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 the mineral royalty tax introduced last year will help it achieve its mining revenue targets for 2017.

Minister of Mines Christopher Yaluma said following excessive consultations from the time the latest fiscal regime was introduced last year, the government anticipates to hit its mining tax revenue targets this year. (Times of Zambia)

-- Zambia has allowed the passage of 120 trucks carrying Mukula logs, an endangered timber species, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Minister of Lands and Environmental Protection Jean Kapata said the government has granted the request by DRC government which sent its minister responsible for environment seeking clearance after Zambia banned the transiting of the much sought after logs through Zambia. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- More than 200 cases have been referred for mediation settlement in an effort to decongest a huge backlog of court matters in the judiciary system, the country's chief judge has said.

Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima said the mediation settlement would allow for quick disposal of cases as well as reduce costs for litigants. (Daily Nation)

-- A Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Communication has urged Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) management to ensure that the railway firm operates as a viable entity.

Committee chairman Douglas Syakalima said after a tour of TAZARA facilities by the committee members that the firm had potential to attract business but efforts were needed to ensure that it operated effectively and viably. (The Mast) Endit