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Congolese refugees at Kenani transit centre in the Nchelenge district ZambiaUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says the organization expects more refugees to start coming into Zambia through the Kipushi border in Mushindamo district due to the unstable situation in Congo.
UNHCR Southern Africa Senior Regional Emergency Coordinator Samuel Chakwera said with the high number of asylum seekers from Congo crossing into Zambia at Kenani Refugee Transit Centre in Nchelenge in Luapula Province and the UNHCR projects, others will cross into the country through Kipushi.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Chakwera said this recently when a delegation from UNHCR visited the soon to be designated refugee transit center in Mushindamo district.
He disclosed that the UN Refugee Agency in partnership with Red Cross Society Zambia has already put up toilets and bathing shelters at the soon to be transit center in the district.
The UNHCR Coordinator noted that a borehole will also be drilled before any arrivals are recorded so as to provide potable water to the refugees.
Mr. Chakwera said once refugees arrive in Mushindamo, UNHCR will set up tents and other materials needed for their survival at the camp before they are relocated to Meheba Refugee camp in Kalumbila district.
Meanwhile, Mushindamo District Commissioner (DC) Benson Ngambo said the situation in Congo is worrying and at any point refugees may start entering the country through Mushindamo district.
He said the Zambia Red Cross Society has already purchased 100 blankets and mosquito nets which are being kept at his office.
FILE: Chishimba Kambwili with Amos Chanda at Statehouse Press Briefing
Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has sued State House Spokesman Amos Chanda for defamation
But Chanda has reacted to Mr. Kambwili’s legal challenge by stating that the Former Minister has no reputation worth protecting in the first place.
“I have received a Writ of Summons from the High Court of Zambia moved by Chishimba Kambwili, who is seeking my appearance before the Court within 14 days of service in a suit where he alleges that I have defamed” reads the letter written by Mr Chanda to his lawyers Messrs Eric Silwamba & Co.
Mr Chanda further explains that though the writ of summons are dated 8th December, 2017, and accompanied by a Certificate of Urgency, he was only served on 15th January, 2018 and that the matter comes up on 7th February, 2018.
“In his affidavit in support of Summons, Mr. Kambwili seeks among other things, an interlocutory Injunction to restrain me from defending myself, the president and the Government against his incessant, malicious and baseless falsehoods upon which he decided to build what already seems like an ill-fated bid for the Presidency given the extraordinary depths to which he has sank political discourse in a mistaken view that the public supports his rantings and foul language against others,” said Mr Chanda.
Mr Chanda has since instructed his legal representatives to enter the defence of justification and fair comment on matters of public interest so that he can aver before court, that Mr. Kambwili cannot come to equity with dirty hands and that his [Kambwili’s reputation] is soiled that it is not possible to lower it any further.
He has also directed his lawyers to show to court that Mr. Kambwili’s action is an abuse of the court process.
The lawyers have also been instructed to proceed to counter demand against Mr. Kambwili’s many falsehoods which has issued against Mr Chanda.
“He claims that his credit and reputation have been brought into scandal, odium and contempt in the eyes of right thinking members of society and therefore, I must be gagged so that I do not say anything abut him as he proceeds on an onslaught against me and others.”
“…His decision to run to court to seek garging orders against his victims who have decided to defend themselves is nothing but typical of his cowardly acts when he is called to account. His action is also an abuse of the court process to buy him time as he proceeds to willy nilly character assassinate others.”
Lusaka Magistrate Greenwell Malumani has sentenced Zambia Association of Musicians president Njoya Tembo’s wife Brenda to five years imprisonment for assault of a child.
Brenda, who denied the charge, is alleged to have assaulted her niece whom she was keeping, for using a pressing iron she was told not to use.
Yestaerday, Brenda was convicted by the Lusaka Magistrate for assaulting her 13 year old niece by burning her with a pressing iron.
Magistrate Greenwell Malumani convicted Brenda on a charge of assault on a child and reserved the sentencing to Wednesday, January 31ST 2018.
Brenda was dragged to court and she was accused of having burnt her niece with a pressing iron on her chest on October 26, 2016 at their house in Lusaka’s Chalala area.
The girl is a double orphan.
It was alleged that Brenda had been angered by the girl‘s using of an iron which the couple had stopped using.
In testimonies in court, the girl’s classmate testified before Magistrate Malumani how her friend‘s hands were swollen and had a reddish blister on her chest when she asked her, she told her that she had been burnt by her aunt.
She said that her friend informed her that her aunt beat her and later burnt her with a pressing iron on her chest after she used a pressing iron she was told not to be using.
The girl’s class teacher also testified how the school management summoned Brenda after the girl reported the case to the teachers.
And Winfridah Mundia, a teacher at Woodlands B Basic School also testified that the pupil reported to the school management how she was beaten and burnt by her aunt.
Ms Mundia told the court that she observed marks on the girls back and her thighs with a reddish blister on the chest. The assault incident was later reported to Woodlands Police station.
Brenda Tembo after sentencingBrenda Tembo after sentencing
President Edgar Lungu inspecting the drianage on the newly built road going to palace on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working Visit
Society for Women and Aids in Zambia (SWAAZ) has commended President Edgar Lungu for inspecting several developmental projects in Muchinga Province that have stalled.
SWAAZ Muchinga Provincial Coordinator, Brian Kaluba said President Lungu’s move to revamp the stalled projects is worth praising.
Mr. Kaluba cited some of the projects that had stalled in Isoka district of Muchinga province such as Michael Chilufya Sata Girls Secondary School in Isoka district.
He said other projects that have stalled include seven health posts and Sansamwenje – Kanyala road projects among others.
This is contained in a press release availed to ZANIS in Isoka today.
And when contacted for a comment over the health posts, Isoka Member of Parliament , Malozo Sichone who is also Muchinga Provincial Minister said funds for construction of the Health posts have been sourced.
Mr. Sichone said construction works are likely to commence by March this year.
And commenting over the other projects that have stalled in his constituency and the province at large, the Minister said President Lungu has put up new strategies to fund the projects and ensure that they are completed.
HH at the media briefing flanked by Mike Mulongoti and Charles Milupi
Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has vowed that the UPND will revisit the sale of state assets such as NRDC and ZNBC once in government.
In a statement, Mr Hichilema reiterated that as UPND in government, they shall revisit and fully investigate all these agreements.
He has also warned all those doing shoddy deals shrouded in corruption that these will be corrected for the benefit of the Zambian people, especially youths and women.
“While the nation slept, PF signed an MOU with AVIC International for the “development” of the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) land. An MOU whose details their own Permanent Secretary, Julius Shawa, could not explain to the public in a concise manner other than giving generalities about its content,” he stated.
Mr Hichilema added, “and this has been the case with all other shoddy deals shrouded in corruption such as the ZNBC and Topstar, road construction projects and infrastructure contracts in the country. We maintain that the PF leadership has mortgaged this country and if the citizens of Zambia are not alert to stop the rot, in a few years’ time Zambia will be annexed to another foreign country. ”
He said NRDC is a government-owned institution like many others, that has suffered years of neglect.
“Instead of finding a partner that could rehabilitate and modernise this institution which is critical to our agricultural development, they decide to sell it to a foreign firm linked to road construction projects in the country as well as alleged links to construction of personal properties for very senior serving PF government officials,” Mr Hichilema said.
“In a normal government that cares, NRDC Great East Road campus needed to be modernised and expanded to be the bedrock of the much parroted economic diversification programme. Under UPND, we shall find an agriculture related strategic partner who will transform the institution into an agricultural diversification and value addition training centre dotted in many parts of the country,” he said.
“We will ensure NRDC is reconfigured to ensure that its clients are not only school leavers but the host of neglected Zambian farmers who are hungry for knowledge to graduate from mere producers to manufacturers. For example, farmers who do not only want to produce groundnuts, but making peanut butter, not just producing raw cotton but produce yarn, not only produce sunflower but make sunflower oil.”
The UPND leader said sadly PF will never have the brain to implement this around this kind of business model to take advantage of NRDC’s strategic location to make it semi-autonomous and self-sustaining.
“Such a pivot in thinking would have benefited NRDC two fold vis-a-vis; value-added products being supplied to the many retail chains in Zambia, while training those interested in agribusiness,” he said.
“At this rate, while we sleep, PF would have sold the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University, Evelyn Hone College and other strategic institutions in the country and turn them into shopping malls selling foreign products,” Mr Hichilema said.
If you constantly check Kenya daily news you definitely should know the news about the proclamation of Uhuru Park Ground as “No go zone” by Nairobi county government till further notification
– If you constantly check Kenya daily news you definitely should know the news about the proclamation of Uhuru Park Ground as “No go zone” by Nairobi county government till further notification
– The previous announcement that has informed the public about the decision to close the recreational center and meeting area was issued on January 23, 2018, and deals all the inhabitants of the Republic
– Probably such decision is connected with the inauguration ceremony of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition that is supposed to take place at the venue on Tuesday, the 30th of January 2018
– A church and Nairobi Business Community (NBC) also had made a reservation of the venue on the same date, the Tuesday, January the 30th
From the official statement that was became known on Tuesday, the 23d of January, the people have learned that the recreational and meeting center in Uhuru Park Grounds will be closed for the visitors due to the planned improvement works that need to be done in order to bring recreational effectiveness to the new level. The administration also has apologized for any inconveniences it caused.
Many connect these actions with the NASA’s “oath-taking” celebration that is ahead.
There were also some contradictive reports that the National Super Alliance had shifted the date of their swearing-in ceremony as well as the information that besides the NASA two other groups (NBC and a church) has also has made a reservation of the venue on the same date. The reservation of the venue on the above-mentioned date was confirmed by Wilfred Kamau who is the chairman of Nairobi Business Community.
The minister hides when the economy loses its head
Whenever the economy loses its head, the Minister of Finance hides from the Zambian public. And whenever there is a slight signal of macro-economic improvement, he comes out of the hiding to make incomplete statements. That is why, I have decided to reproduce the report of the IMF staff made public in October 2017 about the Zambian economy. Surely, the dark messages in the IMF report such as on debt couldn’t have improved so fast as the Minister implies in his Lusaka Times article of Friday 26 January 2018, could it? The Minister is renowned for making lopsided statements of good things only but conceals other important aspects of the economy that he deliberately fails to mention. For example, the IMF is lamenting about (i) rising debt, the Minister is saying it is reducing and, the IMF says, “Advice on fiscal policy was not followed” but Government says, “At the conclusion of the meeting, the two Ministers called on the Cooperating Partners to continue their collaboration with the Zambian Government to mutually achieve development interests.”
The full reproduced IMF report is below.
Zambia : 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zambia
Author(s):
International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published Date:
October 2017
Context: Shocks, Policies, and Vulnerabilities
1. The Zambian economy was in near-crisis in 2015Q4 and most of 2016, reflecting the impacts of exogenous shocks and lax fiscal policy. Low copper prices reduced export earnings and government revenues, weakening the kwacha. Poor rainfall led to a contraction in agriculture output in 2015, and to a sharp drop in hydropower generation. Severe power rationing contributed to a marked slowdown in the pace of economic activity. Government spending was significantly above budget while revenues underperformed. Tightened financing conditions during 2016 and lack of expenditure restraint in the lead up to general elections in August, resulted in the government accumulating substantial arrears.
2. Monetary policy carried the burden of policy adjustments. Tightening of monetary policy in 2015Q4 helped to stabilize the exchange rate and lower inflation. The ensuing liquidity crunch combined with government arrears and subdued economic activity put the financial system under considerable stress. Non-performing loans (NPLs) rose sharply, credit growth plunged, and the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) took over a small bank and intervened in three nonbanks in late 2016. Since November 2016, with inflation receding and the emergence of exchange rate appreciation pressures (reflecting capital inflows and weak demand for imports), BoZ eased monetary policy considerably by unwinding administrative and quantitative measures it employed to tighten liquidity in 2015.
3. Public debt has been rising unsustainably. It increased from 36 percent of GDP at end-2014 to 61 percent at end-2016. External debt now accounts for 60 percent of public debt, making the portfolio highly susceptible to exchange rate risk. Government securities account for about half of domestic debt, with commercial banks and foreign investors holding about 40 percent and 17 percent of the total, respectively. Public debt is crowding out lending to the private sector and making the economy vulnerable to capital flow reversals.
4. The government has initiated important fiscal reforms, but is ambivalent on its commitment to debt sustainability. It has reduced regressive subsidies in the energy sector and is implementing reforms to enhance the efficiency and focus of subsidies in the agriculture sector. However, the pace and scale of contracting new loans for capital projects—sometimes before appraisals are ready—are inconsistent with stated debt sustainability objectives.
5. The near-term economic outlook has improved, driven by good rains and rising copper price. A bumper harvest and increased hydro power generation are expected to boost real GDP growth to 4 percent in 2017 from 3.4 percent in 2016. Inflation is projected to remain within the authorities’ target range of 6-8 percent, reflecting recent appreciation of the exchange rate. Increased foreign investor participation in the government securities auctions since late-2016 has eased the government’s financing constraint and supplied foreign exchange to the domestic market. With copper accounting for about 70 percent of Zambia’s export earnings, the recent increase in the world price—from about US$5,700 per metric ton in December 2016 to nearly US$6,500 in August 2017—has brightened the economy’s prospects.
6. The government has launched its Economic Stabilization and Growth Program (ESGP) and the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP). The ESGP (2017-2019) aims at restoring macroeconomic stability and creating conditions for sustained growth, with a heavy emphasis on public financial management: enhancing resource mobilization, refocusing public spending on core public sector mandates, scaling up social protection programs, strengthening accountability and transparency in the use of public resources, and restoring budget credibility. The 7NDP outlines the medium-term strategy for creating jobs, encouraging economic diversification, and supporting human capital development, with the overarching objectives of reducing poverty and inequality.
7. Rising political tensions pose risks. Following closely contested general elections in August 2016, political tensions rose between the ruling Patriotic Front party and the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND). Tensions heightened when the UPND leader was charged with treason and jailed in April 2017. Following mediation by national religious leaders and the Commonwealth Secretariat, the UPND leader was released in August, and the treason charges have been dropped. In response to a series of arson attacks on markets and electricity infrastructure, on July 5, 2017 President Lungu declared the existence of a situation that could degenerate into a state of emergency if not addressed.
8. IMF staff and the Zambian authorities have held discussions on a possible Fund-supported program. Further progress will require greater clarity on fiscal policy commitments and aligning the government’s borrowing plans to achieving public debt sustainability.
9. Implementation of past IMF policy advice has been mixed. Advice on fiscal policy was not followed. Some progress was made on structural fiscal reforms, but weaknesses in commitment control persist, resulting in the accumulation of arrears. In line with staff advice, BoZ maintained a tight monetary policy stance in 2015 and most of 2016. The level of international reserves has declined, but BoZ has been opportunistically purchasing foreign exchange from the market.
Recent Economic Developments and Near-Term outlook
10. Economic growth is beginning to recover. After averaging 7 percent a year during 2005-2014, real GDP growth dipped to 2.9 percent in 2015, reflecting the dampening impacts of low copper price, power rationing, government arrears, and restrictive monetary policy. Growth picked up to 3.4 percent in 2016, driven mainly by mining activities and private construction. A bumper harvest and increased hydro power generation are expected to lift growth to 4 percent in 2017.
President Edgar Lungu receive flowers from a 6 years old Jessy band on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working Visit y
President Edgar Lungu has reiterated the need for a good road network in economic development.
President Lungu notes that good roads are vital for various economic activities such as farming including evangelism as it makes it easy for the clergy to reach to the people as they promote peace in the nation.
The President who toured the 14 kilometers T2 Mungule road, that is under construction leading to Chieftainess Mungule, upon arrival in Chibombo district in Central Province this morning further stated that the road will also open up trade of different businesses in the area.
He also added that with good roads in the district, it will be easy to attract the private sector to work together with government in various developmental projects and also bring about viable investment in the area.
The Head of State indicated that it is his desire to see that all parts of the country are provided with a good road network that is supported with a good drainage system as the case with the Mungule road which is earmarked for completion in November this year.
Meanwhile, President Lungu who later paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Mungule before leaving for Chisamba called on Traditional leaders to help in ensuring that the opposition work with government to foster development in all parts of the country.
He regretted that most Members of Parliament who are in the strongholds of the opposition are refrained by their party leaders to approach government with challenges people face in their areas in order to have them addressed.
President Lungu noted that the challenges that people face across the country are beyond politics hence the need for government and Members of Parliament from the opposition to work together.
And Chieftainess Mungule expressed gratitude to the Head of State for constructing a road in the area.
She noted that the road will help open up the area to various economic activities that will foster development and eventually uplift the living standards of the people.
The Chieftainess also commended the Head of State for his commitment to ensuring that the cholera epidemic is contained.
President Lungu is in Central Province for a two days working visit.
He is accompanied by Tourism Minister Charles Banda, Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale, the Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila, other senior government and party
President Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Chieftainess Mungule at her Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Chieftainess Mungule at her Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu interacts with people in Mungule Village on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu inspecting the drianage on the newly built road going to palace on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu flanked by Minister of Local Government Vincent Mwale and Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga inspecting the maize on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Chibombo residents on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu being welcomed by Chibombo residents on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu confers Edah Chikusu on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu receive flowers from a 6 years old Jessy band on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working VisitPresident Edgar Lungu receive flowers from a 6 years old Jessy band on his arrival at Kakoma Place in Chibomba district of Central Province during his two days working Visit
President Edgar Lungu demonstrates on how they work at the Katuba Toll Plaza booth during the Commissions of the Plaza in Katuba
The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), will this year introduce electronic payment at toll plazas as part of its plan to enhance efficiency in the collection of revenue.
NRFA chief executive officer, Wallace Mumba said the move to introduce innovative mode of payments that will include electronic toll cards and mobile phone payments will enhance efficiency.
Mr. Mumba said NRFA will develop distribution channels to ensure wide presence of tolls around the country in conjunction with private sector players.
“As part of the evolving technology we have decided to introduce innovative payment solutions which will be efficient for the customers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zambian road sector will require approximately K6 million per year for the next three years to escalate the gap between the available funds and the requirements considering the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, (MTEF).
In the MTEF, figures for 2016 stand at K1.6 billion, 2017 was at K2.9 billion while the year 2018 is at K5.5 billion.
According to the NRFA 2016 annual report, key among the locally funded projects in the road sector are the Link Zambia 800, Pave Zambia 2000 and the construction of the US$162 million Kazungula Bridge.
The report reveals that with the L8, 000 a total of 33 works contracts were ongoing covering a 3, 200 kilometres with the value of K13.2 billion and that a total of 512 kilometres had been completed and opened up to traffic.
Chanda Mbao, the Zambian Hip-Hop artist, has taken another step towards contributing to the efforts to put Zambian music and musicians on the map. The brand new music video for his catchy Hip-Hop anthem Wave will be premiering on Trace Africa (DSTV channel 326) beginning Wednesday, January 31st with the first showing occurring at 8:05AM. Additional show times are indicated in the graphics below.
Chanda Mbao joins Zambian artists such as Cleo Ice Queen, Roberto, Jay Rox, Salma Sky, Clique Viral and Tiwah Hillz as one of the local talents being recognized by the Trace Africa platform. With lush panoramas captured by uber-talented Zambian director DJ Lo in the Kafue National Park at Mukambi Safari Lodge, the visuals are extremely memorable and sure to get attention across the continent. We hope that signs of progress like this are just the beginning for our local artists!
Follow Chanda Mbao on all social media platforms: @ChandaMbao
Opposition leader Raila Odinga holds a bible aloft after swearing an oath during a mock “swearing-in” ceremony at Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. Odinga was sworn-in as “the people’s president” during a mock “inauguration”, in protest of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new term following the divisive 2017 election, and despite the government’s warning that the event would be considered treason. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who boycotted the country’s disputed election last year, swore himself in as the “people’s president” at a mock inauguration ceremony Tuesday in protest against President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Thousands of opposition supporters gathered at Uhuru Park in central Nairobi, chanting slogans and waving tree branches at the symbolic “swearing-in” event, which was organized by Odinga’s National Super Alliance (NASA).
The event was largely peaceful, and the throngs of supporters quickly left the park after proceedings had concluded. In what appear to be an isolated incident, police fired tear gas to try to to disperse crowds pulling down signs near the park.
Authorities had earlier said they would put a stop to any illegal meetings, but Reuters reported that no uniformed police could be seen in the park and no anti-riot officers or vehicles were visible.
Afterward, the biography on Odinga’s verified Twitter account had been updated to read: “This is the official account of His Excellency Raila Amolo Odinga, President of the Republic of Kenya.”
Kenyatta won a second presidential term with 98% of the vote following a controversial election rerun in November. The country’s Supreme Court nullified the previous ballot, also won by Kenyatta, due to “illegalities and irregularities.”
Odinga and his opposition party dropped out of the second vote, claiming the election commission had failed to implement any reforms.
NASA says it wants to create an alternative government to protest Kenyatta’s rule. Some are hoping Tuesday’s event will push Kenyatta, who promised to work toward national unity during his second term, to include opposition leaders in dialogue and in his ministerial appointments.
But the government has warned that Tuesday’s events amount to treason — an offense punishable by death, according to Kenyan law.
The opposition UPND has announced that it will soon embark on a countrywide party membership mobilisation exercise.
Party Chairperson for Strategy and Mobilisation Sylvia Masebo said all National Management Council Members will each adopt a Polling Station in their area for mobilisation activities.
Ms. Masebo said the purpose of this exercise is to form branches within their Polling District Areas.
UPND Chairperson for Strategy and Mobilisation Sylvia Masebo
She said this programme will be extended to all Provinces, Districts, Constituency and Ward Officials countrywide.
“Senior and committed party members are also hereby being requested to participate in this important party mobilization programme which will make UPND grow into a mass party,” Mrs Masebo stated.
“Please start considering this important party Programme which will soon be launched by our Party President. Our President will be adopting a polling District in the area he lives in. This is to start the UPND Branch Formation programme.”
Vice President Inonge Wina has told Zambians living in Ethiopia that the country’s economy is bouncing back from the recession it experienced during the last economic performance of 2016/2017.
ZANIS reports from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that Mrs Wina said this when Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta hosted a dinner in her honour.
Mrs Wina assured the Zambian community that Government remains committed in ensuring the provision and delivery of socio-economic services to its citizenry.
She further added that government has put up various measures that will help in boosting and sustaining the country’s economic performance.
The Vice President cited the Seventh National Development Plan as one economic measure that Government is implementing in order to rescue the country from its economic and social challenges.
“Government has a mammoth task to meet the obligation of the 7th National Development Plan which is anchored on many pillars of development”, she stated.
Mrs Wina observed that Zambia’s setbacks experienced include, among others, the reduction of copper prices which affected Government’s revenue collection thereby resulting in poor provision and delivery of socio-economic services.
The invasion of army worms which may affect the agriculture production performance is another setback.
She, however, informed the gathering that Government is doing everything possible to ensure no Zambian starves to death.
According to Mrs Wina, Government may consider diverting funds from other sectors for purposes of ensuring that there is sufficient food for everyone.
The Vice President further said the outbreak of cholera saw the country lose more than 70 lives.
She indicated that Government worked so hard to stabilize the situation.
And Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta thanked the Vice President for Government’s decision to construct a block of flats for the Zambian diplomatic staff working in Ethiopia.
Mrs Sikaneta observed that the project will help government cut down on costs.
She observed that apart from the project accommodating the Zambian diplomatic staff, it will also rent out to the diplomatic community, a situation that will result in increased revenue collection.
And chairperson for Zambians resident in Ethiopia Jacob Zulu thanked Government for being proactive over the diaspora policy.
The Vice President was accompanied by Ministers of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji, Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo, and Mines and Minerals Christopher Yaluma.
Over Two Hundred Farmers in Kasempa district yesterday stormed the office of the District Commissioner (DC) demanding for their farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) which they were expected to collect by December 2017.
The farmers who had deposited their money to pay code by 13th December 2017, claim their money has not reflected in the system hence, have not been able to collect their inputs from the agro dealers.
Some farmers talked to by ZANIS claim to have given K400 to pay code but were not given any form receipt as proof of their payments.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers Tony Sopasopa a farmer from Kalombe complained bitterly over the inconveniences caused by Pay code not depositing the money into the FISP account.
He angrily said farmers have suffered due to the delay in accessing their farming inputs and have wasted a lot of money on transport as they come to check on their payment from the District Agricultural Office since December 2017.
And addressing the farmers, Kasempa DC Goodson Sansankuwa asked for time in order to solve the situation together with the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said he is working at indentifying the problem and advised the farmers to wait patiently as he is consulting with other government departments.
Mr. Sansakuwa said government regrets the inconveniences caused to the farmers who have been spending nights in the cold as they wait to get farming inputs under FISP.
Over 200 farmers that paid their money through the E-Voucher System as at December 13th, 2017 have not yet collected their farming inputs due to irregularities with the Pay code system.
