THAI PROTESTERS DEFY ORDERS TO LEAVE THEIR BANGKOK CAMP

Anti-government protesters in Bangkok have defied orders to leave their fortified camp in the Thai capital.

The protesters - many of them women - continued to clap and cheer speakers on stage in the centre of their vast camp as a deadline passed. Soldiers have been shooting live rounds to keep protesters at a distance as one government minister said the operation to "seal the area" would continue. Violence since Thursday has left 36 dead, and some 250 injured. Renegade Thai general Khattiya Sawasdipol died on Monday, five days after being shot as he spoke to reporters about his backing for the protest movement.

The government says it will talk to the protesters as long as they show "sincerity" by leaving their camp. The protest leaders, for their part, have offered UN-mediated talks on condition the government pulls back its troops.

'Don't be afraid'
Loudspeakers, TV announcements and mobile phone messages were used to warn the protesters - particularly women, children and the elderly - they should leave by 1500 (0800 GMT).
The government offered free transportation home for those who left, and warned that the area was not safe and anyone who stayed could face up to two years in prison.
But few of the 5,000 remaining protesters appeared to heed the call.
The BBC's Rachel Harvey, in the protesters' camp, said that as the deadline passed speeches were still being given and people - the majority of them women - were clapping and cheering them on. We will stay here persistently. And we'll ask (tell) every people don't be afraid. Just sit still and stand still here. And don't fight back. And if they would like to kill us, let them kill us," protest leader Weng Tojirakarn told demonstrators. A group of more than 300 people who sought refuge in a nearby temple have told volunteers there that they do not trust the government's offer of safe passage and do not dare to leave, the BBC was told.
Satit Wonghnongtaey, a minister attached to the prime minister's office, said the government would not back down in its attempt "to tighten the seal around the protest area".

"We would like to urge fellow citizens to be careful and protect themselves," he said. The BBC's Chris Hogg is out on the streets of Bangkok and says the situation remains very tense.

He says Thai soldiers are pursuing a policy of containment by fire, shooting live rounds towards the encampment in an effort to keep protesters at a safe distance from them.
There was fresh fighting along a street of upmarket hotels overnight, which saw the first death among the soldiers.
Guests at one of the hotels, the Dusit Thani, were rushed from their rooms into the building's basement after gunfire and explosions shook the area.
A state of emergency has now been declared in 22 provinces across the country - mostly in the protesters' northern heartlands - in a bid to stop more demonstrators heading to the capital.
Protests have spread outside the capital with a military bus set afire in the northern city of Chiang Mai and demonstrations in two north-eastern towns in defiance of a government ban.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays and delayed the start of Bangkok's school term, but a planned curfew was cancelled.
Many of the protesters, called red-shirts after the colour they have adopted, are from poor rural areas in northern Thailand where support is still strong for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.
He is living abroad to avoid a jail term on a corruption conviction.
The protesters say the current government is illegitimate, having come to power in a parliamentary vote after a pro-Thaksin government was forced to step down in December 2008 by a Constitutional Court ruling that it had committed electoral fraud.
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Courtesy BBC News.

RB’S “PUPPY” CHAINED DURING MUFUMBWE BY ELECTIONS

“Don’t let my puppy out, keep it indoors until the voting period in Mufumbwe closes.”

This seemed to be the situation in the recently held Mufumbwe by elections after opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to stay indoors in his room at some lodge during the voting time.
The opposition leader who Zambian President Rupiah Banda calls his puppy was told that his presence in the polling stations would steer further violence which has left many cadres both from the opposition and ruling party with serious life long scars.
Mr. Hichilema’s camp accused the police of placing their leader under illegal house arrest. However acting police service spokesperson Moses Suwali who was on the ground in Mufumbwe says the police has no power to place any one under house arrest. He has stated that the move was just meant to prevent the opposition leader from going closer to any polling station during voting as it was tantamount to indirect campaign.
Sleazy tricks by the UPND leader to dodge the police on claims that he was in the area as an election observer were not convincing enough hence he had no option but stay indoors as the place was heavily guarded by armed police officers.
The puppy was in chains through out while the father (President Banda) was in Lusaka anxiously waiting to hear his candidate Mulonda Muzungu take the day, unfortunately that was not the case as amidst heavy tension and violence in the two camps the UPND carried the day.
Various stakeholders have described the violence in Mufumbwe as barbaric, ancient and un-Zambian. Others have stated that the President who is the father of the nation should not sink so low to start trivializing politics through personal attacks.
Campaign period
While Mufumbwe situated in the North Western province of Zambia faces serious challenges of poor road networks, lack of health facilities and serious unemployment among the youth, politicians were busy talking about each others looks at demonizing each other during campaigns at the expense of serious issues.
Marcopolo buses carrying hundreds of blood thirsty cadres from both the opposition and ruling parties travelled from Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces to tear up Mufumbwe and anything that blocked there way including the Inspector General of Police who could not contain the pressure put on him by the cadres.
Mr. Kabonde who is the top dog in Zambia’s police service looked like a simple police officer straight from school in Lilayi scared for his life when confronted by hungry wolf like carders who broke wind screens of cars at the police post in full view of his watchful eyes but powerless body.
He looked like a toothless bull dog compared to late Super Cop Wazakaza Nguni who was Lusaka province Commanding Officer who feared no one and nothing.
By Brian Mwale.

STANCHART ZAMBIA LAUNCHES US DOLLAR DEBIT CARD

As competition continues growing in the Zambian banking sector, many institutions are now looking at pulling sharper thans on others by improving on service customer needs through launch of products and services that have never been. Stanchart one of the leading Zambian banks now looks at launching a US Dollar debit card on the market.

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has introduced another first on the market – the US Dollar Debit Card which will be issued on the US Dollar Account and can be used worldwide at over 1 million Visa branded ATMs and any Points of Sale terminal.

The US Dollar Debit Card will enable the customer to withdraw cash from their Dollar Account 24 hours a day, any time, anywhere. Benefits accrued include access to the account with local withdrawals accrued in Kwacha and withdrawals outside Zambia will be in respective currencies.

Customers will also enjoy the benefit of Internet and Points of Sale transactions to purchase products and services at Visa branded terminals, both locally and internationally. US Dollar Debit Card holders will also enjoy insurance cover for fraud, ATM cash robbery, purchase protection and personal accident death only. The US Debit Card will be issued to customers at no cost. Commenting on the latest product launch, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Plc Managing Director, Mrs. Mizinga Melu, reiterated the banks move to meet customer needs.

“We are very excited about the US Dollar Debit Card and the greatly enhanced service and convenience it offers to our customer.” She says. We differentiate our Brand in Africa through our ability to leverage on our international expertise and product capabilities to introduce innovative services into our African markets. The launch of the US Dollar Debit Card is yet another example of this competitive advantage, and further evidence that we are continuing to invest heavily in our African franchises.”

Meanwhile Stanchart Zambia Head of Consumer Banking Mr. Ralph Watungwa further adds that the US Dollar Debit Card is the latest in a list of ‘alternative banking channels’ introduced by Standard Chartered Bank in Zambia.

“We are committed to providing world class and relevant products and services to all our customers. The US Dollar Debit Card empowers all Zambians and provides a unique opportunity for all our customers to access their financial services and transact “any time, any where,” says Mr. Watungwa.

By Brian Mwale.

STANCHART ZAMBIA TO INVEST US$ 75MILLION TOWARD AGRICULTURE SUPPORT

Agriculture has been regarded as a major sector to be used in Zambia’s diversification program which banks like Stanchart are now looking at supporting its growth through huge investments.

Stanchart Zambia Managing Director Mizinga Melu says her bank is this year planning to spend US$ 75million in support of the country’s agriculture sector. Mrs. Melu says this is because her bank considers agriculture as an important economic contributor hence needs to be supported. She says her bank has in this vain extended its support to the school of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Kabwe’s Mulungushi University as a sign of support to its growth.

“As Stanchart we are also supporting students’ development through provision of internship to two students and skills to others regarding agriculture business development,” Mrs. Melu says. And Mulungushi University Vice Chancellor Professor Vernon Chinene says the partnership will help in strengthening the relationship between the two institutions. Professor Chinene has expressed gratitude with the MoU saying it will help students understand how to access finance for agriculture proposals.

By Brian Mwale.

ZESCO SIGNS US$ 100 UPGRADE CONTRACT

After being castigated by many people and stakeholders regarding its service provision, ZESCO now looks at El-Sewed of Egypt to aid in improving on service delivery through old substations upgrade.

An effective provision of electricity from the generating point to consumers has been a major challenge in Zambia as many people are subjected to heavy load shedding despite settling their bills on time.
Zambia’s power supply firm Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation –ZESCO- has attributed this to lack of financial muscle to upgrade the existing old infrastructure and machinery.
ZESCO has in this vain signed a US$ 100 million project with an Egyptian Firm El-Sewed to improve its services through existing substation and pylons upgrades.
Speaking during the signing ceremony ZESCO Acting Managing Director Ernest Mupwaya says the project has come at the right time when the nation is entangled in a power crisis and faced with a huge power deficit.
Mr. Mupwaya has further stated that vandalism has adversely affected the company’s huge investments in various parts of the country.
“Vandalism has remained a major challenge that ZESCO is faced with as we are forced to replace vandalized equipment which also comes at a greater cost,” Mr. Mupwaya said.
And El-Sewed Managing Director Khaled Samir is confident of more jobs being created as a result of this project.
“The US$ 100million project will see a number of locals being employed in areas where the projects will be implemented….this is good for economic development of the nation as it will translate into more households having an income,” said Mr. Samir.
Meanwhile with the huge power deficits that the country faces, Energy Deputy Minister Lubinda Immasiku reiterates government’s commitment to developing the energy sector to match economic development.
ZESCO to invest more in expansion projects
ZESCO Board CHAIRMAN Kwalela Lamaswala says the power utility company is planning on investing further in the hydro power generation as it is a vital economic driver. Mr. Lamaswala says ZESCO is this year planning to invest 400million US Dollars in the Kariba North Bank power project and a further 200billion kwacha on various other projects.
“Our huge investment in the hydro plant is at enhancing the company’s operations following the Key Performance Indicator (KPIs) that were given to us by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB),” says Mr. Lamaswala.
Background
ZESCO is working on modalities to increase electricity generation capacity and access following the US$75 million loan obtained from the World Bank meant for a number of projects in some parts of Southern, Lusaka and Copperbelt Province, to improve access to electricity.
ZESCO Limited has also proposed to increase electricity tariffs for 2010/11 by 36 per cent in line with the roadmap to reach cost-reflective levels.
“Zesco’s current tariffs are still far below the cost-reflective levels required to maintain the power generation and supply infrastructure,” ZESCO Acting Managing Director Enerst Mupwaya said.
He has stated that the tariff adjustment would help Zesco to mobilise huge funds required for investing in new generation and transmission facilities needed to meet the growing power demand in the aftermath of the global economic recession which dampened electricity demand by most key consumers like mining companies and other industries.

“…Upwards trends in demand for electricity indicate that the global economy has begun its recovery and this will bring about further pressures on the electricity supply and perhaps a return of load shedding if the necessary investments in generation and transmission are not effected,” stated Mupwaya.

Last year, Zesco applied for 66 per cent tariff rise in electricity, but the ERB approved a 35 per cent average increase in electricity tariffs effective August 1, 2009 to 2010.
By Brian Mwale.

PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION KEY TO ZAMBIAN POWER DEFICITS

Following the revision of the legal framework, the private sector is now slowly but steadily contributing to the Zambian energy sector. Lunsemfwa Hydro Company is currently contributing 48megawatts to the 1,400megawatts being generated nationwide.

Zambia is currently faced in a six hundred megawatts power deficit due to heavy industrial activities following economic growth. Energy being the life blood of economic development has remained a cardinal issue in Zambia whose 1,400Megawatts generation capacity is surpassed by its 1,500mega watts consumption at peak hours. ZESCO the main utility company has not upgraded its hydro plants in decades hence making the nation continue experience serious load shedding which is also concentrated on the peri-urban areas while the suburbs are usually spared.

With the relaxing of the legal framework, Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company a private owned firm has embarked on expanding its 48megwatts output from its two power plants, Lunsemfwa and Mulungushi both located in the Central Province of Zambia. The company which is solely owned by Zambians has seen the expansion project starting with upgrading of machines as of 2009 replacing the 1925 installed ones. Company Electrical Technologist Chileshe Mutengo says the new Chinese machines have eased operations as the system has been digitized hence controls being done in one room and on one computer.

“We are now able to digitally control our operations here following installations of three new machines last year……our system at both plants is able to show what the other one is also doing and how much power is being generated,” Mr. Mutengo said.

The soft spoken technologist says the new machines are also able to generate maximum power regardless of the water levels in Lunsemfwa and Mulungushi rivers. He says the company is also looking at expanding generation capacity with the target of 200Megawatts on a long term basis.
“We are starting expansion works before the end of this month with a generation capacity of 6megawatts to raise our capacity to 54megawatts which will end some time next year,” He adds.
ERB calls for private sector participation

The Energy Regulation Board –ERB- which regulates the country’s energy sector has called for private sector participation as a mitigating measure for current power deficits that Zambia is experiencing.
On Wednesday the board held a one day workshop for the media in the Central Province provincial headquarters, Kabwe which was preceded by a tour of Mulungushi plant.
When officiating at the workshop, ERB Acting Executive Director Mushiba Nyamazana called for more private sector participation in exploiting the vast 6,000megawatts hydro power potential in Zambia.
“Lunsemfwa adds to a number of projects that government is working on in increasing power generation to match economic growth due to a number of activities,” Dr. Nyamazana said.

By Brian Mwale.

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES FOOD PROCESSING PLANT

Zambia has in the past seen many foods including fruits rotting due to lack of processing plants. This situation is now changing as the defunct Zambia Horticultural Company takes a new shape.

As calls for diversification of the Zambian economy continue, more developments are being made in the agriculture sector which will see more than five thousand peasant farmers get business. Freshpikt a fruit and vegetable canning and processing plant has been commissioned at a cost of US 5million dollars with support of the American government and some Zambian investors.

Speaking when he officiated at the opening event, Zambian President Rupiah Banda says the plant has come at a time when the country’s agriculture sector is faced with challenges of agro processing and value addition.

“I am happy to commission this plant which I was first Managing Director and I believe it will contribute to exports of Zambian products,” President Banda says.
And American Embassy Charge de Affaires Micheal Koplovsky says broad based economic growth is key to economic growth as Zambia poverty rates especially in rural areas have remained high despite the recent economic growth.

“The American governments is committed to contributing to economic development of Zambia and help it attain the vision 2030 of becoming a middle income country,” He says.
And Freshpikt chairman and prominent Lusaka businessman Chance Kabaghe expressed happiness with the quality of the processed foods. Mr. Kabaghe who is also Zambia Association of Manufacturers –ZAM- President says the company processes more than twenty locally grown products.
“ Our products are already becoming competitive in the Southern African region because they are meeting internationally accepted standards,” says Mr. Kabaghe.

History of fresh pikt
Freshpikt has succeeded the defunct Zambia Horticultural Products Limited -ZAMHORT- whose first Managing Director was now Zambian President Rupiah Banda.
The plant which was financed by the Italian AID to Zambia at a cost of 28million US Dollars was privatized following economic reforms initiated in the 1990s.
Freshpikt is expected to provide employment to more than five hundred people mainly women.
By Brian Mwale