Metro

‘Resign or face the law’, Zambian President Hichilema warns ministers with ‘long fingers’

Published

1 month ago

October 14, 2024

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has warned ministers, civil servants and officials with intention to perpetrate corruption in government to have a rethink and resign before the law catches up with them.

President Hichilema, who gave the warning while speaking at the Sam Lya Momba traditional ceremony in Namwala on Sunday, stressed that his administration would not tolerate theft of public funds as seen in previous governments, while also condemning the actions of those whom he said had enriched themselves over the decades at the expense of ordinary Zambians.

“The country needs discipline. Zambian money should work for the people, not go into a few pockets,” Hichilema said, as he vowed that his government would recover stolen resources and redirect them to benefit the public.

He added that recovering stolen assets serves as a warning to current officials not to engage in corrupt activities, as the law will apply equally to everyone, inside or outside government.

“It’s a lesson to all of us. If you have long fingers, you are on your own. Ministers, Members of Parliament, council chairpersons, mayors, civil servants—if you’re involved in theft, resign now because the law will catch up with you,” he cautioned.

The president further stressed that national resources should be used to support vital areas such as education, healthcare, and debt repayment, expressing surprise that individuals responsible for incurring the country’s massive debt were now criticizing the government’s performance.

“Do not steal from the government. Health workers pilfering medicine to sell in private pharmacies, your time is up. We will deal with you because you’re stealing taxpayers’ money,” the head of state warned.

He also addressed concerns over the rising cost of Zambia National Service (ZNS) Eagle Mealie Meal, urging traders to maintain the recommended price of K230 and warning them against exploiting citizens during times of hunger by inflating prices.

“This is a year of hunger. The government has intervened by producing affordable mealie meal through the ZNS and correctional services. The Eagle Mealie Meal should not be sold for more than K230. Traders who ignore this should not complain when the law catches up with them,” he said.

The president also called on politicians to use traditional ceremonies as platforms for promoting unity, not division, underscoring the importance of preserving the country’s heritage and values and documenting its history to educate future generations on Zambia’s journey to unity.

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Metro

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

Published

11 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.