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RB cautions Zambian against change advocates

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President Banda

President Rupiah Banda has cautioned the Zambian people against calls change which opposition leaders were advocating for. President Banda has said that he wants change that will transform the economy of Zambia as well as bettering the livelihood of the Zambian people.

Mr. Banda siad that the real change Zambia needs is a transformation in all key sectors of the economy which the people are longing for in areas of education, health, agriculture, mining among other sectors.

“ Be mindful that some people want change to scare away investors in this country but the change I want is to transform the economy to better the livelihood of the people.

“ This is the change that l want. Zambia wants change of transforming her economy and not the change which Mr. Sata and these others would want; taking the nation backwards,” President Banda said.

President Banda said this when he addressed the crowd that welcomed him at Solwezi Airport on arrival from Mansa, Luapula province.

He warned that Patriotic front (PF) leader Michael Sata if he wins would derail the economic gains Zambia had scored within the short period of three years since he assumed the presidency. He explained that Mr. Sata would scare away investors from this country.

He said North-western province has seen unprecedented development projects and that he implored the people in the province to give him a five year mandate so that development projects could continue which his administration together with government and the Zambian people at large have started.

Mr. Banda challenged the opposition to come to Solwezi and check for themselves how the town and the entire province was developing.

“Let them come and see for themselves how Solwezi has developed, indeed the entire province. By so doing, new mines, schools, health centers, roads, bridges will be opened and built,” He said.

He added that the price of cement and meali-meal in Solwezi has reduced and hinted that with the pace of massive economic development, meali-meal and cement prices would further be reduced.

On the education sector, President Banda disclosed that Government is determined to construct universities in all the nine provinces across the country.

On elections, President Banda urged the people to go to the polls and not allow the opposition to intimidate them.

He further urged the MMD members to concentrate on issue based campaigns and not intimidating people.

“ Do not allow people to intimidate you ahead of the elections. We want a free and fair elections as MMD and so vote freely without being forced” he said.

He urged the people in the province to ignore the prophets of doom as the opposition leaders have nothing to offer to the Zambian people.

President Banda who is in the Province on a two day campaign trail is accompanied by Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele, MMD National Chairman Major Richard kachingwe and former Ambassador to Canada Newsted Zimba, among others.

Former republican vice-president Enock Kavindele urged the people of North-western province to vote for President Banda and warned against voting for the opposition.

“We don’t want PF votes but want votes for RB. President Banda has got a big agenda and good future for this province and the nation as a whole,” Mr. Kavindele said.

Area Provincial Permanent Secretary Fabian Mumba said all government programmes and projects were all going on well.

Mr. Mumba said some of the projects had reached completion points while some had reached window levels in key sectors of the economy.

ZANIS

Zambezi gets revised rural hardship allowance

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The Zambezi River

The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) has commended government for reclassifying Zambezi district into category D for rural hardship allowance.

Northwestern Provincial Chairman Kameya Manjomba has also thanked CSAWUZ national leadership for having worked tirelessly for the achievement.

ZANIS reports the Union leader making the commendation in a press statement made available in Solwezi yesterday.

“ Under the D category workers serving within the township will be entitled to 20 percent while those in the outskirts would be entitled to 25 percent remote hardship allowance, “ Mr Manjomba said.

He said the news had excited workers in Zambezi district as it would provide for all the civil servants to qualify for the rural hardship allowance of 20 percent of their basic salary.

Mr Manjomba has since appealed to all salary input managers in the province to quickly affect the allowances accordingly at the shortest possible time in line with the cabinet circular.

He also appealed to all civil servants to continue working hard and explain developmental achievements to the people as they were the radiance of government programmes.

Meanwhile, Mr Manjomba appealed to government to release about K5 billion owed to civil servants under provincial administration in North western province on leave travel benefits, long service bonus and commutation of leave days.

ZANIS

Health workers are working in distress and difficult conditions-HH

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http://www.lusakatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/hh_hakainde
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema

United Party for National Development-UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has observed that health workers are working in distress and difficult conditions.In an interview, Hichilema said government workers through out the country were distressed as a result of non commitment by government to improve the conditions of service.

“Workers are working in distressful and difficult conditions of service because the MMD government doesn’t want to improve the conditions of service for its workers and these are some of the issues why we are saying there is need to change government and bring into operation a government which will respect the labour force and improve the conditions of service,” said Hichilema.

And Hichilema said the UPND is aware of the poor conditions of service health workers were subjected to, adding that grants given to health institutions are not enough to address health problems.

He also pledged to assist the hospitals in the country in various ways.

“I am aware institutions have priorities, please let us know as soon as possible on how best we can assist, just put things you need in and we shall come to the aid of the hospitals, we are very saddened with the situation at many hospitals in the country,” he said.

Electoral Commission of Zambia advises LAZ to officially write to the commission than use the media

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http://www.lusakatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ecz.jpeg

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has advised the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to officially write to the commission if it has any grievance over the contract awarded to Universal Print Group (UPG) to print the ballot papers for the September 20 polls.

ECZ public relations manager Cris Akufuna said in an interview from Durban yesterday that LAZ was aware of the complaint procedure if it had any grievances to make against the contract.

“We cannot start discussing issues they are asking us in the Press. If the have any grievances let them write to the commission,” he said.

Mr Akufuna was reacting to LAZ president Musa Mwenye’s question on whether ECZ had obtained security clearance for the engagement of UPG in the printing of ballot papers.

At a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mwenye also asked the director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to tell the nation whether UPG was mentioned in a warn-and-caution statement recorded against a former ECZ employee, Mpundu Mfula and whether the company had been a subject of investigations since the 2006 general elections.

“We note that ECZ has taken some steps towards inclusiveness in the electoral process but we urge the electoral body to attach utmost importance to clarify the issue surrounding the engagement of UPG because the issue has the capacity to adversely affect the strides made by the ECZ in facilitating a free, fair and inclusive electoral process,” Mr Mwenye said.

Both ACC board chairperson Timothy Kabalata and the director general Godfrey Kayukwa have recently stated that the commission was not investigating ECZ.

Mr Mwenye said LAZ wanted to put it on record that if UPG was implicated or accused in any unresolved investigations which were currently before the ACC , the company’s suitability to conduct the important task of printing the ballot papers for this year’s elections would be in serious doubt.

Meanwhile, LAZ has condemned the violence being perpetuated by some political parties as the country heads towards elections. Mr Mwenye said the association was concerned with the increased levels of violence between the political parties.

He urged all political party leaders in the country to denounce violence and commit themselves to peaceful campaigns. He urged the Zambia Police Service to maintain law and order in a fair manner.

And Mr Mwenye said both public and private media should abide by the electoral code of conduct by ensuring that all political parties were given fair coverage during the election period.

He said the public media should in this regard set the tone and lead by example by providing fair coverage to all political parties.

“On this score, we would like to state with the deepest regret that despite our several protestations, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has continued to flout the ZNBC Act,” he said.

Mr Mwenye said LAZ would commence public interest litigation against ZNBC to hopefully pronounce the duties of the corporation and whether or not the ZNBC director general and his management had been breaching the Act.

[Times of Zambia]

Tenants of Kafue Gorge given offers to buy houses at K475,000

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One of the flood gates at the Kafue Gorge Power station, which is owned by ZESCO LTD - Copy

SITTING tenants of Kafue Gorge institutional houses yesterday became the latest beneficiaries of the Government’s housing empowerment scheme as 346 of them received offer letters to buy the housing units some for as low as K475,000 to be paid over a period of five months.

The handover of the letters followed President Rupiah Banda’s promise to the sitting tenants who had petitioned him during a ground breaking ceremony of Kafue Gorge Lower Hydro Power Station recently.

And several beneficiaries could not hold back tears as they received the offer letters while thanking and praising the Government.

Speaking during a colorful handover ceremony attended by hundreds of the beneficiaries, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Teddy Kasonso said the Government had embarked on numerous projects that would provide support and stimulate socio-economic development in the country.

He said the offer to sell the houses to sitting tenants was not a political move but part of Government’s programme to empower citizens and uplift their living standards.

“This has been demonstrated through the new schools, new roads and new foreign direct investment in critical growth sectors of the economy which include electricity generation, agriculture, manufacturing and mining sectors,” he said.

Mr Kasonso said the final award of the letters was a demonstration of the commitment by President Banda’s Government to improve the living standards of Zambians.

He said the Government was committed to ensuring that citizens were empowered with homes so that they could become landlords.

“May I also take this opportunity to remind you that as new owners of these properties, it will now be your full responsibility to ensure that they are well maintained,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to guard their houses jealously and be alert to always protect the Zesco installations.

Speaking earlier, Zesco managing director Ernest Mupwaya said the total purchase price would be paid over a period of five months and the objective of the scheme was to make housing affordable for the benefit of the community of Namalundu.

Mr Mupwaya said an initial deposit of 10 per cent for the purchase value would be paid as confirmation of acceptance of the offer of sale and title of properties would be processed upon full completion of the payments.

He said Zesco was certain that the home ownership would safeguard the future of the families and add greater security to their children.

Meanwhile, several beneficiaries expressed happiness at the opportunity to own houses, with Marvis Nyambe, John Botha, Doreen Banda and Sara Kumwenda saying they used to pay K30,000 as monthly rentals for the houses but that they were now happy to be landlords.

They thanked President Banda for the gesture and pledged that they would ensure that they voted for him so that he could continue empowering Zambians.

[Times of Zambia]

Mass rallies vs Voter turnout

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By Gray Soko

The size of a political rally is usually taken as a sign of the party’s popularity. Not quite so, say some of our politicians. When Sata drew huge crowds in Western Province some politicians brushed this aside saying people attended the rallies for their entertainment value or for the opportunity to hear some passionate speeches.This especially after the trauma of high handed police action, some called brutality.

Then of course our “national” TV tells us of mammoth rallies where people are eager to hear about the “good development” that has taken place and will take place under RB. Wide-angle pictures of rally crowds are not unusual in the press. I suspect pictures of small audiences which would embarrass the leader or party are suppressed. Small audiences are called sizeable crowds, scores of people etc. There has been deliberate attempts to attract people to rallies by hiring some musical bands. [pullquote]Iam reminded of BY’s impressive rallies and video footage in the 2001 elections and he got only 4.84% of the presidential votes cast or 3.28% of the registered voters.[/pullquote]

An aspiring presidential candidate, Magande, has said he does not believe in rallies as his message may not be well understood, so he prefers small groups or door to door campaigns to put his message across and more importantly get feedback from the people. Guy Scott urges his members to supplement rallies with door to door campaigns. There is obviously a place for rallies in an election campaign. Rallies may sway the undecided voter to join the “mainstream” and also give encouragement to the politician. The politician is also able to address more people at one time than he would have the time and resources to, in small groups.

It would however be folly for the politician to solely view the size of the rally or the intensity of the campaign as an indication of the voter turnout in his favour. Iam reminded of BY’s impressive rallies and video footage in the 2001 elections and he got only 4.84% of the presidential votes cast or 3.28% of the registered voters. In the parliamentary election his party got 5.43% of votes cast or 3.72% of registered voters . If this did not shock him it certainly surprised me.

This is however not to say that this scenario will necessarily be repeated this time round but to emphasize the point that there should be a stronger message to the electorate to turn out and actually vote for their preferred candidates. Whilst show of public support is important it will amount to nothing if the vote is not cast. At this critical time before the election, politicians and other stakeholders should also avoid negative campaigns , intimidation or magnifying isolated incidences of political violence which could result in voter apathy.

Government reduces offer prices for housing units in Kapiri Mposhi

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Government has reduced by over 70 percent the offer purchase prices for 141 housing units for Kapiri Glass Products (KGP) to former employees.

District Commissioner, Kunda Mwila said government reduced the prices after a petition from the former workers complaining that the earlier offered purchase prices for the houses were too high.

Government had pegged the two categories of KGP houses between K56 and K18 million but seeing that it was beyond the affordability of beneficiaries, the State has reduced the purchase prices to K10 for high cost houses which were priced at K56 million.

The purchase offers for the houses will be in lieu of terminal benefits for former workers who owned houses at the time the company closed in 1998.

Former employees who did not occupy the company houses will receive their terminal benefits in full.

At a purchase offer giving ceremony yesterday Mr. Mwila commended the former KGP workers for being patient since the company closed in 1998.

Mr. Mwila said that government will soon start processing and paying former KGP workers their terminal benefits since it had sorted out their housing problems.

The former workers have not been paid their terminal benefits since the closure of the company 13 years ago.

Mr. Mwila said the government was committed to ensuring that its people were empowered with housing and the means to improve their living standards.

“ The government of President Rupiah Banda has heard the cries of former KGP offers and has since further reduced the prices of the houses this is in the bid also to empower Zambians with decent accommodation,” Mr. Mwila said.

Government remains steadfast to improving the welfare of the people because it is a caring government and very soon it will start preparing your terminal benefits.

Meanwhile, KGP Former Workers’ Steering Committee has praised government and President Rupiah Banda for reducing the offer prices for the houses adding that the move will empower the former workers with housing.

Steering Committee Chairman, Jumbe Sanikonda lauded the government and the MMD leadership for the will they have exhibited in fruitfully resolving the issue after 13 years since the company closed.

“We want to express our gratitude to the President and his administration for the swift response to the petition we made regarding the initial offer prices for the houses which were too high”, Mr. Sanikonda said.

“This is a listening government which has listened to our plea we praise the government and the President for looking into our welfare because this will now help us also meaningfully live lives,” Mr. Sanikonda said.

Mr. Sanikonda noted that many former workers would have failed to purchase the houses at the initial prices thereby defeating the government policy of house empowerment.

The former workers have since pledged to give President Banda and the MMD another mandate in the forth coming elections so that he and the party continue improving lives of many Zambians.

The workers commended government for its selfless efforts to the successful conclusion of the issue which has remained outstanding for sometime now.

ZANIS

Government sources US $ 830, 000 for phase two of water project in Chongwe

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The government has sourced a grant of $830,000 from the World Bank for the construction of the second phase of the water project in Chongwe district.
Chongwe District Commissioner (DC) Billy Munyumbwe disclosed the development today and thanked the government for the good initiative.

The DC saying said in an interview at his office , yesterday, that the funds would be channelled to Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company ( LWSCO ) to oversee the implementation of the construction works expected to start soon.

Mr. Munyumbwe said the funds would be spent on rehabilitating the existing water reservoirs which are dilapidated and leak heavily.
He also said the funds would be spent on upgrading the current water network at the township by redesigning it and laying down new pipes to replace the old ones.

In 2009 the government sourced a grant of $1.5 million from DANIDA for the construction of the first phase of the project which comprised the installation of a water treatment plant and pumps for pumping water from Chongwe

And the construction of another substation in Chongwe district at a cost of $6.5 million by Zambia Electricity Supply Company ( ZESCO ) is progressing well.

The utility company’s Project Manager Nshimwenemo Mulenga said the project is expected to finish by March next year. Mr. Mulenga said this today when Chongwe District Commissioner Billy Munyumbwe toured the site to check on the progress.

“ About 60% of the civil works involving the laying down of the concrete platforms for transformers had been done and that the remaining 40% would be done by November this year, “ he told the DC.

The Project Manager said electrical works involving the installation of the transformers and other electrical equipments would commence shortly after the completion of the civil works and would be completed in March next.

And Mr Munyumbwe has commended the government for providing funds for the project. He said the completion of the project would pave way for more development as the district would start receiving adequate electricity.

The project, which commenced last May, is being done by ELSEWEDY Electric Transmission and Distribution Company of Egypt and it also involves the construction of a 22Km 33KV Overhead from the district’s first substation at Kapiliyomba to the project site.

Once completed, the project will put an end to the power outages the district is facing because of breakdowns and low voltage on the 11KV Overhead line that supplies power from the substation at Kapiliyomba to the entire district.

ZANIS

Police arrest three suspected cadres

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Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana displaying a confistigate Panga from a PF cadre
Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana displaying a confistigate Panga from a PF cadre

Police in Lusaka have arrested three suspected cadres in connection with last week’s violence that took place in Lusaka. Police states that two of the three cadres are allegedly from the PF while the third one is suspected to be an MMD member.

Moses Piyo and Blackson Mwanza are suspected to be PF cadres while Richard Zimba claims to be from MMD. Police have since charged the suspected PF cadres with a charge of being in possession of offensive weapons while a Zimba a suspected MMD member will face assault charges.

Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana has since warned that the Police will arrest anyone involved in hostility activities despite their political affiliation.

She says the three will appear in court soon.

Ms. Siamana adds that Police will ensure that the three serves as a lesson to the other would be offenders. And PF Matero Constituency Chairperson Morgan Ngona has regretted the violence.

But Lusaka Province MMD Chairperson William Banda has denied that Philemon Mutwale is an MMD cadre. Mr. Mutwale is currently admitted at the UTH’s Intensive care Unit.

The Mining Sector contributed only 2% in 2010 -Milupi

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Alliance for Democracy and Development nominated candidate Charles Milupi and his wife before filing his nomination papers for the Luena seat at Ushaar Basic School.

THE mining sector in Zambia has failed to contribute effectively to the economical development of the nation, Alliance for Democracy and Development [ADD] president Charles Milupi has charged.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Milupi said out of 2.7 billion US$ dollars the mining sector produced last year only 77 million US$ dollars representing 2 percent was contributed to the national treasurery a situation he said Zambia would continue to sink if the windfall tax was not reintroduced by those in government.

He said the failure by the current government to continue with the change late president Levy Mwanawasa introduced in the mining sector of windfall tax has affected the growth of the economy in relation to revenue collection from the mining sector.

Milupi said it was wrong for President Rupiah Banda’s government to repeal the windfall tax law which allowed Zambia to raise money from its minerals, adding that the removal has created unnecessary pressure on the back of government.

He said it was wrong and saddening despite people talking and crying for the removal government had stubbornly used numbers in parliament to force for the removal of the windfall tax.

“For 2010 alone Zambia has lost an opportunity based on the projected production of copper based on the projected copper prices which is about 7500 US$ dollars per tonne. As a country we have lost an opportunity to earn over 600 million US$ dollar from copper, this money is more than all the monies donors can bring in, both local and external loans Zambia borrows for its management in various sectors of the economy. The removal of the windfall tax was done in a careless manner by the MMD government by the use of numbers in parliament, despite knowing that no investor would lose out in any form,” said Milupi.

He regretted that President Banda’s government had failed completely to understand that issues of windfall tax were not meant to disadvantage foreign investors but promote economical development and equal sharing of the national resources among all players.Milupi said the issue of attracting investors by removing the windfall tax would not help the country but keep on putting more pressure on the government’s overdependence on donor community for its sustenance.

There is nothing sinister about removing GRZ number plates – Dr Phiri

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Government says there is nothing sinister and unusual about removing the GRZ number plates from the vehicles government procured for the Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail.

And government has handed over 5 vehicles to the Zambia Daily-mail and 5 other vehicles to Times of Zambia.

ZANIS report Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Sam Phiri saying this in a statement, today.

Dr Phiri explained that the ten vehicles bore the GRZ number plates because they were bought by government.

He said the GRZ number plates were removed after the registration and documentation of the named vehicles was completed.

He said the vehicles in question bore the GRZ number plates for accountability purposes since their purchase.

Meanwhile, Dr Sam handover the 5 fives vehicles to the Zambia Daily-mail and another 5 to Times of Zambia.

He said the donation is aimed at enhancing the day to day operations of the two state media in their quest to serve the people better.

Dr Sam noted that despite the advent of the internet traditional media such as the news paper remains important and a viable means of disseminating news and information.

He said the donation of the vehicles by government is a clear indication that government remains resolved to continue investing in the development and growth of the media industry for a well informed society.

Meanwhile Dr Sam has revealed that government intends to replace 63 analogue transmitters with digital transmitters by 2015 in line with the global digital migration.

He stressed that the development will enhance the provision of quality radio and television broadcasting services by the national broadcaster.

ZANIS

RB promises Luapula electorates a Fisheries and Agricultural Training School once elected

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President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has assured the people of Chipili constituency that once elected into office again, the MMD government will build a fisheries and agricultural training school in Luapula province.

President Banda said the training school to be constructed to train people in fish farming and general agriculture.

The president was speaking when he addressed a rally in Chipili constituency, today, to drum up support for the MMD candidate Jonathan Kapungwe.

He told the electorate of Chipili that once voted back into office he will reduce the cost that is attached to those involved in the fish business.

The president said that his government will continue to give subsidies to farmers so that they can produce more food for the country.

He assured the people of Chipili that the Food Reserve Agency will buy all the maize from the farmers and ensure that FRA pays them promptly.

He said the policy of the MMD government is to make sure it helps the farmer to produce more and then buy so that the farmers have enough money to empower themselves.

He said Luapula province has the potential to feed the whole nation due to the high rainfall it receives and the good soils that the province has.

He urged the people of Chipili Constituency to vote for him and MMD Chipili aspiring candidate Jonathan Kapungwe who he described as his son and all the MMD Councilors in order foster development in the area.

The president said the MMD is the only party that has a national character and encompasses all the people throughout the country unlike its rival opposition parties who he said have not managed to field candidates in all the constituencies.

He told the people that tribalism has no place in Zambia for no party can win an election from one tribe. He said for a party to win an election there must be a collective agreement by the people throughout the country to vote that particular party into office and not one region.

Present at the rally was former deputy speaker of the national assembly Jason Nfula.At the same rally the president received about 20 defectors who have joined the ruling party from the PF.

The 20 were led by PF Senga ward Councillor Kabo Mulenga.Speaking when he received those that have joined the MMD the President urged those already in the MMD not to sideline the new members but to work together learn from them to ensure that the party wins the elections.

ZANIS

Jacob Banda Upbeat On Zesco’s Title Defence

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Zesco United Captain Jacob Banda has declared that his side will successfully defend the Super League title this season.

The defending champions are fourth on the MTN FAZ Super league table with 32 points in 20 matches.

”Definitely we are defending the league because we have faith and we believe in ourselves,” Banda stated.

The Chipolopolo third choice keeper believes the 3-2 win Zesco United recorded at Nkana last Sunday is a turning point for the Ndola based
outfit whose campaign this season has not been smooth.

“In the remaining matches we expect to do well, the win at Nkana has helped us to gain the momentum,” he added.

Banda said he was hopeful that his side will collect more points in the remaining fixtures as they seek to defend the league title.

Fwayo, Mayukaa Join Zambia Camp

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Swiss-based attacking duo of Emmanuel Mayuka and Fwayo Tembo has arrived in camp in Lusaka.

Mayuka and Fwayo of Young Boys and FC Basel respectively arrived Tuesday midday but did not take part in afternoons training session held at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Mayuka and Fwayo complete the call-ups for the game against Comoros bringing to 22 the players in camp.

Meanwhile, Dario Bonetti took the team through the paces in Tuesday’s only training session.

The 20 players were all in attendance in the session one-and-a-half-hour training session that began at 16:00 with no injuries to report on.

Bonetti said he was pleased with what he had seen so far with his players in training.

“We are working well and it is important that the players understand that we need to win this game,” Bonetti said.

16 year old girl arrested for dumping baby

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Police in Mongu arrested a 16 year old girl of Mulambwa compound in Mongu district for allegedly dumping her baby in the toilet after delivering.

Western Province Police Commanding Officer Fanwell Siandenge confirmed the incidence in Mongu recently.

Mr. Siandenge said the juvenile who is currently admitted to Lewanika General Hospital was noticed by her uncle who later reported the case to the Police.

He said the girl has since being charged with one count of child distraction and will appear in court soon.

The Commanding Officer has also appealed to members of the public to report all suspected child distraction cases to the police and warned that police will not hesitate to bring book anyone found wanting.

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