PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has asked Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company (AFECC), the company contracted to construct the ultra-modern stadium in Ndola, to complete the construction of the stadium in 18 months not the scheduled 24 months.
He also urged the Zambians that have been recruited to work with the Chinese company in the construction of the stadium to adapt to the hard working culture of the Chinese people.
President Banda said he does not want to hear that Zambian workers have gone on strike because they feel they are being over worked, but they should be willing to work for long hours as that was the working culture of the Chinese, which he said has helped them to develop their country.[quote]
Speaking at the project ground breaking ceremony in Ndola yesterday, President Banda urged the Chinese contractor to finish the stadium in 18 months so that some other new projects can be started.
The President said there are some many developmental projects that government intends to carry out with the help of the Chinese.
He prodded the Zambian workers to contribute to the development of their country by working side by side with the Chinese people in the project.
And President Banda has paid tribute to late president, Levy Mwanawasa, who initiated the idea for the construction of the stadium.
He said he will ensure that the stadium is completed as he promised during his presidential campaigns to continue on the developmental programmes of the late president.
Mr Banda observed that the Zambians and Chinese have enjoyed warm relations for a long time and the Chinese have helped in developing Zambia through undertaking several construction projects such as the construction of Tazara Rail line, Lafarge Cement plant and various roads and bridges among several other projects.
He urged youths not to listen to people condemning the Chinese as they have proved to be a genuine friend and partner in developing Zambia.
He noted that all countries in the world are now seeking aid from China, and as such government should not be criticized for embracing Chinese investors.
And speaking earlier Chinese Ambassador Li Qiangming, commended the Zambian government for embracing Chinese investors.
Mr Qiangming said he was optimistic that the stadium will be completed and a high quality structure will be done for Zambia.
He said AFECC was a hard working company that has undertaken several construction projects of hotels and stadiums in various countries world wide.
He also noted that Zambia and China have enjoyed cordial relationships that have stood the test of time and the construction of the stadium by the Chinese will enhance these relations.
The Chinese envoy further observed that the construction of the stadium will promote transfer of technology and skills from the Chinese to the Zambians.
He urged the Zambians to support the Chinese during the project so that the work is done perfectly and fast.
Copperbeltbelt Province Minister, Mwansa Mbulakulima, said the stadium will boost the economy of Ndola as soccer has now become a business worldwide.
Mr Mwansa said the stadium will also unite the people of Zambia regardless of their political, social, religious and economic persuasions.
He said the stadium will also enhance production and service delivery in industries due to the morale that will be created when the local team wins soccer matches.
The new stadium will have a capacity of 40 thousand seats. It has been funded through a concession loan from the Chinese government.
ZANIS
yes
you are the biggest obstacle.
I salute H.E President Banda and Hon.Mwaanga for their passion, patriotic and wise counsel to the nation panting for social progress and common development. The battle against Poverty is a battle of collective discipline; determinism and unity of purpose not through make Zambia ungovernable hullabaloos.
They can work like donkies but as long as they have MMD in power, they won`t get anywhere.
Mr President tell them. The problem is they don’t want to listen. They want to listen to lazy talk like “more money in your pockets”. How can you put more money in someone’s pockets without empowering them and putting in the proper work ethics.
Mr. President tell them. The Chinese are not our enemy. Even Harvard and Oxford educated economist Dambisa Moyo says so. The Chinese have done a lot in terms of infrastructure development in Africa. We must seek the Chinese as strategic business partners. TELL THEM Mr. President.
Yes i absolutely support RB’s vibes by telling zambians to adapt the hardworking culture like chinese.Without favour or criticism chinese people are innovative and hard working that’s why they are held in high esteem around the globe.
8-|
Iwe #1 uli chipuba sana. Tabwakwata amano iyo.
The whole LT blog stinks bcoz of you these days.
1. Today these selfless leaders have just thrown on the citizens and nationals in the Diaspora a challenge for a spirit of positive “Great-leap-forward” we collectively need to unshackle poverty. Everything has seasons and this is a season of a great leap forward to end poverty by an aggressive self determined people blessed with skills, resources and anger for development. There is no need to keep politicking needlessly at the expense of personal and collective development when MMD is here to rule, drive national development and foster national stability irrespective of hyperventilation democratic space offers every citizen to dream.
The Chinese philosophy of hard work starts at the top. Chairman Mao cultivated this culture by encouraging leaders to be seen to be leading by example. In Zambia people see leaders who are selfish and corrupt and they are not willing to take lessons from them – least of all from this disgraceful man.
Opps! Donkeys! Faithful miners are a good example of how hard working Zambians are.
the sad part is that we borrow money from China and award the construction contract to the Chinese again. this just ensures that we will remain boot-kickers for years and years to come.
ops… in my first comment I meant boot-lickers… not kickers
RB if only you could stop ukubalila amasuku pamutwe. I personally think this statement from the head of state is an insult to the hard working Zambians. Zambians who leave their homes to go and work for K900, 000.00. No matter how hard one works, if policies which obviously determine the direction a country takes are crap, one would not get anywhere.
(*_*)
All said, fundamental questions many of you ought to ask yourselves are, does the make Zambia ungovernable of Haka-Sata joint Presidency has the propensity to create you or neighbor some real economic value? Ask yourselves if insults or blogging hate rubbish here has any propensity for personal or collective progress. Ask yourselves quantitatively how much value you could have added to your life if deed for a change you vested your valuable time responsible or gainful skill based activity? Ask yourselves how the monkey talk will elevate you to economic independence. RB and VJ have just triggered serious introspection challenges. Build and buy your future now through smart and tactical engagements.
Senior Citizen (BK) at the US embassy!!!!!! how are you dear. How are your children and wife? I think you are enjoying life there and a lot of pono as that was your major at ZNBC. You remember how you lost the ZNBC job coz of showing pono to the Zambian? No wonder you behave like this, no heart for the suffering Zambia. Its coz you see all things in a pono way? Change or come 2011 we wil be on you man.
#9 In your heart of hearts, do you honest believe that RB’s act of having a minor operation in South Africa while citizens were dying in Zambia was a selfless act? You also believe that selective prosecutions are compatible with economic progress? I do not see any hope for the country if all you have to choose from are Banda, Sata and Hichilema. It is a sad indictment of our polical landscape, which suppresses people of high intellect and integrity. Nothing will improve as long as the most dominant and vocal people in Zambian politics remain the likes of Sata, Tetamashimba, Shikapwasha and other empty tins. Hichilema would be a good choice but he needs to explain to Zambians how he made his money. By the way, Mwaanga is pathologically corrupt.
Good move on “Speaking at the project ground breaking ceremony in Ndola yesterday, President Banda urged the Chinese contractor to finish the stadium in 18 months so that some other new projects can be started” for this will be perfect time for the would-be UPND-PF PACT GRZ to implement new and useful programmes to the Zambian people that mightl bring social and economic independence.
Enough of MMD and so, the MMD must conclude its unfinished business by the end of 2011. This will set precedence for 5 year plans to be re-implemented for the benefit of all Zambians instead of politcs of poverty, propaganda and intimidation by the MMD.
Be blessed you all.
_
Matthew 6:33 + KJV Bible
This is nonsense. Was he a hard worker at his small farm? After all it is not a farm as such. Working for long hours without enough pay, what is this? This is madness and we condemn it at all cost. Let bootlickers be exploited not a sensible person.
Kambongolo you should know by now that there are wind up merchants on this blog who only pop up when they think it suits them. Stop kicking yourself.
Zambians will only take their leaders seriously when leaders themselves are seen to take their own words and pronouncements seriously. Hard-work and sacrifice for the sake of national development should cut across class—-President, ministers, parliamentarians, ordinary citizens, and everybody in between—–only then are we going to see meaningful change in people’s attitudes towards personal and/or a collective purpose.
This is a good start by the president though. I hope this is the dawn of a new work-culture in Zambia. Mr. President, you also should be seen to PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH. Development is not a “MISTRY,” it only takes “WILL POWER” and “LEADERSHIP”!!
RB tell the people to become hardworking laborers like the Chinese.
edited refer to http://www.lusakatimes.com/?page_id=9714
NUMBALA 8 Mazambani,
MY FRIEND, BEFORE YOU TALK LIKE AN IGNORANT BAFOON AND EMBARRASS YOURSELF IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE WORLD, YOU SHOULD THINK! WHAT MAKES ME STUPID? YOU HAVE NEVER GIVEN ANY COMMENT OF SUBSTANCE HERE AND YET YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO COME HERE AND INSULT ME? WHAT HAVE YOU EVER SAID ON HERE THAT CAN BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF YOU IGNORANT PIECE OF CRAP
NUMBALA 8 MAZAMBANI YOU DONT MEAN ANYTHING TO ME! YOU ARE NOTHING YOU! A PIECE OF USED TISSUE HAS MORE SIGNIFICANCE IN THIS WORLD THAN YOU..
How much money are you paying chinese and how much are you paying Zambians?So don’t say they should not strike they wilol if you are not fair.
Plus dion’t forget chinese work hard because they have resources and are supported by thier government.
I can bet you the person heading this is chinese instead of Zambian.Be serious……
Chinese are hard working people, no doubt about that, I can personally attest to that. But the question is, what is the driving force behind their working culture? Perhaps if we answered that question then we can tell our people to be hardworking like the chinese.
Nevermind what Dambisa says in her dead aid book but Chinese are chinese. In any case, do Zambians have a work culture? I don’t think I have ever heard of it. Zambians believe in work as you earn. Now that is our work culture
CHINESE HARD WORK STEMS FROM THEIR POLITICAL HISTORY..I.E COMMUNISM/SOCIALISM.. WHICH DEMANDS COLLECTIVISM AS WAS ALSO THE CASE IN THE THEN SOVIET UNION
Ok apa chalandako efya mano ichaiche awe bakula mwe
WRONG PERSON TO SAY THAT, ALTOGETHER.
There surely is no sweet without sweat and Zambians must learn to work like slaves to live like kings. End of story.
However, leaders must lead by example. RB’s, his Ministers and all those apamwambas who recently increased their salaries must voluntarily take a wage cut of 50% to inspire confidence in Zambians that their mouth is where their heart is.
RB, THE RELATIONSHIP between Zambia and China is very old. Chinese attitude (hard work) towards work is equally old. So what made it impossible to emulate the Chinese in UNIP days? You mean its only today you have seen that Chinese are hard-working? And what makes you see it this late?
Mr. President, please.. work like the Chinese! for slavery wages??? don’t impose on Zambians the Hu Jintao type of governance.. Let those Chinese contractors respect the human and labour rights of the hard working Zambians.
can’t wait 2 see the back of you(2011)
Greetings bloggers.
Nice to be back again. To the lecture from our president, all I can say is that the words are definately called for. Zambians need to change their working cultrure and performance attitude if we are ever going to develop, BUT the leadership itself must lead by example. The whole change should start from the top as #10 Chitapankwa has already outlined. The rest will find it easier to follow the example.
How about RB and comrades also start to work hard like HU jin Tao and comrades. Zambian leaders are just good at travelling and admiring and then trying to impose what they have seen oversea’s. If you want change the first person to change should be yourself rather than telling people to change .
numbala 36 eya ni apopene mudala.. uli pa point mune
RB should take those words and paste them in his own life!
tho shudnt just tok of change. they need to boost pipo’s morale also. beta conditions of service is pivotal
I thought zambian workers agreed with the chinise workers on work conditions, even before the works at the stadium started, But i don’t know about all this ADAPTION is all about.
LT you need to become more innovative in your approach to news delivery.
My comment was not an advert. I was simply redirecting readers to a Zambian site which has some interesting features such as the UPND-PF survey for presidency.
If you create something of that kind then I believe people won’t need to go to ZW to participate. Simple ideas include 2011 online survey.
Chinaman has been affiliated to Zambia since the Kaunda era. What have we learnt so far?We are just taking 2 steps forward and four steps back!
“President Banda said he does not want to hear that Zambian workers have gone on strike because they feel they are being over worked, but they should be willing to work for long hours as that was the working culture of the Chinese, which he said has helped them to develop their country.”
Fellow bloggers kindly assist me understand whether there are Zambian labour laws for the chinese to follow or Zambians have to adhere to chinese labour laws (if they have any).
Also, is RB not encouraging abuse by the chinese employers when his mandate is to serve the people of Zambia?
nothing wrong with the chinese BUT of all the developmental priorities. what will a stadium do for us? we have our priorities arse about face.
Iwe chi RB, give just recompense for the labour and you will see wonders. Do you ever think we love to wallow in poverty? Hell no. Pay us good money and we wont disppoint you ok.
Monkey see, Monkey pee
I hate these cheap arguments, especially when they come from politicians, but they could have come from british colonials. I will translate. 1) Selflessness. Translation: you are not going to get paid, no matter how hard you work. I will keep all the profits of your labour. 2) Chinese Work Ethic. Transl: You will never get paid. You will be informed how much you have earned by the Politburo. Slackers will be sent to re-education camps.
It is really simple. Pay people a good share of what they produce for a company, and they will work hard. Reward people for hard work by paying them more if they work hard than if they do not. The only people who can afford to be ‘selfless’ don’t have families to feed, or bills to pay.
I concur with #33.. Yes we all know tha the chinese are hard workers and have done amazing works in different countries but the labour laws in those countries looked out for thier own people.. chinese exploit zambians and i hate them… on a road they were constructing between kitwe and lya…zambian labourers where being screemed at like slaves, they had no protective clothing, no boots whatsoever…they didnt go on strike, they kept working, coz they had to survive .So dont go like zambains are lazy.. i dont concur… we just need to be treated like human to bring out our best and you my friend…from the time you entered state house have failed
#12 For Projects like these, it is not cash that comes into your hands. The money borrowed is the cost of building the stadium. No country is going to give you a loan like this and then you have the liberty of choosing who executes the Project. If for example the loan was procured from the European Union, the conditionality would be that the Project is executed by a member of the European Union – not China (though it would be cheaper). This is the curse of being a beggar.
Ba Banda.
Those pipo eat nicely and they have proper equipments naimwe.My dear Zambians are also strong what are you saying.
I remember a bible verse tht says
Do as i say and not as i Do
I wonder what that means as if it can apply in this situation.
A call for hard work should be supported by all plus a change in mentality towards hard work. Most honest well off Zambians in government have done this because of hard work and discipline selling ice, vitumbuwas, and tobomutwe at the gate. You do not expect them to go back to that because you say they should lead by example… The honest truth is that some Zambians are big time, time wasters. They look forward more to going for lunch than getting the job done before they go for lunch
It´s a pity that a head of State would be passing such words cos it does not make no sence for me at atleast.Zambians are indeed hard working,politrickians are a big let down.Just what is happening to nurses,whom a nation should have pride in……take another look at what is going on with our teachers………..these aare a pillar of a nation cos without them….we doomed and our young generation is lost.Open up your eyes…..they ain´t just there to see what you only want to.
Miss Daisy,
” Yes we all know tha the chinese are hard workers and have done amazing works in different countries but the labour laws in those countries looked out for thier own people.. ”
I don’t even know their labour laws are anything good at all. The “Great Leap Forward” killed 10 million people (which is why their labour practices in Zambia are bad, they’re just repeating what they do at home). The difference is that in the end Chinese workers were building China. What are Zambian workers building? Chinese factories?
What we need more than anything, is a nationalist leadership, not these neoliberal politicians who think that they can get foreign corporations to set up in Zambia, and that this doesn’t make a difference in the outcome.
#You are free to start you rubbish blogg where you can trade insults with you desparate PF friends.
Mwanyike says:
#6 You are free to start you own rubbish blogg where you can trade insults with you desparate PF friends.
What b***s***t. This coming from a President. I cannot believe that RB just said what he said. Who is his advisor, the chinese?
If Zambians rose to the occasion and worked hard, RB I dare if you’d remain in State House coz you’re 1st and last in this category. Talk of hardworking Chinese, ifyabupuba, slave wages as witnessed at NFCA and Chambishi Smelter. And after that sweat and that amount of atoms of strength put in by Zambians, their only pay is BGRIMM, muleti tatwalaba ba kolwe.
Hardworking Chinese, has anyone of you visited the former and ever flourishing Nkana Hospital now SINOZAM Hospital bought by the Chinese? It’s NASTY for the lack of a better word.
Practically, a CALL to hard work is welcome, but look also into employees’ labor issues mwaumfwa Ba Banda.
LT how long does it take to moderate a comment.
LT, this is not gud, where is my comment, is anything of the matter?
Mr. President, if Zambians rose to the occasion and worked hard, I dare if you’d remain in State House coz you’re 1st and last in this category. Talk of hardworking Chinese, ifyabupuba, slave wages as witnessed at NFCA and Chambishi Smelter. And after that sweat and the amount of atoms of strength put in by Zambians, their only pay is BGRIMM, muleti tatwalaba ba kolwe. Hardworking Chinese, has any of you visited the former and ever flourishing Nkana Hospital now SINOZAM Hospital bought by the Chinese? It’s NASTY for the lack of a better word.
Practically, a CALL to hard work is welcome, but look also into employees’ labor issues mwaumfwa Ba Banda.
I have said this before building Stadiums are not a priority these can be build by UNZA Zed engineers. HowUse the Chineese for more complicated projects like road or railway infrastructure in shanty compounds, rural areas etc. Building a stadium in this economic climate is like a homeless person buying a mercedes benz. The owner does not realise as soon as they buy a car it depreciates in value. BUT if they had bought a house it’s value would increase. There is no use having a stadium with poor people , terrible road infrastructure etc give this stadium building to Zengineers they can handle it. divert the Chineese to improving Z infrastructure. The young bright Z engineers need to be given a chance to prove their skills worldwide. Stadiums in Z in the C21st should be built by Z…
Well, those projects like building the railway in Africa is a tough job. Western companies will ask for a much higher price for buidling it. Chinese construction company uses most of the money on building materials, pays less for salary. This is normal. Why American people complain about low pay in China when their big companies like McDono and KenTuckiee pay only about 30 cents an hour in China and pay $10 in America? China government wants to raise these people’s income to 50 cent an hour and got big objection from those companies! why? Chinese people are poor and pity. They even need to work for 2 days to earn enough money to buy a small set of food from Mcdondon restaurant. The food set only includes coke, fries and a china-made burger. 2 days!!!
They are very pity!