Is Lungu against free press?
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Kaingu wants to buy me out the race with an ambassadorial job- MMD Mwandi Candidate
MMD Mwandi constituency candidate Mukuka Akalemwa says “expired” immediate past area MP Micheal Kaingu has been trying to buy him out of the race with a promise of a job as an ambassador once the PF is re-elected back into government.
In a contest being widely viewed as a ” David vs Goliath” battle by the voters in the constituency, Mr Akalemwa 27 is one of the youngest contestants in this year’s Parliamentary elections said Mr Kaingu has realised that he does not stand a chance of winning this year’s elections hence has now resorted to promises of a job and that he will campaign for him in 2021.
He said he has refused to listen to Higher Education Minister’s offers because he wants to bring development to the area and that he will not betray the local people who have put trust in him.
“The Minister has failed the constituency since he was elected as area MP and that gives me a 70% chance of wining these elections because I have done my ground work. He is now telling the people that give me my last five years then he will campaign for me in 2021 and that just shows you how desperate he is.
“He is afraid because when he goes on the ground he is just hearing my name and now he is telling voters that they give him the last 5 years then he will push for me to be an ambassador and that he will campaign for me in 2021 but I have refused to listen to those offers because I want to contribute positively to the development of the nation and my constituency in particular because it has lagged behind in development,” Akalemwa said.
And Mr Akalemwa called on the youths in the country to emulate him and many other youths who have chosen to positively contribute to the nation by aspiring for high positions in the country’s political circles.
He said youths should not expect recycled politicians to hand over political power with out a fight and that youths should not just allow any anybody to use them as tools of violence.
He said one of his priorities will be to ensure that youths are made part of the decision making circles in the constituency through interest groups such as development committees so as to inculcate a sense of responsibility.
He also said he will work towards bringing service provisions such as schools and clinics nearer to the people of Mwandi who have been traveling long distances sometimes crossing to other constituencies to access the services.
He said for the last five years the expired MP concentrated on taking care of his farm in Choma which he has been visiting every weekend instead of checking on the people of Mwandi and knowing what their challenges are.
Definitely this Goliath will fall, Mr Akalemwa said.
Council of Churches asks President Lungu to stop the violence
Council of Churches in Zambia says President Edgar Lungu should exercise his authority as Head of State to address the political violence urgently with seriousness and impartiality to bring the lawlessness to an end before the country becomes ungovernable ahead of the general elections.
CCZ President Bishop Dr Alfred Kalembo in a statement stated that the continued violence amongst political opponents was a clear indication that the pledge to end violence made by all political parties at the recently held political party indaba convened by the three church mother bodies was not being honoured.
“Following a meeting of the Executive Board in Lusaka on June 16, 2016 the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) wishes to state the following in relation to the forth-coming general elections on August 11, 2016. The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has noted with disappointment the continued political violence that has characterized the political scene ahead of the August 11, 2016 general elections among political opponents which has in some instances resulted in injury and damage to property a situation which threatens the peace and security of the country,” Bishop Dr Kalembo stated.
“CCZ has observed that the political environment has become increasingly volatile and has diverted government’s attention from focusing on issues of improving people’s lives through developing the nation. Now all attention is focused on campaigns and related issues of violence and name-calling.”
[pullquote]party cadres dressed in military regalia are usually armed with weapons such as machetes, pangas and iron bars often used to attack each other[/pullquote]
“We have noted that many political opponents are still using hate speech for intimidation, while party cadres dressed in military regalia are usually armed with weapons such as machetes, pangas and iron bars often used to attack each other across the various different political parties, destroying property and threatening violence in marked territories.”
Bishop Dr Kalembo stated that CCZ had noted with dismay at the political party campaigns which have taken the form of processions of branded motor vehicles carrying supporters who do not observe traffic rules causing danger to other road users who are forced out of the roads or threatened with violence if they defy orders from the political party supporters.
“We wish to appeal to all the Zambian citizens to refrain from engaging in violence because of their political differences. We also appeal to the Zambia Police Service to take its rightful position as a law enforcer to maintain peace and protect the lives of the citizens which are endangered by the prevailing political violence.”
He said CCZ is calling on all political party leaders who were present at the political party indaba held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to honour their promise which was an endeavour to advocate for a violent free political environment ahead of the elections as a way of expressing political tolerance for the development of the country.
“We are concerned that if political violence is not addressed the country is at risk of allowing machete wielding youths dressed in military regalia to intimidate the electorate during the forth-coming general elections a development which will affect the outcome of the elections.”
UPND’s free education election promises all lies-Teachers union
The Basic Education Teachers Union (BETUZ) has described as false the UPND’s election promise that it will introduce free education up to university level.
At a recent campaign rally in Chinsali, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema reiterated his pledge that he will introduce free education from primary to university level if elected into office.
But in an interview, BETUZ President Cosmas Mukuka contended that the UPND is only making such pronouncements to woo voters ahead of the August elections.Mr Mukuka said it is a well-known fact that even providing the current free primary education has been a tall order for the government which makes it almost impossible for any administration to escalate free education up to tertiary level.
He said if the UPND was to introduce free education, it would greatly compromise the quality of education.
“The truth is that these are lies. No government can implement free education. It is too costly. The UPND is just trying to sugar coat things in order to win votes. It can’t give free education. It simply can’t,” Mr Mukuka said.
He observed that the failing standards of education in the public sector currently is due in part to reduced spending by government.
“There are too many competing needs and a government should create a policy that compels parents and those that can afford to contribute something to the education of their children. The government alone simply can’t.”
“Maybe a free education policy in rural areas where people don’t work can at least work best and not everywhere. In urban areas where people are working, they should at least pay something,” he said.
Mr Mukuka who is also Zambia Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary has since appealed to politicians to be honest as they canvass for votes.
“This thing of telling lies is not good. This promise of free education is a lie which can’t be implemented,” he said.
According to the 2016 budget allocations, the education sector received K 9.1 billion in 2016 from which was 17.2 of the total budget from K9.4 billion allocated in 2015 which represented 20.2 percent of the total budget.This was the lowest allocation six years.
LAZ changes stance on referendum, now backs it
The Law Association of Zambia has backed the proposed Bill of Rights and has called on Zambians to vote yes to the referendum.
LAZ President Linda Kasonde told a media briefing in Lusaka that the rights provided by the proposed Bill of Rights has added new civil and political rights such as the Right to Privacy, Access to Information, Freedom of the media among others which she said are desperately needed by the majority of Zambians.
Ms. Kasonde said despite reservations about the manner in which the referendum question has been phrased and the timing, LAZ is alive to the fact that due to unpredictable and inconsistent positions taken by successive governments in the constitution making process in Zambia, the nation may not have another opportunity to realise the benefit of an enhanced Bill of Rights as proposed in the gazette notice 23rd May 2016 in the near future.
She said this is the reason why the association is taking the position that the country should seize the opportunity that rights be enhanced.
Ms. Kasonde has further called on government and all stakeholders to urgently embark on sensitizing the public on the contents of the proposed bill of rights and the proposed amendments to article 79 of the constitution as the nation gets closer to election date.
The Law Association of Zambia, the Grand Coalition and the Oasis Forum are some of the organisations that have consistently campaigned against holding the referendum alongside the August 11th polls.
PF cadre fined for assaulting Post newspaper journalists
Chipata Magistrate Court Moses Phiri has fined a 47-year-old Vubwi district Patriotic Front (PF) chairperson Michael Tembo for assaulting Peter Sukwa, a correspondent with the Post Newspaper and Kelvin Phiri, a Feel Free FM station radio journalist.
This is in a matter in which Tembo on December 10th last year assaulted the two journalists who were investigating a story where it was alleged that foreigners were being aided to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) and being registered as voters in the registration centre in the district.
Facts were that on 10th December last year, the PF cadre jointly and whilst acting together with unknown persons beat the two journalists and assaulted them, thereby causing actual bodily harm on them contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Magistrate Phiri said it was unfortunate that as a leader, the accused ended up committing such offences by denting the name of the ruling party.
He said President Lungu had not hidden his sentiments by advocating for non violent cadres.He said cadres should stick to their role and respect the duty that
journalists have even as they also fulfil their role.
‘’ It is clear that the witnesses did not testify against their own boss and the third state witness who earlier identified himself as a business person, was identified by the convict as a potential candidate of the ruling party in Vubwi constituency and I therefore find you guilty of assault and convict you accordingly,’’ Magistrate
Phiri said.
The court noted that it was also a fact that the two journalists were beaten whilst doing their verification duty, adding that, they did not do their duty of informing people as they were blocked by the convict.
Magistrate Phiri said the court noted that the convict was casual during cross examinations and only realized when the seriousness of the matter when he was found with a
case to answer.
In mitigation, Tembo said he was the only one helping the family as he was looking after his sisters’ four children as well as his three biological children.
He also said his mother was a chronically ill person who frequented Chipata Central hospital to seek medication and depended on him.
But the court said his mitigation was heard and that he was the first offender but he should have thought about his family which depended on him before engaging in such acts of violence.
The Magistrate however fined Tembo K 12, 000 or in default serve nine months sentence. The magistrate gave Tembo only Monday to pay the fine or to serve the nine months sentence, stating that of the total fine,K 2000 would go to the state while Sukwa and Kelvin would share K 5000 each.
Magistrate Phiri said the court was satisfied that the prosecution presented its case beyond reasonable doubt to warrant the conviction of Tembo.
He said the convict’s witnesses failed to testify to convince the court when they were cross examined by the state that Tembo was innocent and that it was clear that they wanted to save a person they called their boss as they all belonged to the ruling political party.
MMD may have saved Zambia from hunger
For more than 6 years in a row Zambia has been experiencing bumper harvests in it’s maize crop.The forces driving this increase remain widely debated. One thing that stands out for sure is that Zambia rejected GMO maize despite international pressure. Other southern African countries that embraced GMO maize have been seeing a decline in their maize yields.
Despite having Genetically modified maize that is drought resistant, South Africa reaped the smallest harvest since 2007 this year due to the drought brought by the global El Nino weather pattern.In 2014 the South African Government launched two new strains of drought-resistant maize to farmers which scientists said would survive on far less water than regular natural mealie crops and held the promise of ending hunger for the poor.Results speak for themselves.The FAO reported a sharp production decline with the South African maize output forecast at 7.7 million tonnes,28 percent down from the below?average 2015 harvest.
Other countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe have also seen a decline in their maize yields over the years.
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Arusha protocol which the PF government signed makes it illegal for farmers to save, reuse and exchange seed amongst themselves as they have always done. Zambia and other members of ARIPO will be reviewing the draft regulations for the implementation of the ARIPO protocol from 14-17 June 2016 in Harare Zimbabwe. A significant portion of these draft regulations are targeting farmers in a manner that is unduly punitive and intent on extorting the small scale farmer to the point where the country is in danger of losing all the progress made so far where small scale farmers have contributed massively to food production including maize which is now even available to countries around us that have maize deficits.
Zambia would do well to follow the adage- If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. On October 24th 1964 Zambia became a sovereign nation and Zambia needs to do whatever it takes to protect it’s sovereignty and not give in to so called investors who do not have Zambia’s best interest at heart.
Quote from Rwanda’s New Times
Africa has all the ingredients (ample land, fertile soils, abundant rains and the most clement weather, etc) not only to be food secure, but to feed the world as well. The basics are there and we do not need to poison our environment with things like GMO to produce that food. What we need are better and more modern agricultural policies and practices, including effective farmer extension services, better land management practices, access to affordable farm credit, better harvesting and storage practices, micro agro processing factories to convert surplus farm produce to marketable products in situ, and improved infrastructure to serve rural food producing areas. Don’t kill our food capabilities with GMO poison that will also shut our agricultural products out of many markets where they have banned anything with GMOs. Plus you cannot be food-secure by handing control of your seeds to the likes of Monsanto, Du Pont or Bayer (notice all of them are chemical companies like Union Carbide of Bhopal infamy, not people you should be handing control of your food source to, despite what their public relations people, including in academia may be whispering in your ears).
Interview with ‘Selfish’ hit maker , Chanda Mbao
Born Carl Chanda Mbao in Zambia, life has taken this young phenomenon around the world. A self-declared ‘rolling stone’, Chanda has lived in Zambia, Spain and the United States, with many, many other travels in between. His journey with music began at a young age, with the classic album Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg. Later, Chanda would become enthralled with East Coast legends, including Nas, who would become his favorite MC. At the callow age of nine, Chanda decided that he could rap too and he began penning his first verses. Many rhyme books later, Chanda has now arrived.
While living in the United States he would attend the University of Miami to study Economics and International Studies. Now back in his home country, he has released two hugely successful singles , ‘Ifyapa Mwesu’ and ‘Selfish’ , the latter gaining an impressive 25000 views on YouTube within the first 3 weeks of the music videos release .
We caught up with Chanda for an interview:
KAPA187: You have been in the music industry for some time now, but there are some who are just getting to know now. Briefly tell us about yourself.
CHANDA MBAO: I’m a young Zambian artist who’s incredibly passionate about music, particularly the Hip-Hop genre. Musically, I’ve always strived for balance in terms of having a layer of meaning and message but also trying to craft sonically appealing music.
KAPA187: Tell us about your current single “selfish”. What was the inspiration for that song?
CHANDA MBAO: Selfish is a story I feel a lot of us young professionals relate to. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our professional ambitions that we neglect other important aspects of our lives such as our romantic relationships. The inspiration for the song was, clearly, personal experiences of my own and my co-writer of the song, Scott. We actually wrote the song together the very first time we met each other and it was a very organic and productive studio session orchestrated by the mastermind Shom-C himself.
KAPA187: ‘Selfish’ has been praised for having a high quality video. The inclusion of former Big Brother housemate, Maria Nepembe, was a stellar choice. Explain the concept of the video.
CHANDA MBAO: Thank you! In the story of Selfish, I lose my lover, Maria, to a workaholic lifestyle because I fail to make it clear to her that the reason I’m working so hard is to take our relationship to the next level. It’s written to be a mini-tragedy of sorts because the loss is founded partly in failed communication and misunderstanding–she doesn’t know that I’m intending on asking her hand in marriage and I don’t know that she’s about to have my child. These kinds of misunderstandings were centerpieces to the plot lines of the Shakespearean tragedies so I took inspiration from that when I was writing the script.
KAPA187: So far ‘Selfish’ has attained 25 000 plus views on YouTube in a matter of weeks. This is no small feat for a local artist. Did you anticipate the overwhelmingly positive response?
CHANDA MBAO: I had a good feeling about the project because we put a lot of work into it but I honestly didn’t see it performing as well as it has in terms of YouTube views. I’m very grateful for the support and working hard to take it to the next level.
KAPA187: Earlier this year you released another single “Ifyapa Mwesu”. In it you discussed your love for Zambia despite living abroad for some time. You have lived in Europe and the US, why did you decide to relocate to Zambia?
CHANDA MBAO: That’s a great question and a difficult one to answer with exactitude. The honest answer is that ever since I was young, I always vowed to settle here. Living abroad was just an opportunity to pursue higher education and gain international experience but I’ve always known I would come back home. It was time.
KAPA187: Zambian music keeps getting better and better every day, but we still seem to fail to make a huge impact outside our borders. What, in your opinion, do local artist need to do about that?
CHANDA MBAO: Basically, we just need to compete on quality from our songwriting, to our production to our music videos. Since we don’t have a large market like Nigeria, for example, to push a volume strategy, our product just needs to be so good that it sells itself on quality. I think in the past, there was a gap between what was considered of an acceptable standard for an international artist vs. a Zambian artist but I think we’re seeing that gap close, for the better.
KAPA187: Your last Mixtape “Desiderata” was released 3 years ago to positive reviews. How, would you say, you have grown as an artist from that time to now.
CHANDA MBAO: I think I’ve learned a lot about writing a complete song. As a Hip-Hop artist you tend to focus a lot on verses, especially if you’re a fan of the old school but your challenge is not neglecting to write really strong hooks and bridges–structuring a song fully such that you make it attractive to different kinds of audiences.
KAPA187: Are you currently working on an album? If so tell us what your fans can expect from it?
CHANDA MBAO: Ironically, I wasn’t planning one but an album has become a reality, organically, simply through being consistent in the studio and working with inspiring and creative individuals such as Shom-C, Shinko Beats, Kaladoshas and Scott. In terms of the sound, you can expect a very varied record which is ultimately rooted in the Hip-Hop genre but is infused with sonic elements from our local scene and other genres as well. My goal is to make something exportable but that can also be embraced by fans of various genres locally, ultimately creating a listening experience where you can go from a song which has a beat you can dance to and is easy to listen to, to a song which is a lot deeper in its lyrical content. I plan on releasing the project towards the end of 2016 or early 2017 with a focus on singles until the full project comes out.
KAPA187: Apart from music what else are you involved in.
CHANDA MBAO: Besides music, my main line of work is in finance. Additionally, I’m involved with a local start-up company which produces patriotic products–the company’s first product is called Zed Polo Polo, which is a line of Zambian branded polo shirts.
KAPA187: Any last words…
CHANDA MBAO: My final words would be a big thank you to Lusaka Times for being so supportive of the local entertainment scene and artists such as myself who are working hard to put out quality music. I’d also like to thank all the readers and fans who are supporting my endeavors–everyone should feel free to reach out to me on social media. I’m easy to find and always online–Chanda Mbao is my name on all platforms.
Interact with Chanda Mbao on social media;
Twitter: @ChandaMbao
Instagram: ChandaMbao
Facebook: Chanda Mbao
THE MUSIC
Ifyapa Mwesu (ft. Malz)
Selfish ft Scott
BY KAPA187
In The Kitchen With Kanta: BBQ Ribs
I absolutely love BBQ Ribs, to be honest I love any kind of ribs, but BBQ ribs top the list. However, I always struggled to make my ribs nice and tender, and after a few unsuccessful attempts, I decided to ask the “All Knowing” – Google. And of course, Google led me to this amazing recipe, which I now swear by. With a few alterations I finally had the perfect recipe for BBQ ribs, and after months of showing off to friends and family I am now ready to pass this mouth watering recipe onto you. I’ve been using this recipe for a while now and it definitely goes down a treat. These ribs are actually oven baked, but you can also cook them on the BBQ stand.
Now, the recipe itself is very easy, but to really soak in the flavours, it’s best to leave the ribs to marinate for at least 4-5 hours or overnight – so make sure you prepare these the night before to get those extra succulent, flavoursome ribs.
Cooking time: 1 ½ hrs
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 – 1.5kg of beef or pork ribs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsps ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps salt
- 20g brown sugar
- 120ml barbecue sauce
- 120ml tomato sauce
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
Method
Make the marinade – combine the sugar, barbecue sauce, tomato sauce and garlic in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves. Place it in the fridge whilst you prepare the ribs.
Place the ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Season them with; garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook the ribs until they are tender.
Once tender, place the ribs in a large baking tray/dish. Pour over your marinade, turning the ribs over to coat each side. Cover with tinfoil and refrigerate them for 4 to 5 hours, or overnight (the longer the better).
Cook the ribs – Preheat the oven to 100 degrees C. Keep the ribs covered with foil and bake them in the preheated oven for 1 – 1 ½ hours.
Serving
Voila it’s really that simple. These are perfect for those summer BBQ’s and parties. Serve on a bed of fresh salad or veggies, rice or potato salad; and enjoy with a nice cool beverage of your choice.
WARNING – Guaranteed to leave your guests wanting more!!
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.
President Lungu’s threats to sort me out is aggressive and inflammatory -HH
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
HH’s Statement On Lungu’s Threats
We have heard reports that President Lungu has threatened to sort me out if I do not accept defeat in the upcoming elections at yet another one of his rallies where myself, along with my running mate GBM and the UPND party, appear to be his favourite topic of conversation.
Such reports would be laughable were it not for the violent and manipulative undertones they carry, and the fact that we have already seen the damage that results when you have someone at State House who is unable to express themselves on the issues and instead lashes out with personal attacks in frustration.
Threats of this kind are often used when people feel control slipping away and it has become abundantly clear that Mr. Lungu is now afraid of a free and fair contest.
Regardless of his fears, however, he has a duty as Republican President to act in a responsible manner. The issuance of such aggressive and inflammatory threats clearly undermines his claims to promote peace and unity and sends a worrying message to our people about how grievances should be dealt with in our democracy.
As UPND we are calling on our supporters, old and new, to turn out in great numbers and vote for change on 11 August 2016 so that the result is beyond dispute. We have a plan to protect the vote but for it to work everyone must turn out.
As for you Mr. Lungu, don’t worry we will leave you alone following the election. We will be too busy implementing our 10 Point Plan and fixing the mess you have created to give you a second thought once this election is over.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
The 13.2 million Euros Water Project in Eastern Province Completed
CONSTRUCTION of water investment projects covering Nyimba, Katete and Chadiza Districts of Eastern Province have been completed and a waiting to be commissioned.
The three investments gobbled the sum of 13.2 million Euros equivalent to K158 million.
Eastern Water and Sewerage Company (EWSC) Managing Director Lytone Kanowa said in response to press query that in Nyimba the major works included the construction of an elevated storage tank of 500 M3 capacity, water distribution system and the district office.
He said in Chadiza works involved major rehabilitation of the raw water pump station, water treatment plant and elevated storage tanks, which were heavily leaking making a loss of 70 percent of water produced a new water distribution network has been done including a 8 Kilometres long transport pipeline from Sadzu Water works to the township.
“A new office has also been constructed. In Katete the major works included the construction of a 1.1million m3 earth dam and a new water treatment plant which has necessitated the migration from groundwater system, the ground water supply system was highly inadequate,” he
said.
Mr Kanowa said the three districts were now on 24hours water supply service following the investment.
He said initially before the project water was implemented the hours of water supply for the districts were a maximum of 12 hours for Nyimba, 4 to 8 hours for Katete and 12 hours for Chadiza district.
He said the construction of the dam and water treatment plants and system have improved the quality of life.
“As you may be aware water is life. This project has already made it possible for Eastern Water and Sewerage Company Limited to supply 24hours of water service and improve reliability and availability of water. The plant capacity for the entire district is much bigger that the current demand meaning that we need less than 12 hours of pumping to satisfy 24hours of demand. This also means that we can cope and
meet the water supply needs of our customers even in the midst of load shedding,”he said.
Mr Kanowa said the major output of interventions the company has planned for the next five years was to improve accountability of water by reducing non-revenue water which stands at approximately 39 percent at corporate level to less than 25 percent increase coverage of water supply especially for Chipata which has the lowest coverage of all.
To achieve this,Mr Kanowa said EWSC would expand water distribution system in the districts with excess water to supply, expand to some growth centres and new districts of Vubwi and Sinda.
He said through the National Water Supply and Sanitation (NWSS) programme under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. He said the company was optimistic to increase coverage to all urban and peri-urban areas of Eastern province and Chama District.
“The programme for expansion of water supply services in Chipata is underway. Through Gauff Engineering Consultants, details designs for complete facelift of the water supply system in Chipata is underway and will be completed in 2017,”Mr Kanowa said.
He however said the company does not have capital funding for the water and sewerage project for the new districts.
He said with support from Government, detailed designs of the water supply scheme for Sinda were ready and at the moment Government was making arrangements to purchase the dam in Sinda belonging to a local business man as efforts to get groundwater did not yield good results.
“Perhaps hydro-geological survey needs to be done on a much larger area that what was done,”he said.
As for Vubwi, Mr Kanowa said Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH) was also looking for funding through the frameworks of the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation programme to implement a centralised water supply scheme and probably sewerage system.
“However, MLGH has facilitated the drilling of boreholes in both Sinda and Vubwi districts to start with, though the yields are not very good to township water supply. EWSC is nonetheless, looking at how these boreholes can be equipped and piped to some residents within the townships,”he said.
He said the company has also commenced customer database cleanup in a
quest to establish the number of illegal connections among other objectives.
He said other improvements made so far was the completion of the project funded by Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) a German government-owned development bank and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH) covering Nyimba, Katete and Chadiza districts including minor emergency works for Chipata district.
He said the project was ready for commissioning adding that other project involved the construction of seven water kiosk in Chipata covering approximately 2800 families as per design.
He said an estimating approximation of 3200 out of a total of 17,900 customers were not billed either as a result of having illegally connected or reconnected water supply, or inactive due to own supply from boreholes and wells.
Nevers Mumba too busy to deal with unproductive and endless wrangles with Mutati faction
MMD Spokesperson Ms Irene Musonda has said that MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba’s focus has shifted from the unproductive and endless wrangles with suspended Raphael Nakacinda and expelled Felix Mutati to preparing to unlock the tremendous human and economic potential of this great country and help solve the many challenges facing the people of Zambia.
She said Dr. Mumba is in a hurry to actualize this dream through collaboration with an intelligent, youthful, like-minded visionary leadership that he has found in Hakainde Hichilema through the newly forged UPND/MMD Alliance, away from the mediocre, visionless leadership that has delayed Zambia’s progress for far too long.
She said since the enactment of the new Constitution, Dr. Mumba had been hesitant in engaging any party for an electoral alliance but is now more than satisfied that the long delay was somewhat providential as it has finally paid off and created an opportunity for Dr. Mumba to know Mr. Hakainde Hichilema personally as an honest, straight-forward and visionary leader who shares his passion for transforming and modernizing Zambia into a model country for Africa and envy of the whole world, through genuine sustainable development, sound economic management, good governance and strict adherence to the rule of law.
GBM did not beat anyone at UTH-Zambia Police
The Zambia Police Public Relations office assistant Esther Mwata Katongo has dismissed claims that Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has again beaten someone, reports Pan African Radio Journalist Hermit Hachilonde.
Yesterday there was speculations that the UPND running mate popularly known as GBM had beaten a security guard at the University Teaching Hospital when he went to visit a named traditional leader who is unwell at highest referral Hospital.
Ms. Katongo said although GBM together with Guy Scott yesterday went to visit a chief who is admitted at UTH the dual were not around when the two security guards were being attacked.
She stated that the two politicians went with a group of supporters at UTH.
Ms. Katongo explained that after GBM and his colleague entered the hospital and afterwards the cadres noticed that one of the security guards at the Hospital was arguing with someone who had his vehicle clamped for wrongful parking.
She said it was at that time when cadres after noticing there was an argument, they went and violently confronted the two security guards asking them why they were troubling people during election period.
Ms. Katongo further explained that when the guards tried to defend their position, that is when the cadres descended on them and assaulted the two hospital guards.
She said by the time the Police reached at the scene, the cadres had already left and the security guards could not identify anyone even from those that remained waiting for GBM and Guy Scott.
Ms. Katongo has since stated that the dockets of Assault have been opened and further clarified that GBM and Guy Scott were not around when the security guards were being attacked by allegedly political cadres from a named political party.
“GBM and Guy Scott were not around when the two security guards were being attacked at UTH” Ms. Katongo said
UPND cadres in Isoka convicted
The Magistrates Court in Isoka today convicted two supporters of the UPND for Causing Malicious Damage to property.
The cadres are identified as Belvin Simbeye aged 38 of Lolani village, Chief Kafwimbi in Isoka district and Kelvin Sichula aged 38 of Kawenga village of Isoka District and appeared in cout on Monday.
The duo on 14th June,2016 between 09 00 hours and 11 hours were reported to have damaged a windscreen of a Toyota Corolla registration number ABG 1572, green in colour, property Simon Sinyinza, a local resident of Isoka.
This happened during a UPND political rally held at Kaunda Square grounds in Isoka District.
The court fined the duo K1, 100 each or face one-year imprisonment with hard labour in default. And Police Assistant Public Relations Officer Ester Mwaata Katongo has since warned all political cadres, irrespective of the party they belong to, to desist from engaging themselves in violent activities or risk going to prison.
“This serves as a warning to all violent political cadres. As police, we will ensure that all cases of violence reported will be thoroughly investigated and see to it that all those involved are taken to court expeditiously. For second offenders, we will ensure that we plead with the courts to mete out stiffer punishment as a deterrent measure,” Mrs Katongo said.
Gomes slice Konkola’s lead
Ndola outfit Gomes Wanderers have cut Konkola Blades’ lead at the top of the FAZ Division One Zone 2 to two points.
Gomes thumped Copperbelt Buffaloes 2-0 on Sunday and took advantage of Konkola’s slip at Zesco Solwezi.
Ex-Napsa Stars striker Clarence Berrington registered a brace when Gomes beat Copperbelt Buffaloes in a Week 13 match in Ndola.
The victory pushed Gomes to 25 points, two behind leaders Konkola who forced a 1-1 draw at Zesco Solwezi.
Elsewhere, FQMO Mining moved into third place after securing a 2-1 win over Mansa club ZNS Lwamfumu in Solwezi.
FQMO now sits 21 points from 12 matches played.
In other games, Roan United were held to a goalless draw by Kitwe United at Kafubu Stadium and Kalulushi Modern Stars silenced promoted Chingola Police 1-0.
FAZ DIVISION 1 ZONE 2 WEEK 13
Bresimer United 0-1 Indeni
Roan United 0-0 Kitwe United
Mining Rangers 0-1 Kansanshi Dynamos
Gomes Wanderers 2-0 Copperbelt Buffaloes
Chambishi 0-1 Ndola United
Chingola Police 0-1 Kalulushi Modern Stars
FQMO Mining 2-1 ZNS Lwamfumu
Zesco Solwezi 1-1 Konkola Blades
