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The Writing was on the Wall but Zambians Ignored It

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The Writing was on the Wall but Zambians Ignored It

mapanza

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night. My mind takes me to the political landscape that is shaping the current economic woes and societal despondency in Zambia. My heart bleeds for my beloved country. What have we done to deserve what we are going through? Life is hard. The cost of living is skyrocketing and beyond the reach of many. Industries are closing down and workers are thrown into the cold. Jobs for many graduates from our education institutions are non- existent. Those who hack out a living through self-help entrepreneurship are bearing the brunt of power load shading. The political scene is no better. Violence has become the order of the day. We have seen the kind of political violence never experienced in Zambia before. Gun toting and use of live bullets to threaten political opponents is slowly becoming part of Zambia’s political culture. Lawlessness is getting entrenched. Those entrusted with maintaining law and order have sometimes been in the forefront, breaking the law. The very process of electing our leaders is fraught with impunity. The lawless and powerful are registering under aged children as voters. The list of woes continues so you can fill the gaps.

Although the misery Zambians are going through is caused by a few, the rest of citizens are watching, powerless to do anything. Paralyzed, they become tools in the very hands of the few. Confused as to the way things ought to be, they become cheerers of the cause of their own death. The leaders they looked to for better life are caught up into the frenzy of making hay while the sun shines. The thought of life outside government is unbearable. So, everything must be done to maintain the status quo. Those who gather courage to question illegality must be brutalized and silenced. With the national elections coming in a few months from now the gag machinery is going into full throttle. This is why I am worried. I am not worried for myself but for the millions of Zambians for what await us. There is writing on the wall. Are Zambians seeing it? Have you heard of children in Zambia and other nationals from neighboring countries that are being registered as voters in Zambia? Have you heard of what has happened to gallant Zambians that wanted to investigate these happenings? The writing is on the wall and if we ignore it more misery will visit us.

If we merely watch and do not organize ourselves to counter the rot going on right now in the political arena we should not cry when the worst hits us.

Here is my humble suggestion. Every institution and individual Zambians desiring peace and prosperity of our land must unite and protect legitimate processes of electing our leaders into councils, parliament, and the presidency. NGOCC, FODEP, Women’s Lobby, Oasis, Transparency International, the Church, chiefs, LAZ, and many others hear this clarion call. The sign is on the wall. If we merely watch and do not organize ourselves to counter the rot going on right now in the political arena we should not cry when the worst hits us. We must protect the will and choices of Zambians against partisan interests.

Elections are not rigged on the voting day only. Summoning all our energies to monitor actual voting even with international elections observers is too little too late. There is need to get organized now, creating mechanisms to document and report violence and malpractices taking place from issuing of registration and voters cards up to the day of elections. What we need is a body of evidence to fall on if and when our systems fail us because they choose to side with political parties and not the people. Many Zambians want to collect evidence of wrong-doing but have nowhere reliable to report it to for documentation and use. Sometimes they have no skill in collecting evidence that could be used in courts of law and international human rights institutions.

I call upon all civil society organizations in Zambia to take the challenge and save the country from sliding into chaos. Mobilize us for action against electoral lawlessness. I do not want to wake up some day, in the middle of the night and say, “The writing was on the wall but Zambians ignored it.”

By Mapanza H Nkwilimba
The author was among the founding members of the Zambia Elections Monitoring Coordinating Committee (ZEMEC) now Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP).

In The Kitchen With Kanta: Baked Curry Chicken, peppers and onions

Entertainment Editor
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In The Kitchen With Kanta: Baked Curry Chicken, peppers and onions

In-The-Kitchen-With-Kanta-Logo (1)

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I would describe myself as a mad scientist in the kitchen; I usually throw a bunch of ingredients into the pot and see what happens.  I’ve never really been one to use exact measurements and for the most part, that’s how I taught myself to cook.  Although, when I am baking I do use exact measurements, because baking is an exact science that you cannot cheat – the fact is if you don’t use the correct ingredients and quantities to bake a cake, you won’t produce a good cake.  However, in my time I have come across those baking pros who don’t have to measure out their baking ingredients and have a 6th sense about how much of each ingredient they are using – that is truly amazing and I hope to become a pro like that one day; but as of right now I am very happy with my scales.  Anyway, when it comes to savoury dishes I literally throw anything in – a dash of this, a pinch of that…that’s what makes cooking so fun – there aren’t really any strict rules that you have to follow.   Which is why I love making my baked curry chicken, peppers and onions – I actually made this utterly scrumptious dish for Sunday dinner.  It went down a treat with crisp roasted spuds (potatoes), and glass of wine, mmm perfect.  Sunday lunch/dinner always calls for a slap up meal.  It’s one of the few days that you can sit with the family and enjoy some good food and conversation.  So try it out this Sunday.

I love this recipe because it is so easy and straightforward, in fact your oven does all the work for you.  If you would like it to be healthier you can use olive oil, grill it, or even barbeque it, to give it that extra char grilled flavour.

Ingredients

1 packet of Chicken thighs, with the bone in and skin on

Red, green and yellow bell peppers, 1 of each, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

3 tsps Chicken seasoning

2 tsps Thyme

2 tsps Garlic powder

2 tsps Curry powder

2 tsps salt

2 tsps Chilli flakes (optional)

2 tbsp of vegetable oil, or olive oil

Method

Slice your bell peppers and onions and set them aside. Chop your garlic cloves into small pieces and mix them in with your onions and peppers.

Marinate your chicken with the seasoning; chilli flakes, garlic powder, curry, thyme and chicken seasoning. Then mix your chicken, garlic, peppers and onions on a baking tray, drizzle over the vegetable oil; and bake in the oven at 150 ?C for about 30 minutes – 1 hour; or until the chicken  is cooked through.

baked curry chicken

Voila it’s as simple as that.  Let your oven do the rest, sit back and relax.

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Serving
I personally serve this with roasted potatoes, but it goes down a treat with nearly anything from; potato salad and vegetable salad, to sweet potato mash, curried rice, Jollof rice and wait for it…your beloved nshima.

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Kanta Temba is a cake maker and decorator. She is also the owner and founder of Kanta Kakes – cake shop.

You can find her work on www.kantakakes.com.  Follow her on twitter @KantaKakes and Instagram @KantaTemba.

Baking with Kanta - IMG

 

 

PF should not have rejected progressive clauses – Tayali

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PF should not have rejected progressive clauses – Tayali

CHILUFYA TAYALI Executive Director The Zambian Voice
CHILUFYA TAYALI xecutive Director
The Zambian Voice

The Zambian Voice has said that Zambians risk having a new constitution that only answers to the immediate political situation in the country.

Executive Director Chilufya Tayali said that his organization’s fears are based on its observations that only clauses that seem to favour the ruling party in the Constitution Bills were passed by Parliament.

Mr. Tayali pointed out that the 50+1 clause is one such provision he believes has been passed because the ruling party thinks passing this clause enhances its chances of winning the 2016 general election.

He said that people should therefore not fool themselves by believing that they have what they wanted in the new constitution.
Mr. Tayali said that if indeed the PF was interested in upholding people’s wishes and aspirations, it would have not rejected other progressive clauses.

He said that much as the Zambian Voice agrees with the explanation on the cost implication of implementing the discarded progressive clauses, it is of the view that what should have been kept in mind is that a constitution is not only there to answer to the present political situation.

Meanwhile, Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) President Andrew Nthewewe has said that the passing of the constitution bill marks the beginning of a new constitution order.

Mr. Nthewewe said that the constitution amendments will bring about change with regards the country’s governance system and structures.

He said that this was in view of some progressive clauses that have been adopted by Parliament.

Mr. Nthewewe noted that failure by Member of Parliament to pass the constitution amendment bill would have spelt doom for the country considering the huge resources that have so far been spend on constitution making process.

He cited the 50% plus one and the presidential running mate as some of the progressive clauses Zambians have been pushing for for a long time.

Mr. Nthewewe noted that the passing of the constitution amendment bill means 80% plus has been achieved in the constitution making process.

He has since urged stakeholders to start lobbying the President to append his signature so that the constitution can become law.

I Googled Heaven, President Lungu will win the 2016 elections-Davies Chama

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I Googled Heaven, President Lungu will win the 2016 elections-Davies Chama

Davies Chama addressing PF Members at the mobilisation meeting
Davies Chama addressing PF Members at the mobilisation meeting

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Secretary General Davies Chama has predicted that President Edgar Lungu will get more than 60 per cent of votes in 2016 general elections.

Mr Chamba said President Lungu was expected to have a landslide victory of about 65 per cent in next year’s elections because of his massive agenda to rebuild and transform the country.

“I googled the website of heaven and I saw that President Lungu will win the 2016 elections.

“We will also win the 2021 elections as well as in 2026 and in 2064 according to my search,” Mr Chama said.

The PF Secretary General, who is currently on a party mobilisation tour of Southern Province, was speaking in Livingstone.

“President Lungu and PF will win by 65 per cent next year. PF has a committed leadership and what they have done is touchable and seen.

“The President is committed to improving the country and Zambians should just be patient because employment opportunities are coming massively,” he said.

Mr Chama said that the PF Government had paid farmers promptly and ensured early distribution of farming inputs unlike the previous Governments.

He also denied claims that he told opposition political parties to urinate into Kariba Dam so that the country could have enough water to generate electricity.

Mr Chama further dismissed claims that PF had already started political campaigns for 2016 as no one in the ruling party was addressing public meetings.

“It is some opposition parties that are dragging the police and holding public meetings without permits and this is unacceptable.

“I have informed the police for all the meetings s I have been holding but the opposition have the propensity to break the law,” he said.

Mr Chama noted with sadness that some organisations were not remitting taxes to Government and in turn accusing the State of prosecuting them when follow-ups were made on them.

He also said the PF was not using public resources on its operations as all funds were members and well-wishers.

“We don’t use public resources. Government has a lot of things to be done from tax payers money such as repairing roads.

“Here in Livingstone, I was received by about 50 cars from party supporters. The PF leadership in Livingstone under the chairperson Lawrence Evans is doing a commendable job and it is not true that it is divided,” he said.

Presidential re-run a must-Nevers

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Presidential re-run a must-Nevers

nevers Mumba at a Press Briefing
nevers Mumba at a Press Briefing

MMD leader Nevers Mumba has predicted a presidential re-run in next year’s general elections.

Dr Mumba said in an interview the current top three parties in Parliament are unlikely to attain the 50 percent plus one vote threshold.

Dr Mumba notes that the passing of the 50+1 clause in the final draft constitution has made smaller political parties even relevant to the electoral process as they will be needed in the process.

‘What has now come to the political scenario is a platform that makes every political party relevant to the process and it is not going to say winner takes it all or someone passes the post with one vote and they become President, I think the 50 percent plus one makes every political player going forward to contribute in making politics more equitable,’ Dr Mumba said.

He added, ‘We will continue to ply our role an active contribution with the view of winning the next election and I know that it might be unlikely that any one of the three major political parties in Parliament will end up with 50 percent plus one, so what I see even from this far is we are going to have a re-run and once that re-run comes, that is when politics are going to look a little flavoured in the next Parliament or in the next administration.’

Council workers don’t have a fixed pay day-ZULAWU

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Council workers don’t have a fixed pay day-ZULAWU

The Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union has appealed to Government to ensure that council workers receive their salaries on time.

ZULAWU President Misheck Nyambose said it is disappointing that council workers do not have a prescribed date on which they receive salaries.

Mr Nyambose said there is no council throughout the country that pays its workers on time.

He also appealed to council managements to improve on tax collection efficiency in order to improve revenue.

Mr Nyambose also bemoaned the high levels of financial abuse at most local authorities in Zambia.

He demanded that government introduces the GRZ receipt books in all councils to curb pilfering of resources and enhance accountability.

He was speaking on Monday when Government signed the 2016 collective agreement for improved salaries and conditions of services for local authorities and fire service workers in the country.

Mr. Nyambose also demanded that government considers giving back to councils the collection of levies such as poll levy, motor vehicle licenses and bill boards.

He said government should stop the Road Development Agency from collecting bill board charges in order to help councils enhance revenue collection.

Let us win 2016 polls for Simusamba, HH tells mourners

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Let us win 2016 polls for Simusamba, HH tells mourners
GBM, HH and Mr Kituta at Simusamba's funeral service
GBM, HH and Mr Kituta at Simusamba’s funeral service

“Let us all go out and mobilise the voters and win the 2016 elections because that is what Kuchunga would have wanted,” an emotional Hakainde Hichilema told mourners yesterday at the burial of late UPND official Kuchunga Simusamba.

Mr Hichilema said Mr Simusamba ran the race and that it is now time for the UPND members to continue with that which he fought for.

‘He really fought hard for the party, he wanted to serve the Zambian people in Government as he had served as a community workers for our party, that is what we should remember Kuchunga for,’ he said.

Mr Hichilema added, ‘We did all we could within our powers and means to support him during his illness, but as they say God has his own ways of doing things.’

‘Such a dark day for us, but we know that it is darkest before dawn. We shall keep the spirit burning as you did…and we will win 2016 for men like you.’

Simusamba funeral
Pall bearers at Kuchunga Simusamba’s funeral

Meanwhile, the Grand Coalition on the Campaign for a People Driven Constitution has learnt with great shock and sadness about the death of Mr. Simusamba.

In a statement, the Coalition said Mr. Simusamba was an ardent fighter for a new people driven constitution.

‘The Grand Coalition will always cherish the great support Mr. Simusamba gave to our campaign to ensure that the people of Zambia get a new constitution that meets their aspirations. Mr. Simusamba was very instrumental in ensuring that politicians from across the divide joined forces with ordinary citizens in demanding for a people driven constitution,’ it said.

‘When other politicians snubbed the people’s agenda to pursue selfish interests, Mr. Simusamba remained firm in his belief that the people of Zambia have all it takes to deliver unto themselves a new constitution, they do not require Parliament or any other entity to do that for them.’

The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) extended their deepest condolences to United Party for National Development (UPND) on the untimely passing of UPND Deputy Secretary-General Kuchunga Simusamba. MMD Deputy National Secretary Winnie Zaloumis said Mr Simusamba was a brilliant hard-working man that brought great value to Zambian politics and he shall be surely missed by friends, family and everyone in the political space.She said despite the differing political inclinations, MMD always respected him and his invaluable contribution to the Zambian political landscape.

Hundreds of mourners turned up to pay their last respects to Mr Simusamba who died on Friday evening at 19 Hours at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital.

He was hospitalised for some time and on Wednesday last week police officers almost prevented UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema from visiting him at the hospital.

He is survived by a wife and four children.

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HH pays last respects to late Simusamba
HH pays last respects to late Simusamba

AVIC International to conduct feasibility for Construction of new Ndola International Airport

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AVIC International to conduct feasibility for Construction of new Ndola International Airport
AVIC The construction of the Mongu-Kalabo road has started by Chinese AVIC International
File:Chinese AVIC International at the construction site at the Mongu – Kalabo road

NATIONAL Airports Corporation (NAC) has engaged AVIC International to conduct feasibility studies at the site earmarked for the construction of a modern international airport in Ndola.

Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport manager Joseph Mumbi said the studies would be carried out for a period of 21 days to ascertain the suitability of aviation operations in the area.

The modern airport would be built in Chichele area near the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway.

Mr Mumbi said this yesterday when Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela and Forestry Department officials toured the site in preparation for the works expected to commence next year.

“We have engaged AVIC international to carry out feasibility studies in readiness for the construction works expected to start in March next year. The demographic survey is also progressing well and so far only 14 days are remaining for a full report to be ready,” he said.

Mr Mumbi said the airport would have modern facilities that would meet international standards.

He said about 700 families would be moved to pave the way for the construction works, and that those with documents would be compensated before being evicted.

Reverend Sikwela said he was satisfied with the progress on the feasibility study.

He urged people to ensure that they got legal documentation when acquiring land.

He said those who would be found without proper documents would not be compensated.

Rev Sikwela said the initial works would start while NAC engaged settlers who would be affected.

“I am urging Zambians to be very careful when acquiring land. Let us not settle on land when we have not been given documentation. I know other people have cultivated but we need extra land for expansion purposes after the construction of the airport.

“While NAC officials are negotiating with settlers, initial works can commence on the other side where there are no settlers,” he said.

President Lungu said last month that the airport, which would gobble up US$522 million, would create 3,000 jobs at construction stage.

No babies died at UTH due to power outage-ZESCO

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No babies died at UTH due to power outage-ZESCO

ZESCO spokesperson Henry Kapata (right) talks to a client at his firm's pavilion yesterday during the ongoing eighth Southern Tourism, Agricultural and Commercial Show Society (STACSS) in Livingstone
ZESCO spokesperson Henry Kapata (right) talks to a client at his
firm’s pavilion yesterday during the ongoing eighth Southern Tourism,
Agricultural and Commercial Show Society (STACSS) in Livingstone

ZESCO has refuted claims by some members of the public and online publications that a number of babies died at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after the countrywide blackout on Thursday last week.

Both Zesco spokesperson Henry Kapata and UTH public relations manager, Mwenya Mulenga confirmed in separate interviews in Lusaka yesterday. Mr Kapata said it was not true that prematurely-born babies died at UTH after the countrywide power blackout.

On Thursday, due to a system disturbance that was caused by a tripping of a power line at Kariba North Bank Power Station around 23:00 hours, eight provinces suffered a blackout while two remained powered as the Victoria Falls Station continued supplying electricity.

On Friday, word went round, however, that babies born prematurely at UTH that depended on electricity-powered incubators died due to the power outage. “Contrary to online reports that some deaths were recorded at UTH, prematurely-born babies were not affected,” Mr Kapata said. He said this was because UTH quickly moved to alternative generators when the country experienced a power outage.

No patient lost their lives at the D Block for prematurely-born babies or the maternity ward. Mr Kapata said he was impressed that sensitive institutions like UTH had heeded the power company’s advice to have alternative power despite being exempted from load-shedding. He said Zesco encouraged sensitive institutions that despite exemptions from load-shedding, they should invest in alternative power sources.

Mr Kapata urged the sensitive institutions to test their generators constantly and not just in times of power outages. The UTH spokesperson said that no deaths were recorded because the UTH power generators automatically switched on whenever there was a power disruption. “It is not possible that we did not have power. The generator switches on automatically and we did not record any deaths due to the power outage. Those are false reports,” he said.

Passing the Constitution has vindicated PF-Mumbi Phiri

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Passing the Constitution has vindicated PF-Mumbi Phiri

PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri addressingt the public of Mano Ward in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya District at Kasoma Banweulu Primary School during campaign the rall
PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri addressing the public of Mano Ward in Bangweulu Constituency in Samfya District at Kasoma Banweulu Primary School during campaign the rally

THE successful amendment of the non-contentious issues in the Republican Constitution has vindicated the Patriotic Front (PF) as a party that means well for the Zambian people, party deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri has said.

Ms Phiri said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the people of Zambia had seen for themselves that the PF was a party that stood by its promises and meant to follow the will of the people.

She said there were a number of commentators, including some civil society organisations as well as some opposition political parties, including the United Party for National Development (UPND), that alleged that the ruling party had abandoned the Constitution Bill.

“Some people said that they had information that the PF Members of Parliament (MPs) have been instructed by the secretariat to frustrate the Constitution amendment process.

“The people of Zambia have seen for themselves which people want to frustrate the Constitution-making process. It is surprising that the groups that have been claiming that the Cabinet is bloated, they are the ones pushing for provincial assemblies, executive mayors and other expensive undertakings,” Ms Phiri said.

She said the PF pushed for progressive clauses like the 50+1, the running mate and dual citizenship that the people desired and not clauses that were not urgent and would just end up costing the Government even more, considering that 2016 was a year of the tripartite elections.

Ms Phiri said the country did not have the funds to have provincial assemblies and executive mayors as well as more than 90 nominated MPs.

She said the PF was a listening Government that wanted to honour the will of the people.

Ms Phiri said Zambians were intelligent people who were capable of judging for themselves which political party was sincere in meeting their aspirations.

She challenged the public to question the motive of some civil society organisations and the UPND in asking the Government to reduce spending but demand for things that would increase Government expen

Cabinet rejects proposal to build new State House

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Cabinet rejects proposal to build new State House
Dr Scott leaves Statehouse after Cabinet meeting
Statehouse 

Cabinet this afternoon declined to approve a Ministry of Works and Supply memorandum proposing the construction of a new State House Main Administration Building for use by the Republican President and State House Staff and refurbishment and conversion of the old State House into a Museum.

This has come to light in the press statement released to the media by State house on the cabinet meeting held today, at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Works and Supply argued in the proposal that the current State House main administration building was built in the early 1930s and due to passage of time, the structure has continued to deteriorate posing potential health and safety risks. The Ministry further argued that the building has limited office space for State House staff.

Despite the advanced reasons, Cabinet decided not to approve the proposal in view of the limited resources and the prevailing economic situation in the country.

Below is the full statement on decisions made by cabinet in today’s meeting

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 27TH CABINET MEETING HELD AT MULUNGUSHI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE ON MONDAY, 14TH DECEMBER, 2015

LUSAKA (Monday, December 14, 2015) — At the 27th Cabinet Meeting held today, 14th December, 2015 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Cabinet discussed nine (9) substantive Agenda Items and the following were the decisions made:

(a) Phase out of Incandescent (Ordinary) Bulbs in Zambia

Under this Item Cabinet approved phasing out of incandescent (ordinary) bulbs in Zambia by banning importation of ordinary bulbs by 1st January, 2016. Incandescent bulbs are very energy inefficient converting only 5% of electrical energy into visible light while the remaining 95% is wasted as heat energy. It is important for Government to find means and ways of saving the little electricity generated by using energy saving methods, in any way possible as Government looks at further investment in the energy sector to cushion the current energy challenges the country and the region is passing through. This measure will result in the power utility Zesco saving more than 200 megawatts of power.

(b) Appointment of Members of ZESCO Board of Directors

Under this item, Cabinet has approved appointment of nine (9) Members of the ZESCO Board of Directors. It is necessary to appoint the Board of Directors for ZESCO Limited in order to ensure that ZESCO Limited is guided in the provision of sound generation, transmission and distribution of electricity supply. This is in line with good corporate governance practices.

(c) Development of Kasomeno-Mwenda 182-km Toll Road Project to connect Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Luapula Province of the Republic of Zambia under the Public Private Partnership

Under this item, Cabinet approved a Public Private Partnership to Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) 86Km of road from Chalwe to Mwenda between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and Groupe European de Development Congo (DRC) & Groupe European de Development Zambia (Zambia).
It is in the interest of Government to ensure that most future infrastructure projects should be undertaken through PPP mode, as this is a sure way of ensuring that the many planned infrastructure projects are implemented countrywide as has already been demonstrated by Government.
The project scope includes modernisation and expansion of 182 Km of road way; construction of two (2) one-stop border posts with parking and warehouse facilities; construction of a 345 metres cable-stayed bridge; construction of four (4) toll collection stations; and construction of an airstrip.

(d) Commitment of 15 Percent Advance Payment for Contracted and Negotiated Loans

Under this item, Cabinet approved that future project financing will be negotiated to cover 100 percent of the project cost and that the Ministry of Finance would be sourcing the 15 percent Advance Request on contracted and negotiated loans by way of bridge financing facilities. The decision has arisen because some loans contracted consist of concessional, non-concessional and bond financing. In particular, Concessional and non-concessional export credits from the Chinese Government typically finance only 85 percent of the total project cost with the remaining 15 percent to be funded by Government by means of an advance payment.

(e) Girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood Project amounting to US$ 65,000,000

Under this Item, Cabinet approved contraction of a loan from the World Bank amounting to US$ 65,000,000 to support the implementation of girls’ education and women’s empowerment and livelihood project countrywide.
It is important for Government to stick to its promise of girls and women empowerment as stipulated in the National Gender Policy. The Government recognises the importance of girls and women’s empowerment in order to enable them to fully contribute to the development of this country. The loan is highly concessional and terms include 0 percent interest rate per annum and repayment period spread up to 32 years.

(f) Design and Construction of 2,350 Housing Units for the Security Wings Project Amounting to US$ 275 Million

Under this item Cabinet approved the contraction of a loan from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China amounting to US$ 275 million to support the implementation of the Design and Construction of 2,350 housing units project for the security wings to be undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The loan is intended to provide financial resources required for the full implementation of the project to ease and mitigate the housing shortage within the security wings. Improved housing conditions and general living conditions for security personnel will consequently lead to enhanced security and job opportunities for local residents during the construction period.

(g) Proposal to build new State House Main Administration Building

Under this Item, Cabinet declined to approve a Ministry of Works and Supply memorandum proposing the construction of a new State House Main Administration Building for use by the Republican President and State House Staff and refurbishment and conversion of the old State House into a Museum. The proposal stated that the current State House main administration building was built in the early 1930s and due to passage of time, the structure has continued to deteriorate posing potential health and safety risks. Further, the building has limited office space for State House staff. Despite this situation, Cabinet decided not to approve the proposal in view of the limited resources and the prevailing economic situation in the country.

(i) Calendar for Cabinet/Cabinet Committees for the Year 2016

Under this item, Cabinet took note of the Calendars for Cabinet and Cabinet Committee Meetings for the Year 2016. This is important, as Cabinet and Cabinet Committee Business should be conducted in a systematic manner.

(j) Migration of Immigration Department from Public Service Commission to Police and Prisons Service Commission

Under this item, Cabinet took note of the information that the Department of Immigration has been moved from Public Service Commission to the Police and Prisons Service Commission.
It was necessary to migrate the Department of Immigration from the Public Service Commission to the Police and Prisons Service Commission in order to enhance operational efficiency as matters relating to staff appointments, confirmations, promotions and retirements would be expedited.
______________________________________________________________

Issued by

Amos Chanda
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS)
STATE HOUSE

Roan part ways with John Lungu

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FAZ Division One North side Roan United have parted ways with head coach John Lungu.

Club chairman Chisoni Miti said the two parties have separated by mutual consent.

Roan finished fifth in the 2015 FAZ Division One North campaign with 55 points from 34 matches.

“We have parted company on mutual agreement.Not that he performed badly but our primary objective was to get into the Super Division,” Miti said.

The ex-Roan and Zambia midfielder was hired last May following the resignation of veteran trainer Fordson Kabole.

Lungu has previously served as assistant coach at Zanaco, Kalulushi Modern Stars and Lime Hotspurs.

Meanwhile, Roan assistant trainer and ex-Chipolopolo defender Hilary Makasa has been promoted to the role of interim head coach.

“Mr. Makasa who was our assistant is now acting head coach,” Miti said.

Makasa served as Roan interim trainer after Kabole’s departure earlier in the season.

LAZ condemns attacks on media

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LAZ condemns attacks on media

Law Association of Zambia vice president George Chisanga cools off with a bottle of mineral water after delivering a speech on behalf of his organisation
Law Association of Zambia vice president George Chisanga cools off with a bottle of mineral water after delivering a speech on behalf of his organisation

The Law Association of Zambia has strongly condemned recent attack on media freedom in the country.

LAZ President George Chisanga in a statement made available to QFM News says the recent attacks on Breeze FM following its featuring of opposition political leaders airing dissenting political views and the physical attacks on journalists from some private media perceived to be critical of government have no place in the country’s plural democracy.

He adds that the recent raids on the Post Newspaper by the Zambia Revenue Authority purportedly to investigate suspicions of tax evasion were clearly unwarranted and disproportionate.

Mr Chisanga says such conduct by a government agency fuels the already existing perception that the government is using such agencies to harass and silence the independent media.

He adds that the conduct of the ZRA is also an affront to the rule of law considering that the matter between ZRA and the Post newspaper is before the courts of law.

Mr. Chisanga states that the attacks on journalists and other media houses is a demonstration of the fact that rights and freedoms are under serious threat, particularly in the run up to the 2016 general elections.

He stresses that the attacks are evidence that there is very little government commitment to freedom of information,democracy and human rights.

Mr. Chisanga has since called on the new Inspector General of Police to demonstrate his resolve to ensure that the police start working to protect citizens.

PF denies mobilising Malawians to register as voters

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PF denies mobilising Malawians to register as voters

Father Frank Bwalya
Father Frank Bwalya

The ruling Patriotic Front has dismissed as nonsense reports that it has been mobilising Malawian nationals to register as voters in the just ended mobile voter registration exercise in Eastern province.

PF Central Committee Chairperson for Information Frank Bwalya says such reports are only a perpetration of political parties that have foreseen their defeat in the 2016 general election.

Father Bwalya suspects that the opposition UPND which earlier alleged that the ruling PF is using Israelis to rig the 2016 general election are the ones behind such media reports.

He says there is no way the ruling PF can encourage foreign nationals to register as voters when it has been winning elections in the country without the involvement of foreigners.

Father Bwalya has also distanced the ruling party from the attacks on two journalists who were investigating the same reports of Malawian nationals allegedly registering as Zambian Voters.

He states that the people who attacked the two investigative journalists could have been those that were angered for being referred to as Malawians when in fact they are Zambians.

Investors Finding Value in Kabwe’s Vast Tailings Deposits from Lead and Zinc

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Investors Finding Value in Kabwe’s Vast Tailings Deposits from Lead and Zinc

Alex Borrelli, chief executive of BMR Mining (LON:BMR), discusses the company’s plans to generate revenue by extracting lead and zinc from the vast tailings deposits at the Kabwe mine in Zambia.

Kabwe was discovered at the turn of the 20th century but officially closed down in 1994 due to its operations becoming uneconomic at that time.

Now BMR is developing a pilot plant for its Kabwe lead and zinc project in Zambia that will be able to process a minimum of five tons of tailings or waste rock an hour.

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