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Oliver Saasa commends Government for offloading US$178 million onto the market

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Oliver Saasa
Oliver Saasa

AN ECONOMIST Oliver Saasa has commended Government for offloading US$178 million onto the market to mitigate volatility of the Kwacha against the dollar.

Professor Saasa said Zambia being an import intensive country, the release of the dollar on the market would make imports cheaper as the Kwacha would strengthen against the dollar.

“Coming from a significant stress that the Kwacha is facing against the dollar, the move by Government is much appreciated as it make imports much cheaper especially that Zambia is an intensive import country,” Professor Saasa said.

He said this in an interview yesterday following the Bank of Zambia’s decision to offload US$ 178 million to support relatively low supply of foreign exchange and to moderate volatility of Kwacha.

The Kwacha has been weakening against the dollar for the past one year and was in the past one week trading at K6 per dollar.

Prof Saasa, however, noted that there was need to put in place sustainable measures to strengthen the Kwacha as the current move to offload some foreign currency on the market was only a short term measure and could stress country’s foreign reserve.

“Government has to strengthen its policies which include instilling investor confidence, ensuring tax compliance by the mining sector and political and economic stability.

“We need to deal with the main root cause of the situation, by putting our house in order, that is ensuring investor confidence as well tax compliance by mining houses in the country,” Professor Saasa said.

He said there was a lot of nervousness by investors on the market arising from the instability in the policy direction in the country and the debates surrounding the political arena.

Prof Saasa said investor always look for predictability of polices, which would be sustained at a longer basis and stability in political enviroment.

41 billion kwacha CDF unspent in 2012

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The Report of the Auditor General on the Management of Constituency Development Funds and Grants to Local Authorities for the financial year ended 31st December 2012 is out with 41 billion kwacha remaining unspent as of January 2014.

The major irregularities concerning the management of CDF are Irregular payments amounting to K10, 012, 678, 075, Failure to follow Tender guidelines at K8, 242, 391, 620, Unsupported payment of K5, 250, 574, 050 and Unspent Funds that stood at K41, 395, 116, 148, among others.

The unspent funds involve 58 constituencies in seven (7) provinces namely Copperbelt, Lusaka, North Western, Muchinga, Eastern, Southern and Central.

On the other hand, the major irregularities on Grants to Local Authorities include failure to remit statutory contributions in amounts totaling K8, 125, 102, 460, unsupported payments of K3, 010, 113, 094 and misapplication of funds amounting to K2, 735, 524, 080 among others.

The CDF was established in 1995 to finance micro-community based projects for poverty reduction.

The Office hopes that the public will take keen interest in knowing how their resources are being managed and utilized by those entrusted to superintend over public affairs.

Auditor General Public Relations Officer Ellen Chikale said in a statement that corrective action should be taken so as to promote confidence in the Management of CDF and Grants to Local Authorities as well as the much needed development.

Load shedding thing of the past-ZESCO

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ZESCO Public Relations Manager Henry Kapata
ZESCO Public Relations Manager Henry Kapata

The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has said load shedding in the country has drastically reduced owing to interventions the power utility company has enforced.

ZESCO Public Relations Manager Henry Kapata said ZESCO has done everything possible to assure that the problem of blackouts which some parts of the country used to experience in the past is a thing of the past.

The ZESCO Public Relations Manager has however bemoaned the increase in illegal connections which he said is the major reason behind power blackouts that have been experienced in some areas in the recent past.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that some people have still continued to defy the law and engage in illegal connections in residential areas especially compounds.

Mr Kapata stated that in rural districts, load shedding has almost come to zero adding that problems being experienced in the national Lusaka is mostly due to illegal connections of welding equipments, saloons and barber shops.

He urged members of the public throughout the country to heed to ZESCO guidelines by following the laid down procedures and avoid illegal connections because it is punishable by the law.

And Mr Kapata has also disclosed that the problem which was experienced at Kafue Sub Station yesterday around 18:00 hours yesterday and led to power blackout has now been electrified.

Mr Kapata told ZANIS that the black-out in Kafue was caused by one of the cables which started melting and that the problem spread out to Nampundwe mine.

He apologized to the people of Kafue and Nampundwe for any inconvenience cause by the power blackout.

ZANIS

Sata saddened by Kitwe road traffic accident death toll

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Accident in which a Rosa Minibus and Truck involved werre involved in a head-on collision on the Kitwe-Ndola Road.
Accident in which a Rosa Minibus and Truck involved werre involved in a head-on collision
on the Kitwe-Ndola Road.

PRESIDENT Michael Sata is greatly saddened and disturbed by the high death toll in the Kitwe road traffic accident which occurred last Tuesday.

The President said in his message of condolences delivered by Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge, that he was extremely saddened by the loss of many lives especially through increased road accidents, which were now becoming a serious concern to Government.

He said there was urgent need for drastic measures to curb road carnage to prevent loss of lives on the highways and has since sent a message for condolences to the bereaved families.

Mr Sata said he was greatly affected especially that the Kitwe road traffic accident happened at the backdrop of another fatal accident involving a Hiace minibus traveling to Mpongwe, which overturned and killed seven people.

He said the high number of people dying through road accidents was a great loss to Government and the national as a whole.

Twelve people died on the spot while three others died later at hospital where they were rushed to when a commuter Rosa minibus, registration number ACP 5143, heading to Ndola with passengers on board collided with a truck laden with bags of mealie meal.

The accident, which left many others injured, happened at Kamfinsa Stream on the stretch where one side of the dual carriageway has been closed to facilitate maintenance.

And Mr Musenge who yesterday visited the Kitwe accident victims admitted at Kitwe Central Hospital before going to the funeral homes for some of the people who died in the accident said he had summoned the Road Development Agency (RDA) and the contractor rehabilitating the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway for a meeting next week on Monday.

He said he intended to have an audience with officials from RDA and the contract over the on-going road works, which were contributing to a number of accidents on the highway.

“We have experienced a lot of fatal accidents since rehabilitation works started and we feel this is one thing that RDA and the contractor should look at and so I have called for a meeting this coming Monday,” Mr Musenge said.

And Kitwe District Commissioner Elias Kamanga said Government had provided logistic support towards funeral and burial of the accident victims.

Mr Kamanga told Mr Musenge when he paid a courtesy call on him before proceeding to the funeral homes for some of the people who died in the accident that Government through the district Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) had moved in to procure foodstuff and coffins.

He said Government had arranged a mass burial programme tentatively set for today at Chingola Road cemetery.

“So far, 14 out of the 15 people who died in the accident have been identified and burial has been set for tomorrow (today). We have put in place all necessary arrangements,” he said. Among the deceased are three female nurses.

Cabinet Reshuffle A Drain On Government Resources

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FODEP Executive Director, McDonald Chipenzi
FODEP Executive Director, McDonald Chipenzi

The Foundation for Democratic Process FODEP has observed that the continued moving of ministers from one ministry to another is a drain to the country’s resources.

Speaking in an interview FODEP Executive director McDonald Chipenzi says the reshuffles are a drain to the country’s confers as each minister or Permanent secretary who is appointed or moved needs to go around the country to familiarize themselves with the operations of their ministries.

“Reshuffles are a drain to the public confers in the sense that each Minister or Permanent Secretary that is appointed has to go round the country to familiarize themselves about the work and departments of their ministries so you find that maybe the first 6months is all about going round the country to understand how the ministry works and that is money”. Noted Mr Chipenzi.

He said reshuffles also affects the performance of the government as resources will be channeled towards familiarization tours of Ministers instead of to the much needed development of the country.

And Young African Leaders Initiative YALI Executive Director Andrew Ntewewe called for consistency in the governance of the country.

He said the public expects consistency in terms of how the country is governed and coherence in policy development formulation as well as implementation hence the continued reshuffling of Ministers by the president lives much to be desired.

“I don’t know how president Sata would like government to govern this country because we expect consistency in terms of how you are going to be governing the country. We expect coherence in terms of policy development formulation and implementation. If you going to be having reshuffles every time even at the time when you are suppose to be coming up with new policies I think to me it lives too much to be desired”. Mr Ntewewe said.

Republican President Micheal Sata on Thursday fired Alfredah Kasembe as Home Affairs Deputy Minister and made some reshuffles at cabinet level.

Chikwanda’s comments that NGOs are formed by failures angers NGOs

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Chikwanda’s comments that NGOs are formed by failures angers NGOs

chikwanda

A number of Non-Governmental Organisations have been angered by remarks attributed to Finance and National Planning Minister Alexander Chikwanda.

Mr Chikwanda is quoted in the media to have said that people only form CSO/NGOs when they are failures and want to make ends meet.

But Action Aid Executive Director Pamela Chisanga urged Mr Chikwanda to go back to his Civics and understand the role and functions of the Civil Society Organisations in the world.

Ms Chisanga says it is highly regrettable and embarrassing for a man of the Minister’s caliber to utter such a statement because he should be in a position to know the three sectors of society which include the public sector, the private sector and the civil society something she says the minister should be conversant with.

She said the Minister should realize that he is a Minister today because of the role the civil society played in bringing about change hence belittling the efforts of CSOs/NGOs is highly regrettable.

She further says NGOs/ CSOs have been helping very poor people which his government can not reach hence it baffles them to see the Minister turn around and attack them .

“CSOs, NGOs in this country have stepped in to work with the very very poor people that his government does not reach particularly under the PF government and him as Minister of Finance, he has failed to prioritize poverty reduction in terms of ensuring that funds trickle down to each Zambian that needs to be served with various public services and NGOs and CSOs are doing some of the work that government is doing so we fail to understand why the Minister would turn around and start attecking CSOs”. She said.

Ms Chisanga further cautioned Mr Chikwanda to stop attacking CSOs when it is him who is in office because of money saying the public has been told on several occasions that he has tried to resign but has not done so because of fear of being hounded for corruption.

“On the other hand he is the one in that position because of money. We have head that he has tried to resign so many times but he has stayed there because if he leaves he will be hounded for stealing money or whatever it is that he is accused of, so he should not turn that around and start attacking CSOs cause if there people that are in that position because of money it is the current crop of politicians”. Ms Chisanga said.

And Young African leaders Initiative YALI Executive Director Andrew Ntewewe said it is unfortunate that a person that young people should look up to for wisdom has decided to insult them.

He said Mr Chikwanda should first look at himself before venturing into unwarranted attacks on the civil society as the same would be said about him for being in the position he is today after serving in the same position in the UNIP government.

“We expect wisdom from him but the fact that he is uttering what I might simply refer to as insults as a young parson I will not retaliate the way he has insulted us but I want tell him that we feel very insulted because whatever we are doing is for the people of Zambia” he noted.

“It is him who should feel ashamed that having been a Minister in UNIP somewhere in the 70s when some of us were not even born he can still go back and barge for a job as Minister of Finance, its him who has failed in all spheres of life apart from the fact that he is able to milk from the tables of politicians”. Mr Ntewewe added.

Meanwhile NGOCC board chairperson Beatrice Grillo challenged Mr Chikwanda to prove his sweeping statement as some NGOs such as the NGOCC which has a membership of over 125members were in existence before the PF was even formed.

She urged the Minister not make general statements of that nature because some of the people running NGOs run their own firms and do not get any money from their organisations and that doing so would be proving the minister’s ignorance on the role of the civil society in the world.

“Its unfortunate that such statements are coming from our leaders, it shows that they do not understand the role of the civil society as world over there is no government that governs without the civil society, CSOs provide checks and balances to the government”. noted Ms Grillo.

She also noted that if most of the organisations that are operating were founded by frustrated people then they would not have lasted long.

“All these credible organisations they can not be branded that they were started by frustrated people as the founders of the organisations have moved on but the organisations have continued which shows that they were based on sound foundation, if they were not founded on strong foundation they would not have lasted that long”. Said the NGOCC board Chair.

Nkana begin 2014 title defence

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Nkana coach Masauso Mwale says they are ready for Week One of their title defence with Saturdays visit to Choma Green Eagles.

The Kitwe giants have not successfully defended their league title since their back-to-back wins in 1992 and 1993.

Mwale however is well aware that they are a marked team this season and playing a promoted side in Week One has the potential of producing a Banana Skin scenario.

“It will be tough because Nkana is the team to beat. So each and every team we meet will want to beat Nkana,” Mwale said.

“We have prepared well. There is no easy game as long as they have come to the Premier they are a good team but we have to be positive in what we are doing.”

Meanwhile, Nkana are set to unveil his ‘K and K’ attack of Ronald Kampamba and Evans Kangwa who are reunited for the first time in competitive action since 2012.

Both players over the last two months displayed the kind of sharpness that will leave the opposition with sleepless nights.

Kampamba has scored three goals in the Champions League while Kangwa has scored two for Zambia and one in the Charity Shield for Nkana setting into motion a highly anticipated season that could be defined by the duos form over the next ten months.

2014 FAZ Super Division Week One Fixtures

15/03/2014
-Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka
Green Buffaloes-Konkola Mine Police
National Assembly-Zanaco

-Kafubu Stadium, Luanshya
Roan United-Nchanga Rangers

-Konkola Stadium, Chililabombwe
Konkola Blades-Napsa Stars

-Independence Stadium, Choma
Green Eagles- Nkana

-Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
Zesco United-Indeni

-Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe
Power Dynamos- Kabwe Warriors

16/03/2015
-Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka
Red Arrows -Nakambala Leopards

NGOCC urges Zambians not be intimidated over constitution

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NGOCC urges Zambians not be intimidated over constitution
Zambians from different walks of life raise placards with messages to demand for the release of the draft Zambian constitution
Zambians from different walks of life raise placards with messages to demand for the release of the draft Zambian constitution

The Non Governmental Organization Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has urged Zambians not to be intimidated in their quest to demand for the enactment of a new constitution.

NGOCC Chairperson Beatrice Grillo has since condemned the use of state agencies to intimidate citizens demanding the release of the constitution.

Ms Grillo said the NGOCC is deeply concerned with the increasing levels of intolerance of divergent views and attempts by the Government to stifle fundamental rights of expression and assembly as enshrined in the Republican constitution.

She said the detention and subsequent stripping of ActionAid young activists who were putting on t-shirts demanding the immediate release of the final draft constitution should be condemned in the strongest terms.

Ms Grillo said the detention and stripping of the activists on Youth Day is not only barbaric but also undemocratic and an assault on the country hard earned democracy.

Ms Grillo has since demanded that Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani immediately institutes investigations into the stripping of the young girls so that the officers responsible can be brought to book.

SPECTACULAR NEW OPERA TO DEBUT IN LUSAKA

Entertainment Editor
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image001

 

        More than 50 classically trained Zambian musicians and singers will perform in the world premiere of a new contemporary opera at the Lusaka Playhouse next month.

The OperaZ Orchestra, Kanon Choir and Team Jiva dancers will showcase some of the country’s best talent in Damyna, Damyna, a story of drama, romance and intrigue that explores the conflicts of modern-day society.
Local performers will be joined by six guest musicians from the Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Academy in Germany, and will be conducted by renowned conductor Theo Bross.
The opera stars soloists Lulu Imbula, Chrispin Lindunda, Paddy Mukando, Cathrin Mukupa, Stanley Musowe, Josephine Kachiza, Mate Mate and Portia Imbula.
Music direction is by Milupi Imbula; choreography by Michael Malambo; production design by Nadezda Chibanda; costumes by Charity Nyirongo; stage manager is Chris Mulambwa.
Sponsors include Manzi Valley, Proflight Zambia, ProCharter, Amatheon Agri, Ngoma Dolce Music Academy and Langmead & Baker.
Rehearsals are at an advanced stage for the collective’s first performance of the opera, which explores the conflicts between traditional rural life in Zambia and the attractions and challenges of modern urban living. Essentially a love story, the allegory also examines controversial issues surrounding orphans, donor influence, the gap between rich and poor and the everyday struggles of rural life.
The opera is composed and written by long-term Zambia resident Dr Peter Langmead, who has spent much of his working life travelling throughout Zambia for his work, drawing inspiration for the composition from his experiences and observation.
“Damyna Damyna is about the realities of life familiar to many people, but the show also has magical touches and quite a few surprises.” said Dr Langmead. “It is also an opportunity for people to see the remarkable – and often hidden – talent that we have in Zambia.”


Dr Langmead’s vision is to restore opera’s reputation as an entertainment event for ordinary people, rather than an elitist art form. He aims to encourage and stage new compositions by new composers, and break the mould, rather than dwell on the traditional Western classical pieces.
Instead he hopes to impart his enthusiasm and passion for contemporary classical music to a new generation of young performers and artists who are keen to break down the barriers between old and new, traditional and modern, and classical and contemporary music.
The opera will be staged at the Lusaka Playhouse at 19hrs on Thursday, April 3, Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Tickets are K200 and can be reserved by calling 0976 750044 or emailing [email protected]

Theo and Orchestra 

Terence and Theo

 About OperaZ

OperaZ is a collective of talented classically trained Zambian singers and musicians, along with some of the country’s leading contemporary dancers.

The aim is to showcase new contemporary compositions through performances throughout Zambia and internationally.

The group also aims to nurture emerging classical music talent, inspire new musicians to reach their potential and provide a platform to bring work to a wider audience.

For more information visit www.operaz.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperaZed

Twitter: @Opera4Z

 

 

Increase in early marriages blamed on rural poverty

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Example of an early marriage in Africa.17yr old girl cradling her baby as she sits with her 70yr old husband

The Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs has attributed the increase in early marriages to high levels of poverty in rural areas.

Chiefs and Traditional Affairs deputy Minister Susan Kawandami told QFM-News that this why government has put in place policy measures to curb gender based violence and early marriages in rural areas.

Ms. Kawandami also commended traditional leaders for responding well to the programs government has introduced to help curb early marriages in rural areas.

She has since called on NGOs to come on board and help alleviate poverty which she says has contributed to early marriages in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kawandami has commended Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni speaking people in Chipata District of Eastern Province for being appointed to represent the country at a conference on Early Marriages in Africa being held in New York City.
[QFM]

Born N Bred Awards to be held on 21st March

Entertainment Editor
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bornnbred

The 2014 Born N Bred Awards will be held on 21st March at New Government Complex .The show will start at 19:00

Born and Bred 2014 music awards voting method.
SMS the code of the artist in any category and send to 343 ( E.g to vote for Chef, sms his code which 111 to 343 and you will receive confirmation)

CODE BEST HIP HOP 
111 • Chef 187 -Shofolo
112 • Alpha Romeo – Pa Zed
113 • Ruff Kaida ft Lady Rozzy – Am Alive
114 • Slap D – Remember
115 • Bobby East – Hate Mail

CODE BEST DANCE HALL 
121 • Yellow Man – You are the Best
122 • MC Wabwino – Tipa
123 • B Flow, Admirol P, & Gyptian – 2 By 2
124 • Karasa – Go Mama Go
125 • Mr. Veezy – Chitenge

CODE BEST GOSPEL
131 • Seth – Salvation Niweka ( Reloaded)
132 • Magg 44 ft Karen – Pwililika
133 • Pompi – Gaint Killer
134 • Debbie – where would I be
135 • Papa Bruno – ni mu nampapu

CODE BEST R N B 
141 • CQ – Napeza
142 • Roberto – Good Woman
143 • F Jay ft Mr. Veezy – Hamba Lami
144 • Starn – Zimandola
145 • Manas ft Roberto – Oxygen

CODE BEST MALE UPCOMING
151 • Espe – Mistaken Identity
152 • Muzo – Nfimbi Fikutikeni
153 • Stevo – Nili Pamutunda
154 • Tu -K ft Flexville – Show Me
155 • Paul Da Prince – Rewind

CODE BEST FEMALE UPCOMING 
161 • Cavia – Chisakulo
162 • Lady Rozzay – Awisi Junior
163 • Chichi B – Ajumbwelele
164 • Chama ft Flexville
165 • Cleo ft JK – Big Dreams

CODE BEST CONCIOUSE 
171 • T- Sean – Mu Mirror
172 • B Flow ft Judy – Cry of a Woman
173 • Macky 2 – We Don’t Care
174 • Pilato – Komboni Dugude
175 • Alpha, Jae Cash, KB Juvic & Chulu – Everbody

CODE BEST ZED VIDEO
181 • B1 ft Leo Muntu – Sokola Bonzo
182 • Jk – Telemundo Lovin
183 • OC – Oh Na Na
184 • Macky 2 – So Beautiful
185 • Dalisoul ft Armstrong & Afunika – Musiye Ayende

C0DE BEST FOREIGN RHYTHM 
191 • Chilu Lemba ft TK – Njota
192 • Kayombo – Magnetic Force
193 • Zone Fam – Translate
194 • Kachinga – One Kwacha
195 • CQ – I Run this show

CODE BEST FEMALE VIDEO 
211 • Francia ft Macky 2 – Walasa
212 • Kay Figo – Weakness
213 • Katisha – Dizzy
214 • Brisky – Weave Na Pala
215 • Debbie – where would i be

CODE BEST COLLABORATION 
221 • Macky 2 ft K’Millian – No More Love
222 • B Flow ft Judy – Cry Of A Woman
223 • Cleo ft JK – Big Dreams
224 • Flexville, Francia, Karasa & Shyman – Respect
225 • Francia ft Macky 2 – Walasa

CODE BEST TOURISM
231 • Fly 5 – Fly Away
232 • Elithorios Mukuka – Heart
233 • Welcome to Zambia

CODE BEST TRADITION 
241 • Sakala Brothers – Emma
242 • Organised Family – Man’ga
243 • Valchino – maria
244 • Sebastian Mwansa – Bemba woman
245 • James Chamanyazi –

 

BY KAPA187

The Culture of death on Zambian roads

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accidents
Accidents on Zambian roads

On behalf of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the 14 victims who died in the recent Ndola- Kitwe dual carriage way road carnage. We ask that the Lord, the God of all comfort keep them during this very difficult time.

While it is true that an accident happens without a plan, I am convinced that we can plan to reduce road accidents in the nation. The past three weeks have seen the heightening of a culture of death as a result of road accidents. This development has gone un abated since PF came into office. Christians across the nation have continued to enquire as to whether these deaths are enshrined in spiritual sacrifices. This is an issue the church is capable of managing, as the Bible says, “He has given us power over all the powers of the enemy…”

Our indictment goes against the PF government’s inability to deal with this culture of death on our roads. Almost on a daily basis, lives are lost because of bad roads, corrupt police men who continue to allow defective vehicles on the road, poor signage and a host of other preventable causes. We are now loosing close to 3000 lives every year from traffic accidents. It is now the third largest killer after Malaria and HIV/AIDS. Zambia has also risen in world health statistics as 11th in road traffic accidents. This has been compounded by irresponsible drivers on the roads who know that no policeman can arrest them as long as they have money to give them.

We call for a stakeholders meeting to deal with this culture of death which is now being accepted as normal in the nation. MMD demands that the PF government moves swiftly to save lives. This is an emergency and government must do what it was elected to do. To protect the citizens of this country.

Nevers Sekwila Mumba
President, MMD
Party Secretariat Release

14 houses Collapse in Solwezi

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14 households have been left homeless after their houses collapsed in Solwezi while 74 other houses are on the verge of collapsing in Kimasala area,Solwezi district after a heavy down pour experienced in the district earlier this week.

The affected family members are since calling on government to come to their aid with any form of assistance.

Ms Evelyn Chitambala taking care of 7 grandchildren explained that her house collapsed after a heavy down pour and this has left her vulnerable with no shelter over her head.

The needy looking woman has asked government to find a way of relocating them to another place as the area is water logged, the toilets and shallow wells have all been filled up with water posing a risk to the community with water bone diseases.

Others appealed to government to assist them with relief tents as they have remained homeless.

Solwezi District Commissioner Crispin Likando who visited the area on Wednesday said the people will be provided with chlorine to disinfect the water.

Mr. Likando who was accompanied by Disaster Management and mitigation Unit DMMU regional Coordinator Peter Kabaso gave out one relief tent to the widow who’s house collapsed.

Mr. Kabaso said the region will mobilise 7 more tents from across the province to assist those critically affected further stating that the tent was not a permanent solution but just a relief as government looks at other measures of helping the affected families.

And Speaking after inspecting the area, North Western province permanent secretary Amos Malupenga said it is the duty of government to ensure people live in decent areas.

Mr Malupenga who described the situation as a looming epidemic Disaster said the government will intervene in the matter and find immediate alternatives to safeguard the lives of the people.

He has asked the local authority to identify land where the people would be relocated to if the situation worsens and a way of avoiding the looming epidemic disaster in the western part of Kimasala compound about 5 km from town centre.

Mr Malupenga has assured that government will do everything possible to avert the situation that has left 14 families homeless with other 74 on the line to loose their houses due to excessive rains being experienced in the district.

Meanwhile, Provincial water officer George Njobvu said the area is saturated and the water tables are very high leading in the floods.

Mr Njobvu stated that there is no infiltration in the area due to lack of drainages that would drain the waters.

President Sata reaffirms resolve to fight corruption

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Mc Sata address Ambassadors-8086

President Micheal Sata has reaffirmed his government’s determination to fighting corruption in the country.

President Sata said government has progressed in the fight against corruption in the past two years.

This is according to President Sata’s latest facebook page posting.

He said his administration was fighting corruption in order to create an environment that was conducive for effective social and economic development as well as improved service delivery to the people of Zambia.

He said upon assuming Office in 2011, the Patriotic Front government strengthened the Anti-Corruption legal framework through the introduction of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

The Head of State said his government re-introduced the abuse of authority clause that had been removed by the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) government.

Mr. Sata said government further domesticated a number of provisions contained in the international conventions and protocols on corruption that Zambia is a party to.

He disclosed that last year, the ACC received a total of 1,987 reports and 425 cases were authorized for investigation.

By the close of the year, there were a total of 902 cases under investigations while 205 were concluded and closed.

The commission also recorded 27 arrests countrywide and 64 cases were before the courts of law for prosecutions.

“With regard to investigations and prosecutions, the ACC secured 27 convictions and recorded 10 acquittals while eight cases were withdrawn from court due to technicalities and 12 judgments were appealed against,” he said.

Mr. Sata said in 2012, the Commission received 2,337 reports and investigated them.

He said 484 cases were authorized for investigations while by the close of the year, there were a total of 733 cases under investigations and a total of 89 prosecutions cases were before the courts of law.

“The ACC recorded 31 arrests countrywide in 2012 while 13 convictions and 9 acquittals were recorded. In addition a total of 44 cases were at trial stage while 9 cases were at defense stage, one awaiting judgment, 4 at defense stage, one case was awaiting ruling and only 2 withdrawals were made during that year review,” he said.

President Sata has since assured the nation and cooperating partners that government was resolved to continue placing the fight against corruption on top of its agenda.

Kitwe death toll rises to 15

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The death toll in the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway accident has risen to 15.

Copperbelt police commissioner Joyce Kasosa said in an interview yesterday that nine out of the 15 dead people have been identified.

Meanwhile, only seven of the accident victims are still admitted in hospital.

One accident victim is admitted at Wusakile Mine Hospital while six are receiving treatment at Kitwe Central Hospital.

Wusakile Mine Hospital medical manager Ronny Cheelo said three out of the four accidents victims that had remained were discharged yesterday.

Dr Cheelo said the remaining patient sustained multiple fractured legs and hands requiring extensive surgery.

And Kitwe Central Hospital spokesperson Grey Chishimba confirmed that six accident victims were still admitted at the institution.

Thirteen people died on the spot on the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriage in a road traffic accident involving a truck, a car and a minibus on Tuesday this week.

The number has however risen to 15 after two more accident victims died in hospital.

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