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A speeding Road Transport and Safety Agency motor vehicle has hit and killed on the spot a pedestrian at 16 miles on the Great North road.
According to eye witnesses, a RSTA vehicle registration number ALX 2168 was over speeding when it he the pedestrian named as Chembe Mangombo of Moomba village some 20 kilometres away from Lusaka.
Meanwhile, police officers manning a road block some 500 meters away from the accident scene expressed shock at how a RASTA officer who had few minutes earlier reported another speeding motorist could hit a pedestrian a few meters away from check point.
Police officers at the scene of the accident refused to comment on camera but told a NAIS Journalist that it was obvious from the damage caused to the car that the driver of the RTSA driver was over speeding.
Meanwhile, local people have called on government to put up speed humps at the spot saying this is the second accident within two weeks.
Former Prime Minister Malimba Masheke
General Malimba Masheke has said that it is too early to Judge the performance of President Edgar Lungu.
Speaking to the media yesterday, General Masheke said that much as it is the right of Zambians to question the governance of the country, it is too early to judge President Lungu.
“President Edgar Lungu is a new man in office. Give him some time. It is unfair to judge him over the 100 days he has been in office,” Gen Masheke said.
However, the veteran politician appealed to President Lungu to do the right thing as he governs the country.
“Time is not on President Lungu’s side. 2016 is already here. I am sure he is aware that elections are already knocking on his door. So he must be steady,” Gen Masheke said.
And Gen Masheke said it is not possible to hold a referendum over the constitution.
He said the 2016 elections are quite close, and demanding for a referendum now is tantamount to being unfair to masses of poor people.
He explained that a national referendum requires a lot of money.
“Calls for a referendum over the constitution are justified, but the question is; do we have time?” Gen Masheke said.
General Masheke once served as army commander, minister of Defence from 1985 to 1988 and Home Affairs minister from 1988 to 1989.
He was the last prime minister in the Kaunda administration, serving from March 15, 1989 to August 31, 1991.
Government last year pegged the maize floor price at K70 per 50 Kg bag.
Mr Lubinda said farmers should not get desperate for immediate cash and allow themselves to be exploited by dishonest buyers as the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) would purchase all their maize this marketing season.
The minister said in an interview on Tuesday that it is unfortunate that some farmers have already started selling their produce to vendors at a low price.
Mr Lubinda, however, said farmers are at liberty to negotiate on how much they can sell their maize to millers.
“Zambia is running a liberal economy and farmers are at liberty to negotiate with millers on how much they can sell their maize to them.
“Farmers should not sell their maize at lower prices, let them negotiate for better prices,” he said.
Mr Lubinda also urged farmers in the country, especially smallholders to venture into conservation farming.
He said conservation farming is paramount because it does not only enhance food productivity, but is also a good way of mitigating the impact of climate change.
Mr Lubinda further said Government will continue to investment in the agriculture sector because it plays an important role in employment creation as well as enhancing economic growth.
The minister also urged farmers to embrace new farming technologies to help cushion the impact of climate change. He said the unpredictable rain pattern still remains a challenge to farmers, hence the need for them to embrace new farming technologies to mitigate the impact of climate change.
HOME Affairs Minister Davies Mwila has appealed to motorists to be demanding receipts from police officers manning roadblocks.
Mr Mwila said yesterday that this was to prevent extortion of money by police officers at the roadblocks.
The minister said any money which was being collected from the roadblocks by police officers after charging motorists should go to the treasury not in individual pocket.
“First and foremost, any amount of money which is being charged at the roadblock no matter how small it should be receipted by police officer, so that the money can go to the treasury,” he said.
The minister said Government was encouraging genuine roadblocks to be mounted by traffic police officers.
Mr Mwila said Government would not condoned unnecessary roadblocks from police officers.
He observed that some roadblocks were inconveniencing motorists saying there was need for police officers to mount genuine roadblocks.
Mr Mwila has since cautioned police officers against engaging in any form of corrupt practices.
ames Thornton – BRITISH High Commissioner to Zambia
British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornton says his government has invested over £60 million (approximately K703.8m) towards Zambia’s economic development.
Mr. Thornton says this contribution by the UK , being the second largest bilateral donor to Zambia, made the contributions for 2014 to this year.
He says he is delighted that British citizens are making to Zambia’s development.
The British Envoy says there are many British nationals and Non-Governmental Organisations supporting Zambia’s development through various charity work, projects and businesses.
The High Commissioner said this in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday issued by Press and Public Affairs Officer, Alfred Kapalayi.
He was speaking on the side-lines of the official invitation by President Edgar Lungu who is expected visit to Ikeleng’i District to landmine victims today.
“I am delighted that I will be joining President Lungu on the visit to landmine victims in Ikelengi district which benefits from the support of many British citizens who are making a real difference among local communities,” he said.
The High Commissioner is further delighted that the visit to North-western province would help him familiarise himself with the various humanitarian and developmental projects and available opportunities for further cooperation between the two countries.
He cited Kalene Mission Hospital which was established by British settler, Walter Fisher, private doctors, churches and organisations from that UK continue to support the hospital.
“Kalene hospital which was established by British settler Mr. Fisher and the establishment of Zengamina hydro-power station largely through the support of private British citizens have transformed that district by proving electricity to schools and the hospital, private doctors churches and organisations from the UK to benefit Zambia, “ he said.
Mr. Thornton said the availability of electricity at Zengamina plant is also attracting new investments, such as a pineapple processing plant, farms, new government buildings, quarrying and block making that would create employment for the locals.
Cabinet has approved the recommendation by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ ) to create six new constituencies in order to cater for the six new districts whose boundaries cut across constituency boundaries resulting in those constituencies belonging to more than one district.
Acting Chief Government spokesperson Ngosa Simbyakula says the Cabinet made the decision after recommendations by the ECZ consultations with all political parties under the ECZ Political Liaison Committee and all political parties agreed to the creation of the six new constituencies.
The affected Districts and Constituencies are Siavonga Constituency which belongs to both Siavonga district and the new district, Chirundu. Next is Sinjembela Constituency which belongs to both Shangombo district and the new district, Sioma.
Mansa Central Constituency now belongs to both Mansa district and the new district, Chembe. Kaoma Central Constituency belongs to both Kaoma district and the new district, Nkeyema while Kapiri Mposhi Constituency belongs to both Kapiri Mposhi district and the new district of Ngabwe.
Kapoche Constituency will belong to both Petauke district and the new district, Sinda.
Dr. Simbyakula said in a statement received by ZANIS this evening however said there will be no elections in the six new constituencies until the General elections in 2016.
“ This measure is to enable the ECZ to register voters when they commence the voter registration exercise in August this year, “he said.
And cabinet has announced the negotiation parameters for improved salaries and conditions of Service.
The Acting Chief Government Spokesperson says cabinet has approved the negotiation parameters between government and the Trade Unions following the President’s announcement during the Labour Day celebrations.
Dr. Simbyakula said this in Lusaka today at its 9th Meeting at State House, where Cabinet discussed fourteen (14) substantive Agenda items.
He has also announced that government has introduced a transport management system that is aimed at reducing the cost of running the huge government fleet and through this decision.
He said Government shall be saving approximately K10 billion per year in managing transport in institutions in the three arms of Government as well as in the Quasi-government institutions.
Dr. Simbyakula who is also Justice Minister said it is expected that such savings will be directed to capital projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of the many citizens.
He said Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Board of Directors for Class “A” of the Development Bank of Zambia saying this is following the expiry of the mandate on 3rd January 2015 for the previous Board of Directors.
Dr. Simbyakula said it is, therefore, necessary that the Board of Directors are appointed so that they can continue to provide guidance on matters pertaining to policy and general administration of the affairs and business of the Development bank of Zambia.
He said Cabinet has also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, No. 46 of 2010.
Dr. Simbyakula said the proposed amendment aims to provide for the operations and functions of the Financial Intelligence Centre to effectively supervise and monitor the implementation of activities aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing and other serious offences in the country.
He said this is in line with the Eastern and South Africa Anti Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), to which Zambia is an active member.
Dr. Simbyakula further disclosed that Cabinet has approved that Government should undertake the Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism National Risk Assessment (NRA) in preparation for Zambia’s forthcoming Mutual Evaluation by the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group in the Year 2016.
He added that the National Risk Assessment will help to identify, understand and assess the money laundering and terrorism financing risk that the country faces.
Dr. Simbyakula has also approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Accountants Act No. 13 of 2008, to provide for the enhancement of professionalism and integrity in the accounting profession.
He said under this item, Cabinet has approved the recommendation to amend the Customs and Excise Order in order to extend the operating hours of Kasumbalesa, Chembe and Mukambo border posts from 12 hours to 24 hours.
Dr. Simbyakula said this measure is aimed at decongesting these borders and improve trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He noted that in line with this, Government shall ensure that necessary security measures are put in place for safety of both the lives of the people and the goods.
Striker Collins Mbesuma has emerged as Zambia’s most prolific player in the ended 2014/2015 South African Premier Soccer League season.
Mbesuma scored six league goals for Mpumalanga Black Aces who finished 10th on the table.
The Zambia striker was eight goals away from PSL top scorer Moeketsi Sekola of Free State Stars who netted 14 goals.
Mbesuma was the second highest scorer at Black Aces where Zimbabwe’s Tendai Ndoro was the top scorer with seven goals.
Elsewhere, ex-Nchanga Rangers forward Bornwell Mwape scored four goals for now relegated PSL side AmaZulu.
Mwape’s goals proved futile as AmaZulu finished bottom of the 16-team league table.
Former Chipolopolo captain Christopher Katongo netted a paltry two goals for Bidvest Wits.
Other Zambians playing in the PSL like Clifford Mulenga of Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates’ new-man Mwape Musonda could not even make the top scorer’s chat.
Meanwhile, the influence of Zambian players in South Africa has has been dwindling over the years.
This can be proved as no Zambian player has made the shortlist for the PSL awards.
The United Party for National Development has vowed to go ahead with countrywide constitution protests this week with or without Police permission.
The opposition UPND is seeking a permit from the police to hold a public procession from their secretariat to State House to put pressure on government to use the referendum as a mode of adopting the new Constitution.
Protests organizing team Spokesperson Chisankama Mudenda has said that the party yesterday applied for a Police permit with the view of being allowed to protest this Friday, 15th May.
Mr. Mudenda who is also UPND Lubwa Ward Youth Chairperson told Qfm News that to this effect his party has engaged private security companies to handle security issues during the protests.
He said that the party is determined to protest with or without a Police permit being granted because it finds government’s plan to table non contentious clauses of the final draft constitution when Parliament resumes sitting unacceptable.
And Lusaka Province Police Commissioner Charity Katanga confirmed that the UPND has applied for a permit for a procession to State House.
Ms. Katanga said that the police is still studying the matter and is yet to get back to the UPND leadership.
And Chief Government spokesperson, Chishimba Kambwili has urged UPND to abandon the plan to demonstrate saying it will not yield any result. Mr Kambwili said that it was not possible to hold a referendum before the 2016 general elections due to financial constraints.
Mr. Kambwili said that people calling for a referendum should be realistic because the country has serious pressing needs.
Mr. Kambwili was speaking to ZNBC news in a telephone interview on today.
He said the government has competing social needs and cannot divert money to holding a referendum.
Zambian President Mr Edgar Lungu
President Edgar Lungu is tomorrow expected in Solwezi district in north western province for a four day visit.
The President is scheduled to land at Solwezi airport at 8 hours en- route to Ikeleng’e district where he is expected to meet the victims of landmines.
This is according to the programme released to ZANIS in Solwezi this afternoon by office of the provincial minister Dawson Kafwaya.
Mr Kafwaya said on Friday President Lungu will tour Kansanshi mine and later hold a meeting with chiefs in the province.
On Saturday President Lungu is expected to hold a rally in Mwinilunga district and he will attend a church service on Sunday at St. Daniel Cathedral Catholic Church.
Elias Chipimo speaking at the press briefing at the NAREP Secretariat
NAREP- President, Elias Chipimo says the constitution is not a priority among many Zambians especially in rural areas.
Mr. Chipimo says Zambians in rural areas can not put the need for a new constitution on five top priorities.
He says in as much as NAREP wants a new constitution, stakeholders have not put the matter as an election issue in all parts of the country.
Mr. Chipimo says NAREP has since backed Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula’s stance to amend some sections and subject contentious clauses to a referendum.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chipimo says he will now engage President Edgar Lungu to share ideas on ending the challenges facing Zambians.
Mr. Chipimo says it is not correct for the opposition to think that they will only implement their ideas when they get in power because Zambians want immediate solutions to their problems.
And Mr. Chipimo says the trend of having a party leader for many years should be discouraged in order to promote a new wave of democracy.
He says he will therefore allow any capable members of NAREP to challenge him at a national convention.
Mr. CHIPIMO was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday.
The Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it is uneducated for the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to allege that last year’s fuel price reductions was a political gimmick by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.
In a statement released to the media today by Sunday Chanda, the vice Chairperson for Media and Publicity Committee, PF said that Mr Hichilema should know better that the the price of fuel in Zambia does not depend solely on the government’s wishes.
Below is the full statement
HAKAINDE HICHILEMA IS A HYPOCRITE– STATEMENT BY SUNDAY CHANDA, VICE CHAIRPERSON, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Lusaka, Zambia, 13th May 2015 – It is uneducated for the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to allege that last year’s fuel price reductions was a political gimmick by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government. Mr. Hichilema, with his exposure, must know better that there is a recognised and automatic system of adjusting domestic fuel prices with the rise and fall of fuel prices in the international market. Mr. Hichilema must know better that as a non-oil producing country, the price of fuel in Zambia does not depend solely on the government’s wishes. Mr. Hichilema knows too well that Government reduced of fuel last year as international market prices went down. The PF Government ensured that with the fall in prices of fuel at the time, the relief was passed on to the people. That is what an ethical Government does. Unlike UPND, PF is not driven by expedience but it’s deep seated committed to the people of Zambia.
PF remains committed to creating a better life for all Zambians and the track record speaks for itself. President Lungu’s commitment to a transformative agenda speaks for itself. This is the exact opposite Zambians witnessed with Mr. Hichilema’s brutal and anti-people privatization exercise. PF therefore remains committed to ensuring that when prices drop, the benefits will once again be passed on to the people.
It therefore remains political bluffing for Mr. Hichilema to allege that the PF has failed. We are ready to publish once more and for Mr. Hichilema’s sake, the accomplishments President Lungu has scored in his first 100 days. Zambians know that while HH spent the first 100 days following his fourth consecutive loss under the tutelage of the infamous cartel, President Lungu spent his first 100 days making serious national decisions which have been commended by those with the gift of knowledge.
Lastly, it is Mr. Hichilema’s illusion to think he can become the next Michael Chilufya Sata just by jumping from one minibus to the next. Zambians know that such political stints by Mr. Hichilema are cosmetic because he remains a bourgeoisie and a friend and mouth-piece of capital. His remarks and desperate stints must therefore by the UPND leader must therefore be disregarded with the contempt it deserves by Zambians. He has no capacity to manipulate and lie to Zambians.
Issued by: Sunday Chilufya Chanda, Vice Chairperson, PF Media and Publicity Committee
Burundian soldiers control protesters facing riot police seated in a pickup truck in Musaga, on the outskirts of Bujumbura, on April 29, 2015, during demonstrations against the President’s bid for a third term. Since the protests started, the army has regularly come between the police and demonstrators to avoid further clashes and the protesters believe the soldiers are neutral. AFP PHOTO | SIMON MAINA
A Burundi army general says senior officers are “dismissing” President Nkurunziza, amid unrest over his re-election bid.
The coup d’etat was announced on public radio, with senior army generals saying they were deposing the embattled President Pierre Nkurunziza, who is travelling to Tanzania to meet East Africa Community leaders to discuss the recent violence that has rocked his country.
“Forces Vives de the nation have decided to take charge of the nation,” Godefroid Niyombare, a former SNP chief fired in February, said in the radio announcement. “President Pierre Nkurunziza is removed from office.”
Godefroid Niyombareh announced that a national salvation committee had been set up to run the country.However, it is not clear how much support he and the other officers have.
Burundi’s opposition leaders have denied being behind the coup. Former rebel militia leader and presidential hopeful Agathon Rwasa told IBTimes UK he did not know about the coup.
“I am discovering it now on the radio, just like you,” he told IBTimes UK from the capital Bujumbura. “Now, we will have to see what happens next.”
Government says it will continue modernizing health systems at various health institutions in order to reduce referrals locally and abroad.
Northern Province provincial minister Freedom Sikazwe said this yesterday in Mpulungu to mark this year’s international Nurse’s day.
Mr. Sikazwe said the modernization programme at major hospitals in the country would improve the quality of health.
Speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Mpulungu district administrative officer Manday Chapewa, Mr Sikazwe disclosed that government was implementing the high tech health care systems at University Teaching Hospital, Livingstone General hospital, Kitwe and Ndola central hospitals for the provision of specialized health services locally.
The Provincial Minister said government is expected to spend about 4.5 billion kwacha on the project.
And Nurses from across Northern Province yesterday gathered at Mpulungu habar to commemorate the international nurses day.
The nurses called on government to improve their condition of services.
Speaking at the colourful celebration, Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) provincial chairperson Stavelous Mulubwa said the nurses were demotivated in a number of ways hence the need for the government to look into their plight in order to achieve optimal results in the health sector.
Mr. Mulubwa said as front line health providers nurses have continued to work hard despite poor remuneration.
Nurses who attended their celebrations included those from Mbala, Kasama, Mporokoso, Mpika and Mungwi district.
US Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz said the main purpose of enacting the Access to Information Law is to give the average Zambian citizen access to government information and the ability to hold government accountable.
Speaking when he featured on a special interview on QFM , Mr Schultz said the Zambian Access to Information Bill is similar to the US Freedom of Information Act which made a big difference when it was enacted.
Mr Schultz said enacting the Access to Information Bill into law will help create an open society in Zambia like the situation is in the United States where people could petition to get information directly from the government.
Mr Schultz states that it is important the enactment of the Access to Information Bill is separated from discussions of what is classified information and what is the correct professional behavior for Zambian Journalists.
And Mr Schultz has hailed the Zambian media for being fearless, open and active.
Meanwhile Ambassador Schultz says President Edgar Lungu deserves some credit for intervening in the impasse over the mining tax regime and reducing the mineral royalty tax from 20 percent to 9 percent.
He notes that had the President not taken the measures he took, a number of mining companies would have begun to reduce their operations which could have affected economic growth, employment and tax revenue.
File:Lunshya copper mines (LCM) one of the foreign owned mine
The Chamber of Mines of Zambia says the increase in fuel pump prices will negatively affect the operating costs for mining firms around the country.
Chamber President, Jackson Sikamo observed that most mining firms around the country will be forced to put in place measures to mitigate the increment in fuel prices.
He however, noted that members of the Chamber of Mines of Zambia are yet to meet and discuss the fuel hike and implications it will have on mining operations.
Yesterday, the ERB announced a marginal increase in fuel pump prices necessitated by the depreciation of the Kwacha against the United States dollars.
Mr. Sikamo says the fuel increment by the Energy Regulation Board- ERB was unexpected.
