'Glorifying second-hand motor vehicles'
By Editor
Tue 12 Nov. 2013, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata's sentiments on the "glorifying" of second-hand motor vehicles are valid.
But they must not be left as mere sentiments. They must be turned into law. A policy position has been taken by the President and the bureaucrats now need to get down to work and formulate that into a clear government policy from which the necessary laws can flow.
National guidance is needed on the importation of second-hand motor vehicles. As things stand today, one can say things are out of control and a good part of our national income is being spent on the importation of spare parts to service these clearly rotten automobiles. We also have an unjustified huge fuel bill.
The number of automobiles on our roads does not tie up with our national income. Even our road infrastructure is overstretched. Today an average worker can afford to have two, three or four cars parked at their homes. Those with a bit more money are looking for more days to be added to the week or the month for them to be able to drive each of their automobiles.
Compounds are overcrowded with cars. Our police stations have become parking grounds for cars. Everywhere you go, someone is repairing a car instead of engaging in more profitable work that would help develop the nation. We have all these cars and yet we have a serious shortage of agricultural tractors and other implements. If a large part of our fuel bill was spent on agricultural production, our country wouldn't be playing host today to so many poor people, so many malnourished children.
Some of the automobiles we are importing are from places where there have been nuclear plant accidents and could therefore be contaminated. We do not have facilities in our health institutions to deal with radiation. Yet, we are simply taking every car that is awaiting crushing.
The development of public transport is in shambles because no one is seriously paying attention to this as everyone is free to bring in a second-hand car for US$500, US$1,000, US$2,000 and so on and so forth.
This is not to say those who don't have a lot of money to buy brand new cars should not own a car. All we are trying to say is that let this be rationalised and as President Sata correctly put it, let us not "glorify" second-hand cars. Let us not turn a weakness into a virtue. Government needs to rationalise and control the importation of second-hand vehicles for many reasons.
Some of the cars we are importing are being exported because they do not meet the carbon emission requirements of their countries. They are a hazard to the environment. But us we simply take them in. Yes, we are poor but poverty should not make one drink poison. They say there is dignity even in poverty. Our poverty should not make us fail to reason.
We do not have a magic formula on how our government should deal with the issue of second-hand motor vehicles. But it should be clear to all that the current practice has a lot of faults and needs change. These second-hand motor vehicles are not only draining our country of the necessary foreign exchange but they are also a danger to the health of our people and the environment they live in.
Some of these cars are not even roadworthy or stop being roadworthy in a very short time, endangering the lives not only of those who imported them but of many other people on our roads. The high carbon emissions and high accident rates of these used cars cannot be ignored.
If it is not possible, for many reasons, to put a complete ban on imported second hand motor vehicles, it may be necessary to put a ban that targets vehicles beyond a certain age, say three, four, five or six years and those that do not pass a set carbon emissions threshold.
Zambia has been turned into a dumping site for second-hand cars, some of which are more than 10, 15 years old and this has a negative effect on the environment.
Some countries, like Japan, which have strict carbon emissions laws, have created a massive industry in second-hand car exports to poor third world countries like Zambia.
A great number of these cars we are importing have been banned on the roads in their original country, with Zambia turning into their dumping site. It's up to us to aggressively stand up against such kind of exploitation. Our government has a duty to save lives, protect us and our environment.
And a way has to be found to bring down the cost of brand new cars because they are out of the reach of many people. It will not be easy to simply ban the importation of second-hand cars without providing alternatives for our people who have become used to a culture of owning cars.
Our people may find it acceptable to use public transport in Europe or America but not here. Here it is something they may find humiliating to be standing in a queue for transport.
Labels: CARS, MICHAEL SATA
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RTSA to decentralise vehicle Registration
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 06 June 2012, 13:24 CAT
RTSA says it hopes to decentralise motor vehicle registration in the third quarter of this year. Several stakeholders have complained that the motor vehicle registration process is extremely slow and inconveniencing to vehicle owners.
Currently, the agency has only three registration centres countrywide, namely; Lusaka, Kitwe and Livingstone. Road Transport and Safety Agency executive director Frederick Mwalusaka said the agency was aware of problems people were facing in registering their vehicles.
He said as a result, RTSA was determined to address the matter in order to increase efficiency.
Mwalusaka said the agency had to first deal with driver licensing, which had already been decentralised.
"What we need to decentralise is motor vehicle registration, driver licensing has already been decentralised. We are working on putting in place modalities to move registration to all RTSA stations; so that is going to be done," said Mwalusaka in an interview.
"We are hoping that maybe in the third quarter of 2012 we should have some progress in that arrangement."
Labels: CARS, RTSA
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Zambia not affected by recalls, assures Toyota
By Kabanda Chulu
Mon 18 Apr. 2011, 03:59 CAT
TOYOTA Motor Corporation has assured the Zambian market that it will not be affected by the recall of vehicles since the company has not yet supplied hybrid brands that have been experiencing faulty systems in other parts of the world.
And the government has challenged Toyota Zambia and other entities in the motor vehicle industry to explore opportunities available in the sector and start production of motor vehicle parts in the country.
In an interview following the commissioning of the remodelled and upgraded Toyota Zambia Copperbelt branch office complex on Friday, Toyota head of Africa strategic planning Yoshikata Shinhara said the challenges faced with the recall of some motor vehicles will not affect Zambia and the African continent in general.
“In fact, issues to do with the recall process have been resolved and it mainly affected hybrid brands which we have not yet started supplying the African markets,” he said.
He said the company had no immediate plans to set up a motor assembly plant in Zambia.
“We have five markets in the region and these are Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe and at the moment, the South African plant is able to supply these markets but when need arises, we shall consider opening assembly plants in one or two of the countries,” Shinhara said.
He said the Copperbelt was among promising markets in Africa.
“Hence, we have decided to make further investments of approximately US $3 million and expand our facility to provide excellent experience to people owning Toyota products,” he said.
And commerce, trade and industry minister Felix Mutati expressed optimism that Toyota Zambia would grow and become a major force in attracting investment into actual assembly or manufacturing of motor vehicles in the country.
“Zambia is endowed with various mineral resources that can be used as key components in the production of various motor vehicle parts and accessories and I challenge Toyota Zambia and other entities in the motor vehicle industry to explore opportunities available in the sector by starting local production of vehicle parts,” said Mutati in a speech read by Kitwe district commissioner McDonald Mtine.
And Copperbelt Toyota general manager Kennedy Kabaghe said the company was committed to its operations in Zambia and would enhance provision of high level of excellent services under the renovated office complex.
Labels: CARS, TOYOTA
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32 percent jump in vehicle imports
by Lunga Sibanda
07/03/2011 00:00:00
THE month of January saw a 32 percent jump in vehicle imports compared to the same time last year, officials said, crediting a reduction in import duty. At least 3,150 vehicles were processed at the Beitbridge border with South Africa in January, 1,000 more than at the same time last year.
“Vehicle imports are up significantly mainly due to the fact that many importers delayed the delivery of vehicles they bought last year to this year so as to benefit from the new rates of duty effective from January 1, 2011,” said Florence Jambwa, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s commissioner for legal and corporate affairs.
Jambwa says they expect the numbers to stay consistent as more Zimbabweans import second-hand vehicles to beat a June government ban on importing vehicles older than five years.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti announced in his 2011 budget last November that excise duty for vehicles with an engine capacity of between 1,000cc and 1,500cc would be 25 percent this year, down from 40 percent.
The duty for vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 1,500cc was reduced to 40 percent from 60 percent.
Although some vehicles are imported through the smaller border posts in Kariba, Chirundu and Nyamapanda, the country’s most active port remains Beitbridge.
Officials say the main source countries of the vehicles being cleared there are South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Labels: CARS, USED CARS
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Mwonzora refuses to surrender hired vehicle
TH/TZG reporters
Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:49:00 +0000
NYANGA North legislator Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T) is refusing to surrender a vehicle Parliament hired for him during preparations for the All-Stakeholders’ Conference on Constitution-making in June and has incurred a US$7,000 bill which he insists Parliament should settle, according to The Herald newspaper.
"It costs US$125 a day to hire the Toyota Hilux 4x4 Mwonzora is refusing to surrender and as of June 29 — the day Parliament’s hire of the car expired — he had accrued US$7 000 in arrears," says the report.
It is reported that Mwonzora, who is the co-chairperson of the Select Committee on Constitution-making, claims Parliament should pay the bill since he is entitled to the use of a Parliament vehicle.
Parliament hired the vehicle from LED Car Rental Services, a leading Harare tour company, after it failed to get a suitable one from CMED.
The other Select Committee co-chairperson, Paul Mangwana, has since handed back the vehicle Parliament hired for him.
The vehicle was officially hired from June 24-29 this year.
Sources say efforts by Parliament to persuade Mwonzora to return the vehicle have been futile.
Parliament has since informed Mwonzora it will not pay for the period after June 29.
It has also communicated this to LED Car Rental Services.
Clerk of Parliament Austin Zvoma wrote to Mwonzora a fortnight ago advising him that he had flouted regulations.
Parliament only got to know that Mwonzora had not returned the hired vehicle on July 3 when one of its workers went to collect quotations for some buses from LED.
Mwonzora is said to have told Parliament’s transport office that he had discussed the issue with Zvoma and got permission to continue using the car.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Zvoma said: "I do not know how you got that information, but it is true that the matter has been brought to my attention."
Zvoma denied claims by Mwonzora that he had made an arrangement with him to continue using the vehicle.
"It is false. I will never do something outside regulations. Honourable Mwonzora is not entitled to the vehicle. I have written to the hiring company indicating that any outstanding amounts are for discussion with Hon Mwonzora," he said.
But Mwonzora was adamant that, as the co-chairperson of the Select Committee, he was entitled to use the vehicle.
"Obviously, l have to use the vehicle. I do not think anybody sensible would expect me to fund the project directly or indirectly by using that vehicle for official business as a Select Committee co-chairperson," he said.
Mwonzora said he had raised the need to provide transport for Select Committee members in April but Parliament administration had taken five months to address it.
"That Parliament administration takes five months to sort out an issue of transport for a committee as important as the Select Committee of Parliament says a lot about the competence of that administration," he said.
Mwonzora made it clear he would not hand over the vehicle.
"I am unwilling and unable to stop using a Parliament vehicle for duties until such a time as I have been allocated another vehicle," he said.
Mwonzora claimed withdrawing the vehicle was tantamount to sabotage.
"Parliament administration cannot expect me and Honourable Mangwana to run and supervise outreach programmes from the bus or train," Mwonzora said.
A spokesperson for LED Car Rental Services, Benard Gwarada, confirmed Mwonzora was using one of their vehicles.
"Parliament is one of our good clients. Yes, Mr Mwonzora is using our Toyota 4x4," he said.
He would not divulge how much the legislator now owed the hiring company saying it was unethical to do so.
Mwonzora currently does not have a personal vehicle after his Nissan Twin Cab was involved in an accident. - TH/TZG
Labels: CARS, MDC CORRUPTION
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Obama: Carmakers need change at the topPresident-elect demands restructuring as key senator says GM's Wagoner should resign.
By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: December 7, 2008: 9:13 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- President-elect Barack Obama announced support Sunday for a short-term government bailout of the nation's carmakers that is tied to industry restructuring as he accused auto executives of a persistent "head-in-the sand approach" to long-festering problems.
In an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" and later at a news conference, Obama at one point suggested some executives should lose their jobs.
A leading Congressional Democrat, Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, was more blunt. Rick Wagoner, the chief executive of General Motors Corp., (GM, Fortune 500) "has to move on," said Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation."
Congressional Democrats and the Bush White House had reached an agreement in principle to provide stopgap support for the U.S. auto industry, congressional and industry sources said late Friday.
The deal would keep the most troubled companies out of bankruptcy court at least through the end of March. While the money is less than the automakers were asking for in testimony before Congress this week, the package is designed to keep them operating so that the new Congress and the Obama administration will have at least a couple of months to draft and pass a longer-term solution.
The break came Friday evening when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., backed off her opposition to using funds from a fuel efficiency research program for a bailout, two congressional officials told CNN Friday.
A congressional source stressed that the agreement does not represent a final bill. Talks on all side are expected to continue through the weekend, and lawmakers will convene early in the week.
"We hope to continue to make progress toward assistance for the automakers based on important principles -- that taxpayer assistance only be considered for companies willing to make the difficult decisions across the scope of their businesses to be viable and competitive in the future; that taxpayer assistance should come from funds already appropriated in the program specifically intended to assist automakers -- the auto loan program; and that assistance is accompanied by very strong taxpayer protections," Pelosi said in a statement released Saturday.
An auto industry source told CNNMoney.com that it was too early to say there is a firm deal, but that the change of heart by Pelosi on the source of funds for a bailout was a significant step towards reaching an agreement.
In another significant sign of the improved chances for the bailout, both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., issued statements saying they expected to call the lame duck Congress back into session for a vote on help for the auto industry.
As recently as Thursday, neither Pelosi nor Reid would commit to holding the vote the automakers say they need in the coming two weeks.
But the leaders decided Friday to plan for a vote in the wake of the government's grim employment report, which showed that the economy lost 533,000 jobs in November, and the better reception the automakers' CEOs received on Capitol Hill at hearings on Thursday and Friday.
"Today's announcement of major job losses and findings from congressional hearings from the last two days make it clear that Congress must work on a bipartisan basis to provide short-term and limited assistance to the automobile industry while it undertakes major restructuring," said Pelosi.
Positive sign
Automakers took the announcement of a vote as a positive sign.
"The U.S. auto industry is a critical part of our economy and we are encouraged by Speaker Pelosi's statement that Congress is expected to act next week," Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) said in a statement late Friday.
Congressional Republicans and President Bush support the idea of tapping a $25 billion research fund Congress has already approved. Two officials familiar with the compromise talks told CNN that the working target is $15 billion to $17 billion in bridge loans.
General Motors (GM, Fortune 500), the nation's largest automaker, has warned that it will run out of cash to operate by the end of the year without federal assistance. And Chrysler LLC has indicated it also is close to running out of money and will not get through the first quarter of the year without help.
GM and Chrysler have argued that consumers would be reluctant to buy cars from a bankrupt automaker. As a result, they say, bankruptcy filings would force them to go out of business and liquidate their assets.
While the industry requested $34 billion in federal loans this week from Congress to help them weather the current cash crisis sparked by the worst auto sales in 26 years, their top executives indicated in testimony Friday that they could get by with the lesser amount in order to make it through March.
GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said the company needs $4 billion by the end of the year to avoid bankruptcy, another $4 billion in January and an additional $2 billion by the end of March. Overall, GM is seeking up to $18 billion to get to 2010, when cost savings from a 2007 labor contract will kick in.
Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli indicated his company needed $4 billion early next year out of the total of $7 billion it is asking for from Congress.
Ford, the third major U.S. automaker, has far more cash on hand and believes it will not need federal loans in order to survive. But it is asking for access to up to $9 billion in loans as a "backstop" in case business conditions are worse than its executives forecast next year.
Talks on-going
Congressional officials cautioned that talks are still very fluid, and that there are still other options on the table and many details to discuss.
Pelosi said that Congress was "considering various short-term funding options," but added that no funds would be released from the research program "unless there is a guarantee that those funds will be replenished in a matter of weeks."
Pelosi and other leading Democrats, including House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., have argued as recently as this week that the Treasury Department should help the automakers using money from the $700 billion set aside for banks and Wall Street firms. The Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, was established in October.
But the Bush administration has been strongly opposed to using TARP to help the automakers. And all but $20 billion of the first $350 billion of those funds have already been allocated to the nation's banks, and additional Congressional approval is needed before Treasury can tap into the other $350 billion set aside for that program.
Pelosi reversed herself because November's devastating jobs report "changed everything," one congressional official said.
The California Democrat spoke by phone with White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten Friday afternoon to tell him of her change of heart, hours after Bush issued a fresh warning that without help, the automakers may not survive the economic crisis.
A senior administration official had no comment on Pelosi's move.
"It should never have come to this. The auto companies dug themselves into this hole and for years did nothing to climb out of it," Reid said. "But we are not acting for executives' sake; we are acting on behalf of the workers and their families. This week's hearings have made clear that we cannot let these companies fail."
Tough time
The auto industry CEOs ran into harsh criticism the last time they appeared before the House Committee in November. Lawmakers hammered them on their lack of details for how they would spend federal bailout funds, and for their decision to fly to Washington on their own private jets.
This time the auto industry leaders came with detailed plans submitted earlier this week on how they would return to profitability if they get the federal loans. They also drove hybrid vehicles to Washington and promised to work for $1 a year.
In addition, Friday's hearing in the House started one hour after the Labor Department reported the November job loss -- the biggest in nearly 34 years.
By the end of more than six hours of testimony, it was clear that the panel was far more open to the idea of a bailout than it had been just two weeks ago, even if a solution still seemed elusive.
"I think it's fair to say the disastrous job report today has heightened the interest in doing something," said Frank. "If we are lucky, we'll come out with a bill next week that nobody likes. Because any bill that any individual might like won't pass. But there is a sufficient consensus that we need to so something acceptable to enough members of both houses so that we avert disaster."
The CEOs' appearance followed testimony they gave before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.
Despite the apparent breakthrough, several House Republicans said they remained reluctant to sign onto any bailout. Some suggested a bankruptcy filing would be a better way for the companies to become competitive, and others said they are concerned about other industries and businesses that might seek help if the automakers get aid.
CNN's Dana Bash, Elaine Quijano, Ted Barrett and Deirdre Walsh and the Associated Press contributed to this story.
First Published: December 7, 2008: 8:54 PM ET
Labels: BARACK OBAMA, CARS, CORPORATIONS, NEOLIBERALISM, PARASTATALS
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Universal Investments defends bid for used car trading facility
By Kabanda Chulu
Friday May 30, 2008 [04:00]
SECOND-hand car dealers have appealed to the government to stop Universal Investments from establishing a used car trading facility in Lusaka because Zambians are capable of servicing the market. But Universal Investments managing director Fouad Ahmed said the setting up of the one stop vehicle trading facility at Motor World Business Park in Makeni area would result in bringing all car dealers from South Africa into Zambia, thus reducing prices.
Speaking yesterday, Alliance of Used Japanese Car Importers of Zambia spokesperson Killian Matangila said there was no need to engage dealers from Durban when Zambians were managing to carry out the services.
“We don’t need foreign dealers from Durban to start selling second-hand cars when Zambian traders who are mainly pensioners and retrenchees are managing to do this kind of business,” said Matangila. “And how many jobs will they create to replace the 300 Zambian traders whom the Motor Park will dislodge from the market and our appeal to government is not to allow the country becoming a haven for foreign dealers in second hand cars.”
But Ahmed said the setting up of a used car trading facility in Lusaka would remove middlemen based in South Africa because the vehicles would be coming directly from Japan to Zambia.
He said local dealers would not lose anything because the Motor Park facility would be fighting for money from Zambians who would be following reduced prices.
“This is a liberalised economy and those car dealers have been here for many years and what have they done? It is true they are scared of being out of business due to their exorbitant prices since Zambians will have a choice whether to go to them or come to Motor Park,” said Ahmed. “We understand their concerns because their suppliers in Durban will be our dealers at the facility and we expect price reductions of about 25 per cent to 30 per cent since there will be no middle men, hence creating a platform accessible for everyone, including the car dealers.”
After realising that Zambia holds about 80 per cent of used car sales that passes through Durban, Universal Investments is setting up a vehicle trading facility in Lusaka’s Makeni area that would help to transfer the annual US$ 2 billion used car industry from South Africa to Zambia.
Labels: CARS
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State to probe chiefs’ family trees
By ANGELA CHISHIMBA
GOVERNMENT will embark on the scrutiny of family trees in royal establishments so that it can come up with factual data for use when recognising chiefs in the country to end succession disputes. And Government has appealed to traditional leaders to be working with local authorities in making land available for development projects.
Minister of Local Government and Housing, Sylvia Masebo, said this yesterday in Lusaka when she handed over 150 vehicles procured for traditional leaders.
Ms Masebo handed over the vehicle which cost Government K6.3 billion on behalf of President Mwanawasa. She said Government was concerned about traditional succession disputes.
“It’s like everyone wants to become a chief, even those who don’t deserve to be chiefs. It’s sad to note that even those chiefdoms recognised by President Mwanawasa are involved in succession disputes,” Ms Masebo said.
She said the ministry had decided to scrutinise family trees and chiefdom boundaries with the current traditional leaders to try and end disputes. Ms Masebo urged traditional leaders to fully participate in national development. Ms Masebo said it was unfortunate that some chiefs were resisting making land available to investors.
“We know of some chiefs and their subjects who have been frustrating Government efforts to bring investment. We even know of some who have been asking for money,” she said.
Ms Masebo said President Mwanawasa had powers to take over land on behalf of the Zambians but had restrained himself out of respect for traditional leaders.
Presenting the vehicles to the chiefs, Ms Masebo said the remaining 136 traditional leaders would receive theirs soon. Mr Masebo said the vehicles had been loaned to chiefs at a recovery rate of 50 per cent of their monthly subsidies. She said the loan would attract an interest rate of five per cent per annum. President Mwanawasa approved motor vehicle loan scheme to all chiefs in 2007.
Initially, Government wanted to procure four motor vehicles per province for use by chiefs in the execution of their functions. The vehicles were to be controlled by provincial permanent secretaries.
However, the House of Chiefs raised concerns on the control of vehicles by the provincial permanent secretaries and Government decided to establish a motor vehicle loan scheme for chiefs.
“Many of you have not been visiting some parts of your chiefdoms for lack of transport. The new deal government has provided your royal highnesses value that will make your movement easier,”Ms Masebo said.
She said the vehicles would remain Government property until the loans were redeemed. Ms Masebo said fuel cost would be met by the chiefs unless when they were on official assignments. The chiefs who were told to choose their own types of vehicles opted for 4X4’s and trucks.
Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people chose a jeep Cherokee while several others went for Toyota Pajero vehicles. And chairman of the House of Chiefs Chief Mumena commended Government for the vehicles.
“For the first time since independence, chiefs have been empowered with vehicles. The chiefs realise that these vehicles are not gifts but provided on loan,” he said.
Clerk of the House of Chiefs Coillard Chibbonta said people would want to see development taking place in chiefdoms. He urged traditional leaders to provide quality leadership to their people by visiting their areas.
Transport Aid Japan Limited Director, Leigh Berg, urged the traditional leaders to ensure the vehicles were regularly serviced for them to have a long life.
Labels: CARS, CHIEFS, SYLVIA MASEBO
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Masebo warns councils not to abuse vehicles
By Abigail Chaponda
Wednesday April 30, 2008 [04:00]
LOCAL government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo yesterday warned councils not to use for funerals vehicles intended for the “Make Zambia Clean Campaign”. Speaking when she handed over 150 vannets for the “Make Zambia Clean Campaign” for all constituencies in the 72 districts of Zambia in Lusaka, Masebo warned that the vehicles - which are worth K5.5 billion - should be used for intended purposes.
“If any chief officer is found misusing the vehicles, they will get themselves in trouble. Let me not hear that these vehicles are used for funeral or ferrying of sand by any minister or chief officer,” she said.
Masebo said this was a timely warning because the government had started dealing with those abusing public property, including ministers. She advised councils to use the vehicles responsibly and avoid reckless driving.
“Accidents are normal but please let’s have accidents for good reasons,” she said.
And giving a vote of thanks on behalf of local authorities’ chief executives, Siavonga district council secretary Ackson Habanji assured Masebo that the vehicles would be put to good use.
“They will also significantly help us in our provision of services to the public,” said Habanji.
Labels: CARS, SYLVIA MASEBO
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HH procures 12 vehicles for UPND
By Gweny Phiri in Chingola
Tuesday September 04, 2007 [04:00]
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has procured 12 vehicles valued at K400 million to help with party mobilisation. Hichilema announced on Sunday in Chingola during a fundraising braii that 12 vehicles had been bought to help the UPND countrywide during campaigns. Hichilema reiterated UPND’s commitment to serving the people in the country.
He said UPND would not chase away investors or demolish illegal structures for the poor Zambians who in most cases used meagre resources to erect them.
Hichilema said he would instead plan well by ensuring that people were discouraged from settling on land illegally.
“They are busy demolishing the illegal structures that the poor Zambians had built in the name of cleaning towns. But where were they when the poor Zambians started building the said structures and who gave them land?” Hichilema asked.
“And other politicians are busy saying they will chase away investors. We in the UPND do not blame the investors. Moreover, if we want development we should accept technology, which is only brought by investors. Do not blame the wrong people and do not give excuses for failing to give Zambians accommodation. Who allowed them in the country if you are blaming them?”
Hichilema said under his leadership, he would reduce tax so that Zambians could enjoy their hard work, and that companies exempted from paying tax would start doing so to ensure national development. He further said Chingola’s Nchanga Constituency had lagged behind in terms of development because the electorate had voted for candidates who only wanted to look after themselves.
Hichilema also advised people to vote for the UPND candidate Alvin Simwiinga, a trained human resource officer, if development in Nchanga was to be realised.
And Simwiinga said people should not expect a better yield no matter how big the land they had tilled.
He said good yields were dependent on how good the seed was.
“Once you plant me in Parliament you should expect a better yield. I therefore ask you the people of Nchanga to give me a ticket to Parliament,” Simwiinga said.
UPND Copperbelt Province chairperson, Joe Kalusa, said Hichilema had shown his commitment to the party by the contribution of vehicles. Kalusa said the vehicles would help in the next by-elections and all other possible elections leading to the 2011 general elections.
FDD provincial publicity secretary, Wilson Chilekwa defected to UPND and immediately appealed to other political parties to join because the party was growing bigger in the province.
Earlier, Hichilema toured Kapisha market in Chingola. He said his heart bled when he stepped into the market, which was badly constructed with poor sanitation.
Hichilema said someone was failing to do his job, as refurbishing the market did not require a huge amount.
Labels: CARS, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, UPND
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There's nothing wrong with overloading vehicles - Sata
By Chibaula Silwamba
Monday July 23, 2007 [04:00]
Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata has said there is nothing wrong with overloading of motor vehicles. “Overloading of vehicles has always been there. Only on planes, that is where there is no overloading,” said Sata as PF Ndola Central member of parliament and long-distance bus operator Mark Mushili agreed.
Sata was commenting on Southern Province minister Joseph Mulyata’s harassment of Road Development Agency (RDA) officials at a weighbridge in Livingstone so they could release the bus belonging to Lusaka businessman and MMD cadre Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, without paying the US $2,000 penalty fee after it was impounded for evading the weighbridge.
Sata said Mulyata’s action was not an issue. But last week, works and supply minister Kapembwa Simbao said government had over the last few years spent about K133 billion in repairing roads which were damaged as a result of overloading.
During the run-up to last year’s general elections, some MMD cadres opposed GBM’s adoption as one of their parliamentary candidates, accusing him of belonging to PF. However, GBM dismissed the accusation as malicious. He said he could not distance himself from Sata because he was his relative. Meanwhile, Sata said PF legislators would not support the constitution conference bill in Parliament.
Commenting on the constitution conference bill that government released to the Zambia Centre for Inter-party Dialogue (ZCID) and other stakeholders last week, Sata said the bill was a non-starter and no Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament would go against the party’s decision to oppose it.
“There is nothing in that constitution conference bill. They have just picked the MMD roadmap which (MMD national secretary) Katele Kalumba imposed on the ZCID that we have rejected from the word go,” Sata said. “The party says the constitutional conference bill is a non-starter and nobody can go against that decision.”
Justice minister George Kunda last week stated that the draft national constitution conference bill of 2007 had been released to the ZCID, Oasis Forum and other stakeholders and that the bill would be published in the government gazette.
He requested political parties under the ZCID and civil society and church organisations under the Oasis Forum and the Constitution Awareness Forum to forward their comments on the bill for government’s consideration. He invited stakeholders to submit their comments to him by tomorrow.
And addressing a meeting of PF officials in Kanyama Constituency, Sata wondered why Parliament would allow President Levy Mwanawasa’s salary to be increased when he was not even paying for basic services such as accommodation, medicals and food.
“What kind of god would want that all good things go to Levy?” he asked.
Sata also warned all councillors that should they go against the party’s decisions, they would be expelled.
“After I removed (Lusaka mayor Susan) Nakazwe, other councilors have started working hard,” he said, warning: “If you don’t work hard I will ‘Nakazwe’ (expel) you. Soon we will have new councillors in Mandevu and John Haward.”
He warned the councillors against going to State House to get money to destabilise the PF.
“In State House I have PF members, they will tell me the time you entered and left State House,” he said.
He encouraged the PF leadership to form strong branches at markets.
“As PF, we should build strong branches at Soweto market. I and (former president Frederick) Chiluba built Soweto market and we have to control it,” he said. “What powers does (local government minister Sylvia) Masebo want at Soweto? Masebo and the MMD should build their own market.”
Sata said the money generated at Soweto should go to the Lusaka City Council instead of central government.
“Soweto market is for the council. Why isn’t the money going to the council?” he asked.
Sata also encouraged PF members to vie for various party portfolios during elections.
“But those I will nominate, no one will stop me. The party constitution gives me powers to nominate,” said Sata.
Earlier, Kanyama member of parliament Henry Mtonga urged PF members to fight for their rights at Soweto market.
Mtonga also said he had intelligence information that about two or three months ago, some PF councillors were invited to State House where they were offered money to quit PF and join the MMD.
“They were offered a lot of money,” said Mtonga. “Let us look after our party, PF is the alternative government.”
Labels: CARS, JOSEPH MULYATA, PF, SATA
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COMMENT - More great Letters from The Post
MPs’ car loan is unjustified
By Disappointed citizen
Monday February 12, 2007 [02:00]
Am I the only one ridiculed by the state of affairs in our country Zambia? No offense intended, but what are we thinking as a nation when we consider it acceptable that politics continue to be a tool for the wealthy and the opportunist to further the gap between the poor and them (the politicians)? Perhaps let me ask; is it not ironic that someone elected in a position of serving others and maybe even saving ones from the hands of poverty walks away with more than what the thousands he/she serves could ever have the opportunity to accumulate in their lifetimes even if these resources were pooled together?
For those that may not see what I am trying to get at I'll make it even plainer. Why should members of parliament enjoy the benefits that they selfishly award themselves at the expense of the hardworking taxpayer? Why should one be driving a fifty three thousand US dollar ($53,000) vehicle in a country that is among the poorest in the world? If the average Zambian walks into Standard Chartered Bank or ZANACO today, asking for a K200 million loan, my guess would be that the bank would seek for proof of earnings that would have to be in the range of over K200 million per year, the rationale being that you need to be earning that kind of money in order to be able to pay back that loan and still have a net take home pay.
Even more so, just the thought there are people in our country who can afford the luxury of dropping that kind of money on a car sounds almost as insane as legalising slavery. Are they really looking to 'earn' a billion kwacha over five years? So then, what next I ask? A billion kwacha loan for a house in Kabulonga, to be paid over your 5 year term of office? Another 1 billion for your kids to study abroad?
The reality is that Zambia is going to retrogress economically for at least another 5 years or for as long as the selfish are the ones in power. This is my food for thought to the selfish men/women in power. I hope to hear from you 'leaders', for I know if we continue to talk about these things, we might actually overcome them.
COMMENT - " We desperately need a new system of governance because selfishness is fast destroying the concept of what governance ought to be! "
I completely agree. There are ways to fund all these services by using 1/3 to half of national revenues to enable local government to supply education, healthcare, policing and public amenities. That is the way forward. Also, expenditures must be tracked and there must be full financial transparancy and democratic accountability of government, including local government.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22434
$53,000 car loans!
By Disappointed, Victor K. Chilekwa
Monday February 12, 2007 [02:00]
I salute The Post because it is the only paper that informs Zambians. Our leaders are busy stealing in broad daylight through their inflated loans, travel and subsistence allowances, unending serminars and workshops, while the ordinary civil servant waits for his meagre salary. In addition to their already government designed misery, their housing allowance is never paid on time despite it being a paltry K100,000 per month! Whilst no one expects the MPs, ministers and other top plunderers to have poor conditions, the concentration is just too much on this civil servant knows too well that it would take up to 10 years to be paid his/her retirement benefits so he/she has to create his/her own future by being innovative. In short, he/she is forced to steal.
Besides look at the foolishness of our leadership style whereby their children don’t go to the government schools. Government schools are only left to the poorest of the poor. If a mere MP can be given a car loan of US $53,000 (which translates to about K218million), why can’t teachers, police officers, nurses, and other lowly placed civil servants get loans of K100million? These MPs and ministers have taken the masses for granted. The teachers, police officers, nurses and other civil servants are not there to simplytoil for the top plunderers to enjoy.
If indeed stealing makes President Mwanawasa sick, which we now doubt very much, why should he allow this sickening frequency of ministers, MPs, who only seem to concentrate only on their stomachs, leaving the plight of the majority? We cannot count on any MP to work for the people, except for themselves- this also includes the President, ministers and opposition MPs.
We desperately need a new system of governance because selfishness is fast destroying the concept of what governance ought to be!
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22433
Budget speech okay, but...
By Jefferson Mwangwewo, Kitwe
Monday February 12, 2007 [02:00]
The budget speech was well presented and has brought about hope in many Zambians.
Well done, Minister Magande !!
However, allow me to say that the process of implementation of the budget should be looked into seriously and put in place as soon as possible.
As the task force is a watch dog on corruption, so let there be a watchdog on the budget implementation proccess.
There should be some checks and balances to ensure that all the funds in the 2007 budget and many budgets to come are accounted for at all times.
I suggest that as the finance minister presents a budget speech to the nation at the beginning of each year, the minister should be able also to come back to the nation at the end of the year and present, what I may call “an audit speech”.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22430
Losing battle against corruption
By Jenkins Chisoni, Glasgow
Monday February 12, 2007 [02:00]
I agree 100 per cent with acting TIZ leader Mr Lifuka that the government may be losing the battle against corruption.
However, I wish to add that permanent secretaries as contolling officers must be empowered with security of tenure like the office of the DPP and judges.Without security of tenure, they will continue to under-perform and we should not blame them as they have family interests to look after.
Professionalism will also be enhanced if this suggestion were acceptable.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22435
Unions are not transparent
By Yambayamba
Monday February 12, 2007 [02:00]
I write to comment on the labour movement that represents the public service workers in the country with reference especially to the union for teachers. The three unions are operating like our political parties as they are not transparent, not accountable to the stakeholders but instead pre-occupied with other issues. Statements that come from the union leaders are mainly intended to popularalise themselves and not to solve the problems.
Do members know the investment done to their subscriptions as explained by the union leaders if at all they do? Do the union leadres remain in their positions based on performance or by manipulation? Who told you the leaders that once in leadership, always in leadership? Stop cheating the members that you are carrying out some educational activities, please. Let us use 2007 as a year of genuine representation to our members and not just to enrich ourselves using our own self imposed luxurious conditions. Let us be accountable to the general membership and not assume a VIP status.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22393
Levy and the Chinese economic zone
By Alfred Mulenga
Sunday February 11, 2007 [02:00]
The concept of Economic Zone is welcome but I just hope that the President has been adequately advised on the merits and demerits of establishing an Economic Zone. This concept is sometimes referred to as an Export Processing Zone.
It is set up to attract foreign direct investment. Under this Zone, foreign manufacturing companies which produce for export will benefit from; Tax exemptions, financial incentives, well serviced industrial base and good infrastructure. These services are offered at modest form and labour unions are excluded.
The following are some of the merits of establishing an economic zone; it creates employment for the local people, helps in transferring new skills and expertise to local human resource, boosts the export of non-traditional goods, increases foreign earnings, creates linkages to increase output and raise the standard of local enterprise that supply goods and services to the Zone. It also introduces new technology and, finally, acts as a stimulant to important sectors.
On the contrary, firms operating in the zone are prohibited from offloading on the local market, making linkages impossible to other sectors. Budget revenues are affected as firms in the Zone are offered incentives such as tax holidays, and the Zone also attracts shoddy industrialists who set up plants for illicit activities such as smuggling, unauthorised goods or intellectual piracy.
The exemptions from customs duty and taxes amount to export subsidies and these subsidised goods from the Zone end up in the local market and start competing with indigenous local producers and importers exerting unnecessary pressure on the local industry.
Lack of enforcement of labour rules and absence of worker representation tend to undermine the ability of the Zone to upgrade skills to improve work conditions and productivity and thereby to become more dynamic and internationally competitive.
Labels: BUDGET, CARS, CORRUPTION, FREE ENTERPRISE ZONES, MINISTERS
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