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Chipolopolo midfielder Rainford Kalaba scored a late goal to propel TP Mazembe to a 1-0 win over Tunisia’s CA Bizertin in a CAF Confederation Cup match in Lubumbashi on Sunday.
Kalaba scored the vital goal for the Congolese side inside the last five minutes to help Mazembe go top of Group B on seven points.
This was Kalaba’s first goal for Mazembe this year.
The midfielder was in the Mazembe starting line up along with his Chipolopolo team mates Stopila Sunzu, Hichani Himonde and Nathan Sinkala.
The four players have been named in coach Herve Renard’s Zambia squad to face Ghana in this Friday’s crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kumasi.
The quadruple is expected to join the Zambia squad which has set up camp in Johannesburg on Monday.
Zesco United thumped Napsa Stars 2-0 at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka to return to the top of the FAZ Super Division table.
The buildup to the match was marred by unprecedented scenes of heavy handedness from Napsa officials barred all journalist and officials who included Zanaco coach Aggrey Chiyangi from entering the venue without paying.
The development saw all reporters left to cover the match from an isolated position outside the stadium following the media lockout.
However, the media lockout did little to help 10th placed Napsa’s overzealous cause after Zesco stunned them with two second half goals.
Alfred Luputa and Daudi Musekwa were on target in the 69th and 79th minute respectively.
Zesco have now gone two points clear of the table on 37 points after usurping Nkana who had taken a 45 hour lead following a 1-0 home win over Green Buffaloes on Saturday.
Napsa meanwhile have 23 points from 19 games played.
Power Dynamos coach Tenant Chilumba is pleased with the goalless draw his side recorded at Konkola Blades in the FAZ Super Division Week 19 match at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Joe Kanyemba put up a man of the match display to deny Konkola strikers sure goals.
Chilumba said he was happy with the performance of his players.
He hailed his team for escaping from Chililabombwe with a draw.
“I can’t say we are disappointed. Credit to the boys,” he said.
“The boys put up a good game; we wanted maximum points of course,” Chilumba said.
Eleventh placed Power have 21 points in 18 matches.
PF Lusaka District Chairman has said that he now fears for his life after he was attacked on Saturday by some youths from the pro endorsement wing.
“I know some people want me dead because I and other leaders are opposed to this issue of endorsements. They ransacked my offices and they are now looking all over for me. I fear for my life,” Mr. Banda said.
He explained that the Northmead Basic School meeting was not meant to suspend some officials in the province who are working with the pro endorsement wing.
“They came and attacked us at Northmead Basic because they thought we were meeting to suspend people which is not true,” he said.
Rival gangs in the PF yesterday clashed along Independence Avenue and around Northmead Basic school with the other group marching to State House to seek audience with President Sata asking him to drop Wynter Kabimba and Geoffrey Chuumbwe as Secretary General and Provincial Chairman respectively.
[pullquote]“I know some people want me dead because I and other leaders are opposed to this issue of endorsements. They ransacked my offices and they are now looking all over for me. I fear for my life,” Mr. Banda said.[/pullquote]
And the deepening wrangles in the ruling PF has upset the party’s National Youth Chairman Chishimba Kambwili.
Mr. Kambwili said in an interview that the infighting in the PF must stop immediately.
He revealed that he has launched investigations into Saturday clashes in which some female cadres were severely injured.
Mr. Kambwili who is also Roan MP and Sports and Youth Minister warned that he will suspend all the youth that will be implicated in the Saturday violence at Northmead Basic School.
“It is unacceptable that youths are again at the centre of the confusion. I will not tolerate this indiscipline and whoever is using my youths should stop,” he said.
Mr. Kambwili also appealed to those endorsing President Sata for the 2016 general elections to stop the endorsements.
[pullquote]Mr. Kambwili also appealed to those endorsing President Sata for the 2016 general elections to stop the endorsements.[/pullquote]
He said the confusion tearing up the ruling party is because of the endorsements by some leaders of the PF.
Meanwhile, PF in Northern Province has reaffirmed its unwavering support in endorsing President Michael Sata as the candidate for the 2016 general elections.
The provincial executive has since appealed to all Zambians to rally behind President Sata’s continued developmental agenda being experienced across the country.
PF Kasama District chairperson Caleb Monta said in a statement today that the party leadership in the province would remain united and speak with one voice on endorsing Mr Sata for 2016.
Mr Monta said the provincial leadership supported Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba’s crusade to float Mr Sata for 2016.
[pullquote]“Those who are opposed to the endorsement of President Sata should leave the PF and form their own party,” Mr Monta said.[/pullquote]
He said there was nothing sinister about the unprecedented calls by Mr Mwamba on endorsing Mr Sata because the Head of State had shown fervor in developing Zambia.
“Those who are opposed to the endorsement of President Sata should leave the PF and form their own party,” Mr Monta said.
He appealed to President Sata to intervene and dissolve the PF provincial executive committee because they did not want to be misled by an alleged rebel group in the area.
The newly constituted Zambia Open Golf tournment organising committee has unveiled a K4.5 million budget for the 2014 competition to be held at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe.
And Mopani Coppers Mine Chairman Emmanuel Mutati will lead the 2014 Zambia Open Organising Committee (ZOOC) which was unveiled in Kitwe on Friday morning.
Immedietely after the introduction of the committee, Mutati said his team needs to raise K4.5 to successfully host the tournament dubbed “The Mopani Copper Mines Zambia Open 2014”.
He expressed confidence that the international golf tournment to be staged next May will be a success.
“One of the key challenges in hosting an event of this magnitude is raising funds for various aspects of the tournament. The ZOOC 2014 has a budget of about K4.5 million that we need to raise to successfully host the tournament,” Mutati said.
The unveiling of the ZOOC 2014 was graced by Kitwe Mayor Chileshe Bweupe, Mopani CEO Danny Callow and Zambia Golf Union
President Michael Sata bids farewell to Zambian Model’s shortly before departure for Lusaka. President Sata was in Livingstone for the closing ceremony of the 20th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly at Zambezi Royal Hotel in Livingstone on August 28,2013 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Defense Minister, Geoffrey Mwamba, has called on Zambians to reject the Post Newspaper’s malicious plan to impose their anointed puppets to take over from President Sata. In a statement released to the media, Mr Mwamba called on Zambians to unambiguously endorse President Michael Sata as Patriotic Front’s sole candidate for 2016 because of his achievements within the first two years he has been in the office.
Below is the full statement
STATEMENT BY HON. GEOFFREY BWALYA MWAMBA (GBM)
MINISTER OF DEFENCE, KASAMA CENTRAL-MP
PRESIDENT MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA’S 2016 ENDORSEMENTS
A. Introduction
Committed Patriotic Front (PF) members across the country have continued to express their confidence in the leadership of His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata. President Sata is leading an ambitious and successful national economic development programme with Zambia experiencing unprecedented economic growth, infrastructure development like the Link Zambia 8000, new hospitals, schools and universities which have translated in public and private sector job creation. So, we unambiguously endorse President Sata as PF’s sole candidate for 2016.
B. Our call for endorsements is a Call for Unity
Our calls to endorse President Sata as PF’s sole candidate for 2016 will guarantee unity in PF under his able leadership. We expected all PF members and colleagues in Government to welcome this call but sadly vicious attacks came from some in PF and Fred M’membe’s Post Newspaper, not from Opposition parties. The Post Newspaper is busy discrediting President Sata’s endorsements by maliciously targeting my personality and the business I’ve worked to build all my life through hard work, sweat and toil. Zambians must reject the Post Newspaper’s malicious plan to impose their anointed puppets to take over from President Sata.
[pullquote]PF will not accept self-imposed “feeble” messiahs sponsored by their masters at the Post Newspaper.[/pullquote]
C. What President Sata’s 2016 Endorsement Campaign focuses on
The endorsement drive will guarantee victory for PF in 2016 since President Sata is very popular nationwide. Sadly, the Post Newspaper has waged a vicious war to paint this campaign “black” because their interests are threatened. There is only one camp in PF – the one led by President Sata who needs our daily support. PF members must therefore not be victimized for openly supporting President Sata.
D. Substance of the Endorsement versus Politics of Personalities
Endorsements are a vote of confidence in President Sata’s visionary leadership. My appeal to PF members including those with hidden agendas sponsored by Fred M’membe’s Post Newspaper is that endorsing President Sata’s sole candidacy doesn’t warrant vilifying and victimization of the proponents.
E. Conclusion
Let’s engage in a civil and democratic debate. President Sata is leading and we all remain inadequate for President. PF will not accept self-imposed “feeble” messiahs sponsored by their masters at the Post Newspaper. We call on all PF members and citizens from branches, wards, constituencies, districts, provinces and national structures of the party to openly endorse President Sata’s sole candidacy for 2016.
“That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].”
(Colossians 1:10, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Too many people suffer from “destination disease.” In other words, they’ve reached a certain level or obtained a goal, now they’re coasting in life off of what they’ve already learned. Studies tell us that 50% of people, after they graduate from high school, will never read an entire book the rest of their life. One reason is that people see learning as a period of life instead of a way of life. They think, “I’m out of school. I’m done with my training. I’ve got my job.” But, God never created us to reach one level and stop. Whether you’re 90 years old or 9 years old, you should be constantly learning, improving your skills, and getting better at what you do.
The key is that you have to take responsibility for your growth. Growth is not automatic. What steps are you taking to get better? Are you reading books? Listening to teaching CD’s? Are you taking any courses on the internet? Going to any seminars? Do you have any mentors? Don’t just coast through life relying on what you’ve already learned. You have treasure on the inside. Develop your talent and become all that God created you to be.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, help me to develop the talents You have given me. Show me to how to continue growing, stretching and increasing. Help me to maximize what You’ve placed in my hand as I daily give You glory for Your faithfulness in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen
Reynold “Sate Sate” Kampamba’s late goal saw Nkana go top of the FAZ Super Division table after beating Green Buffaloes 1-0 in Kitwe.
Todays game was Nkana’s first in two months after they were excused from league action after contributing six players to Chipolopolo’s 2013 Cosafa Cup and 2014 CHAN qualifying engagements.
Kampamba scored the goal three minutes into time added-on of the 90 minutes when he pounced on a loose ball to secure the three points.
Nkana are now top on 35 points from 15 games with another four matches in hand and a point ahead of Zesco United who could return to the top if they beat Napsa Stars on Sunday in Lusaka.
Buffaloes drop from third to fourth following the defeat and have been replaced by Nchanga Rangers who beat Forest Rangers 1-0 to join the army men on 30 points.
Defender McDuff Chungu scored a first half goal as Nchanga Rangers beat Forest Rangers 1-0 in the lunch time kick off match at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Chungu was on the score-sheet for Nchanga after 26 minutes.
Forest put up a spirited performance despite ending on the losing side in this FAZ Super Division Week 19 match in Chililabombwe.
Hector Chilombo’s Forest have remained stuck in 15th place with 10 points in 18 matches.
On the other hand, Nchanga have stretched their tally to 30 points in 18 matches.
Dr JOHN PHIRI
Minister of Education John Phiri says Western province ranks among the least developed provinces in the education sector.
Speaking in Sioma district yesterday when he officiated at the official handover of a Solar Power grid donated by Empowerment by Light Foundation and ZANACO, Dr Phiri said Western province has the highest number of mud moulded schools in the country.
The project worth about K1.2 million will light up the dormitories, classrooms and the school administration block at Sioma High School.
He said out of 518 grass thatched schools in the country, 149 are in Western province.
“In the education field, I can confirm that Western is at the bottom of the table. Grass thatched, pole and mud structures are everywhere,” he said.
Dr Phiri said the poor state of school infrastructure in the province has led to a huge number of pupils failing to progress to grade 10.
“While education is a right, in this part Zambia, it is a privilege,” he said.
The minister said government is however committed to addressing the challenges facing the education sector in the province that are as a result of years of neglect.
Dr Phiri said challenges facing Western province need the assistance of partners such as Empowered by Light Foundation as waiting for government to deliver services may take some time.
Dr Phiri said government will shame the secessionists in Western province by taking development to the area.
He urged the pupils at the school to improve their examination performance as they now have longer study periods.
“Do the best you can because the best you can do for these dignitaries who have travelled from far and near is for them to hear that results at Sioma have improved,” he said.
And speaking at the same occasion Western province Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Mwamba bemoaned the poor examination results at the school.
Mr Mwamba said it is unacceptable that Sioma High school is recording the worst results in the country.
He said challenges being faced at the school are not a justification for the poor results because some schools he knew with similar problems to Sioma have been performing well.
Mr Mwamba said he will take action against school management if the school posts poor results this year.
And Rob Romanowski a Consul at the Embassy of United States of America said the solar project at the school is testimony that a lot can be achieved when two countries cooperate.
Mr Romanowski said he is glad the Zambian government is partnering with Americans in addressing challenges facing communities in the country.
He said his country is always happy to invest in Zambia as it is a leader in democracy in Africa.
“Zambia is a great country for investing. Zambia has a great history of having safe transition of power three times,” he said.
Mr Romanowski said U.S.A will continue partnering with Zambia and will help one million Zambians in sanitation improvement through the Millennium Challenge.
He also disclosed that $ 14 million will be invested in Zambia through the Global Change Initiative to support conservation activities.
The event was also graced by Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba and Minister of Culture,Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Korea Yoo Jinr Yong and UN MDG Advocate Dho Young Shim (l) share a light moment during the handover of STEPS Libraries and Library equipment donated by Korean STEEP S Foundation at Dambwa Primary school in Livingstone on August 28,2013 -Picture and caption by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Christine Kaseba has called upon traditional leaders in the country to do anything within their powers to put to end harmful practices such as early marriages that retard the development of the girl child.
And Dr Kaseba says she will act as a mosquito to remind President Micheal Sata of the developmental programmes he has promised the people of Livingstone and Southern province at large.
Officiating at the Bene Mukuni traditional ceremony held at Simukale Nakamba Shrine in Chief Mukuni’s area yesterday, Dr Kaseba noted that a lot of traditional practices continue to retard and dent the future of young girls rendering them helpless and vulnerable.
She said Chiefs have a huge role to play to ensure that the future of the girl child was safe guarded against any harmful practices.
“As I acknowledge that culture plays a pivotal role in regulating the behaviour of people and keeps social relationships intact, I wish to call upon all Royal Highnesses in Zambia and beyond to put to a stop practices that harm our women, practices that put women at risk of harm and practices that will retard development in their areas,” said Dr Kaseba.
“I appeal to you to do anything within your powers to ban child marriages and encourage children to go to school, help our women to be health conscious and encourage them to be screened for cervical cancer and other feminine ailments,” she added.
Dr Kaseba a observed that the future of any society depends on women adding that as such society must make it a priority to safe guard their existence.
Dr Kaseba also urged all traditional leaders in the country to invest in the documentation of their traditions so that is was preserved for future generations.
She pointed out that cultural heritage continues to play a cardinal role in the evolution of society and as such should be preserved.
The First Lady commended the Mukuni Royal Establishment for taking time to invest in the preservation of its cultural through documentation.
“I want to take this opportunity to urge all our Royal Highnesses in the country to invest in the documentation of their traditions for future generations and I’m happy to hear that the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs is up to this task,” Dr Kaseba said.
“And therefore, I urge the officers in the ministry to effectively coordinate with traditional authorities for the production of the best written records of our history,” she added.
Over 33 traditional rulers all from the Bene Mukuni Royal Dynasty and other dignitaries including Chinese Ambassador to Zambia and other senior government officials attended the event.
And Dr Kaseba who witnessed the launch of the Mukuni Royal Establishment Strategic Plan for 2013 to 2017 hailed the chiefdom for the initiative which she noted will enhance development in the area.
Meanwhile, Dr Kaseba said the development dream of the country was a key component that should be on every citizen’s agenda adding that the country was in dire need of development and sustainability in all areas across the socio-economic and political spectrum.
She called on all the people of Livingstone and Southern province to rally behind President Sata in his quest to bring the much desired development but added that this can only be achieved with full support from every Zambian.
Dr Kaseba said on her part she will be like a ‘mosquito’ to remind President Sata of the development promises he made to the people in Livingstone.
“Over the past two years, progress has been made in many sectors including roads, health communication, retention of workforce through improved working conditions but all complexities that come with pursuance for a better society cannot be overcome by government alone,” said Dr Kaseba.
“On My part I will be his Mosquito (President Sata) to remind him of the good things he promised people of Livingstone,” said added.
Speaking earlier during the launch of the Mukuni Royal Establishment Strategic Plan, Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkandu Luo said plans are in the pipeline to ensure that all chiefdoms develop strategic plans saying this was a vehicle to development.
Prof Luo noted that the 2013 to 2017 Mukuini Royal Establishment strategic plan should address critical issues including HIV/AIDS, Child defilement, early marriages and other social ills that retard development.
She also noted with happiness that the plan had included key issues such as the preservation of natural resources like heritage sites and land.
Prof Luo however, observed that it was sad that most chiefdoms give out land to investors at a song while majority of their subjects were wallowing in poverty.
“I think we need to change the way we do things, natural resources like land should not be given away to investor at a song while our people are wallowing in poverty,” said Prof Luo.
So far the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through (Support to HIV/AIDS Response In Zambia(SHARe II) project is supporting and financing the development of about 35 strategic plans in chiefdoms in the country.
And USAID Mission Director Susan Brems said the launch of the plan demonstrate how communities can take ownership and improve their living standard and health without waiting for government.
Dr Brems said during the projects’ five year implementation, USAID will invest a total ofUS$30 million to promote the sustainability of HIV prevention by integrating local development goals into broader strategic plans.
A Ward Councillor in Chief Chembe’s Chiefdom in Luano district has expressed fear of a looming hunger situation in Chembe, Chimika and Liteta areas.
Mwalala Ward Councillor Benford Katiti of PF told ZANIS that the area was facing food shortage which was expected to worsen as the population had steadily been increasing over the past 2 months.
He said that there was need for urgent government intervention to address this hunger situation.
In a related contribution, Luano District Commissioner Luka Mwamba confirmed that he had received reports of looming hunger situation in areas of Senior Chief Mboroma, Chief Chembe and Chief Mbosha.
Mr Mwamba said that in view of the situation, he had sent an appeal for relief food from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).
He assured residents that the appeal for DMMU relief food had been forwarded to relevant authorities, adding that government was making frantic efforts to address the hunger situation in Luano Valley.
He mentioned that at least 1,682 people in Chipaba Ward, 2,108 people in Mwalala Ward and 2,179 people in Chingombe Ward were faced with this food shortage.
Mr Mwamba observed that the population in the Luano Valley wards had recorded a steady increase in recent times, explaining that many people were returning there after the killing of the infamous Mailoni Brothers by the Zambia Army in June.
He said that the appeal for DMMU relief food had been forwarded through the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Central Province.
The District Commissioner has expressed confidence that the appeal would attract prompt and favourable response, saying that the PF government prioritized the welfare of people.
Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo (right) and Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda (left) address journalists (not in picture) at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport
Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says the PF government does not want to politicize traditional ceremonies because it respects traditional leaders.
Mr Shamenda said traditional ceremonies should not be taken as fora for political campaigns as it dilutes the importance display of Zambia’s cultural heritage.
He was speaking at the Malaila traditional ceremony of the Kunda people of Mambwe district in Eastern province.
Mr Shamenda said politics should be like a sport where there is only one champion saying competitors support the winner after the game.
He stated that PF is the only winner at the moment and advised all opposition political parties to support the government as it delivers development to the nation.
Mr Shamenda said government has embarked on developmental activities to ensure that lives of the people are improved.
He said that it is sad that the majority of youths in the country have remained unemployed, ill educated and without any formal skills to enable them earn a living in society and contribute to national development.
Mr Shamenda said that it is for this reason that infrastructure development such as the construction of the Chipata-Mfuwe road, schools, health centres and improving agriculture and tourism sectors remain top on government’s developmental agenda.
He stated that six health facilities will be constructed in Mambwe district with support from the Indian government.
He also said that government attaches importance to the tourism sector which is the main economic activity of Mambwe district.
Mr Shamenda noted that a tourism industry based on a well designed government policy can be a driving force in the economic development of the country as it can contribute to employment creations.
“Government remains focused in improving the tourism sector’s competitiveness by streamlining the regulatory environment as well as put in place tax incentives to promote growth of the industry,’ he said.
And Mr Shamenda has since advised the local people against criticizing government on the removal of subsidies but instead demand that it accounts for resources saved from the subsidies.
He said the removal of subsidies is intended to enhance development in various sectors of the economy.
And Mr Shamenda has expressed concern over wrangles on succession disputes and chiefdom boundaries which he said deters development in rural areas.
He advised the traditional leaders to resolve such disputes saying government will only intervene.
Meanwhile, Senior chief Nsefu of the Kunda people of Mambwe district has appealed to government to expedite the K104 million construction works on the Chipata-Mfuwe road.
Speaking through the Kulamba traditional ceremony National Organizing Committee Chairperson, Dr Davison Kwendakwema, Chief Nsefu said the works which started in 2009 have dragged and stressed the need to hasten the road works.
Chief Nsefu observed that the Chipata-Mfuwe road is essential to the development of Mambwe district saying its completion will ease the transportation of goods and services for the local people.
He also noted that it will attract more tourists to visit the South Luangwa National Park and also attend the Malaila traditional ceremony of the Kunda people which is an annual event.
Chief Nsefu also commended government for its plans to construct another road that will connect the district to Chief Nabwalya’s area in Northern province.
He however, stressed the need to take into account the environment and wildlife to ensure that they are protected as plans to construct the road are being made.
And Senior chief Nsefu has expressed concern about the persistent human/animal conflict in Mambwe district.
He stated that though the issue has been brought to the attention of government, little has been done to resolve the matter.
He appealed to government to engage all stakeholders among them, the Malambo Cultural Association in order to find a lasting solution to the human/animal conflict in that area.
Senior chief Nsefu also expressed concern that Mambwe district may experience hunger due to the drought that was experienced in the 2012/13 farming season.
The traditional leader said his subject are faced with hunger and appealed to government to provide more relief food to the area.
Chief Nsefu also expressed sadness that government is reluctant to provide him with a special hunting license each time he requests for it.
He noted that he usually struggles to be given the license stating that he is usually not given enough animals when hosting the Malaila traditional ceremony.
The Malaila traditional ceremony is an annual event where the Kunda people celebrate the killing which used to terrorize them.
KASAMA Central Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Mwamba second (left) with his wife Chama Mwamba arrives at St. Johns Cathedral Catholic Church to attend prayers in Kasama
Offices of the Post Newspapers along Bwinjimfumu road in Lusaka were Saturday shut down after a group of PF cadres supporting Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba staged a protest at the newspaper offices.
The cadres who carried pro GBM placards denounced Post Editor in Chief Fred M’Membe for allegedly attacking Mr. Mwamba.
The cadres vowed to continue protesting at the Post Newspaper until the newspaper changes its editorial stance towards Mr. Mwamba.
Some of the protestors said Mr M’Membe does not mean well for the PF and accused him of causing confusion in the ruling party.
They stated that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Mwamba’s public endorsement of President Michael Sata for the 2016 general elections.
President Michael Sata inspects Kasisi Ngwerere Road after which he refused to officiate the ground breaking ceremony as the road had already been tarred .Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Michael Sata this morning refused to launch the ground breaking ceremony to upgrade the Kasisi/Ngwerere road project.
President Sata said he could not launch the ground breaking ceremony on a tarred road.President Sata said it is practically impossible for him to do a ground breaking ceremony of the Kasisi –Ngwerere road when the same has already been upgraded to bituminous standards.
The visibly annoyed President Sata directed Works and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga and Lusaka Province Minister Philip Kosamu to ensure that they do their homework.
“How do you do the ground breaking ceremony on the road which has already been tarred? The Minister of Works and Supply and the contractor should do their home work nicely,” President Sata ordered.
President Sata who only spent about 12 minutes at the site was not impressed with the works that have been done so far.
“You Mr Provincial Minister (pointing at Mr Kosamu), pull up your socks, we can’t launch this,” President Sata shouted.
Some invited guests expressed shock his sudden departure.
And speaking at the same occasion, Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba said there is no way the Head of State can do the ground breaking ceremony on the road already tarred.
Mr Mwamba said this is the home work for the people involved in this road project and that they should work on the project as a matter of urgency.
He said more needs to be done with regard to the upgrading of D751/ A2 Kenneth Kaunda International Airport through Kasisi to a 24.7 Kilometres Great East Road and D176, D 753 at Kasisi Mission junction.
Meanwhile, Works, Transport and Supply Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said his ministry will do everything possible to ensure that the directive from the Head of State is implemented as soon as possible.Mr Mukanga stated that both the contractor and his ministry will ensure that everything is put in place in readiness for the ground breaking ceremony which is supposed to happen in the next few weeks.
“We will move on site as quickly as possible in line with the directive from the president to facilitate the fourth coming ground breaking ceremony to be graced by the Head of State,” Mr Mukanga said.
He said his ministry and the contractor will work round the clock adding that this is the sole purpose his ministry exists in the nation.
