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Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo
Government has re-assured the nation that Zambia is on course towards meeting the digital migration deadline set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary (PS) Chanda Kasolo said government has put in measures and a policy which is working towards meeting the digital migration on July 16th, 2015.
Mr. Kasolo said Zambia could not meet the SADC regional deadline in June 2014 because it had to re-advertise the tenders.
He disclosed this in Lusaka today when he addressed Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services employees.
“Zambia is on course to migrating from analogue to digital. The delay has been that my ministry had to re-advertise the tenders in the migration processes,” Mr. Kasolo said.
Botswana is one of the African countries that have migrated digitally.
Meanwhile, the PS has challenged the media to give digital migration a human face by highlighting more stories in order to educate the public.
Mr. Kasolo observed that members of the general public do not understand the digital migration hence the need for the public media not to neglect disseminating information on migration process.
He said the community radio and television stations in the country were however doing a commendable job as the rural populace were now able to get first-hand information on policies of the government.
He noted that due to the commendable job that the media was doing, government was prompted to create the Independent Broadcasting Authority which is responsible for monitoring the operations of the media.
The PS is happy that the media in the country is growing reiterating that government did not want to interfere with the operations of media houses.
Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga with his permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge looking at a counterfeit Samsung branded phone as Intellectual Property ( IP) specialist Kingsley Nkonde explains. This was during the World Intellectual Property day held at the Freedom statue
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Robert Sichinga has challenged the media to take keen interest in the operations of statutory bodies under his ministry.
Mr. Sichinga said he was concerned that the media has not fully explored the potential of statutory bodies such as the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) in order to bring their activities to the fore.
He said this in a speech read for him by Ministry of Commerce Director of Industry Tobias Mulimbika when he officially opened a ZABS media training workshop in Lusaka today.
Mr. Sichinga said there was need for the media to make ZABS their source of news stories.
He further said there was need to maintain a constant flow of information through the media to the various stakeholders.
He has since cautioned ZABS and other bodies under his ministry against ignoring the media as doing so will only be to the peril of the institution.
The minister noted that the media helps the masses become well informed and educated on critical societal issues enabling them to actively participate in the development of a civilised society.
Mr. Sichinga also stated that in view of this fact, it was imperative that the media houses are also effectively equipped with accurate information.
He meanwhile observed with delight that ZABS was trying its best to ensure that the products that are produced in Zambia and those that are imported into the country meet or exceed the required standard.
The training workshop is being held under the theme “Bridging the Information Gap”.
Speaking earlier, ZABS Acting Director Nicodemus Malisa said his organisation values its partnership with the media as it is cognisant of the critical role the media plays in information dissemination and general development process of the country.
He said ZABS will endeavour to strengthen and enhance its relations with the media so that the public can be effectively sensitised on the activities of bureau.
Opposition Movement for Multi-party Democracy Presidential Candidate Rupiah Banda says he will tackle the high cost of living if he gets elected into office on January 20th, 2015.
Mr. Banda says he would that his administration would put in place measures that would ensure that the general cost of living becomes affordable for the average Zambian.
He charged that currently life for most ordinary Zambians had become more difficult owing to the increased commodity prices.
The opposition party’s candidate said this during his public rally in Mkushi District’s Itala Compound, yesterday.
He pointed that that the task of overcoming this challenge required renewed and vigorous efforts, saying that his party placed much value on improving what he termed as high poverty levels.
The Former Republican President also held another public meeting at Masansa later that day.
RB addressing a campaign RallyRB addressing a campaign Rally
The Ultimate Hustler’s Anthem gets the Remix Treatment – Beat courtesy of renowned producer Dida Steez. Holstar brought back original track collaborators Redwingz but also brought onboard Legendary Zambezi Symphony Rapper Shimasta, Zone Fam founding member Al Kan-I, Urban Chaos member 32 Karat, So Good Entertainment’s xsIQ and Zone Fam’s Jay Rox.
This remix is Jam packed with different rhyme styles and is a good example of Top class Zambian Rhyme slaying!
Government has handed over the Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles company assets to the new proprietors, the Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MELT) company.
The assets include, among them include land, machinery, plant and plot number 2419 of the Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles Limited in Kabwe.
The handover ceremony took place at the company’s premises yesterday and conducted by company secretary, Jeremiah Sinkende.
And ZCMT deputy General Manager, Glynis Chipika, signed the handover certificate on behalf of the Zambian government, while Cosmas Mtesigwa, MELT company Director, signed on behalf of MELT Limited Company.
Col Chipika described the handover ceremony as the climax and historic moment for Zambia, stating that the journey of the handover process had not been easy from the time the process started off in July, 2014 when the lease was signed.
And receiving the handover and takeover certificate, MELT limited Director, Cosmas Mtesigwa, expressed happiness in receiving the documents and assured the government for the company’s commitment in carrying out the works which would commence right away.
Mr Mtesigwa said his company already had engineers on the ground to start the rehabilitations and replacing of new equipment in readiness for processing of the plant in about three months’ time.
The MMD in Mporokoso district has directed its members to shun today’s public rally which is due to be held by UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema, in the area.
In an interview with ZANIS in Mporokoso today, MMD Northern Province Youth Chairman, Webster Nkole, said the MMD had never been in a pact with the UPND hence the need for its members to stay away from the rally.
Mr Hichilema is expected to hold a public rally in Mporokoso around 14:00hrs this afternoon which is also expected to be attended by Lunte MMD MP, Felix Mutati.
Mr Nkole said reports circulating that that the MMD was supporting UPND because of Mr Mutati’s association with the UPND leader were false.
He said the MMD in Mporokoso and Lunte Constituency in particular was intact and was geared to support Dr Nevers Mumba.
Mr Nkole added that Mr Mutati’s allegiance to UPND was a personal matter which the MMD at the grassroots must dismiss with contempt.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema when he arrived in Kaputa
United Party for National Development (UPND)president, Hakainde Hichilema, has urged Zambia to think about their problems before deciding on who to vote for in the coming presidential election.
Mr Hichilema said there are many problems the country is facing which have been caused by failed leadership.
The UPND president, who described himself as the best person to solve the problem the country is facing, has since urged Zambians to vote for him.
He urged people to vote wisely and ensure that they vote for him on January 20, next year.
Mr Hichilema added that Zambians have tried other leaders but little has changed, saying they should now try him if they want to see development.
He implored people to be his campaign managers and conduct door-to-door campaigns to ensure that he wins the presidential poll.
Mr Hichilema said this when he addressed a public rally at Kaputa Primary School ground in Kaputa district yesterday.
The UPND leader was accompanied to Kaputa by Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Lunte Member of Parliament (MP), Felix Mutati and UPND Chairperson, Mutale Nalumango, who is also former Kaputa MP.
The UPND president has since promised the people of Kaputa that his government will work on the Mporokoso-Kaputa and Kaputa-Chiengi Roads including feeder roads once he is elected.
Mr Hichilema, who came to Kaputa by a chopper, said he has seen and has been told about the poor state of the roads in the district, saying his government will, however, work on them.
He has also promised the people of Kaputa that his government will reduce the price of fertiliser and ensure timely payment of money to farmers who will be selling their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
He said after improving the agricultural sector his government will also work on reducing the price of the country’s staple food – mealie meal.
Mr Hichilema also reiterated his commitment to provide bursaries up to university level to enable more people access education.
He, however, denied allegations peddled against him that he will divide the nation once elected into power.
Mr Hichilema said to the contrary he will unite the country, stating that he has nowhere to take the other part of the country which people allege he will divide.
And UPND Chairperson, Mutate Nalumango, who is also former Kaputa MP, urged the people of Zambia to vote for Mr Hichilema because he has come to politics to serve them.
Ms Nalumango said Mr Hichilema, unlike other presidential candidates, will not demand salary and other benefits that come with the Office of the President like a house as he already has them.
She said Mr Hichilema is the only candidate with a vision for Zambia as others only want to finish President Michael Sata’s term.
And MMD Lunte MP, Felix Mutati, accused the Patriotic Front (PF) of failing to deliver on its promises of more money in the pocket, job creation and taking development to Kaputa.
Mr Mutati said time has come for Mr Hichilema to rule the country, saying he is confident that he will deliver according to expectations.
He said Mr Hichilema loves the country, saying it is the reason he has not given up despite losing several times.
Mr Mutati, who gave an illustration of a woman being proposed by a man, said the pursued woman would eventually give in after seeing that the man keeps coming to her after rejecting his proposals several times.
He said Mr Hichilema has also done a lot for the country while in the private sector and he should be given a vote to go to plot one.
Judgement in which Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa is challenging the consent judgement by the Lusaka High Court that declared Edgar Lungu the duly elected President of the Patriotic Front has been reserved for Monday 15th December.
Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda sitting with the full bench of the Supreme Court heard heads of argument from both sides in a matter that has sharply divided the ruling Patriotic Front.
The full bench of the Supreme Court heard Miles Sampa’s application where he is seeking that he be joined and be allowed to contest the Consent Judgement that was delivered in the High court.
In the High Court judgement, Edgar Lungu was declared PF President and Presidential Candidate after PF Secretary General, Davies Chama and PF Chairperson Inonge Wina settled the case.
The Supreme Court refused to hear another appeal where Miles Sampa wanted the candidature of Edgar Lungu determined or barred until his application regarding the Consent Judgement was heard.
The Supreme guided that their Judgement of the earlier matter will determine the other case and its outcome.
Edgar Lungu’s lawyers argued that Miles Sampa cannot be joined to the Consent Judgement to allow him to contest its legality as he was elected from an illegal gathering that was barred by the Courts of Law.
The lawyers contended that any outcome of an illegal process barred by an injunction cannot be legal.
But Sampa’s lawyers contended that the General Conference that elected him was valid and legal as they were not aware about the Court Injunction.
The Supreme Court will on Monday rule whether Sampa can be joined or be allowed to contest the Consent Judgement issued by Judge Mulenga.
In the event that the Supreme Court allows Sampa to be joined to the Consent Judgement, he will issue originating summons before the High Court and the process will start afresh.
Government says Zambia’s HIV prevalence rate of 14.3 percent is among the highest in the world.
Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health Permanent Secretary (PS) Elywn Chomba says in spite of the progress made in the fight against virus, HIV remains a major threat to the nation.
Professor Chomba says this is worrying government as an estimated 226 new infections in adults and 25 child infections occur on a daily basis in Zambia.
She said this at a one day joint dissemination workshop of sustainability through economic strengthening, prevention and support for orphans and vulnerable children (STEPS/OVC) in Lusaka today.
This was in a speech read on her behalf by Ministry representative, Dr. Anthony Yeta.
STEPS/OVC is a local non-governmental organisation that is scaling up capacities for vulnerable people.
Prof. Chomba has since commended STEPS/OVC for the efforts it was making to help the Zambian government to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS among the vulnerable groups, orphans and vulnerable children and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in the country.
And STEPS/OVC chief of party Wezi Kaira disclosed that his organization has provided direct services to 418, 348 OVCs and 186, 987 PLHIV.
Mr. Kaira pledged to working closely with government by mobilising funds and providing health care support services to PLHIV and OVCs in the country.
File: Peasant farmers wait for the Food Reserve Agency to buy their maize
Farmers in Kaputa district of Northern Province have expressed happiness with the on-going distribution of farming inputs and payment of money to farmers who sold their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Kaputa District Agricultural Chairperson, Philimon Kapoma, said both the distribution of inputs and payment of money to farmers were going on well in the district.
Mr Kapoma said the district has received all the consignment of maize and rice seeds and a larger quantity of urea fertiliser.
He said the district has received 2,808 by 10 kg bags of maize seed and 700 by 10 kg bags of rice seeds.
He added that the district has received 5,000 of the 6,313 bags of urea fertiliser and only 1,200 out of the 6,563 bags of D Compound fertiliser.
Mr Kapoma, who was speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Kaputa yesterday, blamed the late delivery of compound D to lack of transporters to ferry the fertiliser from Kasama.
He pointed out that all the consignment of Compound D is in Kasama but transporters are not willing to deliver the inputs to Kaputa because of the bad roads and other factors.
Mr Kapoma said while there are a lot of transporters ferrying urea from Nchelenge in Luapula to Kaputa, only one transporter is ferrying Compound D from Kasama, a problem which might affect the farmers.
He has since appealed to government to expedite the process and hire more transporters to ferry the remaining bags of compound D to the district.
Mr Kapoma has, meanwhile, expressed happiness that farmers, who have paid for the seeds and fertiliser, have already collected their allocation, adding that only those farmers who had not paid were waiting to collect their inputs.
The District Agricultural Chairperson has also commended government for releasing money to the FRA to pay the farmers in Kaputa who sold their maize to the agency.
Mr Kapoma said farmers were getting their money from the bank and were preparing for another good harvest.
And District Marketing Development Officer, Charles Mwanza, said the district has received 1,200 bags of Compound D out of the targeted 6,563, and 5,000 of urea out of 6,313 bags.
Mr Mwanza added that the district also received all the 700 bags of rice seeds, and 2,808 bags of maize seeds.
He said of these, the district has already distributed 2100 bags of urea, 1200 bags of Compound D, 900 bags of maize seeds and 210 bags of rice seeds.
THERE is need to develop regional Infrastructure that will support trade in the region through the Regional Integration Support Mechanism programme (RISM) under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has said.
The Minister, who is new chairperson of the COMESA fund Ministerial Committee, said this during the 10th meeting of COMESA Fund Ministerial Committee in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Chikwanda however pointed out that despite the financial support under the COMESA RISM facility, the resources were insufficient to cater for all the regional needs.
He said the development of infrastructure such as roads, rail, ecommerce, and border facilities are essential in supporting regional integration.
“We need to explore ways of ensuring sustainable financing of our regional infrastructure projects to ensure that our people find it easy to do business within and across the borders and we as member states have an important role to play in this process of creating sustainability,” Mr Chikwanda said.
He further called on member states to consider increasing funding for regional programmes in the respective national budgets.
“Going forward, it is my expectation that the facility will continue to support member states through the effective mobilization of resources and it is also my hope that the facility will achieve financial and institutional sustainability,” he said.
The minister said the support rendered to the member states through RISM would ensure continuity of gains attained in economic growth and development, which are associated with regional integration.
Mr Chikwanda said when economic integration of the COMESA region is at optimal capacity, countries would enjoy the economies of scale, which as individual countries cannot achieve.
“It is for this reason that we have mainstreamed regional integration into our development objectives and it is our ardent hope that when the inordinately stalled rationalisation comes to fruition by ending the current overlap of economic communities in East and Southern Africa, our economies will be stronger,” he said.
The COMESA Fund meeting took place in the sidelines of the COMESA Policy Organs meetings that ended in Lusaka, Tuesday December 9,2014.
Government will soon engage public transport operators to discuss the possibility of reducing bus fares following the reduction in fuel prices in the country.
Director of Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communication Nelson Nyangu said public transport operators should pass on the benefits accrued from reduced fuel prices to the commuters.
Mr. Nyangu told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka yesterday that the meeting will be held soon among all stakeholders.
He said the ministry does not dictate bus fares but will instead engage the Zambia Bus and Taxes Workers Union, (ZABUTWU), Public Private Drivers Association of Zambia and the other concerned bodies to come up with agreed fares.
He noted that it was vital that the benefit of fuel reduction trickles down to the ordinary people who use public transport.
A bout a fortnight ago, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) reduced fuel pump prices by K0.25 for petrol, K0.28 for diesel and 0.27 for kerosene with effect from Monday midnight.
This reduced the price of fuel and a litre of petrol was then costing K10.38 while a litre of diesel was costing K9.73 and the same quantity of fuel was K7.21 respectively.
On Sunday this week, the ERB again reduced fuel prices to K9.89 per litre of petrol from K10.38, registering a reduction of K0.49.
One litre of diesel is now K9.19 from K9.73 representing a reduction of K0.54, while the price of a litre of Kerosene has been reduced from K7.22 to K6.77 posting a reduction of K0.44.
The ERB attributed the reduction in fuel prices to the general fall in international crude oil prices in recent months.
Katete District Electoral Officer has urged Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) to desist from being partisan.
Mr. Wamulume Aongola says as the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has invested a lot of money in voter education ahead of the January 20th, 2015 Presidential By-elections it was important that the VEFs avoid engaging themselves in politics.
Mr. Aongola noted that by being non partisan the VEFs should diligently apply themselves in non-partisan way in anticipation for a good turn out during elections.
He said the Facilitators should put it in mind that illiteracy levels is still very high in communities hence the need for them to clearly explain the voting processes to the electorates.
He pointed out that there is also need to correct that misinterpretations and misunderstandings that some communities have against elections.
ZANIS reports that the District Electoral Officer was speaking in Katete yesterday at the Council Chamber when he closed a two days training brief for Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) and District Voter Education Committee (DVEC).
The District Electoral Officer said there is need for the public to be feed with correct information so that they can exercise their right to vote with an informed mind.
Mr. Aongola however noted that not all persons in the villages are illiterate about the voting process.
He explained that there is need for voter educators to reach out to all communities in the manner that befits them considering their level of understanding.
He urged the Voter Education Facilitators to be wary of the associations around them during the period of facilitation and avoid being linked to political parties.
NATIONAL Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo has disputed online reports that he has endorsed Rupiah Banda as the next president for this country.
Mr Chipimo said he has heard many reports suggesting that he is pro-Rupiah Banda.
“I have not endorsed anybody. I am proceeding going it alone with our supporters,” he said
Mr Chipimo said he is trying hard to introduce a new way of doing politics.
“We want to introduce a leadership that is not dependent on money. As NAREP we want the best for this country,” he said.
There have been some online reports suggesting that Mr Chipimo has thrown his weight behind Mr Banda or Edgar Lungu.
