Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Vice President Inonge Wina holds talks with India’s Eagle Techsec Communications
Vice President Inonge Wina says climate change and acts of terrorism are the biggest challenges the world is currently facing.
Mrs. Wina says time is therefore ripe for Zambia to take greater steps in preventing acts of terrorism.
She says Government has invested heavily in building public infrastructure which needs latest technology to protect it.
The Vice President says private sector investors that have built large scale infrastructure such as mines and shopping malls should enhance security to prevent disaster hazards.
Mrs. Wina was speaking in Indore City in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh when she held talks with India’s Eagle Techsec Communications, an Indian company specialised in the protection of large-scale public infrastructure.
The Vice President has since urged Eagle Techsec Communications Chief Executive Officer Harsh Gupta to submit a Letter of Intent through Zambia High Commission in India for intensive assessment to ascertain viability.
This is contained in a statement released by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in India Bangwe Naviley.
ULP Submissions To The Parliamentary Select Committee To Scrutinise The Constitution Of Zambia Amendment Bill No. 10 Of 2019
The united liberal party would like to thank the chairman of the select committee and the committee for according the party an opportunity to submit a memorandum on ramifications of the proposed amendments.
We wish from the onset to state that the united liberal party and its membership are in full support of the constitution of Zambia amendment bill no. 10 of 2019.
We believe the bill is very propgressive in dealing with various concerns such as wasting public resources through unnecessary by-elections, political violence and gender equity that have been raised by several stakeholders regarding the governance of the country and particularly on how we conduct our elections.
We also wish to emphasize that the ULP respects the views of other stakeholders who have raised concerns on the bill and it is our position that our presentation to the select committee will help clear the fears raised on the bill.
We will focus on the following proposed amendments:
1. Concerns Raised By A Few Stakeholders On The Proposed Introduction Of Mixed Member System Of Electing Members Of Parliament Under (P) Article 47(2)
Our position as a party is that this will address the independence old problem of equal representation in the National Assembly between men, women, young people and persons with disabilities.
It is a known fact that the National Assembly has been dominated by men ever since its first sitting. And this proposed article is designed to ensure fair representation of all categories of our society in parliament.
The NDF resolutions to introduce a mixed-member system under proportional representation to ensure political parties have an opportunity to include women and youth in the selection of Members of Parliament.
2. Fears By A Few Stakeholders That Amendments To Article 144 On The Removal Of A Judge Will Dilute The Independence Of The Judiciary
Article 144(1) of the constitution states that, “The removal of Judge may be initiated by the Judicial Complaints Commission, or by a complaint presented to the Judicial Complaints Commission based on the grounds specified in Article 143.
The proposed amendments to Article 144(1) states that, “The removal of Judge may be initiated by the Judicial Service Commission.”
The contention by some stakeholders is that the proposed change in the institution that handles the removal of Judges will lead to dilution of independence of the Judiciary.
The position of the party is that this does not dilute the independence of the judiciary but will enhance independence of the judiciary, especially that the same institution responsible for the welfare of the judiciary will also be responsible for holding Judges accountable of their actions or omissions.
It is also standard practice among commonwealth countries from which we derive most of our practice that the Judicial Service Commission is responsible for initiating removal of Judge.
It is also standard practice among other public commissions in Zambia such as the Police and Prisons Service Commission and the Public Service Commission despite have complaints bodies (Police Complaints Authority), The Police and Prisons Service Commission is responsible for initiating removal of a Police officer or Prisons/Correctional Services officer.
3. Fears By A Few Stakeholders That The Words “AS May Be Prescribed By Parliament” In Various Articles Of The Bill Means Increasing The Powers Of The Executive?
The party position is that this actually gives power to the National Assembly to come up with legislation that protects the integrity of the Constitution and ensures that none of the three arms of government will act arbitrary in executing its functions.
Allowing Parliament to decide on how various public institutions conduct affairs including the courts will not any anyway transfer power from the National Assembly to the President?
4. Another Contentious Issue Consitently Referenced By A Few Stakeholders Has Been The Number Of Days In Which The Constitution Court Could Hear A Presidential Petition.
The NDF resolved to extend from 14 days to 30 the number of days in which the constitutional court can hear a presidential petition.
The proposed amendment in Article 103(2) states that, “The Constitution Court shall hear and determine an election petition filed in accordance with clause (1) within thirty days of the filing of the petition.
The party believes this is adequate time in which to determine the presidential petition.
5. The Other Matter Of Contention By A Few Stakeholders Is The Election Of Mayors And Chairpersons; Some Stakeholders Contend That It Would Be Undemocratic To Reintroduce Of The Election Of Mayors And Council Chairpersons By Councillors.
The current constitution in Article 154 (2) (a) states that, “A Mayor and Council Chairperson shall be elected – (a) directly in accordance with 47(3) during elections for councilors, as prescribed;
The proposed amendments in Article 154(2) (a) states that, “A Mayor and deputy Mayor or Council Chairperson and a deputy Council Chairperson shall be elected – (a) by councilors among themselves, as prescribed;
The party believes this amendment is necessary to stop the wastage of public resources of electing Mayors and Council Chairpersons by public ballot because the general public would have participated in the elections through their councilors. This proposal also reduces the risk of political violence which accompanies most by-elections.
We should as a country also look at those with whom we share common democratic values such as the United Kingdom whose democratic credentials are among the most respected in the world.
Each time a vacancy has occurred in the office of prime minister of the United Kingdom, the new prime minister has been elected only by members of the party from which the previous prime minister was elected. This is true with Mr. Boris Johnson the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
When Mrs. Theresa May resigned from the position of Prime Minister of the UK, it was the Conservative Party only that was given the opportunity to elect the current prime minister.
We should bear in mind that the Prime Minister of the UK has more responsibilities to govern a country as compared to the Mayor of Lusaka even the Mayor of London and yet to find a replacement only slight over one hundred thousand members of the ruling conservative party were involved in electing the prime minister.
6. The Other Article Which Has Caused Concern By A Few Stakeholders Is The Forming Of A Coalition Government By A Presidential Candidate Who Has Acquired More Votes Than Other Presidential Candidates But Has Not Received More Than Fifty Percent Of The Valid Votes.
Article 101 (3) (a) of the current constitution state that, “if at the initial ballot a presidential candidate does not receive more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast, a second ballot shall be held with thirty-seven days of the initial ballot, where the only candidates shall be the presidential candidates who obtained-
(a) The highest and second highest number of valid votes cast in the initial ballot;
The proposed amended Article 101 (3) (a) states that, “if at the initial ballot a presidential candidate does not receive more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast,
The candidate with the high number of votes cast shall, within fourteen days of the declaration by the Retaining Officer of presidential election results negotiate and form a coalition government with a presidential candidate that participated in the initial ballot, except that the combined votes of that presidential candidate and the preferred presidential candidate forming the coalition government meet the threshold of more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast.
This the party believes sums up aspirations of the majority of the Zambia population, that is to say reduced presidential by-elections violence, stop or avoid costly by elections and enhance the spirit of dialogue among political players in Zambia.
Conclusion:
There are several provisions that everyone agrees with as being positive and likely to bring happiness. It surprises us that some people say we should postpone everything in the Bill even though they acknowledge that a good number of the provisions will bring happiness.
Let us not forget the wise saying from American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn who said, “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future, it is something that you design for the present.”
A number of things in this bill will bring happiness today that we should not postpone to the future. There are a few examples we wish to give.
Why should we postpone the happiness that would be brought with the savings we would make from not having mayoral bye elections?
Why should we postpone the happiness that we would get from a lesser campaign period to shorten the tensions and disruptions campaigns bring?
Why should we postpone the happiness that a reasonable time for disposal of presidential election petitions in the court would bring?
Why should we postpone the happiness that would come with greater women representation in Parliament by a proportional representation system with gender quotas?
Why should we postpone the happiness that would come with greater youth and other marginalized groups representation in Parliament by a proportional representation system with youth and marginalized groups quotas?
Why should we postpone the happiness that greater and more inclusive participation in the affairs of governance by provision for coalition government?
Some people say that coalition governments should only be used in a parliamentary rather than a presidential system of governance. The first things the proponents for this argument forget is that our political system is neither purely parliamentary or presidential. Ours is a mixture or blending of presidential and parliamentary system. You cannot therefore place our system completely into either the “presidential system box” or the “parliamentary system box”
The second thing that the proponents of the fit it into the “presidential system box” or the “parliamentary system box” forget are the wise words of an American motivational speaker who pointed out that, “We are trapped in our own patterns and we are our own worst enemies. Yesterday’s presumptions shape your attitudes today and tomorrow.” This in itself limits us.
We have had several constitutional changes and these always seem to come to naught. This is because we have not heeded what Einstein stated thus, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thought process that was part of creating the problem.” This means that if you want to change the system you have to have a solution from outside the system because anything within the system is part of the system.
This means you have to think outside the box. Be it the presidential or parliamentary system box. Thinking outside the box is metaphor for thinking unconventionally, in a totally different manner, or from an innovative perspective. This entails novel or creative thinking.
Some people say, “Instead of thinking outside the box; get rid of the box.” We do not need to place ourselves into the two boxes of “parliamentary system box” and “presidential system box”. If thinking outside the box is good, then thinking outside two boxes is doubly good. Think outside the two boxes or get rid of them.
In short, The United Liberal Party believes Bill No. 10 of 2019 will help lessen electoral violence, increase participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the governance of the country. The Bill will also enhance accountability and reduce wastage of public resources.
The United Kingdom has donated more than £1,000,000 towards the hunger crisis in Zambia, days after opposition leader called for external good relief.
The Department for International Development (DFID) Zambia has since issued an invitation for proposals from NGOs with capacity to deliver emergency drought response activities in the worst affected districts.
This follows UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema decision to declare hunger a national emergency, saying he wouldn’t wait for President Edgar Lungu to do that anymore while people were starving.
“Zambia is currently experiencing a drought affecting in excess of 1.7 million people. DFID Zambia is open to receiving proposals from NGOs with capacity to deliver emergency drought response activities in the worst affected districts in the sectors of food security, livelihoods and water,” a statement posted on the DfID website read.
“As the UK is already working with UNICEF in selected districts to set up emergency cash transfers and support for treatment of acute malnutrition, additional proposals for these activities are not sought at this time,” reads the call for proposals published on September 19.”
And UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has commended the UK government for responding to the call for food relief.
“We would like to thank the UK government through the DFID for issuing a humanitarian emergency fund to support Civil Society organizations and church to distribute relief food to more than 1.7million Zambians threatened with hunger,” Mr Hichilema said.
“This is as it should be. The hunger situation in the country is real as numerous media reports have shown our people surviving on wild fruits and roots, some of which are poisonous.”
He added, “It’s our prayer that more donors will come on board to supplement efforts aimed at alleviating the hunger situation in Zambia. We must not wait for deaths, we should prevent people from dying of hunger. We call on those NGOs and other non state actors that will be charged with the responsibility of distribution to be transparent and accountable to the public funds.”
DMMU delivers sufficient food relief to Southern province.
Minister in the Office of the Vice President Olipa Phiri says the distribution relief food will go on up to the next harvest season.
And Ms. Phiri says over two million people representing over 3- hundred and 88 thousand households in 58 districts will require relief food.
She disclosed this in parliament today when she delivered a ministerial statement on the Hunger situation.
This follows a 2019 in-depth vulnerability assessment conducted by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit -DMMU-.
Ms. PHIRI further said the office of the Vice President is having discussions with line ministries and cooperating partners to ensure selected households mainly those headed by the elderly, children and the terminally ill receive some emergency cash transfers so that the support goes beyond food.
She said government is also working on modalities to start an emergency school feeding programme to ensure pupils are kept in school.
Meanwhile, Ms. Phiri assured Parliament that there is no need to declare the hunger situation a national disaster because government is managing the situation and distributing mealie meal to affected districts across the country.
She said government can only declare a national disaster if it is unable to provide relief food to affected people and livestock.
The minister in the office of the Vice President said this in response to Chimwemwe Member of Parliament, Elias Mwila who wanted to know at what level government will be compelled to declare the Hunger situation a national disaster.
She said government has not received any report of deaths as a result of the Hunger situation.
Ms. Phiri said this in response to Kaputa Member of Parliament Maxas Ng’onga who wanted to know if the Hunger situation has caused any death so far.
The Minister further said government is open to accept donations from well-wishers provided they follow the correct channel by donating through the disaster management and mitigation unit.
Atlas Mara has announced the reopening of all branches, 48 Hours after bailiffs confiscated essential banking equipment
In a statement, Bank Managing Director James Koni said all branches are all open and all bank services are fully operational as usual.
Mr. Koni said, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that has been caused to our valued customers during the service disruption. We have restored full banking services and are fully operational and open for business as usual and wish to reassure our valued customers that the attempted execution did not in any way affect the solvency of the Bank.”
“We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and understanding during this time.”
Entrance to the new Shoprite store at EastPark Mall
Shoprite Zambia has opened its second new look store in Lusaka and its 37th outlet in Zambia with an investment of K40 million.
Shoprite East Park situated right next to the University of Zambia Great East Road Campus, is the second Fresh X store in Zambia after the one opened in March this year in Woodlands Lusaka.
Speaking at the opening of the store Wednesday night, Shoprite Zambia General Manager, Charles Botha said the opening of the East Park store brings to 4,600 the total number of workers employed by Shoprite.
Mr Bota describes the Fresh X model as the Rolls Rouce of Supermarkets.
“It’s a very beautiful store it has began to be supported already by the crowds we are used to at Shoprite openings.”
Mr. Botha said Shoprite Zambia remains the largest private sector employer and has continued performing well despite the economic challenges that the country is facing.
It brings the total trading area in Zambia to 110,000 sqm. If you are looking at football (soccer) pitches length wise that is over 1,000 pitches put together,” Mr Bota said.
Mr Bota said Shoprite now employs a total of 6,000 direct and indirect workers in Zambia of whom only five are expatriates.
“We have about 300 suppliers from whom we stock 41% product made directly in Zambia, 47% value added or brought in for us by local agents and only 12% is what we import directly ourselves which is way up from 90% imported 24 years ago,” he said.
And officiating the event, Private Sector Development Association Chairperson Yusuf Dodia said he expects Finance Minister Bwalya Ng’andu in the 2020 national budget to address the concerns of the local manufacturing industry.
Mr. Dodia said the current economic challenges such as the power deficit has had a negative effect on local businesses, Shoprite inclusive, requiring most of them to invest in generators to keep them going which he says is costly
Inside the new Shoprite store at EastPark Mall1Inside the new Shoprite store at EastPark Mall
Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale strings a guitar with his Band during the ongoing Southern Province Tourism and Investment Expo
Southern Province Minister Dr. Edify Hamukale has been accused of pocketing over K70,000 meant for entertainment after he paid his own Band to perform at the ongoing Southern Province Tourism and Investment Expo in Livingstone.
Zambia Association of Musicians Deputy Secretary Davison Munsanda said Dr Hamukale has placed his personal interests above the interests of other artists.
Mr Munsanda who is also National Arts Council Southern Province Chairperson questioned how Dr Hamukale’s Band was awarded the tender to perform at the Expo.
He said Artists are now demanding for answers from Dr. Hamukale over failure to declare interest as an Artist at the Expo.
Sources in the organizing committee have revealed that Dr Hamukale demanded huge sums of money for his band to perform main act leaving other invited artists in the dark over their payments.
“How can a solo artist pocket K71 000 leaving others to face the heat and empty promises. We are aware of the amount of money budgeted for the artist at the Southern Expo,” Mr Munsanda said.
“Hon Edify Hamukale has been sitting on the development of art in the province and this is way too much. He was recognised and given a chance to serve as Minister because of his presence in the creative industry unfortunately the Minister has forgotten where he comes from, He failed to serve at ZAMCOPS I wonder why he has been put to run the province ,he considers himself a better artist but leadership is beyond the guitar, Leadership is about having a heart for the people around you.”
He added, “I have been ZAM Chairman for Southern Province for 3 years now and I have never awarded myself a contract to perform leaving my artist without opportunities to shine. However, Hon Edify has continued to run all activities in the province without considerable steps towards his fellow artist.”
“I remember him performing alone at the provincial women’s day celebrations in Choma. He claims to be giving out his Sound System to artists yet he goes ahead mistreating the artist.”
Mr Munsanda said Artist were selected to perform at the Expo for eight days without being given transport and other logistics including accommodation.
“Artist fees have been paid to one name and it is that of the Minister and his band. Who hired him,” he questioned.
“Why are we empowering individuals instead of building the creative industry and having an equal transparent platform for all artist. We have PAAC headed by Pastor Baster Tembo who has several times been found exploiting artist and we try to meet and discuss better ways of managing these events but to no avail the story cant be changed because the ones sitting on the throne wont take advise.”
He added, “Let them release the contracts and tell us why they haven’t honoured those contracts, Reality here is that there are no contracts and artist are being abused. I will not be intimidated by his political will on such matters, by the way as Chairperson of the province I have visited his office and there is nothing he has to offer for artist apart from his boastful attitude.”
“I am informed K71 000 was paid directly to him and I hope an investigation is set to find out the truth as this is not the first time we have been told there is no money after a few individuals silently walk away with figures that can feed the entire industry.”
He disclosed that Artists were promised verbally that they will receive K8000 for all the days without accommodation, transport and food.
“This is the year of the Arts and we cant allow a fraction to benefit. All artist deserve the best but I am personally disappointed to hear of the messy operations at the Expo. I plead with the Minister of Tourism and Arts to take care of his Ministry by making sure our artist across the country are not mistreated.”
When contacted for a comment, Dr Hamukale referred all queries to Provincial Permanent Secretary, Mwangala Liomba who in turn disclosed that the Expo Committee released K100,000 towards entertainment and that artists will decide how they will share the money among themselves.
He clarified that Dr. Hamukale has sacrificed his money to pay his live band while emphasizing that the Minister is not being paid from the Expo account.
Mr. Liomba added that the Committee will identify an account which will receive the money and redistribute to the rest to the artists according to their contracts.
Meanwhile, tempers flared up on Wednesday when information emerged that Dr Hamukale cashed out 35,000 of his personal money to pay his live band at the Expo following dissatisfaction among artists over contractual disagreements.
This was after information emerged alleging Hamukale’s live band had demanded about four times more than what other local artists are getting combined.
These revelations turned into a heated argument between Patriotic Front Provincial Youth Vice Chairperson Obby Mweemba and Dr Hamukale after the PF official asked the Minister whether the allegations were true.
Mr. Mweemba told Journalists that artists complained to him that the live band’s contract was pegged at K31, 000 while about five local artists would share K8, 000 among themselves.
He claims that Dr Hamukale ‘insulted’ and told him to stop sniffing and poking his nose in the Expo business after the Minister was challenged to allow young people to expose their talents at the Expo.
ZESCO Muzuma substation being upgraded to KV 330 (from KV 220) in order to be connected to the national grid as soon as the Maamba coal plant station is commissioned
The Kitwe District Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry have urged the government to devise a strategic way of rationing power supply as opposed to importing the commodity, a move that would raise the cost of production for industries.
Speaking in an interview in Kitwe today, Kitwe Chamber of Commerce Vice President Emmanuel Mbambiko also suggested that the mining companies should start paying for electricity at a commercials rate unlike subsidized rates to compensate for the subsidy that government pays on electricity.
Yesterday Energy minister Mathew Nkhuwa said the government will hike the cost of electricity by about 75 percent to enable it to import the commodity from South Africa to cushion the current power deficit.
Mr. Nkhuwa also announced that the fuel price will also go up soon due to the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia owned oil facilities that knocked down crude oil supply.
Mr. Mbambiko said the government should do away with plans to import power and instead prioritize power supply to industries during the day and then supply the households in the evening so that industries can work normally during the day.
He noted that if the government hikes the electricity tariffs now a lot of industries will fail to continue operating as the cost of production is already high due to high fuel and electricity prices.
And Mr. Mbambiko has urged the Minister of Finance Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu to consider reducing tax on the importation of solar power materials in the 2020 national budget to promote diversification to solar energy in view of the electric power deficit.
Giving the chamber’s expectation in next year’s budget due to be presented soon, Mr. Mbambiko also urged the Finance Minister to control the spending pattern for the government especially the cabinet and the security wings.
He said the spending figures should be reduced so that more money is channeled to critical areas such as health and education.
He, however, noted that the government revenue collection base is currently eroded hence making it difficult to make revenue collection projections.
The national budget for the year 2020 is expected to be presented to parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu before the end of this month.
Judge Yvonne Chembe of Ndola High Court has come under unfair attack.
Many strongly believe that the 10 years jail sentence she slapped on a young girl of Ndola for “smoking weed” was harsh. Others are even comparing her case to those who have walked away with a 5 year jail term for killing (manslaughter), which appears to be a serious offence than “smoking weed”.
But those attacking the Judge are missing a crucial point. She was legally right to slap the girl with 10 years jail sentence.
Here are my reasons:
Firstly, the young girl was not sentenced for “smoking” marijuana but “trafficking”. This is how the law works in Zambia. When you are caught with marijuana below 0.5 grams – you can successfully argue that it was for consumption.
However, by law anything above 0.5 grams is regarded as trafficking. So prosecutors don’t have to prove that you were selling but rather that you had quantities above 0.5 grams. That’s it. That is the law as promulgated by Parliament. Judges are supposed to merely follow the law!
Secondly, Parliament, in its wisdom passed a law that says when you are a second offender for drug-related cases, you are supposed to be jailed for a mandatory sentence of 10 years. Judges cannot go against this provision as it is the law for the time being under Section 44 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
So before we throw stones on a poor Judge, try to understand the law. Don’t blame the Judiciary but Parliament!
It reads; ” Any person convicted on a second or subsequent offense for trafficking shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten years”. The law is precise.
Now let’s get to the Ndola girl.
She was convicted for “trafficking” and not “smoking” as it has wrongly been presented to the public. I understand she had 17 grams of marijuana which is way over the 0.5 grams. She is a second offender – meaning she had served jail before for drug-related offense. So what did you expect the Judge to do?
Simply put, Judge Chembe was under the legal obligation to apply the law as it is and sentence her to 10 years! If the Judge ever tried to reduce the sentence, she would have committed misconduct.
So before we throw stones on a poor Judge, try to understand the law. Don’t blame the Judiciary but Parliament!
Those with strong views about this law should lobby parliament to make amendments and allow Judges to have discretion on such cases.
In short, the Judge interpreted the law when she slapped a 10 years jail sentence. That is the law. Those not agreeing with the interpretation can appeal.
With Mufulira Leopards having claimed the Muf 7s trophy and Red Arrows laying claim to the Roan 7s trophy, the Ndola 7s trophy is up for grabs to whoever is determined, passionate and prepared enough.
If history and statistics are anything to go by, then either Arrows or Leopards are likely to win a second trophy in Ndola, as their consistency in the past few years is unquestionable. Their rivalry on the pitch is tangible, their skills and tactics are a marvel to watch and their supporters are expectant. However, it will be of no surprise if another team is crowned winner this weekend as a number of teams keep closing the gap with score margins and points in between.
The tournament has attracted participation from all the 16 teams in the Zambian League plus New comers Linda Lions, Zambian Fiji, Ndola B and Mufulira Barbarians. Other regular participants include;
Red Arrows, Mufulira Leopards, Green Eagles, Lusaka, Nkwazi, Mufulira Hunters, Diggers, Nchanga, Konkola, Roan, Kansanshi, Green Buffaloes, Chibuluma, Diggers B, Kpf and hosts Ndola.
The games will be held on Saturday 21st September, 2019 at Ndola Wanderers Grounds in Ndola City on the Copperbelt Province.
National Team selectors will also be on the lookout for talent, skills, discipline and work ethic as they aim to identify potential players for the Olympic Qualifiers to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, later in the year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU).
Monze Town Council (MTC) Secretary Benson Bweenje has declared his district ready for investors in different sectors including those interested investing industrial park which will be the first of it’s kind in the Province.
Speaking in Livingston where the district is showcasing its investiment opportunities at the Provincial Tourism and Investment Exposition, Bweenje said the district has various opportunities and that land has been made available for would be investors in different areas.
He said the district has various mineral deposits which have not been exploited an opportunity he said was worth looking into.
“We have also minerals which have been identified. We have overwhelming evidence of Gemstones which have been identified in Monze they are there. Those who are interested to invest in such they are free to come to Monze and we will show them the sites, we have been shown the sites, they are readily available.
“The minerals you are able to see on our stands were just picked on the surface, what more is on the ground. I don’t know but those who are interested to invest can be able to see. Apart from that, we also have quarry mining. The quarry we have there, we have been told that ot has the potential to be turned into a cement plant. So we are also inviting people who are willing to come and invest in our District. Our District has the potential,” he said.
Meanwhile Bweenje said the town will be home to an industrial park which will be located in Bweengwa.
He said the Bweengwa Industrial Park will have an advantage of using the by-products of geothermal energy which is heat and hot water to be used in a number of industrial activities.
He explained that the Kalahari Geo Energy, the company doing the geothermal project has indicated that the pilot power generation will start in early 2021 hence those interested should quickly position themselves for the opportunity.
He further explained that there are also opportunities in the area of value addition to the meat and dairy products and by products.
“Have not talked much to do with animal or maybe maize, you might be wondering. Am aware, for example the government is putting the mealing plant so I can not talk on that because I know that value has already been added and I do know that we still have some people who buy the hides from animals so that business is already but we want people to come and invest in a company that will turn these raw materials into finished products,” he said.
On Tourism, Bweenje said the district has huge potential for game ranching and Safari as it is home to the Lochinvar National Park.
“Apart from that, we are also giving the opportunity to people to view wild animal, that’s game ranching. we also have the opportunity for people to do normal Safari. We also have the opportunity for people to come and build estate, for example on our stands you are seeing the display of a map which is planned for a shopping mall. Those are opportunities that Monze is giving out,” he said.
The draws for the 2019 U23 AFCON will be held in Alexandria on October 3.
Zambia will go into the draws with seven other nations for the tournament Egypt is hosting from November 8-22.
“The historical Montaza Complex in the Egyptian city of Alexandria will host the draw of the final tournament for the Total U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019 on Thursday, 3 October 2019 at the Haramlek Palace at 17H00 local time (15H00 GMT),” CAF said in a statement.
“The eight teams namely host Egypt, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia will know the identity of their opponents at the iconic 19th century palace, built on a high hill and overlooking the beautiful beaches of Alexandria.
“The Egyptian capital, Cairo, will host all games with matches at the Cairo International Stadium and Al Salam Stadium.
“The top three finishers at the final tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.”
Chipolopolo got down to business on Thursday afternoon in eSwatini after landing there late on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s 2020 CHAN first leg, final round qualifier in Manzini.
Seventeen out of the 19 members of the team trained on day-one in Manzini ahead of the September 22 fixture and were joined at practice by the second group that only flew in earlier on Thursday morning due to flight congestion getting into eSwatini.
Missing from Thursday training were Zesco United defender’s Clement Mwape and Adrian Chama, who is also CHAN team captain, due to a league engagement on Wednesday away against Nakambala Leopards in Mazabuka.
“So far so good, at least everyone is settled even those that arrived this morning at least they have rested and at least trained in the afternoon (on Thursday),” Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi said.
“Everyone is looking good; we are only waiting for the two guys (Mwape and Chama) who are arriving in the evening.
“By tomorrow (Friday) we will have the full team training which will be good.
“The commitment is there, and we are very happy that everyone is looking very positive and we are looking forward to a good game.”
Chipolopolo will host eSwatini in the final leg on October 19 in Ndola to decide who qualifies to the 2020 CHAN tournament Cameroon will host this January.
CHAN is a second tier AFCON exclusively for domestic league based players and was inaugurated by CAF in 2009.
Chipolopolo are aiming for a fourth CHAN appearance after reaching the quarterfinals in 2016 and 2018 plus a third place finish in 2009.
Team:
GOALKEEPERS: Sebastian Mwange (Green Eagles), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)
DEFENDERS: Adrian Chama, Clement Mwape (both Zesco United) Gift Zulu (Nkana), Lawrence Chungu (Zanaco), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars)
MIDFIELDERS: Benson Sakala, Rally Bwalya (both Power Dynamos), Amity Shamende (Green Eagles), Paul Katema, Bruce Musakanya (both Red Arrows), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Kelvin Kampamba (Nkana)
Ex-Chipolopolo star defender Joseph Musonda’s playing days at Nkana are over following the expiry of his contract last July.
Nkana have not registered Musonda, the 2012 Africa Cup winner, for the 2019/2020 season.
Nkana Chief Executive Officer Charles Chakatazya said the club is weighing up options of engaging Musonda, 42, on the technical bench.
‘His contract ended in July but we have not structured another one. On the players list he is not one of us,’ Chakatazya said.
‘He may join maybe the technical bench either on the youth or senior team. Once we finish talking to him we will give you the correct direction,’ he said.
Musonda has already been linked with a move to some clubs.
‘I am still playing; I still have the power to play for more years. You know age is just a number,’ Musonda said.
‘I want to show the nation that with discipline and handwork you can still play at an advanced age. I want to inspire young players,’ he said.
Musonda, who has 108 caps for the Chipolopolo, was a member of the Nkana side that won Super Division titles in 1999 and 2001.
He also had stints at Kalulushi Modern Stars, Tazara Express, Zesco United and Zanaco.
Musonda moved to South Africa where he featured for Free State Stars, Golden Arrows and Polokwane City.
Noted with thanks.Very interesting!Received, thank you.
The European Union (EU) has released €80 million for building disaster resilience to natural hazards, with the focus being floods and drought in some African countries. The beneficiary countries include Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Tanzania and Ghana among others.
This came to light when Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe and his Director for Disaster Risk Management Anderson Banda, paid a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Dr. Katema.
The program is being implemented in Africa by four partners namely the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and the Africa Development Banks Climate special fund.
Mr. Kabwe and his team are in Italy to understand the coping capacities and mechanisms to natural hazards such as floods and drought, which Italy has been experiencing almost every year and also to understand how the country manages sectors such as agriculture in the wake of the said hazards.
Dr. Katema disclosed that the Italian Civil Protection in the Office of the Prime Minister is willing to work with the DMMU in building capacity on how to manage hazards affecting the country. He added that Zambia can learn more in terms of agriculture, which should start at household level to contribute to the national food basket.
He added that his mission has engaged IFAD to give loans to small scale farmers to enhance household food security. Dr Katema further commended the Zambian government through the DMMU for the response to the areas affected by the drought.
And Mr.Kabwe disclosed that government is exploring modalities of engaging the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to begin production of maize and other crops specifically for food security.
He said once logistics have been concluded, ZNS will be equipped with the necessary agriculture equipment to ensure effective production of maize and consequently reduce the effects of the drought hazard on households.
Mr. Kabwe has further assured the public that government is doing everything possible to respond to the food insecurity being experienced in parts of the country and not to listen to people trying to politicise the situation.
He added that the 2019/2020 forecast has given hope and an opportunity for the country to recover from the shocks being experienced.
This is contained in a statement availed to the media by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) Communications officer Racheal Chama.
