Metro

São Tomé fishermen who got lost in the Atlantic Ocean rescued in Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

July 4, 2023

Two São Tomé fishermen, Antonio Sabino and Osorio Pires, who were declared missing in the Atlantic Ocean, have been rescued in the South-South Nigerian state of Bayelsa after five days.

The two fishermen from Neves in the Central African country, according to the police, were rescued on Monday in the Brass council area of the state by a fishing trawler in the Gulf of Guinea and were handed over to fishermen from Okpoama on the Atlantic coast who brought them ashore.

The state’s police spokesman, SP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the rescue of the fishermen, said they spoke only Portuguese and communicated with the Okpoama fishermen in sign language.

“They were visibly worried but were calmed down by the fishermen, who took them to the relevant authorities in the area,” the police spokesman said.

“The Divisional Police Officer of Okpoama Division, Brass Local Government Area, has taken custody of the two fishermen who were rescued by a captain of a fishing trawler at 50 nautical miles off the Atlantic Ocean on 2 July 2023,” Butswat said.

“The two fishermen, Antonio Sabino ‘m’, 52 years, and Osorio Pires ‘m’, 41 years, from Neves in Saô Tomē and Principe, got lost in the Atlantic Ocean for five days before being rescued by a trawler.

“The police authorities have established contact with a coast guard officer from Saô Tomē and Principe and are making a concerted effort to reunite them with their families,” he added.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

10 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.