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Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa with Religious Affairs Minister during the renaming of the road
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has urged communities and local Councils in the country to consider changing names that have bad connotations.
Speaking on Saturday during the renaming of Devils street in Emmasdale area to its original name of Florida Street, Rev. Sumaili said it is important to take in consideration the implication and effects that names of on communities and people.
Rev. Sumaili said she would like to see other councils in the country identify names of streets and communities that deserve to be changed.
Commenting on the nickname of Florida Street to Devils street, Rev. Sumaili said it was not right to have anything named after the devil in a nation that its proudly Christian.
She added that for Zambia to actualize its Christian values, the nation has to have sanity in the moral standing of people and communities.
Rev. Sumaili urged communities to report issues of brothels, underage drinking and drug abuse in their communities for sanity and peace to prevail.
And Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa said it was high time the city changed its face starting with names of the streets.
The Mayor added that it was a sorry sight to realize that many people have lost lives, marriages have been broken and many other bad vices have been conducted on Florida street.
Mr. Sampa said it was sad to see young people patronize bars and engage in dangerous vices.
He further explained that despite the street having businesses operating, there is need for everyone to abide by the laws of the land and not allow immorality on the street.
Meanwhile Lenard Mayaka a resident of Florida street in Emasdale has thanked government for renaming the street to its real names as opposed to the nicknamed known by many.
Mr. Mayaka said names have impact on people and community and hence should be considered carefully.
He explained that many illegal vices have been conducted on the Florida Street due to the impact its nickname.
The street renaming exercise was preceded by a walk to denounce the bad things that have happened on the street and declare the new good things to happen.
Zambia on Saturday morning made a roaring start to their 2019 COSAFA U17 Cup campaign with an emphatic 6-0 win over eSwatini at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi.
The 2017 champions routed eSwatini 6-0 to go top of the pool ahead of the second Group A match today between hosts Malawi and South Africa.
Zambia cruised to a 4-0 halftime lead when csptain Moses Mulenga led by example when he put the side ahead in the 7th minute.
Rickson Ngambi added the second in the 16th minute while Miguel Changa Chaiwa converted a 32nd minute penalty.
Chipoyoka Songa saw Zambia go into the break 4–0 with a goal on the stroke of halftime.
Julius Kumwenda and Charles Mumba struck in the 60th and 86th minutes respectively to send Junior Chipolopolo to the summit.
Zambia return to action on October 14 against South Africa in a penultimate Group A match at the same venue.
We can try to be diplomatic, civil or whatever way you try to sugar quote it, the fact of the matter remains that UPND is the most violent party in Zambia and they are a danger to our peace.
To start with, how come we have violence, during campaigns, in their strongholds? It is because they are intolerant to other political parties. They declare their strongholds as a no go area for other political parties.
It is a fact that, as EEP leader, I would be on a suicide mission to go to Southern province for campaigning. Edgar Lungu and other PF members go to Southern province under heavy security otherwise they would come back naked.
The other point is that, how come we have violence free elections when UPND has not participated.
While I still maintain that, the man who fired at the UPND cadre must be arrested by the police, I strongly believe UPND provoked the situation when they attacked the PF campaign team.
Today was another day of violence and abomination by UPND in their desperation for political mileage to run with a coffin in the road. That is violence.
I wonder why BaKanganja is treating these cadres with kids gloves. Why are police making excuses, instead of just sorting out these cadres firmly.
We can’t keep on witnessing anarchy that happened today when the police had intelligence information.
I will not apologise for expressing myself albeit the abuse of the UPND. But maybe I should consult lawyers to summon the Registrar to court so that she can explain why they have allowed such a party to continue operating when it is clear this party too violent.
I know PF is also violent but trust me, their violence is nothing compared to UPND. These guys are something else.
HH, shame on you, how many people do you want to bury before you accept that Presidency is not for you, otherwise based on the violence that comes out of your party, you would resign, but you seem to be willing to see more blood shed for you to be President. What happened today was very bad.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (centre) accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo (left) and National Milling Corporation Managing Director David Bosse tour the Ultra Modern New Mill in Lilayi, Lusaka on Friday, October 11,2019 .
President Edgar Lungu says government is doing every possible to address the power deficit the country is experiencing.
The President has observed that the power deficit is impacting negatively on agricultural production and other economic sectors.
Meanwhile, President Lungu says the Zambian government has embarked on the commercialisation of cassava production.
He also reveals that the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC- government has made a request for Zambia to export cassava to that country.
The President has further implored farmers to enhance the production of wheat to satisfy both the local and international demand.
President Lungu said this in Lusaka’s Lilayi area before Commissioning the New Ultra-modern National Milling Plant, which has a capital investment of 37 point five million dollars.
At the same function, Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo said the investment that National Milling has so far pumped into Zambian is testimony of the country’s favourable investment climate.
And United State of America -USA’s- Seaboard Corporation, the owner of National Milling has praised Zambia and President Lungu for attracting various forms of foreign investment.
Seaboard Vice President Ralf Moss also said the newly constructed Ultra -modern National Milling Plant is unique in the African region.
The plant has capacity to process 600 metric tonnes of wheat every day.
Attorney General, Likando Kalaluka has urged the Constitutional Court not to grant the Law Association of Zambia -LAZ- an injunction to halt the enactment of the Constitutional Amendment Bill number 10 of 2019.
Mr. Kalaluka says the law does not allow the court to grant injunctions against the State.
He says even without an injunction LAZ will not suffer any damages as a result of the bill being enacted into Law.
Mr. Kalaluka said LAZ had an opportunity to appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee and defend the constitution but opted not to do so.
He noted that LAZ was part of the National Dialogue Forum wondering why it refused to appear before parliament.
Mr. Kalaluka said the single Judge was therefore on firm ground when she threw out an application for injunction by LAZ.
He said LAZ failed to show how it will suffer if the injunction is not granted.
And Solicitor General Abraham Mwansa wondered why LAZ opted to go to court and not Parliament in order to air it’s concerns.
He said curtailing the process which has already started in Parliament will be a Constitutional breach by the Constitutional Court.
Mr. Mwansa said the balance of convenience tilts in favour of the general public who are represented in parliament and not LAZ as a person at law.
But Lawyer Representing LAZ, John Sangwa said the petitioner will suffer irreparable damage if the injunction is not granted.
He said once the bill is passed the case before the court will automatically die.
In this matter Mr. Sangwa made an application for the injunction before a single judge of the court which was dismissed.
He then renewed the same application before the full bench.
In this matter, LAZ wants the court to determine the conditionality of the decision of government to amend the Constitution.
President Lungu has agreed to be on the board of trustee members of Executive Council for the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa. He says society should change its perception towards the girl child and enable her to attain her dreams just as a Male child.
President Edgar Lungu has hailed the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa for their relentless fight against early marriages.
President Lungu said the Council of Traditional Leaders is an important forum for fighting harmful practices that infringe on the rights of the girl child.
The Head of State reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure that programmes related to eradicating early child marriages are fully supported.
President Lungu said this at State House today when the eight-member delegation from the Council of Traditional Leaders led by King Adedapo Adereni of Nigeria paid a courtesy call on him.
“There is urgent need to protect both the male and girl child from all infringements on their lives such as child marriages and female genital mutilation. I must commend you the Council of Traditional Leaders for the role you are playing in fighting this harmful scourge in Africa as a whole,” he said.
Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa Chairperson Adedapo Adereni of Nigeria described President Lungu as a leader of unity in whom the entire Africa is proud of.
King Adedapo Adereni said President Edgar Lungu is receiving applauds across Africa for having stood up for the girl child.
He pointed out that President Lungu is building on the legacy of Zambian’s Founding President Kenneth Kaunda.
King Adereni later requested President Edgar Lungu to be part of the Executive Board of Trustees for the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa, once it is formed next year.
“President Lungu on behalf of all the traditional leaders in here and outside, I am putting it on record that you are a leader of unity and the entire Africa is proud of you. As I also congratulate you on your 55 years of Independence as a country, let me request that you become an executive board member of our council once its formed next year,” King Adereni stressed.
And President Lungu in acknowledging the request, expressed gratitude, saying it was humbling to note that Traditional leaders across Africa have confidence in him.
President Lungu assured the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa that he will make himself available to serve on the board in his quest to fight child marriages.
The Head of State also praised Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people who was present for having contributed to the eradication of child marriages in his area.
The funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the murdered UNPD Cadre
Emotions were high on Friday when the UPND conducted a funeral procession for their member Lawerence Banda who was murdered in cold blood this week in Kaoma.
Banda who was fondly known as Gaddafi was put to rest at Leopard’s Hill Cemetery in Lusaka in the afternoon.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Before the funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, there was a commotion in the Central Business District as cadres carrying Banda’s casket protested over the death of their colleague.
Businesses closed as vehicles were stoned after rival cadres from the UPND and PF clashed as the casket made its way to the Cathedral.
The PF cadres quickly retreated and their way to John Laing Compound at the funeral house where they harassed mourners and ransacked the funeral house.
They broke chairs and threw away the food that was to be prepared for the mourners in retaliation to the UPND actions.
And at the funeral service, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema encouraged the family to remain strong and dedicate everything into the hands of the Almighty, who is their ultimate Defender.
Mr Hichilema pledged that the party will take of the family of the deceased.
He also condemned the manner in which the Police handled the entire procession.
“For no apparent reason, heavily armed State Police on several occasions attempted to block us from proceeding to the burial site to bury our deceased youth leader. They fired gunshots and injured several of our people for no crime whatsoever as we were so peaceful and in mourning,” Mr Hichilema said.
“Our message to all the Police is that we are not fighting you but fighting for you and we mean well for you. When in government we will ensure your conditions of service are improved than what is currently obtaining under the PF regime,” he said.
He added, “Our brother is gone but we will ensure that his going to be with the Lord will not be in vein. As we will be supporting his family, we will continue demanding that the PF thug who shot him faces the law and if the PF don’t bring him to book, sooner than later he will be answerable.”
He added, “It is such a painful moment and the killing of our people by the PF must come to an end immediately as continue calling on citizens to defend themselves against the PF thugs whenever attacked.”
“Remember, a wound against one Zambian is a wound against all of us.”
He charged that the UPND detests violence and it is for this reason that they will always stand up and stop it.
“That is what our late member wanted. Though gone, our brother Lawrence Banda’s hope of a better Zambia lives on in us and together with you and the help of God, almighty, this will surely happen. Painful as it is, we say rest in peace Lawrence Banda.”
HH at HH addressing the mourners at The funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the murdered UNPD CadreThe funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the murdered UNPD CadreHH addressing the mourners at The funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the murdered UNPD CadreThe funeral house which was ransacked in Friday by PF cadres in KanyamaThe funeral house which was ransacked in Friday by PF cadres in KanyamaVehicles damaged at the funeral home for late Lawrence Banda in Kanyama
Forest Rangers have an opportunity to go third on the 2019/20 FAZ Super Division log this Saturday when they host Nakambala Leopards at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Forest and Nakambala have agreed to bring forward their Week Seven league fixture in the midst of the FIFA Match Window but the Ndola side will visit Zanaco as scheduled after the international break next weekend in a Week Six match in Lusaka.
Perry Mutapa’s side is currently fifth on 8 points after five rounds of games played and are unbeaten in their last four games with two successive victories after as many draws.
Victory will see Forest jump to third spot on to 11 points, displacing Napsa Stars who have 10 points.
Zesco United and Red Arrows are second and first on 12 and 13 points respectively.
But the match will be a particularly a huge test for 14th placed Nakambala.
Nakambala have picked up four points from their last two games following an expected 2-0 away win over promoted KYSA that came a week after ending their three-match losing start to the season with a 1-1 draw against Nkwazi on September 28.
Meanwhile, Green Eagles are also in action this weekend despite the absence of coach Aggrey Chiyangi, goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange and striker Tapson Kaseba who are all away in on a two-match friendly tour of West Africa with Chipolopolo.
The 2019 transitional season runners-up are on the road to North-Western Province to visit Lumwana Radiants in a delayed Week Four fixture.
Lumwana are bottom of the table with one point from four games.
However, Eagles’ current trajectory is two wins on the trot after starting the season with a draw and defeat.
Another three points this Saturday will see Eagles move into the top four to join Kansanshi and Napsa Stars on 10 points.
One person was this morning shot on the right thigh as he was selling his merchandise in a boutique at Intercity Bus terminus in the incident believed to be in connection with the funeral procession held by the UPND today.
Police in the morning blocked a procession and dispersed UPND cadres who staged a funeral procession from Kanyama township to the Cathedral of the holy cross defying the Police directive not to do so.
Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja said after being dispersed, the cadres scampered in different directions while others went to Intercity Bus terminus where one Thomas Chibilika aged 42 of Mtendere Compound is reported to have been shot in a Boutique where he was selling his merchandise.
Mr Kanganja said Police have instituted investigations in the shooting incidence and while the victim was rushed to UTH where he is receiving treatment while police are still monitoring the situation.
He has directed Police officers to sternly deal with all those who opt to deliberately bend the law and officers should not be blamed for consequences that may arise as a result of police action as they had been forewarned.
Mr Kanganja further appealed to the UPND Leadership to manage their cadres by advising them to avoid engaging in such unruly behavior which has potential to lead to break down in law and order.
He said in as much as Police understand that a life was lost, they cannot allow lawlessness to take center stage in as demonstrated by UPND cadres who went to the street and caused confusion by breaking the law with impunity.
He explained that police received information yesterday that cadres from the UPND who had gathered for the funeral of the late Lawrence Banda who died in Kaoma district of western province recently, were planning to match to the cathedral of the holy cross where a funeral service of the deceased was to be held.
Mr Kanganja said on receipt of this information, Police went to the funeral house and engaged mourners not to proceed with their intentions as it had potential to bring about disorderliness.
He said despite the advice, between 10:00 hours and 11:00 hours today, the UPND cadres went ahead and staged the funeral procession from Kanyama to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Mr Kanganja said the cadres are reported to have been unruly and are alleged to have caused damage to property and caused alarm and fear in people in surrounding areas forcing business houses to close.
He said the total damage caused is yet to be established among them motor vehicles whose windscreens were shattered.
Sylvia Masebo carrying the orphan of the slain UPND member, Lawrence Banda. Lawrence was murdered by a PF cadre in Kaoma
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma
Zambia is next week set to host the India-Southern Africa Regional Conclave summit.
Minister of Commence Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma announced at a media briefing this morning that the summit set for October 14 to 15th, 2019, has attracted 221 companies, who have already confirmed participation.
ZANIS reports that Mr Yaluma has also explained that the economic deliberations will help Zambia, acquire knowledge on how big economies like India are managing to flourish.
He underscored that India held similar meetings in Kampala, Uganda in 2017, with Nigeria having done the same in 2018.
And Mr Yaluma disclosed that President Edgar Lungu will officially open the summit, where Zambia will play as host country on behalf of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Countries.
“This is our opportunity in 2019 to host this renowned regional summit. In 2017 it was held in Kampala, 2018 it was in Lagos and in 2019 the lucky has come to Zambia, let us all embrace this opportunity and we will learn from stronger economies the current business trends that we all ought participate fully. President Edgar Lungu will officially open this assembly and at least 221 companies and individuals have confirmed participation,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that India is an economically strong country, which will see Zambia becoming an economic giant after the conclave.
Mr Yaluma further urged both the private and public sectors to participate in this investment platform, which has potential to sharpen the country’s economic trajectory.
EU delegates, Mines PS Paul Chanda, Mines Director Mooya Lumamba, and far end GSD Director Chipilauka Mukofu
Government says hidden ownership of mining operations in the country is a breeding ground for illicit financial flows and , which must be quickly addressed.
ZANIS reports that the Ministry of Mines says the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) framework being implemented in the country will quickly help identify beneficial owners of mines in Zambia.
Acting Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Chipilauka Mukofu said identifying beneficial owners of mines attracts credible investors to the sector and enhances transparent and accountable utilisation of proceeds from extractive industries.
Speaking last night at a reception where he addressed local and international Extractive Industry stakeholders in Lusaka, Mr Mukofu observed that Zambia’s membership of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), requires that the country should disclose the identity of owners of mining companies.
He said government is working round the clock with stakeholders to ensure that it complies with the international requirement of disclosing beneficial owners of mining operations in Zambia by January 2020 deadline.
The Permanent Secretary said hidden ownership has been a challenge as it undermines effective mobilisation of domestic revenues from natural resources, due to corruption and illicit financial flows.
Mr Mukofu urged government agencies and other stakeholders to partner and collaborate in the implementation of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative as it will help combat tax evasion and improve the business climate.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that, according to the 2015 report of the high level panel on illicit financial flows, Africa loses about US$65 million annually, due to unlawful financial movements.
He disclosed that Zambia, along with Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal have made great strides in championing transparency in the ownership mining, gas and oil sectors.
And EITI International Secretariat Policy Director Ines Schjolberg Marques noted that implementation of the initiative in Zambia will greatly help government assess and collect the right amount of taxes from extractive industries, which can be equitably ploughed, to meet the social economic needs of Zambians.
The Patriotic Front Party Secretary General Davies Mwila has said that despite the loss in Kaoma, the party have gained exponentially, more than they had before while the UPND have lost exponentially more than they had before.
Speaking at a media briefing after the Kaoma loss , Mr Mwila said that in 2016 UPND had 70% of the vote for the Kaoma Council Chairperson election, while PF only had 15%. But in yesterday’s election PF has made substantial gains and the difference now is only marginal.
Mr Mwila further said that the PF victory in Chikonkwelo Ward of Kabompo, where they got more than 60% of the vote and whitewashed the opposition in a former UPND stronghold is massive.
He said the people of Kabompo have embraced development and liberated themselves from agents of selfishness, bitterness and under-development!
Mr Mwila also announced the immediate dissolution of the Provincial Committee for Western Province following their loss in the Kaoma Council Chairperson by-election, adding that the interim Committee has since been put in place and elections will proceed in all the Districts.
Mr Mwila said the date for elections will be announced in due course, adding that the dissolution was supposed to be done before elections but was halted to avoid confusion.
Below is the full statement
Below is a full statement…
Friday 11th October 2019
PRESS STATEMENT BY PATRIOTIC FRONT SECRETARY GENERAL HON.DAVIES MWILA FOLLOWING COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON BY ELECTIONS IN KAOMA AS WELL AS WARD BY ELECTIONS IN KABOMPO AND MWINILUNGA HELD ON 10TH OCTOBER 2019
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS AND SALUTATIONS
Members of the PF Central Committee Present
The Leadership of PF Structures,
Members of the Party
Members of the Press,
Ladies and gentlemen,
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Let me begin by saying that if we were to all summarise yesterdays by elections into one sentence, it would be:
“PF GAINS MORE SWEET GROUND IN UPND STRONGHOLDS; AS UPND MARGINS CONTINUE TO BE SEVERELY ERODED”
1.2 We are therefore once again jubilant with thanks giving to our Lord God Almighty, for the unstoppable momentum of Patriotic Front’s continued wind of change of development blowing across former UPND strongholds.
1.3 We certainly have every reason to walk with our heads high.
As Eric Liddell once said:
*“In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory, there is a glory to be found if one has done his best”.*
1.4 We did our best and over all the result is glorious and the dust is merely a badge of honour.
2.0 CHIKONKWELO WARD – KABOMPO:
2.1 We celebrate our very significant victory in Chikonkwelo Ward of Kabompo, where we got more than 60% of the vote and whitewashed the opposition in a former UPND stronghold.
2.2 To the people of Kabompo and our gallant grassroots structures we say: *“TWA SANTA MWANE”.*
2.3 You have embraced development and liberated yourselves from agents of selfishness, bitterness and under-development!
2.4 Congratulations also go to our candidate. The work in serving the people has only just begun.
3.0 KAOMA DISTRICT CHAIRPERSON ELECTIONS
3.1 First of all, it is important to remember why there was a by-election for Council Chairperson.
3.2 The by election was caused because the opposition UPND victimised the previous Council Chairperson for merely exercising his official civic duty, by greeting the President of the Republic of Zambia His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
3.3 On the surface it may look like we lost the vote count; but the reality is that we have gained exponentially more than we had before; while the UPND have lost exponentially more than they had before.
3.4 In 2016 UPND had 70% of the vote for the Kaoma Council Chairperson election, while PF only had 15%. But in yesterday’s election PF has made substantial gains and the difference now is only marginal.
3.5 In fact the result from the slim margin could have easily swung in our favour, had it not been for the UPND violence which triggered voter apathy, and many of our voters were traumatised by UPND brutality.
3.6 However, the huge positive swing of votes in favour of PF echoes those from Mangango; and it shows that the people of Kaoma and Western Province are fed up of being under the bondage of underdevelopment, just because of the selfish agenda of one man.
3.7 Going by the trend and momentum, we have cause to celebrate our performance in the Kaoma District Chairperson by elections.
3.8 We salute the people of Kaoma and Western Province as well as our structures and we commend our lady candidate for conducting a gallant campaign.
4.0 UPND CONTINUED ACTS OF PROVOCATION AND VIOLENCE
4.1 However, even as we celebrate the momentum and trends in favour of PF in Kaoma, we condemn the UPND acts of provocation and violence that led to the senseless loss of a young precious life.
4.2 We note with great concern the UPND trend of winning elections through violence.
4.3 Is it a coincidence that UPND only win an election when they engage in violence?
4.4 Is it a coincidence that this electoral violence routinely happens only in their so called strongholds?
4.5 The trends reveal the fact that UPND only win when they use violence to trigger voter apathy.
4.6 We saw UPND violence in Sesheke when they brutally attacked our camp;
We saw it in Katuba when again they attacked our camp and a Human Rights Commission Worker;
And we saw it again in Kaoma when they attacked our members.
4.7 Should Zambians murder each other for the sake of one man’s elusive political fantasy? This should stop.
4.8 The continuation of their so-called Mapatizya Formula has no place in our peaceful and democratic Zambia.
4.9 We therefore particularly appeal to their party leader to demonstrate level-headed leadership.
5.0 SAMUTEBA WARD –MWINILUNGA
5.1 Just like the Kaoma Council by Election, on the surface it hmay look like we lost the vote count; but the reality is that we have gained much more than we had before; while the UPND have lost much more than they had before.
5.2 We therefore wish to thank the people of Mwinilunga and North-western Province for choosing development over ethnic alliances advanced by some political leaders.
5.3 We also salute our structures in Mwinilunga and North-Western Province as well as our candidate for their hard work.
5.4 It is now increasingly obvious that UPND are just warming seats for PF in North Western and Western Province until 2021, when the peoples wish to have representatives that are serious with development will be achieved.
5.5 We consequently prod those in the UPND that are progressive and have a conscience, especially MPs in North Western, Western and a few along the line of rail; to wake up and smell the coffee.
If they don’t, they will be made irrelevant by the power of the wind of change.
5.4 Those that have the development interests of the people will flow with the PF Driven mass movement of the people under the leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
However, those who choose to continue being intimidated and blackmailed into serving the interests of one selfish person, will be swept aside together with their master.
6.0 A SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS
6.1 While we are entrenching ourselves and growing in our strongholds, we are simultaneously gaining critical ground in so-called UPND strongholds.
6.3 The trends also reveal the significant fact that UPND only win when they use violence to trigger voter apathy.
6,4 Compared with 2016, PF has every reason to be proud because the Party is gaining major ground in former UPND key strongholds, namely Western and North Western Provinces.
6.5 The UPND Margin is haemorrhaging so fast in their so-called strongholds that it won’t survive by 2021.
6.6 With these severely eroded margins UPND have every reason to worry – *“Ni Mwapusukeni”* … but it’s just a stay of execution, they cannot delay the inevitable any further!
6.7 The PF Development Agenda is an inclusive one without leaving anyone behind.
6.8 North-Western and Western are steadily becoming PF Strongholds.
6.9 To Western Province we say: *“Lwi tu mezi ahulu”* and to North-Western Province: *“Twasanta Mwane”!*
7.0 CONCLUSION
7.1 In conclusion, I wish to pay special tribute to our team Captain, the President of the Patriotic Front, who is also the Chief Campaigner of Peace and Prosperity for all Zambians; His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
7.2 Even under a barrage of malicious attacks from some bitter detractors, he has exercised commendable self –restraint and demonstrated how meekness is not weakness; but rather power under control.
7.3 Let me thank our gallant men and women for taking on the UPND, for increasing the Party’s footprint, punch for punch, in their strongholds. This is a dress rehearsal. We shall continue to be peaceful and law-abiding because that is, in fact, one of our selling points as a brand. Violence and lawlessness have no place in Patriotic Front.
7.4 The expansion of Patriotic Front into former Opposition areas is as a result of his all-embracing leadership ethic of leaving no one behind in the PF National development agenda.
We salute him!
God bless His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu
God bless Patriotic Front
God bless Zambia.
I THANK YOU.
Hon. Davies Mwila Patriotic Front Secretary General
President Edgar Lungu has today commissioned an ultra-modern National Milling Corporation plant in Lilayi that will mill about 600 metric tonnes of wheat per day.
The plant will commence by milling wheat only and after a period of twelve months, will start maize processing a move the President said should encourage farmers to start growing wheat.
President Lungu noted that wheat production increasing over the years, Zambia still has not reached comfortable levels to meet local demand thereby relying on imports.
The President however noted that wheat being an irrigated crop, farmers are faced with a number of challenges to grow this crop among them power deficit and load shedding which is affecting wheat yields and profitability.
He said this Scenario is inhibiting early maize production planted in October with irrigation, and is artificially dried in April and may for the market.
He said the wheat and maize industries contribute significantly to national food security hence his government takes these industries seriously.
The President has assured farmers that government will do everything possible to address the power challenges.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has implored national milling and other investors in the maize and wheat industry not to ignore cassava.
He said cassava is easy to grow and is Zambia’s second largest food crop.
The president said the crop is drought resistant, and has many industrial uses and is an important crop which can support government’s strategy to uplift the welfare of small-scale farmers.
He said government is now embarking on a programme to commercialize the cassava industry in Zambia.
“I am aware that Zambian Breweries PLC is one of the off takers for the cassava grown by smallholders in the country. Some millers also blend cassava with maize. This, i am informed is one way of making mealie meal affordable to ordinary consumers”, he said.
President has urged all millers to look into possibilities of blending maize and cassava as is the case in other countries adding that Democratic Republic of congo have already made a request for Zambia to export cassava meal to that country.
He said the DRC guarantees a huge ready market for this market and there is no doubt that Zambia has a yawning market locally and abroad.
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development says high poverty and inequality levels have remained a huge challenge for Zambia.
Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo says although Development Plans, Policy Documents and Strategy papers have been crafted one after another to give direction on how to tackle this problem, Zambia’s per capita incomes according to statistics has improved considerably, moving from US$925 in 1996 to $1,619 in 2015.
Mr Mwaipopo said additionally, in 2011 Zambia returned to a lower middle-income status and between 2004
and 2014, impressive economic growth was recorded which averaged 7.6 percent, while Sub Saharan Africa was averaging at 5.8 percent.
He said unfortunately, these impressive growth rates recorded over the years have not translated into meaningful improvements on the living conditions of majority Zambians as they are still
entrenched in poverty and inequality.
Mr Mwaipopo said worse now that economic growth has reduced to a record low.
He said currently Zambia’s prevalence Poverty rate is at 54.4 percent according to estimates from the Seventh National Development Plan and the Living Conditions and Monitoring Survey.
Mr Mwaipopo said this essentially means that over half of Zambia’s estimated 17 million populations are leaving in poverty.
“The widening inequality levels which is one of the highest rates in the world at 0.69 percent is also a matter of concern to the Centre. What these statistics reveal is that economic growth recorded in the past years in Zambia coupled with well-crafted policies and poverty reduction strategies have not translated into significant poverty reduction, especially in rural areas”, he added.
Mr Mwaipopo added that the pattern of economic growth in Zambia tends to be highly unequal and has not increased the incomes of the poor rapidly enough to lift them out of the scourge due to economic growth being concentrated in capital-intensive industries such as construction, mining and transport.
He has since implored the Zambian
government to enhance support towards development of the Multi-facility Economic Zones, as this will help push the local industrialization agenda.
Mr Mwaipopo said recent assessment they conducted revealed a number of challenges affecting growth of the Zones.
He has further proposed that government invest more money in the agricultural sector to boost the sectors productivity especially for small scale farmers.
Mr Mwaipopo said government must also ensure Investment in mechanisation of agriculture and promotion of value addition.
He said Government should further consider investment in irrigation agriculture to ensure all year-round production.
Mr Mwaipopo said CTPD believes that Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining provides yet another opportunity for
Zambia to maximise its benefits from mining.
He said the sector needs a lot of support in terms of infrastructure and financial capital in order to run effectively and create a lot of jobs for Zambian
youth which the country will accrue in the long term.
Mr Mwaipopo said government should enhance the development of the tourism sector in Zambia which has not been utilised in a manner that ensures it contributes to the country’s economic development.
