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A CLERGYMAN in Kitwe has condemned former solicitor general Sebastian Zulu for accusing President Banda’s government of being corrupt and described him as a frustrated man.
Worldwide Ministries Church Bishop Bernard Mafale said in an interview in Kitwe, Mr Zulu must stop practising petty politics and urged Zambians to ignore him.
Bishop Mafale said it is unfortunate that Mr Zulu accused President Banda’s administration of being corrupt without producing any evidence.
He said President Banda has managed to run the affairs of the country in a transparent manner since he was elected into office in 2008.
“It is shocking that Mr Zulu can come up with such accusations on Government without having evidence,” Bishop Mafale said.
Bishop Mafale said President Banda has been spearheading the fight against corruption, and that a number of new mines have been opened in various parts of the country, creating thousands of jobs for Zambians.
He said fighting corruption and other social vices is not only prosecuting suspects involved in the vice.
“As a church we are happy with the way President Banda’s government is running the affairs of the country. There is accountability and transparency in the current government.
“It has shown commitment to fighting corruption. This is why we are saying it is shocking that a former solicitor general can accuse the government of being corrupt,” he said.
Bishop Mafale urged Zambians to be wary of people who are bent on causing unnecessary confusion in the country.
“Donors and other international agencies have shown a lot of confidence in President Banda’s government, and they have continued working hand in hand with President Banda’s government in addressing various challenges facing the country,” Bishop Mafale said.
He urged young people in Zambia to rally behind the MMD during this year’s elections.
Bishop Mafale said President Banda deserves a full five-year mandate so that he can complete the development projects his government is initiating countrywide.
He said President Banda is the most popular presidential candidate, and hopes the MMD will win the 2011 elections.
Former Kabwata Member of parliament (MP) Given Lubinda has described the announcement of the election date as timely.
He since called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to quickly announce the date for the nominations.
Mr. Lubinda, who is Patriotic Front chairman for local government and housing, says political parties should know when the nominations will take place.
He says the PF has been ready for the elections since September 2008 and that yesterday’s announcement will only make the party to put its preparations for the elections in top gear.
The former Kabwata MP says his party is geared to deliver change as desired by the majority Zambians.
Mr. Lubinda has since urged Zambians to participate in elections by turning up in numbers to cast their votes.
[ QFM ]
Speech by His Excellency, Mr.Rupiah Bwezani Banda,President of the Republic of Zambia during the occasion of Dissolution of the National Assembly on July 28th 2011 at State House,Lusaka Zambia
My fellow Zambians
Good Morning
Today, 28th July, 2011, I have signed the proclamation of the Dissolution of the National Assembly – Statutory Instrument no. 75 of 2011 – Pursuant to Article 88, of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia. This means Parliament stands dissolved as of today.
I wish to thank all Members of Parliament for their hard work and efforts during this last session.
Fellow Zambians
The dissolution of Parliament consequently means that Cabinet is equally dissolved. All Cabinet and Deputy Ministers no longer occupy their positions.
I, as President, and his Honour the Vice President will continue to hold office until a new government is sworn in and assumes office. This is what our constitution provides.
I, therefore, thank all Cabinet and Deputy Ministers for their hard work and dedication to service. Together, we laid a strong foundation for tomorrow’s Zambia.
Together we managed to grow our economy at an average 6.6% per year. We managed to bring inflation to a single digit. We managed to stabilise the exchange rate.
Together, we managed to produce unprecedented bumper maize crop for two consecutive years. Together, we managed to establish a stable fuel supply, and for the first time – uniform fuel pricing across the country.
Fellow Zambians
Our constitution dictates that from the date of Dissolution of Parliament a General Election must take place within 90 days. I have every trust in the Electoral Commission of Zambia, and in all the officials who will be required to execute their duties and deliver a free and fair election.
During the interim period the organs of State will continue to function. I, as president will exercise the Executive powers directly with the assistance of the Vice President and other government officials. The civil service will continue its work to ensure that all services are maintained. The Permanent Secretaries shall assist me in running government during this period.
The Police and the Armed Forces will continue to safeguard the Sovereignty and Integrity of the Republic of Zambia.
Essential workers, including doctors, nurses and teachers will still deliver their vital services.
I will remain Head of State and Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces until the final assumption of office by the winning Presidential candidate.
I will therefore continue to represent the Republic of Zambia in international matters until that time.
Fellow Zambians,
The time will soon be upon us to decide the shape of the next government. The future of our country for the next five years now lies in the ballot box.
We have a proud history of democracy, let us build on it.
During the campaigns, all political parties and all candidates be they at Councillor, Parliamentary, or Presidential level must conduct themselves with integrity, honour and fairness. Zambia has no need for lies, smears, political thuggery and negative campaigning.
The revised electoral code of conduct of 2011 sets out quite clearly the rules and regulations covering the coming election period. So I urge all candidates and all bodies covered by the code to adhere to it.
We do not want this election to be marred by any irregularities. I remind all Zambians that election observers will be invited, that the eyes of the world will be upon us. [pullquote]Whilst we remember our history with pride let us look to the future with hope.[/pullquote]
My fellow Zambians,
I know that the Parliamentary session of 2006 to 2011 has been good for zambia. A lot has been achieved. This in spite of a world recession and some bleak predictions.
I am pleased to report that these bleak predictions did not bode as ill for Zambia as was first anticipated.
While some countries have suffered economic downturns, our economy sailed through because the Zambian people rallied and pulled together to produce positive results.
The Zambia of 2011 is very different to that of 2006. Progress has been made.
I have often talked about ‘building tomorrow’s Zambia’ and all my efforts have been directed at delivering a better Zambia for all.
I am proud of what has been achieved. Zambia is now a favourite destination for Foreign Direct Investment.
Today more people own their own houses than in any time in our history.
Our roads used to be bad, but through a systematic process of rehabilitation, we are improving their condition day by day. I am glad that the road works in urban areas have progressed very well since I launched the programme.
Our health service is improving. Mobile hospitals are delivering care to tens of thousands of people. These mobile hospitals allow us the opportunity to refurbish older buildings and clinics without reducing levels of care.
Fellow Zambians,
Our Armed Forces are on active service with the United Nations.
On behalf of the Zambian people I thank them for their brave and disciplined performance. Through efforts like these Zambia shows the world that we are a responsible nation. We are a nation not afraid to play a signififant part in the wider world.
But most importantly that we are a nation with a vision. A vision based on hard work and endeavour. As a nation we are growing in stature both abroad and at home.
Fellow Zambians
All of us Zambians, under the direction of whichever party wins the election, must strive to go further. We must strive to ensure that all Zambians benefit from our increased prosperity. Zambia’s prosperity is for all, not just the few.
All Zambians must have the opportunity to use their labour, their ideas and their ingenuity to improve their daily lives.
All Zambians must know that security, stability and prosperity underpin our nation’s advancement. Without these three key elements we will not continue to flourish as a nation.
My fellow Zambians,
Since 2008 we have lost two presidents through ill-health. Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC died in 2008 while his predecessor Dr. Frederick Chiluba died this year. We have mourned their passing. We have celebrated their lives. We have recognised their achievements. Their efforts must not be in vain.
We must go forward as a stronger nation.
Whilst we remember our history with pride let us look to the future with hope.
As we approach the Tri-partite Elections let us all look to that future as one nation. Only you can decide the course of the next five years. Look at what the major parties offer in their manifestoes. We each have one vote, so lets use it wisely.
I know there is much speculation and much anxiety about the date of the Tri-partite Elections. One of the constitutional privileges of the office of President is that the final decision on any date is my responsibility.
I have consulted with officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other relevant bodies to ascertain the most suitable date for the elections. Most of the logistics for the holding of elections are now in place. I am informed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia that the final voter register will be ready by the end of this month.
Fellow Zambians,
I have today 28th July, 2011 signed the Electoral (general) Elections (date of poll) Declaration Order – Statutory Instrument no. 76 of 2011.
Further, I have also signed the Local Government Elections (date and times of poll) order – statutory instrument no. 77 of 2011. This means the Local government elections will be held together with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
I can now announce to the nation that the elections will be held on Tuesday 20th September, 2011.
Fellow Zambians
No matter what happens during the coming months, may I take this opportunity to tell you all what a privilege it has been for me to serve as your President. I have been honoured to serve this great nation, and I am ready to continue serving you if I am re-elected.
Even though I shall be seeking re-election, may I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all candidates seeking elected office at Presidential and indeed other levels.
May God bless you all, and may God bless Zambia.
Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has observed that President Banda has been forced to announce the date of elections following the letter he wrote to him on the date of elections.
Mr. Sata told QFM news that he had written to President Banda warning him of the consequences of taking the people of Zambia for granted by trying to delay the setting of the date of elections.
The opposition leader has however, noted that his party is more than ready for the elections adding that the PF will use the 5 week campaign period to intensify selling itself to the Zambian people.
Mr. Sata had earlier written to President Banda asking him to dissolve parliament.
In a letter dated 20th July, 2011 availed to QFM, Mr. Sata noted that the deliberate failure by President Banda to dissolve parliament had led to illegal expenditure by the vice president ministers and their deputies on the travels to all parts of the country in the name of carrying out the national duties.
And Michael Sata says country will need to have a new constitution as soon as a new government is ushered into office.
Mr. Sata has told QFM news that the current constitution is too porous and does not protect the rights of the Zambian people.
He adds that it is the same constitution that has allowed President Rupiah Banda to remain president on the MMD ticket when it is a well known fact that he is still a UNIP member because he is on record of not having resigned from the party.
ZAMBIA is expected to record investments worth US$1.5billion by the end of this year compared to the US$ one billion recorded last year.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) acting director for research planning and policy Collins Sifafula said the increase in investments will be driven by robust mining, manufacturing and energy sectors.
Mr Sifafula said this on Tuesday evening at the launch of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2011
And speaking at the same occasion ZDA acting director for investment promotion and privatisation Henry Sakala said foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks increased to US$8.515billion last year compared to US$7.4 billion recorded the previous year.
Mr Sakala said Zambia needs to continue to be the investment destination of choice because FDI is a key component of the world’s growth engine.
He said intensifying good economic policies and maintaining a stable political environment are key factors in attracting FDIs.
Mr Sakala observed that the post-economic crisis recovery in FDIs has been slow to take off and is unevenly spread hence the need to attract FDI amid challenges.
The global FDI last year stood at US$1.24 trillion, 15 percent below the FDI recorded in 2007 before the global recession.
“Many uncertainties still haunt investors in the global economy. National and international policy developments are sending mixed messages to the community,” he said.
UNCTAD, however, noted that recovery of FDI flows will continue in 2011 with the expected growth of inflows to be between US$ 1.4 trillion and US$ 1.6 trillion.
“FDI flows are forecast to rise to US$1.7 trillion in 2012 and US$1.9 trillion in 2013,”the UNCTAD report stated.
The expected growth will be stimulated by high levels of cash holdings, low rates of debt financing and rising stock market valuations of transnational corporations.
The report has also stated that the on-going corporate and industrial restructuring, privatisations resulting from rebalancing efforts and unwinding of state support programmes and the growth of emerging economies will also create new investment opportunities.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it is ready to host the elections and is today set to announce the date for presidential and parliamentary candidates to file their nomination papers.
ECZ chairperson Ireen Mambilima said in Lusaka yesterday that the electoral body has set the timetable for the commencement of campaigns.
Justice Mambilima told journalists that the ECZ will be objective and professional in conducting the elections as it has done in the past.
“We have set the timetable for the nominations of presidential and parliamentary candidates which will kick-start the campaigns,” Justice Mambilima said.
She said the ECZ wants to complete the nomination process so that the printing of ballot papers can start.
The printing of ballot papers will be conducted in South Africa by Universal Printing group and all political parties should send their party representatives to monitor the printing process.
“The entire process will be transparent and I want to urge all political parties to send credible people to monitor the printing process to avoid unnecessary suspicion,” Justice Mambilima said.
She said election stakeholders should observe the electoral code of conduct to enhance transparency during the poll.
“We are inviting all political parties to send their representatives to monitor the printing of ballot papers. I hope they can send credible people who will not create unnecessary suspicion,” Justice Mambilima said.
PRESIDENT Banda has directed Ndola City Council (NCC) to adhere to the law when demolishing houses.
Mr Banda said Government will not support the demolition of houses by the council without following the law.
The residents intercepted the President as he was leaving Masaiti where he officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the Dangote cement plant.
“Go and tell the council that my government supports the policy of empowering Zambians through home ownership and not demolition,” Mr Banda said.
The President was speaking in Ndola yesterday when residents of Bwana Mkubwa complained to him about the demolition of houses by Ndola City Council.
Mr Banda assured the residents that Government will deal with the matter urgently to ensure that houses are not demolished.
The President said he had no clue why the residents were flagging him down until they informed him of the problems they are facing with the council.
“I did not know that you have a lot of problems with the council. I am glad that you have informed me and I can assure you that I will give you back the plots,” Mr Banda said.
The residents told the President that the council did not notify them about the demolition exercise.
“We don’t have anywhere to go. We paid for the plots at the council and we are surprised that the local authority now wants to demolish our houses,” one of the residents, Sylvia Mpundu, said.
The residents informed the President that two houses were demolished on Wednesday without notification.
The President also directed the provincial administration to intervene and ensure that houses are not demolished.
THE annual inflation rate for this month has remained unchanged at nine percent.
Zambia has recorded another trade surplus valued at K527.3 billion in June 2011, representing a nominal decrease of about 33.7 percent from K795.6 billion recorded in May 2011.
Central Statistical Office (CSO) acting director John Kalumbi speaking at the monthly briefing in Lusaka yesterday said of the nine percent, food products accounted for 2.8 percent while non-food products in the consumer price index accounted for 6.2 percent.
Mr Kalumbi said the annual inflation rates reduced for clothing, footwear, household fuel, lighting, transport, communication, other goods and services.
A comparison of retail prices between June 2011 and July 2011 shows that the national average price of a 25 kilogramme bag of white breakfast mealie meal reduced by 1.1 percent from K48,522 to K47,987.
The average price of 25kg bag of white roller mealie meal has also reduced by 1.5 percent from K34, 054 to K33, 536.
Mr Kalumbi said the national average price of one kg of tomatoes increased by 5.1 percent from K4,273 to K4,492 while one kg of rape vegetable increased by 14.3 percent, from K2,510 to K2,870.
The CSO also noted price increases in dried Kapenta and dried fish.
Meanwhile, Zambia has continued to record a trade surplus.
“The country exported more in June 2011 than it imported…the country has had monthly trade surplus since January 2011 with the highest valued at K1,484.3 billion recorded in January 2011 and the lowest in June 2011, valued at K527.3 billion,” he said.
Mr Kalumbi said major export products in June 2011 were from intermediate goods mainly copper cathodes and sections of refined copper accounting for about 82.5 percent.
Other exports were consumer and capital goods which collectively accounted for about 17.5 percent of total exports in June 2011.
He said Zambia’s major export destination in June 2011 was Switzerland, which accounted for 52.4 percent, followed by China, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe.
The five countries collectively accounted for 85.7 percent of Zambia’s total export earnings in June 2011.
Mr Kalumbi said the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) accounted for the largest market for Zambia’s exports at 22.3 percent, followed by Asia, 16.9 percent, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) 9.8 percent and the European Union (EU) at 3.7 percent.
He said Zambia’s major import source in June 2011 was South Africa, accounting for 34.2 percent, followed by DRC 20 percent, China 12.3 percent, United Kingdom 3.9 percent and India 3.7 percent.
He said SADC accounted for the country’s largest sources of imports at 57.7 percent, followed by Asia 27 percent, COMESA 23.3 percent and EU at 11.1 percent.
Nkana have allayed concerns that they are jeopardizing their league survival by accepting invitations for trials in South Africa for two of their key strikers.
Strikers Evans Kangwa and Reynold Kampamba who have scored six and five goals this season respectively for Nkana have been invited for trials at SuperSport United.
A senior Nkana official said the club would not compromise its league obligations because of the prospective trial.
“We have received invitations for the two players but if they go, they will not go at the same time,” the official said.
“But right now we cannot say much because we have to as an executive to discuss this issue and the logistics have not yet been worked out.”
Kangwa and the teenage prodigy Kampamba have been Nkana’s fulcrum in attack this season inspiring the team to sixth place after a bad start to the season.
Nkana this Saturday hosts Super Division leaders Red Arrows and the spotlight will fall on the duo as Linos Makwaza begins a tough fight to battle for a top eight place while in a tightly contested battle ensues in the top five for the championship.
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director George Ndongwe explains the water purification process to Local Government and Housing Minister Eustarkio Kazonga during a tour of the water works in Kafue
The Lusaka Water and sewerage Company (LWSC)says it has embarked on a project seeking private sector partnership in its maintenance of its water networks.
ZANIS reports the Utility company ‘s Managing Director George Ndongwe explaining that the main objective of the
Project is aimed at improving efficiency of water supply networks.
Mr. Ndongwe explained that his company will subcontract certain functions or maintenance, to Small Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) specializing in water network repairs and leak detection
He explained that in order to achieve the objective LWSC and CDE have embarked on a programme to train SMEs in effective water network repairs and leak detection.
The Utility company’s chief was speaking at a media briefing held at LWSC headquarters in Lusaka today.
Mr. Ndongwe notes that vandalism and breakage of water pipes are some of the major challenges the company encounters.
He said due to vandalism and leakages, the company losses about K 50 billion annually.
“44 percent production is lost through physical losses like leakages which occur sometimes underground and cannot be seen and we have pipes that are which are quite old about thirty years old and can easily burst.
“ Commercial losses are encountered through administrative errors and sometimes incoherence’s in meters reading also lead the company to record losses,” he said.
He notes that empowered with training and skills SMEs be able to help the company address water leakages and will be able to compete on the local market and to become more active in subcontracting or alliances with foreign companies.
He added that the SMEs will be selected through an open and transparent procurement process.
And CDE Director of project Claude Jamati said the project will cost a total of 300 000 Euros.
Mr. Jamati explained that CDE launched a programme to strengthen the capacity in maintenance of water distribution networks in Djibouti, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal and now in Lusaka, Zambia.
He said LWSC will benefit from the availability of a pool of trained and motivated subcontractors that will have been oriented to share the aspirations of the company in dealing with water losses.
The CDE is an African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP), European Union (EU) joint institution created in the framework of Cotonou Agreement. Its objective is to ensure the development of professional ACP enterprise operating in the private sector.
Sports, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary Teddy Mulonga says the Zambian youth experience many challenges in accessing financial support from lending institutions.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mulonga said this when he presented Zambia’s statement to the two-day general debate of the United Nations General Assembly on youth at the United Nations headquarters in the United States of America ( USA ) yesterday.
He said in spite of this challenge, Government was committed to promote enterprise development for wealth and employment creation for the youth, and to this effect, has established a Youth Development Fund.
The fund targets young men and women, disabled youth and those affected by HIV and AIDS at a concessionary interest rate.
The Permanent Secretary said no longer can governments afford devise the development agenda that addressed youth concerns without their participation in the planning and implementation processes.
Zambia has instituted a process of consulting the youth through the holding of regional meetings called “Provincial Youth Indabas” and the appointment of youths to various decision making bodies.
This is according to a Statement from Zambian High Commission to the United Nations Assistant Secretary for Press Moses Walubita.
The Permanent Secretary said this had proved to be an effective way of engaging the youth in national development and decision making processes.
“It is clear that although there has been progress in addressing issues concerning youth, much remains to be done. It is important that the international community addresses key areas affecting the youth,” said Mr. Mulonga, who was the 29th speaker in the afternoon’s session.
Zambia was pleased to participate at the meeting whose theme, “Youth: Dialogue and Mutual Understanding,” which provided participants with the opportunity to share and exchange views on the challenges facing the youth.
The Permanent Secretary said Zambian Government considers young people to be the foundation for sustainable development.
The development and utilization of youth human capital was imperative in order to build the necessary capital for youth to become productive adults in society. Accordingly, Government has designed policies and programmes which focused on youth empowerment investment.
Aligning himself to statements by Argentina on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and Namibia on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr. Mulonga said Zambia’s population comprises 68 percent of young people below the age of 35.
Like anywhere else, the youth in Zambia faced a number of challenges of inadequate employment opportunities, limited access to finance for investment, HIV and AIDS, and inadequate skills training opportunities, he said.
The Commuters Rights Association has called on law enforcement agencies to get rid of illegal bus stations in Lusaka which has led to over loading.
Association President Aaron Kamuti says there is too much lawlessness on roads because most long distance route buses are loading from illegal bus stations making it difficult to monitor them.
Mr Kamuti says this has put the lives of passengers in danger.
Commenting on the Nyimba accident which claimed 35 lives on Wednesday, Mr Kamuti says there is need for the Road Transport and Safety Agency RATSA not to limit their road patrols to urban areas.
He says RTSA must extend their patrols to high ways curb lawlessness and prevent the road carnage being witnessed.
Mr Kamuti is saddened that the country lost 35 lives because the driver was speeding and was over loaded.
He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Thursday.
President Rupiah Banda says his administration is determined to create jobs for the people of Masaiti on the Copperbelt by attracting investors to the area.
Mr. Banda was speaking on arrival at the site of the ground-breaking ceremony for the $400m Dangote Cement Factory which will be located in Masaiti District near Ndola.
The President made the remarks as he talked to excited local people who gathered to witness the ground-breaking ceremony for the new factory that will produce one-point-five metric tons of cement per year.
Mr. Banda spent some time with the people including women, men and children who greeted him in the local language and ululated to show their appreciation for the cement factory.
In his speech, President Banda says the Dangote has come to invest in Zambia following President Banda’s efforts to lure foreign investors.
He says Dangote is the first big African company to invest in Zambia and that he is proud of the development.
Dangonte President and Chief Executive Officer Alhaji Aliko Dangote says the investment will further cement the relations between Zambia and Nigeria.
Dangote is a Nigerian based company.
Mr. Dangote says Africa should not wait for investors from outside the continent but promote the growth of local industries.
He has thanked President Banda and former Commerce Minister Felix Mutati for working hard to ensure that the company invests in Zambia
Mr. Dangote has described President Banda as a hard-working man who looks after the people well.
The Dangote President has promised that apart from establishing the cement factory, his company will also invest in its social responsibility obligations by building a hospital and a school in Masaiti.
And Senior Chief Chiwala says he is a proud traditional leader to witness the birth of huge company in his area.
The Senior Chief thanked President Banda and Mr Mutati for attracting Dangote to invest in Masaiti.
President Rupiah Banda has dissolved parliament and cabinet, and has set 20th September as the date for this year’s tripartite elections.
President Banda says after consulting the Electoral Commission of Zambia on all logistics for holding elections, he is satisfied that the country can hold the polls and has signed statutory instrument number 76 0f 2011 for holding the presidential and general elections.
President Banda has also signed statutory instrument number 77 of 2011 for the Local Government elections.
This means that both the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local government elections will be held on the same date.
But president Banda says he and the vice president will continue running affairs of the nation and representing Zambia in international affairs until another government is ushered into office.
The president has says state functions will continue to operate normally.
Mr Banda says the decision made is in line with the Zambian constitution.
He says permanent secretaries will help him run government while the police and the army will continue to safeguard Zambia’s sovereignty.
President Banda says Zambia’s stability is underpinned by peace, unity and economic development and there is need to ensure that the elections are violence free.
Mr Banda has called on all candidates and players in the elections to ensure adherence to election guidelines.
President Banda has drawn the attention to the revised electoral code of conduct to ensure that there is harmony during and after the elections.
=================================================================================== President Rupiah Banda’s FACEBOOK STATUS
Rupiah Bwezani Banda: “I am really happy that the country will be going to the polls on Tuesday 20th September. Why not join me on Monday for the MMD campaign launch at the Intercontinental Hotel here in Lusaka? Nafuti nafuti!”
President Banda says International observers are welcome to come and monitor elections in Zambia.
And President Banda says government has managed to develop the country.
He says the Zambia of 2011 is different from the Zambia of 2006 as the country’s economy over the last five years has grown to 6.6 per cent.
Government also managed to implement prudent fiscal and economic policies that saw the inflation rate plummet to a single digit.
The country also witnessed two consecutive bumper harvests under the leadership of the MMD government.
President Banda has thanked all cabinet ministers for their contribution to the economic gains made during the period.
President Banda also reminded the nation that over the period 2006 – 2011, the country lost two presidents, Dr Mwanawasa on August 19th 2008, and Dr Chiluba on 18th June 2011.
Republican PRESIDENT RUPIAH Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia, is today Thursday July 28, 2011 scheduled to address the Nation on both national radio and television at State House.
The President’s address will be carried live by Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television and radio channels. President Banda’s address is scheduled for 10:00 hours.
The agenda of the presidential address to the nation is not yet known but sources have indicated to QFM that he is likely to dissolve parliament and subsequently announce the date of elections.
There have been growing calls for president Rupiah Banda to announce the date of elections in order to create a level playing field for all political parties.
This follows the use of government vehicles and other resources by ministers in campaigns.
President Rupiah Banda has responded to calls for the election date to be announced by stating that the ECZ is not yet ready for the polls.
