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48 Houses and the Lubinda Constitutional Bill – making the link

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48 Houses and the Lubinda Constitutional Bill – making the link

In the case of the orphan 48 houses, we have, sitting before us, a reminder to Zambians as to why the majority of Constitutional Ammendments that Minister Lubinda has proposed are dangerous. They go totally against the changes we would be expected to be making, given our reality.

So, yesterday, members of the public were left scraping their collective jaws from the floor. This was because the Anti-Corruption Commission was reported as announcing that it has, in its possession, 48 houses that must have (corruptly) built themselves because no owner can be found.
This leads us back to the FIC report.

Remember that the FIC has told us that between 2015 and 2018 the Treasury lost almost K12 billion to corruption, money laundering, fraud and straight out theft.
That amount is equal to the eurobond we issued in 2015.

In other words, a whole eurobond has gone into private pockets. Citizens, for their part, have been left strangled with punishing debt repayment resulting in crises such as the closure of CBU, removal of student meal allowances, shortage of medicines in hospitals and delayed/non payment of salaries.

Back to the Constitutional Ammendment Bill 10 of 2019.

Bill 10 proposes to remove Parliamentary oversight over debt contraction. Debt, if the Lubinda Bill passes, will be decided on entirley (and secretely) by Cabinet only.
Remember, this is the very Cabinet that has got us into the current crisis as it ignored the current constitutional requirement to get Parliament support for debt contraction.

Further, Bill 10 proposes that the Bank of Zambia will no longer oversee monetary policy. This function will sit, I guess, with the Ministry of Finance. A simple explanation of that is that the Bank of Zambia will have no say on whether we print money or not. Cabinet will decide that alone.
If Bill 10 passes, the President will no longer need to consult the Civil Service Commission in appointing the Secretary to the Treasury. The ST holds the keys to the Treasury. No money comes out of there without his/her signature.
Finally and very worryingly, Lubinda would like the FIC lose its independence and be a department under the DEC muzzled by intelligence laws. In other words, we won’t have the figures included in this post.

The questions that Zambians should ask themselves about all this are:

1. In a situation in which we have not only over-borrowed but whole loans have disappeared, why would we want to ammend our constitution so that debt contraction is easier for the very Cabinet that has got us into this mess
2. Isn’t it because we have such weak controls on debt contraction and use, as well as accountability generally that individuals can steal such mind boggling amounts as to build 48 houses?? Why are we then weakening controls?

I ask again, what informed the Constitutional Ammendments Minister Lubinda is making? Why would you propose to take down the grill doors on a house that has been broken into multiple times? Shouldn’t you be suggesting that perimeter wall should be heightened and razor wire placed on top of it.
Eh kaya ba
#HandsOffOurConstitution #YellowCard

By Laura Miti

Despite the marginal Katuba loss, the trend is hugely in favour of PF-Davies Mwila

Chief Editor
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Despite the marginal Katuba loss, the trend is hugely in favour of PF-Davies Mwila
PF Secretary general Davies Mwila
PF Secretary general Davies Mwila

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Davies Mwila has said that despite the result of the Katuba Parliamentary by-election may have marginally going against the PF, the support trend is hugely in the party’s favour and against the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).

Addressing journalists at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka after Tuesday’s by-elections, Mr Mwila said the roots of PF have gone deeper and we have gained unstoppable momentum.

“While it may appear on the surface that we lost this particular election, the truth is that our roots have gone deeper and we have gained unstoppable momentum. We have gained a significantly bigger share of the votes, while UPND have had their margin terminally eroded. The tables are turning in this once upon a time UPND stronghold. The momentum is on our side,” said Mr Mwila.

“This trend is confirmed by the fact that the two biggest wards in Katuba Constituency- namely: Katuba Ward and Chunga wards vigorously voted for PF. These two big wards are reflective of compounds in Lusaka. They show you that the voters are still with PF, as they see no alternative, except that Lusaka has received more development than those areas. This shift also shows that by PF winning Katuba Ward and Chunga Ward, Patriotic Front will in 2021 retain all the seats in Lusaka.”

He has saluted the foot soldiers in Mayembe Ward of Shiwangandu District; Mangango, Shitwa and Kanabilumbu Wards of Kaoma District; Lubwa Ward of Kitwe District; Lungwishi ward of Mansa District, Katuba Constituency of Central Province; and, all the voters in these respective areas.

“Our campaigns were issue based and violent free in accordance with the directive by His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu – the President of the Patriotic Front – and President of the Republic of Zambia. May I also take this opportunity to commend our Head of State for upholding exceptionally high moral values and strength of character, even in the face of malicious slander and hate speech from bitter and envious detractors,” he added.

“To our colleagues in the opposition; we wish to remind you that our national unity is much more important than our political differences. We need to pursue the path of issue based peaceful co-existence beyond elections; without regionalism, fake news, sensationalism and insults. On our part, we commit ourselves to noble politics of mutual-respect as we forge ahead in bringing development to all parts of Zambia.”

Mr Mwila said PF is now the Party of choice in Western Province following the election results adding that the PF’s victory last year in Mangango Constituency signified the turning point of the momentum in the Province in favour of PF.

“The clean sweep we enjoyed yesterday in the three ward By-elections confirms that the recent Sesheke By election was just a fluke for UPND and a mere setback for PF. Our decisive victory in 3 wards of Western Province presents overwhelming evidence of PF’s growing popularity on the ground across the province,” he said.

“We therefore wish to thank the people of Chitwa Ward, Kanabilungu Ward and Mangango Ward in particular; and our grassroots brothers and sister in the whole of western province in general for embracing Patriotic Front. Going by this trend, we project that in 2021, PF will win majority Parliamentary seats in Western Province.”

The PF Chief Executive Officer said the future of UPND is bleak in western Province adding that it is projected that in 2021, constituencies like Kaoma, Nalolo, Mongu Central and many others will go to PF.

Mr Mwila stated that the Province has rejected the opposition politics of one individual who stands in the way of the development of the majority, just because of his selfish ambitions.

FAZ upholds Kansanshi Dynamos promotion

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The FAZ Disciplinary Committee has upheld the debut promotion of Kansanshi Dynamos to the Super Division.

Kansanshi won promotion to the Super Division earlier in July after defeating Young Green Eagles 5-4 on penalties after the two sides were tied 1-all after two legs in the play-off.

But Eagles had asked the Disciplinary Committee to reverse the outcome of return leg after citing unruly behaviour by Kansanshi fans and lack of security at Independence Stadium in Solwezi.

In a statement FAZ spokesperson Mwazi Chanda said the Disciplinary Committee has just imposed a two-match ban on the fans for Kansanshi.

‘The Disciplinary Committee handed a ban of fans and also a fine but upheld Kansanshi Dynamos’ right to play Super Division football,’ Chanda said.

‘According to the ruling by the Disciplinary Committee comprising Mutakela Lisimba, Richie Nawa, Musonda Chibulu and Buchizya Mwalongo, Kansanshi Dynamos have also been handed a K10, 000 fine,’ she stated.

Kansanshi will now play their first two home matches minus fans.

Salma Sky unveils “Over you” music video

Entertainment Editor
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Salma Sky unveils “Over you” music video

For The Love Of R&B And Discussing Love In All It’s States, The Queen Of The South, Salma Sky,  Brings To You “Over You” An Artistic Expression Of Some Toxic Relationships

Video directed By Tivo Shikapwashya

Zambia’s politics of cult personality

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Zambia’s politics of cult personality

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

A cult is defined as a system of religious veneration and devotion often directed towards a particular individual or object. Whether this individual is of questionable virtues is often inconsequential to his horde of followers for all that matters is the unbridled access at the dinner table and by extension, the accruing benefits that come with proximity to power, be it financial or otherwise.

Dissecting Zambia’s body politic through the eye of a needle, provides a sobering assessment. While there exists, a few genuine mass-based political groupings, it’s worth observing the proliferation of of loosely stitched ensembles disguised as political parties. Whether it’s by design or not, nearly all of Zambia’s political formations tend to elevate their leaders to near folklore status.

Need we forget that our history is replete with some of the dumbest political slogans ever created specifically to reinforce this reckless gambit. KK wamuyaya, Sata is PF and PF is Sata, and the hour belongs to Chiluba are just a few that spring to mind. Granted leaders are mortals, it’s conceivable that they will at some point depart the political scene – either while in office or on expiry of their term. Dare we forget that the country has on two occasions lost sitting presidents in untimely circumstances.

What then will become of the Patriotic Front (PF) post – the Edgar Lungu Presidency? Would the United Party for National Development (UPND) survive the demise of – God forbid its leader, Hakainde Hichilema? Beyond Edith Nawakwi, what does the future portend for the Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FDD)? Who is the Deputy President of the National Restoration Party (NAREP) – we know the President is Elias Chipimo Jnr.

Has Nason Msoni got a following beyond his inner circle of friends? What makes Harry Kalaba and Chishimba Kambwili believe that their respective parties can outlive them? Did Akashambatwa Lewanika, retire with him, his Agenda for Zambia (AZ). The less we ask about prospects for the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), the better; it’s a party in a comatose. Most important though, is there a specific reason as to why our political parties are devoid of tangible succession strategies?

Succession planning

One of the lesser used but crucial doctrines that provides a health snapshot of the state of a governing or opposition political party, is its ability to manage an orderly transition in the event of death or resignation of its incumbent leader.
Therefore, a diligent succession plan is essential for it provides the electorate with a crystal ball to assessing political stability and continuity – in the process insulating a country from the possibility of earning a leadership by default – a sangwapo Presidency.

Post -the Levy Mwanawasa era, the bruising battle for succession – which was intrinsically linked to the State Presidency, somewhat contributed to sending the MMD into a downward spiral. All that was left was for king Cobra to inflict a fatal bite on a mortally wounded MMD. And the rest as they say is history.

Then why didn’t President Sata learn from Mwanawasa’s untimely passing regarding the need to groom a deputy – for Guy Scott’s ineligibility was a foregone conclusion? Although Sata never pronounced publicly ‘Donchi Kubeba’ regarding his preferred successor, Harry Kalaba, pontificated otherwise. He remained resolute to the claim that King Cobra did in fact have an heir in mind. Now that he Kalaba has been cast into political wilderness, would he still stand by his claim that President Lungu was indeed the anointed one? Truth is, we may never know.

Even if that were the case, fact is, ours is not a monarchy such as that one – in which a mere birth right anointed Prince Charles as the rightful heir to the British throne. Our democracy demands that political power flows from the electorate and the electorate deserve the right to scrutinise those aspiring for the highest office of the land?

For all his good intentions and purpose, it’s difficult to figure out why Hichilema is still at the helm of UPND – this despite suffering a quartet of loses at Presidential polls. What does his continued stranglehold over the party say about the rest of the UPND faithful? Aren’t there enough candidates worth of his ilk to take over the leadership mantle?

Blame it on politics of cult personality or otherwise, lack of mentoring or succession planning, has proved to be one of Zambia’s biggest political dogmas – since independence. For the good man, he is, KK had 27 years to groom a successor yet he missed the shot. The result? UNIP is dead. For almost 10 years, Frederick Chiluba could not identify a worthy leader to take over from him – a factor that nearly prompted him to fiddle with the constitution so he could engineer a lengthy stay. The consequence? MMD is dead. For the sake of a sustainable democracy, you would hope that both PF and UPND have aces up their sleeves.

Shepolopolo eye Mauritius’ scalp

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Shepolopolo coach Beauty Mwamba has stressed the importance of winning Thursday’s opening Group B match at the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Cup in Port Elizabeth.

The 2017 bronze medal winners face Mauritius on August 1 at the tournament South Africa is hosting from July 31 to August 11.

Mwamba said Chipolopolo must win on Thursday because it will only get tougher with Namibia and Botswana to come in their last two Group B matches as they eye the prospect of a third successive knockout stage qualification.

“It is a tough group coz if you look at Namibia, we once lost to Namibia during the Women’s AFCON which they hosted and we lost 1-0 but we have still been able to beat them, so it’s 50-50,” Mwamba said.

“And looking at Botswana, also they have improved in both men’s and women’s football, they are also doing very well and they are also a tough opponent.

“So we cannot also underrate Mauritius, it is a tough group so we have to do our best to get out of this group.”

CBU to reopen on 19th August and expelled students reinstated -Mushimba (updated)

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CBU to reopen on 19th August and expelled students reinstated -Mushimba (updated)
Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba
Brian Mushimba

Higher Education Minister Brian Mushimba has announced that the Copperbelt University will reopen on 19th August 2019.

Addressing a joint media briefing with Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya, Dr Mushimba said the decision to reopen the institution has been arrived at after extensive stakeholder consultations.

“After extensive consultations, I’m glad to announce the re-opening of CBU on 19th August. This olive branch by government speaks volumes on the priority it places on quality education and must be commended,”Dr Mushimba said.

“We urge our students to take advantage and be at their best.Good luck in your exams.”

Dr Mushimba also announced the reinstatement of expelled students.He said suspensions of all students have been lifted adding that those who were expelled have instead had the expulsions reduced to suspensions.

“We are a listening government and we have listened to the cries of people,” Dr Mushimba stated.

CBU was closed on April 2nd 2019 by then Minister Professor Nkandu Luo after student unrest. Two weeks ago the former Higher Education Minister Nkandu Luo vowed that she will not reopen the Copperbelt University until security measures estimated at K10 million were put in place.

Botswana confident of producing 2020 CHAN qualifier shock

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Botswana coach Mogomotsi Mpote is confident they can shock hosts Zambia in this Saturday’s 2020 CHAN second round, final leg qualifier decider.

Zambia and Botswana head into their August 3 date at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka tied at 0-0 from the July 26 first leg match played away in Francistown.

“After seven days with the team, a lot has happened but our aim is to qualify and we are here to fight to win this game,” Mpote said.

“Our aim of coming here is to play with a purpose. We are here to get a win and when we get that goal that will be defended well.”

A 1-1 draw will see Botswana advance to the final qualifying round on away goals rule but a 0-0 draw will see the tie decided on post-match penalties.

But Botswana have yet to eliminate Zambia from the CHAN qualifiers despite still unbeaten three previously home games against Chipolopolo recording two draws and a win.

However, Zambia has gone on reverse those fortunes with two home victories heading into this weekend’s third CHAN qualifying encounter in Lusaka.

Winner over both legs will face Angola or eSwatini away in September and at home in October for a place in January’s finals in Cameroon.

ZRA, FQM settle K76 billion tax bill disagreement

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ZRA, FQM settle K76 billion tax bill disagreement
ZRA Headquarters
ZRA Headquarters

The Zambia Revenue Authority has entered into a tax settlement with First Quantum over a K76.5 billion tax bill.

The tax dispute was over the assesement claim on duties at First Quantum’s Kalumbila Minerals.The tax settlement was entered into between ZRA and FQM last week.

In a statement, First Quantum Minerals said the tax issue with ZRA has since been closed.

“The amount agreed was in line with the company’s previously disclosed expectations and no further action is required,” the firm said.

ZRA in March last year slapped Kalumbila Minerals with a 76.5-billion kwacha tax bill ($7.6-billion) for unpaid duties on imported mining equipment, an assessment that First Quantum refuted.

But on July 24, 2019, Kalumbila Minerals reached a settlement with the ZRA with respect to the assessment claim on duties.

Meanwhile, First Quantum Minerals Ltd. says its earnings dropped 42 per cent in the second quarter from last year even as its copper production reached a record high.

The company, which reports in U.S. dollars, says it had net earnings of $78 million in the last quarter compared with $135 million for the same quarter last year.

It revealed that it produced 168,399 tonnes of copper in the quarter compared with 150,950 tonnes last year, and pulled in revenue of $939 million compared with $1.05 billion last year.

At its Kansanshi mine, production was impacted by the lower grades in the oxide ore circuit and lower recoveries in the oxide and mixed ore circuits slightly offset by higher throughput in all circuits.

It produced 58,634 tonnes of copper for the second quarter and there was a 28% increase in total gold production of 59,647 ounces from Q2 2018.

Production at its Sentinel mine declined by over 10%, to $1.55 per pound due to related efficiencies in labour and contractor costs, maintenance costs and foreign exchange.

Maid Poisons Employer’s Breakfast

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Maid Poisons Employer’s Breakfast

A maid of Kamwala site and service has been dragged to court for allegedly poisoning the breakfast she prepared for her employer and her children.

Naomi Muyemba is charged with maliciously administering poison with intent to harm.

Particular of the offense are that on July 6, 2019, Ms Muyemba with intent to harm maliciously administered unknown poison to four slices of bread and fried eggs meant for her employer Petronella Mukumbakwa.

It is alleged that on the material day, Ms. Mukumbakwa a manager at TATA Zambia limited discovered a black substance in powder form on the four slices of bread and eggs Ms. Muyemba packed for her breakfast.

Ms. Mukumbakwa was initially supposed to eat the said breakfast with her husband, but he refused claiming that he was fasting.

After noticing the said substance, Ms Mukumbakwa avoided eating the food.

The accused will appear for plea before Lusaka Magistrate Judy Chiyaika.

[ZNBC]

Shepolopolo get down to business at COSAFA Women’s Cup

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Shepolopolo are settling down in Port Elizabeth, South Africa ahead of the 2019 Cosafa Women Championship that kicks off on Wednesday.

Zambia trained at Oval Stadium on Tuesday evening after arriving in Port Elizabeth earlier at 12h30hours.

The team’s first match at the tournament is on Thursday against Mauritius at Wolfson Stadium.

Zambia will face Namibia on August 3 before wrapping up Group B action three days later with a game against Botswana.

“So far so good we prepared well and I think we are ready for the tournament,” vice captain and keeper Hazel Nali said.

“The group is fair and all the teams are ready. We just need to work hard to win all the games in the group stage,” Nali said.

She is praying for a bright start as Zambia tackles Mauritius in the Group B opener on Thursday.

“In a tournament always the first game is very important. It shows and determines how long you go in the tournament,” Nali said.

Zambia finished fourth at last year’s championship.

PF Scoops all ward elections as UPND beats Kambwili’s NDC in Kitwe

Chief Editor
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PF Scoops all ward elections as UPND beats Kambwili’s NDC in Kitwe
PF celebrating ward election Victory
PF celebrating ward election Victory

The Patriotic Front has scooped all the local government by-elections held on Tuesday.

PF emerged victorious in Lubwa, Lwingishi, Mangango and Kanabulimbu wards.

In Lubwa Ward in Kitwe the PF’s Julius Kaunda polled 1, 215 votes while the UPND were in second position with 510 votes. In distant third was the National Democratic Congress that polled 213 votes, despite the perception that Kitwe was home territory for NDC.

In the Lwingishi Ward in Mansa Central Constituency the Patriotic Front emerged victorious with its candidate Chanda Chimba amassing 1, 512 votes with the NDC candidate Savious Mulenga receiving 148 votes while the UPND’s Patrick Kasongo received a paltry 104 votes.

The Mangango Ward elections followed a similar script with PF’s Enelsei Nyirenda getting 840 votes while UPND received 390 through their candidate Liwoyo Chigumbe with the UPPZ’s Kabindama Chingumbe getting 399 votes.

In Kanabulimbu Ward of Kaoma District the PF candidate Mwanzala Munyika emerged victorious with 615 votes while the UPND trailed them with 388 votes.

And Shiwan’gandu member of Parliament Hon Stephen Kampyongo has thanked the people of Mayembe Ward for resoundingly voting for the Patriotic Front (PF) and its candidate in the just ended local government by election.

According to the Electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ), out of Mayembe’s 5 polling stations, UPND’s Cynthia Mwamba got Zero votes at both Lukalashi and Mayembe polling stations.

She got 4 votes at Kapishya, 12 votes at Chilombo and 55 votes at her own village; Lukaka polling stations respectively.

Mr Enoch Mulambya who was the Returning Officer declared PF’s Joseph Nsofwa as the dully elected Councillor after receiving 610 votes while his only rival, UPND’s Mwamba received a meager 71 total votes.

And Hon Kampyongo said the defeat for the opposition UPND reinforces the PF government’s commitment to distributing development in all parts of the country.

“The people have made a clear choice against politics of hate and violence and have resolutely decided to vote for continued development and unity. They have also freely shown that they are willing to side with a progressive movement that is committed to delivering inclusive growth.”

Hon Kampyongo was speaking, Tuesday, shortly after the declaration of Joseph Nsofwa as the dully elected Councillor for Mayembe ward.

The Shiwan’gandu strongman says the people in his constituency have, with certainty, rejected opportunism and meaningless political rhetoric in preference to continued development and unity.

Hon Kampyongo who is also the Home Affairs Minister has also praised the ruling party cadres who participated in the by-elections countrywide for exhibiting impressive levels of restraint, humility and maturity.

Minister Kampyongo assured the residents of Mayembe Ward of President Lungu’s continued support through development in all key sectors and areas.

“I can assure you that President Lungu is committed to the promise of bringing unprecedented development to this area. The winning of the Mayembe ward is an indication that Shiwan’gandu is fully behind His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and his government.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Joseph Nsofwa has thanked the people of Mayembe for entrusting him with the privilege to serve as their civic leader.

Councillor Nsofwa says the Shiwang’andu lawmaker has set the bar premised on hardwork and service delivery inspiringly so high, he will dedicate his energies into following in his footsteps and making the most of the months remaining before 2021.

10 People arrested for Exam Leakages

Chief Editor
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10 People arrested for Exam Leakages

10 people of Matero Township in Lusaka have been arrested for unauthorized possession of suspected examination question papers contrary to section 19 sub section (1) chapter 137 of the ECZ Act of 1983.

The suspects were arrested at house number 927 in Matero Township, the property belonging to Teddy Bwali Bwalya who has also been arrested and is jointly charged with Ackim Tembo, a teacher and the proprietor of Fungai tuition Centre.

Examinations Council of Zambia Public Relations Specialist, Ronald Tembo told Phoenix News that others arrested are John Kabamba, Amos Nyirenda, Caleb Mubanga, Philip Nyekele, Rachael Kambashi, Stella Miti, Brendah Ntitima and Anna Musukwa.

Mr. Tembo said the ECZ managed to retain among others, mobile phones which the accused were using to receive suspected 2019 general certificate of education examination question papers and handwritten answers on pieces of papers.

He said all the suspects remain in custody and will appear in court soon.

UPND Wins the Katuba Parliamentary By Election

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UPND Wins the Katuba Parliamentary By Election
UPND Candidate Bampi Aubrey Kapalasa
UPND Candidate Bampi Aubrey Kapalasa

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has retained the Katuba Parliamentary seat after beating the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and UPPZ in yesterday’s parliamentary by election that was necessaited by the death of the incumbent UPND MP Patricia Mwashingwele.

UPND candidate Bampi Kapalasa polled 8727 votes while his closest rival Zacks Mwachilele of the PF polled 7024 votes.

Bertha Mageya of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia came out third with 120 votes.

A total of 16,064 votes were cast out of which 193 were rejected.

Katuba by election returning officer Felix Banda declared Mr. Kapalasa the duly elected member of parliament.

And UPND chairperson for elections Gary Nkombo has thanked the people of Katuba for giving back the Katuba seat to the UPND.

Mr. Nkombo has described the victory as a defining moment for the party.

Barloworld Equipment, Village Water Zambia ink community water partnership

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Barloworld Equipment, Village Water Zambia ink community water partnership
Village Water Zambia and Barloworld Equipment Zambia officials after the signing of the Zamtan Water Scheme Project MOU in Lusaka
Village Water Zambia and Barloworld Equipment Zambia officials after the signing of the Zamtan Water Scheme Project MOU in Lusaka

Barloworld Equipment Zambia and Village Water Zambia have signed an agreement to launch a water partnership in Zamtan community in Kitwe.

Coordinated in partnership with the residents of Zamtan community, the Zamtan Water Scheme Supply Project is expected to benefit close to 20,000 community members and drastically improve their quality of life. Residents in the community have mostly had to depend on crudely dug shallow wells for water provision.

The project is valued at over K700,000 and is set to provide residents of Zamtan community and the Mwanalesa Community School of Kitwe District with a reliable and consistent source of clean water. It is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2019.

The Zamtan Water Scheme Supply Project is a social initiative that is informed by the need for improved water and sanitation as outlined in the Government of Zambia’s Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) 2017-2021. The goal of the project is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in the targeted communities by increasing their access to sustainable and equitable water supply and hygiene education.

Barloworld has keen interest in supporting the communities within which it operates. The company has been constantly engaged in widespread consultations with local stakeholders over the past few months to ensure the water supply project is done to the highest possible standards.

Speaking at the signing event, Barloworld Equipment Zambia Country Manager Adriaan Pretorius expressed appreciation for the opportunity to help fix problems in their areas of operation.

“We are really pleased that we have this opportunity to do something like this for the local communities in the areas that we operate in. I think the water project will go a long way in making a lot of people’s lives a lot easier and better than they were previously,” he said.

Village Water Zambia Director, Elisha Ng’onomo, hailed the partnership for the positive impact that it would have for members of the community.

“I would like to thank Barloworld for this gesture. I think it is something that is positive to the communities – especially in the area that was selected for the implementation of this system. It is something that Barloworld will be remembered for by the local community,” he remarked.

In keeping with the focus of sustainability espoused by the Barloworld Group, community members will be trained in hygiene and borehole maintenance to take an active role in sustaining the water project.

Additionally, the district and local water utility company are also set to play a role in sustaining the initiative in the long run.

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