Advertisement Banner
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 343

Government reviewing draft bill to replace current Public Private Partnership Act

Chief Editor
-
0
Government reviewing draft bill to replace current Public Private Partnership Act

The UPND government is currently reviewing a draft bill that aims to replace the existing Public Private Partnership (PPP) Act. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development announced that the new legislation is being developed in response to identified bottlenecks in the current PPP Act.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Danny Mfune, the new PPP Act will introduce a number of changes to improve the legal framework for public-private partnerships in the country. Among the key changes is the creation of a dedicated PPP unit within the Ministry of Finance to oversee and facilitate the implementation of PPP projects.

The proposed bill also seeks to streamline the PPP procurement process by introducing new guidelines for the selection of private sector partners. This includes the establishment of a pre-qualification process that will require interested parties to meet certain technical and financial criteria before they can participate in a PPP tender.

Another significant change in the proposed PPP Act is the inclusion of provisions that will ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of PPP projects. The new legislation will require all PPP contracts to be publicly disclosed and subject to independent audits to ensure that they deliver value for money.

The government is optimistic that the new PPP Act will provide a more robust legal framework for private sector investment in infrastructure and other public services. Speaking on the proposed legislation, Mr. Mfune said, “We believe that the new PPP Act will create a more conducive environment for private sector participation in the delivery of infrastructure services, which is critical for the economic development of our country.”

The PPP model has become an increasingly popular financing mechanism for infrastructure development across Africa. By leveraging private sector expertise and funding, governments can deliver much-needed infrastructure projects while mitigating the risks associated with public sector investment.

However, the success of PPP projects depends on a well-functioning legal framework that provides clarity and certainty for private sector partners. The current PPP Act in Zambia has been criticized for lacking these key features, which has led to delays and disputes in the implementation of PPP projects.

The development of a new PPP Act is therefore a positive step towards creating a more enabling environment for private sector investment in Zambia. The proposed changes to the legal framework should help to attract more private sector investment and improve the delivery of infrastructure services to the country’s citizens.

The government has not yet provided a timeline for the passage of the new PPP Act, but it is expected that the draft bill will be subjected to public consultations and further review before it is presented to Parliament for approval.

The proposed bill to replace the current PPP Act in Zambia is a welcome development that will help to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment in infrastructure development. The changes outlined in the new legislation should help to address the bottlenecks in the current PPP framework and improve the implementation of PPP projects across the country. The government’s commitment to improving the legal framework for PPPs is a positive sign for the future of infrastructure development in Zambia.

Parliamentary Committee on Education nods consistent funding of universities

Chief Editor
-
0
Parliamentary Committee on Education nods consistent funding of universities

The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, and Technology has commended the government for its consistency in funding public universities amidst foreign and domestic debt obligations and a limited resource basket in the country.

Committee Chairperson, Twaambo Mutinta, who is also Itezhi- Tezhi Member of Parliament, said it was gratifying to see that the government has prioritised education by releasing another K115.1 million towards public institutions to ensure their smooth operation of universities.

“We call on lecturers and students in institutions to give the new pro-education government time to effectively address the many challenges that Zambia’s institutions of learning face, the majority of which are legacy issues,” Mr Mutinta stated.

He said government’s intention to transform education management is evidenced by the fact that the Ministry of Education’s budget allocation in 2022 increased to K 18.07 billion from 13.8 million in 2021, representing a 30.9 percent increase.

Mr Mutinta said the increase in the budget is a step that demonstrates the government’s strategic direction of investing in human capital development in order to achieve the Vision 2030.

This is according to a statement made available to the media in Itezhi -Tezhi district in Southern Province.

Dump truck kills 76 year old woman

Chief Editor
-
6
Dump truck kills 76 year old woman

A 76-year-old woman has died after a dumpster truck crashed her at the Chunga dump site in Lusaka.

Tikulileni Tembo , was hit by the dump truck’s bucket, while she was scavenging at the dump site.

Police Deputy Spokesperson, Danny Mwale confirmed this in a statement availed to ZNBC today.

Mr Mwale explained that Ms Tembo was among several scavengers who rushed to a truck whose driver was in the process of dumping waste, when the accident happened.

He added that the woman who sustained head injuries, was rushed to Chingwere hospital where she was pronounced dead.

[ZNBC]

2023 National Schools Athletics Kicks off At Levy

sports
-
0

Minister of Education Douglas Siakalima on Easter Monday morning officially flagged off the 2023 national schools athletics and chess games at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Pupils from 10 provinces have gathered in Ndola for the three-day games organised by Zambia Schools Sports Association.

Siakalima in his speech emphasised the importance of sports and called on pupils and teachers involved in the games to be disciplined.

“All notable successful sports men and women have past through this stage as a school system is a necessary for youth development,” Siakalima said.

“I am proud to note that one of Zambia’s latest professional athletes Muzala Samukonga excelled through schools sports. He represented Lusaka Province in the 2019 inter-provincial athletics competitions which were held in Chingola and that was where his talent was readily identified,” he said.

Some pupils interviewed by Radio Icengelo Sports expressed their excitement to participate in the inter-provincial games.

“I am very excited to come and see this Ndola Stadium for the first time and to participate in this athletics and chess competition,” said Mwangala Ndala of Kaoma Secondary School in Western Province.

Zambia Schools Sports Association President Macwani Mwendelema called for the promotion of sports in schools.

Mwendelema said the games are being used to select runners for this year’s Africa Junior Athletics competition and the regional schools event Zambia will be hosting.

Zambia’s high population growth rate requires strategic investments in education and reproductive health, says Parliamentary SRHR Caucus

Chief Editor
-
3
Zambia’s high population growth rate requires strategic investments in education and reproductive health, says Parliamentary SRHR Caucus

Zambia’s Parliamentary Caucus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is currently participating in the 56th Session of the Commission on Population and Development in New York, USA. The program, which runs from the 10th to the 14th of April 2023, includes an Opening Session, General Debate, Side Events, and Expert Panel Discussions on the Reports of the Secretary General.

Zambia’s population has grown rapidly in recent years, with a 3.4% annual growth rate between 2010 and 2022. According to the preliminary 2022 Census of Population and Housing report, the country’s population now stands at 19.6 million, up from 13.1 million in 2010. With a 3.4% annual growth rate, Zambia’s population is estimated to double in 20 year’s time. The high population growth rate is due to the persistent high fertility and declining mortality which has resulted in a very youthful population, with about 79% under 35 years, coupled with high youth unemployment (19%) and poverty levels (54%). Inequality levels in Zambia are also very high, with a Gini Coefficient of 0.69.

The Parliamentary SRHR Caucus is calling for more strategic investments in the reproductive health and education sectors in order to meet national education and development targets. Specifically, they recommend investing in early childhood, primary and secondary education, including teacher recruitment and the procurement of appropriate teaching and learning materials. The Caucus also emphasizes the importance of preventing child marriage and teenage pregnancy, and calls for the implementation of culturally sensitive and age-appropriate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), life skills, and health education.

Zambia’s population growth will continue to exert pressure on the provision of essential services such as education, health, and water and sanitation. As the population is predominantly youthful, the demand for educational services has increased, and education services will need to be expanded to cater for the growing population.

The Parliamentary SRHR Caucus has expressed gratitude to the Office of the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia for facilitating their participation in the program. They have also extended special thanks to their SRHR partners, including UNESCO Zambia, UNFPA Zambia, UNAIDS Zambia, Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia – PPAZ, SAfAIDS, and Centre for Reproductive Health and Education, among others. The Caucus is represented by Vice Chairperson Hon Twaambo Mutinta MP Itezhi Tezhi and Secretary General Hon Sunday Chanda.

Government Releases K15.5 Billion for Public Service Delivery, Calls for Participation in Formulation of 2024 Budget

Chief Editor
-
3
Government Releases K15.5 Billion for Public Service Delivery, Calls for Participation in Formulation of 2024 Budget

The Zambian Government has released a total of K15.5 billion in March 2023 for the purpose of financing public service delivery. Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has observed that Zambia’s budget implementation credibility has now been restored, as all budgeted programmes are now being funded, considerably.

Of the K15.5 billion released, K5 billion was spent on transfers, subsidies, and social benefits, whilst K5.1 billion went towards debt service (domestic and external) and dismantling of arrears, and K3.6 billion was spent on the public service wage bill. K1.3 billion was released for implementation of various government programmes and general operations, while K534.9 million was spent on road infrastructure.

From the K5.1 billion released for debt service and dismantling of arrears, K2.9 billion went towards both domestic and external debt payments. From the K5.1 billion, the component related to dismantling of arrears for suppliers of fuel, goods, and services, got K2.2 billion.

Under the K5 billion released towards transfers and subsidies, notable expenditure items included K2.4 billion to clear invoices related to the procurement of inputs for the 2022/2023 farming season under the Farmer Input Support Programme, K665.5 million for Community Projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), K569.1 million for the nationwide Social Cash Transfer Programme, K313.6 million for the operations of hospitals and other grant-aided institutions under various Ministries, K308.3 million for the Food Security Pack (FSP), K185.6 million for the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) for pensioners financing gap and grant, K115.1 million for university grants to ensure smooth operations, and K111.6 million to the Local Government Equalization Fund.

The Government also released K1.3 billion to facilitate service delivery under various public institutions. Notable expenditure items included K436.7 million for the procurement of drugs, medical supplies and equipment in agencies under the Ministry of Health, K360.4 million for general operations of Ministries, Provinces and Agencies (MPA’s), K43.6 million for TAZAMA workers’ salaries, and K534.9 million towards road infrastructure.

The Government has commenced preparations for the 2024 National Budget and the 2024 to 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning will be conducting broad-based consultations on the 2024 Budget and the 2024 to 2026 MTEF. The general public, private sector players (micro, small, medium and large firms, inclusive), Government departments and agencies, civil society, youth, women, and all other interest groups (too numerous to mention) are hereby invited to submit tax, non-tax (such as user fees and fines) and expenditure proposals for review and possible inclusion in the 2024 National Budget and the 2024 to 2026 MTEF.

The Ministry is confident that the provided period of up to 28th April 2023 will create considerable room for citizens and all other stakeholders to actively participate in the formulation of the 2024 Budget and the 2024 to 2026 MTEF. The participation of all national-level stakeholders in the budget formulation process is essential to ensure that the Government and stakeholders move together in creating a conducive policy environment for business; employment creation; generation of wealth; and facilitating a sustainable future for all citizens and prosperity for the nation.

Wedson Nyirenda bounces back at Sunset Stadium

Chief Editor
-
0
Wedson Nyirenda bounces back at Sunset Stadium

By BENEDICT TEMBO

Former Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda has returned to MTN Super League relegation threatened Zanaco FC for the third time in his coaching career.

Nyirenda, whose initial stint with the bankers was an assistant coach in 2004 under Fighton Simukonda, has been hired up to the end of the season to help Zanaco retain their Super League status.

The five-time Super League champions are 13th on the log with 34 points, leaving management with no option but to sack the bench comprising former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amunike, who was roped in as consultant, his compatriot Emeka Amadi and head coach Kelvin Kaindu with immediate effect.

“The board of directors and management wish to thank the three coaches for the services rendered to the club and accordingly wish the coaches all the best in their future endeavors,” Zanaco chief executive officer Modest Hamalabi said in a statement yesterday.

Hamalabi announced the appointment of Nyirenda as interim head coach for the remaining period of the current season.

Nyirenda was at the time of his appointment without a job after leaving Mozambican club Clube Ferroviario da Beira in December last year.

Nyirenda, a seasoned coach, has coached the Zambia senior men’s national national team as well as Baroka in the South African Premier Soccer League, UD Songo and Ferroviario in Mozambique, City of Lusaka, Zesco United (twice), Lusaka Dynamos, Green Buffaloes, including Zanaco Football Club from 2009 to 2011.

“The board of directors and management of Zanaco Football Club are confident that Mr. Nyirenda will add value to the vlub and inspire the team to greater success,” Hamalabbi said

In accepting the appointment, Nyirenda said Zanaco’s position in the league is tricky. He has called for hard work to guide Zanaco out of relegation.

Xiomara Mapepa will rise up like a Phoenix

Chief Editor
-
2
Xiomara Mapepa will rise up like a Phoenix

By Paul Shalala

Xiomara Mapepa is like a young sister to me. Her elder sister Nziyo Charity Agape Mapepa is a childhood friend, we were in same class from Grade 1 to 7 at Kasalu Primary School in Nangoma, Mumbwa and to date we are still very good friends.

Xiomara Mapepa spent her childhood at her grandmother’s house in Lubanze Village of Mumbwa which is less than 200 meters from our farm were I grew up. Her grandmother, who we call Bamuka Jairo, is a friend to my mother.

I saw Xiomara grow at the village as a small girl, she was actually an orphan after losing both her parents at a tender age.

Later, my elder brother Oliver Shalala gave her an opportunity to play professional football at The Elite Ladies FC and she shot to fame and played in the Copper Queens, scoring critical goals at Africa Cup and in qualifiers.

Despite what she is going through, we as friends of the Mapepa Family we shall stand with Xiomara and she will pull through.

In life we all go through ups and downs and Xiomara will rise above what has happened and she will bounce back stronger than before.
I stand with you mwanichangu, you shall be great again.
Love you Skamale

Socialist Party President Fred M’membe condemns UPND cadres’ violence, says Hichilema is responsible

Chief Editor
-
16
Socialist Party President Fred M’membe condemns UPND cadres’ violence, says Hichilema is responsible

Dr Fred M’membe, the President of the Socialist Party, has accused the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) of being responsible for the violent conduct of their cadres and supporters.

In a statement on his Facebook page yesterday, Dr M’membe said, “Please don’t believe or trust whatever the UPND leadership says about them being against political violence. They support, encourage, and sponsor the violence of their cadres and supporters.”

He further claimed that UPND leaders were selective in their condemnation of political violence, and that they only spoke out against the violence of their political opponents.

Dr M’membe said, “They certainly don’t like the violence of their political opponents and are truly against it. But they have no problems with the violence of those who belong to them, who support them and campaign for their party.”

Dr M’membe also cited recent incidents of violence allegedly perpetrated by UPND cadres, including an attack on Patriotic Front (PF) leaders who were attending church in Chililabombwe. He said, “Yesterday, UPND cadres were mobilised and transported to a Catholic Church in Chililabombwe, where PF leaders were worshipping – among them Mr Chishimba Kambwili, Mr Bowman Lusambo and Mr Richard Musukwa – to attack them. This disgusting conduct was strongly condemned by the parish priest. There isn’t even a hypocritical condemnation of this barbarism from the key UPND leadership. Why?”

The Socialist Party leader also accused UPND cadres of attacking his party’s supporters in Serenje and looting their campaign materials and foodstuffs. He claimed that UPND leaders had put pressure on the police to arrest and charge people who were attacked and had to defend themselves, but no UPND cadre had been arrested for the attack.

Dr M’membe also questioned why UPND cadres seemed to be above the law, saying, “Why are UPND cadres untouchable by the police or seem to be above the law? It is because their violence is sponsored and supported by their leaders, who command the police and other law enforcement agencies, and to some extent the courts of law.”

He concluded by calling on UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to take action to stop the violence of his supporters.

Dr M’membe said, “If Mr Hakainde Hichilema really wanted political violence to end he could easily achieve this by stopping UPND violence first. If this were stopped the police would easily deal with whatever opposition violence arises. The rotten elements in the opposition can easily be dealt with.”

“Part of this UPND cadres’ violence arises from their leaders’ desire to win every by-election at any cost. Violence is used as a tool to stop, paralyse, slow down, or frustrate their opponents’ campaigns. Leaders with uncontrolled appetites for electoral victory will have no scruples deploying violence as an electoral tool. We shouldn’t forget that even the most violent don’t say they want violence; they claim to stand for peace. It’s not what they say that matters, but what they do. It is said that actions speak louder than words. Moreover, how many things have they promised but not delivered, or even delivered the opposite – fertilisers, mealie meal, fuel, jobs? And the buck for UPND cadres’ violence stops with Mr Hichilema,” he said.

Chipata Camp Agriculture Committee dissolved after misappropriation of farming inputs

Chief Editor
-
1
Chipata Camp Agriculture Committee dissolved after misappropriation of farming inputs

Chipata District Commissioner Elidah Banda has with immediate effect dissolved the Camp Agriculture Committee (CAC) at Kalunga Agricultural Camp in Luangeni after the misappropriation of 109 farming inputs during the 2022/2023 Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) distribution.

Mrs Banda said the Kalunga CAC committee led by the chairperson Alivati Daka, has been found with a case to answer for alleged theft of inputs meant for the farmers in the area.

ZANIS reports that the DC was speaking during a meeting held at Kalunga area to address the FISP issue after complaints to Luangeni Constituency Member of Parliament, Moses Moyo were tabled to him.

Mrs Banda said President Hakainde Hichilema was very clear that anyone found guilty of indulging in corrupt practices would be dealt with by law.

And Mr Moyo said the dissolved committee must return the alleged stolen inputs or face the wrath of the law saying President Hichilema was very clear on corruption especially any criminal activities involving FISP.

Meanwhile, Chipata District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO), Victor Zulu, questioned the farmers why they failed to inform him about the happenings in their area.

The truth about UPND’s New Dawn: Corruption and violence continue

Chief Editor
-
12
The truth about UPND’s New Dawn: Corruption and violence continue

FRED MEMBE IN SERENJE

By Kelly Kaunda

When Fred Membe, president of the opposition Socialist Party, gave his own version of what happened in Serenje where he has been framed to have injured someone after firing his firearm, I held my breath. I believe his logical explanation and believe he is telling the truth. But he also reveals that a warn and caution statement has been recorded against him and yet he is the one who took the complaint to the police!

To those of who that have been made to believe that there is a New Dawn, hear me loud and clear: that is the biggest lie this side of 21st August 2021! UPND is not any different from the parties before it. They are as violent and as corrupt as anyone before them. To my brother Fred Membe, let me say this to you: Elder Hichilema is a lamentable failure when it comes to political violence!

In this country, the police practice political and not civil policing. UPND has no moral scruples. The HH police will pick you up and throw you behind bars for more than 300 days only to enter a nolle on Judgment Day! Not surprisingly, praise singers, mainly from one or two regions of this country, will cry in a discordant chorus singing: Igwe, Almighty HH, thou art righteous always! What you are doing is right because PF put you behind bars for more than a hundred days and also killed some of your cadres!

If you challenge them to live by their self-declared angelic creed, the New Dawn, their response will be: when you were in PF, why didn’t you correct these things?

Fred, you are up against morally spineless human beings who are just as wicked as anyone before them. They will throw you behind bars for an indefinite period. No lawyer will serve you from their cruelty and lack of civility. No donor community will come to your aid. Especially that you have turned your heat against the west, you will languish in jail my brother.

Never be fooled by the spiritually and morally empty notion that Zambia is a Christian nation and that HH is an elder in church. This country is no different from any pagan nation and its leader is no different from any non-Christian you have come across. Tragically, Zambians do not have the political people power that has taught politicians humble lessons in other parts of the world. So, politicians can get away with murder, and we as Zambians will remain smiling for nothing.

Lusaka has enough stocks of mealie meal-Mulyata

Chief Editor
-
9
Lusaka has enough stocks of mealie meal-Mulyata

Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata says the region has sufficient stocks of mealie meal.

Speaking to the media in Chongwe today shortly after concluding an impromptu tour of selected milling plants to check on production of mealie meal, Ms Mulyata said she is impressed that millers in the province are producing enough mealie meal.

Ms Mulyata said she happy to learn that millers in the province are running at full capacity.

She said Pembe Milling Limited and African Milling Limited of Lusaka are producing 560 tonnes and 420 tonnes of mealie meal per day respectively while Eagle Milling under the Zambia National Service (ZNS) in Chongwe is producing 40 tonnes of mealie meal per day for both roller and breakfast.

“Am happy to inform you that as a province, millers in the area are producing enough mealie meal for the consumers in the area,” said Ms Mulyata.

Ms Mulyata said there is no need for consumers to buy mealie meal in bulk because there is no looming shortage of the commodity.

“There are some reports that some retailers in Lusaka Province are holding on the mealie meal after buying from millers hence creating an artificial shortage and I want to warn those involved that Police will soon visit them,” she warned..

Ms Mulyata encouraged millers in the province to continue producing more mealie meal for the local people.

And Pembe Milling Operations Manager, Taib Bajaber said the company is releasing 18 trucks everyday apart from Sundays to deliver mealie meal to various destinations in the province.

Mr Bajaber said there is not need for the people in Lusaka to panic because there is enough mealie meal being offloaded on the market.

And African Milling Managing Director, Rehan Zakaria assured the minister that his company will continue producing more mealie meal for the consumers in the province.

Mr Zakaria said African Milling is running at full capacity and is releasing enough stocks of mealie meal every day.

“As African Milling Limited, we are running at full capacity producing enough stocks of mealie meal,” said Mr. Zakaria.

Some parts of country are experiencing artificial shortage of mealie meal due some retailers and transporters who are allegedly smuggling the commodity to the neighbouring countries. .

Eating roasted fish, dancing to traditional drum beats and knitting were some of the activities I enjoyed

Chief Editor
-
11
Eating roasted fish, dancing to traditional drum beats and knitting were some of the activities I enjoyed

Former Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri says eating roasted fish, dancing to traditional drum beats and knitting were some of the activities she enjoyed when incarcerated in prison for a year over a murder charge.

Ms. Phiri was released from prison last Wednesday after the State entered a nolle prosequi in a case where she stood charged with one count of murder.

The nolle prosequi was entered by Senior State Advocate Kayoka Sifali, on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which subsequently means that proceedings against Phiri have been discontinued.

Speaking to veteran journalist Amos Malupenga in a video interview in Lusaka, Ms. Mumba recounted how she spent time in the Mongu State Prison.

The former Munali Member of Parliament said she spent a lot of time dancing to music from the drums beaten in the Luvale, Lunda and Lozi traditional ways, among others.

Ms. Phiri said she has now turned out to be a bigger and better alangizi (marriage counselor).

She started the conversation by expressing her relief on re-uniting with the family after over one year in prison.

“Thank you for welcoming me back. At least I feel so happy to be back home to see my family. The way it was at prison, when we woke up in the morning at 07:00 they could open for us. We are on parade you count yourself we were saying one bwana, two bwana. We were 39 in a very small cell with 10 children who are called circumstantial children. You know at prison when you are a remandee you are not allowed to do any work; you don’t even cook for yourself that is what happens. So you have to find convicts to do that for you. When I was in Kaoma, we were not allowed to knit because I enjoy knitting but when I went to Mongu they were allowed to do skills. At least they allowed knitting so I was knitting. I could make bed spreads; I have come with one, when you come for my son’s wedding I will show you. I made a very nice bed spread for my son. I made a mat for the President (Edgar Lungu). Actually I was making mats and selling them at K800. So whoever visited me would come back with five mats,” Ms. Phiri narrated.

“You know in prison you are just taken there, they are not the people who arrest you. So they look after you well. You know I had put on so much weight. I reached 87 (KG). They used to call me njomba ya pa jale, Mai Sichaba kaofela. When I got sick my weight was too much and when I was admitted to the hospital if you visited the prison it was quiet. When I came back we could hear that section of the men shouting Mai Sichaba is back. I became very famous and you know those small children in prison (circumstantial) they could sing. Ni ba Mumbi chabe mwakomboni.. I knew any word in Lozi apart from greeting. I learnt the Lozi,” she continued.

Ms Phiri has since announced her intention to contest the Patriotic Front (PF) party presidency despite the closure of nominations.

She added that the PF was intact in Western Province.

“One thing which I was happy about is the party in Western Province. It is very intact. I could get visitors from as far as Lukulu, Sesheke and everywhere. That is why now I strongly feel God reserved for the PF convention so that I can throw my candidature in it,” Ms. Phiri said.

Ms. Phiri was jointly charged with former President Edgar Lungu’s barber Shebby Chilekwa, whom the Mongu High Court has sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour for murder.

This is after finding him guilty of one count of murder of a United Party for National Development (UPND) member Lawrence Banda.

Government will not complete or commission poorly constructed infrastructure initiated by communities

Chief Editor
-
7
Government will not complete or commission poorly constructed infrastructure initiated by communities

Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda says government will not complete or commission poorly constructed infrastructure initiated by the community.

Ms Kasanda said government will not allow a situation where money is spent on infrastructure that will be a danger to the public and will not stand the taste of time.

The minister was speaking when she inspected a dormitory at Mulungushi Secondary School, a community project under construction.

Ms Kasanda directed that government should not spend Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on such projects which do not meet the minimum standards.

And Chisamba Town Council District Planning Officer Chota Ngulube, said the local Authority has started sensitizing the public on the guidelines to be followed when constructing infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda has called on Chisamba residents to take advantage of various empowerment programmes offered by government to better their lives.

Ms Kasanda who is also Chisamba Member of Parliament (MP) said residents should utilize the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to acquire skills and start up businesses.

Ms Kasanda was speaking during a project monitoring and sensitization meeting at Nyankanga Primary School.

she emphasised the need for residents to form Co-operatives so that they can benefit from CDF and other empowerment programmes.

Ms Kasanda also announced that Chisamba Town Council through CDF has procured equipment such as bull dozer, compactor and water buzzer to help work on roads in the district.

Ms Kasanda said the local authority will soon start working on the road network through out the district.

Common sense dictates M’membe at 64 and co-accused could not have attacked UPND camps, says Dr Haabazoka

Chief Editor
-
23
Common sense dictates M’membe at 64 and co-accused could not have attacked UPND camps, says Dr Haabazoka

Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka, an economist and a lecturer at the University of Zambia, recently posted his thoughts on the arrest of Fred Mmembe and his co-accused. M,membe is the Socialist Party President who was arrested over the weekend on charges of assaulting UPND (United Party for National Development) supporters. Dr. Haabazoka argues that the arrest of Mmembe is not a wise move by the government, as it will only increase his popularity and create sympathy for him.

Dr. Haabazoka begins his post by stating that it is common sense that Mmembe, who is 64 years old, and his co-accused, who are both 61 years old, cannot be attacking UPND camps. He points out that he has been reading Mmembe’s posts since 1991 and has never seen him engage in violence. Dr. Haabazoka also notes that it is common for ruling party cadres to attack opposition political leaders, and he believes that the government should not be associating Mmembe with such violence.

The economist goes on to recount a personal experience from 1990, when he witnessed opposition activists being beaten by UNIP supporters in full view of the police. He believes that such incidents are not uncommon in Zambia and that the young generation may be fooled, but not the older generation who have witnessed such events firsthand.

Dr. Haabazoka then offers some advice to those in government, arguing that they should focus on actions that make their leaders more democratic and good in general. He believes that the arrest of Mmembe will only dent the government’s image and promote him as a politician. Every time Mmembe appears in court, it will be a campaign rally, which is not good for the government’s image.

The economist also points out that Zambia is currently facing several challenges, such as a shortage of money in circulation and mealie meal shortages. He believes that the government needs to be careful about the actions it takes and the messages it sends to the people. Dr. Haabazoka argues that a message of hope is very important if citizens’ hearts are to be won.

Finally, the economist advises the government not to proceed with Mmembe’s case, as it could harm the government’s image and create sympathy for Mmembe. He notes that the Green Economy Minister’s gesture of visiting Mmembe was a good move and that it showed maturity. However, he believes that Mmembe should be released, as it would be the right thing to do.

In conclusion, Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka’s post offers some valuable insights into the current political situation in Zambia. He argues that the government should focus on actions that make their leaders more democratic and good in general, rather than arresting opposition leaders. He also believes that a message of hope is essential if citizens’ hearts are to be won, and that the government should avoid actions that could harm its image and create sympathy for its opponents. Overall, his post is a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece that is well worth reading.

1...342343344...5,652Page 343 of 5,652

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times