THE challenge by the Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC) to the business community to freely import cement should be supported because of the important role the product plays in economic development.

TWO of India's biggest telecommunications firms and one of Africa's largest communication service providers, are among eight foreign companies and consortia that have been shortlisted to buy a stake of between 51 and 75 per cent in Zamtel.

THE Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC) has said there is no ban on the importation of cement as long as the imports meet the minimum standards.

A GROUP of women from the International Women's Prayer Group in Kitwe yesterday cleaned up the central police station and Matuka Avenue as part of their activities to mark this year's Independence Day celebrations.

THE Government has described late State House special assistant for Press and public relations, John Musukuma as a very hard working person who greatly contributed to the development of journalism.

THE Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) board has said news manager, Kelly Chubili was not fired but had his contract terminated under a clause where the employer or employee can opt for the action.

POLICE have arrested two suspects who allegedly attacked an Asian businessman and robbed him of K35 million Kwacha in Lusaka this week.

THE Government has entered into an administrative arrangement to allow oil marketing companies (OMCs) import diesel and petrol before the statutory instrument zero-rating fuel imports is signed.

THE Government has urged the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) sector to find alternative models of financing.

LANDS Deputy Minister Michael Mabenga yesterday told Parliament that Legacy Holdings has allegedly not used the Baobab land on Kafue Road for the intended purposes.

THE Lusaka High Court has dismissed a bail application by former Ministry of Health human resources officer Henry Kapoko because it lacks merit.

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday joined other heads of State and government at the official opening of the African Union (AU) special summit on refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) on the continent.

Investment Opportunity : Agriculture & Agri-processing

Zambian leader Rupiah Banda's main critic and former Defence minister has been suspended from the governing party.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane will later today depart for Lusaka, Zambia in preparation for an upcoming state visit by President Jacob Zuma scheduled for December.

Investment Opportunites : Construction & Materials Property Tourism & Leisure

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has expressed disappointment about the current shortage of petrol and directed the Ministry of Energy to allow oil marketing companies (OMCs) to source more fuel.

IT is shocking, to say the least, the levels of desperation being demonstrated by some of the so-called leaders in the opposition.

IN the words of none other than President Rupiah Banda, "Corruption has been and still is a significant impediment to good governance in Zambia. Since attaining independence in 1964, successive governments have instituted legal, institutional, economic, and social reforms, which have largely aimed at enhancing good governance for improved public service delivery and contribution to economic and social development."

TWO former Solwezi mayors are among 10 candidates vying to stand on the United National Development Party (UPND) ticket in next month's Solwezi Central Constituency by-election.