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OFFICE of the Vice President Deputy Minister Chungu Bwalya at the extreme left during the cleaning at Cabinet Office premises; Cabinet Office Members of the Staff converged at Cabinet Offica in order to take part in “Keep Zambia Clean Campaign” on Saturday, 3rd October 2015
The Patriotic Front (PF) in Northern Province says it will not entertain corruption allegations being peddled by some opposition parties meant to hinder the PF government from delivering development in the country.
In a press statement made available to ZANIS in Kasama today, PF Provincial Chairperson Bwalya Chungu said the PF will not give credence to wild allegations by the opposition who want to gain political mileage.
Mr. Chunga explained that politics of hate and vengeance will not take the country anywhere, adding that the opposition must begin to acknowledge the achievements government is making in developing the country.
He added that citizens and political parties of goodwill are not there to criticize aimlessly but should offer advice when mistakes are made.
Mr. Chungu, who is also Lupososhi Member of Parliament appealed to all patriotic Zambians to ignore malicious statements emanating from some politicians aimed at misleading the general public.
He said the province has seen unprecedented infrastructure development ranging from schools, health facilities, roads and communication infrastructure which are meant to improve the livelihoods of the people.
Mr. Chungu has since thanked the people of Northern Province for their continued support towards the PF government.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it is comfortable with Zambia National Soccer Team Coach, Wedson Nyirenda.
FAZ Secretary General (SG) Ponga Liwewe urged soccer fans to ignore assertions to ‘suck’ the Chipolopolo Coach.
Liwewe says FAZ has not made any decision so far concerning the future of Wedson Nyirenda.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Liwewe says FAZ will accordingly inform the nation if need arises to replace the Chipolopolo Coach.
He cautioned the fans in the country to rally behind and support the services of Nyirenda and the Association.
Meanwhile, The SG FAZ has disclosed that it received a postmortem report from the coach on the performance of the Chipolopolo boys on the just ended African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament held in Morocco.
Mr. Liwewe said the nation will be informed or updated on the future of Coach Wedson Nyirenda.
Zambia was booted out in the semi-finals after losing 1– 0 to Sudan.
Morocco becomes the first host nation to claim the 2018 CHAN title with a convincing 4-0 win over Nigeria.
Meanwhile, The Football Association of Zambia(FAZ) has set March 17, 2018 as the date for commencement of the 2018 Super League season.
As per tradition, the season opening will be preceded by the Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield semi-final clashes that will kick off on 3rd March 2018 while the final will be held on 10th March 2018 at Nkoloma stadium.
The four participants in the 2018 Charity Shield will comprise the top three teams in the Super League in the 2017 season and the Barclays Cup runner up.
Zanaco and Kitwe giants-Nkana will battle it out in the first semi-final at Lusaka’s Nkoloma stadium while Champions Zesco United will take on Napsa Stars in the second semi-finals at the same venue.
GOVERNMENT will now receive funding directly from Chinese banks and not through contractors so as to reduce the cost of borrowing for developmental programs.
According to a statement released by special assistant to the president for press and public relations Amos Chanda cabinet today made a resolution in its continued pursuit of better living standards of the people in line with the Patriotic Front Party manifesto.
“Bilateral Debt Restructuring and Cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China… Cabinet approved: Government to source financing directly from Chinese Banks not through contractors,” he stated.
“This will reduce the cost of borrowing for developmental programmes. Government will accelerate infrastructure through the construction of roads countrywide, building of universities, schools, hospitals, clinics and health posts in line with the PF manifesto to improve the lives of the people especially the poor.”
He added that cabinet had resolved that only projects with the highest economic return would be prioritized for loans from China and the rest would be done through private public partnerships and joint ventures.
Transparency International Zambia has opposed calls for the removal of presidential immunity from the Republican Constitution.
Recently, Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) called on Zambians to demand for the removal of presidential immunity from the Constitution in order to ensure that the presidency is also answerable to the judicial processes.
But TIZ Chapter President Reuben Lifuka says what is needed is for the various stakeholders to offer appropriate checks and balances on how executive powers are used by the President.
In an interview with Q-News, Mr. Lifuka says offering checks and balances on how the President uses his executive powers is important in ensuring that powers vested in him are not used for personal gain.
He adds that the President’s executive powers must be confined to execution of national duties.
Mr. Lifuka states that it is wrong for the President to use executive immunity for personal gain.
President Lungu on arrival in NdolaPresident Edgar Lungu says the law will take its course against people allegedly making xenophobic remarks about Chinese nationals in Zambia.
The head of State said all law-abiding citizens should rest assured that the law will protect them against those who want to attack them.
He said this at ZAF Lusaka airport on return from the Copperbelt where he went for a three-day working visit.
“I am told the matter is sub judice, I am not competent to comment the police are investigating so we will leave it at that” President Lungu said.
He however assured that police will deal with the matter “ the law will take its course that is the assurance I can make to all law abiding citizens” President Lungu said.
Meanwhile the Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has advised politicians against inciting citizens to rise against Government because doing so is criminal.
Minister of Justice Given Lubinda speaking at this years Chinese spring festival condemned individuals exhibiting tendencies of xenophobia against Chinese nationals in Zambia, preaching the message of isolation must be condemned, let’s condemn any sign of racism we are one people.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia HE Mr. Yang Youming assures Zambians living in his country of protection and assistance when in need.
Meanwhile Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe said it is folly for any politician to advocate for the removal of Chinese nationals from Zambia.
FILE: Minister of High Education Prof. Nkandu Luo inspecting hostels on how clean are now at UNZA during the tour of the facility
The University of Zambia (UNZA) says the institution will only re-open at the end of this month once it meets the standards set by Lusaka City Council (LCC) Inspectors.
UNZA Registrar Sitali Wamundila said the management is working tirelessly to ensure that areas that require attention are attended to in order to meet the essential health standards.
Mr. Wamundila disclosed that after the inspection made by the Public Health inspectors from the LCC, management at the institution has been working hard to ensure that the areas reported are worked on.
ZANIS reports that the Registrar cited the rehabilitation of the ablution blocks, mending of the water leakages and general improvement of water supply as some of the works being undertaken by the university.
He explained that the management has spent about K1 million towards the maintenance of the institution.
Mr.wamundila retaliated that lack of financial and human resources faced by the institution has contributed to the delay in completing rehabilitation works.
He added that the university has been built for over 50 years therefore, its infrastructure requires massive rehabilitation.
Mr. Wamundila explained that the institution is the largest university in the country in terms of infrastructure and student number and that the amount of work required to conclude the rehabilitation is also massive.
President Edgar Lungu
President Edgar Lungu has thanked the people of Copperbelt province for having given him an opportunity to interact with them during his three day working visit to the province.
Speaking before departure at Ndola’s Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe international airport, this afternoon, President Lungu said he was happy that the party in the province has continued to co-exist despite facing challenges.
The President called on the party to immediately mobilize new members and work hard so it grows further in the region since there was strength in numbers.
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He Called for concreted efforts the members in the province adding that since no one will be left behind, every member will be accorded an opportunity to vie for any position of their choice.
President Lungu expressed happiness that God had favored the country as evidenced by the improving economic fundamentals.
And speaking earlier Copperbelt province minister Bowman Lusambo also thanked the President for the visit.
Mr Lusambo assured that the province will work on its identified mistakes identified during the visit.
The president who boarded the presidential challenge was seen off at the airport by defence chiefs, senior government and party officials.
While in the province , President Lungu commissioned a K20 million pole treatment plant in Kalulushi District as well as touring the Mokambo Border post in Mufulira before he held a party meeting in Kitwe, today, among other duties.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili
On Sunday, Lusaka Times carried a story attributed to the Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Rev. Godfridah Sumaili-stating that the PF Government won’t ‘condone and entertain unacceptable practices to infiltrate and corrupt the moral fiber of the citizens’.
Rev. Sumaili’s call is laughable except for the bad precedent it can set. The respectable and honorable Rev. Sumaili should know better — over the centuries, Church history has taught us that Christianity dies when it marries the state. We should be careful not to depend on the state to enforce Christian morality–the gospel should.
I have always opposed the marriage of the church to the state—the two are independent and must be left as such. The Church is not the State and the State is not the Church. The creation of Rev. Sumaili’s office is in many ways contrary to the gospel mandate; we are commissioned to make disciples of Christ through the proclamation of the gospel.
We should not ignore the power of the gospel. We are not called to make disciples by force as Jesuits once did, but only by the proclamation of gospel – which is sharper than a two edged sword (in today’s context powerful than the WMD). It is the gospel which would allow individuals to make godly and moral decisions.
Without the power of the gospel, sex toys will defeat Rev. Sumaili–people will always buy sex toys elsewhere unless the Rev. is willing to inspect each handbag or computer bag. Even then the business of sex toys will continue under the ladder – with adverse public health results since fake ones will hit the black market. If Rev. Sumaili’s argument was centered on public health—that sex toys do not meet health standards of the nation or are spreading HIV and other STDs, then the state can intervene as it does with other unsafe commodities.
The question before us is whether sex toys can be sold in Zambia or not. Yes, they can if they are safe and there is demand for them–but they must be taxed. The moral fiber of the nation is not something that can be secured by stopping the sale of sex toys – rather by ensuring that people’s values are transformed by the gospel of Christ.
Many Christians in Zambia are married to one partner since they consider plural marriages wrong. This is not something that the police enforce. The conviction is enshrined in the moral landscape of believers. Of course, plural marriages are in contrast with our Christian nation mantra — but outlawing them will be against natural justice.
Likewise, many Evangelical Christians oppose the drinking of alcohol. After all, how many people have died due the misuse of alcohol? How many marriages and children are ruined by the same? Following Rev. Sumaili’s logic, Zambia should stop selling beers. Zambia should not the sale condoms either—they are used sex workers, and youth people. Tobacco products too! If the government went after these commodities, I can predict that the Rev. Hon. Sumaili’s fellow cabinet ministers and the president will personally force her out immediately.
I believe that the Church must work hard to change people’s lives to reflect the values of Jesus Christ. Our task of making disciples is not sanctioned by the state but by God – thus expecting people to change by outlawing sex toys is mere politics. People will continue to buy and sell such toys because it is within their human rights to do so.
A well-discipled Christian, however, will not waste money on such products if they violate their conscience. We do this when we come across the bar—if anything we feel pity for drunkards. Like beers, sex toys will remain a lucrative business and no declaration will put them to death. We have tried this with kacasu and other traditional spirits—to no avail. We have done so with sex work, but how many men buy sex in our Christian nation? Morality cannot be enshrined in law, but in individual hearts.
Hon. Rev. Minister, Zambia may be a Christian nation, but it constitutionally a secular state. Unless you can explain how someone use of sex toys affect me, I believe it is a misuse of state power to start a fight with sex toys!
Rev. Hon. Minister, I have agreed with on many issues—but on this one, you are wrong!
Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo has summoned the Mayors of Kitwe and Ndola with their management teams to discuss issues of poor service delivery noted by President Edgar Lungu during his three-day visit to the province.
Mr. Lusambo has also summoned managements of the three water utilities on the Copperbelt.
These are Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, Kafubu water and Sewerage Company and Mulonga water and Sewerage Company.
Mr. Lusambo says it is unacceptable that Copperbelt residents should continue getting poor services from those entrusted to deliver quality services to them.
He told ZNBC news in Kitwe that Copperbelt residents should get value for their money instead of the poor services they are subjected to.
Mr. Lusambo said he wants the two local authorities and the water utilities to explain why they are failing to provide services to the people.
During his visit to the Copperbelt, President Lungu who checked on sanitary conditions in some markets and the water reticulation system in some residential areas, was not pleased with what he found.
Vice President Inonge Wina (r) confers with Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu (l) on arrival at Mongu Airport for a two-day working visit to inspect government developmental projects in the province
The construction of the 2.6-million-kwacha Veterinary laboratory in Mongu has stalled. This is because the funds which were released by the Ministry of Livestock for the project to be completed did not go to the provincial administration in Western province but were used by the Ministry on other projects.
Western province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu disclosed this to Vice president Inonge Wina when she inspected the facility in Mongu. Mr. Mubukwanu said the construction of the lab, which started in 2012 should have been completed by 2016.
And the Vice president was not pleased that works on the lab have stalled, saying government will do everything possible to ensure works resume.
Mrs. Wina said the Mongu Veterinary laboratory is of importance to government because the province is a cattle-producing area, adding that government wants to enhance the production of livestock.
She said government is decentralising livestock services not only in Western, but all the provinces in the country to respond to outbreaks of livestock diseases.
The vice president says there is therefore need to expedite the completion of the lab.
Government through the Inter-Ministerial task force on Infrastructure has applauded the progress of works on the Expansion of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport stating that the infrastructure is steadly moving towards opening.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu last week constituted an inter Ministerial Task Force on project implementation to inspect and ensure the speedy completion of all infrastructure projects in the country.
The Task Force comprises of Ministers of Finance, General Education, Higher Education, Local Government and the Minister of Agriculture, Ministers of Health, Home Affairs and Housing and Infrastructure Development.
Speaking yesterday morning during a tour of the Terminal 2 Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Hon. Ronald Chitotela who is the Committee Chairperson said the progress the contractor has made is a clear indication of government’s commitment and determination towards developing Zambia.
“The progress the contractor has made on the project reflects President Lungu’ commitment and determination towards developing Zambia”
He announced that 70% of the works have been done and as per the contract the project was to be handed over to government in October 2019 but will be completed 6 months ahead of schedule.
“The contractor has indicated that Yes the project was set to be completed in October 2019 but 70%of the worksworks have been done and will be completed 6months ahead of schedule”
To support the Country’s economic objectives, the Patriotic Front government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu embarked on the expansion of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Project commenced last year and is being constructed at a total cost of $360 million.
The Airport Comprises a 70 capacity modern Hotel, state of art new Terminal building with the capacity of 4 000 000 passengers. The Terminal will also have 30 transit rooms, a new Presidential stand alone Pavilion, Cargo ware houses, Fire stations, Rescue Centres, Air Traffic Control Building and Tower, Zambia Airport Headquaters, Shopping Mall and Car Parks
The Minister said the coming of this utra modern International Airport will boost the countries economy starting that International trade will be enhanced which acts a catalyst in economic growth.
Meanwhile, Hon. Chitotela announced that government has signed a momorundum of understanding for the creation of an international airport in Kasaba Bay and an airship at Luamangwe water falls of Luapula Province.
He said as government and the Ministry in charge of Infrastructure in the country they will make sure the Copperbelt Aiport comes as a full intergrated facility that will have everything that is required to service the Ministry of Transport and Communication uplifting the face of the countries transport industry.
However, Hon. Chitotela retaliated that as government they will not distructed by naysayers in taking development to all parts of this country.
“Zambia’s are seeing the development that is being rolled out country so as a government we will not be distructed”
The Chairperson stated that the task force has already started implementing the Presidents directive on ensuring all projects move and are completed on time.
He said “Ours is work work work work work work because ours is a generation of planners for today’s generation and generations to come”
Jean Kapata (centre) poses for a photo with WWF Zambia Country Director Nachilala Nkombo during the the commemoration of the 2017/2018 national tree planting season
The World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has welcomed the six-point plan adopted by the Government towards improving the management and governance of forestry sector.
The plan was revealed by Vice President Ms. Inonge Wina at Ndubula Primary School in Rufunsa recently during the commemoration of the 2017/2018 national tree planting season.
WWF Zambia Country Director Nachilala Nkombo said the plan has come at the right time considering the current state of forestry management in Zambia.
“While forest and forest related sectors are estimated to contribute a minimum of a billion dollars a year, we know that Zambia’s massive forest and forest related resources are have not be fully accounted for, hence undervalued or underestimated,” Ms Nkombo said.
“We believe the adoption of this plan represents a turn-around strategy to place value on the sector and harness it prudently as one of core pillars for the economy,” she said.
This is according to a statement issued by WWF Zambia Head of Communications and Marketing Eneya Phiri.
Ms Nkombo said WWF recognises that the main challenge currently facing the forestry sector is that the Zambian forest resources are unsustainably utilized due to inadequate investments in human resources and local governance arrangements.
“We welcome this plan that includes a massive tree planting exercise dubbed “Zambia plants a million trees”, commencement of Community Forestry Management as provided for in section 29 of the Zambia Forest Act Number 4 of 2015, a ban on export of raw timber of all species, a multi-sector task force on adding value to forestry, implementation of the national REDD strategy and the implementation of the forest investment fund,” she said.
Ms. Nkombo hailed the commitment made at the same event by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Jean Kapata to boost investments towards the Forest department in particular.
She said the measures are in line with the position in the 7th National Development plan that recognised forest as a growth sector.
“As WWF-Zambia, we are committed to working with government to realise this plan and call upon other ministers, NGOs and the private sector to lend support to these plans.”
She also called on government to learn from years of tree planting to ensure the rolling out of the six-step plan, promotion of natural regeneration in the National REDD strategy, and identification as well legislation of ecologically sensitive areas as no-go areas for unsuitable development by 2020.
“We wish to congratulate the government on this forward-thinking initiative aimed at protecting, preserving and empowering Zambia’s forestry sector for the benefit of current and future development efforts,” Ms. Nkombo said.
University of Zambia Don Lubinda Haabazoka has charged that educated people are the ones to blame for Zambia’s under development.
Dr Haabazoka formerly of the Copperbelt University School of Business said the majority of Zambians have lost confidence in educated Zambians because they do not relate to them.
He charged that educated people in the country have failed to help solve Zambia’s problems.
“I would like to agree with the late the Micheal Sata who once said that we educated people are cowards!!! The reason most of us were trained using tax payers money was for us to come and help develop this nation! My fellow engineers by now should have come up with cheap motor vehicles which us economists would have marketed across the globe,” Dr Haabazoka said.
“It’s true when our late President says God has stopped giving out land. This land and other profitable companies we are giving out will come back to haunt us in the future.
Educated people in this country have failed to help solve Zambia’s problems. We no longer speak for the poor and close our windows at the traffic lights when street kids start begging for money. What we do not know is that our under privileged citizens look up to us for solutions for the many problems that we face.”
Dr Haabazoka added, “You find that when one person speaks out, other academicians will be the first to speak out and condemn instead of operationalizing the idea. Prof Clive Chirwa came to help and instead spent most of his time in court! Fought by jealous colleagues! People even called him all sorts of names! He went back. Where is Zambia railways now? What have we achieved?”
“We even say let children learn in local languages! Only the under privileged children are learning in local languages such that when they meet our children at grade 12 level, our children will outshine them because those won’t know any English!!! Which international research forum do they discuss in Swahili? Lozi? Bemba? Tonga? Nyanja?”
He charged, “We live in a comfort zone, receive salaries, allowances and are scared to even utter a word for fear of losing the comfort zone. Let us help those that are both in power or seeking to get power with ideas! We need to lobby them to do the right thing!! When we go with ideas, the price of these ideas should be zero. Advise the government, advise the opposition parties and that way we shall have harmony in this country.”
Dr Haabazoka stressed that the majority of Zambians have lost confidence in educated Zambians because they don’t relate to them.
“We build mansions, live in secluded neighbourhoods and turn our backs on this nation!!!! Let us wake up! We only have one Zambia. Our first assignment is to burry tribal and political divisions in the nation. The ball is in our court,” he said.
Early pregnancies among school going girls have continued to increase in Manyinga district in Northwestern province.
Chibeba primary school located six kilometers away from the Manyinga central business district has this year recorded six pregnancies, four from grade six and two grade seven.
School Head Teacher Reagan Salipupa has confirmed this development in an interview with ZANIS yesterday.
Mr. Salipupa said the situation is unfortunate because most pregnant girls have continued dropping out of school.
He attributed cultural beliefs among parents as some of the contributing factors to early pregnancies and dropouts among school girls.
Mr Salipupa said teachers at his school have been going round nearby villages and communities educating parents on the importance of education and the need to educate their girl children.
Reports of increased early pregnancies have also been reported at Chifuwe North Secondary School, Kashinakazhi secondary school and Mayau primary school.
Meanwhile, Manyinga District Commissioner Queen Manela has asked education authorities to look into the matter and implored parents to consider girl children as valuable beings like boys.
Ms. Manela also advised parents whose children have fallen pregnant to take them back to school after delivery, as the re-entry policy is still in place.
The Energy Regulation Board has adjusted upwards the pump price of fuel effective last night citing changes in two main variables that influence the price of the commodity.
In a statement issued by ERB Board Chairman Raymond Mpundu last evening, he stated that oil prices had increased on the international market whilst the Kwacha had depreciated.
“Specifically, from the last price adjustment on 17th October 2017, Murban crude oil prices per barrel increased by 9.04% from US$58.10/bbl to US$63.35/bbl in November 2017, reaching US$64.85/bbl by December 2017. Further, since the last price adjustment in October 2017, the Kwacha has depreciated against the United States Dollar by about 2.15% from an average rate of K9.76/US$ down to the December 2017/January 2018 level between K9.97/US$ and K10.03/US$,” read the statement.
“Of the two fundamentals, the International oil price has been the most volatile and is the key driver for this price adjustment. Notably, prices have been remained stable since October 2017. Therefore, it has been five months since the ERB last adjusted the pump prices. It should be noted that in order to ensure cost recovery following the removal of subsidies on fuel prices, and the policy of periodic reviews of fuel prices, the Board has determined that prices be revised as follows: Petrol from K12.97 to K13.75, Diesel K11.09 to K12.01, Kerosine K7.82 to K8.85 and LSG K13.38 to K14.30.”
He stated that the price adjustment was based on the current cargo.
“The price adjustment of less than K1.00 per liter for all the petroleum products except Kerosene is inevitable in order to maintain the security of supply. The ERB will endeavor to work jointly with other stakeholders to explore avenues for maintaining price stability and possibly lower prices whilst maintaining price recovery,” stated Mpundu.
