Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Chalwe Lombe has urged Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) continuously reform their economies to the dictates of times, taking into account transport-related obstacles, and improving the productive capacities.

According to a statemennt released to the media by Mr Chibaula D. Silwamba, Zambia’s First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Permanent Mission to the United Nations , Mr. Lombe said this when he addressed the Fifteenth Annual Ministerial Meeting of LLDCs Foreign Affairs Ministers, under the theme: “Harnessing Coherence in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Vienna Platform of Action” on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Permanent Secretary globalisation had made the world markets more integrated, hence it was cardinal to harness coherence within LLDCs, at a regional, continental and global.

He called for implementation of policy measures that have a multidimensional approach to ‘landlockedness’ as a development challenge.

“We can do this by continuously reforming our economies to the dictates of times, taking into account transport-related obstacles, and improving the productive capacities as a key element of reform processes,” Mr. Lombe said. “This meeting is very critical because of its special focus on a topical theme in the UN Sustainable Development, which is;
Mr. Lombe said to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and to implement the six priority areas in the Vienna Platform of Action, requires strengthened partnerships and collaboration amongst LLDCs, with transit countries and development partners. “Within the broad framework of development cooperation including through South-South Cooperation and Triangular Cooperation platforms as well as a mutually beneficial North-South Cooperation, the financial and technical support to LLDCs will enhance implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action priorities,” the Permanent Secretary said.

“We need to stress the critical role of the private sector in mobilising resources to complement public sector efforts in implementing projects in strategic sectors such infrastructure development, energy security, regional integration, industrialization and value addition which have a direct bearing on alleviating the challenges of landlockedness and consequently poverty reduction is key.”

Mr. Lombe said Zambia, through the five-year revised Sixth National Development Plan from 2011 to 2016, has continued to make progress in sustainable development, and was preparing the Seventh National Development Plan.

“Zambia in conjunction with other landlocked developing countries and transit countries in the sub-region has developed supportive institutional frameworks, such as transport and trade facilitation bodies or coordination committees, road funds and border facilities. We have simplified, streamlined and harmonized procedures leading to increased efficiency and fewer delays. Zambia has engaged neighboring Countries and has signed simplified trade agreements and Bilateral Transport Agreements with countries such as Angola, Botswana, Congo Democratic Republic, Namibia and Tanzania respectively in an effort to harmonise trade and transport policies,” Mr. Lombe said.

“Zambia has prioritised infrastructure development cutting across all sectors and is aims to transform into hub in the areas of Information Communication Technology, Power Generation and Distribution, Tourism and transport Facilitation, among others.”

Mr. Lombe said Zambia was part of the negotiations for the establishment of a continental free Trade Area which will create a bigger market of 650 million people.

“Diversifying the economy away from copper dependency is a key priority,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary said the Zambian Government recognizes the catalytic role of the private sector in bridging the resource gaps in financing development.

The Permanent Secretary also informed Foreign Affairs Ministers of LLDCs that Zambia successfully held the Presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on 11August, 2016, at which His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was re-elected as Zambia’s President.

Mr. Lombe informed the meeting that Honourable Harry Kalaba, was elected as Member of Parliament and retained as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia but he could not attend the present LLDCs meeting due to other engagements.

Zambia is the chair of the LLDCs.

Chipata Mayor Sinoya Mwale disclosed during his installation in Chipata on Monday that the plastic bottles come in from the neighbouring country and were smuggled into Zambia illegally adding that were sold anywhere on the streets of Chipata District which he described as unhealthy.

Mr Mwale said that the law in Zambia abolished trading in Tujilijili sold in plastic bottles.

He stated that whoever was trading in Tujilijili sold in plastic bottles was breaking the law.

The mayor has since given to traders upto two months to traders to stop doing so failure which he would instruct health department to enforce the law.

“It was scientifically proved that these spirits when exposed to the sun are harmful to our health therefore; do not blame anyone when you are visited by the law,”he said.

Mr Mwale said his first task was to ensure that the long awaited expectation of changing the classification of the district from a municipality to a city status was achieved.

He said the classification of the district to a city status would foster an improvement in infrastructure developments.

“A city will attract better investors with good investment programmes for our people. With what result, the creation of seriously sought for employment opportunities for our people,”he said.

He said there was need for strengthening the working relationship at places of work if the council was to achieve a meaningful, conducive and productive environment in the council offices.

He said today, workers spends too much time on Whatsup, facebook and playing computer games on the desktop or laptop computers during working hours.

Mr Mwale said the this culture must change adding that his presence in the council would inculcate in the officers irrespective of their rank and file a new culture of respect among workers.

He saluted the efforts of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government in the promotion of the agricultural sector.

He said his office was open for engagement on issues where the ministry of agriculture needs the cooperation.

He implored all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to work tirelessly in finding markets for the farmers.

The installation was graced by Eastern Province Minister Makebi Zulu.

Network Executive Director Gerald Chiluba said the PF have the power to do anything with the constitution as they have the numbers hence the need for them not to use the arrogance of numbers to undo clauses which the country enacted in the amended Constitution.

Mr Chiluba said rumors going around on social platforms propagated by the PF media team that they intend to reverse articles in the amended constitution are not welcome.

“As Zambia Volunteers Network we want call on the PF ahead of the forthcoming 12th session of Parliament to be officially opened this Friday to use their number in Parliament to enact progressive laws. We want the current crop of law makers to take keen interest in enacting progressive laws not for the benefit of politicians alone but for the benefit of the wider majority Zambians.

“We are talking directly to the PF because they have the numbers in Parliament to do absolutely anything to this constitution. They must not use the arrogance of numbers to undo clauses they recently enacted. You see there is a rumor going around on social platforms, that the PF media team is propagating that they intend to reverse articles in the constitution that were recently amended in the run up to elections and these include the 50% plus 1 clause and the articles dealing with the removal of Deputy Ministers from government Ministries.

“We see this as a watery fire rumor that worries our institution to say the least. We are defiant to that notion and we implore every well meaning Zambian especially civil societies involved in law reforms to repudiate all those in the scheme to stop what they are doing. Election time is over and we must progress as a nation, we cannot keep running in this viscous circle in perpetuity at the expense of development in this country. Zambia belongs to every Zambian not only for politicians to use Parliament to exploit others to make their lives better,” he said.

He explained that Zambians are now focusing on the next unnecessary group of political appointees who are an unnecessary expense to the over burdened tax payers.

“Deputy Ministers are now a things of the past, Zambians have gotten over them and are now focusing on the next unnecessary group of office bearers that are an unnecessary expense on the over burdened and crippled tax payers such District Commissioners. They must be conscious with the interest of the Zambians and not act with impunity,” he said.

He also called on the opposition to stop being spectators as they will be held accountable.

“This warning also goes to the opposition members that they must not go ball watching in Parliament as though they are spectators at a Zesco match, Zambians will hold them accountable as well. Am sure you recall, the opposition just days ago didn’t submit any names for the candidature of Speakers in Parliament because they thought it will be a formality but sometimes its the formalities that have overturned great injustices in history. It is folly in a democracy for people to go unopposed at such a great institution such as parliament,” he said.

Speaking on Monday when he officiated at the installation ceremony of new Kalulushi Mayor Rashida Mulenga and her Deputy Modesta Kabwe.

Mr Lusambo said President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s administration will not tolerate civic leaders found selling land illegally.

“If you are coming into the Council hoping to become rich through illegal sale of land, my brothers and sisters, you are making a big mistake because this administration will not tolerate such. If found wanting, the law will take its course,” Mr Lusambo warned.

Mr Lusambo said the new Councillors should place service before self and ensure improved service delivery.

He said the amended constitution has strengthened the role of the local authority hence the need for the new Councillors to quickly orient themselves with the powers in the amended constitution.

And in Luanshya, Mr Lusambo congratulated newly elected Mayor Nathan Chanda and his Deputy Councillor Elizabeth Mulenga for their election victory.

Mr Lusambo also urged the newly installed Councillors to prioritise prudent utilisation of resources.

He further called on the Mayor and the councillors to ensure they address the confusion in the markets and bus stations in Lusaka.

He emphasised that the Markets and Bus Stations Act is still law and must be respected.

Mr Lusambo said the new councillors must work hard to restore public confidence in the local authority by ensuring that they follow procedure whenever finances are involved.

He said financial discipline is key to success in running the local authority.

Mr. Lusambo said Government will not condone wastage of council funds which should instead be used to improve services for the people.

He said the Councils should also focus on innovative ways of generating income to make the local authority self-sustaining.

Mr Lusambo said newly elected local authority leadership should work closely with the central government in implementing developmental agenda.

He said the new Councillors should partner with Government to ensure that the decentralisation process that requires every citizen to take part in the governance process becomes a reality.

Mr Lusambo urged the Mayors to work with different stakeholders in developing their respective cities.

Abidal will be accompanied by former Real Madrid player, Rayco Garcia, with whom he is expected to meet relevant Government and private corporate stakeholders in ensuring that logistical arrangements were in place before the visit by one of Spain’s leading football clubs.

Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba announced the development in Pretoria this morning.

A French international across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cups – finishing second in 2006 – and Euro Championship in 2008.

Mr. Mwamba said that Garcia has pledged to promote soccer in Zambia by conducting coaching clinics and putting up a soccer academy. Garcia has also indicated plans to take talented Zambian youths into the famous ‘La Liga’, the Spanish League, beginning next season.

He said Barcelona Football Club is expected to play an exhibition match with the Zambia National Soccer Team and also visit tourism spots around the country.

“We believe the economic and tourism benefits to the country are immense as visits of such high profile personalities stand to put Zambia on the world map,” Mr. Mwamba said.

Abidal was born 11 September 1979 is a French retired professional footballer who played as a left back or a central defender. In his career he played mainly for Lyon and Barcelona Football Club, winning 21 major titles the two teams combined, including two Champions League trophies with the latter.

A French international across nine years, Abidal represented the nation in two World Cups – finishing second in 2006 – and Euro 2008.