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THE incomplete high-rise building at the junction of Katondo Street and Freedom Way in Lusaka has become a haven of criminal activities.
The 11-storey building on Katondo Street, which has remained an eyesore for more than 25 years, is owned by Royal Lutanda Company Limited.
The structure was built at a cost of K400 million by the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) but efforts to complete the structure over the years have failed.
ZSIC later in 2000 sold the building at K800 million to another developer.
The building poses a danger to the public as it is used as a hideout for criminals and prostitutes while some street vendors sell and store their merchandise in the incomplete structure despite the threat of some blocks falling off the building.
Some traders who use to keep the merchandise in the building complained that the structure was being used for illegal activities.
They said criminals and street kids used the building as a hiding place after stealing from unsuspecting commuters during the evening rush-hour for transport around Stanley Bar.
Lusaka City Council (LCC) has since appealed to Royal Lutanda to develop the structure.
LCC public relations officer Habeenzu Mulunda said in an interview yesterday that Royal Lutanda Company Limited applied to turn the building into a hotel.
“We received the application from that company last year to turn the building into a hotel and permission, with recommendations, was given to the developer,” Mr Mulunda said.
He said the council was concerned that the building had remained in a state of abandonment to date despite the council having given the developer permission to modernise the structure.
He said the council had only raised concerns about parking space if the building was to be turned into a hotel and requested the developer to address that concern before developing it.
Mr Mulunda said the council had over the years attempted to repossess the building but had been finding difficulties in pursuing the owner following frequent changes of ownership of the structure.
“The biggest challenge for the council is that the building has changed hands so many times and there are always new owners, hence making it difficult for the council to make progress with the developers,” he said.
The Zambia Police have warned that it will arrest all party officials found destroying the Electoral Commission of Zambia equipment earmarked to be used for the transmission of election results in Vubwi and Kasenengwa by elections.
MMD President Nevers Mumba had instructed his members to be on the look out and destroy the ECZ equipment after a deadlock on the use of the electronic system.
Dr Mumba had contended that the ECZ is sneaking in the system without reaching consensus with the political parties.
“If you see the ECZ equipment being used, you are free to destroy the equipment because such maneuvers by the ECZ are a danger to the credibility of our elections,” Dr Mumba said.
But Zambia Police Spokesperson Charity Chanda warned that the police will arrest anyone found destroying the equipment.
“I would like to warn to whoever is intending to get involved in destroying this equipment that this is Government property and it is an offence to destroy Government property as Police we are on the ground and we are ready to arrest anyone involved in destruction,” Mrs Chanda said.
She said, “Police will not sit and watch anyone destroy Government property. We have local crack squads that are positioned in all areas where elections are being held and these have been reinforced by officers from our mobile units and paramilitary, in short we are ready for them.”
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has maintained that the electronic system of transmitting election results in Kasenengwa and Vubwi constituencies is a pilot exercise and will not in any way affect the current manual system of collating and declaring election results.
ECZ Public Relations Officer Raphael Phiri said the Commission will not use the results obtained through the electronic system for the declaration of the final election results.
“The Commission will not use the results obtained through the electronic system for the declaration of the final election results rather, the hard copies of the results as announced by Presiding officers at each polling station are those that will be used at the totaling centres by the Returning Officers to collate and declare the final election results,” Mr Phiri said.
He added, “Using an android (smart) cell phone, after the official announcement of the polling station election results, each Presiding officer will capture the image of the signed election results form at each polling station, and transmit the image using the smart phone simultaneously to the constituency totaling center, and the Commission Headquarters in Lusaka.”
Mr Phiri said the pilot exercise is simply intended to determine how quickly the election results can be obtained from polling stations, considering the complaints by stakeholders over delayed election results announcement in the past.
“It should also be noted that this system was used in Katuba during the by-elections in that constituency in February 2014, and by 21:30 hours on poll day, results from 30 out of the 32 polling stations had been received. The Commission would therefore like to allay any fears raised by stakeholders regarding this system of transmitting election results, as it is merely a test to ascertain the efficiency and reliability of the system and has not replaced the current system of collating and declaring election results.”
ZAWA public relations and communications officer Mwila Muliyunda (left) and ZAWA senior Warden Lucizi Mwale (right) pose for a photo with a head of a buffalo inside the Authority’s pavilion yesterday during the ongoing eighth Southern Tourism, Agricultural and Commercial Show Society (STACSS) in Livingstone
The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has with immediate effect dissolved all Community Resource Boards (CRBs) to pave way for new elections.
ZAWA Spokesperson Mwila Readith Muliyunda announced this in a statement adding that the dissolution contained in the government gazette notice no. 545 of 2014, which was released last Friday, is meant to improve operations of CRBs to ensure that they become more responsible in their participation and management of wildlife resources in line with the Wildlife Act.
Elections to reconstitute the CRBs will be conducted by ZAWA in collaboration with District councils, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and local civil servants forming part of the electoral committee.
The elections will be held between September 15 and November15, 2014.
In accordance with the Zambia Wildlife Act, ZAWA works with 74 CRBs in the Game Management Areas (GMAs) and open areas countrywide, based on the Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) model. The CBNRM model provides policy direction on how communities in wildlife areas should be engaged in the management of wildlife and ZAWA committed to the effective implementation of this model.
There is currently an arrangement in place where revenues are equally shared between ZAWA and the communities at a 50 per cent basis. And guidelines have been formulated to ensure that the funds given to CRBs are properly administered and accounted for.
There is however need to ensure that there is significant impact on the economic development of these communities. To ensure this, there are reforms in the CBNRM to among other things, equip CRBs with the necessary capacity to properly administer these funds.
The CRBs will also be held accountable by households through Village Action Groups (VAG) from where they are elected.
Some of these funds will be directed towards the development of wildlife and conservation infrastructure and other developmental projects, as opposed to previously where the money was spent to subsidise other sectors.
ZAWA was in the end subsidising other institutions, at the expense of wildlife infrastructure such as campsites for village scouts and wildlife training facilities for the local community.
Zambia Sugar Plc has announced the resignation of Dr Aubrey Chibumba as Managing Director with effect from 9th September, 2014.
The firm has since appointed Mrs. Rebecca Katowa, currently the Marketing Director of the Company, as the acting Managing Director with effect from the same date.
Zambia Sugar Plc Board has thanked Dr Chibumba for his services to the Company and wished Mrs. Katowa well in her role as acting Managing Director.
Dr Chibumba served as Managing Director and Executive Director of Zambia Sugar Plc since February 1, 2013.
He holds a MSc degree, a MPhil degree and a BEng degree.
He is Chartered Financial Analyst.
He previously served as chief executive officer (CEO) of Scirocco Enterprises Ltd and National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA).
Luanshya District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Rogers Chisenga has observed that most schools in the district were not well insulated with lightening arrestors as they have had the implements stolen.
The observation follows yesterday’s incident in which 12 pupils and three teachers from Luashya Central Secondary School were struck by lightning following unexpected rains that left a trail of destruction.
Mr Chisenga said there is urgent need to source money for the installation and replacement of lightening arresters in all schools in the district to avoid similar future incidences.
He was speaking in Luanshya today when he visited Luanshya Central secondary school to appreciate the extent of damage left by the lengthening which swept through a classroom block.
He noted with regret that most schools in the district were old and that their electrical insulation had grown weak, while in some other schools the installations have been stolen.
Mr Chisenga stated that his office was urgently working towards restoring power and water to the school to ensure adequate preparation of final examinations for Grades 12 and nines.
And school head teacher Chanda Nsofwa said all the 13 pupils were in a stable condition and that some had even reported for school.
He however said the school had engaged the local water utility company to consider opening up a direct connection to the school to avoid disruption of the school calander as examination classes were doing their final preparations.
Meanwhile, Luanshya District Commissioner Harold Mbaulu attributed the incident to poor wiring at the school.
Yesterday, 15 people sustained injuries when lightning struck through a classroom block following unexpected heavy rains that also left a trail of destruction as people were caught unaware.
Business came to a standstill in the central district as traders panicked to secure their merchandise as a heavy down pour surged the district.
Taxi drivers evaded the streets to catch customers who had no choice but to seek refuge from them.
A taxi driver Martin Kaputani said the rains were a blessing as they had boosted business which was until then was slow.
Zambia’s miserable first week of their 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers got from bad to worse after losing 2-1 away to on-fire Cape Verde in Praia on Wednesday night.
The Blue Sharks smelt blood right from the start on Wednesday when Zambia arrived just fourteen hours before the game at 06h00 in the morning following a 48 hour delay due to poor planning over their charter flight for the trip.
Ze Luis put Cape Verde 1-0 into the break in a first half Zambia struggled to find their feet.
And Cape Verdes goal came just 12 minutes after Fortes tormented Zambia’s backline twice in the 16th and 19th minute but some quick action by Nathan Sinkala saved the visitors blushes.
Coach Honour Janza also made two shock early substitutions in the 37th minutes when Chris Katongo came on for Chisamba Lungu and Felix Katongo for Donashano Malama.
However, the strange changes made modest impact in a game Rainford Kalaba carried the burden of a jet-lagged Zambia the entire 90 minutes.
And it was off Kalaba’s threaded pass in the 54th minute that Jacob Mulenga poked across the line to give exhausted Zambia some hope of salvaging a point from their travel ordeal.
However, Ryan Mendes had other ideas and punished Zambia’s now fuel spent defence in the 75th minute after a sweeping one-two with Campos before beating Kennedy Mweene in goals.
Zambia are third in Group F on one point level with bottom placed Niger whom they visit on October 11.
Mozambique are second on two points and they await leaders Cape Verde next month in Maputo.
Cape Verde have maximum six points after two rounds of games played.
The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has commended political parties participating in the 11th September by-election for carrying out peaceful campaigns.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe observed that the peacefulness exhibited during the campaigns is a sign that political stakeholders are committed to eradicating political violence from country’s political scene.
Mr. Cheembe noted that political parties exhibited political maturity by concentrating on addressing issues affecting the people as opposed to attacking each other which should be commended.
“We would like to congratulate all the political parties that are participating in the 11th September, 2014 by-elections. These by-elections will be held in Solwezi Central and Zambezi West constituencies of the North-Western Province of Zambia, in Mkushi in the Central Province of Zambia, and in Vubwi and Kasenengwa constituencies in the Eastern Province of Zambia.
“These by-elections have been characterized by peaceful campaigns which are an indication that political parties are committed to eradicating political violence from the Zambian political scene following the SACCORD/ZCID/FES Political Party Summit. All stakeholders who want peace to continue prevailing in our country should commend the political parties for having exhibited the highest levels of political maturity by focusing on addressing issues that affect people in the various constituencies.”
And Mr. Cheembe has commended the Zambia Police Service for ensuring that peace prevailed during the campaigns and the ECZ for their preparedness in holding the elections.
“SACCORD would also like to commend the Zambia Police Service for having observed the highest levels of professionalism in the five constituencies which is evidenced by few, if any, complaints that have come from all the political contenders.
” The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) also needs to be commended for exhibiting high levels of preparedness in conducting the five by-elections.
“This has been done notwithstanding complaints from some opposition political parties who have received the news of ECZ conducting electronic transmission of results in Vubwi and Kasanengwa constituencies with some suspicion.
“Going forward, SACCORD would like to recommend to ECZ that next time where consultative meetings are held with political stakeholders, it would be important to get and have signed consent forms from political parties to avoid suspicion.
“As we have a few hours left before poll day, SACCORD would like to wish all the political parties all the best as the people prepare to make an informed choice as to which candidates and parties are best equipped to address their challenges.”
This is contained in a statement released to the media by SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe.
ZESCO has recorded a drop in the number of illegal extensions of power from 625 in August 2013 to 300 in August 2014 countrywide.
ZESCO spokesperson Henry Kapata has however expressed worry with the increasing vandalism of ZESCO transformers in Ndola, Kabwe and Lusaka.
Mr Kapata explained that according to the company’s intensive daily audits, vandalism of ZESCO facilities has increased by 18 percent.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that 95 percent of vandalism occurs on power cables with the Copperbelt Province topping the list at 73 percent.
The ZESCO spokesperson has since warned that anyone caught stealing or vandalizing ZESCO cables or transformers will be prosecuted.
Mr Kapata charged that ZESCO is losing millions of kwacha through vandalism and theft of electricity cables which he said could be used for expansion of projects and new connections.
And Mr Kapata disclosed that the newly constructed Ndeke substation in Mufurila district on the Copperbelt will be commissioned before the end of the year.
Government has been urged to criminalise child negligence cases in order to curb the scourge.
The Centre for Disability, Development, Research, Law and Policy (CDDRLP) said government needs to review the Penal Code Act 87 to ensure that child negligence cases are punishable by law.
SADC Disability Policy Analyst Charles Mwape disclosed in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today that child negligence should be made a criminal cases for the sake of the many Zambian children who have been neglected and rejected by irresponsible parents.
He said the increased cases of men refusing to take responsibility for children they have fathered needs urgent and drastic measures by government to address the scourge.
Mr Mwape called for reviewing of the penal code and other pieces of legislation to ensure that children’s rights are secured, protected and guaranteed.
He suggested that government should consider punishing offenders by sentencing them to 18 years in prison or enforcing a compulsory child maintenance order.
Mr Mwape said reviewing the law is the only remedy to instil a sense of responsibility in Zambian men that are in the habit of fathering without giving them due care and support.
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu has refuted claims by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) that it was agreed by all political parties to introduce the electronic results transmission system in a meeting held last month. He said that the inconvenient truth was that the introduction of the system was merely a proposal tabled by ECZ on 29th August 2014 and that attendance of the meeting by an MMD representative did not constitute agreement with the proposal.
“We are also equally shocked that Mr Chris Akufuna can go on air and claim that we agreed to the proposal. The MMD is a very big party which does not make such big decisions through one or two people. We had not sat to formulate our position by the time that meeting was held so there is no way that our representative in that meeting Mr Isaac Muntanga could have decided on behalf of the whole MMD,” Mr Nyangu said. He also noted that all the parties participating in the by-elections have rejected the system except the Patriotic Front (PF).
Mr Nyangu further said that it was disappointing that the National Restoration Party which stands on issue-based campaigns had joined the ECZ in misleading Zambians when it was not even participating in the by-elections and therefore had no moral right to even comment on the matter.
And Mr Nyangu has clarified that MMD president Dr Nevers Mumba did not instruct MMD cadres to destroy and throw away ECZ electronic results transmission equipment at polling stations as reported by Radio Phoenix during the 06:45 news bulletin on 10th September 2014.
“Our journalists should learn to report the truth without additions and subtractions. I listened to the news myself and in the clip they played, there was no point at which Dr Mumba said anything close to what Radio Phoenix claims. All he said was that the MMD rejects the use of this transmission equipment and it cannot be imposed on us. MMD is a peaceful party that would never destroy property or attack people the way some political parties do. Moreover, Dr Mumba is not the kind of person who would issue such retrogressive instructions when he stands for political maturity and issue-based campaigns.”
President Sata Spaking to Given Lubinda on arrival in Solwezi
President Michel Sata has told the PF candidate in the Solwezi central parliamentary by-election Newton Malwa to closely work with the people once elected MP in order to facilitate development in the area.
President Sata said this today in Solwezi during a campaign rally held at Solwezi show grounds to drum up support for the PF candidate. Mr Sata, who arrived at Solwezi Airport in the morning to a thunderous welcome, said he was ready to address the challenges faced by the people in the area and directed Mr Malwa to report all the problems to him once elected in tomorrow’s by-election.
Mr Sata invited the children who were present to sit next to him on the podium emphasized that the future of children depended on what plans Mr Malwa had as aspiring Member of Parliament.
“Have you seen all of these children here? Some of these children have been expelled from schools because their parents cannot afford to pay their fees,” said Mr Sata as he pointed at scores of children he had asked to come closer to him.
President Sata said the future of Zambia rested in the hands of the children, hence the need to ensure that they attained better education that would help them take the mantle of leadership.
The President said many children in Zambia were currently facing difficulties to attain education because their parents could not afford to pay their school fees.
“The future of this country depends on these children and you must go out and find ways in which these children are able to attain education.”
The President, who was accompanied by Kasama Central MP Geoffrey Mwamba and his counterpart for Kabwata Given Lubinda, urged the people in Solwezi to vote for Mr Malwa.
[pullquote]“Let me assure you your excellence that the party is now stronger and that the doors of PF are still open,” Mr Lungu said. “That is why you have seen Zayelo (Given Lubinda) and GBM here. There are no factions and we are all under you.”[/pullquote]
Earlier, PF secretary general Edgar Lungu said the party was stronger and assured that there were no more factions in the ruling party.
“Let me assure you your excellence that the party is now stronger and that the doors of PF are still open,” Mr Lungu said. “That is why you have seen Zayelo (Given Lubinda) and GBM here. There are no factions and we are all under you.”
Mr Lungu reiterated that as chief executive of the party, he would crash anyone who would want to bring confusion because every member wanted the Head of State to enjoy his presidency.
Earlier, Mr Mwamba said the decision by President Sata to sack Mr Kabimba had united the party not only in Northern Province, but also across the country.
The parliamentarian said he could not form a political party or join the opposition after resigning as minister of Defence early this year because President Sata was his mentor.
Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili, who is also PF national youth chairperson, said the Government had demonstrated its preparedness to develop North-Western Province through the provision of road networks.
Mr Kambwili said 20 kilometres of township roads would be tarred in Solwezi Central under the Pave Zambia 2000 while an additional 60.6 kilometres would be upgraded under the Link Zambia 8000 project.
1 President Sata receives flowers on arrival in Solwezi to drum up support for PF candidate Malwa
2 President Sata on arrival in Solwezi
3 President Sata flash the Patriotic Front party symbol on arrival in Solwezi to drum up support for Solwezi PF Parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
4 PF Parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa
5 PF supporters during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
6 PF Supporters during a rally in Solwezi to drum up support for PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
7 Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda and Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili dancing during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10 ,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
8 GBM flashing the PF symbol on arrival in Solwezi to drum up support for PF Parliamentary candite Newton Malwa on September 10,2014 -Picture by THOMNAS NSAMA
9 Police officers escorts President Sata’s motorcade during a rally to drum up support for PF parliamentary Candidate Newton Malwa on September 10,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
10 PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu with Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10 ,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
11 Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda and Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili dancing during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10 ,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
12 PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu with Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10 ,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
13 Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda and Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili dancing during a rally to drum up support for Solwezi PF parliamentary candidate Newton Malwa on September 10 ,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
OPEN Society Foundation (OSF) has called on investigative wings to reprimand media houses perpetuating tribal sentiments in the country for the sake of Zambia’s continued stability. OSF executive director Sunday Chanda said today in a statement released to the media that lawmakers are also called upon to act with speed and criminalize tribal talk considering that it has the greatest potential to incite Zambians to rise against each other.
Below is the full statement
MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POLICE SHOULD REPRIMAND MEDIA HOUSES INCITING TRIBALISM
Open Society Foundation (OSF) is calling on investigative wings to reprimand media houses perpetuating tribal sentiments in the country for the sake of Zambia’s continued stability. Lawmakers are also called upon to act with speed and criminalize tribal talk considering that it has the greatest potential to incite Zambians to rise against other Zambians. Zambia does not need to wait until it has become another Kenya or indeed Rwanda to criminalize tribal talk. There is a plethora of examples from countries where this evil has led to the loss of thousands and thousands of innocent lives, including defenseless children.
[pullquote]No one called it tribalism when Kabwata MP Hon. Given Lubinda was mistreated or indeed when Kasama MP GBM was suspended. It was not tribalism then and it is not tribalism now.[/pullquote]
OSF is calling on political players not to fall prey to machinations aimed at creating enmity among Zambian tribes. Zambia must take serious lessons from Kenya which experienced post-election violence predominantly fought along tribal lines. It is an open secret that the Kenyan violence was fought along ethnic lines, which took place mainly in the Rift Valley. This violence saw the Kalenjin youths, supporting the Luo candidate Raila Odinga, turned against the Kikuyus, who are Mwai Kibaki’s tribesmen. The wave of violence that hit the country took everyone by surprise, as Kenya had been seen until then as one of the most successful democracies in East Africa since its transition to a multi-party system in 2002. Along with neighbouring Tanzania, it was the only country in the region not to have experienced a civil conflict. Yet the violence lasted from December 2007 to February 2008; over a thousand people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands became displaced. If Zambia does not take drastic steps to stop the tribal talk being championed by some elements within our society, the country will one day treat itself to a rude awakening.
Lastly, it is our held view that there was nothing tribal about President Michael Sata’s firing of former Justice Minister and former PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba. No one called it tribalism when Kabwata MP Hon. Given Lubinda was mistreated or indeed when Kasama MP GBM was suspended. It was not tribalism then and it is not tribalism now. Mr. Kabimba’s firing was celebrated by Zambians across tribe and political affiliation, an aspect which should prove to his image builders that no tribalism was involved in his firing. It is a fact that he mismanaged the constitution-making process and his arrogance on this matter, among others, became repulsive to many Zambians. Zambians have not forgotten how he behaved before the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) after being summoned. Politically, he became bigger than himself and the opposite of President Sata, the man he called his mentor. There has never been a Minister in the history of Zambia whose firing has been celebrated as a victory for the people across tribe and politics. Those who claim to love Mr. Kabimba to the point of almost pontiffying him into a Political Saint, must become candid with him by urging that he reflects on why he became Zambia’s most despised politician. There is something deeply wrong which only Mr. Kabimba can change about himself if he is to become more relevant in serving a country he loves.
Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata speaking at a panel discussion on Investment and Tourism in Africa on 8 Sept 2014 in New York. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata tells an investment and tourism gathering in New York that Zambia’s tourism sector offers massive untapped investment opportunities.
Ms. Kapata was speaking at a panel discussion on Investment and Tourism in Africa, under the theme: “Tourism, the Untapped potential for future growth” organized by Casa África and Spain UN Mission in New York.
The Minister said Zambia has attractive policies and regulatory framework to attract foreign direct investment.
“My Government is strongly encouraging community private partnerships and Joint ventures between Zambian and foreign investors for their mutual benefits as this creates sustainable jobs and livelihoods,” the Minister told the gathering that included investors, tourism experts, UN-accredited Ambassadors and diplomats.
The Minister said Zambia is in the process of piloting a UNIVISA with Zimbabwe.
After the pilot project, Ms. Kapata said the process would be extended to other member states of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation – Angola, Botswana, and Namibia – before spreading it to the remaining SADC countries.
“The Immigration Department is in the process of implementing the online visa project, whose introduction has been approved by Cabinet,” Ms Kapata said. “The process for clearance of immigrants requiring visas at the port of entry has been streamlined with entrants being cleared within a minimum of up to three minutes using the visa automation system.”
Ms Kapata said the Zambian Government had embarked on development of connectivity infrastructure in tourism sites.
The Minister said communities in Zambia’s nature-based tourism sites should benefit from the sector for them to appreciate and preserve the resources.
Ms Kapata called on African countries to plan and integrate tourism into their economies as well as develop tourism products in a complementary manner for the continent to be competitive in the world.
In his opening remarks, Spain Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria López said Spain believes in the catalytic role of investment and business in the promotion of economic growth and development in Africa.
“Spain’s intention is to increase in the next years our investments in Africa,” said Mr. López on Monday. “The better Africa goes, the better as well for Spain.”
Other panelists were Namibia’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Carl Schlettwein, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi, UN Under-Secretary-General Gyan Chandra Acharya, UNWTO representative Carlos Vogeler and moderated by South Africa and Sierra Leone’s Ambassadors to the UN.
The panelists emphasized the importance of promoting investment in Africa, positive portrayal of the continent and the need for the resources to benefit the locals.
The panel discussion focused on highlighting the investment potentials of Africa and Spain’s cooperation with countries in the continent.
Ms Kapata, who was accompanied by her Ministry’s principal tourism development and research officer Chilala Habasimbi, also presented Zambia Golden Jubilee souvenirs to Spain UN Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi and Casa África General-Director Luis Padrón.
Ms Kapata told Ambassador Marchesi and Padrón that Zambia’s peacefulness in its 50 years of independence, confirms that the country is conducive for tourists and investors.
Casa África is the Spanish Government’s public and economic diplomacy institution promoting cooperation with Africa.
Spain’s UN Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi shows off Zambia Golden Jubilee souvenirs he received from Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata (right) in New York on 8-Sept-2014. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
1 Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata (centre) speaking at a panel discussion on Investment and Tourism in Africa on 8 Sept 2014 in New York. On her left is Zimbabwe?s Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi and on the right is the moderator, Vandi Chidi Minah Sierra Leone UN Ambassador. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
2 Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata shares a light moment with Namibia?s Minister of Trade and Industry, Carl Schlettwein (second left) and Zimbabwe?s Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi (second right) after a panel discussion in New York 8-Sept-2014. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
3 Zambia Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata (right) and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, Vandi Chidi Minah during the Spain’s Casa Africa organised panel discussion on Investment and Tourism in Africa in New York on 8-Sept-2014. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
4 Spain’s UN Ambassador Román Oyarzun Marchesi thanks Zambia’s Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata (right) for the Golden Jubilee souvenirs given to him on 8-Sept-2014 in New York. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
5 Spain’s Casa África General-Director Luis Padrón (left) receiving Zambia?s Golden Jubilee souvenir from Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata in New York on 8-Sept-2014. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
6 Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata (second left), UN Under-Secretary-General Gyan Chandra Acharya (left) and other VIPs listening to a presentation at Spanish Mission and Casa Africa organized seminar on Investment and Tourism in Africa on 8 Sept 2014 in New York. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
7 Spain’s Casa África General-Director Luis Padrón (left) receiving Zambia?s Golden Jubilee souvenir from Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata in New York on 8-Sept-2014. PHOTO | Chibaula D. Silwamba | Zambia UN Mission
Forum for Democracy and Development spokesperson Antonio Mwanza stresses a point during the meeting to demand for the release of the draft Zambian constitution
Opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) says the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to electronically transmit the Kansenegwa and Vubwi by-election results is highly suspicious and that the opposition rejects it.
Speaking in an interview FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said the opposition unanimously rejected the proposed pilot project because its effectiveness has not been proved yet hence can not be trusted.
“We find the decision by Electoral Commission of Zambia to use a pilot project of transmitting electoral results electronically highly suspicious, this is the reason why as opposition political parties participating here in Vubwi by-elections unanimously rejected the use of electronically transmitting system elections.
“We all know here including PF that they can not win the elections here in Vubwi and as Opposition political parties we will not allow ourselves to be fooled by a system that can not be trusted,” Mr. Mwanza said.
He noted that it was unreasonable for the electoral body to test a project on real elections as opposed to mock elections before implementing it on real elections.
‘Our position as opposition political parties,’ Mr. Mwanza added, ‘ is that if the ECZ want to test whether the system works or not is let them use it on a mock elections not on a real a election.
We have invested both resources and time to win this election as opposition political parties so will not allow them to use a system that we do not know, whose authenticity cannot be trusted, how do we know that somebody can not hack into the system?”
As opposition political parties we have rejected this use of electronically transmitting elections if they want to try the system let them test it on a mock election not real elections.”
He also accused the electoral body of lying to the public that all the participating parties agreed to use the pilot system when it was only the ruling PF who agreed to use it.
“The Election Liason Committee which comprises of all parties sat on monday at 08:30 to discuss the issue and all the opposition parties refused and a letter was written after the meeting and signed by all 4 opposition parties rejecting the measure.” He said.
The ECZ intends to transmit the Vubwi and Kansenegwa by-elections electronically a project which if successful will be used in the 2016 general elections.
ActionAid Zambia has called on the Zambia Revenue Authority to investigate allegations that the Post Newspapers Limited has been evading paying K 8 million in taxes.
In her Facebook posting, ActionAid Zambia Country Director Pamela Chisanga said she is concerned by the allegations that the Post Newspapers has failed to clear the K 8 million tax bill.
“I am really concerned by all these revelations on taxation. The Post Newspapers has now been exposed for not paying close to K8 million in taxes since 2011,” Ms. Chisanga noted.
She added, “There are a lot of things wrong with all this – firstly I wonder where Komaki (Julius), a PF cadre got this information? Why didn’t the Ministry of Finance say anything on this? Why has ZRA been chasing traders at COMESA and leaving out others like the Post in this case?” She questioned.
Ms. Chisanga said there is need to have some quick analysis of levels of compliance on tax payments from various sectors.
She said there is also need for an assessment of why ZRA has been failing to collect revenue from various entities.
“I think this is something that perhaps I need to interest colleagues in ActionAid Zambia to do this. We may actually be losing colossal sums of money than we have actually thinking.”
[pullquote]“There are a lot of things wrong with all this – firstly I wonder where Komaki (Julius), a PF cadre got this information? Why didn’t the Ministry of Finance say anything on this? Why has ZRA been chasing traders at COMESA and leaving out others like the Post in this case?” She questioned.[/pullquote]
Ms Chisanga said Zambia needs to take the discussions around taxation out of the political arena and analyse them from an economic perspective.
“I am passionate about this because tax pays for education, health, water and all other social services. A couple of weeks ago I was in Senanga/Nalolo where some schools have received erratic or no funding the last 3 years and in some cases school kids have to do piece work or engage in some kind of income generation activity so that the schools can buy basic things like chalk,” she revealed.
Ms. Chisanga added, “This is so sad 50 years after independence. I applaud the teacher’s in these areas who use their salaries to buy chalk. It is so sad that to many people this is a political issue, but I invite Zambia to rise above all this, to analyse this as it is and understand what has gone wrong and resolve to end this rot as much as possible.”
The Daily Nation this week revealed that the Post Newspapers Limited owes Government more than K8 million in taxes.
It said the Post Newspaper apparently stopped meeting its tax obligations soon after the PF formed government in 2011 and PF cadre Julius Komaki says the newspaper had been singing praises for President Michael Sata even when they did not believe in his vision because the owner of the newspaper, Fred M’membe was seeking favours from the Head of State.
