Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Mozambique coach Mart Nooij has declared his team will collect the three points in against Zambia in their Africa Cup Group C qualifying clash on Saturday.
Nooij said this in Ndola upon arrival Thursday afternoon ahead of the match to be played at Nchanga Stadium that Mozambique will turn the tables in the return leg match.
Second placed Zambia beat third positioned Mozambique 2-0 in the first leg 2012 Africa Cup Group C meeting on March 27 in Maputo to exchange places in their qualifying pool.
“We are going to turn tables,” Nooij said. “Each match is final for us. For us qualifiers have already started as each game we play is very important to us.”
Zambia has six points, two more than Mozambique going into match-day four of their Africa Cup qualifying series.
Meanwhile, the injured pair of striker Emmanuel Mayuka from Young Boys in Switzerland and Green Buffaloes midfielder Felix Katongo on Wednesday showed promising signs of featuring against Mozambique.
The duo was on the pitch for half an hour in Zambia’s training game against Nchanga Rangers at Nchanga Stadium.
The World Bank’s Support to Economic Expansion and Diversification (SEED) Project says it has commenced construction works on the K 4 billion One-Stop Tourism Licensing shop in the tourism capital of in Livingstone.
And the Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources ministry has expressed confidence in the project saying once completed, the One Stop Shop would improve the business environment and stimulate investment in the tourism sector.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone today, SEED Project Supervising Engineer Joseph Chanda said the works being done in conjuction with the Zambian government , have reached an advanced levels and ahead of schedule.
“Works at the construction site of the One Stop Shop are progressing well and am happy to report that we are ahead of schedule,” he said.
Mr. Chanda said the K4 Billion, 8-months Project commenced in March this year and was expected to be completed in November.
And Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Coordinator for the South-West Region, Harold Mweene said once completed, the One Stop Shop would improve the business environment and stimulate investment in the tourism sector.
Mr. Mweene expressed his optmism that the facility would benefit existing and would be investors in the tourism sector by reducing the time and cost involved in obtaining and renewing various licenses.
“Existing investors have for a long time faced the challenge of moving from one office to another to obtain and renew various licenses but they stand to benefit from the One Stop Shop alongside would-be investors through reduced time and cost of obtaining licenses,” he said.
Among the offices to be housed by the facility would include the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Immigration Department, Livingstone City Council and other institutions that relate to the tourism industry.
Mr. Mweene said he was aware about high expectations from the public over the services that would be offered but cautioned that due to existing legal, institutional, and structural limitations, the development of the One Stop Shop would be phased over time to leave room for harmonization of conflicting requirements.
A Serenje district resident is on the run after he allegedly murdered his uncle in cold blood on
suspicion of witchcraft.
Police public relations officer Ndandula Siamane confirmed the incident to ZANIS in an interview today..
Ms Siamane said that on Friday 17th May 2011 around 20: 00 hrs Zachariah Mwila of Chisenga village around 20hrs on Friday 17th May 2011 hacked to death his 43 year old Geoffrey Nsaka uncle using a sharp object.
The suspect allegedly travelled to Namabombo village 20 kilometers west of Serenje to find his uncle who he suspected of practising witchcraft.
He is also on record of having visited several witchdoctors in pursuit of his uncle who he suspected of having been responsible for many deaths in the family and at several occasions made threats of killing him.
Post mortem on the late Nsaka’s body was done at Kabwe general hospital and it has since been buried in Nabowa area of chief Chitambo in Serenje district.
Ms Siamane also disclosed that the suspect is an ex convict facing manslaughter charges after he allegedly killed his friend on suspicion of committing adultery with his wife.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have joined hands to support a broad dialogue on polices for employment creation in Zambia.
The two international organisation say apart from Zambia their support for broad dialogue also include Bulgaria and Dominican Republic.
The organisations agreed at a meeting conference to held in Norway to work in three key areas. The areas are cooperation on defining social protection floor policies in low income countries, among others.
This was contained in a press briefing made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The two organisations and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, employers and trade unions met in Lusaka last month to prepare for a tripartite social dialogue to be held later this year.
IMF African Department Senior Advisor, Sean Nolan said the meeting was an important step in preparing for in-depth dialogue on employment policies in Zambia.
“We look forward to fruitful discussion later this year and we hope we can help contribute both to innovate thinking and to enhance development of shared perspectives on how employment expansion can be accelerated in Zambia, “said Nolan.
And ILO Director Martin Clemensson said the themes discussed during the meeting included the poverty reduction, provision of decent employment opportunities, better social protection, economic diversity and the need to reduce the country’s dependency on cooper.
Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Zambia Federation of Employers, Zambia Confederation of Trade Unions and Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia were among the organisations that were present at the meeting.
The death has been announced of former Nchanga Rangers great Willie Phiri.
The former Rangers and Zambia midfielder from the 70’s died at midday today at Nchanga South Hospital in Chingola from a bone infection.
Phiri has been wheelchair-bound for the last 18 years after a road traffic accident near Kabwe on his way to Lusaka from Chingola on a player scouting mission.
He was Rangers coach at the time of his accident where he had been on the bench since 1984.
Phiri, 59 played for Rangers for over 15 years where he began his playing career before retiring in 1983.
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga has taken a swipe at former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti for issuing derogatory remarks against President Rupiah Banda’s developmental projects.
Mr. Mabenga who is also Lands Deputy Minister says Mr. Mulongoti should stop talking ill of President Banda’s development projects as they are meant to benefit the people of Zambia.
He is saddened that Mr. Mulongoti is using the Post Newspaper to attack the President’s developmental projects when he was part of the MMD government a few months ago.
Mr Mabenga was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday.
And Mr. Mabenga has advised Zambians not to be misled by the crowds that gathered at PF Leader Michael Sata’s rallies in Western province as they do not mean anything.
He says the people of Western province attended Mr. Sata’s rallies to have a glimpse of the man that is advocating for gay rights.
Mr. Mabenga declared victory for the MMD in Western province because of the good development projects that the MMD government has embarked on in the area.
[ ZNBC ]
Three Scandinavian countries have praised Zambia for being one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Danish Ambassador to Zambia Thomas Schjerbeck says Zambia has now reached a point in its development where it is able to mobilize its own resources to further its economic growth.
Ambassador Schjerbeck says Denmark will continue its cooperation and dialogue to Zambia to benefit both countries.
And Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Marie Anderson De Frutos is confident that Zambia will maintain its reputation as a leader in peace and democracy in the region ahead of this year’s election.
Ambassador De Frutos says Sweden is committed to partner with Zambia to advance development cooperation to end poverty.
Norwegian charge de affaires Tori Hoven says the three Scandinavian countries have enjoyed close relations with Zambia both politically and economically.
The three diplomats were speaking in Lusaka on Wednesday evening at celebrations to mark the three countries’ national day.
And Justice Deputy Minister Todd Chilembo praised the Scandinavian countries for their role in addressing poverty in Zambia.
He says Sweden, Denmark and Norway have remained committed to projects aimed at fighting poverty in the country.
Mr Chilembo says the country has benefited a lot from cooperation and AID from the three countries.
President Rupiah Banda says construction of the Hitachi manufacturing plant is an indication that Zambia is ripe for investment from all around the world.
Hitachi will invest an initial 15 million United States dollars, which is over 7.1 billion Kwacha in the first phase of the project expected to be completed in December this year.
Mr Banda was speaking at the Ground breaking ceremony of Hitachi construction machinery Zambia limited factory on airport road.
The plant will be assembling earth moving equipment and is expected to employ over 200 people in the construction phase.
President Banda says the establish of Hitachi is important for Zambia because of the jobs and technology transfer it will bring into the country.
Mr Banda notes that once the plant is up and running it will establish Zambia as a major source of earth moving equipment for the region.
He has thanked Hitachi for the investment which he believes will attract more Japanese investors to Zambia.
The President says Zambia has huge investment opportunities in the mining, manufacturing and tourism sectors.
Hitachi is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction, mining and earthmoving equipment.
This is the first ever investment into the manufacturing sector by a Japanese company.
The investment is expected to add impetus to President Banda’s desire to create more jobs for Zambians.
And Japan says Hitachi’s investment in Zambia is a clear indication that the country is an attractive investment destination, and that Zambia has great potential to be an economic hub of the region.
Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Akio Egawa says the investment will also be a valuable booster to the economy.
He said this in Lusaka on Thursday during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of Hitachi Construction Machinery re-manufacturing factory along Lusaka’s airport road.
And Commerce Minister Felix Mutati says Hitachi investment will attract other global investors into the Country.
And Vice President of Hitachi Construction Machinery Yokio Arima says the company believes in Zambia and her economy.
Mr Arima told ZNBC News that the company targets to rehabilitate earth moving equipment for the mining companies in Zambia and the region.
He says the company will initially employ about 20 Zambians to work at the plant when its operation by end of this year.
Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has said PatrioticFront (PF) Luashya Member of Parliament (PM) Chishimba Kambwili is not the right person to assert that the newly-commissioned Itimpi Mine in Kalulushi is not environmentally safe because he is ignorant on many things regarding commissioning of new mines.
And Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale said it was not in order for Mr Kambwili to allege that the Itimpi mine which was in the mine area would be harmful to the environment when it had not even commenced operations.
Lieutenant-Geneneral Shikapwasha, who is Information Minister, said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the Government consulted the Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) on the environmental impact of the mine before the decision to commission it was made.
He said Mr Kabwili was just politicking because he was the biggest beneficially of the Luashya Mine whose investor he constantly criticised.
Gen Shikapwasha said it was immoral for Mr Kabwili to call for President Rupiah Banda’s apology over the commissioning of the mine which he (Kambwili) said posed a danger to the environment because ECZ research proved otherwise.
He said PF was jealous of many development projects being carried out by President Banda’s Government aimed at providing jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets.
[ Times of Zambia ]
President Rupiah Banda is today expected to travel to Kitwe to officiate at the 54th Copperbelt Mining, Agricultural and Commercial Show.
The president has commended the show organisers for selecting the theme, ‘Prosperity on the Copperbelt’.
According to a statement released by special assistant for Press and public relations Dickson Jere yesterday, Mr Banda said there were many developmental programmes and projects that were underway for the sake of prosperity on the Copperbelt.
“It is indeed fitting to talk about progress towards prosperity in this province and in the nation especially now when we are recording positive economic growth.
“The mining industry has emerged from a difficult period even stronger than it was and with Government support there has been a great inflow of investment into new mines and the expansion of existing ones,” Mr Banda said.
He said other mineral resources such as manganese, oil, uranium and nickel mining activities were being developed while explorations were also underway.
Mr Banda said the country was rich in natural resources and advised Zambians to take advantage of the resources for their own benefit.
And the president who held a one-hour question-and-answer session with journalists at State House used the session to answer questions from the media.
Mr Jere said the sessions would be followed by more similar sessions to enable the Head of State to clarify crucial matters.
The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has commended Government for maintaining the floor price of maize for this year’s crop marketing season.
ZACA executive secretary Muyunda Ililonga said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the decision made by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is an indication that Government has considered the economic interests of farmers and consumers by ensuring that the price of mealie-meal, which was reduced early this year by an average of K5,000 is maintained.
The floor price of maize is K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag, the same as in the last farming season.
“We welcome the announcement of the floor price. This is good for ZACA because our members’ interests have been taken into account.
“The announcement is also an indication that farming in the country has been taken seriously by Government as a reliable business, and this decision will help Zambia to stabilise the mealie-meal price,” Mr Ililonga said.
He said the decision will give farmers an opportunity to grow more maize and ensure food security in the country.
Meanwhile, the Kitwe District Farmers Union has welcomed the decision by the FRA to maintain the floor price of maize at K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag.
Union chairman Humphrey Kunda said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday his members will vote for President Banda because of his good agricultural policies.
“We are going to support Government, although the floor price of maize has not been increased. We will vote for President Banda because his administration has managed to eradicate hunger in the communities,” Mr Kunda said.
He, however, said it would have been ideal for Government to increase the floor price of maize to between K70,000 and K75,000 per 50 kilogramme bag because the price of the staple food has not been increased for the past three seasons.
“It has taken long for the FRA to increase the floor price of maize, and small-scale farmers will be on the losing side, compared to commercial farmers. We expected Government to increase the price to between K70,000 and K75,000. For the past three seasons, the floor price has been the same,” Mr Kunda said.
The FRA crop marketing programme officially opened on Tuesday, and will close on October 31.
This year, the marketable surplus of maize is estimated to be 1.66 million metric tonnes, beating last year’s one million metric tonnes.
FRA board chairman Brigadier-General Maybin Sikweti said in Lusaka on Tuesday while the price of maize will be maintained at K65,000 per 50kg bag, the price of paddy rice will be K60,000 per 40kg bag.
General Sikweti said prices were arrived at after analysing the cost of production and taking into account prevailing local and regional market conditions.
“These are FRA prices, and they should be used by farmers to negotiate for better prices as they trade with the private sector,” he said.
General Sikweti said FRA has set up buying points in all the 74 districts and on average, 15 satellite depots per district will be opened to ensure farmers have access to the market.
He said the crop will only be received when the moisture content is not more than 12.5 percent.
PRESIDENT Banda is today expected to launch the construction of the Japanese company, Hitachi Construction Machinery Zambia Limited in Lusaka, with an initial investment of US$15 million.
This is according to a press statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere.
“Hitachi is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction, mining and earthmoving equipment.
This is the first ever investment into the manufacturing sector by a Japanese company. It is expected to add impetus to President Banda’s desire to create more jobs for Zambians,” MrJere said.
He said President Banda is happy that Hitachi has picked on Zambia for its investment and that as a regional hub of Southern Africa, Zambia will provide valuable services to surrounding countries.
Mr Jere said the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by December this year, adding that if it is successful, the company will undertake an expansion programme which will extend the services to other major industrial entities in the region.
“Japan is one of Zambia’s largest co-operating partners and Hitachi’s ground-breaking investment is set to grow the countries’ relations ever stronger,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador to Zambia Akio Egawa has commended Zambians for showing solidarity with the people of Japan after the earthquake and Tsunami which hit the country earlier in the year.
Mr Egawa expressed hope that Japan will emerge even stronger from the crisis and continue on its development agenda.
He said in Lusaka early this week that Japan has pledged to increase its aid to Africa to US$1.8 billion as part of its overseas development agenda.
He said his government is impressed with its investment in Africa, and has pledged to double its investment to US$4.2 billion.
Mr Egawa said Zambia needs to strengthen its private sector as a thrust towards achieving economic growth.
He said as part of its bilateral aid policy on Zambia, it would try to support the manufacturing sector because it is important to the attainment of inclusive, sustainable economic growth for the country.
And African Development Bank country representative Freddie Kwesiga said the private sector, as Government’s partner in efforts aimed at attaining economic growth, is faced with many constraints, especially the cost of doing business.
Dr Kwesiga said despite the private sector being the major contributor to job creation, it lacks financial resources to sustain their businesses.
He said the private sector in the country could be strengthened through franchising, which could ensure sustainable businesses.
Dr Kwesiga said franchising could grow the private sector and foster economic development in African countries.
He said the private sector contributes to poverty alleviation through job creation, and it is important that it is strengthened.
President Rupiah Banda and Vice President George Kunda
PRESIDENT Banda says he will work hard and ensure that he wins this year’s elections so that he develops the country even further.
“I will fight hard to win because if the MMD does not win, from what we have been hearing, it will be tragic because some people are surprised that in three years – I have boosted development and in the next five years, the country will be different,” he said.
The President said if the MMD wins this year’s elections, Zambia is likely to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) sooner than expected.
“If other countries have done it, we can also change our situation,” he said.
He urged youths to participate in the country’s development.
“Young Zambians should have confidence in themselves.”
“Zambia’s position as one of the fastest growing economies means more quality jobs will be available,” he said.
He urged citizens to build houses and invest in housing projects.
“In rural areas, we are now seeing houses made out of bricks and iron sheets. This means we are heading somewhere and that is why the opposition is desperate. But I am sorry to tell them that I have to choose between pleasing them or the people of Zambia. We want to make Zambians proud,” he said.
The K1 trillion Road Projects
President Banda said Government planned for the K1 trillion road projects because the roads were in a deplorable state.
“We put together a team to go into detail and identify roads which required to be attended to and some of them are well known like the Solwezi-Chavuma road. I am sure the people in that area are happy,” he said.
He said government borrowed money from ABSA Bank of South Africa to complete the projects.
“Some People may be wondering why there are three contractors working on that road but normally, a President has five years but unfortunately for me, I only have three, so I have to push for projects to be completed,” he said.
President Banda also said tax paid by the mines is used for the benefit of Zambians.
He said he foresees a situation where Zambia will expand its economy and the country will need good roads to move goods including copper and agricultural produce.
Mobile Hospitals
President Banda said people living in rural areas have appreciated the coming of mobile hospitals.
“We have a situation where a lot of people are showing up to access medical care and in some areas, they are even protesting when the hospital moves to another area,” he said.
“Mobile hospitals cannot reach areas where the roads are bad. That is why we are in a hurry to work on the roads,” he said.
President Banda said some people who are against the idea of mobile hospitals are the same ones who also opposed the purchase of hearses.
“I remember giving a directive to ensure that members of Parliament who were against purchase of hearses were not given the service and there was an uproar from the same people. We told them to write to us . They swallowed their pride and we took the hearses to their areas,” he said.
Luasaka City Council Land Scam
President Banda has said although he has not yet gone through the Lilayi Land audit report submitted by Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo, it is clear that the allocation of land at the Lilayi housing project by the Lusaka City Council was illegal.
“This is the worst type of corruption, where you allocate yourselves land that is supposed to be for all Zambians just because you are a councillor. I have not yet read the report but I will do so and present the matter before Cabinet for action,” he said.
Selection Process for MMD candidates
President Banda said the selection of MMD parliamentary and local government candidates for this year’s elections will be transparent.
Mr Banda said members who are in good standing with the party should immediately start applying for adoption.
“Of course you cannot expect Mr Mpombo or Mr Mulongoti to stand on the MMD ticket. They have been talking ill of the party. Any other member who is in good standing is free to aspire for parliamentary and local government seats,” he said at a press briefing at state house.
President Banda said the party will not accept applications from anyone convicted of any crime.
“We anticipate a lot of competition especially that the MMD is now very popular because of the work the government is doing. A lot of people want to stand on the MMD ticket. But unfortunately we can only have one person per constituency or ward. Some people will obviously cry foul but there has to be democracy,” he said.
The President said young people are particularly encouraged to take up the challenge and apply for adoption.
“It is important that the youth stop listening to people telling them that they have no future because youths have a bright future,” he said.
He said the MMD has set clear procedures for application.
“If there are any queries on the application process, members can seek clarification from the party Secretariat. Aspiring candidates only have 10 days to apply because this is a busy period,” he said.
President Banda said the ruling MMD will lead by example and ensure that the selection of candidates is transparent.
“The MMD has already given an example by holding a transparent, free and fair convention, and we also intend to make the adoption of candidates transparent,” he said.
Developing the Country Because of Elections
President Banda said citizens are better placed to judge whether or not he has performed. He said he will continue to develop all parts of the country.
“We will ensure that we give every province a chance to grow. We can’t do everything at once. We are not magicians. We are still a long way off in terms of development but we will continue with our efforts,” he said.
President Banda said he will continue to develop the country despite criticism that he is doing it because of elections.
“People are saying we are developing the country because of elections. Yes, I am pushing harder because I want the country to develop. The wrong time is actually the right time and postponing projects is what is wrong. Most of the people who are saying Zambia is doomed to fail are Zambians. People outside this country appreciate the efforts made in terms of economic development,” he said.
He said he wants to be remembered as a President who tried his best to bring Zambians together.
“I also want to be remembered as someone who cared for all Zambians, someone who didn’t discriminate but added value to the lives of all Zambians,” he said.
He urged Zambians to scrutinise political leaders vying for the Presidency and choose a candidate who is not likely to rock the boat and cause problems in the country.
Milton Phiri’s Accusations
President Banda condemned former Ambassador to Malawi Milton Phiri for claiming that his (Mr Banda’s) parents were not Zambians.
“I have no problem with the opposition. I only fight back when they go to extremes like Mr Phiri did. It’s not true that my parents were foreigners, and does it really matter? Why didn’t Mr Phiri raise this issue when I was vice-president, or when I was general manager at NAMBOARD, or when I was Minister of Foreign Affairs, or when I was Mayor? Why is he raising it now, and at a time when he and the party he supports are saying they will form the next government? My parents are resting in peace, so why bring such things up?” he asked President Banda said it is not true that Mr Phiri wrote a letter to Chief Justice Ernest Sakala over the matter as he claimed.
“These are cheap politics. Many of these people who are making noise were in government but now that they are bankrupt, they want to make noise! Zambians should reject petty politicking,” he said.
Finally
President Banda also disclosed that he will cast his vote at Nyakutwa Basic School in Eastern Province while First Lady Thandiwe will vote at the school where she taught.
The Lusaka magistrate court has dismissed former Finance Bank board chairperson, Rajani Mahtani’s application to compel the state to avail documents intended to be used as evidence.
Lusaka resident magistrate Kenneth Mulife dismissed the application saying it lacked merit further ordering that the matter proceed to trial.
Dr Mahtani’s lawyer, John Sangwa was seeking access to the list of witnesses as well as other materials in state prosecutors, possession.
Mr. Sangwa had stated in his application that access to the said documents would enable the defense prepare adequately.
This is in a case in which Dr Mahtani, his Management Secretary, Parvathi Nachimuthu and Corporate Administrator, Chisha Mutale are facing charges of forgery.
The trio, are alleged to have fraudulently acquired 58 percent shares in Zambezi Portland Cement, which they registered with the patents and companies registration agency.
[ MUVI ]
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has charged that President Rupiah Banda has started abusing his powers for personal gains.
UPND party deputy spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says the recent launching of various development projects by government are an indication of desperate measure to hoodwink voters in the coming general elections.
Mr. Mweetwa says any development to the Zambians is welcome provided that it is done within the normal cause of operations to benefit the poor people.
He says it is surprising that the head of state has only remembered that Zambians are suffering now that the country is heading for the polls.
He explained that people go through a lot of challenges which should be addressed with urgency and not when the time the elections draws near.
Mr. Mweetwa further says Zambians should not be taken for granted by enticing them with empowerment in exchange for their votes.
[ QFM ]
