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Former ECZ director Danny Kalale speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka
Former Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) director Dan Kalale has doubted the authenticity of 2011 elections under the leadership of Justice Florence Mumba.
And Kalale has threatened to report Justice Mumba to the anti-corruption commission (ACC)for engaging an audit firm KPMG a contract to audit the ECZ at a cost of 1 billion kwacha.
Mr. Kalale told a media briefing this morning that the justice Mumba initially suspended him for refusing to allow KPMG a tender to audit the commission without following government tender procedure.
Mr. Kalale, who was fired last Friday has since called on the Anti Corruption Commission to take up the matter and investigate.
He said that the matter was brought to the attention of the auditor general who was upset with the ECZ chairperson.
Mr. Kalale said that the auditor general advised him to throw out the contract as it was irregular on account of contravesion of the laws of Zambia.
And Mr. Kalale has doubted the authenticity of the 2011 general elections under the chairmanship of Justice Mumba.
Mr. Kalale said Justice Mumba thinks that she knows how to run elections, when in fact she has little knowledge about it.
He said that justice Mumba has gone to an extent of frustrating ECZ workers at the commission thereby de-motivating them.
He wonders how the commission will prepare the elections with the kind of the working culture the chairperson has with ECZ staff.
He added that the decision to fire him is just a way of getting back at him.
United Party for National Development spokesperson Charles Kakoma (L)
THE United Party for national Development (UPND), among various stakeholders, have welcomed Government’s decision to suspend the Patriotic Front (PF)-dominated Lusaka City Council (LCC) for alleged irregularities in allocation of plots.
The MMD, the National Restoration Party (NAREP), Committee of Citizens (CC), Transparency International Zambia (TIZ), Leadership in Development (LID) and Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) are among organisations that have agreed with Government’s action which will also include investigations on how over 100 plots were allocated.
They say that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should ensure that the law takes its course.
Out of 102 plots, the councillors got 45, with 10 of them to the mayor while the deputy mayor got five plots. Members of the public were allocated 11 plots.
UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma appealed to the ACC to ensure that individual culprits are investigated on the alleged corruption.
Mr Kakoma said the law is very clear on how a person involved in corruption should be dealt with.
[pullquote]“It’s the PF and UPND councillors and members of Parliament who include Mr Lubinda himself that are running the Lusaka City Council, so what has he got to say about this,” Mr Nyangu said.[/pullquote]
He said, however, that it would have been better to suspend individuals implicated in the scam.
The MMD has said the ACC must investigate the matter and has demanded that the implicated political parties and individuals provide serious answers.
MMD acting national secretary Chembe Nyangu said: “The MMD would specifically address its demands to the PF spokesperson Mr Given Lubinda who is also the Zambia chapter chairperson for the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC). We have mentioned Mr Lubinda because not only is he PF spokesperson, he has also been using his portfolio at APNAC to issue unnecessary criticisms and insults on the MMD and His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda in particular,” Mr Nyangu said.
He said the MMD is challenging Mr Lubinda to shed more light on his alleged corruption over land allocations and that of his party.
“It’s the PF and UPND councillors and members of Parliament who include Mr Lubinda himself that are running the Lusaka City Council, so what has he got to say about this,” Mr Nyangu said.
Mr Nyangu said Mr Lubinda should shed more light on the plots he has acquired since he became MP on a PF ticket in 2006.
“Can Mr Lubinda tell the public about the position he took during the council meeting which resolved to discipline two erring officials allegedly involved in fraudulent land allocations. Mr Lubinda should convincingly distance himself from the land scam,” the statement reads in part.
CC executive director, Gregory Chifire said it is disappointing that councillors in the PF-dominated council have allegedly allocated plots to themselves.
He said the CC is particularly disappointed that PF Kabwata MP Given Lubinda who sits on the APNAC did not discourage his fellow party members in the council from allegedly allocating plots to themselves.
“This just shows that the PF has no capacity to run the country. If they have failed to run the council how can they be trusted to run the national resources,” he asked.
Mr Chifire challenged the PF to tell the nation what action the party will take against its councillors implicated in the scam.
LID executive director Moses Kalonde said that in 2006 the PF-led LCC promised to change the face of city but it has failed to do so.
“They promised that within 90 days, they would improve the running of the council but today they are the ones involved in the alleged illegal land allocations,” he said.
[pullquote]“They promised that within 90 days, they would improve the running of the council but today they are the ones involved in the alleged illegal land allocations,” he said.[/pullquote]
He said the council has not contributed anything to the development of Lusaka.
NAREP president Elias Chipimo said the law should take its course and he appealed to the government to extend investigations of corruption to all areas of governance.
TIZ president Rueben Lifuka said the scam is of grave concern.
Mr Lifuka said it is also of concern that there was alleged false use of council resolutions by some councillors and chief council officers in the creation of plots.
He recommended for a broader probe into the land allocation by councils as TIZ believes such a scam could be a nation-wide problem.
SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma said that the suspension of LCC should serve as a warning to other municipalities not to engage in illegal activities.
Mr Chibuluma said in an interview on January 22 that the suspension of the council signifies bad leadership by the councillors.
He said members of the public expect leaders to be transparent and accountable in their operations.
Mr Chibuluma said councillors are supposed to exhibit good leadership by serving the people and not treating the council as a personal-to-holder institution.
“It is unfortunate such a thing has happened because we expect councillors to be accountable and transparent and not behave as if the council is a personal-to-holder institution.
“It is a good move taken by Government to suspend the council and let it serve as a warning to other councils not to engage in illegal land allocation,” Mr Chibuluma said. He said the said plots in Lilayi were supposed to be advertised to allow members of the public an equal chance to acquire them.
[pullquote]“It is unfair and unfortunate that ordinary members of the public who are the voters that put these leaders in office find it almost impossible to acquire even the small pieces of land, when those that are supposed to be leaders and service providers are busy sharing plots,” he said.[/pullquote]
Operation Young Vote (OYV) executive director Guess Nyirenda said the government should repossess the plots and advertise them for the public to apply for them.
Mr Nyirenda said the law-breakers should be severely punished to deter other councillors from possibly doing the same thing.
“It is unfair and unfortunate that ordinary members of the public who are the voters that put these leaders in office find it almost impossible to acquire even the small pieces of land, when those that are supposed to be leaders and service providers are busy sharing plots,” he said.
On January 21, Government suspended the LCC for 90 days with immediate effect for allegedly illegally allocating land to itself without following the law governing the allocation of land.
Minister of Local Government and Housing, Brian Chituwo who announced the suspension, has appointed Mr Solomon Finandi Sakala, the Copperbelt Provincial Local Government officer as the administrator.
“He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life…”
(Proverbs 21:21, NASB)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together? In other words, if we’re not being loyal — to our family, friends, country, job — then we aren’t going to experience God’s best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through thick and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word — even if you get a “better” offer. Loyal people are respectful of their leaders. They honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust and security in others.
Is this an area where you can rise higher? Can you be more loyal? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Don’t let the distractions of everyday life keep you from pursuing loyalty. Look for ways to be faithful to those around you. Is there something you need to set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show your love by staying loyal. As you pursue loyalty and righteousness, good things will come back to you. Just as this verse promises — you will find that abundant life the Lord has planned for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of life in Your Word. Show me any area where I can rise up higher in pursuing loyalty. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be more faithful and supportive to those around me. Let Your light shine through me as I pursue righteousness and loyalty today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Newly elected Southern Province MMD Chairman Edcar Keemba has said he is determined to work tirelessly and turn Southern Province into a stronghold of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy.
Speaking to ZANIS at Garden Motel in an interview in Lusaka today after the official opening of the Lusaka Province MMD Conference, Mr. Keemba vowed that even if Southern Province was the strong hold of the United Party for National Development (UPND), he and his team were fully geared to go full throttle to convince the people in the region to support the MMD.
Mr. Keemba said it was detrimental for the people of Southern Province to always belong to the opposition for a long time, saying it was now high time the people of the province thought of joining the ruling party.
He further said, he would persuade the people of Southern Province to support President Banda’s leadership, for the province to benefit fully from the programs unfolding in the province.
“Southern Province cant remain permanently a spectator. I will work hard to convince the people there to support President Banda in the fourth coming tripartite elections”,said Mr Keemba.
Mr. Keemba said he was going to talk to all the traditional leaders in the province to find the way forward with regard to supporting President Banda.
Home Affairs deputy Minister Mkhondo Lungu (R) with Mr Richard Taima
Government says it has spent billions of Kwacha towards the construction and rehabilitation of various prison infrastructure across the nation, in line with the policies of government aimed at improving the conditions in prisons.
Home Affairs Minister, Mkhondo Lungu said this in Kabwe last evening during the senior prison officers’ annual ball held at Zambezi Source Lodge.
He said the Zambia prison services plays a pivotal role in contributing to the well being of the general public by reforming the wrong-doers.
Mr. Lungu called for an appropriate internal security system to be put in place for correctional and custodial services in an effort to ensure the improvement of the living conditions in prisons, in conformity with the United Nations standard minimum rules on the welfare of prisoners.
The Minister said, Livingstone, Kalabo, Luwingu, Monze, Mwinilunga and Mpima remand prisons were under-going rehabilitation, while the Mwembeshi maximum prison which was in the last phase was nearing completion, in an effort to decongest the prisons.
Mr. Lungu disclosed that K815 million was spent on the construction of a storage shed for the Zambia Prison Service at Chitumba Open –Air prison in Mumbwa District.
He commended the Service for maintaining the record of producing more food in the agricultural sector, resulting in considerable reduction of food shortages in prisons, adding that Government would render support to enable the Prison Service construct a milling plant, for proving reliance in food production.
He however, admitted that Government was aware of the challenges of under-staffing, under-funding and in-adequate transport faced by the Service, but assured that his Ministry was addressing the situation with the seriousness it deserved.
Speaking during the same occasion, Commissioner of Prisons, Percy Chato urged the men and women serving in the Zambia Prison Service to remain patriotic and loyal to the Government of the day as the nation goes to the polls this year.
Commissioner Chato warned that he would deal with any Prison officers found to be indulging in partisan politics.
“I am aware this is an election year and some Officers may be swayed into partisan politics, l would like to categorically state that, partisan politics will not be condoned in all prisons across the country.
l therefore urge all the officers to work professionally, remain diligent in the discharge of your duties, take a none-partisan stance and don’t fall prey to partisan manipulation,” he said.
Government through the Local Government and Housing has sourced a total amount of US$ 9 million for complete overhaul of the water reticulation system in Mansa and Kawambwa Districts of Luapula Province.
Luapula Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director Sebastian Chilekwa disclosed this to ZANIS in Mansa yesterday.
ZANIS reports that Mr Chilekwa said the US$ 9 million would be used for replacing old equipment at the two water works in Kawambwa and Mansa districts.
He stated that one of the major works to be carried out would include installation of new water filters and laying new pipes to replace old ones.
Mr Chilekwa disclosed that the current water system infrastructure had never been replaced since its inception in the 1970s.
He said this was why the company had been failing to meet customer demand, adding that the coverage for water supply currently stood at 12% while 88% of customers who formed the majority remained unserviced.
He also added that once the company successfully complete the US$9 million project, the water supply in Mansa and Kawambwa Districts would be sufficient to carter for all households in the two Districts in both urban and peri-urban areas.
Meanwhile, Mr Chilekwa said Government through the Local Government and Housing has also sourced K58 million to help the water company purchase an extra new high lift pump for the water plant.
The water plant has been functioning on only one high lift pump, which had been blown up due to an electrical fault, leaving the whole of Mansa without water for two days.
Mr Chilekwa said that the K58 million had already been released to the company and works to install the new pump would start soon.
He further disclosed that Luapula Water and Sewerage Company had been facing a lot of challenges ever since the water utility took over control from the Council in November, 2009.
He said the company lacked investment in new infrastructure and maintenance in the province adding that much of the water sanitation infrastructure was more than 30 years old except for Samfya District whose infrastructure was less than 10 years old following some investment under the former ZAMSIF.
The Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has welcomed the call by Local Government and Housing Minister Brian Chituwo’s call for an investigation into allegations of irregular allocation of plots by the Patriotic front run Lusaka City Council.
TIZ Zambia chapter President Reuben Lifuka said in a statement that allegations of illegal land dealing at the Local authority are of great concern to his organization.
Mr. Lifuka has however called on Dr. Brian Chituwo not to narrow the probe to a few Councils as the allegations are not confined to PF controlled councils alone.
He stated that his organization has received information that alleges that the Kafue District Council which is controlled by the ruling MMD allocated three plots to each councilor in 2010.
Mr. Lifuka further stated that TIZ is aware that the Kafue District Council is alleged to have failed to follow the laid down procedures in allocating plots of which some beneficiaries are media personnel from three prominent media houses.
He added that information reaching his office revealed irregular allocation and non-adherence to laid down procedures in the manner the land in Shantumbu area was allocated where some senior government officials are beneficiaries.
The TIZ president said it is against this background that his organization recommends a much broader probe into the land allocation by councils adding that the problem is nation wide.
Mr. Lifuka has expressed worry that such illegal acts date back to 2005 saying that what is reported may just be a tip of the iceberg.
He has cautioned Dr. Chituwo to handle the matter professionally by avoiding the temptation of pursuing a political agenda which will not help to resolve the problems.
The opposition UPND has expelled Choma Mayor, Mason Chaboya from the party for allegedly working against the party’s interests.
Choma Town Clerk, Enoch Kandingwa told ZANIS in Choma today-Saturday that the local authority has received a letter from the UPND secretariat expelling Mayor Chaboya from the party.
But Choma District Commissioner, Laiven Apuleni has described the expulsion of Mr. Chaboya as a total disregard of the provisions of the local government Act.
Choma Council has already written an urgent letter to the Ministry of Local Government in Lusaka seeking guidance over the matter.
The expulsion letter has highlighted allegations that the mayor’s activities are inimical to the interests of the UPND.
The Choma Municipal Council is dominated by councilors from the UPND.
Silvia Masebo praised by RB for mobilising MMD members ahead of elections
President Rupiah Banda has warned that the ruling party will deal ruthlessly with any person promoting disunity within the MMD.
President Banda said dishonesty has the capacity to weaken the ruling party.
The President sounded the warning when he opened the MMD Lusaka province Conference at Garden Motel today.
He has called on MMD members to promote unity among the party ranks.
The President was also particularly happy that Chongwe Member of Parliament Silvia Masebo who is among the delegates has continued to work hard in the party by mobilising members ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.
He has called on the new executive committee that will be ushered into office to work extra hard in mobilizing new members.
Vice president George Kunda, MMD chairperson Michael Mabenga, Acting National Secretary Chembe Nyangu and several cabinet ministers witnessed the official opening of the MMD provincial Lusaka conference.
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga said the ruling party is targeting to scoop all the seats in Lusaka province this year.
And President Rupiah Banda has said that the MMD has scored success in sustaining and promoting economic development in the country.
Mr Banda said the country has achieved a lot in the two years that he has been in office.
The President saids there were a lot of infrastructure development programmes in all sectors of the economy across the country.
Mr. Banda also said Government has embarked on an ambitious programme to rehabilitate and construct roads in the country.
President Banda also said Government will continue to support the Farmer In put Support Programme (FISP) to ensure farmers attain self sufficiency countrywide.
President Banda said his Government is determined to ensure that the income and living conditions for small scale farmers are improved.
Mr Banda said he is happy that the Zambian economy has continued to grow significantly.
President Banda said he is particularly impressed that Zambia has been voted the third fastest growing economy in Africa.
He also said Government will ensure that medical equipment is provided with all health facilities.
President Banda also said his Government has continued to construct both basic and high schools across the country
He has cited Mwembeshi High School which is being constructed at a cost of over 21 billion Kwacha and Luangwa High School at cost 46.6 billion kwacha.
Mr Banda said Rufunsa Girls’ High School is being constructed at a cost of K32 billion among other major projects in the Education sector.
Zambia and India have underscored Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a catalyst for social-economic transformation.
The Indian Government has since pledged continued support to Zambia’s quest to ensure that ICT is made available and affordable to the general population of the country.
Communication and Transport Minister Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa said it was Government’s intention to ensure that the citizenry including those in rural areas were brought into the orbit of ICT as this was key to stimulating socio-economic development.
Prof. Lungwangwa was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Indian Minister of Urban Development Kamal Nath in New Delhi, India yesterday.
This is according to a Press Statement released to ZANIS by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in India, Bwalya Nondo.
Prof Lungwangwa observed that the presence of AIRTEL in Zambia, with a big market- share, was already making a positive impact on the country’s communication need and looked forward to the company expanding further into rural areas.
He said Zambia was making great strides in socio-economic development and was inspired by India’s Information Technology acumen from which Zambia has a lot to learn.
Speaking earlier, Indian Minister of Urban Development Kamal Nath extolled the warm relations existing between India and Zambia with a pledge to further strengthen the bonds through increased economic collaboration.
Prof. Lungwangwa was accompanied during the courtesy call by Zambia’s Ambassador to India, Brig. Gen Allan Kalebuka.
Prof. Lungwangwa is in India to attend a Commonwealth Communication Conference.
The British Council and Junior Achievement Zambia (JA) has launched an education programme in six selected districts across Zambia dubbed; the 2011 Enterprise Challenge for Schools.
Chingola, Kabwe, Kitwe, Lusaka, Ndola and Siavonga are some of the districts that will benefit from the Enterprise Challenge programme.
This is according to a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday and signed by British Council Country Director Donna McGovwan.
Mr. McGovwan said the programme was aimed at promoting skills development and innovation by encouraging closer links between education, employers and policy makers.
He explained that it was imperative that young people in the country use their skills in enterprising and innovative ways to ultimately increase their employment opportunities.
The Enterprise Challenge is a programme that encourages skills development and innovation among high school pupils to ignite their entrepreneurial aspirations and improve their future employability.
Under this programme, selected schools are expected to participate in district competitions culminating in the finals to be held in Lusaka in March this year.
And Junior Achievement Zambia Executive Director Teddy Nyansulu expressed happiness that Zambia has joined the countries that are implementing the Enterprise Challenge after Europe.
Mr. Nyansulu said the project was a noble one especially for formal sector jobs as well as increasing the scope of self reliance.
“I would like to thank the British Council for involving us in this project. JA has partnered with the British Council in similar projects in most European countries. I am glad that Zambia has joined the countries that are implementing the Enterprise Challenge,” he said.
JA world-wide is a world class organisation committed to providing business education programmes for young people of all ages and is currently operating in 123 countries world-wide.
In Africa, JA operates in 21 countries among them Angola, Botswana, Bukina-Fasso, Congo DR, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Namibia and Nigeria, South Africa including Zambia.
Government has put in place minimum standards for child care facilities in the country in line with the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child.
Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Sherry Thole says the standards are meant to guide service providers on what facilities and programmes to devise for children while protecting and acknowledging their rights.
Ms. Thole said this in a speech read for her by Community Development Director of Human Resource Lameck Kanyuka at the Trauma management training graduation ceremony in Lusaka today.
Ms. Thole said the minimum standards of care were developed in order to enhance child protection.
She commended the Zambia Association of Child Workers for their commitment to collaborative efforts in providing training through the Chicago School of Psychology and Save Africa’s Children of the United States of America.
And Associate Professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in the United States of America, Dr. Tiffany Masson noted that the training assists child and youth care workers in assessing, recognising and effectively handling children who have experienced trauma.
Meanwhile, Zambia Association of Child Trauma Management Director Felix Mwale said the main focus of the training programme was to provide effective counselling and healing opportunities for most children affected by traumatic situations.
Zesco United’s friendly match against Sudan scheduled for today has been cancelled.
The friendly match was due to be played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka but was called-off on the eve of the game just 24 hours after Sudan arrived in the country for a week-long training camp.
Zesco secretary Justin Mumba confirmed the games cancellation but could not give any further details as to when or whether the match will be played.
The possibility of the game being played on Sunday is out due to the national day of mourning for former UNIP minister Amok Phiri who passed away last week.
Meanwhile, Sudan are holding their training camp in Zambia ahead of hosting the 2011 CHAN tournament from February 4 t0 25.
The CHAN is a biannual CAF tournament for home-based player’s that enters its second edition after Cote d’Ivoire staged the first event in 2009 that was won by DR Congo.
And Sudan coach Mohamed Abdella Ahmed said on Friday that he was looking forward to a good training camp.
Sudan are also scheduled to face the Zambia Under-23 team when the side comes back from Harare after their All-Africa Games qualifier against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Ndola residents have expressed happiness over the pace at which construction works were progressing at the 40, 000 seat capacity stadium in Ndola on the Copperbelt.
ZANIS Ndola reports that the residents are happy that the stadium had taken shape and was promising to be a show piece in the city.
Caleb Matafwali noted that once completed the stadium would not only add beauty to the city but would also act as a motivational factor to would be soccer stars.
He explained that the Chinese company constructing the stadium had exhibited professionalism and credibility hence must be supported by all Zambian people who wanted to see development in the country.
Matafwali castigated critics of Chinese investment in the country saying that developmental projects should not be subjected to political criticism.
He said President Banda should be praised for continuing on with Chinese developmental projects initiated by the late President Levy Mwanawasa adding that he should snub cheap political interference from opposition political parties that criticised Chinese investment.
Another resident, Mutale Chilufya observed that the construction of the state of the art stadium in Ndola would help revamp failing soccer standards in the province.
Recently, the Chinese company constructing the new Stadium in Ndola, Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company (AFECC), Vice- President Cheng Ju revealed that construction works for the stadium would be completed in July this year.
Construction works on the Ndola Stadium began in August 2009.
And the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) funded rehabilitation works on roads in Ndola has reached an advanced stage with a number of roads already done. Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Villie Lombabya has disclosed.
Mr Lombanya told ZANIS Ndola in an interview that the contractor, Konike Construction Company was on course with road rehabilitation being carried out in Ndola and Kitwe at a total cost of K133.4 billion.
He explained that the contractor had left some portions unattended to because they had to seek advice from concerned utility companies due to the presence of underground cables on those portions.
[pullquote]And the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) funded rehabilitation works on roads in Ndola has reached an advanced stage with a number of roads already done. Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Villie Lombabya has disclosed.[/pullquote]
“Yes for those patches that the contractor has not done, they are meant to give an opportunity to utility companies to liaise with the contractor on how best to progress on areas where there are underground pies, cables and sewer pipes,” he said.
Ndola residents had earlier expressed concern over the pattern in which the contractor was carrying out the works.
The residents complained that instead of carrying out continuous works from point A to Point B the contractor was busy leaving some portions of the roads unattended to, especially corner points.
And in a separate interview, Ndola City Council Public Relations Officer Ester Banda, said the contractor had started working on roads with good drainage systems while for those that did not have good drainages, the company would start with drainages first and subsequently roads.
Ms Banda named the roads under rehabilitation as Makoli, Kaunda, Livingstone, Matero, Zambia, Bukasu and Independence way
Government has challenged the Zambia Daily Mail Newspapers to increase circulation of its paper and improve on news packaging.
Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Sam Phiri said the company should deepen its reporting techniques and effectively analyse issues happening in society.
Dr. Phiri said the paper should also reflect diversity of opinion in its reporting but stick to its mandate as a public media.
He advised the paper to equally help publicise Government programmes and agendas.
He stated that there should be a clear distinction between Government and political parties adding that the mandate of the paper should be in line with policy of Government of the day.
He further called on the company to work in line with their motto “Without Fear or Favour” in their daily reporting of news.
Dr. Phiri said this when he conducted a familiarisation tour of the Zambia Daily Mail in Lusaka yesterday.
And speaking earlier, Zambia Daily Mail Managing Director, Evans Milimo said there had been a decline in circulation figures because of tense competition from other media including newspapers, Television and Community radio stations.
Mr. Milimo nevertheless, explained that the acquisition of a new printing press which was launched last year would help improve sales as the paper would be reaching the market on time.
He disclosed that the Zambia Daily Mail Newspapers had also undertaken a rural subscription market survey which revealed that there was market.
He also disclosed that the company was facing serious financial challenges which are affecting its liquidity position.
Mr. Milimo further asked Government to consider giving the company about K10 billion for recapitalisation.
He also appealed to Government to consider writing off the statutory debt which the company owes the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA), and the Workers Compensation Fund.
