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Hichilema directs law enforcement agencies to pursue unfaithful contractors

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Hichilema directs law enforcement agencies to pursue unfaithful contractors

President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the North-western provincial administration to pursue all contractors that have abandoned construction works despite government having paid them.

Mr Hichilema said law enforcement agencies should move in and investigate any contractor paid by government but has not completed the construction works.

He said there is need to find a way of recovering all the money paid to contractors who have however , not done their work.

Speaking when he toured the Manyinga Civic Centre site in Manyinga district yesterday, Mr Hichilema said every contractor that has not delivered despite being paid by government should not be allowed to undertake any government projects in future.

The Head of State said government will not protect any officer or contractor found misusing public resources through shoddy works and incomplete projects.

Mr. Hichilema further said his government wants to ensure that all public resources are prudently utilised, adding that no individual should benefit at the expense of Zambians.

And North-western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, said the construction of Manyinga police station has stalled since 2015 when the contractor deserted the site.

Mr. Lihefu said this is despite the contractor being paid in full.

He says a new contractor has since been identified to complete the abandoned works which include the construction of the police station and office blocks.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has said government will work towards improving the welfare of chiefs without segregation.

Mr Hichilema said all chiefs, regardless of where they are, will receive allowances, be given transport and have decent accommodation.

He said he is aware that there are chiefs who were not receiving allowances because they were deemed to belong to the opposition political parties during the previous regime.

The President was speaking in Manyinga yesterday when he called on Senior Chief Sikufele at his palace.

“Your Royal Highness, we will work on allowances because some of you were not receiving, transport we shall provide and also improve your palaces,” he said.

Mr Hichilema said his government will work with all traditional leaders in order to foster development in all chiefdoms.

He said all parts of the country must receive an equal share of development hence the need for chiefs to work with government as partners.

“We will not segregate any chief, we will work with all Royal Highnesses regardless of who they supported before 2021,”Mr Hichilema said.

And the Head of State has said the 2022 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that will not be used by December this year will not be taken back to treasury but be carried forward to the following year.

He said the delays that characterised the disbursement of the funds will be resolved to ensure local authorities access the funds quickly.

” Come next year, all these delays will not be there. We will work on them and ensure that money is accessed quickly,” Mr Hichilema said.

And senior chief Sikufele thanked government for the free education policy and the many job opportunities which government has created.

The traditional leader said the free education policy has seen a number of children get back to school.

“We are happy with the free education that your government has given us. A lot of our children have gone back to school,” the chief said.

He has since pledged to work with government in developing the chiefdom.

President Hichilema is in North-western province on a two-day working visit.

African ports could be strengthened by the adoption of smart technology

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African ports could be strengthened by the adoption of smart technology

With 38 of its 54 states being coastal or island states, it is no surprise that Africa is home to over 100 port facilities, including massive terminals in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in the south, and Mombasa and Dar es Salaam in the east, and Lagos in the west.

90% of Africa’s imports and exports travels by sea.

The volume of trade through these ports is enormous with South Africa alone in pre pandemic 2019 handling almost five million TEU (20 foot container equivalents) with just over 9 000 ship calls nationally.

However, few of these ports operate optimally, lacking a fully integrated rail and road system which enables all of the operational elements to ‘speak’ to each other, and for freight and logistics companies to monitor the progress of their goods.

Manually operated loading and offloading at the ports is fraught with potential dangers and delays and the entire sector is therefore failing to extract the most out of what could be a far more lucrative freight economy.

Together with Huawei, Tianjin Port in China has built an intelligent horizontal transport system at the terminal of Section C in the Beijiang Port Area, achieved through unified data sharing using smart technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, big data and IoT.

“Ports are where cargo begins and ends it journey,” says Jiang Kaimin, senior marketing expert at Huawei’s customs and port business.

“Ports must operate every single day and delays in any part of the process of arrivals and departures, shoreside operations, horizontal transport, yard and gate operations and tractor trailer transport can result in enormous financial loss.

In Tianjin, Huawei has used cloud based centralised dispatching to increase port-wide efficiency.”

With the introduction of an intelligent horizontal transport system, the port has resolved the disadvantages of existing systems, with autonomous vehicles travelling multiple paths through the port complex, safely and efficiently.

Precision positioning allows for 90% of quay cranes successfully aligning on the first try, maximising time and operational efficiency.

African ports can benefit enormously from digital transformation and adopting smart systems that will keep supply chains moving smoothly.

The digitisation of Africa’s ports is a logical solution to meet the increasing demand of increased freight transport volumes.

Thus, it will enhance Africa’s trade efficiency, investment attraction, and bring about huge economic and social development.

Even as African governments are investing in expanding port infrastructure to alleviate congestion and delay, which adds a lot to the trade costs, they need simultaneously to look at digitisation for the operational aspects of port management.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) is another important factor in the need to increase port efficiencies,” said Yang Chen, vice president of Huawei Southern Africa Region.

“As well as handling the additional volume of regional trade, improving port operations through digital transformation will further enable Africa to integrate in global markets.”

Increased use of 5G, AI and AR technologies in the scenario-based solutions such as those introduced by Huawei into Tianjin Port can improve not only portside operations but can also assist in the overall integration of transport nodes into and out of ports, which is currently a weakness in a number of African countries.

Fully connected road, rail, air and port models will position African port operations at the forefront of smart, safe and environmentally sound hubs for the export and import of goods on which the continent relies.

Mr Hichilema’s Government is not respecting the constitutional rights of citizens

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Mr Hichilema’s Government is not respecting the constitutional rights of citizens

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party
 

The Introduction In Parliament Of The Securities (Amendment) Bill No. 23 Of 2022

Mr Hichilema has said it is time for citizens and other stakeholders to open up and tell the government when there are things it is not doing well.

We agree with him, and want to tell Mr Hichilema that his government is not respecting the constitutional rights of citizens, and that our democratic values are being trampled upon with impunity by institutions that are meant to foster social and economic development. Just look at the despicable way the recent by-elections have been conducted and the violence the UPND has unleashed on its opponents in them. To continuously use violence to win an election is in fact to rig an election.

As Mr Hichilema surely knows, to achieve economic growth and improved livelihoods for the masses of our people, we need law and order and a stable social and legal environment. This is how countries like Singapore have succeeded.

On Friday, October 14 this year, Mr Hichilema presided over the 24th Cabinet Meeting. At this meeting, the Cabinet approved six (6) Bills for introduction in Parliament.

Among these six Bills was a very curious one titled the Securities (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2022. This Bill is a clear indicator that Mr Hichilema intends to abuse a state institution – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – to the benefit of himself and his friends. He cannot say that he was not aware of what was in the Bill.

Through Bills such as the Securities (Amendment) Bill, Mr Hichilema intends to undermine the Constitution and our democratic values to feed the insatiable and shameless greed of people who want to acquire other people’s property without paying a Ngwee.

It is a known fact that Mr Hichilema is the majority shareholder in an organisation called AfLife Holdings Group. It seems that it is intended to augment the growth of the AfLife Group through the introduction of bad laws, which have criminal and unconstitutional foundations, to be implemented by a surrogate regulator and a weak board of directors, such as is the case with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

It is strange that this Bill was not discussed with the stakeholders, nor was it referred to the Law Association of Zambia for its input. This has made it suspicious because why would government want to sneak this Bill into Parliament without consulting the concerned institutions and other stakeholders?

As such, we take this opportunity to thank the courageous stakeholders who made submissions against the Bill. We particularly thank Lusaka Securities for articulating and making well-informed submissions on it.

In introducing the Securities (Amendment) Bill, an attempt was made to hoodwink the nation into believing that it is for the purpose of enabling the Securities and Exchange Commission to efficiently and effectively supervise capital market operators, especially in combating money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, but the purpose of this Bill is frightening and much more sinister.

In Clauses 19(B)(2)(a), 19(B)(4)(d) and 19(B)(4)(e) the Bill aims to:

  1. Provide for the SEC to take possession of a capital market operator,
  2. Run the affairs of a capital market operator, and,
  3. Transfer all or part of the capital market operator’s business to another capital market operator.

Surely, these provisions are draconian and run counter to what is provided for in the Constitution. Quite clearly, this Bill aims to legalise the theft of a capital market operator’s business.

Our Constitution provides for the protection of the proprietary rights of individuals. If those rights must be taken away for any reason, there is a due process that must be followed, which includes making representations to a court for a defence before persons can lose their property. This has been trampled upon in this Bill.

The role of the regulator is to supervise capital market operators and not to run their businesses, and when capital market operators are found to be weak, the regulator should look for ways of enhancing compliance to bring them back to good health. Instead, the Bill focuses on shutting down such operators with impunity.

How can the regulator be given statutory authority to take over and run a capital market operator’s business and, if he wishes, transfer it to someone else or completely sell its assets without capital market operators having the right of a stay of an action brought against them to enable the operators to challenge the matter and defend themselves in a court of law? Has the regulator got infinite knowledge of how to run every type of business run by capital market operators? Surely, we are seeing signs of a dictatorship establishing itself in Zambia.

The provisions in the Bill seem to target certain capital market operators for a hostile takeover to the benefit of the friends of those in power, and we are sure that capital market operators such as Standard Chartered Bank, Zambeef and others must be extremely nervous.
How can we introduce a Bill that promotes oppression and corruption to become law?

We are convinced that this law was mooted only for the purpose of stealing the businesses and assets of targeted capital market operators.

For the evil that is intended, the Bill provides for the Capital Market Tribunal and for the Securities and Exchange Commission to be given immunity for what they do or for what they fail to do. Which court or regulator has such immunity in Zambia? All courts are subject to complaints before the Judicial Complaints Commission. However, the nation through Parliament is being asked to exempt the Capital Markets Tribunal from the balancing effect and protection the Judicial Complaints Commission can give. What crimes are the Capital Markets Tribunal poised to commit?
We understand that a number of capital market operators took out actions against the SEC before the Capital Markets Tribunal. We believe that the intention of giving the Tribunal immunity is so that it can make bad decisions at the command of the regulator in cases before the Tribunal. The cases before the Tribunal have compelling evidence against the regulator. However, in the current situation, we doubt that anyone can win a case against the SEC, no matter how compelling the evidence is.

We also believe that the intention of giving immunity to the regulator is because the regulator at the Securities and Exchange Commission is being set up as the Thief-in-Chief for the benefit of certain business people.

Mr Hichilema boasted he would raise the bar when he came into office. Is promoting a thieving Bill such as the Securities (Amendment) Bill raising the bar? Surely, this Bill has demonstrated what kind of leader Mr Hichilema is.

If Mr Hichilema is not put in check we will find that our national wealth, and that of citizens, is stolen by his friends.

For this reason, we want to announce that all transactions that will not be in the best interest of the nation during Mr Hichilema’s term of office will be reversed when we come into office. The Socialist Party will not hesitate to give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar! here are many Zambians who have left the country to do business elsewhere because of the bad culture that is against successful business people in Zambia.

When Mr Hichilema was elected into office, it was hoped that Zambian business people in the diaspora would come back and play a role in building a strong private sector of our economy. But look at what they did to James Ndambo not so long ago. Is it safe for Zambians to do big business in the country? Will Zambians feel encouraged to list their businesses on the Lusaka Securities Exchange? Only a crazy person can ever consider listing on the LuSE when bad laws like the Securities (Amendment) Bill are contemplated.

We want to make it very clear that we want Mr Hichilema to succeed during his term in office, provided that his success will be to the benefit of Zambians and not for himself and his friends only.

Accordingly, we have decided to notify the International Monetary Fund and the African Union about the Securities (Amendment) Bill No. 23, 2022 so they can help Mr Hichilema abandon his shameful intentions as exhibited in the Bill. Mr Hichilema must be subjected to the Peer Review mechanism.

We want leaders in the SADC and COMESA region to know about the Bill Mr Hichilema sent to Parliament. We also want the youths in Zambia to wake up and know about the plans the UPND leadership is making to steal people’s businesses and assets by using an evil legal instrument.  We are also hereby notifying Transparency International about the bad intentions of the Securities (Amendment) Bill, which they must study and comment on.

We encourage Mr Hichilema to practise true servant leadership and not to sneak into Parliament evil amendment bills to his benefit and that of his friends. Instead of targeting the businesses of local people through Clause 19(B) in the Securities (Amendment) Bill, we encourage him to assist local business people to become stronger so they can create jobs and wealth and in so doing assist the national economy to grow firmly, strongly and rapidly.

We also encourage Mr Hichilema to strengthen governance at the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have taken a keen interest in the cases before the Capital Markets Tribunal. From these cases the regulator impresses us that he may be an economic hitman and has inculcated fear and concern in the minds of capital market operators. We see that he has brought disrespect to the office of the regulator to the extent that the capital markets integrity is in question, especially that he is highly conflicted in his personal dealings. Also the regulator seems to be tainted with corruption.

We note that by certain of his actions, the regulator has in fact already facilitated the illegal transfer of business from some capital market operators to their competitors without any compensation being paid. This smells of corruption. We also note that it seems that the SEC’s Board of Directors is so weak that it is unable to control the conduct of its regulator.

We further note that the Capital Market Tribunal is appointed by the Ministry of Finance, which is also the supervisor of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This is poor governance and it is obvious that the Capital Market Tribunal is not independent. Therefore, we demand that:

  • First, someone other than the controlling ministry should appoint a Tribunal in Zambia, and we propose that the Chief Justice should appoint all tribunals in Zambia. This will make them independent. Cases before the Tribunal should not be for academic interest only.
  • Second, the SEC’s Board of Directors should be dissolved immediately so that a more credible Board can be appointed.
  • Third, the current regulator at the SEC should be immediately dismissed and a professional person capable of properly supervising and regulating the capital market on the basis of the Securities Act be appointed for the capital market to grow.
  • Further, we encourage the Capital Market Tribunal to be courageous and professional and dispose of the cases before it transparently and without fear or favour.
  • Also, we encourage the President to protect those regulated to ensure that no one should use the law to settle scores with those they regulate or enrich themselves at the expense of the governed capital market operators.

As such, let us recognise that it is constitutionally wrong to target capital market operators with bogus forensic audits for the purpose of witch-hunting to find contrived cases against innocent business people as the Securities and Exchange Commission is attempting to do.

In ending, we invite Mr Hichilema to ensure that the primitive culture of stealing other people’s property, which is akin to cattle rustling, is completely abandoned during his tenure of office.

Village headman in Mwinilunga killed on suspected witchcraft

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Village headman in Mwinilunga killed on suspected witchcraft

A Village headman in Kabanda compound of Mwinilunga district in North-western province has allegedly been axed to death by an angry mob of mourners on suspicion of practicing witchcraft.

District commissioner Harrison Kamuna confirmed the incident in an interview yesterday and identified the deceased as Mr. Albert Katooka who was village headman katooka.

The incident occurred today, November 17th, 2022 around 15:00 hours after an angry mob of mourners returned from the burial of a woman identified as Exildah Kayenda whom the deceased is alleged to have killed through witchcraft over a land dispute.

“They suspected him of having killed Exildah Kayenda who was buried this morning over a land dispute” Mr. Kamuna said.

He explained that the deceased is reported to have been axed to death behind the head about 500 meters away from his home using an axe he had carried as he was running away from the mob.

Mr. Kamuna added that before axing him to death, the mob started by vandalizing his house and killed some of his goats and chickens.

“The mob went further to harass and kill some of his goats and chickens,” he said.

Police have since visited the crime scene and picked the body and deposited it in Mwinilunga district hospital mortuary, while no arrest has been made.

HH arrives in Northwestern for a working visit

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HH arrives in Northwestern for a working visit

President Hakainde has arrived in Northwestern province on two days working visit.

The plane carrying President Hichilema landed at Solwezi airport at about 10:05 hours and Provincial Minister Robert Lihefu received the President and his entourage.

Defence minister Ambrose Lufuma, Solwezi mayor Remmy Kalepa, senior government and party officials were on hand to receive the President.

Upon arrival at Solwezi airport President Hichilema expressed happiness to be in the province in a peaceful environment.

Mr. Hichilema said peace is paramount in driving the social and economic developmental agenda of the Nation.

The President has since proceeded to Manyinga district where he is expected to hold a public rally and inspect some stalled developmental projects.

He is later in the day expected to hold a public rally at Solwezi trades training institute grounds and grace the ruling party gala dinner in the evening.

President Hichilema is then tomorrow expected to attend a church service at Seventh day Adventist central church and meet party officials before departing for Lusaka.

He is accompanied by sports minister Elvis Nkandu and Party secretary general Batuke Imenda.

Kabushi MP And Attorney General Joined To Constitutional Case On Elections

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Kabushi MP And Attorney General Joined To Constitutional Case On Elections

The Constitutional Court on Thursday joined Kabushi Member of Parliament and Attorney General to a petition which claims the Electoral Commission of Zambia contravened the Constitution of Zambia, among other claims.

The Kabushi lawmaker Bernard Kanengo had applied to be joined to proceedings and argued that the ultimate decision by the Court will affect him.

The Institute for Law, Policy Research and Human Rights, Green Party President Peter Sinkamba and Governance Activist Isaac Mwanza did not object to the Kabushi lawmaker and the Attorney General joining the petition.

The petitioners raised questions on the manner in which the application by the Attorney General had made an application before the Court and whether they were a necessary party to the proceedings.

In the ruling by the Court on joining both them, Acting Constitutional Court Judge President Margaret Munalula said she was inclined to dismiss the application by the Attorney General because the Commission is the rightful party to sue over elections and it can defend itself.

However, Judge Munalula said she would join the Attorney General because he had participated in prior proceedings before different courts involving the elections in Kabushi and Kwacha.

And the Court also struck out from the Affidavit of Bernard Kanengo allegations which stated that was before the Constitutional Court was an election petition and limited his participation to making submissions and to never raise any new issues.

The 3 petitioners are challenging the constitutionally of a Statutory Instrument No 64 of 2022 issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on 11 October, 2022 during time when the High Court Order was not vacated or set aside.

The petitioners are also challenging the decision made by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on 11 October, 2022 to authorise and include candidates who had resigned on the ballot as contravening Article 52(6) of the Constitution of Zambia

Government committed to reducing maternal and child deaths

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Government committed to reducing maternal and child deaths

Minister of Health Sylvia T. Masebo has said the Government through the Ministry of Health is committed to reducing maternal and child deaths and put an end to avoidable deaths of the newborns.

Commenting on the 2022 World Prematurity Day, Ms. Masebo said on this day all are called to reflect on the concerns and health challenges that babies born too early or premature babies face.

Every year on 17th November, the world comes together to celebrate World Prematurity Day.

She said the New Dawn Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, is committed to strengthening the healthcare system with emphasis on access to quality healthcare, as Zambia strives to attain Universal Health Coverage, and this applies to premature babies as well.

“On this day, we are all called to reflect on the concerns and health challenges that babies born too early or premature babies face. We are also called to empathise and stand with their parents and care-givers. It is a day when we are called to come together as stakeholders, to strategise on how we will actualize the proven solutions that make a big difference and contribute greatly to the wellbeing of the little ones and their families. Babies born prematurely, if taken care of optimally, grow up into completely healthy and productive individuals. The New Dawn Government, under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, is committed to strengthening the healthcare system with emphasis on access to quality healthcare, as we strive to attain Universal Health Coverage, and this applies to premature babies as well,” Ms. Masebo said.

“One testimony is the recent deployment of more than 11,000 healthcare workers, not to mention the increase in the budget to the health sector since coming into power in 2021.Government through the Ministry of Health, is committed to reducing maternal and child deaths and put an end to avoidable deaths of the newborns.This is feasible if we improve the general health status of our mothers before conception, improving our antenatal care, enhance management of labour and the postnatal period, and other health services. The babies born too soon are vulnerable and require more intensive care to reduce adverse health outcomes. This year’s theme particularly reminds us of the need to keep babies together with their mothers, even as we take care of them, as unnecessary separations do more harm than good,” Ms. Masebo said.

She said the current status of deaths of babies within the first 28 days of life, at 27 per 1,000 live births, is unacceptably high.

“One high impact, evidence-based, low cost intervention that increases the chances of survival is the Kangaroo Mother Care, a method where the premature baby is nursed, as much as possible, on the chest of the mother so that there is skin-to-skin contact. This keeps the baby warm, improves bonding between the mother and baby, and promotes breastfeeding. It is a powerful method that can be practiced by both parents, and it empowers them to lovingly cuddle and communicate with the baby. Scientifically, it is proven to improve the baby’s ability to fight infections, ability to utilize the food given to it, as well as enhance brain development. The current status of deaths of babies within the first 28 days of life, at 27 per 1,000 live births, is unacceptably high. Thirty percent (30%) of all these deaths during this period are attributable to prematurity,” Ms. Masebo said.

“These statistics are far beyond the global target of newborn deaths in the first 28 days of life pegged at 12 per 1,000 by 2030. This, therefore, calls for concerted efforts by government and other stakeholders for us to begin to reverse the current trajectory. I want to encourage those nursing premature babies to embark on embracing and cuddling them, care for them and ensure zero separation for maximum benefits, not only in the hospital setting, but also at home upon discharge. To those who have lost their newborns who were born too soon, we mourn with you.I wish to urge all those who were born prematurely and are now grown, and all those who have cared for premature babies, to be our ambassadors and encourage others in the community,” she said.

Ms. Masebo called on people to join the fight against avoidable deaths, and make a deliberate effort on this World Prematurity Day, to seek out someone caring for a premature baby and show them love and support.

“To all expectant mothers, I encourage you to go for antenatal services at your nearest health facility as soon as you discover you are pregnant. This will enhance chances of healthier outcomes for you and your baby. To the healthcare workers who look after these precious little ones and their mothers, I wish to urge you to support every parent’s right to have access to their babies and put in your best to save the little ones. In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all our partners who continue to work with the Ministry of Health and support us as we endeavor to provide quality health care for all; We, therefore, call upon all our people to join the fight against avoidable deaths, and make a deliberate effort on this World Prematurity Day, to seek out someone caring for a premature baby and show them love and support,” Ms. Masebo said.

Catholic Bishops label free education as problematic

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Catholic Bishops label free education as problematic

Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops have observed that the Free Education Policy has proved to have a negative bearing on the management of schools in general and grant aided schools in particular.

The Catholic Bishops believe that its implementation was rushed without preparing much needed room and desk-space for the overwhelming newly enrolled pupils.

In a statement on the state of the nation,the Bishops said the number of teachers in schools has not changed much while pupil population has doubled or tripled making teacher-learner ratio disproportional.

They said the current teacher recruitment did not target secondary school teachers where free education was also implemented and this is forcing many schools especially Grant Aided Schools to continue employing teachers on contracts.

The Bishops have noted that subsidies from the government are not enough and are usually restrictive.

And the Catholic Bishops feel the Constitutional review process seems to be very slow as there is no clear road map for constitutional, electoral and legislative reform agenda.

They said that Zambia’s current constitution remains susceptible to regular alteration and politicization.

The Bishops have called on Government to guide in an open and transparent manner when and how the constitutional, electoral and legislative reform processes will be undertaken.

They have noted the need to re-look into the constitution and other pieces of legislation, such as the Electoral Process, Public Order Act, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Penal Code.

Below is the full statement

ZAMBIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE NATION

A CALL TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA AS GOD WANTS

“Give a shepherd’s core to the flock of God thot is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, as God wants; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it.”
(1 Peter 5:2)

Our dear brothers and sisters in Christ and people of good will, peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

L. PREAMBLE

We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), have dedicated ample time to reflecting on the current social, political, economical and environmental issues affecting the day-to-day living of the people of Zambia. First and foremost, we would like to acknowledge the good will of the government to bring about development to all corners of the country through the introduction of Free Education, increment of Constituency Development Fund (CDF), employment of health, education, police service, correctional service, defense forces, immigration personnel and many others. However, in a spirit of co-responsibility, we wish to express some of our concerns regarding the service delivery to the nation, especially to our political leadership and other stakeholders.

2. HIGH POVERTY LEVELS

Poverty and inequality levels in the country continue to rise and the government needs to urgently address this. Zambia faces both high levels of poverty and inequality, even when compared to other countries in the region. investment and impressive economic growth over the decade brought benefits to urban areas, but poverty in rural areas remains widespread.

3. MORAL DECAY

It is with deep sorrow that we notice a steady rise in cases of child sexual abuse, early child marriages, child labour, sodomy, Gender Based Violence, human trafficking, homosexuality, bestiality, suicide and abductions in Zambia. These are clear indications that moral standards among our people have drastically dropped. We therefore call upon security agencies to act promptly. As a nation, we all need to put our heads together to bring these immoral activities to a halt. For us to achieve this noble objective we ought to uphold Christian and family values which are of paramount importance. The use of vulgar language in the nation especially through social media should be discouraged.

4. REGIONAL AND TRIBAL SENTIMENTS

The political situation in Zambia is still characterized by the continued politicking and trivializing of important national matters by political leaders at all levels. Regional and tribal sentiments still enjoy a centre stage in the country’s political circles. There is need for a genuine, inclusive and democratic national reconciliation in the country where political leaders ought to realize and appreciate the fact that their priority should be that of serving Zambians. The government should lead and be seen to lead the way in eliminating the “tribal” talk and sentiments in the country.

5. UNEMPLOYMENT

We note the fact that the government has employed 30,496 teachers and 1-1,276 health workers. However, unemployment in Zambia continues to be a matter of concern and the government needs to urgently improvise practical strategies on how to deal with these high escalating levels. The truth of the matter is that government cannot manage to employ everyone; it is not just feasible and sustainable. Hence the importance to venture into serious support of SMEs, Small[1]Scale Farmers and opening of manufacturing industries in order to create more jobs. Further, we call upon the government to create an enabling environment for the already existing SMEs to thrive especially by paying them for services and goods supplied.

6. PUBLIC HEALTH

Health of the citizenry is cardinal to the productivity of a nation. It has been observed that health facilities in Zambia are lacking medicines to treat the population in many health institutions. The claim by the Ministry of Health that enough medicines have been dispatched to all health facilities cannot be substantiated as the information concerning the availability of medicines in both urban and rural health facilities does not correspond to the reality on the ground. ln most cases, patients are given prescriptions to go and buy medicines from private pharmacies where they are very expensive and out of reach for the poor Zambians. We appreciate the establishment of NHIMA. However, its implementation leaves much to be desired and the government is encouraged to look at its operation with the urgency it deserves. The revision of the procurement policy is also necessary in order to facilitate the acquisition of medicines and other hospital equipment.

7. FREE EDUCATION POLICY

The Free Education Policy is a welcome idea. However, the Free Education Policy has proved to have a negative bearing on the management of schools in general and grant aided (mission) schools in particular. The following are some of the gaps and challenges regarding the implementation of the policy.

Its implementation was rushed without preparing much needed room and desk-space for the overwhelming newly enrolled pupils. The number of teachers in schools has not changed much while pupil population has doubled or tripled making teacher-learner ratio disproportional. The current teacher recruitment did not target secondary school teachers where the FEP was also implemented. This is forcing many schools (especially Grant Aided Schools) to continue employing teachers on contracts. This is a strain on the limited resources of the schools in which the remunerations were paid by Boards or the scrapped PTAs and most of the capital projects that were being undertaken by Grant Aided Schools are now failing. Subsidies from the government are not enough and are usually restrictive.

8. LAND TENURE AND LAND SECURITY

The conflict between the idea of communal ownership of land under customary tenure and individual ownership under the leasehold tenure has continued being experienced and unfortunately, many people demean and undermine the customary tenure system. Due to this situation, the country continues to face challenges such as selling of bare land, land displacements, land encroachments, land disputes and failure of women and other vulnerable people to access land.It is our desire that the government puts in place deliberate measures to fully protect customary land administration systems without abrogating human rights. individual rights over land should
not override community interest.

9. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change effects have continued to undermine agriculture productivity in Zambia as evidenced by floods in the Southern Province and late coming of rains in the rest parts of Zambia and partial draughts in the previous rain seasons. Our appeal is that we combine our efforts in conscientizing our people on environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

10. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

In the spirit of economic diversification, agriculture can play a big role in job creation both at small scale as well as large scale farming and can guarantee food security to society. Further, food security produces a wide range of positive impacts including economic growth, and poverty reduction. However, where farming inputs such as seed and fertilizers are not delivered on time and the harvest is not bought and preserved properly, both jobs and food security are compromised.Unfortunately, even this farming season, we are grappling with farming inputs much to the dissatisfaction of the farmers. We therefore urge that the government delivers promptly the required inputs. In the same vein, we expect the government to buy what they can buy and secure them properly and also allow farmers to sell their extra produce to the international markets.

11. CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)

We acknowledge the good intentions exhibited by the government in increasing the threshold for Constituency Development Fund (CDF). However, there are challenges that need to be looked into in order to build an environment good enough to support the aspiration of the decentralization policy. Currently, the utilization of CDF seems to be so problematic due to bureaucracy necessitated by the CDF guidelines. Further, the powers given to the Member of Parliament with regard to the selection of CDF committee members defeats the purpose of making this fund apolitical. We therefore demand that the CDF Act of 2018 be amended for the purposes of making sure that this fund is protected from being politicized. ln the same breath, we urge the central government to build capacities of local governments to superintend CDF and making it more inclusive and corruption free.

12. CONSTITUTIONALISM

The need to re-look into the constitution and other pieces of legislation, such as the Electoral Process, Public Order Act, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Penal Code is long overdue.

However, the Constitutional review process seems to be very slow. Up to now, there is no clear road map for constitutional, electoral and legislative reform agenda. Zambia’s current constitution remains susceptible to regular alteration and politicization. Government should therefore guide in an open and transparent manner when and how the constitutional, electoral and legislative reform processes will be undertaken. We are concerned with the manner some recent elections were conducted in Zambia. There are some recurring shortfalls such as political violence, tribalism, regionalism, political intolerance, lack of intra-party democracy, hate speech, name calling, bribery, polarization of the media and corruption. The perceived biases by the Electoral Management Board (EMB) especially towards the ruling party has resulted in the diminishing public confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia. The way the recent Parliamentary By-elections in both Kabushi and Kwacha Constituencies on the Copperbelt, were conducted leaves much to be desired and a recipe for violence if left uncorrected. Both the Cburts and the Electoral Commission could have
done better.

13. RULE OF LAW AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

A country that adheres to the rule of law results in a society in which all persons and organizations including the government are subject and accountable to the law. This culminates into a court system which is independent and resolves disputes in an open and impartial manner. However, most of the problems affecting the justice sector and hinder people from accessing justice and claiming their rights include: corruption, inadequate personnel, poor funding, high cost of legal services, and lack of tools and equipment to carry out entrusted mandates among others. These challenges affect the judicial system and make it technically difficult for the ordinary and poor individuals to access justice and claim their rights.Therefore, we demand that property trespassing, arbitrary arrests, detention and depriving of the accused of their property must be done within the confinements of the law and if not, these should not be tolerated at all. We also condemn police brutality to our nationals (political
opponents) as a way of treating those suspected to have broken the law.

14. FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

We believe that policy pronouncements must be supported by affirmative actions and without that they end up making the fight against corruption incomplete and just a mere political rhetoric. So far, the Anti-Corruption Commission has seized a lot of properties including cash from some leaders who served in the previous Patriotic Front government. Apart from seizures there has been no conviction so far, making the fight against corruption appear as political persecution. resently, corrupt practices have simply changed forms, shapes and sizes in the procurement of drugs, farming inputs, motorized transport, school requisites, by-elections and justice system
among others. We demand that there be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.

15. CADRISM

The political will to remove political party cadres from market places, bus stations and other public places has helped to restore sanity in the said places. However, a lot more needs to be  done to completely arrest the situation, restore full order and sanity, and to ensure that every human being is free and safe to participate in democratic and governance processes. lt is saddening to note that political cadres are slowly on the increase in market places and bus stations and have continued invading and harassing media houses and personnel. Further, they have continued to create havoc during by-elections. We demand that this trend be checked and
arrested forthwith.

16. HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION

There is a need to look into the plight of immigrants and refugees in the country and especially our brothers and sisters from Rwanda and Ethiopia. We have also noted that there is a need to enhance minority rights and pass a legislature that will protect the same. Nevertheless, minority rights cannot be equated with LGBTQIA+ promotion.

17. CONCLUSION

We invite all Zambians to preserve the peace and unity our country has enjoyed since the attainment of political independence by avoiding any form of tribal, political or religious discrimination. We invite everyone to work hard for a better Zambia and safeguard our national identity of One Zambia One Nation.

Signed:

18th November 2022

Most Rev. lgnatius Chama,
Archbishop of Kasama and ZCCB President
Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, Bishop of Solwezi /ZCCB Vice President
Most Rev. Alick Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka
Rt. Rev. George Zumaile Lungu, Bishop of Chipata
Rt. Rev. Benjamin Phiri, Bishop of Ndola
Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga, SDB, Bishop of Kabwe
Rt. Rev. Evans Chinyama Chinyemba, OMl, Bishop of Mongu
Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv., Bishop of Mansa
Rt. Rev. Valentine Kalumba, OMl, Bishop of Livingstone
Rt. Rev. Edwin Mulandu, Bishop of Mpika
Rt. Rev. Raphael Mweempwa, Bishop of Monze

‘Paymaster’ Mwaba Talks About Power Dynamos’ Kitwe Derby Prospects

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Ex-Power Dynamos star Kellies Mwaba has warned that his old side’s current good form is not a guarantee that they will easily beat Nkana in Saturday’s Kitwe derby away in Wusakile.

Ahead of the first leg of the 2022/23 Kitwe derby, Power are top of the league table with 25 points while Nkana are placed 13th on the table with 15 points.

In a pre-match interview, former forward Mwaba predicted a balanced derby.

“The game will be 50-50.The team that will utilise their chances will win the derby,” he said.

“The local derby is unpredictable. Local derby is not like that, you may be playing well but when your opponent just scores one that may be the end.”

“The team that will score first is likely to win the match. Power are playing well but tomorrows’ game won’t be about how well they have played in the past,” Mwaba said.

Paymaster has told Radio Icengelo Sports that he wants Power to beat Nkana.

“Let the game be peaceful but I would like to see Power win the game,” Mwaba said.

Moses Sichone says Chipolopolo’s Future Looking Bright

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Zambia interim coach Moses Sichone says Chipolopolo’s future looks bright in the wake of a 4-2 friendly match defeat against Israel on Thursday night at Petach Tikva.

The match also marked Sichone’s final game in charge as FAZ prepare to name the next substantive trainer.

In a post-match interview, Sichone, the Zambia assistant coach, said he is seeing the potential in the squad.

“It is unfortunate that we lost the game. The whole team needs sharpening and I am seeing the potential,” Sichone said.

“We just need to keep on working with the boys and I am happy with the way the second half came out. I saw a lot of good things. It is just a young team with some experienced players missing out,” he said.

Sichone said National Team players need encouragement.

“They say we learn from mistakes. So I hope for the future we need to encourage the boys and the future looks bright,” he said.

This was Zambia and Israel’s debut meeting in an international friendly match.

PeP worried over torture accusations made by Chilufya Tayali on the Police

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PeP worried over torture accusations made by Chilufya Tayali on the Police

The Patriots for Economic Progress – PeP has expressed dismay over the torture assertions made by the Economic and Equity Party – EEP President Chilufya Tayali who was recently incarcerated.

PeP President Sean Tembo stated that, their Party is extremely saddened to learn that the Zambia Police Service, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Deputy Commissioner Mwala Yuyi and his officers engaged in the torture of EEP Party President Mr Chilufya Tayali in Room 45 at Police Service Headquarters on Monday, 14th November 2022 at 21 hours.

Mr Tembo noted that there has been no recorded torture of political opponents in police custody since the days of Mr Dean Mung’omba in 1998, adding that it is therefore regrettable that President Hakainde Hichilema has decided to re-introduce torture of political opponents that are in police custody.

He mentioned that torture of political opponents often goes hand in hand with assassination of political opponents. Therefore, it may only be a matter of time before President Hakainde Hichilema further escalates his strong-arm tactics and begins to engage in assassination of political opponents.

“As Patriots for Economic Progress we are engaging with the torture victim; Mr. Chilufya Tayali to determine the best course of action. We would like to also request the Human Rights Commission of Zambia to investigate this matter and take punitive action against Deputy Commissioner of Police Mwala Yuyi,” he said

Mr Tembo has since implored the citizens of the Republic to make it unequivocally clear to President Hakainde Hichilema that the practice of torture and assassination of political opponents by the State, will never be allowed to return to Zambia again.

“If any opposition leader is suspected of committing an offence, they should be taken to court to prove the allegation. No citizen deserves to be tortured or assassinated in the name of politics,” he stated

On Sunday 13th November, 2022 Economic and Equity Party – EEP President Chilufya Tayali was brutally arrested by the police after he went on Facebook live to verbally attack President Hichilema and the government.

And upon being released from police custody after being detained for four days on charges of bringing the name of President Hakainde Hichilema into disrepute, Mr Tayali on 17th November, 2022 made a post on his official Facebook page accusing the Police of torturing him whilst in detention, by one of the most senior officers at Police Headquarters.

Mr Tayali claimed that Mwala Yuyi, Senior Assistant Commissioner of police and intelligence officer tortured him at the Police Headquarters in Lusaka.

He narrated that Mr Mwala allegedly beat him mercilessly and incited his junior officer to join in the beating.

“He beat me mercilessly and incited his junior officer to join but only a few succumbed to his unprofessional and brutal leading orders. I am actually worried that some of those junior officers will be punished for not joining him in the brutal party. I don’t know if that is what he learnt on his peace mission in Sudan. After beating me up, I was made to lay flat in a Toyota Hilux which they used to come and pick me up at home. It is also behind us in the picture when I was released at Kabwata Police Station. I could not tell where they were taking me, but I thought I was going to one of the secret locations I have heard (like in the case of Shabby Chilekwa) where they torture people,” he explained

Mr Tayali has since vowed that he is more resolved to continue speaking out on injustices, oppression and dictatorship of President Hakainde Hichilema’s Government, as the constitution prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; however, no law addresses torture specifically in Zambia, adding that acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are a gross violation of human rights and absolutely prohibited and punishable under international human rights law.

Chilanga adolescents demand ‘freedom’ to access health information

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Chilanga adolescents demand ‘freedom’ to access health information

Adolescents in Chilanga district have called on the government to consider creating a conducive environment where young people can gain access to information in health centres without feeling intimidated.

Chairperson of the Adolescent group at Chilanga Clinic, Moriah Chileya, said more sensitisation needs to be done to encourage adolescents to seek more information on things they do not understand such the use of Prep in HIV prevention and also on the other issues pertaining to sexual reproductive health.

Ms. Chileya was speaking during a District HIV/AIDS Committee (DHAC) meeting in preparation for the forthcoming World AIDS day and 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence.

And Chilanga District Health Director, Leah Namonje, said adolescents and youths are excited with life, a situation which leads some to having multiple sexual partners or having sexual parties.

Dr. Namonje said multiple sexual partners and sex parties lead to new HIV infection cases.

She said it is important for the District HIV/AIDS Committee to restart sensitisations on various health issues across the district.

She said the committee should cover issues such as HIV, cervical cancer screening, and male circumcision among others as many people in the community express ignorance on such topics.

“Owing to the Covid-19 outbreak the past few years, some diseases were pushed aside by members of the public thinking they had come to an end such as HIV, cervical cancer and programmes such as male circumcision need to be revamped,” she explained.

Meanwhile, District Health Promotions Officer, Godfrey Zulu, observed that stigma against persons living with HIV is as a result of lack of information or receiving wrong information.

Mr Zulu said many people of different ages in the district have little or no knowledge about Prep.

He said this was discovered during another campaign programme the health department was conducting in the district.

He added that more sensitisation needs to be done in the district to address the gaps being faced in the fight against HIV especially that antiretroviral therapy services are readily available in health facilities.

Meanwhile, A 56 year old HIV/AIDS activist Moses Lukano has embarked on a lone walk from Livingstone to Lusaka aimed at raising awareness on the importance of accessing counseling and testing services.

Mr. Lukano , a Lusaka resident, has traveled to Livingstone in order to begin 485.4 kilometer long walk to Lusaka.

The HIV/AIDS activist , who himself is living with the HIV/AIDS virus, says it is important that people especially those that do not know their status go for testing in order to know their status.

And flagging off the walk at her office this morning, Livingstone District Commissioner Eunice Nawa thanked Mr Lukano for his bravery.

Mrs Nawa said it is important for people that are living with the virus to save as ambassadors and encourage others to come out in the open and help fight all forms of stigmatisation.

UNIP thanks govt for its urgent response to appeals to rehabilitate of Serenje -Nakonde road

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UNIP thanks govt for its urgent response to appeals to rehabilitate of Serenje -Nakonde road

Opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) has commended government for quickly responding to various calls to rehabilitate the Serenje -Nakonde road.

Party spokesperson Reverend Andrew Mwima says the move is a clear indication that the new dawn is a listening government.

Reverend Mwima adds that his party is happy with the development and is hence ready to support the new dawn government on issues that benefit the citizenry.

The opposition party spokesperson in a telephone interview on Thursday lamented that the said road was becoming impassable and posing a serious threat to road users.

“You do recall that last month we came to ZANIS to give a statement expressing our displeasure on the bad state of the road after we travelled on it to Kasama.

“So we are very encouraged by the government’s quick response to our plight and that of others concerning the state of this road, this is how the government should work, ” said Rev. Mwima.

Stating that his party will provide credible checks and balances as well as remind the government on issues it may not be aware about, the spokesperson has advised government to strive to meet the expectations of citizens who have entrusted it with the mandate to manage the country’s affairs.

The Road Development Agency (RDA) last month engaged China Geo Corporation to begin maintenance works on the Serenje-Nakonde road before commencing major works.

RDA acting Communications director Anthony Mulowa last week confirmed that several stakeholders have been engaged to finance different sections of the road, and also confirmed that so far, works on the Chinsali Nakonde stretch are underway with some sections already open to traffic.

Ministerial Statement Delivered To Parliament On The Engagement Of Local Consultants To Verify Domestic Debt

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Ministerial Statement Delivered To Parliament On The Engagement Of Local Consultants To Verify Domestic Debt

Madam Speaker, thank you for according me the opportunity to clarify the engagement by Government of a number of private audit firms to verify Zambia’s Public Domestic Debt.
Madam, public domestic debt has significantly increased in the recent years, thus contributing to Zambia’s debt unsustainability. The debt has for instance increased sharply between 2016 and 2022, rising from K51.82 billion to K76.4 billion as at June 2022.

The increase in Domestic Public Debt was driven by increased national external debt service which impacted funding to other areas, higher borrowing requirements mainly to finance the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), refinancing of fuel arrears and partly due to increased Budget financing requirements following limited external financing sources.

Domestic arrears also increased due to over procurement of road projects and possibly overpricing.

Madam Speaker, as part of the process of resolving our debt unsustainable position, the UPND Government engaged multilateral organizations in verifying the country’s external debt, which was done and decisions have been taken on this front to resolve the dent problem through cancellations, rescoping and undertaking actual debt restructuring.
Similarly, it was necessary that this rapid increase in arrears is equally verified. The verification, like the one we undertook on the external debt, had to be undertaken using independent and specialized services which Government identified should come from the private sector player.

They possess the expertise and are independent to verify the authenticity of the debt. Like I said, madam speaker, this process was similar to what Government undertook as it was validating the external debt only that this process is being undertaken using local human resources.

Madam Speaker, the firms we engaged are meant to establish and verify the authenticity of arrears owed on the domestic supply of goods and services and on infrastructure projects.

THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOLLOWED FOR THE FIRMS

Madam, as a government that has promised transparency and good Governance in the management of public funds. In line with this pledge, the firms that have been contracted were engaged through a selective tender process that involved twelve (12) reputable firms that bid for the different lots (i.e. different categories of outstanding arrears).

The tenders were floated on 31st January 2022 and awarded on 12th May 2022. The firms were engaged by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning with the authority of Auditor General, in line with Section (6) of the Public Audit Act, Chapter 378 of the laws of Zambia which stipulates that “Whenever the exigencies of public audit services so require, the Minister responsible for finance may, at the request of the Auditor-General, engage such agents or specialist consultants as are necessary to assist the Auditor-General in the execution of his duties”.

In addition, and the Public Management Act No. 1 of 2018 section 7(1)(z) states that the Secretary to the Treasury can “carry out any other functions that may be prescribed by the Minister or that may be considered reasonably necessary for proper financial management of the Republic”.

Madam, the bidders were evaluated on technical capabilities in line with after which the successful firms were evaluated on their financial competitiveness. The total contract cost for the work is K16.8 million.

The process resulted in six firms being selected and allotted arrears categories as follows:

CONSULTANT/SECTOR

  1. Grant Thornton – Goods & Services
  2. PWC – Road Contracts
  3. CYMA – Farmer Input Support Prog.
  4. Mark Daniels – VAT Refunds
  5. Client Focus – Awards & Compensation
  6. EY Advisory Services – Fuel

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE CONSULTANTS

Madam, the Terms of Reference for the review covers all Government entities and is not limited to Defence and Security wings. Further, for Defence and Security wings, the firm allotted for verifying arrears related to goods and services, is verifying debts relating to goods and services such as food rations only.

It does not cover their operations or equipment supplies. Specifically, for Grant Thornton and PWC that have attracted public scrutiny, their Terms of Reference are as follows:

Verification of Domestic Supply of Goods and Services by Grant Thornton

  1. Review and evaluate Contracts for supply of goods and services by having Procurement Entities supply backup documents for the debt;
  2. Establish the competitiveness of goods supplied and whether Government obtained Value for Money from them;
  3. Establish that goods delivered notes were obtained in accordance with contracts;
  4. Review the Procurement process through which suppliers were contracted with a view to establishing transparency and compliance to existing laws by all players involved; and,
  5.  Establish whether the interest rate chargeable on arrears reflects market fundamentals

Verification of Road Contracts by PWC

  1. Check the adequacy of the bidding documents and conformity to the law;
  2. The conformity of the contracts to competitive bidding;
  3. Where any addenda were issued, the conformity to the law and confirmation that the basis is justified;
  4. Verify contracts that were granted down payments against the works done;
  5. In cases where the single source was used, whether the proper authority was obtained (Ascertain the quality of works against amounts paid (including sample site visits or physical inspection);
  6. For Project funds, determine whether the project funds were used for the purposes
    intended;
  7. Review and analyze the potential red flags that may indicate inappropriate financial management, misappropriation of assets and inappropriate use of funds; and
  8. Identify expenditures which may have been made for ineligible projects.

USE OF THE REPORTS

Madam, the reports once finalised will be submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury. They are exclusively meant for management use. They will augment the reports of the Controller of Internal Audits (CIA) and are meant to aid decision-making as we make payments and develop strategies for dismantling bigger volumes of arrears such as fuel.

The post-audit services of the Auditor General continue post expenditures in that his office continues to audit public institutions in line with its mandate and based on a schedule as supported by the available expert human resource. Further, these reports augment the internal audit reports which are used by the Auditor General’s office as reference points when conducting audits.

CONCLUSION

Madam Speaker, I would like to conclude by urging members of the public to ensure that they familiarize themselves with facts as they comment on national issues.
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning is always available to provide clarifications to the public and is committed to ensuring that information is provided to the public in a transparent way. This process of engaging auditing firms was done consistent with Government undertakings to ensure that there are no fraudulent payments and that when payments are made they are done so on account of value having accrued to the Public.

The scrutiny is necessary as we know that already some categories of arrears have incomplete documentation or certificates issued without works being delivered, such as those under the Ministry of Local Government and rural development.

Madam Speaker I thank You.

Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP
Minister of Finance & National Planning.

Government receives $3 million worth medicines, medical supplies

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Government receives $3 million worth medicines, medical supplies

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Lackson Kasonka, has expressed gratitude towards the donation of medicines and medical supplies worth US$3 million from Good Neighbours Zambia.

Professor Kasonka has since assured that the supplies will be distributed to respective health facilities as they are meant to benefit Zambians.

He said K864 million worth contracts have already been awarded to medical suppliers for the deliveries of medicines and medical supplies.

Prof. Kasonka said the government has put measures aimed at strengthening the medical supplies.

One of the measures is the appointment of the Zambia Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Initiative Committee which will revamp the local manufacturing sector.

The Permanent Secretary added that the aim is to reverse the trend of importing over 90 percent of medicines and medical supplies.

“Several measures have been put in place to ensure that a stable and efficient supply chain system both short and long term is implemented,” he said.

And Good Neighbours Zambia Country Director, Jay Lee, said his organisation has a duty of providing protection, education, water and sanitation, health and income generation activities in various communities.

Mr Lee observed that less privileged societies are often excluded from living healthy lives which also affects economic and social aspects of their livelihoods.

He thanked the government for the support that Good Neighbours Zambia has received as it offered various services around the country.

Mr Lee said he is pleased with the response by the Ministry of Health to deliver essential medicines and supplies to rural clinics.

Good Neighbours International was founded in Korea in 1991 and works for children rights in 44 developing countries around the world. The organisation has been working in Zambia Since 2012.

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