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Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha advises Legislative Drafters to Research Thoroughly

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Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha advises Legislative Drafters to Research Thoroughly

Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha, says high-quality legislation is part of the sound regulatory policy which can contribute to economic development and societal well-being at both local and international levels.

Mr. Kabesha says the government has continued to prioritize the establishment of a sound legal environment that supports the rule of law, peace, justice, civil liberties, and the security of the law.

He was speaking at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) postgraduate diploma in legislative drafting program graduation ceremony in Lusaka yesterday.

He said the goal of a drafter is to create legislation that gives legal effect to government policies and communicate the law clearly and effectively.

“The government has a mission to foster accelerated national development through the mobilization and sustainable use of human and natural resources for the empowerment of every Zambian,” he said.

The Attorney General has since urged the 69 graduating students to always do thorough legal research and study the applicable constitutional provisions of the existing law, rules, adjudications and executive orders.

Among the 67 graduates, two are from Tanzania.

Meanwhile, ZIALE Director, Ann Malata, said the legislative and drafting programme is designed to train lawyers in the skills of drafting legislation to regulate and develop the nation.

Mrs Malata noted that Zambia and other countries in the region still require more expertise in legislative drafting, which she said is key to socio-economic development.

She has meanwhile called on the legislative drafting department in the Ministry of Justice to utilise the talent of graduates to assist in the ever growing backlog of legislation that needs reviewing and updating.

The Analysis on Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriage Way Under PPP Model

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The Analysis on Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriage Way Under PPP Model

By Sastone Silomba

The term ‘public-private partnerships’ has taken on a very broad meaning. The key element, however, is the existence of a ‘partnership’ style approach to the provision of infrastructure as opposed to an arms-length ‘supplier’ relationship … a ‘public-private partnership’ (P3s) involves a sharing of risk, responsibility, and reward, and is undertaken in those circumstances when there is value for money benefit to the taxpayers.

WHY PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS PPP

For economic growth and development, we need a lot of investments. The government could not provide enough funds for investments in public goods (infrastructures & services) Private Sector has a lot of capital for investments. If a system can be developed whereby private players can invest in public goods, they can help create investments, and also earn profits. Thus, to develop infrastructures for development, the government needs to work out a system where private players can come in towards the creation of public infrastructures which are traditionally provided by the government.

Let me define precisely the concept of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

A Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a partnership between the public sector and the private sector for the purpose of delivering a project or service traditionally provided by the public sector. It recognizes that both sides have certain advantages and by allowing each to do what it does best, public services and infrastructure can be provided in the most efficient manner.
Therefore, PPP means an arrangement between the government (or statutory entity or government-owned entity) on one side and a private sector entity on the other, for the provision of

  1. public assets and/or; and
  2. related services for public benefit,Now, through investments being made by and/or management is undertaken by the private sector entity for a specified period of time, where
  3. there is a substantial risk sharing with the private sector; and
  4. the private sector receives performance-linked payments that conform (or are benchmarked) to specified, pre-determined and measurable performance standards.

Therefore; A strong PPP allocates the Tasks, Obligations, and Risks among the public and private partners in an optimal way. In this context, PPP represent the partnership in action with huge stakes for both the public sector and private sector agencies to succeed collectively. PPP is not about finance alone, but are also about improving the quality and efficiency of public services.

Concession

Let me briefly discuss a concession. In a more elaborated manner, a concession at most gives a concessionaire the long term right to use all utility assets conferred on the concessionaire, including responsibility for operations and some investment. Asset ownership remains with the authority and the authority is typically responsible for the replacement of larger assets. Assets revert to the authority at the end of the concession period, including assets purchased by the concessionaire. In a concession, the concessionaire typically obtains most of its revenues directly from the consumer and so it has a direct relationship with the consumer. A concession covers an entire infrastructure system (so may include the concessionaire taking over existing assets as well as building and operating new assets). The concessionaire will pay a concession fee to the authority which will usually be ring-fenced.

SOME COMMON PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS MODELS

What the private partners might do:

(i) Design-build-operate (DBO)
(ii) Design-build-own-operate-transfer (DBOOT)
(iii) Design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM)
(iv) Finance-design-build-operate-maintain (FDBOM)

BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE LUSAKA-NDOLA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

An ordinary Zambian definitely will agree that the government has decided to use the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode of financing on the project because, in a country like Zambia where unemployment is rampant, it is anticipated that PPP will generate jobs to spur social and economic growth.
Secondly, on the political front, the erroneous financing model though will provide at least short-term road infrastructure development as well as service delivery using private capital though not necessarily from private investments, it is necessary for citizens to be told that the choice for “private capital” is not as a result of fiscal debt left by the previous regime but a system of infrastructure development which is employed by various countries globally. PPP mode cannot rely on NAPSA or pension funds in a pure PPP scenario.

While the current state of the Lusaka to Ndola road remains a source of concern to all Zambians, indeed, the road is the backbone of our road network and critical in stimulating much-needed economic growth through increased trade within the country and the region at large. But again, one wonders why the government is now in a hurry to even use the wrong PPP model when they strongly criticized the development of the same road not long ago in opposition (are we going to eat roads).

However, the current scenario where Macro Ocean investment consortium to be represented by AVIC international project engineering company is planned to be engaged for the construction of the dual carriage way, leaves much to be desired. It seems the government does not understand the concept of PPP and its accompanying Act properly because if one makes an analysis about pure PPP model, it’s evident that the private partner (AVIC) will not provide the capital required for investment especially in a scenario where the private partner owns the assets, sufficient enough to recover investment costs through user charges. Therefore:

  1. Although in essence, the concession arrangement is that the private sector (concessionaire) AVIC is responsible for full delivery of the services including operation & maintenance, collection, management, construction and rehabilitation of the system, it has been understood so far that NAPSA will fund AVIC which is a private company to undertake the construction of the roads. This is not a pure PPP model;
  2. The assets will be owned by the private company during the concession period and until after 25 years;
  3. So far, the government seems not to have established standards to ensure that the concessionaire meet them; and
  4. Because the concessionaire will collect tariffs from the users as determined in the concession contract for 22 to 25 years, it seems that the role of the government which in essence should shift from the provider of service to regulator appears to be missing hence the public will suffer high toll fees and transport costs;
  5. The public sector has not agreed or has no knowledge that it should purchase a minimum level of output produced by the facility

WAY FORWARD FOR LUSAKA NDOLA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

Government should be advised not to be in a hurry just for gaining political expedient but to think of adopting the model of MANAGEMENT CONTRACT.
Management Contract:

  1. It is the arrangement whereby the government contracts out the operation & maintenance of public service (road, utility, hospital, port, water supply etc.);
  2. The required infrastructure is already created and the private parties provide working capital for daily maintenance;
  3. The Government retains the assets, continue major capital investments and sets tariff; and
  4. Private parties are responsible for the management, and are paid for the costs of labour and operating costs and incentives.

POTENTIAL STRENGTHS OF MANAGEMENT CONTRACT:

a. Operational gains from private sector management;
b. Assets remain with the government and continue major investments; and
c. Contracts are easy to develop.

On the other hand, let government be advised by competent civils servants and not caders in order to ensure a viable and cost effective PPP mode is used for Lusaka-Ndola dual carriage way.

Given the enormity of the investment requirements and the limited availability of public resources for investment in physical infrastructure, it is imperative to explore avenues for increasing investment in infrastructure through a combination of public investment, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and occasionally, exclusive private investment wherever feasible. The use of PPP as an instrument of procurement for creation of infrastructure assets and delivery of public services has been recognised globally. Apart from bridging the deficit in financing of public projects, PPPs also brings new and cost effective technology for creation of infrastructure assets, managerial efficiency, competency for operation and maintenance of the created assets and the contractual accountability on the private party to ensure timely and quality infrastructure service to the end users.

CONCLUSION

  1. There is need to develop a Model Concession Agreement for the road sector including Water Supplies, Power and various Services;
  2. There is a need to work out a Viability Gap Funding Scheme/Guidelines for the road sector;
  3. PPP activity in road sector is yet to make a meaningful impact in Zambia;
  4. The absence of policy on Infrastructure or Service Delivery in Zambia has been one major hindrance to PPP implementation;
  5. In view of the sparse population and difficult geographical setting, it may not be possible to take up many of the projects on PPP Mode. However, we need to explore avenues. Urban Sector projects, Power Sector, IT Sector for PPP Projects than start with the huge long road. A road is a public good. No exclusion should be entertained; and
  6. Government should start with the formulation of new PPP Policy to kick-start the process.

Zambia Correctional Service Refutes Reports of Escape of Pamela’s Abductors

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Zambia Correctional Service Refutes Reports of Escape of Pamela’s Abductors

The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has vehemently refuted media reports claiming that one of the suspects in the abduction case of Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others had escaped from custody, while another one was shot dead, and the third one fell and sustained a fractured backbone in their attempt to escape. In a press statement, Superintendent Gillian Namungala, the Public Relations Officer for the ZCS, clarified that all the suspects are safe and accounted for under their custody.

“The Zambia Correctional Service would like to refute media reports published by News Diggers in their edition dated 10th March, 2023 purporting that one suspect in the abduction case of Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others has escaped from custody, one was shoot dead and that another fell and sustained a fractured backbone in their attempt to escape. We would like to assure members of the public that all the suspected abductors are safe and still accounted for under our custody contrary to sensational reports from some sections of the media,” Superintendent Namungala stated.

The statement further outlined the robust strategies that the ZCS has in place to curtail escape attempts, including a zero-tolerance policy for escapes and stern sanctions on officers who contribute to security breaches.

“We have a firm stance on escapes, which includes stern sanctions on officers who, through complacency, negligence, or otherwise contribute to security breach. A number of officers who have been found culpable have since been suspended from duty,” the statement read.

Superintendent Namungala also highlighted the ZCS’s promotion policy for officers who go the extra mile to recapture escapees and inmates who have been at large for a long time.

“The Service has a policy of promotion of officers who go the extra mile and who through personal commitment, dedication, and courage successfully recapture any escapee, particularly inmates who have been at large for a long time. This is notwithstanding regular aggressive escape routines to recapture any inmate that may have escaped from lawful custody,” she added.

The ZCS has also initiated a whistle-blower policy and is offering a monetary reward of K 5000.00 (Five Thousand Kwacha) to informers and whistle-blowers while protecting their identity.

“In this regard, we call upon members of the public with information on escapees from many years back to report to the nearest Correctional Center, and that a monetary reward of K 5000.00 (Five Thousand Kwacha) will be given to the informers and whistleblowers while protecting their identity,” Superintendent Namungala confirmed.

The Zambia Correctional Service has urged members of the public to report any information that may aid in recapturing escapees, and the Commissioner General Mr. Fredrick Chilukutu has assured the public that all inmates are in safe and secure custody.

“We sound a strong warning to would-be escapees, members of the public, and individuals with the intention of aiding or harboring escapees that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them,” Superintendent Namungala warned.

The ZCS has also appealed to the media to be mindful when covering stories related to security as they have the potential to jeopardize investigations and cause unnecessary alarm.

UPND Must Hone Communication & Mobilization Skills!

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UPND Must Hone Communication & Mobilization Skills!

BY Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

Although this may somehow touch a raw nerve here and there, one of UPND’s Achilles heels is the inability and apparent inertia to mobilize the masses swiftly, or communicate effectively! Our leaders seem to be comfortable in their positions waiting for the president to do everything as was the case during their time in the wilderness. For clarity’s sake, we shall cast our argument in 3 talking points – the International Women’s Day, Ndola/Lusaka Dual Carriageway (PPP) and the demonstration in support of gay rights.

International Women’s Day

If images of our beloved women finding their way on Social Media from across the country as they commemorated the International Women’s Day are anything to go, then this must be a clarion call for those in leadership! There’s no need to pretend, UPND was clearly outclassed or overshadowed by opposition PF in places such as Ndola and northern parts of the country.

Politics is all about perception……ichimwela, if you like. Whereas PF members turned up in droves clad in their impressive party regalia, vigorously marching and boisterously singing, it was a sorry site in the other camp. There was only a handful of members from the ruling party who are appeared somewhat sheepish and subdued. Excuse me!

In his write up; International Women’s Day turned into Political Display, Stembridge Sikalunda argues as follows, “PF is collaborating with the grassroot because they are taking resources there to support their followers , how many people can continue following and supporting on voluntary grounds without instant benefits? People need to survive everyday.”

It would be illogical to think those poor women from PF just woke up and found their way to venues where these activities were taking place without any kind of inducement or remuneration. Unless they want to be a one term government, the UPND leadership must keep on dreaming that the grassroots will just continue pitching up for party or national events without actually expecting to accrue any direct benefits! Are we suggesting these individuals are any different from their fellow human beings occupying such positions as Ministers, MPs or Civil Servants who are actually quick to claim allowances for any duties they perform?

Demonstration to promote gay rights

By now, we are all obviously aware of some crafty and cunning girls from a shadowy organization known as Sista Sista Foundation that tricked the police that they wanted to hold a procession against gender based violence when in fact not. Before we knew it, they were displaying gay pride colours as they chanted and sung songs with expletive connotations!

Not surprisingly, this was just the kind of sumptuous menu the opposition was waiting for to unleash one or two potentially lethal punches!

“The demonstration to promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) by a queer organisation called Sista Sista Foundation had blessings of the UPND government!” Harry Kalaba, who fashions himself as president of Citizens First could not waste time firing a salvo. Interestingly, some of the leaders of this bogus organization have strong ties with PF although Kalaba is now trying to associate them with UPND.

As if not to be left out of the fray, former religious affairs minister, Godfridah Sumaili who conviniently elected to remain mute as atrocities such as corruption, gassing of innocent citizens, maiming limbs or killing members of the opposition and spewing spine-chilling insults and profanities against perceived opponents rose to a crescendo, decided to write an emotional open letter to President Hakainde Hichilema.

“What have you done Mr President? You have betrayed the people of Zambia by embracing hypocrisy instead of truth. Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia. How can the activists of the pervasive, abominable and illegal homosexuality be covered and protected by State Police an institution of good governance?”

And speaking when he featured on UNZA Radio the other day, PF media director Antonio Mwanza slammed the UPND government for letting “perverts” protest for the recognition of the abominable “rights” in a Christian Nation.

We give kudos to Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Hon. Jack Mwimbu for not interfering with the police when they decided to affect the arrests of the ring leaders. Where was the Information Minister & Chief Government spokesperson all that time to quench the fire before things could spiral out of control? What about the UPND media team, what role did they play in explaining the position of the party on such an emotive issue?

Ndola/Lusaka Dual Carriageway

If at all there’s a road that requires urgent attention, it’s no other than this particular one! While this road undoubtedly remains our foremost economic lifetime; unfortunately, we keep on recording countless accidents leading to fatalities and loss of property worth collosal sums of money!

Alas, instead of rallying behind government for making such a bold decision; opposition leaders combined and other detractors chose to go to town and fished out the most unpalatable adjectives or phrases in the book to discredit government and punch holes in the deal.

“This is a no brainer! This government has surrendered this contract to foreigners at the expense of the locals! This deal stinks of corruption! The locals won’t benefit anything! It will force NAPSA into insolvency!”

For a while, let’s imagine it was PF in the driving seat? Dora Siliya, Antonio Mwanza, Sunday Chanda and their surrogates from the Church, Civil society and political spectrum etc would have been bombarding every TV and Radio station putting things into perspective, if not burning the midnight candle churning-out press statements or countering incessant attacks on Social Media.

To cut the long story short as they say, UPND must simply hone their communication and mobilization skills, chapwa!

PEPFAR reaffirms commitment to support Zambia’s fight against HIV/AIDS with US$390 million

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PEPFAR reaffirms commitment to support Zambia’s fight against HIV/AIDS with US$390 million

The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to support Zambia’s efforts in eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Prof. Lackson Kasonka, confirmed that Zambia would potentially receive US$390 million towards the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Country Operational Plan (COP23) Co-Planning Meeting, Prof. Kasonka revealed that the funding would cover several aspects of the fight against HIV/AIDS, including money for implementing partners, ARVs, HIV test kits, viral load testing, and other related programs.

However, Prof. Kasonka also disclosed that the US government had reduced PEPFAR funding to Zambia by 3% for the year 2023 and 5% for the year 2024. Nonetheless, he urged Zambians not to panic, assuring them that the government had prioritized the health sector by increasing funding towards the overall health budget, including HIV medicines and supplies.

The COP23 planning meeting focused on reviewing the new PEPFAR strategic vision and engaging in meaningful constructive dialogue. Prof. Kasonka said the meeting would examine the commitments and plans for each country and what they would do. He added that the planning meeting would also focus on sustainability programs for the future in the event of reduced funding and resources.

Prof. Kasonka thanked the US government for its commitment to supporting Zambia in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that the US government remained the biggest donor of HIV-related epidemic fights through PEPFAR and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Malaria, and TB. He reaffirmed the warm bilateral relations that exist between Zambia and the United States.

Zambia has an adult HIV prevalence rate of 11 percent, and since 2003, it has received significant support from PEPFAR, having had an investment of over 6 billion USD. The PEPFAR investments focus on scaling up and sustaining integrated HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs. The programs also help prevent and treat other diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, and COVID-19. Additionally, health-related investments and initiatives aim to increase access to family planning, improve maternal and child health and nutrition, and prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

PEPFAR works closely with the Zambian government to strengthen the health system at national, provincial, district, and community levels, ensuring that essential medicines and supplies are readily available. USG funds support the procurement and distribution of commodities such as condoms, HIV treatment, tuberculosis preventive therapy and treatment, and laboratory reagents to health facilities across Zambia.

Issued by Tamara Nyirenda, First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High commission in South Africa, the press statement reiterates the Zambian government’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and other related diseases. The government will continue to work closely with the US government through PEPFAR and other partners to achieve the goal of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

TRALARD project deepens and widens water channels to boost Lunga district’s economy

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TRALARD project deepens and widens water channels to boost Lunga district’s economy

By Jonas Miselo
Lunga district, located in Luapula province, has long been faced with the challenge of using narrow and shallow water channels for transportation and the movement of goods and services.

However, relief is on the horizon for the local population as the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development Project (TRALARD) is making significant progress in deepening and widening the water channels. The project, funded by the World Bank and run by the Zambian government under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has completed approximately 41% of the work, which has already begun to make a positive impact on the lives of the residents.

The dredging works on the water channels will enable larger water vessels to freely navigate through the channels, improving the transportation of goods and services for the community and boosting the local economy. Nyenda Kaunda, Deputy Director of Works for the Lunga Town Council, expressed satisfaction with the pace of the work being carried out by the contractor on behalf of the council.

“So far, 33km of the works have been done. The works started at Chinsanka harbour and Bwalya Mponda for lot 1. Two more lots to go from Bwalya Mponda to Nsamba and then from Nsamba to Kasoma Lunga, so overall, as the local authority, we are happy with the works,” said Mr. Kaunda. The TRALARD project’s progress in Lunga district will not only make local transportation of goods and services faster and cheaper but will also provide a boost to the local economy by enabling businesses to transport their goods more efficiently.

The Lunga Town Council intends to buy two large water vessels that will serve as a means of transportation and transporting heavy cargo to Lunga district, further boosting the local economy.

“For the council, this will be a plus as it will bring revenue to the council as the Lunga Town Council only depends on the fish levy, so the procurement of two larger vessels will be a plus and add another franchise to the council,” he said.

And the councilor for Ncheta ward in Bwalya Mponda chiefdom, Joshua Chanda, expressed his happiness with what is being done by the TRALARD project in Lunga district, stating, “We are happy with the works that have been to the channels as they have made transportation easier and faster, it typically took 5 to 8hrs for us to travel from Bwalya Mponda to Chinsanka but now with an engine boat it takes about an hour to reach to Chinsanka, therefore we are happy with the works that have been to the channels as they have made transportation easier and faster.”

Steven Sinkala, Provincial Water Development Officer from the Department of Water Resources Development in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, says the programme is going according to schedule.

“So far so good, because out of the total stretch of 80km, the contractor has done 33km, which is roughly equivalent to 41% of the work being done, which is quite encouraging and good,” said Mr. Sinkala.

He added that one of the reasons for the works was that Lunga district was prone to flooding, and the government of the Republic of Zambia had to embark on these works to ensure the free flow of water during the rainy season.

In conclusion, the TRALARD project’s progress on the deepening and widening of water channels in Lunga district is a positive development for the local population. The project serves as an excellent example of the importance of investing in infrastructure to foster economic growth and development, ultimately improving the standard of living for the residents of the area.

The TRALARD project is a significant step towards improving transportation, trade, and positively impacting the local economy, making transportation more accessible and cost-effective for the community.

Zambia signs MOU with Liquid Telecommunications to establish commercial data centre and fibre projects for a connected digital future

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Zambia signs MOU with Liquid Telecommunications to establish commercial data centre and fibre projects for a connected digital future

Zambia has taken a significant step towards a connected digital future after the Ministry of Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Liquid Telecommunications (Jersey) Limited. The MOU aims to achieve actionable projects, including the establishment of a commercialized data centre in Zambia.

According to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Felix Mutati, data is the new gold, and whoever controls data controls the world. Therefore, the establishment of a commercial data centre is crucial towards meeting the private and public sector data hosting needs, and it will enable global internet companies to establish Zambia as a regional data hub.

The MOU also includes the establishment of fibre projects in Zambia, which will strengthen middle mole connectivity between towns and connect citizens better. The fibre projects may include the building of new routes or lighting of dark fibre on existing underutilized fibre assets.

Liquid Technologies will also establish connectivity to schools and healthcare alignment to the ITU/UNICEF led Giga project. The project aims to map schools and plan to connect schools using a mix of fibre, wireless, and satellite technologies, with a focus on execution with a sustainable financing model.

“The free connection to the internet in our various schools will transform the way we deliver education here in Zambia,” said the Minister of Science and Technology.

Liquid Telecommunications Jersey Limited is present in more than 20 countries, mainly Sub-Saharan Africa, and has established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure, with an extensive fibre broadband covering 100,000 km.

“The President has overly emphasized the need for transactions, and today we are transacting,” said Mr Felix Mutati, the Minister of Science and Technology.

The MOU signed between the Ministry of Science and Technology and Liquid Telecommunications Jersey Limited is expected to pave the way for a connected digital future in Zambia and establish the country as a regional data hub.

What is this United States Democracy Summit Zambia is Hosting For?

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What is this United States Democracy Summit Zambia is Hosting For?

By Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist

The United States has tasked Zambia with hosting its second so-called Summit for Democracy, starting on March 29. Mr Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia’s Minister of Justice, says Zambia’s selection by the United States to host this summit, “Comes against the background of the country’s strong commitment to the principles of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law and human rights”. Ummm, what democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights can this Zambian government really show?

According to Mr. Haimbe, the objective of this summit is to underscore the global desire for transparency, accountability, and rights-respecting governance. What rights? LGBTQI rights!

The truth is this summit is for drawing an ideological line and turning democracy into a tool and weapon for inciting division and confrontation and diverting attention from its internal problems.

This summit is nothing but a tool for the United States to help preserve its hegemony over the world and undermine the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

Contrary to its claims, the United States is not a beacon of democracy. American-style democracy has deviated from the essence of democracy.
American-style democracy is full of malaises. Problems like money politics, identity politics, partisanship, political polarisation, social division, racial tension, and the wealth gap, are getting worse.

American-style democracy is a money-based game for the rich.

The dysfunction of American-style democracy – the Capitol riot that shocked the world, the death of George Floyd that sparked mass protests, the tragic mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the harsh reality of the rich becoming richer and the poor poorer – is a fact that cannot be masked by holding so-called democracy summits.

Surveys show that 72 per cent of Americans believe that democracy in the United States has not been a good example for others to follow in recent years, and 81 per cent of Americans believe there are grave domestic threats to the future of American democracy.

After all the coups and killings of our leaders the United States has carried out against us, we don’t need to be schooled by them about good governance, rule of law, and human rights. Moreover, a country’s path to democracy should be chosen independently by its own people, rather than imposed from outside.
As a common value of humanity, democracy is the right of people in all countries. It is not a prerogative of a small number of countries. Whether a country is democratic or not should be decided by its own people, not by a handful of finger-pointing outsiders.

Stoking division and confrontation in the name of democracy is to backpedal in history, and will bring nothing but turmoil and disaster to the world.
For a long time, the United States has been imposing its political system and values on others, pushing for so-called “democratic reforms”, abusing unilateral sanctions, and inciting “color revolutions”, with disastrous consequences.

Democracy has become a “weapon of mass destruction” used by the United States to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

Since 2001, the wars and military operations waged by the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, caused millions of injuries, and displaced tens of millions of people. The fiasco in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya has shown that imposing American democracy on others simply does not work. The United States is still trying to divide the world into “democratic” and “non-democratic” camps based on its criteria, and openly provokes division and confrontation. Such practices will only bring greater turmoil and disaster to the world.

Facing the impact of COVID-19 and major changes unseen in a century, countries have become more interconnected and interdependent. The international community needs more than ever to strengthen solidarity and cooperation based on the norms governing international relations represented by the United Nations Charter.

We don’t need American democracy summits. The United States has nothing to teach us, and the world, about democracy!

There is need for all stakeholders to play an active role in combating the negative effects of climate change

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There is need for all stakeholders to play an active role in combating the negative effects of climate change

The government has reiterated the need for concerted efforts in combating the negative effects of climate change. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, says there is need for all stakeholders to play an active role in ensuring that there is intensified mitigation and adoption efforts in addressing climate change.

Mr Nzovu was speaking in Lusaka today when he unveiled the first electric vehicle sponsored by Zanaco Bank for its ‘Save and Win’ competition.

He explained that government has prioritised the promotion of the green economy agenda as a sustainable way of harnessing the shift to renewable energy source in all sectors.

“As we have heard from the Zanaco, it is now time for us to make concerted efforts at protecting, preserving and rehabilitating our country’s environment so as to systemically mitigate the effects of the climate change, in line with the new dawn administration’s objective of making green growth as a major driving engine for sustainable development,” he said.

Mr Nzovu further noted that the initiative by Zanaco will greatly support the energy transition that government has embarked upon especially that Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have signed an agreement to manufacture electric car batteries.

The minister has since encouraged stakeholders to also embrace value addition on the local raw materials in order for the country to leverage on the abundant natural resources.

Mr Nzovu added that doing so will help reduce the increasing threats of climate change on habitat and environment.

And Zanaco Bank Chief Risk Credit Officer, Kalengo Simukoko, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supplement government’s effort in addressing the negative effects of climate change on the country’s social and economic sectors.

Mr Simukoko explained that to this effect, Zanaco has devised plans to drive a sustainable agenda of reducing carbon emissions on the environment by introducing electric vehicles.

“As a bank, we want to be socially inclusive, environmentally accountable and well governed with statistics that indicate that typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year,” he stated.

The winner of the electric vehicle will be drawn from eligible customers who would have maintained the required minimum bank balances from 15th August 2022 to 31st July 2023.

Financers of climate change programmes urged to release funds timely

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Financers of climate change programmes urged to release funds timely

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has called on the developed world and multilateral climate financing institutions to be timely and predictable when financing climate change programmes.

Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, John Msimuko, said timely and predictable financial flows to Zambia and other African countries will enable attainment of nationally determined contribution (NDC) commitments.

According to a press statement issued to the media today by Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Senior Communications Officer, Chibaula Silwamba, Mr Msimuko was speaking at the ongoing Africa Knowledge Exchange event hosted by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

He said climate change has had a negative impact on Zambia’s development goals and government’s efforts to address the challenges.

“We have enshrined our climate response into high level national documents such as the national policy on climate change and the eighth national development plan which has a dedicated development pillar focusing on environmental sustainability,” Mr Msimuko said.

Mr Msimuko also informed the meeting that Zambia is developing a national green growth strategy which is expected to steer the country to a fully-fledged low carbon and socially inclusive green economy within the next few years.

Zambia is the leading beneficiary in the CIF’s recently launched Nature, People and Climate (NPC) programme through a country specific award and a regional project which includes Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tanzania.

Over the past 10 years, the CIFs has provided more than US$90 million to the government of Zambia to implement projects in adaptation and resilience as well as technical assistance in the development of investment plans for CIF’s Forest Investment Programme (FIP) and the Scaling Renewable Energy Programme (SREP).

Zambia to host Land-Linked Conference, Exhibition

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Zambia to host Land-Linked Conference, Exhibition

Government has urged stakeholders in the transport sector to participate in the 2023 Land-Linked Zambia Conference and Exhibition, slated for 23rd to 24th March 2023 in Lusaka.

Ministry of Transport and Logistics Permanent Secretary, Fredrick Mwalusaka, says the Land-Linked Conference and Exhibition will enable Zambia to have a valuable platform for stakeholders’ engagement in the region.

Mr Mwalusaka adds that the conference will attract a number of participants in the transport sector from African countries such as the National Transport Agency from Angola and Walvis Bay Port authorities from Namibia among others.

He was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today.

Mr Mwalusaka pointed out that there is a consensus in the region on Zambia’s unique positioning as the economic gateway for the region.

“The Land-Linked position of Zambia has the potential to lead the country to having a transport and logistics network that meets the needs of all,” he said.

He further said tripartite regions of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Royal African Company (RAC) have significant trade and can also leverage on the African continental free trade area to further enhance trade in the region.

“I am pleased to report the significant progress made in preparing for the event, which will attract a number of participants in the transport sector from regional countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania and Namibia,” he said.

And Africast Chief Executive Officer, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, said his organisation has identified the opportunity in a local platform of engagement that brought together stakeholders with an intermodal approach to development.

Mr Nyirenda explained that the Land-Linked Zambia Conference and Exhibition is a localisation of the transport sector events that have grown in demand across the globe owing to the economic prowess of the sector in the countries that have invested appropriately.

“Through our partnership with the government, we were able to host over four hundred participants last year, and the forthcoming second edition will attract about seven countries in Africa region,” he said.

The Land-Linked Zambia Conference and Exhibition this year is themed: ‘Leveraging on the Impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area for African Transport Industry focusing on the intra-Africa movement of goods and people’.

President Hichilema implores youths to exhibit responsible behaviour

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President Hichilema implores youths to exhibit responsible behaviour

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged youths to refrain from illicit sexual behaviour, alcohol, drug and social media abuse.

President Hichilema said young people should instead be agents of national development.

Speaking in Lusaka today when he officiated at the national youth indaba ahead of Youth Day which falls on Sunday, March 12, the President told the youths to use social media for productive activities.

President Hichilema said youths should also desist from lawless activities such as destroying public property.

“Be the agents of law and order. Do not allow anyone to make you damage property that belongs to someone else,” President Hichilema said.

The President also called on youths to develop a mindset of entrepreneurship.

Mr Hichilema said it is not possible for all the youths to be employed in formal employment.

The Head of State further said government has embarked on different programmes that are aimed at improving the livelihood of youths.

He said various empowerment programmes have been tailored around developing the youthful populace.

“Your government is working to provide opportunities. The opportunities we are working on are there to support the realisation of your dreams,” he said.

President Hichilema said youths should drive the agenda to change the work culture in the country.

He added that the youthful citizens are significant in the development of the country.

“You are an important part of this country. You are not tools of political violence, you are tools of development for the country,” Mr Hichilema said.

The President further said his administration is in the process of recruiting men and women in uniform with the youths being prioritised for the exercise.

He also added that government has been deliberate in the manner it is delivering development to the youths.

Mr Hichilema cited the free education policy, which he said people did not initially believe, as one of the programmes aimed at fostering development among young people.

“These interventions are deliberate, they are not by chance. 20 months ago no one believed that we could deliver free education to the country,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, disclosed that the indaba attracted about 2,000 youths from all the 156 constituencies in the country.

And a youth representative, Chishimba Kaluba, expressed gratitude that the President found time to grace the indaba.

Promote digital technology among women in rural areas

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Promote digital technology among women in rural areas

Masaiti District Commissioner, Ennie Matutu has stressed the need to promote digital technology participation among women in rural areas.

Ms. Matutu says this will help to remove the digital gender divide existing among women and girls in remote and rural areas.

The District Commissioner said the call for the removal of digital divide will see vulnerable women and girls benefit equitably from the digital and technological innovations for their improved livelihoods.

Ms. Matutu says women in the rural areas can be innovators and also contribute to transforming the district through digital technologies.

The District Commissioner also emphasized on the need to celebrate women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

She has, however called on the protection of women and girls against online Gender Based Violence such as cyber bullying, sexual harassment, trafficking and gross breaches of privacy.

And representing the women in Masaiti, District Education Board Secretary (DESO) Catherine Kunda says this year’s women’s day theme dubbed “Digital Innovation and Technology for gender equality” is timely as the world has become highly digital.

Mrs. Kunda underscored the fact that people come from different backgrounds and cultures and hence the need for inclusion and belonging for women and girls.

She has commended government for creating various platforms and programs aimed at ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind when it comes to digital innovation and technology.

Mrs. Kunda has implored women in Masaiti to take up the responsibility of ensuring they participate in activities that embrace digital innovation and technology.

Fred M’membe Criticizes US Democracy Conference in Zambia, Calls for Focus on Ending Conflict in Ukraine

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Fred M’membe Criticizes US Democracy Conference in Zambia, Calls for Focus on Ending Conflict in Ukraine

Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe has issued a scathing statement criticizing the upcoming Democracy Conference in Zambia, which is being hosted by the United States at the end of this month. M’membe argues that the US has no right to lecture other countries on democracy given its history of interfering in other nations’ affairs and rigging elections.

“The United States will hold its so-called Democracy Conference in Zambia at the end of this month. But what for? What can the United States, a country that that has initiated so many coups in Africa and other parts of the world, killed so many of our leaders and helped rig elections in many countries, teach us about democracy and elections? Its own elections are being disputed!” M’membe said in the statement.

M’membe also argues that the conflict in Ukraine has exposed the hypocrisy of the West, which is quick to condemn Russia’s actions while ignoring its own “more devastating crimes” in places like Vietnam, Grenada, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. He also notes the West’s support for Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and the Golan Heights and its brutal blockade of Gaza.

“Those who are also aware that the United States has manipulated Ukrainian domestic politics since it promoted regime change in 2014 to antagonize Russia, will not be surprised that those who claim to defend freedom are being questioned by an increasingly cynical public suspicious of their own governments’ motives. Anti-war rallies have just begun in Europe and are likely to spread around the world,” M’membe said.

M’membe also calls for an end to the conflict in Ukraine and for the US to stop manipulating Ukrainian politics to antagonize Russia. “Let them leave us alone and focus on ending the conflict they provoked and are fuelling in Ukraine. And clearly, whatever they say, whatever they do, Ukraine is heading for military defeat and will never be the same. The contortions that will be needed to explain Ukraine’s impending defeat will be something to behold,” he said.

M’membe’s statement has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising him for speaking out against Western hypocrisy and interference in other countries’ affairs, while others criticize him for downplaying Russia’s role in the conflict in Ukraine and for ignoring the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

“I completely agree with M’membe. The United States has no right to lecture other countries on democracy when they have a history of interfering in other nations’ affairs and rigging elections. The Democracy Conference in Zambia is a farce,” said one Zambian citizen.

However, others disagreed with M’membe’s statement, arguing that it ignores the suffering of the Ukrainian people and downplays Russia’s role in the conflict.

“Russia has invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea. The conflict in Ukraine is not just a result of US interference, it’s a result of Russian aggression. M’membe’s statement completely ignores the suffering of the Ukrainian people,” said a Ukrainian citizen.

The Democracy Conference in Zambia is expected to go ahead as planned, with representatives from various countries expected to attend.

Public Protector Zambia calls for establishment of more Mental Hospitals to decongest Chainama

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Public Protector Zambia calls for establishment of more Mental Hospitals to decongest Chainama

The Public Protector Zambia has called upon government to establish more mental hospitals across the country to decongestant Chainama Mental Hospital.

Public Protector Caroline Sokoni said this in a speech read on her behalf by Public Protector Chief administrator Kebby Hakalima when they conducted a cleaning exercise at the hospital as part of commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day.

Ms. Sokoni noted that women are at risk of being exposed to mental breakdown due to factors such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse and harsh economic challenges.

She has called upon cooperating partners to come on board in helping Chainama Mental Hospital address the challenges it is facing in order for the hospital to offer quality mental health services to the members of the public.

Chainama Mental Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Margaret Chibowa thanked the Office of the Public Protector for taking a lead in recognizing the critical role the hospital plays in offering mental health services.

Dr. Chibowa said that the infrastructure at the hospital requires urgent modernisation as it has not had a facelift since its establishment.

“The hospital has also seen an increase in the number of activities in its premises such as establishment of a university which has put pressure on the water reticulation and sewer system,” Dr. Chibowa said.

She said Chainama Hospital was established in 1962 to carter for only 500 patients but that the population has since increased to above 15,000.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sokoni expressed concern at the discrimination people with disabilities face when accessing services from public institutions.

She had since urged public institutions and officials to be inclusive and offer quality services to members of the public regardless of their status.

“The institution stands ready to move in and deal with any public official or institution that engages in any form of maladministration such as discrimination in line with the law which mandates the office of the public protector to offer added protection to vulnerable groups in society such as women, children and people with disabilities,” she warned.

The Public Protector office also conducted awareness programmes to sensitise members of staff at the hospital on issues relating to maladministration in public service delivery.

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