More taxes to be collected in 2024 from taxpayers.

 More taxes to be collected in 2024 from taxpayers.

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA- has projected to collect 125.3-billion kwacha through taxpayers next year.

This represents a 21.5-percent growth from ZRA's contribution to the current national budget of over 103-billion kwacha.

ZRA Commissioner General DINGANI BANDA said that next year's tax collection target amounts to 19.5 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product -GDP.

Speaking during a media conference in Lusaka, Mr. BANDA said the main growth drivers for 2024 are projected to be mining, Information Communication Technology -ICT, Agriculture, manufacturing, transport, tourism and Finance and Insurance.ambia

he has further warned landlords in a habit of evading rental taxes as the authority disclose that there are only 7,000 registered houses in Lusaka.

The ZRA database shows a total number of 13,900 taxpayers, a situation which is worrying as many are reported to be avoiding paying taxes.

He also said that ZRA and Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis (ZIPA) carried out details that will help the authority to make sure that every landlord and tenants account for the houses they occupy.

He added that they will go further by making sure that landlords issue receipts to tenants so that there can be proof of payment to each and every tenant.

"A lot of citizens are evading rental taxes both in residential and low residential areas willfully, a situation that will soon be dealt with aggressively to make sure that every citizen pays tax," he emphasized.

And Mr Banda Noted that there is a decline in the mining and querying which has declined from 39.3 in 2022 to 31.4 in 2023 which translates to a 7.9 percent decline in the year under review.

Mr. Banda wondered why there are only 888 accounts for tax while 520,387 are active taxpayers at the end of 2023 contributing 80 percent of the gross revenue collected during the nine months.

Meanwhile, ZRA Commissioner Direct Taxes Mr. Joseph Nonde expressed commitment in making sure that all citizens and companies comply with the tax payment as that will help the authority to operate perfectly without going through the challenges that they are currently having right now.

THE CDF GRADER KILLED A CHILD, THE CDF TIPPER OVERTURNED AND NOW THE POLICE CDF VEHICLES HAS CRASHED!

 THE CDF GRADER KILLED A CHILD, THE CDF TIPPER OVERTURNED AND NOW THE POLICE CDF VEHICLES HAS CRASHED!

...and driver assigned to use the CDF monitoring vehicle has died...

Malambo MP Peter Phiri writes

It is my displeasure to see how the worst things are happening in the constituency especially concerning the way/speed we have lost lives and the rate at which CDF procured machinery is getting destroyed.

In shortest possible time we lost the soul of a council worker in a terrible accident involving the CDF tipper. Not long enough, we lost a driver of the council who was assigned to drive the CDF monitoring vehicle, shortly after, our grader whilst on duty on road maintenance works killed an individual in Masumba area, as if that is not enough, our newly procured CDF Police Land Cruiser has been involved in a Road Traffic Accident and the extent of damage is something unexplainable.

How do we explain this to our citizens of the Constituency? What really is happening in the Constituency? What is it we should do? Are our Ancestors not happy that we want to develop the constituency?

Help us understand please. It is a very difficult situation we have gone through with a lot of questions left unanswered.

We seriously need a quick solution to all these challenges we're facing. God needs to intervene and we need prayers on a serious note.

LCC EMBARKS ON CONSTRUCTING MODERN GARBAGE BAYS AT NEW SOWETO AND MOBILE MARKETS

 LCC EMBARKS ON CONSTRUCTING MODERN GARBAGE BAYS AT NEW SOWETO AND MOBILE MARKETS

The Lusaka City Council - LCC has embarked on a project to construct modern garbage bays at New Soweto and Mobile Markets, in its quest to improve waste management systems at the two markets.

The project, which is funded by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), aims to improve sanitation and hygiene in our markets.

The Local Authority has contracted Shungu Construction Limited to undertake the works at the site, and the company has since commenced some excavation works.

The project, which is being funded at a total contract sum of K 180,000 for each garbage bay, commenced on 13th November 2023 and is expected to be completed and commissioned by 13th January 2024.

The initiative will benefit the traders in both markets and customers by providing them with a clean and safe environment for their business.

The project will also reduce the risk of diseases and pests that are associated with poor waste management and further improve the aesthetic appeal and the image of the markets, which will attract more customers and boost the income of the traders.

The council will continue to strive to contribute to the national goal of achieving a clean, green, and healthy Zambia by coming up with such waste management initiative.

 

NPA SECURES FORFEITURE OF K2.1 MILLION

Through another consent judgment, the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) has secured forfeiture of K2.1 million belonging to a Lusaka businessman, Shadreck Zulu, following a questionable transaction from Cayman Islands.

Using a forged national registration card (NRC), Zulu opened a personal bank account at one of the local financial institutions before K2,120,104.21 was electronically transferred to the new account, thereby raising suspicion.

Last month, NPA facilitated seizure of money, an estate and vehicles with an estimated combined value of K46 million through consent judgments.

The money forfeited was K36.5 million which sat in various bank accounts belonging to Nigerian national Jeffrey Nnaoma Michaels, upmarket flats in Jesmondine in Lusaka and four Toyota Land Cruisers, property of The Big Tree Investment Limited.

 DPP MUST HAVE RECUSED HIMSELF

...Gilbert Phiri is a personal friend-Miles Sampa...

Lusaka-Tuesday 12th August 2023

In his letter dated 5th December 2023, written to Messrs Makebi Zulu Advocate, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri refused to give consent to the lawyers to prosecute Miles Sampa and his so-called Secretary General, Morgan Ngona, for fraud and impersonation charges, citing civil cases prevailing in the Lusaka High Court.

Information has since emerged, citing the ratification proceedings of presidential appointments in Parliament of 15th December 2023, where Miles Sampa categorically stated that the nominee, Mr. Gilbert Phiri was his personal friend and one of his lawyers.

Clearly, the DPP must have cited conflict and recused himself in this matter rather than to save his personal friend through an application letter to discontinue the case.

The matter is coming up shortly in the Lusaka Magistrate Court before Magistrate Keegan Litiya for ruling.

Will the lawyers raise this matter?

 

FIVE INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED FOR FAKE COUNTERFEITS NOTES

By Daily News Reporter

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Lusaka has arrested five (5) individuals for trading in counterfeit notes amounting to over USD 475,000 and over ZMW 49,000.

The five (5) who include three (3) Zambians, one (1) Ugandan, and one (1) Burundian have been identified as follows:

• Simon Mugabe, male, aged 47, residing in Chaisa compound, Lusaka

• Undikubwayo Allain Diomede, male, aged 45, residing in Emmasdale, Lusaka

• Chibwe Mulenga, female, aged 61, residing in Kamwala South, Lusaka

• Musonda Bwalya, female, aged 60, residing in Rhodes Park, Lusaka, and

• Edwin Mando, male, aged 32, residing in Kamwala, Lusaka.

Mr Edwin Mando, 32 of Kamwala in Lusaka was arrested for trading in ZMW 49,700 counterfeit notes whereas the four have been jointly arrested for trading in USD 475,800 counterfeit notes. 

The Commission has observed a trend of counterfeit notes suspected to be manufactured in East Africa coming into our country. DEC Director General Nason Banda has, therefore, warned that the institution is on high alert and shall not relent to criminalities such as these weakening the economy.

Meanwhile the Commission has made a significant breakthrough in the relentless fight against economic and financial crimes following a successful forfeiture of ZMW 2,120,104.21 from Shadreck Bwalya Zulu's account held with a known banking institution. This follows a judgement by the High Court in Lusaka which granted a non-conviction based forfeiture after an application by the National Prosecutions Authority.

 

ONLINE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE ON WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT LAUNCHED

 

ONLINE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE ON WOMEN AND GIRLS REPORT LAUNCHED

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Technology and Science with Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) under the support of the Republics of Ireland and Sweden inclusive the lead agency on international development the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) launched the online Gender based Violence on women and Girls Report in lusaka.

And Minister Felix Mutati said that the launch of the Effects of the Online Gender Based Violence report testifies a memorable convergence in embracing the Women’s rights drawn at a backdrop of commendable.

And a joint research assessment report was conducted by the Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) under the support of the Republics of Ireland and Sweden and the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD).

Speaking at the launch of the report the Minister indicated that digital technologies are evolving the humanity Lifestyle - livelihoods in various adopted communication approaches.

The Minster urged that stakeholders that the Gender Based Violence was to hence the need not to remain silent over an online GBV threat but to work together in resolving the peril. He also said that this was to create a safe and more inclusive digital space that will realize a transformative environment that will create opportunities so as to appreciate a resolve towards curbing the Gender Based Violence.

He further urged girls at all levels to embrace STEM that is carried with a limitation misconception towards the boys and this will give courage among girls to have capabilities to succeed in the STEM academics and to to invest in STEM and break the barriers.

He called on ZICTA and stakeholders to support the increment of Women’s internet levels of access from the current Forty - Five percent to over Eighty percent and that the existing Women online GBV issue - based require informed action and decisions executed on devised mechanism to control the uncalled for Internet abuse.

Mr. Mutati has further directed ZICTA to extend the report to the Members of Parliament to allow a broader absorption and participation from a key decision makers point of view so as to inculcate a massage at the highest level.

And Meanwhile Zambia Information Communication and Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director General Choolwe Nalubamba stated that this Online Gender Based Violence with its interventions is to call for initiatives that will foster a safer online environment backed by stakeholder collaborative input.

And Mr Nalubamba added that the communication regulator is committed to uphold collaborative efforts as such development of the Gender Based Report. He commended the UNDP and the governments of Ireland and Sweden for partnering with Zambia spearheading financing of the second phase of the project.

And Representing Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mrs. Mainga Kabika, Henry Nkhoma Director Gender Division at Cabinet said crucial investigations conducted by ZICTA under the UN – GRZ joint programme of the phase two Effects of Gender Based Violence report shade light on pressing issues that demand collective attention through a United Front to tackle the affected real lives by navigating a digital age for a safer online for all.

 

ZIPRC, UNZA SIGN MOU

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that solidifies their collaboration in the delivery of the ZIPRC Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme.

Under the terms of the MoU, UNZA will play a crucial role in certifying, moderating, and accrediting the ZIPRC CPD programme. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing professional development opportunities for practitioners in the field of Public Relations (PR) and Communication.

The partnership with the University demonstrates commitment of both institutions to elevate the standards of practice within the public relations industry.

By entrusting UNZA with the certification, moderation, and accreditation of the CPD programme, ZIPRC aims to bring a heightened level of credibility and academic consistency to its professional development initiatives.

Through this collaboration, participants in the CPD programme can now benefit from the academic expertise and oversight provided by UNZA, further enhancing the value and recognition of their professional development efforts.

And UNZA Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Anne Sikwibele, said that the MoU anchors a strategic collaborative partnership in which the University will play a critical role of certification, moderation, and accreditation of ZIPRC training programmes.

“The University of Zambia will work closely with ZIPRC to bring excellence, credibility and academic consistency to professional development initiatives and enhance professional development opportunities for practitioners in the field of Public Relations (PR) and Communication,” Prof Sikwibele said.

Speaking at the same event, ZIPRC President, Mrs Irene Chipili, says that the signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the professional landscape of PR and Communication in Zambia.

“It is a testament to ZIPRC's unwavering commitment to advancing the field of PR and Communication in Zambia. This collaboration allows UNZA to contribute to the continuous learning and development of communication professionals, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole,” Mrs Chipili said.

Photos Credit: UNZA and ZIPRC websites

 

Zambia’s long-term economic prospects remain bright- ZULU

By Daily News reporter

Standard Chartered Bank has indicated that Zambia’s long-term economic prospects remain bright, despite the current challenges being experienced in the economy.

Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce Annual Event held at the Standard Chartered Bank Head Office recently,
Sonny Zulu, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, said, “From our private sector perspective, we remain confident that Zambia’s economic future remains bright. Government has done a lot of work around continuing the debt restructuring conversations and attracting investment into growth sectors of the economy such as renewable energy and mining. These efforts will eventually yield positive economic outcomes.”

Mr. Zulu added, “What is even more encouraging is that Zambia’s cooperating partners, such as the UK Government, are already working with UK private companies to attract investments into Zambia. Some US$2bn worth of investment deals are already in the pipeline. This is a significant investment pipeline by any measure and that is why we are confident that Zambia will come out of this challenging period and emerge stronger and resilient in the long term.”

Standard Chartered Bank which is one of the founding members of the British Chamber of Commerce in Zambia, which officially launched in 2015. British Chamber of Commerce CEO, John Paton, thanked Standard Chartered Bank for their collaboration over the years and for their role in founding the Chamber. British High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Nicholas Woolley graced the event as Guest of Honour.

 

 

Five African countries report anthrax outbreaks, over 1100 cases recorded

 

Five African countries report anthrax outbreaks, over 1100 cases recorded

By Daily News Reporter

"Of the five countries, Zambia is witnessing its largest outbreak since 2011, with nine of its 10 provinces affected"

Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1100 suspected cases and 20 related deaths reported since the start of the year.

A total of 1166 suspected and 37 confirmed cases have been recorded in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe – where the disease is endemic, with seasonal outbreaks every year – according to data reported to World Health Organization (WHO).

Of the five countries, Zambia is witnessing its largest outbreak since 2011, with nine of its 10 provinces affected. As of 20 November, Zambia had reported 684 suspected, 25 confirmed cases and four deaths. Only sporadic cases have previously been reported in animals and humans in the country.

The outbreaks are presenting varied patterns in the affected countries. In Kenya, three deaths have been reported this year compared with zero fatalities from over 200 suspected cases in 2022. While the disease is endemic in animals in Malawi, the country reported its first ever human case this year.

Human anthrax cases have been reported in three districts in Uganda, with 13 deaths compared with two deaths in 2022. The high case fatality ratio is due to patients reporting late to health facilities. In Zimbabwe, human cases have been reported every year since 2019, underscoring the need for stronger preventive actions.

 

“To end these outbreaks we must break the cycle of infection by first preventing the disease in animals. We are supporting the ongoing national outbreak control efforts by providing expertise as well as reinforcing collaboration with partner agencies for a common approach to safeguard human and animal health,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

 

Due to the scale of the outbreak in Zambia, shared ecosystem with neighbouring countries and frequent cross-border animal and human movement, there is heightened risk of regional spread of the disease. Control measures are being intensified. The national authorities have vaccinated more than 122 000 cattle, sheep and goats with support from FAO. Additionally more than 400 000 vaccine doses have been earmarked for 11 high-risk districts in the country’s Western province.

 

Plastic Pollution from Cigarette Butts: A $186 Billion Toll Over in 10 Years

 

Plastic Pollution from Cigarette Butts: A $186 Billion Toll Over in 10 Years

By Daily News Reporter

The costs of environmental pollution caused by plastics in cigarette butts and packaging amount to an estimated US$26 billion every year or US$186 billion every 10 years — adjusted for inflation — in waste management and marine ecosystem damage worldwide, according to data analysis from the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, published online in the journal Tobacco Control. According to the analysis, in Africa, countries with the highest smoking rate contribute greatest to the cigarette filter pollution costs. These include South Africa, followed by Nigeria, Sudan, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia,

 

"Although seemingly dwarfed by the overall impact of tobacco, these costs are not trivial — they accumulate and are preventable," emphasizes the researcher behind the study. Despite the increasing bans on single-use plastics worldwide, the significant contribution of tobacco-related plastic pollution has been overlooked, with cigarette filters, a primary culprit, ranking as the most prevalent littered item globally.

 

The researchers have estimated that the annual economic cost of cigarette plastics waste is around US$26 billion, made up of US$20.7 billion in marine ecosystem damage and US$5 billion in waste management costs, adding up to US$186 billion over 10 years.

“Although this amount is small compared with the annual economic losses from tobacco (US$1.4trillion per year) and may appear insignificant compared with the 8 million deaths attributable to tobacco each year, these environmental costs should not be downplayed as they are accumulating and are preventable,” emphasizes the researcher(name with hled).

"Low and middle-income countries, especially in Africa with increasing smoking rates, relatively high plastic leakage, and poor waste management capacity; bear the brunt of this environmental burden," notes the researcher.

Despite these estimates being conservative, the study's findings underscore the urgency to mitigate tobacco plastic waste pollution, considering the potential health and ecological implications of accumulated toxic chemicals within cigarette butts. Moreover, they advocate for policies to shift cleanup responsibilities to the tobacco industry based on the polluters pay principle.

Leonce Sessou, Executive Secretary of the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) stated that they is need to hold the tobacco industry accountable.

"We must compel the industry to address its legacy waste and redirect these funds towards independent and effective campaigns in a manner aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control," Sessou said.

 The recent revelations from the Global Tobacco Index underscore the deceptive greenwashing tactics employed by the tobacco industry.

Mr. Sessou also urged that they is need for an immediate ban on cigarette filters in the plastics treaty currently under negotiation, a position supported by the WHO in its submission to the treaty negotiations.

“Plastic pollution also affects climate change, which is now being tackled at COP28 of the UN FCCC,” he added.

and According to the WHO, while smoking prevalence in the African region remains lower compared to other regions, the escalating rates of tobacco use necessitate attention and action.