Misuse of project funds displeases Irish Ambassador
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Thursday, May 28, 2009 2:44:34 PM
IRISH Ambassador Bill Nolan has said he is not happy with the recent draft audit report that highlighted mismanagement of Irish Aid project funds to Luwingu district council.
Ambassador Nolan said in an interview at State House on Monday that he was nevertheless surprised how the Irish Aid-undertaken draft internal audit report on Luwingu council’s books of accounts from October 2008 to January 2009 found itself in the hands of The Post.
“But we have no problem about accountability being there in the public domain. This is a very open debate,” he said. “It is a very healthy thing.”
He was commenting on the recent decision by the Swedish and Dutch/Netherlands governments to freeze aid to the Ministry of Health following heightened corruption concerns in the public sector.
Irish Aid is funding Local Development Programmes (LDPs) in four councils in Northern Province.
According to the internal audit report on Luwingu council, Irish Aid was not happy with the way the project funds were expended and the organisation threatened to halt funding to the local authority, in view of the noted financial irregularities.
Ambassador Nolan said once a draft audit report had been undertaken a copy is submitted to the council or in other cases referred to as the implementing partner.
“I was not happy with the draft audit report,” Ambassador Nolan said.
Ambassador Nolan said in future the relationship of Africa and Europe should be based more on trade and economic development than aid.
Irish Aid has taken issue over the irregular manner in which the Luwingu district tender committee awarded a K87 million tender to drill conventional wells to Luwingu district council.
It also complained over Luwingu district council’s failure to obtain a ‘no objection’ from the funding organisation for purchases above a 10,000 British pounds as required.
The aid agency noted that the manner in which Luwingu council was awarded the conventional wells construction tender was not transparent, as it had not been adequately advertised.
Labels: BILL NOLAN, CORRUPTION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, THE POST
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NRFA disburses K230bn for 1st quarter projects
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Monday, May 18, 2009 4:10:45 PM
THE National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has disbursed over K230 billion for road projects and related activities for the period January to March 2009.
The funding was spent throughout the country and it was from donors, the road fund and government project specific funding.
Releasing the disbursement schedule yesterday, NRFA spokesperson Alphonsius Hamachila said the total amount disbursed from the road fund and government funding during the first quarter of 2009 amounted to K185 billion while over K21 billion was disbursed under road projects being funded by the European Union.
He said disbursements from the World Bank funded projects amounted to K16 billion with K4 billion being disbursed under DANIDA funded projects.
"Some of the major disbursements from the road and government projects include the K15 billion for the periodic maintenance of the Chipata-Lundazi road and the construction of bridge and approach roads at Matumbo river crossing in the Eastern Province," Hamachila said.
"Further, K14 billion was disbursed for the supply of Bailey bridge components for the Mongu-Kalabo road in Western Province and for the emergency repair of the Petauke-Chilongozi road including a portion of Ukwimi-Sonja road in Eastern Province respectively."
He said the NRFA also spent K4 billion on the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) activities.
"The NRFA will continue working with and through key players and stakeholders in ensuring a quality road network throughout the country by providing adequate financial resources for developing, maintaining, monitoring and evaluation of road infrastructure and road transport services," said Hamachila.
Labels: ALPHONSIUS HAMACHILA, NRFA, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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Govt to pursue implementation of developmental programmes
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 4:12:18 PM
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday said his government will pursue implementation of developmental programmes to avoid Zambia becoming a 'no action talk only' country.
And national economic indaba chairperson Professor Muyunda Mwanalushi has challenged the government to quickly implement the resolutions to stop the indaba from looking like a ‘mere’ public relations exercise.
Receiving a report of the national indaba from Prof Mwanalushi in Lusaka, President Banda said Cabinet would soon meet so that implementation of the recommendations was not delayed any further.
"If you recall, several of the presenters mentioned that implementation is the key, as it was put to us, we should avoid being a NATO country that is 'no action talk only'," President Banda said.
"In this regard, government has developed a framework for monitoring the implementation of all policies, programmes and projects that are being implemented, be it in the 2009 budget, the private sector development programme, financial sector development programme, or the triangle of hope, among other programmes."
He said progress reports on the implementation of the policies, programmes and projects would be made on a monthly basis to the Cabinet committee on economic restructuring and development.
"For instance, progress will be reported on the implementation of each hospital, road or school in the budget, under this framework, each minister will be held accountable for all the policies, programmes and projects being implemented under their portfolio," said President Banda.
And handing over the indaba report, Prof Mwanalushi stressed the urgent need for the country to make a determined effort to broaden the national resource base through diversification away from the shifting sands of copper-mining.
"The main thrust of the recommendations is that economic diversification should not be delayed any longer and it should be the cornerstone of national response to the global economic crisis and the country's economic strategy going forward," Prof Mwanalushi said.
"Copper is a wasting asset and does not guarantee long-term prosperity for Zambia, which lies in human capital, agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. Therefore, economic diversification is the only hope for Zambia's attainment of Vision 2030."
He said there was need for Zambia to go beyond mere fire-fighting and house-keeping to the re-organisation and re-structuring of the economy if the country was to remain competitive in the aftermath of the crisis.
"Indeed, the recommendations of the indaba have endeavoured to go beyond the immediate response to the crisis by proposing a general transformation of the economic systems, structures and procedures," Prof Mwanalushi said.
"Hence, government should set up a committee to monitor the implementation of the indaba resolutions and the nation is expecting to see positive results, failure to follow up will relegate the indaba to a mere public relations exercise, that should be avoided at all costs."
He urged the government to address systemic challenges that continue to constrain further positive change in Zambia.
"Change of the mindset among Zambians is pivotal and this change must be seen to happen not only at the individual level but also within government systems. And procedures through elimination of bureaucracy that hamper effective service delivery and government should enhance its capacity and political will to implement both its stated programmes and what it receives through consultative processes like the indaba," Prof Mwanalushi said.
"Government should also develop a transparent and accountable system of determining who should be the beneficiaries of special support through incentives and fiscal stimulus measures for the affected economic sectors."
Over 500 people attended the national indaba that was held last month in Lusaka with a theme ‘Global economic crisis: a wake-up call for Zambia's economic transformation.'
In order to be more focused and with limited time, the national indaba paid attention only to those economic sectors which had been or were likely to be worst hit by the crisis and in which mitigation measures were likely to have far-reaching positive effects on the larger national economy.
Some of the sectors considered were: agriculture, tourism, mining, energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Labels: MUYUNDA MWANALUSHI, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RUPIAH BANDA
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RB calls for sacrifice
By KASUBA MULENGA and YANDE KAPEYA
PRESIDENT Banda has called for sacrifice among leaders to deal with the various challenges affecting the country.
And Mr Banda has appointed former Minister of Lands Bradford Machila as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and also appointed former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ben Kapita, as his special assistant for project implementation and monitoring.
He has also appointed Bank of Zambia financial markets director, Richard Chembe, as his special assistant for economic affairs.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony at State House yesterday, President Banda said he was happy to have Mr Kapita and Dr Chembe as members of staff at State House.
Mr Banda said the duo would be advising him on matters in which they were eminently qualified.
“We all have to realise that we have many problems which will require us to sacrifice a lot of our time and ourselves to ensure that our country is well served,” he said.
Mr Machila will be in charge of veterinary, livestock and fisheries while his counterpart, Brian Chituwo, will preside over cooperatives.
Mr Machila, who confirmed the development in an interview in Lusaka, said he received the appointment letter from the President yesterday.
“Yes I can confirm that I have been appointed as minister of Agriculture in charge of veterinary, livestock and fisheries and I have since received the letter of appointment,” he said.
Mr Kapita replaces Jack Kalala who has been relieved of his duties while Dr Chembe takes over from Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, who was last week appointed Minister of Finance and National Planning.
Labels: BEN KAPITA, BRADFORD MACHILA, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RUPIAH BANDA
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(THREAD) RE: Road Construction RE: British Protectorate
Interesting arguments presented. I'm also disappointed that there're people out there, and I hope a just a tiny few, who would actually entertain the thought of a British Protectorate. Regarding the failures of our leadership, I reckon they do what they do fundamentally becuase they know they can get away with it, and partly because some don't have a clue. How many leaders since have been succesfully prosecuted for corruption, or dismissed for failing to serve the people, not just towing the party line?
In the interest of better preserving this thread, perhaps it could be moved to Cho's or Mr. K's blog or someone's blog?Evans
Subject: Road Construction RE: British Protectorate
Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:05:46 +0000
Hi Musaba,
Here are some articles that highlight the procedures or failures of the tendering process when it comes to assigning road construction projects:
Govt's failure to complete projects disappoints Ndungu
By Mwala Kalaluka
Tuesday June 03, 2008 [04:00]
http://maravi.blogspot.com/2008/06/govts-failure-to-complete-projects.html
Controlling officers delay projects, says ZNTB director
By Fridah Zinyama
Thursday April 10, 2008 [04:00]
http://maravi.blogspot.com/2008/04/controlling-officers-delay-projects.html
Lack of implementation delays power projects, says Magande
By Joan Chirwa
Wednesday May 07, 2008 [04:00]
http://maravi.blogspot.com/2008/05/lack-of-implementation-delays-power.html
(TIMES) Magande chides contractors
Magande chides contractors
By Times Reporter
http://maravi.blogspot.com/2007/10/times-magande-chides-contractors.html
FINANCE and National Planning Minister, Ng’andu Magande has warned local and foreign contractors against using Government projects to experiment their capacity to perform. Mr Magande said the Government was concerned that most road contractors in Zambia were using Government’s projects to experiment their capacity to perform
Mr Magande, who was accompanied by Kitwe town clerk, Ali Simwinga said he was concerned that even contractors without capacity were being given contracts to rehabilitate roads.
He said the awarding of contracts to contractors who were doing pathetic works was a clear indication that there was a problem with the tendering system and it needed to be amended.
He said the Government was in the process of amending the tendering system so that there could be specific jobs for local contractors and others for foreign contractors.
He was, however, impressed with the quality of work being done at the European Union (EU) funded modern market project at Nakadoli.
Hello James:
Your comments are both exciting, surprising and disappointing. Exciting in that you have highlited Zambia's problems on which people and especially government should focus. Surprising in that you only came to learn of these things last week and disappointing that a British Protectorate is the solution. I just hope that not many Zambians believe that.
One comment I usually make is that, it's not so much that our politicians are corrupt, most of them just don't have a clue. I mean if someone goes into government thinking we get free money from donors how do you think they will handle the resources? Worse still, if Zambians in the diaspora believe the same they could careless how money is spent. We need to educate ourselves on how the 'aid system' works that way we will know that it piles up as debt, and debt servicing is one of the reason our governments are always in trouble and country gets poorer. Zambia is not a country of beggars it just looks that way.
Regards,
Musaba
Labels: CONSTRUCTION, INFRASTRUCTURE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ROADS
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Govt. projects should be monitored, says Chief
Posted on July 16th, 2008
Chief Mbang’ombe of the Chewa people in Katete district in Eastern province has bemoaned lack of supervision on government developmental projects done in his chiefdom. Chief Mbang’ombe complained that shoddy works have been identified on Munyamanzi bridge. The chief has since called for the monitoring of Constituency Development Funds (CDF), saying government resources sometime go to waste when there is no provision for appraisal and monitoring of projects.
“The projects are not taken seriously and shoddy works are done, there is need for close supervision if government funds are to be utilized for the intended purpose,” he added.
He was speaking when Mkaika Member of Parliament, David Phiri, who is also Information Deputy Minister, paid a courtesy call on him yesterday.
Mr. Phiri is in a one week visit to his constituency to inspect developmental projects.
The traditional leader expressed sadness that civic leaders, who are supposed to monitor the projects, were reluctant to do their work mostly because of belonging to various political parties.
Chief Mbang’ombe also raised concern that some contractors considered him as an enemy whenever he requested for their explanation and reports concerning projected they were undertaking.
“Munyamanzi bridge is one of the projects on which government spent a lot of money but due to lack of supervision, the work is not satisfying as damages have already started showing such that the structure needs to be redone,” he noted.
Chief Mbang’ombe said time of politicking was over, saying all that was needed now was to work together for the betterment of the constituency.
“All civic leaders are supposed to work together regardless of their political affiliations if the area was to improve structures such as schools, roads and health centres,” he added.
Meanwhile, the chief has complained that his subjects still had to walk long distances to access medical services from Vulamukoko and Chimutende Rural Health Centres.
He stated that there was need to put up a health post at Nthambo village to ease his subjects’ suffering through walking long distances to access the medical services.
And in response, Mr. Phiri said funds for the rehabilitation of Munyamanzi bridge were released under Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Vice President’s office thereby making it difficult for councillors to take the responsibility of inspecting the project.
He disclosed that such projects were difficult to monitor as it was the responsibility of the Road Development Agency (RDA) Engineers and Provincial Roads Engineers to do so.
Mr. Phiri said he was also not happy with the works done on the bridge and he had since sought audience with the regional engineer.
Munyamanzi bridge was badly damage during 2006/07 rainy season.
Meanwhile, Chief Mbang’ombe said the illness of President Levy Mwanawasa will slow down many development projects which needed his attention.
Chief Mbang’ombe said people in the area have continued praying for him to get better so that he could come back and foster development.
“When a parent is sick in a home, things do not move at the pace they are supposed to. We shall continue to pray for him so that he quickly comes back to foster development.
He said people still needed boreholes, health facilities and good roads which need his attention to materialise.
ZANIS/DM/KSH/ENDS
Labels: CHIEF MBANG'OMBE, DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNANCE, KATETE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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SOLATECH chief disputes AG report's conclusions
By Noel Sichalwe
Monday July 14, 2008 [04:00]
SOLATECH Limited chief executive officer Michael Nyirenda has disputed the Auditor General's report that his company abandoned works at Samfya Rural Hospital after being paid about K1.7 billion. Nyirenda said officials from the Auditor General's office should have cared to verify the facts before reporting on what happened with his contract.
He wondered why the Auditor General's office proceeded to publish the report on Solatech Limited without seeking any explanation from him over their queries.
Nyirenda said he had been working at Samfya Rural Hospital since last year and that his company had since been awarded Phase II of the contract.
"If we didn't do a good job, they would not have allowed us to proceed with Phase II of this project," he said.
He said all the issues raised by the Auditor General related to the extra works that Solatech Limited was requested to do but not stipulated in the contract.
Nyirenda said the contract was worth about K1.8 billion but that the value of the work done was more than that.
He said in fact, Samfya Rural Hospital owed his company money for the various extra works they had undertaken which were not stipulated in the contract.
He said his company had only been paid about K1.7 billion from the agreed contractual sum.
Nyirenda cited extra works that involved putting ceramic tiles in the theatre as some of the provisional works that were not stipulated in the initial contract.
"It is sad for somebody to say that we run away with money," he said.
According to the Auditor General's report, Solatech Limited which worked on Samfya Rural Health Centre had abandoned works after being offered a contract worth K1,801,801,474.
The report stated that Solatech Limited was awarded the contract to upgrade a maternity block, a theatre and an X-ray block at the health centre.
"In this regard, in October 2006, a contract was awarded to Solatech Limited at a contract price of K1,801,801,474 for a duration of 30 weeks and the contractor moved on site on 13th October 2006. Works were to be completed by June 2007," stated the report. "The contractor had been paid K1,796,118,225 out of the certified works leaving a balance of only K5,683,219 from the contract price.
"The district did not retain K90, 090,074 being five per cent of the contract sum as provided for in the contract."
The report added that toilets, sluices, bathrooms and other sanitary rooms were not fitted with ceramic tiles on the floors as well as the walls.
"Barium plaster had not been procured and applied to the X-ray department walls," revealed the report. "Special ceramic tiles for the theatre were not procured and fitted by the contractor."
Labels: ATTORNEY GENERAL, CONTRACTORS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, SOLATECH
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Govt officials' attitudes
By Mkandawire S
Thursday July 03, 2008 [04:00]
The observations made by Northern Province minister, Lameck Chibombamilimo ( The Post June 30, 2008) over the slow pace in implementing developmental projects in the province cannot pass without comment. Chibombamilimo is right in stating that some government officers are unconcerned about implementing the already-budgeted for and funded projects.
Many development projects would have been completed by now had it not been for the selfish interests of a few government officials. Indeed, it does not make sense for the government officials to be conducting feasibilty studies for projects that cannot be implemented, especially when money has been released for such projects.
Zambia's development will be at stake if the attitude of tired government officials does not change. Change can also take place by injecting young blood with zeal and vision. It appears most ministers wait for the president to tell them to perform certain functions. They seem to lack initiative.
This attitude must be abandoned if our aim and objectives are to attain the Millenium Development Goals by 2015.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=43512
Land policy
By Concerned citizen
Thursday July 03, 2008 [04:00]
While macroeconomic indicators for the Zambian economy are relatively positive, much needs to be done for their effects to be felt by the vast majority of our people who live in abject poverty. One way of immediately having a trickle-down effect in the country's economic gains is to implement a bold and prudent land management policy.
The government, through the Ministry of Lands, needs to deregulate the allocation of land for housing. There are several Zambians that can afford to build decent houses costing between K250 million to about K400 million.
An acre sold to people after careful screening for K10 million with conditional title deeds that would be formalised after 24-36 months in prime areas that are currently a preserve for the rich and speculators, would guarantee the government the much-needed economic stimulus.
With such a policy or a better and modified one, this country would have not less than 500, 000 housing units in the next three years. Short-term employment would be created for thousands of skilled and unskilled able-bodied people on our streets. This can result in the easing of artificial congestion in unplanned settlements and the incidence of airborne diseases such as TB. This would also reduce the rate of crime.
There is no justification for the skyrocketing prices for land that we read about in the papers everyday. I challenge the Ministry of Lands to be proactive and think long-term.
In the last few months, we have seen how aggressively the Americans have tried to stimulate an ailing economy. Public works programmes have a long history in industrialised countries as an economic-policy tool, both as a fiscal measure to expand or contract public spending in periods of unbalanced domestic demand as well as a short-term measure to alleviate unemployment. We do not need to re-invent the wheel.
This country has enough resources to attain middle income-country status before 2030. With the rising fuel prices and food prices, time to take aggressive and bold measures that will have a long term effect on our children and grand children is now.
Labels: LAMECK CHIBOMBAMILIMO, MINISTERS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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Govt's failure to complete projects disappoints Ndungu
By Mwala Kalaluka
Tuesday June 03, 2008 [04:00]
SENIOR chief Ndungu of the Luvale people of Zambezi has expressed disappointment with government’s failure to complete developmental projects in his area. And the Luvale Royal Establishment has pledged to handle the succession process for the late chief Chinyama Litapi of Zambezi expeditiously. Expressing disappointment over the stalled development projects in Zambezi West, chief Ndungu said only constructing a bridge across the Zambezi at Zambezi Boma could help reduce the backlog of uncompleted development projects in his chiefdom.
“There will be no proper development in Zambezi West Bank without placing a bridge at Zambezi. I do not see how they (government) can get to the mining areas which they are talking about without this bridge,” chief Ndungu said.
He said he was disappointed that the government spent about one billion kwacha to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of a bridge across the Zambezi River at Zambezi Boma, but that no movement had been made towards the implementation of the project two years down the line.
He further complained that the government’s tendency of waiting for the rainy season before commencing the implementation of projects in Zambezi West Bank was denying his people development opportunities.
“For example, the government through the Office of the Vice-President started to construct the Mize Embankment; they started last year, but because of the rainy season the work stopped. If there is much delay, there will not be any development.”
He further complained about government’s delays in rehabilitating some of the bridges that were washed away by floods during the previous rainy season and its delays to commence bridge projects that were funded by the European Union (EU).
“My major appeal to the Ministry of Works and Supply is for them to release funds for the bridges that have been funded by the EU,” chief Ndungu said. “I talked to the project manager and he said they are waiting for the government to release the funds.”
And chief Ndungu said a successor for the late chief Chinyama Litapi would be known within the next three months following a series of meetings by the Luvale Royal Establishment.
Labels: CHIEF NDUNGU, CHIEFS, DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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State calls for increased monitoring of government projects
Posted on May 5th, 2008
Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary Mbikusita Lewanika has called for increased monitoring and evaluation of government projects to realize intended goals in line with the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP). Dr. Lewanika says monitoring and evaluation is a powerful public management tool that can be used by government to achieve intended results.
He was speaking in Kafue today when he officiated at a two-day workshop dubbed, “Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation.” Dr. Lewanika observed that with globalization, there is need for monitors to be responsive to the demands of internal and external stakeholders in the quest for good governance, accountability and transparency in order to realise tangible results.
He challenged the Monitors and Evaluators to move away from the traditional way of monitoring, to new results-based approaches because government through the FNDP is in a hurry to develop the country by ensuring that projects are completed on time.
Dr. Lewanika hoped that the workshop participants would now be in the position to design and build results-based monitoring and evaluation systems at the end of the workshop.
And passing a vote of thanks, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Finance Manager Mumba Chanda commended Government for organizing the workshop.
Mr. Chanda urged his colleagues to put the gained knowledge into practice because government is spending huge sums of moneys in impacting knowledge to its employees.
The workshop has been organized by the Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability Programme (PEMFA) under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.
The two-day workshop has attracted Principal Government Officers from the Ministry of Finance, Zambia National Tender Board, National Assembly of Zambia, Office of the Auditor General and Cabinet Office, among other participants
Labels: AKASHAMBATWA MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA, CONTRACTORS, FNDP, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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Lack of implementation delays power projects, says Magande
By Joan Chirwa
Wednesday May 07, 2008 [04:00]
THE current problems in power generation have resulted from inadequate implementation of projects and not because of lack of money, finance and national planning minister Ng'andu Magande has said. In an interview, Magande said
lack of proper planning and implementation of hydro-power generation projects had in some way contributed to the current power problems being experienced in Zambia.
"Why we have been having delays in the completion of power projects is not really because of money but because of lack of implementation of projects," said Magande in response to proposals that government channel part of the expected revenue from new mine taxes to power generation projects. "For example, the Itezhi-tezhi hydro power project has been dragging even after Zesco Limited and Tata Africa entered into a joint venture to develop the plant. So the issue is not about not having money to finance these projects; it's about the implementation of these projects. There is also the Kafue Gorge Lower power project, which will only be able to generate electricity in the next five years."
There have been calls for government to prioritise financing for hydro-power projects in the country in view of the electricity deficit.
Some stakeholders suggested that government should try and utilise the expected revenue from increased mineral taxes to finance hydro-power projects in the country, as demand for electricity kept outstripping supply resulting from the power utility's inadequate generation capacity.
As a result of inadequate generation capacity to meet the rising demand for power, Zesco Limited earlier this year initiated intensified load shedding throughout the country.
Zesco's current generation capacity stands at around 1,200 mega watts (MW) against a peak demand of around 1,500 MW, since a total of 600 MW have been taken out of the system to facilitate uprating of the equipment.
But Magande said the government could not expressly plan for the windfall tax revenue to finance huge projects in power generation because collections were based on prevailing market conditions on the international markets.
"We cannot mix the mining windfall revenue into the budget because we will not be having a fixed amount every year. It will all depend on the prices of copper on the international market," said Magande.
Copper prices recently hit a record high of US $8,800 per tonne. The new mining tax for the mines is therefore expected to give government around US $415 million approximately K1.5 trillion in additional revenue to the treasury in 2008.
Labels: CONSTRUCTION, CONTRACTORS, MAGANDE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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Controlling officers delay projects, says ZNTB director
By Fridah Zinyama
Thursday April 10, 2008 [04:00]
THE Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Transport, Works and Supply on Tuesday heard that controlling officers were to blame for the delay in projects implementation because they prepare procurement plans late. Last year, K9 billion was not utilised and was returned to the treasury.
Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) director general, David Kapitolo told the committee chaired by UPND Siavonga member of parliament Douglas Siakalima that the funds were returned to the treasury not due to problems in tender processes but because controlling officers always prepared their procurement plans late.
Kapitolo said he had written to all controlling officers to prepare their procuring plans on time but “this never happens”.
“They know how much time the procedure takes but they wait until October when the tendering process has already begun. In October, we are normally overwhelmed with applications from controlling officers for projects, but it is already too late as we are drawing to the close of the year,” he explained.
And Kapitolo said if the budget was approved before the end of the year and everything was ready by January, it would give the tender board enough time to do most of the projects.
And Engineering Institute of Zambia vice-president Henry Musonda attributed the shoddy work on most of the roads to the awarding of contracts to the lowest bidders.
“The engineering profession is coming under attack for doing shoddy work when the blame could be attributed to the tendering process,” he said.
Musonda said the awarding of contracts was not been done in a proper manner.
“Somewhere things are not going well. contracts are being awarded to people who do shoddy works,” he said. “Very few roads come out good due to contracts being awarded to poor contractors.”
Labels: DAVID KAPITOLA, HENRY MUSONDA, PCCTWS, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ZNTB
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Emusa/Chikwa rd rehabilitation delays worry Eastern MPs
By Christopher Miti
Monday March 17, 2008 [03:00]
MEMBERS of parliament from Chama South and Chansefu constituencies have expressed disappointment over the delay by the Eastern Province administration and the roads department to complete the rehabilitation works of the Emusa/Chikwa road. Mines deputy minister Boniface Nkhata said it was unfortunate that the road was abandoned despite being funded K555 million in last year’s budget.
“I know that this road was allocated some funds something like K555 million because I’m a former minister of the province, but why is it that rehabilitation works have been abandoned? They stopped at Chasato game area. I have asked the roads engineer about this but all he tells me is that I should ask the provincial administration.
I can say anything on this matter because am disappointed if there is somebody who wants to counter react let him do so,” he said.
Nkhata said the stretch of the road that had not been repaired was in a very deplorable state.
“The abandoning of this project pains me because I fought for the release of this money. Now that the project has been abandoned I don’t know where the other money to go for this project would come from,” said Nkhata.
And Chifumu Banda who is also FDD vice-president appealed to government and the Road Development Agency (RDA) to check on the abandoned project.
Eastern Province minister Charles Shawa said he would investigate the matter because he was new in the province.
Labels: PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ROADS
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Morality and leaders
By Mwewa Lombe
Monday February 18, 2008 [03:00]
It is hard to be inspired by our government and political leaders when one looks at how myopically they discuss and attend to national issues. The bureaucracy in the civil service takes advantage of this myopic approach from our leaders by misusing, misappropriating and even stealing government funds. If one visited any government office, one would actually see the lack of activity that exists in almost all government offices. Our leaders are more pre-occupied with swimming in luxury.
Actually, it now is evident that the political system we have in Zambia does not serve the common man, but the immoral leaders who want to continue exploiting the majority of us. Visit any ministry headquaters and you will be shocked to see the number of vehicles parked.
As a country, we do not even worry about the high consumption of energy or fuel or that we do not have a single oil field, yet the whole world is considering rationalisation of the consumption of fuel/energy.
Even our so-called elite few in government have lamentably failed to give direction to the country as they are blinded by the luxury the government offers them.
Are they not ashamed of the massive failures when they make public statements? Anyway, morality is lacking in our leaders.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=37756
State of roads in Barotseland
By Lishebo Mubiana
Monday February 18, 2008 [03:00]
Memories of the failed Mongu-Kalabo road are still fresh. There is, however, a new hope that the road will be done and completed under an improved design. This, at least, has been pronounced by the Republican President himself and his technocrats.
If what is currently obtaining in Barotseland had been initiated 20 years ago, we wouldn’t be referring to this province today as the poorest.
The Roads Development Agency should be commended for the vigour and vibrancy it has exhibited through its current robust Western province regional manager.
For the first time, the people in the province feel part of the decision-making process vis-à-vis road construction, as evidenced last week from 4 to 7 February in Mongu at the stakeholders' consultative Strategic Environmental Assessment workshop on the Senanga-Sesheke road project which drew participants from various walks of life.
We are now feeling the presence of the department of roads in the province as the RDA’s regional manager is available to ably explain government programmes and projects at forums like the Provincial Development Coordinating Committee meetings.
The Kaoma-Kasempa road has been opened up while the Lukulu road has been rehabilitated. Also, the Chinese are working on the Kaoma-Mongu and the Mongu-Senanga roads and the Limulunga-Ushaa road are under rehabilitation.
Mongu is in addition looking beautiful with the recently rehabilitated township roads. The province will soon be connected to Namibia through an upgraded Mongu-Sesheke road.
The Luampa-Mulobezi road is about to be worked on while the Matebele-Shangombo road will be rehabilitated this year with support from DANIDA. But the Simungoma-Mulobezi road has serious quality problems and the RDA has to check the Namibian contractor working on this road.
With the opening up of many good roads in the province, it will be proved that Western Province is actually the richest in the country. Mwanawasa, please give us the Mongu-Kalabo road.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=37759
Glaring financial irregularities
By Dr Makasa M Emmanuel
Monday February 18, 2008 [03:00]
It has now become common in Zambia for the Auditor General's report to reveal glaring financial irregularities in ministries, yet no action at all is taken. And this is a country that preaches zero tolerance against corruption? Surprisingly, the obvious culprits are still in place.
We appreciate George Kunda's talk that the government has delegated the responsibility of managing public funds to controlling officers so that there is no political interference. But these controlling officers are the ones who are not being held accountable.
We all know that the position of permanent secretary though in the civil service, is a political appointment.
We want to see an end to this daylight robbery of public funds.
We now want corrective measures to be taken because we cannot afford to continue borrowing money from donors and paying tax so that some unscrupulous individuals can waste it while we watch.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=37705
Abuse of public funds
By Godfrey Mambwe Kaoma
Sunday February 17, 2008 [03:00]
While I don't entirely agree with Mike Mulongoti's statement that the government should not be blamed for the evident abuse of public funds by civil servants (The Post, February 15, 2008);
I would appreciate if the minister could inform the nation on how much fruit have been borne out of those alarming revelations that were made through the Auditor General's report. Just a few weeks ago, what happened at the local government and housing ministry? Colossal amounts of tax payers' money remained unaccounted for; oh shame, mother Zambia!
While giving directives to audit suspected or wanting missions abroad or otherwise is one good gesture(as the minister bragged), taking appropriate measures is also another.
Issuance of mere directives and then remaining mute when it comes to prosecuting erring officials is as good as punching a dead lion.
What is lacking on the part of the government is focus, resulting into misplaced priorities when it comes to fighting this scourge. This is why to this day, we see corrupt officials "dinning" together with their masters; and the politicians are the worst kind.
When if not now, will our new deal government take a leaf from what President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania did? He dissolved his cabinet! Or are we asking too much from our Zambian leaders?
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=37757
Zesco's lack of planning
By Davies C. Chileshe
Monday February 18, 2008 [03:00]
I wish to express my disappointment over the current Zesco power outages. Zesco, like many other companies in Zambia, is so much interested in collecting money from people rather than improving the services it offers.
Since 2005 or so when Zesco introduced load shedding, nothing good so far has been achieved apart from the constant increase in the number of power cuts. I doubt so much the competence of its administration.
It appears that the administration lacks proper planning. They only plan for today and forget about tomorrow.
We know that the world is constantly changing and that the way it is today is very much different from the way it was yesterday. That’s why it will be illogical to rely on the hydropower system that was installed by the colonial administration to continue supplying power efficiently.
Today's population is probably five times larger than it was then and we can’t deny that the number of industries that need power has also increased. I’m bitter at the pace at which they have responded to this power crisis.
Most probably, the administration is quite incompetent because the pace at which it works is slower than that of the problem. Initially, we were experiencing load shedding for one hour or so in days, but now we are experiencing it several hours within a day.
The money they get from people is actually more than enough to improve the system. However, they consider the investment in their selfish pockets preferencial. God forbid! I become even more bitter to hear that some political parties are being funded by this company.
If the government is involved in mysterious dealings, who then will intervene in this situation?
Zambians are not blind, whatever transpires between Zesco and the government is well known. The government's silence over the Zesco administration actually speaks volumes.
Labels: CORRUPTION, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ROADS, ZESCO
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Envoy calls for accountability in poverty reduction programmes
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Tuesday February 05, 2008 [03:00]
ZAMBIA needs mechanisms which will ensure that the government explains to people at the end of every year on how poverty reduction programmes have performed, a senior envoy at the Netherlands Embassy has said. First secretary for Private Sector Development Henry Gerner said in an interview that such means would ensure that national budget and the President’s address to Parliament were evaluated and made accountable and not just be a ‘talking shop.’
Gerner said even cooperating partners also explained to their parliaments how poverty was reduced and how many jobs were created in countries where they offered financial and technical assistance stressing that Zambia needed to take a leaf from that.
“The cooperating partners who are facilitators and keep the principle partners accountable for use and impact of donor resources and technical assistance,” Gerner said.
“At the end of the year, cooperating partners need to explain to their parliaments how poverty was reduced and how many jobs were created, like similarly the government needs to explain to parliament and the Zambian people.”
And Gerner said Zambia still faced the challenge of ensuring that the marginalised and vulnerable sectors of the society like the youths and women were captured in the “economic boom in the country.
“Zambia has improved its business climate over years. Inflation is down, bank loans are a bit cheaper, and you can register a company in a few days, consumers are spending money, a lot of construction going on and new jobs being created,” Gerner said.
“Although there has been a lot of strides, the single largest challenge facing the country is to achieve a broad-based wealth and job creation and in my view that refers to improving the situations in the rural areas and raising rights of women and enhancing their positions and economic opportunities and jobs for youths.”
Gerner also said Zambia Business Forum should agree with the government on certain targets to achieve in 2009 and keep government accountable for achieving these targets. “In my view, that does not exist yet,” said Gerner.
Labels: POVERTY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, PRSP
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