Saturday, August 25, 2007
Think again America...
A doubling of aid to Africa is well intentioned but misguided; it will merely further fatten the slumbers of corrupt and dysfunctional governments, further centralize their power, and further disenfranchise and impoverish the poor. And the news that Laura will arrive in Zambia bearing thousands of mosquito nets, is terrible news for the fish stocks of our countless rivers and, ultimately, for the villagers who are so dependent on them for some protein. Everywhere these nets meant to combat malaria are being sown together and used to remove every living fish, egg and spawn from our waters. We need money to flow directly to the people through local trust structures and associations. In the one million acres of mountain, alluvial plain, rift valleys and rivers of the chiefdoms in which I work, our wildlife is being massacred by ivory poachers and the agents of the bushmeat trade. The killing fields of Africa asserts itself with renewed vigour while the money pours in, propping up governments which are no longer connected with their people. We need funds to go directly to villagers so that they may have an incentive to conserve their resources. Who will be accountable for seeing that this 'doubling' of funds actually produces an improvement in the lot of the poor? Think again America.
Friday, August 24, 2007
The Ramsar African Secretariat writes to ZAMBIA...
To the Zambia Wildlife Authority:
We recently received an email from Mr. Ian Manning, inquiring about the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia. This information was provided in the updated Ramsar Information Sheet for Bangweulu Ramsar site. We however realized that we do not have any information documented on this at the Ramsar Secretariat. We would like to inquire whether this is similar to the ‘National Committee’ as encouraged by Recommendation 5.7 of the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties Kushiro, Japan (which encouraged Contracting Parties to establish, or recognize the establishment of, national committees according to the needs of each Contracting Party, to provide a focus at national level for implementation of the Convention. This same recommendation requests that national committees send the Bureau summary information concerning their establishment, updated with reference to their work in subsequent national reports).
We would therefore appreciate you forwarding information on the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia; when it was created, its members, how it operates and other necessary information about. This would help us stay up to date with the activities geared towards the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Zambia and would serve as a good example to other Contracting parties. We would refer Mr. Ian Manning to you for further information on this issue and subsequent issues.
Furthermore, there was some information provided concerning threats to the Bangweulu Ramsar site and additional information which could be included in the Ramsar Information sheet for this site. You would find this information in his email which is below. The Ramsar Administrative Authority in Zambia, together with Mr. Ian Manning, can check out the possibility of incorporating this information in the RIS for this site or in what way this information could be used.
Reply from:
To Mr Nalumino Nyambe
Project Leader
WWF Zambia Coordination Office:
In response to your question concerning the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia, we are sorry to inform you that we do not have any documented information on this committee at the level of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. Since we are an inter-governmental organization, we work for the governments of the Contracting parties through officially appointed contact institutions in each contracting party. We have therefore forwarded your request to the Ramsar Administrative Authority in Zambia (the Zambia Wildlife Authority, ZAWA) for further information. We would forward any responses we get from them to you. Meanwhile, we would advice you to keep in touch with them and work hand in hand with them, towards the wise use and management of Zambian wetlands. The contacts information for our contact persons in ZAWA are below:
We recently received an email from Mr. Ian Manning, inquiring about the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia. This information was provided in the updated Ramsar Information Sheet for Bangweulu Ramsar site. We however realized that we do not have any information documented on this at the Ramsar Secretariat. We would like to inquire whether this is similar to the ‘National Committee’ as encouraged by Recommendation 5.7 of the 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties Kushiro, Japan (which encouraged Contracting Parties to establish, or recognize the establishment of, national committees according to the needs of each Contracting Party, to provide a focus at national level for implementation of the Convention. This same recommendation requests that national committees send the Bureau summary information concerning their establishment, updated with reference to their work in subsequent national reports).
We would therefore appreciate you forwarding information on the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia; when it was created, its members, how it operates and other necessary information about. This would help us stay up to date with the activities geared towards the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Zambia and would serve as a good example to other Contracting parties. We would refer Mr. Ian Manning to you for further information on this issue and subsequent issues.
Furthermore, there was some information provided concerning threats to the Bangweulu Ramsar site and additional information which could be included in the Ramsar Information sheet for this site. You would find this information in his email which is below. The Ramsar Administrative Authority in Zambia, together with Mr. Ian Manning, can check out the possibility of incorporating this information in the RIS for this site or in what way this information could be used.
Reply from:
To Mr Nalumino Nyambe
Project Leader
WWF Zambia Coordination Office:
In response to your question concerning the National Wetlands Steering Committee in Zambia, we are sorry to inform you that we do not have any documented information on this committee at the level of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. Since we are an inter-governmental organization, we work for the governments of the Contracting parties through officially appointed contact institutions in each contracting party. We have therefore forwarded your request to the Ramsar Administrative Authority in Zambia (the Zambia Wildlife Authority, ZAWA) for further information. We would forward any responses we get from them to you. Meanwhile, we would advice you to keep in touch with them and work hand in hand with them, towards the wise use and management of Zambian wetlands. The contacts information for our contact persons in ZAWA are below:
Thursday, August 23, 2007
New Minister for Zambia's Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources...
Zambia's President has replaced Kabinga Pande with Michael Kaingu, the noted advocate of the information highway. Pande will now deal with those beyond our borders i.e. Foreign Affairs.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Zambia: Bangweulu Ramsar Site
Ramsar Convention Secretariat blurb...
"The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Zambia on 28 December 1991. Zambia presently has 8 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 4,030,500 hectares.
Ramsar description as follows:
Bangweulu Swamps. 28/08/91; Northern Province; 1,100,000 ha; 11°25'S 029°59'E. Includes National Parks, Game Management Areas. In addition to providing a breeding ground for birds, fishes and wildlife (e.g., the African elephant Loxodonta africaca, the buffalo Syncerus caffer, and Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekei), the site is known to support large numbers of the endemic, semi-aquatic Black Lechwe (vulnerable Kobus leche) and is home to the threatened Wattled crane (Grus carunculatus), as well as the only home in Zambia for the threatened Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). The swamp is a natural flood controller and important for groundwater recharge and water quality control. The site contains the historical Nachikufu caves with bushman paintings, maintained by the National Heritage Conservation Commission. Threats to the wetland such as poaching will be addressed by the National Wetlands Steering Committee with a proposed general management plan that will steer development away from sensitive habitats. The Zambian Wildlife Authority in collaboration with WWF-Zambia office are collaborating on improving sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism possibilities. The site was extended from 250,000 to 1,100,000 ha on 2 February 2007. Ramsar site no. 531. Most recent RIS information: 2007.
For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail: ramsar@ramsar.org ). Posted 25 January 2000, updated 2 May 2007, Dwight Peck."
Ian Manning comments:
In the original Ramsar core of this site i.e. the water meadows and plains associated with the Lukulu river of the S.E Bangweulu (not the river of the same name i.e. the Bemba Lukulu debouching into the Chambeshi river), and once the site of the Black Lechwe Project on Chikuni Island, which I headed from 1973-1976, the uncontrolled impacts of fishermen has had a deleterious impact on the most important black lechwe lekking grounds of the Bangweulu. Four foot fishing weirs, permanent huts and villagers houses dot the high ground, altering flow patterns and changing the dynamics of the system. Added to this the embankment access which I originally constructed to allow tourists to reach Shoebill Island camp, now forms an almost solid wall, again impacting and altering flow patterns. In addition, inflated hunting offtake quotas and poaching is from all reports having a negative impact on the biology of animals such as sitatunga, and on the quality of trophies.
"The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Zambia on 28 December 1991. Zambia presently has 8 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 4,030,500 hectares.
Ramsar description as follows:
Bangweulu Swamps. 28/08/91; Northern Province; 1,100,000 ha; 11°25'S 029°59'E. Includes National Parks, Game Management Areas. In addition to providing a breeding ground for birds, fishes and wildlife (e.g., the African elephant Loxodonta africaca, the buffalo Syncerus caffer, and Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekei), the site is known to support large numbers of the endemic, semi-aquatic Black Lechwe (vulnerable Kobus leche) and is home to the threatened Wattled crane (Grus carunculatus), as well as the only home in Zambia for the threatened Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex). The swamp is a natural flood controller and important for groundwater recharge and water quality control. The site contains the historical Nachikufu caves with bushman paintings, maintained by the National Heritage Conservation Commission. Threats to the wetland such as poaching will be addressed by the National Wetlands Steering Committee with a proposed general management plan that will steer development away from sensitive habitats. The Zambian Wildlife Authority in collaboration with WWF-Zambia office are collaborating on improving sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism possibilities. The site was extended from 250,000 to 1,100,000 ha on 2 February 2007. Ramsar site no. 531. Most recent RIS information: 2007.
For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail: ramsar@ramsar.org ). Posted 25 January 2000, updated 2 May 2007, Dwight Peck."
Ian Manning comments:
In the original Ramsar core of this site i.e. the water meadows and plains associated with the Lukulu river of the S.E Bangweulu (not the river of the same name i.e. the Bemba Lukulu debouching into the Chambeshi river), and once the site of the Black Lechwe Project on Chikuni Island, which I headed from 1973-1976, the uncontrolled impacts of fishermen has had a deleterious impact on the most important black lechwe lekking grounds of the Bangweulu. Four foot fishing weirs, permanent huts and villagers houses dot the high ground, altering flow patterns and changing the dynamics of the system. Added to this the embankment access which I originally constructed to allow tourists to reach Shoebill Island camp, now forms an almost solid wall, again impacting and altering flow patterns. In addition, inflated hunting offtake quotas and poaching is from all reports having a negative impact on the biology of animals such as sitatunga, and on the quality of trophies.
What the Ramsar Secretariat does not mention is that the Bangweulu core area of the five river estuaries (Munikashi, Luitikila, Lumbatwa, Lukulu and Lulimala) and deep swamp, provide a productive fishery for the people of the swamp islands; and that what it should have done since 1976 - as per the Black Lechwe Project, was to provide sustained yield offtakes of lechwe and some other species for for people who had lived off them for centuries (and still do, but illegally) - particularly the aboriginal baTwa centred about Mboyalubambe. This is the reason why the Chikuni Special GMA was gazetted, and why a National Park was not created. People need to be part of wildlife conservation and development, particularly in S-E Bangweulu. Present work being carried out by the GEF/UNDP Protected Areas Re-Classification Project, should see that the Luitikila National Forest, the Isangano and Lavusi Manda National Parks, the five river estuaries, the Mwendachabe forest, and their associated floodplains, and the Kasanka National park are knitted into a conservation mosaic covering the chiefdoms of Kopa, Chiundaponde, Chitambo, Luchembe and Bwalya Mponda but under a series of interlocking smart partnership of the Landsafe Trust system, rather than just a number of National Parks which exclude people, or which are unable to manage the conservation and management of the system as a whole, as is presently the case.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Auditor-General 2005 Report on ZAMBIA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY...
Note: During this period, the senior officers of the Zambia Wildlife Authority were:
Director-General: Hapenga Kabeta;
Director of Finance: Tom Mushinge;
Director of Conservation: Gershom Chilakusha
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ZAMBIA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY
Background
The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) was established under the Zambia Wildlife Act, No 12 of 1998. Its functions include among others to:
a) provide for the establishment, control and management of National Parks and for the conservation and enhancement of wildlife eco systems;
b) provide for the establishment, control and management of Game Management Areas;
c) involve local communities in the management of Game Management Areas
d) provide for the regulation of game ranching;
e) provide for the licensing of hunting and control of the processing, sale, import and export of wild animals and trophies. Management
According to the provisions of the Act, ZAWA is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of eighteen (18) board members appointed by the Minister drawn from the private and public sectors for a tenure of three (3) years and members are eligible for a further period. The Board appoints the Director General, subject to the approval of the Minister. The Director General is responsible for the administration of the Authority and is assisted by five (5) directors in charge of Finance and Corporate Services, Research, Planning and Information, Commercial Services and Game Management Areas, Conservation and Management and Board Secretary. The Director General, Directors and the Secretary are appointed by the Board for a renewable three (3) year period. Sources of Funds
According to the ZAWA Act No. 12 of 1998, the funds of the Authority consist of moneys as may: a) be appropriated by Parliament; b) vest in or accrue to the Authority; c) be paid to the Authority by way of fees, levy, grants or donations; d) accept moneys by way of grants or donations from any source in Zambia and subject to the approval of the Minister from any source outside Zambia; e) subject to the approval of the Minister raise by way of loans or otherwise, such moneys as it may require for the discharge of its functions and; f) in accordance with the regulations made under this Act charge and collect fees for services provided by the Authority. Provisions of K4,014,617,507 were made in 2004 and 2005 respectively in the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure as grants to the Authority. However, the Treasury released K7,470,000,000 and K4,572,000,000 in 2004 and 2005 respectively resulting in over funding of K3,455,382,493 and K557,382,493, respectively. During the same period, ZAWA budgeted and collected revenue through fees, levies and sales in addition to Government grants as tabulated below:
2003 (K’Million) 2004 2005
Budgeted Income 23,668 28,234 30,497
Actual Income 16,827 24,882 28,402
Variance (6,841) (3,352) (2,095)
As can be noted from the table above, the Authority collected revenue below the budgeted amounts during the periods under review. It was also observed that contrary to the provisions of the Zambia Wildlife Authority Act of 1998 which stipulates, among other things, that the Authority may accept moneys by way of grants or donations from any source in Zambia and subject to the approval of the Minister from any source outside Zambia, ZAWA received a donation of K207 million in 2005 from People and Parks, an organisation based outside Zambia, without the approval of the Minister. Review of Operations
A review of the audited accounts and other relevant documents for financial years ended 31st December 2003 to 2005 carried out in August 2006 revealed the following: Financial Performance a) Profit and Loss Account for the years ended 31st December 2003,2004 and 2005
2003 2004 2005
K'Million K'Million K'Million
Income 31,582 35,933 44,124
Expenses:
Community share of income 20,878 3,345 4,315
Establishment Expenses 8,181 25,296 24,385
Administrative Expenses 1,949 16,008 13,451
Operating Expenses 2,311 4,539 4,584
Total Expenditure 33,319 49,188 46,735
Excess of exp. over income (1,737) (13,255) (2,611) As can be seen above, while income rose by 39.7 % from K31,582 million in 2003 to K44,124 million in 2005, the Authority continued to incur excess expenditure over income during the same period. b) Balance Sheet 2003 2004 2005
K'Million K'Million K'Million
NON CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 10,306 12,526 12,938
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories 918 1,224 2,142
Receivables and prepayments 4,962 3,261 4,182
Cash and cash equivalent 12,115 20,419 11,510
17,995 24,904 17,834
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables and accrued expenses 20,694 27,020 30,511
Bank overdraft - 17 1020, 694 27, 037 30,521
Net current liabilities (2,699) (2,133) (12,687)
TOTAL ASSETS 7,607 10,393 251
Capital employed
Capital grants 10,154 8,894 10,243
Revaluation surplus 3,506 3,506 3,506
Accumulated funds-deficit (7,534) (20,669) (27,033)
Deferred income 44 13, 498 8, 371
NET ASSETS 6,170 5,135 (4,913)
Non current liabilities
Retirement benefit obligation 1,437 5,164 5,164
SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS 7,607 10,299 251 As can be seen above, the Authority had net current liabilities of K2,699 million, K2,133 million and K12,687 million for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. This entails that the Authority would not be able to pay its liabilities when they fell due. The liquidity position worsened in 2005. Registration of Property to be Transferred by Government 22. According to Part I, Section 19 (1) and (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act of 1998, any property, rights, liabilities and obligations of the Government through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service are deemed transferred to the Authority in respect of which transfer a written law provides for registration, the Authority shall make an application in writing to the appropriate authority for registration of the transfer. It was, however, observed that the Authority does not hold title to its buildings despite enjoying economic benefits from the buildings. It was also observed that the Authority had not taken stock of its properties since its establishment in 1998.
Irregular Payment of Gratuity and Allowances In December 2001, the Authority appointed a Director General for an initial renewable period of three (3) years. Accordingly, in December 2004 the Authority renewed the contract of the Director General for a period of another three (3) years beginning December 2004. However, in November 2005, the Authority terminated the contract of the Director General after serving for one year. According to the contract, the former Director General was entitled to, among others, a gratuity paid tax-free at 35% of basic annual salary payable on termination or expiration of contract. To be eligible for pro rata entitlement, the Director General should have served for at least two (2) years of the contract. It was observed however, that though the contract provided for non-payment of gratuity in the event that the contract is terminated before serving two (2) years, the authority paid his full gratuity and salary for the remaining two (2) years that he had not served in amounts totalling K335,488,842.50. In addition, the former Director General was paid K215,000,000 in allowances relating to the remaining period of the contract resulting in an irregular payment of K550, 488,842 which is recoverable. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that this was a matter of the Board and the Ministry to address as they were the ones who knew what happened. Un-retired Imprest
Contrary to Financial Regulation No. 186 which stipulates that special imprest should be retired immediately after the purpose for which it was issued was fulfilled, it was observed that imprests in amounts totalling K368, 346,544.08 were outstanding for more than ninety (90) days as of 31st December 2005. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that recoveries are effected where amounts are outstanding for a long time and that efforts would continue to ensure that the situation was brought to an acceptable level. Non Recovery of Salary Advances
Contrary to ZAWA regulations, which stipulated that salary advances must be recovered in three (3) months, amounts totalling K175,065,703 relating to salary advances to 261 members of staff were outstanding for more than two (2) years without effecting recoveries. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that as regards non recovery of salary advances, officers who retired were being paid their benefits by the Ministry, not by ZAWA. Consequently, the recovery of salary advances could not be done. Trade debtors It was observed that ZAWA did not have an effective mechanism of monitoring its debtors. In this regard, amounts totalling K1,300,233,627, owed by nineteen (19) operators who had since abandoned their projects and left the country or were wrongly classified, could not be collected. Consequently, ZAWA management applied to the Board to write off the debts. South Luangwa Area Management Unit (SLAMU)
In January 1999, Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) entered into an agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Norway regarding cooperation for promotion of the economic and social development of Zambia to extend continued assistance to South Luangwa Area Management Unit (SLAMU). According to the agreement, the GRZ shall make all reasonable efforts to facilitate the successful implementation of the project by granting the project status as pilot within ZAWA throughout the project period and thereby: a) Grant the project permission to retain all revenues from tourism and safari hunting in SLNP and LGMA; b) Allow the community based natural resources management (CBNRM) approach to be continued; and c) Delegate sufficient decision making authority to the project to facilitate its operation. Contrary to the provisions of the agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, the following were observed: i) In July 2004, ZAWA entered into an agreement with L and L properties for culling of six hundred (600) hippos over a period of three (3) years in South Luangwa Area Management Unit. Under this agreement, ZAWA received amounts totalling K498,033,775 in 2005. As of December 2006, only K82,391,000 had been remitted to SLAMU leaving a balance of K415,612,775 still owing. ii) It was also observed that both SLAMU and ZAWA Head office had been invoicing Chichele lodge based in South Luangwa National Park. In this regard, the lodge made payments directly to head office instead of SLAMU, as a result, records at SLAMU indicated that Chichele Lodge owed them a sum of K523,403,066 (US $67,202) whereas the statement obtained from the lodge showed that the lodge was owing US$19,764 as of August 2006. iii) It was further observed that the offices at SLAMU which were built under the project have no title deed, and as such it has proved difficult to insure the buildings whose roof was grass thatched and prone to high risk of fire. Irregular Procurement of Uniforms for Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)
A review of records relating to the procurement of uniforms indicated that ZAWA had procured uniforms for DEC using the Support to Economic Expansion and Diversification (SEED) project funds in amounts totalling K46, 614,610. A scrutiny of the SEED agreement did not provide for such arrangement. There was no evidence of an agreement between DEC and ZAWA. As of October 2006, there were 130 T-Shirts, 130 Combat jackets, 130 Long sleeves polo neck skippers for DEC as uniforms in stores. Irregular Issue of Title Deeds in Mosi-O-Tunya National Parks
According to the provisions of the Act, ZAWA allocates sites in National Parks and Wildlife /Bird sanctuaries to successful bidders. The successful bidders are awarded a Tourism Concession Agreement (TCA). The TCA is a commercial agreement that regulates the conduct of the operators. It confers the rights and obligations of the concessionaire and grantor (ZAWA). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is prepared and approved by Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) before the operator would proceed with the development of operations. However, it was observed that two operators namely Waterfront lodge and Maramba River lodge had been issued with title deeds in the Mosi-O-Tunya National Park. The title deeds for Waterfront have since been cancelled and a Tourism Concession Agreement was signed on 8th February 2005 for a period of twenty five (25) years. As of August 2006, the title deed for Maramba River lodge had not been cancelled and the Authority was not receiving any money from the lodge, as there was no agreement though the lodge operated in the National Park. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an Environmental Impact Assessment having been done for the above-mentioned lodges by the ECZ. Outstanding Statutory Obligations
In accordance with the Income Tax Act, Cap 323, every employer is required to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). During the period under review, it was observed that ZAWA had not been remitting PAYE. As at 30th June 2006, the outstanding PAYE stood at K19,656,327,267. It was also observed that the Authority had not remitted pension contributions to NAPSA for its employees in amounts totalling K3,544,973,232 as of August 2006. The issue was brought to the attention of the Board at its 4th meeting held on Friday 16th May 2003 by the finance committee, though no action has been taken as of October 2006. In his response dated 23rd November 2006, the Director General stated that efforts were being made to address the matter. Share of Community Resource
The Communities in Game Management Areas (GMA) have formed Community Resource Boards (CRB) which comprise a registered board for the purpose of administering the CRBs. The main sources of income for the CRB are revenue from concession, bird and animal fees. As a way of equitably distributing the wildlife resources, ZAWA and the CRBs recommended allocating the utilization of the resources as follows; % ZAWA 50 Chief 5 CRB 45 The funds to the CRBs are distributed as follows: % Wildlife Conservation 45 Community Projects 35 Administration 20 Board members of the CRBs are volunteers elected among the community. Failure By CRBs to Prepare Annual Reports and Audited Accounts
According to the provisions of Part III section 5 subsections (a), (b) and (c) of the ZAWA Act of 1998, the Community Resource Board (CRB), is required not later than ninety days after the end of the financial year, to submit to the Authority, through the Director General: _ An audited balance sheet; _ An audited statement of income and expenditure ;and _ A report concerning its activities during that financial year. Contrary to the provisions of the Act, the sixty two (62) CRBs did not submit audited accounts and did not prepare the annual reports. A review of records and other relevant documents pertaining to the operations of Community Resource Boards revealed the following:
Chiawa Game Management Area
The Government issued a gazette number 332 in 1998 directing all operators in the Chiawa GMA to be paying land user fees. The fees were to be paid at the beginning of the year. However, as of December 2005, total amounts of K450,999,935 and US$128,857 (K440,175,512) were outstanding as unpaid land user fees for over 120 days. As of June 2006, the fees had not been paid and ZAWA had not invoiced the operators for the year 2006. b) Chiawa Community Resource Board Records obtained from ZAWA indicated that Chiawa CRB received an amount of K71,470,328 during 2005. However, a review of the bank statements of the CRB indicated that an amount of K200,648,714 had been received from ZAWA. No explanation was given for the variance of K129,178,386. It was also observed that: i) There were no expenditure details in respect of the period from January 2003 to June 2005 for which the Board Secretary and the Finance Chairperson gave no satisfactory explanation. ii) ZAWA guidelines provide that the panel of signatories comprise two from the community and another one from ZAWA. However, it was observed that the panel of signatories did not include officers from ZAWA. iii) Contrary to the agreed guidelines, nine (9) members of the CRB paid themselves loans ranging between K1,200,000 and K10,000,000 in amounts totalling K38,200,000 between July and December 2005. Though the loan agreements provided that the loans would be recovered by June 2006 none of the money had been recovered as of August 2006. c) Jumbe Community Resource Board During the period under review, Jumbe CRB received a sum of K35,993,350 and the funds were to be apportioned as follows: Recommended Actual (K) (K) Chiefs Share - 16,000,000 Wildlife Conservation 16,197,007 7,593,850 Community projects 12,597,672 7,214,500 Administration 7,198,670 5,185,000 It was observed that contrary to the guidelines, the chief was paid K16,000,000 from the CRB funds. In 2003 ZAWA signed a Hunting Concession Agreement with the Mungomba Hunting Safari Company which provided for among others, the drilling of boreholes, provision of grinding mills and the employing of five (5) village scouts for the Jumbe CRB. The agreement did not specify the safari operator’s obligations in terms of quantities and values. Contrary to the concession, the safari company did not sink the boreholes for the community, but instead only provided two grinding mills which are situated at the chief’s palace, and the community was not benefiting from the grinding mills as they were not accessible to the rest of the community for which they were intended.
d) Chitungulu Community Resource Board
A review of the ZAWA field report dated 2nd December 2004 revealed that one of the board members was given a sum of K18,000,000 paid on cheque number 000136 to purchase a grinding mill for the community which was not procured. As of August 2006, the K18,000,000 had not been refunded and the matter had not been reported to the police. It was observed that the CRB issued another cheque number 22045 in amounts totalling K13,530,125 for the purchase of the grinding mill.
e) Mwanya Community Resource Board
During the period under review, the CRB received an amount of K560,888,489 as community share. It was observed that: i) Board members of the CRB diverted funds and paid themselves advances of K300,000 each totalling K3,000,000. The terms of the advance were that it would be recovered by December 2005. However, as of August 2006 the deductions had not been effected, though the members continued to be paid sitting allowances. ii) The Hunting Concession Agreement in the area provided, among others, the drilling of boreholes, provision of grinding mills, employing five (5) village scouts, employing community coordinator, training local people to be profession hunters. Contrary to the concession agreement, the community bought a second hand light truck at a cost of K48,000,000 from the safari hunter. The terms of payment were such that the community forego the drilling of boreholes and add an amount of K24,000,000 paid on cheque number 00050. The basis of determining the cost of the boreholes and the valuation of the cost of the vehicle could not be ascertained. The Safari hunter has not fulfilled the other obligations he made in the agreement.
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ZAMBIA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY
Background
The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) was established under the Zambia Wildlife Act, No 12 of 1998. Its functions include among others to:
a) provide for the establishment, control and management of National Parks and for the conservation and enhancement of wildlife eco systems;
b) provide for the establishment, control and management of Game Management Areas;
c) involve local communities in the management of Game Management Areas
d) provide for the regulation of game ranching;
e) provide for the licensing of hunting and control of the processing, sale, import and export of wild animals and trophies. Management
According to the provisions of the Act, ZAWA is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of eighteen (18) board members appointed by the Minister drawn from the private and public sectors for a tenure of three (3) years and members are eligible for a further period. The Board appoints the Director General, subject to the approval of the Minister. The Director General is responsible for the administration of the Authority and is assisted by five (5) directors in charge of Finance and Corporate Services, Research, Planning and Information, Commercial Services and Game Management Areas, Conservation and Management and Board Secretary. The Director General, Directors and the Secretary are appointed by the Board for a renewable three (3) year period. Sources of Funds
According to the ZAWA Act No. 12 of 1998, the funds of the Authority consist of moneys as may: a) be appropriated by Parliament; b) vest in or accrue to the Authority; c) be paid to the Authority by way of fees, levy, grants or donations; d) accept moneys by way of grants or donations from any source in Zambia and subject to the approval of the Minister from any source outside Zambia; e) subject to the approval of the Minister raise by way of loans or otherwise, such moneys as it may require for the discharge of its functions and; f) in accordance with the regulations made under this Act charge and collect fees for services provided by the Authority. Provisions of K4,014,617,507 were made in 2004 and 2005 respectively in the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure as grants to the Authority. However, the Treasury released K7,470,000,000 and K4,572,000,000 in 2004 and 2005 respectively resulting in over funding of K3,455,382,493 and K557,382,493, respectively. During the same period, ZAWA budgeted and collected revenue through fees, levies and sales in addition to Government grants as tabulated below:
2003 (K’Million) 2004 2005
Budgeted Income 23,668 28,234 30,497
Actual Income 16,827 24,882 28,402
Variance (6,841) (3,352) (2,095)
As can be noted from the table above, the Authority collected revenue below the budgeted amounts during the periods under review. It was also observed that contrary to the provisions of the Zambia Wildlife Authority Act of 1998 which stipulates, among other things, that the Authority may accept moneys by way of grants or donations from any source in Zambia and subject to the approval of the Minister from any source outside Zambia, ZAWA received a donation of K207 million in 2005 from People and Parks, an organisation based outside Zambia, without the approval of the Minister. Review of Operations
A review of the audited accounts and other relevant documents for financial years ended 31st December 2003 to 2005 carried out in August 2006 revealed the following: Financial Performance a) Profit and Loss Account for the years ended 31st December 2003,2004 and 2005
2003 2004 2005
K'Million K'Million K'Million
Income 31,582 35,933 44,124
Expenses:
Community share of income 20,878 3,345 4,315
Establishment Expenses 8,181 25,296 24,385
Administrative Expenses 1,949 16,008 13,451
Operating Expenses 2,311 4,539 4,584
Total Expenditure 33,319 49,188 46,735
Excess of exp. over income (1,737) (13,255) (2,611) As can be seen above, while income rose by 39.7 % from K31,582 million in 2003 to K44,124 million in 2005, the Authority continued to incur excess expenditure over income during the same period. b) Balance Sheet 2003 2004 2005
K'Million K'Million K'Million
NON CURRENT ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 10,306 12,526 12,938
CURRENT ASSETS
Inventories 918 1,224 2,142
Receivables and prepayments 4,962 3,261 4,182
Cash and cash equivalent 12,115 20,419 11,510
17,995 24,904 17,834
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables and accrued expenses 20,694 27,020 30,511
Bank overdraft - 17 1020, 694 27, 037 30,521
Net current liabilities (2,699) (2,133) (12,687)
TOTAL ASSETS 7,607 10,393 251
Capital employed
Capital grants 10,154 8,894 10,243
Revaluation surplus 3,506 3,506 3,506
Accumulated funds-deficit (7,534) (20,669) (27,033)
Deferred income 44 13, 498 8, 371
NET ASSETS 6,170 5,135 (4,913)
Non current liabilities
Retirement benefit obligation 1,437 5,164 5,164
SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS 7,607 10,299 251 As can be seen above, the Authority had net current liabilities of K2,699 million, K2,133 million and K12,687 million for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 respectively. This entails that the Authority would not be able to pay its liabilities when they fell due. The liquidity position worsened in 2005. Registration of Property to be Transferred by Government 22. According to Part I, Section 19 (1) and (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act of 1998, any property, rights, liabilities and obligations of the Government through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service are deemed transferred to the Authority in respect of which transfer a written law provides for registration, the Authority shall make an application in writing to the appropriate authority for registration of the transfer. It was, however, observed that the Authority does not hold title to its buildings despite enjoying economic benefits from the buildings. It was also observed that the Authority had not taken stock of its properties since its establishment in 1998.
Irregular Payment of Gratuity and Allowances In December 2001, the Authority appointed a Director General for an initial renewable period of three (3) years. Accordingly, in December 2004 the Authority renewed the contract of the Director General for a period of another three (3) years beginning December 2004. However, in November 2005, the Authority terminated the contract of the Director General after serving for one year. According to the contract, the former Director General was entitled to, among others, a gratuity paid tax-free at 35% of basic annual salary payable on termination or expiration of contract. To be eligible for pro rata entitlement, the Director General should have served for at least two (2) years of the contract. It was observed however, that though the contract provided for non-payment of gratuity in the event that the contract is terminated before serving two (2) years, the authority paid his full gratuity and salary for the remaining two (2) years that he had not served in amounts totalling K335,488,842.50. In addition, the former Director General was paid K215,000,000 in allowances relating to the remaining period of the contract resulting in an irregular payment of K550, 488,842 which is recoverable. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that this was a matter of the Board and the Ministry to address as they were the ones who knew what happened. Un-retired Imprest
Contrary to Financial Regulation No. 186 which stipulates that special imprest should be retired immediately after the purpose for which it was issued was fulfilled, it was observed that imprests in amounts totalling K368, 346,544.08 were outstanding for more than ninety (90) days as of 31st December 2005. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that recoveries are effected where amounts are outstanding for a long time and that efforts would continue to ensure that the situation was brought to an acceptable level. Non Recovery of Salary Advances
Contrary to ZAWA regulations, which stipulated that salary advances must be recovered in three (3) months, amounts totalling K175,065,703 relating to salary advances to 261 members of staff were outstanding for more than two (2) years without effecting recoveries. In his response dated 12th November 2006, the Director General stated that as regards non recovery of salary advances, officers who retired were being paid their benefits by the Ministry, not by ZAWA. Consequently, the recovery of salary advances could not be done. Trade debtors It was observed that ZAWA did not have an effective mechanism of monitoring its debtors. In this regard, amounts totalling K1,300,233,627, owed by nineteen (19) operators who had since abandoned their projects and left the country or were wrongly classified, could not be collected. Consequently, ZAWA management applied to the Board to write off the debts. South Luangwa Area Management Unit (SLAMU)
In January 1999, Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) entered into an agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Norway regarding cooperation for promotion of the economic and social development of Zambia to extend continued assistance to South Luangwa Area Management Unit (SLAMU). According to the agreement, the GRZ shall make all reasonable efforts to facilitate the successful implementation of the project by granting the project status as pilot within ZAWA throughout the project period and thereby: a) Grant the project permission to retain all revenues from tourism and safari hunting in SLNP and LGMA; b) Allow the community based natural resources management (CBNRM) approach to be continued; and c) Delegate sufficient decision making authority to the project to facilitate its operation. Contrary to the provisions of the agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, the following were observed: i) In July 2004, ZAWA entered into an agreement with L and L properties for culling of six hundred (600) hippos over a period of three (3) years in South Luangwa Area Management Unit. Under this agreement, ZAWA received amounts totalling K498,033,775 in 2005. As of December 2006, only K82,391,000 had been remitted to SLAMU leaving a balance of K415,612,775 still owing. ii) It was also observed that both SLAMU and ZAWA Head office had been invoicing Chichele lodge based in South Luangwa National Park. In this regard, the lodge made payments directly to head office instead of SLAMU, as a result, records at SLAMU indicated that Chichele Lodge owed them a sum of K523,403,066 (US $67,202) whereas the statement obtained from the lodge showed that the lodge was owing US$19,764 as of August 2006. iii) It was further observed that the offices at SLAMU which were built under the project have no title deed, and as such it has proved difficult to insure the buildings whose roof was grass thatched and prone to high risk of fire. Irregular Procurement of Uniforms for Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)
A review of records relating to the procurement of uniforms indicated that ZAWA had procured uniforms for DEC using the Support to Economic Expansion and Diversification (SEED) project funds in amounts totalling K46, 614,610. A scrutiny of the SEED agreement did not provide for such arrangement. There was no evidence of an agreement between DEC and ZAWA. As of October 2006, there were 130 T-Shirts, 130 Combat jackets, 130 Long sleeves polo neck skippers for DEC as uniforms in stores. Irregular Issue of Title Deeds in Mosi-O-Tunya National Parks
According to the provisions of the Act, ZAWA allocates sites in National Parks and Wildlife /Bird sanctuaries to successful bidders. The successful bidders are awarded a Tourism Concession Agreement (TCA). The TCA is a commercial agreement that regulates the conduct of the operators. It confers the rights and obligations of the concessionaire and grantor (ZAWA). An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is prepared and approved by Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) before the operator would proceed with the development of operations. However, it was observed that two operators namely Waterfront lodge and Maramba River lodge had been issued with title deeds in the Mosi-O-Tunya National Park. The title deeds for Waterfront have since been cancelled and a Tourism Concession Agreement was signed on 8th February 2005 for a period of twenty five (25) years. As of August 2006, the title deed for Maramba River lodge had not been cancelled and the Authority was not receiving any money from the lodge, as there was no agreement though the lodge operated in the National Park. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an Environmental Impact Assessment having been done for the above-mentioned lodges by the ECZ. Outstanding Statutory Obligations
In accordance with the Income Tax Act, Cap 323, every employer is required to remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). During the period under review, it was observed that ZAWA had not been remitting PAYE. As at 30th June 2006, the outstanding PAYE stood at K19,656,327,267. It was also observed that the Authority had not remitted pension contributions to NAPSA for its employees in amounts totalling K3,544,973,232 as of August 2006. The issue was brought to the attention of the Board at its 4th meeting held on Friday 16th May 2003 by the finance committee, though no action has been taken as of October 2006. In his response dated 23rd November 2006, the Director General stated that efforts were being made to address the matter. Share of Community Resource
The Communities in Game Management Areas (GMA) have formed Community Resource Boards (CRB) which comprise a registered board for the purpose of administering the CRBs. The main sources of income for the CRB are revenue from concession, bird and animal fees. As a way of equitably distributing the wildlife resources, ZAWA and the CRBs recommended allocating the utilization of the resources as follows; % ZAWA 50 Chief 5 CRB 45 The funds to the CRBs are distributed as follows: % Wildlife Conservation 45 Community Projects 35 Administration 20 Board members of the CRBs are volunteers elected among the community. Failure By CRBs to Prepare Annual Reports and Audited Accounts
According to the provisions of Part III section 5 subsections (a), (b) and (c) of the ZAWA Act of 1998, the Community Resource Board (CRB), is required not later than ninety days after the end of the financial year, to submit to the Authority, through the Director General: _ An audited balance sheet; _ An audited statement of income and expenditure ;and _ A report concerning its activities during that financial year. Contrary to the provisions of the Act, the sixty two (62) CRBs did not submit audited accounts and did not prepare the annual reports. A review of records and other relevant documents pertaining to the operations of Community Resource Boards revealed the following:
Chiawa Game Management Area
The Government issued a gazette number 332 in 1998 directing all operators in the Chiawa GMA to be paying land user fees. The fees were to be paid at the beginning of the year. However, as of December 2005, total amounts of K450,999,935 and US$128,857 (K440,175,512) were outstanding as unpaid land user fees for over 120 days. As of June 2006, the fees had not been paid and ZAWA had not invoiced the operators for the year 2006. b) Chiawa Community Resource Board Records obtained from ZAWA indicated that Chiawa CRB received an amount of K71,470,328 during 2005. However, a review of the bank statements of the CRB indicated that an amount of K200,648,714 had been received from ZAWA. No explanation was given for the variance of K129,178,386. It was also observed that: i) There were no expenditure details in respect of the period from January 2003 to June 2005 for which the Board Secretary and the Finance Chairperson gave no satisfactory explanation. ii) ZAWA guidelines provide that the panel of signatories comprise two from the community and another one from ZAWA. However, it was observed that the panel of signatories did not include officers from ZAWA. iii) Contrary to the agreed guidelines, nine (9) members of the CRB paid themselves loans ranging between K1,200,000 and K10,000,000 in amounts totalling K38,200,000 between July and December 2005. Though the loan agreements provided that the loans would be recovered by June 2006 none of the money had been recovered as of August 2006. c) Jumbe Community Resource Board During the period under review, Jumbe CRB received a sum of K35,993,350 and the funds were to be apportioned as follows: Recommended Actual (K) (K) Chiefs Share - 16,000,000 Wildlife Conservation 16,197,007 7,593,850 Community projects 12,597,672 7,214,500 Administration 7,198,670 5,185,000 It was observed that contrary to the guidelines, the chief was paid K16,000,000 from the CRB funds. In 2003 ZAWA signed a Hunting Concession Agreement with the Mungomba Hunting Safari Company which provided for among others, the drilling of boreholes, provision of grinding mills and the employing of five (5) village scouts for the Jumbe CRB. The agreement did not specify the safari operator’s obligations in terms of quantities and values. Contrary to the concession, the safari company did not sink the boreholes for the community, but instead only provided two grinding mills which are situated at the chief’s palace, and the community was not benefiting from the grinding mills as they were not accessible to the rest of the community for which they were intended.
d) Chitungulu Community Resource Board
A review of the ZAWA field report dated 2nd December 2004 revealed that one of the board members was given a sum of K18,000,000 paid on cheque number 000136 to purchase a grinding mill for the community which was not procured. As of August 2006, the K18,000,000 had not been refunded and the matter had not been reported to the police. It was observed that the CRB issued another cheque number 22045 in amounts totalling K13,530,125 for the purchase of the grinding mill.
e) Mwanya Community Resource Board
During the period under review, the CRB received an amount of K560,888,489 as community share. It was observed that: i) Board members of the CRB diverted funds and paid themselves advances of K300,000 each totalling K3,000,000. The terms of the advance were that it would be recovered by December 2005. However, as of August 2006 the deductions had not been effected, though the members continued to be paid sitting allowances. ii) The Hunting Concession Agreement in the area provided, among others, the drilling of boreholes, provision of grinding mills, employing five (5) village scouts, employing community coordinator, training local people to be profession hunters. Contrary to the concession agreement, the community bought a second hand light truck at a cost of K48,000,000 from the safari hunter. The terms of payment were such that the community forego the drilling of boreholes and add an amount of K24,000,000 paid on cheque number 00050. The basis of determining the cost of the boreholes and the valuation of the cost of the vehicle could not be ascertained. The Safari hunter has not fulfilled the other obligations he made in the agreement.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Ecology of the Zambia sitatunga antelope
ZAMBIA RESEARCH ABSTRACTS
Ecology of the Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei selousi Rothschild, 1898) in the Bangweulu swamps, Zambia, Central Africa.
by
I.P.A. Manning
Research into the ecology of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei Rothschild, 1898.) in the south-east Bangweulu, Zambia, was carried out between 1973 and 1976. The sex ratio for sitatunga does not differ significantly from 1:1, although 47.3% of the population are adult females and 25.6% adult males, 12.1% immature males, 4.3% immature females and 10.6% calves. Two conception peaks are related to the onset and cessation of the rains with breeding occurring throughout the year. Sitatunga occur singly (50%), in twos (22.2%) or in threes (16.7%). Females and their calves are the only group with any integrity. The maximum number observed in a group was 7. The minimum home range for males is 0.0363 km2 and for females 0.176 km2. Aggression and the mutual avoidance of dominant males suggests territoriality. Sexual dimorphism is marked. Pelage colouration is variable. The white facial markings are important in male agonistic displays. Criteria for relative age determination of sitatunga were derived from eruption and attrition sequences of impressions taken from maxillary teeth. Males reach a theoretical maximum weight of 106 kg at 8.1 years and females 51.5 kg at 7.34 years. Males are 54.6% heavier than females and maximum horn length is achieved at 7.5 years. Age is significantly correlated with weight, horn length and the length/weight index. The mean horn length for adults is 64.2 cm and the mean front hoof length, for both sexes, is 7.6 cm.
Ecology of the Sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei selousi Rothschild, 1898) in the Bangweulu swamps, Zambia, Central Africa.
by
I.P.A. Manning
Research into the ecology of the sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei Rothschild, 1898.) in the south-east Bangweulu, Zambia, was carried out between 1973 and 1976. The sex ratio for sitatunga does not differ significantly from 1:1, although 47.3% of the population are adult females and 25.6% adult males, 12.1% immature males, 4.3% immature females and 10.6% calves. Two conception peaks are related to the onset and cessation of the rains with breeding occurring throughout the year. Sitatunga occur singly (50%), in twos (22.2%) or in threes (16.7%). Females and their calves are the only group with any integrity. The maximum number observed in a group was 7. The minimum home range for males is 0.0363 km2 and for females 0.176 km2. Aggression and the mutual avoidance of dominant males suggests territoriality. Sexual dimorphism is marked. Pelage colouration is variable. The white facial markings are important in male agonistic displays. Criteria for relative age determination of sitatunga were derived from eruption and attrition sequences of impressions taken from maxillary teeth. Males reach a theoretical maximum weight of 106 kg at 8.1 years and females 51.5 kg at 7.34 years. Males are 54.6% heavier than females and maximum horn length is achieved at 7.5 years. Age is significantly correlated with weight, horn length and the length/weight index. The mean horn length for adults is 64.2 cm and the mean front hoof length, for both sexes, is 7.6 cm.
See Bush Telegraph for Auditor-General's report on ZAWA
Note: During this period, the senior officers of the Zambia Wildlife Authority were:
Director-General: Hapenga Kabeta;
Director of Finance: Tom Mushinge;
Director of Conservation: Gershom Chilakusha
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