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Some opposition Members of Parliament have advised the ruling Patriotic Front to allow President Sata to rest.
They say allowing a frail, pale looking President Sata with a cracking voice to officially open Parliament is unfair on his health.
They observed that President Sata failed to complete reading his speech because he was clearly unwell.
The MPs spoke to Journalists at Parliament buildings shortly after President Sata opened Parliament Friday afternoon.
MMD National Chairman Kabinga Pande strongly condemned the ruling PF for mismanaging the health of President Sata saying the PF is heartless.
“These people (the PF) are being unfair to President Sata. I felt touched over his state. We all know him, that is not the President we know. I feel the people in PF are heartless to even allow him to attempt to read such a long speech. He is a human being like all of us and we should feel for him. He is unwell,” Mr Pande said.
“I don’t blame the President, I blame the people that manage the President. They are answerable to the people of Zambia,” he said.
And UPND Senanga MP Likando Mufalali blamed Cabinet for bring Mr Sata in poor state to Parliament.
“I could hardly hear what he was attempting to say. I got nothing from his speech. I expected cabinet to be fair and not bring here to the House. Cabinet has not been to the man, that is all I can say. It is not fair,” Mr Mufalali said.
And UPND Katuba MP Jonas Shakafuswa said he listening to President Sata struggle to read his speech reminded him of the time he used to mock late President Levy Mwanawasa over his illness.
“I couldn’t help but remember the mocking he made Mwanawasa go through but the good thing is that I forgive him. He is clearly unwell because I was the one who reminded him that he had no officially opened Parliament, he was almost leaving the House without declaring Parliament officially opened until I shouted at him that he had not officially opened,” Mr Shakafuswa said.
Mr Shakafuswa said, “I think it is irresponsible for the PF to bring him in such a poor state. They should have waited for him to get better. I think it is inhuman and this shows the levels of desperation that the PF has to cling to power which is slowly slipping away from them.”
MMD Kasenengwa declared that President Sata delivered an empty speech.
“I’m disappointed he could come here and just crack jokes when the people of Kasenengwa wanted to hear his vision for the rural areas and he clearly struggled to read. They should allow him to step aside and rest,” Ms. Kasenengwa said.
Meanwhile, Rufunsa MMD MP Kenneth Chipungu advised the PF to stop exposing President Sata to the public in his current state.
“The party should withdraw him from the public. He is clearly unwell but they are pushing him. Most importantly, the PF must start looking for a successor to replace President Sata,” Mr Chipungu said.
He added, “The PF must learn from what happened when Mwanawasa died. It is unfortunate that Levy (Mwanawasa) died and he died abroad and we were not ready as a nation but for the PF, they have time to prepare. Now everybody can see what is happening, you can see the trend and it is not good.
Zambia brace for late Saturday afternoon to know if they have won the right to host the 2019 AFCON.
On Friday, FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya including representatives from the four other contenders were all accorded a 30 minute final presentation of their respective bids before they were put to a vote at the 2014 CAF annual general meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Zambia is in a race for the 2019 tournament against Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Algeria and Cameroon.
But unlike Zambia, the other four nations have also hedged their bids for the 2021 tournament.
However, there is speculation that Zambia’s bid could be hit by a technicality after the Cosafa zone “unofficially exhausted” its hosting quota this decade when South Africa and Angola hosted the event in 2013 and 2010 respectively.
A Cameroon bid is highly favoured to win as West Africa have hosted the tournament once so far in 2012 when Equatorial Guinea and Gabon were joint hosts.
However, should a decision go against Zambia it would be very unfair for the Cosafa zone nations who have finally began to show their financial prowess to host the Africa Cup after years of domination by West and North Africa.
Moreover, the Cosafa zone did not host any AFCON tournament in the last decade that saw West Africa host three out of the five finals held between 2000 and 2008.
Ghana and Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 finals, Mali staged the 2002 event.
Ghana again made a successful solo bid for the 2008 after Tunisia and Egypt had hosted in the 2004 and 2006 AFCON’s respectively.
Zambia is seeking a second successful bid since 1988 when they withdrew as hosts due to financial problems.
Zanaco and Power Dynamos return to league action on Saturday following their 2014 Barclays Cup quarterfinals exits last weekend.
FAZ Super Division leaders Zanaco will be on the road in Ndola while second placed Power are home in Kitwe.
Zanaco will be in action in a lunchtime kick off against 13th placed Indeni in a Week 24 doubleheader at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Indeni come into the match unbeaten at home in their last two games in which they have picked up two draws.
They host Zanaco seeking some revenge after the latter beat them 4-0 in the first leg meeting on May 17 at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
Zanaco on the other hand are seeking to extend their one point gap at the top of the table following their return to the summit when FAZ awarded the three points for their abandoned away match against Kabwe Warriors on September 7.
Zanaco have 47 points while Power, who host seventh placed National Assembly at Arthur Davies Stadium, have 46 points.
Power head into the match seeking its third straight league win, a result that could see them reclaim top spot if Zanaco draw at Indeni or stay put if the latter falls to their guest.
Assembly and Power finished scoreless in the first leg meeting in Lusaka last May.
Elsewhere on Saturday, third placed Zesco United host Green Eagles in a grudge match at Levy Stadium.
Eagles were the first team to beat Zesco this season in the league after shocking them 3-1 last May in Choma.
And in Saturday’s other fixtures, Green Buffaloes await Konkola Blades at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka while Kabwe Warriors host Nakambala Leopards across town at Sunset Stadium.
Warriors will play their remain home games in Lusaka at Sunset after FAZ banned them from playing in Kabwe following three abandoned games this season at Godfrey “Ucar” Chitalu Stadium.
FAZ says it is government’s responsibility to decide whether or not Zambia can partner with Zimbabwe to jointly bid to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Zimbabwe is reported to have approached Zambia over the possibility of the two nations putting up a joint bid to host the 2017 Africa Cup.
But FAZ General secretary George Kasengele said that government has not yet taken its position on the proposal made by the Zimbabwean Football Association (ZIFA) on this matter.
Kasengele said FAZ has no say on the proposal made by ZIFA.
He however stressed that Zambia’s bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations may make it impossible for Zambia to jointly bid to co- host the 2017 Africa Cup with Zimbabwe.
“It’s not for us to decide but government and as you know we are bidding to host the 2019 Africa Cup,” Kasengele said.
President Sata with Dr Kaseba during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
This morning President Sata gave the much anticipated speech at the opening of the fourth session of the eleventh National Assembly.
President Michael Sata advised all Zambians to divorce partisan and personal interests from the constitution making process in order for them to ensure that they leave a credible legacy for many generations to come.
The President reported that government has received the draft constitution and is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action.
He stressed that government remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance which he said were fundamental to creating, securing and maintaining a just Zambia.
Mr. Sata said this was why government embarked on a review of the country’s legal and justice system, which began with the constitution.
And President Sata said the prevalence of gender based violence (GBV) is unacceptable, adding that child pregnancies and early marriages remain a challenge in the country.
He said government will continue to put in place stringent measures to protect women and children from all forms of abuse.
He said government has appointed and maintained a high number of women in leadership and decision making positions to ensure gender equity in the development process.
The President has since encouraged the womenfolk to stand up and be counted, saying there was still room for their participation in the leadership of the country.
Meanwhile, the Head of State disclosed that all the 32 newly created districts have now been fully operationalized.
He said the construction of infrastructure has started in five of the districts, including the upgrading of infrastructure in Choma and Chinsali as new provincial headquarters of Southern and Muchinga provinces respectively.
Mr. Sata added that construction of district offices and other infrastructure in the remaining 27 districts will commence before the end of the year.
He said government remains committed to improving the standard of living of the people in rural areas by accelerating service delivery.
Zambia Air Force planes fly over Parliamnet building at the official opening
2.
Painted dancers entertain invited guests at Parliament grounds
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Some of the Golden jubilee of Independence posters that were used to decorate parliament grounds during the official opening ceremony.
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A Patriotic Front choir sings party songs at the official opening of Parliament
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Traditional dancers in action at Parliament grounds
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Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda (left) leads members of the judiciary on arrival at the official opening of parliament
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Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata leads a procession of civic leaders into Parliament.
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Military personnel perform a match past and fly past at Parliament.
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President Michael Sata’s official vehicle on arrival at Parliament grounds
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President Sata greets service Chiefs as First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba looks on on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets service Chiefs as First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba looks on on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata being welcomed by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata being welcomed by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets service Chiefs as First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba looks on on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets police officers on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets police officers on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets police officers on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets police officers on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata being welcomed by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Vice President Guy Scott is welcomed by Deputy Skeaker of the National Assembly Mkondo Lungu when he arrived at Parliament.
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President Sata greets service Chiefs as First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba looks on on arrival at the National Assembly of Zambia for the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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Military personnel march past President Michael Sata (not in picture) at the official opening of Parliament.
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata inspects a guard of honour during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata at the National Assembly of Zambia during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Michael Sata inspects a guard of honour at Parliament grounds in Lusaka
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President Michael Sata inspects a guard of honour at Parliament grounds in Lusaka
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President Michael Sata walks hand in hand with First Lady Christine Kaseba (left) as Speaker of the National assembly Patrick Matibini (right) looks on when he arrived at Parliament grounds
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President Michael Sata walks hand in hand with First Lady Christine Kaseba (left) as Speaker of the National assembly Patrick Matibini (right) looks on when he arrived at Parliament groundsPresident Sata with Dr Kaseba during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets deputy speaker of the Natiional Assembly Mkhondo Lungu during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
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President Sata greets the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini during the opening of parliament on September 19, 2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Government barred private media both local and international from covering President Michael Sata as he officially opened the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly.Drama characterized the opening parliament as Journalists from various private media houses were barred from covering the President from the Press Gallery as per normal practice but instead they were bundled in the Press Room about 300 metres from the Chambers forcing them to watch the event on TV instead an act that has never happened in Zambia’s 50 years history.
Only eight journalists from State owned media houses had been accredited by the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) to be in the Press gallery and the chamber.
The media houses allowed were Daily Mail, Times of Zambia, Post Newspaper, ZNBC and ZANIS.Some named reporters complained that it was unfair for the Clerk of the National Assembly Doris Mwinga to deny them access to the Chambers considering that public Media Houses were allowed in side.
They complained that it was frustrating to work in such an environment in this day and age like the country was still under colonial rule.
The Journalists have since demanded for an explanation as to why they had to be subjected to watching the event contrary to the usual practice of all Journalists, regardless of the media house, covering the event from inside the chambers.
Some suspected that the President was not enjoying good health and private media institutions could categorically write about it if they saw him in close range.
“We know why these people are treating us like this; its because of the health of the president but why should they deny as access to chambers what is that going to do? Make him fine?
“Its a shame that institutions which are suppose to be in the forefront in promoting access to information as well as a more open society are the ones stifling it.
“Its shocking indeed that the private media have been denied entry inside the house. This is the first time I have seen things happen in this manner and I have been covering parliament for the past 20 years. Are we in the colonial era?
Meanwhile the frail looking president labored walking the entire length of stairs to the national assembly building.His voice devoid of its usual strength, the president failed to read the entire speech but instead left with the clerk of the national assembly. The speech was delivered in approximately 30minutes.
MISA Zambia has noted with sadness the sudden and retrogressive decision by the Government to block out some media houses from covering the opening of Parliament today.
MISA Zambia chairperson Hellen Mwale said the decision to bar journalists from private media houses was not only an insult but also amounts to undressing the so called democracy before a global audience.
Ms Mwale said MISA was appealing to whoever was behind the shameful act to rescind their decision.
“Above all our main appeal is to President Sata himself to issue a directive to counter this archaic, barbaric and shameful act. We want to put it to the attention of the Clerk of the National Assembly and her collaborators that Parliament is not a private institution but a public institution which is composed of elected and not appointed people’s representatives,” she said.
President Michael Sata officially this morning opened the fourth session of the eleventh National Assembly this morning.
President Sata who was accompanied to Parliament by First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba earlier inspected a full guard of honor mounted by the Zambia army second battalion.
The Full Prepared speech
Mr. Speaker,
Iam privileged and honoured today to be with you and the members of parliament on this important day of our national calendar to officially open the fourth session of the eleventh national assembly. It is now three years since the patriotic front government took office, and there are only two years before the next elections.
In the circumstances, Mr. Speaker, my address this morning will be in two parts, the first being the highlights of the Patriotic Front‘s government development programmes to date, its challenges and the way forward, whilst the second part will deal with details and statistics of these programmes and the way forward, which second part i will lay on the table for consideration by the Hon Members and ultimately for consideration by the public.
Mr. Speaker,
This session of parliament comes at a time when our country will be celebrating fifty years of independence on 24th October this year. I am glad that such a momentous and historic occasion is coming when the Patriotic Front has the privilege of governing this great nation. It is my hope that the golden jubilee celebrations provide an opportunity for the people of Zambia to reflect on where we are coming from and plan where we want Zambia to be in the next 50 years.
Mr. Speaker,
It is sad to note that on 2nd December 2013, this house lost honourable Dr. Patrick Dwewa Anthony Chikusu, who was member of Parliament for Katuba constituency and Deputy Minister of Health. May his soul rest in peace.
Mr. Speaker,
That said, allow me to convey my congratulations to the seven newly elected Members of Parliament. I am certain that you will discharge your responsibilities in this regard sensitive to the important messages communicated by our people to all of us as we campaigned for their votes.
Mr. Speaker,
Zambia has posted strong indicators of progress in the political, economic and social spheres under the leadership of the patriotic front government. These achievements have been made possible because of our enduring unity, peace and stability. For this, we must be thankful to the almighty god.
Mr. Speaker,
During the last session, the house dealt with matters of great importance affecting the welfare of our people. Members of this august house ably considered and passed legislation and debated on serious and at times delicate matters of national importance in a way which upheld transparency, accountability and good governance. I urge this august house to continue fulfilling its legislative and oversight responsibility to the Zambian people.
Mr. Speaker,
This August House will recall that in my address during the first session of the eleventh national assembly, I committed our government to move this country forward decisively towards the eradication of poverty and under development.
Our government is firmly of the view that meaningful economic transformation is fundamental to our collective prosperity as a nation. Indeed, the country has continued to post robust economic growth in excess of 6 percent since the patriotic front assumed office.
Mr. Speaker,
The honourable minister of Finance will in the next few weeks bring to this August house the national budget proposals for 2015. The budget address will highlight the performance of our economy in relation to both regional and international developments and show how these have impacted on the standard of living of our people. I, therefore urge you honourable members of parliament to support this progressive national budget.
Mr. Speaker,
To increase fiscal space for infrastructure development government approved the transfer of functions of the public private partnership (PPP) unit to the Zambia development agency to facilitate the merger of the two institutions. I therefore direct the ministers responsible for finance and commerce, trade and industry to fully realise the merger in order to optimally use PPP to attract investment in infrastructure projects and hence promote economic development.
Mr. Speaker,
Education and skills development are key to our overall goal of achieving accelerated national development. I am, therefore, happy to report to this august house on a number of successes that government has scored in this sector since assuming office.
Mr. Speaker,
To improve access to and quality of education, government has completed construction of 41 of the 84 targeted secondary schools representing 49 percent completion rate within a short space of time, while the remaining 43 schools are at various stages of construction.
Mr. Speaker,
In my address, to this house last year, I re-affirmed government’s commitment to establishing at least one University in each of the ten provinces. Let me state that construction works are on-going at Robert Makasa, Paul Mushindo and Palabana Universities. As regards, Chalimbana, Mukuba and Kwame Nkhrumah Universities, additional infrastructure is being put in place.
I therefore direct the minister to accelerate the construction of this infrastructure and start the process to operationalise these institutions in the shortest possible time.
Furthermore, to address the critical shortage of student accommodation in institutions of higher learning, government has embarked on a programme to construct 4,160 bed-space student hostels at the university of Zambia, 3,200 for the copperbelt university, 1,280 for Mulungushi university and 960 bed spaces at the Evelyn hone college of applied arts and commerce. The construction is being done under the framework of direct budget support and public private partnership.
Mr. Speaker,
Access to quality health services by all our people remains the cornerstone of this government’s health policy.
In line with this policy, government has continued to increase availability of health frontline staff, health infrastructure, drugs and other medical supplies and equipment.
Mr. Speaker,
To mitigate the shortage of skilled health personnel, government has been rehabilitating and constructing training institutions. To this effect, two new training institutions are under construction in senanga and lusaka at levy mwanawasa general hospital.
In addition, 27 health training institutions country-wide are under rehabilitation and expansion. These works, when completed, will increase the health institution training capacity by 4,500 students bringing the total to 10,000. This includes the 3,000 student capacity health training facility at levy Mwanawasa general hospital.
Mr. Speaker,
I am delighted to inform the house that the construction of the 650 health posts has started and is expected to be completed by 2016. In the area of district hospitals, government has since 2011 commissioned five district hospitals in lufwanyama, chadiza, chiengi, nakonde and shangombo. In addition, 30 district hospitals are under construction in various parts of the country. By the end of this year, government will embark on the construction of an additional eight district hospitals in mafinga, ikelenge, nalolo, limulunga, vubwi, mansa, mufulira and chilubi.
Mr. Speaker,
Government is implementing the modernization and upgrading programme aimed at improving the quality of health care and reducing referrals abroad.
I am glad to inform the house that apart from the new construction works, government has procured and installed modern and specialized medical equipment at the university teaching hospital, kitwe and ndola central hospitals, and Livingstone general hospital. The programme will be extended to all the 10 provinces.
Mr. Speaker,
Government has also made progress in decentralising the operations of medical stores limited in order to ensure timely and efficient delivery of medicines and medical supplies across the country. To this effect, government decided to establish six regional hubs for medical stores ltd.
So far, two regional hubs are fully operational, one in chipata and the other in choma, while the mongu hub will be operational before the end of this year. Mr. Speaker,
Having made some progress in the development of health services in the last three years, i further wish to direct the ministers of health and community development, mother and child health to focus on four measurable outcomes: a radical reduction in deaths of mothers in pregnancy and child birth; elimination of malaria; elimination of mother to child transmission of hiv; and elimination of stock outs in the supply of drugs to health care institutions.
Mr. Speaker,
Agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. Government’s strategic focus in the agriculture sector is to achieve food security, promote crop diversification, as well as increase productivity and value addition.
In the crop sub-sector, we continue to register significant growth. This year, we achieved a record maize harvest of 3.4 million metric tonnes. This is due to the enabling policies of the government, the hard work of our farmers and favourable weather conditions.
Government continues to give priority to national food security by increasing and upgrading storage capacity throughout the country. In this regard, government has invested a total of k108.5 million to upgrade 27 storage sheds with a total storage capacity of 117,000 metric tonnes. Eight of these sheds have been completed whilst 19 will be completed by the end of this year.
Mr. Speaker,
Last year, I informed this August house that government planned to bring 17,500 hectares under irrigation for small and medium scale farmers by 2016. Further, i stated that out of this target, 4,500 hectares had been brought under irrigation. This year, an additional 7,000 hectares have been brought under irrigation bringing the total to 11,500 hectares. I therefore direct the minister responsible to cover the remaining 6,000 hectares before the end of next year.
Mr. Speaker,
The patriotic front government is committed to decentralisation as a way of bringing services closer to the people and creating employment. I am glad to inform this august house that, in 2015, government will empower councils with additional financial resources needed to deliver local services effectively.
This is an initial step in operationalising the decentralisation policy which i launched in 2013. To this end, a local government equalization fund will be established to provide a solid base for further devolution.
I want to direct the ministers of finance and local government to develop an effective mechanism of ensuring a predictable, stable and sustainable source of funds for local development and delivery of municipal services.
Mr. Speaker,
Government is committed to ensuring that all citizens have quality and affordable housing. To this end, we are working to resolve the housing deficit through a number of measures. Firstly, we have recapitalized the zambia national building society with an equity contribution of k165 million.
This will enable more of our people to access affordable housing credit. Secondly, we are working with the private sector in closing the housing deficit through public private partnerships.
Mr. Speaker,
Government remains committed to improving the standard of living of our people in rural areas by accelerating service delivery. Iam happy to report that all the 32 newly created districts have now been operationalised.
Construction of infrastructure has started in five of these districts, including the upgrading of infrastructure in choma and chinsali as new provincial headquarters of southern and muchinga provinces respectively, while construction of district offices and other infrastructure in the remaining 27 districts will commence before the end of the year.
Mr. Speaker,
Government has continued implementing the rural electrification programme which is now mainly focusing on new districts. In this regard, sioma and nkeyema in western province have already been electrified while works to connect nalolo, luampa and sikongo are on-going. Government also plans to connect other areas to the national grid. These include shangombo, luangwa, rufunsa, chama and lundazi districts, which are currently supplied by diesel generated power.
Mr. Speaker,
During my last address to this house, i stated that government had undertaken consultations with various stakeholders on the introduction of legislation that would govern customary land.
I now wish to inform this house that the customary land administration bill has been drafted and will be tabled before this house in 2015. Once the legislation is enacted, it will ensure that the interests of local people in the rural farming communities are protected and promoted as well as improve the possibilities for better economic utilisation of land.
Mr. Speaker,
Despite continuing improvements in the capacity of the economy to create new jobs, the issue of unemployment remains one of our major challenges. In this regard, government has adopted an industrialisation and job creation strategy focusing on specific growth sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, construction, creative industries, information technology, metal fabrication, steel production, clothing and textiles.
I am pleased to inform this house that, government has created over 456, 539 formal jobs in various sectors of the economy since 2011.
Mr. Speaker,
The construction sector holds enormous potential for job creation and alleviation of poverty for the majority of Zambians. Since 2011, the sector has created a total of 93, 487 jobs. I wish to direct all the ministries, provinces and spending agencies to ensure that 20 percent sub- contracting and job creation for locals should be part of the evaluation criteria for award of all contracts.
In addition, government will continue to pay particular attention to the further growth of the small and medium business to promote job creation.
Mr. Speaker,
Government is keen to raise the rate of investment in the economy. In the last three years, government attracted a total of 5.2 billion united states dollars in foreign direct investment. This is a clear indication that our country is an attractive investment destination.
Government will, therefore, continue to improve the business environment aimed at attracting more investments into the country.
Mr. Speaker,
Government has finally established the industrial development corporation to oversee and manage the state-owned enterprises, as well as complement private sector investment in strategic areas. Government has also been recapitalizing a number of state owned enterprises for them to run on a commercial basis and contribute to the treasury.
The state owned enterprises recapitalised so far include national savings and credit bank, zambia consolidated copper mines investment holdings, zambia national building society, zambia railways limited and nitrogen chemicals of zambia.
I wish to direct the secretary to the cabinet to operationalise the corporation and ensure that state owned enterprises list on the stock exchange to improve their operations and capital base.
Mr. Speaker,
The country has made significant progress in export diversification. Non-traditional exports now account for 33 percent of total export earnings from 20.9 percent in 2011. The minister of commerce should do more to improve our country’s export performance, focusing on services and manufactured goods.
Mr. Speaker,
Government has continued to place great importance on roads infrastructure development. Progress is being made on all major road projects such as link zambia 8000, pave zambia 2000 and lusaka 400. The link Zambia 8000 project is progressing well with 22 works contracts signed as of july 2014, covering 2,245 kilometers. The major road projects include leopards hill road to chirundu in lusaka province and the kitwe to chingola dual carriageway on the copperbelt.
Other works include the bottom road in southern province, mongu-kalabo in western province, itezhi-tezhi-mumbwa in central province, chipata-chadiza-katete in eastern province, kawambwa-mushota in luapula province, chingola-solwezi road and the mbala-nakonde road.
Completed roads include Kasama-Luwingu in Northern province, Sesheke-Senenga in Western province and Mutanda-Chavuma in North-western province. Under pave zambia 2000, distribution of equipment has been completed in all the 10 provinces. The lusaka 400 project involving construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of roads around the city is in full gear. I therefore direct the ministers of transport and finance to speed up the construction of roads under these projects.
Mr. Speaker,
In the electricity sub-sector, government has continued to implement projects in generation, transmission and distribution. The total generation capacity was 1,669 megawatts in 2011 and this has risen to 2,310 megawatts as of 2014.
The increase is attributed to, among others, completed projects such as the 360 megawatts kariba north bank hydro power extension project and the 50 megawatt ndola heavy fuel oil plant. Progress is also being made to complete the itezhi-tezhi hydro power and mamba thermal power projects, while work is on-going on the kafue gorge lower and lusiwasi hydro power projects.
Mr. Speaker,
Mining continues to play a significant role in the economy as a source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and contribution to the gross domestic product. With regard to copper production, output in 2011 was 667,604 metric tonnes which rose to 697,900 metric tonnes in 2012. Copper production in 2013 stood at 765,037 metric tonnes. Production is expected to reach one million metric tonnes annually by 2017.
Mr. Speaker,
Gemstones have become an important contributor to the growth of the mining sector and the economy since the patriotic front assumed office. In 2011, total gemstones sales stood at 32.4 million united states dollars and this rose to 40.4 million united states dollars in 2012. In 2013, the sales significantly increased to 100.5 million united states dollars. The sharp increase in sales was as a result of the pf government’s initiative to auction emeralds locally.
I therefore direct that the ministry responsible ensures that all small scale miners in the gemstone industry participate in these auctions.
Mr. Speaker,
In recognition of the critical role of the mining industry to the prosperity of our country, i wish to direct the ministers of finance and mines to come up with consistent policies that will guarantee transparency and accountability in the declaration of minerals produced and exported. We need to ensure a win-win situation for both the nation and mining investors.
Mr. Speaker,
Government will continue to promote gender and child development in all its programmes. The prevalence of gender based violence is unacceptable. Further, child pregnancies and early marriages remain a challenge in the country. Government will continue to put in place stringent measures to protect women and children from all forms abuse.
To ensure gender equity in the development process, the pf government has appointed and maintained a high number of our womenfolk in leadership and decision making positions. Let me encourage our womenfolk to stand up and be counted, for there is still room for their participation in the leadership of this country.
Mr. Speaker,
Government remains committed to promoting democracy and good governance. These are fundamental to creating, securing and maintaining a just zambia. Government embarked on a review of our legal and justice system, beginning with the constitution. Let me report that government has received the draft constitution and is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action.
My advice to the zambian people is that let us divorce our partisan and personal interests from this process which we should all ensure is a credible legacy to many generations to come.
Mr. Speaker,
Across the width and breadth of our country, the evidence is there for all to see that zambia is going through an unprecedented record of infrastructure development in health, education, roads, communication, energy and agriculture, among others.
Going forward, the focus of our government for now and beyond will be achieving the necessary rates of economic growth and development by addressing issues of higher rates of investment, job creation, economic restructuring and improved efficiency and productivity, and greater social equity so as to realise the goal ofa better zambia for all. Mr. Speaker,
Before i lay this comprehensive mid-term review report on the table, it is now my honour and privilege to declare the fourth session of the eleventh national assembly officially open.
May God bless you all and our great nation, zambia.
Redwingz” Kasama’s Rap duo bring you their latest single “Ulubansa” that features and is produced by Zero Db Maestro Shom-C.
“Ulubansa” means ‘Our surroundings’ in Bemba and in this instance Redwingz proclaim their are here to clean up the Hip Hop Game “Surroundings” and bring something new to the table.
Redwingz previously released Umuchetekelo with Starn and Thugga. They also featured on Holstar’s Umuntu Ni Grind Yakwe and Al Kan’I’s Untouchables – lookout for more from the promising duo in the near future.
In October 2014, e18hteam, a documentary film about Zambia’s national football team, the Chipolopolo, will be released as part of the 50th Independence celebrations marking the country’s freedom from British colonial rule. This production is a Spanish and Zambian co-production due to the collaboration of writer, director and producer Juan Rodriguez-Briso (Mr.) of Omnicorp Estudio and producer Ngosa Chungu (Ms.) of Purple Tembo Media.
This film tells the story of how the Chipolopolo (the Copper Bullets) managed to triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that was co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in 2012 despite being the underdogs. Captain Christopher Katongo, FAZ President Kalushya Bwalya and Coach Herve Renard are among the narrators who explain this destined win. The documentary also explores how Zambia always had the potential to achieve at the highest level, which is why the 1993 tragedy in Gabon was such a blow to the nation’s spirit. For the Chipolopolo to then go on and win in the very place where so much was lost 18 years and 9 months before, makes for an inspirational story. Even more so because the world has followed the Zambian national team’s journey from tragedy to victory, and included in the film are foreigners who not only empathise, but also tell of similar experiences that mirror what happened to Zambia and the Chipolopolo. e18hteam also features the beloved, late Dennis Liwewe, Zambia’s legendary football commentator, who covered games locally, and internationally for media houses such as the BBC, since the 1960s. He illustrates how football is so much more than a game to the nation, and how it has helped define and unify Zambia as a people despite its ethnic diversity.
The documentary is called e18hteam due to the fact that 18 is a number that recurs throughout the story and it is about the Zambian national football team. 18 Chipolopolo died in 1993. 18 penalties were taken for Zambia to claim victory in 2012. 18 players died in a similar tragedy in Italy that is also explored in the film.
e18hteam preserves a seminal thread in Zambia’s 50 year history and a story that encapsulates what it means to be Zambian, communicating this through the universal languages of football and the movies. This documentary also is a testament to how Europe and Africa have found ways to heal the wounds caused by the friction of colonialism, through collaboration in the form of film and common ground through the power of the beautiful game.
The film is also a celebration of being Proudly Zambian. Musician Pompi has been accommodatingly magnanimous by enabling selection of songs from his entire music library. His music will feature in the official trailer coming out later in September and in the documentary as well.
The dam wall at the Kariba North Bank Power station
SEVERAL Cooperating Partners have responded to a request from the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe to assist with the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam.
The rehabilitation works for the project are estimated to be in excess of US$280 million.
This is according to a press statement released in Livingstone yesterday, Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) Public Relations and Communications Manager Elizabeth Karonga.
Ms Karonga said ZRA, the bi-national organization managing the Zambezi River on behalf of the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, recently hosted representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Union (EU), the Swedish Embassy to Zambia and the World Bank Group (WBG) to finalise preparations in support of the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam.
She said the EU intends to mobilise US$100 million while the WBG and AfDB propose to finance US$75 million each.
Mr Karonga said the Government of Sweden was also considering covering another US$30 million, and the balance would be counterpart funds from ZRA.
The Kariba Dam and Hydro-Electric Scheme (HES) was constructed across the Zambezi River between 1956 and 1959 and it has been central to energy security and supporting economic development in both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
After 50 years of operation serving the Southern African Region, the Kariba Dam now requires rehabilitation works for its continued safe operation.
A failure to invest in the timely rehabilitation of the dam will result in the gradual degradation of key dam safety features to a level below international standards.
Therefore, this rehabilitation project, which represents the culmination of a series of in-depth technical studies over the past few years, is absolutely crucial, and will restore the full safety of the dam.
Speaking at the end of a series of meetings between the Cooperating Partners and officials from the two Governments over the past three weeks, ZRA Chief Executive, Munyaradzi Munodawafa said the outcome of the meetings between the two governments and the Cooperating Partners had been successful.
“A number of issues relating to implementation were discussed which paves the way to ensure the rehabilitation works are adequately funded, “he said.
Welcoming the conclusions of the evaluation meetings by the Cooperating Partners, EU Head of Delegation to Zambia, Gilles Hervio said he was pleased with the progress that had been made so far in the preparatory work.
He said there was need to ensure that the rehabilitation works were done in a timely manner to avert a power deficit in future.
“This illustrates the EU’s resolve to secure and increase access to electricity in Zambia and the Region with the aim of improving the living conditions of the poor and promoting economic development,” he said.
AfDB Country Representative Freddie Kwesiga said he was impressed with the great team work and sense of urgency by the technical teams of the financing institutions and ZRA.
“They have shown that working together among Cooperating Partners can achieve greater development results”.
This rehabilitation is important in that it will also secure an already constrained generation capacity in the southern African region,” Dr Kwesiga said
WBG Country Director Kundhavi Kadiresan said the Bank was pleased that the intensive work that the technical teams had been doing in the last few years were going to bear fruit.
“Reliable power generation is needed to meet the ever increasing demands of the region.
The work between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Kariba rehabilitation has paved the way for further collaboration on harnessing energy sources between the two countries so that transformational changes can be made in the lives of the people in the sub-region,” Dr Kadiresan said.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Zambia Lena Nordström said access to secure and sustainable energy was a key priority for development cooperation in the country.
“The consequences of a dam failure would be a serious setback for efforts to reduce poverty and to the impressive economic development of Zambia in recent years, making swift rehabilitation of the dam is the only available course of action,” she said.
Some medical staff at Livingstone General Hospital in protective clothing preparing to screen delegates coming from West Africa against Ebola
HEALTH Minister Joseph Kasonde has declared Zambia’s readiness to tackle the deadly Ebola virus which is currently ravaging West African countries.
Dr Kasonde said this during the launch of the US$30,000 worth Thermal Scanner donated by AVIC International at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka yesterday.
The minister said Zambia had no reason not to succeed in the fight against Ebola as the country had put the necessary preventive measures in place.
“I think that we can claim that we have what it takes to prevent Ebola becoming a serious issue in Zambia. We have the people, we know that our community is now ready to deal with the situation as it arises,” Dr Kasonde said.
“(It’s) only yesterday when I arrived from Kaputa where they are fully prepared as a community to look after such a situation should it arise. We also have a health system and you have heard over and over again that, above all, it is the health system which must be strong enough to control or prevent such a condition.”
Dr Kasonde said Zambia was benefiting from China in strengthening the health system against the deadly virus, among other conditions.
He also said that the Ebola outbreak had taught Zambia about the importance of disease surveillance, adding that there was need to constantly check what was going on in the country and not waiting until something serious happened.
“I hope that we are going to strengthen our own surveillance system so that we will be perpetually in a state of preparedness not only on one occasion,” he said.
Dr Kasonde thanked AVIC International, which he described as a longstanding friend, for the gesture and was hopeful that the collaboration that Zambia and China had been enjoying for 50 years could be strengthened further.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said the donation was worth celebrating as the Thermal Scanner would come in handy in the fight against Ebola and that AVIC International’s gesture was a demonstration of the friendship from the Chinese community in Zambia.
AVIC International civilian representative Xu Fei said the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport donation had brought the total Thermal Scanners donation cost to $60,000 following a similar donation at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has observed that the country has room for improvement in the fight against child marriage.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, the Archbishop who is a renowned child rights campaigner and founder of the Girls not Braids, a global partnership to end child marriage said he is encouraged with the efforts of stakeholders in the fight against child marriages in the country but that there is room for improvement.
Archbishop Tutu said it was encouraging to see stakeholder such as traditional leaders taking a leading role in the fight against the harmful practice something he described as unusual for traditional leaders todo in most societies.
“He explained that in the few days that his entourage has been in the country, they have had meetings with most of the stakeholders who included government officials, Traditional leaders, Civil Society Organisations and Religious Leaders among others and that the commitment was impressive.
“We were pleasantly surprised with the extent of commitment from stakeholders to end child marriages in this beautiful country. We have been surprised unlike what is the usual practice your traditional leaders here are in the forefront of the campaign to end child marriage.
“We met with government personnel and Ministers, Traditional Leaders, Religious Leaders, NGOs and the United Nations agencies and generally I have been impressed with the intensity with which Zambia is tackling this,” Archbishop Tutu said.
The Archbishop added that his entourage also had the chance to meet with victims of child marriages and expressed sadness that some victims were married off before they were physically mature to go into marriage.
He noted that there is need to educate society on the dangers of child marriages and encourage girls to spend more time in school as it is more beneficial to both the families and society at large.
He added that he biggest frustration was the distance that children have to cover between their homes and schools which makes it difficult for them to effectively participate in school activities because they are too tired from the walking something he said is not only happening in Zambia but in South Africa as well.
He implored governments in the continent to invest in education as it is key tool for eradicating poverty which is a major contributor to child marriage.
And speaking at the same function co-founder of Girls not Braids Her Royal Highness Mabel Van Oranje said there is need for an integrated approach in the fight against child marriage.
She noted that with the good works already taking place the country, Zambia can become a global leader if the campaign can be sustained and improved on by the campaigners.
She also called for the empowerment of the girl child as well as implementation of laws that sets a minimum age for marriage.
“Ending child marriage requires a comprehensive approach that includes the empowerment of girls, mobilisation of families and community leaders, provision of services and the harmonisation and implementation of laws that set 18 as the minimum age for marriage.
“Change won’t be easy but if all work together, Zambia can become a global leader in efforts to end child marriage and empower girls,” she said.
COPPERBELT Province Police Commissioner Joyce Kasosa has bemoaned the shortage of accommodation for police offices in the area.
Ms. Kasosa says this was mainly due to some retired police officers’ reluctance to vacate police camp houses on retirement.
She said retired police officers were often refusing to be repatriated with police vehicles and instead opted for repatriation in monetary form which takes long to be secured and in the end results in shortage of houses for serving officers.
ZANIS reports that the provincial police commander said this during a meeting with senior police officers at Kitwe Central police in Kitwe, yesterday.
She added that families of deceased officers in the camps also tended to take long to vacate the police houses which she said further worsen the issue.
Ms Kasosa attributed these tendencies by the retired officers to vacate the camp houses on retirement to lack of preparation.
She said police officers it was unfortunate that most police officers do not venture into building of their own houses in preparation for their retirement.
And Kitwe District Commissioner Elias Kamanga urged the police service to find a solution to the delays by retired officers in leaving camp houses so that serving officers are not inconvenienced.
He said earlier his office will not support the prolonged stay of retired officers or families of deceased officers in the police houses.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Berlin Msiska during the official opening of Chipata domestic taxes offices
Zambia Revenue Authority Commissioner General Berlin Msiska has refuted claims that the Authority operates under the influence and direction politicians.
Speaking during a media workshop in Lusaka yesterday Mr. Msiska said claims that the authority is controlled by politicians are unfounded as the authority is an autonomous body with the mandate to collect revenue on behalf of government.
He noted that the public has continued to accuse the authority of pursuing companies and individuals who are in bad books with government but says the authority has no powers to pursue people for personnel reasons.
He explained that the authority will always considers all technicalities before making follow ups on non-complaint companies and individuals.
He also advised tax payers to always comply with the requirements as regards paying tax as not doing so is more expensive.
Meanwhile Mr. Msiska has denied media reports that the authority was ordered by republican president Micheal Sata not pay back the tax refunds under VAT rule 18.
He said the Authority never received any such latter and has since called on the media to clarify such issues before publishing false information.
He said the media should report any individuals with such information to the authority so that it can have a clear explanation as to were these individuals get such information.
And the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has exceeded its tax collection goal for this year by about K1.7 billion.
Commissioner General Berlin Msiska said ZRA’s performance this year had been above-target as observed from its collections so far.
He said the target in tax collections was K26 billion but so far the organisation had collected more by about K1.7 billion.
“So far we have over-performed by K1.7 billion from the target of K26 billion that we were given. With the remaining months, we are confident that we will collect more money,” he said.
Mr Msiska said that revenue collection over the years at ZRA had been very good.
He, however, bemoaned the fact that many people and organisations in Zambia still submitted incorrect tax returns, adding that the Government and ZRA were doing everything possible to improve the tax base.
Mr Msiska said ZRA would ensure that it upheld its autonomy as it carried out its role.
He appealed to property owners to voluntarily come out in the open and declare their incomes and return the correct taxes to ZRA before being found out.
“As ZRA, we will be very aggressive on this, and people should bear in mind that non-compliance can be very expensive,” he said.
Mr Msiska urged the media to be strong partners with ZRA in ensuring that people paid tax.
