QFM Radio

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has advised Members of Parliament to take interest in knowing the content of the 7th National Development Plan in order to provide informed checks and balances on the executive. Dr. Matibini says it is parliament’s responsibility to ensure the government remains accountable to the people.

 Vice President Inonge Wina says there is need for the country to strive to have transparent and accountable political financing. She says government is committed to promoting the rule of law by putting in place legal frameworks that are fair and enforced impartially.

Finance Minister Felix Mutati has disclosed that total domestic revenues and grants are projected to grow from K47.9 billion in 2018 to K65.9 billion in 2020. The Finance Minister says this is an average of K56.6 billion per annum over the medium term. Mr.

The Consumer Unit Trust Society (CUTS) International has called on government to ensure that the process of inviting bids for a fourth or fifth mobile-network provider is transparency. Government has given the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) the go-ahead to start the process of inviting bids for a fourth or fifth mobile-network provider.

Economic and Equity Party (EEP) President Chilufya Tayali has called on President Edgar Lungu to consider firing Labour Minister Joyce Nonde accusing her of being a letdown. Mr. Tayali claims that the Labour Minister has lamentably failed to execute her duties for the last one year. Mr.

Business & Financial Analyst Blessings Kafwanka says the procurement of the 42 fire trucks at an exorbitant cost of $42 million is an indication of financial mismanagement and inherent weaknesses that exist in the procurement process in most government ministries and State owned enterprises. Mr.

Finance Minister Felix Mutati says government will ensure that the Public Service Wage Bill does not exceed 45 percent of domestic revenues by 2020. Mr. Mutati says the Public Service Wage Bill currently absorbs over 51 percent of domestically generated resources, thereby crowding out domestically financed operational and capital expenditures. Mr.

Four people in Ndola escaped death after a house habouring almost 200 liters of fuel which is a highly flammable substance caught fire. Fire fighters who were called to the scene at 03:51hrs managed to save two of the four roomed house as well as the occupants.

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Executive Director Wesley Chibamba says corruption in Zambia has increased and is wrecking havoc on the economy. Mr. Chibamba says this is because government is allegedly protecting certain corrupt individuals as evidenced from the acquittal of certain high profile individuals who have been taken to court for corruption.

President Edgar Lungu says he will not hesitate to discipline any erring government official provided he is furnished with facts. And the Head of State has expressed concern that the Pull-Him-Down syndrome in Zambia is very rife.