Following a standoff between mine owners and the Government on  the Value Added Tax (VAT) Rule number 18, it is comforting to both parties, now that the matter has been addressed.
It is vital that going forward both parties should benefit and this will in the long run protect the interest of the country by ensuring that there is continued production of minerals especially copper and continued investment.
Briefcase notes that the move to engage mine owners in resolving issues around mine taxation is cardinal and will surely help stabilise the weakening Kwacha against major convertible currencies.

Scrutinise FISP beneficieries

THE issue of accessing farmer inputs through the Farmer Input Support Programme has continued to raise concerns especially on the genuineness of some of the beneficiaries.
Timely adjustment or review of the programme would help to save it from continued abuse by greedy people.
For a long time the FISP has been used as a source of livelihood for most farmers who have not graduated since it was introduced, thus defeating the purpose it was meant for which is to help vulnerable but viable farmers.

Bus fares move timely

THE cost of bus fares has a direct impact on the people and any reduction following cuts in pump fuel prices is inevitable.
Intervention by the Minister of Communications, Transport, Works and Supply Yamfwa Mukanga is a timely move given that transporters have either reduced the fare by negligible amounts or absolutely refused to do so.
Even if Zambia is a liberalised economy and there are no price controls in commodities, transporters should see the importance of creating fair environment of all parties including commuters.