Metro

Transparency International cautions Zambian minister over divisive comments

Published

11 months ago

December 22, 2023

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has called on Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Elijah Muchima, to retract statements attributed to him on giving preferential treatment to members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) on land allocation.

TIZ, in a statement in Lusaka on Thursday, also advised the ruling party to resist such divisive practices as they would not augur well for the country.

In the statement attributed to Muchima, the minister had pledged, “preferential treatment for poor members of the UPND during land allocation”, citing alleged marginalization against them under the previous administration of the Patriotic Front (PF).

Maurice Nyambe, the TIZ Executive Director who issued the caution, stated that Muchima should publicly commit to supporting a land allocation system that would not promote divisive tendencies along partisan lines.

“The Minister should commit to upholding the principles of impartiality and equal opportunity in the allocation of this vital resource,” Nyambe advised.

He further reminded the current administration that what was wrong under the previous administration was still wrong now as there was no justification for continuing whatever anomalies were taking place, since two wrongs did not make a right.

“However, it is vital to highlight that the Minister’s articulated statement fails to align with established principles governing judicious land administration,” Nyambe noted.

He stated that Zambia’s 2021 land policy outlined avenues for citizens to secure land through direct applications to the Commissioner of Lands or local authorities, while customary land acquisition should involve engagement with traditional authorities.

“It is crucial to emphasize that historical marginalization under a previous administration cannot serve as a justifiable foundation for land allocation decisions,” Nyambe said.

“This divisive move of allocating land based on partisan affiliations represents a concerning deviation from sound land administration principles.

“Government’s commitment should therefore be directed towards facilitating land acquisition without discrimination, fostering an environment conducive to dignified livelihoods and socio-economic development for all citizens.

“TIZ strongly condemns the aforementioned statement, and we urge the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to adhere rigorously to established procedures for land allocation that ensure equitable access for all citizens,” Nyambe added.

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Metro

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

Published

12 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.