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Government Proposes 177.9 Billion Kwacha Budget for 2024

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Government

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane presented the proposed national budget for 2024 to parliament, revealing that the government intends to allocate nearly 177.9 billion Kwacha for the fiscal year. Of this proposed budget, Minister Musokotwane disclosed that 141 billion Kwacha will be generated through domestic resources, while an additional 3.4 billion Kwacha will come from grants.

One of the key highlights of the proposed budget is the revision of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) exemption threshold. Dr. Musokotwane announced that the threshold will be raised to 5,100 Kwacha from the current 4,800 Kwacha in the upcoming national budget. This adjustment aims to alleviate the tax burden on citizens, especially in light of rising living costs.

The Finance Minister emphasized that this change in the PAYE threshold is in direct response to concerns raised by Zambians regarding the high cost of living and the resulting impact on their finances.

In addition to the threshold revision, Dr. Musokotwane proposed a reduction in PAYE rates from the current 37.5 percent to 37 percent. This move is designed to provide further relief to workers and promote economic stability.

Situmbeko Musokotwane

The proposed budget also allocates significant funds for infrastructure development and sector-specific improvements. Notably, 701 million Kwacha has been allocated for the upgrading and rehabilitation of provincial airports in Mansa, Mbala, Solwezi, Choma, and Kasaba Bay, aiming to enhance transportation accessibility across the country.Furthermore, 770 million Kwacha has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements within the tourism sector. This allocation aims to attract more tourists to Zambia, boosting the country’s tourism industry and economic growth.

Local government has not been overlooked in the proposed budget, with an allocation of 1.4 billion Kwacha for the Local Government Equalization Fund. This fund is intended to support the remuneration of Councillors, contributing to the efficient functioning of local governance.

The Economic Sector is set to receive 39.8 billion Kwacha, with specific allocations for various areas. Eight billion Kwacha will be directed towards road construction projects, while 13 billion Kwacha will be allocated to the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. Additionally, 8.6 billion Kwacha will be used to support one million farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme, bolstering the agricultural industry and ensuring food security. The proposed budget for 2024 now awaits further deliberation and approval in parliament before becoming official policy.

Source: Zambianews

In other news – Landmark Infrastructure Project Strengthens Zambia-DRC Relations

President Hakainde Hichilema joined President Antoine Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to inaugurate the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road.

Landmark

This monumental project, part of the One Stop Border Post initiative, also includes the construction of the Luapula River Bridge, cementing the strong bilateral relations between Zambia and the DRC.  Read more

Zambia News

President Hichilema to Visit Seseli Mine

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Seseli Mine in Chingola

President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to visit Seseli Mine in Chingola on the Copperbelt, where a number of illegal miners find themselves trapped in a flooded open-pit mine. The announcement was made by Copper Minister Elisha Matambo during a press briefing in Chingola, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the critical situation.

Minister Matambo expressed confidence in the measures and interventions implemented by the government, ensuring that the ongoing rescue mission will reach the trapped miners. The President’s visit underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s hands-on approach in coordinating the rescue efforts.

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe provided further assurance, stating that safety precautions are rigorously being followed to maximize the chances of a successful rescue operation. He emphasized that the government has engaged with families affected by the incident, with twenty-seven families having come forward to claim missing relatives.

Source: aljazeera

In other news – It all ended in tears for Faith Nketsi

News that well-known Mzansi reality TV star and influencer, Faith Nketsi whose full name is Mapholoso Faith Nketsi was finally divorcing her short-term husband Nzuzo Njilo was met with relief from fans of the reality star and businesswoman.

Faith Nketsi

The reason behind the celebration of the divorce was because Faith’s brand took some knocks when her husband’s corrupt business ways were aired on the covers of Mzansi’s biggest. Read more

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Zambia News

PF MPs Urged to Embrace New Leadership Dynamics in National Assembly

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Robert Chabinga

The leader of the opposition in Parliament, Robert Chabinga, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for demonstrating a spirit of unity and magnanimity towards his predecessor, former President Edgar Lungu. In the midst of heightened provocations, Mr. Chabinga emphasized that President Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) are not responsible for the challenges within the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

Speaking from his position as the Member of Parliament for Mafinga, Mr. Chabinga advised PF Members of Parliament to acknowledge the changed leadership in the National Assembly. He urged them to embrace discipline and decorum in the legislative body, emphasizing the importance of non-political conduct and effective representation aligned with the wishes of the electorate.

“President Hichilema has demonstrated love towards his predecessor, former President Lungu, even in the face of heightened provocation. The challenges within the PF should not be laid at the doorstep of President Hichilema and the UPND. It is essential for PF MPs to accept the new reality and move forward,” stated Mr. Chabinga in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka.

He underscored the importance of maintaining discipline in the National Assembly, urging MPs to prioritize the interests of the people who elected them. Mr. Chabinga emphasized the need for constructive checks and balances from opposition MPs, fostering an environment of cooperation and effective governance.

“Opposition MPs have a crucial role in providing constructive checks and balances in the House. It is imperative for all MPs to refrain from antagonizing one another and focus on contributing positively to the legislative process,” added Mr. Chabinga.

Source: Lusakatimes

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