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Kitwe District makes it Mandatory to wear a mask before getting on Public Transport

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Kitwe District makes it Mandatory to wear a mask before getting on Public Transport

No person will be allowed to get on public buses and the congested Chisokone market in Kitwe without a mask, Kitwe District Commissioner (DC) Chileshe Bweupe has said.

Mr. Bweupe said this was one of the ways the spread of COVID-19 could be avoided in places where social distancing was a challenge.

“I have noted with concern that some bus operators on some routes have not reduced the number of passengers on their buses, posing a risk to people on board. People sit on those buses all squeezed up… a situation we cannot allow to continue,” he said.

The District Commissioner maintained that it was important for passengers to take the call seriously if they were to protect one another and manage to win the fight against the deadly virus.

Mr Bweupe said that he was holding talks with market association leaders to see how best they could ensure that everyone that got into Chisokone market had a mask on their face.

He noted that Chisokone was one of the most congested markets in the country with people from all walks of life, stressing that controlling the outbreak once it attacked the market would be difficult.

“Avoid going into that market if you do not have a mask, it is very dangerous because you may not know your neighbour’s movements. Let us protect one another by ensuring that we always do the right thing,” Mr Bweupe emphasized

Government hands over Buses and and Power Generators to Zambia Correctional Service Command in Kabwe

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Government hands over Buses and and Power Generators to Zambia Correctional Service Command in Kabwe

GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over 45 buses and 44 Power Generators to the Zambia Correctional Service Command in Kabwe of Central Province.

Speaking during the official hand over ceremony held at the Mukobeko Maximum Correctional facility, Home Affairs Minister Hon. Stephen Kampyongo said that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu wants to see a modernized and better equipped correctional service.

Hon. Kampyongo said since time immemorial the Zambia Correctional Service has been one of the departments that had been lagging behind in terms of modernized tools of work.

“Government has thought to procure these buses as a way of trying to cushion the Transportation challenge that has for a long time terrorized the Zambia Correctional service, as you may recall just last year alone in 2019 the Correctional service recorded two road traffic accidents involving both officers and inmates some of whom unfortunately lost their lives, and so it is against backgrounds like such that we have been able to procure these staff buses that we are handing over” Hon Kampyongo said.

Hon Kampyongo said that the 45 buses are part of the long-awaited vehicle consignment which the government had contracted Polytech a Chinese Company to supply.

“The Correctional Service is yet to receive 44 twin cabs, 20 tractors, 15 ambulances, 4 combine harvesters, and 3 bulldozers,” he said.

He said that as per contractual obligation Polytech is meant to supply 146 vehicles to the Zambia Correctional Service, stating that the correctional service so far received among others 7,000 combat boots, 5,000 rain coats, 3,000 riot kits, 5,000 brown shoes, and 500 black staff shoes.

“The Zambia Correctional Service has also received 5,000 t-shirts, 500 weather coats, 5,000 green Jerseys, 42,000 inmate uniforms and 44 Power Generators meant to boost the operation of the correctional services countrywide,” Hon Kampyongo said.

And on his part, Zambia Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner-General Lloyd Chilundika thanked President Edgar Lungu and his Government for Prioritising the needs of the officers and inmates in the Correctional service.

Commissioner Chilundika urged his officers to ensure that they guard jealously and maintain the condition of the Buses and other assorted items that have been delivered.

“Honourable as you return please go and Convey our gratitude and total loyalty to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia our Commander in Chief,” Mr. Chilundika said.

Power generator control panel
Power generator control panel
Power Generators
Power Generator

MOPANI Mine Fiasco: Handle with Care

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MOPANI Mine Fiasco: Handle with Care

By Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba

Fellow Citizens,

The News coming out of the Copperbelt should make each and every Zambian to wake up and sober up.

Yesterday, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) announced that they were proceeding with their plans to place the operations of the mining giant under “Care and Maintenance”.

In their statement, Mopani Copper Mines says it can “no longer continue its operations in a Covid-19-stalled environment as a result of the critical disruptions to international mobility, transportation and supply chains arising from COVID-19.”

At the same time, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Mines Minister, Honourable Richard Musukwa, has issued an official statement rejecting this position and accusing the mining company of ‘fishing for reasons’ to shut down the mine against any legal provisions.

OUR CONCERNS

  1. As the MMD we have been in government before and we understand the implications that any disruption or threat to mine jobs can have on any Zambian government.
  2. We also appreciate the role that the Copperbelt and the the role which its underlying economic mood at any time plays in the political dispensation and we fully understand why the government would be quick to try and issue a warning to MCM in light of this.
  3. We equally take cognizance of the recent developments in the relations between government and the mines with specific mention here of the Vedanta Resources run Konkola Copper Mines which was forced into provisional liquidation, a dispute which has ended up in court and actively so, to this day.
  4. We also wish to recognise that before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mining industry has been, and remains a major source of Foreign Exchange in Zambia and its closure will have an immediate negative impact on our already deteriorating Exchange Rate which is just a few ngwees away from breaching the K20 to $1 psychological barrier.
  5. We also take full stock of the fact that our National Reserves, as held at the Bank of Zambia currently represent only about 1.4 months worth of IMPORT COVER. This means we have insufficient cushioning to sustain a stable exchange rate, as well as to cover for our critical imports including FUEL, OILS and GAS.

OUR POSITION AS MMD.

The picture that the above Five points paint is very gloomy and delicate.

We wish to advise and warn our colleagues in the Patriotic Government that they should not mishandle this matter or fall for the temptation to start playing politics.
Government must instead start to see this as an opportunity to change the negative image that they created in the international business community of being an intolerant government only out to re-nationalise the mines by force in the way they handled the KCM issue.

This time, we must choose to walk hand in hand with the Mopani management and find a way to keep all the 14,000 jobs despite the COVID-19.

To their credit, Mopani have also announced that 5,000 of their permanent Zambian employees, excluding management, will be sent home on their base salary. In addition, About 9,000 affected unionised contractor employees will receive an ex gratia payment. Employees and their dependents will continue to access health care and Mopani will remain committed to its corporate social responsibility projects.

To us in the MMD, this means that the mining company is willing to adopt a win win option where both company and employees survive as they try to deal with the obvious disruption the mining businesses all over the world are facing.

The greatest issues that require urgent government attention are not just the threat of COVID-19 itself, but the derivative problems that it presents as a result.

For example, we know that with China and South Africa still on lock down, most of the value chain including suppliers and manufacturers of spares, and mining consumables, the buyers themselves and the direct health threat on the Mopani Mine workers themselves are all real.

We urge this government not to fall for the temptation to start playing politics. This is a real issue and it can be resolved, but only on a round table.

CONCLUSION

This government must quickly rise above their crisis of fear. Fear that perhaps the Mines are only creating a false reason to cut jobs and blame it on a “FALSE MAJEURE” as one of the tabloids called it today.

The Mining Houses and the entire business community must also rise above their own fears that government is just out to get them and grab the mines by force. It is these fears that will hinder proper conflict resolution.

A win-win approach can bring about a solution that both keeps the jobs and helps the mines survive this turbulence.

A win win approach, anchored on dialogue, rather than fear, can help bring NEW HOPE to our people in the face of COVID-19 and its devastating effects.

Together we can, and Zambia Shall be Saved.

ZNBC workers have not been paid their March salaries

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ZNBC workers have not been paid their March salaries

The Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information disseminators ZUBID is concerned with the continued delays to pay salaries for ZNBC Workers.

ZUBID Secretary General Andrew Mpandamwike says efforts to engage management on the timely payment of salaries for ZNBC workers have reached a deadlock.

Mr Mpandamwike said what is worrying is that this trend of late payment of salaries has continued for a long time with no efforts from management to stop it.

Mr Mpandamwike said ZNBC workers have not been paid their March salaries and are now wondering when the April salary will be paid which is due in the next few days.

He said ZNBC workers are dedicated to duty and continue working under very difficult conditions and yet, management seems to NOT appreciate this.

Mr Mpandamwike said despite, their critical role we are playing in the disseminating information on the dangers of the Covid 19, ZNBC workforce feels demotivated by management inertia to pay salaries.

He said Management has also stopped paying for medical allowance, a clear abrogation of the collective agreement.

Mr Mpandamwike said in view of the hardships that the ZNBC staff is going through, We give ZNBC management a 24 hour ultimatum to pay our March salaries.

He said failure to pay the March salary by tomorrow April 09, 2020 will result in workers withdrawing labour

Mr Mpandamwike has since appealed to government through the Minister of information and Broadcasting Services to take keen interest in helping resolve the financial challenges ZNBC is facing.

Mopani Copper Mines is using the Coronavirus to cease operations in Zambia-Musukwa

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Mopani Copper Mines is using the Coronavirus to cease operations in Zambia-Musukwa

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Richard Musukwa has accused Mopani Copper Mines of using the Coronavirus to cease operations in Zambia.

Mr Musukwa says the reasons advanced by Mopani today for placing its mines in Kitwe and Mufulira under Care and Maintenance are very inconsistent with what they said yesterday in a video conference which they had with the Authorities.

The Minister has since urged Mopani Copper Mines to rethink their decision to place the Nkana and Mufulira mines on care and maintenance and open dialogue to find solutions to the challenges they are facing.

Mr Musukwa said government was open to dialogue not only with Mopani but other mining companies on the challenges they may be facing in their operations.

Speaking on Capital FM in Lusaka, Mr Musukwa said Government cannot allow arbitrary closure of the two mines but can at the moment only entertain scaling down of operations by the mining company.

He said Mopani Copper Mines is hiding under the cover of COVID-19 to cease operations in Zambia and has challenged them to be transparent and clearly state why they want to put their mines on care and maintenance.

Hundred of Mopani miners were this morning sent back home after management proceeded to placing the mine on care and maintenance.

Mopani Copper Mines General Manager Colyn Farr met the miners who were in the morning shift and advised them to return home.

Mr Farr then proceeded to issue letters to employees, sending them on mandatory leave.

The letters issued by Mopani Copper Mines Human Resource department to employees indicated that workers will be paid their basic pay and housing allowances for at least 3 months and are not allowed to take up full time or formal employment elsewhere while leave days will not accrue during the period they will be home.

Intercontinental Hotel Lusaka shuts down, close to 200 workers sent home due to Covid-19

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Intercontinental Hotel Lusaka shuts down, close to 200 workers sent home due to Covid-19

Inter-Continental Group of Hotels has officially written to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on its intentions to shut down its operations and send 180 employees home due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

The Zambia Unified Union of Tourism and Hospitality says the Hotel has already sent the 180 workers on forced but paid leave in view of its decision to shut down its operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Union General Secretary Emmanuel Kapopo says he is hopeful that no worker will completely lose their employment after further engagement with management, government and the Unions in the industry.

Mr Kapopo said the Hotel management, government and the Union are expected to hold a meeting this week to discuss the way forward.

And Mr Kapopo has called on government to heed to the calls from the Livingstone Tourism Association to waive the tourism levy and other taxes as a way of cushioning the operations in the industry.

FIFA Issues Player Status Guidelines During Covid-19 Outbreak

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FIFA has issued official player status guidelines to member associations’ that have suspended their domestic competitions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The guidelines also include temporal adjustments to the release of players for official matches during the International Match Windows from March and April heading into the next match-week in June.

FIFA has stated that due to the unique nature of prevailing situation, that has seen member associations (MA’s) postpone domestic and continental club competitions; transfers and ongoing loan deals of players shall be determined by the subsequent conclusion of the current seasons after the respective lock-downs are lifted.

“Where an agreement is due to expire at the original end date of a season, such expiry be extended until the new end date of the season,” FIFA stated.

“Where an agreement is due to commence at the original start date of a new season, such commencement be delayed until the new start date of a new season.

“In the event of overlapping seasons and/or registration periods, and unless all parties agree otherwise, priority be given to the former club to complete their season with their original squad, in order to safeguard the integrity of a domestic league, member associations competition and continental competition.”

FIFA has also clarified that all players whose contracts have been terminated due to the Covid-19 pandemic are free agents.

“As an exception to article 6 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Registration, Status and Transfer of Players, a professional whose contract has expired or been terminated as a result of COVID-19 has the right to be registered by an association outside a registration period, regardless of the date of expiry or termination,” FIFA stated.

Zurich also encouraged all member associations and stakeholders to try where possible to resolve all contractual disputes arising from the Covid-19 fallout, internally.

FIFA also asked clubs to ensure the financial adjustments brought about by the pandemic should still be of economic value for their players and staff.

Meanwhile, FIFA has said it will confer with respective confederations on resumption of international men’s, women’s, and futsal competitions that have been postponed to later dates in 2020 or rescheduled to 2021.

“On 13 March 2020, the Bureau of the FIFA Council decided that the rules which normally oblige clubs to release players to association teams will not apply for international windows in March and April. The core decision was that:

-Clubs are not obliged to release their registered players to association teams.

-If a club agrees to release a registered player to an association team, the player may decline the call-up.

-Any such decisions shall not be subject to disciplinary measure

– If a player is unable to resume duty with their club by the relevant deadline due to COVID-19, the association and/or the player shall not be subject to any future restrictions or disciplinary measures.

-The following international windows are subject to this decision:

-23-31 March 2020 (men’s international match calendar),
-6-15 April 2020 (women’s international match calendar),
-6-15April 2020 (futsal international match calendar).

“On April 6, 2020, the same decision was rendered by the Bureau regarding the next international window in June 2020 (1-9 June 2020, men’s international match calendar – 1-10 June 2020, women’s international match calendar).”

Mopani miners sent back home as mine is placed under care and maintenance

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Mopani miners sent back home as mine is placed under care and maintenance

Hundred of Mopani miners were this morning sent back home after management proceeded to placing the mine on care and maintenance.

Mopani Copper Mines General Manager Colyn Farr met the miners who were in the morning shift and advised them to return home.

Mr Farr then proceeded to issue letters to its employees, sending them on mandatory leave.

The letters issued by Mopani Copper Mines Human Resource department to employees indicated that workers will be paid their basic pay and housing allowances for at least 3 months and are not allowed to take up full time or formal employment elsewhere while leave days will not accrue during the period they will be home.

And Mine Workers Union of Zambia President Joseph Chewe addressed the miners and encouraged them to meet at the Mopani central offices tomorrow morning to pressure management into addressing their concerns.

MUZ President Joseph Chewe addressing Mopani miners in Kitwe
MUZ President Joseph Chewe addressing Mopani miners in Kitwe

Mopani miners waiting to be addressed by union officials
Mopani miners waiting to be addressed by union officials

President Lungu thanks Donors to the COVID-19 Fight as Zambia continues to record Zero new cases

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President Lungu thanks Donors to the COVID-19 Fight as Zambia continues to record Zero new cases

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has thanked the Church, the different Political Parties as well as the Donor Community, both local and foreign for standing in solidarity with his government in the fight against the Coronavirus virus (COVID 19) in the nation.

In a message of gratitude was delivered by Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya at the daily briefing on the status of COVID 19 in the nation, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Lusaka this afternoon, President Lungu stated that when a country is faced with a calamity the magnitude of COVID the virus, it becomes important for all stakeholders to come together and mount a common fight in unison to ensure that the common threat to the existence of mankind is defeated.

He said President Lungu had emphasised the need of striking a balance between averting a health catastrophe and ensuring that the livelihood of the zambian citizens is supported and also ensuring that the economy continues to run.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, I would like to thank all political parties that have come in solidarity with the government and the Zambian people, to come and participate in the collective fight against COVID 19. We would like to thank the church for partnering with the government in the fight against COVID 19. This is as should be,” the Health Minister said.

“I therefore on behalf of President Lungu and His Government, place on record our profound appreciation for the solidarity from the various political parties and religious groupings,” he said.

“I also reiterate our gratitude to all that have participated in the fight against COVID 19 thus far. The corporate world, various banks, the association of the Indian community in Zambia, Lamasat and many others too numerous to itemize,” he added.

The Minister also took time to thank the various cooperating partners such as the United States Government, CDC, the Chinese and Japanese Governments, the British Government through DFID, the UN system, the European Union and the World Bank.

“The community is also highly appreciated. The index of suspicion has been very high and you have alerted us on a number of activities happening in the community that have been of significant importance. And we have worked together to protect the public and the nation from COVID 19,” he said.

At the briefing, Bread of life church donated a cheque of K100,000 towards the fight against COVID 19 which was delivered by Bishop Joseph Imakando. 3 Political parties also made their donations. From the New Congress Party, the COVID 19 fight was beefed up with 75,000 cash money with 1000 bags of mealie meal, delivered by Party President Mr. Peter Chanda. From the Zambia Republican Party was a cash donation of 50,000 with 1000 bags of Mealie Meal, delivered by Party President Mr. Wright Musoma. United Party for National Development (UPND) donated 200 bags of Mealie meal, bathing soaps and some sanitizers among other items, delivered by Mrs. Mutale Nalumango.

Dr. Chilufya updated the nation no new cases of Covid 19 had been recorded in the last 24 hours making it 6 consecutive days without a new positive case and that that the number of recoveries remains 7

Zero-tolerance on tobacco consumption particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic gets support

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Zero-tolerance on tobacco consumption particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic gets support

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has commended the government particularly the Ministry of Health for its zero-tolerance on tobacco consumption particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst updating the nation on the progression of COVID-19 at a recent press briefing, the Minister of Health recently shed light on the dangers of tobacco consumption and the added risk that it presents in so far as prevention and treatment of COVID-19 IS concerned.

The Minister of Health discouraged Zambians from smoking and exposing themselves to tobacco smoking.

Tobacco related illnesses such as heart and respiratory diseases, account for more than 7000 deaths in Zambia annually at a cost to the economy of approximately K2.8 billion, according to the Ministry of Health’s Investment Case for Tobacco Control in Zambia.

A study conducted at Harvard University and published in the Tobacco Disease Journal, also revealed that smokers are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and can suffer complications such as Pneumonia should they contract COVID-19 than non-smokers.

The tally of COVID-19 infections in Zambia now stands at 39 with 7 recoveries and 1 death. Although no new infections have been reported in 5 days, however this does not mean that the further spread has been eliminated.

CTPD Researcher Chileshe Mange said the public must remain vigilant and continue to implement social distancing and self-quarantine measures.

Ms Mange has also urged the government to enhance enforcement of existing legislation which prohibits smoking in public places such as the Public Health Regulations, Statutory Instrument number 163 of 1992 and the Local Government Prohibition of Smoking in Public Place) Regulations Statutory Instrument number No. 39 of 2008.

She said these regulations prohibit smoking in all public places including smoking in hospitals, health centers and public transport.

Ms Mange said in addition, the burden that COVID-19 has placed on the public health system and the inter linkages between the disease and tobacco consumption provide a further impetus for Parliament to pass the Tobacco Products and Nicotine Products Control Bill as soon as practicable in order to enhance and harmonize tobacco control efforts.

She has also recommended that the government accelerate Zambia’s accession to the Protocol on the Elimination of the Illicit Trade on Tobacco Products which is the first protocol developed as a result of the World Health Organization Framework Convention On Tobacco Control.

Ms Mange said the essence of the ITP is to reduce all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products such as production of counterfeit and contraband, tax evasion and smuggling.

She said approximately 30 percent of the tobacco products such as cigarettes in Zambia enter the market illegally which increases access of cigarettes to the public and contributes to increased consumption, especially among youths and adolescents.

Ms Mange said the accession of the country to the ITP will provide a legal basis to implement stricter tobacco trade and control measures.

Government commended for the measures that have been instituted to fight COVID-19

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Government commended for the measures that have been instituted to fight COVID-19

The Policy Monitoring and Research Center has commended Government for the concerted efforts and measures that have been instituted this far to fight COVID-19.

The PMRC says it is collaborating with Government agencies to recommend implementation modalities to some of the measures being put in place.

Bernadette Zulu, the PMRC Executive Director says her Organisation is also contributing with widespread dissemination of information to increase awareness and also challenging the citizenry to play their part.

Mrs Zulu said it is also commendable that Government has ensured that movement of goods is not affected by putting in place logistics to allow for market reach.

She said in a statement that this among other things also reaffirms that agriculture production and marketing are uninterrupted in this difficult period.

Mrs Zulu said the Government is doing its part and this is therefore a call for all citizens to also be responsible and endeavor to adhere to all the guidelines as provided by the Ministry of Health.

She said the coronavirus is not just a public health crisis as it has affected every sector and therefore every institution and individual must be involved in the fight.

Mopani copper mines should heed the governments directive and peoples call not to put the mine under care and maintenance

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Mopani copper mines should heed the governments directive and peoples call not to put the mine under care and maintenance

As president of the Association of Unemployed Youths speaking on behalf of the organization and my fellow youths I urge Mopani Copper Mines to heed not only the governments directive but also the peoples call not to put the mine under Care and Maintenance because in the long run, it’s in the company’s and the peoples best interest.

Conditions prevailing on the ground cannot be tantamount to “Force Majeure” which MCM wants to use as a scapegoat.

MCM should not test the patience of the Zambian people. Durinng hard times like this, when our country is struggling is when they are supposed to show care, support and solidarity. They should not think the meagre Corporate Social Responsibility package they give has ever been enough compared to the billions of dollars they have been getting from these mines.

Laying off 11,000 workers is ridiculous more especially at this time when we are battling the economical effects of the covid19. Having been concerned with affairs of the youths I have noticed that in these instances its the youths who suffer the biggest blow because they are always in majority of the people who get laid off. Such decisions have ripple effects both economically and Socially. Not beating about the bush, they have the ability to foster crime.

I want to caution Mopani Copper Mines PLc not to play games or arm twist the government by using scare tactics. I am not suggesting anything but this is also how their colleagues from KCM started. They should take a big leaf from what happened to their colleagues.

Fellow countrymen and women the time is nigh when we should stand together and fight for the betterment of our country and it’s people. Let’s put our differences aside and fight for the common good.

I stand with the government of the republic of Zambia on this note.

Aluta continia

David Chishimba
AUY President
Youth Advocate
Youth Commander.

Kaizer Zulu reconciles with Chitambo MP Chanda Mutale after an altercation at a Mall

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Kaizer Zulu reconciles with Chitambo MP Chanda Mutale after an altercation at a Mall

Former President Edgar Lungu’s political advisor Kaizer Zulu has reconciled with Chitambo Member of Parliament Chanda Mutale after an altercation which occurred at East Park Mall on 21st March 2020.

According to Mr Zulu, the two have met and discussed the unfortunate incident that took place at the Chicago Bar and Restaurant.

In a statement, Mr Zulu said he regrets the altercation he had with Mr Mutale especially that the incident took place after they both were intoxicated.

He said he and Mr Mutale have taken counsel from friends and the leadership of the Zambia Police Command and has buried whatever differences he may
have had with Mr Mutale and intend to work with him in harmony.

“Consequently, I wish to state that I inadvertently dragged the name of His
Excellency, President Edgar Lungu, in the issue which was purely a private and
personal altercation between me and Hon. Mutale. I misconstrued the alleged insults hurled at me by Hon Mutale as if they were targeted at the Head of State when in fact not”, he said.

Mr Zulu said this misrepresentation of what transpired is deeply regretable and has apologized to the President.

He said it is also his desire that his perceived differences with Mr Mutale will be resolved privately and outside the confines of the Zambia Police as they belong to one political family of the Patriot Front.

Mopani defiant, mines to close from today

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Mopani defiant, mines to close from today

Mopani says it will go ahead and place its Nkaka and Mufulira mines on care and maintenance with effect from today.

In a statement released late Tuesday in reaction to Mines Minister Richard Musukwa objection to its plans, the mining giant stated that operating, regulatory and macro-economic environments remain very challenging and have continued to place significant pressure on the business.

The statement did not give an end date for the shutdown but Mr Musukwa said it would be for three months from April 7.

Mopani Public Relations Manger Nebert Mulenga assured that permanent Zambian employees, including those in management, would continue receiving their base salaries for the period the mine would be under care and maintenance.

“Mopani Copper Mines Plc held a number of meetings with Government Ministries on 6 April 2020 in which it provided an update of its comprehensive operational review. The operating, regulatory and macro-economic environments remain very challenging and have continued to place significant pressure on the business. In addition to the impacts of a rapid decline in the copper price, Mopani’s situation has been further impacted by the critical disruptions to international mobility, transportation and supply chains arising from COVID-19. Mopani has had to place a number of projects it was in the process of commissioning on hold until key personnel are able to travel to site,” Mr. Mulenga said.

“In the circumstances, and following consultation with its majority shareholder and funder, Mopani can no longer continue operating its mining operations and will transition those mining operations to care and maintenance (C&M) with effect from 8 April. Regarding the smelter and refinery, we currently have material on site which will continue to be processed until further notice. Mopani believes that the transition to C&M will help protect the company’s value and preserve the option to deliver our growth projects when market conditions improve.”

Mopani further stated that it would continue with its commitments and obligations to the workforce and host communities adding that it could continue engaging unions and government regarding the nature and duration of that support.

“…but we expect, permanent Zambian employees (excluding management) will be sent home on their base salary. Impacted unionised contractor employees will receive an ex gratia payment. This measure is over and above what is required by our contractual agreements. Employees and their dependents will continue to receive healthcare. Mopani will remain committed to its CSR projects,” stated Mr. Mulenga.

“The health and safety of the workforce and surrounding communities is our top priority. Mopani will engage with its employees, contractors and local communities regarding the impact of any operational change. Mopani remains committed to supporting its community projects, hospitals and schools during the period of C&M. Mopani will work with the local authorities and community leaders on how best it can continue to support its partners in light of the government decrees relating to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.”

MCM, which produced 119,000 tonnes of copper in 2018, is 73.1% owned by Glencore, 16.9% by First Quantum Minerals and 10% by ZCCM-IH.

Defiant Bar owners in Solwezi Arrested

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Defiant Bar owners in Solwezi Arrested

A joint team of health inspectors from the Solwezi municipal council, council and Zambia police officers have apprehended eight-bar owners who defied the presidential directive banning bars from operating.

Solwezi Municipal Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Esther Chirwa told the media in Solwezi that the team conducted patrols and inspections of business houses on Sunday and found some bars open.

Ms. Chirwa said the team, which conducted patrols in Kyawama, Muzabula, Magrade, Kazomba, Messenger and Zambia compounds among other areas, also confiscated merchandise and revoked liquor licenses.

She commended Solwezi residents for reporting business owners that open their premises to members of the public against the Presidential directive.

Ms. Chirwa said the precautionary measures put in place are not meant to cripple businesses but to cushion the further spread of COVID-19, adding that business owners should therefore adhere.

She said those apprehended may be tried in the fast track court.

She thanked those that have complied with the guidelines that were announced by the Head of State.

During his national address last week, President Edgar Lungu ordered the closure of bars, night clubs, gyms, cinemas and casinos with effect from Thursday 26th March 2020 in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 whose confirmed cases are now 36 in the country.

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