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MMD Copperbelt provincial information and publicity secretary Yotam Mtayachalo has said the absence of Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata at the 2011 Kuomboka traditional ceremony is a clear indication that he has no regard for the people of Western Province.
Mr Mtayachalo said it was surprising that while some sections of the media had continued projecting Mr Sata as the favourite presidential candidate for the people in the area, the opposition leader shunned their ceremony.
“If Mr Sata had regard for the people of Western Province, he could have made sure that he attended the Kuomboka traditional ceremony, especially that some sections of the media are reporting that he is the preferred presidential candidate. His absence shows that he has no respect for the people in the area.
“He has no regard for the Lozi people and he knows that some sections of the media are just misleading him by reporting that he is the preferred presidential candidate in the province,” Mr Mtayachalo said.
He said Mr Sata had a track record of not attending traditional ceremonies and that Zambians should not make a mistake of voting for him in the 2011 elections because he would easily ban the country’s rich traditions.
Mr Mtayachalo said unlike some opposition leaders who attended traditional ceremonies, Mr Sata did not seem to have any regard for the annual events that were treasured by the Zambian people.
He challenged Mr Sata to tell Zambians which traditional ceremony he had attended since he became PF leader.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has advised chief government spokesperson Liutenant General Ronny Shikapwasha to use his position to build instead of issuing statements that are termed to be political.
TIZ President Rueben Lifuka says general Shikapwasha, should provide guidance to the radio stations instead of taking punitive positions of threatening them with closure.
This follows Chief government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha’s statement suggesting that all radio stations playing campaign songs risk losing their licenses because the Electoral Commission of Zambia has not declared the commencement of political campaigns ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.
Mr. Lifuka says General Shikapwasha should not just provide guidance but should also consider advising his party to refrain from advertising on the same radio stations allegedly being used by the opposition.
He tells QFM that General Shikapwasha’s statement is not only disadvantaging the opposition but also putting pressure on president Rupiah Banda to announce the election date.
The opposition UPND youth wing in the Southern Province has advised the Patriotic Front to attend its Provincial rally slated for April 29th and to be addressed by party president Hakainde Hichilema in Choma and witness how many of its members will defect to the UPND on that day.
And the UPND has refuted media reports in yesterday’s post newspaper suggesting that 61 of its members in choma have defected to join the patriotic front describing the party structures as being intact and stronger than anticipated.
Provincial youth chairman Francis Hakayobe says he has drawn up a list of more than 240 defectors from both the Patriotic Front and MMD that intend to switch to the UPND on the 29th of April 2011 led by PF Choma Central Constituency Youth Chairman Japhet Kamwendo and called on Patriotic Front senior officials to send representation in order to witness the grand occasion.
Mr. Hakayobe adds that it is a pity that the opposition party is playing politics of mediocrity and wondered which popularity its provincial chairperson Joseph Akafumba is claiming warning of a humiliating defeat in this year’s elections for the party in the province.
And on the reported defection of 61 UPND cadres, Mr. Hakayobe maintains that the PF had offered to pay every defector a total of K300, 000 at a function which was supposed to have been graced by Secretary General Winter Kabimba who could however not make it to Choma after being informed that the function had been snubbed.
He advised the Post Newspaper to consider providing factual information to the masses adding that the upnd in the province is still strong and resolved to support the candidature of its party president in this year’s tripartite election as he applauds the expulsion of Colonel Panji Kaunda from the party.
He said the youth wing is ready and determined to protect Hichilema against any odds and warned Panji Kaunda to desist from making unwarranted attacks on the party leadershipas they were ready to crash with him and his sponsors.
No worries-a couple relaxing at the Mindolo dam in Kitwe
Residents in Kitwe, who are beneficiaries of President Rupiah Banda’s directive to write off outstanding debt on their houses have described the president as a father of the nation who is ready to listen to the cries of the people.
Michael Chitundu of house number MN 97 Mukuba Natwange said by instructing the relevant authorities to write off all outstanding balances for 3,338 former parastatal houses that were sold to sitting tenants, Mr Banda had demonstrated that he had compassion for the Zambian people.
Mr Chitundu, who owed Mukuba Pension Fund some money to complete the purchase of his house, said he was overjoyed by President Banda’s directive and was convinced that his Government would continue to respond to people’s cries.
“I had paid some money towards the purchase of the house, but I had not completed the payment. I am now happy that the president has written off our debts.
“For me, I must say I am very thankful because this is a very good development. I feel this is the Government to have in power,” Mr Chitundu said.
President Banda on Saturday issued a directive that all outstanding balances on 3, 338 housing units on the Copperbelt be written off and sitting tenants given letters of sale immediately.
Mr Banda also directed boards of Zambia Forests and Forestry Industrial Corporation, National Pensions Scheme Authority, Development Bank of Zambia, and Mukuba Pension Fund to offer their housing units countrywide to sitting tenants for purchase.
The president instructed Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale to ask Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) to immediately write off the outstanding debts on housing units offered 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 housing units in Luanshya.
Outstanding balances would be written off in Kitwe on 732 houses in Wusakile, Mindolo, Nkana East, Nkana West and Chamboli while 92 tenants in Kalulushi and Chambishi would benefit from the directive.
In Chililabombwe, outstanding debts on 31 housing units would be written off.
Charles Siyunda of House number MN 75 said although he had finished paying for his house, the directive was a good development and it showed that the MMD Government was there for the people.
Mr Siyunda urged opposition political parties not to politicise the directive as it was meant to benefit many people.
“This is a good development and this is what we call a listening Government. We just hope that the opposition will not politicise this issue.
“We are now urging you the media to follow up the issue and ensure that Mukuba Pension writes off the debts,” Mr Siyunda said.
Another resident, who only identified herself as Moddy, welcomed the directive, although she said it should have been made much earlier before some tenants committed themselves to loans while others sold their houses so that they could not lose out completely.
“But this is a wonderful idea, it is going to give relief to many people,” she said.
Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has called on the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance support of economic development projects in Zambia
He said the country was “hungry” for investment and specifically mentioned investment projects such as the Kasaba Bay Tourism Resort Development Project whose intention is to draw both public and private sector investment in the Northern Circuit open the area for intensive tourism development.
Dr. Musokotwane said it was also government’s intention to quickly commence implementing the development of the Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Lusaka with high class infrastructure that would target both export and domestically oriented business to Zambia.
This was contained in a statement issued to Lusakatimes by Ben Kangwa Press secretary for the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC.
He said the Zambian government was interested in a Public Private Partnership – Special Purpose Vehicle (PPP-SPV) to turn all major roads and bridges into toll facilities to finance new infrastructure. Road tolling would enable maintenance of the roads and upgrade existing facilities
Dr. Musokotwane said the Zambian government was dedicated to promoting Public Private Partnership as evidenced on the Kasumbalesa Border Post which was commissioned by President Rupiah Banda last month.
A joint venture between the Zambian government and Baran Borders, an Israeli company built the border post at a cost of US$25 million.
Dr. Musokotwane accompanied by the Special Assistant to the President for Economy and Development, Dr. Richard Chembe, the Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Caleb Fundanga and the Permanent Secretary (Budget) Mr. Emmanuel Ngulube are participating in the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings for 2011.
Dr. Musokotwane met on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank meetings with the IFC Vice President and Africa management team Mr. Thierry Tanoh based at IFC office in Johannesburg and Mr. Jean Philippe Prosper IFC Director based in Nairobi.
He also commended IFC for opening up office in Lusaka and stated that it was now easy for the two sides to follow up on matters of mutual interest in a more efficient manner.
In response, International Finance Corporation Vice President, Mr. Thierry Tanoh said his organization through its offices in Lusaka would follow up the issue of the Multi Facility Zone as soon as possible
He said IFC was seeking to explore local currency to finance sectors such as agriculture. Mr.Thierry said IFC was supported investment in agricultural infrastructure in Zambia. He noted that IFC had invested US$25 million in Afgri Zambia
The financing is for a complete construction of a silo for grain storage which in turn would significantly improve access to market for farmers once completed.
Mr. Tanoh also proposed to engage the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) regarding the possibility of using local currency financing through a swap system in some projects while Governor Fundanga agreed to this proposal.
He said through this initiative, the Bank of Zambia and IFC would work together to further develop Zambia’s financial markets to support private sector growth and promote sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Tanoh further said his organization was interested in infrastructural projects. He also indicated that IFC expected a lot of progress by the time the two sides meet at the next annual meeting to be held in Washington DC in September 2011
More than 100 trucks are marooned at Kazungula border post on the Zambian side waiting to be cleared and cross into Botswana.
The trucks are marooned because big pontoon, which was reliable, stopped working yesterday due to engine problems.
The other big pontoon has been non-operational for two months now.
Only the small passenger pontoon, which only carries small vehicles and light trucks, operating at the moment.
This has angered truck drivers whose vehicles have been marooned at Kazungula border post for many days.
The drivers are angered because they have allegedly not seen progress towards repairing the big pontoon which broke down two months ago and are losing fuel through thefts since they have been stationary for too long.
The situation worsened yesterday after the other big pontoon broke down forcing the truck drivers to demand an explanation from Engineering Services Corporation (ESCO) management on the situation.
Today, the truck drivers ran amok blocking the three kilometer stretch road from the T-junction of Livingstone-Sesheke road to the border post in protest against ESCO management’s alleged failure to work on the big pontoons.
This means that vehicles on transit cannot pass on either way forcing some tax drivers to create routes in the bush for them to reach the border.
Concerned citizens have since called on authorities to immediately address the situation at the border post.
They said truck drivers have the right to protest because they face a lot of difficulties while waiting to be cleared at the border.
Truck drivers are accusing ESCO management of failing to give a satisfactory explanation as to why the pontoons are not working.
When contacted for a comment, ESCO manager Daniel Mutapo’s phone was not reachable.
Meanwhile, Kazungula District Commissioner, Albert Chifita, confirmed the development but decline to comment further referring all queries to Southern Province Minister, Elijah Muchima.
ZANIS
Nakonde District Commissioner Billy Silwimba has dispelled rumours alleging that government, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), has reduced the maize floor price from K65,000 to K40,000 per 50 kilogramme bag.
In an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Nakonde today, Mr. Silwimba said the rumours allegedly being propagated by some opposition political parties are not true.
He said it would be irrational for government to cut the maize floor price for this year’s marketing season when prices of inputs have increased.
He explained that the misinterpreted K40, 000 is the price of a K50 kilogramme bag of maize being sold by the FRA to the hunger stricken communities.
Mr. Silwimba said his office, like any other District Commissioner’s office, requested for maize to sell to hunger stricken areas in his district at a reduced price of K40, 000 per bag, noting that this is meant to enable more people afford the commodity.
He added that government is yet to announce the maize floor price for the forthcoming marketing season.
He has since appealed to the small scale farmers not to be misled by people alleging that government has reduced the maize floor price for this year’s marketing season.
The District Commissioner reiterated that, just like in the previous marketing season, government is committed to buy all the farm produce from the farmers.
He said government will fix a price that will satisfy the farmers.
The Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) will host the first ever regional conference in Livingstone which is scheduled to take place from 12th – 13th May, 2011.
Institute President Namucana Musiwa told journalists during a breakfast meeting in Lusaka today that this regional conference will be important because it will attract foreign dignitaries from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and many other African countries.
Ms Musiwa said since the world has become a global village, Zambia would greatly benefit from this conference, whose theme is “Leadership through people”.
She explained that there will be many people with different experiences adding that challenges experienced by human resource personnel in many parts of Africa and the world over will be shared for the benefit of all countries that will participate.
“There will be Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives, Heads of Departments, Accountants and Engineers who will be part of the delegation in Livingstone,” Ms Musiwa said.
Ms. Musiwa added that the institute has also invited ESCOM, an electricity company from South Africa, Founder Inter party Bank of Zimbabwe and local Zambian human resource experts and those based in the United Kingdom.
She added that the Africa Federation of Human Resource Management and the International Labour Organization will be part of the high profile delegation at the meeting.
The Africa Federation of Human Resource is the umbrella body of all human resource management institution in Africa.
She disclosed that over 300,000 delegates are expected to attend the regional conference in Livingstone which is expected to gobble over K75 million excluding participation fees.
She said no organizations in the world can do business without knowledgeable human resource personnel who are entrusted with a core business of administering staff.
She said Zambia cannot achieve her vision 2030 without a properly harnessed human resource management.
Ms. Musiwa further said the conference will be of great value to the country’s tourism sector since many foreign dignitaries will be interested in visiting and viewing the Victoria Falls and some game ranches in Chief Mukuni’s palace respectively.
Opposition PF MP and Luapula Province Minister Besa Chimbaka Confirmed the Incident and visited the scene
Angry villagers in Senama area of Mansa district have burnt to death two unidentified middle-aged men whom they suspected of being ritual killers.
Police and people who witnessed the killing of the duo confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Mansa today.
According to eyewitnesses, the two victims were pounced on by a mob of villagers when a little boy they allegedly attempted to snatch last evening shouted for help.
The same eyewitnesses said the mob had assaulted the two men to unconsciousness before dragging them to the roadside where they piled wood and grass and set them on fire.
The angry mob of villagers also booed and attacked police officers who went to the scene to investigate the matter. The sticks and stone wielding villagers smashed the windscreen of the police vehicle.
Luapula province deputy police commanding officer, Musweswa Wakwinji, described the incident as a senseless brutal murder but could not give details and referred all queries to the police spokesperson in Lusaka.
Earlier, some villagers told ZANIS that there have been incidences of children going missing in Senama area.
When asked to lead the ZANIS news crew to anyone of the parents who have lost children, the villagers withdrew.
But Luapula Province Minister Besa Chimbaka, who visited the scene this morning to see the charred bodies of the victims, said people in Senama have been living in fear of suspected ritual killers.
Mr. Chimbaka confirmed having heard rumours that Senama area was suspected to have ritual killers snatching children.
He expressed sadness that the rumours have now resulted into the senseless loss of two lives through mob justice.
He said police must now realise that there was a problem in the area. The minister said there is need to quickly build a fully fledged police station in Senama to secure the lives of people.
At the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola, Zesco United lost at home for the first time since November, 2009.
Zesco were beaten 1-0 at the Trade Fair Grounds by Nkwazi thanks to a Jeff Lungu goal.
The defeat comes with just a week to go before Zesco host 6-tiem African club champions Al Ahly of Egypt in Ndola in the two sides Caf Champions League second round, first leg.
In Kabwe, Zanaco recorded their first win of the season after beating Kabwe Warriors 2-0 at Railway Ground.
Ronald Chinku’s side remains winless this season after suffering a second successive league defeat.
At woodlands stadium in Lusaka, Green Buffaloes also won for the first time this season despite being outplayed in an entertaining match by ‘Stylish’ Roan United whom they beat 3-2.
And Power Dynamos remained unbeaten this season after a 2-0 home win over promoted Kalewa at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe in a match that saw Lottie Phiri score a brace on his debut for the home side.
Elsewhere, Nchanga Rangers drew 1-1 with Green Eagles in Chingola, Red Arrows and Konkola Blades also recorded the same results at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka while Forest Rangers were held 0-0 by Lime Hotspurs in their Ndola derby at Dola Hill.
The Driving Schools Association of Zambia (DSAZ) has appealed to government to stop the mushrooming of illegal driving schools in the country.
And the association has appealed to government to find lasting solutions to curbing corruption in the transport sector.
DSAZ vice president Hope Kasese told ZANIS in a statement today that the illegal driving schools must be discouraged in order to bring sanity to the transport sector.
Ms. Kasese said quick intervention in the issue will also help enhance protection and safety of people on the roads.
She said government should constantly inspect all driving schools to find out whether they are legally registered and comply with all legal obligations to avoid flooding the transport sector.
She recommended that all schools that fail to meet the required standards should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, Ms Kasese has disclosed that DSAZ will soon release a list of all registered driving schools to protect the public from being trained by illegal instructors who do not possess instructors’ licences as stipulated by the law.
[ ZANIS ]
Mike Mulongoti
Former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti has called on law enforcement agencies to put in place measures that will curb the escalating levels of political violence in the country.
Mr. Mulongoti says there is need to maintain law as the country holds the tripartite elections this year.
The former Minister pointed out that violence conduct must not be tolerated and political leaders should ensure there is peace and stability in the country.
He says the recent violence perpetrated by political cadres is a wake up call for the security wings to intensify the efforts in maintaining peace.
Mr. Mulongoti also says that if violence is left unchecked, it will have an adverse effect on the good governance of the country.
[ QFM ]
“…Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised”
(Hebrews 6:12, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, you will see God’s promises come to pass in your life.
Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity. If you keep pressing on toward your promise, through faith and patience, you will get there. Don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it! They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.” No, today, don’t look at the obstacles in your life. Lift up your eyes because you serve a supernatural God! Follow the example of Abraham who believed God even when his circumstances looked impossible. Remember, God always rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing because God will take you places that you never dreamed. Keep pressing toward the promise so you can live in the supernatural victory He has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I come to You today choosing to believe Your promises. Fill me with Your faith and patience to press through to victory. I give You all the glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The royal boat called Nalikwanda is about to dock at Limulunga harbour
The Forum for Progressive Politics (FPP) has commended the people of Western Province for hosting a successful Kuomboka traditional ceremony despite negative coverage from some sections of the media.
FPP Secretary General Charles Kafumbo said the people of Western Provinces have proved their love for the ceremony by exhibiting maturity despite desperate attempts by some sections of the media and politicians to incite hatred in the province.
Mr. Kafumbo told ZANIS in an interview that the peaceful environment that characterized the ceremony symbolizes that people of the province can co-exist with other tribes amid seemingly political tension.
He warned politicians to desist from politicizing traditional ceremonies as it acts as a unifying factor among the people.
Mr. Kafumbo said traditional ceremonies are important for the promotion of tourism and preservation of the cultural heritage and customs of the Zambian people.
And Mr. Kafumbo has made an earnest appeal to Get Involved Zambia executive director, Father Frank Bwalya to seriously reflect on his involvement in partisan politics.
He said it was disheartening that Fr. Bwalya has taken a confrontation stance against government instead of preaching peace and unity as the country goes to the polls this year.
Mr. Kafumbo said as advocates of the White Card Campaign which intends to counter the Red Card Campaign of Fr. Bwalya, the FPP has offered an olive branch to him to immediately stop his political activities and renounce violence.
He has reiterated his call to the Catholic Church to categorically distance itself from the political activities of Fr. Bwalya and take disciplinary action against him.
Mr. Kafumbo stated that the apparent silence by the church may imply that it is supporting Fr. Bwalya’s activities.
He noted if the church does not clearly state its stance on Fr. Bwalya, it will divide its members who support different political parties.
FLASHBACK: President banda with Dr Welani Chilengwe during the launch of the mobile hospitals in Chongwe
President Rupiah Banda says government will apply innovative approaches to health challenges around the country so that the number of patients without access to quality health care can be reduced.
President Banda said this in Kitwe’s Ndeke Township yesterday where he commissioned mobile health services and the Ndeke mini hospital.
He said mobile health units will serve Zambians in rural and remote parts of the country as they will be able access affordable, cost effective and quality health services.
The President said government is working hard to reduce the distance that people, especially in rural areas walk to access health services.
He stated that the mobile health units are specifically designed for areas with rough terrain and poor road network, noting that in these areas, the target population will find the units very beneficial.
He said 125 health post are being constructed countrywide noting that this is in keeping his promise that government will construct district hospitals in all districts by the year 2016.
President Banda said now inevitable for government to recruit and provide qualified staff to treat patients at these health posts.
He said government has since allocated K52 billion to the Ministry of Health to employ different categories of health workers.
He said government intends to increase the intake of students in health institutions by expanding learning facilities and opening new ones.
The President said this measure will increase the number of health workers in the country.
He also disclosed that plans are underway to soon open a second medical school on the Copperbelt province very soon.
President Banda also said the massive investment pumped into the health sector has paid off as the health of Zambians continues to significantly improve.
He said government has managed to improve the under-five mortality rate from 168 deaths per 1,000 lives births to 119, the infant mortality rate from 90 deaths per 1,000 live births to 70 while the maternal mortality rate has also dropped.
The mortality rate resulting from malaria has also fallen by 60 per cent as reported by health facilities.
ZANIS reports that the mobile health units and the Ndeke village mini hospital that President Banda commissioned will serve a population of 15, 606.
