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Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has advised government to heed to the Oasis Forum’s advice of relieving republican vice president George Kunda off his duties.
TIZ President Rueben Lifuka says Mr. George Kunda, who is also Justice Minister, should take responsibility for the failed constitution as he has been at the helm of the whole process that was widely unaccepted by society.
Mr. Lifuka says the failure by to take responsibility will give an impression that public resources can be wasted and no one can be held accountable.
In an interview with QFM, Mr. Lifuka says TIZ still stands by its early call on Mr. Kunda to resign as his resignation will send a strong signal to anyone who will take charge of the constitution making process that it is a serious national process which needs to be addresses in a non-partisan manner.
Recently, the Oasis Forum demanded the resignation of republican vice president George Kunda for failing Zambians on the constitution making process and advised government to constitute a lean committee to deliberate on the Mung’omba draft constitution to see the way forward.
The Patriotic Front has described the extension of the suspension of the Lusaka city council as witch hunting.
Patriotic front chairman for local government and housing Given Lubinda says it is unfortunate that the local government has extended the suspension.
MR. Lubinda questions the motive behind the LCC suspension adding that government has a hidden agenda.
He states that the extension clearly reflects that the MMD government has entered the witch hunting phase in the run up to the elections.
Mr. Lubinda has since expressed confidence that the truth will come out despite government’s attempt to witch hunt political opponents.
He has further wondered why the minister of local government and housing has extended the suspension of the council when he earlier stated that investigations will take about 60 days.
In January this year, Minister of Local Government and Housing, Brian Chituwo announced the suspension of the council following reports that the local authority has been involved in some land allocation scams.
Dr Chituwo said Government decided to suspend LCC to pave way for investigations into the alleged illegal land allocation.
The Lusaka City Council has been accused of illegally allocating land to itself without following the law governing the allocation of land.
Out of 102 plots, the councilors got 45 plots, 10 plots were given to the Mayor while the deputy Mayor got five plots and members of the public were only allocated 11 plots.
Quick action by the Nakonde District Council’s Fire Brigade and the local people of Chilolwa in Nakonde district last night saved a truck from being burnt to ashes.
Scania truck carrying steel from the port of Dar-es-salaam caught fire following a tyre burst.
Fire fighters fought running battles to save the truck from being totally burnt to ashes.
Driver, Harry Rashid,36, who commended the fire fighters and the local people for their quick response, said he immediately stopped his truck after one of the tyres burst.
” However when I disembarked, I just saw fire coming from tyre. I immediately called for help, ” he said.
Elsewhere, another truck ferrying cooking oil to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR- Congo ) has careered off the road and plunged into a tree almost at the same spot in Chilolwa.
However, no injuries were recorded though several litres of cooking oil has been lost as it spilled on the tarmac.
Police officers quickly rushed to the scene to prevent the goods from being looted and kept vegil over night as they waited for another truck to come.
Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSCO ) spokesperson Simon Mwale says the water utility firm will work tirelessly in ensuring that the sewerage ponds in Garden compound do not result into a disaster in future.
Mr. Mwale said his company has being trying to put up measures to protect the ponds and the lives of people living near the ponds.
He noted that it is unfortunate that people have settled near the sewerage pond a case which has in the past made it difficult for the company to maintain security to the ponds.
The LWSCO spokesperson said his water utility company has in the past discussed the issue of relocating settlers in the area near the ponds but to no avail due to illegal encroachment of the area.
However this problem comes because of the population increase which was not expected at the time the ponds where built.
Mr. Mwale has further said measures of fencing the ponds have also not yielded positive results as there is a high rate of vandalism in the area.
He said his company is aware of property and infrastructure damage within the premises of the sewerage ponds and he has however warned the people who may be involved in such vice to stop as they may be causing a quick alarm to disaster in the near future which may lead to lose of lives.
He however mentioned the encroaching and causing damage of water utility structures and property are big offences which attract conviction of five years imprisonment if one found guilty by the courts of law.
He said under normal circumstances the sewerage ponds have to be located 500 meters away from houses but it is sad that people have in vended that land which poses a danger to human life.
Mongu residents gather at Limilunga to witness the arrival of the Nalikwanda during the Kuomboka ceremony.
By Dr Robert Mtonga
IT is amazing that a profession such as journalism that hitherto was next to nobility has ‘gone to the dog.’ Political activists posing as champions of human, civil and political rights in media circles seem to have gone over the line.
Many in the fractured Press are nothing more than propaganda wings of their sponsors. These colleagues have gathered around themselves all manner of shadowy characters who they call sources and news makers.
A cursory study of these news makers reveals how these citizens hold one thing in common hatred and opposition, in this case, to a common enemy. The jaundiced Press is sleeping around with strange bedfellows sad to say.
While it is within their rights to take sides and weigh-in on national issues, a line must be drawn between genuine critique and unfeigned hatred. As Election Day crawls in slowly but surely the venom being unleashed is so toxic so much so that it is beginning to verge on the psychiatric.
Yes citizens, including journalists are fully entitled to engage and inform debate on national issues. But should they sell their souls for 30 pieces of silver to achieve this? As politicians of all hues and persuasions are lining up to stake their credentials for all to see, journalists, as eyes and ears of the masses of the Zambian people are expected to reflect this into society.
This is as it should be in plural politics. Politicians should also be given ample room to peddle their wares, using as many ways and means as possible to woo would-be voters.
This year’s tripartite elections have provided that occasion when politicians and their supporters go abroad looking for votes, employing every iota of energy to capture the electors.
The aspiration to unseat the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) from Government is a legitimate and universal human right of every Zambian who has the wherewithal to allure voters.
In winning the hearts and souls of the electorate, rules of procedure are important. An Electoral Code of Conduct is not just an ideal thing; it is a vital referee in civilised politics.
When one therefore sees political opponents getting at each other’s necks outside the rules of the game, one is left to wonder as to the utility of such a document or indeed the civility of men so engaged in the game of politics.
Wrestling power from incumbency must not be a matter of life and death. Politicians must be encouraged to use every legitimate means at their disposal to win office and serve the Zambian people.
It is worrying therefore when one reads, sees and hears of political groupings using underhand methods to remove the ruling MMD from power. Alas, it has now become fashionable to create “new truths” in order to dress political rivals in ill-fitting fatigues.
This is meant to put those opponents in negative light in the eyes of voters and ostensibly portray the purveyors of such falsehoods in good standing with the same. What is more, the creators of such lies go the whole hog to personalise the attacks in a way that is un-christian, unfair and friendish.
It can be said, without blinking, that one favourite “punch-bag” is the MMD and President Banda. While it is not wrong to trade political punches, it is certainly not right to use naked lies to do so.
It is increasingly becoming crystal clear that President Banda’s political foes are becoming more and more desperate in fabricating half-truths, innuendos and damn lies in a bid to parry the punches RB is throwing at them.
[pullquote]Many citizens are appreciative of the work RB has done in a short time in power. Even if the MMD loses this year’s tripartite elections, the new hospitals, clinics, roads, schools will remain as standing monuments of RB’s tour of duty.[/pullquote]
Day in and day out, the rumour mills are churning out falsehoods at break-neck speed in an attempt to paint the MMD and RB black without shame and without humanity.
What is more, the charges behind the smear campaign are panting with seething rage when they discover that Zambian after Zambian has now started seeing through the woolly hoodwink of the products of their fertile imaginations.
The propaganda machinery led by some celebrated tabloids is outdoing itself in manufacturing lies with every breath it takes, believing albeit naively that the general public out there will buy hook, liner and sinker these peddled stories.
Just take the recent happenings in Mongu before, during and after the Kuomboko ceremony of the Lozi people of Western Province. This particular tabloid had painted a picture that mayhem would characterise the visit of His Honour the Vice-President George Kunda to Mongu to grace the Kuomboka ceremony.
The Zambians were subjected to a diet of unfounded statements that Western Province was an MMD no-go area. It was claimed that the Western Province had turned their allegiance to the Patriotic Front (PF).
Furthermore, the tabloid had stated that people in the province were in mourning. The jaundiced publication splashed pictures of injured persons on their front page footage to create disaffection in the minds of the westerners.
This was a veiled bid to make the westerners rise against the ruling MMD. The truth of the matter however is that people in the province and visitors from yonder shore turned up in large numbers to the shame and dishonour of the owners and originators of these lies.
When the bluff was exposed by the naked light of truth, the same tabloid fabricated yet another story that the police service had cancelled a permit to allow worshippers of a certain denomination celebrate Palm Sunday, quoting an unknown, even perhaps hired source.
When Bishop Paul Duffy of the Mongu Diocese refuted the claims, thus uncovering, the ignoble owners of this propaganda, they were left licking their wounds in ashes of self- defeat. It is common knowledge that the missile-launchers have nothing to offer.
All they do is align themselves to all and sundry that is opposed to RB. The only thing they share with RB’s opponents is personal hatred for RB. They rarely discuss issues of substance.
[pullquote]When the bluff was exposed by the naked light of truth, the same tabloid fabricated yet another story that the police service had cancelled a permit to allow worshippers of a certain denomination celebrate Palm Sunday, quoting an unknown, even perhaps hired source.[/pullquote]
The Zambians fortunately are coming round to the light of day.
Many read some of tabloids with pinched noses. Is it any wonder that bundles and bundles of these publications are returned at the end of each day to the publishers. The MMD has one advantage over their opponents and lap dogs.
It has a record of developmental projects that even they very hard-nosed critiques cannot ignore. Try though the propagandist would to change their lenses, the truth speaks back with the real picture.
Many citizens are appreciative of the work RB has done in a short time in power. Even if the MMD loses this year’s tripartite elections, the new hospitals, clinics, roads, schools will remain as standing monuments of RB’s tour of duty.
The best honour a self-respecting politician would do to his or her perceived enemy would be to acknowledge the good that is obvious and cry foul over the neglected duties and responsibilities.
Trying to falsify the obvious is akin to shooting oneself in the foot. Truth is a liberator. When potential voters see a truth-telling politician, they are more likely to heed his or her message unlike when such a one is hell-bent on fabricating lies.
The Zambian culture is a noble heritage of civility, humanity and all that tends to the promotion of co-existence, self-worth and bridge building. Anything less is not only alien, but a departure from this tenet.
May a day come when dogs will walk out of the profession and professionalism take up her seat once again. May journalists and news makers remember their own humanity and forget the rest.
The hour has come for the redemption of the profession from imposters and hired writers.
“They will flog Him and kill Him; and on the third day He will rise again”
(Luke 18:33, AMP).
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Every year all over the world, people honor Good Friday as they day Jesus was crucified. It was the darkest, most painful, discouraging day of His life. To others, it looked as if it was over. It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. But God had other plans. Jesus’ enemies put Him in the grave on Friday celebrating their victory, but Sunday morning was a different story. The grave could not hold Him. Death couldn’t contain Him. The forces of darkness couldn’t stop Him. On the third day, Jesus came out of the grave and He said, “I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore.”
One principle that the resurrection teaches us is that God will always finish what He started. No matter how dark it looks, no matter how long it’s been, no matter how many people are trying to push you down; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday. You will see your day of breakthrough because God will complete what He started.
If you are going through a dark time today, remember that your day of resurrection, your “Sunday” is on the way! Keep standing, keep believing, because soon you will rise up into the higher places He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for Your resurrection power that is alive in me. I choose to keep my eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank You that my day of breakthrough is on its way! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Police have arrested 220 people in Mansa following the riots which resulted in the death of five people after rumours of suspected ritual killings.
The police have since dispatched 300 officers to Mansa to reinforce the local police and ensure the situation is brought under control.
The riots have resulted in the damage and looting of various properties belonging to local businessmen worth billions of Kwacha.
Police public relations officer Ndandula Siamana said in a statement that besides damaging property, the rioters also killed cattle, goats and chickens.
“Many prominent shops were set ablaze and some rioters mercilessly slaughtered chickens and also besieged some farms,” she said.
Ms Siamana warned that police are still carrying out investigations and those arrested risk being charged with offences ranging from murder, assault, theft and malicious damage to property as well as riotous behaviour.
“The police service cannot tolerate this and will not rest and will ensure that until those in custody and those to be arrested are taken to court,” she said.
She said this has been the saddest development because it has signifies anarchy and breakdown of law and order in Mansa.
“As the security situation normalizes in Mansa, Victims of these riots and indeed the law abiding citizens particularly in Mansa are requested to cooperate with the police service,” she said.
Ms Ndandula said the service is further appealing to Mansa resident that might information regarding those who were involved in the riots but have not been arrested to get in touch with the inspector general of police, the commending officer and the public relations officer.
And the MMD in Luapula province has condemned the violence describing it as unnecessary and retrogressive.
MMD provincial secretary, Able Chilukuta, said the party in Nchelenge district, where he is a councilor, has asked the police to guard Amico shop belonging tone of the businessmen affected by the rioting.
“We do not want the violence and destruction to spread to Nchelenge where some of the Mansa businessmen also have businesses, I have told the officer in charge to guard the Amico shop in Kashikishi,” he said.
He urged the people in Mansa to remain calm and allow government investigating agencies to do their work nad come up with the truth instead of acting on mere rumours,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Jazzman Chikwakwa
GOVERNMENT has given the ZCCM-IH a seven-day ultimatum to implement President Banda’s directive to write off outstanding balances on over 3,386 housing units offered for sale to sitting tenants.
Deputy Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Jazzman Chikwakwa said in a statement issued in Kitwe yesterday that ZCCM-IH should execute the presidential directive within seven days, failure to which disciplinary measures would be taken against the institution.
“All those responsible for implementing the President’s directive must do it immediately, especially ZCCM-IH. They should implement the directive within seven days,” MrChikwakwa said.
He warned that Government will not fail to take necessary action against any officer who will employ delaying tactics in the implementation of the President’s directive.
“All those who will be found to be delaying the presidential directive, including chief executive officers, should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities without fail. This is a presidential directive and it should be treated with respect and urgency,” he said.
Mr Chikwakwa said President Banda is working hard to ensure that people throughout the country have decent accommodation.
Mr Chikwakwa said Government is implementing projects in all parts of the country intended to alleviate poverty and improve lives, especially in rural areas.
[pullquote]“All those who will be found to be delaying the presidential directive, including chief executive officers, should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities without fail. This is a presidential directive and it should be treated with respect and urgency,” he said.[/pullquote]
On April 16, President Banda directed that outstanding balances on over 3, 386 housing units on the Copperbelt be written off and sitting tenants be given letters of sale with immediate effect.
The President also directed Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Maxwell Mwale to instruct the ZCCM-IH to immediately write off the outstanding balances on housing units offered for sale to sitting tenants in six towns on the Copperbelt.
The directive covers 1,518 houses in Mufulira’s Kankoyo, Kantanshi and Mupambe townships and 1,011 in Luanshya.
In Kitwe, outstanding balances on 732 houses will be written off in Wusakile, Mindolo, Nkana East, Nkana West and Chamboli.
About 92 sitting tenants in Kalulushi and Chambishi are expected to benefit from this directive.
In Chililabombwe, outstanding balances on 31 houses will be written off.
The Andrew Kamanga Faz interim camp has said SuperSport’s decision to temporally cease beaming Super Division matches is a serious lapse in the administrative systems at Faz.
And Faz has called SuperSports decision to temporally cease broadcasting after April 25 as disappointing.
SuperSport says it will only resume broadcasting if Faz gives them fixtures that will not be changed at short notice.
“The behaviour of Football House towards our partners is a clear manifestation of the deep seated problems affecting the administration of the game which led to the outcry that has attracted a vote of no confidence,” the a statement issued by Faz interim press liason officer Lwanga Mwilu said.
“It is further disappointing that this group which used the SuperSport deal to coerce Super Division teams into resuming the league when they were not ready have failed to live up to contractual demands.
“There is a clear breakdown of administrative systems at Football House which is uncalled for and should be brought to an immediate end.
“We urge this out-going group of FAZ executive members to render an unreserved apology to SuperSport, the football family and indeed consumers who were anxiously looking forward to the cancelled fixtures that had attracted wide advertisement.”
Meanwhile, Faz vice president Boniface Mwamelo said Football House reserves the right to reschedule league games.
“The Football Association of Zambia wishes to express its disappointment by MultiChoice Zambia following a statement attributed to it Public Relations Manager Marlon Kananda on the live broadcast of MTN Super League games,” Mwamelo said.
“It is extremely disappointing because matters raised in that statement were put in wrong context and have misled the football community and general public.
As custodians of the league, FAZ reserves the right to reschedule games in the best interest of the teams and the overall development and advancement of Zambian football both on the local and international front.”
Here are the Easter weekend football fixtures for matched to be played 22,23, 24, 25 April 2011 and Super Division standings going into Fridays Week four games.
MTN/FAZ SUPER DIVISION
22/04/2011
Week 4
Zanaco-Forest Rangers
Lime Hotspurs- Green Buffaloes
Nkwazi- Kabwe Warriors
Roan United-Red Arrows
Konkola Blades-Power Dynamos
Kalewa-Nakambala Leopards
Nkana-Nchanga Rangers
Postponed
Green Eagles-Zesco United
[standings league_id=18 template=extend logo=false]
23/04/2011
Orange Caf Champions League Second Round, First Leg
Trade Fair Grounds, Ndola
Zesco United-Al Ahly
Week 5
24/04/2011
Power Dynamos-Roan United
25/04/2011
Forest Rangers-Green Buffaloes
Zanaco-Nkwazi
Red Arrows-Lime Hotspurs
Zesco United-Nkana
Nakambala Leopards-Konkola Blades
Nchanga Rangers-Kalewa
Division One
24/04/2011
South
Big Roma-Lusaka City Council
City of Lusaka-Senanga Leopards
Luena Buffaloes-Kafue Celtic
Young Green Eagles-National Assembly
Profund Warriors-Mazabuka United
Petauke United-Riflemen
Paramilitary-Kalomo Jetters
Lusaka Tigers-Forest Rangers
Livingstone Pirates-Nampundwe
North
Chambishi-Prison Leopards
Chindwin Sentries-Indeni
Ndola United-Konkola Mine Police
Bresemer United-Kitwe United
Mining Rangers-Kalulushi Modern Stars
Lusaka Dynamos-Kabwe United
Luanshya United-Nkwiza
Zesco Luapula-Mufulira Blackpool
Mufulira Wanderers-Mundeni
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati has said pleas to extend the mandate of the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) should be driven by objectives.
Mr. Mutati told Journalist in Lusaka today that there is need for predictability in AGOA activities in order to set performance benchmarks that can help make the country competitive to trade with the US markets.
He urged AGOA eligible countries to set targets for exporting to the American markets ahead of the forthcoming AGOA conference slated for June 9th to 10th 2011 in Lusaka.
“Our current export to the US market as a country in terms of agricultural produce amounts to only one percent so there is need to set a target of 10 percent within the next four years in order to increase our export to the US,” he said.
He said it was important to avoid past mistakes where markets were opened to African countries before they became competitive.
Mr. Mutati said it was imperative that to return to the original concept of AGOA where more emphasis was put on enhancing Africa’s competitiveness to trade with markets such as the US before trading with such market giants were opened.
He said the extension of AGOA should be driven by objectives set to help enhance Africa’s competitiveness to trade with the US.
The minister also stressed the need to create capacity in both local and regional exporters to increase the benefits of the AGOA forum because the volume of goods required to export to the US market is huge.
And Mr. Mutati said Zambia has made headways in preparing to host the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) conference.
Mr. Mutati said the United States (US) team that visited the country to evaluate the country’s preparedness to host the event were impressed with how prepared Zambia is to stage the AGOA conference.
He expressed optimism that Zambia will host a very successful conference that will impact positively on the country’s capacity to trade with renowned markets such as the US and European markets.
Four American government ministers and a 3, 000 American delegation is expected to accompany US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) conference to be hosted by Zambia from the June 9th to 10th.
President Rupiah Banda has asked Zambians to reflect on the importance of family and community values.
In his Easter message, the President says every Zambian should take stock and reflect on the importance of family, community and eventually the need for maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“ Easter makes an opportunity for us to take stock and reflect on the importance of family, community and the need for peace and stability in our country, ” said the President.
He also appealed to all citizens to help the country in maintaining a peaceful and supportive society as the country goes to the polls the year.
The President has meanwhile assured the country of free, fair and open elections this year.
“Zambian people will this year choose leaders who they wish to lead them to the tomorrow Zambia. I wish to reassure them that these elections will be free, fair and open.
” In return I appeal to them to help us maintain a peaceful and supportive society, ” he said.
He has further reinforced his pledged to provide a better future for all Zambians.The President has also promised to continue working hard to ensure that every Zambians enjoys the fruits of a strong and prosperous nation.
Last week the President directed that debts on over 3,300 parastatal homes on the Copperbelt be written off.
He has during his time in office been working tirelessly to achieve a better place for Zambia in the world.
His policies have brought better health care provision, increased education and employment opportunities, and underpinned by steady economic growth which has yielded investment across the country.
This is contained in a press statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations,Dickson Jere.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Maxwell Mwale has warned Nava Barrat Limited, the new owners of Maamba Collieries Limited, to strictly observe Zambian labour laws and treat their employees properly.
Mr. Mwale said government was confident that Nava Barrat will revamp operations at the mine and employ more people.
He said the new owners of the mine should take into account government aspirations to give more jobs to Zambians especially those within Southern province.
He said the mines should work towards improving the lives of people in the province and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Mr. Mwale said this after he toured Maamba Collieries Limited yesterday.
And Maamba Collieries Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mumba Kalunga disclosed that Nava Barrat has so far spent over US$26 million in rehabilitating the mine and getting it ready for full operations in September this year.
Mr. Kalunga told the minister that the company will spend a total of US$700 million in the first phase of the rehabilitation project.
He said the company was working hard to ensure that a new mine was completed soon to start full operations.
He explained that the mine has since paid almost all the outstanding debts it owed and retained 140 employees.
He added that the company will engage another 100 employees once full mining operations start.
Mr. Kalunga further said more people will be employed by the sub-contractors adding that once the three phases of the mining establishment have been completed, over 1,200 people will get jobs at the mines.
Nava Barrat owns 65 percent of shares in Maamba Collieries Mine while 35 percent is owned by the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holding (ZCCM-IH).
Vice President George Kunda listens to the Litunga at Limilunga.
THE Ngambela of Western Province has said the Litunga and people in the province are impressed with the development projects being undertaken by President Rupiah Banda’s administration and that the campaign to isolate the Government from the Lozis will not succeed.
In an interview at Limulunga palace in Mongu yesterday, the Ngambela, who is prime minister and holds the second-highest position after the Litunga, said attempts to drive a wedge between the Lozi-speaking people and the Government would fail.
He said the traditional leaders in the province would maintain the existing close relations they enjoy with the Government considering the many developmental issues it was tackling.
The Ngambela backed President Banda’s initiative to empower teachers and miners, as well as former miners occupying the former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) houses.He said even though the directive did not affect the province in terms of mining houses, the Government should continue with any programme that seeks to empower Zambians.
President Banda on Saturday directed that all outstanding debts owed by sitting tenants of the former ZCCM houses be written off, and that teachers occupying Government and institutional houses should be allowed to buy them.
He also directed parastatal firms such as National Pensions Scheme Authority and Development Bank of Zambia to work towards offering their houses countrywide to sitting tenants for purchase.
The Ngambela said for the first time since independence, Western Province would have four district hospitals while Mongu-Kalabo Road was the most expensive project taking place in Zambia.
He also said the traditional leadership was considering holding a meeting with Mongu Diocese Bishop Paul Duffy because some of his statements sounded as though he was the spokesperson for the province and the Lozi people.
“We have never held an audience with Bishop Duffy but it is our plan to do so. We want to meet and understand in what capacity he speaks for the province and from there we will see what next,” he said.
The Ngambela said President Banda and his Government should not be discouraged by the negative campaign orchestrated by some Catholic priests such as Bishop Duffy.
It was not correct for anyone to suggest that a whole province could all at once be against the Government because people were at liberty to hold different opinions on matters of governance.
He said there was no gauge to show that the province was against the Government and that the traditional leadership would always work with the current administration for the benefit of the people.
The Ngambela said Zambia was one nation born in 1964 and was optimistic that unity would always prevail despite the pockets of campaigns aimed at causing divisions.[pullquote]The Ngambela said for the first time since independence, Western Province would have four district hospitals while Mongu-Kalabo Road was the most expensive project taking place in Zambia.[/pullquote]
He said campaigns, including a recent failed scheme aimed at having the Kuomboka traditional ceremony cancelled, were in direct conflict with the stand of the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE).
The Ngambela said he had to go on air to announce that the ceremony would take place and urged the people of Western Province to ignore the fliers that suggested otherwise.
He said the BRE had been engaging the Government on developmental issues and was happy that schools, hospitals, roads and farming inputs were being delivered to farmers in the province and the rest of the country.
The Ngambela said royal establishment had always been against calls for secession and that people who protested early this year in support of calls to separate the province from the rest of Zambia did not have any blessings of the Litunga who was a staunch supporter of the “One Zambia, One nation” motto.
He urged the people of Western Province to remain calm and support Government programmes to promote peace and co-existence.
