Patriotic Front (PF) Media Director Antonio Mwanza says opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema is not responsible for the appreciation of the local currency from K23 to K20.7 against $1.
Mr. Mwanza said the Kwacha appreciated because of the good policy shift by President Edgar Lungu.
He explained that the President allowed Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to reform by sealing loopholes in order to collect correct taxes.
Mr. Mwanza said ZRA exceeded it’s target by 10 Billion Kwacha which was injected into the economy.
He said President Lungu negotiated with the mines to pay statutory obligations in dollars which saw the collection of Four Hundred Million Dollars paid directly to the Bank of Zambia which was helping to stabilize the Kwacha.
The PF Media Director said this when he featured on a Millennium TV discussion programme in Lusaka this evening.
Mr. Mwanza said the allegation by UPND President Hakainde Hichilema that the Kwacha appreciated because of the UPND’s imaginary opinion poll must be treated with the contempt it deserved.
He said even Mr. Hichilema’s Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya contracted him on his Facebook page by equally making unfounded allegations that PF stopped importing fuel.
And Mr. Mwanza said civil servants were now getting funeral grants and health insurance because President Lungu cared for them.
He said President Lungu controlled the price of fuel by removing VAT and Income Tax to stabilize pump prices forcing motorists from other countries to buy from Zambia.
The PF Media Director said cooking oil prices shot up by far but President Lungu allowed for the importation of 9000 metric tons of edible oil and removed income tax and import duty.
He said mealie meal prices would have reached K500 per bag by now but the PF Government controlled it of which businessmen were now exporting to neighboring countries where they made super normal profits.
Mr. Mwanza said President Lungu never fell for the opposition’s call for a complete lockdown which would have left Zambians in untold suffering.
He said the opposition refused to take COVID vaccines even after accusing the PF Government of failing in the fight against COVID 19 when Zambia had excess vaccines.
The Ministry of Finance has indicated that the continued stability, and the recent appreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollar to K21.39 as at 23rd July 2021 from K22.64 on 1st July 1, 2021, largely reflects changes in the supply of foreign exchange and broad improvements in market expectations.
The Ministry has further stated that the new developments are consistent with the broad goals set out in the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), which was launched by President Edgar Lungu in December 2020.
According to a Statement issued to the media last evening by the Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer, Chileshe Kandeta, the recent developments in the foreign exchange market include factors such as improved foreign exchange flows from the mining sector in view of the strong recovery in copper prices and production.
Mr Kandeta added that this has led to a significant expansion in the trade balance estimated at US$1.9 billion during the period January to May 2021 compared to US$576.8 million over the same period in 2020.
He added that other factors are significant flows from non-resident investors seeking to purchase government securities, evidenced by the oversubscription at 116 percent in the bond issuance held today.
“This has bolstered liquidity in the foreign exchange market and has subsequently led to the substantial reduction in the hitherto excess demand,” he said.
Mr Kandeta also stated that scaled up market support by the Bank of Zambia in view of improved flows from the mining sector is equally another factor.
“Further, there has been a confidence boost in the market following the announcement by the IMF to allocate Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to its members in August. The SDR allocation is expected to increase international reserves by approximately US$1.3 billion in August,” He stressed.
Mr Kandeta said in addition, the Bank of Zambia has continued with the gold purchase programme through which about US$22 million has been added to the international reserve position.
“With the above developments and continued implementation of the measures in the ERP, the Kwacha is likely to remain resilient,” he said.
The Tokyo Games are officially underway and the rest of Team Zambia gradually joins the fray for Olympic glory starting this Saturday.
Shepolopolo had the honour of kicking off Team Zambia’s Olympic quest on July 21 before Friday’s July 23 official Day One when they lost 10-3 to Holland in the football events that traditionally begin before the opening ceremony.
Bruce Mwape’s side is back in action this Saturday when they play China in their penultimate Group F match in Rifu.
But the boxers, Judokas, swimmers and athletes join them in the chase for honours over the coming days.
The boxers will be of the first non -football disciplines in action this Saturday, July 24.
Welterweight and Africa silver medal winner Steven Zimba will be in action against Ah Tong of Samoa.
But Zimba’s colleague and African championships Flyweight silver medal winner Patrick Chinyemba will be in action on July 26 against Alex Winwood of Australia.
The third boxer and Africa championships featherweight gold medal winner Everisto Mulenga is on bye and will be in action on July 28.
Mulenga awaits winner of the July 24 bout between Mohammad Alwadi of Jordan and Colombian Avila Sergura.
Winner of the July 28 fight will qualify for the quarterfinals on August 1.
In the Judo, Steven Mungandu will be in action on Sunday, July 25 against Adrian Gomboc of Slovenia.
The swimmers have a slightly longer wait and take to the pool on July 30 with Shaquille Moosa in heat 3 of the men’s 50 meters freestyle.
Tilka Paljk will also be in action on the same date in the women’s 50 meters freestyle.
Meanwhile, the athletes will start their campaign on July 30 when Roda Njobvu takes to the track in the 100 meters heat and later the 200 meters heats on August 2.
Sydney Siame will be in action on August 3 in 200 heats ahead of the finals on August 4.
Upcoming coach Govenda Simwala is determined to create his own path away from his late father’s glittering coaching career.
Govenda is the son of Nkana legend Moses Simwala, who remains the most successful coach in the history of the FAZ Super Division, 27 years after his death.
The 1988 and 1989 Zambian coach of the year won eight league titles at Nkana as coach between 1980 and 1992.
Govenda is aware there will be comparisons between him and the man nicknamed “the Chairman” after taking up coaching following his forced retirement last year.
The former Power Dynamos right-back retired on medical grounds after persistent injuries.
Govenda, 30, is one of the youth coaches at Arthur Davies in charge of the Under-17 team.
“Coaching is not that easy but I am doing my best. I can see a future ahead in coaching,” he said.
Govenda holds a CAF C Diploma Coaching badge attained from a recent training held in Lusaka.
“As a coach you must aim high. I want to be an international coach so I need to get more papers when training comes. Papers in modern football are very important.”
He wants to be his own man in coaching.
“Even when I was playing people were saying your father was a good player. It now comes to your father who was a good coach,” Govenda said.
“Of course my father was a good coach and won so many medals. I will do my best but I am not under pressure to fit in his shoes.”
“He was Moses Simwala and I am Govenda Simwala, so I may not do exactly what he did. I will do my best to follow in his footsteps.
Football is changing every day, we are in modern football and my father was in another generation of football. But underline the words I won’t be under pressure,” Govenda added.
Since President F.T.J. Chiluba introduced the culture of brown envelopes to “Bikini Bottom’ pastors, I stopped taking some religious leaders seriously. So when I read about over 700 pastors on the Copperbelt selling their unconscionable souls to the God fearing President Edgar Lungu, it was like watching SpongeBob selling Bibles at Krusty Krabs in Bikini Bottom. And who could miss it? “A God fearing,” and the only man who would secure “the nation’s Christian Nation heritage and a continued covenant with God,” is President Lungu. One would expect these words to come from Patrick and not even SpongeBob. Shockingly, the honorable Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, the Rev. Godfridah Sumaili uttered these meaningless words at the campaign event on the Copperbelt. They are just what they are, simply meaningless.
Whereas the Rev. Sumaili’s role is to gunner religious leader’s support for President Lungu, the PF administration has always appealed to Churches to be apolitical. If 700 pastors spoke in favor of HH, PF cadres and Madam Sumaili would be condemning their actions. But since these pastors are supporting the Big man, Madam Sumaili is happy with it. The PF should not have it both ways–the ECZ should not allow the PF to politicize certain institutions just because it is in power, while limiting other parties. The playing field must be fair. Neither should Madam Sumaili use Churches for political gains, while stopping other church leaders from doing the same. She is a politician and must campaign as a politician as opposed to a pastor. The clerical attire should not make her immune from political attacks–she is not different from GBM, Kambwili or Lungu.
Madam Sumaili claimed that President Lungu is God fearing. Yet, the Lungu administration has been characterized with extreme corruption, violence and insults. From the K2.2 billion recently reported as missing by the Financial Intelligence Report to houses without owners to Fire Engines to expired drugs, the Lungu administration is rotten with mismanagement and corruption–something that has led Zambia to being blacklisted by donors. Unless she is deaf, she hears the insults that her fellow cadres have employed to advance the Lungu agenda. She wouldn’t turn a blind eye to innocent lives that have been destroyed amidst her shouts of “let us pray” and “amen”. Neither would putting on the clerical collar absolve her of the blood on the PF hands–she is just as guilty as Mwila, GMB and Kambwili. If she was principled, she would have left this administration long ago. She is not campaigning for Lungu because he fears God, but rather to get her job back. If anything, she acts as the false prophet to Old Testament Kings–telling the King what he wants to hear.
Clergy from districts on the copperblt gathered in Kitwe to declare their commitment to see President Lungu back in power .
The claim to “the Christian heritage” (whatever it means) is just a lie she wants to employ to blind people from holding the Regime accountable. I am a Christian but I won’t subscribe to the PF Christian heritage of thieves. A Christian heritage that permits thugs to gallivant the streets with pride, while mothers give birth on the floors, kids die from curable diseases, degree holders are unemployed, and families cannot afford painkillers. Praise be to Rev. Sumaili’s Christian heritage! We reward politicians and cadres with oversized cars, big salaries, and unwarranted allowances, but masses cannot even afford a meal! Hail to Rev. Sumaili’s Christian heritage! Only politicians and cadres count! The rest of us live as beggars. A taste of hell in Rev. Sumaili’s Christian nation you find! Steal a packet of chocolate in Shoprite, in jail you rot for years. Steal millions, kiss the God fearing president’s boots! You are free. Alleluia! A just Zambia built on equality or love-justice is the heritage we need.
The PF wants to advance the fib of the covenant with God. But central to the Biblical Covenant is love-justice; love for God and for the neighbor. Yahweh demands that we look out for each other’s interests–we are each other’s keepers. The violence and the lawlessness that characterize the PF campaign are indictments of Lungu’s and Madam Sumaili’s failure to respect the dignity of fellow human beings. As a religious leader, Madam Sumaili must be ashamed to even open her mouth–for five years she failed to speak truth to power. She watched corruption explode while cadres amassed millions. She never spoke out when opposition leaders were persecuted. When will she tell GBM, Kambwili, and Mwila to learn a little decency? When will she tell PF cadres to stop brutalizing UPND cadres? The truth is, she won’t! She is a politician bluffing to those Bikini Bottom pastors, who like Patrick are foolish enough to believe Spongebob Squarepants has the mental acuity to operate the boat. Sadly, there are enough votes to elect such a gruesome, Machiavellian, soulless and visionless leader–the end is predictable–a very big disaster awaits us; more and more money in their pockets, and an overwhelming economic crisis.
And with countless Bikini Bottom pastors like Rev. Sumaili around, they will dine like saints, say grace on golden tables, while masses die from hunger and curable diseases as pastors sing “Kumbaya,” in the name of a “Christian Heritage” and “covenant with God”.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has finally completed the printing of all election ballot papers for use in this years’ August 12, 2021 presidential and general elections.
ECZ Senior Electoral Officer Anne Nkaka announced today during a briefing in Dubai, that the status of printing of ballot papers of all the four- election types is now complete.
Ms Nkaka confirmed that all the four election categories namely presidential, mayoral and council chairperson, national assembly and local government that had outstanding ballot paper to be printed are now done and ready to be transported.
And also Speaking during the same briefing, ECZ Commissioner Ali Simwinga stated that the printer had performed the works to the expectation of the commission and is pleased that the printing process phase has finally come to its conclusion.
He said the printer company has since started packing the ballot papers in readiness for transportation with the first consignment expected to be airlifted to Zambia by the end of July 2021.
The commissioner said ECZ had no doubts that the exercise would be accomplished by the service provider and that stakeholders were able to attest to the process.
ZANIS reports that Ambassador Simwinga also announced the arrival of a four member delegation from the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), led by Father Emmanuel Chikoya.
Ambassador Simwinga thanked the 10 stakeholders who have joined the team for monitoring the printing process.
He urged all stakeholders and Zambians to support and own the electoral process for the good of the country.
Meanwhile various political party representatives in Dubai have commended the printing process of the ballot papers till the completion.
Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy National Chairperson Davis Chama said the party is happy that the printing company has done its work within the time frame set by ECZ.
Mr Chama, who arrived in Dubai on June 28, 2021 described the process as a marathon and urged respective political players to do their part by campaigning so that Zambians vote in the August 12 general elections.
And UPND party representative Richard Njolomba said whilst the printing process was now complete, the opposition party is looking forward to ensuring that, what is listed by the printer is what will reach polling stations in Zambia.
Mr Njolomboa stated that his party will closely monitor the distribution of election materials so that it is in line with what will be packed from Dubai to Zambia.
The printing of the elections ballot papers commenced on July 3rd 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company, which was awarded the sum of 3. 6 million United States dollars by the ECZ.
The printing process is expected to come to its conclusion by the end of July next week once the printer packs the ballot papers, and transported to Zambia.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Charity Katanga says the police service is consolidating the deployment process of police officers ahead of the August 12 general elections. Ms Katanga says the deployment process is being tailored to adequately respond to the increased number of polling stations that have now increased to 12, 152.
The Deputy IG said the increment from the 2016 numbers has been brought about by the turning of certain streams into polling stations by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
She was speaking in Chipata when she paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Josphat Lombe.
“We need more manpower compared to last time, so that we respond to the current demand. And that’s what we are finalising on,” she said.
The Deputy IG said the tailored process will ensure enough manpower is assigned to man the entire election process, as well as unforeseen circumstances.
She added that her officers in the province are closely working with other security wings to ensure law and order is maintained.
“I have been briefed on the situation in the province, and it is fair. Emphasis is being laid on ongoing collaborations with other security wings,” she added.
The Deputy IG said during her visit to the province, she will feature on local radio stations and conduct patrols to get first-hand information on what is obtaining on the ground during this campaign period.
“I will also visit Lundazi to check on the security situation following some pockets of violence that have been recorded in the district,” she said.
And the Acting Permanent Secretary has commended men and women in uniform for maintaining law and order in the province
He said the recorded spates of violence in Lundazi were successfully contained.
Mr Lombe informed Ms Katanga that the police have been conducting themselves in a professional manner to maintain public confidence in the service, as he has been urging everyone to get involved in maintaining law and order by reporting any suspicious activities so that the police can move in.
“We need to view the police as non-partisan and professionals because they have managed to operate professionally. Our men and women in uniform are doing a great job. As such, I want to call on the community members their part,” he said.
The Mbala Immigration Office has secured the conviction of a Zambian Businessman for the offence of aiding and abetting illegal immigrants contrary to section 46(1) (a) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.
Victor Muliba aged 20 of Chazanga Compound in Lusaka on 24th March, 2021 in Mbala knowingly aided and abetted two Burundian illegal immigrants by facilitating their movements from Lusaka to Mbala with the purpose of exiting the country through Zombie Border.
Immigration Department, Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka indicates in a statement that Muliba was apprehended on 10th July, 2021 together with the Burundian illegal immigrants aboard a Zombe Border-bound Toyota Noah Vehicle after it was discovered that the Burundians were holding expired passports.
“It was later discovered that the Burundians realising that their passports had expired paid Victor Muliba a sum of K 3,500 to facilitate their smooth exit from the country,” he stated.
He added that Muliba appeared before the Magistrate Court in Mbala on 21st July, 2021 and was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of K 60,000 or in default 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.
“The two Burundians were convicted and each sentenced to pay a fine of K 250. They have since been removed from the country after paying the fines,” Mr. Nshinka said.
Meanwhile, the Livingstone Regional Immigration Office has also secured the conviction of an Italian National, Canton Stefano aged 55 for engaging in Employment without a Permit contrary to section 54 as read with 56 (1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No.18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr Nshinka explained that Stefano was apprehended on 13th July, 2021 at Da Canton Investment during a routine patrol after it was discovered that he was holding an Investors Permit under Zambezi Source Lodge Limited which had expired on 19th December, 2020 with no attempts to have it renewed.
He added that the suspect appeared before the Magistrate Court on 22nd July, 2021 and was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of K 7,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment.
“This brings the number of convictions secured by the Department between 21st and 22nd July, 2021 to ten,” Mr Shinka noted.
In another development, the Immigration Office at Katima-Mulilo Border Control is in receipt of ten Zambians from Namibia.
Mr Nshinka highlighted that of the ten , five were removed for unlawful entry while four for illegal fishing.
He added that two other Zambians were also received by officers at Sakania Border Control after they were removed from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for entering that country illegally.
“This brings the total number of Zambians removed from Namibia and the DRC to 31 in just five days.
Mr Nshinka further indicated that the Department of Immigration between 21st and 22nd July, 2021 apprehended 33 persons of different nationalities for various immigration offences country-wide.
“During this same period the Department also removed 36 illegal immigrants from the country,” he said.
He stated that the hefty sentence of the 20 year old Zambian for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants should serve as a timely warning to Zambian citizens and residents who are in the habit of aiding, abetting and harbouring illegal immigrants.
Mr Nshinka has advised that anyone wishing to engage a foreign national in any occupation or business must first ascertain their immigration status to avoid being sanctioned by the Department of Immigration.
“The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of up to K 150,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both. We further wish to advise Zambians wishing to travel to any country to ensure that they have the pre-requisite documents to enter and remain in that country and abide by all the laws of that country to avoid being arrested, prosecuted or even deported,” he noted.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba says the debt swap exercise is cost neutral to government because it will not be an added cost to government business.
Speaking when he visited the Payroll Management and Establishment Control (PMEC) Mr Yamba said the exercise of debt swap is a way of payment of arrears owed to public workers in form of leave travel benefits, salary arrears and other fringe benefits.
Mr Yamba said the benefits are part of civil servant conditions of service that have not been settled by government, despite being earned, resulting into arrears owed to them.
He also noted that debt swap is a program where government pays what the civil servants owe to the banks only to the extent that the workers are owing government.
Mr Yamba further stated that the reconciliation will take a maximum of 3 months, after which the actual amounts involved will be ascertained.
“The actual amounts involved in the exercise are yet to be determined as the reconciliation exercise is still on-going,” he said.
“The exercise will be cost neutral to Government as the amounts will be offset against what the government is owing civil servants,”.
He added that the exercise is cost neutral to government and is not an entirely new concept, because government has undertaken such transactions with utility companies and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
He said the only difference now is that rather than swapping with companies, this exercise is focused on individuals but still remains in line with the debt dismantling strategy.
“The amounts for payment of arrears are already budgeted for and it has been the advice of multilateral institutions that government should reduce on accruing arrears,” he said.
“This then is just one way of liquidating what is owed to employees of the government,”.
Mr Yamba also took the opportunity to demonstrate how the debt-swap initiative has been effected and to illustrate resultant increase in take-home salaries, in many cases.
And Permanent Secretary Public Service Management Division (PSMD) Boniface Chimbwali confirmed that the debt-swap initiative has been implemented for the July 2021 salaries to be paid next week.
The Secretary to the the Treasury, was accompanied by Accountant General Mr Kennedy Musonda,Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Amos Malupenga and Permanent Secretary Public Service Management Division (PSMD) Boniface Chimbwali during his visit to PMEC.
Meanwhile Representatives from various Civil Service Trade Unions were part of the entourage to PMEC
President Edgar Lungu has commissioned the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower from the total 750 megawatts. The Head of State said that the commissioning of the turbine will significantly contribute to the improvement of power generation in the country, adding that the investment in the energy sector by his administration has made Zambia to be energy secure.
Speaking when commissioned the turbine today, President Lungu said that Zambia will never be the same in terms of power generation.
The president said that after taking over Government in 2011, the country only generated about 1900 megawatts but now about 3200 megawatts is being generated.
“Upon forming Government in 2011, my Government identified the need to invest in the energy infrastructure. We have made tough decisions to improve many sectors of our economy, such as energy.
“Therefore, the commissioning of the first turbine is a clear testimony that the country is energy secure,” the Head of State said, before adding that it must be put on record that the development has been accomplished under global challenges, Covid 19.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie
President Lungu said that He however says the achievement in the energy sector has increased power export prospects. The Head of State also said that improvement in power generation has enhanced mining operations and agriculture activities.
Speaking at the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie says China will continue to be a all weather friend to Zambia. The Ambassador said that as China a world-developed country want to see to it that Zambia’s welfare improves significantly, adding that China want to ensure Zambia raise to greater heights for the good of the people.
Zesco Managing Director Victor Mundenda
Meanwhile Chieftainess Nkomesha II says with this development load shedding will come to an end and that the challenges which the country has been facing in the energy sector will be no more.
And Zesco Managing Director Victor Mundenda said that the investment in the energy sector by the PF Government under the leadership of President Dr Lungu will enable the economy to grow.
He says energy is cardinal to the running of the economy.
Below is the President’s Full Speech
President Edgar Lungu commissioning the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower
I would like to start by reminding all of us that on 7th July 2021, we laid to rest a visionary, our founding father Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, who laid the foundation upon which this country is built.
His government built the Kariba north bank power station, and the Kafue gorge upper station to boost power generation in our country.
It is, therefore, fitting that we celebrate his life by continuing on the trajectory of development that he and his colleagues envisioned. We ought to continue on the legacy of our founding fathers by leaving an indelible mark on our country’s history of power generation as we deliver the 150 megawatts Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-electric power station to the people of Zambia. Whether you like it or not Dr. Kaunda left an indelible mark on the Kariba north bank power station, and Edgar Chagwa Lungu is leaving an indelible mark here today.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Upon forming government, my administration identified the need to invest in infrastructure, and we have continued to identify and aggressively implement projects which will lead to more inclusive economic growth.
We in pf government have made tough but necessary decisions to unblock the challenges brought about by inadequate infrastructure in many sectors of our economy.
President Edgar Lungu commissioning the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is no secret that my government continues to invest in roads, clinics and hospitals, airports, and power infrastructure such as the one we are witnessing today. We in pf firmly believe that infrastructure development is critical to opening up development for the entire country.
The economic gains that will accrue from these investments will no doubt benefit our country and outlive not just the current hurdles but will benefit all of us who are present here.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our country has, over the years, seen increased demand for electricity to power activities. Demand has been in various sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, industries, education, healthcare services, and indeed our homes. The growth on demand for power has necessitated accelerated investments in power generation and transmission infrastructure.
It is not a secret from 1977 to 2011 that investments in power generation did not grow proportionately with increased demand.
The PF government, therefore, upon taking power in 2011 embarked on investing in robust power generation, transmission and distribution projects.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s commissioning of the first unit of the flagship Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-electric power project, is testimony to our commitment and resilience in ensuring that the country’s electricity needs are secured and meet our needs today and the future.
President Edgar Lungu commissioning the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower
Ladies and gentlemen,
This investment has been accomplished amidst financial and global health challenges, especially the covid-19 pandemic.
The commissioning of this power station today, demonstrates our resolve as we stand determined against cynicism to put this country firmly on an energy secure footing.
This investment has not only been in electricity generation projects but also in transmission and distribution projects.
My government’s commitment to harnessing the country’s comparative advantage to generate, transmit and distribute power to citizens is meant to achieve our mantra of not leaving anyone behind.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This government has overcome so many challenges and achieved so much in the electricity sector.
In less than seven years my government has introduced an additional 1,350 megawatts of power generation to the national electricity. Today as I speak we have a total national installed capacity of 3,250 megawatts. This is an increase of more than seventy percent from the previous installed national capacity of approximately 1,900 megawatts.
President Edgar Lungu commissioning the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower
Ladies and gentlemen,
My government has undertaken the following developmental projects:
1) The new Lunzua power station was upgraded from 0.75 megawatts to 14.8 megawatts in 2015 this was meant to improve the quality of power supply to people in Mbala, Mpulungu, Nkamba, Kasaba bay and surrounding areas. With the new Lunzua power station and the proximity to the Sumbawanga export line, we have increased export prospects to our neighbouring sister republic of Tanzania.
2) The 120 megawatts itezhi-tezhi hydro-electric power station was commissioned in March, 2016. This plant came at a critical time when the country was faced with a devastating climate-induced power deficit, which lasted from 2014 to mid-2017.
3) I can give an example of the Musonda falls hydropower station located in Mansa district which was upgraded and uprated from 5 MW to 10 MW to support a growing base of diverse investments in fish farming, agriculture, and mining amongst others.
4) There is also the new 15mw Lusiwasi upper hydropower station constructed near serenje in central province which is almost ready for commissioning. Because of that serenje and surrounding areas have seen increased activities in agriculture and mining in recent years.
There is also soon to come the Lusiwasi lower power hydro station. This is a mini- hydro power station of 6mw capacity which was constructed in 1974 and will be increased to 86 megawatts.
5) In 2014, the pf government also commissioned the Kariba North bank extension power station, which brought in an extra 360 megawatts into the national grid. This represented the largest injection of power into the Zambian power grid since the construction of the last major power station.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In collaboration with the world bank, my government has since commenced the promotion of the construction of two renewable solar plants in the Lusaka multi-facility economic zone at a combined capacity of 82 megawatts of power. This will add renewable solar in line with our vision to diversify the generation of power to mitigate climatic challenges.
In addition, the german sponsored get fit project will produce 200 megawatts of solar power.
My government is also supporting a 600 megawatts renewable solar project, a public-private partnership (PPP) between ZESCO and power China.
President Edgar Lungu commissioning the first 150 megawatts turbine at Kafue Gorge Lower
Ladies and gentlemen,
Northern, Eastern and Muchinga provinces, had sufferred unreliable electricity supply before we formed the government. Citizens in these areas complained of constant low voltage, especially during peak hours.
From 2016, my government invested in a massive transmission line upgrade from 66 kilo volts to 330 kilo volts. This has since changed the lives of the people in those provinces.
In 2017, my government worked in collaboration with the German government, to complete a major project which connected the districts of Mwinilunga, Kabompo, Mumbezhi, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Chavuma, Mushindamo, and Lukulu (in the western province) to the national grid.
Countrymen and women,
Previously, the entire northwestern province apart from Solwezi and Kasempa were supplied by small diesel generators. We in pf have since connected western and north western province to the national grid.
My government has connected Nalolo, Sikongo, Lwampa, Luangwa, Chitambo, Lusingazi, and Rufunsadistrict to the national grid.
Also connected to the national grid areLufwanyama, Msanzala, Chasefu, Chipangali, Mpika Kanchibiya area, Monze North, Muzuma-Kozo, Kasamato Kachumu, Mporokoso to Mbereshi, Mufumbwe to Kabompo and Chavuma, Zambezi, Mwinilunga, and Ikelenge.
In addition, my government has invested in the Chama-Lundazi transmission infrastructure to connect the two districts as a matter of urgency as you know previously we used to get power for these districts from Malawi.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Before, I conclude I wish to recognize the significant contribution by the Chinese government on this project. China is an all-weather friend to Zambia. China does not put conditions on our friendship.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me end by stating that I am proud to be president of Zambia and a torchbearer of outstanding investments in the energy sector aimed at making the lives of our people better. We wouldn’t have been here today without your support to my government and ZESCO.
The legacy of our investments in the energy sector will continue to glitter in Zambia and within the entire southern African region. Therefore, continue supporting our investments in the energy sector and together we shall transform this country into an electricity hub of the region.
It is now my singular honor and privilege to commission the first unit of the Kafue Gorge Lower hydro-power station, here in the Chikankata district.
I thank you, and God bless you all
And our great republic of Zambia.
The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has revealed that works on the construction of sub-stations under the Lusaka Transmission Distribution Rehabilitation Project have reached 90 percent.
ZESCO Senior Manager Corporate Affairs Officer John Kunda disclosed that work on most of the substations are complete and that the Corporation has been re-aligning the lines to complete the works fully.
Dr Kunda stated that once the sub-stations are completed, citizens will have a consistent and stable supply of power.
Dr. Kunda was speaking on the Hot FM breakfast show where he stated that the project has been funded by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at a cost of 246 million United States dollars.
Dr Kunda noted the current power outages the city has been experiencing are partly from the project underway as well as maintenance works being implemented.
He said the country is no longer experiencing load shedding as power generation is currently at full capacity.
“There is no longer load shedding in the country. What you see is power interruptions due to scheduled maintenance works. There are certain areas that have experienced consistent maintenance works such as Avondale, Chalala, Thorn Park, Ibex, First Street, and Roma among others because there are serious works,” he said.
He has however warned citizens to stop vandalizing power distribution line as that will disrupt power supply to the citizens
Dr Kunda further stated that President Edgar Lungu is today expected to commission the Kafue Lower Hydro power station which will increase power supply.
“We are very grateful that that President Edgar Lungu will fire the first 150 megawatts of power at the Kafue Gorge Lower hydro power station. This is a flagship project for ZESCO and we are very proud. It is a 2.3 billion with 2 measure components, 5 generating units each generating 150 watts and we are firing one,” he explained.
And President Lungu also revealed on his Facebook page that he is today set to commission the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station.
The President wrote that the project cost 2.3 billion United States dollars and has employed 4,000 Zambians who have worked alongside 578 Chinese expatriates.
The Head of State said the high level of expertise exhibited at the project, has empowered the local workers with new technical skills.
President Lungu also added that among beneficiaries of the skills transfer during the project are students from the local institutions of higher learning.
President Lungu further said the cluster of human resource will benefit the nation in future projects.
“Another cluster of beneficiaries of the project are the local suppliers and contractors who were engaged to provide various materials and services. Among these were vendors around the project site and other daily essentials to the workers,” he wrote.
The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia have welcomed the arrival of more COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
The Association is optimistic that the 151, 200 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine which arrived in the country yesterday will reach the remaining citizens around the country.
Association President Brian Sampa appealed for the rolling out of the vaccines to other district in order to have a variety to be selected from.
“We welcome the Johnson and Johnson vaccine and we hope it is rolled out to all parts of the country so that everyone has a chance to get the vaccine,” said Sampa.
Dr. Sampa has since urged citizens not to follow the myths that are being spread towards the various vaccines that have been brought into the country.
And University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Head of Department for Internal Medicine Edford Sinkala has also welcomed the Johnson and Johnson Vaccine that has been received in the country.
“Let every citizen get vaccinated against the pandemic and ensure they follow all the regulations given by the Ministry of Health even after getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Sinkala
Dr. Sinkala has since urged health workers to be professional in their work by encouraging and sensitizing citizens on the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccinations.
Government has paid over one million kwacha as compensation to 126 families who were affected by the mine blast in Kitwe’s Nkana west on the Copperbelt province.
Provincial Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe confirmed the development at a handing over ceremony in Kitwe district.
The compensation follows continuous mine explosions at copper mine slag site commonly known as Black Mountain in Kitwe district which resulted in nearby residential houses getting damaged three years ago.
Mr Nundwe explained that the development attracted the attention of President Edgar Lungu’ who had earlier visited the victims and directed that all the affected families be compensated by government.
Mr Nundwe also advised the beneficiary to use their money wisely by renovating their cracked properties.
Meanwhile beneficiaries have thanked President Lungu for fulfilling his promise to them.
Fostina Chewe said she was proud of the President for making a mere political promise into reality.
And Sampa Chisanga wished the President more life for exhibiting extraordinary care to the people.
A consortium of Political parties and Civil Society organization has commended President Edgar Lungu for the debt swap meant to relief civil servants in debt from various financial institutions.
Zambian DNA Spokesperson Spuki Mulemwa said the debt swap will ease financial pressure of public service workers and ultimately benefit the private sector by increasing the availability of financial resources to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He said the debt swap is another measure by the state to cushion the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the public service workers, SMEs and the Zambian Economy.
Mr Mulemwa told ZANIS in an interview that deductions from civil servants have adversely affected their productivity and service delivery.
“Since the breakout of the COVID-19, government has implemented such measures of easing liquidity in the economy, which includes among others, paying off retirees and provision of COVID-19 stimulus packages,” said Mr Mulemwa.
The consortium has also saluted President Lungu for being consistent in implementing pro-poor policies since they took over government in 2011.
“It’s worth noting that the PF Government under the able leadership of President Lungu is the first ever in the Zambian history to have demonstrated a tacit commitment to improve civil servants and the general citizenry’s welfare by introducing the inaugural civil servants debt swap in an effort to rescue civil servants from the shackles of debt-trap that gobbles a large chunk of their income,” he said.
Mr Mulemwa further suggested an extension of the debt swap to be extended to the private sector workers.
This is a quote from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet (Act III, Scene II). Hamlet and his mother, Queen Gertrude are watching a play. In the play, the character of queen is trying very hard to convince that if her husband died she would never marry again because she loves him too much. While watching this, Hamlet asks his mother what he thinks of the play. The mother replies, ‘The lady doth protest too much, me thinks.’
We can easily misunderstand what she means because we do not use the word ‘protest’ today in the same way they did in Wm Shakespeare’s day. What she is talking about is that the character in the play is making too much effort to try to be convincing so that she is coming out as being insincere. In our day, it would be like a person who is trying too hard to convince someone saying ‘Napali a mama ku Chingwere!’ (I swear upon my dead mother buried in Chingwere cemetery!).
This is what I feel is happening in this election campaign period when it comes to the Patriotic Front message. They have gone out all guns blazing to try and convince the Zambian people that all is not so bad but hunky-dory. The pain that the Zambian people may be feeling is not real, it is a phantom pain. Let me explain what a phantom pain is. People whose limbs have been amputated can feel pain in the absent foot. It is a most extraordinary and distressing condition. Sometimes, they even feel an itch but cannot scratch because there is no limb to scratch!
The PF party politicians are telling Zambians that prices are not higher than they have ever been, they are lower if you look with prescription glasses. If the prices are higher, well, it is because they are higher everywhere else in the world. It is Covid 19 ‘stupid.’ What Zambians should be doing is to look at the roads, the fly-over bridges, the roundabouts, the all singing and all dancing ‘state-of-the art hospitals, the schools, the universities, the spanking new houses for service personnel. If bread is expensive, switch to kandolo. What about expensive toilet paper? What do you switch to?
The infrastructure is visible and not invisible. Even visiting former heads of state who had not been to Zambia for ages were impressed. The change of the urban built environment is palpable! But, why isn’t this infrastructure campaigning for them? Is there is something that is drowning the voice so that it cannot be heard? Could it be the sound of grumbling of empty stomachs? Could it be the din of screams from hospital beds where there is no medicines? Could it be the wailing of mourners burying their prematurely dead relatives?
The tired combatants that we heard in 2016 have re-oiled their rusty armour and have been re-conscripted into the Home Guard. Suddenly, the people who were ready to jump on throats and even go to prison for saying what they said for many years are now saying that they were lying to Zambians. It is only now that they are telling the truth when there is no prison for them but just amanone to come.
The message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was credible because people were ready to and did, die for it. If there was a promise of good things in the Roman empire such as a seat in the Senate of Rome if they spread the resurrection news, who would have believed the apostles? A witness who will benefit from his testimony in a court of law cannot be taken seriously. Are the Zambian people going to stomach more apologies in 2026?
The ruling party campaigners are trying too hard to be convincing. They come out as being insincere. Is anyone listening?
