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Herve Renard insists Zambia is getting better with less than 13 days to go before they kick off their defence of Africa Cup crown.
Zambia on Tuesday drew 0-0 with Morocco in a friendly at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg to ease the pressure after three successive defeats in their 2013 friendly buildups.
“Why do you think we are here? To give up in the first round? ,” Renard told Moroccan soccer site Mountakhab.
“We are 13 days away from our first match. We are better than 3 days ago and we will be better after 3 days.”
Since beating South Africa 1-0 last November 14, Zambia lost 2-1 away to Saudi Arabia on December 5 and 1-0 on the road Dar-es-Salaam against Tanzania on December 22.
On January 5, Zambia went down 2-0 at the hands of their Western neighboring rivals Angola at Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
A medical doctor in Ndola has allegedly committed suicide by jumping off from the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) owned Premium plaza in Kansenshi residential area.
Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner Mary Tembo confirmed the incidence incident to ZANIS today in Ndola.
She said the incidence happened last night at about 19.30 hours when the deceased whom she identified as Dr Kanyanta Kapapa aged 28 years jumped off from the 5th floor of for unknown reasons.
Ms Tembo said the deceased who lived on the fifth floor in flat number 24 did not leave any suicide note or say anything. Police suspect no foul play.
She said the young sister Muma Kapapa who was present at the time tried in vain to restrain him from jumping off the flat.
Ms Tembo said it was at that the time when he jumped off that he was quickly rushed to the hospital by neighbours where he later died.
And Ndola Central Hospital Public Relations Officer Shawna Chilimba confirmed the incidence saying the doctor was brought in at around 20,00hoors and was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit.
She said the doctor later died at around 22.00 hours.
Chairman of the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) George Chabwera has said his institution will soon undertake a countrywide tour of the provinces in order to receive views for or against the review of the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) tariffs.
Dr. Chabwera said ERB will also embark on a number of measures to meet challenges in the energy sector in a more proactive manner.
He was speaking today during a press briefing held at the ERB offices in Lusaka.
He said among the measures the institution has embarked on was the issue of load shading.
Dr. Chabwera said the board has established that Zambia has a shortage of electricity of about 2,000 mega watts.
He said the board has since recommended that there should be intervention in the matter adding that ERB was awaiting government response.
Dr. Chabwera also noted that the issue of contaminated fuel was serious.
He further said the board was concerned that government was losing huge sums of money as a result of this state of affairs.
He added that the board has further recommended the marking of petroleum products in order to arrest this vice and improve exchanger collections from petroleum.
Dr. Chabwera also said there were a number of reasons that contribute to the high prices of petroleum products.
He said these factors include taxation, transportation, refining and mark up.
He explained that Zambia’s refinery cannot process pure crude oil while the obsolete pipeline contributes to high product losses in transit.
And Dr. Chabwera has also disclosed that the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development have instructed the board to design rural petrol stations in the country.
He said the ERB shall liaise with the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to market these opportunities in areas that do not have service stations especially the new district centres.
He encouraged people to venture into the energy sector including owning and running petrol stations
Former Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha (L)
Government Joint Investigations Team has today charged and arrested LT Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chanda Chimba III a journalist.
LT General Ronnie Shikapwasha has been arrested on 2 counts of Abuse of Authority of Office Contrary to Section 99(1) of the Penal Code CAP 87 of the laws of Zambia. While Chanda Chimba III has been arrested for 2 counts Unlawful printing and publication Contrary to Section 5 (1)(2) of chapter161 of the Laws of Zambia, and Possession of Property suspected of being proceeds of a crime Contrary to Section 71 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No 19 of 2010.
Particulars of the offence are that Rev.LT.General Ronnie Shikapwasha being a person employed in the public service as Minster in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting services arbitrarily and in disregard of defamation laws and Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) editorial policy did direct
Board and management to air the ‘Stand up for Zambia’ documentaries an act prejudicial to the rights and interest of Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation a public body.
On the 2nd count Rev.LT.General Ronnie Shikapwasha arbitrarily and in disregard to Professional Legal Advice not to broadcast “Stand up for Zambia” committed the Government to pay all liabilities and legal fees emanating from the broadcast of the said program an act prejudicial to the rights and interest of ZNBC and the Government of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that Chanda Chimba III Unlawfully did cause to be printed or published newspapers called” Stand up for Zambia” and “News of our times” Which were not registered at the office of the Director National Archives of Zambia. He was found in possession or control of an accumulated total of K611, 440,433.12 money he paid for private media and printing services to Zambia National Broadcasting Services Corporation, Muvi Television and the Daily Mail limited respectively, which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of a crime.
Also arrested and charged are Mr. Davis Mataka former Deputy Managing Director of Zambia Daily Mail and Mr. Ngande Mwanajiti the Consultant.
They have been jointly charged for Corrupt acquisition of Public Property and Revenue Contrary to Section 33(1)(b)(2)(b)(3) of the Anti-corruption Act No 38 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia, and unlawful Printing and Publication contrary to Section 5(1)(2) of Chapter 161 of the Laws of Zambia
Particulars of the offence being that the Zambian Newspaper Limited, Mr.Davis Mataka alias “John Allan Mugwida” and Ngande Mwanajiti alias “George Banda” Jointly whilst acting together did fraudulently and unlawfully divert K195, 000,000.00 Public Media Support Fund from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting services for the unlawfull Production and Printing of a private Newspaper called “The Zambian” Without it being registered with the Director at National Archives Department.
They will all be released on bond with two working sureties and will appear in Court Soon.
KAPA187:Like most singers , you must have started singing at a young age . What inspired you to take music seriously ? SEPO: Well i come from a very musical background,growing up around music, It was easy for me to sing and dance because it was effortless, its safe to say music chose me. Even when i was in school i always knew music was what i wanted to do. I have always taken music seriously.
KAPA187: Tell us about your song “Tell me” . What is it about and what was the concept of the video. SEPO: “Tell me” is about two people that fell in love for the very first time, but it turns out the guy is not ready to stay because of fear of a possible heart break…so he breaks her heart in fear of her breaking his heart,but she is still willing to take him back because shes still inlove with him. but the concept of the video does not give you an answer as to whether she took him back or not. The video was shot in both black n white and in color. The black n white picture depicts me in the present thinking about the past in happier times which was shot in color. Everyone has a different way of dealing with stress…It could be running,it could be prayer,it could be anything really.In my video it suggests that dancing was her way of dealing with heart break.
KAPA187:Does your music have a main theme or do you touch on various topics? SEPO: My music doesn’t have a main theme…I write my own music,so i write about the things that inspire the most.Things that bring out the best in my voice….Love is a big part of my music. KAPA187:What is it about you that sets you apart from other artists? SEPO: Well i would like to think I am always ready to push the envelop to a whole new level. I am not scared of being different. I love a challenge and taking risks.Its what makes music exciting for me. KAPA187:Which local artists have you worked with ,or would like to work with. SEPO: I have worked with the very talented uncle Rex.I did couple of live shows with him and the band.it was an amazing experience. I also learnt a few things. KAPA187:Besides music ,what other activities do you participate in? SEPO: Right now music is my number one priority,giving it my undivided attention.so Its the only thing am working on right now, but that’s not to say i don’t have other activities i plan on working in the near future. KAPA187:Which 5 songs are on your playlist right now? SEPO: “Tell me” by me,
Brandy “Wildest dreams”,
Amy winehouse “Just friends”,
Miguel “Adorn”,
Amy winehouse “Love is a losing game”.
KAPA187:What is your opinion of the current state of zambian music . SEPO: Well the music scene in Zambia continues to climb,It keeps getting better.Soon enough its going to pay off.To be in this industry you need to be patient. Not everyone will understand or like what you do,but with hard work respect is earned. I believe we are doing great so far. KAPA187:What is the best advise you have ever gotten. SEPO: Best advise would have to be. “in life its always good to know youre going somewhere but its not always good to know exactly where. KAPA187:If you could open for any artist ,local or international , on a tour ,who would it be and why ? SEPO: I would love to open for Beyonce. Shes inspired a lot of her music and i think her fans would understand my music.Her concerts are always amazing to watch she puts a lot into all her shows. As an artist i always want to give the best live shows i can possibly give. KAPA187:Are you working on an album , and where can your fans get your music? SEPO: I am working on my album at the moment.”Tell me” is my first single off my album and my music will be available as soon as my album is complete. But for now they can watch my video via youtube or for any further information,They can like my facebook page “sepo” or follow me on twitter @sepomaria. KAPA187:In ten years I will be………. SEPO: In ten years I will still be doing music hopefully inspiring a lot of people and working with big names around the world.
FILE: The United Party for National Development poster with 2011 campaign messages, but their pact partners, the Patriotic Front are conspicuously missing from the banner
There was drama at Choma district administration office this morning when Patriotic Front (PF) officials dragged a UPND ward councillor to the District Commissioner Golden Nyambe’s office to explain the whereabouts of the K100 million (KR100, 000) meant for the upgrading of some shanty townships in the district.
The PF officials, who led residents of Chandamali, Kamunza and New Kabanana shanty townships, dragged Kulundana Ward councillor Jonah Munkombwe to Mr. Nyambe’s office, bringing business at the district administration to a standstill.
PF Choma constituency chairman Mubiana Simasiku led the residents who openly challenged Mr. Munkombwe to account for the K100 million which the Choma Municipal Council gave him for upgrading three shanty townships in his ward.
It had to take some onlookers to restrain the enraged residents from administering instant justice on Mr. Munkombwe who could not explain himself.
Mr. Simasiku alleged the K100 million had been plundered by the councillor and some named Choma Municipal Council officials.
He said the PF leadership will not allow anyone to abuse government funds at the local authority.
And PF District Secretary Peter Kampamba said the ruling party will not allow people to dent its name at the Choma municipal council.
Mr. Kampamba said the PF was highly alert and will intervene in any corrupt practices that threaten to undermine the credibility of the ruling party.
He has since called on the council to fully engage the communities in the project areas to avoid suspicion in the administration of public funds.
But when contacted by ZANIS for a comment on the K 100 million that was disbursed by government through the council, Choma Town Clerk Mwiya Mwiya said he needed time to consult on the matter before making a comment.
Dr. Joseph Kasonde talking to a health personal at prisons clinic
Minister of Health Joseph Kasonde has observed that cancer and other life threatening blood disorders among children were some of the major health problems which Zambia is facing.
Dr. Kasonde said Zambia has for a long time now been experiencing cancer diseases and blood disorders among children.
He said it was unfortunate that the country did not have enough resources to counter these problems.
He was speaking in Lusaka today when Cure 2 Children Foundation Coordinator Lawrence Faulkner paid a courtesy call on him at his office.
Cure 2 Children Foundation is an Italian based organisation supporting children with cancer and blood disorders.
Dr. Kasonde said the visit of Dr. Faulkner to Zambia was a blessing as it will greatly help on how best to handle cancer and blood disorders among the children in the country.
He added that it was important to receive forward looking and thinking people who will make a difference in the fight against cancer and blood disorders.
And Dr. Faulkner said his desire was to ensure that all the children suffering from cancer and blood disorders have access to health facilities.
He also advocated for the development of a strategy to counter blood diseases in children.
Dr. Faulkner, a paediatric haematologist and oncologist, is in the country at the invitation of the Zambian Childhood Cancer Foundation (ZACCAF), which is a group of parents that have had experience that cancer or life threatening blood disorders cause on children.
Pig/s enjoying on the flooded road that passes through Chibolia Compound in LusakaPigs enjoying on the flooded road that passes through Chibolia Compound in Lusaka
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A LandRover finding its way through the flooded Njashishi Road in Kanyama Compound in Lusaka
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A LandRover finding its way through the flooded Njashishi Road in Kanyama Compound in Lusaka
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Deputy Minister in the VEEP Office Harry Kalaba (in Green top) and Lusaka District Commissioner Ashell Kapengele (in Blue suit) checks on the Njashishi and Chiparamba Roads of Kanyama Compound in Lusaka
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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Copperbelt minister Mwenya Musenge toured Chisokone market and ordered Kitwe City Council to clean up the trading place and stop illegal construction of shops
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People from both sides of the Maramba stream were stranded and could not pass properly, residents of Libuyu were cut off from the rest of the people in Livingstone for about 1 hour picture
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country such have caused severe floods. Here, children play near a flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country have caused severe floods. Here, a motorist wades in a flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country such have caused severe floods. Here, a child plays on a Zesco pylon cable while on the ground is a flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country such have caused severe floods. Here, a house being surrounded by flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country such have caused severe floods. Here, a house being surrounded by flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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The heavy rainfall being experienced in some parts of the country such have caused severe floods. Here, a house being surrounded by flood of stagnate rainwater in Kanyama Township
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Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Harry Kalaba crosses Ngwerere stream on a pair of planks in Lusaka at a site in Mandevu Township where the Government intends to build a modern foot bridge
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Some houses in Kuku Township in Lusaka are threatened with flooding owing to a disused quarry that might overflow as a result of being filled with rainwater
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Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Harry Kalaba jumps across a flooded section of a road when he visited areas of Kuku Township which are prone to flooding in Lusaka
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Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Harry Kalaba (in a suit) who was accompanied by Lusaka City District Commissioner Ashwell Kampengele (second from right) and local councilors, listen to a Kuku Township community leader during a visit to a disused quarry site that has since grown into a dam in Lusaka
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Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Harry Kalaba crosses Ngwerere stream on a pair of planks in Lusaka at a site in Mandevu Township where the Government intends to build a modern foot bridge
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OFFICE of the Vice-President Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has procured and donated a banana boat to enable the villagers in three chiefdoms of Senior chiefs Kanonge’sha, Sailung’a and chief Kanyama cross the highly crocodile infested Lunga river in Mwinilunga.
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Motorists trying test if they can cross Maramba river as Libuyu Township in Livingstone was cut off from the rest of the tourist capital after the bridges that connect it to become submerged in water picture
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Motorists trying test if they can cross Maramba river as Libuyu Township in Livingstone was cut off from the rest of the tourist capital after the bridges that connect it to become submerged in water picture
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People from both sides of the Maramba stream were stranded and could not pass properly, residents of Libuyu were cut off from the rest of the people in Livingstone for about 1 hour picture
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Kafue district Commisioner Grace Ngulube stands infront of the flood victims,on her left is kasenje ward councilor Cleophas Musonko.
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Kafue District commissioner Grace Ngulube inspecst the damaged roof at Kasenje Basic School that was blown off by heavy rainfall last night
FILE: MMD president Nevers Mumba and his supporters outside the Kitwe Magistrate court
MMD leader Nevers Mumba has been granted a 30,000 ZMW bail by the Lusaka Magistrate Court.
Dr Mumba had earlier pleaded not guilty to all four charges slapped on him regarding some of his activities during his time as Ambassador to Canada.
Chief Resident Magistrate Joshua Banda granted Dr Mumba bail with two working sureities despite strong objection by the state.
The state raised objections to Dr Mumba’s bail application on account that it could prejudice the case aganist the state.
The state prosecutions team further argued that Dr Mumba could be interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
But Defence lawyers Sunday Nkonde and Sakwiba Sikota led an onslaught on the state’s grounds for objecting to the bail application saying Dr Mumba met all bail conditions.
Magistrate Banda however granted Dr Mumba bail and set January 31 2013 as date for ruling over an application by his lawyers to raise some preliminary issues.
Trial dates will be set on January 31 2013.
By mid day, Dr Mumba and his team were still working on the paper work for his release.MMD cadres flocked to the Magistrate Court to offer solidarity.
An ambulance on surveillance during the inter-company relay in Lusaka
The Ministry of Health says it will this year prioritize the enhancement of emergency health care services in a bid to prevent unnecessary deaths in the country.
Mobile and Emergency Health Director Welani Chilengwe revealed that health personnel were being trained in Critical Care Nursing to improve the current inefficient emergency health service system in the country.
Dr Chilengwe said this today when he officially opened a Critical Care Nursing Workshop for 14 Intensive Care Unit personnel at the Livingstone General Hospital.
He further said plans were underway to create clear structures of emergency teams at National, Provincial and District levels to respond to trauma cases.
“We need to create clear structures of emergency teams at national, provincial and district levels to deal with trauma cases since at the moment we do not have such,” he said.
Dr Chilengwe also challenged the trainees not to just concentrate on being competent but to be caring and empathetic towards their patients.
“No matter how competent you are, if you are unavailable, uncaring and not empathetic towards your patients then you are useless to them,” he said.
And Dr Chilengwe has disputed assertions that the establishment of the main Intensive Care Unit at the Livingstone General Hospital was not done due to the country’s co-hosting of the UNWTO with neighboring Zimbabwe.
He said the initiative to establish the facility was meant to improve the Livingstone General Hospital and service delivery to members of the public.
“Establishment of the main ICU at the Livingstone General Hospital is not because of the UNWTO as we have been doing this in other health institutions across the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Chilengwe revealed that about 192, 000 people accessed treatment from the Mobile Hospital Units countrywide since 2011 when the services were rolled out to members of the public.
He noted that the response to mobile health care services had been overwhelming especially in Copperbelt province.
Dr Chilengwe however, stated that Mobile Hospital Units faced the challenge of treating patients with utmost dignity due to overwhelming crowds in some places.
And Livingstone General Hospital Medical Superintendent Namani Monze commended efforts made by the directorate in his ministry to improve service delivery at the health institution.
Dr Monze said the Livingstone General Hospital had received a lot of support for emergency care and it was up to the health personnel to operate efficiently.
One of the streets in Kitwe with statue of a miner called Mposa mabwe or stone thrower
Government has signed two road reconstruction and upgrading contracts worth KR187.6 million (K187.6 billion) for selected roads in Ndola and Kitwe.
Local Government and Housing Permanent Secretary Bernard Namachila said the contracts have been signed with Bicon Zambia Limited and Ng’andu Consulting Limited to carry out designs and construction of 24 selected roads in Ndola and Kitwe at a cost of KR69.3 million (K69.3 billion) and KR 118.3 million (K118.3 billion) respectively.
Mr. Namachila told ZANIS in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday that Bicon has engaged Jizan Construction Limited and Copperfield Mining Service as main contractors and Crocodile Construction as sub-contractors while Ng’andu Limited has engaged China Geo-Engineering Corporation as the contractor.
He revealed that 12 selected roads of 20.9 kilometres (km) in length will be upgraded in Ndola and another 12 roads of 20 km will be rehabilitated and upgraded in Kitwe.
He said the works on these roads will include construction of drainage systems and concrete slabs on household access roads and road junctions.
The Permanent Secretary said government decided to work on the urban roads in the two cities because the roads had deteriorated to unacceptable levels while in some cases road designs needed to be upgraded to meet modern standards.
He disclosed that the consultants and contractors would be on site within 28 days adding that the ongoing works were part of the 8000 Link-Zambia project that was launched by President Michael Sata late last year.
Among the roads to be worked on in Ndola are Ndeke North Boundary, Mwasumina, Chikola Crescent, Dola Hill, Chilubi, Kaloko, Nyerere/Kanu, Chilyamitondo, Luapula, Ndibu/Mitengo/Mwata Kazembe, Fintente and Chinyika/Shinde roads.
In Kitwe the roads to be worked on are Dury-Lumumba, Chandamali, Emmanuel Mulemena, Lufunsa, Nachibungulubwe, Lima clinic, Chishimba, Kaunda Square, Kalondeteka, Nkana east –Ndeke, Government and Kawama.
Mealie meal retailers in Luwingu district in the Northern Province have declared that they will not reduce the prices of the commodity despite the presidential order.
A survey carried by the District Commissioner, Mambwe Katontoka yesterday revealed that the price of mealie meal is still at K65, 000 (KR65) for break fast and K60, 000 (KR60) for roller meal respectively.
They said they will not reduce the price of mealie meal because they ordered the commodity from Lusaka where they incurred huge transport expenses.
The retailers told ZANIS that they recently reduced the mealie meal prices by K15, 000 KR15 from the previous K80, 000 (KR80) for break fast and K75, 000 (KR75) for roller meal respectively.
The shop owners added that they will not reduce any further despite the directive from the highest office in the land.
“Why are you defying the order from the President?” asked the District Commissioner.
They said that they were not just defying the order but they were considering the price at which they ordered the commodity which they described to have been exorbitantly high, but reaffirmed that the next consignment will be reduced in line with the Presidential directive.
They said reducing the mealie meal price for the sake of personal politics will not yield any fruits in Luwingu because the district has no millers to produce mealie meal and people depend on them who orders from Lusaka.
And Mrs Katontoka said that she will not take kindly to any mealie meal dealer who defies presidential directive in her district.
The visibly annoyed District Commissioner told the mealie meal dealers that it was impolite for them to behave in the manner they did because they had the obligation to give respect to the Head of State that they voted for.
She however said she will communicate to the provincial Permanent Secretary for an advice following the appeal from the dealers that they bought the commodity from Lusaka at higher price.
Meanwhile residents who stormed ZANIS to register their grievances over the high price of mealie meal in Luwingu have demanded that the District Commissioner should act quickly in line with the president directive to serve them from further exploitation.
They said it was disappointing to note that mealie meal dealers were merely exploiting consumers under the auspice of expensive order prices purported to have incurred while at the same time disregarding the presidential order.
President Michael Sata is on record to have warned millers selling a 25 kg bag of mealie meal at above K50, 000 that they risk having their licenses revoked.
President Michael Sata has urged the Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) to adopt proactive measures and boost the efforts of other law enforcement agencies in fighting corruption.
Addressing the ZSIS senior officers’ conference yesterday, President Sata noted that the problem of corruption can be a hindrance to national development as public resources are susceptible to abuse by public officers.
“In this connection, my government will not relent in fighting the scourge as failure to do so could undermine economic development,” the Head of State said.
“In view of this, I would like you to take proactive measures to augment the efforts of other law enforcement agencies such, as the Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission and the Anti-corruption Commission in fighting the vice.”
President Sata also urged the intelligence to not only continue monitoring the activities of subversive elements, but also take decisive measures as provided for in the Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) Act.
“I expect the service to focus its energies on ensuring that national interests prevail over individual interests and should serve as a basis for the formulation of appropriate strategies that will direct the operations of the service in 2013” the President said.
“In this respect, I urge you to remain committed to your noble cause by maintaining high standard of professionalism and discipline.”
The President said he was confident that the intelligence service is focussing its operations in line with the PF Government’s policies.
And ZSIS Director General Mr. Martin Mwanambale pledged the intelligence service’s total loyalty to the Head of State, the Government and the people of Zambia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chella.
The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has refuted accusations suggesting that it has increased the prices of fuel following the rebasing of the Kwacha.
Members of the public recently raised concerns that ERB increased the price of fuel for petrol and diesel by upwards rounding off the prices.
ERB Director for Consumer and Public Affairs Agness Phiri said the board operated within the technical guidelines given by the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) to all stakeholders.
Ms. Phiri told ZANIS in Lusaka today that institutions were allowed to round off upwards if the third decimal figure was higher or equivalent to five (5).
She said this was under the guidelines given by Bank of Zambia to all stakeholders.
She explained that the central bank’s instructions were that the figure should not be changed but removed if the third decimal figure was below five.
Ms. Phiri stressed that ERB had not effected a fuel price increase saying that rounding off the third decimal figure was a standard practice on rebasing by stakeholders in both the private and public sector.
ERB has been running public notices in various newspapers on new rebased prices for petrol, diesel and Kerosene whose prices were K8,155, K7,566, and K5,154 respectively and are now KR8.16, KR7.57, and KR5.15.