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GBM Plant on fire
United Party for National Development (UPND) Vice President, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba says the torching of his Milling plant in Lusaka yesterday morning will not lower his spirit or deter him from speaking for ordinary Zambians and the poverty they are going through.
Yesterday morning fire almost swept the entire GBM Milling Plant but quick response by the Fire Brigade saved the multi-million kwacha worth plant.
The UPND Vice President, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba says the fire at his milling plant is a political act by the ruling PF in order to distract his Campaign trail.
Speaking at Lufwanyama and Buchi Kamitondo grounds in Lufwanyama and Kitwe respectively this afternoon where he is on a campaign tour, Mr. Mwamba that the torching of his plant was done by ruling Patriotic Front to disturb and cut his campaign.
He has since condemned the act and called for peaceful and not vengeful and hateful campaign.
The opposition UPND Running mate to party President urged Zambians to boycott the buying of Times of Zambia and Daily Mail in solidarity with the Post Newspapers that was on Tuesday closed down after Zambia Revenue Authority demanded to be paid off the money they said the Post owed the State.
Mr. Mwamba who is leading a Campaign Team comprised of Former Acting and Vice President Dr. Guy Scott, former Ambassadors Bernard Mpundu and Major Richard Kachingwe among others promised the crowds that when his party forms government people’s welfare will be improved through their Ten Point Plan.
Meanwhile speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Nkana of Lufwanyama, Mr. Mwamba said it is important for traditional leaders to remain non-partisan if the country is to develop.
And Godfrey Shamanenga who is Chief Nkana of the Lamba people of Lufywanyama urged Mr. Mwamba and all other politicians not to engage in violence as they campaign.
He also urged them to be persistent and not easily demoralised as convincing a person to support or be part of an idea takes one’s patient.
Residents of Petauke early this morning turned up to cast their vote in the quest to choose their leader of choice to represent them in parliament.Above the line up to vote
The Evangelical Ministries International Church (EMIC) Country Overseer Rev.Matafwali Mulusa has joined the thousands of Zambian people calling on the Government to sensitize citizens on the referendum.
In a statement issued in Kalulushi on Wednesday Rev. Mulusa said Government needed to embark on serious sensitization programmes to explain what people will be voting for in the referendum.
“I want to join the rest of the majority of the Zambian people who are appealing to the Government to sensitize them on the referendum. There are only a few people who have known what the referendum will be all about,”he said.
He said him and the majority of his church members did not know what has contained in Article 79, therefore Government needed to explain to all Zambians.
Rev. Mulusa observed that if him and some other person in urban areas had less or no information on the referendum, what of those in rural areas.
The man of God further challenged his fellow clergymen claiming to have known what article 79 was all about not to pretend but to announce that they were also ignorance.
“What I want to do is to change those clerics pretending to know something on the referendum to stop.
“I feel it is better to be known that you are ignorance about something, than to pretend, because if you pretend then you would look more ignorant,”he said.
FILE: HH greets a sympathiser as Lameck Mangani looks on
FORMER Home Affairs Minister, Lameck Mangani, who campaigned for for the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema last year has now warned Zambians against changing the country’s Republican President on August 11th .
Mr Mangani said that it would be a disaster for people to vote out President Edgar Lungu because he has proved to be a good leader.
Speaking on a live radio programme dubbed ‘Political Hour’ on Breeze FM yesterday, Mr Mangani stated that Zambia’s current economy was fragile and needs a leader like President Lungu to put it back on track.
He explained that although UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has an economic background, it would be wrong for Zambians to think that he could resolve challenges facing the country because he has no experience.
“I have spent the last one year reflecting on his political position and came to a conclusion that President Lungu has performed well despite the country facing economic challenges,”he said.
Mr Mangani described as sad a situation where some people want to make political mileage from his financial problems.
He dismissed reports suggesting that he has run bankrupt and that this was the reason why he has decided to support the Patriotic Front(PF)Government.
Mr Mangani called upon people in Eastern Province to support President Lungu adding that traditional leaders in Southern Province were supporting Mr Hichilema.
He stated that easterners also need to realise that it would be very difficult for Zambians to entrust them with presidential powers in future if President Lungu loses since former president Rupiah Banda was also voted out after running the country for a very short time.
Mr Mangani charged that most critics of President Lungu were full of hate and jealous considering that they were not picked to run the country by late president Michael Sata.
He also warned Zambians to be critical when voting stating that people need to critically assess presidential running mates as they would have almost the same powers as the president if they win elections.
ONE of the Hillcrest National Technical Secondary School, who was evacuated and hospitalised at the Livingstone Central Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after the Choma road accident last week on Friday, has died.
This now brings the total number of pupils and one teacher who died from the accident to six.
Joseph Chiunda, 21, died in the early hours of Wednesday slightly after midnight.
Father to the deceased Gideon Chiunda described the death of his son as devastating.
Speaking in an interview at the funeral house in Zambezi Sawmills in Livingstone, Mr Chiunda said the death of his son had also shocking to the family.
Mr Chiunda, who is jobless, said his family had great hope that Joseph would redeem the family out of the many challenges and sufferings they were facing as a family being the first born.
“As u can see my heart is torn apart, am shocked and devastated that my son had to die very young. Being the first born, we hoped that Joseph was going to be the bread winner of the family and help me run the affairs of the family because am jobless and as a family we are struggling to meet our daily needs.
“I am not bitter with Hillcrest school over the death of my son because deep down in my heart I know that it was God’s wish that my son had to die in such a manner, “Mr Chiunda said.
Livestock and Fisheries deputy Minister Lawrence Evans, who visited the funeral house in Zambezi Sawmills compound together with PF Livingstone aspiring parliamentary candidate Omar Munsanje and Caribbean Chicken Chief executive officer Kunda Silwenga, conveyed a message of condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of President Edgar Lungu.
Mr Evans, who is former Livingstone Member of Parliament, assured the family of Government’s full support in meeting all the funeral expenses.
He said Government through its relevant wings was doing everything possible in making sure that the Zambian roads were safe for the public.
“It is sad that the nation has lost young and vibrant pupils that would have contributed to the growth of the nation and their communities.
“Our hearts are with the bereaved families, Government is making headways in making sure that our roads are safe for the travelling public. I am happy that the provincial Minister directed the Provincial Education Officer to stop pupils from traveling for school trips after 18:00 hours,” he said.
Patriotic Front Deputy Chairman for Elections and Prominent Lusaka Lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube has responded to remarks made by the US Government on the closure of the Post Newspaper by Zambia Revenue Authority over the unpaid taxes.
In a statement made available to the media, Mr Fube cautioned the US Government to remove the speck out of their eyes before accusing the Zambian Government of stifling the media. Mr Fube stated the cases of Edward Snowden and William Asange who the US Government is pursuing for whistling blowing charges.
Below is the Statement on US Government by PF
Foreign Influence
In the same light we would like to caution sympathisers—especially foreign ones such as the US government—to remove the speck out of their eyes before they accuse the Zambian government of alleged stifling of the media.
Let it be placed firmly on record that the US government is up to now hunting down whistle blower Ed Snowden for violating American laws including earlier before him, Australian activist William Asange whom they want to be extradited for releasing secret documents online.
“We do not appreciate being patronised by people enjoying our hospitality. It is insulting to our intelligence as hosts that are fully aware of international affairs,” Bwalya said.
“Ostensibly it is okay for the Unite States to hunt down Assange and Snowden but not alright for the Zambia government to collect tax from an offender like Membe?…what standards is the US setting here.”
The case at hand is simple, The Post owes money the government needs to provide services and in some cases save lives.
Once they pay back the money, they will be allowed to operate freely, Americans should know this because they drag Hollywood stars to court every day for tax crimes.
One last word of advice to The Post, leave President Lungu out of your tax crime and just pay up. The victims here are poor Zambians and not The Post. The newspaper is nothing but a defaulter. It committed a tax crime that has denied Zambian babies medicine in hospitals and teachers and policemen delayed salaries. We must NEVER lose sight of this.
Yesterday, the US Government said that the timing of the closure of The Post Newspaper by the Zambian Revenue Authority, only weeks before important elections in Zambia were of deep concern.
In a statement issued on the State Department website, the US government said that the closure of The Post is the loss of an independent voice during the campaign period and election cycle.
The United States Government urged the Government of Zambia to work with the Zambian Revenue Authority and The Post to find a way forward that allows The Post to reopen immediately.
It says the free flow of information to the Zambian people is an essential element of a free, fair, credible and peaceful election.
Meanwhile Mr Fube has appealed to all organisations all organisations and individual entities owed money by The Post newspaper to immediately approach the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and seek advice on how they can recover any money the tabloid owes them.
Here is the full statement
KELVIN BWAYA, LAWYER ADVICES THE POST CREDITORS TO SEEK ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY ADVICE ON HOW TO RECOVER THEIR MONEY.
23rd June 2016, Lusaka–We would like to appeal to all organisations and individual entities owed money by The Post newspaper to immediately approach the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and seek advice on how they can recover any money the tabloid owes them.
This is because as the organisation—ZRA—owed the bulk of the money right now, ZRA is carrying out a through forensic inventory and audit of all Post newspaper property, with a view of determining its worth against the colossal debt.
Once its worth, both at Bwinjimfumu and Chandwe Musonda roads is determined, ZRA will give the tabloid an opportunity to make good of the debt or else the tabloid will run the risk of its property being sold in order to recover Zambian tax payer’s money. That is the legal position.
The government “desperately needs the money in order to deliver social services to the majority of poor Zambians that do not enjoy the same preferential treatment as the tabloid.”
The tabloid owes ordinary poor Zambians via ZRA up to 68 billion Kwacha unrebased ($6.1million), money the government “needs to buy medicine in hospitals to reduce deaths of children and mothers at birth or to provide clean water, with that money.”
The money Fred Membe and his newspaper has refused to pay over the years due to some tax holidays “is the same money the government is supposed to use to pay public workers such as teachers, policemen, soldiers, nurses and Doctors for their noble services on time.”
When Mr Membe decides “not to pay the money or delays in paying, he is effectively taking money out of the pockets of soldiers, teachers, policemen and nurses.”
“It is important to remember that every time civil servants salaries are delayed, it is because Fred Membe and The Post has not paid ZRA 68 billion Kwacha.”
As a party we also think it is, “cheap and grossly misleading for Membe to be ‘Grand-standing’ on the debt issue by trying so desperately, like a spoilt child to link President Lungu to his gross inefficiency and pure greed. President Lungu never told Membe to stop paying his debt. That money is meant for buying drugs in hospitals, just pay it back (Membe) and stop snivelling.”
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde (right) and who is also Kabwe Central Member of Parliament commissioning a Health Post in Kabwe’s Kamakuti area.
Government has today commissioned the upgraded Senga Hill clinic into the fully-fledged hospital in the new established Senga district of Northern Province.
Commissioning the facility, Minister of Health, Joseph Kasonde, says the PF government has prioritised the provision of quality health services closer to the community with special emphasis on rural and remote areas of the country.
Dr Kasonde said national development is anchored on healthy and productive people who are able to contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
He also stated that government’s focus is to complete all infrastructural projects in rural parts of the country like Senga District hospital to efficiently serve people who were seeking health services in order districts.
Dr Kasonde said apart from general medical services, Senga District Hospital will offer specialised health services such as dental health care, physiotherapy, eye care services and major surgery to over 100,000 population.
He has since appealed to the people of Senga to look after the health facility very well and avoid vandalism, pilferage and theft of hospital property.
The minister also applauded the local traditional leadership and all co-operating partners for the unwavering support for the success of constructing the Senga District Hospital.
Newman Bubala , Cosmas Mukuka (l) and ZNUT deputy secretary Catherine Chinunda (r) in Lusaka
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has observed that one of the effective and genuine ways to tackle poverty, inequality, want and misery in the country is to consciously and consistently implement state-driven public service delivery programs.
The observation is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday by ZCTU Secretary General, Cosmas Mukuka, ahead of the commemoration of this year’s International Public Service Day.
Mr Mukuka has since called on government to scale down, halt and reverse where possible the decisions to continue to privatise public services.
He has also urged government to continue to find ways and means to continuously and sustainably roll out public service provisions targeted at reaching people and communities in need.
Mr. Mukuka said the ZCTU is of the strong opinion that aggressive privatisation cannot be used as the cover and excuse for the failure to stem illicit financial flows from the continent.
He said as noted by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa),it is exactly 16 months when the African Union-Economic Commission for Africa (AU-ECA) report on Illicit Financial Flows(IFF) From Africa was adopted by the AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa.
Mr Mukuka said the report pointed out that a conservative figure of US $ 50 billion is lost to Africa annually through IFF activities.
He said these monies are lost revenues that otherwise would boost and complement finances necessary for achieving the roll-out of social services provisions.
Mr Mukuka further said, ITUC-AFRICA, which is the continental trade union body, has not made much progress with respect to the implementation of the recommendations contained in the adopted “Mbeki Panel Report” of IFF from Africa.
He said incidentally the recent Panama Papers Leak further exposes the depth of the financial haemorrhage that Africa is exposed to as asset theft and tax evasion schemes and activities go unchecked.
Mr. Mukuka has advised the country to seek and pursue effective cooperation with governments on the continent and other developing countries in terms of tax policy, practices and information sharing.
He said in essence, tax concession in relation to attracting Foreign Direct investment should be critically rethought.
President Lungu with Ms Ina Marlene Ruthenberg World Bank country Representative – Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza-Statehouse.
The World Bank has advised the Zambian Government to remove subsidies as a measure towards making every Zambia count following the current economic slowdown.
This is contained in the seventh World Bank Zambia Economic Brief titled: Beating the slowdown: Making every kwacha count, released yesterday.
The report states that making every kwacha count should include the removal of fuel subsidies and moves to improve the financial sustainability of the power sector.
World Bank Country Manager for Zambia Ina-Marlene Ruthenberg said international experience demonstrates that such measures are best complemented by scaling-up cash transfer programs, both in terms of the amount household’s receive and the number of vulnerable households benefiting to protect the vulnerable during any transition.
Ms. Ruthenberg observed that although Zambia is facing tough conditions for growth, investment in mineral and non-mineral sectors in the country remains attractive.
“Zambia, like many other African countries, is facing external headwinds while domestic pressures have intensified. The external headwinds include slower regional and global growth and lower copper prices. Domestic pressures include a power crisis impacting on all sectors of the economy and repeat fiscal deficits that have made achieving macroeconomic stability harder,” the report said.
The report observes that GDP growth is forecast to remain close to 3.0 percent in 2016, assuming new power generation capacity comes on line and a better harvest is achieved.
The report says the medium-term horizon for the economy looks brighter and growth of the economy is forecast to improve in 2017 to 4.2 percent and again in 2018 to 5.0 percent.
“The outlook for the Zambian economy is underpinned by an assumption that copper prices remain soft throughout 2016 and 2017. However, if global copper supply better matches demand, and prices recover once again, improved growth could be achieved.”
It added, “The return to faster growth requires that uncertainty about whether persistent and growing fiscal deficits can be reined in is met with clear and credible budget policies toward a more sustainable fiscal stance.”
And World Bank Senior Economist Gregory Smith said the changes in the global conditions for growth require that countries in the region ensure any under-utilized resources are re-allocated to where they can have greater impact.
“There is a need to carefully look at the efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure, and ensure that every kwacha counts,” he added.
The report observes that commodity price shock highlights the need for Zambia to reduce its dependence on copper.
It says the Seventh National Development Plan provides a good opportunity to set this agenda and set a path to clear impediments to private sector activity and improving the business environment.
GBM Plant on fire
Fire broke out at a milling plant belonging to UPND presidential running mate Geoffrey Mwamba in Lusaka’s Chinika industrial area.
Quick action by the Lusaka Fire Brigade that rushed to the scene saved the plant from reduced to ashes.
When reached for a comment, Mr Mwamba who is campaigning on the Copperbelt confirmed that the plant gutted but said he will issue a comprehensive statement later.
“I have been informed of the fire at the GBM milling plant. I will comment after I get more details.
Meanwhile we are at Chief Nkana’s palace in Lufwanyama paying a courtesy call,” Mr Mwamba said.
Fire sweeps through GBM Milling Plant in the Light Industrial area
Zambia will know their 2018 FIFA World Cup final stage opponents on Friday when the Africa zone group stage qualifying draws are made at CAF headquarters in Cairo.
Chipolopolo is one of twenty teams that advanced to the final qualifying phase from last November’s two-legged knockout rounds and has been seeded according to the FIFA rankings of June 7, 2016 in four pots.
Zambia are in the lowest seeded Pot 4 where the draw will commence from on Friday with the first of of the five team picked from the bowl going into Group A until the fifth one completes Group E.
The sequence will be repeated in Pot 3, 2 and 1.
Zambia will avoid Burkina Faso, Uganda, Gabon and Libya who are also in Pot 4.
However, they could be reunited with 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier opponents Congo-Brazzaville who are in Pot 3 that also consists of South Africa and Guinea including Africa’s most successful World Cup campaigner, with seven outings, Cameroon.
A potential draw against Herve Renard’s Morocco who are also in Pot 3 is quite possible.
Pot 2 comprises of Egypt, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Nigeria and Mali.
Potential opponents from Pot 1 are Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.
The group stage qualifiers will kickoff this October and run until November 2017 with the group winners from the four pools of five teams qualifying to the Russia finals to be held from June 14, to July 15, 2018.
During times such us these, ears never cease to hear, trees are clouded with papers and the city is said to be a carrier of different textures that aim on nothing but the mind. Everybody who sees happens to have more than enough but it keeps on increasing.
One of the most busiest times for contenders, commissioners, the media, many social gatherings, commentators, political experts, leading to an endless list. Only one thing tops the list and beyond shakes, it creates much more in the hearts of many.
Indeed, our election is around the corner, slowly the smell of the dawn of this most important day takes over the noses of all zambians, Africans and beyond. Crucial packages in store as always are never out of the picture just like black is never requiring a microscope to be detected on a white board.
As we all can agree, all these preparations would mean nothing if we take voters out of the picture. Voters are a backbone of all that is called election. All party campaigns, giving out of things such us party flags and T-shirts mean that everybody in the political circle acknowledge that a voter is an important asset as far as elections are concerned.
What moves and disturbs many is the turn up of voters. over the years we have been having a large number of registered voters, only to be schocked by the low turn up of voters on the particular voting day. Its been a downward spiral lately.
Research would show that zambians have different reasons why they chose not to vote even though they registered. We would not rule out Sicknesses and deaths but mostly, people chose just to stay home as a result the turn up falls fast inevitably.
What we normally forget as voters is that this is one of the times in the entire history of a country where a person’s choice matters most. Its a time to get all the respect and sense of being Zambians. we shouldn’t have been choosing not to vote knowing that our vote matter most.
For a long time now, some have not voted because they never like any party among those contesting. Have you ever thought that its possible to see a good leader in the midst of the parties you don’t like?. When you have problems with parties its good to look for a leader and choose that one regardless of the parties. Identify leadership skills that you think are good and vote instead of allowing your vote to lay idle and rot just like that.
The same way we understand that our leaders have the driving seats of our country should be the same thinking that should give us the vigor to put a right driver on that most important and crucial wheel. No one else can do that except you and me.
Choosing not to vote is promoting wrong leaders to take over simply because we have not topped our vote over the good leaders line in this competition. If you don’t like certain leaders for valid reasons then go out to vote them out by putting your vote against them.
Action speaks louder than words. If you think you have not been heard for a long time in the issues that concern a better Zambia, then use the election to voice out because as far as we are concerned, elections are the best time to let the world know what we want as Zambia. A sense of ownership will help us work up that morning and head fo the polling station. This is where we belong.
Religious leaders, Organizations, local chiefs, political parties,the media, hospitals, market officials, companies including the electro commission; we all have to make sure we have left no stone unturned. Desserminate messages that help somebody to make a decision to wake up and run for the polling stations that day. If our campaigns of mobilising voters have not generated enough results previously, let’s scale up our efforts this year.
My fellow Zambians, remember there is no Zambia without you. Your vote is your voice and choosing to remain sillent is like choosing to be blind and fall in a pit. Everybody who registered should vote and remember there is no change without your vote.
Choose to vote and bring about the difference you have always dream of. I chose to vote no matter what. it is our birthright.
Written By: Lazarous Chongo (JIFAN) Whole Life Coach /Gospel Artist Kabwe, Zambia
The Delegation of the European Union issues the following statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Zambia
The closure of The Post by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) on 21 June, reportedly because of an outstanding tax dispute, is of the utmost concern – in particular as it occurred during the campaign period leading to the general elections on 11 August.
The EU Delegation and the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States strongly support the principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as cornerstones of any democratic society. Independence of the media facilitates the free exchange of information and ideas. This principle is even more important as Zambia prepares for the upcoming general elections which all stakeholders expect to be credible, transparent and inclusive, in accordance with Zambia’s democratic record.
While tax compliance is important there must be ample room for an agreement between ZRA and The Post, also in accordance with the equality in treatment that has to be granted to all media houses.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) public relations manager, Cris Akufuna
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has deregistered a Mozambican national, an underage and three other persons from the Register of voters from five districts.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka today, ECZ spokesperson Cris Akufuna said the 5 persons named Joyce Kalumbu of Mwinilunga, Elias Mwewa of Samfya, Killion Zulu of Feira constituency in Luangwa, Vetaris Muziya of Chipata’s Luangeni constituency and Ethel Nchiminya have been deleted from the register of voters following objections filed by members of the public regarding the retention of their names on the voters register after the inspection exercise which took place from 15th to 25th May 2016.
The deleted voters are from Mwinilunga, Bangweulu, Feira, Chipata and Pemba consistencies respectively.
Mr. Akufuna explained that Killion Zulu registered under Feira consistency was established to be a foreigner from Mozambique and was found to be under age while the other three has NRCs belonging to other persons.
Mr. Akufuna said criminal investigations have since been instituted against the named offenders.
And Mr. Akufuna said reports of Malawi nationals having registered as voters can only be acted upon when information is authenticated
President Lungu”s daughter Tasila Lungu(l) talks to Mumbi Phiri(r) during the Presidential Nominations at Mulungushi conference centerPatriotic Front Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri has bemoaned the rising incidences of political violence from some political parties during campaigns.
Ms. Phiri has urged the general public and PF members in Chinsali to refrain from any form of violence during campaigns for the general election.
She said this when she addressed a public rally at Chinsali central business district, where she received 70 members from the United Party for National Development -UPND- and Rainbow Party.
Ms. Phiri has also asked Chinsali residents to give President Edgar Lungu and the PF a massive vote in the August polls.
And Ms. Phiri urged PF Chinsali Central parliamentary candidate Kalalwe Mukosa to consistently facilitate development in the area when elected MP.
Meanwhile, PF Presidential Deputy campaign manager Frank Bwalya explained that the creation of new districts and Muchinga province is aimed at accelerating development in the area.
Mr Bwalya said this is evidenced by the rapid development being witnessed in new districts created by late President Michael Sata.
He said the PF administration is committed to uplifting the lives of people and taking development to each part of the country.
Father Bwalya who is on campaign tour with the PF Secretary General in Muchinga Province said PF has always stood for peaceful campaigns.
And Chinsali Central Member of Parliament Kalalwe Mukosa said the PF is confident of scooping the seat because it has gained firm political ground in Chinsali and the province as a whole.
President Edgar Lungu talks to KCM Mr Davies Paterson Vice President Local Economy Development at Kitwe Agricultural and Commercial Show in Kitwe on Saturday..
President Edgar Lungu has called for the inclusion of experts in infrastructure project implementation in order to eliminate constraints in project evaluations and implementation.
President Lungu says lack of experts in infrastructure project implementation has led to huge costs and delayed project completion.
The President said this Wednesday night when he interacted with participants at the ongoing infrastructure development symposium in Lusaka.
President Lungu also took time to share and exchange ideas and challenges facing various players in infrastructure projects.
The President who earlier officially opened the symposium called for the inclusion of locals in infrastructure project value chain.
President Lungu also stressed during the symposium that government is linking infrastructure such as roads to the agenda of diversifying the economy.
He said there is need for players in infrastructure projects to promote an inclusive approach to policy formulation so that there is local ownership in policy formulation to address the challenges facing the nation.
President Lungu further noted that the fact that the world has become a Global village, globalisation has not contributed to address inequality.
He said globalisation has left least developed countries more exploited than before as most countries are reaping benefits at the expense of beneficiaries when it comes to project implementation.
