United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has charged that the PF Government’s inconsistencies are getting out of hand. Mr. Hichilema has wondered whether consultations are made in the Patriotic Front Government before any decision is made.

Mr Hichilema cited the latest development were Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma was quoted as saying that his ministry is not aware of the US$2.5 billion agreement signed between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Basali Ba Liseli Resources of Angola for the construction of a petroleum pipeline, and that deal was null and void.

He said that there is need for the PF government to be consistent in its policies statements and spell out its clear vision for the country. Mr. Hichilema told QFM News that such inconsistencies in government pronouncements have the potential to compromise the fight against corruption.

He said that if there were no consultations and correct procedure was not followed, the construction of the pipeline might be linked to corruption.

Earlier this week, Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development Christopher Yaluma said that his ministry is not aware of the he US$2.5 billion agreement signed between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and Basali Ba Liseli Resources of Angola for the construction of a petroleum pipeline and declared it null and void.

The agreement, which was witnessed by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry permanent secretary Stephen Mwansa and some diplomats from Namibia, Angola and Botswana, was signed by ZDA acting chief executive officer Glyne Michelo and Basali Ba Liseli Resources executive director Walumelo Kalabo on Friday.

At the signing ceremony, officials revealed that the project would be executed under the public private partnership under the name Angola Zambia Refined Petroleum Multi-Product Pipeline, expected to create 6,000 jobs during its two-year construction phase.

But Mr Yaluma, in an interview said the ZDA went ‘a little bit too far’ in signing and announcing the agreement and should not commit Government to deals such as the US$2.5 billion for the construction of a petroleum pipeline.

“The ZDA is not a custodian of the energy sector or the Ministry of Commerce and it is not responsible for such agreements, someone jumped the gun and as far as I am concerned, the agreement is null and void,” he said.

The ZDA falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Mr Yaluma stressed that it is his ministry that should have handled the deal in question. The project involves construction of a 1,400-kilometre pipeline for refined products from Lobito in Angola to Lusaka.

Mr Yaluma said his ministry makes plans for the energy sector and it is still engaged in consultations with various energy sector players on the best way to handle matters relating to fuel.

Mr Yaluma said Government will make sure that proper channels are followed when engaging companies in the supply of fuel. He said he has the mandate from the President to preside over matters concerning petroleum and to give Zambians the right information.

Mr Yaluma said every project concerning supply of petroleum has to be evaluated by his ministry.

Meanwhile, when contacted for comment, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Bob Sichinga said he was not ready to speak. “We have to wait until I study the full report of the agreement before I can make any comments,” Mr Sichinga said.

QFM

South Africa’s number 1 kwaito artist Professor is coming to Zambia courtesy of Flava Fm and MTN on Saturday 5th May, 2012.

K40,000 for adults, K20,000 for kids.

Its a family show to be held @ Former Bubleez, now called Mist Gardens just after the Farm house.

Time : 12:00 – 18 :00hrs

The Kwaito superstar Professor is coming with supporting acts of JK, Exile, Afunika, Chef 187 and more!

President Michael Sata has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the late former Republican Vice-President Mr Kunda. This is contained in a press release from State House. The President said that is deeply saddened at the passing of Muchinga MMD Member of Parliament and former Republican Vice-President Mr George Kunda SC, who died at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Monday.

In his letter of condolences to Mrs Irene Kunda, President Sata described Mr Kunda’s death as heartbreaking. “It is with deep sorrow and grief that I learnt of the death of your dear husband Mr George Kunda SC, the former Republican Vice-President of Zambia,” read President Sata’s letter to Mrs Kunda in part.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I extend my highest and sincere condolences to you, the children and the Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) for this painful loss.”

The Head of State stated that it was indeed tragic that the nation has lost yet another leader who served the country in various distinguished portfolios.

“Mr Kunda’s works as a lawyer for Luanshya District Council, as President of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and as Member of Parliament for Muchinga Constituency and Republican Vice-President have undeniably helped in strengthening our country’s political and economic capabilities,” President Sata stated.

“No doubt, the Zambian populace feel deeply sorry for the loss of a national leader of Mr Kunda’s stature and public service credentials, and share your family’s grief.”

[pullquote]“Therefore, in recognition of Mr Kunda’s contribution to this country, I have declared three days of national mourning with effect from Wednesday 18th April to 20th April, 2012, so that we can come together as a people in prayerful reflection and mourn our dear departed colleague with honour and dignity.”[/pullquote]

President Sata described the late former Vice-President as a resolved politician.

“I remember Mr Kunda from the early days of his career as a determined young lawyer at Luanshya District Council as well as his later days as a resolved politician who was never shy or afraid to exercise his democratic right to debate and devotedly defend his stance on many key national issues. Thereby enhancing and safeguarding our country’s democracy, which we all cherish dearly,” the President stated.

“And more recently, I last met Mr Kunda at State House when he accorded me the respect of accepting my invitation to join us for a luncheon hosted in honour of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon when he visited the country in February this year.

“Therefore, in recognition of Mr Kunda’s contribution to this country, I have declared three days of national mourning with effect from Wednesday 18th April to 20th April, 2012, so that we can come together as a people in prayerful reflection and mourn our dear departed colleague with honour and dignity.”

President Sata prayed that the Kunda family takes comfort and solace in the understanding that the entire nation’s thoughts and prayers are with them during this devastating and excruciating period.

Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has advised President Michael Sata not to pay attention to people like Dr. Nevers Mumba who have been trying to attack him, but instead focus on leading the country to greater prosperity.

Mr. Kabimba said that Dr. Mumba is on record of betraying his own party the defunct National Christian Coalition after he was offered a job by the then president Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr. Kabimba has also urged PF members at all party levels to ensure that they defend the good cause of the party in the country.

Mr. Kabimba told a media briefing that PF members should assert their authority and not allow any one to intimidate them on the basis of their party affiliation.

And Mr. Kabimba has again reminded Henry Banda’s lawyer Robert Amsterdam that evil will never prevail over good adding that what the people of Zambia want from Henry’s alleged corruption cases is for justice to prevail.

He has wondered what kind of a lawyer Mr. Amsterdam who he said takes pride in defending people who have allegedly caused crimes against their states is.

Mr. Kabimba has further wondered why Henry Banda son of the former president Rupiah Banda is running away from mere investigations.

He added that the threats by the Mr. Amsterdam that he will finish the PF will not change the status of Henry as a wanted person and has since reminded the international lawyer that PF was voted into government by majority Zambians.

QFM

Patriotic Front Secertary General Wynter Kabimba has said that Former vice-president George Kunda will be greatly missed.

“As a colleague, the State Counsel will be greatly missed. He was excellent as a professional without any doubt and his contribution to the development of the law cannot be understated because he really did contribute to the development of law in Zambia hence the reason he will be missed within the law society and I believe beyond.”

Mr Kabimba said the party and the government would stand by Mr Kunda’s widow and family during this trying period and help them in any way they can as burial arrangements are awaited albeit a State funeral is likely to be declared.

Mr Kunda, 56, who had been admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka from March 27 this year died yesterday around 16:00 hours.

UTH public relations manager Pauline Mbangwata confirmed the death of Mr Kunda in an interview last evening.

“Yes I can confirm that Mr Kunda has died, but details should be obtained from the party (MMD). He passed on this afternoon at 16:00 hours,” Ms Mbangweta said.

The details leading to his death remain unknown as family members have not disclosed that but the accomplished lawyer had been unwell for sometime even though his illness never at any time appeared to slow him down as he continued to work with the same zeal.

And Prominent Lusaka lawyer Patrick Mvunga has paid tribute to Mr Kunda’s contribution to the nation as a politician and a lawyer. Professor Mvunga said Mr Kunda performed exceedingly well as LAZ president.

“He was hard working and inspired a lot of upcoming lawyers in the legal fraternity. I convey my sincere condolences to the Kunda family, the wife and children for the loss of such a distinguished man,” Prof Mvunga said.

And Sakwiba Sikota,also paid tribute saying that Goerge Kunda made his work as LAZ president easy. “Mr Kunda made my work as LAZ president easy when he was my vice-president until 1996 when he took over as president because of the extra hours he was always willing to put in. He was very very hard-working.”

Another Lusaka lawyer Hobday Kabwe said he received the news of the death of Mr Kunda with a sense of sadness and shock considering that the former Republican vice-president was an inspirational figure in the legal circles.

“Mr Kunda had a lot of encouraging jurisprudence during his tenure as LAZ president and will be remembered for his outstanding performance in the legal profession. This is a sad moment for the legal fraternity.

“I ask the nation and the Kunda family to draw strength from God in this trying moment,” Mr Kabwe said.

Michael Mundashi, SC, who saved as LAZ secretary under Mr Kunda remarked: “The State Counsel was such a hard-working man and a very worthy adversary for many because he took his law very seriously. Therefore, he was not a man you would face with little research. You had to put in extra work if you were to argue a legal point with him.”

And Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda said the death of Mr Kunda is a great loss to the entire nation and Zambia’s flourishing democracy.

Mr Shamenda expressed Government’s deepest condolences to Mrs Irene Kunda, the family and the MMD. Mr Shamenda said the ruling party needs political parties to offer checks and balances and said Mr Kunda was such a leader, who attempted to strengthen democracy in the country.

He said his death has come at a time when the MMD needs his contribution more than ever before. “In the absence of Mr Kunda, MMD’s effectiveness in offering checks and balances is greatly affected,” he said.

LAZ President James Banda has described the death of Mr Kunda as a tragedy not only to his family and the nation but the region as a whole. Mr Banda, who extended his sympathy to Mrs Kunda, said the former Vice-President contributed immensely to the development of good laws at the association and in Government.

He said Mr Kunda will be remembered at LAZ for his thorough research and constructive debates.

MMD presidential aspirant Nevers Mumba said the party will miss Mr Kunda’s hard-working spirit. He said Mr Kunda exhibited rare leadership qualities and the MMD still needed his guidance.

Dr Mumba, who is also a former Vice-President in MMD administration, urged party members to emulate Mr Kunda’s leadership skills. “Our hearts are broken and we are in mourning. We will definitely miss him a lot as MMD,” he said.

Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema described the death of Mr Kunda as a loss to the family, the MMD and the country.

“We send our sincere condolences to the family. Mr Kunda had proved to be a resilient opposition leader after the MMD lost power,” Mr Hichilema said.

He said the Mr Kunda was providing the necessary checks and balances to the PF Government on issues of governance.

[Zambia Daily Mail/Times of Zambia]