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Zesco Chase Confed Cup Dream in Fez

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Zesco United this evening chase their Caf Confederation Cup dream when they face MAS of Morocco in the historic city of Fez this evening.

The game will kick off at 21:00 hours Zambian time with Zesco leading 1-0 from the first leg played on May 28 at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.

Fighton Simukonda’s sides need only a draw to advance to the group stage of the competition that kicks off on July 15 and make some history to become the first Zambian club to eliminate an Arab team at the pre-group phase of African club competition.

Zesco will also be looking to keep Zambian clubs record in Caf club competition intact from the last two season by reaching the group phase for the third successive time after setting the tread in the Caf Champions League in 2009 and Zanaco followed that up last season in the Confederation Cup.

And striker Jackson Mwanza who was a big culprit in first leg that Zesco dominated missing three clear chances must show more commitment in Fez.

Midfielder Potipher Zulu whose profile is on the rise after years of being under the radar at National Assembly will be Zesco’s key player again today.

Meanwhile, defender Billy Mwanza returns to Morocco for the first time in Caf club competition since 2003 and will be hoping it won’t be a disappointing outing this time around.

Mwanza’s last trip to Morocco nine years ago with his former club Power Dynamos saw the latter bow out of the old Caf Cup Winners Cup when they lost on away goals rule to defending champions Wydad Casablanca after winning 2-1 in the first leg in Kitwe.

Meanwhile, MAS coach Rachid Taoussi welcomes back midfielder Mohamed Chihani including defenders Moustapha Lamrani and Mustapha Mrani.
The trio missed the first leg match due to 2012 Africa Cup qualifying duty with Morocco.

Kambwili’s firm accused of firing workers after they complain about 35% salary deduction

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file:Roan MP Chishimba kambwili talks to journalists

WORKERS at Mwamona Engineering Enterprises, a Kitwe-based company owned by Patriotic Front (PF) Roan member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili, have accused their employer of victimisation and illegal dismissal.

The workers have complained that management has allegedly effected a 35 percent salary deduction while some of the workers have been dismissed without following procedure.

Mr Kambwili said he owns the company and confirmed that management has fired some workers for allegedly staging an illegal strike.

But some of the workers said in Kitwe yesterday that Mr Kambwili’s company is allegedly abusing their rights and called on Government to intervene.

Their spokesperson, Anthony Mwila, said some workers have been fired for allegedly opposing management decision to effect a 35 percent salary deduction.

“We reported the matter to the labour office in Kitwe and Mr Kambwili and his partners were summoned. It is unfair that the man who talks ill of Chinese investment in Zambia can today treat his fellow Zambians so badly.

“Our colleagues have been fired after they opposed the deductions from their salaries. We are appealing to Government to address this injustice,” Mr Mwila said.

He said the workers are demanding that management pays them the money it has been deducting from their salaries for three months.

“We cannot believe that a man who strongly condemns Chinese investment in Zambia can treat us like this.
These are the same politicians vying to take over government. We are disappointed with Mr Kambwili because he is supposed to protect workers,” he said.

Mr Mwila accused the management of Mwamona Engineering Enterprises of being insensitive to the plight of the workers.

But Mr Kambwili said some workers were fired after they went on an illegal strike.

“I have eight companies, but I don’t run them on a daily basis. They are independent. They have their own managers. Ask those workers if they have seen me in Mwamona Engineering Enterprises premises. I don’t go there because there are people who run the compnaies on a daily basis. My main interest is dividends at the end of the year,” he said.

Mr Kambwili urged the workers to follow procedure when airing their grievances and referred queries to the Mwamona Engineering Enterprises management.

Zambia in maize surplus

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File: Maize that has been purchased from farmers waiting to be transported to sheds by the Food Reserve Agency

GOVERNMENT has announced that the country has a surplus of 1.6 million metric tonnes of maize recorded from the past two bumper harvests.

Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Eustarckio Kazonga says the surplus has been recorded from both the 2.7 million metric tonnes harvest of the 2009/2010 season and the three million metric tonnes recorded this year.

And Dr Kazonga told Parliament yesterday that over K1.2 trillion was given to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) in the 2010 harvest season to buy maize.

The minister added that FRA also borrowed K246 billion from financial lending institutions in the same year.

Dr Kazonga was responding to a question from Gwembe member of Parliament Brian Ntundu, who wanted to know how much money Government released to FRA to buy maize from the 2010 harvest

ZNBC

State launches new ARV cocktails

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Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao

THE Ministry of Health has launched new fixed drug combinations (FDCs) for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.

Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said at the launch of the medicines at Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel on Thursday that the new combinations will reduce the drug burden of people on antiretroviral treatment.

Mr Simbao said in a speech read for him by his Deputy Minister, Christopher Kalila, the ministry has launched the combinations to make them accessible to the general public because only few individuals have been accessing them in private health institutions.

“I am here to launch the new fixed drug combinations to improve the equity of access to antiretroviral drugs in the public sector. I am aware that some of these fixed drugs are available in the private sector, but only for the minority of Zambians who seek healthcare services in these facilities,” Mr Simbao said.

He said the distribution of the drugs, which are stocked at Medical Stores, has started and is being conducted through the ministry’s normal distribution channels.

Mr Simbao said the new drug combinations for children are: Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Niverapine; Zidovudine + Lamivudine, and Abacavir + Lamivudine.

He said adults will now have to take only one pill once a day and that the combination of the pill is Efaverenz + Truvada or Atripla.

Mr Simbao said his ministry is currently treating 344,000 people, who are receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV, of which 26,000 are children representing eight percent of the people on treatment.

He said there is an imbalance in healthcare services between those being given to adults and those to children, and that Government is working hard to address the situation.

Mr Simbao said the national target is that 10 percent of the people receiving antiretroviral treatment should be children.

He said the new fixed drug combinations will be beneficial to both adult and child patients because it will simplify regimens.

Mr Simbao said simplified regimens will encourage adherence to treatment, which is vital in delaying AIDS.

He said the new combinations are easier to break apart for correct dosage for younger children, and can be dissolved in milk or clean water for easier administration to infants.

Mr Simbao said the drugs are also easier to store as they do not need stringent storage conditions like syrups, which have shorter shelf life resulting in a lot of wastage through expiry.

He said the launch of the drugs will help Government save resources in terms of shipping, transportation and storage as they are less bulky and heavy, compared to single drug formulations and syrups.

Mr Simbao said the ministry’s old antiretroviral formulary will still continue to stock some single drug formulations and syrups for patients who may require them in their regimen.

World Health Organisation country director OlusegunBabaniyi said it is important that the public is sensitised on the need to adhere to taking the drugs.

Ministry of Health director for clinical care and diagnostic services Gardner Siakantu said the launch of the drug combinations is a milestone in the delivery of antiretroviral services to both children and adults in the country.

Zambia Paediatric Association (ZPA) president Nanthalile Mugala said her association is happy that prescription of antiretroviral drugs has been made easier for paediatric doctors.

Dr Mugala said the association is especially happy with the attention children are getting in antiretroviral treatment matters.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Elections will be held within the next few months, RB assures Mrs Clinton

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United States Scretary of State Hilary Clinton with Zambian ministers and US diplomats when she arrived in Zambia at Lusaka international airport
United States Scretary of State Hilary Clinton with Zambian ministers and US diplomats when she arrived in Zambia at Lusaka international airport

President Banda assured Mrs Clinton that the elections would be held within the next few months and that they would be transparent. President Banda said this is a very special year for Zambia as it goes to the polls.

He said since 1964, the country has had good, fair and transparent elections. “Of course, the country has grown, the population has moved from three million in 1964 to 13 million now.

The economy itself has grown and the opposition parties have also increased and they are challenging us in these elections as it should be,” he said. The President said Government will work with all partners, including the United States, to ensure that elections are free, fair and transparent, and held in a peaceful atmosphere.

“We had a few hiccups over the by-elections we have had and I personally made sure that I went to court to challenge results of one of these elections where violence was observed…,” he said.

President Banda also invited investors from the US to explore Zambia’s vast potential. Earlier, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said there is a positive sign that Zambia will hold free, fair and transparent elections.

And Mrs Clinton said the US hopes to become a better partner in helping develop the economy of Zambia. She was speaking yesterday during a press conference shortly after having a closed door bilateral meeting with President Banda at State House.

Mrs Clinton said as Zambia approaches another national election, the country has a chance to set a model for the rest of the world. “We discussed with President Banda the importance of conducting the upcoming national elections peacefully, transparently and fairly and freely in a manner that reflects the will of the Zambian people,” she said.

She is pleased that President Banda has invited both international and local observers to monitor the elections, and that he has repeatedly said in his campaign messages that he is against election violence. “That is an important message for all Zambian citizens including the one million young people voting for the first time. I congratulated Zambia for registering more than 82 percent of your eligible voters.

You know, too often the news is dominated by what is wrong with Africa, not about what is right,” she said. Mrs Clinton said when the people of Zambia adopted multi-party democracy in 1991, they sent a powerful message to Africa and the world. “Political leaders are answerable and accountable to the people, not the other way round.

Candidates may express passionate differences in campaigns but they must accept the people’s vote and join together for the sake of the country,” she said.

Mrs Clinton also said the US values Zambia’s role as a regional leader. “Since your independence, Zambia has helped Africa evolve into a continent of peace, stability and tolerance across the region. Thanks for hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees, including many Angolans who seek refuge and peace inside your country.

Thank you for supporting a peaceful transition in Madagascar,” she said. Mrs Clinton said Zambia has shown it is on the right path to tackle its challenges. “We have achieved important results together through our close collaboration on health issues, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and yesterday the United States joined other global leaders in calling for action towards eliminating pediatric HIV by 2015.

We are getting closer to the elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV in Zambia, and we see people living with this disease now leading increasingly productive lives,” she said. Mrs Clinton assured President Banda that the US is fully committed to supporting Zambia’s progress. She said the US has always valued its partnership with Zambia, both globally and regionally.

“Zambia has joined the United States and the international community in support of human dignity, freedom of speech and religion. I would like to thank Zambia for joining in the international community’s strong stance on behalf of the rights of the people of Syria and Iran at the Human Rights Council,” she said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Africa on track – Clinton

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UNITED States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Africa is in a strong position to build on export earnings to the US, which have quadrupled from US$ 1 billion to US4 billion in the past decade.

Mrs Clinton also announced that the US will contribute US$2 million to the African Women Entrepreneurship Programme whose headquarters will
be in Lusaka.

Speaking when she closed the 10th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Lusaka yesterday,

Mrs Clinton said when AGOA was established in 2000, the African climate was tough for expanding trade, but by working together, the African and American people are realising the AGOA dream.

She said there has been a rise in exports of clothing and crafts from Tanzania, cut flowers from Kenya and high-end leathers from Ethiopia as well as handbags.

“This growth in trade over the past decade is an accomplishment worth celebrating, both because of what it has meant for the people of Africa and because of what it says about the possibilities that lie ahead.

She said Africa could build on this progress because although it faces many challenges, the region is more stable, more democratic and more prosperous than a decade ago.

“Thanks to the hard work of the African people, productivity has been rising,” Mrs Clinton said.

She said consumer spending in Africa is projected to grow by almost US$600 million and Gross Domestic Product by US$1 trillion in less than a decade.

Mrs Clinton said some observers were referring to Africa as the home of emerging markets, which is good for growth.

However, she pointed out that African countries have not made the most of AGOA as they only exported a handful of 6,500 products which were eligible for duty-free shipping.

She said the Obama administration will work with Congress on a seamless renewal of AGOA beyond 2015 and that the involved parties must decide whether they are willing to do what is necessary to make
the most of its benefits.

Mrs Clinton said the US is a generous nation, and aid is about helping people in developing countries to improve their lives.

She said this is why the US has embarked on a new way of doing business through AGOA, based on partnership not patronage and supporting economic growth, as opposed to giving handouts.

Mrs Clinton said the US supports efforts to forge connections for business entrepreneurs, including international trade shows and bringing a delegation of private sector investors to the AGOA forum.

She said this is the reason she will be launching the Zambia-American Chamber of Commerce in Lusaka today and that efforts will be on youth and women entrepreneurs.

Mrs Clinton said it is important to tap the energy and ideas of young entrepreneurs on how to connect with American partners.

Mrs Clinton, who announced that the US would contribute US$ 2 million to AWEP, said the logic for helping women connect to the global economy was just compelling.

“No country can thrive when half its people are left behind. Evidence shows that small and medium-sized enterprises run by women are major drivers of economic growth,” Mrs Clinton said.

She said when a woman prospers, she re-invests her earnings in her family and the positive effects ripple throughout the entire community.

Mrs Clinton said the US would invite leading businesswomen from Africa to attend a leadership programme in that country.

She also prodded Africa to enhance economic co-operation, integration and trade within the continent, as the issues have been obstacles to
sustainable growth.

Mrs Clinton said there is less trade within sub-Saharan Africa than within any other region of the world.

She said apart from problems of infrastructure, trade leaders want to protect their home-grown industries, while government leaders of smaller countries were concerned that the larger ones will gain too
much influence.

Mrs Clinton also urged African leaders to address corruption because it also exacts a real toll on development.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said AGOA must present an equal opportunity to benefit both Africans and Americans.

He said AGOA is not a talk show but a platform that brings opportunities for income generation among the people.

“If someone asks you that what AGOA is, you say AGOA is a pay cheque in people’s pockets. It’s not about conversations, it’s not about politicians. AGOA is about the people on the streets,” Mr Mutati said.

He said while the AGOA platform gives Africans access to the American market, the continent needs to maximise regional markets as well.

“A dollar is a dollar, it doesn’t matter where you get it from. If you can get it quicker from the Democratic Republic Congo than the US, then get it,” Mr Mutati stated.

He said the AGOA platform must assist in deepening regional integration.

Mr Mutati also urged local entrepreneurs to address product quality and consistency to ensure maximum benefits under AGOA.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

Widows movement launches its four year strategic plan

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The Zambia Widows Network Association (ZAWNA) has today launched its three year strategic plan in Lusaka today.

Speaking at the launch , ZAWNA president Florence Mwewa said the 2011- 2015 strategic plan is aimed to ensure that her organisation successfully implements its programmes and operations in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

” This will enable the organization respond positively to the needs of its members and existing inequalities affecting widowed women,” said Mrs Mwewa.

She noted that the organization’s partnership with the government, media, civil society, and private sector is pivotal in allowing women in Zambia attain social economic independence.

She said the organization has a vision to create a society were women are empowered to attain sustainable livelihoods.

Mrs. Mwewa said the launch showcases the value and significance of facilitating an enabling process to engage vulnerable women such as widows in strategic and productive livelihoods.

“Our strategic plan 2011 to 2015 is an agreement with many such development women empowerment process such as the millennium development goals, gender policy, enterprise development policy and vision 2030, ” she said.

She pointed out that it is the mandate of ZAWNA to contribute positively towards those challenging statements and commitments by way of implementing the strategic plan and annual action plans.

The organization has a membership of 3000 that work in organized groups in all the nine provinces of Zambia.

Its membership generally engage in various productive work such as agriculture, poultry, and cloth making.

ZAWNA is optimistic that the 2011 to 2015 strategic plan will be harnessed with successful key results to be able to be a model organisation to champion the needs of widows in Zambia.
[ ZANIS ]

Learning institutions to access the Internet more

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The Ministry of Education says it has launched an electronic knowledge centre at the Curriculum Development Centre in Lusaka that will help learning institutions in the country to access the Internet.

The knowledge centre focuses on professional development, distance education and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) integration in education and was set up with the support from the Flemmish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB).

Speaking at the launch today, the ministry’s Acting Director for Teacher Education and Specialised Services James Silwimba said the centre aims at improving the training of Basic School Teachers.

Mr. Silwimba said his Ministry and VVOB plan to distribute more than 350 refurbished computers and desktops, 35 beamers and 59 printers to selected resource centres, Zone and community schools in Central, Copperbelt, and Northern provinces.

And VVOB Programme Advisor for ICT Bart Cornille said the centre has been set up to make teaching and learning more attractive and effective.

The launch of the centre is part of a three phase programme embarked on by the Ministry of Education and VVOB and runs up to the year 2013.

[ ZANIS ]

Kabonde assures Zambia of continued peace ahead of polls

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Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde addresses journalists at Police service headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia Dec 23, 2009
Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde talking to journalists

Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde has reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment in ensuring that this polls are held in a peaceful environment.

Mr. Kabonde has also called on electoral stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the police in ensuring that the elections are held in peaceful arena before, during and after the polls.

The Inspector General of Police said this when he officially closed a four day workshop for Senior Police Officers and Provincial Commanding Officers at Chaminuka Lodge yesterday.

Mr. Kabonde said the Zambia Police Service has finalized and approved a draft handbook on policing elections in the country titled Policing Elections in Zambia and Violence Free 2011 election.

He said the workshop validated the draft handbook to be used as a guide to all police officers during this year’s elections.

The Police Chief explained that the handbook will also be used as a training manual and guide to re-train all police officers on their role in election duties.

The handbook covers key topics such democratic elections and human rights, international, regional and national standards relevant to policing, administration of the Public Order Act.

In addition , the handbook looks at conflict management and resolution, duties and responsibilities of the police before, during and after the elections and community policing.

Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for funding the workshops and other training programmes for police officers.

Among the notable participants included Commissioner of Police Grapheal Musamba and his counterpart for Special Duties, Charles Kaonga.

ZANIS

Government demarcates residential plots in Solwezi

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Structures along Solwezi Main Street

Northwestern Province Permanent Secretary Fabian has disclosed that 10,000 free plots will be demarcated and given to residents of Solwezi in various compounds.

Mr Mumba said a task force committee has already been constituted and works will commence soon.

The committee comprises officers from the provincial planning unit, physical planning and housing, provincial buildings department, Solwezi Municipal Council and ministry of lands survey department.

He added that every thing possible is being done to ensure that the 10,000 plots are demarcated and issued with title deeds by the end of July.

Mr Mumba was speaking in Solwezi today when he addressed Resident Development Committee (RDC) members from various compounds of the district.

Mr Mumba said under the programme no one will be allowed to have more than one plot so that everyone can benefit from the programme adding that all plots will have a standard size.

He observed that if some people are allowed to have more than one plot, others will be disadvantaged especially that some houses are built where they are not supposed to be.

Mr Mumba has urged members of Resident Development Committees not to politicize the programme but cooperate with the task force so that the programme can succeed.

He said the RDCs are well placed to work with the task force because they are members of the communities and know the compounds well.

The Permanent Secretary also said that members of the task force are government officers who should not be dragged into politics of legitimacy going on in the compounds but are there to do government work.

He further urged RDC members not to disadvantage anyone by allowing foreigners get the free plots saying this was a programme aimed at empowering Zambians.

During his visit to Northwestern Province in April this year, President Rupiah Banda directed the Provincial Administration to demarcate free plots in informal settlements to formalize them.

ZANIS

William Banda advises the opposition to condemn violence

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MMD Lusaka province chairman William Banda (C)
MMD Lusaka province chairman William Banda (C)

MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has challenged all opposition political party leaders to condemn political violence ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.

Mr. Banda told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the growing culture of political violence in the country should be condemned by all political leaders before, during and after the elections.

He advised opposition leaders especially to emulate President Banda who has on many occasions spoken against any form of violence.

The provincial chairperson said all political players in the country should embrace dialogue whenever they have grievances and not resort to violence.

He advised the youth to be wary of political leaders who may want to use them in violent activities before, during and after the elections.

Mr. Banda said Zambians should preserve the peace the country has enjoyed by ensuring that violence is not entertained at any point in the electoral process.

ZANIS

Govt lowers levels of sexual harassment in schools

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Education Minister Dora Siliya

Education Minister Dora Siliya says her ministry has managed to bring down levels of sexual harassment in schools in the country.

And visiting American Ambassador at Large for Global Women Issues Melanne Verveer has commended the Zambian government for its efforts in addressing the problem of girl’s child in schools.

Ms. Siliya said this is as a result of immediate suspension to all teachers found wanting in sexual harassment related cases while pending investigation.

She said Ministry of Justice was collaborating well with her ministry by intensifying the prosecution of under age sexual offenders.

Ms. Siliya said this in a speech read for her by Education Deputy Minister Dr. Boniface Kawimbe. This was during the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) event in Lusaka today.

She said government is also encouraging girls who drop out of school because of pregnancy under the re-entry policy.

The minister, however, stated that despite the achievements made, government is still facing challenges in keeping the girl child in school.

The education minister has since called for concerted effort in discouraging early marriages especially among school going children who are below 18 years.

Ms. Siliya said the programme of keeping girls in schools should be encouraged by families, community, the church,and traditional leaders.

“The challenge of keeping the girls in school has to be met at several levels; at the level of the family and community. This should not be left by the government or the ministry of education alone.

There should be continuous sensitization of the importance of girl child education targeting the parents, church, traditional and civil
leaders.” He said.

The minister has also commended the Forum for African Women Educationist in Zambia (FAWEZA) and Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) for supporting the vulnerable children in schools through provision of scholarships.

And Ambassador Melanne Verveer has commended the Zambian government for its efforts in addressing the problem of girl’s child in schools.

Ms. Verveer , who also met with girls and teachers from selected schools Peace Corp offices , said education for a girl child remains the best possible way of fighting problems in the world.

She said women and girls continue to face the same problems of illiteracy and abuse world over but noted that most African countries have since started making strides in addressing the problems.

The Ambassador has also advised government to continue investing in the education of girl children for them to have meaningful development.

“Educating a girl child still remains the biggest investment for a nation especially a developing nation like Zambia to attain growth.
By educating women we are educating the family and the nation, ” she said.

She has also applauded the girls for their determination and vision in life.

And Forum for African Women Educationist in Zambia (FAWEZA) National Coordinator Daphne Chimuka said her organization is working with other cooperating partners in providing scholarship to needy girls.

Ms. Chamuka also said they are having problems in returning girls in schools because of the safety problems.

She said the provision of scholarships has,however, helped the girls to remain in schools.
[ ZANIS ]

Criminals abduct Daily mail boss

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Six suspected criminals last night abducted Zambia Daily Mail Executive Director, Evans Milimo before getting away with his vehicle.

Ms. Siamana has explained that the criminals abducted Mr Milimo at the gate of his house in Avondale and they later dumped him in Linda compound in Chilanga area.

She has further explained that the criminals got away with Mr Milimo’s vehicle, a Toyota Prado registration number ABR 3302.

Police have since launched a man hunt for the criminals.
[ MUVI ]

Sichinga is a bitter man – Nyangu

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Movement for Multiparty Democracy(MMD) Deputy National Secreatry Chembe Nyangu has dispelled allegations that government is funding the ruling party’s campaign activities ahead of the 2011 polls.

Mr. Nyangu said assertions that the ruling party was using government resources to finance its political campaigns in this year were untrue.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that former Kafue constituency parliamentarian Bob Sichinga’s accusations are baseless.

Mr. Sichinga is according to media reports to have stated that the MMD was abusing government resources to fund the MMD campaigns ahead of the 2011 tripartite elections.

However, the MMD Deputy Secretary general said his party is greatly dismayed with Mr Sichinga’s assertions, warning him to desist misleading the Zambian.

He challenged Mr.Sichinga to show evidence to the general public so that the the law could take its course.

Mr. Nyangu said Mr Sichinga knows very well how government operates adding that the ruling party has it’s money for it’s campaigns not as reported in the media.

” Mr Sichinga is a bitter man who has never worked in Government in all his political career because of aligning himself with the opposition political parties which will never win any election, ” he said.

Mr. Nyangu lameneted that Mr Sichinga is a desperate politician who has joined the Patriotic Front hoping that the opposition party will win this year’s elections .

He stated that it was wishing thinking by any one to believe that the PF will ever rule this country because it has no economic agenda to improve the well being of all Zambians.

Mr. Ngangu noted that Zambians has seen what President Rupiah Banda has done for this country to deserve to be re-elected during this year’s elections.
[ ZANIS ]

Kavindele’s North-West Railway Company seals US$500m worth deal with US firm

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North West Rail Company Chairman Enoch Kavindele
North West Rail Company Chairman Enoch Kavindele

North-West Railway Company (NWR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tagos Group of Companies, a United States (US) based company.

The MoU is for the implementation of the 405 Kilometre rail project at a cost of US$500 million.

ZANIS reports that NWR Chairman Enock Kavindele said the project is important for the country as it will open up North Western Province to a lot of mining activities.

Mr Kavindele disclosed that North Western Province now produces about 66 percent of the country’s copper but that there is no means of bringing ore to smelt the copper.

The North West Rail Company Chairman said during a Press Briefing in Lusaka today at Mulungishi International Conference Centre on the sidelines of the 10th Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum that a lot of work has been made.

He said the Province has been been depending on trucks to haul the ore adding that this had resulted in congestion on the road.

Mr Kavindele said the implementation of the North West rail will give a different outlook to the province.

He said about 4000 jobs are expected to be created from the project that will largely be financed by the American company.

He further said Government has given a lot of licences to various mining companies for mining rights and explorations in the province hence the project will help enhance mining activities in the area.

Mr Kavindele described the project as big and that it will require the support of all stakeholders including Government, the Private Sector among others.

Speaking at the same briefing, Tagos Group of Companies Chairman Milton Scot said transparency and a good democratic government was the yard stick for US investment in any particular country in the world.

Mr Scot said Zambia’s positive democratic and transparency record has helped the country attract capital investment from the US.

He urged the Zambian Government to continue upholding transparency and good democratic principles for accelerated US investment in the country.

ZANIS