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Government to honour campaign promises-Luo

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Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkandu Luo
Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Nkandu Luo

Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo says time has come for the ruling Patriotic Front to implement its campaign promises.

Addressing a royal council meeting in Macha chiefdom in Choma yesterday, Professor Luo said the PF has an obligation to deliver development to the people of Zambia as it promised them during the campaign period.

Prof Luo said poverty levels still remain high in the country hence the need for government to quickly address the situation as part of its fulfillment of the campaign promises.

The minister pointed out that the PF will in its remaining four years work on reducing the poverty levels as wells as uplifting the living standard of people.

Prof Luo explained that her ministry will work closely with chiefs in its quest to meet people‘s aspirations.

She added that government has identified the need to engage the traditional leadership in its fight against the high levels of poverty people have been subjected to in the past 20 years of the former regime because they are not voted like politicians.

The minister said traditional leadership does not change even if there is change of government hence the reason for any ruling party to recognize and work with it.

Prof Luo disclosed that government will next year set up seed certification in all chiefdoms involved in farming so as to increase accessibility of inputs to all potential farmers.

She said the idea is meant to reduce poverty by empowering chiefdoms through agriculture and as well as agro processing equipment that can be used to store and dry caterpillars as well as mushroom for export.

Prof Luo further urged people to identify projects that they can manage in their chiefdoms in order to improve their lives through exporting such products outside the country.

However the minister said issues of HIV/AIDS in the country have continued hindering people from being productive.

She said the PF government will strive hard to ensure that it helps its people to be productive as way of fighting poverty.

Meanwhile Chief Macha has called for concerted efforts among his subjects in the fight against poverty.

He said development is based on how much knowledge one has hence the need for government to adequately inform its citizens on all development programmes.

The chief cited water blues as among many other challenges his chiefdom is faced with that needs urgent government attention.

ZANIS

Nevers gives condition for MMD’s backing of 2013 budget

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MMD president Nevers Mumba
MMD president Nevers Mumba

Opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba has said that the MMD has declared a dispute against the Patriotic Front government on what he terms as destructive tendencies of the government.

He said that the move has been necessitated by the blatant assault on democracy by appointing MMD parliamentarians as deputy ministers without recourse to respect and moral integrity that ought to govern government and opposition relations.

Dr Mumba said that it is unfortunate that President Sata has gone ahead to abuse the Public Order Act by refusing the opposition to hold public rallies which he is an affront to the values of free speech and association of citizens.

Speaking during a media briefing at the party secretariat this morning, Dr. Mumba demanded that the public Order Act be revisited to protect the citizens and not to stifle freedom of expression and Association.

The MMD leader has further declared that his party will only assist government to pass the 2013 national budget if the government is willing to resolve undemocratic practices. Dr Mumba also said he will announce a shadow cabinet in the next few days. He said the shadow cabinet will be appointed for strategic reasons.

Meanwhile, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung resident Director Heiner Naumann has advised the Patriotic Front government to look at international benchmarks and analyze the country’s revenue potential.

Mr. Naumann says it is surprising to note that half of the country’s budget for next year will be financed by employees in the formal sector through the pay as you earn (PAYE) whereas the corporate tax and VAT will contribute only 25 percent to the budget.

Mr. Naumann says after comparing with other African countries in the region, Zambia’s income tax seems to be very high.

He tells QFM News in an interview that FES is aware that these revenue affairs can only be changed in the course of time but states that it would be appropriate for government to analyze the country’s revenue potential.

Mr. Naumann however states that his office is impressed by the craftsmanship invested in the country’s 2013 national budget.

The FES resident director says the budget shows the PF government’s commitment towards improving the lives of citizens.

 

QFM

Kalulushi M/Stars Edge Closer To Ending 11-Year Super Div Hiatus

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Kalulushi Modern Stars moved closer to bouncing back to the Super Division for the first time since 2001 on Sunday after beating Kitwe United 2-1 at Independence Stadium in Kalulushi.

Ex-Zambia Under-23 winger William Chinse and defender Mike Katiba scored the two vital goals for Modern Stars.

Chinse haunted his old club Kitwe with an equaliser after midfielder Henry “Makelele” Mwamba had given the Buchi Boys an early lead.

After Sunday’s result in the Faz Division One North Week 32 match, second placed Modern Stars increased their tally to 56 points and have unresolved abandoned match against Mufulira Wandereres.

Kitwe have 49 points.

Elsewhere, leaders and promoted side Lime Hotspurs beat Wanderers 1-0 at Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola to maintain a 15-point lead at the top of the league.

John Sikaumbwa scored the solitary goal as Lime moved to 71 points.

The Ndola United and Police Blue Eagles match is reported to have been abandoned in the second half due to crowd trouble at Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola where the home side was 3-1 down.

FAZ DIVISION ONE WEEK 32 RESULTS
20-21/10/2012
NORTH
Young Forest 0-Kansanshi Dynamos 1
Mumbwa Medics 1-Zesco Luapula 1
Ndola United 1-Police Blue Eagles 3
Bresmer United 0-Kalewa 1
Lime Hotspurs 1-Mufulira Wanderers 0
Mufulira Blackpool 1-Nkwiza 0
Mining Rangers 0-Chambishi 2
Kalulushi Modern Stars 2-Kitwe United 1
Chindwin Sentries 1-Prison Leopards 2

SOUTH
City of Lusaka 0-Luena Buffaloes 0
Chipata Young Stars 2 -Kascol Rangers 0
Kalomo Jetters 1-Kabwe Warriors 2
Zesco Shockers 2-Livingstone Pirates 1
Young Green Eagles 1-Lusaka Tigers 1
Nkwazi 0-Kafue Celtic 0
Paramilitary 1-Nampundwe 2
Riflemen 2-Freedom Rangers 1
Chilenje Youth Academy 1-Lusaka City Council 1

 

SCORECARD: U17 Head To Kitwe Training Camp

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The Zambia Under-17 football Team has shifted camp to Kitwe ahead of this Saturday’s 2013 African Junior Championship qualifier against South Africa.

Zambia host Amajimbos South Africa at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe in a second round, return leg qualifier for next March’s tournament to be staged in Morocco.

The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg played on 13 October in Johannesburg.

The Osward Mutapa Jr coached side on Monday set up camp in Kitwe just after returning from Angola for an invitational youth tournament.

While in Angola, Zambia lost both their round-robin games to Swaziland and the host nation.
Winner between Zambia and South Africa will face Ghana in the final round.

Ghana advanced to the final qualifying round after a walkover win over Gambia who withdrew from the qualifiers.

FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 27
20/10/2012

Konkola Mine Police 3(Musonda Mwape 15″, Patrick Silwimba 31″, Chanda Mushili 45″)-Nakambala Leopards 2(Elvis Kataya 18″, Patrick Malambo 48″)

Green Eagles 1(Phineus Bulaya ?”)-Red Arrows 1(Bronson Chama ?”)

National Assembly 1(Timothy Mbewe 55″)-Napsa Stars 0

Indeni 1(Jeff Sakapizye 67″ pen)-Konkola Blades 2(Misheck Chaila 21″, Brian Chewe ?”)

Nchanga Rangers 0-Zesco United 2(Lottie Phiri 12″ 30″)

Forest Rangers 2(Zebron Njobvu ?”, Malar Besa ?”)-Roan United 3 (Davies Mwape ?” ?”, Aubrey Chamulwanda ?”)

Power Dynamos 2(Emmanuel Chimpinde 40″, Simon Bwalya 75″)-Nkana 0

21/10/2012
Zanaco 1(Elson Mkandawire 25″)-Green Buffaloes 1(Edward Musebo 81″)

2012 TOP SCORERS

21/10/2012

Reynold Kampamba (Nkana): 12
Graven Chitalu (Power Dynamos): 12

Mwape Musonda (Konkola Mine Police): 10
Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos): 9
Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United): 9

Henry Banda (Zanaco): 8
Chileshe Kabwe (Konkola Blades): 8
Lubinda Mundia (Red Arrows): 8
Linos Chalwe (Napsa Stars):8

Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos): 7
Zebron Njobvu (Forest Rangers): 7
Felix Nyaende (Power Dynamos): 7
Lewis Macha (Zanaco): 7
Harry Milanzi (Napsa Stars): 6
Nasha Kaya (Forest Rangers):6
Aubrey Zulu (Green Eagles): 6
Patson Kaimana(Nakambala Leopards): 6

 

Mushili Chanda (Konkola Mine Police): 5
Michael Bulaya (Green Buffaloes): 5
Jeff Sakapizye (Indeni): 5
Owen Kaposa (Forest Rangers): 5
Robert Tembo (Konkola Blades): 5
John Chingandu (Zesco United): 5
Aubrey Funga (Nchanga Rangers): 5
Winstone Kalengo (Zesco United): 5
Bonwell Mwape (Nchanga Rangers): 5

Lottie Phiri (Zesco United): 4
Aubrey Chamulwanda (Roan United): 4
Mike Silayvwe (Napsa Stars):4
Daniel Sibanda (Red Arrows): 4
Bobby Chansa (Forest Rangers): 4
Kennedy Chola (Green Buffaloes): 4
Moses Phiri (Zanaco): 4
Alex Ngonga(Nchanga Rangers): 4
Evans Kangwa (Nkana):4
Lazarus Kambole (Konkola Mine Police): 4
Dan Chama (Nchanga Rangers): 4

 

 

Henry Banda’s Lawyer Robert Amsterdam should fight a clean fight: Sata is not Zambia and Zambia is not Sata.

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Robert Amsterdam
Robert Amsterdam


By Pezzy Kudakwashe

Efforts aimed at “sabotaging” Zambia’s economy by Robert Amsterdam, Henry Banda’s lawyer, should be condemned by every Zambian regardless of political affiliation.

Canadian citizen and self proclaimed international lawyer, Robert Amsterdam representing former president Rupiah Banda’s son , tweeted very negative sentiments while Michael Sata was in Japan.

The comments were aimed at blocking” would be” Japanese investors from investing in Zambia. He tweeted both in Japanese and English saying ” President Michael Sata of Zambia is asking Japan to invest. Maybe they should ask him why he is making the state’s property his own”.

Mr Amsterdam seemed to have lost the focus of his so called “fight for justice” for his client, Henry Banda.

Instead of fighting for the freedom of his client, he now has resulted to acts of desperation with intentions to jeopardize the lives of 11 million Zambians while trying to protect Henry.

It is obvious that there is a growing enemity between Sata and Amsterdam, however, that does not give him the green light to sabotage Zambia’s economy. A learned man of his caliber should know fully well that Sata is not Zambia and Zambia is not Sata.

What kind of lawyer abandons court justice procedures in favor of cheap slogans which in this day and age are used by hooligans sponsored by desperate political parties.

Amsterdam is over-blowing the case of government of Zambia vs Henry to a point where he does not care who gets hurt in the process.

Supposedly a” professional lawyer”, operating from Ottawa, Washington DC and London, his actions are lower than a third world party cadre or vigilante

He has gone out beyond his borders in the name of “fighting for justice” and now his fight is on the verge of bringing injustice to the entire Zambian population.

Amsterdam should fight a clean fight. His fight is against Sata and his lawyers. His fight is not and should not be against the Zambian people where Henry belongs.

His focus is to represent Henry Banda and not to create enemies for Zambia. He cannot and should not hold us hostage over his ill feelings for Sata.

His target is the Sata regime and his actions to hurt our people and economy in the process of representing our fellow Zambian, should be condemned by all those who love Zambia.

Zambia is the safest place to invest in our region despite what Amsterdam thinks.

Every Zambian should rise up and speak against Amsterdam and condemn his primitive ways of seeking justice.

We Zambians do not advocate for street justice, we believe in settling our matters in peace and dignity. We may be a poor third world country but that does not mean anybody can walk all over us in the pretext of providing justice for one of us.

Amsterdam has failed to represent his client and he is now using his careless tweets to cover up his failures.

This is a typical case of lawyer turned economic saboteur in desperation to win a case for a shoddy client. Amsterdam is trying to let the world hear a positive story from the dubious Henry Banda case.

In Amsterdam’s eyes, Henry is innocent and the Zambian government and its citizens are wrong, thereby, deserving to pay dearly for the sins of trying to find answers to the corruption allegations.

Or even if Henry has a case to answer, Amsterdam wants to win the case to justify why his client paid the big check.

However, the route he has chosen to win the case cannot be condoned. His action are not just meant to bring down the Sata regime but the entire Zambian economy.

Amsterdam’s grudge against Sata does not justify his comments aimed at hurting many poor Zambians who could be affected by his careless campaign against Zambia.

Any good lawyer always guards oneself from actions that would put innocent people in hams way while on a path to seeking justice.

This serves as a great lesson for us Zambian’s who always think justice can only be found in the west. This is a typical failed case where a Zambian prefers to hire a foreign lawyer over our own, only to get half backed justice.

Amsterdam is using ordinary Zambians as his human shield. He is looking for ways to hurt our economy. When he achieves that, he hopes the people will rise against the government and his client’s enemies.

What an evil way to seeking “justice” by using routes that only satisfy one’s selfish ego.

Amsterdam’s job should be to represent Henry Banda, and not fight Zambians.

This issue is very unfortunate and Amsterdam deserves to be reprimanded and condemned for his bad actions.

Lesson learnt, we need to stop hiring foreign people that will hurt us when they fail to do their work. Should we reexamine judge Chikopa’s appointed too? His appointment undermines our justice system.

Let’s build Zambia by Zambians and foreigners who love Zambia. Peace.

Police investigating shooting of fisherman in Mansa by the Congolese Marine

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Luapula River
Luapula River

Police in Mansa in Luapula Province are investigating the circumstance that led to the shooting of a Zambian Fisherman by the Congolese Marine.

Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Charity Munganga revealed the development in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday.

Ms. Chanda said Webby Mambwe 32, whilst in the company of five other fishermen was shot yesterday around 16:00 hours by a Congolese national.

Police Deputy Spokesperson, Charity Munganga Chanda, said the victim and his compatriots were suspected to have been fishing on the Congolese side of the Luapula river.

Ms. Chanda stated that the bullet went in through the chick and came out through the throat adding that the victim is admitted to Mansa General Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr Mambwe said he was with five of his colleagues having a meal at Lusangu fishing camp in Chief Lukwesa’a area in Mwense when the six Congolese attacked them.

Mr Mambwe who spoke with difficult, said the armed Congolese approached the fishing camp in a speed boat and attempted to grab his banana boat, but he and his friends held on to it.

“They said they wanted the boat, but when we resisted, the Congolese, four of them armed, started firing in the air and one of them aimed at me,” he said.

Felix Ng’ombe, Mambwe’s elder brother, who is on the bed side, alleged that the Congolese were in the habit of grabbing boats from Zambians so that they could sell them in their country.

Nurses at the hospital said Mr Mambwe would be taken to the theatre for an operation once he stabilised.

In May this year, 20 fishermen were arrested by Congolese marines for straying onto the Congolese side of Lake Mweru.

The fishermen were later released in an exchange which saw Zambian security authorities releasing a Congolese soldier who had been captured by some fishermen.

ZANIS

Sliced ear victim asks for K50 million compensation

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Douglous Mwila 24, had his ear sliced by his supervisor
Douglous Mwila 24, had his ear sliced by his supervisor

A worker at China Jiagxi, whose ear was sliced allegedly by a Chinese national last Friday, has asked for compensation of K50 million.

Douglas Mwila, 24, had his ear sliced using a metal object allegedly by Guo Haisheng while on duty.

When the case came up before Principal Magistrate Aridah Chulu yesterday, Mr Mwila said he was ready to withdraw the case on condition that Guo gives him K50 million for his medical expenses.

Guo 45, a bricklayer of Chinese Centre, Mass Media area was arrested on Friday after he allegedly assaulted Mr Mwila at the Twin Palm Zambia Air Force (ZAF) base where they had been engaged to construct houses.

Guo has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, a charge has denied.

It is alleged that on October 19, this year in Lusaka, Guo did assault Mr Mwila thereby occasioning him bodily harm.

When he was called to plea yesterday, Guo who is represented by Lusaka lawyer, Gilbert Phiri denied having assaulted Mwila.

The court granted the accused K2 million bail in his own recognisance, with two Zambian working surities in the like sum and that he surrenders his passport to the senior clerk of the court.

Mr Mwila informed the court that he wanted Guo to take care of his medical expenses through compensation as he wanted to withdraw the assault case.

When asked by the court how much he was demanding, Mwila said: “I want K50 million from him.”

But Ms Chulu said the K50 million he was demanding was outrageous.

“The K50 million you are demanding is definitely outrageous before we even start talking about it. We will adjourn this matter for trial to November 12, 2012 but in between, you can meet and negotiate on the reasonable amount,” the magistrate said.

Guo who was released by police on Friday after negotiations with Mr Mwila but was re-arrested over the weekend after Lusaka Province Police Commissioner Solomon Jere intervened in the matter.

Mr Mwila had agreed to a compensation package of K500, 000 and granted a two week leave from work as part of the agreement.

On Friday, Zambian workers at China Jiangxi protested at Longacres police post accusing police officers of getting a bribe from Guo, to have him released.

It’s shameful that people in Mining areas not feeling the benefits from mineral revenue-Deputy Minister

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Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister, Richard Musukwa
Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister, Richard Musukwa

Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Richard Musukwa says it is shameful that people living in mining areas were not feeling the benefit of the mineral revenue that companies operating in their localities pay to government.

Mr. Musukwa who today officiated at the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) coordinators meeting in Lusaka said government is committed to translating the collected mineral revenue into tangible development projects that will directly benefit the local people.

He said Zambia being a new member of the EITI is expected to improve sovereign and cooperate rating leading to increased investment.

Mr. Musukwa said meetings such as the EITI should be a platform for developing countries to learning and link themselves to countries that have seen the benefit of minerals.

He said despite the failure and delay by Zambia to comply with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative board, the country has made significant progress in the implementation of EITI.

Mr. Musukwa further urged countries that are members to the EITI to continue working hard and teach each other on the benefits of mineral revenue and the importance of diversity in explorations.

He said the government of Zambia has committed itself to the implementation of EITI by ensuring that it includes the financial obligation support through the national budget.

He said government wants to ensure that it derives maximum benefit from its mineral resources for the common good of all Zambian people.

And World Bank country director Kundhavi Kadiresan said it is sad to see the escalating numbers of people that continue to live in poverty.

Ms. Kadiresan said countries should ensure that people feel and see the benefit that God has given them.

She said Zambia should take advantage of the EITI coordinators meeting and learn from other countries on how they can fight poverty through mineral resources.

She said currently there is a big gap between the amount of minerals extracted and the number of people benefiting from the minerals.

ZANIS

New mobile phone Company good idea – ZACA

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The Zambia Consumers Association (ZACA) has welcomed Government’s move to rescind and revoke its earlier decision not to allow a fourth mobile phone service operator in the country.

ZACA Executive Director Muyunda Ililonga says the move is commendable as it will help encourage competition and also enhance the vibrancy of the mobile telecommunication sector in the country.

Mr Ililonga said the more players come into the telecommunication sector the more the country’s economy is likely to grow.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that more competition in the telecommunications sector will also mean that consumers will have a wide range of products to choose from.

He said Government’s earlier decision to close any possibility of a fourth telecommunication company from coming into the country was not fair to the investors and the consumers.

Mr Ililonga said consumers need to have the right of choice and that that can only be achieved if competition in the mobile telecommunications sector is allowed to flourish by letting other players onto the market.

He said competition would also bring about innovation which would result in a wide range of improved products.

The ZACA Chief has also called on Government to enhance the capacity of the Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) to effectively regulate the sector with the coming in of other players in the sector.

He noted that ZICTA has not done enough to protect consumers against uncompetitive activities of players in the telecommunications sector, adding that many complaints against mobile telecommunication service providers have gone unchallenged.

Mr. Ililonga said it is imperative that Government raise the capacity of ZICTA to supervise companies more especially with the coming of more players in the sector.

He said there is currently dissatisfaction about the regulatory capacity of ZICTA as concerns raised by consumers have not been resolved to the satisfaction of the consumers.

Recently Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Christopher Yaluma announced that Government had rescinded and revoked its earlier decision not to allow a fourth mobile telecommunication phone service operator into the country.

Mr. Yaluma disclosed that Government was currently in the process of allowing a fourth mobile phone service operator in the country, a move which he said was aimed at encouraging more competition in the telecommunications sector and subsequently help lower prices for mobile phone services.

ZANIS

ZAMTEL to turn Mwembeshi Station into a data recovery center

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Transport, Communications, Works and Supply Minister Christopher Yaluma (center) flanked by Zamtel managing director listens to Zamtel Technician Martin Chishala during the ministers tour of Zamtel offices in Lusaka and Mwembeshi Earth station.
Transport, Communications, Works and Supply Minister Christopher Yaluma (center) flanked by Zamtel managing director listens to Zamtel Technician Martin Chishala during the ministers tour of Zamtel offices in Lusaka and Mwembeshi Earth station.

State owned telecoms firm ZAMTEL has announced plans to turn its Mwembeshi Earth Station into a data recovery center as part of efforts to commercialise the facility.

Opened in 1974, with its old equipment, the Mwembeshi Earth Station is feared will turn into a white elephant as it fails to catch up with modern technology.

But ZAMTEL Chief Technical Officer Sidney Mupeta said transforming the Mwembeshi Earth Station into a data recovery center is one of the ways in which ZAMTEL will keep the Earth Station viable.

“From the commercial side, we are looking at cloud hosting and turning this facility into a data recovery center for various big organisations,” Mr. Mupeta said.

“As ZAMTEL, we are already in discussions with a number of organisations interested in having their files hosted here. Mwembeshi is a good facility because of its location which is far from town and crowded areas just in case of a riot,” he said.

Mr. Mupeta said the development is part of ZAMTEL’s move to evolve the usage of the Mwembeshi Earth Station from just carrying voice and data traffic.

He also revealed that ZAMTEL which owns about 2 percent shares in the Eassy undersea cable is also exploring ways of linking its optic fiber backbone to the East African undersea network.

“We are exploring those options of going round the East African link so that in case there is a failure on our existing route through to Namibia, we then can have uninterrupted services through the East African route,” Mr. Mupeta said.

Mr. Mupeta was speaking yesterday when Communications, Works and Transport Minister Christopher Yaluma toured the Mwembeshi Earth Station outside Lusaka.

Investigations against Kabimba and GBM proceeding well and reached advanced stage-ACC

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Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba
Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that preliminary investigations against Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and his Justice counterpart Wynter Kabimba are proceeding well and have since reached an advanced stage.

Mr Mwamba is alleged to have recently solicited for a contract to supply and deliver Zesco poles while Mr Kabimba is being investigated on purported oil contract deals.

ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono said the Commission was not experiencing any interference from any political players as it carried out the investigations on the duo.

Mr Moono said the ACC was carrying out the investigations on the two without fear or favour.

He said this yesterday in response to a press query in view of some sections of the media alleging that the ACC was under pressure to clear Mr Kabimba of the allegations.

“The ACC is carrying out investigations without fear or favour and the concerns from stakeholders as expected, are unfounded. The Commission is not experiencing any interference from anybody whether political players or not,” he said.

He said the ACC Act number 3 of 2012, provided that the Commission should not, in the performance of its duties, be subjected to the direction or control of any person or authority and thus it was freely carrying out its mandate.

“The Commission values the support that it is receiving from various members of the public and is resolved to execute its mandate in the investigations and all its other functions professionally and diligently,” he said.

Malawian President expected in the country tomorrow

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File:Malawian President Joyce Banda with Vice president Guy Scott

Malawian President Joyce Banda is tomorrow afternoon expected to arrive in the country for a three-day state visit and also to attend Zambia’s 48th independence celebrations on Wednesday.

Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mganda Chiume said President Banda’s visit follows President Michael Sata’s invitation for her to visit Zambia.

Mr. Chiume’s was speaking to Journalists upon arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport this afternoon.

The Malawian Foreign Affairs Minister who is leading the advance party was met on arrival by Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Effron Lungu and Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia David Bandawe.

Mr. Chiume said Zambia and Malawi have continued to enjoy warm relations dating as far back as the pre independence times for the two countries.

He said nothing should ever come in between the two countries to deter them from enjoying the cordial relations.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Effron Lungu said the state visit by President Banda of Malawi was important for the two countries.

Dr. Lungu called for the need for the two countries to scale up trade relations for their own economic benefit.

He noted that Zambia has continued to score economic successes since her independence 48 years ago.

ZANIS

Lusaka stadium to be completed ahead of schedule

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New Lusaka Stadium, seen from the Independence Stadium
New Lusaka Stadium, seen from the Independence Stadium

The contractor working on the US$94 million New Lusaka Stadium, Shanghai Construction Group is four months ahead of schedule in the construction of the ultra Morden facility.

The company has so far managed to do 60 percent of the works and still remains with over a year to complete all the works at the stadium scheduled for completion by January 2014.

Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Permanent Secretary Florence Chawelwa expressed happiness with the development, saying government wants to see both foreign and local contractors complete their works on schedule.

ZANIS reports that speaking in Lusaka today when she toured the facility to check on the progress made so far, Ms Chawelwa was also impressed with the quality of works that the contractor has done.

She said the project is of great importance to Government as huge sums of money have gone towards the construction of the stadium.

She said it is the desire of Government to see the project completed on schedule, adding that it will do everything possible to ensure all the challenges the contractor was facing are dealt with promptly for the works to go on smoothly.

The Works and Supply Permanent Secretary said government will engage the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC) and the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) to ensure constant supply of water and electricity to the site for the works to run smoothly.

And the PS said Government will deal sternly with anyone found stealing and vandalising equipment at the site.

Commenting on revelations by the contractor that theft and vandalism of equipment at the site has become common, Ms Chawelwa warned perpetrators of the vice to desist from engaging in such acts saying Government will ensure they are caught and prosecuted.

She said a report will be given to the Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani over the development so the police can start investigating the matters and bring the perpetrators to book.

She also urged the media to sensitise the public on the importance of preserving the country’s infrastructure for the public to appreciate the benefits of having good infrastructure in the country.

Speaking earlier, Shanghai Construction Group Project Manager at the New Lusaka Stadium Zhang Zhiwei said electricity and water supply still remain a challenge for the construction process.

Mr Zhang said the site suffers water shortages and power interruptions for a couple of hours every day.

He also complained of theft and vandalism at the site saying these activities were impacting negatively on the progress of works.

Mr. Zhang called on the Zambian Government to educate its people on the need to preserve and safeguard the facility as it was of economic benefit to the country.

And Mr Zhang said his company which has also been contracted to carry out the construction and rehabilitation of the Independence stadium will commence the works next month.

ZANIS

Police refutes claims of violence in Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election campaigns

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North Western province Police Commissioner Eugene Sibote has refuted reports that Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election campaigns are marred with violence.

Mr Sibote said today that political activities leading to the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election next month are going on peacefully and media reports suggesting otherwise are not true.

He told a media briefing in his office that sufficient police manpower has been deployed to prevent any form of political anarchy during the by-election period in the area.

“We have sufficient police officers in Mufumbwe and so far so good in terms of preventing political violence and protecting the residents of Mufumbwe,” he said.

Mr Sibote said as Provincial Police Commissioner, he was from tomorrow shifting his office to Mufumbwe to work alongside his officers.

He also disclosed that more police officers from other regions have been brought in to beef up the North Western province police manpower deployed in Mufumbwe.

He said this move must not be misconstrued by anyone for anything else, other than the fact that Zambia Police has a national mandate of protecting the lives of people, and to that effect police officers from other parts of the country can be deployed anywhere it is deemed necessary.

Mr Sibote has since warned that anyone harbouring plans to cause violence in Mufumbwe will be met with the full force of the law and used as an example to show that it does not pay to break the law.

“The people of Mufumbwe must be rest assured that the police will protect them from any act of political hooliganism. For this we have brought in hundreds and hundreds of officers to ensure law and order,” he said.

And apart from ensuring physical protection of the law in Mufumbwe, Mr Sibote said police have been using drama performances to sensitize Mufumbwe residents on the need to conduct themselves in a civil manner.

Meanwhile Mr Sibote has advised the media in the country to be on the ground in Mufumbwe to avoid writing false reports.

He said he has been disturbed by some quarters of the media that is listening to some people who are speaking from the comfort of their homes in Lusaka portraying a false picture about Mufumbwe experiencing skirmishes of political violence.

The police commissioner also advised political parties taking part in the Mufumbwe by election to inform police as to when and where they intend to hold their campaign meetings as required by the public order Act.

ZANIS

Ruff Kid engaged to be married

XYZ rapper , Ruff Kid proposed to his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Tembo aka Bosslady whom also appeared in the video, Bosslady ft Paul Da’ Prince! .

Congratulations to the both of them.

By Kapa187