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Insights from Uganda on why solar street lights make sense
April 25, 2019 10.07am EDT
Andrew Sudmant, Andy Gouldson, University of Leeds
Andrew Sudmant
PhD candidate and research Fellow in the Economics of Climate Smart Cities research programme, University of Leeds
Andy Gouldson
Professor of Environmental Policy and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Interdisciplinary Research), University of Leeds
Andrew Sudmant receives funding from the Coalition for Urban Transitions, a major international initiative to support decision makers to meet the objective of unlocking the power of cities for enhanced national economic, social, and environmental performance, including reducing the risk of climate change.
Andy Gouldson receives funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council and the Coalition for Urban Transitions.
University of Leeds provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation UK.
Solar powered street lights in Kampala, Uganda. George_TheGiwi/Shutterstock
Street-lighting is important. It allows informal vendors and traders to operate for longer hours and improves road and public safety. It also makes streets feel safer and more secure, especially for women.
But street-lighting is sorely lacking in many of sub-Saharan Africa's cities, and where it is present it's highly unreliable. In Kampala, Uganda, for example just 8% of the city's paved road and street network is illuminated.
In cities faced with multiple pressing challenges and very limited budgets, street lighting is rarely a priority.
Even when there's political will, there are major barriers to implementing conventional street-lighting. Many cities have large areas of informal settlements which aren't connected to the national grid. The upfront costs of grid connectivity and street light infrastructure – like poles, lamps and pavements – are huge.
The solution may lie instead with solar lighting. We wrote a policy research paper based on work we did in two Ugandan cities, the capital Kampala and Jinja a secondary city with a population of around 80,000, and found that solar street-lighting could offer a cheaper, more sustainable solution – and bring huge benefits.
Solar street lights are cheaper to install and operate since they generate their own power, instead of drawing from the grid.
We chose Kampala and Jinja because both cities' governments had installed solar street lights in 2018: more than 1800 in Kampala and 92 in Jinja. We wanted to know what the lights' impact had been since they were installed and if this could be replicated in other cities across Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa.
We analysed national policy documents and city development strategies and consulted with research colleagues at Makerere University in Kampala to identify a range of stakeholders to interview. In total, we interviewed 23 people including government officials, NGOs and members of local communities, like business owners and road users.
Across the two cities, the average cost for a solar light was around USD$1,600 per solar street light pole, compared to USD$2,150 for a conventional street light pole. In Jinja the city's US$350,000 electricity debt led to the conventional street lights being turned off. They are still off today.
If these projects were replicated nationwide, the Ugandan government could reduce its upfront costs by 25%, electricity costs by 40% and maintenance costs by 60%.
Solar lighting also had almost no operating costs because you put the lights up and leave the sun to do the rest. Conversely, conventional lighting incur large electricity bills and higher maintenance costs because bulbs need to be replaced more frequently.
Local residents and NGO workers we spoke to identified many knock-on effects from both solar street-light projects.
In Jinja residents of a low-income settlement, where 20 solar street lights were installed, said that the lights created safer streets and allowed small businesses to stay open for an extra five hours per day. This is particularly important for low-income groups who can now make more money in the day.
The street lights have the potential to do much more.
For example, solar lights can help increase trading hours for small businesses. And thanks to savings on electricity, the cities' governments could also redirect saved funds into the setting up of more street lights and other public services.
Though we found many benefits to the use of solar street-lights, there were challenges too.
First, cities in Uganda, as in many sub-Saharan Africa countries, lack the domestic expertise to plan and implement new solar lighting projects. This means municipalities have to rely on external donors for developing city plans rather than developing domestic markets which could spur national growth.
Second, though the economic case for choosing solar over conventional street lights is clear, municipalities lack the necessary capital to finance their upfront investment. There's also a high risk that replacement lights could be unaffordable if municipal budgeting is not improved.
To overcome these challenges, national governments should create a more robust regulatory framework to grow and control domestic solar markets; building the capacity of municipal staff to plan, finance and deliver infrastructure projects; and ensure a wide range of stakeholders –- including local communities –- are involved in the planning of projects in order to maximise the social returns.
Lucy Oates, a Research Fellow on the Economics of Climate Smart Cities research program at the University of Leeds, contributed to this article.
RandD
African research


The data refuting the assertion that indoor facilities – which can achieve up to 5-6 harvests per year – produce more product than outdoor farms – which are generally limited to a single harvest – comes in the form of yield figures collected by the state of Washington. The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board publishes Weekly Reports on various metrics relevant to the state's legal recreational cannabis industry. The pertinent data is compiled in a chart titled, "Marijuana Flower Harvested," which I have included below.
"Marijuana Flower Harvested," from data compiled by the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, accessed 5 January 2016.
As you can see, there is a dramatic difference in the amount of cannabis that Washington's producers harvested in the autumn, as compared with the rest of the year. This is due to the state's outdoor farmers cutting down their crops from mid-September through November, with some greenhouse growers likely able to extend their season into December via supplemental lighting and climate controls.
For perspective, let's consider October and November – the prime outdoor harvest months – in relation to the production that took place during the first nine months of the year. Simple addition shows us that from January through September (which likely included some early outdoor harvests), Washington's growers cut down 60,191 pounds of cannabis flower. In October and November alone, 83,307 pounds of cannabis flower were harvested. In other words, the two prime months of the fall harvest season yielded nearly 140% the amount of cannabis reaped during the first nine months of the year. If December's figures are included in the outdoor category – in addition to part of September's – the realization becomes more stark; indoor cannabis cultivation cannot be performed on a scale comparable to that of outdoor, despite being able to achieve multiple harvests annually.
Also consider that only a very small percentage of cultivators in Washington grow outdoors. Marijuana Business Daily notes that, nationwide, 92% of cannabis cultivation takes place indoors. Additionally, a consultant's report commissioned by the state of Washington anticipated that pure outdoor cultivation would account for only 2% of the state's producers. Indeed, growers wishing to work outside had to lobby the state specifically to allow farming under the sun. Based on my knowledge of the industry, I would estimate that 10% of Washington's producers grow outside, making their massive fall production even more impressive.
To provide an additional take on the matter, consider my own experience operating a warehouse that consisted of 350 lights devoted to flowering plants. If assuming 25 square feet of canopy space for each light (a 5′ x 5′ footprint), then the total area devoted to flowering – in what is a medium-sized facility in the industry – amounts to 8,750 square feet. Multiply that by 5 harvests per year, and you ultimately have 43,750 square feet of effective flowering area annually. This is roughly equal to a single (1) acre (43,560 square feet). I have visited small farms in southern Colorado that consist of 5-10 acres; small being a relative term, others being established in that area are much larger. Again assuming 5 harvests per year, even an indoor facility with 50,000 square feet of flowering canopy (of which not many exist) ultimately constitutes just 5.7 acres.
Some may still argue that a steady supply throughout the year is preferable. However, I must dispute that notion as well. Cannabis ages well and, like fine cigars, benefits greatly from extended curing. Outdoor producers have the luxury of curing a significant portion of their total yield and, if doing so properly, can sell a product six months after harvest that is actually higher quality in terms of aroma, taste, and effects than batches moved earlier, despite the fact that it was all part of the same crop. Many informed cannabis consumers in Colorado and Washington will attest that the majority of product purchased from commercial dispensaries (the vast majority of which is grown indoors) is only dried, not cured – a grassy, hay-like smell is a reliable indicator of such treatment. Furthermore, it is often dried quickly, which can result in a harsh smoking experience.
While prevailing ideas assert that indoor flower is generally higher-quality, a large part of that notion is based simply on the more polished appearance of warehouse-grown bud. This position is further reinforced by outdated conceptions of outdoor cannabis. Prior to legalization, much of the product grown outdoors was not tended or cared for, but simply planted, checked on occasionally, then harvested and sold quickly, all to avoid detection by law enforcement. However, on legally-licensed farms, skilled cultivators are proving able to produce extremely high-quality flower even in the face of exposure to the elements.
All this to say – in response to the original quote above – that there is a choice, and it is an easy one. The industry is expanding rapidly and prices cannot be sustained at their current level forever. Even if one cares little for carbon footprints and environmental impacts, the figures above are sufficient to demonstrate that warehouse growing is simply not tenable as the industry's primary cultivation method. It's time to move out into the sun.
Another great post! I agree that warehouse growing is not sustainable for the future of the industry. Do you have any opinions/concerns for greenhouse growers? It seems like the hybrid environment is the way to go, indoor control with outdoor sun, maybe some light dep. I am not sure what the upfront investment/ maintenance is for 50,000 sq ft of greenhouse, but I feel it may be the direction that the industry will need to go to survive with minimal environmental impact.
Thanks so much for reading, Daniel, I appreciate the compliment. I am definitely a fan of greenhouse growing for the reasons you point out. As far as the cost to build and maintain one – well, that depends a lot on the sophistication of the greenhouse and can vary widely. 50,000 is quite large as well, so that would be expensive pretty much any way you slice it. However, you could probably achieve ROI fairly quickly in a good market considering the volume and quality of the product able to be produced from such an operation, in addition to being able to undercut indoor producers due to a significantly lower cost of production. Another option would be to start with something along the lines of 15-25,000 square feet to lower upfront capital expenses, then scale up after a solid revenue stream has been achieved. Thanks again for your comment.
My pleasure, do you have a twitter account?
I do not. I will publicize it here if I ever get one, but I don't anticipate doing so.


Guests attending the 20th Anniversary Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta in November 2014 had the extreme pleasure of participating in the avant-garde progressive dinners, which included courses at three star restaurants featuring the talent of chefs and visiting chefs. The dinner I had the pleasure to savor included dishes at The River Cafe, TRIO and Cafe Des Artistes. This was a gastronomique safari style experience that every 'foodie' would relish.
This colorful restaurant, filled with paintings and artwork by talented Mexican artists, is located on the rivers edge of the Rio Cuale, and is a very exciting dining venue. The gourmet cuisine with traditional flair is unique and outstanding. The river, live entertainment and the general ambiance of the venue provide a tasteful and peaceful experience for guests. The lamb plate we enjoyed was unique in preparation and presentation, and was paired perfectly with The River Cafe's home-made sangria.
The TRIO upstairs dining room with it's beautiful and colorful tile bar is one of my favorite venues in Puerto Vallarta. The ambiance is warm, elegant and upbeat, and the food is always magnificent. The delicious salmon preparation with a Swedish flair melted like butter in the mouth, and was simply outstanding, as were the appetizer and beet salad. Wines served with this memorable dinner included a red and white by Vinas Pijoan, Baja California.
Cafe Des Artistes is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, and was founded twenty-four years ago. It is one of the most outstanding gourmet restaurants in the world, and the ambiance is pure magic! Upon our arrival Cafe Des Artistes was alive with activity and we were escorted to the rooftop dining patio, which offers views of the lush garden outdoor patio below.
Guest Chef Carlos Gaytan, chef/owner of Mexique in Chicago - first Mexican chef to get a Michelin Star, was working in tandem with Thierry Blouet, chef/owner of Cafe Des Artistes to prepare a medley of beautiful and delicious desserts, paired with Monte Xanic wine. Chef Blouet is one of the founders of this festival, and has received countless awards and accolades for his amazing culinary talents.
Our dessert visit was followed by a stop at the restaurant lounge, where live entertainment created a fun backdrop around the exquisite dessert bar; a bar literally covered with decadent little French desserts to pair with Patron or Moet & Chandon or Tattinger Champagne. There could not be a sweeter ending to this beautiful progressive dining experience in Puerto Vallarta than was offered the chef and staff at this lovely venue. Visit www.cafedesartistes.com.
For information on the additional outstanding gourmet restaurants who participated in the 2014 progressive dinners during the festival please visit: www.festivalgourmet.com.
Partner Diego Barbieri takes craft beer and local wine seriously, recommending food and beverage pairings that take the meal to the next level. Cozy tables set amongst red leather booths, exposed brick walls and a buzzing open kitchen set the scene for modern comfort cuisine at its best. Patio seating allows guests to enjoy dinner and drinks outside all year long.
Los Angeles media, travel agents and travel executives had a chance to "Discover the Baltics" at a special luncheon on Oct. 30 at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in Hollywood. Those in attendance were excited to hear about the numerous travel options that are available to U.S. travelers to the three Baltic States. Guests had a chance to try authentic Lithuania Ragulois, commonly referred to as Tree Cake, and took home bread and delectable honey from what can only be described as the world's happiest bees. Comprised of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, the Baltic States have gorgeous nature scenes, UNESCO approved historical heritage sites and untouched beaches.
Recently included in Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2015," Lithuania began the day with a beautiful visual presentation on what makes the country of 3 million people attractive to international travelers. Visitors from the United States to the former-Soviet country - Lithuania was the first to declare its independence 24-years ago - will enjoy its new & modern accommodation facilities from worldwide hotel chains, an abundance of fresh & healthy food options, clean drinking water and last but not the least - striking historical heritage. The Baltic country is home to numerous UNESCO heritage locations, including the Curonian Spit - named one of the best places to see before you die - a narrow strip of sand along the Baltic Sea with sand dunes that features rare flora and fauna and a forest with centuries-old pine trees.
Following Lithuania's presentation, Latvia gave the group information on why the country is "Best Enjoyed Slowly." The small but important country of over 2 million people has been a NATO & EU member state since 2004 and just recently joined the Eurozone. One of the significant features of the country is allowing U.S. travelers to appreciate the feeling of being secluded and in touch with nature as beautiful untouched forests covers 50 percent of the country. For those looking to experience a larger city, the country's capital of Riga is the biggest city in the Baltics and has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2014.
Lithuania is the start of the world-famous Amber Road, an ancient trade route for the transfer of amber from coastal areas of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. A variety of amber products were on-display at the event like candies, tea, therapeutic oils and more. As an important raw material, dubbed "the gold of the north," amber was transported from the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts overland by way of the Vistula and Dnieper rivers to Italy, Greece, the Black Sea, Syria and Egypt thousands of years ago, and long after.
U.S. travelers can reach both Latvia and Lithuania in as little as an hour after making a connection in almost all major European cities. For more information on Latvia, please visit http://www.latvia.travel. To learn about the travel options that Lithuania holds, please visit http://www.lithuania.travel.
HOLIDAY TRAVELS . . .
Priced from �1,696-�1,996 (approximately US$2,162-US$2,544), the package is valid for arrivals from December 22-24, 2014.
December 3, 2014 at 7 p.m. for the Christmas Lights Across Canada Illumination Ceremony.
In Canada�s Capital Region, the winter landscape glows with hundreds of thousands of multicoloured lights during the holiday season. The festivities begin with an illumination ceremony in early December and continue until early January. Throughout Christmas Lights Across Canada, the lights in Ottawa�Gatineau glow each evening from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Christmas Lights program was launched in 1985 to brighten the Ottawa winter. At first, the lights were only on Parliament Hill, but over the years the program expanded. Now, Ottawa and Gatineau glow each winter with Christmas lights at many sites along Confederation Boulevard.
Classic, contemporary chic arrives at The Peninsula Hong Kong, as this legend of the East launches its newly renovated guest rooms and leading-edge, guest-focused technology. A bespoke luxury residential feel blends with an aesthetic that melds the design touches and practicality present in today�s luxury yachts and private jets, to redefine luxury and take The Peninsula's guest experience to the next level of in-room comfort. The hotel boasts a fleet of fourteen Rolls-Royce Phantoms, a private helicopter and twin helipads on the roof, while its nine bars and restaurants are amongst the city�s most stylish gastronomic venues. The Peninsula Spa occupies two floors and offers sweeping views of Victoria Harbour from its fourteen state-of-the-art treatment rooms, while the Roman-style swimming pool flows out onto the hotel�s glorious sun terrace and offers superlative views from its floor-to-ceiling folding windows. The Concierge team are well-connected, friendly and unerringly professional and will introduce you to some of the city�s most exclusive experiences, courtesy of The Peninsula Academy.
�Live on Ice� Lucerne is being held for the fourth time this year from 27 November 2014 to 4 January 2015: this Christmas fairytale world on the shores of Lake Lucerne next to the KKL Luzern offers free skating alongside many other attractions. Here on Europaplatz, light artist Gerry Hofstetter is creating a beautiful Advent and winter experience for the whole family.
BY SEA . . .
Carnival Cruise Lines will offer a series of unforgettable 10- to 14-day voyages on six different ships in 2015-16 that feature extended calls at magnificent destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and The Bahamas.
Reservations opened today on 11 different voyages offered on Carnival Miracle, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine which depart from five convenient U.S. homeports and visit more than two dozen tropical destinations, including less traveled ports like Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, Grenada and, for the first time on a Carnival ship, Trinidad & Tobago. Several of the 10- and 11-day voyages can be combined into three-week-long Caribbean adventures providing an unmatched combination of breathtaking ports of call, amazing experiences ashore, and fun-filled sea days, all at an incredible value.
These new voyages are in addition to a previously announced series of nine 10- to 14-day departures to the Caribbean and Bermuda offered on Carnival Triumph and Carnival Pride in 2015-16.
�Based on feedback from our guests and travel agent partners, we�re delighted to offer these longer length voyages which provide vacationers an opportunity to visit some of the world�s most breathtaking destinations while enjoying all the wonderful on-board innovations and features found aboard Carnival�s ships,� said Terry Thornton, Carnival�s senior vice president of itinerary planning and revenue development.
Jan. 31- Feb. 12, 2015: 13-day Mexican Riviera voyage round-trip from Long Beach, Calif., calling at Cabo San Lucas (two-day call), La Paz, Mazatl�n, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta (overnight call).
Oct. 4-15, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bermuda cruise from New Orleans to San Juan featuring Nassau, King�s Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call), St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
Oct. 15-25, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans with calls at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and Falmouth, Jamaica (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans).
Jan. 3-14, 2016: 11-day southern Caribbean cruise from New Orleans to San Juan with stops at Grand Turk, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Maarten.
Jan. 14-25, 2016: a 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans calling at St. Thomas, Dominica, St. Kitts, Grand Turk and Falmouth (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans).
Oct. 31�Nov. 13, 2015: 14-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2016: 10-day cruise from Miami to San Juan calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.
Feb. 2-13, 2016: 11-day cruise from San Juan to Miami visiting St. Croix, St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from Miami).
Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Juan visiting Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Croix.
Dec. 9-19, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to Port Canaveral featuring St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, St. Croix, and Grand Turk (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day voyage round-trip from Port Canaveral).
Feb. 21-March 5, 2016: 13-day southern Caribbean cruise round-trip from Port Canaveral calling at St. Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Scarborough (Trinidad & Tobago), Grenada, Martinique, St. Kitts and St. Thomas. In addition to fantastic dining, entertainment and activity options available on board, each of these destinations offers beautiful beaches, interesting historical attractions and natural landmarks, and unique sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities. During these cruises, guests can zipline across the lush countryside, view centuries-old architectural structures, visit world-class museums, and snorkel and scuba dive in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and other sea life.


Meal substitutes are a convenient way to reduce calories. A typical meal substitute in powder form is Slim Fast and in liquid and bars is Ensure. Meal substitutes should provide protein and be low in fat and calories. They should be labeled with the amount of calories per serving and the percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. The total number of calories per serving is predetermined so it is easier to keep track of the daily consumption of calories.
The makers of Slim Fast and Ensure spend millions of dollars every year advertising the their products for quick weight loss and extra energy. But you can save a lot hard-earned money by making your own "meals in a glass". However, before doing so, there are a few facts that are essential to making smart choices and getting the most out of your liquid meals.
When making yourself a "meal in a glass", do remember that many shakes and smoothies are high in calories due to the intent of replacing solid foods. Therefore, be sure your liquid meal is your entire meal if you are trying to lose weight. For those wishing to gain weight, eating solids with a liquid meal can help.
The biggest nutrition downfalls of liquid meals are protein and fiber -- they do not contain enough. Read product labels of the ingredients going into your recipe so as to be sure you get adequate fiber and protein content. In commercial products such as those mentioned above, the fiber contents vary widely. Slim Fast provides about 5 grams of fiber, while Carnation Instant Breakfast has less than 1 gram. Regarding protein, Slim Fast with Soy has 15 grams of protein, Boost and Ensure have between 8 and 10 grams, and Carnation has only 4 grams of protein.
Another important note to remember is that you do still need solid foods every day. To aid in fiber, eat fruits and vegetables every day. A mid-day fruit snack is a great way to incorporate more fruit in your diet.
Two conditions that warrant the avoidance of liquid meals are diabetics and those who are lactose intolerant. Diabetics need to be wary of the high carbohydrate content and if you suffer from lactose intolerance, shakes and smoothies can exacerbate the problem due to dairy content. For this dilemna, making your own can help tremendously, as you can purchase lactose-free milk, etc.
Do take note as well, that when you are ill, your body requires higher amounts of calories and protein to aid in recovery. A smoothie or shake can give you the perfect nutrition boost in times of illness.
Following are some home made recipes for you. They all contain between 200 and 300 calories each and will sustain you for three to four hours. If you get bored with the flavors, add extracts such as almond, orange and peach to shakes or try using different fruit and juice bars.
Place all ingredients in blender or mixer. Blend at low speed until creamy.
Thaw fruit bar slightly (five to ten minutes until soft). Break into pieces in blender. Add other ingredients and blend on low speed for ten seconds. For more citrus flavor, add 1-tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate and 1-teaspoon sugar.
Add all ingredients to blender and mix thoroughly until smooth. Refrigerate unused portion.
Blend until smooth. Add more milk for thinner shake. If too sweet, add a few drops of lemon juice. Use flavor extracts to vary flavor when vanilla ice cream is used.
If you are looking for more protein or a meal replacement beverage with a kick, try these high calorie drinks and shakes.
Toss some extra yogurt into your pre or post-workout smoothie. In a study of people on a high calorie diet, those who got 25 percent of calories from protein burned 227 more calories a day. They also stored less body fat than those who got fewer calories from protein.
You burn off up to 35 percent of calories from protein through digestion alone. Fats and carbs only burn 5 to 15 percent. One Greek yogurt can have over 15g of protein. That is muscle in the making!
Add vanilla and slowly stir in Half and Half, small amounts at a time.
Freebie! Informational sheet on a High Calorie Liquid Diet.
Click the pic to download this 2 page PDF file that includes some great tips PLUS more great recipes!


Kira does on and off leash obedience level 2.
Kira's commands are mostly in German.
She has level 1 bite work and will protect her property.
Watch video to see her work.
Kira is stable and friendly but can be defensive especially in her home.
She is high energy and needs something to do.


My other popular art medium, Infrared Art Photography (infused on Aluminum), coalesces with my other passion ... Metal Art! This is an Infrared Photograph of a bamboo canopy. The infrared process exposes a whole new ethereal and surreal perspective. I combined this striking image with a custom mixed media metal frame to make this into a one-of-a-kind artwork.
The Infrared Photograph featured in the middle of the artwork measure 8"x12" and is infused on aluminum -- resulting in a very resilient medium with high-definition claritiy and vividness (through a thermal heat press process, the dyes and inks are infused onto the top layer of specially coated aluminum plates).
Elements Used: Aluminum, lightweight composites, IR Photo Infused on Aluminum and re-purposed hollow core frame. Each element was cut, metal was sheared and etched (both mechanical and hand techniques were used).
Size & Weight: 22" x 22" x 2.5" - Appx. 12 pounds (a bit more when shipped).


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Osmania College Ground is a sports venue located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The ground also has reasonable sports facilities in the form a football/cricket ground, an outdoor basketball court with lighting facility, a tennis court, volleyball court and a Table Tennis room.  The ground has hosted aRanji Trophy match in 1972 when Andhra cricket team played against Kerala cricket team as match ended in a drawn. The ground is owned and managed by Osmania College.

References

External links

 cricketarchive
 cricinfo
 Wikimapia

Cricket grounds in Andhra Pradesh
Sports venues in Andhra Pradesh
Multi-purpose stadiums in India
Kurnool
Buildings and structures in Kurnool district
Year of establishment missing

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Cytheropteron yorktownense är en kräftdjursart som först beskrevs av Borys Malkin 1953.  Cytheropteron yorktownense ingår i släktet Cytheropteron och familjen Cytheruridae. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Musselkräftor
yorktownense


Boasts 31 Highway MPG and 20 City MPG! This BMW 5 Series delivers a Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 3.0 L/182 engine powering this Automatic transmission. Wheels: 18' x 8.0' Light Alloy V-Spoke -inc: Style 328, Wheels w/Silver Accents, Valet Function. This BMW 5 Series Features the Following Options Trunk Rear Cargo Access, Trip Computer, Transmission: Sport Automatic -inc: shift paddles, Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode, Tracker System, Tires: P245/45R18 AS Run-Flat, Systems Monitor, Streaming Audio, Sport Leather Steering Wheel w/Auto Tilt-Away, Smart Device Integration. Stop By Today Stop by Stevens Creek BMW located at 4343 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95051 for a quick visit and a great vehicle!


Miles Community College offers the Commercial Transportation Basics CDL course designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to take the Montana CDL Class A Knowledge Test and Road Test. This course provides tractor-trailer driving fundamentals to students who have minimal or no truck driving experience. This six week course includes classroom instruction, hands-on labs, behind-the-wheel driving time, hours of service, trip planning, and much more.
Possess a valid Montana driver's license.
Possess a legible original birth certificate or a certified copy.
Possess and show a Social Security Card.
Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and a preliminary drug screen which has to be through an approved facility prior to enrollment (students are responsible for these expenses). MCC can provide a list of approved facilities for the drug screening.
Enroll in an MCC contracted random drug and alcohol testing pool.
Completion of the Commercial Transportation Basics CDL course does not guarantee the student will pass the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) CDL exams and it does not guarantee employment.
Students who plan to enroll in the Commercial Transportation Basics CDL course but do not plan on obtaining a degree from Miles Community College must complete a non-degree application. Non-degree applications should be submitted to MCC's Student Services Office at Miles Community College, Attn: Registrar, 2715 Dickinson Street, Miles City, MT, 59301 or they can be faxed or e-mailed to 406.874.6283 or admissions@milescc.edu.
The following costs are for courses running during the Summer 2018, Fall 2018, and Spring 2019 semesters and are based on a student's residency status as defined on the non-degree application. Arrangements for payment need to be made with the Business Office which can be contacted at 406.874.6159.
Tuition and fee rates are subject to change each academic year and upon Board of Trustee approval.


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18/01/2019 12:52 PM IST
A 'Ghostbusters' Direct Sequel Is Happening And It Has A Teaser
Jason Reitman, son of the original's director, will direct the no-longer-secret project.
By Ron Dicker, HuffPost US
A direct sequel to "Ghostbusters" now has a spooky teaser to make it real.
Sony Pictures posted the clip Wednesday, calling it "a little surprise." It features a hint of paranormal activity in a barn around something under a tarp. Then the tarp blows off, revealing the Ecto-1 vehicle from the classic '80s original movie.
Jason Reitman, son of the original's director, Ivan Reitman, confirmed the project earlier this week. He secretly co-wrote the script and is set to direct the film, expected out in the summer of 2020, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Production is expected to start this summer, Deadline reported.
"I've always thought of myself as the first 'Ghostbusters' fan, when I was a 6-year-old visiting the set," Reitman ("The Front Runner") told Entertainment Weekly. "I wanted to make a movie for all the other fans. This is the next chapter in the original franchise. It is not a reboot. What happened in the '80s happened in the '80s, and this is set in the present day."
Casting is unclear. The 1984 original, starring Bill Murray, became a horror-comedy classic.
A 2016 reboot directed by Paul Feig featured a team of female Ghostbusters and received a mixed reception. It grossed more than $229 million worldwide.
"I have so much respect for what Paul created with those brilliant actresses, and would love to see more stories from them. However, this new movie will follow the trajectory of the original film," Reitman told Entertainment Weekly.
Ghostbusters fans, here's a little surprise from the desk of @JasonReitman. #GB20https://t.co/aQR59ODWhBpic.twitter.com/Q8Ze8sQo20
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) January 16, 2019
CORRECTION: A previous version incorrectly stated that Ivan Reitman was deceased. He is not.
Ron Dicker .
MORE: Movies ghostbusters

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The choice for most, if not all, of us is clear; we know John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" and we will say that we desire to gather with Jesus because that is much better than the alternative.
But while we may say that we want to gather with Jesus and fight against the spiritual forces of evil, our actions betray that we really wish to remain neutral. The problem, however, is that there is no neutrality in spiritual warfare.
In verse 14, we discover that Jesus has cast a mute demon out of a man. This mute demon was causing the man to not be able to speak. Jesus cast out the demon, "the mute man spoke, and the people marveled" (14).
In Jesus' discussion about the absurdity of Satan fighting against himself we are told that Satan has a kingdom. I do not know if many of us realize this. Satan not only has a kingdom that is fighting but his kingdom has a mission and a vision. The mission is to "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10). His vision is to excel at robbing God of the glory He deserves through keeping as many people as possible from Him. The devil wants to either destroy love, peace, and joy or at the very least seek to separate it from God as much as possible.
We are also told about God's kingdom. In verse 20 Jesus says, "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." God has a kingdom, a mission, and a vision. His mission is to "to destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:3) and bring "life more abundant" (John 10:10) to "all who call upon the name of the Lord" (Rom 10:13). His vision is to call "a great multitude that no one can number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Rev 7:9) "to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5) so that they would "cry out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!' " (Rev 7:10). God brings love, peace, and joy and reminds us that these are gifts from Him and cannot be fully enjoyed without Him.
I am sure that there are some in this world who are depraved enough to say they would rather work for the devil than for God. But I am positive that most, if not all, of us reading this would recognize the vast difference between the two kingdoms, missions, and visions. What we must recognize is that you are either gathering with Jesus or scattering with the devil. There is no neutrality in spiritual warfare.
When Jesus said "whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with Me scatters" (23), He affirmed the truth that there are only two groups of people: 1) Those who are gathering with Jesus and 2) those who are scattering with the devil.
Who are those who gather? These are the ones who are "His [God's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10). In other words, the gatherers are the ones who are doing the good works they are told to do in the kingdom of God. The gatherers are the ones who are loving God and loving others. The gatherers are the ones who are humbling serving one another through acts of kindness and praying for one another.
John Wesley said, "Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can." Basically, the gatherers are the ones who are seeking to do all that they can do whenever they can do it out of love for God and love for others. The ones who are His workmanship are those who have "by grace been saved through faith" (Eph 2:8) and "toil, struggling with all His energy that he powerfully works within me" (Col 1:29).
Who are those who scatter? Jesus said, "whoever does not gather with Me scatters" (23). Anyone who is not gathering with Jesus in his kingdom is scattering against the work of His kingdom. While this includes professing non-believers, it also includes people who made a profession of faith yet think, speak, and act like non-believers. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Tragically there are many people who live with a false profession of faith scattering instead of gathering.
If you think, speak, and act like a non-believer then you must "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Cor 13:5). If you are a follower of Christ and He has forgiven your sins then gather with Christ and fight against Satan knowing that Jesus is "One stronger than he [who] attacks him and overcomes him" (22).
What is the mission and vision of Satan's kingdom?
What is the mission and vision of God's kingdom?
What does Jesus' power over demons prove and what is He doing to Satan's kingdom?


Pueblo County's house for the latest food safety news and community happenings, brought to you by the Meals Safety Program on the Pueblo Metropolis-County Well being Division (Colorado). I have seen well being care providers who battle as they attempt to care for patients whereas others acted as if caring for a affected person was a burden. If you have by no means had health insurance, and even when you did, the language of insurance is complicated.
Oral well being leaders in the state have publicly opposed this variation , saying it can put some Kentuckians well being in danger, and that decreasing dental benefits will price cash, not save it. The Bear River Health Division has acquired funding to assist these with cars registered in Cache County and Franklin County who've failed an emissions test and are unable to restore their car.
I let the one that referred to as me know that the individual she needed to speak to was Ann (Ellen's daughter) and gave her the correct quantity to name. A limited number of family addresses are randomly chosen to signify the population of the United States.
The COAG Health Council agreed to shift to an choose-out mannequin in March, budget paperwork state. The barrage of anti-vaccination activists, the scaremongering and conspiracy theories sloshing up towards vaccine advocates and public well being campaigns.
Chatham County Environmental Health Workplace This web page provides details about functions, guidelines, laws, and coaching opportunities from the Chatham County Environmental Health Division. State public health officers stated sufferers are taking the toxic substances alone and in addition together with other medication.


Mercedes‑Benz has announced what it is referring to as 'a strategic repositioning' of its motorsport activities. The upshot of this is the news that the company will conclude its participation in DTM at the end of 2018 and enter Formula E in the 2019/20 season.
This new approach will see Mercedes-Benz competing at both ends of the motorsport spectrum: in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport combining high technology and the most demanding competitive challenge; and in Formula E, which embodies the transformation that is underway in the automotive industry.
Since the "new" DTM was founded in 2000, we have so far enjoyed 18 continuous seasons of great racing, spectacular battles and close-matched competition. We were lucky enough to celebrate championship success and learned how to handle defeat. And we loved every second of it.
Since the DTM was founded in 1988, there have been 26 racing seasons during which Mercedes-Benz has won 10 drivers', 13 team and six manufacturer titles (DTM + ITC combined). The team has also celebrated 183 race wins, 128 pole positions and 540 podium finishes.
Electric mobility is already of strategic importance to the company today and this will only increase in the future. Formula E offers a perfect platform on which to demonstrate the competitiveness of our technology brand EQ in a racing environment, in the area of battery electric powertrains.


2nd: D Jeter grounded out to third.
6th: D Jeter struck out looking.
8th: D Jeter flied out to right.
3rd: B Abreu tripled to left center.
5th: B Abreu singled to left.
7th: B Abreu tripled to right center.
9th: B Abreu grounded out to second.
1st: A Rodriguez lined out to shortstop.
3rd: A Rodriguez singled to left, B Abreu scored.
5th: A Rodriguez doubled to deep center, B Abreu scored.
9th: A Rodriguez doubled to left center.
1st: H Matsui singled to shallow left, B Abreu scored.
3rd: H Matsui grounded into double play, second to shortstop to first, A Rodriguez out at second.
5th: H Matsui singled to right, A Rodriguez to third.
7th: H Matsui reached on infield single to shortstop, B Abreu scored, A Rodriguez to second.
1st: J Giambi flied out to center.
3rd: J Giambi singled to deep right, J Giambi thrown out at second attempting to advance on play.
5th: J Giambi grounded into fielder's choice to pitcher, A Rodriguez out at home, H Matsui to second.
7th: J Giambi struck out swinging.
9th: J Giambi flied out to center.
2nd: S Duncan grounded out to third.
5th: W Betemit struck out looking.
7th: W Betemit flied into double play, right to shortstop, A Rodriguez doubled off second.
9th: W Betemit flied out to center.
4th: R Cano singled to left, S Duncan to second.
8th: R Cano flied out to center.
2nd: J Molina singled to right.
4th: J Molina sacrificed to first, S Duncan to third, R Cano to second.
6th: J Molina singled to center.
2nd: M Cabrera singled to left, J Molina to second.
4th: M Cabrera singled to center, S Duncan and R Cano scored.
6th: M Cabrera lined into double play, second to first, J Molina doubled off first.
8th: M Cabrera reached on infield single to third.
1st: C Gomez struck out looking.
2nd: C Gomez flied out to right.
4th: C Gomez grounded out to second.
7th: C Gomez grounded out to second, B Harris to second.
9th: C Gomez struck out swinging.
1st: A Casilla singled to right.
2nd: A Casilla hit a ground rule double to left.
5th: A Casilla fouled out to left.
7th: A Casilla flied out to center.
9th: C Monroe struck out looking.
1st: J Mauer walked, A Casilla to second.
2nd: J Mauer flied out to left.
5th: J Mauer flied out to center.
7th: J Mauer flied out to left.
1st: J Morneau safe at first on throwing error by first baseman S Duncan, A Casilla to third, J Mauer to second.
8th: J Morneau homered to right.
1st: M Cuddyer singled to left, A Casilla scored, J Mauer to third, J Morneau to second.
3rd: M Cuddyer struck out swinging.
5th: M Cuddyer flied out to center.
8th: M Cuddyer grounded out to third.
1st: J Kubel singled to right, J Mauer scored, J Morneau to third, M Cuddyer to second.
3rd: J Kubel struck out looking.
6th: J Kubel struck out looking.
8th: J Kubel grounded out to first.
1st: D Young singled to center, J Morneau scored, M Cuddyer to third, J Kubel to second.
3rd: D Young grounded out to third.
6th: D Young flied out to left.
8th: D Young grounded out to third.
1st: M Lamb grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, M Cuddyer scored, D Young out at second, J Kubel to third.
4th: M Lamb popped out to shortstop.
6th: M Lamb flied out to right.
9th: M Lamb grounded out to pitcher.
1st: B Harris grounded out to pitcher.
4th: B Harris lined out to third.
Bobby Abreu's two triples and Mike Mussina's six solid innings ignited the Yankees past the Twins 6-5 on Friday night.


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Enzymatically active biomimetic micropropellers for the penetration of mucin gels
Walker (Schamel), D., Käsdorf, B. T., Jeong, H. H., Lieleg, O., Fischer, P.
Science Advances, 1(11):e1500501, December 2015 (article)
In the body, mucus provides an important defense mechanism by limiting the penetration of pathogens. It is therefore also a major obstacle for the efficient delivery of particle-based drug carriers. The acidic stomach lining in particular is difficult to overcome because mucin glycoproteins form viscoelastic gels under acidic conditions. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori has developed a strategy to overcome the mucus barrier by producing the enzyme urease, which locally raises the pH and consequently liquefies the mucus. This allows the bacteria to swim through mucus and to reach the epithelial surface. We present an artificial system of reactive magnetic micropropellers that mimic this strategy to move through gastric mucin gels by making use of surface-immobilized urease. The results demonstrate the validity of this biomimetic approach to penetrate biological gels, and show that externally propelled microstructures can actively and reversibly manipulate the physical state of their surroundings, suggesting that such particles could potentially penetrate native mucus.
pf Walker (Schamel), D., Käsdorf, B. T., Jeong, H. H., Lieleg, O., Fischer, P. Enzymatically active biomimetic micropropellers for the penetration of mucin gels Science Advances, 1(11):e1500501, December 2015 (article)
The EChemPen: A Guiding Hand To Learn Electrochemical Surface Modifications
Valetaud, M., Loget, G., Roche, J., Hueken, N., Fattah, Z., Badets, V., Fontaine, O., Zigah, D.
J. of Chem. Ed., 92(10):1700-1704, September 2015 (article)
The Electrochemical Pen (EChemPen) was developed as an attractive tool for learning electrochemistry. The fabrication, principle, and operation of the EChemPen are simple and can be easily performed by students in practical classes. It is based on a regular fountain pen principle, where the electrolytic solution is dispensed at a tip to locally modify a conductive surface by triggering a localized electrochemical reaction. Three simple model reactions were chosen to demonstrate the versatility of the EChemPen for teaching various electrochemical processes. We describe first the reversible writing/erasing of metal letters, then the electrodeposition of a black conducting polymer "ink", and finally the colorful writings that can be generated by titanium anodization and that can be controlled by the applied potential. These entertaining and didactic experiments are adapted for teaching undergraduate students that start to study electrochemistry by means of surface modification reactions.
pf Valetaud, M., Loget, G., Roche, J., Hueken, N., Fattah, Z., Badets, V., Fontaine, O., Zigah, D. The EChemPen: A Guiding Hand To Learn Electrochemical Surface Modifications J. of Chem. Ed., 92(10):1700-1704, September 2015 (article)
Optimal Length of Low Reynolds Number Nanopropellers
Walker (Schamel), D., Kuebler, M., Morozov, K. I., Fischer, P., Leshansky, A. M.
Nano Letters, 15(7):4412-4416, June 2015 (article)
Locomotion in fluids at the nanoscale is dominated by viscous drag. One efficient propulsion scheme is to use a weak rotating magnetic field that drives a chiral object. Froth bacterial flagella to artificial drills, the corkscrew is a universally useful chiral shape for propulsion in viscous environments. Externally powered magnetic micro- and nanomotors have been recently developed that allow for precise fuel-free propulsion in complex media. Here, we combine analytical and numerical theory with experiments on nanostructured screw-propellers to show that the optimal length is surprisingly short only about one helical turn, which is shorter than most of the structures in use to date. The results have important implications for the design of artificial actuated nano- and micropropellers and can dramatically reduce fabrication times, while ensuring optimal performance.
pf Walker (Schamel), D., Kuebler, M., Morozov, K. I., Fischer, P., Leshansky, A. M. Optimal Length of Low Reynolds Number Nanopropellers Nano Letters, 15(7):4412-4416, June 2015 (article)
A theoretical study of potentially observable chirality-sensitive NMR effects in molecules
Garbacz, P., Cukras, J., Jaszunski, M.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 17(35):22642-22651, May 2015 (article)
Two recently predicted nuclear magnetic resonance effects, the chirality-induced rotating electric polarization and the oscillating magnetization, are examined for several experimentally available chiral molecules. We discuss in detail the requirements for experimental detection of chirality-sensitive NMR effects of the studied molecules. These requirements are related to two parameters: the shielding polarizability and the antisymmetric part of the nuclear magnetic shielding tensor. The dominant second contribution has been computed for small molecules at the coupled cluster and density functional theory levels. It was found that DFT calculations using the KT2 functional and the aug-cc-pCVTZ basis set adequately reproduce the CCSD(T) values obtained with the same basis set. The largest values of parameters, thus most promising from the experimental point of view, were obtained for the fluorine nuclei in 1,3-difluorocyclopropene and 1,3-diphenyl-2-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylcyclopropene.
pf Garbacz, P., Cukras, J., Jaszunski, M. A theoretical study of potentially observable chirality-sensitive NMR effects in molecules Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 17(35):22642-22651, May 2015 (article)
Dynamic Inclusion Complexes of Metal Nanoparticles Inside Nanocups
Alarcon-Correa, M., Lee, T. C., Fischer, P.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54(23):6730-6734, May 2015, Featured cover article. (article)
Host-guest inclusion complexes are abundant in molecular systems and of fundamental importance in living organisms. Realizing a colloidal analogue of a molecular dynamic inclusion complex is challenging because inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) with a well-defined cavity and portal are difficult to synthesize in high yield and with good structural fidelity. Herein, a generic strategy towards the fabrication of dynamic 1: 1 inclusion complexes of metal nanoparticles inside oxide nanocups with high yield (> 70%) and regiospecificity (> 90%) by means of a reactive double Janus nanoparticle intermediate is reported. Experimental evidence confirms that the inclusion complexes are formed by a kinetically controlled mechanism involving a delicate interplay between bipolar galvanic corrosion and alloying-dealloying oxidation. Release of the NP guest from the nanocups can be efficiently triggered by an external stimulus. Featured cover article.
pf Alarcon-Correa, M., Lee, T. C., Fischer, P. Dynamic Inclusion Complexes of Metal Nanoparticles Inside Nanocups Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 54(23):6730-6734, May 2015, Featured cover article. (article)
Surface roughness-induced speed increase for active Janus micromotors
Choudhury, U., Soler, L., Gibbs, J. G., Sanchez, S., Fischer, P.
Chem. Comm., 51(41):8660-8663, April 2015 (article)
We demonstrate a simple physical fabrication method to control surface roughness of Janus micromotors and fabricate self-propelled active Janus microparticles with rough catalytic platinum surfaces that show a four-fold increase in their propulsion speed compared to conventional Janus particles coated with a smooth Pt layer.
pf Choudhury, U., Soler, L., Gibbs, J. G., Sanchez, S., Fischer, P. Surface roughness-induced speed increase for active Janus micromotors Chem. Comm., 51(41):8660-8663, April 2015 (article)
Active colloidal microdrills
Gibbs, J. G., Fischer, P.
Chem. Comm., 51(20):4192-4195, Febuary 2015 (article)
We demonstrate a chemically driven, autonomous catalytic microdrill. An asymmetric distribution of catalyst causes the helical swimmer to twist while it undergoes directed propulsion. A driving torque and hydrodynamic coupling between translation and rotation at low Reynolds number leads to drill-like swimming behaviour.
pf Gibbs, J. G., Fischer, P. Active colloidal microdrills Chem. Comm., 51(20):4192-4195, Febuary 2015 (article)
Selectable Nanopattern Arrays for Nanolithographic Imprint and Etch-Mask Applications
Jeong, H. H., Mark, A. G., Lee, T., Son, K., Chen, W., Alarcon-Correa, M., Kim, I., Schütz, G., Fischer, P.
Adv. Science, 2(7):1500016, 2015, Featured cover article. (article)
A parallel nanolithographic patterning method is presented that can be used to obtain arrays of multifunctional nanoparticles. These patterns can simply be converted into a variety of secondary nanopatterns that are useful for nanolithographic imprint, plasmonic, and etch-mask applications.
pf Jeong, H. H., Mark, A. G., Lee, T., Son, K., Chen, W., Alarcon-Correa, M., Kim, I., Schütz, G., Fischer, P. Selectable Nanopattern Arrays for Nanolithographic Imprint and Etch-Mask Applications Adv. Science, 2(7):1500016, 2015, Featured cover article. (article)
Molecular QED of coherent and incoherent sum-frequency and second-harmonic generation in chiral liquids in the presence of a static electric field
Fischer, P., Salam, A.
MOLECULAR PHYSICS, 108(14):1857-1868, 2010 (article)
Coherent second-order nonlinear optical processes are symmetry forbidden in centrosymmetric environments in the electric-dipole approximation. In liquids that contain chiral molecules, however, and which therefore lack mirror image symmetry, coherent sum-frequency generation is possible, whereas second-harmonic generation remains forbidden. Here we apply the theory of molecular quantum electrodynamics to the calculation of the matrix element, transition rate, and integrated signal intensity for sum-frequency and second-harmonic generation taking place in a chiral liquid in the presence and absence of a static electric field, to examine which coherent and incoherent processes exist in the electric-dipole approximation in liquids. Third- and fourth-order time-dependent perturbation theory is employed in combination with single-sided Feynman diagrams to evaluate two contributions arising from static field-free and field-induced processes. It is found that, in addition to the coherent term, an incoherent process exists for sum-frequency generation in liquids. Surprisingly, in the case of dc-field-induced second-harmonic generation, the incoherent contribution is found to always vanish for isotropic chiral liquids even though hyper-Rayleigh second-harmonic generation and electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation are both independently symmetry allowed in any liquid.
pf Fischer, P., Salam, A. Molecular QED of coherent and incoherent sum-frequency and second-harmonic generation in chiral liquids in the presence of a static electric field MOLECULAR PHYSICS, 108(14):1857-1868, 2010 (article)
Full phase and amplitude control in computer-generated holography
Fratz, M., Fischer, P., Giel, D. M.
OPTICS LETTERS, 34(23):3659-3661, 2009 (article)
We report what we believe to be the first realization of a computer-generated complex-valued hologram recorded in a single film of photoactive polymer. Complex-valued holograms give rise to a diffracted optical field with control over its amplitude and phase. The holograms are generated by a one-step direct laser writing process in which a spatial light modulator (SLM) is imaged onto a polymer film. Temporal modulation of the SLM during exposure controls both the strength of the induced birefringence and the orientation of the fast axis. We demonstrate that complex holograms can be used to impart arbitrary amplitude and phase profiles onto a beam and thereby open new possibilities in the control of optical beams. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America
pf Fratz, M., Fischer, P., Giel, D. M. Full phase and amplitude control in computer-generated holography OPTICS LETTERS, 34(23):3659-3661, 2009 (article)
Digital polarization holograms with defined magnitude and orientation of each pixel's birefringence
Fratz, M., Giel, D. M., Fischer, P.
OPTICS LETTERS, 34(8):1270-1272, 2009 (article)
A new form of digital polarization holography is demonstrated that permits both the amplitude and the phase of a diffracted beam to be independently controlled. This permits two independent intensity images to be stored in the same hologram. To fabricate the holograms, a birefringence with defined retardance and orientation of the fast axis is recorded into a photopolymer film. The holograms are selectively read out by choosing the polarization state of the read beam. Polarization holograms of this kind increase the data density in holographic data storage and allow higher quality diffractive optical elements to be written. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America
pf Fratz, M., Giel, D. M., Fischer, P. Digital polarization holograms with defined magnitude and orientation of each pixel's birefringence OPTICS LETTERS, 34(8):1270-1272, 2009 (article)
Controlled Propulsion of Artificial Magnetic Nanostructured Propellers
Ghosh, A., Fischer, P.
NANO LETTERS, 9(6):2243-2245, 2009, Featured highlight 'Nanotechnology: The helix that delivers' Nature 459, 13 (2009). (article)
For biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and microsurgery, it is essential to develop a system of swimmers that can be propelled wirelessly in fluidic environments with good control. Here, we report the construction and operation of chiral colloidal propellers that can be navigated in water with micrometer-level precision using homogeneous magnetic fields. The propellers are made via nanostructured surfaces and can be produced in large numbers. The nanopropellers can carry chemicals, push loads, and act as local probes in rheological measurements.
Featured highlight 'Nanotechnology: The helix that delivers' Nature 459, 13 (2009).
Video - Nanospropellers DOI [BibTex]
pf Ghosh, A., Fischer, P. Controlled Propulsion of Artificial Magnetic Nanostructured Propellers NANO LETTERS, 9(6):2243-2245, 2009, Featured highlight 'Nanotechnology: The helix that delivers' Nature 459, 13 (2009). (article)
Absolute Asymmetric Reduction Based on the Relative Orientation of Achiral Reactants
Kuhn, A., Fischer, P.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION, 48(37):6857-6860, 2009 (article)
pf Kuhn, A., Fischer, P. Absolute Asymmetric Reduction Based on the Relative Orientation of Achiral Reactants ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION, 48(37):6857-6860, 2009 (article)


There are a number of mining companies that process uranium or control most of the uranium from gold mining processing plants in South Africa.
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Sign Up for the Africa CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW TOP 50 MINING COMPANIES . in the industry be before an enterprise can rightfully be called a mining company.
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Farming & Enviroment
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HomeOpinionFull-text: 'Setting the records straight' – Gono
Full-text: 'Setting the records straight' – Gono
July 19, 2020 Staff Reporter Opinion 0
Gideon Gono
THE 2007/8 Farm Mechanization Program was above Board and No Rural or Commercial Farmer was ever asked to Pay for the Equipment.
1.First of all, I must express my prima-facie disappointment with my brother and friend of long time, Dr Magaisa for appearing not to have thoroughly read the RBZ Debt Assumption Bill which became Act in 2015. I say so because had he seemingly done so and gone through what Parliament approved , including the supporting schedules that make up the $1,3billion debt taken over by Government, he would have noticed that there is no reference to a Farm Mechanisation Program Debt there let alone a figure of $200m allegedly taken over by Government and saddled on the taxpayer via that Debt Assumption Bill of Act. There is none and no heading or description to that effect.
2.In this article, I have used the same document that Parliament used at that time and tried to summarize from it, because it's a public document, the makeup of the RBZ debt taken over and the period during which such debt was contracted and for what purpose.
3.It was interesting to note that 24% of the debt taken over ($309,9m)was from period 1976/7 to 2001 and the balance (76%) ($962,1m)was for the ten year period that I was Governor of the RBZ, with $578,9m(60%)of that amount being borrowed for fuel and electricity, $294,5m(31%) for maize, Fertilisers, chemicals and seed, $24,3m(2,5%) going to cars for ministries and special programs like Bacossi, $26,5m (2,8%) being used for mineral audits by an international firm of experts and $7,5m(1%) being borrowed to meet mandatory retrenchment packages in 2011/12.Tobacco Farmers accrued Support stood at $22,5m( 2%) and Health and interest claims stood at $7,9m(1%).
4.Farm Mechanisation is not part of any of the amounts mentioned above NEITHER does it feature as a take-over debt by the State in term of that Bill or Act, and so one wonders where the conclusion that the taxpayer was or has been saddled with a $200m debt through the RBZ Debt Assumption Act is coming from. It is important to also state upfront that I had already retired and left the Bank in 2013 when the Debt Assumption Bill was crafted and gazetted in 2014 and subsequently passed into law in 2015. I cannot therefore be accused of have had a hand in its crafting or makeup two years after retiring. I have analyzed what is in the public domain and used my knowledge and documentation of facts to arrive at what I have just given out.
5.I hope it is the same Bill and supporting documents that we are referring to and thus if we start from there, it will be clear that a serious misrepresentation has been fed to the public and taxpayer.
6.Having said that , I state openly that I was Governor in charge of the RBZ-driven Government Farm Mechanisation Program during the most trying period of our country's history, and to this end, I can speak more authoritatively and factually than most people as I was firmly in charge of that program myself.
7.This pioneering program had, like any other new initiative, its own challenges here and there but overally,the program ran smoothly and was above board.
8.Governments the world over do carry out special programs at various points in their life to address challenges of the times. Some of these programs could be sector-driven, regionally-based, age-or-gender based, while others could be enthinically, culturally,even racially and/or disaster-driven so designed to address certain unique dimensions of a particular time but all these programs are usually geared to address extraordinary circumstances in an extraordinary way.
9.I recall in October/ November 2009 when the former President, Cde RGMugabe, former Prime Minister Dr M R Tsvangirai had to use a quasi-fiscal intervention to acquire the PM's Highlands home for $1,5m just to settle a dispute over the residence status of Dr Tsvangirai which had become one of the sticky issues and had led to an MDC-T disengagement from Government of National Unity( GNU)16 October,2009). Approval to pay for the house was given to me on 13November 2009 and the State acquired this " debt" and eventually wrote it off.
10.Both taxpayers belonging and not belonging to MDC-T have had to foot that bill. I don't call it a burden when you weigh what could have negatively happened to our economy and government had the then PM remained outside Government and what eventually, then happened after the MDC-T returned to the table.
11.The economy under GNU flourished.Some costs are of a national character and we must avoid the temptations to portray ourselves as paragons of virtue when in fact, given the facts, we can all see the rationale for State interventions at particular times in our history. At the time of the the said quasi-fiscal intervention related to the personal residence of the late PM( MHDSRIEP), my brother and learned friend was working in the then PM's Office as advisor or in some other capacity.
12.The IMF, in August 2009, responding to a global economic crisis, had to intervene through a $250billion SDR instrument in a way that sought to promote the attainment of IMFs purposes and avoid economic stagnation and deflation as well as excess demand and inflation. It used the authority under its Articles of Agreement to do so.
13.Extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary interventions and those who question them after the event beg the curious questions of motive, timing, source of data and questions, authenticity and credibility of source data if it is not from the source itself, in this case the RBZ itself or myself as the driver of the pioneering rescue program.
14.The country has had to buy earoplanes and charged the cost to taxpayers even though not everyone flies in those planes… we have had youth programs, women's programs, health-sector frontline staff programs, miners and farmers programs, all charged to the national fiscus even tough beneficiaries are individuals, some getting more than others depending on criteria in use.
15.During the same difficult period, under a program code-named The Health Sectors Skills Retention Scheme, an RBZ-initiative meant to retain our doctors and health workers (who were about to leave the country for greener pastures leaving their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters without adequate attention) saw us "give" to individual doctors cars which till today have never been paid for neither has Government asked them to pay.
16.That intervention was not a loan. Not all the doctors recieved the cars as the program had to stop after GNU but the initial intention was to give every doctor and health worker means to get to work without having to ask them to pay for it.
17.Those cars are still on the road and anyone can verify that with the hospitals. The cost was borne by the State. It would be unfair, if someone came across the list of beneficiaries to claim and label them as " looters" without sufficient background to the intervention.
18.Like the Farm Mechanisation, this medical sector intervention was made public and the allocation were done following a particular criteria that was specific to the health sector and without regard to gender, political affiliation, religious belonging or enthinicity.
19.In the farming sector the world over, governments subsidize farmers, governments buy farms and equipment for them so the farmers can grow food for the nations concerned. Some countries even go further, in difficult times, to buy the farmers produce only to throw it away, so as to just keep a farmer on the land. The money so used to buy the crop thrown away is charged to the national budget and in the end, it all depends on the objectives of the State-sponsored program(s) at that particular point time.Thats how nations survive.
20.Some of these activities are publicized others are not.Those in the know of how economic crises the world over are dealt with will confirm that the Quantitative Easing Programs in the USA, Europe and elsewhere are never put on balance sheets of individual beneficiaries but are carried by the State with sub-accounting being done at micro level later.
21.After initially deciding at inception( 2007/8)that the Farm Mechanisation Program would be paid for by beneficiaries, a GNU was consummated in 2009 and when in 2010 the RBZ sought guidance on the matter, there was change of heart by the inclusive government who,through cabinet minister Dr Joseph Made, advised, initially verbally but subsequently in writing,that Government( as in inclusive)had decided in 2012 to include the program as part of its national Mechanisation and Irrigation and that was end of story.
22.The term " Debt" refered to in my letter to the Minister relates to ministries owing the RBZ for interventions made on their behalf. At a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion presentation made at Parliament on 18 July,2011, all this information was provided to the Committee and page 5, para 2:12 detailed " Debts" owed to RBZ by Government as follows:
Min of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development $572,5m; GMB $605,4m; Min of Finance $225,9m;ZESA $100,4m, Noczim $14,8m; Min of Foreign Affairs $7,5m; Min of Health $1,9m and various other ministries $7,5m all coming to a total of $1,5billion which was a debt owed to RBZ against which $1,3m was supposed to be deducted leaving RBZ with a net positive position of $200m.
23.This situation showed that the RBZ was never going to be a burden to anyone if Government had paid the Bank its dues. The Debt Assumption Bill of 2014/15 was and became a one-legged bookkeeping entry, a debit to the fiscus with a corresponding credit entry.
24.I tried to ask the Portfolio Commitee in 2014/15 Hon David Chapfika to allow me to come and explain to Parliament but was denied the opportunity because "I was now retired" and he went on a tangent thereby creating the erroneous impression that the RBZ Debt take-over was about Farm Mechanisation when in fact there was never and there not a single line on that debt-takeover schedule that refers to Farm Mechanisation debt of the figure often talked about!
25.The Debt Assumption Bill is a public document and anyone can check and cross check, it does not refer to Farm Mechanisation debts at all!
26.If anything, the $1,3billion RBZ Debt Assumption Bill of 2015,now an Act, talks of the following key amounts and I'm surprised that learned minds are running amock making clearly unsubstantiated allegations to the effect that Farm Mechanisation was the basis of that Bill now Act.
27.Vakomana nevasikana, inga makaenda ku chikoro wani… we regard you are our pillars of knowledge, dissection and intelligence… society does not call you " learned members for nothing" but you are disappointing!
28.Categories of the RBZ Debt Take-Over Act of 2015.
a)Bank Negara( Malaysia)debt contracted in 1991 remained unpaid $42,9m.
b)IMF debt contracted in 1996 remained unpaid $100,3m.
c)Miekles Debt contracted in 1998 remained unpaid $47,1m.
d)Anglo-American, debt contracted in 2001 remained unpaid $109,6m.
e)South African Reserve Bank facility contracted before independence and kept being rolled over $10,0m.
Total Debt assumed by the State for period before I took over as Governor in December,2003 $309,9m.(24%).
29.Debts Period 2004-2013 Taken Over by the State:
a)Fuel: Equatorial Guinea $221,9m
b)Electricity/fuel loans $357,0m
c)Maize, Seed/Fertilisers $294,5m
d)Motor Vehicles $24,3m
e)Minerals Audit $26,5m
f)Tobacco Farmers Support $22,5m
g)Staff Retrenchment $7,5m
h)Medical Supplies/Interest $7,9m
Total New Debt Assumed(2004-13)$962,4m(76%)
30.Grand Total: $1272,3m(100%).
31.None of the above headings refer to Farm Mechanisation Debts assumed by the State; none too, refers to the former PM's residence payment, all of which were absorbed internally from accumulated revenues, some of which was of an exchange rate nature and seignorage.
32.It will be recalled by those who care to remember that some time in 2012/13 the same inclusive Government decided to assume and write off the Zesa electricity and water bills of citizens across the board regardless of name, position, political affiliation, gender, ethnicity or financial standing in society.
33.I guess local authorities and ZESA will now be required by BSR to publish the names of all beneficiaries of that program so that they pay back what they derived by way of that benefit. I'm sure BSR will lead in that process.
34.I am however of the view that Parliament should repeal those sections of the various laws that criminalize disclosures of beneficiaries of public programs in the interests of good governance, transparency and promotion of sound economic management to avoid reliance on leaks and distortions of the nature we are witnessing and one would have hoped that my learned brothers and sisters in various political and public spheres would spent more time scrutinizing and sanitizing such inhibitive clauses as exist in a number of current legislative pieces of governance than waste waste time on fishing expeditions that are incompetent at law and irrelevant in present circumstances where energies must be focused on COVID-19 related preventive measures so that our families and everyone remains safe and alive.
35.The country cannot move too much ahead if citizens operate and depend on investigative journalism where such investigations are an unnecessary expenditure of effort, money and sweat. The information must just be available when needed and the recent repeal of AIPPA is a step in the right direction even though it threatens the existence of those who have made a living through investigative journalism.
36.Once issues are brought to light and both sides to the equation are give fair space to air their position(s) on any subject, society should be the final arbiter not individual opinions and not premeditated postulations .
37.Zimbabwe has, in drought years often written off farmers loans and equally in disaster years, certain areas of the country and individuals in that area have had their houses and infrastructure built for them and that cost written off or carried by the State without regard to ones standing in society. You just needed to fit the criteria and you are a beneficiary.
38.One could be a judge, a priest, a soldier, teacher, nurse or headmaster from a given area that's been targeted for State Assistance and you will benefit.Such is the nature of realities the world over except that the practice here has been one of not publicizing the names and in the process, create an impression of a scandal or corruption where in reality it is not the case.
39.As stated already, Brother Magaisa, and company talk of transparency and good governance that comes with publication of information; this is positive debate but then people should not be selective in their dissemination of information as seems to have been the case in the BSR. Why were prominent figures in the MDC-A and MDC-T not mentioned?
40.Hon. T Khupe, Acting President of MDC-A Hon.Welschman Ncube, the late Hon. Gasela( MHDSRIEP)late Hon Dumiso Dabengwa( MHDSRIEP) and many others from MDC-T and MDC-A as well as other political and social formations who were not published in the said BSR were beneficiaries of this noble program. Several Hon Members of Parliament and Senators, across the divide, also benefited from other State Programs for which they were not required to pay back. The issue of cost and benefit must not however be a one legged accounting entry.We must account for the benefit the State got from the individual concerned.
41.These benefits relate to employment creation and keeping people of the streets of hunger, social delinquency and crime, tax paid to the State by the employees who would otherwise remain unemployed, exports generated in some cases and import substitutions,among others. I bring this out so that we are not parochial or blinded by emotions.
42.Surely if we are talking about benefiting from State resources which were not paid back and we want to name and shame, I have no problem giving out names of all chiefs, headman and rural area people who benefited from the Mechanization Program for Brother Magaisa and Company to institute recovery proceedings, including from about 1,5million households of 6 persons or more each, who benefited from Bacossi Food Hamper Program and Honourables who benefited from Motor Vehicles, Generators, funeral assistances, forex travel and hotel subsidies.
Many of these beneficiaries are still alive and some are retired from Government while some are still very active in various political circles, crying the loudest with the twitter handles but forgetting their beneficial associations with either the Mugabe dispensation, the GNU or current dispensation.Its gonna be a long journey but records don't disappear just because one has retired.
43.Individuals in the following institutions who got cars from the RBZ could be put on notice, as the BSR wants , for repayment:Zimra, Ministries of Finance,Ministry of Defence, Local Government, Air Zimbabwe, Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, Ministry of Justice & Legal Affairs, Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement, Ministry of Information & Publicity, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Environment & Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transport, ZIMSEC, Zimbabwe Electoral Commision, Zimbabwe Tepublic Police,Noczim, NRZ, UZ, Midlands State University, NUST, Great Zimbabwe University,ZOU, Zimbabwe Women's University, National Incomes and Pricing Commission, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Parliamentarians, the Judiciary, Chitungwiza Hospital, Chinhoyi Hospital, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Ingutsheni Hospital, ZESA, ZINWA, District Development Fund( tractors), Harare Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospital, Marondera Hospital, Mutare Hospital, Gwanda Hospital, Masvingo Hospital, Gweru Hospital, Bindura Hospital, Chinhoyi and Norton Hospitals, War Veterans, all beneficiaries of the Land Reform Program (A1 and A2) who recieved fertilizers, chemicals, seeds and agricultural price subsidies, persons and victims and survivors of the 2007/8 cholera attacks, those who were rescued after floods, disasters and accidents under my watch in 2007/8.
44.Some in the Labour Movement could also be having some repayments to make and I'm sure Minister of Finance will never need a supplementary budget again for the next decade if everyone pays up.
45.All local authorities, Mayors, present and past and councilors from Harare to Bulawayo, Norton, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo, Bindura who were beneficiaries of various programs of our attempts to rescusitate our economy may also expect to be put on notice, thanks to BSR.
46.The AMH, publishers of the Independent and Newsday, Zimpapers Group, Financial Gazette, The ANZ, publishers of the Daily News stable, ZBC and others may need to pay back what the State paid to them via the Reserve Bank whether directly or by way of subsidies for any of their inputs and raw materials when they needed assistance at those critical times.
47.The same could apply to those private sector companies and supermarkets that were assisted by the State under the instrumentality of Operation Restore Productivity of 2007/8. This will apply to, among many others, GMB, Victoria Foods, National Foods, Blue Ribbon Foods in respect of Maize Meal, rice, salt and Flour for the people; GMB,Lobels, Bakers Inn, Harambe Holdings in respect of Bread, Olivine Industries, United Refineries, Surface Investments in respect of cooking oil, Cold Storage Commision( CSC), Irvines , Crest Breeders,CFI, Colcom and the Vererinary Services Department in respect of Meat, Star Africa, Hippo Valley, Triangle and Zimbabwe Sugar Distributors in respect of sugar, Delta corporation and Schweppes in respect of Beverages like Mazoe, Coke, fanta, beers and other cordials, Unilever in respect of Soap. It should be clear to everyone that matter of the state and governance are not as easy as tweeting. They are real and one must be guided by practicalities and theory.
48.Subsidies are a form of State intervention on behalf of the people. It is unfair to want to be selective in our analysis of what what the State ends up taking over as costs to the taxpayer… some costs can be attributed directly to particular points of entry even though they benefit everyone, including those who unwittingly criticize and see evil in them. The records are there and we must not be lazy to carry out a fish-bone analysis of these interventions and see who in the end was the beneficiary of what and get them to pay so that proponents of BSR can be happy.But who will sponsor the exercise… it cannot be the State but he who makes the accusation of impropriety: he should go all the way, lest we question the motives of the article, it's source, sincerity and timing.
49..For the sake of emphasis I repeat:if we are going to do justice to the idea of rubbishing State interventions of the nature carried out under very difficult circumstances under my watch while others were enjoying life out there without experiencing the going's on here, then let's go all the way as proposed by what the priests and paragons of virtue are saying. There should be no half-measures. I advocate for a practical and not theoretical, armchair-type academic stuff. Let us embrace transparency in its totality and I'm ready for it.
50.Some of today's critics were just kids still in high school or at university 13 or so years ago and so they may not even know how their education got subsidized… let's trace it back…What's good for the gander must be good for the goose.
51.I have kept quiet all these years when people made all sorts of comments and attacks on my integrity and that of the RBZ but my silence has been mistaken for acquiescence. Nothing could be father fro the truth. Let's organize debates around what happened and a few of the armchair critics will be surprised with the truth behind the scenes which I have not yet bothered to put out there.
52.Closer to home, the cost of the Land Reform Program which however did not directly benefit every taxpayer,and is now a national debt to be paid for and/or serviced by the State and according to the BSR thinking, the beneficiaries should also be put on notice to repay the State. That's what the implications of Dr Magaisa's BSR is saying.
53.At independence, there are debts and obligations which were assumed by the new government even though the said debts or loans included some whose proceeds were used to purchase weaponry that killed and maimed the same taxpayers who today have to meet the burden of repayment.
54.A closer look at the RBZ …Having been at the central bank myself, I came across such loans dating back to the 1970's and we still honoured them against revenue from taxpayers.
55.Things were tough and farming was not everyone's cup of tea in 2007/8. The food importation bill was huge and the idea of a 3 year roll-out program to Mechanize our farmers became a priority. Methods had to be found to entice and excite farmers to be on the land.
56.We had a clear, productivity-related selection criteria based on a record of past performance on one's farm and no other criteria. It was not region or political affiliation neither was it a criteria that looked at one's standing in society. Every beneficiary was referred to GMB for record of past grain delivery.
57.The program was meant to run up until 31 December,2010 by which time all farmers would have been capacitated. Unfortunately, it ended in mid 2008, 2,5years earlier.
58.We gave out animal drawn implements to rural farmers worth about $300m and wrote-off that expenditure against the Bank's income and spent about $198m on imported Mechanized farm equipment. We did the same thing and fully expensed that outlay.
59.The most expensive equipment were combine harvesters, some costing upwards of $150,000 a piece and if one included both wheat and maize heads, it was not unusual for one complete set plus a big tractor to call for $300-350,000 just for such that basic equipment.Ofcource some equipment and combinations were more or less in total.
60.Anyone who has tried to do farming will know these facts and realize that it's not an easy game to go into farming, hence some of the figures thrown around by the good Dr of Laws as alarming are actually basic. You need more to do real farming!
61.No equipment was given out as a LOAN to anyone. The good Doctor is an expert not just at law but banking as well. He will be the first one to understand what a loan contract is and how a loan is obtained, it's tenure, cost elements and terms of repayment inorder for such a transaction to qualify as a loan. None of these elements existed in contractual terms between beneficiaries and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, hence no repayment was expected and none was demanded by the Bank after consulting with the GNU government.
62.This does not however mean that the Bank was not going to recover it's liquidity outlay from the vote of the ministry responsible for that exercise, hence we called it a Debt in our books( owed not by beneficiaries but by Government through the responsible ministry) and it is that ministry which in turn would ask Treasury to assume the liquidity reimbursement back to RBZ, same pocket but different hands so to speak.
63.Because the program was cut short before it covered everyone with a farm or piece of land who needed equipment, some of those who did not get the implements felt shortchanged and started complaining that their neighbors had benefited unfairly while they didn't. Naturally the human instinct of petty jealousies took over and our noble activities got unduly politicized.
64.We currently are all witnesses to the futility of trying to turn around our economy in an environment of mutual suspicion, intolerance, hate-speeches and the politicization of certain programs which if our politicians were singing from the same hymn, would have been moving smoothly but they are not. Government is going its own way while some of the political players are at a tangent.
65.As a result, it is easy to whip up emotions and see evil where no evil exists, hear noise where sweet melodies should be heard and to fight where brotherly embraces ought to be order of the day.
66.I conclude by stating categorically here that was absolutely no scandal, no corruption and no mistaken belief, after guidance from Government, that the beneficiary farmers were to pay, no.Nothing went extraordinarily bad in the execution of this Mechanisation Program and everything was done publicly, transparently and accounting records were kept of each beneficiary.
67.This was a duly Government-sanctioned Program which was always graced by the relevant minister, that of Agriculture and Mechanisation. It was not an RBZ program per se.
68.A look at the schedule making up the $1,3b debt assumption does not have the $200m refered to by the learned Doctor, hence my calling him " off-side" in the Sunday Mail of 19 July,2020. A quick check with the one who was in charge then would have served all the excitement even from people who were in government and should know better.When in cabinet, the decisions you take are collective and not individual and when ministers speak, they represent the whole government not just their ministries. Dr Made spoke on behalf of the whole government when he communicated the decision not to charge farmers for the equipment.
69.The schedules Dr Magaisa purports to have are internal schedules and I cannot vouch for their accuracy let alone authenticity because no one authenticated them. Those in the legal profession do exercise caution regarding the admissibility or otherwise of evidence collected surreptitiously.I notice some beneficiaries are trying to distance themselves from the noble program by thinking that paying or not paying was an act of shame or heroism. Well, it's a free country and if their conscience is troubling them, and are willing and capable of paying, they should go to RBZ and pay but there is NO obligation to do so on anyone in respect of that particular program and I make no apology for giving this advisory stance but we cannot live on intimidation or be chameleonic about it, being one thing on Monday to Thursday but another on Friday to Sunday. No.
70.As a banker, I indeed refused to divulge names of beneficiaries even after I retired,because breaking confidentiality not how banking is done. Banking is a game of trust and confidence but when challenged, I have had to break that code of conduct.
71.Just as it is not right to demand a patient's medical records simply because he or she has been treated in a government hospital whose staff and other costs are met by the taxpayer, we must desist from asking people's banking or personal details just because they are in a government bank.Confidentiality remains confidentiality regardless of point of cure or medication.
The Reserve Bank( RBZ)
72.the benefit of the uninitiated, The RBZ is, like most central banks, a creature of statute.It can only do that which it is specifically obligated to do by law.
73.The Bank undertook quasi-fiscal activities are the behest of Government and in the national interest. This was in accordance with Section 8 of the RBZ Act( Chapter 22:15)(unamended)which read in 8(i i )" Nothing in this section shall prevent the State from carrying on transactions in such a manner as the State may require and if, so requested by the State, the Bank shall make the necessary arrangements to this end".
74.The Bank had formal ministerial authorizations to Act as it did. No illegality there and no corruption either!
75.My team and I at the Bank did not feel obliged to disclose the names of beneficiaries of the Farm Mechanisation Program when requested by Parliament at the time because, as the learned Doctor will agree, it is and was not in the pubic interest to disclose internal accounting information in violation of public policy as it related to information covered by the Official Secrets Act( Chapter 11:09); information exempted from disclosure under the then (unrepealed )Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act( Chapter10:27); and information under the Banking Act( Chapter 24:20).I have already proposed that these sections be amended through Parliament to enhance transparency and accountability in a morden democratic society. Until our parliamentarians do that, it will remain an uphill task to get information of the nature we are talking about.
76.For me and my team,it was important that The RBZ, had valid instructions from the Minister as defined in the Act, and that we were undertaking the Mechanisation Program on behalf of the State for the good of Zimbabwe.
77.The participation in the Program of certain institutions forwarded to us by Government constituted information entrusted to the Bank by the State relating to such institutions. Section 4(i)(d)(ii )of the Act criminalizes disclosure of information…" for any purpose which could be prejudicial to the safety or interests of Zimbabwe " and such disclosures would have been criminal offenses in terms of section 4(2)(b) and 5(2)(b) of the same Act.An example is the disclosures by Dr Magaisa which have potential to cause disaffection and despondency between the population and certain offices of the State and Judiciary.
78.The unfortunate conclusions reached by the influential learned brother have the potential to cause public unrest in an environment already pregnant with its own anger-points and anxieties from other quarters. This plays into the hands of those erroneously convinced that the RBZ Farm Mechanisation Program of 2007/8 was riddled with fraud and corruption when infact, nothing could be further from the truth!
79.I question and challenge the accuracy and authenticity of the documentation before the good Doctor. I can categorically state that he has been given half-backed data and information for purposes far removed from telling the truth.The good Doctor may need to go back to his sources. I am a banker, an accountant and a chartered secretary trained to keep accurate records of events and my experience as an accountant does help a bit to understand issues more clearly than if I was not. I would urge caution against taking those numbers and information as gospel truth.
80.Today's e-world can be treacherous… people can create false documents that look official.
81.For all I know and given the respect I hold for vaMagaisa, I think it's unfair to do this to him. Va Magaisa is a champion of honesty and I have never before had occasion to question the integrity of his writings, until today.
82.I hope more effort will not be spared to secure a more authentic document with more accurate information than so far disseminated, including issuing early apologies if he deems it necessary. That would be my advice to him.
83.What's been done already could be subject to serious challenge with catastrophic unintended consequences to the reputation of my good learned brother and Doctor.It is my trust, prayer and hope that those individuals erroneously injured by this Saturday's BSR will forgive my brother and quickly get out of the shock of being labeled financial absconders of low moral standing in matters finance, debt contraction and banking.
84.To Baba Guti and everyone mentioned, my apologies for your being dragged into this mess. Your role in trying to feed this country at a most difficult time in its history will never be forgotten. You were and remain loyal to your fellow Zimbabweans. Every grain of maize or wheat that was produced by everyone helped to feed our people at a time when forex was so scarce and our politicians were, like now, at each other's throats while Rome was burning.
85.I also thank the many diasporans who helped feed their families back home then and are still doing so today during these trying times.Without that support, many would not have made it to today.
86.I note that my brother Dr Magaisa is complaining about my sharing the Whatsup exchange we had had yesterday. Infact, I did not release his Whatsups to me which came long after an hour and I had already engaged the Sunday to say that I had tried to reach him in vain. I repeat, I did not release his what's up to me but my Whatsup to him.
After all, he had shared erroneous information with the whole world without bothering to get in touch with me which he should have done seeing he was running with my letter to Minister Made without verifying with me first. He was making accusations about a program that had run under my watch. Who between us comitted a breach of comradeship? Do unto others what you expect from them is a useful biblical point of reference. Nothing personal but basa se basa.As promised, I'm sending you this piece directly without cutting my rights to get it into the public domain through other channels besides yours.
87.I rest my case.
Dr Gideon Gono
Rtd. Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe ( 2003-13).
Sunday 19 July,2020.
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