Chipolopolo kicked off their two-match friendly tour of West Africa with a draw against Niger away in Niamey on Wednesday.
Aggrey Chiyangi’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by the hosts.
Chipolopolo and Niger went into the break scoreless before midfielder and captain Cletus Chama broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.
But Maossa Maazuo ensured they shared the spoils with a 87th minute equalizer.
Chipolopolo now head down to Cotonou to play their final friendly against Benin on October 13.
President Edgar Lungu has directed the Road Transport And Safety Agency (RTSA) to intensify Highway patrols, in order to save people’s lives, from the continued escalating road accidents in the country.
In a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Press Aide Isaac Chipampe, President Lungu said he is concerned that lives have lost within a short period of time, through traffic accidents on the Copperbelt and Muchinga Provinces.
The Head of State said he is saddened that lives were lost in Mpika shortly after the accident that occurred on the Kitwe-Chingola road.
The President has since instructed RTSA Acting Chief Executive Officer Gladwell Banda to get on the ground, as his institution is well equipped to monitor vehicles and curb road traffic accidents.
“I want to see intensified highway patrols because RTSA has equipment and vehicles to ensure motorists adhere to traffic rules. We cannot continue losing lives on the roads,” said President Lungu.
President Lungu also cautioned the public to observe traffic rules, including adhering to speed limits and fastening of seat belts by adults and children.
The President regretted that children are among the casualties in the two accidents and wished the injured a quick and steady recovery.
“My thoughts are with the grieving families right now,” added President Lungu.
On October 6, 2019, about 15 people were feared dead when a Rosa Minibus hit into a stationary truck near Sabina turn off along the Kitwe – Chingola road, while 6 people died on October 8, 2019 in Mufubushi area, after a Toyota Ipsum collided with a truck in Mpika district, Muchinga Province.
The government has called on the general public to own and take care of infrastructure being built in their respective areas.
Solwezi district commissioner, Rosemary Kamalonga said members of the general public must take kin interest in monitoring projects and constructors working on the infrastructure in their respective areas.
Ms Kamalonga urged the communities to desist from vandalism and ensure that they maintain the infrastructure by fixing what may be damaged.
She said this when she visited the construction site of a modern laboratory sponsored by Kansanshi mining company at Kyafukuma secondary school in Solwezi.
Ms Kamalonga commended the mining company for the developmental projects they are implementing in Kyafukuma community and the rest of the district.
She, however, appealed to the constructors to ensure that the community is engaged to do some works that do not require professional skills.
Meanwhile, sub-chief Wangabanya thanked the government and the mining company for bringing a school nearer to the community as most children used to cover long distances to acquire secondary education.
The sub chief said this development will enable more pupil enrolment and greatly reduce early marriages.
And Kyafukuma secondary school parents’ teacher association vice-chairperson, Petros Kalemba appealed to the parents to stop encouraging early marriages by taking their children to school.
Mr Kalemba said the community, with the support from the sub chief, is working tirelessly to ensure early marriages and teen pregnancies are reduced by punishing those who marry off their children at a tender age.
Mr Mutupa said that the teachings have helped in the reduction of Gender-Based Violence in homes especially during pregnancy, there is an increase in food security and pregnant women now have knowledge on health issues.
He added that, with the men coming on board to attend the lessons, they are able to assist their wives on nutritious food for the family and women during pregnancy.
With the National day of Prayer and Fasting almost a week away from 18 October, the government has expressed concern over the increasing political violence being perpetrated by political parties in the country.
Kawambwa District Commissioner, Ivo Mpasa says it is unacceptable that incidents of violence, some resulting in loss of lives, are being reported in some parts of the country which has been declared as a “Christian Nation.”
He said the differences in opinion and political affiliation should not destruct the peace and development agenda of the country.
The District Commissioner has also condemned in strongest terms some opposition political party leaders for always criticizing everything and anything government does without providing alternative solutions.
Mr. Mpasa has since called upon the church to rise up and pray against the high levels of acrimony and intolerance among political players for the sake of peace and unity. The District Commissioner was speaking yesterday when he met members of the Clergy in his office during the preparatory meeting for the National Day of Prayers, Fasting, Repentance, and Reconciliation.
And Kawambwa District Pastors’ Fellowship Vice-Chairperson, Gift Kamuzyu said it is the responsibility of the church to pray for the leadership of the country and its people for prosperity to thrive.
Reverend Kamuzyu of Pentecostal Holiness Church reaffirmed that Zambia is a blessed nation because she recognizes the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ in all areas of governance.
This year’s National Day of Prayers, Fasting, Repentance, and Reconciliation will be held on Friday, 18th October under the theme, “Receiving Times of Refreshing from the Presence of the Lord through Reconciliation with One Another and the Environment for a Prosperous Zambia.”
Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale says government is revisiting the contract for the Lusaka – Ndola dual carriageway with the possibility of cutting the cost down.
Mr. Mwale says government is revisiting the scope of works to see if the existing road can be maintained and only additional two lanes should be constructed.
The Minister says government is also looking at the possibility of constructing additional projects such as Hotels can be left out of the contract.
He added that the issue is not about disregarding construction of the dual carriage way, but to see how best to cut the cost of putting up the road.
Mr. Mwale said the initial scope of works was to reap off the existing road and put up four lanes, but government is now discussing if only two lanes can be constructed so that together with the existing two they make the desired dual carriage way.
And Mr Mwale has reiterated that he will work hard to see to it that the cost of construction in the country is reduced.
He said he is working with technocrats to see how best the cost of construction can be reduced in the country.
Meanwhile Mr. Mwale said the Ministry is seriously tackling the issue of building houses to reduce the national deficit.
He said the National Housing Authority -NHA- is currently undergoing restructuring so that it helps government is constructing houses.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC News by Housing and Infrastructure Development Public Relations Officer, Jeff Banda after Mr Mwale featured on a private Radio station.
Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba has warned civil servants in the province to desist from stealing public resources.
And Mr. Chomba has given a one-week ultimatum to all teachers that have deserted their schools in the province to return or face removal from the payroll.
He disclosed that some civil servants benefited from government programs such as the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) meant for the vulnerable when they were ineligible.
Addressing civil servants in Kapiri Mposhi Mr. Chomba warned that disciplinary action will be taken against civil servants mismanaging government resources.
Over 150 civil servants were found to have been benefiting from FISP in Kapiri Mposhi district.
And Mr. Chomba noted that the absence of teachers and other civil servants especially from rural areas had created an artificial shortage of human resource and denied the general public of government services.
He challenged civil servants who were not interested to work in rural areas to resign so that government can engage other people who are on the employment waiting list.
By Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member
They will not want you to hear this, but the real total public debt has now eclipsed our national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Here is rundown of disclosed public debt so far: External = $10.23bn, Internal: Guarantees = $1.2bn, Securities = K60.7bn, Domestic arrears = K20.2bn, VAT refunds = K22bn.
The aggregate of these liabilities is just a few notches shy of $20bn, while our real GDP, if we factor in exchange losses associated with a dipping Kwacha will not beat $26bn as at December 2019. The public are cautioned to be extremely weary of further undisclosed debt, especially from China, as well as debt held by our various parastatals. This is why the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) must be as transparent as possible in making public the aggregate debt figure attributable to SOEs.
All the foregoing taken into account point to a debt mountain that is now above 100% of our GDP.
We are here today because the PF’s claim to superstardom has been a poorly orchestrated infrastructure development narrative whose funding has been nothing short of dubious, while the workmanship across many of our public projects has been woefully poor.
Let us be clear: Zambians want good infrastructure for development. But Zambians want these to be executed sustainably, to the extent that the projects should be able to yield the required return to be able to pay off it’s associated debt money. Zambians also want quality workmanship, as opposed to substandard, cheaply acquired works who lifespan falls way short of the life of the debt associated with these projects.
And this has been the failure of the PF around infrastructure development. They have failed to project fund sustainably and they have failed to ensure quality workmanship across many of the projects.
This is nothing short of criminal and economic espionage against the Zambian people.
Today, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) are saying the PF owes close to $2bn in VAT refunds, while an aggregate $10bn has been sucked out of the local economy in local borrowing. The tragedy of this story is that only a very small fraction of this debt money has actually gone into productive areas of our economy. One only has to take a look at successive Auditor General’s Reports, FIC and other barometers to draw the conclusion that much of this money has actually been stolen!
And thanks to the duplicity and conniving conduct of PF leaders, including State House, Zambians will now have to pay a very heavy price for the poor, selfish decision making of the PF government.
We have to be weary, that a vote for the PF in 2021 will be an endorsement of what has been their diabolical inability to do a very simple job – to take care of Zambians.
We need to have a new and honest national conversation around social and economic reforms. For example, how have the PF allowed NAPSA to continue sitting on piles of cash while consistently failing to pay retirees’ benefits? How has the PF continued to allow President Lungu, the Veep and government Ministers to enjoy health tourism services abroad, while lying to Zambians that they are making “massive, unprecedented” investments in the health sector?
And how has this tinkering, inept PF government allowed for the rule of law to be applied selectively to different citizens and societal stakeholders, leading to the creation of a class society?
What a joke of a government!
The foregoing sits at the heart of the poor and general lack of community development across our vast country.
The macro economy is broken and it has sucked the life out of the micro economy.
In 2021, we must be bold and decisive and not blink in booting the PF out of power.
We cannot afford another lost 5 years. We simply cannot. The damage will be impossible to undo in our lifetime.
Former England Rugby Union International and World Cup winner Jason Leonard has been knocked sideways by the quality of locally produced Kaleza football boots.
The popular Z-12 boots made by Zambeef division Zamleather are already scoring hits with players across the country.
Now they have caught the attention of the sporting legend, who is founder of the Atlas Foundation, a non-profit organisation imparting life skills and values such as education, teamwork and discipline to children in underprivileged areas in 16 countries around the world.
He was so impressed that his foundation bought 60 pairs of the boots to distribute to youngsters in Zimbabwe.
During a visit to Victoria Falls recently, Zamleather presented him with the customised Atlas Foundation boots, and Leonard found himself on the front cover of African Business Network magazine giving the boots the thumbs-up.
“The leather rugby boots were nothing short of world class, and Jason was delighted with the quality and the brand of the leather boots which will be used for all matches and key training practices. It would make sense that all further orders go through you so that this quality boot takes its place across many more clubs and schools throughout Africa and other regions,” said tour organiser Sue Anderson.
“The Kaleza Z-12 boots were borne from the desire to have a sports boot on the market that is designed, manufactured and packaged locally as well as suited to our terrain, and is not only affordable but of international quality,” said Zamleather General Manager Richard Franklin.
“It is important for us to be involved at the grassroots as a local sports shoe brand, as a way of reinforcing our commitment and also to communicate the values of quality, discipline and determination among the upcoming generations. It is possible for Zambia to produce quality in terms of talent as well as other products and that is what value addition is all about for us here at Kaleza and Zamleather,” noted Mr Franklin.
Over the years, Zamleather, through Kaleza, has lent its support to little leagues and community initiatives by donating football boots and footballs. It supports the NGO Alive and Kicking, an HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness project, whose stitching centre is based at the Zamleather premises in Lusaka.
Zambia’s leather industry holds much promise, and growth in the sector can be spurred by building markets for local finished leather products that ride on value addition, added Mr Franklin.
“What we need is for local entrepreneurs to look at leather as a readily available natural, local product that provides infinite business opportunities for value addition to our local hides,” he explained.
Zamleather operates the country’s largest operating tannery, with subdivisions that produce protective clothing and safety boots, Zamshu school and sports shoes, and wet blue hides and finished leather material that can be used for upholstery.
“Africa, and the world at large, is striving for a green industrialisation through the use of local raw materials with a view to zero waste. Zamleather embodies this principle in that it takes raw hides from the Zambeef Group’s beef division, adding value,” said Mr Franklin.
One product fast gaining popularity in local sporting circles is its line of Kaleza Z-12 football and Astroturf boots. From the onset, Kaleza models were made to stand out on the market in more ways than one. First released in 2013 they have since gained a reputation on football pitches across the country as the Zambia’s quality affordable lightweight football boots.
A 53-year-old farmer has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates court for having canal knowledge of a male grade twelve pupil against the order of nature.
Douglas Quentin of Chisamba is also charged with being in possession of obscene pictures that allegedly have the potential to corrupt morals.
When the matter came up the suspect pleaded not guilty to the two counts.
He took a plea before Lusaka Magistrate Lameck Mwale.
Earlier, the state discontinued the matter for the victim who was jointly charged with Mr. Quentin.
Magistrate Mwale asked the minor to leave the accused’s dock after the State entered a Nolle prosequi in the matter.
The matter has been adjourned to November 5, 2019.
First Lady Esther Lungu has urged youths to desist from being used as tools of political violence. Mrs. Lungu says it is not right for politicians to use youths to promote violence in whatever form.
She noted that most of the politicians promoting violence have had their time adding that they must allow youths to positively mature into leaders.
Mrs. Lungu told ZNBC News in Kitwe that a bigger part of the Zambian population is made up of youths hence the need for them to play a meaningful role in governance.
Mrs. Lungu said that she was also concerned that women and the girl child in Zambia have continued to face gender-based violence and sexual abuse.
The First Lady was in Kitwe to lobby for support to enhance service delivery at the Kitwe teaching hospital and donate to two service organizations.
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has warned that there is no need for violence in politics, adding that innocent people are killing themselves while the politicians remain comfortable in their homes.
The President said that no politician, including himself, is worth dying for.
President Lungu implored parents to inculcate values that teach young people that there is no need for violence and said that he has instructed his party members to be peaceful and go out in communities to spread the good policies of the party.
The President was speaking when he addressed a meeting at Kaoma Resource Centre grounds, at which several members from the opposition also defected to the ruling party.
Government says it will continue to roll out electronic platforms across the country to ensure accountability and transparency in public service delivery.
Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu says Financial Inclusion remains low in the country hence the need for all stakeholders to get involved.
Dr. Ng’andu says therefore it is important for financial institutions to partner with government in order to increase financial inclusion.
He says Digital services also help financial institutions to easily interact with clients and meet the diverse needs of customers.
Dr. Ng’andu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary Economic Affairs Mukuli Chikuba at the 2019 Zambia Institute of Banking and Finance Annual Conference.
Meanwhile, Zambia Institute of Banking and Finance Services President Moses Shuko said Financial service providers should pass on the benefits that comes with digitization to their clients.
And Bankers Association of Zambia Chairperson Kola Adeleke said the banking sector is cognizant of the linkage between Financial strength and prosperity at individual level.
He said it is therefore the associations aspiration to develop innovative products and solutions that will drive the country towards achieving the targets of a green economy.
The three political party leaders have submitted that the Constitutional Court has jurisdiction to preside over their matter in which they have challenged the Law Association of Zambia- LAZ.
The three parties and two individuals have challenged the decision by LAZ to sue President Edgar Lungu and National Assembly over the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The five litigants have contended that their matter relates to the interpretation of the Constitution.
The five have consequently asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss with costs, a notice of motion by LAZ where the association is seeking an order to throw out their case.
These are Zambia Republican Party-ZRP President Wright Musoma, New Congress Party -NCP- President Peter Chanda, Citizens Democratic Party-CDP President Robert Mwanza and sympathiser’s Richard Mumba and Mwanalushi Mulemwa.
They are seeking a declaration that LAZ’s decision to sue President Lungu, is illegal and contravenes Article 98 sub-article one of the Constitution.
The litigants further want an interim order to stay proceedings in which LAZ has sued President Lungu, the Attorney General and the National Assembly to withdraw the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 10 of 2019.
They are also seeking, among other reliefs, an order declaring that LAZ’s decision to sue the National Assembly is illegal and contravenes Section 12 sub-section one of the State Proceedings Act, and therefore null and void.
LAZ had asked the court to dismiss the litigant’s matter with costs on the ground that it is illegally before the Constitutional Court.
Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Martin Malama yesterday moved a private member’s motion seeking Parliament’s support to ban political parties and organisations that support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender rights in Zambia.
And tempers flared among Opposition Members of Parliament after Mr. Malama mentioned that the UPND is among the 30 political Parties that are affiliated to the African Liberal Network.
Mr. Malama who laid a copy of African Liberal Network- ALN – Constitution and other documents on the floor of the House said the UPND was a member of the Network.
He explained that to join the Network, Party President, Secretary-General and International Relations Chairman need to sign the constitution.
Mr. Malama said Zambians cannot allow political parties to introduce Liberal values in the country, which seeks to allow Homosexuality.
He said that no one inclusive of the Church and Chiefs across the country can allow such values to be inculcated into the country.
Mr. Malama said that Zambia is a Christian Nation and people must not subscribe to such liberal values.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Jack Mwiimbu said a similar pattern of accusing political opponents that they supported gay rights, failed in the past.
However, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Namugala had a tough time trying to calm the two sides as Mr. Malama debated.
The motion however lapsed because of time.
Senior Medical Superintendent at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Eye Hospital in Lusaka, Grace Mutati, says the division of the University Teaching Hospital into five hospitals has helped in providing enhanced service delivery to the Zambian people.
Dr Mutati says the development has made it possible for the Eye Hospital to plan adequately for quality service delivery to patients than it was previously done.
The Doctor says the eye hospital is also able to assess where it is lacking in terms of service provision, in order to make improvements.
And Dr Mutati told ZANIS in Lusaka that the health facility now boasts of adequate equipment that has been recently procured as well as specialised staff which is helping with surgeries.
The Doctor has since urged members of the public to always seek medical attention from an eye specialist at the hospital unlike waiting for the problem to worsen.
She further encouraged everyone to develop a habit of going for regular checkups once a year particularly those that suffer from diabetes.
The Eye Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, also advised that people with family history of glaucoma or a family member who lost sight for some unknown reason must visit the facility for a checkup.
Dr Mutati stated that patients who visit the facility with a referral letter from a clinic or any first level hospital are attended to without incurring a cost.
She however pointed out that the hospital expect people who decide to go direct to pay a certain amount which is affordable.
Meanwhile, Dr Willard Mumbi, who is a pediatric, Neuro and Strabismus ophthalmologist at the Eye Hospital, said the hospital also has a component of pediatric health care where children below the age of 18 are attended to.
Dr Mumbi indicated that apart from cataract surgeries, the health facility also attends to eye cancers and other related eye abnormalities.
Government says it will soon launch a multi-million solar energy project in Western Province, aimed at cushioning the effects of energy shortages in the country. President Edgar Lungu says his administration is doing everything possible to ensure that dependency on hydro power is reduced, through alternative energy sources.
President Lungu said it is in the interest of his administration to ensure that there is more investment in other sources of energy.
The Head of State said government has lined up a number of solar projects countrywide and will not allow the power shortage to continue.
And President Lungu reiterated government’s continued engagements such as the South African power deal, which is also aimed at addressing the power deficit.
He said it was better for the country to have expensive power, and have the economy run as opposed to having no power at all.
The President said his administration is aware of the critics of government and will not divert from implementing what is right for the people.
The President said this yesterday at Kaoma Trades Training Institute in Kaoma District in Western Province when he addressed the business community.
President Lungu also said he is aware of the dwindled resources which have resulted in a number of projects not been completed.
He recognised that because of this development, projects such as roads and infrastructure have been redesigned to suit the available resources.
The President assured the business community that his office will continue engaging respective wings of government to support their needs.
© Lusaka Times
