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President Edgar Lungu addressing Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China Mr Zhang Dejiang and his delegation during courtesy call at State House yesterday. !9-03-2016. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
PRESIDENT Lungu says the bilateral relations between China-Zambia have contributed to the mutual respect that the two countries continue enjoying.
President Lungu said bilateral relations have reached an excellent level as evidenced by the visit and investment between the two countries.
The President was speaking at State House yesterday when he met Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at State House yesterday.
“China and Zambia in the last 50 years have explored new forms of bilateral friendship founded on mutual and beneficial co-operation. This has resulted into a tremendous economic progress we have achieved with success,” he said.
And Mr Zhang described the relations as beneficial and paramount.
Mr Zhang said China will continue to cherish the relations between the two nations.
President Edgar Lungu welcomes Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China Mr Zhang Dejiang at State House yesterday. !9-03-2016. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANISPresident Edgar Lungu Shows Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China Mr Zhang Dejiang a lion after courtesy call at State House yesterday. !9-03-2016. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
PF cadres burn UPND party regalia after the youths of the two political parties clashed against each other during the Youth Day Celebrations in Lusaka with one PF youth wearing the military outfit the party banned
SACCORD says the PF is embarrassing the nation with its continued disregard of President Lungu’s pronouncements on political violence.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe said President Lungu should state who is in charge of his party as his directives on political violence have continued to be ignored by his followers.
He said his organization has noted that despite the many calls that President Lungu has publicly made regarding his Party’s members engaging in violence party lieutenants disregard his directives almost immediately the minute he finishes speaking by making their own violent pronouncements.
He said the situation is not only worrying but an embarrassment to the nation as no country will respect a country whose President can not be respected by his own followers.
“We have taken note of the many appeals that the head of state President Edgar Lungu has made in public on the need for his party members and other Zambians not to engage in political violence.He has made it clear that he would like to have peace prevail in the country but when he says that we get concerned that the next minute or day Party members belonging to the ruling Party make either violent pronouncement and/or engage in alleged political violence and what that tells us is that there is almost impunity within the ruling Party and that very few people listen to the President when it comes to issues of political violence.
“This is worrying because when you have a President who is supposed to be not only the father of the nation but also in the case of Zambia is the President of the ruling party he is supposed to be listened to but if what he says is contradicted by his juniors then we have a problem.If calls for us to maintain peace are to bring about any fruitful results then the President needs to be listened to and as long as we have a situation were by the President speaks and no body listens to him then we have a problem,” he said
He added “It does not send a very good message to outsiders, to observers who also want to ensure that Zambia continues to be an oasis of peace when the Head of State actually appeals for peace and then his followers engage in issues which are contrary to peace, issues that are violent in nature, issues that damage both private and public property, that injure people and issues that are a danger to the public safety of all Zambians.”
He said it was saddening that a party that should be leading by example was the one threatening serious violence against its opponents and that the President should quickly resolve the embarrassment the country is facing due to his political party.
“We believe that violence only breeds violence and you can’t of resolve any problem using violence and we find it very unfortunate that the ruling party which is supposed to lead by example is now supporting violence as a way of resolving whatever differences that they may have with other political parties.
“We want to appeal to the President that this very embarrassing situation that we find ourselves in as a country whereby the President speaks and is not listened to by his followers needs to stop, if his followers can’t listen to him within the country who is going to listen to Zambia anywhere else in the world that is the case we are likely to see if this trend continue,” he said.
“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…”
(Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
The Little Foxes
Most often, it’s not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it’s the small things. I’ve heard it said, “Tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage; but in reality, termites do more damage.” That’s what today’s scripture is saying. Most of the time, we’re not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up.
The big things are rare. It’s the little inconveniences like not being able to find your car keys in the morning, or being in a hurry and getting behind a driver going 40 in a 60-mile-an-hour zone. It’s the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.
The way we handle the little things will determine what kind of life we will live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines. Make the decision today to “catch” those foxes by choosing to think on the right things. Let His Word bring light and life to your emotions so you can move forward in peace and joy each and every day!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to focus on Your Word and not allow the little foxes to steal my joy and peace. Keep me close to You and guide me in the way I should go in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Kalusha Bwalya has been ousted as Football Association of Zambia President.
Kaluha, who was bidding for a third successive term as FAZ president, was beaten by Lusaka businessman and his longtime nemesis Andrew Kamanga by a slender margin.
Kamanga beat Kalusha by 163 votes to 156.
Richard Kazala is the new FAZ vice president after edging out incumbent Boniface Mwamelo, Mofya Chisala and Cephas Katongo.
Rix Mweemba went through unopposed as FAZ treasurer.
Meanwhile, only one executive committee member bounced back with Lee Kawanu retaining his position , although the EXCO is heavy with prominent Kalusha loyalists.
Christopher Mulenga from Kalusha’s club K-Stars, former Nchanga Rangers president, and another Kalusha supporter, Blackwell Siwale are the committee members.
Incidentally, Elijah ‘Shenko’ Chisenga who was co-opted by Kalusha after the 2010 ‘Kamanga-Kalusha’ impasse has been elected as an executive committee member and will now serve under Kamanga.
The rest are Ex-Zamtel boss Kabaso Kapambwe and Brenda Kunda from North-Western Province is the only lady in Kamanga’s team.
Northern Province Minister, Freedom Sikazwe addresing mourners during the burial of the late Chief Fwambo of the Mambwe people in Mbala at the palace
Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe has cautioned Radio Mano staff to refrain from issuing alarming statements to the effect that some people are planning to attack their institution when in-fact not.
Mr. Sikazwe has refuted media reports suggesting that some individuals are planning to attack radio Mano community station in Kasama.
He said investigations carried out so far by security wings have established that none of the claims were true.
ZANIS reports that the Provincial Minister said there is need for responsible reporting among media personnel to avoid misleading the nation on matters of national interest.
Mr. Sikazwe further advised Radio Mano staff to report any matter bordering on security threats to relevant authorities.
And Radio Mano Community Station board chairman Allan Mwango said he will call for an urgent board meeting to discuss the concerns raised by the Provincial Minister and other stakeholders who may not be happy with the operations of the institution.
Meanwhile, Kasama District Commissioner Kelly Kashiwa and Patriotic Front member Kelvin Sampa have threatened to take legal action against Radio Mano Community Station for allegedly broadcasting false news against them.
Earlier this week, Radio Mano Community Station suspended its normal programming claiming there were threats directed at some staff at the institution.
Deputy Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya
The Cholera outbreak has now reached 290 cases country wide.
Health Deputy Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya told a media briefing that four deaths have been recorded as of 19th March 2016.
Dr Chilufya said the Ministry recorded 17 new cases in Nsama district of Luapula.
He said the rest of the new cases have come from Bauleni compound in Lusaka.
Dr Chilufya said the Ministry will continue to enhance sensitization efforts on sanitation and increase access to clean water in order to fight the outbreak
He also revealed that 59 Cholera cases are under treatment.
PART of the people attended Mukuba ground at a rally addressed by Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili in Kitwe on Saturday.Picture by KENNEDY MUPESENI
Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has cautioned voters against being hoodwinked by the opposition that mealie meal prices will drastically reduce if ushered into office.
Mr. Kambwili wondered how that would be done when a known opposition leader, who owns hammer mills and a milling plant, is currently selling the staple food at exorbitant prices.
Mr. Kambwili said the rise in food prices is not only affecting Zambia, but the entire SADC community as a result of a global economic downturn. Mr. Kambwili, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, was speaking in Kitwe this afternoon at a PF public rally.
And Mr. Kambwili has said that the country may not record meaningful social and economic development if voters change Government’s every after five. The Roan Member of parliament said that development and wealth creation requires consistency in policies.
Mr. Kambwili also told the rally that Southern Province is not a region for one particular tribe only because it is part of the country. Earlier, Copperbelt Province Minister Mwenya Musenge said leadership comes from God and urged the opposition to wait for their time.
And PF Copperbelt Province Mobilization Chairperson Joe Malanji said the ruling party is rolling out the development of infrastructure to all Parts of the country because it’s key to national development.
And PF Copperbelt Province Chairman Stephen Kainga said President Lungu and the PF will have NO difficulties amassing votes beyond the 50 per cent plus one electoral threshold.
PF Kitwe District Chairman Kelvin Sinyangwe said it is Day dreaming and wishful thinking for the opposition UPND to suggest that it is making political inroads in the district.
The rally was attended by scores of residents and party cadres
PART of the people attended Mukuba ground at a rally addressed by Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili in Kitwe on Saturday.Picture by KENNEDY MUPESENIINFORMATION and Broadcasting Minister Chihimba Kambwili(left) confers with Kitwe DC Chanda Kabwe before the PF rally started at Mukuba grounds in Kitwe .Picture by KENNEDY MUPESENI
Zesco United and Zanaco hope to secure their passage to the next phase of their respective continental engagements on Sunday.
In the Caf Champions League, Zesco head to Guinea to face Horoya in Conakry armed with a 4-1 lead from the first leg played on March 12 in Ndola.
A draw will suffice for Zesco to see them through to the pre-group knockout round that kicks off in April.
However, Zesco will be without coach George Lwandamina who has stayed behind to prepare Zambia for Wednesday 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier at home against Congo-Brazzaville in Ndola.
His assistant Tenant Chembo will be in charge of the away match.
And in the Confederation Cup, Zanaco are home at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka where they host Harare City in a first round, return leg tie.
Mumamba Numba’s side enjoys a 2-1 first leg lead they picked up in Harare on March 12.
to me
Nkana on Saturday morning beat FAZ Division One North side Kalulushi Modern Stars 3-0 in a practice match played at Independence Stadium in Kalulushi.
Nkana were warming up for their next Super Division match against Green Eagles to be played on March 26 at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Strikers Shadreck Musonda, Simon Bwalya and Walter Bwalya were the scorers for Nkana.
Prior to the main friendly match, the Nkana reserves had beaten their Kalulushi counterparts 1-0 with a goal from striker Josphat Kasusu.
The Super Division is on a one-week break to pave way for the FAZ Annual General Meeting taking place on Saturday in Kitwe.
Elsewhere, Power Dynamos on Fridaybeat FAZ Division One North side Kitwe United 2-0 in a training match at Arthur Davies Stadium.
Power are preparing to face Nchanga Rangers in their next Super Division match on March 26 at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
A goal each from midfielder Kelvin Mubanga and ex-Chipolopolo defender Francis Kasonde stirred Power to the victory.
All the goals came in the second half with Mubanga converting a penalty before Kasonde powered in a header from a corner.
The earlier match between the reserve sides finished 2-1 in favour of Power.
Higher education minister Dr Michael Kaingu (r) shares a light moment with former health minister and also former member of the central committee Allina Nyikosa (l) during the 51st Zambia ‘s Independence celebrations at Solwezi stadium in Solwezi on Saturday as North-Western province freedom fighters chairman Bwanga Wisamba (m ) looks on
DAVID Chanda, the president of the deregistered Democratic Front (DF), has come to the defence of Higher Education minister Michael Kaingu over the now contentious Grade 12 certificate qualification for people aspiring to contest elective positions in the August general elections.
He said Dr Kaingu, who has been advocating that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) allow aspiring candidates with diplomas and degrees to contest even if they did not meet the constitutional provision of a Grade 12 certificate, should be supported.
Mr Chanda said the purpose of introducing the Grade 12 certificate clause was to get rid of the mischief of people who could fail to debate and comprehend issues in Parliament.
He said in an interview that people with diplomas, degrees and other higher academic qualifications were more comprehensive in debates than a mere Grade 12 certificate holder.
Mr Chanda said in the constitutional golden rule, there were two interpretations which included the literal constitutional interpretation and the purposive interpretation rule.
He explained that in literal rule constitutional interpretation, the golden rule in relation to the Grade 12 certificate clause meant that apart from other qualifications such as diplomas and degrees, a Grade 12 certificate was always a must.
Mr Chanda said it was misleading to argue that one must always have a Grade 12 certificate for him or her to pursue or obtain a diploma or a degree, stating that when interpreting the Constitution, it was wrong for anyone to use literal rule.
He said as Zambians were waiting for the Constitutional Court to give an interpretation to the Grade 12 certificate clause, there was need to understand that the legal brains would have to engage purpose rule which inquies into the purpose of the law being introduced.
“The golden rule in the interpretation of the Constitution is governed by two rules which are the literal rule and purposive rule. Regarding Article 72 of the Constitution that is about the Grade 12 certificate clause, it is important to interpret the Constitution using the purposive rule because the literal rule would be misleading.
‘‘The purpose of the Grade 12 certificate clause was meant to get rid of the mischievousness of the people who failed to debate and comprehend issues in Parliament. But it is true that a person with a degree can better debate and be more comprehensive in debate than a mere Grade 12 certificate holder and this is where I agree with Dr Kaingu,” Mr Chanda said.
Quoting the legal guidance of Lord Symons Maunsell vs Olins (1975), Mr Chanda said the first task of the Constitutional Court was to put itself in the shoes of the draftsman to consider what knowledge and statutory objective he had in formulating such a law.
“Being thus, the court proceeds to ascertain the purpose or to interpret and seek to look for the purpose of the legislation before interpreting the words. The tone of debate in the public sittings during the constitution-making process was to get rid of people who could not debate.
I therefore agree with Dr Kaingu but we are going to wait for the Constitutional Court to interpret the clause,” Mr Chanda said.
United Party for national Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has said that he is patiently waiting for August 11 2016 to get to the office of the President.
Mr. Hichilema has also urged Zambians to persevere with what they are going through saying things will be well after August 11th polls.
He noted that there is only a few months left before August 11th, thus the people of Zambia should keep their resolve citing that there is no need to fear or be intimidated.
Mr. Hichilema added that he is hopeful that Zambians will not make the same mistake they made during the January 2015 elections but is confident that they will give him an opportunity to get to State House, adding that the Patriotic Front should start preparing itself to leave government come august 11 2016.
And the UPND leader has that PF has been working hard to de-campaign themselves among the youths by taking away meal allowances from students without warning at a time of rising food prices and diminished job prospects.
In an official statement released to the media, the UPND leader said that the actions of PF appear to alienate them from a large body of new voters.
Below is the full statement
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The PF Threat to Our Youth
To any sane observer it must seem that in the past fortnight the PF has been working hard to decampaign itself among the youth, first taking away meal allowances from students without warning at a time of rising food prices and diminished job prospects, and then just a few days later failing to act after UPND youth supporters were attacked by PF cadres in broad daylight during Youth Day celebrations.
These actions, that appear to alienate a large body of new voters, have even left some wondering whether the PF has already resigned itself to its fate on 11 August 2016 and are now simply enjoying their last weeks in office without much regard to what the people think. In the UPND, however, we are increasingly concerned that there is something darker and altogether more worrying going on here – a serious and concerted attempt to intimidate, disenfranchise and disillusion young Zambians.
This follows from past PF behaviour, which has become increasingly intolerant of opposing voices over the past five years, particularly under President Lungu’s premiership. Whether it’s opposition politicians or popular musicians, the PF has been willing to try locking people up in order to stem the public criticism of their track record in office, while at the same time continuing on its endless campaign of by-elections and expansion of the size of Cabinet so they can tempt sitting MPs over to government benches.
This is all directly working against any talk of empowerment by the PF. In our mind youth empowerment requires the free and open flow of information, it requires good role models in leadership positions, and it requires serious resources be made available and distributed without favour based on political allegiance. These are all things we are ready to commit to in Government as UPND.
My message to you as this week comes to a close is that the violence last weekend was abhorrent and we must continue to call for justice, but as we do so we must not be blind to these more subtle, but nevertheless deeply concerning, trends. It is very important that between now and 11 August 2016 we all become Ambassadors for Change and Peace and remind friends and family that their vote can and will make a difference, that there is a better way for Zambia and finally that there is hope for us all, particularly our youths who have all of life’s rich journey ahead of them.
President Edgar Lungu and his Mozambique counterpart Filipe Nyusi during official talks in Maputo
A COAL-POWERED plant to produce 1,200 megawatts of electricity will be built in Mozambique and it will benefit Zambia.
The intention was put on paper yesterday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries.
The MoU was signed by Zambia’s Minister of Energy Dora Siliya and her Mozambican counterpart Pedro Couto during a closed-door meeting chaired by President Lungu and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on Thursday night.
Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs Oldomino Baloi said the plant will benefit the two countries.
“The MoU is a framework to guide the construction of the coal-powered power plant. We have, however, not yet reached the implementation stage,” said Mr Baloi.
The MoU was among several bilateral agreements signed to enhance the energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors.
Speaking at a joint media briefing, Zambia’s Foreign Affairs minister Harry Kalaba said in the energy sector, Zambia stands to benefit from the coal plant that Mozambique will build in the port city of Nacala.
Other MoUs signed were in commerce and trade, infrastructure development as well as peace and security.
The two countries would like to enhance co-operation and finding solutions to common challenges they are facing in key sectors.
Mr Kalaba said Zambia has imported 15,000 metric tonnes of cashew nut seedlings from Mozambique to boost and diversify agriculture activities.
Mr Kalaba said the move is aimed at empowering small-scale farmers in Zambia and Mozambique.
He said this is also key to wealth creation among youths in both countries.
He said the two countries are hoping to increase trade between them and that Zambia remains committed to all the values that both countries share in the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
“The meeting was cordial and Zambia and Mozambique are intertwined because they share various interests at various fora. We have more convergences unlike divergences,” said Mr Kalaba.
Mr Kalaba said the high-level meeting had “re-ignited and strengthened” long-standing historical ties between the two countries since 1975.
President Edgar Lungu chat with his Mozambique counterpart Filipe Nyusi during a state banquet at state house in Maputo
And Mr Baloi said Zambia is a country with deep historical ties for Mozambique’s political independence.
Mr Baloi described the ties as being at the highest level in various levels of co-operation because of Zambia’s significant contribution to Mozambique’s political independence.
He said there is need for both countries to ensure that they focus on implementing value addition to agriculture products and other raw materials they produce.
“Of concern is the value addition chain and ensuring that there is efficient transportation of these goods to enhance and increase trade between our two countries,” said Mr Baloi.
President Edgar Lungu being welcomed at Maputo international airport by Minister for international relations Oldomino Baloi on arrival at Maputo International Airport for a two day state visit.
And President Lungu has said his visit to Mozambique has evoked interesting thoughts as both countries and the incumbent heads of State share a lot in common.
Mr Lungu said he and Mr Nyusi were erstwhile ministers of Defence before being elected as republican Presidents, and that both countries share significant socio-economic and cultural similarities.
“We are also sharing common challenges such as drought and we would like to share common experiences and find solutions in our countries and at regional level as SADC,” he said.
President Lungu said this before a closed-door high-level bilateral meeting at the Mozambique Office of the President.
President Nyusi said Zambia and Mozambique have long-standing historical bilateral ties.
Mr Nyusi said it is not possible to discuss Mozambique’s political independence without mentioning the involvement of Zambia under its first republican President, Kenneth Kaunda.
“Zambia is a sister country with deep historical ties of our liberation for political independence,” he said.
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema with his Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba during the Consecration of Rev. Fr Justin Mulenga as Bishop at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Mpika
By Rev. Jevan Kamanga
It is now very clear that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for Nation Development has become so dangerously desperate that he is willing to employ any tactic to score some points. His desperation has caused him to engage unorthodox means of attracting sympathy and trying to paint a picture that he is becoming popular. HH has also shamelessly engaged the Bwinjimfumu alarmists who have been his enemies from time in memorial but because of being desperate, he had to bow to the grand master in media propaganda.
The recent announcement of 11 MMD MPs joining him is a serious mockery to his campaigns. We are very much aware that 9 out of those people did support his loss last year in the Presidential Election. So there’s nothing new they will do except to puff up their brother in an illusion that he has drawn in 11 people. But one Hon. Moses Muteteka came out refuting the UPND claims that he too had joined them. Mr. Muteteka’s statement on ZNBC on Wednesday was a clear message that HH and his group are willing to put any name on their list just to try and sound popular. Well done Hon. Muteteka for standing up and exposing this man who is so desperate for power that he thinks he can govern this nation using trickery.
HH’s dealings with some of the Diplomats accredited to Zambia is another form of desperation. Of course we know that there are some Diplomats who have an agenda of removing the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation in order to secularize this nation. Their agenda is, in the name of Human Rights, to introduce Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Gayism and Trans-gender traits something HH seems to support for the sake of gaining power. When he invited all the Diplomats, only less than half turned up for his luncheon. The rest saw through him as a desperate man who was going to twist that meeting’s intention. Out of desperation, his Bwinjimfumu buddy came out saying the 15 had endorsed him until the Turkish Ambassador refuted the claims saying they never did such a thing. Watch out for this desperate man.
Again, out of desperation HH lied to the people that the Small Scale Miners commonly known as Jerabo’s on the Copperbelt had endorsed him. The Jerabo’s have given HH an ultimatum to apologize for lying but he has remained quiet. The truth is that HH is hallucinating day and night thinking everyone is supporting him. To the contrary, the people of Zambia know exactly who HH is and they cannot entrust him with power to run this nation. The people of Zambia entrusted him with Privatization but look what came out of that. Today HH is the richest man in Zambia and we have asked him to explain how he got that rich because we know who he was before Privatization and what had become of him afterwards. The people of Luanshya still want to know how he under-valued the sale of Luanshya Copper Mine thereby condemning them to abject poverty.
In his desperation, now HH has the guts to start training people to create confusion in the country. I will not say much on this matter because it is in the Courts of law. HH to me is a dangerously desperate man who is willing to divide this nation through tribalism, violence, lies, betrayal and hatred. He is willing to spend all he has and borrow more to try and gain his way to plot one.
As PF, we take pride in the works we have done in just four years. Imagine what we are going to do in twenty years of being in Office! The massive infrastructure development we have seen in Zambia will be a bedrock for serious economic development, job creation, more money in people’s pockets and lowering of taxes. Come 11th August, 2016, we are teaching HH a lasting lesson that Zambia is bigger than an individual and that it takes the entire nation to win a Presidential election. Vote Edgar Lungu, vote PF MPs, vote PF Mayors/Council Chairpersons and vote PF Councilors for continued development and a SMART Zambia.
Secretary, Information Committee – Patriotic Front
ZAMBIA’S growth is projected to be bright owing to a cocktail of economic fundamentals in major sectors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
The IMF team, which has concluded its economic review on Zambia, said the country is headed for an economic rebound as agriculture reforms reach fruition, coupled with increase in power generation capacity, general economic infrastructure improvement and the global economic recovery.
According to a statement released by Secretary to the Cabinet Fredson Yamba yesterday, the growth projections will be attained in the medium to long-term.
The IMF mission was in the country from March 9 until yesterday to review the macroeconomic situation and initial discussions on steps required for the country to engage it on a formal programme within 2016 as directed by Cabinet.
“Regarding the review of the macro-economic situation, Government and the Fund have agreed that in the short term, the country faces multiple challenges such as a tapering economic growth mainly due to lower mining output as a result of low copper prices on the international market and lower agriculture and electricity production due to poor rainfall,” he said.
Mr Yamba said the two parties agreed that fiscal consolidation measures are inevitable this year.
He said Zambia and the Brentwood Institution noted that the current levels of the budget deficit are unsustainable and lead to increased future requirements for debt repayment.
“In this regard, Government is resolved to ensuring that austerity measures are implemented. Additionally, key structural reforms such as the gradual shift to cost-reflectiveness in electricity tariffs and fuel pricing will be key in reducing subsidies and streamlining Government expenses,” Mr Yamba said.
He said while Government remains committed to effecting adjustments to tariffs and prices, it is cautious not to effect drastic changes to essential services.
He said such an action would have a huge effect on the economy as a result of increased costs, particularly for those in production, and this could negatively affect the marginalised citizens.
Mr Yamba said inflation is expected to moderate towards the third quarter of 2016, as the harvest comes on stream and the base effects of the Kwacha depreciation largely experienced in the last quarter of 2015 subside.
-From left to right, North-Western province permanent secretary Amos Malupenga, Higher Education minister Dr Michael Kaingu, provincial Patriotic Front (PF) interim chairman Emmanuel Chihili with Solwezi acting mayor Brian Kajoba watch Bana BaLesa gospel singer 12 year old Charles Kufuna singing freedom song during 51st Zambia ‘s Independence celebrations at Solwezi stadium in Solwezi
MINISTER of Higher Education Michael Kaingu says construction of King Lewanika University at a cost of K200 million will start next week.
Speaking during, at Munkuye Secondary School in Nkeyema, Dr Kaingu said President Lungu is expected to lay a foundation stone before the project starts.
He said funds have been allocated towards the construction of the university and that a contractor is already on site.
“Government will ensure it fulfils its promise of constructing a university in each province,” he said.
Dr Kaingu also said Government would provide enough learning institutions through construction and upgrading of secondary schools.
He appealed to parents to allow their children to attend school.
“As Government fights early marriage, it has been observed that boys also stay away from school to herd cattle, which should not be the case,” he said.
Dr Kaingu, who also paid a courtesy call on Nkeyema district commissioner Albetina Mwanamwalye, was briefed on several development projects taking place in the district.
Ms Mwanamwalye, however, expressed concern over some local contractors that are delaying progression of development projects.
But Dr Kaingu said it is disappointing that local contractors have continued giving problems despite Government’s effort to empower them.
“Local contractors should pull their socks following a deliberate policy Government has put in place to empower them with projects,” Mr Kaingu said.
Meanwhile, Dr Kaingu, who is accompanied by Western Province Minister Poniso Njeulu, is expected to meet with heads of department, government officials and Patriotic Front officials in Kaoma this afternoon.
