Fixed date on Sata’s return not feasible – Scott

Vice President Guy Scott says there is a perfect good reason why he does not have the information on when President Michael Sata will return from his private working holiday in Israel.

Responding to a question by UPND Siavonga Member of Parliament Kennedy Hamudulu during the vice president’s question time who wanted to know when the President will return, Dr Scott maintained that President Sata is on holiday.

Dr Scott says having a fixed date on which the President must return home many not feasible for various reasons.

President Sata left the country for Israel on Friday 20th June on a working holiday.

Meanwhile Vice President Guy Scott has dismissed as an attempt to put pressure on government the announcement by First Quantum Minerals that it has postponed investment worth US$1 billion in capital projects in Zambia due to uncertainty on the fiscal regime.

Responding to a question by Lunte Member of Parliament Felix Mutati who wanted to find out what steps are being taken by government in order to forestall the investment withdrawal, Dr Scott said government is not put under pressure like that.

He says government will meet with First Quantum Minerals next week to resolve the issue amicably.

First Quantum Minerals Company Director of operations Matt Pascal said while the mining company has recorded remarkable growth rates at Kalumbila and Kasanshi mine projects, there has been a lot of challenges faced by the company, citing uncertainty on the fiscal regime and bureaucracy.

QFM News