Pa Zambia Lelo

ZAMBIA, TANZANIA PLAN TO BUILD GAS PIPELINE

Zambia and Tanzania are considering the possibility of building a 1.5 billion dollar gas pipeline.

The pipeline will be used by Zambia to import gas from Tanzania.

Energy Minister PETER KAPALA says the two countries have since prepared ground for a Memorandum of Understanding on building the gas-pipeline which will be 1,000 kilometres long.

Mr. KAPALA, who was recently in Tanzania to discuss the plan with his counterpart JANUARY MAKAMBA, has confirmed the development to ZNBC news via telephone.

The Energy Minister notes that Tanzania hosts about 53 trillion cubic feet of gas, most of it offshore and has previously signed preliminary deals to evacuate piped gas exports to Uganda and Kenya.

Meanwhile, Mr. KAPALA said revamping the Tanzania Zambia Mafuta -TAZAMA- pipeline, which runs from Dar-es-Salaam to Ndola, to convey finished oil products will reduce challenges in transporting petroleum products.

The minister recently travelled from Ndola to Dar-es-Salaam by road to inspect the TAZAMA pipeline and its attendant facilities to see the state of the infrastructure and appreciate what is needed to convert the pipeline from one conveying comingled crude
il to transport finished products like low-Sulphur diesel.

Last month, Mr. KAPALA also announced that Zambia and Namibia will in June sign a Memorandum of Understanding to assess the viability of constructing natural gas and oil product pipelines between the two countries.

The pipelines will most likely run from Walvis Bay to Lusaka and carry at least 350 million cubic feet per day of feedstock for power plants.

The gas will be used for power generation while the oil pipeline will help reduce the cost of petroleum products in the country.

The project, which is expected to take 3 to 4 years to complete, will have its main gas and oil power station in Lusaka.

ZAMBIAN FIRM TO INJECT $300M IN SOLAR FARMS
(ZANIS) A local independent power company, AKUS Solar Power Enterprise, has expressed interest to invest about 300 million dollars in the country.
The firm plans to establish solar farms in 7 of the 10 provinces in the country.
Each solar farm is earmarked to generate 200 megawatts of green energy, which will be fed in the national grid, through ZESCO.
AKUS Solar Power Chief Executive Officer, RAJESH MAKHANI has told ZANIS that the Ministry of Energy has already approved the investment plan.
Mr MAKHANI has said a Memorandum of Understanding -MoU- has been signed with ZESCO

HH TO DONATE HIS SALARY

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says his salary will be used to support vulnerable people in Society.

President HICHILEMA says he is working with his team to identify beneficiaries of his salary.

The President says he will also engage the international community and business community in Zambia to contribute towards the fund.

President HICHILEMA states that soon he will be attending a graduation ceremony in Chipata Eastern Province, of a blind boy whom he adopted during his campaign trail in MFUWE.

Speaking after participating in the cleaning exercise in commemoration of KENNETH KAUNDA Day in Lusaka, President HICHILEMA said more of such people should benefit from his salary.

And President HICHILEMA has also appealed to Zambians to emulate the legacy of Dr. KAUNDA as they celebrate the KK Day that falls today.

He noted that he is a beneficiary of the free education initiative by late Dr. KAUNDA, which is why it was one of the first policies he brought in when he assume office.

President HICHILEMA also added that he has the interest of street vendors at heart which is why his administration will never victimize them.

The president further said every citizen should take responsibility to clean the environment.

President HICHILEMA said cleaning the Central Business District -CBD- should not be left to the city council but everyone that trades in the area.

He said the Government is promoting a clean and green Zambia which results in a health and safe CITIZENRY. (ZNBC)

HAIMBE DISTANCES PRESIDENT FROM MILINGO IMMUNITY

Justice Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE says the Presidency has NOT issued instructions to grant immunity to any persons facing criminal proceedings in Zambia for the purpose of subverting justice.

Mr. HAIMBE also the Presidency has NOT interfered in the Director of Public Prosecution’s functions in any way.

He says doing so will be against Government’s duty to protect Institutions of governance and the rule of law.

Speaking at a press briefing Mr. HAIMBE says the Director of Public Prosecutions enjoys discretion in the exercise of her role, contrary to speculations that President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA can direct the DPP in the exercise of her functions.

And the Justice Minister has urged the Judicial Complaints Commission to expedite consideration of complaints before it against the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr. HAIMBE said this will not only afford the DPP a platform on which to explain her actions but also to put an end to public speculation.

He said the Justice Complaints Commission’s mandate among other things is to independently investigate and consider such complaints with a view ultimately to redressing them in accordance with the law.

And Presidential Spokesperson ANTHONY BWALYA said Government is working to serve the people of Zambia in the best way and that it is NOT relenting on its promises.

Mr. BWALYA said there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption and that the fight will be done within the confines of the law while respecting the rights of suspects.

Meanwhile, Attorney General MULILO KABESHA urged the media to enjoy their press freedom responsibly.(ZNBC)

ACC SEIZES LUSAMBO'S 8 PROPERTIES

The Anti-Corruption Commission -ACC- has seized eight properties worth over 22 million Kwacha belonging to former Lusaka Province Minister BOWMAN LUSAMBO.

ACC Spokesperson OUEEN CHIBWE says all the properties located in Lusaka's Chamba Valley area were acquired and constructed by Mr. LUSAMBO using suspected proceeds of crime.

Ms CHIBWE says the eight properties include Mr. LUSAMBO's house and subdivision 50 at farm -E -of farm number 609.

She says the seizure is in accordance with section 58- 1 of the anti Corruption Act number three of 2012.

Ms CHIBWE said the commission reasonably believes and suspects that the seized properties are still registered in another person's name and they are in connection with ongoing investigations.

She said the seizure notice was served to Mr. LUSAMBO's lawyers.
The Commission arrived at Mr. LUSAMBO's residence at around 11:28 hours but found the premises locked.

Ms CHIBWE said Mr LUSAMBO was summoned to appear at the ACC but has not been cooperating and his lawyers had promised to avail him before the commission this week.

The Commission has called on members of the public to report anyone in possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime and a reward will be given upon successful recovery.(znbc)

THE DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICES AND PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICES ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE SO FAR RECEIVED 109,777 APPLICATIONS FOR THE VACANT 11,276 HEALTH WORKERS POSITIONS.
TOTAL NO. OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PER PROVINCE
CENTRAL
11,354
COPPERBELT
19,778
EASTERN
9,232
LUAPULA
7,013
LUSAKA
21,301
MUCHINGA
5,918
NORTH - WESTERN
7,781
NORTHERN
6,428
SOUTHERN
13,269
WESTERN
7,703
GRAND TOTAL
109,777

Source: Zed Daily

(ZNBC) House says it will not relent in the fight against Corruption.

Presidential Spokesperson ANTHONY BWALYA says President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA is of the view that the fight against corruption must be decisive as he works towards restoring faith and trust in public leadership.

He says the Head of state also wants to entrench a new culture of honesty and accountability amongst leaders.

Mr. BWALYA says President HICHILEMA emphasized that the fight against corruption must and will be carried out within the confines of the law.

He said the President and the new administration are continuing to reconstruct and review the performance of the existing the legal infrastructure, including key personnel, so that those with the job and responsibility to investigate, arrest, prosecute or c
nvict corrupt elements do so to the fullest extent of the law.

Mr. BWALYA says President HICHILEMA will not hesitate to effect changes where parts of the broader legal infrastructure visibly begin to pause a threat or undermine the collective will of the Zambian people to put an end to the culture corruption in public
ife.

He says the President has further reiterated, that the collective ability to fight corruption will have an impact on the ability to properly support key social sectors such as health, education for children and the youth, as well as social protection for vu
nerable groups in society;.

He has urged citizens and other stakeholders to join hands with government in condemning and reporting all acts of corruption by public officials to law enforcement agencies for action.

FUEL PRICES WILL BE REDUCED BY JUNE-UPND

The UPND has projected that fuel prices will start reducing by the end of June,2022.

UPND Energy Committee Member, NOEL NKHOMA says this will be made possible by the reforms that the government is putting in place in the energy sector.

Mr. NKHOMA explains that as part of reforms include that the withdraw of government from participating in the supply of oil.

He said this move should spur private sector competition and result in reduced prices of fuel.

Mr. NKHOMA says government has also invested in fuel reserves to ensure that the country has enough stocks to cushion it from external factors that influence price increments.

He says the current fuel prices being experienced are being influenced by various factors which include the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr. NKHOMA explains that, Russia is among the largest distributors of oil in the world and some distributors have taken advantage of the current crisis in that country to hike prices.

He says the UPND is in line with the party manifesto and is implementing long-term measures that will benefit the economy.

Mr. NKHOMA says the removal of fuel subsides was done because it was not beneficial and it has left government in a 700 million dollars debt to oil companies.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. NKHOMA said the UPND administration inherited an economy in distress and is determined to reboot the economy.

And UPND Energy Committee Chairperson CHARLES KAISALA said the pricing model by the Energy Regulation Board – ERB- to review prices every month is done to ensure major determinants of prices are considered.

Fuel Prices have been increased by about 4 Kwacha.

Former President Rupiah Banda dies at 85 years old. He shall be remember for many things but he too being Vice President in 2008 announced the death of Former President Levy Mwanawasa. He went on to win a Presidential by election in 2008. But his stay in power was short- lived when in 2011, Michael Chilufya Sata (also late) won the General Election.
Rupiah Banda gracefully handed over power to Mr Sata and retired from active politics. He became a stateman, both at home and abroad.

In the 2021 General Election, Mr Banda played a key role in bringing former President Edgar Lungu and current President Hakainde Hichilema to the table for a smooth power transition. President Hakainde has ably described Mr Banda as a person who repented the highest form patriotism. MHSRIP.

What are your memories of Former President Rupiah Banda?

CONSTRUCTION OF 115 SCHOOLS STALLS

(ZNBC) Education Minister DOUGLAS SYAKALIMA is disappointed that the construction of 115 Secondary schools in Zambia has stalled.

Mr. SYAKALIMA has disclosed that the construction of some of the schools across the country has stalled for fifteen years.

The Minister was speaking today when he met Livingstone District Commissioner EUNICE NAWA and later toured Shuungu Namutitima Secondary School in the Tourist Capital.

He said on average every district in Zambia has a secondary school building whose construction is not completed.

Mr. SYAKALIMA observed that in some areas the prolonged delays to complete the construction of the education infrastructure has led to a number of girls getting pregnant because of the lack of schools near them.

He said the government will complete the construction of all the secondary school buildings in the country.

Mr. SYAKALIMA also said the government is discussing with mission grant-aided schools for them to reduce school fees.

And, Livingstone District Commissioner EUNICE NAWA said over fifty percent of the schools in the area have already received their grants from the government.

Ms. NAWA urged the Minister of Education to ensure that the construction of Shuungu Namutitima Secondary School in Livingstone is completed.

Check your time !

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU FRIENDS

Minister of Finance and National Planning SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says the approval of the One Hundred and 73 billion Kwacha 2022 National Budget by the National Assembly marks a crucial step towards the transformation of Zamba ‘s economy.

Dr MUSOKOTWANE says this will be achieved by bringing resources closer to people, creating jobs, eliminating inefficiencies, stimulating growth, and attracting investment.

He says among the objectives of the 2022 National budget is to ensure that Zambia attains real Gross Domestic Product -GDP of at least 3 point 5 percent and to reduce inflation to single digit by end of 2022 .

Dr MUSOKOTWANE says as part of the measures to implement the new Budget, government has undertaken to eliminate inefficiencies, fight corruption, target resources into areas with significant growth potential and create incentives for businesses to invest
into promising industries.

He says expenditure of the 2022 budget will be done prudently to decrease budget deficit and limit borrowing.

This is contained in a statement released to ZNBC news in Lusaka today .

The One Hundred and 73 billion KWACHA equivalent to 37 point one percent of GDP was approved by the National Assembly yesterday.

Minister of Finance Dr. SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE presented the 2022 National Budger on October 29, 2021.

FUEL PRICES GO UP

The Energy Regulation Board -ERB- has increased the fuel pump prices with effective from midnight tonight.

ERB Board Chairperson REYNOLDS BOWA says Petrol has been increased by K3.54 ngwee per liter from K17.62 to K21.16 while Diesel has been increased by K4.56 from K15.59 per liter to K20.15.

He says prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas -LPG- have also been increased by K4.47 while prices of Kerosene have remained unchanged.
Mr. BOWA says the increment in fuel prices follows government’s announcement of the removal of subsides on fuel so that the country migrates to cost reflective pricing.

He says the pricing trigger band of 2.5 percent change in wholesale prices will be maintained to allow for price stability within the pricing cycle.

Addressing the media in Lusaka, Mr. BOWA disclosed that the board will start reviewing petroleum prices every thirty days as opposed to sixty days.

Mr. BOWA further warned all oil marketing companies not to hold fuel to create a shortage as this will attract a penalty including revocation of the licenses.

The Indian government has offered to help Zambia set up a newspaper recycling plant.

Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, ASHOCK KUMAR says newspaper recycling has become a big business.

Mr KUMAR was speaking today in Lusaka, when he paid a courtesy call on Information and Media Minister, CHUSHI KASANDA at her office.

He has also informed Ms KASANDA that the new government can review the Memorandum of Understanding -MoU-, signed between ZNBC and India, adding that not much has been implemented under the agreement so far.

Mr. KUMAR said India would be happy to offer training to Zambian Journalists online, while others can travel to that country.

And Mr. KUMAR said India admires the peaceful relations that Zambia shares with its neighbours.

He said India will continue to work with Zambia for the benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

Meanwhile, Ms KASANDA has said government will ensure that media personnel are protected and not harassed, in order for them to report balanced information.

Ms. KASANDA said she is looking forward to a time when journalists from Zambia and India will start the exchange programmes to learn from each other.

She said Zambia and India enjoy cordial relations which have benefitted the two countries in many spheres and the new dawn government will ensure strengthened bilateral relations.

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s Special Advisor for Covid-19, ROMA CHILENGI says the government has not backed down on the Covid 19 measures announced by Health Minister SYLVIA MASEBO.

Dr. CHILENGI has said the government is working on mechanisms to implement the Covid 19 measures.

He has explained that what the minister of health announced is a policy statement that needs mechanisms on how to implement.

Dr. CHILENGI was speaking in Livingstone this morning during a Covid 19 vaccination stakeholders breakfast meeting.

He has said government is also aware that some people are accessing Covid certificates through corrupt practices hence the need to work out modalities to cut out such vice.

Dr. CHILENGI has also urged stakeholders to continue getting vaccinated to help promote the tourism industry which is a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product.

Speaking at the same event, Southern Province Permanent Secretary NAMANI MONZE said the province has vaccinated about ninety seven thousand people over a target of over one million eligible population.

Finance and National Planning Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE has encouraged Zambians NOT to be fearful of the economic programme that has been reached between government and the International Monetary Fund -IMF.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE says that the staff agreement reached with the IMF intends to deliver a better living condition for the average citizen.

Speaking when he delivered a ministerial statement in parliament today, Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the UPND Administration is of the firm conviction that spending government money on the youth and education is a worthier and a more beneficial measure than pending
on fuel subsidies.

He added that this measure is beneficial in the medium-long term as it will allow government to enhance allocation of funds to the Constituency Development Fund, and pay off outstanding pension arrears.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE further said the measure will enable government hire 30 thousand teachers, eliminate tuition fees for secondary schools and bring back the meal allowances that were abolished by the previous PF government, to college and University students.

The Minister of finance and National Planning has also disclosed that with support by the IMF, government will administer reforms aimed at increasing checks and balances required for government to borrow money and increase revenue mobilization.

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says he will work at addressing some glitches in the Africa Continental Free Trade agreement so that Zambia gets a good deal in line with the UPND pronouncements.

President HICHILEMA says trade agreements create opportunities for jobs, trade and businesses for citizens in individual countries.

Speaking shortly before leaving for South Africa where he is attending an Intra African Trade Fair, President HICHILEMA said it is his duty is to ensure Zambia enhances trade and investment so that there is creation of jobs and businesses for all citizens.

The President said he is committed to marketing the country and will use the opportunity to woo investments so as to better the lives of the Zambian people.

He further said there is need to grow the African Business in order for the continent to reduce poverty.

The Head of State said South Africa and Zambia’s economies are intertwined stating that South Africa is the largest trading partner of Zambia.

He said going to South Africa is due to an invitation by President CYRIL RAMAPHOSA for him to attend the Intra African Trade Fair.

NHIMA RAISES K1.2 BN

The National Health Insurance Management Authority -NHIMA- has so far collected 1.2 billion Kwacha from the contributing members on the scheme since October 2019.

And the Authority has in the last NINE months collected 750 Million Kwacha.

NHIMA Director General JAMES KAPESA disclosed this to ZNBC News on the sidelines of the stakeholders meeting with local government unions in Siavonga District – Southern Province.

Mr KAPESA said the collected money has been used to purchase health care services in Health facilities across the country.

He said 200 Million Kwacha has been invested in NHIMA accredited Hospitals.

Mr KAPESA is optimistic that the fund will grow as the authority extends the collections to the informal sector.

He said currently the authority has set aside 1 – Billion Kwacha from its collections for future investment in the health sector.

Mr KAPESA has also announced that the authority has accredited 1 hundred and 93 public Hospitals and 55 private Hospitals and Pharmacies across the country.

He said going forward; NHIMA will bring on board more Private Health service providers to give the members a wider range of options to access services.

ZAMBIA OFF THE GERMAN RED LIST

The Germany Government has become the latest European country to remove Zambia from the red list of countries with high number of Covid 19 cases.

Health Minister Sylvia Masebo however says Zambia is still on red lists with the United Kingdom Government and the United States.

She says Zambia has been in the Green Zone from August 21, 2021 to date following a drop in cases of COVID 19.

The Minister has since expressed confidence that the UK, USA and other countries that had put Zambia on the red list will soon remove it from the category following measures that have been taken to address the pandemic.

She was responding to Mansa Central Member of Parliament Chitalu Chilufya who wanted to know what measures are in place to ensure Zambia is removed from the red list of countries with high COVID 19 cases.

Dr Chilufya also wanted to know what measures Government is taking ahead of the anticipated Fourth wave of COVID 19 in December this year.

This was during the Question for Oral Answer session in Parliament today.

The rehabilitation of the Chinsali-Nakonde Road is progressing well.

A check on lot ONE from Chinsali to Isoka indicates that 32 Kilometers of the 1-hundred and 3 kilometer stretch has been worked on to Asphalt level while 37 Kilometers of the 1-hundred and 7 lot 2, Isoka – Nakonde has been worked on to Asphalt level with a
rainage partially done.

And speaking after inspecting the works, Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, TREVOR KAUNDA said he is impressed with the works done so far.

Mr. KAUNDA said construction of the road speaks to the Vision 2030 on infrastructure development.

He added that once complete, the road will add to economic development.

Meanwhile, the contractors working on the road are confident of handing over the works within the stipulated time of completion.

LUNGU COMMISSIONS SIMON MWANSA KAPWEPWE AIRPORT

President EDGAR LUNGU has officially commissioned the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola on the Copperbelt.

President LUNGU says the construction of the Airport is in line with government’s vision to make Zambia the aviation hub in the region.

Speaking when he commissioned the facility, President LUNGU said the Airport will enhance business between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC- as well as boost the tourism sector.

He said Ndola is an economic hub of the country and that the Patriotic Front is determined to restore the District as a city of abundance.

President LUNGU also thanked the President and people of China for providing resources for the construction of the Airport.

And President LUNGU has announced that government will soon start the process of turning the Great North Road into a dual carriageway.

He said this will not only reduce accidents but also support local contractors.

The President said his government wants to improve the lives of the people across the country through infrastructure development.

MEANWHILE, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary BRIGHT NUNDWE thanked government for the massive development taking place in the province.

Mr. NUNDWE said while the Copperbelt is doing well in terms of Agriculture compared to other provinces, the region has also benefited from the construction of roads and health facilities.

And Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Board Chairperson MILINGO LUNGU said the construction of the Airport will turn Zambia into a regional aviation hub.

Mr. LUNGU said the new Airport will be used to its maximum capacity.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary DANNY MFUNE thanked stakeholders for the successful relocation of the people who paved way for the construction of the Airport.

And senior Chief CHIWALA said the infrastructure development by the PF should be commended by all.

SINOPHARM VACCINE COMING

The Ministry of Health says 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine are expected in the country this weekend.

Health Permanent secretary Technical Services KENNEDY MALAMA says details on the vaccine and its arrival will be given in due course.

And Dr. MALAMA says the ministry has enhanced interventions against COVID-19 ahead of the August 12 General Election.

He says the electoral process activities are heightening and there is need for the promotion of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Dr. MALAMA also says with the gradual opening of schools, parents, guardians and the public are urged to create a safe and healthy environment for the learners.

He has also reassured parents and guardians that the ministry will continue ramping joint surveillance in schools through screening and testing of suspected cases for prompt action.

Dr. MALAMA says in the last 24 hours, 2 thousand 5 hundred and 15 Dose 1 and 7 hundred and 7 Dose 2 AstraZeneca vaccinations were administered as well as 6 thousand 6 hundred and 10 doses of Johnson and Johnson.

He says in the last 24 hours, the country recorded Six Hundred and 68 COVID-19 cases out of 7 thousand 9 hundred and 12 tests conducted and 8 deaths.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka today.

Zambia and Japan have signed an agreement concerning debt relief measures for Zambia under the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative amounting to approximately 8-hundred and 22 thousand US Dollars.

Japanese Ambassador to Zambia MIZUUCHI RYUTA and Secretary to the Treasury FREDSON YAMBA signed on behalf of the two countries.

The exchange of notes follows conclusions of consultations between representatives of the Government of Zambia and of the Governments of the Paris Club creditor countries, which took place in Paris in August 2020.

Japanese Embassy First Secretary Economic Affairs TOMITA MAKOTO says under the initiative, the Government of Japan has offered debt relief measures in the form of deferral to be taken by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA.

Mr. TOMITA says the debts to be deferred consist of those payable under loan agreements concluded before 24th March 2020 between the Government of Zambia and JICA on the extension of yen loans.

In a statement, Mr. TOMITA said the total amount of deferred debts will be paid in six equal semi-annual installments beginning 15th June 2022.

He said Japan has been consistently supporting Zambia’s efforts to achieve debt sustainability in the wake of the severe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

SIMON MWANSA KAPWEPWE AIRPORT READY FOR COMMISSIONING

The new Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola is set for commissioning.

Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary BRIGHT NUNDWE says technically all the construction works have been completed.

Mr. NUNDWE disclosed this during the virtual second Provincial Development Coordinating Committee -PDCC- meeting in Ndola.

He said despite the Covid-19 pandemic and its many associated challenges, the province has continued to implement its programmes and projects.

ZANIS reports that Mr. NUNDWE cited the 397-Million-US-Dollar new international airport, as one of the remarkable projects.

BAN ON CHICK EXPORTS CHEERS MUMBA

Former Kantanshi Member of Parliament ANTHONY MUMBA says the suspension of export permits for day-old chicks and stock feed is likely to benefit local chicken producers who have been struggling to supply the local market.

Dr. MUMBA says in the past, large chicken producers have been concentrating on exports which are lucrative, and this made the price of stock feed to skyrocket.

He says the suspension of the export permits will stabilise the price of stock feed which will help local chicken producers to produce more and supply the local market.

Dr. MUMBA, who is also former First Secretary for Trade and Economics at the Zambian High Commission in London told ZNBC News in an interview that government intervention is timely as the country had risked having high prices for stock feed and day-old chic
s.

He said such a situation would have exploited the consumers who are the common Zambian.

On Sunday, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Permanent Secretary BENSON MWENYA announced that government has suspended the issuance of export permits for stock-feed, its ingredients and day old-chicks.

Dr. MWENYA however said firms with valid export permits will not be affected by the suspension.

He also revealed that government has directed producers of stock-feed and day-old chicks not to increase prices of their products until concerns of livestock farmers are resolved.