Bankers ponder reducing rates
By NKOLE CHITALA
THE Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) is considering to reduce interest rates after talks with relevant stakeholders are concluded.
BAZ vice-chairperson Charity Lumpa said the association is confident that the reduction will be effected soon, with the support of the central bank and Government to reduce costs in the manner banks thrive to provide product and services to the public.
“We know the central bank perceive that there is high interest rates, We do acknowledge that we have a lot of work to do and ensure that this is done as soon as possible,” she said.
In an interview in Lusaka last week, Ms Lumpa said most banks have indicated willingness to reduce the rates within the working environment.
Last week United Bank for Africa (UBA) said Government should consider reducing the cost of doing business in the banking industry if interest rates are to reduce significantly.
The bank said there is need for the authorities to address issues causing high cost of borrowing as banks income is largely earned from interest rates.
Last week, President Sata told delegates to the 11th session of the National Assembly that Government will engage the banking sector with a view of reducing the high interest rates.
Mr Sata said the business community, particularly small- scale businesses face difficulties in accessing credit financing for their business development largely due to high interest.
Labels: BANKERS ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA, CHARITY LUMPA, LENDING RATES
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‘C/belt Province has only one dialysis machine’
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Sun 27 June 2010, 03:00 CAT
LOTTERY Club of Kitwe north president Moshin Chakera has said it is a shame that the Copperbelt Province has only one dialysis machine for patients with kidney complications. And Chakera has disclosed that the club has embarked on a venture to raise about US $36,000 for the purchase of a dialysis machine for Kitwe Central Hospital.
Speaking during his induction as Lottery Club of Kitwe North district 9210 president, Chakera said there was need for cooperating partners to join hands with the Lottery Club in raising funds for purchase of the dialysis machine for Kitwe Central Hospital.
He said it was sad to note that more than 2,000 patients with kidney complications and other related diseases were struggling to have access to the only dialysis machine at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) Mine Hospital in Chililabomwbe.
“We believe that a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. As Lottery Club of Kitwe North we have prioritised the need to purchase the dialysis machine for our brothers and sisters with kidney problems. It is a shame that the whole Copperbelt has one dialysis machine at KCM Mine Hospital and a lot of people are suffering because some don’t have access to that machine. We need to work together to purchase this critical machine,” Chakera said.
And speaking earlier Lottery Club of Kitwe North past president Clement Tafeni said the future of Lottery Club was in the hands of the people hence the need for the community to come together in supporting various community programmmes that the club had embarked on.
He said Lottery Club members had endeavored to mobilise resources towards the needy in society. And Ecobank Zambia managing director Charity Lumpa noted the various projects the Lottery Club had carried out over the years.
She said Ecobank realises that corporate entities should collaborate with the government and charity organisations by taking an active role in the development of the communities.
Labels: CHARITY LUMPA, COPPERBELT PROVINCE, ECOBANK, HEALTHCARE, LOTTERY CLUB OF KITWE, MOSHIN CHAKERA
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