Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Wednesday.

--The Zambian government said it will not sell the state-owned power utility to any private entity.

Minister of Energy David Mabumba said Zesco Limited as well as the country's sole oil refinery, Indeni Petroleum, will not be privatized but will only undergo governance and structural realignment next year to enhance operations.

There have been calls for the unbundling of the power utility to improve service delivery as the firm has failed to meet customer expectations. (Times of Zambia)

--The Zambian government has warned that it will revoke a mining license of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a unit of London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc, unless the mining firm proves its capacity to develop new copper sources.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Christopher Yaluma said during a meeting with management that the government will have no option but to cancel the license unless the firm proves its capacity to develop new mining sources.

The mining giant has been facing operational challenges and last week hundreds of contractors protested at the company premises in Chingola town on the Copperbelt Province over the firm's failure to pay them. The government has been holding meetings with management since last week. (Daily Nation)

--A court in Zambia has sent a former senior public servant to jail for one year after it convicted her of corruption.

Anne Sinyangwe, who was permanent secretary in charge of administration at Cabinet Office, will serve one year simple imprisonment after she was found guilty of failing to comply with standard procedure when she awarded a contract for the paving of a car park at the Cabinet Office premises.

Magistrate Lameck Mwale said the court had a duty to ensure that people holding public office were held accountable for resources. (Zambia Daily Mail). Endit