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Government to construct a mini hospital at Mukobeko Maximum-Chilufya

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Government to construct a mini hospital at Mukobeko Maximum-Chilufya

Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya
Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya

Minister of Health, Chitalu Chilufya says government will construct a mini hospital at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility to address the inadequate health infrastructure.

Speaking after touring the clinic at the correctional facility yesterday, Dr Chitalu said government pursues a transformative agenda without leaving anyone behind.

Dr. Chilufya stated that provision of health services at correctional facilities are an integral part of the country’s health system hence government will build a 40 bed mini hospital at Mukobeko.

“We are going to work together with our colleagues from Ministry Of Home Affairs to strengthen health services in correctional services,” he said.

Dr. Chilufya also announced that government will immediately deliver an ambulance to Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility.

He added that government will further second a minimum of two medical doctors and ten nurses to the facility in order to effectively manage provision of health services to both the inmates and members of the public.

And Dr. Chilufya noted that the introduction of routine testing for Tuberculosis (TB) has led to improved diagnostic and curative rates at the facility.

Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya said government has made it a policy to have zero tolerance to drugs stock-outs at all health facilities in the country.

He said this has been reaffirmed by the increased budgetary allocation for medicine adding that government in collaboration with its partners has ensured that essential drugs such as ARVs and malaria drugs are adequately stocked.

Dr. Chilufya also disclosed that a drugs hub will be established in Central Province which will be housed at Kabwe Central Hospital for a steady supply of medicines in the area.

Latest Auditor General Report Shows Reduction in the Misapplication of Public Funds

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Latest Auditor General Report Shows Reduction in the Misapplication of Public Funds

The latest report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of the Republic for the financial year ended 31st December 2017 has revealed a reduction in the misapplication of Funds from K162 million in 2016 to K61 million in 2017.

The report however revealed glaring irregularities in the various Ministries, Provinces and other Spending Agencies.

It highlighted some reductions in Unaccounted for Revenue from K3 million in 2016 to K873, 000 in 2017, Unvouched Expenditure from K170 million in 2016 to K14 million in 2017 and Undelivered materials from K116 million to K1 million among others.

According to a statement issued by Ellen Chikale, the Auditor General’s Office Head Public Relations, despite, a reduction in the misapplication of Funds, it is still the highest-ranking irregularity for the period under review and continues to be an area of high concern for the Office.

Ms. Chikale said the other irregularity that is of high concern to the Office is Irregular Payments which have increased from K1 million in 2016 to K21 million in 2017.

She said the audit of 2017 covered areas that cut across all the five Developmental Strategic Areas of the 7th National Development Plan and the issues mentioned in the report are those which could not be resolved during the audit process and those which were highlighted in the previous reports, but had not been corrected as of 24th September, 2018.

Below is the full Report

 

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

The Report of the Auditor General on the Accounts of the Republic for the financial year ended 31st December 2017 is out with glaring irregularities in the various Ministries, Provinces and other Spending Agencies (MPSAs).

The Report which was tabled on floor of the house on 16th October 2018 has highlighted some reductions in Unaccounted for Revenue from 3 million kwacha in 2016 to 873 thousand kwacha in 2017, Unvouched Expenditure from 170 million kwacha in 2016 to 14 million kwacha in 2017 and Undelivered materials from 116 million kwacha to 1 million kwacha among others.

However, these gains have been reversed by the several areas of concern such as Unaccounted for Funds that has increased from 386 thousand kwacha in 2016 to 31 million kwacha in 2017, Misappropriations of Funds from 3 million kwacha in 2016 to 5 million kwacha in 2017 and Overpayments from 1 million kwacha in 2016 to 7 million kwacha in 2017. These irregularities in some instances increased by more than 500 percent.

Although Misapplication of Funds seems to have reduced from 162 million kwacha in 2016 to 61 million kwacha in 2017, it is still the highest ranking irregularity for the period under review and continues to be an area of high concern for the Office as it entails that institutions applied funds budgeted for a specific programme on unrelated programmes without the authority from Secretary to the Treasury thereby depriving the beneficiaries of the much needed benefits from the said programmes.

The nation may wish to know that although Misapplication of Funds on face value may appear to be a lesser evil especially if applied on buying medicines in hospitals, but it may have some criminal undertones especially if paid to officers purporting to be undertaking government programmes when in actual fact they may have no intentions to travel and carry out the work. This irregularity deprives Government of the resources to be applied on developmental issues instead of benefiting a few individuals.

The other irregularity that is of high concern to us is Irregular Payments which have increased from 1 million kwacha in 2016 to 21 million kwacha in 2017.

The audit of 2017 covered areas that cut across all the five (5) Developmental Strategic Areas of the Seventh National Development Plan and the issues mentioned in the report are those issues which could not be resolved during the audit process and those which were highlighted in the previous reports, but had not been corrected as of 24th September, 2018.

It is also worth noting that the Office interacted and communicated with Controlling Officers whose accounts were audited at various levels. The purpose of this interaction was to provide an opportunity for the Controlling Officers to clarify and take corrective action on the findings of the audits by so doing demonstrate the value and benefits of the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI).

The Report contains seventy four (74) paragraphs consisting of sixty one (61) paragraphs on audit matters whilst thirteen (13) paragraphs are on other matters. In addition, the Report contains audit recommendations which are aimed at addressing the issues raised during the audit process.

The nation can further take comfort in the fact that the audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) which are the standards relevant for the audit of Public Sector entities and are issued by the International Organisation for Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) to which the Office of the Auditor General is a member.

Also interesting to note is that the Office has for the second time issued an opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements of Government in line with Article 211 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) No. 2 of 2016.

The table below shows a comparative summary of some of the major issues contained in the report for your scrutiny.

Details

2017

K

2016

K

2015

K

Unaccounted for Revenue

873,649

3,700,509

558,449

Unaccounted for Funds

31,200,930

386,834

193,910

Misapplication of Funds

61,657,450

162,095,699

28,153,997

Unretired Accountable Imprest

4,073,434

17,559,399

12,659,892

Unvouched Expenditure

14,137,189

170,554,478

349,306,160

Unaccounted for Stores

6,370,531

14,428,573

13,460,323

Irregular Payments

21,791,360

1,591,348

115,350,860

Non Recovery of Loans and Advances

901,507

1,689,982

2,352,451

Failure to Follow Procurement Procedures

1,051,686

509,535

35,701,492

Undelivered Materials

1,486,568

116,759,240

251,523,804

Non -Submission of Expenditure Returns

29,409,484

40,705,270

6,308,762

Wasteful Expenditure

7,865,395

3,586,879

39,854,959

Overpayments

7,437,149

1,061,247

26,559,013

Misappropriation of Funds

5,036,051

3,618,127

–

The report is now a public documents which can be accessed from the Office of the Auditor General in Long acres and the Office website: www.ago.gov.zm in due course.

 

Reduce period for notifying Police for gatherings from 7 days to 3 days

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Reduce period for notifying Police for gatherings from 7 days to 3 days
Alliance For Democratic and Development Western province chairperson Mulele Mumbisho making his submission during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province .
Alliance For Democratic and Development Western province chairperson Mulele Mumbisho making his submission during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province .

A number of Choma residents have proposed for a reduction in the period for notifying Police for public gatherings from 7 days to a maximum of 3 days in enforcing the Public Order Act in a just manner.

This came to light during a consultative meeting on the review of the Public Order Act for the Southern province in Choma.

Former District Commissioner (DC), Nkolola Hazemba observed that the reduction in the period of notice to hold public gatherings will strengthen the law enforcement institutions for future generations.

Mr Hazemba who is also a former Deputy Permanent Secretary submitted that the use of teargas by Police Officers should be regulated and must be the last resort to avoid infringing on the rights of citizens to hold peaceful assemblies.

And Bosten Simeja, from the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities proposed that low ranking police officers should issue permits for public gatherings.

Mr Simeja argued that restricting the authority to issue permits to high ranking Police Officers has contributed to delayed responses to notices.

“7 days notification is too long. Let it not be a preserve of higher authorities to grant permits to hold meetings” he said.

Another resident of Choma, Joan Mpundu contended that the presence of Police Officers in riot gear at recreational gatherings such as sports games, intimidates people and is likely to cause disorder by the public.

“Events like soccer games at stadiums are usually attended by families. Just because people are failing to form a queue, officers should not release teargas. There are children and the disabled there. That is what leads to stampedes” Ms Mpundu said.

Meanwhile, other residents have called for increased awareness on the provisions of the Public Order Act.

And Chama Kapolwa, a civil servant proposed that education on such should be incorporated in the school curriculum.

“I don’t know the contents of this act. Consider including it in civic education as most people are ignorant about it” Mr Kapolwa said.

Alliance For Democratic and Development Western province chairperson Mulele Mumbisho making his submission during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province .
Alliance For Democratic and Development Western province chairperson Mulele Mumbisho making his submission during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province .
Western Province Permanent Secretary Sibanze Simuchoba delivers his key note speech during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province.
Western Province Permanent Secretary Sibanze Simuchoba delivers his key note speech during a public hearing on Public Order Act Amendment under the Ministry of Justice in Mongu, Western Province.

State enters nolle prosequi in Cocaine theft case, but re-arrests suspects

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State enters nolle prosequi in Cocaine theft case, but re-arrests suspects

Ten suspects which includes seven Lusaka Magistrate court officials linked to the theft of over 24 kilograms of cocaine exhibit that went missing at the Lusaka magistrate court have been rearrested.

The rearrest of the ten suspects came after the state entered a nolle prosequi against the accused persons when the matter came up before a Kafue based Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli sitting in Lusaka.

When the matter came up for a continued trial the state informed the court that they were in receipt of instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who has since discontinued the matter against all the accused persons through a nolle prosequi.

The court then discontinued the matter and granted the suspects temporal freedom as a nolle was not an acquittal.

But immediately after the suspects left the court room they have been faced with a rearrest and have since been taken to the police station were they will be given new charges before they appear before court.

The suspects Eric Chipango, business man, Emmanuel Chimba, businessman, Emmanuel Chirwa, court interpreter, Bearvan Mengo, court interpreter and Mathews Mukanda also a court interpretor.

Others Victor Nzaila, court interpreter, Florence Mushoka , court Interpol and only female,, O’Brian Muyunda, court interpreter, Didie Kangwa, senior clerk of court and Charles Nkhuwa a business man are are facing three counts of trafficking in narcotic drugs and possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

It is alleged in the first count that the 10 between November 1, 2017 and September 14 this year , jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown did traffic in phychotropic substances namely 80.11grammes of cocaine without lawful authority.

In the second count, it alleged that Chimba on the same dates , trafficked in psychotropic substances namely 1.5 Grammer of cocaine without lawful authority.

Chimba is in the third count alleged to have received , possessed or concealed an unregistered black Mercedes Benz valued at K49, 000 property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The alleged drugs went missing in August 2018 and were exhibits in a matter in which three Lusaka men were appearing before Chief resident magistrate, Kenneth Mulife.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

President Lungu meets 5 Investors invested in Luapula province

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President Lungu meets 5 Investors invested in Luapula province
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (right) interacts with Investors from Luapula Province on Investments and Developments programs in that region during a meeting at State House in Lusaka on Wednesday,October 17,2018. The Investors were in the company of Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa comprised of Sunbird Bio Energy Limited,MMRP Mining,Mansa Sugar,Kawambwa Sugar Project,GED AFRICA LIMITED. PICTURE BY SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE ©2018
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (right) interacts with Investors from Luapula Province on Investments and Developments programs in that region during a meeting at State House in Lusaka on Wednesday,October 17,2018. The Investors were in the company of Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa comprised of Sunbird Bio Energy Limited,MMRP Mining,Mansa Sugar,Kawambwa Sugar Project,GED AFRICA LIMITED. PICTURE BY SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE ©2018

Five investors who have invested in Luapula province arising from the 2017 Luapula Province Investment Exposition hyesterday met President Edgar Lungu to update the head of state on their investment.

The five companies that have invested in Luapula include Mansa Sugar Company, Kawambwa Sugar limited, MMRP Manganese Mine Limited, Sunbird Bio Energy limited and GED Africa limited.

The representatives of the five companies called on the President at State House in Lusaka to give their respective update on the status of their investments in Luapula Province.

The five companies have invested over US$1.5 billion in various sectors of the economy arising from the Luapula Investment Exposition which was held in 2017.

President Lungu commended the investors for bringing their investments in Zambia and pledged to continue making the investment environment suitable for all investors.

The President said his government will like to see more investments in various sectors saying his Ministers and other officials will always be at hand to facilitate the rolling out of projects for investors.

He said the investors in Luapula should not hesitate to engage the Provincial Minister for Luapula or himself whenever they have difficulties.

The President pledged to visit the province to physically see various investments in that part of the country although he receives reports on all projects taking place in Luapula and other provinces.

Sunbird Bio Energy limited Group Chairman Rajan Mahtani told the President that his company is investing approximately US$200 million in the energy sector to produce 40 megawatts of power and 100 litres of ethanol.

Dr Mahtani stated that everything is on course regarding the projects except for the Power Purchase Agreement which his company has not yet signed with ZESCO.

He thanked the President on behalf of other investors for the good investment environment which government has provided.

Dr Mahtani said the smear campaign to hurt the economy which some sections of society have mounted has not affected the investors adding that everything is moving on well.

He said the investors have confidence in Zambia and its government which is the reason his company has trusted its investment into Zambia.

All the investors were given an opportunity to brief the president on their investments and progress made on their projects.

Courts hands 7 people five-year prison sentences for various wildlife crimes

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Courts hands 7 people five-year prison sentences for various wildlife crimes

The Chipata, Kitwe and Mpika Subordinate Courts have handed seven people five-year prison sentences for various wildlife crimes involving illegal possession of two live pangolins, elephant ivory, black lechwe meat and crocodile skin.

In Chipata, the Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced David Phiri 34, to five years imprisonment with hard labour, following his arrest for Unlawful Possession of two live pangolins.

Officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, who found him with two live Pangolins concealed in a bag, arrested David at a guesthouse in the eastern city.

And in Kitwe, the Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced four men to five years with hard labour each for Unlawful Possession of Prescribe Trophy, namely one crocodile skin.

James Makungu 60, Lawrence Chipashya 48, Friday Musonda and Ponda Sichinga both 21 were arrested by intelligence officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

Meanwhile, the Mpika Subordinate Court has convicted and sentenced Bright Chanda and Kelvin Kunda, to five years imprisonment with hard labour each, after the accused persons pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession black lechwe meat.

Ministry of Tourism and Arts spokesperson Sakabilo Kalembwe said officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, who found them with the meat of a freshly poached black lechwe, apprehended the accused persons and they were arrested and charged on 26th September 2018.

Mr. Kalembwe said these offences are contrary to Zambia Wildlife Act number 14 of 2015.

He said the pangolins in Zambia and neighboring countries are under threat due to the illegal capture, trade and trafficking in live pangolins and scales, which are used in Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Mr. Kalembwe added that Wildlife poaching has negative side-effects that affect local communities, wildlife populations, and the environment. Zambia’s tourism sector relies on flourishing wildlife populations to attract tourists, to create jobs and provide vital social services to local communities.

Veteran Broadcaster Ben Kangwa has died

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Veteran Broadcaster Ben Kangwa has died
Ben Kangwa
Ben Kangwa

Former ZNBC Director of Programs, former Deputy Ambassador at Zambian Mission in Washington, Ben Kangwa has died.

Mr Kangwa collapsed last week, after suffering a suspected stroke and was rushed to Fairview Hospital where his condition deteriorated this week.

Funeral gathering at his house in Lusaka’s Makeni area.

As media strategist and political analyst, Mr Kangwa had full electronic and print media career, having worked in both radio and television at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) for a period spanning 25 years and rising to the position of Director of Programs. He was responsible for the running of Radio, Television, News, the core business of broadcasting.

With over 10,000 hours of broadcasting to his credit, Ben was the only known journalist at some point in Zambia who had produced and presented a business program called ‘Business Review’ for 12 consecutive years.

He was also credited for having produced and presented ‘one-on-one’ 90 minute political interviews with each of the eleven Presidential candidates in the Zambia 2001 tripartite elections on ZNBC.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the European Union (EU), the Freedom Forum of the USA and the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), Mr Kangwa produced and presented a “live” debate style 90 minute TV program featuring 10 of the 11 presidential candidates at the same time at the Mulungushi International Conference Center (MICC) during the 2001 elections.

In 2006 Presidential elections, Mr Kangwa yet again interviewed five Presidential candidates: Mr. Levy P. Mwanawasa SC – Movement for Multi Party Movement (MMD), Mr. Michael Sata – Patriotic Front (PF), Mr. Hakainde Hichilema – United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda – Heritage Party (HP), and Mr. Winwright N’gondo – All People’s Congress (APC)

Mr Kangwa, also produced and presented ‘live’ programs for both radio and television on the National Constitution sponsored by the Willa Mu’ngomba Constitution Review Commission where he sat on the Publicity Committee.

In collaboration with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Zambia Chapter, he also produced and presented a ‘live’ phone in program on Media Reforms on both radio and television for a stretch of four years running.

Mr Kangwa earned his Master’s Degree in Journalism and Culture from Cardiff University in Wales. In 1996, the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) presented him with the ‘Best Financial Journalist Award’ of the year.

In September, 2010, he was recognized by the Cambridge “Who’s Who’ for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in his career.

Mr Kangwa served on several professional Boards such as the Evelyn Hone College School of Journalism Department Advisory Committee, the Zambia Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, the Yatsani Catholic Radio Station, Zambezi FM in Livingstone, the Salvation Army and the Keep Lusaka Clean Campaign Committee.

Government defers phasing out of Toyota Hiace mini buses on the Zambian roads to 2022

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Government defers phasing out of Toyota Hiace mini buses on the Zambian roads to 2022
Transport and Communication Minister Brain Mushimba
Transport and Communication Minister Brain Mushimba

Government has deferred further the planned phasing out of Toyota Hiace minibuses on the Zambian roads from January 2019 to 2022.

Authorities had initially planned to phase out the buses on January 1st 2018 through Statutory Instrument number 71 of 2016 because they do not provide the necessary passenger safety but was deferred to January 2019 to allow sector players prepare adequately.

Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba told Hot FM News in Lusaka that the January 2019 deadline is not feasible as there is more discussion that needs to happen.

Mr. Mushimba said all the conversations that needs to happen between the manufacturers of the seat belts and the transporters cannot take place between now and January next year hence the extension of the deadline to 2019.

He said the move will also allow sector players to prepare adequately for the transition.

Business Loses due to Cholera outbreak early this year quantified

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Business Loses due to Cholera outbreak early this year quantified

File:Some pedestrians in Lusaka walk past a heap of garbbage along Lumumba road oblivious of the possible outbreak of cholera with the onset of the rains.
A study on the cholera outbreak which devastated the country early this year has revealed that small businesses suffered average revenue losses of about K 14, 669 each while medium to large businesses suffered average revenue losses of K 167, 000 each.

The study dubbed “Economic Effects of the 2017/2018 Cholera outbreak on Businesses in Lusaka District” revealed that this resulted in total revenue losses of about K76.5 million for Businesses in six sampled markets namely Kanyama, Chawama, Chipata, Matero, Mtendere and Chilenje.

The loss in revenue was due to inability to trade as Businesses were closed for an average of 22 days while other factors included reduced trading hours due to curfews, loss of customers, loss of capital and loss of business due to change in trading locations.

According to the study, this revenue loss is an underestimation as it does not capture revenue loss in other main business areas such as the Central Business District, Kamwala Trading area and COMESA.

And 79 percent of businesses interviewed indicated that there was poor planning on the part of government as the Council and Government did not take any measures to prepare business owners, epicenters and the nation for the outbreak while in a few places where it was done measures were not adequate.

The lack of cholera outbreak prevention and preparedness led to government implementing extreme mitigation measures such as banning of planning, imposition of curfew, demolition of structures and adhoc closure of businesses, according to the report.

The report has since recommended that government should develop an effective epidemic prevention, preparedness and response system and a clear annual framework that outlines activities being conducted for cholera outbreak prevention and preparedness.

The 2017/2018 cholera outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Health on 6th October 2017 and as of 25th March 2018, cumulative cholera cases had reached 5, 190 with 103 deaths countrywide.

Lusaka accounted for 4, 749 of the cases and 88 deaths.

Smuggling mealie meal to DRC has reduced in Chililabombwe

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Smuggling mealie meal to DRC has reduced in Chililabombwe
File: Feb 2011 Avishay Dvir, Zambian Border Crossing Chief Executive Officer (l) show visitors around the new Kasumbalesa border facility.The equipment which has now come under investigation

Chililabombwe District Commissioner(DC) Paul Mulenga says the levels of smuggling have reduced in the district especially at Kasumbalesa border.

Mr. Mulenga said security wings in the district are working round the clock in ensuring that all illegal trade activities are curbed in the border and mining town.

He told ZANIS in an interview that security wings have also intensified patrols in all areas that necessitate the illegal exportation of goods.

The DC also cited the fall in mealie meal prices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as another factor that has contributed to the decline in the smuggling of the commodity which tops the graph of smuggled goods every year.

Mr. Mulenga said currently a bag of breakfast meal is selling at between K115 and K120 in Congo DR adding that the reduction in the profit margin has discouraged a lot of illegal traders.

He however, stated that security wings will continue working hard to curtail any possible smuggling of goods in the district.

World Bank to continue supporting Zambia in its quest to develop and alleviate poverty

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World Bank to continue supporting Zambia in its quest to develop and alleviate poverty
President Edgar Lungu chats with World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House
President Edgar Lungu chats with World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House

President Lungu confers with World Bank delegation

The World Bank says it will continue to support the government of Zambia in its quest to develop the country and alleviate poverty.

World Bank Vice President for the African Region Hafez Ghanem says his institution will continue to support Zambia’s developmental agenda and the efforts to fight poverty.

Mr. Ghanem said the World Bank and Zambia are partners in development, noting that his institution will continue to offer support to Zambia in various sectors of the economy.

He noted that the World Bank has a program to support social sectors in the country amounting to 1.2 billion United States dollars and has informed the President that the institution is organising the International Development Association (IDA) midterm review next month to be held in Zambia.

Mr. Chanda said the report has found that 4 of the 8 officers who were suspended to be innocent and the officers have since resumed work.

The World Bank Vice President for African Region was speaking in Lusaka today when he called on the President at State House.

And President Lungu said it was gratifying to receive the World Bank to discuss pertinent economic matters as a partners in development.

The President said the World Bank delegation has come at a critical time when there are many issues of concern to be discussed.

The Head of State explained that currently there are many matters of concern which the country would like to engage the World Bank in order to correct the impression that has been created by the falsehood being peddled.

He said his Minister of Finance will soon be engaging the World Bank on various matters of concern.

Meanwhile Presidential Spokesperson Amos Chanda told journalists that President Lungu has received a report from the Ministry of Community Development regarding the alleged misappropriation of the Social Cash Transfer funds.

Mr. Chanda said the report has found that 4 of the 8 officers who were suspended to be innocent and the officers have since resumed work.

He said the World Bank is happy with the steps President Lungu is taking to stop the misuse of public and donor funds.

He said the President wants public and donor funds to be used prudently stating that misuse of the funds will not be condoned.

The Social Cash Transfer is funded by both government and donors.

The President later met representatives of the five companies that have come to invest in Luapula Province following the exposition held in 2016.

The President expressed gratitude that the investment exposition has started bearing fruit and pledged his government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment.

President Edgar Lungu pose for a group photo with a delegation laid by World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House
President Edgar Lungu pose for a group photo with a delegation laid by World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House
President Edgar Lungu having a lighter moment with World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House
President Edgar Lungu having a lighter moment with World Bank Region Vice President Mr.Hafez Ghanem when he paid a courtesy call on him at State House

FAZ backs CAF club cup envoys to excel

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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is upbeat local teams will excel in next season’s CAF club competitions.

Super Division champions Zesco United will represent Zambia in the CAF Champions League alongside runners up Nkana.

Green Eagles and Green Buffaloes will play in the Confederation Cup.

FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has told the four clubs to represent Zambia well.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the four clubs for their hard work and encourage them to represent us well in all their games,” Kashala said.

“We know that these are very strong teams and will do good to us in as far as Zambian football is concerned,” he said.

CAF club competitions are scheduled to start next month.

UPND cadres beat up Tayali, as he pleads not guilty to defaming HH (updated)

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UPND cadres beat up Tayali, as he pleads not guilty to defaming HH (updated)
Mr Chilufya Tayali protesting at Civics Centre after he was blocked from filing in his papers.
Mr Chilufya Tayali

Economic and Equity Party Leader Chilufya Tayali was this afternoon beaten at the Lusaka Magistrate Court by youths alleged to be from the United Party for National Development.

As the people were waiting for Mr. Hichilema to arrive at the court, irate youths pounced on Mr. Tayali who was then rescued by Police Officers who took him to holding cells at the Court.

Mr. Tayali was appearing in the Lusaka magistrates court to answer to a complaint of defamation against UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Despite being under the protection of the police as he was being ushered into the Court room, cadres outnumbered the police and pounced on him in full view of Mr Hichilema, the party Vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, UPND Members of Parliament, Senior party members among others causing unnecessary tension at the courts.

This behavior by the cadres prompted the police to take Tayali to another court for protection and he was later ushered to the court through the tunnels.

When the matter was called for plea, Tayali’s lawyer Jonas Zimba placed it on record that before his client would take the plea he wanted to inform the court that his client was attacked by unknown UPND cadres and that as a result of the attack he is not in his right state of mind to take the plea as he was stressed and suffered body pains.

But before he could conclude his preliminary issues, one of the complainant’s lawyer Zevyanji Sinkala objected to Mr Zimba’s submissions saying that there was no such procedure were a preliminary issue is raised before a plea is taken.

“The accused is before court to take a plea and it is only after the plea that our colleague can raise such unless they do not have any issues pertaining to the charge “, he has said.

Another of the complainant’s lawyers, Laston Mwanabo argued that the court should not entertain the defense’s application because the issue which was being raised had nothing to do with the charge before the court therefore it cannot be a preliminary matter before plea is taken, adding that the court can only entertain preliminary issues that are to do with the indictment.

In response Mr Zimba indicated that the state of mind of any person as an accused or a witness is important in the dispensing of justice and this is what he intended to raise.

In its ruling, the court allowed Tayali to take plea in the best interest of justice and indicated that normal procedures ought to be taken in the issues raised against the attack of the accused by the cadres.

The court also advised Tayali’s lawyers to advise their client to desist from making running commentaries in relation to the matter while the matter is pending trial.

This was after the Complainants lawyer Nelly Mutti informed the court that she had received information that the accused had continued running commentaries in relation to the matter.

In this case Tayali is alleged to have accused Mr Hichilema of being the main sponsor of the University of Zambia riot which resulted in the death of a 4th year student who died out of suffocation.

Magistrate Felix Kaoma has since adjourned the matter to November 30th at 09:00 hours for trial and advised the defense to advise their client not to make running commentaries on the matter.

Mr Hichilema on October 9th reported Mr. Tayali to Woodlands Police Station for criminal libel, an offense he said he considered serious.

He said that this was in view of Mr. Tayali’s continued libelous statements in total defamation of his standing reputation both as an individual and President of the biggest political opposition party in Zambia, the UPND.

The UPND Leader charged that Mr. Tayali made unwarranted and unsubstantiated claims against him for a long time now

The matter continues on November 30 for commencement of trial.

Government introduces cash plus pilot project

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Government introduces cash plus pilot project

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services says the Cash Plus pilot project that was introduced in Mambwe district is a mechanism meant to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable in society.

Ministry’s Director of Community Development, Cosmas Lukupulo said the Cash Plus pilot project is a comprehensive approach aimed at benefiting the vulnerable in society.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Lukupulo pointed out that this project will enable the vulnerable in society to benefit from more than one social protection project.

He added that enlisting beneficiary households on more than one social protection project will enable government analyse if the strategy is yielding the desired results or not.

Mr. Lukupulo observed that it is unfortunate that despite government and other stakeholders pumping in so much in the social protection project, poverty levels keep increasing.

He thus pointed out that there is an overwhelming need to train the beneficiaries and change their mindsets so that they can put the monies to good use and consolidate government’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Mambwe District Administrative Officer, Daggoh Chitendwe said the initiative is good and encouraging.

Mr. Chitendwe pointed out that if the pilot project works out, then it can be rolled out to other vulnerable people who are not benefiting.

Government impounds logs of rose wood

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Government impounds logs of rose wood

Government has impounded 59 logs of rose wood which were illegally cut by unknown people in Manyinga district in North-Western Province.

A combined team of Forest Officers and Police found the logs in Luansongwa Forest Reserve, along the Mwinilunga-Manyinga road, about 60 kilometers from Manyinga Central Business District (CBD).

Mayinga District Commissioner (DC), Queen Manela confirmed this development in an interview with ZANIS today.

Ms Manela said concerned community members alerted officers from the department of forestry and Zambia Police Service who swung into action by rushing to the scene.

She said government is concerned with the increase in illegal timber cutting which if not stopped, will deplete all the tree species in the district.

And District Forestry Officer, Natasha Chikalaba said her department has been sensitizing local people on the importance of trees and environmental protection despite the increase in illegal timber activities.

Meanwhile, a local licensed timber dealer, Henry Sakuwaha who is also Chief Executive Officer for Hensa Wood Processing and Mining Contractors Limited has supported the move by government in stopping illegal timber dealing in the district.

Mr. Sakuwaha also implored local business entities to focus on supplementing government’s efforts through tree replanting activities and other corporate social responsibilities aimed at changing the face of Manyinga than engaging in illegal business deals.

Recently, Senior Chief Sikufele of the Mbunda speaking people in Manyinga and Kabompo districts bemoaned the increase in illegal timber dealers in the district and appealed to government to intervene.

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