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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

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 ]

A political analyst has condemned the emerging trend where traditional leaders are engaging in partisan politics.

Dr. Alex Ng’oma who is a senior lecturer in the school of humanities at the University of Zambia has told Qfm that traditional rulers play an important role in uniting the people in the country.

Dr. Ngoma has since advised chiefs in the country that in as much as they would want to add their voice on issues of national interest, they should desist from taking sides in matters of politics if there integrity is to be protected.

He observed that drawing traditional leaders into politics will put their credibility at risk as they are held in higher esteem by society.

Dr. Ng’oma says this in a wake of various chiefs who have openly declared their support for Republican President Rupiah Banda in this year tripartite elections.

[ QFM ]

The MMD has announced that it is ready to start receiving applications for the adoption of candidates who want to stand on the party ticket as Members of Parliament and Councilors in this year’s general elections.

MMD National Secretary Richard Kachingwe says the deadline for submission of applications to constituency committees is 10th June, 2011.

Major Kchingwe who was addressing a media briefing for the first time since he was elected into office last April told journalists that the Provincial Executive Committee-PEC will submit all applications to the party secretariat on 16th June, 2011.

He explained that this is after interviews and selection of candidates have been done at the grassroot levels, which are the constituencies, districts and provincial.

Major Kachingwe says between 18th and 20th June 2011 the National Executive Committee panel will interview the applicants.

He has urged women and youths to apply for the positions.

Major Kachingwe has warned that the party secretariat will not tolerate candidates who will try to discredit others during the selection process.

And the MMD says it has written to the Catholic Church seeking audience to iron out perceived differences with the government.

MMD National secretary Major Richard Kachingwe says the party has also written to the Zambia Centre for Inter- Party dialogue-ZCID to convene a meeting with all political parties to iron out contentious issues ahead of this year’s general elections.

Major Kachingwe who was addressing the Media for the first time since he was elected party national secretary told Journalists at a media briefing that the MMD will always use dialogue to resolve perceived differences with the Catholic Church and Political
parties.

He explains that it is President Rupiah Banda’s desire that this years tripartite elections are held in a peaceful manner.

Major Kachingwe further explained that the MMD is committed to ensuring that the elections are held in a free and fair manner.

And Major Kachingwe has advised youths not to be used by politicians to cause violence ahead of this year’s general elections.

Meanwhile, Major Kachingwe says the MMD has always stated that the Parallel Voter Tabulation -PVT is illegal.

He wondered why the party was being accused of wanting to fund the PVT system when it has clearly stated that the system is illegal.

ZNBC

The Kabwe High Court has convicted former Health Deputy Minister Dr. Solomon Musonda for causing bodily harm with intent to maim a Serenje man.

Delivering the judgment in Kabwe On Tuesday, Judge Mugeni Mulenga set Friday, June 3, 2011 as date for mitigation by the defence lawyers and sentencing.

Judge Mulenga said that she was convinced that Dr. Musonda was guilty of the charge.

Dr. Musonda’s bail has meanwhile been extended.

Particulars of the offence were that Dr Musonda, a 34-year-old medical doctor and politician, and a resident of Nsumbu road in Lusaka’s Woodlands area, on June 1, 2010 with intent to maim, disfigured and caused grievous harm to Jackson Musaka of Serenje.

In another case, the Lusaka high court has granted a 5 million kwacha bail to two youths of Kafue pending appeal to the Supreme Court after being convicted for malicious damage to property.

Mike Chongo 19 and James Silwamba 18 were sentenced to 7 years simple imprisonment after being found guilty of the offence earlier this year.

In a ruling by high court judge Agness Banda- Bobo, the duo was granted bail on account that the two are school boys in grades 9 and 12.

The court agreed with the defence that since appeals in the high court take long to determine there incarcerations would mean they miss examinations and will have to drop out of school by the time their appeal was being heard.

The duo is alleged to have caused damage to property worth 17 million kwacha belonging to Marry Musonda of Kafue whom they accused of being a witch.

ZNBC

Two people have died while 34 others are nursing serious injuries after a truck lost control and hit into a Toyota Mark two car registration number ABF 4222 along Katimamulilo road, in Lusaka’s Garden compound.

The Truck with unknown registration number first knocked down a pedestrian before hitting into a Toyota Mark two.

And Mandevu Member Of Parliament Jean Kapata who was at the scene of an accident expressed sadness at the increasing number of accidents along Katimamululilo road.

Ms. Kapata has since appealed to the Lusaka City Council to consider putting up humps that will force motorists to drive at a low speed.

The accident happened around 12 hours when an Isuzu truck carrying mourners lost control and hit into a Toyota mark 2 registration number ABF 4222.

Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana confirmed the accident to MUVI TV news.

Ms. Siamana says the driver of the truck Shadreck Banda had no drivers’ license and is in police custody.

She has advised members of the public to avoid getting on to overloaded vehicles when going to the graveyard.

The bodies of the deceased are lying in UTH mortuary.
[ MUVI ]

Former Zambian High Commissioner to Botswana , Milton Phiri’s family says it is saddened with their guardian’s remarks alleging that President Rupiah Banda is not a Zambian.

The former envoy’s young brother Frackson said Mr. Phiri’s remarks against President Banda embraced the entire family because he was an elderly person of high standing in society as a former envoy.

He said it was strange for his elder brother to attack the Republican President in an immature manner saying he was not supposed to allow himself to be used to fight cheap political battles aimed at discrediting the Head of State.

Mr. Phiri stated that it was shameful that Mr Phiri who once lived with President Banda in Chikomeni village in Lundazi could make such allegations when he knew Mr Banda’s roots.

He said that his family was shocked and stated that it was a way of discrediting President Banda to re-contest the Presidential seat in the forthcoming tripartite elections.

Mr. Phiri advised his brother to apologize to the Head of State and the nation for the false allegations.

The former High Commissioner was recently quotated in one of the tabloids as having accused President Rupiah Banda of making a false declaration during nominations ahead of the 2008 Presidential election.
[ ZANIS ]

FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Edward Mumbi has challenged British High Commissioner Carolyn Davidson to explain Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire’s allegations that her government is funding the Press Freedom Committee of The Post to bolster Patriotic Front (PF) campaigns.

Mr Mumbi was commenting on Ms Davidson’s open letter to the Times of Zambia over allegations that the Department for International Development (DFiD) is funding PF president Michael Sata’s campaign ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.

Mr Mumbi said Ms Davidson has still not addressed Mr Chifire’s allegations in this week’s Monday edition of the Times.

“Having read the letter from Ms Davidson, she has not addressed the issue of her government funding the Press Freedom Committee of The Post and has not clarified the issue of her government investing five million pounds to enhance Zambia’s domestic observation of the elections among other things. What is this domestic observation all about?” he asked.

Mr Mumbi said Ms Davidson has made her point clear but something is still missing in her response to Mr Chifire’s claims.

He challenged Ms Davidson to explain how the Press Freedom Committee of The Post has been accused of getting funds from the British government for PF campaigns.

Mr Mumbi urged Ms Davidson to address the issues raised by Mr Chifire, instead of talking about what Zambians already know.

“Ms Davidson should not jeopardise the good relationship Zambia has with Britain. She should just explain why her government wants to involve itself in internal politics by allegedly funding the Press Freedom Committee of The Post.

Mr Mumbi said explaining the links between The Post and the British government does not affect the relationship Zambia has with Britain.

On Monday, Mr Chifire accused the DFiD of using The Post to fund PF through seemingly innocent electoral programmes.

Mr Chifire said Mr Bob Sichinga has been going round the country to campaign for the PF with donor funds, using the Press Freedom Committee of The post.

“We, therefore condemn this donor agency which is sponsoring PF campaigns,” he said.

And Ms Davidson said claim that the British government is funding the electoral campaigns of the PF is not true and Mr Chifire has not provided any evidence to support his claim.

She said the British government is committed to helping Zambia deliver free and fair elections, in which all stakeholders have confidence in the whole process.

[Zambia Daily Mail]