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Hellen Mubanga Reflects on Shepolopolo Zambia Recall

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International striker Hellen Mubanga says she is excited to bounce back to the Shepolopolo Zambia squad after a lengthy absence.

Mubanga of Spanish side Zaragoza has not played for Zambia in over a year.

She was last week named in the 33 member Zambia squad that has camped in Lusaka to prepare for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka after Tuesday morning training, Mubanga said Zambia’s initial preparations for the World Cup are progressing well.

“I am excited to be back and it is every player’s dream to return to the national team after injury,” she said.

Mubanga is pleased with the stride the Zambia Women Team has made in the recent past.

“The preparations are Ok. This is the second day of training since we entered camp. Everything is fine,” Mubanga said.

Motivational Speaker Felix Banda dies

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Motivational Speaker Felix Banda dies

Renowned motivational speaker, Felix Banda, popularly known as Galamukani, has died.

Family friend Chibamba Kanyama confirmed that Mr. BANDA died at the University Teaching Hospital in the early hours of today.

Mr. Kanyama said Zambia has lost a great motivational speaker who contributed to the success of many through his works.

He said Mr. Banda was not only a good motivational speaker but a great entrepreneur who also contributed immensely in the corporate world.

Mr. Kanyama further described Mr. BANDA as a focused and hard working person.He said Mr. Banda was dedicated to his work to an extent that even during his illness, he still worked.

Mr. Banda leaves behind a wife and three children.

Felix Banda used to feature as a guest motivational speaker on a ZNBC’s Business Values TV programme hosted by Chibamba Kanyama.

He would always close his segment on the show with “Galamukani” meaning wake up.

ZNBC

President Hichilema has positively Transformed Zambia – UPND Trustee

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President Hichilema has positively Transformed Zambia – UPND Trustee

United Party For National Development (UPND) National Trustee Grace Chivube Kaluwe says the huge achievements scored by the UPND are hurting some opposition political party members who do not mean well for the country.

Grace Chivube Kaluwe commonly known as Mama G stated that President Hakainde Hichilema has positively transformed the country and this is hurting the enemies of development.

Speaking yesterday when she addressed the media at the party Secretariat, Ms Chivube said that Bowman Lusambo, Harry Kalaba, Sean Tembo, Chilufya Tayali, Kelvin Bwalya Fube and others, all belong to the opposition Patriotic Front – PF family tree and are busy cooking lies to distract the government and paint a negative picture of the UPND, despite the UPND has scoring many achievements since it formed government.

“President Hichilema has restored meal allowances for students in public universities, introduced free education, employed teachers and health workers, and ensured that half of the retirees are paid their benefits, 116 Council workers are cleared, this has been done within one year of coming into office,” she said

On free education, Ms Chivube mentioned that this is one of the great achievement scored by the UPND as it is President Hichilema’s belief that if a child is not in school and attaining the needed knowledge and education then the country will go down in terms of development hence the introduction of free education to ensure that no child is left behind.

Ms Chivube stated opposition parties such as the PF are bitter because the money they were using to enrich themselves has been channeled towards uplighting the livelihoods of the Zambian people.

Ms Chivube further stated that the Lusaka City Council is now exercising their mandate of collecting revenue in the markets and bus stations.

“Within only one year and four months the UPND has managed to give back to the people of Zambia about 28 million, and even more money has been given back to Zambians, which has pained the opposition family tree, the UPND has done a lot compared to what the PF did in 10 years,” he said

“This is the money the PF were using to build houses, buy cars and other properties, and if this is not why is it that the PF became rich just within a short period of time, but the UPND has taken this money back to the people to improve their well being,” she said

She disclosed that if the UPND came into power without finding all these loopholes and potholes that they have been mending and fixing, by now they would have been moving on a different angle and level.

Ms Chivube has since challenged Mr Lusambo to tell the Zambians where President Hichilema and Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango have been misled, adding that President Hichilema and his administration are on course delivering the promises it made while in opposition, adding that even this year 2023 alot of changes being undertaken will be seen.

“Bowman Lusambo should tell us if at all the Zambian Constitution has changed, because the Constitution clearly states that when a party is voted in power, they are given five years mandate to fulfil and deliver on their promises to the people of this country,” she said

And Ms Chivube said it is disgusting that each time people switch on their television sets, they are greeted by misleading information perpetuated by Mr Lusambo and his PF family tree.

She noted that the Zambian people are alive to the fact that UPND has delivered to their expectations.

Meanwhile, Ms Chivube mentioned that people are now moving around freely as they even have the freedom of expressing themselves nicely in public.

ZCTU cautions on COVID-19

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ZCTU cautions on COVID-19

The Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) in Muchinga Province has appealed to school managers and government institutions to take COVID-19 alert seriously.

In a telephone interview ZCTU Muchinga Regional Coordinator, Nondo Kasanda says schools and working places should remain clean and with enough space to avoid the spread of the COVID-19.

Mr Kasanda says overcrowding should be avoided, adding that those with COVID-19 symptoms should also ensure they stay isolated until they recover.

“Teachers should be protected by having well ventilated staffroom and should be encouraged to put on the face masks at all times as they deal with learners who come from different places,” He says.

Mr Kasanda further appealed to government to quickly release funds to re-fight COVID-19 in workplaces and not to wait for cases to escalate which will bring panic.

“We should work as a team to fight COVID-19, we should avoid closure of schools and workplaces and wheels of the economy. The state of economy cannot allow people to stay indoor as hunger will end up killing many citizens,” Mr Kasanda states.

He adds that experts should advise Government in good time on measures to put in place before things get worse.

“COVID-19 is an enemy of Education and development and we don’t want schools to close after parents and guardians have already paid school fees,” He says.

Public Order Act will be amended to allow even the opposition to freely mingle – UPND

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Public Order Act will be amended to allow even the opposition to freely mingle – UPND

United Party For National Development (UPND) Presidential Campaign Team Member Beene Hachombwa says the amendment of the Public Order Act will allow every Zambian citizen including those in the Opposition to freely gather and mingle.

Mr Hachombwa stated that the amendment of the Public Order Act is one of the things that they have been campaigning for from the time they were in the opposition.

“The amendment of this Act is important because when we were in the opposition, we were not allowed to meet as a party because the law was only favouring those who where in the ruling party but today we want everyone to be free because we are all Zambian people,” he said

“President Hakainde Hichilema is very determined to ensure that this law is amended as soon as possible, and the Minister himself has made it clear that we are receiving submissions on what people want, because this law was the law for the Patriotic Front – PF, to us it is a law that was there to fix us, and today we are saying that let this law be amended to allow everyone to mingle because we want a free Zambia,” he added

Mr Hachombwa mentioned that their focus as a party is to deliver on what they promised to the people of Zambia, adding that Zambia is a democratic country where everybody is allowed to speak and their party does not expect everyone to have opinions that are in line with that of their party.

He said that President Hichilema wants people to exercise their fundamental right to speak ,hence, giving an assurance that this year the Public Order Act will be amended because this amendment has been long overdue.

“Even when the Public Order Act has not been amended yet, there is still freedom of assembly where people are gathering anywhere without the Police going to pounce on them,” he said

And when responding as to whether President Hichilema is a dictator, Mr Hachombwa noted that if at all President Hichilema was a dictator he would have amended laws such as the defamation of the president to fix people, further stating that the removal of this law does not mean people should now insult President Hichilema as he believes that every Zambian must exercise their rights.

“But to hear our colleagues say that the UPND are doing things like they dictators, I think with open eyes we are all looking at what has been happening in the past, where you would an opposition insulting the President and no one is following them, during their regime if you insult, I was a victim myself where the radio station was ambushed by the Police who picked us up, that’s how they operated but today there is nobody can be picked up for saying anything, that alone must tell you to say the President is promoting pure democracy,” he explained

“The difference between then and now is that when you spoke under the PF is just saying the truth you will be arrested but the difference with now is that for instance the National Democratic Congress – NDC leader Saboi Imboela goes on to insult and is called in at the Police for questioning because insulting is not allowed, that’s just normal, but people should not take advantage of the fact that the President Hichilema is saying no, let people talk, let us talk sense, and criticise the UPND and the President on what we promised the people of Zambia as their are so many things, and for us there are so many things that we need to concentrate on and not people who are busy insulting the President, because in 2023, we want to deliver to the people of Zambia and not give any excuses,” he further explained

MAN’S BEST FRIEND TURNS PREDATOR: Dangerous Breeds of Dogs Must Be Banned

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MAN’S BEST FRIEND TURNS PREDATOR: Dangerous Breeds of Dogs Must Be Banned

By Nevers Mumba

A Fierce debate has ensued on Social Media with some quarters calling for the banning of certain Breeds of Dogs considered potentially dangerous to both owners and other people.

1. A lady in Chalala was bitten to death by her own dogs while various motorists and onlookers watched.
2. A former Zambia National Soccer Team player was killed and mauled by his own dogs before the eyes of onlookers who could do nothing.
3. A 71 year old lady, while visiting her son in Lusaka’s Ibex Hill area was killed by her own sons dogs.
4. A 43 year old man in Serenje had his privates bitten off by boerboels to the point of death.

These are just a few cases that have caught my attention in recent times, there are many others.

Of course, this argument isn’t without opposition. Some ardent and expert dog breeders and handlers have argued that these breeds, if handled correctly, are not beyond control. One young man argues that just like married people fight and kill each other doesn’t mean Society must advocate for the banning of marriages, for example. Neither does the mere fact that people commit suicide due to the pressures of debt and financial obligations, and yet nobody has advocated for the scrapping of all financial institutions. These are valid arguments, of course in cases where there dogs live in Fenced Yards that have properly constructed Dog Kernels, and the owners and other members of the family are well trained handlers.

Nonetheless, whatever the case, what we can see is that there has been a serious rise in cases of people keeping dangerous breeds of dogs in Zambia, some keep them under strict adherence to rules, while some keep them as though they were the common mongrel types that we are used to in Zambia.

With the rising cases of deaths from Dogs, it is time Local Authorise urgently addressed themselves to this matter. Many countries have already realised that these breeds are not to be kept as pets as they can suddenly lose memory and become dangerous to both the owners, their children or any other third parties.

National Construction Council finalising SI to regulate the construction sector

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National Construction Council finalising SI to regulate the construction sector

The National Council for Construction is finalising Statutory Instruments formulated to regulate the construction sector and provide legal backing for the enforcement of the provisions of the National Council for Construction Act number 10 of 2020.

Council Board Chairperson, Vitalis Mooya, said the NCC is currently working with the Ministry of Justice to formulate four Statutory Instruments (SIs) for the registration of contractors, manufacturers and suppliers as well as regulation relating to subcontracting and joint ventures.

“We came up with a draft SI and we are here to give it legal backing. We have lawyers from the Ministry of Justice to help us and this draft SI was all agreed on by all the stakeholders in the construction sector,” Mr Mooya said at a workshop with stakeholders to finalise the Sis.

He said the SI on sub-contracting and joint ventures will compel foreign contractors to sub-contract local contractors in their projects and enter into joint ventures with the local contractors.

Mr Mooya added that the country can only achieve meaningful development through the involvement of local contractors in the construction sector.

“You cannot develop the country if you rely on foreign contractors. Hence these SIs are going to help us to come up with mechanisms whereby these Zambian contractors will work with foreign contractors,” he added.

And National Council for Construction Executive Director, Ernest Nshindano, said the council is ready to enforce the provisions of the SIs once they are signed by the Minister.

Mr Nshindano added that the council management is ready to enforce the law as regulators of the sector

Meanwhile, National Association for Medium and Small-Scale Contractors President, Edgar Siakachoma, said the SIs will enable members of his association to participate in construction projects.

Mr. Siakachoma said the sub-contracting and joint ventures SI in particular will help build capacity in small contractors through knowledge transfer.

“We are happy that no contractor will undertake works without subcontracting, once this act is in force. So, we will see a lot of small contractors being helped by these big contractors,” he said

The National Council for Construction Act number 10 of 2020 has not been enforceable as it lacked the legal backing to enforce it.

Kamalata warns civil servants against public funds misuse

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Kamalata warns civil servants against public funds misuse

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata, has warned civil servants in the region against misuse of public funds.

Speaking in Rufunsa when he addressed civil servants in the district, Mr Kamalata warned that the misuse of public funds will not be tolerated.

Mr Kamalata said every coin allocated to a government department or project should be fully accounted for.

He said last year, Lusaka province received 100 percent funding and expenditure was also at 100 percent, which made a number of programmes and projects successfully implemented.

“This is highly commendable,” he said.

Mr. Kamalata also warned against misuse of government vehicles saying they should not be found parked in wrong places.

He said all heads of department should ensure that all resources allocated to their department are fully accounted for.

Mr Kamalata said heads of departments should also take interest in projects being implemented in their respective sections using public funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

And Mr Kamalata has said engineers should always monitor government projects and give correct information.

He said engineers who mislead the government will be disciplined.

“We want engineers to strictly monitor projects and give correct information. These are public projects and you should ensure that they are well executed,” said Mr Kamalata.

Meanwhile, Mr Kamalata has warned that no newly recruited civil servant will be allowed to leave the work station because of wanting to join a spouse.

He said rural areas should not be used as entry points into the civil service.

He explained that all the civil servants employed in Rufunsa should ensure that they are available at their respective work stations, adding that transfers will only be allowed after serving for some years.

Mr Kamalata also announced that government has planned to complete the construction of the district administration in Rufunsa this year.

And speaking at the same meeting, Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena, said office accommodation and transport are serious challenges in the district.

Mr Mabena however said he is happy that government has planned to complete the construction of the district administration that commenced several years ago.

He also informed the Provincial Permanent Secretary that Rufunsa received all the farming inputs for the 2022/2023 farming season.

Croatian nationals accused of attempted child Trafficking finally get bail

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Croatian nationals accused of attempted child Trafficking finally get bail

The eight (8) Croatian nationals accused of attempted child Trafficking on the Zambian territory have finally been released on bail pending trial.

It is a huge relief for the suspects who had been in detention since 7th December 2022.

Legal Aid Board lawyer Kelvin Silwimba has confirmed that the four couples were released on bail from Kansenshi Correctional Facility in Ndola on Monday afternoon after formalising their stay in Zambia.

“They have been released on bail pending trial, ” Mr. Silwimba said in Ndola late on Monday.

On 12th January, 2023, Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha granted bail to eight (8) Croatian nationals charged with the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory.

On the first day of trial, Magistrate Makalicha granted bail of K20, 000 each to the eight suspects with two Ndola based traceable sureties.

The suspects shall surrender their passports to Zambian authorities, appear before police after two weeks and legalize their stay in Zambia as part of the bail conditions.

Meanwhile, particulars of the offence are that Damir Magic aged 44 and seven others on 7th December 2022 in Ndola on the Copperbelt Province jointly and whilst acting together did attempt to traffic a child namely Beatrice Magic and three other juveniles within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

In count two, another couple namely, Subosic Zoran, a musician and Immovic Subosic, a Constitutional Court administrator, on the same date attempted to traffic a child namely Mariella Kalinde Immovic Subosic within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Ladislav Persic, a veterinary doctor and Aleksandra Persic, a dog beauty stylist on December 7, this year allegedly attempted to traffic a child namely Jona Asnate within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Noah Kraljevic, a human rights activist and Ivona Kraljevic, a proxy woman at that country’s national theater, are also alleged to have attempted to traffic a child namely Jean Val Kraljevic.

Earlier on Monday morning continued trial failed to take off as Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha was not available.

The case has since been adjourned to 6th and 10th February 2023 for continued trial.

Monday, 23rd January 2023, was supposed to be the second day of trial and more witnesses were scheduled to testify before Magistrate Makalicha.

Trial in this case started on January 12 in the Ndola Magistrate’s Court with three witnesses testifying during a three-hour long court session.

Earlier on 10th January, 2023, the eight suspects pleaded not guilty to the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory.

The Immigration Department last month in collaboration with police in Ndola stopped an alleged illegal adoption involving four Congolese children who were destined for Croatia.

The authorities stopped the four couples from leaving Zambia at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport on 7th December, 2022.

The four children in question are being kept by the social welfare department at a facility in Ndola.

The youngest of the four juveniles is only 15 months old.

Cholera might strike if people become careless-Kasonka

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Cholera might strike if people become careless-Kasonka

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Lackson Kasonka has advised the public to enhance personal hygiene.

Professor Kasonka noted that the current weather situation makes water to be stagnant, hence the need to observe high hygiene practices.

He told ZANIS that Zambia risks recording cases of cholera in the near future if people do not enhance personal hygiene.

He has since urged the public to ensure that they dispose of waste in designated places to avoid outbreaks of communicable diseases.

Professor Kasonka further noted that the issue of cholera outbreaks is not a medical problem but one that requires people to practice good sanitation.

He said Zambia is one of the countries where cholera is very active during heavy rains.

He has therefore called for concerted efforts with various stakeholders, including the media, to help sensitise the general public on preventive measures.

“Looking at the current weather situations in the country, cholera is likely to strike, thus the public should practice cleanliness in their homes and in the public facilities,” Prof. Kasonka stated.

The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that the outbreak of cholera in neighbouring Malawi has increased the likelihood of Zambia getting the disease.

He therefore implored the members of the public to ensure that they wash hands after using the toilet, avoid eating unwashed fruits and not well-prepared foods from the streets.

The Permanent Secretary said that the fight against cholera requires the participation of all citizens.

Meteorologist projects floods in Southern province

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Meteorologist projects floods in Southern province

The Zambia Meteorological Department has projected floods in some parts of Southern Province.

Southern Province meteorologist, Victor Bupe, disclosed that low-lying areas in the region are expected to experience waterlogging and flooding.

Mr Bupe stated that parts of Kazungula, Kalomo, Zimba, and Namwala districts are the areas that are likely to be affected by these floods.

He said this is because of the continued rainfall and the constant rise of the water tables that have been witnessed in most parts of the province.

The Provincial Meteorologist was speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) today.

And Mr Bupe stated that the southern part of the country will continue receiving high quantities of rain for the next five days.

He said areas that are expected to receive more amounts of rain are Livingstone, Kazungula, Kalomo, Zimba, and Namwala districts.

President Hichilema wants enhance US trade, investment

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President Hichilema wants enhance US trade, investment

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for more trade and investment between Zambia and the United States of America (USA) in order to address the various economic challenges the country is facing.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen at State House in Lusaka yesterday, the President said strengthened trade and investment between the two countries will help to address various economic challenges in Zambia which were caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war.

The Head of State said enhanced investment in various sectors such education and agriculture are vital for the economic growth of the country.

Mr Hichilema also noted that there is need not to shrink the envelope of investment but expand it in order to support Zambia, which needs to meet its International Monetary Fund (IMF) deadline.

‘’There is need to expand the envelope of investment between Zambia and other countries in order to unlock the investment potential of the country like Zambia in various sectors such agriculture, energy and infrastructure which can help the growth of food security of the country,” he said.

He added that, “I would also like to express gratitude for the support that the US government has been rendering to Zambia over the years in various areas of the economy such as education and health,’’ he said.

And US Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen, said the economic cooperation between Zambia and America is crucial as the two countries are facing global economic headwinds, including the spillover from the Russia-Ukraine war.

Professor Yellen expressed hope that her visit to Zambia will help the two countries to tackle global challenges that have serious consequences at national level.

She said there is need to invest in healthy populations and preparedness for future health shocks and continued efforts to systematically tackle corruption in the country.

‘’I greatly appreciate the opportunity to exchange views here in Zambia and for your warm welcome and hospitality and I look forward to our continued conversation and work to strengthen our bilateral economic integration,’’ said Prof. Yellen.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, expressed gratitude to the US government for the support and huge assistance expected through the Millennium Challenge.

Dr Musokotwane observed that the best way for Zambia to be assisted is to create an environment that is going to attract more investment.

He said investment creates wealth and jobs and also enhances the tax revenue of the country.

“I would like to thank the Secretary of the Treasury for the support that she has continued to render in helping Zambia to get that relief under the common framework,’’ he said.

Trial of 8 Croatian nationals fails to take off

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Trial of 8 Croatian nationals fails to take off

Continuation of trial involving eight (8) Croatian nationals accused of attempted child Trafficking on the Zambian territory on Monday morning failed to take off as Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha was not available.

And Legal Aid Board lawyer Kelvin Silwimba is confident the suspects will this week meet their bail conditions.

The case has since been adjourned to 6th and 10th February 2023 for continued trial.

Today was supposed to be the second day of trial and more witnesses were scheduled to testify before Magistrate Makalicha.

Particulars of the offence are that Damir Magic aged 44 and seven others on 7th December 2022 in Ndola on the Copperbelt Province jointly and whilst acting together did attempt to traffic a child namely Beatrice Magic and three other juveniles within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

In count two, another couple namely, Subosic Zoran, a musician and Immovic Subosic, a Constitutional Court administrator, on the same date attempted to traffic a child namely Mariella Kalinde Immovic Subosic within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Ladislav Persic, a veterinary doctor and Aleksandra Persic, a dog beauty stylist on December 7, this year allegedly attempted to traffic a child namely Jona Asnate within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Noah Kraljevic, a human rights activist and Ivona Kraljevic, a proxy woman at that country’s national theater, are also alleged to have attempted to traffic a child namely Jean Val Kraljevic.

Meanwhile, the suspects remain remanded at Kansenshi Correctional Facility as they wait for temporary residence permits they are seeking from the Zambian Department of Immigration.

On 12th January, 2023, Magistrate Makalicha granted bail to eight (8) Croatian nationals charged with the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory.

On the first day of trial, Magistrate Makalicha granted bail of K20, 000 each to the eight suspects with two Ndola based traceable sureties.

The suspects shall surrender their passports to Zambian authorities, appear before police after two weeks and legalize their stay in Zambia as part of the bail conditions.

Magistrate Makalicha ruled that the suspects will remain remanded in custody until they meet all the bail conditions.

However, the eight are yet to legalise their stay in Zambia in order to meet all the bail conditions.

The Department of Immigration last week denied granting an extension of visas to the four Croatian couples accused of attempting to traffic four children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The couples were requested to instead apply and pay for their temporary residence permits.

The Department of Immigration said it does not extend days for people in custody.

Copperbelt Province Department of Immigration regional officer Stewart Chiyayika said in response to a letter written by Legal Aid Board lawyer Kelvin Silwimba requesting for an extension of their visas.

Mr Silwimba representing Noah Kraljevic, Ivona Kraljevic, Zoran Subosic, Azra Imamovic Subosic, Nadica Magic, Damir Magic, Ladislav Persic and Aleksandra Persic requested for an extension of visas for his clients.

Mr Silwimba said the request for the extension of the visas is to necessitate the suspects stay in Zambia pending trial.

Meanwhile, trial in this case started on January 12 in the Ndola Magistrate’s Court with three witnesses testifying during a three-hour long court session.

Earlier on 10th January, 2023, the eight suspects pleaded not guilty to the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory.

The Immigration Department last month in collaboration with police in Ndola stopped an alleged illegal adoption involving four Congolese children who were destined for Croatia.

The four children in question are being kept by the social welfare department at a facility in Ndola.

Ministry of Energy and XESCO defy HH instruction on Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project

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Ministry of Energy and XESCO defy HH instruction on Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project

Daily Nation reports that over the development of the Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project which they want to seize from Zambian developers, the Ministry of Energy and Zesco have defied President Hakainde Hichilema’s guidance that the state-owned power utility company and Luapula Hydro Power Corporation Limited should consider the possibility of entering into an equitable partnership for the development of Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project in the national interest, sources have told the Daily Nation.

Instead, the Ministry of Energy and Zesco have demanded a complete takeover of the Luapula Hydro Power Corporation Limited, sources from both the Ministry of Energy and Zesco have confirmed.

President Hichilema’s desire and efforts to have the Zambian-owned Kalungwishi Hydro Power project fully developed are allegedly being frustrated and undermined by Zesco managing director Victor Mapani and Peter Kapala, the Minister of Energy.

“It seems our boss’s earlier request to buy shares in Luapula Hydro and its subsequent rejection is what is still angering him such that he’s doing everything possible to block a local company that has been pushing this development for years. This Kalungwishi Hydro project started many years ago. I was already here and I know how political this has been,” the Zesco source revealed.

The development of the Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project has in the last two years been shrouded in a matrix of ownership struggle and the Daily Nation has been informed that Mr Mapani had offered a complete buyoff of the Luapula Hydro Power Corporation Limited.

Zesco sources have revealed that instructions were recently given at the highest level that an amicable solution be found to the satisfaction of all stakeholders for the development of Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project.

However, according to the sources; “those instructions seem to be falling on deaf ears because we can see here at our offices that some actions are being done in order to fulfill some people’s selfish personal interests. They are pulling in a different direction from where our President wants to lead Zambia.”

The country is experiencing an acute power deficit which has it undergo excruciating long hours of load shedding and President Hichilema had to travel to Abu Dhabi in search of solutions to the power crisis whilst his technocrats are busy frustrating his efforts on the ground.

According to the sources, this is despite Luapula Hydro Power Corporation acquiring 100 percent funding for the project and partnering with one of the largest Hydro Power Developers in the world.

President Hichilema’s desire is that Government, through Zesco, should partner with Luapula Hydro Power Corporation but the Ministry of Energy and the power utility are demanding a complete takeover of the Independent Power Producer, the sources revealed.

IMF Managing Director Commends Zambia’s Efforts to Tackle Debt and Economic Reforms, Pledges Continued Support

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IMF Managing Director Commends Zambia’s Efforts to Tackle Debt and Economic Reforms, Pledges Continued Support

This morning, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, welcomed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, and her team to State House for a crucial meeting to discuss the economic situation of the country. During the meeting, Hichilema thanked the IMF for supporting Zambia’s home-grown economic transformation agenda and urged them and other similar institutions to do more in ensuring that their programs have an immediate impact on the people of Zambia.

“We are grateful for the support that the IMF has provided to our country in these difficult times. However, we believe that more needs to be done to ensure that our programs have a tangible and immediate impact on the lives of our people,” said President Hichilema.

The meeting focused on the need for tangible and speedy progress in resolving Zambia’s debt restructuring process in order to quickly put the country on a more sound economic footing. Ms. Georgieva commended the Zambian government’s good use of public resources in pivoting towards areas of social growth such as education. She affirmed the Fund’s commitment to the Zambian people, whom she hailed as the country’s best resource.

“The Zambian people are our country’s best resource and the IMF is committed to supporting them in any way that we can,” said Ms. Georgieva.

Ms. Georgieva was impressed with the efforts made by the Zambian government to tackle the country’s debt situation and key economic reforms, which have laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth. In December 2021, the IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with the Zambian authorities on a new arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for 2022-2025 in the amount of about US$1.4 billion to help restore macroeconomic stability and provide the foundation for an inclusive economic recovery.

“The Zambian government has made significant efforts to tackle the country’s debt situation and key economic reforms, which have laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth. We are pleased to have reached a staff-level agreement with the authorities on a new arrangement under the ECF for 2022-2025,” said Ms. Georgieva.

Ms. Georgieva said she is elated that Zambia has made tremendous progress towards restoring the economy supported by the IMF, which seeks to restore fiscal and debt sustainability. She also stated that the IMF is keen to continue its engagement with Zambia to generate more momentum for economic growth.

“We are thrilled to see the progress that Zambia has made towards restoring its economy, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with the country to generate more momentum for economic growth,” said Ms. Georgieva.

ZAMBIA, LUSAKA: Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva shares a light moment with President Hakainde Hichilema and minister of finance Situmbeko Musokotwane (left) at State House in Lusaka on January 23, 2023 - Picture by Salim Dawood
ZAMBIA, LUSAKA: Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva shares a light moment with President Hakainde Hichilema and minister of finance Situmbeko Musokotwane (left) at State House in Lusaka on January 23, 2023 – Picture by Salim Dawood

Meanwhile, President Hichilema said that further delay in debt restructuring may affect the gains that have been made so far and hopes that the restructuring program can be concluded before the end of the first quarter of 2023. The head of state said that the expedition of the debt restructuring program will create fiscal space for the much-needed social spending, investment, and strengthen economic governance.

“We cannot afford to delay the debt restructuring process any further. It is essential that we conclude this program as soon as possible in order to create fiscal space for the much-needed social spending, investment, and strengthen economic governance,” said President Hichilema.

 

In conclusion, this visit gives renewed hope for heightened collaboration between the Zambian government and the IMF and reaffirms the Fund’s confidence in Zambia’s home-grown reform agenda. The President and the Managing Director are both optimistic that the debt restructuring process will be concluded before the end of the first quarter of 2023, and with the IMF’s support, Zambia will be able to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the lives of its people.

Meanwhile, Speaking when the IMF Managing Director paid a courtesy call at his office, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said that addressing Zambia’s excessive debt has been top on the Government’s agenda.

He further said that this is why the Government is focused on pushing for debt relief.

Dr. Musokotwane further thanked the IMF for the continued support towards addressing Zambia’s debt.

In 2020, Zambia defaulted on its sovereign debt hence, becoming the first African country to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In December 2021, the IMF team reached a staff-level agreement with the Zambian authorities on a new arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility -ECF- for 2022-2025 in the amount of about US$1.4 billion to help restore macroeconomic stability and provide the foundation for an inclusive economic recovery.

And in August last year, Zambia won the IMF approval for a US$1.3 billion IMF bailout package, a three-year loan programme intended to help ease pressure on its public finances while it conducts US$1.3 billion restructuring discussions, and the approval was met to also help the Zambian government to clear the outstanding debt owed to local contractors.

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