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Lusaka province MMD chairman William Banda after opening a ward office in Munali constituency
The MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has condemned embattled Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) President Alex Ngoma for attempting to steal a ballot paper in Durban, South Africa. Mr William Banda said that stealing a ballot paper is a serious offence which has capacity to create chaos in the country.
“ I therefore call for the arrest and resignation of Dr. Ngoma because he has brought the name of FODEP into disrepute, ‘ he said.
He urged all peace loving Zambians and civil society to condemn Dr. Ngoma’s irresponsible action of attempting to steal a ballot paper..
The outspoken MMD provincial chairperson said Dr. Ngoma’s behavior has in actual fact vindicated the ECZ which has on so many occasions been accused of rigging the country’s elections.
However, the Electoral Commission’s of Zambia (ECZ) has rescinded it’s earlier decision to send Dr Ngoma back home over the stolen ballot paper sample..
ECZ Public Relations Manager, Chris Akufuna announced the development in a statement released obtained by ZANIS in Durban, today.
Mr. Akufuna explained that the incident took place while representatives of political parties and stakeholders were touring the plant on the first night of Tuesday 16th August, 2011 at the commencement of the of the printing of presidential ballot papers.
Stakeholders were allowed to handle the ballot paper samples to check the quality of the paper and were advised to put them back on the table immediately thereafter. All other stakeholders returned the sample while Dr Ngoma did not do so until the tour guide retrieved the ballot paper sample from him.
He said the incident came to the attention of the commission who in line with the terms of reference given to the stakeholders decided to recall Dr Ngoma to establish the motive behind the act.
He said, after further questioning of Dr Ngoma and upon his representation that there was no ill intention on his part, the commission has since reconsidered it’s decision and requested Dr Ngoma to submit a report.
He also said that members of the observation team were briefed and reminded to be disciplined and witness the printing process without interfering with the work of the printer.
And in a separate interview with ZANIS, Dr Ngoma said he is very grateful to ECZ for its decision to pardon him and continue with the rest of Zambian Observer team in Durban to witness the printing of the ballot papers.
He said, that this action that has been taken will also give him a chance to tell ECZ his side of the story other than the stories they have been fed with.
Dr Ngoma said he had the ballot paper in his hand and had no ill intentions, all what he need was just clarification from the projects manager.
“I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth of what exactly happened” Said Mr. Ngoma
He further said that his business in Durban is noble and he would like to give it the attention it deserves and he would not be destructed by anyone.
Defending Faz Super Division champions this afternoon crushed promoted Green Eagles 4-0 at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola to brighten in their fluctuating league fortunes.
And on Saturday, Nkana failed to end their nine-year old winless draught against Nchanga Rangers after they were beaten by their hosts in Chingola.
Meanwhile, Zesco’s win means they moved one place up the table from 7th to 6th on 30 pints, six less than leaders Red Arrows who drew 1-1 at home on Saturday against Roan United at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Goals from Winstone Kalengo, Jackson Mwanza, Maybin Mwaba and John Chingandu sealed the three points for Zesco.
And at Arthur Davies in Kitwe today, Power Dynamos defeated Konkola Blades 2-1 to see the two teams exchange places on the table in second and third places respectively.
A brace by Felix Nyaende for Power handed Beston Chambeshi’s side their first win after two successive defeats.
And at Nchanga Stadium 24 hours earlier, Nchanga maintain their longstanding unbeaten run against Nkana whom they beat 1-0 courtesy of a 2nd minute goal scored by Bwalya Kasonde.
File:Scores of christians from different denominations during the palm sunday celebrations at the Supreme Court grounds in Lusaka
By Gray Soko
In December 1991 Zambia was declared a Christian Nation by the second republican president, the late FTJ and this is enshrined in the preamble of the constitution which also upholds the right of every person to enjoy freedom of conscience or religion. It has been stated that 97.6% of the population of Zambia are Christians i.e. are members of a Christian denomination or identify themselves as Christians but may not necessarily be believers or church goers.
The motivation for declaring Zambia a Christian nation has been said to be the desire to direct the governance of the country on biblical principles. How exactly this is being done is subject to debate but it is clear that the government has on several occasions expressed its displeasure at what it sees as intrusion of religion in the affairs of government. This leaves one to wonder who is expected to espouse the biblical principles on which to anchor governance issues. Further, some of the clergy have shied from commenting on governance issues under the pretext of “supporting the government of the day”.
The declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation was not merely a demographic fact but meant to direct the affairs of the country in a particular way, however, as matters stand now there is a danger of this simply becoming a neutral posture in matters of religion. There is little, if any, reference to the teachings of the scripture in the political, justice , social or economic life of the country. Certainly this is not evident in the election campaign so far save for the call for voters to be wary of “infidels” who would introduce or condone immorality such as homosexuality. Interestingly Zambia chose to abstain in the United Nation’s Human Rights Council vote on gay rights in June 2011. Twenty three countries supported the resolution condemning violence and discrimination against gays, lesbians and transgender people, nineteen voted against ( nine of which were African countries ). Burkina Faso, China and Zambia abstained. Could this interpreted as a sign of “neutrality” on matters of religion or morality ?
Believers and the church have the duty to ensure that the right persons are put in government, men and women who will make correct decisions that will not destroy or stagnate the country so that the people live peaceful and productive lives. There is no need to be super spiritual or procrastinate. If convinced of the right candidate, it will not benefit until the vote is cast according to your conscience, do not be swayed by consensus , patronage or the temporal flow of material gifts.
Lets vote for leaders that will bring honour and blessing to the country in every area and at every level of society. It is within our power to see that this comes to pass. We should be weary of those looking for applause or personal approval rather than for the passion they have to move the country to higher levels. The leaders I pray we will elect will be those with self imposed discipline whose behavior and actions in government will not have negative consequences for our country.
We are as it is decades behind some of our neighbours and this gap should not continue to widen. Enough has been said about Zambia’s potential but unutilized potential is nothing more than wealth in the ground, dormant ability, unused energy on our rivers, unreleased power or hidden strength to transform this country.
As 20 September 2011 draws close, Christians should stand up and be counted. Their scripture inspired vote will give meaning to the declaration.
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) President Dr. Alex Ngoma
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) President Dr. Alex Ngoma has denied every trying to steal a sample ballot paper and described the allegation as nonsense. According to Dr Ngoma, there were sample ballot papers on the table and he just picked up one, like any other person in the delegation, just to look at it and the ballot paper remained in his hand as delegation was being shown around the facility.
He categorically said that he did not hide the sample ballot paper as suggested. He said that he did not just know that he was supposed to have left the sample ballot paper.
Mr Ngoma describe the all fuss as nonsense and noted that people just wanted to twist stories to sort their case and said that he was ready to be sent back home.
And the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it has resolved the misunderstanding that arose following allegations that FODEP President, Dr. Alex Ngoma attempted to steal a presidential ballot paper.
ECZ Public Relations Manager, Chris Akufuna told MUVI TV News in a telephone interview from Durban South Africa that the misunderstanding has been resolved.
He says following the resolution of the matter, Dr. Ngoma is not coming back to Zambia and will continue to monitor the printing of ballot papers in Durban.
Dr. Ngoma is alleged to have been captured on Closed-circuit television (CCTV) trying to put the ballot paper in his diary.
Mr Akufuna explained that all the delegates where given sample ballot papers to look at and then asked to return them but one ballot paper just remained in Dr Ngoma’s hands and was later retrieved.
Meanwhile, Mr. Akufuna says an update on the progress of printing of ballot papers will be given today. He notes that good progress has been made so far.
The printing of presidential ballot papers is expected to wind up this weekend ahead of the commencement of parliamentary and local government ballot papers printing.
The ballot papers for the September 20th polls are expected to be ready on 10th September, 2011.
FILE: Some of the houses built for police officers in Livingstone
Some Civil Servants in the country has expressed gratitude over government’s plans to construct over 1000 housing units for its workers in selected parts of the country.
ZANIS reports one of the public workers , James Chiyama, a teacher at Mutendere Basic School, saying in an interview yesterday, that it is commendable for government to initiative a project to build housing units for its workers most of whom are have continued to be victimized by their insensitive landlords.
Mr. Chiyama said President Banda’s government deserves to be ushered in for the second term of office because he has shown himself that he cares for Civil Servants in the country.
And Chipuka Mwale, a Clinical Officers at Mutendere Clinic said Civil Servants across the country are delighted for Government move to solve the accommodation blues which has been affecting Government workers in the country.
Mr. Mwale said a lot of Civil Servants in the country are renting houses a thing which he said it has proved costly for Civil servants.
He said Government should be supported by all Civil servants in the country during this year’s elections.
And Muchimba Namatama, a council worker at Kalingalinga Community Centre payed tribute to Government for the plans to construct houses for Government workers in the country adding that the gesture should be hailed by all workers in the country.
Mrs. Namatama said once houses are constructed, should help teachers, ZANIS employees and many other Government workers living in rented houses throughout the country.
She said this is a move in a right direction and further stated that even if Civil Servant are non partisan, they are delighted with Government imitative to build houses for its workers.
Yesterday, Finance and National Planning public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta announced that government has identified land in all provincial centers and towns for construction of more than 50 residential houses for public service workers and the general public in a bid to address the countrywide shortage of more than one million units.
Mr. Kandeta said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that in a spirit of Public Private Partnership (PPP) a total of fifty-seven houses will be constructed on a rent-to-own basis beginning this year.
“Since 2009, creative ways of partnering with the private sector to deliver social and public infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership initiative have been adopted and it is in this spirit that the housing developments in all provinces will be financed and constructed by the private sector, commencing this year.
“The costs to be incurred by developers will be recovered through the sale of completed units to Government employees and members of the general public,” he said.
Mr. Kandeta said for Lot one a combined total of 30,000 houses in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe will be constructed, with 10,000 being erected in each township while 160,000 housing units will be constructed in Livingstone, Kabwe, Chingola and Luanshya. 4,000 residential houses are earmarked to be built the latter four localities.
110,000 housing stalks are expected to be constructed in Mongu, Chipata, Kasama, Mazabuka, Choma, Kalomo, Kapiri-Mposhi, Mansa, Chililabombwe, Mufulira and Kalulushi districts.
Mr. Kandeta said to continue promoting transparency and accountability in the handling of the PPP projects and in line with Section 42 of the PPP Act no 14 of 2009 of the Laws of Zambia, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is encouraging the local private sector to seize the opportunity of partnering with Government to construct the countrywide housing units.
“This initiative is scheduled to reduce the current housing crunch involving a countrywide shortage of approximately one million five hundred housing units. It is also consistent with the public expectation for the Government to accelerate infrastructure development throughout the country,” Mr. Kandeta said.
He has urged Zambians to also grasp the opportunity and work themselves or with foreign investors for them to submit technical and financial proposals for the Design, Build and lease or sell of Low, Medium and High Cost residential units either in their Own Right, Joint Venture of Consortium.
The Ministry has designed an assessment mechanism for ensuring that there is participation of locals in the housing development programme to guarantee citizen empowerment.
“On completion, the 57, 000 housing units are expected not only to trigger the lowering of shelter rentals countrywide but also to ensure that more Zambians are empowered with their own homes.
“During the construction stage the initiative will create economic opportunities and thousands of consolidated job opportunities country-wide during and after the various construction stages,” he said.
President Rupiah Banda has said it was pleasing that the Mopani Copper mine was taking its social responsibility seriously. The President was speaking when he commissioned the multi million dollar Chibuluma-Mindolo by-pass road rehabilitation project yesterday. Mopani will spend a total sum of US$10 million on various social projects in Kitwe city to which the Chibuluma-Mindolo by-pass road is part.
The president told the gathering at the commissioning site that the partnership that exists between Mopani and government in easing people’s lives in many areas and should be emulated by other private companies.
“The new roads we have seen today benefit all- not just the company. This unselfish act is greatly appreciated by all who have had to use bad roads,” he said.
The President noted that good roads and other infrastructure were vital to the development of the country hence his administration has prioritized the road sector.
He said the US$10 million which Mopani was spending on social projects in Kitwe was money well spent because it would benefit various categories of citizens.
President Banda thanked Mopani for pumping in another US$5 million in improving sanitation in selected parts of Kitwe city.
He also inspected a rehabilitation toilet at House number B47 in Wusakili township which is among areas where Mopani Copper mine is improving sanitation.
Meanwhile, Mopani Copper Mine Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Mutati, said his company between US$15 million and US$20 million annually on projects that are aimed at benefiting communities.
Mr. Mutati said at the same function that Mopani supports two hospitals, seven clinics, four schools and a number of local orphanages and charity organizations.
He said his company was planning to increase its expenditure on community projects in future.
And Ministry of works and Supply Permanent Secretary, Watson Ng’ambi thanked Mopani for the intervention it is providing in the area of roads.
“The intervention by Mopani is vital because it integrates into our programme of providing Zambians with good roads,” he said.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come”
(2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Everyone loves to get something new. But as a believer in Jesus, you’re not only getting something new, you are something new. You are a brand new creation! Your eternal being, your spirit, is re-created in Christ. The old is gone, the new has come! You may not necessarily feel new right away. That’s because the Bible tells us that we are to “work out” our salvation. That means you have to retrain your body and mind to act, think, speak and live according to God’s ways instead of the old habits you used to have. Don’t ever get stuck in the rut of thinking, “I’ll never change…that’s just the way I am.” No, the Bible says that the Spirit of God aids us in our weakness. He gives us strength to overcome. He empowers us to live as more than conquerors in this life.
Is there something you want to change in your life today? If you’ve received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then start declaring, “I am a new creation in Christ! I am empowered to overcome! I am equipped to walk in the new, abundant life the Lord has in store for me!”
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for making me a new creation. Thank You for empowering me to live as an overcomer. I give this day to You and ask that You help me to fully understand the plan You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) in Lusaka province has given the opposition Patriotic Front the last warning to stop disturbing the operations of the party in the province.
Provincial chairperson William Banda said that his party has for a long time tolerated the provocative behavior by the PF cadres but warned that it will no longer withstand it.
Mr. Banda said that the MMD has refused to be provoked and attacked by PF cadres who are fond of accusing the MMD of being violent when in fact not.
Speaking in Lusaka recently, Mr. Banda stated that if PF cadres continue with their behavior, his cadres will not relent to the situation but will fight back.
He said that the PF should take the warning seriously as it will not be a laughing matter when it happens.
The patriotic front secretary general Wynter Kabimba says that he is patiently waiting for the next cause of action the ECZ will take on the allegations of corruption against Universal Print Group.
Mr. Kabimba says that the ECZ should this time show Zambians that is it not comprised.
Mr. Kabimba in an interview says that the ECZ should come out in the open and deny the corruption allegations leveled against the company printing Zambia%u2019s ballot papers.
He says that failure by the ECZ to state its clear position on the corruption allegations will undermine the confidence Zambians will have on the poll day.
Mr. Kabimba has further observed that if such matters are not handled with the seriousness it deserves, it has the potential to bring civil strife.
The secretary general of the patriotic front has further stated that the party has revealed enough evidence and questions the silence on the party of the ECZ.
And Mr. Kabimba says that it is the MMD has lost political value in the political arena as was the case in the previous years.
Mr. Kabimba has described the MMD as fragmented in terms of being intact and membership.
Forum for Leadership Search Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo says New Horizon Printing Press limited ‘s honesty that it cannot print this year’s tripartite elections’ ballot papers is commendable.
ZANIS reports Mr. Lifwekelo saying in an interview in Lusaka , today, that its gratifying for New Horizon Printing Press to set the records straight that It can not print the ballot papers for the national polls slated for next month.
“ Calls by opposition political parties for New Horizon Printing Press to print the ballot papers should now come to its conclusive end as the firm has stated its position that it has no security printing equipment to print the ballot papers, “ he said.
New Horizon Printing Press says it has no capacity to print the 2011 ballot papers.The Lusaka based New Horizon Printing Press Managing Director Shawky Hemeidan said during a press briefing that his firm has no security printing equipment for printing ballot papers.
He further stated that New Horizon Printing Press does not have the technology and the know how to print the 2011 ballot papers.
Mr. Hemeidan revealed that New Horizon Printing Press intends to invest 5.7 million dollars in procuring security printing equipment that will be used to print the 2016 ballot papers.
Mr. Lifwekelo further explained that those who were calling for Government Printers and New Horizon Printing Press to print the ballot papers for the September 20th presidential election were insincere.
He said the opposition political parties, particularly the PF know that no printing firm was able to print the ballot papers for this years tripartite elections.
Mr. Lifwekelo stressed that opposition political parties are jittery hence for them demanding for the ballot papers to be printed locally.
He wondered why the opposition political parties were changing goals posts even deep down there hearts knew that no local printing press can print the ballot papers.
However Mr. Lifwekelo explained that the opposition political parties know that they will lose this years elections hence they want to use the issue of printing ballot papers locally as a fall back when the lose the elections.
He said the fear by the opposition to lose this years general elections is what made the opposition to demand for the ballot papers to be printed locally.
Mr. Lifwekelo said his organization is happy that records have been put straight over the printing of the ballot papers in Zambia.
Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Daniel Bowasi says government recognizes the importance of ensuring that young people are brought up with the right morals and values.
Mr. Bowasi said government through the ministry of community development and social services has in this vain embarked on a number of programs aimed at supporting the development of the child especially the under privileged.
“ Programs such as child protection, foster care, educational support and juvenile welfare are some of the programs the ministry has embarked, “ he said.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking in speech at the graduation ceremony of about 143 children at the University Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church in Lusaka today.
He further urged the young people to welcome and receive the counsel l they receive from elders so that they can in future become professional and contribute to the development of the nation.
And speaking earlier Vacation Bible School coordinator Joyce Kunda said the vacation bible school was aimed at empowering young people into becoming responsible citizens in future.
The vacation bible school was held for a fortnight under the theme “the amazing book” and was aimed at emulating the charity works of our lord jests Christ of helping the under privileged in society.
Earlier this week, the Seventh Day Adventist church Vacation Bible School donated various item worth millions of kwacha to the Matero after Care Center.
Thousands of people braved the August sun to gather at Changanamayi grounds in Kitwe’s Kwacha compound to listen to President Rupiah Banda campaign rally.
The crowd drawn from all parts of Kitwe , also known as the Hub of the Copperbelt, most of whom were clad in the traditional MMD blue regalia attires, sang political songs in praise of President Banda’s somewhat splendid leadership.
The President too responded positively to the huge crowds desire to listen to him as he later reminiscence what his government has done in the now three years of being in office.
He outlined future social and economic plans for Zambia.
ZANIS reports from Kitwe, today, that President Banda told the mammoth rally that there was every reason for the people of Zambia to vote for him and all the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) candidates in the local government and parliamentary positions.
He explained that the reason why Zambians should vote for him and the MMD is that he has lived to fulfill all the promises he made in 2008 and fulfilled them accordingly.
“Our duty as leaders is to listen carefully to what the people are saying. In 2008 when I came here I promised you that I will be a president who will bring security, stability, peace and development. Since 2008, a lot of development has taken place and today we are a middle income country,” he said amid cheers from thousands of people who chanted slogans in support with his administration.
President Banda, who is in the Copperbelt for a series of activities including political rallies, said in the education sector, a lot of infrastructure development has taken place.
He explained that among this infrastructure is the construction of kamfinsa, Lufwanyama, Mpongwe, Masaiti and Masangano high schools which will significantly help improve enrollment levels and quality of educations to children of the school going age in the Copperbelt province.
He reminded the people of Kitwe that since 2008, his government prevented five mines from closing completely thereby serving thousands of jobs which would have otherwise sent thousands of families into poverty.
President Banda named the mines as Luanshya, konkola North, Konkola Deep, and Nkana while Mopani Copper Mine has expanded during the same period.
“To us Zambians, the word mine means jobs and prosperity,” he said adding that mining was a mainstay of the people of the Copperbelt province which has contributed largely to the economic stability of Zambia.
The President said the health sector has also benefitted a lot as government built health posts, clinics, hospitals and expanded and rehabilitated existing ones in the province just like in any other part of the country.
He said more people were now owner of homes in the Copperbelt and other provinces of Zambia.
President Banda said his government will continue empowering Zambians with homes noting that his government still has piles of petitions from sitting tenants asking him to help facilitate the sale of such houses to them.
He added that 2,000 kilometers of feeder roads have been worked on in the province.
President Banda however noted that despite all this visible development whose spillover effects are felt among Zambians, much more needs to be done.
He said his government was aiming at changing the current economic status quo by providing hospitals, schools, roads and other social amenities which will trigger massive economic development in the country.
“The change I want is to enable Zambians grow more food so that other countries can be getting it from here. I also want change where we will build universities in every province of this country where people in all fields will be trained,” he said.
The President reiterated that his biggest ambition was to make Zambia attractive even to those Zambians professionals that have sought greener economic pastures elsewhere to return and offer their services to the local people.
He said in the last few years, industrialization has increased thereby consuming a lot of energy and fuel.
Mr. Banda said despite this increase in industries, his government has continued to provide fuel without any shortage and standardized fuel prices countrywide.
“We want development in every part of this country. That is why we are doing roads for Zambians to conduct their businesses smoothly,” he said.
And President Banda has expressed sadness that the Kitwe City Council, which was dominated by opposition Patriotic Front Councillors in the last five years.
He said it is saddening that the PF led council has failed to provide vital services to residents of the city.
He said during the last five years, social services deteriorated in Kitwe especially in the area of sanitation.
“ Avoidable diseases such as cholera and typhoid have been experienced here because of the council’s failure to provide good health and hygienic services, “ said the President.
The President therefore urged the people of Kitwe not to vote for the opposition political parties because they have failed them.
He said politics was a serious profession because it is about bettering people’s lives and their welfare.
And the same rally, former Vice President Enoch Kavindele asked the people of the Copperbelt province to appreciate what President Banda’s government has done in the last few years in order to serve jobs and make their lives betters.
Mr. Kavindele said President Banda was a respectful, honesty and focused person who has the interests of Zambians at heart.
He said if President Banda will be allowed to lead Zambia again in the next five years, the country will be changed for the better.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Marketers Association (ZANAMA) Chairman General, Elvis Nkandu said the fixing of township roads in Kitwe and elsewhere will ease the transportation of goods by traders.
Mr. Nkandu said this will in turn improve the economic statuses of marketers in the country.
After the rally, scores of MMD supporters went round the Kitwe City honking and singing solidarity songs while branding their party symbol to residents who in turn waved back in support.
President Banda will tomorrow attend a Church Service at St. Maximillian Catholic Church in Luanshya, address miners and later in the day address a rally in Roan township.
The Railway Workers Union of Zambia (RWUZ) has called on government to help curb scrap metal dealers from cutting parts of locomotives that have been reserved for rehabilitation.
RWUZ president Gravel Musonda said it was unfortunate that instead of cutting metal from scraps outside the workshop yard, most of the metal dealers had lately invaded unmanned RSZ machinery that could be rehabilitated and put back on to the track.
ZANIS reports Mr. Musonda, who was with general secretary Elias Mwila, saying this in an interview in Kabwe, today.
He accused the RSZ board of permitting the scrap metal dealers to cut into pieces even machinery that could easily be repaired if money was available.
Among the machinery affected include coaches which could also be rehabilitated and used as commuter trains in Lusaka and other bigger towns of the country to reduce on the passenger congestion on the roads.
“The board should use initiative of ensuring that there is recapitalization of the company so that spare parts are bought to repair these locomotives and coaches. This way, the company will have a longer span not in this case where everything will end up sold,’ he said.
He explained that the union point of view was that some of the locomotive engines and coaches should be reserved for the future generation to see.
Mr Musonda said the union was wondering as to where the money raised from the scrap metal was going because it was supposed to be spent on repairing the locomotives so that in case RSZ pulled out, the nation would remain with its own machinery.
“Almost all the coaches and the locomotives that were kept for rehabilitation have been cut and sold. Who is eating the money? This is sabotage and something should be done immediately to spare the few remaining ones,’ he said.
Meanwhile Mr. Musonda expressed concern at the rate the railway line reserve was being taken up by people building residential houses.
He said according to the railway line regulations, nobody should build a residential house 50 m on both sides of the line.
He said the union was however concerned that in case of rail accident and spillage of dangerous chemicals occurred, lives of people living near the line could be lost or be affected negatively.
Mr. Musonda called on the board to ensure this was stopped before lives were lost.
Efforts to get a comment from ZRL managing Director Knox Karima failed as he was reported to be in a management meeting.
New Horizon Printing Press says it has no capacity to print the 2011 ballot papers.
ZANIS reports that the Lusaka based New Horizon Printing Press Managing Director Shawky Hemeidan said during a press briefing that his firm has no security printing equipment for printing ballot papers.
He further stated that New Horizon Printing Press does not have the technology and the know how to print the 2011 ballot papers.
Mr. Hemeidan revealed that New Horizon Printing Press intends to invest 5.7 million dollars in procuring security printing equipment that will be used to print the 2016 ballot papers.
He told journalists that his firm did not participate in the tendering of printing the 2011 ballot papers because the company had no capacity to print the ballot papers.
And Mr. Hemeidan says New Horizon Printing Press is the biggest print press in Zambia surpassing government printers.
Meanwhile , Mr. Hemeidan has thanked the general public for having faith in the company by suggesting that the company prints the 2011 ballot papers.
The development somewhat pacifies the growing calls and concerns in sections of society who are calling on the Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) cancel the contract with the Universal Printing Group (UPG ) of South Africa due to alleged corruption.
The ECZ has however remained adamant to this call and has gone ahead with the contract. It has also for reasons of transparency dispatched an observer team to Durban , South Africa on a fact finding mission concerning the operations of the company.
FIRST Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda who was admitted to a Namibian hospital has been discharged.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Reuben Kamoto Mbewe who confirmed the development in Lusaka yesterday, said Dr Kaunda was discharged following the good progress he had continued to make.
Dr Mbewe said Dr Kaunda was discharged around 12:00 hours yesterday as he had continued to make good progress.
Asked when Dr Kaunda is expected back in the country, Dr Mbewe said that was up to his family to decide as the First Republican president had gone to Namibia on holiday when he fell ill.
On Monday, Government dispatched a team of medical experts to that country to assess the condition of Dr Kaunda.
