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The Kazungula Bridge Project is nearing completion

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The Kazungula Bridge Project is nearing completion

The Kazungula Bridge Project is nearing completion and expected to be handed over to the governments of Zambia and Botswana.

Works on the bilateral project between the Zambia – Botswana border have advanced to 98% completion stage with a safety record of 8 million hours free of injuries.

Meanwhile, consultations are underway to establish the Kazungula Bridge Management Authority.

Speaking when Zambia’s High Commissioner to Botswana Mr. Mwansa Kapeya inspected progression on site, co-project managers Godfrey Songeya (Zambia) and Pious Seone (Botswana) explained bilateral instruments and agreements were being formulated to operationalize the bridge after hand over to the two governments.

The Project Managers further revealed the procurement process to install fittings and furnish the One Stop Border Facilities was underway.

The duo informed the visiting Zambian envoy of the project defect liability period that will run for 2 years on the bridge – the contractor will be accountable for any defects incurred on the facility in the first 24 months of operations.

The Kazungula Bridge is a 923 meter long bilateral initiative by Zambia and Botswana at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers.

At its completion, the hallmark facility is expected to ease trade by significantly reducing time in transit across the borders and expand access through most land-linked SADC member states.

And Mr. Kapeya says government is impressed with the quality of the on going works on the bridge. He said the Zambian government is committed in ensuring the completion of the project was achieved in the set time to promote trade and investments between the two countries.

Officially launched in 2014, the $259.3 million project is co-financed by the governments of Botswana and Zambia with support from the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

I experienced fatigue, began to cough and temperate went up

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I experienced fatigue, began to cough and temperate went up

By Miles Sampa, City of Lusaka Mayor

On Saturday, I experienced fatigue, began to cough and temperate went up.

I was immediately admitted into a hospital where by day 2 they had reasons to suspect I had contracted Corona virus. Suddenly I could not recognize the Doctors or Nurses as they now were visiting my room all geared up in face masks, gloves, googles etc. My sister bringing food was turned away. I was like “mmmm..yabija makani”

Ministry of Health (MOH) was alerted and their Covid 19 machinery moved into action instantly. They arrived in full amour gear and swabbed me deep through nose and took samples. Results next 24hrs.

Yes I was anxious. What if? And more so at our vulnerable old age. How many people did I meet last 2 weeks I asked myself. I remembered the Chawama Disabled group of 20, Kanyama Disabled group of 20, House of Moses Opharnage with about 43 babies, several journalist (about 20) at a press briefing and ofcourse I had that morning interview at HOT FM studios where I sat next to Kings and other 3 station hosts, had 2 SML interviews, met nearly all Councillors in that time, all my office and home support staff. I had also visited my old mother and my 2 sisters in Chelstone. I had also visited Minister Prof Luo at her home with Madalisto Kamanga on Friday morning.

This was my main worry. The back linkage matrix exposure of atleast 150 people that would have needed to be followed up by MOH.

Alas Professor Mulenga from MOH walked into my ward 2 nights ago and said “Your Corona Swab results are out and indicated Negative”.

“Wow: God is Great..” I said

It turns out I had some chest infection which has since been somewhat treated. I have been discharged officially from hospital this morning.

Many thanks to the hardworking MOH officials, UTH CEO Dr Makupe that visited me, all the Doctors at Medlands hospital that attended to me and indeed all the Nurses who looked after me day and night.

I need to manage my exposure so says my Doctors.

I feel better and back home recuperating.

Stay safe and protect yourself from Covid 19.

Stop Harassing Journalists by Summoning them to Police Stations on Flimsy Accusations

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Stop Harassing Journalists by Summoning them to Police Stations on Flimsy Accusations

The Media Liaison Committee is calling on the Zambia Police Service to stop harassing journalists by summoning them to police stations on flimsy accusations.

On Monday this week, Lusaka based journalist JaJah Coulibaly was summoned to report himself to Kabwe Police in Central Province on a charge of defamation but on arrival at Kabwe Central Police station, a warn and caution statement was recorded from him even after it emerged that police had nothing to link the journalist to the case in question.

Media Liaison Committee Chairperson Enock Ngoma says it was established that the purported defamation story which was carried online, was authored by someone else whose name was even on the story and police only asked Mr Coulibaly if he had given any information to the author of the said story.

Mr Ngoma has advised the Government, through Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya to recognise that hostility towards the media in Zambia is on the increase and this has steadily reduced journalists’ freedoms and suffocated their working space.

Mr Ngoma says the latest case involving Mr Coulibaly is a clear indication on how the State is using the Police to clamp down on the media.

He has called for the immediate stop for the police to be used to witch-hunt in the media industry making journalists targets of unfounded suspicion and making us doubt the proclaimed professionalism in the Zambia Police Service.

Mr Ngoma said Mr Coulibaly travelled to Kabwe at a high cost.

“We believe Honourable Siliya can do a bit better to help bring sanity and help protect the journalist who has now become endangered species in Zambia by liaising with her counterparts in relevant Government Ministries to ensure the operating environment for the journalist is conducive”, he added.

He has appealed to the Inspector General of police and his rank and file to work towards protecting the journalist rather than harass the scribes in their line of duty.

Mr Ngoma has however urged media practitioners to continue being brave and courageous in giving coverage to all Zambians in their pursuit of duty as long as they are professional and ethical in their reporting.

“We further note that we are coming from a background where operating licences for private broadcasting stations have frequently been suspended or withdrawn because Government has disagreed with certain broadcasts, as evidenced by the recent closure of Prime Television for reasons that could have been dealt with amicably. Political party thugs have on many occasions stormed media houses damaging equipment and harassing media personnel for no apparent reason other than featuring opposition politicians on programmes”, Mr Ngoma has said.

He expressed hope that Ms Siliya who herself has a media background, will appreciate this increasingly unhealthy scenario and act to meaningfully enhance the media environment in Zambia than allowing security wings to keep harassing the media.

Poacher sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for illegal possession of Elephant Ivory

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Poacher sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for illegal possession of Elephant Ivory

The Chama Subordinate Court has sentenced a poacher to seven years imprisonment for illegal possession of elephant ivory weighing 10 kilograms.

Lovemore Nkhowani, 60, a former wildlife police officer, turned into a notorious elephant poacher nicknamed Mbanje, was charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, that is elephant ivory, contrary to section 130(1) of the Zambia wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.

Officers of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife arrested Nkhowani on 26 May 2020.

The ivory is suspected to have been illegally harvested from an elephant poached in West Musalangu Game Management Area.

In sentencing him the court told the suspect that as someone who was once a wildlife police officer under the department, he should have known the importance of conserving wildlife.

The court reminded Nkhowani that his duty was to protect wildlife and educate his community on the importance of conservation rather than to engage in poaching.

The court also stated that it hoped the punishment handed to Nkhowani would deter other officers from committing similar offences.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by Ministry of Tourism and Arts spokesperson Sakabilo Kalembwe.

Electoral Commission of Zambia will be adequately funded-Justice Chulu

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Electoral Commission of Zambia will be adequately funded-Justice Chulu

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has assured stakeholders that as it prepares to start registration of voters between October and November, 2020 it will continue to engage the Treasury to ensure that adequate funds are made available in time for this important national exercise.

Commission Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu has also reiterated that the Commission has no mandate to postpone a General Election as the date is now enshrined in the Republican Constitution.

“Article 56 (1) states as follows: “A general election shall be held every five years after the last general election, on the second Thursday of August”. In this case, the 2021 General Elections will be on the Thursday 12th August”, said Justice Chulu.

Officially opening the ECZ/Political parties’ liaison committee meeting held on Tuesday 16th June, 2020 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Justice Chulu said the Commission is, therefore, mindful about the above date and will guarantee that all preparations are made in time for the General Elections next year.

He reminded those that wish to contest the 2021 General Elections to ensure that they start preparing their documentation in good time to avoid rushing at the last minute.

Justice Chulu also said that the appointment of an Electoral Group of Eminent Persons is in line with the Electoral Commission Act number 25 of 2016.

He said the Electoral Group of Eminent Persons is a body made up of highly regarded individuals in Zambia who will act as an esteemed observatory and advisory body to, and on behalf of, the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Justice Chulu said the EGEP’s aim is to observe the countries electoral processes and provide an independent public opinion as and when need be.

He said the group will further undertake an examination of options for reform in order to bring the Electoral Commission and the country’s electoral process into a stronger and more effective institution and process respectively.

Ministry of Health Denies Awarding a $17 million Contract for the supply of Health Center Kits

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Ministry of Health Denies Awarding a $17 million Contract for the supply of Health Center Kits

The Ministry of Health has denied awarding a US$17 million contract for the supply of health center kits to a company called Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which did not exist.

Ministry spokesman Dr Abel Kabalo says the Ministry has noted with deep concern news alleging that Government through the Ministry of Health, last year awarded a USD17 million contract for the supply of health center kits to a company called Honey Bee Pharmacy Limited, which did not exist.

Dr Kabalo says in order to avert a stock out that would follow the cessation of supply by a longstanding supplier, the Ministry of Health, opted to engage other players in the pharmaceutical market for the supply and delivery of Health Centre Kits as a stop gap measure.

He has explained that ten entities participated in the tender which was subject to the requisite stringent legal and administrative processes in line with the Public Procurement Act.

Dr Kabalo said following the requisite administrative process, Honey Bee Pharmacy was duly awarded the contract together with two other entities however, when it came to conveyancing of the contract for Honey Bee Pharmacy in particular, the term “Limited” was erroneously added.

He said as per legal guidance, the appropriate entity awarded the contract remains Honey Bee Pharmacy as all the statutory documents in support of the bid such as certificates of registration, ZRA certificates and ZAMRA registration correctly bore the appellation “Honey Bee Pharmacy” (Without “Limited”).

Dr Kabalo said the contract to Honey Bee Pharmacy and two other entities was given the necessary administrative and legal approvals prior to award.

He said it is critical to note that there has been NO financial or material loss on the part of Government, as the terms of the contract are that Honey Bee Pharmacy and the 2 other entities that have been awarded, use their own funds to source the Health kits before they are paid.

Dr Kabalo said as all the awarded entities are yet to deliver, none have therefore been paid to date.

“Although the slip whereby the word “limited” was erroneously added, is a common phenomenon that from time to time universally occurs in the transcription of documents, the Ministry of Health holding itself to a high standard, deeply regrets the clerical error and will ensure such a slip does not recur”, he added.

Dr Kabalo said the tender was awarded to Honey Bee Pharmacy – an entity that existed at the time the tender process took place.

“However, the public can take comfort and rest in that the Ministry of Health remains committed to applying utmost fiduciary integrity in its stewardship of public resources, to galvanise our nation’s attainment of Universal Health Coverage”, he added.

Chabula: Nkwazi Will Be Ready To Spark On League Restart

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Zambia and Nkwazi striker Emmanuel Chabula has declared himself fit to play as soon as the disturbed 2019/20 season resumes.

FAZ has proposed to the Government that the league resume by July – four months after being halted by the outbreak of covid-19.

In a phone interview, Chabula said the league restart is long overdue.

“It will be nice to get back to the field of play. Resuming the league will be a nice idea,” Chabula said.

“We have missed a lot; we have missed out on action. People are crying that the league must start; they want to see us in action,” he said.

Chabula is itching for action.

“As for me and my club Nkwazi in particular we are very ready for the league. Coming to the fitness levels, yes I am very fit. I always train though I can’t be 100 percent fit but I am able to play,” he said.

Chabula’s side Nkwazi are fighting to avoid FAZ Super Division relegation.

“When we resume everything will get back to normal and we will be able to see the sparks.”

Commercialization of the 2021 Nominations And Elections

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Commercialization of the 2021 Nominations And Elections

By Guess Nyirenda

It is extremely concerning that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) through the Liaison Committee has proposed exorbitant nomination fees for the 2021 national elections.
If indeed it is true that the following fees i.e.: (Male Presidential – K150,000 from K60,000; Female or Disabled Presidential – K120,000 from K60,000; Male Member of Parliament – K25,000 from K7,500; Female or Disabled MP – K20,000; Male Mayoral – K25,000 from K7,500; Female or Disabled Mayoral – K20,000; Male Councillor – K2,500 from K750; Female or Disabled Councillor – K2,000 from K750) are proposals made by the ECZ, we at OYV would like to call upon the ECZ to immediately rescind this anomaly and attempt to vigorously commercialize the electoral process and elections in particular.

One would ask: Where in this picture are the Youth who are economically disempowered but are capable with outstanding leadership credentials from different walks of society?
This simply entails that the Youth are not considered for leadership as empowered by the laws that at 21 and 35 years they can offer themselves for leadership as Councillors, Council Chairpersons, Mayors, Members of Parliament and Presidential candidates respectively unless they have money. Just why should the ECZ champion the prohibition of Young people from participating in elections at the level of candidates through such exorbitant “Nomination Fees”? Why should young people be relegated to voters and/or king makers? This is unacceptable.

Furthermore and most importantly, we at OYV note with dismay that this practice of collecting “nomination fees” from candidates is neither concretely supported by the Republican Constitution anywhere and specifically in Article 52 nor Section 30 or any other part of the Electoral Process Act no. 35 of 2016. The aspect of “Nomination Fees” while it is given prominence in practice is not even articulated under the Section of interpretations of the Act. Further it is nowhere in the text/body. The only closest related matter mentioned is the “Election Fee” which is in Section 30 (1) (b), which also is only in relation to the Presidential Candidates and not any other election or candidate.

OYV is of the considered view that it would be helpful if the provisions either in the mother law and principle legislation or even in the regulations are articulated when coming up with any form of fees in the electoral process.
We appreciate the ECZ vision of being a model electoral management body that meets the aspiration of the Zambian people and the mission to effectively manage the electoral process to deliver credible elections.

However, the question is: Are these actions such as charging exorbitant “Nomination Fees” leading to achieving the said vision and mission?
We shall not accept a people’s institution articulating progressive issues in their strategic plan and practices the very opposite.
Why should the ECZ make leadership a preserve for the rich, the powerful and even the “corrupt”? Is this what it means to be a model electoral management body the meets the aspirations of the Zambian people?

As OYV, we therefore challenge the ECZ to help us understand where commercialization of our elections is coming from if it is not support by law and in the event that it is well backed by law, why are the young people who can offer the leadership that Zambians may be waiting for for redemption not considered to pay little or nothing as “Nomination Fees” as they are the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.

For and on Behalf of Operation Young Vote (OYV)
Executive Director

Boris Johnson suggests scrapping UK aid to Zambia

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Boris Johnson suggests scrapping UK aid to Zambia

UK Boris Johnson has questioned the wisdom of giving aid to Zambia and Tanzania because doing so does not help the UK in its geopolitical battle against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a statement to parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Johnson announced he would scrap the Department for International Development and hand its duties to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Announcing the merger of two government departments, the Prime Minister said it had been “right for their time” to set up the current arrangements back in 1997.

Mr Johnson said, there had been an “inherent risk” with the two separate departments, of “our left and right hands working independently”.

Mr. Johnson compared the aid money the UK gave to Zambia and Ukraine, and to Tanzania and a group of former Balkan states, adding no single independent department was “empowered to make sure whether they made sense or not”.

Mr. Johnson told MPs: “DFID outspends the Foreign Office more than four times over and yet no single decision-maker in either department is able to unite our efforts or take a comprehensive overview.

“We give as much aid to Zambia as we do to Ukraine, though the latter is vital for European security. We give ten times as much aid to Tanzania as we do to the six countries of the Western Balkans, who are acutely vulnerable to Russian meddling.”

“And, regardless of the merits of these decisions, no single department is currently empowered to judge whether they make sense or not: we tolerate an inherent risk of our left and right hands working independently.”

Charities and opposition parties accused him of “political vandalism” but Johnson said the decision would mean aid was handed out in a way that benefit’s the UK’s interests.

In Zambia and Tanzania, 60% and 36% of people live below the poverty line.

In Ukraine, this figure is just 3.8%.

In a 2002 Spectator article, Boris Johnson described Ugandans as “aids-ridden” people who can’t build their own bicyles and live in “stone age conditions “in mud huts.

He said that the UK should still be in charge of the country.

He has also called black people as “picaninnies” who have “watermelon smiles” and said that Barack Obama disliked the UK because of his Kenyan ancestry.

Mr. Johnson has been one of the targets of recent Black Lives Matter protests with demonstrators labelling him a racist.

High proposed Nomination fees will help rid the electoral process of mediocre people-Sean Tembo

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High proposed Nomination fees will help rid the electoral process of mediocre people-Sean Tembo

Leader of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress Sean Tembo has welcomed the proposal by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to revise upwards the nomination fees for candidates ahead of the 2021 elections.

Mr Tembo says the proposed fees will help rid the electoral process of mediocre people.

He said with the current fees, the Presidential ballot paper risk being a meter long and the proposed fees will help curtail this.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has proposed to revise upwards, nomination fees for candidates ahead of the 2021 General elections.

According to the proposed fees made available to the media, Male Presidential candidates will now be required to pay K150, 000 from K60, 000 while female Presidential Candidates and persons with disabilities will pay K120, 000 from K60, 000.

Male parliamentary candidates according to the proposal will be required to pay K25, 000 from K7, 500 with female candidates, youths and persons with disabilities expected to pay K20, 000 from K7, 500.

For Mayors, male candidates will pay K25, 000 from K7, 500 while female candidates, youths and persons with disabilities will pay K20, 000 from K7, 500.

At Council Chairperson Level, male Candidates will be required to pay K10, 000 from K2, 500 while Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will be required to pay K7, 500 from 2,500.

At the Ward Level the Commission is proposing a K2, 500 nomination fee for male candidates for City and Municipal Councils from K750 and K2, 500 for Town and District Councils from K400. The Commission is proposing that Women Youths and Persons with Disabilities should pay K2, 000 as nomination fee for City and Municipal Councils from K750 and K2, 000 for the same group for town and district councils.

According to ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu, a meeting will now be called with all stakeholders to deliberate on the proposal which if approved will see the Commission increase fees for the 2021 general elections.

PF says ECZ Revised Nomination Fees are too High

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PF says ECZ Revised Nomination Fees are too High

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) says it does not support the upward adjustment of nomination fees announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

“As a militant organisation of revolutionary peasants, workers and intellectuals that believes in equitable participation in the affairs of our nation by all citizens regardless of socio-economic status, the Patriotic Front wishes to register its strongest displeasure with the proposed upward revision of nomination fees as recently announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia,” says Secretary General Davies Mwila.

Mr Mwila said the proposed upward revision is not only elitist, but it would also be tantamount to the commercialisation of participation in democratic processes where the destiny of the majority “have nots” is hijacked by a minority “haves”.

“Patriotic Front remains committed to the participation and representation in democratic processes of youth, women and differently abled persons as a matter of right and not privilege. We support their proportional representation in Parliament as proposed under Bill 10, and we further call for lower nomination fees in order to maximize involvement of the youth, women and differently abled persons in running the affairs of the nation.”

He added, “In order to safeguard our country’s democracy, we call for downward adjustment instead. Zambia must not be put up for auction to the highest bidder.”

Nomination Fees
Nomination Fees

ECZ more than doubles the nomination fees for Politicians in the coming 2021 Elections

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ECZ more than doubles the nomination fees for Politicians in the coming 2021 Elections

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has proposed to revise upwards, nomination fees for candidates ahead of the 2021 General elections.

According to the proposed fees made available to the media, Male Presidential candidates will now be required to pay K150, 000 from K60, 000 while female Presidential Candidates and persons with disabilities will pay K120, 000 from K60, 000.

Male parliamentary candidates according to the proposal will be required to pay K25, 000 from K7, 500 with female candidates, youths and persons with disabilities expected to pay K20, 000 from K7, 500.

For Mayors, male candidates will now pay K25, 000 from K7, 500 while female candidates, youths and persons with disabilities will pay K20, 000 from K7, 500.

At Council Chairperson Level, male Candidates will be required to pay K10, 000 from K2, 500 while Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will be required to pay K7, 500 from 2,500.

At the Ward Level the Commission is proposing a K2, 500 nomination fee for male candidates for City and Municipal Councils from K750 and K2, 500 for Town and District Councils from K400. The Commission is proposing that Women Youths and Persons with Disabilities should pay K2, 000 as nomination fee for City and Municipal Councils from K750 and K2, 000 for the same group for town and district councils.

According to ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu, a meeting will now be called with all stakeholders to deliberate on the proposal which if approved will see the Commission increase fees for the 2021 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Commission has assured stakeholders that as it prepares to start registration of voters between October and November, 2020 it will continue to engage the Treasury to ensure that adequate funds are made available in time for this important national exercise.

Justice Chulu has also reiterated that the Commission has no mandate to postpone a General Election as the date is now enshrined in the Republican Constitution.

“Article 56 (1) states as follows: “A general election shall be held every five years after the last general election, on the second Thursday of August”. In this case, the 2021 General Elections will be on the Thursday 12th August”, said Justice Chulu.

Officially opening the ECZ/Political parties’ liaison committee meeting held on Tuesday 16th June, 2020 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Justice Chulu said the Commission is, therefore, mindful about the above date and will guarantee that all preparations are made in time for the General Elections next year.

He reminded those that wish to contest the 2021 General Elections to ensure that they start preparing their documentation in good time to avoid rushing at the last minute.

Justice Chulu also said that the appointment of an Electoral Group of Eminent Persons is in line with the Electoral Commission Act number 25 of 2016.

He said the Electoral Group of Eminent Persons is a body made up of highly regarded individuals in Zambia who will act as an esteemed observatory and advisory body to, and on behalf of, the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Justice Chulu said the EGEP’s aim is to observe the countries electoral processes and provide an independent public opinion as and when need be.

He said the group will further undertake an examination of options for reform in order to bring the Electoral Commission and the country’s electoral process into a stronger and more effective institution and process respectively.

Elizabeth Chitika writes to PF to complain about their continued destabilizing of MMD

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Elizabeth Chitika writes to PF to complain about their continued destabilizing of MMD

New Hope MMD National Secretary Elizabeth Chitika has written to the Patriotic Front complaining over what she has termed as continued destabilizing of the party.

The complaint follows the PF party meeting which was held in Serenje on or about 13th June 2020 at Malcolm Moffat Hall where two Movements for Multi-party Democracy estranged Members of Parliament were in attendance.

“In this meeting you said and I quote ‘Ba MMD twalisumina ukubomba nabo, and when we are working with them, let us feel proud, let us embrace them, ngabakaya kwi? Ba UPND babasekeko naifwe tulelwa nabo. No God doesn’t allow that”. end of quote”

“We write this letter to you and your party with a heavy heart following your continued destabilization of our Party”, said Mrs Chitika in a letter addressed to PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri dated 16th June 2020.

She has questioned Mrs Phiri how many times the MMD will remind the PF to stop causing confusion in the former ruling party.

Mrs Chitika said the MMD has written letters to PF President Edgar Lungu and Secretary General Davies Mwila and have attached a copy of the November 5th judgment but the PF have continued behaving like nothing has happened.

“Which MMD have you agreed to work with? Or which MMD are you working with? If you want individuals MPs from MMD you have every right to take them if the two MPs will make you win elections”, she has questioned.

Mrs Chitika has asked the PF to stop referring or mentioning the MMD because they are not in any working alliance with your Party.

“The fact that you do not respect the law, and there is no rule of law in your vocabulary, this is the more reason you have problems in your party. You went to Serenje to defend your party from people you have expelled and are saying they shall attend your convention. Why are you so quick to condemn them when you sponsored individuals to convene an illegal convention when you were aware those individuals were expelled from our Party and you continued to call them MMD for three years and worked with them in your government to date”, added Mrs Chitika.

“How would you feel if we continued addressing KBF as a bonafide PF member and aspiring PF Presidential candidate even when we know he is not in good standing with your Party”, she said.

Mrs Chitika said what is good to PF should also be good to their neighbor otherwise KARMA shall not miss their address in Lumumba road.

“With this said, we wish to put it in writing in case you have forgotten, we are not in any working alliance with your Party and you should desist from ever saying so publicly and privately”, she said.

Regazetting Bill 10 is unprocedural-LAZ

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Regazetting Bill 10 is unprocedural-LAZ

The Law Association of Zambia says the publication in the Government Gazette of the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 10 of 2019 on 12th June 2020 is a breach of procedures for making laws in Zambia.

LAZ President Eddie Mwitwa said in a statement the newly published amendments do not form part of the Bill as introduced at first reading in Parliament by Government.

Mr. Mwitwa said the publication of the bill in the gazette may only serve to sway public opinion on the bill without guaranteeing its enactment and its re-publication is not supported by law.

He said there is no procedure which permits Government to publish in the Govemment Gazette different texts of a Bill to amend the Constitution which is already going through the stages as established by Standing Orders under the Constitution of Zambia.

Mr. Mwitwa said Government cannot cherry pick what it considers desirable proposals of a Committee and reject numerous others and publish the same purporting to form part of the Bill.

The regazzeted Bill contains numerous proposed amendments to the Republican Constitution which are different from the original Bill published in Gazette Notice No. 660 of Friday, 21st June, 2019 preceding its presentation in Parliament for First reading on Friday, 2nd August, 2019.

Some comments by Catholic Bishops on Bill 10 were a Product of Misinformation

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Some comments by Catholic Bishops on Bill 10 were a Product of Misinformation

The Association of Catholic Parliamentarians has said that it is regrettable that some views expressed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops in the statement on amendment Bill number 10 of 2019 were a product of misinformation and appealed to the Conference of Catholic Bishops to give correct information on Bill 10 and provide the necessary leadership.

Association Chairperson Prof. Luo said that such misinformation, if not properly handled, has the capacity to divide a country celebrated to be peaceful.

Professor Luo said that it was expected that the Catholic Bishops would consult the catholic Parliamentarians as Members of Parliament to explain Bill 10 clearly before they issued any statement.

Professor Luo said that Bill 10 has been misunderstood because most people do not take time to read and understand the bill but base their contributions from what someone wrote or said on the bill.

Professor LUO has encouraged Zambians to take time to read and understand the bill to ensure that they make informed comments on the bill.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Prof Luo said issues that the government put in Bill 10 were agreed upon by a large community of eminent persons at the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) shunned by the Catholic Bishops.

Besides the resolution made at the NDF, Prof. Luo recalled, the Siavonga declaration by party Secretary-General was also incorporated in Bill 10.

Prof. Luo said that had the Bishops accepted to attend the dialogue forum, their voice could have been incorporated in Bill 10 which the Minister of Justice Given Lubinda presented to Parliament.

Prof. Luo said after the first reading, Bill 10 was subjected to the parliamentary select committee where further scrutiny was made, adding that people from all walks of life made submissions of various issues which they not only agreed but also agreed with the government.

To prove the people that the government means well on the constitution-making process, Prof. Luo suggested all the recommendations except a few were taken on board and the government had all the proposed amendments gazetted for the people to see.

She said that all the recommendations made in the gazette paper are a true copy of what the parliamentary select committee’s recommendations as obtained from the people whose submissions via their representatives.

She said the Association is consoled that some of the recommendations the government proposed in the gazette paper are acknowledged by Bishops.

She said the statement by the bishop does not represent the correct version of the bill and the recommendation.

She said the Catholic Parliamentarians are at pain to understand why the bishops calling for the withdrawal of Bill 10 whose recommendations they agree with the government.

She not only denied there is one person or a group of individuals that have to take upon themselves to popularise Bill 10 for some hidden motives but also disagreed with the bishops that Bill 10 contains some retrogressive clauses.

She said at no time did the government either by itself or through its representatives manipulate the content of the constitution.

Vice Chairperson Given Lubinda has challenged those stating that the publication of amendments to bill 10 as illegal to present the illegalities. Mr. Lubinda, who is also Justice Minister, said no law has been broken through gazetting the amendments to bill 10.

He said there is no law that prohibits the publication of an amendment that is to be presented.

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