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Mulongoti calls for inclusion of opposition in governance

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Mike Mulongoti addressing the media at the conference
Mike Mulongoti addressing the media at the conference

Opposition All Peoples Party (APP ) president Mike Mulongoti has advised government to involve the opposition in issues of national development.

Mr Mulongoti says it is important for the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) government to involve the opposition in issues of national development.

He said this was because there is need for government to embrace opposition parties in order to address national challenges because problems affect every citizen.

ZANIS reports that the opposition leader said this in a telephone interview in Lusaka, today.

The party president said the opposition do not attach emotions to developmental matters but simply stick to their role of providing checks and balances.

He said the PF ought to work with all opposition leaders for Zambia to achieve the millennium development goals and the 2030 vision.

Mr Mulongoti said embracing the opposition can bring about expertise in handling the developmental projects that the government wishes to undertake.

It was only MMD leader Dr. Nevers Mumba and some of his party ‘s National Executive Committee ( NEC ) leaders that participated in in yesterday ‘s annual Inter Company relay officiated by First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba- Sata.

The rest of the opposition was conspicuously absent.

The Illegal conduct of PF is Zambia’s greatest threat-Father Bwalya

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Alliance for Better Zambia president Father Frank Bwalya blows a whistle against the government's refusal to release the Zambian draft constitution
Alliance for Better Zambia president Father Frank Bwalya blows a whistle against the government’s refusal to release the Zambian draft constitution

ALLIANCE FOR BETTER ZAMBIA (ABZ)
JUNE 15, 2014.

SCOPE: THE ILLEGAL CONDUCT OF PF IS ZAMBIA’S GREATEST THREAT

The realization by Patriotic Front (PF) that Zambians have rejected them has triggered panic and desperation responsible for the rising illegal conduct of PF. The illegal application of the Public Order Act (POA), attacking the opposition when they feature on radio programmes and violation of freedom of movement of opposition leaders are examples of how desperate PF has become. The latest citizens’ arrest of opposition members by PF thugs in Lusaka’s Munali area on allegations that they were campaigning also speaks volumes about the extent of the PF panic and desperation.

PF has convinced itself that Zambians will never trust them and that there is nothing they can say to change the minds of the people. Hence the strategy they have adopted is stopping opposition leaders and other critical stakeholders from interacting with Zambians who are now looking for leadership alternatives. The simple logic PF is using is, “If people won’t listen to us, we should not allow them to listen to anyone else”.

This behaviour is clearly illegal. Moreover, it is not acceptable in a democracy such as ours. Zambians have a constitutional right to freely associate with those they choose to associate with and receive information and ideas from them including politicians in the opposition.

As ABZ we condemn the illegal conduct of PF and call for an immediate stop to this clearly unconstitutional and primitive behavior. Failure for us to stop PF now will make them become more notorious and believe that they are above the law. Already the impunity exhibited by PF sponsored thugs is very worrying.

We urge all Zambians to discern the danger of the behaviour of PF. For sure the conduct of PF posses the greatest threat to our democracy since the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in 1990. As such, we believe that the reign of PF will be recorded in our history books as the dark ages of Zambian.

Finally, we call upon all Zambians to unite and speak with one voice in opposing the bad governance and mediocre leadership of PF. Time has come for all of us to recognize PF as the enemy of everything good in our country. PF is our common enemy. It is clear that this party which was once a darling of our people has become a threat to our wellbeing. PF doesn’t mean well for Zambia and unity of purpose is needed to remove them.

Fr. Frank Bwalya – ABZ LEADER

UNIP backs ECZ’s proposal to disqualify violent parties

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Polling agents, European Union (EU) observers together with ECZ officials and Police officers witnessing the counting of ballot papers cast at Shangombo basic School in Western Province

The opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) has backed calls for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to be given more powers to disqualify any political parties engaging in violence in the course of elections.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) wants more powers to impose severe sanctions against political parties or individuals abrogating the Electoral Code of Conduct with impunity.

UNIP Vice President Njekwa Anamela has told QFM News in an interview that it is very dangerous to tolerate violence during campaigns and that the call by ECZ is a welcome move which should be supported by everyone.

Mr. Anamela says such measures as the ones proposed by ECZ should be taken into consideration if peace and tranquility should be promoted during the course of elections.

Mr. Anamela states that those that engage in violent are indirectly saying they are defeated and thus the reason for them to be disqualified without delay.

He says Zambia has been a peaceful nation and that it is important to endorse ideas aimed at preserving the peace and unity of the country.

Stella Libongani warns UPND over Cha Cha Cha threats

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Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani  speaks with Tourism Permanent secretary George Zulu shortly before President Michael Sata  arrived  at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport for the opening of the  UNWTO 20th General Assembly   -Picture and caption by THOMAS NSAMA
Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani speaks with Tourism Permanent secretary George Zulu shortly before President Michael Sata arrived at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport for the opening of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly -Picture and caption by THOMAS NSAMA

Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani has called on UPND not to take the law in their own hands.

Ms Libongani said the Zambia police service has time and again been reminding political parties of the need to abide by the public order Act as regards the holding of public meetings or processions.

“We have noted with concern that some political parties want to disregard the provisions of the public order Act when they have intentions of holding such public meetings or processions.

“As regards to the press statement issued by UPND Deputy party Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo stating that their party will be going the Cha Cha Cha way (it depends on what the political party means or intends to do. If what they mean is civil disobedience then that is totally wrong), we would want to urge them to always seek peaceful means to have their concerns or grievances addressed by relevant authorities as provided for in the public order act; as any other means not prescribed by law may amount to a breach of public peace that may attract penal sanctions,” she said.

Ms Libongani reiterated that the role of the police is to regulate public functions using the public order Act.

“Apart from providing for how people intending to exercise their rights should conduct themselves, the law provides for how those who are aggrieved should seek redress,” she said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) youths have condemned the decision by UPND deciding to go Cha Cha Cha way in addressing grievances they have with the ruling Patriotic Front administration.

MMD Die-Hard national Coordinator Bowman Lusambo has told QFM News in an interview that governing a country is not an easy task and that the UPND should learn the best way of seeking audience with government.

Mr. Lusambo says the MMD had ruled the country for over twenty years and they have an experience in governance issues and that the decision by the opposition UPND is not a right way of doing things.

He adds that this kind of politics will not help the UPND in anyway and that Zambians are aware of such kind of politics being portrayed by the UPND.

Mr. Lusambo has since advised the opposition UPND to engage in a mature dialogue with the ruling party over the issues they think are not right in the country.

Chibolya township now calm – Hamonga

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Youths slaughtering goats at an abattoir in the Chibolya slams of Lusaka
Youths slaughtering goats at an abattoir in the Chibolya slams of Lusaka

Zambia Police public relations officer Rae Hamonga says the recent cleanup operation conducted in Chibolya compound has brought sanity in the area.

Mr Hamonga says residents and the general public as a whole are now conducting their errands peacefully.

He has disclosed that recently a man identified as Joseph Masowe was arrested after being found with sachets of marijuana.

He said Mr Masowe, who is currently detained at Lusaka Central Police, will appear in court soon.

The Township is notorious for banditry and drug pushing and has been a no go area for the police for a very long time.

Recently , armed police embarked a cleanup operation in the Township and arrested over 299 people who were found with several narcotic drugs such as cannabis.

Two people has since been jailed and president Micheal Sata has since commended the police officers for carrying out a successful operation.

Opposition MMD participate the 2014 intercompany relay

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First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba share a light moment with MMD president Dr Nevers Mumba and ZAAA president Elias Mpondela (r)  during the Inter Company relay.  Dr Christine Kaseba yesterday took part in a 5 kilometre walk  in Lusaka on June 14 -Picture by THOMAS  NSAMA
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba share a light moment with MMD president Dr Nevers Mumba and ZAAA president Elias Mpondela (r) during the Inter Company relay. Dr Christine Kaseba yesterday took part in a 5 kilometre walk in Lusaka on June 14 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

MMD President Nevers Mumba led a team of MMD Members of Parliament and some National Executive Committee members in participating at the 2014 Inter Company Relay held at the Showgrounds in Lusaka.

The MMD was the only political party present at the colourful annual event.
Dr Mumba and his team participated in the 10.5 KM relay race and successfully completed the race.

The MMD team featured the likes of Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale, Chipata Central MP Mtolo Phiri, Cheembe MP Mwansa Mbulakulima and NEC members such as Chairperson for Arts and Tourism Elizabeth Chitika, Chairperson for International Relations Ambassador Musenge and some members of the MMD Youth Wing.

The MMD leader completed the 1.2 KM race and handed over the baton to Mr Mwale at the event which attracted 900 participants from 70 organisations and held under the theme: “Act now to stop road accidents, stop child marriages and child abuse.”
And in interviews with Journalists, Dr Mumba emphasized the need for Zambia to have a healthy nation.

“Our participation in this year’s event is meant to raise awareness on the need to reduce road carnage in this nation. The amount of road accidents that have occurred over the last two years is unacceptable. We need to educate our drivers to be more careful on the road and not to drive under the influence of alcohol,” Dr Mumba said.

He added, “We also wanted to use this occasion to have fun as the MMD family and promote the concept of wellness in totality. One cannot achieve anything with poor health and the same could be said about a nation. We need to have a healthy nation with citizens that exercise, eat well and take care of their lives. Zambia needs a healthy leadership to respond to the challenges of managing this nation.”

Dr Mumba who mingled and interacted with people from all walks of life also took time to chat with some Government officials present at the event.

“The concept of a relay is important and politicians should borrow from that in looking at running national affairs. The baton is with President Sata at the moment but he is passing on that baton to the MMD in 2016 and that way, the nation will benefit and develop.”
And MMD National Secretary Muhabi Lungu who was flanked by his three daughters said the Inter Company Relay is an important national event.

Mr Lungu said politicians could use events such as the Inter Company Relay to promote national unity and togetherness.

“As the MMD, we decided to come here and participate because health is wealth. You cannot succeed if you are in poor health. I participated last year under the MMD but this time around we decided to come as a team and we are back next year with an even bigger team,’ Mr Lungu said.

In her speech, First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba who was Guest of Honour at the event commended Dr Mumba and the MMD for participating.

“To this end, I would like to thank the MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba, is really nice to see Dr Mumba and his entourage here for really showing leadership and coming here and breaking those political barriers because this is what we are living as,” Dr Kaseba said.

She continued, “Sport should unite us across political affiliations. So I am really grateful and I hope that even next year we could have more groups coming and competing against each other and all the energy we have at insulting each other, let us use all that energy into running and competing and for me, that way we would have done quite a huge task.

Today’s Message: Get Your Feet Wet

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bible

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”

(Exodus 14:22, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When Joshua and the Israelites needed to get across the Jordan River, God said He would open it up, but they had to get their feet wet before the waters parted. They could have sat back and thought, “As soon as God opens it, then we’ll walk toward it. It doesn’t make sense to go now.

The river is still flowing. Everything is normal. Nothing is unusual.” No, they took a step of faith and started walking toward the water. I can imagine when water got up to their ankles they thought, “What are we doing walking into a river? We could drown.” Water got up to their knees and thoughts said, “You’d better turn around. You’re making a mistake.”

Water up to their waist. They just kept walking. What is that? Bold obedience. About that time, the river supernaturally parted. They walked into their promised land.

In the same way, if you’re going to make it to your promised land, it’s going to take this bold obedience. You’re not always going to understand what God is doing. God is not always logical. Faith is not in your head; faith is in your heart. You’ve got to turn your mind off and listen to what God is saying in your heart. Take a step of faith. Get your feet wet and move forward into the blessing and victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for parting the waters and leading me in victory! I choose to take a step of faith; I choose to obey You. I choose to step out into the water knowing that you have a good plan for me in Jesus’ name! Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Ministry of Finance posts a Q & A on state of the economy on its Facebook page and website

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Ministry of Finance headquarters
Ministry of Finance headquarters

Over the last few weeks, the media has taken the initiative to raise areas of concern regarding the Zambian economy. Today, we take the initiative, as we will continue to do, to provide answers to some of the pertinent questions posed to the Ministry of Finance.

Q1. Where is Zambia in terms of foreign reserves and how comfortable is the Ministry of Finance in this regard?

Foreign reserves currently stand at approximately US $3.5 billion from US $2.7 billion which is around 3.8 months of import cover. The goal is to go to 4 months import cover in medium term.

Q2. Where do we stand on International and domestic debt presently considering that we recently acquired another USD$1Bn Euro Bond?

The external debt currently stands at approximately US$4.2 billion including the Euro Bond. At this level the ratio of Debt to GDP is about 17.8 percent of GDP, which is way below the internationally agreed sustainability level of 40 percent. We are however mindful of the need not to fall back in a debt trap and will therefore be careful with any future borrowing to ensure sustainability and investment of any borrowing in high return growth areas.

Q3. It is argued that the people who have taken up the bond issue are not investors but Managers of Hedge Funds or Speculators who are like our local Kaloba traders. They don’t invest in business, factories, infrastructure or education. Their interest is to lend out money at exorbitant interest rate, they do not care on how the money is used. Please clarify this point.

When issuing our bonds, we are very careful in ensuring that we have a correct mix of investors to support secondary trading. In terms of the current bond, we had 84 percent fund managers, 6 percent Pension Funds, 9 percent Banks and others accounted for 1 percent. The nature of Capital markets is that the majority of investors are always fund managers as they have a mix of funds from pensions, savings and other funds from economic players that have reserves.

The use of borrowed funds is up to the Government and is not determined by investors. The investors’ interest is covered by timely payment of interest as it falls due and of the principal amount at the end of the tenure. They are also interested in a stable bond as they make money through trading. The interest rate paid on these bonds depends on market conditions at the time of issuance, the performance of existing bonds of the issuer and conditions in the international market. It is a weighted rate taking into account the above issues.

Q4. How much is Zambia paying in servicing loans currently and when do we start paying for the USD 750 and USD 1Bn bonds? About how much are we going to be paying then and what will be our projected income to sustain the repayment comfortably?

In terms of interest payment we are paying US$42 Million annually on the first US$750 Million Bond and US$82 Million per annum on the new US$1 billion Bond.

The bonds will be repaid back as a bullet repayment in 2022 and 2024 for the US$750 Million and US$1 billion Bond respectively. In terms of preparing for repayment, the Government is in the process of establishing a sinking fund for the Bonds.

Q5. Being almost half way in 2014, how has been the performance of the Copper price on the London stock exchange and what has been our turnover so far from the export of Copper?

Copper price is slowly improving, currently it is just below US $7,000/MT and appears to be adjusting back to end-December 2013 levels of around US $7,300/ MT. Copper earnings in Q1 2014 were US $1,907 Million. In Q4 they were US $1,794.3 Million and in Q1, 2013 they were US $1,772.8 Million.

Q6. In a bid to diversify, what are the most yielding non-traditional exports and what investment is going to the same and the projections in the next 2 years?

In 2013 Highest NTEs were cement and lime (US $234 Million); Gemstones (US $220 Million); Tobacco (US $215 Million); Sugar cane (US $184 Million); Maize (US $151.9 Million); Cotton (US $85 Million). In terms of projections, NTEs have been rising by over 20% per annum and we expect this growth to continue.

Q7. The SI 33 and SI 55 were meant to protect the value of the Zambian Kwacha & externalization of wealth from Zambia respectively, since the revocation two SI what measures are there to protect our Kwacha and our wealth?

The Ministry is currently consulting with the Bank of Zambia, ZRA and other stakeholders on this issue. You may wish to note that the enabling legislation for monitoring Balance of Payments and use of local currency is still in force under the Bank of Zambia Act.

Q8. It has been said, without factual confirmation that shortage of Forex is due to the high import of materials for infrastructure development, currently where does Zambia stand on its trade balance?

Over the first quarter of this year Zambia registered a trade surplus of US $463.9 Million, from US $283 Million in Q4, 2013. In 2013 Q1 the trade balance was US $482 Million. Import growth has been strong. If we compare first quarter imports in 2014, with the corresponding period in 2013, import growth was approximately 18%. On exports, growth was 13% between the first quarter of 2014 and the fourth quarter of 2013. If we compare the first quarter of this year with the first quarter of 2013, then exports grew by 14%. Exports were US $2,976.9 Million.

Q9. What are the projections on the Forex Exchange, do we expect a reversal or further depreciation in the second half of the year.

Bank of Zambia has taken strong measures and we expect that the exchange rate to stabilise and to better reflect economic fundamentals.

The Ministry of Finance will continue to issue regular Treasury Information Briefs to ensure that the public is kept informed about developments in the economy.

Eagles thump not-so-stylish Roan

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Struggling Roan United continued with their poor start to the 2014 FAZ Super League season when they lost 3-0 to Green Eagles at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe on Saturday.

This was Roan’s third straight defeat that has seen them drop into the bottom two of the sixteen-team league table.

Eagles took a well deserved 20th minute lead when Adamson Mulawo tapped in from close range to beat keeper Evans Mwewa.

The Choma outfit took a 2-0 lead into the half time break when Mathews Tembo scored a 44th minute goal.

Two minutes after the restart Mwila Mwelwa put the scores beyond Roan’s reach when he capitalised on a goal-mouth scramble to shake the net with a low shot.

Eagles have now increased their tally to 16 points from 13 matches as they bounced back from last weekends 1-0 loss at National Assembly in Lusaka.

On the other hand, Roan remain stuck in 15th place with nine points from 13 points.

Updated with table: Power steal point off unbeaten Nkana

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Power Dynamos came from behind to hold Nkana to a 1-1 draw in the big Kitwe derby of the FAZ Super League at Nkana Stadium on Saturday.

Nkana were heading for a famous victory before Power equalised through Alex Ng’onga eight minutes from time.

Ng’onga beat Nkana keeper Rabson Mucheleng’anga with a low shot after creating space inside the box.

Ng’onga cancelled Ronald Kampamba’s 37th minute goal as the two old rivals shared spoils in this thrilling derby.

Kampamba beat the offside trap erected by the Power backline before slotting the ball past Joshua Titima.

It was a game of two halves with Nkana dominating the first half and Power taking the last half.

Power were the first one to create a decent chance when Ng’onga saw his 16th minute shot stopped by Mucheleng’anga.

Five minutes later, Titima was forced to leave his area to pluck the ball off Evans Kangwa’s feet as the striker prepared to lock his gun-sights the target.

Nkana are now the only unbeaten team in the league this season after contenders to their crown and current league leaders Zanaco were beaten 1-0 at home by Zesco United at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.

Striker Jackson Mwanza scored the games lone goal in the 38th minute to end Zanaco’s 12 match unbeaten run since the start of the season on March 15.

FAZ Super Division Week 13 Results
14/06/2014
Roan United 0-Green Eagles 3
Nkana 1-Power Dynamos 1
Indeni 1-Konkola Mine Police 1
Kabwe Warriors 2-Nchanga Rangers 0
NAPSA Stars 1-Red Arrows 0
Nakambala Leopards 0-Green Buffaloes 1
Zanaco 0-Zesco United 1
15/06/2014
Konkola Blades-National Assembly

[standings league_id=1]

Zambia’s external debt stands at US$4.2 billion

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Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta (L)
Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta (L)

Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has maintained that Zambia’s external debt currently stands at approximately four point two billion US Dollars (US$4.2 billion) including the Euro Bond.

Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer, Chileshe Kandeta, has told QFM News in a treasury brief that at this level the ratio of Debt to GDP is about 17.8 percent of GDP, which he believes is way below the internationally agreed sustainability level of 40 percent.

Mr. Kandeta says government is however mindful of the need not to fall back in a debt trap and will therefore be careful with any future borrowing to ensure sustainability and investment of any borrowing in high return growth areas.

Mr. Kandeta has also revealed that fforeign reserves currently stand at approximately US $3.5 billion from US $2.7 billion which is around 3.8 months of import cover and that the goal is to go to four months import cover in medium term.

He states that in terms of interest payment, Zambia is paying US$42 Million annually on the first US$750 Million Euro Bond and US$82 Million per annum on the new US$1 billion Bond.

He adds that the bonds will be repaid back as a bullet repayment in 2022 and 2024 for the US$750 Million and US$1 billion Bond respectively.

He furthermore adds that in terms of preparing for repayment, the Government is in the process of establishing a sinking fund for the Bonds.

Mr. Kandeta has however noted that the copper price is slowly improving; currently it is just below seven thousand US dollars (US $7,000) per metric.

Dan Pule calls for remedial measures for weakening Kwacha

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Dan Pule

Opposition Christian Democratic Party (CDP) president Dr Danny Pule has urged government to put in place remedial measures to curb the weakening kwacha.

Dr. Pule says his party is concerned on the increasing prices of food and essential commodities due to the weakening of the Kwacha.

He said the local currency has continued to weaken because it basically trades on finished products and services as opposed to manufacturing.

ZANIS reports that the opposition leader said this during a press briefing in Chapata, Eastern Province, today.

He said that it was for this reason that once his party gets into power in 2016, it will concentrate on manufacturing as it is the key driver of the country’s economic growth.

Dr Pule , who is optimistic that the CDP will form the next government, said that the PF has failed to deliver to people’s expectations going by high cost of living experienced in the country due to the weakening kwacha against the World’s major currencies.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader has announced his party’s intention to field its candidates in three pending by elections in Petauke Central, Malambo and Vubwi constituencies of Eastern Province.

He stated that the emphasis to develop the country will be on manufacturing and encourage small family businesses and agro processing to grow.

LCC determined to enforce law and order at Inter-city Bus Terminus

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NEWLY-elected Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata (right) and his deputy Potipher Tembo
NEWLY-elected Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata (right) and his deputy
Potipher Tembo

Lusaka City Council Deputy Mayor Portifer Tembo says government is determined to ensuring that lawlessness being exhibited by some bus operators at Intercity Bus Terminal in Lusaka is dealt with urgently.

Mr Tembo said the Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) in collaboration with other relevant government wings has been receiving numerous complaints from people using public transport at Intercity and many other bus stations in the country.

He said this today at Intercity Bus Terminus during the launch of the competition and Consumer Protection Commission booklet in Lusaka.

He said it is wrong for bus conductors and drivers to be harassing travellers adding that the relevant wings of government will be left with no option but to intervene in the matter.

And Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) Chairperson Kelvin Bwalya urged members of the public to report cases of harassment from bus proprietors with valid evidence to the commission.

Mr Bwalya said government wants to see to it that traders and anyone using public transport is allowed to conduct his or her businesses without any disturbances.

Poor reading culture continues worrying Government

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MWALITETA IN NGABWE PIX 1

Government has noted that Zambia is one of the countries in the region with a number of school going children who are not able to read competently in commensurate
with their age and grade levels.

Central Province Minister, Obvious Mwaliteta, noted during the launch of READ ZAMBIA Campaign yesterday that reading in any society is akey to academic, social and economic progression of children, adding Central province cannot afford to lag behind in this era of cutting edge technology.

In a speech read on his behalf by Kabwe District Commissioner (DC) Patrick Chishala at Kasanda Malombe Primary School, Mr Mwaliteta said it was paramount to involve all stakeholders at all levels to improve reading levels in the province.

He further noted that the occasion can immensely impact on the lives of learners in terms of positive attainments at school and in the wide society if they attained desirable reading competences.

“This launch, therefore, is to ensure that we promote reading and the involvement of all sectors of society in issues of early grade reading,’ said Mr Mwaliteta.

He pointed out that government, through relevant ministries, seeks to increase knowledge among the key stakeholders on the need to increase literacy levels because in turn they are the drivers of economic
emancipation.

Mr Mwaliteta said the use of familiar language for instruction for at least four (4) years, is meant for the child’s cognitive development as well as consolidation of literacy skills which will have enhanced
the country’s increased achievement levels in higher institutions of learning as learners will possess a solid foundation.

Speaking earlier, Central Province Education Officer, Jenipher Banda, also noted that the poor reading culture in schools in the province has been a problem for many decades hence the Read Zambia Campaign aimed at sensitising all stakeholders to seriously take an interest in promoting the reading culture.

Mrs Banda assured government that her department embraces the initiative for improved learner performance through inculcation of reading culture in not only school going learners, but also in the
adult population as well.

She noted, however, that reading has been impeded by many factors that include lack of parental or community participation and support for literacy instruction and the use of English in early stages of
education which hindered the development of fluency in reading and other competences.

The PEO said these and other factors prompted the ministry to put in place National Literacy Framework to create an environment necessary to increase learner achievement in literacy, adding that schools in the province are already implementing the revised curriculum, which requires learners to use familiar language from grade one to grade four.

Meanwhile, Kasanda Malombe School Manager, Caiphas Miyutu, urged all heads of learning institutions in the province to ensure they implement the revised curriculum and work hard so that they improve literacy levels.

Mulenga Sata to contest LGAZ presidency

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Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata (left) talks to American Embassy Chargé d'Affaires David Young at Lusaka Civic centre before the two led separate delegations to inspect drainage systems and markets
Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata (left) talks to American Embassy Chargé
d’Affaires David Young at Lusaka Civic centre before the two led
separate delegations to inspect drainage systems and markets

LUSAKA City Council (LCC) Mayor Mulenga Sata yesterday declared his intention to contest the position of Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) president to serve councils more efficiently and effectively.

Mr Sata disclosed yesterday in Lusaka after addressing council retirees who stormed his office that the position will enable him to serve councils more efficiently as the challenges they face are the same.

“I can confirm that there was a report that I wasn’t standing but after consultations and the support from stakeholders, including councillors, and as LCC, I felt the urgency and importance of this call. I am making myself available for the position of LGAZ president,” Mr Sata said.

The elections are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday next week.

Earlier, there was commotion at LCC grounds after council retirees demanded to be addressed by Mr Sata concerning their pension. Calm only returned after security personnel were called in.

Speaking on behalf of retirees, Mr Japhet Zulu said they have suffered for a long time and he charged that there was a lot of financial indiscipline at LCC, hence the delay in receiving their retirement package.

“Please speak on our behalf so that our plight can be looked into. Some of us retired 33 years ago. There is financial indiscipline here [LCC]. People owe debts but don’t want to pay back and we want this to stop,” Mr Zulu said.

In reply, Mr Sata said he would table the matter with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing so that all retirees could be cleared before the end of this year.

“I am making a commitment, and will engage the Ministry of Local Government so that everyone is cleared before the end of this year. The Patriotic Front is a listening government and will look into your concerns. You are free to visit and dialogue with me if you feel there won’t be progress over this matter,” he said.