is registering up to 100 people per day.

“The turnout is good. We anticipate the number of registered voters in the district to rise since more youths recently got their National Registration Cards and are turning up to register as voters,” he said.

And speaking during the District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) meeting which was held in the Milenge Council Hall today, DVEC Chairperson Kennedy Kashinga implored the members to continue to sensitizing the community on voter registration.

And Chief Chipalo of the Bemba speaking people in Luwingu district has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to intensify sensitization on the on-going voter registration exercise.

The traditional leader said a number of people especially in his area are not aware that ECZ is currently conducting voter registration exercise.

Chief Chipalo was speaking when Northern Province Minister Bwalya Chungu paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Luwingu.

He attributed the public’s lack of knowledge on the process to the challenges that voter education facilitators are facing in reaching far flung areas due to poor road networks.

“The people who are doing announcements are unable to reach out to every village due to some challenges of road network and some people who were employed do not necessarily know the geography of this area,” said the Chief.

He has since advised ECZ to consider using the public address system from the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) so that they reach out to all parts of the district with publicity.

Chief Chipalo further appealed to ECZ to consider increasing the number of registration officers at the centres.

“The pace at which this exercise is moving is worrying because it is taking a lot of time for officers to attend to one person, so there is a need to send at least two more officers to be helping each other,” said the traditional leader.

And Bwalya expressed concern at the kit some centres are using to capture the finger prints during the registration exercise.

Mr Bwalya was also not pleased with the situation at Chiwelwa Registration Centre where only eight people had registered and the centre was closed as the kit had developed a fault.

“ECZ should find ways and means of recovering this lost time which has gone without people registering because they have only given one area seven days and the machine has developed a fault,” he said.

The provincial minister has since directed the District Electoral Officers in Luwingu and Lupososhi districts to write a report to ECZ indicating all the challenges they are facing during the ongoing registration exercise.

Mr Bwalya who is also Lupososhi Member of Parliament encouraged the people of Luwingu and Lupososhi districts to register in numbers for them to have an opportunity of choosing their preferred leaders in the 2021 general elections.

He encouraged all the people who are above 18 years and holders of National Registration Cards to register as voters during the ongoing exercise.

“Let every person who is 18 years and above and is a holder of the National Registration Cards register as a voter, it is your right as Zambians,” he advised.

HH wants Lusaka High Court to enter default judgement against Nawakwi after she failed to defend her defamatory remarks

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HH wants Lusaka High Court to enter default judgement against Nawakwi after she failed to defend her defamatory remarks

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has asked the Lusaka High Court to enter Judgement in default against FDD leader Edith Nawakwi after she failed to file in her defence within the stipulated timeframe.

According to the interlocutory judgement in default of defence filed in the Lusaka High Court, Mr Hichilema through his lawyer Mulambo Haimbe of Malambo and Associates contends that the defendant failed to offer any defence to the writ of summons nor given any notice of intention to defend the summons and should have a judgement entered in default.

The interlocutory judgement in default demands that the plaintiff be awarded damages for libel, be awarded aggravated and exemplary damages to be assessed while the defendant be directed to retract the defamatory words against the plaintiff in relation to the acquisition of the property along Serval Road in Kabulonga.

The UPND leader is demanding for US$ three million in damages from Ms. Nawakwi.

Micho Salutes Mwepu

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Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has saluted midfielder Enock Mwepu for showing true professionalism in Thursday’s home victory over Botswana barely 24 hours after joining the team for the 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier.

Mwepu scored a goal and played the full 90 minutes and was handed the captaincy by Lubambo Musonda after he made way in the 59th minute of Chipolopolo’s 2-1 win against Botswana played at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

His display came barely 24 hours after his Austrian club released him following late Covid-19 lock-down at RB Salzburg last week before a second set of tests put the team in the all -clear on Tuesday.

“We have seen how very important it was for him to come and his contribution has been immeasurable especially that he had to fly here via Egypt where he spent seven hours in transit and then flew from there to Addis and then coming here,” Micho said.

“It was not easy especially that he arrived less than 24 hours prior to the match and you arrive and playing a game of this magnitude.

“But he has shown maturity, seniority and experience that he has gained in the UEFA Champions League and he has given his full contribution.

“But I need not emphasize individuals I need to give credit to the team too for giving us the best in order to get the three points.”

Mwepu ignited Zambia’s fight back with the equalizer two minutes into added time before half time.

This is after Botswana had taken the lead through Tumisang Orebonye when he turned in a corner in the 45th minute.

Collins Sikombe then crashed in the winning goal in the 67th minute.
The result lifted Zambia from the bottom of Group H for the first time after three rounds of Group H qualifiers played on 3 points, exchanging places with Botswana who have 1 point.

Zimbabwe stay second on 4 points after losing 3-1 away to leaders Algeria in Algiers on the same night who have a maximum 9 points.

UNDP call for safety of journalists

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UNDP call for safety of journalists

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga said the government supports initiatives that promote the safety of journalists in the country.

Mr. Malupenga said the promotion of the safety of journalists is essential for the preservation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression which is guaranteed by article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights.

He was speaking during the official opening of a two-day workshop on the safety of journalists in Zambia in Lusaka yesterday.

The workshop attracted journalists from all media organizations across the country.

Mr Malupenga said any interference, harassment, or violence on the media personnel in the discharge of their duties has not gone unpunished in the courts of law.

“Citizens also have a constitutional right to information and the media as messengers of that information should be allowed to carry out this noble responsibility in a free and safe environment,” he noted.

He said the freedom and safety of the media is non-negotiable but guaranteed in the laws of Zambia.

“Therefore , any interference , disturbance, harassment , violence or attack on the journalist is an infringement against journalists and infringement on media freedom and the public ‘s right to information which is an acceptable,” he charged.

Mr Malupenga said government is aware of the fact that creating and preserving a safe working environment for journalist as well as promoting ethical and professional journalism is a collective responsibility that requires a multi- sectoral approach involving all stakeholders in the country.

And speaking earlier United Nations Development programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident representative Roland Seri said the media is a critical watchdog for accountability of democracy.

She noted that media promotes the market place of ideas needed to inform public debates and dialogue on governance, democracy and elections.

“UNDPs global media engagement aims at to promote an enabling environment for free and independent Media through support legal and regulatory reforms on issues such as freedom of expression, access to information and safety of Journalists,” he said.

“The media must also be alert, engaged proactive and never afraid to ask the tough questions on behalf of the citizenry, on matters pertaining to the public interest such as good governance democracy, human rights rule of law, constitutionalism to serve as the voiceless and marginalized section of the population,” he noted.

Mr Seri said journalists need protection from harassment, intimidation and any forms of censorship as enshrined in article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights.

And Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Vice Chairperson Chalimba Phiri said the workshop is aimed at building the capacity of journalist to report ethically.

”This workshop on safety of journalist is the second in a series of capacity building activities lined up under the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia and we are hopeful that similar workers will be conducted in other parts of the country before the 2021 general elections ,” Mr Phiri said.

He said the authority was confident that the activities being implemented will create a safe working environment for journalists that will contribute to having peaceful elections.

Zambia will not default payments to bondholders and other creditors, Vice President Tells Parliament

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Zambia will not default payments to bondholders and other creditors, Vice President Tells Parliament

Vice president Inonge Wina says Zambia will not default payments to her bondholders and other creditors.

Mrs Wina said Minister of Finance, Bwalya Ngandu is still negotiating with the bondholders on an appropriate arrangement and approach to service her debts.

“Zambia is not ready to default, Zambia will not default on her payments,” stressed the Vice President.

Speaking during the Vice President’s question time session in Parliament today, Mrs Wina said Dr Ngandu will update Parliament and the nation on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the government and its creditors.

Mrs Wina was responding to a question on whether the government has made a position regarding interest payment to bondholders in excess of US$ 3 billion whose deadline is today, Friday, November 13, 2020.

And the Vice president has disclosed that over 1, 400, 000 young Zambians had obtained NRCs in the recent mobile National Registration Card exercise.

Mrs Wina said Minister of Home Affairs, Steven Kampyongo will update Parliament on how the mobile registration card issuance has been conducted in the country.

The Vice president also announced that the government remains committed to taking over all community schools in order to improve access to universal education to Zambians across the country.

Mrs Wina said the PF administration will honour its promise of bringing community schools under the government-run education system as already demonstrated in Western province, where the government has taken over some community schools and is dispatching public service teachers to the respective schools.

President Lungu urges the Church to mobilize members to vote wisely

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President Lungu urges the Church to mobilize members to vote wisely

President Edgar Lungu has called on the church to mobilize and sensitize the general public to choose responsible leaders who would be accountable to them and articulate the interests of the Zambian people in parliament.

President Lungu says leaders should be accountable to the people and take people’s interests on board and not just bent on protecting their selfish interests.

President Lungu made this call when he met members of the clergy in Kapiri Mposhi who appealed for the delimitation of the district into more constituencies ahead of the 2021 general elections.

The President said there was need for the people to be sensitized for them to choose God fearing and well-meaning representatives willing to pay attention to people’s cries.

Making an appeal for delimitation of Kapiri Mposhi district into more constituencies, District Christian Ministers’ Fellowship Chairman, Japhet Msoni observed that the district is too vast to have one constituency.

Bishop Msoni added that the district is disadvantaged in terms of development.

“Our district is too large to have one constituency… we want to appeal to you if anything can be done to delimitate it into more constituencies especially after the collapse of Bill number 10,” Bishop Msoni said.

But President Lungu stated that his administration had proposed to create more constituencies before the 2021 general elections to improve people’s representation but this had fallen out because of the collapse of Bill number 10 in parliament.

“I’m afraid that (Delimitation) cannot be done now. We intended to do that through Bill number 10 but it was shot down. The other thing is the people who killed Bill 10 are still in Parliament and they will kill whatever we take there,” President Lungu said.

He urged the church to mobilise the membership to register as voters to vote for leaders who will appreciate and effectively represent their interests.

“We have an opportunity to go enmass to cleanse that house of National Assembly and bring in God fearing people…. well-meaning people who will hear people’s cries,” President Lungu said.

President Lungu stated that Bill Number 10 had good clauses that would have benefited the country if enacted.

“Somebody said Bill 10 is toxic but what is toxic about desiring women to have a special quarter in Parliament and represent themselves? What is toxic about the youths to also have representation in parliament? What is toxic to have the disabled participate in national governance in parliament?” President Lungu wondered.

And the clergy in Kapiri Mposhi have commended President Lungu for his proactiveness in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Bishop Msoni said President Lungu has shown leadership in the fight against COVID-19 resulting in Zambia recording lesser death rates compared to other affected countries.

The fellowship pledged to work with the government of the day commending President Lungu’s development drive during his tenure of office.

“As a fellowship we have pledged to work with the government of the day.. We are grateful to you and your government for the tremendous work you have done during the tenure of your office.. Development is widespread all over our town,” Bishop Msoni said.

Fuel supply stabilizes countrywide – ERB

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Fuel supply stabilizes countrywide – ERB

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says it has seen a steady improvement and stability in fuel supply in the country.

ERB Executive Director Langiwe Lungu says the fuel situation has normalised in places like Lusaka that had experienced long queues.

Mrs. Lungu disclosed that ERB is constantly in touch with oil marketing companies and dealers to ensure that fuel gets to places and areas facing some shortages.

She said this when she paid a courtesy call on Northern Province Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje at his office in Kasama today.

And Mrs. Lungu revealed that the authority has weaved some conditions and has allowed fuel tankers to continue operations after 18:00 hours stating that this is in an effort to mitigate the challenges of fuel shortage.

“ERB has particular concern on fuel supply in the nation,” she said.

She charged that her organization is also monitoring fuel stocks in the country through continuous surveillance.

Meanwhile Northern Province Permanent Secretary Charles Sipanje expressed delight with the visit of ERB to the province saying it is timely as it will help resolve some of the pressing challenges concerning fuel.

Mr. Sipanje requested ERB to look into the challenge of fuel shortage particularly diesel that the province had experienced in the recent past.

“Diesel is an essential commodity for the province; its shortage can slow down the running of industries and institutions in the area, “he observed.

And the Permanent Secretary has pledged to give maximum support to the Energy Regulation Board ERB during their mission to Northern Province.

Zambia nears default as Bondholders reject debt deferral

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Zambia nears default as Bondholders reject debt deferral

Zambia bondholders rejected a request by the country for a six-month delay in interest payments, which represents about $120 million of coupons, according to regulatory filings.

Consent had been requested from holders of Zambia’s dollar-denominated 5.375% notes due 2022, 8.500% notes due 2024, 8.970% notes due 2027

Zambia also faces the expiry of a 30-day grace period today, after skipping an interest payment on $1 billion of bonds due 2024 at the end of October
Zambia will be in technical default if it doesn’t pay the coupon by the end of today.

In a statement, Ministry of Finance confirmed that the Extraordinary Resolutions set out in the notices of the adjourned meeting of Zambia’s Eurobond holders dated 20th October 2020, which was subsequently held today, 13th November 2020, were not passed.

It added, “Accordingly, the modifications and waivers, including the deferral of interest payments due on each of the bonds during the period from 14th October 2020 until 14th April 2021, requested by Zambia will not be implemented.”

“While Government regrets that the bondholders did not approve the requests made by Zambia in good faith, we remain committed to finding a consensual and collaborative resolution to debt sustainability issues.”

“In light of the fiscal and economic challenges the country faces, Zambia will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and share information with the ad hoc committee of bondholders and all other creditors in order to agree a resolution that would gather support from all its creditors.”

It said Zambia also remains resolute to adhere to the principle of transparency in its engagements with the creditors.

“Further, we are confident that as Government continues to share information with all creditors, including the committee’s advisors, there will be an appreciation that agreeing to consensual standstills or accruing arrears are the only options available to the country while we design a plan to put our debt on a sustainable trajectory.”

And Economist Chibamba Kanyama says the outcome was anticipated.

And Respected Economist Chibamba Kanyama has that this is not surprising as it was anticipated.

“The question now is: will government pay the due amount or default?”

Mr Kanyama said Minister of Finance Bwalya Ngandu’s statement is not clear on the matter.

“However, put in context, and based on the Veep response in parliament today, the government will not default. It is in the interest of every citizen that the government pays and we should support that move,” Mr. Kanyama.

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