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Club Vegas Annex gutted

Club Vegas Annex on Fire
Club Vegas Annex on Fire

Fire has swept through club Vegas annex in Lusaka’s Longacres area reducing properties worth millions of Kwacha to ashes.

According to some eye witnesses the fire started around 10:00 hours and immediately the fire fighters rushed to the scene to try and quench the fire.

And Minister of Presidential Affairs Freedom Sikazwe who rushed to the scene says there is need to retrain fire brigade officers so that they learn to execute their duties professionally.

Mr Sikazwe said he is disappointed that a fire that broke out during the day became a challenge to put out.

And inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja who was also on site said the police will do everything possible to established the cause of the fire.

COMESA calls for trade liberalization programmes by member states

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File:Delegates at the COMESA Council of Ministers conference in Lusaka
File:Delegates at the COMESA Council of Ministers conference in Lusaka

COMESA says it is committed to ensuring that the Free Trade Area (FTA) protocol is enhanced in all its member states.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in Lusaka today ahead of the 20 COMESA Aid for Trade (COMAID) Coordinator, Hope Situmbeko said the objectives of COMESA are to help its member states develop through trade and trade linkages.

Ms. Situmbeko said in order to achieve this, there is need to have trade liberalization programs to be implemented by member states.

She said the aim of COMESA is to have a monitory review programme at the end of the day with external partners.

Ms. Situmbeko stated that COMESA became a free trade area in 2000 with Zambia being one of the members of the Free Trade Area.

She said FTA has allowed for the reduction of tariffs for goods in transit amongst members states and with external partners.

Ms. Situmbeko said the reduction of tariffs with other members states was necessitated to ensure that trade is enhanced.

She said free movements of goods increases markets and a bigger region of consumers of the regions products.

Ms. Situmbeko said because of the FTA, Members States have the preference of getting inputs that they require in the production of other goods and services.

She pointed out that the region is dependent on each other, one way or the other, which calls for the need to increase bilateral ties for wider regional integration.

Ms. Situmbeko said trade facilitation eases movement of goods from the east, is key in the implementation of FTA as the cost of transportation is very high these days.

She said the North South Corridor which involves Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the key successes that the COMESA Block has scored.

Ms. Situmbeko said the biggest weaknesses in the COMESA region are productive capacities that member states many not have, meaning all countries need each other at every stage of production.

President Lungu Shouldn’t send 5 Cabinet Ministers to China for debts talks -UPND

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UPND Spokesman Charles Kakoma
UPND Spokesman Charles Kakoma
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has said that it is perturbed by the decision of President Edgar Lungu to send five cabinet Ministers to China to hold discussions with Chinese authorities and financiers on Zambia’s debt.

UPND Spokesperson Charles Kakoma said that this was not a wise decision to on one hand try to save the little resources for operations and on the other hand send five ministers who will be entitled to allowances,lodging, airfares and upkeep in that country in addition to people who will accompany them.

Mr Kakoma said that Zambia has a fully fledged embassy in China which can be delegated to deal with the matter and advised the Government to send only the Finance Minister for the undertaking to be assisted by the embassy staff.

Mr Kakoma further said that the UPND feels the PF government is not serious about the measures they announced through Finance Minister Margret Mwanakatwe to cut government expenditure.

Meanwhile, Center for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Executive Director, Isaac Mwaipopo has said that while the decision to send a delegation of Ministers to China to discuss the restructuring program of Zambia’s debt is welcome, the delegation is too much.

Mr Mwaipopo reminded the government of the need to be mindful of the numbers of Ministers and other Government officials making international trips on government expense.

Mr Mwaipopo said that two Ministers from Finance and Foreign Affairs with a few technocrats could be sent on the mission to China.

Mr Mwaipopo said that the decision to send the delegation to discuss the debt restructuring program is welcome considering that 30 percent of Zambia’s external debt is owed to China.

Mr Mwaipopo said that this serves as an acknowledgement on the part of the government of the growing debt problem.

Zambia eager to domesticate recommendations from COMESA policy organs

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Commerce Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame(r) and U.S Embassy President of America Chamber of Commerce Jason Kazilimani(l) during the American Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting at the American Embassy
Commerce Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame(r) and U.S Embassy
President of America Chamber of Commerce Jason Kazilimani(l) during
the American Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting at the
American Embassy

Government is geared to drive the regional economic and industrialisation agenda in the COMESA region.

Ministry of Commerce and Trade Permanent Secretary (PS) Kayula Siame told ZANIS in an interview on the sidelines of the 20th COMESA Head of States Summit in Lusaka today that the community eagerly expects that all the recommendations that will be presented to the authority are approved so that the region can start the digital economic integration process.

Ms. Siame said once all the decisions are made, the member countries can start the domestication of policies.

She pointed out that Zambia is poised to influence the industrialisation agenda by insuring that job creation is not left behind.

From July 9th to 15th, 2018, Zambia has been hosting the COMESA policy organs meeting which will culminate into the Summit of Heads of State on the 18th to 19th July, 2018, annually held within the Comesa calendar.

Zambia being the host country for the Comesa Secretariat was tasked to host the Summit as well as the policy organs that precede the summit.

E-Health Technology Training launched in health facilities

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FILE: Professor Chomba with Ambassador Mulonda, and Embassy of Zambia staff.

Government says it has prioritized to improve the way it operates the health sector by incorporating the use of the E-Health Technology in the country.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary (PS) for Administration Elwyn Chomba made these remarks at the launch of the Growing Expertise in E-Health knowledge and skills (GEEK) training program held at University of Zambia today.

ZNIS reports that Professor Chomba said that it is important that the information communication technology (ICT) is used in the innovation and support of health systems.

The PS stated that government intends to use health information and communication technology to deliver quality health services in the country.

She affirmed that government is working with various partners to build the capacity of the health work force to utilize health information and communication technologies to improve the quality of patient care.

Prof. Chomba who noted that government is eager to improve the health informatics capacity in the Zambian health care delivery system also stated that, the ministry is currently using technology in record keeping and lab systems among other departments.

She thanked the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), America and China for the technical and financial support in imparting skills in e -health knowledge and skills to health personnel in the country.

And speaking at the same event, American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote, said the US Government has partnered with the Zambian Government to build capacity of the health work force in the country.

Mr. Foote stated that the use of health information and communications technology will improve the quality of health care in the country.

He noted that the US President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and CDC Zambia have made significant investments in health information systems including the national electronic health record system smart care.

The Ambassador further stated that two million people are currently enrolled in the system at over 900 health facilities in the country.

Mr. Foote said that the GEEK program will build on US investment in the smart care to support progress toward PEPFAR goals through the use of individual electronic health records to improve the quality of patient care by health care providers.

Sikota Wina calls for violence free Mayoral by-election

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Sikota Wina (L) with Simon Zukas during the wedding ceremony of Masuzgo Kaunda Junior (grandson son of Dr Kenneth Kaunda) and Makomba Silwamba (daughter of Eric Silwamba) at InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka
Sikota Wina (L) with Simon Zukas during the wedding ceremony of Masuzgo Kaunda Junior (grandson son of Dr Kenneth Kaunda) and Makomba Silwamba (daughter of Eric Silwamba) at InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka

Veteran politician Sikota Wina has called on political parties participating in July 26th Lusaka mayoral and district council chairperson elections to refrain from engaging in acts of violence.

Mr. Wina has expressed concern that if not controlled, the current spate of violence among political parties will impact negatively on the country’s economic agenda.

He told journalists in an interview in Lusaka today that there was need for political tolerance and respect for divergent views among politicians.

He explained that political party leaders should come out in the open and condemned their cadres who are engaging in political violence.

Mr. Wina has further advised political parties to instead focus on grassroots mobilisation and win more support.

He has meanwhile called on Zambians to remain peaceful and embrace unity for the betterment of the country.

Lusaka has recorded some pockets of political violence in the run up to the Lusaka mayoral by-election slated for July 26, 2018.

Yesterday, President Edgar Lungu directed the police command to firmly deal with anyone who will be found perpetuating violence regardless of their political affiliation.

ZNWL welcomes the banning of Congolese Musician Koffi Olomide

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Koffi Olomide's dancing queens during the wedding ceremony of Bona Mugabe, Daughter to Robert Mugabe , President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Simba at President Mugabe's private residence in Harare, Zimbabwe on March 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Koffi Olomide’s dancing queens during the wedding ceremony of Bona Mugabe, Daughter to Robert Mugabe , President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Simba at President Mugabe’s private residence in Harare, Zimbabwe on March 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) has welcomed Government’s decision to stop Congolese musician Antoine Christophe Mumba popularly known as Koffi Olomide from performing in Zambia.

We believe as many Zambians do, that Koffi Olomide should first be cleared of all the charges leveled against him before he can perform on the Zambian soil.

It is sad to note that Koffi Olomide’s illustrious music career has been marred by allegations of human rights violations and abuses, especially of women, who are in his care by virtue of employment.

We did watch footage of the unfortunate incident in which Koffi Olomide physically assaulted a female dancer in Kenya, an incident which resulted in his temporal ban from performing in Zambia and many other countries.

What is worse is that from all indications, Koffi Olomide seems to have not reformed, and has no remorse, as reports of his violent and abusive behavior continues to surface.

A musician with Koffi’s fame should be in the forefront of advocating for a better world through the respect of human rights for all.

We therefore applaud the Government for the decision to ban Koffi Olomide until he is cleared of all charges.

Beauty Katebe
Zambia National Women’s Lobby Board National Chairperson

Mighty stay second in FAZ Zone 2

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Mufulira Wanderers have kept their fine form in the second round of the 2018 FAZ Division One Zone Two season as they seek a quick return to the Super Division.

Wanderers have now opened a five-point lead at the top of the Zone Two table following a 2-0 win over Kalulushi Modern Stars at Shinde Stadium over the weekend.

Top striker John Goma scored a brace in this Week 17 encounter as Mighty moved to 40 points, five ahead of second placed Indeni, after 17 matches played.

Coach Justin Chinama’s Mighty have been at the top for the past four weeks.

Indeni dislodged Chambishi from the second position after edging ZNS Lwamfumu 1-0 at home in Ndeke, Ndola.

Kansanshi Dynamos moved one slot up into third position with 34 points following a 1-0 win over Ndola United in Solwezi.

Elsewhere, Circuit City are leading Zone One with 35 points, one above second placed Young Buffaloes, after 17 matches played.

Division One old-guards Prison Leopards are topping Zone Three after amassing 37 points from 17 matches, while Manchester U.Z. Academy are leading Zone Four with 30 points as at Week 17.

Only one team from each zone wins promotion to the Super Division.

FAZ DIVISION ONE – WEEK 17

ZONE ONE

Lundazi United 0-0 Rifleman

Petauke United 0-1 Lusaka City Council

City Of Lusaka 0-0 Circuit City

Police College 0-0 Kafue Celtic

Paramilitary 2-0 Young Green Buffaloes

Zesco Malaiti Rangers 1-0 Chipata City Council

Happy Hearts vs Katete Rangers (Postponed)

Wonderful 0-2 Lusaka Tigers

ZONE TWO

Mufulira Wanderers 2-0 Kalulushi Modern Stars

Mining Rangers vs Kashikishi Warriors (Wednesday)

Konkola Blades 1-0 FQMO Operation

Indeni 1-0 ZNS Lwamfumu

Chambishi 0-0 Mufulira Blackpool

FQMO Roads 1-2 Trident

Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0 Ndola United

Gomes 1-0 Roan United

ZONE THREE

Riverside United 0-0 Zambeef

Kasama United Youth Academy 0-2 Prison Leopards

Real Nakonde 1-0 Malalo Police

Tazara Express 3-0 Kasama Young Fighters (Walkover)

Intersport Youth vs Mpande Youth Academy (Postponed)

Chindwin Sentries 3-2 Mpulungu Harbour

Kateshi Coffee Bullets 2-1 Muchinga Blue Eagles

Isoka Young Stars 0-0 Tazara Rangers

ZONE FOUR

Kascol Rangers 0-0 Zesco Victoria Falls

Livingston Pirates 2-0 Mumbwa Medics

Chikuni Coops 0-2 Maamba Energy Stars
Sinazongwe United 4-1 Mazabuka United

Luena Buffaloes 1-0 Choma Football Stars

Kalomo Jetters 1-0 Maramba Stars

Yeta 2-2 Manchester. U. Z. Academy

Young Green Eagles 1-0 Zesco Shockers

Zambia ranked politically and economically stable by the Global Innovation Index

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The Global Innovation Index (GII) has ranked Zambia as a politically and economically stable country standing at 54 of the 126 countries that have been graded in political and economic stability in 2018.

Zambia, lower middle income country has also been categorized as one of the countries with a record of adherence to the rule of law and has been ranked 80 from among the 126 countries that have been graded by the Global Innovation Index.

According to the Global Innovation Index, Zambia is among the countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa that has performed relatively well in innovation and that the region and Africa as a whole has been urged to preserve its current innovation momentum.

The 2018 edition Global Innovation Index themed; “Energising the world with Innovation,” is prescribing a holistic approach to innovation for developed and emerging economies particularly in the energy sector.

The 2018 GII edition states that in today’s connected world, increasingly driven by technology, communication and super human intelligence, energy has become the fundamental element that makes everything possible and that Zambia has shown strength in general infrastructure development including investment in the energy sector.

The report says innovation in technology, energy, agriculture and other sectors often does not need one to be politically correct to be innovative as the degree of freedom to be innovative has the potential to reduce inequalities in developed and emerging economies.

The report was launched at the side event which was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) at Cornell University Campus at Roosevelt Island during the ongoing High Level Political Forum (HLPF) at the United Nations (UN) in New York.

According to the report, Zambia has shown strengths in the category of ease of starting business and ease of resolving insolvency.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, Mauritius, Senegal, Rwanda and Kenya are leading the way in innovation while China has also shown the way exceeding the United States and that China’s innovation is being felt by many economies across the globe.

Zambia has generally posted some strengths in governance institutions under the categories of political environment, regulatory environment and business environment.

The GII further reveals that Zambia has shown strengths in infrastructure under the categories of information and communication technologies, general infrastructure and ecological sustainability.

The GII explains that energy demand is reaching unprecedented levels as a result of growing world population, rapid urbanisation and industrialization and that higher levels of technological and non-technological innovation are required to meet the global energy demand.

Bishop John Mambo’s contempt summons unconstitutional-CiSCA

Bishop John Mambo
Bishop John Mambo

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda says it is extremely shocked at the summons for contempt served against its Chairperson, Bishop John Mambo from Chief Justice Irene Mambilima.

Bishop Mambo is on Tuesday expected to appear before the court after he accused judges of placing personal ambitions before justice.
Bishop Mambo is being summoned as chairperson of Chikondi Trust Foundation

In a letter addressed to him, the Supreme Court commanded him to appear before court on July 17 2018 to show cause why he should not be cited for contempt of court.
“You are hereby commanded in the name of the president to appear before this court at 09:00 on May 17 2018 and on every adjournment of the court until the matter is disposed of to show why you should not be cited for contempt of court,” the letter read.

It is alleged that on May 12 2018, Bishop Mambo wrote a letter to Chief justice Irene Mambilima which was also copied to the Judicial Complaints Commission.
The letter was in relation to an appeal in a case between Savenda Management Services Limited vs Stanbic Bank Zambia limited.

The contemptuous words were “the legal suit against the bank by Savenda, though given a favourable judicial decisions at the lower court, was suspiciously overturned by the higher court on appeal. Most judges seem to be more interested in achieving personal ambitions at the expense of justice for all and equality before the law. ”

But CiSCA says the move to summon Bishop Mambo is unconstitutional.

“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding this summon, CiSCA understands that Bishop Mambo merely wrote a complaint letter against some judges to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and served a copy on the Chief Justice, Irene Mambilima and Judicial Complaint Commission (JCC) on a case already disposed of by the courts,” it said in a statement.

“Instead of summons for contempt, Bishop Mambo expected a response to the letter seeking the Chief Justice’s indulgence on the alleged unsatisfactory manner her officers are discharging their duties. CiSCA is aware that Article 118 of the Republican Constitution provides an avenue for the judiciary to be accountable to the people and surprisingly, exercising one’s constitutional right has amounted to contempt of court.”

It added, “Further, in line with the constitutional mandate, under Article 236, given to any other citizen to question the work of judges by lodging a complaint to the Judicial Complaint Commission (JCC) as the judiciary is accountable not only to itself but to the citizens of Zambia, of which Bishop Mambo is bonafide member and was exercising his rights as provided for in the constitution.”

CiSCA said it is therefore extremely surprised that instead of a tribunal or a probe being set against those judges in question, Bishop Mambo is being cited for contempt for calling for their probe.

“This is unconstitutional and CiSCA will keenly follow this case to its logical conclusion and also see whether a constitutional breach is not about to be committed by the Chief Justice,” it stated.

IMF team due in Zambia to discuss its debt levels

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An International Monetary Fund team is expected in Zambia next week as part of consultations on the country’s debt levels, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has said.

In February the IMF rejected Zambia’s borrowing plans, saying they risked making it harder for Zambia to sustain its debt load.

Zambia has since come up with a new debt plan it hopes will clear the way for the IMF to agree a $1.3 billion loan.

Zambia’s debt was sitting at $9.3 billion, roughly a third of its gross domestic product, at the end of March.

“We want to look at our debt figures. They submitted a number of questions, which we have responded to. We are just verifying how the numbers are seated,” Mr. Yamba told Journalists.

Mr. Yamba said the consultations would take place from July 23-28 and address Zambia’s debt, fiscal deficit and related issues though not its request for a new IMF aid program.

The global lender confirmed that it will send a technical team to Zambia from July 23 to 27 to collect data and update the macroeconomic framework.

It said in an emailed response to questions that it plans an article IV mission to Zambia in the September-October period that it and has no plans to take a proposed economic program for Zambia to its Board’s September meeting.

Zambia is shelving projects that are not almost complete and will renegotiate loans as it seeks to contain ballooning debt and entice the IMF to restart talks on a support package.

The IMF has warned the country is at high risk of debt distress, while investors have grown skeptical about the amount of external loans the country claims it has incurred, saying it may be significantly more than the $9.3 billion announced.

Government has not funded schools since January-Pamela Chisanga

Civil Society Constitution Agenda Vice Chairperson Pamela Chisanga(r) speaking during a Media Briefing on People Driven, popularised Constitutionalism in Zambia at the Zambia Civic Education Association in Lusaka
Civil Society Constitution Agenda Vice Chairperson Pamela
Chisanga(r) speaking during a Media Briefing on People Driven,
popularised Constitutionalism in Zambia at the Zambia Civic Education
Association in Lusaka

Governance Activist Pamela Chisanga has revealed that government has not disbursed any funding to the Ministry of General Education to fund the running of public schools.

Ms. Chisanga said the development is disheartening and undermines the provision of quality education.

She said most public schools are struggling to meet basic operational costs.

“So, over the weekend, I attended a number of meetings in the education sector. I was saddened to learn that schools have not received any funding since January. What is even more disheartening is that the DEBs and PEO have also not been receiving funding and so schools are now being asked to ‘contribute’ to the DEBS and PEO,” she stated.

She said, “A number of schools are already struggling. They don’t collect enough school fees especially that there is a policy of not sending away children for failing to pay school fees.”

Ms. Chisanga said a Teachers complained that many pupils that were not paying did not necessarily come from poor households but the parents were just irresponsible and even stubborn when summoned by the school.

“Schools hope to recover the fees by withholding examination results but these parents simply go to ECZ where they bribe officials there and they collect the results,” she said.

“Some schools are now asking to increase school fees. The burden is now being passed on to parents in an economy where many are struggling to make ends meet.”

“What has gone wrong that we are now failing to find basic social services? For many schools in rural areas, this has been the trend over the last 2-3 years where they hardly get any grants even though these grants maybe as little as K600 a month. Teachers have to use their own money to buy chalk, paper etc.”

Zambia One Step Closer to Rugby Gold Cup Qualification

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The Zambia Rugby National Team has moved one step closer to Gold Cup qualification after beating Madagascar 31:29 at Mufulira Rugby Club on Saturday 14th July, 2018. The game which was dominated by the visitors from kick off saw the host team being pressurised.

Both Zambia and Madagascar came into the contest with a win each after beating Botswana on Sunday 08th July and Wednesday 14th July, 2018. The hosts were under pressure from the Islanders who had a better scoreline against Botswana… a situation which was very evident to all local rugby fanatics in Mufulira, whose expectations were sky high.

Zambia beat Madagascar with a minimal scoreline of 31:29. The Islanders try scorers were Saidi Rakotoarimanana (1) and Michael Raharijaona (1) who also scored (2) conversions, (3) penalties and (2) drop goals. The hosts scored tries via Bruce Saimbunji (1), Rodgers Mukupa (1) and Edward Mumba (1). Laston Mukosa scored (1) conversion and (2) penalties, while Dean Zulu also scored (1) conversion and (2) penalties.

Prior to the Silver Cup finale, Zambia Women played Zimbabwe in an International friendly dubbed “Battle of the Zambezi” by local rugby enthusiasts. Zambia scored a try by Team Captain Shirley Mwami which was converted by Rennie Sunzu Wilima. Their neighbours Zimbabwe scored a penalty by Precious Marange.

Africa Rugby Executive Committee Member Colleen de Jong commended the the Zambia Rugby Union executive and the local organising committee for their hard work and dedication in ensuring a successful international tourney. She also paid glowing tribute to Mopani Copper Mines for partnering with the Rugby Union and said such a gesture needed to be emulated by other organisations. She added that the union’s inclusion of a communications department headed by Mr Tom Chaloba has helped publicise the tournament to both local and international audiences.

Copperbelt Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said his government was happy to see the growth of rugby in Zambia. He added that “Most of our citizens have got no idea what rugby is all about, but what Zambia Rugby Union and Mopani Copper Mines have achieved will most certainly spring interest in alot of people”. The presence of representatives from Africa Rugby, Mopani and all walks of life is testimony that Zambia is ready to host similar or even bigger sports events. This win by the Rugby National Team has really come at the right time as it shows that as a government we have created an enabling environment for partnerships between sporting bodies and corporate institutions.

The Zambia Rugby Union president Gen Clement Sinkamba said the partnership between his union and Mopani was testament that with right foundations and great understanding, alot could be achieved. Our partnership with Mopani Copper Mines has really boosted our efforts in ensuring qualification to the play off, we are now one game away from playing in the Gold Cup of African Rugby. “We shall ensure that the technical bench hits the ground running as we prepare for the game against Algeria at a venue to be announced”. We played and lost our first game against Algeria in November 2017, the coaches will start assessing areas of concern before the team is recalled for residential camp.

In an interview after the game, Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Chris Vermeulen reaffirmed his firms commitment to the growth and development of rugby in Zambia. He said “Mopani is committed to its partnership with the Zambia Rugby Union and we are glad that results are showing both on and off the field of play” The CEO said the mining giant was intent on making sure that Zambian rugby goes globa

Saboi will clean up Lusaka-Kambwili.

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Kambwili and Saboi campaigning in Chawama
Kambwili and Saboi campaigning in Chawama

NDC consultant Chishimba Kambwili has assured Lusaka residents that the city will be cleaned up if Saboi Imboela is elected as Mayor.

Mr. Kambwili says Ms. Imboela has the right credentials to take up the office of the Mayor of Lusaka.

Mr. Kambwili added that Ms. Imboela will also resolve the historic challenge of uncollected garbage in the city.

The NDC consultant and 2021 Presidential candidate said Lusaka needs a Mayor on the NDC ticket for effective service delivery.

He said currently, the PF controlled Lusaka City Council is docile.

The NDC consultant said this in Lusaka when he drummed up support for Ms. Imboela in Chawama Compound.

He is optimistic that Chawama residents will give Ms. Imboela a resounding vote in next week’s poll.

Dr. Kambwili added that the NDC will depoliticize bus stations and markets if Ms. Imboela is elected as Lusaka Mayor.

And the NDC Lusaka Mayoral candidate says she will transform Lusaka.

Ms. Imboela regretted that the PF has failed to transform Lusaka into a modern city.

She urged women and youths to vote for her because she is ready to deliver to their expectations.

The NDC rally was also addressed by the party’s top brass who included Secretary General Mwenya Musenge.

Hundreds of Chawama residents attended the public gathering.

Kambwili and Saboi campaigning in Chawama
Kambwili and Saboi campaigning in Chawama

Zambia and Tanzania seek private investors in TAZARA

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anzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has received four new diesel-electric mainline locomotives and 18 new passenger coaches valued at US$22.4 million.
Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) Trains

Tanzania and Zambia are planning a law review to accommodate private investors in the running of their joint railway company, TAZARA.

TAZARA which runs from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri-Mposhi in Zambia, was built in the 1970s with Chinese aid. 

However it has suffered a cash crunch in recent times, bringing it almost to a halt.

Dar es Salaam said a review of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority Act would allow private investors to buy shares in the railway and help boost efficiency. 

“We are eager to improve operations so as to boost trade between Tanzania and Zambia, the Great Lakes region and Southern Africa,” said Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communications Atashasta Nditiye.

In 2016, Tanzania, Zambia and China unveiled a plan to extend the railway to the planned Bagamoyo port — some 75km from Dar es Salaam.

The plan is awaiting approval by the Tanzanian Cabinet, and includes major renovations of the old narrow gauge railway line and plans to link it to Malawi, Rwanda and Burundi.

Southern DRC is already connected to the line through Zambia Railways. 

TAZARA is the region’s longest railway line, linking the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Southern African Development Community three blocs, with a market of more than 600 million people.

“When you have a reliable railway, trade between countries becomes easier and more efficient; it reduces delays and congestion on the roads,” said Mr Nditiye.

The Minister said that Dar es Salaam is seeking to increase trade volumes with neighbouring countries by developing key infrastructure to facilitate movement of people and cargo.