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President Rupiah Banda has disclosed that government has acquired eye health equipment worth K2 billion for the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) eye treatment centre which is currently under construction.
President Banda said the acquisition of the equipment was in line with the active infrastructure development programme for the Ministry of Health.
The President was speaking in Kitwe today at Sinozam friendship hospital when he launched the eye care clinic on the Copperbelt province.
He said government cares for the health of everyone one hence it was working hard to improve the wellbeing of citizens through better health services.
He said soon, government will also embark on construction of an optical training center at Chainama Hills hospital in Lusaka that will provide the necessary equipment for eye treatment.
He said 25 eye specialists have already graduated and are working in various districts while 50 more will be trained to work as cataract surgeons.
He said government has developed a new partnership with Standard Chartered Bank to work along the line of rail where 100 people with cataract problems will be operated on.
The President implored the Ministry of Health and cooperating partners to fully integrate the eye health matters.
He said eye health issues have now become imperative and therefore, the Ministry of Health should in its plan and budget include eye health services.
Mr. Banda thanked the Chinese government for their involvement in the initiatives that are contributing to resolving eye problems in Zambia.
And Vice Chairman of the national committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Abulaiti Abudurexiti said the eye care event dubbed “Chinese brightness mission 2011 in Zambia” was the first project of the Chinese enterprises charity fund to Africa.
Mr. Abudurexiti, who is also President of the Chinese African People’s Friendship Association, said the project carries the profound affection to Zambian people from the Chinese government.
He said in the last three days, Ophthalmology doctors and nurses from Beijing’s Tongren Hospital have conducted 100 successful cataract surgeries in Zambia.
1.Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo captured. Is this the best way of leaving office?
2.Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo (C) wipes his face with a towel as he changes his clothing in a room of his residence in Abidjan, after being arrested, in this still image taken from video Picture: REUTERS / TCI
3.Simone, the wife of Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo arrives at the Hotel du Golf in Abidjan after her arrest Picture: AFP/GETTY
4.Simone Gbagbo is photographed with pro-Outtara soldiers after she was arrested Picture: EPA
5.Laurent Gbagbo and his wife Simone at the Hotel du Golf in Abidjan after their arrest Picture: AFP/GETTY
6.Former first lady Simone Gbagbo is surrounded by pro-Outtara soldiers Picture: EPA
Al Ahly coach Manuel Jose has moaned about the lack of intelligence reports from the Egyptian embassy in Lusaka on Zesco United whom they face at Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola on Saturday.
The record six time Caf club cup champions visit Zesco in the first leg of the two sides Caf Champions League second round game on April 23.
“Unfortunately the reaction of the Egyptian embassy was completely opposite to what we expected,” Jose told filgoal.com.
“They didn’t even reply to us. Maybe they support Zamalek and don’t like us!
“All the embassies we dealt with before used to help us with info about the team and even about hotels, food or anything about the respective country.
“They refused to help us but they’re actually aren’t helping Egypt. Now we’ll have to play against a team that we know nothing about so far.”
The Portuguese-born former Angola coach has returned for a third spell with Al Ahly after winning four Champions League titles with them in 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2008 plus runner-up finish in 2007.
Next weekend’s meeting will be first between Al Ahly and Zesco in Caf club cup competition.
No Zambian club has ever eliminated an Egyptian team from Caf club cup competition.
Here are the football fixtures for Faz Division and Division One matches to be played 16-17/04/2011.
MTN/FAZ Super Division Week Three Fixtures
16/04/2011
Zesco United- Nkwazi
Forest Rangers -Lime Hotspurs
Kabwe Warriors – Zanaco
Green Buffaloes -Roan United
Red Arrows – Konkola Blades
Nchanga Rangers -Green Eagles
17/04/2011
Power Dynamos -Kalewa
19/04/2011
Nakambala Leopards -Nkana
Division One
Week Four
16/09/2011
North
Chindwin Sentries-Chambishi
Indeni-Bresmer United
Konkola Mine Police- Prison Leopards
Kalulushi Modern Stars-Ndola United
Kitwe United-Lusaka Dynamos
Nkwiza-Mining Rangers
Kabwe United-Zesco-Luapula
Mufulira Police-Luanshya United
Mufulira Blackpool- Mufulira Wanderers
South
City of Lusaka-Big Roma
Kafue Celtic-Lusaka City Council
Mazabuka United-Luena Buffaloes
Riflemen-Paramilitary
National Assembly-Petauke United
Senanga Leopards-Young Green Eagles
Freedom Rangers-Profund Warriors
Nampundwe-Lusaka Tigers
Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) president Joyce Nonde-Simukoko
The Federation for Free Trade Unions in Zambia (FFTUZ) has called for issue based campaigns in the run up to this year’s general elections.
FFTUZ President Joyce Nonde Simukoko said all political parties should consider the need to conduct peaceful elections that will bring dignity to the country and avoid name calling.
Mrs. Simukoko told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that political parties should instead engage voters by meeting organized groups of people and explain their manifestoes.
She has also called on politicians to respect the office of president as the person elected is president for all Zambians and not just for his party.
“We want to see the normal way of doing things in this year’s elections. Political parties should try as much as possible to engage some organized groups and sell their manifestoes,” she said.
Mrs. Simukoko has, meanwhile, emphasized that trade unions and workers will support political parties which will look into their plight.
She said workers want parties to develop manifestoes that will protect existing jobs and see the creation of more quality jobs.
She explained that the creation of more jobs was cardinal and would ensure the formation of a vibrant labour movement.
Mrs. Simukoko added that the federation is currently studying political party manifestoes to see which party it will endorse in this year’s elections.
She reiterated that the federation will only support parties that will abide by the United Nations labor conventions and also guarantee a pension scheme for workers.
Mrs. Simukoko has meanwhile welcomed this year’s theme of Labour Day celebrations which is ‘creating secure employment with freedom, equity, and human dignity.’
She said the theme should, however, be translated into action by creating quality jobs.
Minister of Finance and National Planing Hon Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane
Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has urged the World Bank to streamline the approval of projects processes in the Bank.
He said Zambia has experienced extended delays in the approval of the country’s projects, an example being the extended period of approval under the Irrigation Development and Support Project which has taken many years to be approved.
Dr. Musokotwane made these remarks when he met with the World Bank Managing Director Ms. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala at the World Bank offices in Washington DC.
The World Bank Board of Directors approved a US$115 million credit for the Irrigation Development and Support Project (IDSP) on 7th April, 2011 to enable Zambia to overhaul its irrigation subsector.
Zambia’s Sixth National Development Plan’s goal for the agriculture sector is toi increase and diversify agriculture production and productivity so as to raise the share of its contribution to the GDP by 2015.
The project, which will be developed in proposed selected sites, is expected to be implemented over seven years, by June 2018
Dr Musokotwane also noted that Zambia’s resources under the International Development Association (IDA) window is not adequate to support the level of investment that Zambia envisages to implement over the Sixth National Development Plan period.
He said having attained the lower middle income status, it was the Government’s view that the World Bank should grant access to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Financing by reclassifying Zambia as an IDA/IBRD blend country.
This, he said, would increase assist Zambia access the level of resources required to support the plan.
Turning to the performance of the Zambian economy in 2010, the Minister of Finance told the World Bank Managing Director that Zambia’s economy grew to 7.6 percent in 2010 compared to 6.4 percent in 2009.
The growth was driven by a second consecutive bumper harvest in agriculture, rising copper production, transport and communication.
He said the macroeconomic environment was also favourable with inflation recorded at 7.9 percent. This, he said, was below the target of 8 percent for the year.
Dr. Musokotwane also noted that there was general stability in the exchange rate with a bias towards appreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar and the Euro. He added that there was a continued downward trend in lending rates to about 26.4 percent at the end of 2010 from 29.2 percent at the end of 2009
The Minister further stated that the external sector performance continued to be positive, with an expansion in the current account surplus to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2010, from 1.3 percent of GDP in 2009.
On account of increased mining tax collections, he said the fiscal position was generally favourable.
He said in 2011, and the medium term, the economy is expected to continue with its positive performance, with growth estimated to 6.8 percent in 2011 and to average 6-7 percent per annum over the next five years.
Dr.Musokotwane also stated that the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) for 2011 – 2015 that was launched in early February, 2011 aims, among other things, at enhancing the competitiveness of the economy through infrastructure and human development. He said the projects in the paln require huge amounts of resources which the Zambian government expected the Bank to play a crucial role.
The Finance Minister informed Ms. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala that the recent two ratings of B+ that Zambia was assigned by Fitch and Standard and Poor in March 2011 would now enable the country to tap into the international markets to raise financing for infrastructure development and also enable the country to enter the international market in order to issue a bond within the course of 2011.
In response, the World Bank Managing Director, Ms. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala said she was optimistic that Zambia would continue sustaining strong economic growth recorded in recent years coupled with the high global rating on account of consistent prudent economic management among various factors
She said it was gratifying to note that Zambia was among the top ten economic performers in Africa in the category of Doing Business . This, she said, gives hope to the Bank that a lot has been done.
She, however, noted that despite all these positives, Zambia had challenges in infrastructure development that needed to be improved.
Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fashion Phiri has implored Zambian envoys abroad to operationalise the Action Plan within the specified timeframe if the country is to continue with its sustainable national development.
Prof. Phiri urged Heads of Missions to share the vision contained in the Action Plan with the rest of the diplomatic staff and for each mission to devise its own implementation strategy with the view of achieving the intended goals.
The Deputy Minister noted that there is also need for heads of missions to submit progress reports to the office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Foreign Affairs within six months for ease monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the plan.
ZANIS reports that Prof. Phiri said this during the closure of the weeklong 2011 Heads of Missions and Senior Management Conference in Chisamba yesterday.
He expressed confidence that the outcome of the conference will provide impetuous to the Action Plan by enhancing visibility and productivity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ contribution to the implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP).
The deputy minister is hopeful that the ministry’s efforts of attracting investments will lead to poverty reduction, job creation, increase in tread and investment through the promotion of Zambia as a preferred tourism destination.
Earlier, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Lucy Mungoma said the Action Plan was developed through an interactive process characterized by open-mindedness and frankness.
Ambassador Mungomba stated that the conference provided an interactive process, therefore, facilitated ownership of the Action Plan.
The Conference was officially opened by Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande and yesterday, President Rupiah Banda also met the diplomats.
The weeklong conference covered various topics such as foreign policy, Code of ethics, regional and international economic communities among many others.
The Conference was held under the theme ‘Effective Diplomacy for Sustainable National Development.”
VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda says the Kuomboka traditional ceremony is for all Zambians and has urged the people of Western Province to reject anyone seeking to divide the region.
And Western Province Minister Richard Mwapela says there is nothing sinister about Mr Kunda gracing this year’s ceremony slated for today because it is not the first time that a Vice President has officiated at the event.
Speaking on arrival at Mongu Airport on April 15, Mr Kunda also urged Mongu residents to be careful with The Post newspaper because it is allegedly trying to divide Zambians by sowing seeds of discontent in the nation, especially in Western Province.
“Reject lies that are written in The Post and let them practise professional journalism,” Mr Kunda said.
He said the Kuomboka is about peace and unity and that Government uses the ceremony to share development ideas.
“The Kuomboka is about promoting tourism and there are a lot of tourists who come here for the ceremony. We want to develop it even more. It is our ceremony and it is for all Zambians.
“When I received the letter from the President, I was so excited because, although I have seen the Kufuluhela ceremony, I have never seen the Kuomboka and this is my chance to see the Kuomboka,” he said.
He said a Catholic priest who was recently quoted in The Post as saying Mr Kunda is not welcome in Western Province is just preaching hatred.
Mr Kunda said The Post has been trying to create an impression that Patriotic Front president Michael Sata is popular in the province but what the newspaper does not know is that it is not possible to sell Mr. Sata there.
“You can’t sell that product in Western Province,” he said.
Mr Kunda said The Post wanted to discourage him from going to the province because the newspaper and its political allies know that whenever he travels countrywide, he has an opportunity to tell people the truth about Mr. Sata’s character.
He said before the tabloid formed a partnership with Mr Sata, it scandalised the PF leader and described him as corrupt, violent, sadistic, dangerous and vulgar; and that all the crimes he committed were published in its past editions.
Mr Kunda said Government is just being factual in its replies to attacks from Mr. Sata and the PF.
He said Mr Sata has no capacity to develop Zambia and that the PF’s manifesto is not a blue print for the country’s development because Government is already doing what is contained in the document.
Mr Kunda said the PF has deliberately omitted its stance on homosexuality in its manifesto and that some people and NGOs are attacking President Banda and his government because of zero tolerance to homosexuality and lesbianism.
He said since Mr Sata has declared himself a Catholic fundamentalist, the PF leader does not tolerate other churches and beliefs.
“These are dangerous ideas because fundamentalism is unconstitutional. Our Constitution recognises freedom of worship and freedom of conscience,” he said.
Earlier, Western Province Minister Richard Mwapela said the region has been peaceful because of President Banda’s leadership. Mr Mwapela thanked traditional rulers in the province for their efforts to ensure peace and development in the area.
He said enough security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all people who will attend the Kuomboka today. He said some people peddling lies about Mr Banda’s decision to assign Mr Kunda to grace the ceremony are trying to alienate the people of Western Province from the rest of Zambia through careless remarks.
Mr Mwapela said the MMD has continued to enjoy massive support in the province because of the unprecedented development projects being implemented by Mr Banda’s administration.
He assured Mr Kunda that the ruling party will get the same support it got in the 2008 Presidential elections.
President Rupiah Banda has said his government will at no time discriminate against any foreign or local investors wishing to invest in Zambia.
And President Banda has called on investors to invest in the country because of the enabling investment climate put in place by Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.
Mr. Banda says the principal law governing the development of multi-facility economic zones and industrial parks does not discriminate against any investors.
Mr. Banda was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when he officially launched the 104 hectare multi-dollar Roma Industrial and Commercial Park.
“The principal law governing development of multi-facility economic zones and industrial parks does not discriminate between foreign and local investors. It is my conviction that multi-facility economic zones and industrial parks should cater for both local and foreign investors.
“All investors both local and foreign will have equal opportunities to invest in any of the zones being developed in the country,” Mr. Banda said.
The Park originates from Russia and is aimed at diversifying investment and development opportunities in eight other African countries including Zambia.
[pullquote]“All investors both local and foreign will have equal opportunities to invest in any of the zones being developed in the country,” Mr. Banda said.[/pullquote]
The Roma Park which is a joint venture between foreign and local enterprises will have its own commercial and residential units, shopping mall, office complex, ware house and filling station.
Others are 400 houses, 20 office building, and 30 ware houses and will create over 4,000 jobs.
Mr. Banda said it is imperative that Zambia promotes activities that have a scope for private sector development to accelerate economic growth.
He disclosed that Zambia has greatly benefited from a number of new investment developments this year which demonstrates that the country has an international appeal as an investment destination.
The President thanked the shareholders of Roma Industrial and Commercial Park for taking a bold step of investing in Zambia.
“I take this opportunity to urge others who have not yet decided to quickly make up their minds as Zambia is now becoming a choice for investment,” President Banda said.
And speaking earlier, CPD Properties and Renaissance Development Manager for Africa Arnold Meyer commended President Banda’s administration for setting up a conducive environment for investors.
Mr. Meyer said Zambia is a haven for not only peace but good investment in the sub-region.
And Communications and Transport Minister Geoffrey Lungwangwa said Zambia has under the leadership of President Rupiah Banda recorded massive economic development.
Professor Lungwangwa said the launch of Roma Park is clear testimony of government’s commitment to the transformation of Zambia’s economy and wealth creation.
Dario Bonetti has extended his football realm to the Zambia under-23 team.
Bonetti said at a press briefing in Lusaka today that all men’s youth teams will be under his edict.
“I supervise all national team because I am head coach,” The Italian said. “In future I would want to sit on the bench.”
Bonetto’s proclamation reopens the case of his relationship with under-23 coach Lucky Msiska.
The two fell out over creative differences after the 2010 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Tanzania where Zambia was eliminated by Ethiopia in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, both the senior and Under-23 teams have qualifying engagements during the weekend of June 3-5 in Africa Cup and Olympic qualifiers at home and away respectively.
Bonetti will after facing Mozambique in June at Nchanga Stadium not have any senior team engagement thereafter.
However, the Under-23 will play their return leg Olympic return leg qualifier against Algeria two weeks later at home tentatively set for Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
And so fans will be waiting with baited breath as this will open up the prospect of Bonetti’s involvement in that match.
FLASHBACK: Lap Green Group Chief Commercial Officer Hans Paulsen (L)
Zamtel Managing Director has said that that the telecommunications company is intact despite the freezing of Libyan assets in Zambia.
Hans Paulsen said that Zamtel is not affected by the freezing of the Libyan assets, and that operations of the company have continued normally.
Mr. Paulsen stressed that the Zambian government being a shareholder, with 25 percent stake in the company is overseeing the business of the company.
The Zamtel managing director stated that his team is working round the clock to ensure that the company remains relevant.
Amid controversy and public disapproval of the privatization of Zamtel, the Zambian Government in July 2010 sold 75 per cent of the state-owned fixed-line phone operator to Libya Africa Investment Portfolio (LAP) for $257 million.
Zambia owns the remaining 25 per cent of the shares.
LAP Green Network is a component of the Libya-Africa Investment Portfolio, which is part of the Libyan Investment Authority, the sovereign wealth fund for the North African nation.
Mr. Paulsen made the remarks during a media briefing in Lusaka this Morning.
President Rupiah Banda will Saturday leave for Kitwe on the Copperbelt where he is scheduled to commission mobile health services.
President Banda is also expected to commission Ndeke Village mini hospital, which will offer health services to over fifteen thousand people.
The ultra modern mini hospital has maternity, child health wings, laboratory and voluntary counseling and testing services.
The President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere told ZNBC News in a statement on Friday that the President will also officiate at the launch of the eye care campaign at China Sino-Zam in Kitwe.
Mr. Jere said each of the mobile hospital units will be managed by a team of medical experts.
Government bought mobile hospitals to improve the provision of health services in the country as it builds permanent structures.
Currently, government is building one hundred and twenty-five health posts across the country.
President Banda has so far this year alone commissioned Mumbwa District Hospital, Lusaka mobile health hospital, Central Province Health Unit and Kapiri Mposhi District Hospital.
Other district hospitals are being built in Choma and Lusaka.
President Banda is of the view that every Zambian citizen should have access to quality health care services.
President Banda’s government has placed the provision of quality health services to Zambian households as one of the priorities on its commitment to helping citizens lead healthy lives
The African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) has welcomed the arrest of former Minister of Defence George Mpombo for alleged theft by public servant and forgery.
APNAC Zambia Chairperson Given Lubinda and the Secretary General, Eileen Imbwae in a Statement signed by the two and made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, said the arrest of Mr. Mpombo would give him an opportunity to prove his innocence.
They said Mr. Mpombo’s arrest would also enable him to tell the nation the truth about the allegations raised in the Auditor General’s report at the time he was Defence Minister.
Meanwhile,Mr. Lubinda and Ms. Imbwae appealed to Government to act on the Auditor General’s reports and recommendations from the law enforcement and oversight agencies while suspected erring officials were still in office.
The duo further advised law enforcement agencies to equally take action when suspects were still serving officers.
They noted that acting against officers and officials after they have left office could be seen as politically motivated.
Mr. Lubinda and Ms. Imbwae reiterated their organisation’s position to support and commend interventions aimed at curbing corruption in the country to ensure that public funds were protected and used for everyone’s benefit.
Patriotic Front leadership in Luapula has suspended its Provincial Women Secretary Cecilia Lubungo for allegedly being spotted chatting with friends from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
Ms Lubungo is accused of having been seen chatting with MMD members during a meeting in Mansa organised by the then Change Life Zambia Executive Director Father Frank Bwalya and Simon Kabanda.
This is according to a letter of suspension dated March 16, 2011, signed by PF Provincial Chairlady Elizabeth Miyanda and made available to ZANIS in Mansa.
The letter also alleged that Ms Lubungo was involved in the distribution of money and alcohol sachets locally known as tujilijili two months ago with the intention of destabilising the meeting organised by Fr Bwalya and Mr Kabanda.
Ms Lubungo is also charged for sharing a seat with some people believed to be MMD members while travelling to the Valley, north of Mansa.
And Luapula Alliance for Political Parties against AIDS and Poverty (LAP-PAP) to which Ms Lubungo is a member has condemned her suspension describing it as malicious.
Alliance Provincial Chairman Wisdom Mpelembe said the move by PF to suspend Ms Lubungo for allegedly chatting with MMD members should be condemned in the strongest words possible.
In a statement to ZANIS, Mr Mpelembe said the PF’s decision to suspend Ms Lubungo was a clear testimony that the PF leadership was founded on dictatorial grounds.
He wondered what was wrong for Ms Lubungo to shake hands with MMD members.
He explained that LAP-PAP was a consortium of all political parties in the province adding that even if Ms Lubungo was seen in the company of MMD members it was because they interacted in the alliance.
He said the PF leadership alleged that Ms Lubungo was also seen boarding the same vehicle with MMD members on February 28 and March 1 this year.
Mr Mpelembe said there was nothing wrong in seeing Ms Lubungo boarding the same public transport with MMD members.
He said it was unjustifiable to suspend Ms Lubungo on this ground as the type of transport she was alleged to have boarded with MMD members was public.
He wondered why PF should politicise everything including gestures that promoted unity among people.
Mr Mpelembe also said it was wrong for PF to victimise its members that interacted with other political players.
He said unity must be encouraged among people despite their political affiliation.
He urged people not to be detracted by PF actions.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) in Eastern Province says it is dismayed by Patriotic Front (PF) Provincial Chairperson Lucas Phiri‘s allegations that President Rupiah Banda is dividing traditional leaders in the region.
Provincial Secretary Ezekiel Mtonga said that allegations levelled against the President in the Post Newspaper were untrue because President Banda has remained in the forefront of promoting unity and peace among all traditional leaders not only in Eastern Province but throughout the country
He stated that the Head of State also appreciates the two Paramount chiefs Gawa Undi and Mpezeni for their guidance and leadership qualities.
He said this in a Press Statement made available to ZANIS in Chipata this morning.
Mr Mtonga stated that the MMD appreciates the non partisan stance of chiefs on political affairs saying they should be applauded for their wisdom and support on developmental matters.
He noted that President Banda enjoys good relations with traditional leaders in Eastern Province .
Mr Mtonga said this can be seen from the many accolades that the President is receiving from traditional leaders for promoting unity and development in their areas.
He challenged Mr Phiri to identify chiefs who are disrespecting Paramount Chiefs Mpezeni and Gawa Undi.
Mr Mtonga said it is not true that chiefs in the province have no respect for the two Paramount chiefs and wondered how subordinate chiefs can belittle their senior chiefs.
He advised Mr Phiri to stop practising cheap politics as he has already failed the people of Chipangali constituency and Eastern Province for the 15 years he served as area MP.
Mr Mtonga advised the PF Provincial Chairperson not to engage traditional leaders in politics saying their stance of being non partisan should instead be promoted for the country to continue enjoying existing peace and stability.
And Mr Mtonga stated that MMD remains steadfast in the region such that it will ensure President Banda and candidates that the party will field in this year’s election win convincingly.
