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VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has urged Zambian contractors to emulate foreign firms who work at meeting their contractual obligations.
Speaking when she inspected construction works on the Mongu-Kalabo road yesterday, Mrs Wina said she is impressed that Avic Construction has promised to complete the project on time.
The Vice-President was also elated that the company has employed both men and women to do construction work.
She said once the road is completed, it will help promote trade between Zambia and Angola.
Mrs Wina said the seven hours it currently takes to travel from Mongu to Kalabo, will be cut to less than an hour when the new road opens.
The Vice-President has since concluded her inspection of developmental projects in Mongu.
First Lady Esther Lungu Esther Lungu listens to Agriculture Deputy minister Greyford Monde on arrival in Itezi Tezhi for the continued outreach Programme for People with Special needs hon Sunday, September 6,2015 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
FIRST Lady Esther Lungu says she will not sit idly by in State House because she wants to help uplift the lives of women, elderly people and other vulnerable people across the country.
Mrs Lungu said this yesterday here where she will today meet traditional leaders and women belonging to different clubs.
“I want to see to it that women are uplifted; and the physically challenged as well,” she said.
Mrs Lungu said she does not want to concentrate on helping the needy in Lusaka only, hence embarking on provincial tours.
“As the mother of the nation, you ought to know how your children are faring. I cannot only concentrate on the people of Lusaka since State House is in Lusaka,” she said.
The First Lady also urged Zambians to embrace albinos, saying it is sad that they [albinos] are being killed in other countries.
She also said she is happy with the development projects that Government is undertaking in Itezhi Tezhi.
And Central Province permanent secretary Edwidge Mutale said Itezhi Tezhi is a vast district with a rough terrain that has affected the well-being of women and girls.
Ms Mutale said it is encouraging that Mrs Lungu is visiting the district to meet women to know their needs.
Earlier, Itezhi Tezhi acting district commissioner Akatama Malikana informed Mrs Lungu that the district has 244 women clubs involved in basket-making, Knitting, peanut butter-making, poultry and goat rearing.
Ms Malikana also said 6,000 people are benefiting from the food security pack programme, and that Government is undertaking several development projects in the district.
Among the people who welcomed Mrs Lungu at Uphill Secondary School grounds were Itezhi Tezhi member of Parliament Grayford Moonde, members of the Ministers’ Spouses Club, and several Itezhi Tezhi residents.
Rupiah Banda and Edgar Lungu lift the MMD and PF symbols after Banda announced his support for Lungu in Chipata
Former Kabwata constituency MMD youth chairman Leslie Chikuse has urged Former Republican President Rupiah Banda to genuinely apologize to the grassroots of the MMD.
Mr. Chikuse charges that Mr. Banda has done injustice to the MMD citing that he has made the MMD grassroots to become orphans and do not know who to work with whether the ruling PF or their party MMD.
Mr. Chikuse says it is sad that the MMD tried to reorganize its party and Mr. Banda came back but because he failed to get the party through the justice system, he abandoned the party without giving direction to the grassroots.
He notes that there is nothing Mr. Banda can do right now to redeem the MMD but the best thing he can do is just to apologize to the MMD on moral grounds for putting them in the situation the MMD is right now.
Mr. Chikuse says as a former president of the party, Mr. Banda owes the party a lot and thus needs to apologize to them and where necessary he can provide advice to the MMD so that they reclaim their authority as a former ruling party.
He has further urged the MMD grass roots to continue reorganizing itself and be strong so that come 2016, they perform as a former ruling party.
The Grand Coalition championing for a speedy enactment of a people driven constitution has observed that after perusing through the constitution amendment bill, there are clear inconsistencies between the bill created by government and the final draft constitution created by the people.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka this morning, coalition chairperson Fr. Leonard Chiti has maintained that the proposed enactment of a new constitution for Zambia through parliamentary amendments is treacherous, dishonest and purely an electoral campaign gimmick.
Fr. Chiti noted that as earlier indicated, the parliamentary route cannot be trusted or relied upon to deliver citing that the parliamentary route provides the government with a platform to change the character of the final draft constitution.
Fr. Chiti pointed out that it is more treacherous given that there is no legal framework to protect both the process and content adding that it is their mission to protect the contents of the final draft constitution and any proposed strategy that jeopardizes the content disrespects the interests of the people of Zambia.
He said that the fact that government has been buying time all along is a sign of lack of total commitment to the process adding that the PF has remained dishonest and inconsistent as shown by their failure to adhere to their own manifesto.
The coalition has further challenged government to state clearly whether the content of the final draft constitution has not been manipulated and will not be manipulated further in parliament stressing that that the people would also like to know what will happen if the proposed amendment process collapses in parliament.
Collins Mbesuma scored one and created one to inspire Zambia to victory after ending his 12-month exile to see Chipololopolo make a dramatic comeback to beat Kenya 2-1 in a gusty performance and win their first Group E qualifier.
The win puts Zambia second in Group E tied on 4 points with Congo-Brazzaville who beat Guinea Bissau 4-2 away on Saturday.
Goals from Zesco United striker Winston Kalengo and Mbesuma, of Mpumalanga Black Aces in South Africa, handed Zambia the three points in Nairobi on Sunday.
Kenya stunned Zambia when they took the early lead in the 12th minute when Michael Olunga stomped in the ball after a defensive blunder by defender Aaron Katebe following some good work by Kenya’s impressive winger Ayub Timbe.
Jack Chirwa almost equalized for Zambia in the 22nd minute but goalkeeper Arnold Origi saved from close-range.
Kalengo leveled scores with an unstoppable rocket in the 31st minute after a fine layoff from Mbesuma.
Kalengo returned the favour in the 41st minute when he threaded the ball to Mbesuma who fired in a trademark left-foot shot on the near post.
Kenya put the foot on the gas in the second half but Lwandamina decided to park the bus to see Zambia record a rare away victory that they picked up after coming from behind.
Zambia face Congo next on March 23, 2016 to decide who goes top of the log on match-day-three on the road to the 2017 finals in Gabon.
The Zambian Voice Press Statement on:
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
06TH September, 2015
1. How did we get here?
Colonial Days
During colonial days, our people were disgruntled by the rule of the British. The economy was fine but the indigenous felt they were not having an equal share and their freedoms hanged in a balance so they fought for independence which they got.
First Republic under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda (KK)
After independence, President Kaunda tried to satisfy the people’s desires. He gave them some freedoms and share of the Country’s resources using socialism. KK gave the Zambian people almost everything for free starting from Healthcare, Schools, Food and employment through Nationalization.
Companies and manufacturing industries were subsidized by the mines just to protect people’s jobs albeit not making profit.
Kaunda also built a lot of infrastructure ranging from roads, hospitals, schools and other fixed assets.
Kaunda’s intention was good to build a nation however, the over dependency on the Copper let him down when the copper market just plumed down.
The companies were in debts and failed to run or produce commodities for consumers. This caused a lot of shortages of commodities on the market.
In the 1980s the Zambian people blamed Kaunda for mismanagement and revolted against him for a new party with new brains of intelligent young men.
Second Republic With MMD Under FTJ Chiluba
Chiluba came in as a revolutionist to change the Socialism of Kaunda to Liberal-Capitalism and sold many companies to bring in the private sector. Some companies just closed because Chiluba cut subsidies to keep them running.
The intention was to make the companies and industries operate freely and make profit which in turn would revive the economy.
To attract investors, FTJ opened the markets and gave too many incentives to foreign investors. To feel up the shelves of shops FTJ opened the borders for finished products to come in.
Chiluba reforms worked in some sectors especially on transport which to-date is a marvel. Unfortunately in some other sectors it did not work, for example the manufacturing Industry. The imports did not encourage agriculture and killed manufacturing industry because products were, and still are, coming in finished form. Zambia became a dumping site for all sorts of products, including second hand underwear.
The incentives given to the mines and other big cooperates, denied our Country the much needed forex liquidity.
The other unfortunate aspect which the Chiluba Government brought was political-businessmen who used politics to amass wealth. Politicians engaged in “Nichekeleko” (Cuts) which were just fraud and corruption.
Many Government officials always wanted a cut out of every business transaction. This made government to enter into many fraudulent contracts which made Zambia lose a lot of money and slowed economic development.
After thwarting the third term attempt by President Chiluba, Late President Levy Mwanawasa came in and tried to fight the corruption that was taking root under his predecessor.
Mwanawasa tried to do business legitimately which made him win citizen, investor and international confidence. With the financial discipline Mwanasawa managed to reach the High Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) bench mark and had most of Zambia’s debt written off. This made our economy better because Zambia did not have to service huge foreign debts.
Upon Mwanawasa’s death Mr. Rupiah Banda came in. As a veteran politician, businessman and diplomat, he managed to engage a number of Countries and investors to support the economy. The problem was that RB brought the “Ukulyamo” syndrome which was just another version of corruption from the FTJ government one. This syndrome made RB to lose power to Late President Michael Chilufya Sata because life was not getting better for the people.
Basically we did not have much policy change during President Mwanawasa and President Banda from the ones which were introduced by President Chiluba. The liberal-capitalism permeated through all the three MMD presidents.
What stands out is that, Zambia benefited from many imports while losing manufacturing industry and losing gripe of the forex market because the Kwacha was losing value.
FOREX MARKET
At this Point, ladies and gentlemen allow me to explain a little bit about the forex market before I come to where we are with the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.
To buy anything on the local market one needs Kwacha, but to buy something on the international market Dollars are needed. So before something is bought on the International market, dollars must be bought first. The market where you buy dollars or any other currency is called Forex Market.
On the forex market, all currencies can be taken as products. The currency with a high demand compared to the other currency, gets a higher rate.
At the moment Zambia is importing a lot of things therefore we are creating a high demand for the dollars so that many traders can import many of the products Zambians are consuming today.
This situation leads to many people to be dealing in dollars so that it is easy for them to get out and import their merchandise, unfortunately this adds more pressure on the Kwacha because many people want to convert their Kwacha into dollars.
Any Country earns its forex from exports unfortunately for Zambia, most of the export earnings do not come back to Zambia because the mines are owned by foreigners who have such incentives that allow them to keep the forex they earn in their Countries or wherever their financers are.
PF Government Under President Sata.
President Sata was very focused in his approach. He was a popularist leader who wanted to see an immediate impact on the lives of people just like President Kaunda did.
President Sata embarked on similar projects that Dr. Kaunda did – infrastructure development. Unfortunately there were no resources to finance all the projects hence the borrowing. The logic of President Sata was that he will borrow to invest so that Zambia can reap economically in due course.
The intention was good but the problem was on priority and viability of some of the projects. The other problem was that most of the projects depended on imports which put more pressure on the Kwacha because more dollars were needed to supply all the material required.
The other thing that Sata wanted to achieve was to fight corruption unfortunately he did not have the strength to run with the clever government officials to stop them from cutting deals.
President Lungu has pretty much continued with governance of President Sata except in the fight of corruption. He has continued on the infrastructure development which seems to be doing it for them to win by-elections because people seem happy. Unfortunately President Lungu has no money to finance these projects hence further borrowing.
To make things worse, the price of copper which brings in Forex in the country dropped to about 26% coupled with low demand of the commodity by our major buyer China due to the difficulties in production.
This situation has just torn the Kwacha into pieces hence hitting a record poor rate of almost K10 to USD$1.
2. Who is to Blame for the economical stress we are in?
To analyze our current position, it would be very unfair to single out one system of governance led by one President or ruling party. Our problems have built up successively starting with President Kaunda right through to our current President Edgar Lungu who has been in power for 8 months now though that is no excuse because he has been part of government and the party which he leads now.
On the other hand we should not just look at the negatives and claim to be the waste nation. Zambia has developed in many aspects starting with human development, civil rights and freedoms, Democracy, Infrastructure, Education and Healthcare. We are not the same from the time we got independence.
Therefore, we should not completely condemn our former leaders for their efforts to change this Country positively but overlooking the downside of their policies. Their intentions were good but missed it somewhere, therefore no figure pointing, rather we should thank God for our leadership as a Country.
Of course while we have done well in some things, other problems have been created such as higher poverty levels, unemployment, corruption, materialism, loss of identity, unpatriotism, laziness, over ambition, hate, vindictiveness, injustice and general citizen anxiety. All this has contributed to bring us where we are today.
Amongst all this, our Country is over exposed to imports, over dependence on Copper, unguarded monetary policy and retrogressive foreign investment policies.
3. What are the possible solutions?
It is consoling to learn, through the statement which was released, that President Lungu understands the economic circumstances and he is trying to address them. However we wish to submit our humble suggestions.
A. SOCIAL
Development of a nation is not just economical; it starts with the attitude of the people. Zambians must change their attitudes in many areas. First and foremost, we must start by being selfless. The attitude of “it is not my problem unless it is on me”. The World is round, so the problem of your problem if not fixed will surely catch-up with you somehow.
We also need to be patriotic and look at ourselves to sort out these problems other than always looking elsewhere and condemning. Before we condemn let us check what we are doing to help the situation.
The problems of this Country need everyone not just the politicians or the current PF government or indeed President Edgar Lungu. No one person, no matter how intelligent, or educated, or rich, has the solutions to the problems we are going through as a nation. Therefore, citizens must watch against those politicians who claim to be magicians to turn this Country over night yet the mistakes has been done over years.
B. POLICY LEVEL
I. CUT THE IMPORTS AND CREATE INDUSTRIES
Government must lobby for citizens’ support to implement austerity measures reduce on high consumption of foreign products. Let the consumers rally behind local products to stimulate market for local products which will revive the manufacturing industries. This will also create employment.
Basically to take a bit of Kaunda Policies but maintaining some liberalism of Chiluba so that the private sector runs the businesses.
Such policies need the citizen’s sacrifice to put up with shortages of some commodities and compromised quality while the industries hold their grounds. However this may be easier at this point because foreign investors who have been making money out of their products which they have been exporting into Zambia would be willing to partner with Zambians to setup similar industries like they have in other Countries.
II. REVISE FOREIGN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
It is clear that some of the foreign investment incentives such as Tax-holidays, VAT Rule and forex exchange freedoms have cost the Country more than it has benefited, therefore, it is only fair that we sit and discuss with these investors. The situation is not helping as it is even if they threaten to close shop because nonetheless we are not benefiting. However, with a mutual engagement and respect we can negotiate something out of these partnerships.
III. DILUTING SHAREHOLDING IN ALL MAJOR COMPANIES.
We need to retain control of our resources by giving Zambians to run these Companies other than leaving it in the hands of foreigners who are busy sending money back to their Countries. There is too much magnanimity towards foreigners while we treat our fellows Zambians with scorn and stinginess.
The income of these companies should come to Zambia other than our current situations where we are not seeing the colour of the dollar from our copper.
IV. RE-INTRODUCE THE SI 33 AND SI 55
Our Country is so exposed to global monetary shocks and manipulations, therefore we need to put some control to maintain monetary sovereignty. Our Kwacha is under pressure because everyone wants to trade in foreign currency, so people are busy looking for dollars making the forex on high demand. The SI number 33 of 2012 was meant to promote the Kwacha as the sole currency for domestic operations so it must be returned.
Our little exports are not making an impact on our economy because our foreign investors are not bringing back the forex earned on the international market. The main objective of the SI 55 was to monitor Balance of Payments in a transparent and accountable manner so that we can make sure we are getting that Dollar in our reserves.
Of course this will not be welcome to the foreign investors but with discussion and negotiations we should reach a common ground otherwise it is not fair that we should be suffering while the mint.
V. SUSPEND SOME INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
While the infrastructure development is a welcome move and it has been appreciated by many Zambians, we have to stop and face reality that we have no money, therefore, it is wise to halt some of them for a while so that we can recover from this economic turbulence.
It must also be realized that, these projects are putting pressure on the Kwacha because most of the material is imported. Added to that is the fact that most of the constructors are foreigners so Zambians are not benefiting apart from unskilled labourers who are paid very little to write home about.
VI. CUT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE
It is unfortunate that President Lungu has not embarked on reducing his government to cut on huge government spending. Government needs to take up austerity measures to spend only on priority matters. Issues like increasing salaries for government officials and Parliamentarians should not be entertained until further notice.
VII. MARKETING ZAMBIA ON THE INTERNATIONAL FORA
While others have been criticizing the President from traveling, we think it is good for him to sell this Country to win goodwill on the international sine. Goodwill is so important and valuable than the business transaction one can get.
Out of goodwill, you get great benefits which you might not have to pay back for. However, it must be cautioned that, the expense is minimized on the travels through large groups of delegates and hotel bills.
This must also be supplemented by provision of information about Zambia by ministries and major institutions. It is said that the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Zambia, Tourism websites are not updated with relevant information that would attract outsiders.
VIII. FIGHTING CORRUPTION AND INEFFICIENCY
Corruption is one of the greatest enemies of a growing economy and at the moment we don’t seem to be doing very well to curb the vice.
The President needs to be firm on corruption to send a message to many of his ministers who are busy taking advantage of their position to enrich themselves.
The President must also lead in showing seriousness at work and being effective. The president should be seen to be attending to stressing issues as soon as possible before the public start talking because it creates anxiety and speculations. Government should not be reactive, but proactive and on point.
If the President should show that Ministers and their juniors will follow other than what we have these days. There is too much corruption and inefficiency across the board.
EXHORTATION
All Zambians must unite and take this as a challenge for them to change things for the better. They need to unite with Government so that Government can have confidence to implement some of this austerity and foreign investment threats policies.
The opposition must not just talk the opposite on everything, there are times when the nation has to stand together regardless of the political affiliations.
Zambians should also know that foreign products are not only messing up our bodies but also our economy, so let’s avoid feeding this big “Ilomba” called the Dollar which is eating up our economy. Let us cherish and love our local products and pay in Kwacha, ABASH PAYING IN DOLLARS, DON’T SPEND THE DOLLAR BUT EARN IT.
FOREIGN Affairs Deputy Minister, Mr. Rayford Mbulu, during the session of the 14th Africa – Nordic Meeting of foreign ministers at Legend Golf Safari Resort held from 9 – 10th April, 2015
GOVERNMENT has urged its Foreign Mission in South Africa to focus on attracting private health sector investment into Zambia in order to supplement the Government’s efforts.
This is contained in a statement released to the media by Zambian High Commission Press Secretary Nicky Shabolyo.
Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Mr. Rayford Mbulu has said that Zambia’s Mission in South Africa should not just focus on attracting the traditional commerce type of investment but should cast its net wider and approach private health facilities such as Morningside Clinic and invite them to invest in Zambia.
Mr. Mbulu was speaking yesterday soon after visiting prominent businessman, Mr. Edgar Ngoma, who is admitted to Morningside Clinic in Johannesburg.
“When in Foreign Missions, we need to cast our net wider and go beyond the normal call of duty. I have seen that this model at this facility is very good and I encourage you to engage them and many others so that we can collaborate and have their presence in Zambia,” Mr. Mbulu said.
He cited the South African mix of insurance companies and medical schemes working in collaboration with health facilities, as something that the Mission should study and help drive in its implementation in Zambia.
“As we approach these medical institutions to entice them to come and invest in Zambia, there is also need to work out a model which will make it possible for our people to afford the services.”
Mr. Mbulu, who was accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner- Designate to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba, pointed out that with its central location, Zambia had the potential of becoming the hub of medical service provision for the region.
Mr. Mbulu, who was on his way to Croatia on Government duty, took time off before his connection flight to visit Mr. Ngoma
And Mr. Ngoma pledged to champion the drive of attracting South African private health sector investment into Zambia after he leaves hospital.
Mr. Ngoma who was full of praise for the clinic staff said Morningside had the state-of-the-art facilities coupled with professional personnel which made it possible for patients to recuperate well.
“We should all as citizens within our individual or collective efforts, try to help our government by lobbying private health facilities, such as this one, to come into Zambia. I agree with the honourable minister, Government’s efforts need to be supplemented,” he said.
Mr. Ngoma, who was evacuated to Morningside Clinic by the Zambian Government on Thursday, said he was feeling much better and was waiting for more procedures to be done on him. He thanked Government for facilitating his evacuation.
Deputy Minister Mr. Mbulu said he was happy to hear that Mr. Ngoma was recuperating well.
“We thank God Almighty that your feel better. We have not been together for a long time but to see you like this shows that you are recuperating well. Everyone needs a rest just like any machine. You cannot keep going the way you have been going. I can assure you this is time well spent,” Mr. Mbulu said.
And Mr. Ngoma utilise the time to narrate how he interacted with late President Michael Sata and how he, together with President Edgar Lungu who was then Defence Minister and Patriotic Front Secretary General, convinced the former President to appear at a public rally to drum up support for the PF candidate. This was to be President Sata’s last public appearance.
Mr. Ngoma said Mr. Sata called for him and President Lungu (then Defence Minister) at State House. When the two arrived, Mr. Sata shepherded them to his ground floor office as he had become too weak to go up the stairs to his usual office. After the three had sat down, Mr. Ngoma said Mr. Sata then asked him to direct all the support and energies to Mr. Lungu so that he (Mr. Lungu) “can succeed in what lay ahead of him.”
“After we sat, Mr. Sata said to us: ‘Whatever you were doing for me, do it for this one. Take all the people who want to support the party to this relative of yours.’ He told me to support Mr. Lungu and then immediately asked us to leave,” Mr. Ngoma narrated.
He said he had always had it in his mind that the then Defence Minister would one day lead Zambia and that he became even more convinced that the country had found its next President when Mr. Sata asked him to throw his weight behind Mr. Lungu.
“We refused to leave and quickly asked him to come with us to the next campaign rally in Solwezi. Mr. Sata refused and at that point, Mr. Lungu beckoned to me to help convince the big man. In his usual mannerisms, he paused, then lowered his spectacles from his eyes and gave us a piercing look.”
Mr. Ngoma pointed out that Mr. Sata was preoccupied with reconciling the PF which at that time was engulfed with internal wrangling. “Mr. Sata then asked if he could come to the rally with some senior members who had been identified as leading the warring factions in the party. Mr. Sata’s strategy was also to use this as a way of reconciling the party.
“It was a wonderful time, with a lot of jubilation from the people when we arrived in Solwezi. President Sata eventually addressed the cheering crowd. I was not following President Sata then nor am I following President Lungu blindly. I am well educated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Politics and a Master’s degree in the same discipline, both from Ashley University in the US, among other qualifications. I know what I have been doing and just thought I should share this so that people can get to know what transpired,” Mr. Ngoma said.
Bowman Lusambo speaking on Mazabuka FM on Saturday
Movement for Multiparty Democracy Vice Presidential hopeful Bowman Lusambo says Zambia needs to speed up efforts towards the use of alternative energy solutions.
Mr Lusambo who spent the good part of his Saturday afternoon touring the Kariba North Bank Power Station to check on the water levels in the Kariba dam said efforts to adopt energy alternatives must be fast tracked.
And officials at the power station briefed Mr Lusambo that these are the worst water levels the dam has experienced forcing engineers to switch off some units resulting in reduced generation capacity.
Mr Lusambo said the low water levels in the Kariba dam is a harsh reminder for authorities to adopt cheaper, cleaner and faster methods of powering the nation.
“This is a crisis of our time and we need to respond appropriately. Our water levels are so low and it is a miracle that ZESCO has continued to manage these low water levels to keep the turbines running,” Mr Lusambo said as he pointed at the water on the Zambian side of the dam.
“We came here to see for ourselves and ascertain the situation and appreciate the gravity of this crisis. We cannot continue to cry about the low water levels but we need to summon our ingenuity and will to come up with solutions.”
Mr Lusambo appealed to the Energy Regulation Board and the Ministry of Energy to finalise the adoption of the feeding tariffs for solar and other energy solutions to speed up investment in the sector.
“We need to move faster on the feeding tariffs if we are to see more private sector investment. This is not for the government alone because the government has competing demands but once the paper work is finalised and the private sector incentivised, we will see tangible solutions,” he said.
Mr Lusambo also appealed to other opposition leaders to stop politicising the energy crisis.
He said politicians especially from the opposition must detach politics from the energy crisis if the nation is to come up with solutions.
“There is no point in outdoing one another for political scores. Our people are looking for solutions and that is what should occupy our debates. Let us divorce politics from this crisis,” he said.
Mr Lusambo also advised Zambians to sympathise with the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation and help to conserve power.
“As individuals, there is something that we can do to help the power utility, let us ration power usage until such times when supply improves. We all have a role to play.”
Mr Lusambo last week declared his intentions to run for the vacant post of MMD Vice President for Politics.
Forum for Democracy and Development spokesperson Antonio Mwanza stresses a point during the meeting to demand for the release of the draft Zambian constitution
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza has questioned President Edgar Lungu’s call to all entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses to increase their production to help stabilise the Kwacha. In a statement released to the media, FDD wondered how companies will increase production in the face of load shedding and what they described as the general economic meltdown.
Below is the full statement
LUNGU IS LOST, IRRESPONSIBLE AND A TIME WASTER
The statement by President Edgar Lungu on the current economic crisis is completely hollow and a waste of Government ink and paper. There are literally no tangible practical solutions that Mr Lungu is offering to address the rapid depreciation of the Kwacha, the crippling load shedding and the general economic meltdown.
Instead of taking personal responsibility for the economic mismanagement, Mr Lungu in his usual “It’s not my problem” attitude opted to blame China for the current massive power cuts and the rapid deterioration of the Kwacha.
However, as FDD, we want to applaud Mr Lungu for finally admitting what we have always been saying that the economy has collapsed. We are in a deep crisis.
First, we want to state categorically that it is totally unacceptable and highly irresponsible for a President, the Head of Government to refuse to take responsibility but instead opt to blame other countries for the mess that him and his PF Government have plunged us in. We find the President and his Government’s attitude of justifying our suffering by claiming that even other countries are going through similar situations to be really nauseating.
How can any reasonable parent tell his children that it’s okay for them to go hungry since the children of their neighbour are also sleeping on empty stomachs? What kind of reasoning is that? Is it China that reduced mineral royalty tax from 20% to 9%? Is it China that refused to introduce windfall tax? Is it China that is creating unplanned and unbudgeted for districts? Is it China that is orchestrating the senseless by elections? Is it China that is stopping PF from investing in Agriculture, health care, education, manufacturing and processing industries? Is it China that is employing cadres in sensitive and important Government positions?
Is it China that used 13.4 billion Kwacha on an unbudgeted for expenditures? Is it China that created a 20 billion Kwacha budget deficit? Is it China that is fuelling and abetting the theft and corruption in the PF Government? Mukazinkhalako na nsoni aLungu! Be a man and take responsibility of your own actions. These are the consequences of having a person with no vision, no plan, no ambition and no character as your President. We are paying a heavy price.
Now, let us dissect President Lungu’s press release line by line. The President admits that the Kwacha is deteriorating partly due to the huge trade deficit with traditional exports declining by over 26 percent. What is the President’s solution to this? Nothing. His solution is that it is China’s fault that our industries are dead.
The President says he has directed the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia to be monitoring the falling Kwacha and appraising him on how low the Kwacha is sinking on a daily basis. Really? Mr President just sitting down, doing nothing but just observing how the sick the Kwacha is becoming daily is your solution to our depreciating currency? No practical steps to be taken? Sorry! Mr President, we are in a crisis and we expect you and your Government to give us a clear menu of practical intervention measures you are taking to address the situation, not empty rhetorics. Give us solutions. That’s what you were elected to do.
Listen to this: The President is urging all entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses to increase their production. Increase production? How? How can businesses increase their production when there is no power? How can they increase their production amidst massive load shedding, high fuel prices, high electricity tariffs, high cost of transport and a weak Kwacha? Does this President even have basic knowledge of the factors of production? Mr President, the cost of doing business is very high and that is adversely affecting productivity. Deal with it.
The president has directed all Government institutions to rationalise and minimise all areas that engender foreign currency expenditures. How will Government institutions achieve that when they depend on imports since as a country we manufacturing nothing apart from such things as Yoyo, Chibuku, tujilijili and maheu? Does this man know what is going on? How can you reduce importation of foreign goods when you are not producing anything of value locally? You have not invested in the manufacturing and processing industries. Mr President are you insinuating that these Government institutions should be purchasing products in Kwacha on the foreign markets? Sorry bwana, that is not possible, the Kwacha is not an internationally recognised currency like the Dollar.
The President further enjoins private businesses to reduce foreign currency exchange costs. How? How is that possible? We depend on imports since we produce nothing locally.
The President says Government has signed a contract with Aggreko to supply up to 148MW. Mr President in case you didn’t know, we have a shortfall of over 560MW and with Zesco further reducing it’s production to 305MW your 148MW is nothing. It will have no impact whatsoever.
The president is encouraging all of us to use alternative sources of energy such as gas and solar. Very well. Just how affordable and accessible are these alternative sources of energy to the majority poor Zambians?
It is clear that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is lost, irresponsible and a time waster who has neither the clue nor the capacity to effectively manage our economy and steer this country to greater social and economic prowess. The onus lies upon each and every patriotic Zambian to get rid of this inept, corrupt, good for nothing government and elect a team of leaders who have the passion, commitment and capacity to deal with this economic crunch and secure the future of our motherland.
2017 Africa Cup hosts Gabon warmed-up for Tuesday’s friendly date against Zambia with a resounding home win over Sudan.
Gabon crushed Sudan 4-0 in Libreville in one of two scheduled friendlies they have during international match week.
Malick Evouna of Al Ahly netted a brace in the 29th and 67th minutes while Mangasport midfielder Samson Mbingui scored in-between in the 61st minute.
Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended the rout in the 70th minute.
However, both sides had players sent off when Bordeaux midfielder Andre Biyogo Poko and Sudan’s Salah Ibrahim were sent off in the 76 minute.
Zambia will host Gabon at National Heroes Stadium in an 18h00 kick-off.
Chipolopolo fly back home this evening for the friendly immediately after their 2017 Group E qualifier against Kenya in Nairobi to prepare for the home date against Gabon.
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) secretary general Davies Chama says no party member wishing to become president after Edgar Lungu has been unfairly treated.
Mr Chama said PF central committee acted in accordance with the party constitution. He said the PF conference held last year elected President Lungu as its candidate giving him a five-year mandate.
“No party member has been unfairly treated. We had a general conference late last year, and people who wanted to be president filed in their nominations and expressed their interest to stand, but President Lungu was elected and has a five-year mandate which ends in 2019,” he said.
He said all party members have read the PF constitution and understand that President Lungu’s mandate is up until the next general conference in 2019.
“Everyone has read the constitution and those who haven’t read should read the document and understand that once a president has been elected to lead the party, he has a five-year mandate,” Mr Chama said.
He said as secretary general, he has not received any report from any party member expressing interest to stand on the PF ticket in 2016.
Mr Chama said those with presidential interests to lead the party will have to wait until 2019.
Recently, the PF central committee re-affirmed its decision to adopt President Lungu as its candidate for the 2016 general elections.
Meanwhile, Mr Chama says the PF has continued to gain ground in all the 10 provinces in Zambia, an indication that people are happy with the development programmes by the ruling party.
Mr Chama said contrary to assertions by some opposition political parties in the Northern Province that the PF is finished, the ruling party is getting stronger.
“PF has continued to gain ground in all the 10 provinces and we are determined to ensure that we change the perception that the party is violent by cleaning out all thuggery behaviour,” he said.
He was reacting to assertions by the MMD leadership in Northern Province that PF is finished as well as comments by UPND vice-president for administration Geoffrey Mwamba that the PF is scared of him in Kasama.
“Who doesn’t know that the MMD is a finished party? They have no popularity to brag about. And instead of claiming that the PF is scared, why rush to court when the Speaker (of the National Assembly) declared the Kasama Central seat vacant instead of going for a by-election, if you are really that popular,” Mr Chama wondered.
“…Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
(Psalm 81:10, NIV)
What Are You Expecting
There is greatness inside of you! As a believer, the Holy Spirit dwells and lives within you. You have all the power and authority in heaven and earth living on the inside of you! Do you have your mouth open wide today? In other words, are you expecting God to fill you and increase you beyond measure?
One thing that closes off what God wants to do in your life is negative thinking. If you go around thinking, “Well, I don’t think I’ll ever meet my sales goals this year with the economy like it is;” or “I don’t think I’ll ever get promoted. I’m not that qualified;” or “I don’t think I’ll ever get well,” then the problem is that your mouth is barely open. But Jesus said, “According to your faith it will be done unto you.” He might as well have said, “If you’ve got a cup, I’ll fill you with a cup level of blessing. If you’ve got a bucket, I’ll fill you with a bucket level of blessing.”
Jesus is saying today, why don’t you take the limits off? Why don’t you believe for supernatural opportunities? Why don’t you go out each day expecting increase and promotion? Expect favor, expect peace, expect joy. If you’ll go out each day expecting far-and-beyond favor, if you’ll “open wide your mouth,” you won’t be disappointed. He’ll fill your cup until it overflows so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I come before You today with an open and humble heart, ready to receive all You have for me. Teach me to live a life that is pleasing to You so that I can be an example of Your love in the world around me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Zambia and Kenya battle to join Congo Brazzaville at the top of Group E on Sunday when they clash in an 2017 Africa Cup qualifying match in Nairobi.
Congo-Brazzaville took command of Group E on Saturday after a 4-2 away win over Guinea Bissau to go to four points thanks to four goals from striker Ferebory Dore while Zezinho scored a brace for the home side in Bissau.
With Congo-Brazzavilles win, Zambia must pick up an away victory this weekend ahead of their date against the former on match-day-three on March 23, 2016.
Kenya and Zambia head into match day two on the road to Gabon tied on 1 point each following 1-1 and 0-0 draws away against Congo-Brazzaville away on June 14 and Guinea Bissau at home on June 13 respectively.
Zambia coach George Lwandamina is especially eager to get a win after an unconvincing start to his reign three games ago against Guinea Bissau at home in Ndola.
“We have not had a smooth, run in the qualifiers but this is different we just have to be positive,” Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene said.
“There are a lot of changes in the team which are positive, so sooner than later it will pay off.”
Lwandamina is banking on experience in his team with striker Collins Mbesuma recalled while the prolific 30-year-old Zesco United striker Wintson Kalengo is in line for his Africa Cup qualifying debut.
Meanwhile, Zambia go into the 45th game against Kenya with a record of 23 wins, five draws and 16 defeats.
This will be Zambia and Kenya’s first clash in a qualifiers since 1999 when Chipolopolo defeated the Harambee Stars 1-0 away and at home in the 2000 Africa Cup qualifiers.
President Edgar Lungu
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on President Lungu to clearly indicate when the people of Zambia will see a new republican constitution.
UPND Chairperson for Rural Development Mapani Moono says the people are still waiting to hear from the Head of State as to whether the country will have a new constitution before the general elections or not.
Mr. Moono says President Lungu during campaigns ahead of January 20th Presidential by-elections made it clear that he will not hesitate to deliver a new constitution before the next general elections.
Mr. Moono says President Lungu should take advantage of this month’s address to parliament to give his clear position regarding the constitution so that people should know what is coming ahead of them.
And Mr. Moono has asked President Lungu to show leadership and give clear direction where he is taking the country to.
He says agriculture, economy, mining, health and education policies being implemented by the PF are not inspiring confidence in the minds of the people and thus the need for him to clearly indicate how he will address challenges in these sectors.
He adds that President Lungu should also show political will in creating employment opportunities not just mare pronouncements without action but that he should fulfill his promises of creating jobs for young people.
Sunday Chanda (L) with President Edgar Lungu at PF Fund raising event
PRESIDENT LUNGU WORKING HARD AND WILL DELIVER ON PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS – SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, PF MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Lusaka, Zambia, 5th September 2015 – Patriotic Front (PF) in Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is working hard to translate its election manifesto promises into tangible results. Even in the midst of these challenges, President Lungu has shown strong resolve to find long-term solutions to any challenges. The nation will recall USA President Barak Obama’s first term of Office and the global melt-down and the rate at which the US was losing jobs. The decisions President Obama made during the first term may not have yielded desired results in the intermediate but today it appears as though those challenges never existed on his watch as Head of State. President Obama passed the test of his Presidency.
As the country is fully aware, President Lungu is providing leadership towards diversification of the economy and taking measures to reduce Zambia’s dependency on copper. His administration is making investments for purposes of diversifying Zambia’s energy sources from sole dependence on hydro power to solar, coal, thermal and wind energy. President Lungu’s administration also has ensured timely delivery of farming inputs, sustainable solution to mealie meal prices through the procurement of solar-powered milling plants to be located in all ten (10) Provinces of Zambia, increased Maize-floor price and working towards the improvement in post-harvest management and the establishment of strategic fuel depots. It is these decisions that define a leader and Zambia can be assured that President Lungu remains committed to a better Zambia.
Lastly, during this season, the country needs to pull together and exhibit patriotism as the Government takes measures to strengthen the economy and respond to global warming induced massive load shedding which has adversely affected households, small businesses like barbershops, hair salons, poultry, welding dependent on electricity, big industries and other essential services are presently having a bearing on both households, the industry and essential services.
There is so much President Lungu has done within the eight (8) and more remains to be done before the next elections. It is these works and his leadership style that shall speak for him in the 2016 elections to secure him another term of office. We are therefore calling on Zambians to rally behind the leadership of President Lungu and his Government as he makes decisions to reposition Zambia for the good of her citizens.
