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Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo
Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo says the World Heritage Centre should inscribe the Barotse plains in Western province as a heritage site.
Professor Luo said the Barotse landscape has enough unique features that qualify it to be listed among the World Heritage Sites in the World.
The Minister said UNESCO through the World Heritage Centre must favourably consider submissions made by the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) to have the Barotse flood plains protected as a heritage site.
Speaking during the NHCC organised orientation workshop on the Barotse Cultural Landscapes in Lusaka, Professor Luo said Western province has for a long time preserved its tradition, culture and beliefs, ingredients she said makes it attractive to be a protected heritage site.
The Minister further said the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has an already well established system of protecting natural resources in the province without supervision.
She said there is no reason why Zambia should only have one heritage site which is the Victory Falls when the country has other places befitting heritage site status.
And speaking at the same occasion, NHCC Chief Executive Officer Collins Chipote said inscription of the Barotse plains as a World Heritage site will come with a lot of benefits.
Mr Chipote said apart from attracting partnerships in the management of the plains, the area will have opportunities of funding for conservation of the site.
He said he is confident that UNESCO will nominate the Barotse plains as a World Heritage Site by next year.
An expert from the International Council of Monuments and Museums Karrel Bakko is in Zambia to assess NHCC’s application to have the Barotse plains listed as a world heritage site.
Currently only the Victoria Falls is recognised as a World Heritage Site in Zambia.
Patriotic Front (PF) members in Mongu District in Western Province took to the street and petitioned government on the recent job opportunities in the newly-created districts.
The aggrieved members marched from their party secretariat office to the Permanent Secretary’s office chanting songs of solidality to President Michael Sata.
Speaking on behalf of other petitioners, PF Provincial Chairman, Kenneth Namutulo, accused the Provincial Administration and District Commissioners in the new districts of being corrupt and having used nepotism in the employment process.
Mr Namutulo accused the District Commissioners of having chosen their relatives to fill in the positions of non-civil service jobs in their districts at the expense of PF members.
“I have made my own investigations on the recent employment. The jobs in these new districts were given to people who were on the list of District Commissioners and mostly their relatives,” alleged Mr Namutulo.
He further accused the District Commissioners of working against President Sata’s administration, explaining that the District Commissioners allegedly did not consult with the party leadership in their respective districts when they came up with the names of the new recruits.
Speaking Earlier, Mongu PF District Chairman, Oscar Tembo, said members of the ruling party mean well, adding that the demonstration conducted was due to rampant unemployment among party members as well as youths in the district and the province as a whole.
Mr Tembo said the non-civil service jobs that were created in the new districts should have been seen to cushion the unemployment levels in the province.
He also accused the provincial administration of hiring people from outside the province whom he said are the majority.
And in response, Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga, said their grievances would be looked into and communicated through the party structure.
A critical water shortage has hit some parts of Chipata district in Eastern Province since last Saturday.
The affected areas are part of Kapata Township, Kanjala, Kalongwezi, Hollywood, and Jere areas.
And Chipata residents have challenged Eastern Water and Sewerage Company to find a lasting solution to the water blues experienced frequently in the district by purchasing a generator as an alternative once power goes.
Mr Chanda Chilufya told ZANIS in an interview, that it is sad that in the 21st Century people were still subjected to water shortages.
Mr Chilufya said issues of water and sanitation should be addressed to the fullest so that people are not subjected to unnecessary suffering.
He challenged the water utility company to be innovative in order to enhance effective water supply to residents.
And Charity Nyirenda of Hollywood stated that residents were tired of carrying buckets on their heads.
Mrs Nyirenda said the residents were paying huge bills of water despite receiving rationed water.
And when contacted for a comment, Eastern Water and Sewerage Company Public Relations Officer, Henry Kashoki, was reported to be in Petauke attending a meeting.
Reynold Kampamba today stunned Kalulushi Modern Stars with a hat trick to send Nkana seven points clear at the top of the Faz Super League table.
Kampamba’s three goals helped Nkana to a 4-1 away win at Independence Stadium in a rescheduled Week 18 game.
The striker put Nkana ahead in the 11th minute but Kalulushi equalised ten minute later through Josphat Kasusu who crashed in an unstoppable volley past goalkeeper Charles Mweemba.
Kampamba put Nkana back in the lead in the 26th minute and that is how scores remained at halftime.
Meanwhile, Nkana suffered a setback a minute after the goal when dependable defender Chris Muntahli limped off with an ankle injury.
Kampamba made sure he went home with the ball with his third of the day in the 76th minute before Jimmy Ndhlovu added more misery to Kalulushi’s woes on Wednesday with the fourth goal in the 86th minute.
Nkana move to 54 points, seven ahead of second placed Zesco United with five games left before the 2013 title is settled.
And at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka, Nkwazi and Red Arrows played out to a scoreless draw.
The Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officers have gunned down crocodiles that have been terrorizing people in Lake Bangweulu of Chilubi district in Northern Province.
ZAWA area Warden Lewis Daka confirmed the development to ZANIS and that his officers swung into action to eliminate the crocodiles that have been attacking people in the district.
Mr. Daka said the move follows numerous cases of people being attacked and killed by reptiles.
He said government had deployed officers from Lusaka to Chilubi to rid the area of the crocodiles which are on rampage.
Mr. Daka explained that so far officers have managed to gun down two big crocodiles from the lake adding that the battle will continue until the area becomes safe for human life.
And Chilubi District Commissioner Boniface Kamanda has commended ZAWA for the exercise.
Mr. Kamanda explained that every year the district records more than five cases of people being killed by the aquatic reptiles.
He said each time there was a case of that nature police officers fought running battles with residents in the area as they accused them of siding with people they suspected to be using witchcraft through the reptiles.
“Most of the people here believe that real crocodiles do not attack people unless wizards who turn into crocodiles and attack people for rituals,” said Mr. Kamanda.
Recently a 28-year-old-man of the same area escaped death after being attacked by a crocodile while fishing in Lake Bangweulu.
This [prompted residents to start request government’s intervention by sending for ZAWA officers to come to their rescue.
Government says in line with the Patriotic Party (PF) manifesto, the 2014 National budget has set realistic and workable programmes and strategies to deepen and accelerate broad based social and economic development.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Mwansa Kapeya said the budget has prioritized job creation through increased and sustained investment in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy and construction sectors among other benchmarks set.
In a press statement realised to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Kapeya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson disclosed that the 2014 National budget has set out clear macro-economic objectives, policies and strategies for 2014 in order to consolidate economic growth and job creation for the benefit and wellbeing of all Zambians.
He said government’s objectives are clear and precise to achieve real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of above 7 percent, create at least 200,000 decent jobs, attain end-year inflation of no more than 6.5 percent and increase domestic revenue collections to over 21 percent of GDP.
The Chief government spokesperson explained that government has also placed high premium on Health, Education, Infrastructure development, and Decentralisation among other sectors.
He further explained that this shows that the PF government has a clear focus and vision to develop the country.
Mr Kapeya added that it is cheap politicking for the opposition Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) through its Spokesperson, Mr Muhabi Lungu, to dismiss the 2014 budget which has been hailed by many as well focused and highly progressive.
He advised the MMD to swallow its pride and give credit where it is due rather than hide behind empty political rhetoric.
The Information and Broadcasting Services Minister stressed that government is on course to implement its development agenda and no amount of unconstructive criticism will derail it from delivering on its promises to improve people’s living standards.
He stated that for the first time in 20 years, Zambians are witnessing a robust and rigorous development programme in all sectors among them construction of new schools, universities, roads, health and other social economic facilities and services which is going on throughout the country.
Mr Kapeya outlined the government programme in a press statement in response to the accusations by the MMD on the 2014 National Budget.
President Michael Sata has dismissed assertions that he decided to award himself a 10 per cent salary increment. This is s according to a statement released by special assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations George Chellah.
The Head of State explained that salaries and allowances for the President, Vice- President, Chief Whip, Leader of Opposition, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Members of Parliament are determined by the Standing Orders Committee of Parliament.
“…the procedure is once the Standing Orders Committee has determined what increment to award, the Minister of Finance issues a Statutory Instrument. In fact, this year, the Committee, which includes opposition Members of Parliament met and came up with an increment of 10 per cent taking into account the national resource and notwithstanding the fact that the civil service was awarded increments ranging from 0 per cent to more than 150 per cent,” President Sata said.
President Sata emphasised that this decision was made at Parliament by both ruling party and opposition Members of Parliament, whose salaries have equally been revised upwards.
“I urge all opposition Members of Parliament to take time and explain this slight adjustment to their party leaders to avoid shooting themselves in the foot,” he said.
Zambians living in China have hailed Chipolopolo’s display in the 2-0 loss to Brazil in a friendly match in Beijing on Tuesday.
Brazil struggled to beat the 2012 African champions as they needed two second half goals to triumph at the National Stadium in the Chinese capital.
The fans who cheered Chipolopolo say the team performed well against the five-time world champions.
Others said they thought that Brazil were going to record an emphatic win over Zambia.
“It was a good result, we played well despite losing,” a Zambian student based in Beijing said.
Another added:” We are proud of our team, we thought we were going to conceid just after 10 minutes.”
Dede and Oscar were the scorers.
Meanwhile, Zambia played against the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts minus key stars like Collins Mbesuma, Rainford Kalaba, Stopilla Sunzu, Nathan Sinkala and Davies Nkausu.
Government has confirmed that it has increased salaries for the Executive and members of the legislature.
Chief Government Spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya who confirmed the development said that it is normal for the President’s salary and that of his ministers and MPs to be hiked.
Mr. Kapeya has justified the increments, saying that whenever salaries for civil servants are hiked, those of constitutional office bearers should also be increased.
Salaries for MPs and executive were last year hiked, making the latest increment the second in two years.
According to Statutory Instrument number 91 of 2013 signed by Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, President Michael Sata will be getting an annual salary of K414, 406 while Vice President Guy Scott will now earn K250, 551 basic pay plus other special and utility allowances.
Ministers will earn a basic pay of K189, 672 each and Deputy Ministers K179, 158 plus other utility and special allowances.
And MMD President Nevers Mumba has condemned government’s move to hike salaries for the Executive and Members of Parliament.
Dr. Mumba says government’s decision only shows that it does not put the interest of the poor Zambians first.
The PF has thrown itself into a whirl of self-destruction. President Michael Sata, the Pied Piper has taken a wrong turn and is leading his followers to their own doom with far reaching-consequences. Here is a man bestowed with authority, and yet even with all the power at his disposal, he is unable to lead like the hero he is. He has never looked so compromising, vulnerable, and beatable. He is a good example of “all that glitters is not gold.” We are learning that as much as tenacity [stubbornness, doggedness, boorishness] can be a gift, it can become a curse as well. In this case, it has triggered a contagion of mayhem in the PF and left its members in a collusive relationship.
President Michael Sata with PF Mkaika constituency parliamentary candidate David Phiri after a rallyto drum up support for Phiri in Katete on Sept 2,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Sata’s recent divisive remarks “I am not desperate for endorsement” tell it all. His utterances show a weak leader pushing his stewards, die-hards, and zealots over the cliff. No leader rejects and embarrasses his most faithful supporters like Sata has done. He has taken the wind out of Geoffrey Mwamba, Willie Nsanda, Chisimba Kambwili, Robert Chikwelete and their fellow “endorsers” and left them betrayed, shamed, dejected, and devastated. They have found it hard to understand why he has sided with Wynter Kabimba, a man they perceive to be his destruction, and rewarded him and his “successors” with a sense of victory and hope.
[pullquote]They have found it hard to understand why he has sided with Wynter Kabimba[/pullquote]
It is this act, and his fatal entanglement in the Bemba chiefdom that makes him a one-term president. But Sata is right: the opposition is fragmented and weak. The PF house is on fire and the fragmented Zambian opposition is helping put the fire out, a clear indication that it lacks skillful, and quick-witted political strategists who can handle Zambia’s shrewdest political tactician, here referred to as King Cobra, and deny him a second term.
What the weak and fragmented opposition can learn from Sata-the opposition leader
Let me say this; siding or supporting the ruling party is damn. It is a mediocre way of doing politics. In fact, opposition leaders who agree with their rivals rarely win elections. For ten years, King Cobra applied the survival value of intransigent politics. He was totally intolerant of the MMD. Back in 2009 when nurses went on strike, Sata used pictures of a mother in self-delivery posture as a weapon of attack. When there was a shortage of fuel, he picked up a jelly can, queued at the pump, and blamed RB for the crisis. When RB made trips abroad, he accused him of misusing taxpayer’s money.
Here are Sata’s own words of November 3, 2009:
“His presidency [Rupiah Banda’s] has just been full of crisis upon crisis and frequent presidential trips. Zambians must know that as he enters his second year, it will even be worse because the man doesn’t even care. He only cares so much about the presidential jet so that he keeps traveling all over.”
That was King Cobra in his time. He took advantage of the slightest mistake by the MMD, made capital out of it, and took it to the poor and the desperate because he knew they rally behind politicians who do not compromise. Similarly, no leader in the opposition should compromise with Sata, not even render an iota of sympathy or empathy. As Sata grapples with broken promises, his party’s restlessness and incongruity, and his authoritarian decisions, the opposition should be pouring gallons of paraffin on the fire and stripping him of his magnetism. That’s how the institution of democratic politics works. You take advantage of your opponent at his moment of weakness, beat him, and only compromise at legislative level.
In search of leader who can make Sata eat his own words
This is the time for the opposition to unite and front a leader who can take center stage, rise to the level of national exaltation, and make Sata eat his own words. The opposition lacks such a base activist who can make speeches bemoaning the wrong done by Sata to the Bemba kingdom and call for the Bembas in the country to rally behind him in calling for Sata to gazette Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.
The president’s surprising endorsement of Kabimba and the “successors” has led to speculations that Sata is ensnared in the secret concords and illegal business deals with Kabimba thus his failure to expel him from the party. The opposition vanguard should take advantage of this and bring afore allegations that Sata and Kabimba are directors of Ilunda Chalo Investments Limited and expose the activities of the company.
Such a leader must also expose the “Fourth Republic”—the party within the PF, that’s if at all it exists, and convince the disgruntled “endorsers” to jump ship and join the opposition. The question is; is there such a leader in the opposition? Is it possible one could rise among them and excel in 2016? Yes. Who is it? Good question. Let’s look at the frontrunners in the opposition.
Hakainde Hichilema
Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema
Leading the pack is Hakainde Hichilema. In all fairness he has made some credible inroads and stands a better chance than most. Born June 4, 1962; Education: BA. Economics and Business; MBA Finance & Business Strategy; Current Position: President of the United Party of National Development (UPND). He is Sata’s chief worrier and target. After his 2009 kumbaya moments with Sata at the height of the PF-UPND pact, Hichilema understands Sata better than other opposition leaders. He knows there is not much venom left in his fangs.
But Hichilema’s opponents describe him as an infantile politician driven by self-interest and spite. They say that when he refused to accept the vice-residency in the PF-UPND brief marriage of convenience, he came out as a power-hungry egocentric politician with an undemocratic “be it me or be it none” presidential ambition.
The major setback though is that the “tribal and ethnic leader” stigma still has its claws deep in his flesh. His pillars of support are still embedded in the predominantly Tonga ethnic ground. Up to this day, running as a UPND candidate is perceived by many as running on a Tonga ticket. The good thing is he has realized his party needs a diverse support base if it is to succeed and he is trying to do something about it. His recent successful Mandevu rally is making many people across the country to give him a second look.
Nevers Mumba
Opposition MMD leader Nevers Mumba
Next is Nevers Mumba. Born May 18, 1960; Education: Associate Degree (Diploma) in Theology; Current Position: President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). They say he loves power, prestige, and prerogative, and wears his “Dr. Nevers Mumba” blue band like King George. The problem is he is standing on a turbulent melting iceberg mired as he is in internecine squabbles. It is clear he has not been fully embraced by MMD keepers, some who are getting frustrated that he is not using enough of his “Evangelical charisma” to resurrect the party. Others have been suspicious of him right from the start. They have labeled him a sheep in wolf’s skin and quit.
But his clashes with president Sata and his frequent trips to the jailhouse are helping. Prison is the baptismal tabernacle for every future president in Zambia, unless handpicked like Mwanawasa and Banda. With this experience, Mumba has become courageous and dare challenge the incumbent. Having said this, Mumba must not be cuckolded by the recent few parliamentary victories in Eastern Province. The voters are not necessarily supporting him but are rallying behind their favorite candidates. What he urgently needs is a national formula, and a fresh leadership style now, or he risks becoming irrelevant.
Elias Chipimo
NAREP leader Elias Chipimo
Next, Elias Chipimo Jr. Born September 3, 1965. Education: B.A. Civil Law. Current Position: President of the National Restoration Party (NAREP). Though brilliant, liked by the young generation, he has a long and arduous way to State House. He comes out as gullible, susceptible, and an appeaser. As earlier intimated, the strategy of appeasement does not work in chaotic Zambian politics. Sharing the suffering consequences of the PF and urging the president to address them is a trait synonymous with third-rate personality parties. Receiving and accepting praise from the ruling party is a bygone gesture common among conciliatory, consensus-seeking, and compromise-oriented leaders. If Chipimo wants to defeat King Cobra, he has to adopt a tough style of leadership and become combatant, forceful, and preemptory.
There is no enough space for the rest of the moribund parties. Let me put it crudely; they do not deserve mention because most of them, including General Godfrey Miyanda, operate splinter or personality parties. I must hasten to mention that I have a soft spot for Father Frank Bwalya. He has showed us that he a fearless politician who takes the stance of battle and is ready to fight. Although it is too soon to measure his success, he has the charisma and the ability to stir the hearts of others.
If finding a sole leader is impossible, at least find some sort of alliance. Imagine for a moment Hichilema, Mumba, Chipimo, and Father Bwalya in a joint force. Imagine them creating a coalition for change, and mapping a winning electoral strategy. Imagine them in one bus driving across the country holding joint rallies and at every stop, and in a unitary voice, stressing economic instability and insecurity, and the incompetence of the ruling party and its leader. They would be welcome in all the provinces. But sadly, this would only be possible if they put the country before their personal ambitions and sectarian interests, struck a common political agenda and swore a covenant to beat the incumbent and form a coalition government in 2016. Coalition politics is a common and very successful strategy around the world.
Open society Foundation executive director Sunday Chilufya has called on government to reverse the reported salary increments for the President, ministers and members of parliament.In a press statement released to the media, Mr.Sunday Chilufys expressed concern at the salary increments to the executive and members of the legislature at a time when the nation faces serious econonmic challenges.
He said the Zambian people have sacrificed through the removal of subsidies and it is high time that Government was seen to be sacrificing too. Zambia is still grappling with high poverty levels and the country is yet to dismantle the huge burden of unemployment, especially among youths. We therefore call on Government to reverse this reported decision as it is completely out of season.
OSF also called on Government to ensure Shoprite Workers fired are reinstated and their conditions of service addressed by management. Zambia cannot afford to see jobs being lost when we have not yet dismantled the burden of joblessness.
UPND vice-president for politics Canisius Banda has described as madness the PF governments decision to increase the salaries of the Republican president, Michael Sata and all government ministers, especially when the Zambian government barely survives on borrowed money to Finance the budget.
Dr. Banda said the action was one of the stupidest things he has ever seen, especially that there are a number of unresolved issues with nurses, mid-wives and other medical personnel.
Details of salary increments
President Michael Sata’s salary has been increased to a whooping K414,406 million with a special allowance of K108,934 barely a year after his salary was increased to K327,000 million in 2012.
The increase in President Sata’s salary by K87,000,000 will also see his Vice-President Guy Scott and other specified office holders including Cabinet ministers have their salaries increased by the same percentage margin as per Statutory Instrument No 92 of 2013.
This is the third time in a little more than two years that President Sata has had his salary increased with the first two increments having been effected at 100 per cent of the annual basic pay.
The hefty salary increases come against a backdrop of health workers including nurses, council workers and other public service workers having gone on strike after receiving a meager four per cent increase.
According to the Statutory Instrument No 91 of 2013 of the Presidential Emoluments Act of the Laws of Zambia Volume 15 Cap 261 signed by Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda, President Sata was now entitled to an annual salary of 414,406, about K87,406 more than his current earnings which are at K327,000.
The Statutory Instrument signed on October 8 by Chikwanda under the October 11, 2013 government gazette, President Sata’s salary increase is effective September 1, 2013.
April 2012 presidential salary increase
On April 1, 2012, Sata increased his salary from the K164m (K162 000) per annum, which Rupiah Banda was earning to K327 million (K327 000).
This is according to statutory instrument no. 17 of 2012 signed by Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda.
The same Statutory Instrument showed that President Sata’ special annual allowance was increased from the K59 million (K59 000) Rupiah Banda was earning to K80 million (K80 000).
June 2012 presidential salary increase
On 14 June 2012, Sata’ salary was increased by K50 million (K50 000). This was according to Statutory Instrument number 43 of 2012 signed by Finance minister Alexander Chikwanda.
The additional K50 million was backdated to April 1, 2012 when the first increments were affected.
By the June 14, 2012 increments, Sata’ special allowance was increased from K80 million (K80 000) to K99 Million (K99 000).
In 2012, Chikwanda signed Statutory Instrument No 17 of 2012 which had raised President Sata salary to K327 million [nearly US$73,000] per annum.
Rupiah Banda rejected salary increase for executive and parliamentarians during his time
Former president Rupiah Banda was getting K164,120 million per annum and when he was acting president the former head of state refused to append his signature to a Parliamentary Bill for increased salaries of the Executive and parliamentarians and sent back to the House for revision.(http://www.lusakatimes.com/2008/09/20/rb-explains-decision-not-to-sign-salary-bill/)
In 2008 while in the opposition, President Sata attacked former president Rupiah Banda over the salaries saying the then president was being selfish.
Chikwanda said in exercise of the powers contained in section two of the Presidential Emoluments Act and after consultation with the Standing Orders Committee of the National Assembly, President Sata would be paid K414,406 million annually.
“These Regulations may be cited as the Presidential Emoluments (Amendment) Regulation, 2013 and shall read as one with the Presidential Emoluments Regulations 2009, in these Regulations referred to as the principle Regulations. These regulations shall be deemed to have come into operation on September 1, 2013, Chikwanda stated in his Statutory Instrument.
And according to the Statutory Instruments No 92 of 2013 for Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices, Vice-President Dr Scott would now be enjoying an annual salary of K250,551 with a special allowance of K62,360 while his utility allowance had been upped by K49,098 per annum.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini would now be pocketing K230,557 million with an added special allowance of K55,299 while his utility allowance now stands at K49,098.
The deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Whip and Leader of the Opposition have had their salaries increased to K189,672 million while the salary of the deputy Chief Whip and that of the Deputy Chairperson of Committee will be earning K179,158 million.
Expelled Patriotic Front (PF) Assistant Secretary General in charge of politics Sikwindi Situla says only party and republican president Michael Sata can remove him from his position.
Mr. Situla says this because his position as PF Assistant Secretary General in charge of politics draws its authority from the PF party president.
Speaking to Qfm in an interview, Mr. Situla has also maintained that he is still a sincere and loyal member of the PF and a supporter of President Sata and his leadership.
Mr. Situla has also stated that he has written a letter concerning his suspension to President Sata is awaiting his response.
On Monday, PF deputy secretary general Bridget Atanga suspended Mr. Situla from the party before announcing his expulsion yesterday for insubordination.
Mr Situla has been linked to the Fourth Republic Party together with PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba.
FILE: Livingstone City Council workers removing makeshift structures for street vendors from Mosi-oa-tunya road in Livingstone on Friday to promote cleanliness in the city ahead of the August 2013 UNWTO conference
SOME Council police officers and street vendors in Livingstone on Monday clashed in the central business district regarding the latter’s manoeuvres to illegally resume trading on the streets.
Prior to the August 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly, Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo working in partnership with the Livingstone City Council removed the vendors from the streets.
The removal of street vendors was meant to promote cleanliness in Zambia’s tourist capital ahead and beyond the United Nations global tourism summit.
But after the UNWTO conference, some vendors have been making attempts to secretly sneak their products to the streets.
On Monday this week, some Council Police officers and vendors physically fought much to the amusement of on-lookers and shop owners over the latter’s attempt to return to the streets.
Eye witness told Times of Zambia in Livingstone yesterday that council police were over-powered by the vendors who in turn vowed to resume trading on the streets.
The Council police only managed to return back into town after several minutes in the company of State police in a police van in a bid to pursue the vendors.
And speaking in an interview yesterday, Livingstone City Council Public Relations Manager Emmanuel Sikanyika expressed shock at the physical battle between Council police and vendors.
Mr Sikanyika said the local authority would not allow vendors to take the law into their own hands with impunity.
He said no amount of lawlessness would be tolerated because the council police were protected by the law in the execution of their job.
“Livingstone is not short of trading space. We have given people places where they can trade from and those that want to come back to the streets are just selfish and do not want to face the completion with their friends in the markets, but we shall not allow any form of lawlessness,” Mr Sikanyika said.
He said the council was working with State police and anyone found wanting would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
POLISH Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected in the country for a three day State visit and will meet President Michael Sata for bilateral discussions.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet at State House, where Mr Tuck is expected to pay a courtesy call on the Head of State.
The Polish Prime Minister, who will be leading a high-level delegation of 30 Polish businessmen, would arrive in Zambia via the Livingstone International Airport on Saturday, October 19, 2013.
Accompanying the Prime Minister will be his wife Malgorzata Tusk, the former Prime Minister, and the Head of Economic Council, Krzysztof Jan Bielecki, the Minister of Transport Construction and Maritime Economy, S?awomir Nowak, the Minister of Health Bartosz Arlukowicz, the Vice-Minister of Polish Foreign Affairs BeataStelmach, and Ministry of Economy Vice- Minister IlonaAnoniszyn-Klik.
Others are the President of Polish Investment Agency, Stanislaw Majman, two members of Parliament as well as two Secretaries of State at the Prime Minister’s office.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Germany, Yvonne Shibemba.
The Prime Minister and his delegation would then visit Lusaka Museum where he would officially open an exhibition in honour of Cardinal Adam Kozlowiecki, a Polish-born Jesuit missionary who spent most of his life in Africa and died on September 28, 2007, aged 96 and was buried in Lusaka.
Cardinal Kozlowiecki was the first archbishop of Lusaka. The Prime Minister is also expected to officiate at the opening of the Business-Economic Forum in Lusaka to be attended by the Polish Business delegation and the Zambian Business community.
The diverse group of Polish businessmen expected to attend the Business Forum represent important sectors such as the Road construction, Railway construction, Copper mining, Energy engineering, Agricultural machinery, Mining Machinery, Furniture production, Food distribution, Coin and medal printing, Bullet proof producer and Consulting military electronics.
Mr. Tusk would also have an opportunity to visit the oldest Polish Charity Mission in Zambia, Kasisi, and thereafter meet with the representatives of the Polish Community in Lusaka.
The Prime Minister and the delegation is expected to depart for Poland on October 21, 2013.
And Zambia’s ambassador to Poland who is resident in Germany, Bwalya Chiti expressed happiness at the Polish Prime Minister’s visit to Zambia.
Mr Chiti said the visit was a good sign of positive development of business and economic cooperation between Zambia and Poland.
He appealed to the business community in Zambia to attend the Business/Economic Forum on October 21, 2013 and take this opportunity to meet with the Polish business people that would be accompanying the Polish Prime Minister.
