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LABOUR Minister Fackson Shamenda has directed his Permanent Secretary, Trevor Kaunda to immediately summon Shoprite Checker’s management and the union representatives to resolve allegations leveled against the former.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Shamenda said management at Shoprite and leaders from the National Union of Commercial and Industrial workers of Zambia (NUCIW) should report to his office immediately to ascertain what the problem was.
He said his office would not tolerate any lawlessness from any investors who wanted to flout stipulated labour laws in the country deliberately.
He was issuing the directive in the wake of a looming strike at Shoprite Checkers countrywide for its failure to implement the minimum wage as well as reducing on their allowances.
“ I have asked my PS and the Labour Commissioner to summon both the Union and Shoprite managers, there is no need to go on a countrywide strike because the union has not yet exhausted all the channels, a dispute has not yet been declared, so I want them to indicate their position on the matter, lawlessness would not be tolerated in this country from any investor,” he said.
And NUCIW has expressed disappointment with Shoprite Checkers management for ignoring government’s directive to implement the the minimum wage.
In an interview yesterday, union president Robert Musanje said due to non compliance of the law, a countrywide strike was looming.
Mr Munsanje said his union recently met with Shoprite Checkers’ management to discuss why among other things, it had failed to implement the minimum wage but failed to give convincing reasons.
“ It is a pity that managers at Shoprite Checkers have continued to ignore the implementation of minimum wage with impunity, imagine a situation where the managers had even gone to levels were they now reduce the workers’ allowances,” said Mr Musanje.
He said his union was in support of the planned countrywide strike because it was in public domain that Shoprite was making huge profits in the nation an indication that it was able to pay its employees new improved salaries.
A check at some of the shops found workers working but emphasized that they were only waiting for a go ahead from their fellow employees in the Provincial centers because meetings were currently underway.
When contacted for a comment, human resources manager Andrew Mwala referred all queries to his superiors.
Movement for Multiparty Democracy MMD National Chairman Kabinga Pande has charged that there is nothing new in President Micheal Sata’s speech during the official opening of Parliament.
Mr. Pande has told Qfm News that though there is nothing new in the speech, he will take time to look at it closely.
Mr. Pande points out that the directives to ministers as the president did today have been made before.
He adds that he will anxiously wait to see the outcome of the directives the president gave to his ministers including the directives to the minister of education to ensure that he finds solutions being faced at the higher learning institutions.
However, some opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have welcomed the government’s focus on the improvement of the agriculture sector saying the development will reduce dependence on copper.
Reacting to president Sata’s speech when he opened Parliament yesterday, Mafinga MP (MMD) Catherine Namugala said the president spoke well on agriculture.
“He spoke well. Some of us who are from rural constituencies are interested in the PF government’s focus on agriculture,” she said.
Ms Namugala said the diversification of the agriculture sector had been talked about for a long time and there was now need for action.
She said she had been against over-dependence on copper because it was a finishing asset and agriculture had the potential to fill the gap. She said the president’s speech was encouraging although there was need for the budget to support the intentions as outlined by the president.
Kalomo MP (UPND) Request Muntanga said the president had touched on critical agricultural issues which required action.
Mr Muntanga said it was good that the president mentioned the challenges on crop marketing because the exercise needed attention. “He mentioned that the government has come up with a new crop marketing bill and we are waiting for it,” he said.
On irrigation, he said it was mentioned even in the last speech but little action had been taken.
He said there was need for the government to put up dams that could be used for irrigated farming.
And Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi said Mr Sata had given direction but the onus was on cabinet ministers to implement the pronouncements made in the speech.
Ms Nawakwi said the President was right when he said there were still many issues that related to sustenance that need to be handled such as corruption, poverty and poor quality of education .
She agreed with the president’s commitment on the fight against corruption but was quick to mention that FDD believed that the fight may never be won unless government took a bold step to decentralize political and economic power.
On decentralization, she advised that the PF government should not just be focusing on forming districts but also plan and make sure that the apportioning of resources was according to individual district needs.
The opposition National Movement for Progress (NMP) has questioned the logic by police to allow Patriotic Front (PF) youths to protest against Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba at State House.
NMP president Ng’andu Magande has wondered why the police would allow a large group of PF youths to demonstrate against an individual citizen who is also PF Secretary General when the opposition in the country has continued to be denied permission to hold peaceful demonstrations which are of national interest.
Mr. Magande who is also former Finance Minister notes that if such a trend as is being exhibited by the police is allowed to continue in the country, it will be become very difficult for people in the country to relate to one another and live in harmony and peace.
Mr. Magande has observed that it is wrong for the police who are supposed to maintain law and order, to start encouraging conflicts amongst citizens in the country as they did by allowing PF youths to demonstrate against Mr. Kabimba.
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema at Kasama POlice Station when he and his entourage intended to pay a courtesy-call on Paramount Chief Chitimukulu in Kasama(Picture coutesy ZANIS)
The Bemba Royal Establishment has dismissed as false claims by UPND leader, Hikainde Hichilema, that he was formally invited by the new Paramount Chief Chitimukulu to visit his palace.
Speaking on behalf of the establishment, headman Washanga-Mpika said Paramount Chief Chitimukulu does not engage in partisan politics.
He said the Bemba Royal Establishment is not duty-bound to invite individual politicians to pay courtesy calls on the Chitimukulu at his palace.
The traditional leader explained that all Zambians were free to visit Paramount Chief Chitimukulu provided they follow the right procedure.
Headman Washanga-Mpika has since advised politicians and other stakeholders to be honest when engaging with traditional rulers to avoid creating unnecessary misunderstandings such as the one involving the UPND leader.
He said it was disappointing to learn through media reports that Mr Hichilema claimed to have been invited by Paramount Chief Chitimukulu to visit his palace when this was not the case.
Headman Washanga-Mpika however said Mr Hichilema is free to meet the Chitimukulu if he sends a formal request to the Bemba Royal Establishment.
Meanwhile, PF regional secretary, Evarist Chela, has asked Mr Hichilema to learn to conduct clean politics void of controversy.
Mr Chela said it was wrong for the opposition leader to bring the name of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu into ridicule by claiming that the Mweni-lubemba had invited him to his palace when in-fact not.
He said it is high time Mr Hichilema carried out a reflection of himself when it comes to dealing with national affairs.
Mr.Chela said only then can Zambians take him serious as a politician.
On Wednesday, Mr Hichilema claimed he was blocked by suspected PF cadres from paying a courtesy call on the Chitimukulu after a formal invitation.
FAZ has gone on the offensive to discredit media reports that Zambia will be competitively inactive for over 10 months.
Zambia’s failure to qualify for both the 2014 CAF African Nations Championship in South Africa and also make the 2014 FIFA World Cup playoff qualifiers will see them stagnate in terms of competitive action well into July 2014.
According to the CAF calendar, the only competitive matches for the senior team penned out will come after the close of 2014 World Cup in Brazil in July and they will be the preliminary qualifiers of the Morocco 2014 Africa Cup.
That scenario means that Zambia will now be reduced to playing friendlies until all qualifiers resume after the World Cup.
“For the record, we wish to bring up to date colleagues of the media as well as some personalities who have inconsiderately misled the nation that following the ending of our interest in the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, Chipolopolo would be inactive and uncompetitive,” FAZ spokesperson Erick Mwanza said.
“To the contrary and as stated above, the team will remain active and competitive. Running reports that the team will be inactive for 10months from September 2013 are false and badly informed opinions which must accordingly be set aside.
“Such statements are not only misleading but clearly badly informed, misdirected and dangerous as they are lacking in fact and totally at variance with the situation of the game on the ground. The FIFA friendly and competition dates of 2013/2014 alone (without FIFA/CAF qualifiers) cannot see any top team go for a quarter without a match.”
Meanwhile despite FAZ comments, the serious business side of 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers have been compressed over a three month period from September to November.
This is after the 2015 preliminary round qualifiers kickoff in July that will consist of the lower ranked nations meaning Zambia now face the prospect of only playing in the second round qualifiers in September.
A large number of fish has died after being poisoned by suspected fishermen in Chisengo and Mandalo areas of Chavuma District in Northwestern province.
Chavuma District Commissioner Lawrence Kayumba confirmed the development to ZANIS this morning.
Mr. Kayumba said an unidentified chemical was used to poison the fish that was found floating on water in Sub-Chief Lingoji’s area yesterday evening.
He regretted that most of the poisoned fish has already found its way on the market, a situation he said endangers the lives of the residents of Chavuma.
Mr. Kayumba has strongly appealed to people in the district not to buy any fresh fish on the market until thorough investigations are done by both the police and Ministry of Agriculture.
He added that the effect the poison would have on human beings who could consume the poisoned fish is not yet established and advised those that have already purchased fresh fish from the market today to discard it.
The District Commissioner has further warned that the law will be applied on all those found guilty of poisoning the fish.
And Sub Chief Lingoji Sakayombo complained to Mr. Kayumba that people in the area have continued to use bad fishing methods despite warning them on several occasions.
The Sub Chief was speaking soon after reporting the matter to the police.
Police in the district have been instructed to question and interrogate those trading in fresh fish in a bid to identify the poisoned fish.
Nchanga Rangers coach Fighton Simukonda is targeting victory in the FAZ Super Division Week 22 match against Konkola Mine Police away in Chililabombwe on Saturday.
Simukonda has declared his charges ready to confront Mine Police at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Nchanga had thumped Mine Police 3-1 in the first leg tie played on May 4 in Chingola.
“We have prepared adequately and I hope the boys will carry the day,” Simukonda said.
Fifth placed Nchanga are on 33 points while Mine Police are third from the bottom of the table on 22 points as at Week 20.
Meanwhile, Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola hosts a doubleheader on Saturday with champions Zanaco facing Lime Hotspurs in the lunch time kickoff match while Forest Rangers will take on Konkola Blades two hours later.
On Sunday, the doubleheaders shifts to Nkana Stadium in Kitwe where Roan
United will face Zesco United at 13:00 hours and Nkana will host Napsa Stars in the 15:00 hours kickoff match.
FAZ Super Division
Week 22 FIXTURES
21/09/2013
Lime Hotspurs-Zanaco
Forest Rangers-Konkola
Red Arrows-Power Dynamos
Konkola Mine Police-Nchanga Rangers
Green Buffaloes-Kabwe Warriors
Kalulushi Modern Stars -Nkwazi
22/09/2013
Roan United-Zesco United
Nkana-NAPSA Stars
Ministry of health deputy minister Christopher Mulenga said the working culture of some health workers were undermining the Patriotic (PF) government making the ruling party losing parliamentary by-elections in the country.
Mr Mulenga who is in charge of infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and health care financing and also Chinsali parliamentarian said this when he toured Kaoma district hospital and Nkeyema rural health centre in Kaoma district yesterday.
He said reports of health workers harassing and ill-treating patients in all government hospitals were real as he personally witnessed a nurse harassing his biological mother at a named hospital in his constituency.
Mr Mulenga said there is no discipline in all the management levels and that the ministry lacks proper leadership qualities.
He said all health workers in the ministry should change their working attitudes towards patients as they are already on a weaker position, they are sick, their relatives want help, why harassing them.
Mr Mulenga said government will have no option but to discipline any erring health personnel. He said the ministry has competent and clean health workers who were not exhibiting care towards patients which is against the profession and medical ethics, a situation has compelled him to be on television and radios, a platform he will use to counsel all health workers in the country next week.
The deputy minister said government has not sat idle as it is on course of improving the country better than it was in the past governments.
Mr Mulenga said government has embarked on a massive infrastructure development and opening up of new training colleges, and rehabilitating old structures and turn them into nursing schools in order to improve the human resources in the ministry that will march up with ever growing population in the country.
He also said that the government has enough Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in stock in the country that would last for the next one year and that people on ARVs should not panic and requested officers in charge distributing these essential drugs to avoid the pilfering of these life saving drugs.
Mr Mulenga said government has started the process of rebranding drugs in a bid to cushion the pilferage of drugs in all the facilities in the country.
He said government will in the next two to three weeks launch the construction of 62 rural health centres in Western province out of the 650 rural health centres earmarked for construction countrywide.
Mr Mulenga further said he has noted the shortage of ARVs reagents in all the hospital facilities in the province and that government will soon address the matter as funds were available adding that some of the reagents are not stocked at the medical store of Zambia as they are just directly bought from partners as they are not standardized.
The deputy minister was in the province to check of the infrastructure development and other government projects.
A 24 year old woman in Kalabo district has been sentenced for 24 months imprisonment with hard labour for abortion contrary to Section 152 (1) of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Before Kalabo Class One Magistrate, Emmanuel Mukoma, was Nasilele Masiliso, a peasant farmer of Kakona village, Chief Kaongolo of the Western province.
Particulars of the offence were that on September 11, 2013, Edward Mwalye was at home in Kanchumwa Village around 07:00 hours when he heard dogs fighting and barking at an area where he went to and found one of the dogs with a suspected human thing of a baby.
Mr Mwalye informed other residents and with them thoroughly checked the area and in the process discovered a baby wrapped in a browse and partially buried in the ground.
The matter was later reported to police who made a quick follow-up at the scene where the dead baby was recovered.
One of the residents in the group identified the browse as being that of the accused Nasilele Masiliso.
Police then followed the accused and apprehended her at Malelekwa Compound in Kalabo Township. Masiliso gave a free and voluntary reply in admitting the charge.
She said she took a poisonous drink in order to abort.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested five police officers based at Chipata Central Police Station in Eastern Province for corrupt practices today.
The arrested officers have been identified as Felix Chalamba, aged 39, Cletus Lungu, aged 34, Malumo Sitwala, aged 40, Abigail Samatunga, aged 25 and Exildah Kabanda, aged 34, all of Chipata district.
In a press release to ZANIS in Lusaka today, ACC Public Relations Manager, Timothy Moono, said Chalamba, Lungu and Sitwala, have been charged with two counts.
In the first count, Chalamba, Lungu and Sitwala on September 13, 2013, being police officers in the Zambia Police Service Traffic Section, jointly and whilst acting together corruptly solicited for K180 cash gratification from Samuel Phiri.
Mr Moono explained that Chalamba, Lungu and Sitwala actually received K60 as an inducement for themselves in order to release a motor vehicle driven by Phiri which they had impounded for overloading contrary to Section 19(1) as read with Section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.
He said in the second count, all the five officers have been charged with being in possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime contrary to Section 71 (1) of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No: 19 of 2010.
The details are that Chalamba, Lungu, Sitwala, Samatunga and Kabanda on September 13, 2013 being police officers in the Zambia Police Service Traffic Section, jointly and whilst acting together were found in possession of K3,000.00 cash reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Mr Moono said the five police officers have been released on bond and will appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, Eastern Province Minister, Malozo Sichone, last Friday, found five Police Officers who were manning a roadblock with more than K3000.00 cash which was un-receipted.
And the ACC wrote to the Zambian Police Service to indicate that investigations have been instituted against the officers and that administrative action should be taken.
However the ACC is surprised that so far no action has been taken on the officers involved.
This is contained in a press statement released to Zambia News and Information Services by the Anti Corruption Commission today.
President Michael Sata, First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and Mrs Matibini walks towards Parliament buildings at the official opening of the House in Lusaka
Republican President Michael Sata has opened the Third Session of the Eleventh National Assembly with an assurance to the Zambian people that the PF Government has no intentions of turning the country into a one party State.
Below is the full speech
Introduction
In accordance with the decorum of this August house, I join you and the rest of the honourable members of parliament to officially open the third session of the eleventh national assembly.
It is one year since I last addressed this august house on the occasion of the official opening of the second session of the eleventh national assembly and a number of developments have since taken place in our country.
Obituary
Before I go any further, I note with sadness that during the second session of the eleventh national assembly, the house lost the honourable member for mansa central parliamentary constituency, the late mr. Kennedy sakeni, mp and former minister of information and broadcasting services, who passed away on 5th September, 2013. May his soul rest in peace.
May I now ask the house to stand and observe a minute of silence in honour of our dear departed colleague.
Mr. Speaker,
This session is special in many respects. Firstly, it marks almost two years of hard work by the Patriotic Front in government.
The Patriotic Front government came into power to address the many social and economic challenges facing the Zambian people so as to restore their dignity and past glory. This is in line with the pf vision which is enshrined in our manifesto which states and I quote, “the citizens of this land, not only deserve better lives but are entitled to better lives”, end of quote.
Secondly, the session also comes against the background of zambia having successfully co-hosted with Zimbabwe, the highest ever attended united nations world tourism organization general assembly last month. The event has helped to raise Zambia’s image as a tourist destination of choice.
Thirdly, this session sets the stage for the commemoration of Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary, the golden jubilee, in october next year. The theme of the celebrations is and I quote, “commemorating God’s favour of Zambia’s 50 years of independence for continued peace, unity, democracy, patriotism and prosperity” end of quote.
Mr. Speaker,
This is an opportunity for us as a country to reflect on our achievements and challenges. It is equally, an occasion to motivate and energise ourselves as a united people to face the future with resolve.
During the commemoration, government will bestow deserving individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of this country with “a special single class independence day medal”.
Parliamentary affairs
Mr. Speaker,
I am happy to note that, during the second session of the eleventh national assembly, the honourable members of parliament worked together across party-lines to deal with matters of great national importance in the interests of our people. This was demonstrated by the number of bills passed, parliamentary questions debated and ministerial statements presented.
I, therefore, wish to thank you, mr. Speaker, the honourable deputy speaker, the deputy chairperson of committees of the whole house, and the chairpersons of all the parliamentary sessional and select committees for effectively discharging your functions. Your leadership enabled the house to carry out its constitutional mandate and ensure that our government was kept on track in its provision of services to the Zambian people.
Furthermore, I would like to thank and congratulate his honour the vice president and leader of government business in the house, on the excellent manner in which he directed government business. In thanking his honour the vice president, I also acknowledge the role that party whips played in ensuring that the business of the house was conducted smoothly. Similarly, I would like to commend the clerk of the national assembly and her staff for the excellent services and their dedication to duty.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate all the new members of parliament, who have since joined the house. I also thank the electorate who participated in the by-elections. I, however, regret to note that some by-elections were characterised by violence. I wish to emphasise the need for self-restraint and tolerance before, during and after elections so as to enable our democracy to flourish.
Socio-economic affairs
Mr. Speaker,
Under the Patriotic Front government, the performance of the economy has continued to be positive, recording growth in the gross domestic product of 6.8 percent and 7.3 percent in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
This growth was driven by the transport, communications, construction, agriculture, trade and manufacturing sectors.
Inflation has remained at single digit, recorded at 7.1 percent as at end of august 2013. Lending rates have fallen from an average of 20 percent in 2012 to 16.3 percent as at june 2013.
Mr. Speaker,
The government’s initiative of borrowing through the euro bond, resulted in increasing the fiscal space for national development. This has enabled the country to undertake projects such as the re-capitalisation of the nitrogen chemicals of zambia. The production of fertilizer locally is going to boost our farmers’ production and subsequently increase food security and generate employment.
Mr. Speaker,
Efforts to diversify the economy will be guided by the national vision 2030, the revised sixth national development plan covering the period 2013 to 2016 and the decentralisation policy. The focus will be on the key areas of agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, science and technology. Our goal is to achieve higher and sustained economic growth in order to alleviate poverty through rural development and job creation.
The planning framework re-affirms our government’s commitment to coordinated planning in line with the Patriotic Front manifesto which must be our reference document at all time. To this end, government will soon present to this house, the 2014 national budget to support implementation of priority programmes. I urge this august house to support the budget.
Education and skills development
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to restate that education and vocational skills development is critical to our national development. It is, however, a fact that a good number of our young people have not had access to quality education due to limited school spaces particularly, at secondary and tertiary education levels.
In our effort to address this challenge, I wish to inform this house that our government is reviewing the education policy and stakeholder consultations are about to be concluded. The policy will realign the educational system to ensure that the academic and vocational training are harmonised from early childhood to tertiary education levels.
The aim is to make the curricula at all levels relevant to national development.
In my address to this house last year, I directed the minister responsible for education to establish a regulatory body to monitor education standards in the country. I am pleased that the higher education act was enacted. This act provides for the establishment of the higher education authority. Government has commenced the process of establishing the authority.
Mr. Speaker,
While steady progress has been made to expand primary school infrastructure, government recognises the need to accelerate construction of new secondary schools to meet the growing demand for post primary education. In this regard, government has completed construction of 32 new secondary schools out of the planned 84 in the country.
In 2014, government will accelerate the completion of the remaining 52 schools currently under construction. It is our government’s policy to ensure that the construction of school infrastructure especially, in rural areas is accompanied by the construction of staff housing units so as to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment.
In addition to the construction of schools, government will also accelerate the rollout of information and communication technologies in learning institutions to enhance both access and quality of education.
Mr. Speaker,
In my last address to this house, I announced the construction of universities in various provinces. I am pleased to inform this house that construction of the chalimbana and palabana universities in lusaka province, and paul mushindo at lubwa mission in muchinga province has commenced. Construction of the david livingstone university in southern province, king lewanika university in western province and luapula university in luapula province will commence soon.
Furthermore, the house may wish to note that the upgrading of infrastructure at kwame nkrumah and mukuba university colleges has commenced. These measures will broaden opportunities of access to university education and help decongest the three public universities.
Mr. Speaker,
Government is aware that the infrastructure at the three public universities requires urgent attention. I, therefore, direct the minister responsible for education to address infrastructure rehabilitation at these universities so as to improve the academic environment.
Our government expects that the quality of education that will be offered across all levels in the coming years, will match the parent’s expectations of good results. The minister of education must take this directive seriously.
Mr. Speaker,
Our government places high priority on vocational skills development of our youths. This has guided our government to invest in the construction and expansion of trades training institutions through out the country.
I am, therefore, delighted to inform this house that construction works of these training institutions in kalabo and isoka are nearing completion while those for mwense and mporokoso trades training institutes will commence before the end of this year. In addition, expansion works are under way at northern technical college, zambia air services training institute, choma and chipata trades training institutes, and kabwe institute of technology.
Health
Mr. Speaker,
Our government reaffirms its position that good health for our citizens is a pre-condition for national development.
Government has continued with its commitment to re-organise the health sector to ensure significant improvement in service delivery in a clean, caring and competent environment as close to the family as possible.
I am pleased to inform this august house that government approved the national health policy in 2012. The policy is aimed at providing an optimum package of health care. Iam therefore, directing the minister of health to ensure that health services are discharged with the necessary efficiency and effectiveness expected by the public.
Mr. Speaker,
In our quest to bring health care as close to the family as possible, government has continued to build and upgrade health infrastructure across the country at all levels. Government has made progress in this area and 137 health facilities have been rehabilitated countrywide. In addition, the rehabilitation works for 110 health facilities have commenced.
Construction of two new district hospitals has been completed in shang’ombo and chadiza districts. These hospitals are now operational. Furthermore, the construction of four new district level hospitals in lumwana, lufwanyama, chiengi and samfya is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Further, twenty one new district hospitals and 114 housing units are under construction countrywide.
Mr. Speaker,
In my address last year, I informed the house that government would commence the construction of 650 health posts across the country and expansion of the cancer diseases hospital.
I am pleased to inform this august house that contracts have now been signed for the construction of the 650 health posts. The construction will be done over a period of two years.
In addition, the construction of a 220 bed facility at the cancer diseases hospital is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Government has already procured specialised medical equipment for this facility. The training of medical personnel in various clinical fields is also underway.
Further, the government has commenced the modernization and upgrading of the university teaching hospital, ndola and kitwe central hospitals, and livingstone general hospital by installing specialized equipment.
These measures are aimed at affording more Zambians access to specialised quality health care services and hence, reducing the cost associated with treatment abroad.
Mr. Speaker,
The government is committed to improving the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies so that drugs are readily available in all health institutions. This will be achieved through allocation of adequate funds for the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies including anti-retroviral drugs.
In addition, the services of the medical stores limited will be decentralised by introducing regional distribution hubs.
Mr. Speaker,
To address the critical shortage of skilled health personnel, government will construct, rehabilitate and expand health training and research institutions to increase the number of graduates and promote research in health.
Agriculture development
Mr. Speaker,
The agriculture sector is key to assuring national food and nutritional security, mitigating high poverty levels and creating job opportunities. To this effect, government will enhance use of science and technology in pursuit of its policy objective of achieving a competitive, diversified and sustainable agricultural sector.
In 2012, the sector contributed 19.2 percent to the gross domestic product. This was on account of good performance of the crops and livestock sub-sectors. A positive growth was registered in crops such as wheat, barley, soya beans and rice in the 2012/2013 agricultural season. However, maize production fluctuated regionally because of the unfavourable rain pattern experienced during the last farming season.
Mr. Speaker.
Our focus for 2014 is to continue investing in the crop diversification programme so that we trigger the desired 6 percent annual growth in the sub-sector. To achieve the projected growth, government will, among other things, continue the re-capitalisation of the nitrogen chemicals of zambia.
In addition, government will continue restructuring the farmer input support programme aimed at providing access to inputs for 900,000 small scale farmers through better targeting. This will be complemented by up-scaling the electronic voucher system.
Mr. Speaker,
To increase productivity among small scale farmers, government will focus its efforts on modernising agriculture production through science, technology and mechanisation. In addition government will also promote good agricultural practices which will include conservation agriculture, use of improved seed varieties and diversify on-farm activities. The measures will be supplemented by enhanced extension services.
Mr. Speaker,
During my address to this august house last year, I indicated that government would continue to make land available for agricultural development under the farm block programme. Works at nansanga and luena farm blocks are progressing well.
In nansanga, the government has constructed roads and dams and connected the farm block to the national electricity grid. In luena, construction of infrastructure is underway. Furthermore, land has been identified for farm block development in north-western, copperbelt, western, eastern, muchinga and northern provinces. Consultations to identify land for developing farm blocks with our traditional leaders in lusaka and southern provinces are still underway.
Mr. Speaker,
To reduce over dependence on rain-fed agriculture, the government is committed to progressively bring 17,000 hectares of land under irrigation by 2016. I am glad to report that over 4,500 hectares is now under irrigation as part of this programme.
Mr. Speaker
The government’s interventions in the livestock sub-sector were mainly in the restocking and disease control programmes. This was done through the creation of livestock centres and establishment of disease free zones.
In 2014, the government will continue promoting increased livestock production and productivity by increasing the number and quality of various genetically superior breeds of livestock.
To address livestock disease outbreaks, the government will continue with the construction of dip tanks and livestock centres. The government will also continue with countrywide vaccination of animals.
Mr. Speaker,
The current supply levels of fish from our rivers and lakes cannot meet the national demand due to depleted fish stocks. Accordingly, the government will continue promoting aquaculture through the establishment of fish hatcheries and lake based nurseries across the country. In addition, the government shall promote fish conservation and surveillance to promote sustainable exploitation of capture fisheries resource.
Mr. Speaker,
Agricultural marketing has been facing some challenges for some time now. Our government will prioritise the promotion of agricultural marketing with a focus on increased private sector participation. This will be achieved through the establishment of agribusiness centres; community crop bulking and marketing centres; and livestock marketing centres as well as agro dealer networks countrywide.
To comprehensively address problems which we have encountered in agricultural marketing, the government will review the agriculture marketing act. To this effect, I am directing the minister responsible for agriculture to expeditiously review the act in consultation with all stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will, in 2014, ensure that there is sufficient food reserves at all levels by enhancing storage capacity in order to reduce post-harvest losses. This will be attained by increasing the storage capacity by a further 450,000 metric tonnes, bringing the total to 1.3 million metric tonnes.
Construction and rehabilitation of storage facilities will continue to bring the required minimum national storage capacity to two million metric tonnes.
These measures in the agricultural sector will lead to job creation and increased income generation which will ultimately contribute to poverty reduction. Our target is to create 510,000 jobs by 2016 in this sector alone.
Local government and housing
Mr. Speaker,
Last year, I re-affirmed our government’s commitment to the decentralisation of functions in our local government system. To demonstrate this commitment, the government approved the revised national decentralisation policy, which I launched on 16th july, 2013.
Mr. Speaker,
In a country as large and sparsely populated as ours, citizen participation and effective delivery of services in many areas remain a daunting task. In order to address these challenges, our government has created 30 new districts out of which 18 are already functional.
I therefore, urge, the responsible minister to expedite the operationalisation of the remaining newly created districts for enhanced local community governance and delivery of services.
Mr. Speaker,
To strengthen the revenue base of the local authorities, the government is in the process of amending the rating act.
With the decentralization policy in place, I am now directing the responsible ministers for local government and finance to ensure that the local government and finance acts are brought in line with the spirit of the revised national decentralization policy. This policy must change our people’s living standards and contribute to employment creation in all the districts.
Mr. Speaker,
The country has been experiencing a huge housing deficit, which has resulted in scarce and expensive accomodation for our people. Iam therefore, directing the minister of local government and housing to explore various partnerships and investment to cushion the current national housing deficit.
In addition, in 2014, government will recapitalize the zambia national building society in order to provide affordable finance to our people for the construction of housing.
Social protection
Mr. Speaker,
During my last address to this house, I committed government to developing a social protection policy to guide the implementation of social safety nets aimed at cushioning the poor and vulnerable groups from poverty.
I wish to inform this august house that consultations on the development of the national social protection policy are nearing completion.
The policy will streamline the implementation of the social safety net programmes and rationalize the use of resources to achieve maximum impact. The development of this policy must be expedited to compensate for the removal of subsidies on fuel and maize by the government this year.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue to implement the national policy on disability to guide programmes for persons with disabilities so as to enable them to lead productive, fulfilled and dignified lives. The policy will ensure that disability issues are mainstreamed in all our sector plans and programmes.
Rural development
Mr. Speaker,
Government will scale up interventions aimed at accelerating rural development in order to improve the people’s living standards. To ensure that the rural areas are connected to electricity supply, government is constructing mini-hydro power stations. To this effect, construction of the mini-hydro power station in shiwan’gandu has been completed. Construction of chanda falls mini-hydro power station in chavuma is expected to commence soon.
Our government will continue supporting the rural electrification programme which is aimed at connecting rural communities such as chiefs palaces, schools and health centres to the power grid.
This is being complemented by solar projects. In 2014, the focus of the programme will be to electrify new districts in line with the government’s policy of decentralisation.
Further, the government has commenced an extension programme of mobile communication services to cover chiefdoms and other previously unserviced rural areas. By the end of 2014, we expect that more than 60 percent of the country will be covered by mobile communication services.
Mr. Speaker,
In order to boost access to financial services in the rural areas, government will in 2014 recapitalize the national savings and credit bank to provide affordable finance to our people.
Furthermore, consultations with relevant stakeholders across the country, including the house of chiefs on the introduction of legislation to govern customary land have been undertaken. Accordingly, a bill will be tabled before this house in due course.
Labour and social security
Mr. Speaker,
The government has commenced a comprehensive labour law review programme to update the laws in light of changes in work places. This is aimed at addressing bad labour practices, such as casualisation and unfavourable conditions of service.
Once reviewed, the labour laws will facilitate the improvement of conditions of service in all the sectors of the economy and protect the rights of both employers and employees.
Mr. Speaker,
To address concerns of occupational safety and health, our government is currently formulating a national policy.
The policy will promote the workers’ safety and address the occupational diseases, accidents and deaths at places of work. To this effect, I am directing the minister in charge of labour to expedite the review process. This must be done in consultation with concerned stakeholders.
Mr. Speaker,
The Patriotic Front government is concerned with the plight of pensioners most of whom end up as destitutes, after having diligently served their country. The government has, therefore, embarked on pension reforms that seek to reduce destitution among pensioners in line with our government’s pro-poor policies. The reforms will, among other interventions, enhance private sector participation in the pensions fund management.
The government is also committed to restoring the dignity of the retirees by dismantling the outstanding terminal benefits arrears to alleviate their suffering.
Mr. Speaker,
Government continues to fulfill its promise of more money in people’s pockets. In this regard, our government has recently honoured its pledge to increase salaries for public service workers, making their conditions of service competitive both locally and regionally. This has never happened in the history of this country.
Employment creation
Mr. Speaker,
Government attaches great importance to employment creation as the top most strategy for ensuring the stability of society and overall growth of the economy in all sectors.
I wish to inform this august house that government is implementing the national industrialization and job creation strategy which entails the coordinated development of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries.
The strategy outlines our focus in exploiting advantages in labour and natural resources, and actively developing labour-intensive industries and enterprises that have huge employment capacity.
In this regard, government is continuing with the development of the multi-facility economic zones, technology and industrial parks which are expected to create over 110,000 jobs once fully operational.
Further, government has commenced the implementation of the pave zambia 2,000 project. In this regard, the government has procured road construction equipment to be utilized in paving public roads and public places across the country. This road project is expected to create over 20,000 jobs for the youth as well as impart them with skills in road paving construction.
Mr. Speaker,
For the first time in the history of our country, government has commenced the auctioning of gemstones in zambia to enable small scale mines generate sufficient revenue.
In this regard, the government will continue to support the local auctioning of gemstones and also promote value addition through cutting, polishing and jewelry making in this sub sector thereby, contribute to employment creation and revenue generation.
Furthermore, our government has, through the euro bond, mobilized 20 million united states dollars for onward financing by the development bank of zambia to small and medium enterprises at low interest rates. I therefore call upon the small and medium entrepreneurs to develop bankable project proposals to access these funds.
Other initiatives by the government to address employment creation include construction of eight youth vocational training centers across the country. The government’s intention is to establish at least one youth vocational training centre in each district in line with the pf manifesto.
In addition, the government provided k19.14 million in the 2013 budget to support youth enterprises development. The funds have since been accessed by over 700 youth-led enterprises countrywide, creating 2,300 employment opportunities for the youths.
Mr. Speaker,
The implementation of these measures among others, has created over 316,000 jobs in the various sectors of our economy.
Investment and state owned enterprises
Mr. Speaker,
Our government will continue to implement programmes and activities aimed at attracting and promoting investment into the country. In addition, government will also streamline business registration, licencing and granting of incentives in order to create a competitive business environment and maximise economic growth activities.
In 2013, the government targeted to attract foreign direct investment amounting to 3 billion united states dollars. I am pleased to inform the house that, as at 30th june 2013, approved projects were above the target and amounted to 3.56 billion united states dollars.
This performance was against the prevailing slow growth in the global economy. This is a re-affirmation of the country’s investment attractiveness and position as a top investment destination by foreign investors.
Mr. Speaker,
The state has not been able to maximise the revenue potential of numerous state owned enterprises and assets. In addition, there still remain many parastatals and partnerships in Zambian companies that are not adding sufficient value due to lack of efficient and effective management.
In this regard, government shall reorganise and reform the system for overseeing and managing state owned enterprises, assets and parastatals to ensure the state maximises their contribution to job creation and economic development.
Tourism and arts
Mr. Speaker,
I am pleased that the tourism and arts sector continues to play a key role in the attraction of investment and creation of employment. The government will continue to pay special attention to enhancing tourism product diversification and infrastructure development in the northern circuit, lower zambezi and the greater kafue national park, in order for them to contribute to economic development.
Mr. Speaker,
The house may wish to recall that on 30th may 2012, zambia and zimbabwe signed the co-hosting agreement of the 20th session of the united nations world tourism organisation general assembly (unwto). We must congratulate ourselves on the successful co-hosting of the event which attracted over 4,000delegates from across the globe.
This will result in improved tourist visits and thereby raising the revenues for economic development. The co-hosting of the event improved the infrastructure and general outlook of livingstone as our tourist capital.
I wish to thank everyone for their contribution and support to the successful co-hosting of this event. The experience gained will go a long way in assisting the country to host events of a similar magnitude in future. It has also provided a model which can be replicated for accelerated development of our infrastructure across the country.
Mining
Mr. Speaker,
Mining has continued to be a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and employment. Government will continue creating an enabling environment for mines development activities so as to attract investment for both large and small scale mines in 2014.
To ensure continued investment and maximum economic benefits from the mining sector, government has completed the revision of the mining policy.
The policy is aimed at facilitating mineral diversification from copper and cobalt to other minerals like nickel, gold, manganese, iron, emerald and uranium. To this effect, government will recapitalize the zccm-ih to promote value addition in the mining industry.
Mr. Speaker,
Let me state here that government is committed to making the mining industry more transparent and accountable in mineral production, extraction and export declarations.
In this regard, government is reviewing various pieces of legislation to facilitate increased exploration activities and strengthen the declaration monitoring mechanism. This will contribute to increased revenue collection by the government.
Infrastructure development
Mr. Speaker,
Our government has prioritised infrastructure development, such as, roads, airports and rail as key to national development.
Accordingly, government is heavily investing in the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of the transport infrastructure.
Our commitment is demonstrated by the implementation of the link zambia 8000 project under which over 1,500 kilometres of road works are being constructed in phase one, while over 2,700 kilometres of roads will be upgraded to bituminous standard under phase two.
Further, government has launched the lusaka 400 road project which involves rehabilitation and construction of selected urban roads.
With respect to airport infrastructure, the government has completed the up-grading and modernisation of the harry mwaanga nkumbula international airport in livingstone to international standards. This contributed to the successful hosting of the united nations world tourism organisation general assembly last month.
Further, the government is in the process of upgrading and modernising the kenneth kaunda, mfuwe and simon mwansa kapwepwe international airports and provincial aerodromes.
Mr. Speaker,
I wish to re-affirm our government’s commitment to reactivate the railway infrastructure in the country. This is evidenced by the government’s allocation of 120 million united states dollars of the euro bond to zambia railways limited.
Our vision is to create a competitive and efficient railway system which will ensure that all bulky and heavy cargo is offloaded from the roads. This will guarantee our road network a longer lifespan and also reduce the national budget on road rehabilitation and maintenance.
Mr. Speaker,
In my address to this house last year, I committed government to ensuring security in supply of petroleum products through the construction of provincial fuel depots. I am happy to inform this house that the government has made progress in this area.
The lusaka fuel depot has been completed and commissioned, while construction of the mpika and solwezi fuel depots are scheduled to be completed soon. In addition, construction works for the mongu fuel depot are expected to commence next year.
Looking into the future, government is committed to the development of renewable energy. In this regard, iam directing the minister responsible, to proceed with the revision of legislation in order to attract investment in the renewable energy sector.
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue implementing projects aimed at increasing electricity generation capacity through construction, refurbishment and upgrading of hydro-power stations across the country. To this effect, the government is extending the kariba north bank power station. Once the extension is completed in 2014, the power station is expected to generate an additional 360 mega watts.
With regard to water supply and sanitation, the government will continue with the construction and rehabilitation of the water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country.
To demonstrate this commitment, the government has increased investments in infrastructure development from 90 million kwacha in 2011 to 250 million in 2013.
Environmental protection
Mr. Speaker,
Environmental protection is key to sustainable socio-economic development. In this regard, government has put in place a policy and legal framework to safeguard the environment.
With regard to the ecological balance, I am glad to inform this august house that the government has established 11 large scale forest nurseries across the country.
These nurseries will raise 1.5 million seedlings each of different tree species for plantation establishment and replenishing of degraded areas.
Governance and the administration of the state
Mr. Speaker,
The government is fully committed to upholding the rule of law including separation of powers among the three arms of government. In this regard, I want to assure the Zambian people that our government has no intentions whatsoever to turn this country into a one party state.
With regard to the constitutional making process, the government remains committed to delivering a people-driven constitution. The consultative process has been completed and the final draft constitution is expected by the end of this year. Thereafter, the government in collaboration with other stakeholders will guide the process accordingly.
Mr. Speaker,
The fight against corruption remains one of the top priorities on our good governance agenda. Government will, therefore, strengthen and decentralise the operations of the anti-corruption commission to enable it to effectively execute its mandate. To this end, the government has established a special investigations unit in the commission to deal with complex financial crimes.
Media reforms
Mr. Speaker,
In the last address to this house, I committed the government to establishing the independent broadcasting authority to ensure accountability and level the playing field in the broadcasting industry. I am pleased to inform this house that our government has fulfilled its promise and the authority is now operational.
Foreign relations
Mr. Speaker,
The government will continue to uphold the fundamental principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect. The government will, therefore, strive to ensure that zambia continues to play an active role in international organisations for the benefit of the country.
Our foreign policy is aimed at repositioning our country so that it derives maximum benefits from international relations. To this effect, the government will continue to maintain friendly diplomatic and trade relations with other countries. Priority will be given to economic diplomacy as a means to promoting the revitalisation of the Zambian economy.
Conclusion
Mr. Speaker,
As I conclude my address to this august house, I wish to reaffirm our government’s determination to create a better zambia for all in line with the pf manifesto.
This is the basis upon which, the pf government was overwhelmingly elected into office on 20th September, 2011.
It is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the third session of the eleventh national assembly officially open.
Three men of Kapiri Mposhi have been sentenced to five years imprisonment each with hard labour for stealing goods from a vehicle in transit.Before Kapiri Mposhi magistrate Ackson Mumba were Jubeck Kunda, 29, Derrick Mukosha, 23 and Pepela Malupenga, 24 all of Ndeke compound in Kapiri Mposhi.
Particulars before court were that on September 19, 2013 the trio, jointly and whilst acting together did steal six by 50 kilograms bags of salt from a vehicle named Scania truck registration number ALE 5689 the property of Chaida Logistics Company.The bags of salt were all valued at K1, 260.
Kunda, Mukosha and Malupenga readily pleaded guilty to the charge in the fast-track session at Kapiri Mposhi Magistrates court.
The court heard that on September 18, 2013 Kennedy Chaponda, the driver of the vehicle, who complained on behalf of Chaida Logistics Company, was enroute to Ndola from Lusaka delivering salt and when he reached Kapiri Mposhi, he decided to park the truck laden with bags of salt at Kapiri Mposhi town centre bus station at 20:00 hours and took a nap.
However, when Chaponda woke up around 03:00 hours on September 19, 2013, he noticed that the tent covering the salt laden on his truck was ripped-off and later discovered that six bags of salt were missing from the truck.
When he inquired from the people that were present, he was told that it was the trio that had tampered with the truck and had stolen the bags of salt.
He then reported the matter to Kapiri Mposhi police station were investigations were instituted in the matter, which later led to the apprehension of the three men.
The trio was interviewed in relation with the matter and they all agreed having stolen the bags of salt in question.In mitigation, Kunda said that he had siblings that were in grade three and five respectively that he was supporting hence sending him to jail would entail that the two siblings would suffer.
In his mitigation, Mukosha said that he was looking after siblings who were twins; adding that in an event that he was sent to prison the said twins would suffer.
Malupenga, in his mitigation, just said that he would never do what he had done again
Passing judgment in the matter, magistrate Mumba observed that the offence the three men stood charged with was not only serious, but very prevalent in Kapiri Mposhi; adding that it was the duty of the court to protect people’s valuable properties whilst passing through Kapiri Mposhi district.
T@he offence herein is not only a serious one but also very prevalent in Kapiri Mposhi. Nearly every day motorists lose their valuable property from thieves in the likes of the accused herein… it is our duty to protect people that pass through Kapiri Mposhi from losing their property.” Magistrate Mumba said.Magistrate Mumba then sentenced Kunda, Mukosha and Malupenga to five years imprisonment with hard labour each for stealing from a motor vehicle in transit.
Recently nominated for the Channel O awards, Zambia’s illest Hip Hop group Zone Fam, is undoubtedly on a mission to take the African music scene by storm. The group took their versatility a notch higher by collaborating with East Africa’s super producer Kus Ma of Camp Mulla known for his unique sound that has earned him numerous nominations such as MOBO Awards, Channel O awards, BET Awards just to mention a few. The collaboration also features the sensational Tiriwhose vocal shave caused a stir since her highly acclaimed debut performance at the MTV All Stars in South Africa.
Recorded at Sub Sahara ENTERTAINMENT and produced by Kus Ma this summer, Jus Ride is destined to be a definite club banger connecting East and Southern Africa. Shot by Sub Sahara Entertainment’s celebrated director Kevin Bosco Jr., the video’s poolside scenery courtesy of Mr. Alan Donovan in Athi River and the beautiful people seamlessly combine to depict THE ultimate summer party.
This charismatic video is of impeccable quality and will definitely get partygoers in the mood to Jus Ride!
A group of politicians and chiefs is allegedly holding dark corner meetings to try and convince former Republican President, Rupiah Banda to bounce back into politics.
Patriotic Front PF Eastern Province Chairperson, Lameck Mangani revealed this during a live political hour programme on Breeze FM.
Mr. Mangani however, warned that the dark corner meetings amount to treason and that those involved should immediately stop.
He explained that government is aware of these meetings and that President Michael Sata should not be blamed should he decide to arrest those involved for plotting against the government.
And Mr. Mangani has advised former president, Rupiah Banda not to listen to calls from people that he should get back into politics and contest the 2016 presidential election.
He says that MMD, Movement for Multi-Party Democracy will not bounce back into power adding that it would be tiresome for the 76 year old former president to get into politics when he is attending to court cases.
Meanwhile Mr. Mangani says that the PF will soon write to ECZ, the Electoral Commission of Zambia asking them to change officers, who have been handling elections since 2011.
Mr. Mangani says that it is strange that during by-elections in Eastern Province, PF has been getting low votes even in areas where PF candidates enjoy popularity.
