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RB addresses the nation on Zambia’s 44th birthday eve

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Acting President Rupiah Banda has urged Zambians to contribute to the emancipation of  the country from poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment.

Mr. Banda said Zambians should use the prevailing democratic dispensation as a spring board to fight these ills.

He said the emancipation process begins with  citizens exercising their  constitutional right  by participating  in  the elections in order to  usher in the fourth republican president on 30 October, 2008.

He said government has demonstrated its commitment to free, fair and transparent elections by inviting international and local observers to witness these elections.

To this end, the Acting President  has  directed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.

The Acting President made the remarks in his National address on  both Zambia National Broadcasting  Corporation (ZNBC)  and Radio on the Eve  of Zambia’s 44th Independence Anniversary.

This  years independence would be cerebrated under the theme “facing the future with hope.

Mr. Banda  said Zambia can look to the future with hope because  the country has enjoyed  peace, stability and unity since independence under the banner of one Zambia one Nation.

He said this  was demonstrated recently during the illness and subsequent death of the  Third Republican President, Dr levy Mwanawasa , during which Zambians from all walks of life were united in prayer and mourning.

He said the country can therefore look to the future with hope because even when prophets of doom were predicting chaos following the death of  Dr. Mwanawasa,  that Zambians were united in ensuring that the due process of the law and the constitution are observed as the country prepare for his successor.

He however said the country as it commemorates its  independence should reflect and remember the significance of that day in 1964, when gallant freedom fighters, founding fathers and mothers, broke the yoke of colonialism.

‘Independence day is an occasion to reflect on what we have achieved as a country from the level it was 44 years ago to a higher political, social and economic level.

Furthermore, Independence Day rekindles in us Zambians a high sense of patriotism and national pride regardless of our diverse political, ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds,’ he added.

He said this year, Zambians commemorate against a very sad and painful background, the loss of our beloved president and visionary leader who passed away on 19th august, 2008.

‘ In remembering our departed president, we also pay tribute to our fallen heroes and heroines whose contribution to the political and economic emancipation of our country is recognized and commemorated on 24th October, our independence day,’  He said..

Mr. Banda has since called upon  all Zambians to celebrate the  independence  day in peace, unity and harmony.

He said the country should remain  must maintain the dignity and respect we have earned  over the years from  neighbours and the international community.

Mr  Banda also said  about US$3 billion  has been invested in the  mining sector since 2000.

He said the sector has in the  recent past  attracted massive investments due to high prices of metals on the world market and friendly investor policies the government has introduced.

He disclosed since the year 2000 when Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM ) was privatised, a total of us $3 billion was invested in the sector by the end of 2007 and 49,000 jobs were created.

Mr. Banda said the  attractive economic and investment policies put in place since 1991 have made Zambia an investment destination of choice on the continent
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He said government in order to enable Zambians to share in the fortunes of the mining sector, while at the same time leaving the mines profitable and rewarding to shareholders April this year  introduced  a new mining tax regime which resulted in an additional US $400 million   to be raised by the end of 2008.

He said the additional revenues from mining will facilitate the implementation of national programmes in areas of health, education and infrastructure development including in the mining areas.

Additionally the acting president said government will soon advertise for prospectors to start bidding for exploration for oil and gas in North-western, Luapula, Eastern and Western provinces.

And Mr. Banda says government has unveiled multi-facility economic zones as a flagship for job and wealth creation in line with the national vision 2030.

He said  the Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ)  are intended to house multi-national corporations, which will expand manufacturing and trade to world class levels, thereby creating jobs for thousands of our skilled, yet unemployed citizens.

This years independence would be cerebrated under the theme “facing the future with hope.

On the social sector, he said government has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the well- being of our people through provision of universal primary education and primary health care as well as retention of both teaching and medical staff.

He said since independence, government has scored some major achievements in the health sector, that  include the rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, replacement of diagnostic equipment in hospitals, construction of the cancer centre in Lusaka and implementation of a strategy to retain personnel.

He said government has also undertaken major interventions in the prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

Mr. Banda added that government policy of free access to anti-retroviral drugs has led to an increase in the number of patients that are receiving ARVs.

On the  education sector , he said  the government is studying the possibility of extending free education up to grade 12 adding that  it has  continued to provide free education up to grade seven .

He further said  government has  succeeded in implementing programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the poor and vulnerable persons in society.

The programmes include the public welfare assistance scheme, the food security pack, the social cash transfer scheme, as well as programmes for vulnerable children.

The direct cash transfers have contributed to poverty reduction in vulnerable households by raising their incomes, consumption levels and improving their access to education, health and other social services.

Meanwhile Mr. Banda says government has started   to take measures to cushion the domestic economy from  the impact of the global financial crisis as well as the rise in food and oil prices .

He said Zambian economy has in the past few years recorded positive trends in the key macro-economic indicators as seen in the Gross Domestic Product  in real terms which has averaged more than five per cent per annum over the past six years.

He further said inflation declined and for the first time in three decades, a single-digit rate was registered in 2006 and 2007 with interest rates also declining  from 43 percent in 2002 to 19 percent by June  2008 .

The Acting President   said improvements have equally been registered in the external sector where gross international reserves increased to an unprecedented us $1.4 billion as at the end of June 2008.

He further said  government has prioritized development of the tourism and agricultural sectors as these provide real opportunities for economic diversification.

In the agriculture sector , the government has, this year, increased the budgetary allocation in order to enable 200,000 farmers to benefit. in addition, the subsidy has been increased to 75 percent from 60 percent last year.

Further The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) this year extended the marketing season to the end of October and the price has been pegged at a more competitive level of k55,000.00 per 50 kilogramme  bag of maize.

ENDS/MK/ZANIS.

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

73 COMMENTS

  3. For all of you doubting this is how you win elections not fake promises of things that are realistically out of reach. Should RB loose then we shall seat back and look at ourselves and say ” i think MMD should have finished off the 2 years”
    Remember this is about programs that the gov of the day should finish with a mandate given to them.
    If everyone i mean including the opposition say they want to continue with Mwanawasas policies they honestly who is best suited than the MMD???

  5. Sata had an attack in Mongu. He ended up asking Guy Scott to speak while he was chocking from an “unexplained” attack. Ladies and gentlemen, the writing is on the wall – the man is sick!

  13. HAPPY BIRTH DAY ZAMBIA!! Wish you many more peaceful returns… hope RB was not sleeping during the speech. he equally needs independence from his trypanosomiasis he contracted from Mfuwe national park. all the same mudala you ve made another page in yo history by giving us a speech on our 44th independence. you need a pension!

  14. Zambia’s 1st president was named “DAVID” The 2nd was “JACOB” The 3rd was “LEVY” All these three names came from the bible, now tell me which book, chapter or verse where you can find such names like “RUPIAH” ,HAAKAINDE or GODFREY? Come on people “THE GREAT ANGEL IS MICHEAL” Vote wisely its 30th October. He is 4th.

  15. #14, that could have been a good joke but my brother, respect God, dont play games with him. He owns our lives and we must worship him.

  16. Happy 44th Anniversary Mother Zambia. I wish every Zambian all the blessings God holds out to each one of us wherever we are. In this prayer I include our children born in the diaspora.
    The powerful words below make me treasure motherland
    Stand and sing of Zambia proud and free, Land of work and joy in unity, Victors in the struggle for the right.
    One land and one nation is our cry…
    Africa is our own motherland…
    Praise be to God!
    Bless our great nation…
    Zambia, Zambia, Zambia…
    Congrats Zedians!!
    Enjoy the day!! Litumezi Mulena! twasantabingi Nkambo! Mwami twalumba kapat! Zikomo kwambiri! Twakunkula Shakapanga!
    Emacipation from poverty is a powerful call if we are to be truly free.

  18. Father Lord
    we thank you for mother zambia her inhabitantas and all you have done for us we are very grateful for the peace we have continually enjoyed
    May you richly bless mother Zambia and broaden her coasts!
    Amen

  19. 60% is a lot better than 2001 when unemployment as estimated at 88%.
    Chiluba was simply a disaster for Zambia. What a mistake we made in 1991 and I hope we won’t make another in 2008. I guess not.

  20. Let those figure of dollars reach zambian needs not only be mentioned.we ve gud investments but remaing in the que of beggers & on list of world poorest countries do something politicians.44yrs is a long way from independence.Next time say peace with no poverty.Voting is a must i want to put politicians on lay off poor performance no jobs.count down.

  21. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BELOVED COUNTRY YOU ARE JEWEL IN THE WHOLE WORLD. A JEWEL IS NOT COMMON AND YOU ARE NOT COMMON. RB THANX FOR BEING A WONDERFULL LEADER TO THIS NATION FOR THE LAST 5MONTHS YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT YOU RESPECT DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND RESPECT FOR THOSE YOU LEAD MY PERSON HEARTS OFF TO YOU AND THE ALL THE ZAMBIANS YOU SURE ARE A BLESSING FROM GOD

  22. Happy birthday, independence day Zambia. Let’s ask God to help to continue enjoying the peace that we have been enjoying

  23. Happy Independence day to my beloved Zambia. In the wise saying of Nelson Mandela he taught “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” This is my message to Zambia.

  24. #14 Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Hahahahahahaha HehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehheheWuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Nakumapepo tauyako unwa fye ubwalwa nokupepa ibange, Lesa kuti akumfwa shani ? Nipesa calembwa ukuti abakalateka Zambia bantu abakwata amashina ayaba mucipingo ? So oyo wine lesa wobe Sata ni malaika ?

  26. #5, the writing was on the wall when Levy was involved in that accident. Who went and voted for him? It’s hard to convince people otherwise when a precendent has been set.

  29. SUPPORT THE WINNING TEAM PAPA, Former president Frederick ChilubaFormer president Fredrick Chiluba is this weekend scheduled to travel to Luapula Province in what is believed to be a concealed attempt for him to campaign for Vice-President Rupiah Banda.

  30. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAMBIA, I LOVE YOU MOTHERLAND,MAY GOD CONTINUE BLESSING YOU,FOR OPEN HEAVEN IS OUR PORTION.ZAMBIA SHALL NEVER BE THE SAME.I DIG YOU ZAMBIA

  31. Happy ID 24 to you all

    Lets Vote wisely for a leader who will take Zambia to greater heights and make it a regional powerhouse

  33. we need to march the years with our maturity. we havent yet struck a balance. we will get there some day i am sure. It took America over 200 years for a slave to be the master, so even us we have hope. God bless Z

  35. What happy birthday. Do you guys realise that 44 years has nothing to show for it? 44 years. That’s almost half a century of bungling. C’mon people. Let’s call it what it is – we should be critical about this. My own personal conclusion, and this will shock you, is that Zambia would do well to ask to be re-colonised. Then the next 44 years would have tangible results. We cannot manage our own affairs as Africans. It is proven, over a period of 44 years.

  38. HAS IT RAINED ALREADY IN LSK….REMEMBER THOSE NICE OLD DAYS WHEN IT WOULD ALWAYS SHOWER ON INDP DAY…..LONG LIVE MOTHER ZED

    WHO IS THE NEXT KAUNDA OF ZED? RB

  40. #26 Struggling comedian,

    With or without a precedent, its hard to convince people for good. It is almost always easy to convince people for wrong. Few have chosen to walk in the narrow path that leads to life. The majority are in the wide road leading to destruction.

  44. As the saying going life begins at 40 and zed is now 44 your maturity is slowly unfolding giving everyone hope for the future.
    Happy 44th anniversary.

  45. Happy Birth day to me…a proud Zambian; oh…and to the rest of you guys! I love being a Zambian!!! Fweba shuka!

    In the meantime … We are just about to get independent from the MMD crap; and this should be by the beginning of next Month. I’ll be flying back for the results at least!

  46. Mateyo has refused to carry the instruction from Sata to issue him a Police Uniform and Short Button to be using as a president.Viva Mateo the man is a lunatic

  48. Happy Independence Day to Zambia and to all Zambians! Let us be united as a nation and citizens regardless of our political affiliations and our tribal origins. Peace and unity is something we should all be proud of.

    In true Zambian fashion we even have a long weekend as Independence Day falls today.

    One Zambia, One Nation!

  49. VJ is back in the campaign to put a case for national unity, stability and peace. Let all patriotic Zambians stand firm to prevent any heartless snake from putting it’s scaly a#s on the presidential chopper for the next 3 years. Zambia is the only country we have and can not afford just for the sake of change to ignore history. The disgraceful post must be brought to its knees for being the prince of hatred. Look at the sound counsel they gave to Zambians continuously for several against voting for an anarchist. They have shameless swallowed their words to become a gutter paper, maligning a decent man for the sake of their lobbyist motives. Viva Bwezani, history will absorb you

  50. 44 years and nothing to show for it!
    44 years of misrule!
    44 years of mismanagement!
    44 years of rumpant corruption!
    44 years of inadequate and outdated Welensky infrastructure!
    44 years!
    But don’t give up Zambia, We shall overcome!
    Michael Chilufya Sata shall deliver!
    Vote for Sata! Viva Sata!

  51. congrats Zambia on your 44th independence anniversary. I’m very proud to be your citizen and always will. you’ve always been a beacon of hope, in peace and democracy, to fellow African countries. May you, by God’s grace, arise and gain economic independence so that other African countries emulate you. Take care of the widows, orphans and stand for what is right in the sight of God, who you profess to follow after. May your land give forth a bumper harvest when your inhabitants have toiled in ploughing and sowing in you.

    Happy independence, mother Zambia.

  52. EVERY SENSIBLE AND PROGRESSIVE ZAMBIAN WILL SUPPORT HH FOR PRESIDENCY TO GIVE ZAMBIA A FRESH START. STOP VOTING FOR TIRED,RECYCLED POLITICIANS ONLY FIT FOR THE ZAMBIA POLITICAL MUSEUM. VIVA HH,ABASH TRIBALISTS. WE ONLY HAVE ONE ZAMBIA!

  53. Happy independence day Zambians where ever you are!! May the Good lord continue to bless you all with your divergent views and hopes for mother Zambia. I urge all to be reflective as we approach election day. Continue to reach out spread the peace and love that we share even under uncertain circumstances. God less you all.

    Proudly borne bred Zambian.

  54. 52 It depends with what makes sense to your little mind. As for intellectuals, technocrats, learned or highly skilled Zambians like myself. Its Mwamukolooooo……

  55. THIS SPEECH IS VERY PRESIDENTIAL! KEEP IT UP RB! BAUZE!
    #14 ACCORDING TO YOUR LOGIC ‘SATAN’, ‘DEVIL’ ‘DEMON’ ‘JEZEBEL’ WOULD ALL BE GOOD NAMES JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE IN THE BIBLE! THE BLOOD OF JESUS CLEANSES FROM ALL SIN AND IF ANY MAN IS IN CHRIST HE IS A NEW CREATION SO WHAT EVER NAME HE WAS GIVEN AT BIRTH DOES NOT MATTER. THE MAN JABEZ IN THE BIBLE PRAYED AND GOD HEARD HIS PRAYER SO THE NAME HE HAD WAS NOT THE OUTCOME OF HIS LIFE. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT HE WHO OVERCOMES WILL BE GIVEN A NEW NAME BY JESUS! DO YOU HAVE THAT NEW NAME?

  58. Wishing Mother Zambia Peace, Prosperity and Freedom on our Independence day.

    However, we still have 70% of populace living below poverty datum line 44 yrs after Independence. This overshadows the celebration itself. Zambia is slowly approaching retirement age of a human being but no meaningful savings to show for the hard work & belt tightening our fathers had to endure in KK, FTJ LPM reigns. Zambia I cry for Mother Zambia.

  59. Happy birthbay mother Zambia. Mother of peace, keeping all sort of being, Chilufya Sata too.Wishing u many more years of peace.

  60. Congratulations Zambia on your 44th political independence. Henceforth strive for economic independence and rid yourself of all the plundering and the rampat corruption that was introduced by the Chiluba regime. Never again should you have a complete thief for president.

  64. Happy Independence Anniversary to all my beloved countrymen and women Rupee Bandit!!!

    Nomba Imwe RB how do you expect us to face the future with hope when you want to be in the driving seat of our country and yet you the very embodement of the exact opposite of this year’s independence theme “Facing The Future with Hope”. You are a hopeless leader bamudala. Your compaign tactics have said it.

    Anyway ifyo iya pa Zed.

  65. hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh forever

  70. Countdown: 5 days 5 hours 50 minutes remaining and we are counting.

    Vote for HH for a real ray of Chnage and Hope that all Zambians can believe and trust in. vote for your children’s future. Vote for economic independence

    To this end, I ask RBB and MMD to quickly endorse HH for Zambian President. Munkombwe was quoted as saying the Sata may win if MMD makes a single or simple mistake. So, MMD stand up for what is right. It is not too late for RBB to infrom the Nation through ZNBC TV and radio with Times of Zambia together with Zambia Daily Mail that let all vote for HH.

    May you all Zambians have a great weekend. I am leaving for a SABBATH recess. Thank you all for you support.

  71. From, “poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment”. There ares ome important things RUPIA BANDA forgot to mention and these are:

    BRIBERY, TRIBALISM, REGIONALISM, FRAUD, etc. The country cannot achieve his citation in the presence of BRIBERY, TRIBALISM, REGIONALISM, FRAUD, etc. They definitely hinder progress, and I don’t need to go into details.

  72. God bless Zambia now and forever.My daughter of 16 yrs is asking what so wow about ZAMBIA?it’s really difficult to convey ones memories about this lovely land which once was called home to me although i was born here in the uk.its been 25yrs since i’ve cm bk to britain and am saddened by the negative news of this beatiful country.i wish the future is brighter than the gone years and when i return with my family will not regret to take them to a place i have held dearly in my heart.All the best and i hope God has new ventures for Mother Zambia and it’s people.

  73. PETER YOU ARE JUST A SICK PERSON WHO IS JUST ENJOYING IN A FOREING NATION YOU MAY BE A VICTIM OF SATAN? GOOD THING YOU DONT MATTER AND WE VOTE AND CHOOSE PEOPLE WHO WILL TAKE US FORWARD NOT YOU AN ECONOMIC REFUGEE. WE ARE LOVE OUR COUNTRY

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