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We spent so much...Justice deputy minister Todd Chilembo explaining how much government paid foreign and local lawyers at the taskforce on corruption
The Zambia land alliance ZLA has charged that the perception created by government’s decision to remove the abuse of office clause from the anti corruption commission ACC act will leave a negative dent on the fight against corruption.
ZLA executive director, Henry Machina disclosed that the decision will soon have devastating effects on the already porous system of land allocation in the country.
Mr. Machina told QFM in an interview that there had already been serious allegations of theft and crookedness in the land allocation process in the country.
He said the removal of one of the most significant deterrents of such behaviors by those heading over public institutions and departments, will only worsen the situation.
Mr Machina added that it would lead to further inequity in land allocation too.
Mr. Machina said that government should have been discreet enough to ensure that the clause stays within the ACC act and that the removal of the clause is currently tantamount to having legalized corruption in this country.
Mr. Machina was Commenting on the government’s removal of the abuse of office offence from the revised ACC Act.
PF leader Michael Sata
United Party for National Development (UPND) National youth coordinator, Joe Kalusa has said Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata is a “tired old man” who should never be allowed to rule this country.
Mr Kalusa also described as insulting and disappointing the statement by Patriotic Front (PF) National youth Secretary Eric Chanda, that Michael Sata is more popular than Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Chanda has been quoted in a daily tabloid as having stated that the UPND’s claim for the Pact presidency beats common sense because the PF leader is more popular that the UPND one.
[pullquote]He has also accused the PF of “sugar coating” its stay in the pact adding that the recent suspension given to Mr Chanda was just a way of hoodwinking the UPND.
[/pullquote]
The UPND National youth chairperson said things are not alright in the pact and the PF should take responsibility for the predicament that the pact has found itself in because they are the ones who have continued attacking the UPND leader.
Mr Kalusa said the PF general secretary, Winter Kabimba has contributed to the killing the pact.
The pact leadership has remained mute over the wrangles despite calls by various stakeholders that they speak out and be heard to provide harmony to the shaky political marriage the two parties have gone into.
He has also accused the PF of “sugar coating” its stay in the pact adding that the recent suspension given to Mr Chanda was just a way of hoodwinking the UPND.
But Mr Kalusa last week showered words of praise on Mr Sata stating that he was equally good to stand as the 2011 elections candidate.
Lusaka lawyer Christopher Mundia has described remarks by Bishop of Mongu Diocese Paul Duffy that there is lack of development in Western Province as disgusting, considering the massive investment by the Government in the area.
Mr Mundia, who is a State counsel, said Bishop Duffy and other Catholic clergy did not have the right to speak for the people of Western Province especially the Mongu-based bishop whose allegiance to the Zambian people was minimal since he was a foreigner.
“I wish to state that as one of those that hail from Western Province better known as Barotseland, I am disgusted to listen to what comes out of Bishop Duffy’s mouth which is akin to a can of worms,” he said.
Mr Mundia said Bishop Duffy and other members of the Catholic clergy who have their own motives against President Banda’s administration should avoid hiding behind their religious collars because the current record of the Catholic clergy world over was that of misery and total disappointment.
[pullquote]“My plea to all my fellow countrymen and compatriots is that this country is ours individually and severally under our motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. Foreigners should not be allowed to divide us as Zambians are one in diversity,” Mr Mundia said.[/pullquote]
He said he had been to Western Province three times lately and agreed that the province suffered injustice during the Chiluba and UNIP eras and the province, which was the most highly educated was rendered the least.
“But since coming to power of the late President Levy Mwanawasa and continued by President Banda, no sensible person can say that Western Province is neglected now,” Mr Mundia said.
He cited development projects such as the Mongu/Kalabo Road, Senanga/Sesheke Road, the forthcoming rail line from North-Western Province via Kaoma, Mongu, Senanga and Sesheke to Namibia and Livingstone, Mulobezi, Sesheke and Namibia as big projects for the province.
“My plea to all my fellow countrymen and compatriots is that this country is ours individually and severally under our motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. Foreigners should not be allowed to divide us as Zambians are one in diversity,” Mr Mundia said.
He said there were atrocities committed against the innocent people by the Catholic clergy in countries such as United States of America where the Church had paid more than US$600 million arising from sexual abuses and scandals on innocent teenagers.
Mr Mundia reminded Bishop Duffy that some institutions in Ireland and German had been closed as announced during the recent papal visit to the United Kingdom.
He said Zambians had accepted to work as united entities, which had been, demonstrated when Zambians allowed leaders from various provinces to rule them without consideration for origins. He said Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who hails from Northern Province ruled for 27 years and later Zambians voted for Dr Fredrick Chiluba from Luapula, who was followed by late Dr Levy Mwanawasa from Central Province and we are now led by a head of State from the Eastern Province.
Mr Mundia described as unfortunate a decision by Father Paul Mpundu to support Bishop Duffy’s remarks.
“To the people of Western Province, I wish to say and endorse what the royal establishment has said that, yes, we have problems of under-development but they are being tackled by this current administration,” Mr Mundia said.
[ Times of Zambia ]
GOVERNMENT has tasked a team of officials from the Ministry of Health to investigate the cause of the withdrawal of labour by resident doctors countrywide to determine how the issue will be resolved.
Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said currently his ministry does not know why the doctors have downed tools.
Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said currently his ministry does not know why the doctors have downed tools.
“The permanent secretary of Health has sent people to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) to find out what the problem is. When those people give a report, then a way to resolve the issue will be found,” Mr Simbao said.
He said this in an interview following the announcement by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) yesterday that its members have withdrawn their labour because their grievances have not been resolved.
RDAZ acting president Amon Ngongola said at a press briefing at UTH that the doctors decided to withdraw labour after attempts to avoid the situation and solve their grievances with the Ministry of Health failed.
“As an executive of RDAZ, we had engaged all channels necessary to avert this action as we recognise that the withdrawal of labour as health workers results in loss of life and no amount of aggravation can be equated to the value of the life of a human being,” Dr Ngongola said.
He said this at a press briefing at UTH yesterday.
Dr Ngongola said in the last two years his association, Zambia Medical Association of Zambia, and the Ministry of Health have been engaged in several discussions to try and resolve the problems that have beset doctors in the country.
He said following the discussions, it became apparent that the ministry had limitations in solving the problems.
“While we recognise the tremendous efforts made by the ministry to try to resolve these problems, it became clear that the ministry had limitations,” Dr Ngongola said.
He said his executive will continue to urge the association’s members to reconsider the decision. Dr Ngongola apologised to President Banda and the public for the action taken by doctors, which he described as unfortunate.
He paid special tribute to Mr Banda for the many development programmes his administration has carried out in the health sector.
Dr Ngongola said the recent commissioning of the magnetic resonance imaging and computer axial tomography scans at the Cancer Diseases Hospital, upgrading of selected clinics to hospitals, opening and building of new hospitals, clinics and health centres and building of new housing facilities for health workers are some of the developments in the health sector.
Dr Ngongola said his association is strongly persuaded that only the listening ear of Mr Banda can address the long-standing grievances affecting its members.
He reiterated that his executive strongly regrets having withdrawn labour and hopes the action will be a thing of the past.
A concerned parent, Stephen Masamvu has appealed to Government through the Ministry of Health to repair the refrigerators at Zambezi district hospital mortuary that stopped working three months ago.
Mr Masamvu, who is also a former MMD Zambezi East Constituency Chairman, complained that people in the district were forced to bury their relatives prematurely because they could not afford to transport bodies of their beloved ones to Kabompo District where the morgue was operational.
Barely two weeks ago, Alex Kang’ombe of Mayeng’u area in Mazaza village in senior Chief Nshima’s area in Chitokoloki Sub-Boma lost his private parts and died when a crocodile attacked him.[pullquote]He said barely a month passes without the reptiles claiming a life in the district.
[/pullquote]
The 34- year -old man who was on a fishing spree on the river met his fate when the banana boat he was in capsized on the Zambezi river.
Both Zambezi District Commissioner (DC) Bisalom Luwaile and the father to the deceased Mr Kang’ombe Kang’ombe confirmed the death of Alex in separate interviews with ZANIS saying that Alex’s body was retrieved but unfortunately he died of profuse bleeding at Chitokoloki Missnio hospital.
Alex was buried last week in Zambezi district.
In another development a 17- year -old boy of Zambezi Boarding High School in the North-western Province drowned in the Zambezi River.
The body of the boy was retrieved over the weekend by a combined team of Zambia Police and Zambia Army Officers including local divers in the area.
Zambezi District Commissioner (DC) Bisalom Luwaile confirmed the death of the Grade 10 pupil pupil to ZANIS in Zambezi yesterday.
Mr Luwaile said the incident happened on Friday around 16-00 hours when the boy was washing his clothes in the Zambezi River and decided to swim after finishing his chores.
He said the body was transported to Loloma Mission Hospital in Kabompo District 170km away because the fridges at Zambezi district hospital mortuary broke down and have been malfunctional for sometime now.
The DC told ZANIS that burial is awaiting parents of the deceased boy to arrive from Lusaka.
Meanwhile, area DC Mr Luwaile has appealed to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) Headquarters in Lusaka to establish an Office in Zambezi district so that ZAWA Officers could be stationed in the district.
Mr Luwaile said establishing an Office is a long term measure which would help crop the reptiles and hippos in the infested river.
He said barely a month passes without the reptiles claiming a life in the district.
He further disclosed that Government had sunk 10 bore holes on the East Bank along the Zambezi River and another 10 bore holes would be sunk on the West Bank to mitigate to the problem of animal/human conflict in the area.
[ ZANIS ]
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda will tomorrow leave for Nigeria where he has been invited as a special guest of Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck at that country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Special assistant to the president for Press and public relations Dickson Jere said Mr Banda would join other African heads of State and Government at the events marking the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations from September 30 to October 2.
Mr Jere said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that President Banda would also use the occasion to showcase Zambia’s investment opportunities to Nigerian investors at the Zambia-Nigeria Business Forum to be held in Abuja.
Mr Jere said President Banda was happy the Zambian investors responded positively to the invitation to join him on his historic visit to Nigeria.
“Zambia draws strength from Nigeria’s progress in the various fields of development in the last fifty years,” President Banda said ahead of his trip to Nigeria.
More than 50 Zambian business executives who would also attend the Investment Forum in Nigeria would accompany President Banda.
The Zambian business executives have financed their trip and chartered an aircraft, which left for Nigeria yesterday.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwashya and other senior Government Officials would accompany the president.
The presidential delegation would return as soon as they complete the scheduled business in Nigeria.
Kitwe comes a light on Wednesday afternoon with the second installment of the big local derby when Power Dynamos host Nkana at Arthur Davies Stadium in KCM Super Division Week 25 clash.
The first installment earlier this season went Power’s way, who won 2-1 at Wusakile stadium on May 15 that brought back some spark of derbies old between the two great Kitwe rivals.
Nkana’s second return to the Super Division has seen them return with more quality than they did in 2008 that Power easily overrun them before the former made a quick return to Division 1 North after a four-year top-flight absence.
Meanwhile, the plot in this Wednesday’s clash has been enhanced thanks to the presence of one Linos Makwaza on the Nkana bench where he has been in charge since his shock appointment in mid-July this year after taking over from Benjamin “Kawilo” Chilongo who quit suddenly that same month.
This will be the former Power players’ first ever match in charge of Nkana against his old club and he should certainly expect a very hostile reception.
“I am expecting a hostile reception but I think it will not affect me that much,” the ex-Power player said.
Under Makwaza, Nkana come into this game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run in the league and are now in 5th place on 34 points, four less than Power who are just above them in 4th place.
Meanwhile, a loss for Power at the hands of Makwaza will also end the hosts unbeaten run against Nkana that dates back to October 29, 2003.
On that date, Nkana beat Power via a 1-0 victory at Wusakile but Power later went on to enjoy four wins and a draw.
And Makwaza’s record against Power since making his head coach debut stands at one win and one defeat both coming last season when he won 2-0 at the helm of Zamtel at the start of 2009 before losing 2-1 with his next club Forest Rangers when he visited Arthur Davies towards the end of that season.
Barclays Cup Quarterfinals
25/09/2010
Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka
Zesco United 1(Kangwa Chileshe 15″)-Nakambala Leopards 0
Power Dynamos 1(Luak Lungu 12″)-Nkwazi 0
Arthur Davies, Kitwe
Green Buffaloes 0-Zanaco 2(Venecious Mapande 47″, Lottie Nyambili 74″)
Nchanga Rangers 0-Lime Hotspurs 0*
Lime win 4-2 on pp.
2010 TOP SCORERS
25/09/2010
Dube Phiri (Red Arrows): 12
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos): 9
South
Lusaka City Council 1- Zesco Shockers 0
Riflemen 1- TP Rangers 1
Young Green Eagles 0-Mazabuka United 1
Livingstone Pirates 0-Communite 0
Luena Buffaloes 1- Green Eagles 2
Lusaka Tigers 1- Paramilitary 0
29/09/2010
Nakambala Leopards-Kafue Celtic
Not played
Kalomo Jetters-Profund Warriors*
*Profund travelled without their players FAZ cards
Thomson Reuters, the global information group has announced the commencement of the supply of real-time data from the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE) to increase equity trade opportunities for its local and global clients.
The global information group Public Relations Manager for Middle East and Africa Candice Sgroi said in a press release today that the introduction of the real-time market data for investors and traders using Thomson Reuters Eikon would include the bid and ask price, volumes, and market depth.
[pullquote]“Armed with the real-time information, Thomson Reuter’s clients will be able to make effective trading decisions and increase the equity trading opportunities,” Ms Sgroi said.
[/pullquote]
Ms Sgroi said the other real-time market data would also include latest trades and other related information on equities.
She disclosed that more than 20 securities were listed on LuSE and the market data that Thomson Reuters used to provide was previously updated once a day after the market closed.
Zambia’a Stock Exchange is the latest African Exchange that Thomson Reuters has switched to real-time data, following Kenya’s Stock Exchange, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Ms Sgroi pointed out that Thomson Reuters is the first Information provider to bring real-time data from the LuSE to investment professionals throughout the world.
“Armed with the real-time information, Thomson Reuter’s clients will be able to make effective trading decisions and increase the equity trading opportunities,” Ms Sgroi said.
She said the global investors who want to invest in Zambia now have enhanced accessibility to LuSE data thereby reinforcing market transparency.
“Thomson Reuters is proud to be a part of this historic moment for the Lusaka Stock Exchange which underpins our commitment to Africa and to introducing more real-time data feeds to other African stock exchanges as the financial markets develop,” reads the statement.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has challenged leaders of the two opposition parties Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) to come out in the open and state their position regarding the future of the pact.
FODEP Information Officer, Mcdonlad Chipenzi said it is not good for the two leaders to remain mute on the future of the pact while their junior leaders were issuing divisive statements.
He said what was happening in the UPND-PF pact was to a large extent because of the two leaders’ failure to state their position on its future.
Mr. Chipenzi said this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He said that there was currently power struggle in the pact where each political party wanted to dominate the other but stated that this was not good for democracy.
He said it is good for the leaders to state their position as doing so would help prepare the minds of their supporters.
He said there was need for honest and truthfulness from the two opposition parties if the pact was to succeed.
[pullquote]“For them to prove a point they should have been letting each other stand in the other party’s stronghold. As we know that PF is stronger in Northern Province the UPND should have contested in by-elections there while the PF contest in Southern, Western Province which is their stronghold and if they win and accept each other then we could say there is cooperation within the pact. But as it is they are trading on different waters” he said.[/pullquote]
Mr. Chipenzi has also observed that the pact seemed not to be stronger at grass root as evidenced by the two parties not supporting each other in their respective strongholds.
He said the pact should have at least on some occasion allowed the other party contest elections in each others stronghold to see how the people at grass root would support.
“For them to prove a point they should have been letting each other stand in the other party’s stronghold. As we know that PF is stronger in Northern Province the UPND should have contested in by-elections there while the PF contest in Southern, Western Province which is their stronghold and if they win and accept each other then we could say there is cooperation within the pact. But as it is they are trading on different waters” he said.
The Pact has in the recent past been involved in squabbles which is mainly emanating from other leaders in the parties.
And Press reports today indicate that the PF in Western Province have stated that they will not support the pact if their leader Michael Sata will not be the leader.
FLASHBACK: President Banda waves at Chawama residents who also witnessed the opening of the mini hospital in the township
Vice President George Kunda says the Government of President Rupiah Banda will continue upholding national peace because this is the foundation of national development.
And Mr. Kunda says President Banda’s Government is national in character because it has representation from all the nine provinces of the country.
ZANIS reports that Speaking when he addressed public meetings at Kabwe Kupela and Fikondo in Serenje’s Muchinga Constituency yesterday, Mr. Kunda said there was need for Zambians to entrust the leadership of the nation into the hands of people that can cause divisions among them.
Mr. Kunda, who is also Muchinga Constituency Member of Parliament, said President Banda has all that it takes to continue leading the country beyond 2011 because he is mature, fatherly and kind.
He said President Banda has proved to the nation and his critics that he is a performer and development oriented.
The Vice President said under the leadership of Mr. Banda, the MMD government has recorded many successes in the areas of education, health, infrastructure development among others.
“President Banda is serious. Under his leadership we have built schools, hospitals, roads, we are supporting our farmers through various programmes we have designed for them,” he explained.
Mr. Kunda further said President Banda needs the support of all progressive Zambians because he believes in doing things in an orderly manner.
The Vice President said unlike other leaders who embrace tribal tendencies, President Banda believes in the united Zambia in which citizens, regardless of their tribes view each other as brothers and sisters.
He disclosed that according to empirical studies done by scientists, there is overwhelming evidence that both the PF and UPND are tribal parties which only entertain people from the same region.
He said the two parties have achieved nothing but tribal hegemony.
And Mr. Kunda says the Lala speaking people and the rest of the people in Serenje district will forever remain grateful to President Rupiah Banda for honouring them with the position of Republican Vice president.
The Vice President said the people of his constituency and the Lala people in particular regard the honour as a sign of trust and confidence in them.
He called on all his constituents to continue supporting President Banda as a sign of gratitude for his gesture.
Mr. Kunda assured the people that Government will continue delivering on its promises because it cannot afford to take the people for granted.
A metal fabricator churning out a gate at his factory along Alick Nkhata road in Lusaka
2.
A woman shopping for a second hand handbag in Lusaka
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Some hand made garden chairs on sale along Kamloops road in Lusaka.
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Business as usual ... some individuals busy breaking stones for sale at an illegal quarry along Alick Nkhata road in Lusaka
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Zambian beauty..some ladies pose for a photograph
6.
American Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella (left), Ministry of Health Director for Technical Support Services Elizabeth Chizema (center) and Chieftains Nkomesha Mukamambo II representative Headman Ngoma
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American Ambassador to Zambia Mark Storella presents a certificate to peace corp volunteer Mara Hilderbrand at the swearing-in ceremony of peace corp volunteers in Lusaka yesterday
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Energy Minister Kenneth Konga and Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia Josal Luiz Pellergrino during the Brazilian National Day in Lusaka
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Reporters wait to interview Dr Chiluba during the Brazilian National Day in Lusaka
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Dr Chiluba bursts into laughter when reporters asked why he has started attending public functions when he refused to do that during the rule of late Levy Mwanawasa
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Dr Chiluba and his wife Regina captured during the Brazilian National Day
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Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary to the Treasury Evans Chibiliti during the seminar of the 2010 Census
13.
Some Permanent Secretaries during the seminar on the forthcoming National Census
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Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mutale Nalumango receives a payphone from Zain Zambia Customer Service Director Mato Shimabale during a donation at Parliament buildings in Lusaka
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Zamtel Corporate Affairs director Amon Jere speaking during the launch of the company's promotion on call tariffs
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Pallbearers with the casket for the late Siteke Mwale in Lusaka.
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Dr Chiluba, Dr Kaunda and vice president George Kunda during late Siteke Mwale's funeral in Lusaka
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Dr Chiluba meets vice president George Kunda during the late Siteke Mwale's funeral in Lusaka
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Vice president George Kunda during body viewing of late Siteke Mwale
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Pallbearers with the casket for the late Siteke Mwale in Lusaka
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Kalombo Mwansa, Minister of Defense and Special Envoy of the President of Zambia at the UN
22.
Nakambala Leopards' Kelly Kumwenda clears the ball during the Barclays Cup quarter-final match played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka. Zesco won 1-0.
23.
Zesco's Kangwa Chileshe (c) under pressure from Nakambala Leopards' Bendy Maleka (r) and Kelly Kumwenda (l) during the Barclays Cup quarter final match played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka. Zesco won 1-0.
24.
Zesco's Kangwa Chileshe beats Nakambala Leopard's Webster Chileshe during the Barclays Cup quarter-final match played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka. Zesco won 1-0.
The Zambia Tourism Board recently kicked off the Zambia 2010 Travel Road show in Washington DC with a colourful display of artifacts at the Zambian Embassy. The Travel show is designed to promote travel to Zambia by way of workshops. During the workshops, travel professionals from the US will meet with Zambian suppliers and companies that offer products and services in Zambia.
Her Excellency, the Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela told the American tourist professionals that Zambia’s tourism sector has been steadily growing fast as the second most important economic segment after agriculture.This was issued in a press release made available to Lusakatimes by Ben Kangwa,First Secretary (Press) for the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC.
Ambassador Siwela noted that tourism contibutted around four percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Statistics show an increase of about 15-28 per cent in the number of visitors to Zambia. According to the “AfricanMecca Inc.” the latest arrival statistics based on 2007 stands at 805,059 visitors from 690,000 in 2006.
Some of the displays laid out at the exhibition hall at the Zambia Embassy, Washington DC. Pictures by Ben Kangwa.
Flagging off the Zambia 2010 Travel Show at the Zambia Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Siwela said the United States of America is Zambia’s second tourist market after Europe.
Ambassador Siwela revealed that in 2009, the North American market recorded around 40,000 arrivals and appealed to the US and Canadian travel professionals to partner with Zambian private sector tour operators in selling Zambia to the American public.
“We aim to more than double this number for the coming years and can only achieve this target with you as our partners,” she said.
The travel show is designed to promote travel to Zambia and to educate travel professionals about the country’s wide range of travel options and services.
During the workshops, travel professionals will have the opportunity to meet with Zambian suppliers and companies that offer products and services in Zambia and learn about the latest tourism developments.
The seven day road that started in Washington DC will moves to New York where 100 travel professionals are expected to attend while other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto in Canada are expected to attract about 180 travel professionals to attend.
Zambia Tourism Board Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Liyanda has meanwhile said the road shows were timely given the placing of tourism as second on the economic development agenda of the country.
“This event not only serves in keeping the US tour professionals up to date with the latest developments taking place in our country, it is also intended to attract tourists and holiday makers in big numbers,” he said.
Mr. Liyanda also applauded government for paying particular attention to the development of tourism by involving private sector participation in the industry.
He said, “In the Fifth National Development Plan, the policy of government is for the private sector to drive tourism development and contribute to making Zambia a major tourism development destination.”
He said he was excited about specific tourism projects such as the Northern Circuit in the North and Luapula provinces, noting that the two provinces are endowed with an array of tourist attractions that are of national, regional and international significance.
The US $400 million Kasaba Bay Tourism Resort Development project (KBTRDP), he said, comprises Nsumbu and Lusenga National parks, the Lumangwe and Kabwelume water falls and the towns of Kaputa, Mbala and Mpulungu.
He was optimistic that once the project was completed, it would be the most preferred destination in Africa as it is strategically located to receive tourists from East Africa and Great Lakes region. The program will include upgrades of airport facilities, roads, telecommunication, electricity, accommodation, water and shopping malls.
Mr. Liyanda also stated that another area of interest was the Greater Livingstone and the Kafue National Park whose infrastructure would improve tourism and also lure new investors.
Some of the displays laid out at the exhibition hall at the Zambia Embassy, Washington DC. Pictures by Ben Kangwa.
From the private sector, Managing Director of Zambezi Shuttles Limited based in Livingstone, Mrs. Rachel Lungu Ward who is part of the delegation said the Road show offers an opportunity for her to network with American travel professionals as well as to raise awareness of Zambia’s emerging tourism sector.
And the Managing Director of United Touring Company (Livingstone), Ms. Charity Chewe, was quick to state that the Zambian private sector’s participation at this year’s road show would boost numbers of American travelers to Zambia.
She said the fact that statistics of numbers of tourists from North America who visit Zambia were steadily growing, there was need for aggressive marketing of tourism.
“Basically, I have been able to explain where Zambia is located , its proximity with neighboring countries vis-a-vis the Victoria Falls and how they can package their tours from America to Zambia first before extending their holiday elsewhere,” she said.
Other members of the delegation include Board members Mr. Martin Simwaka and Mr. Matongo Matamwandi and the Zambia Tourist Board Acting Marketing Manager Mr. Donald Pelekamoyo
In any country that practices multi-partism, it is normal to come to a cross road after every four, five or six years. Zambians is such a country; next year will be a decisive year, through the ballot, voters will be directing the destiny of their country. The Electoral Commission, The ruling party, the NGO’s, and the opposition seem to be preparing for the day of the battle. The mixture of excitement and anxiety can be felt in the air a year before the actual day.
But some how, there’s a strange phenomenon among the players; the ruling party seem to be determined than the opposition. His Excellence Rupiah Banda (H.E.R.B) like a good general is organizing his troops for the D-day. He has recruited the likes of F.T.J the self proclaimed “political engineer”, VJ, “election consultant”, the violet cadre William Banda, and recently he recruited a physical trainer. That is not enough; Mr. Banda like “the Camel’s nose in the tent” story has gone a second mile to remove obstacles like Magande and Mpombo from the MMD to secure his re-election.[pullquote]High office is like a pyramid; only two kinds of animals reach the summit, reptiles and eagles.” But in Zambia even hyenas reach the top. But in the next general and presidential election, let reptiles and eagles only reach the top. [/pullquote]
Who should blame RB for preparing himself? There is no gambling like politics. It has been said, “To be a chemist you must study chemistry; to be a lawyer or a physician you must study law or medicine; but to be a politician you need only to study your own interests.” Therefore RB is proving to be a good politician by attending to his own interests.
Outside the MMD; the atmosphere is set, the opposition political cadres are ready, NGO’s are ready, some priests are ready, but the opposition leaders are not ready. They are not ready because procrastination, power struggle, selfishness and bickering are dividing them. The bickering is who should lead the pact. This is the cause why ruling parties in Africa stay in office for ever because the opposition only concentrates on one portfolio- the presidency! The supporters are ready, but can not do it alone, they are like sheep without a Shepherd, but who shall lead them?
Even though RB and the MMD are doing their best to stay in business, all is not well in their quarters. They have a lame duck; the president. The flying from one country to another like a “president without borders” is not digested well among many voters. Dr. Sondashi once said, “I want to go to State House to enjoy myself.” May be this is what the president is doing and that can be a hole in the MMD’s amour. If recent by- election results in Ndola and other parts of Zambia are indicators of what is to come; the MMD must work harder.
What about the opposition? With the lukewarmness in the opposition; victory over the ruling party will not come on a silver platter. At least history has taught us that a divided opposition can never remove a ruling party from office. A divided house can not stand! Therefore, if the opposition loses, they should not accuse the ruling party of rigging elections. Greed and incompetence in the opposition is eating them like cancer.
And in the view of this author, petitioning and contesting presidential elections in the courts of law after a candidate is declared a winner does not work. Therefore, let the playing ground be leveled, selfishness be cast aside and as one wise man have said, “High office is like a pyramid; only two kinds of animals reach the summit, reptiles and eagles.” But in Zambia even hyenas reach the top. But in the next general and presidential election, let “reptiles and eagles only reach the top”.
FLASHBACK: Vernon Mwaanga meets former Zambian envoy to Mozambique George Chulumanda at the Congolese national day in Lusaka
PARLIAMENTARY Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga says the ruling in which Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwa reprimanded Kafulafuta Member of Parliament George Mpombo over his conduct is consistent with the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Mr Mwaanga who was speaking in an interview yesterday advised the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) to study the Standing Orders of Parliament instead of being quick to attack the Speaker.
“It is unfortunate that SACCORD does not understand the Standing Orders of the House yet go ahead to accuse the Speaker of being biased. I expected SACCORD to be well informed,” he said.
He said it was unfortunate to accuse the Speaker of gross irresponsibility when he was acting within the confines of the law.
Mr Mwaanga said members of Parliament enjoyed absolute freedom but that freedom should not be extended outside the House when the subject matter is what was discussed in the House.
He said this was not the first time Mr Mpombo was being reprimanded but he has alleged continued to conduct himself in an unacceptable manner.
Mr Mwaanga said MPs are expected to behave in an honourable manner.
He said Mr Mpombo should have made his remarks concerning the Presidential speech in Parliament.
“While in Parliament, Mr Mpombo did not debate the President’s speech yet he goes outside Parliament to make disparaging remarks against the President,” Mr Mwaanga said.
SACCORD has accused Mr Mwanamwambwa of being biased in the manner he handled Mr Mpombo’s matter.
Last week, Mr Mwanamwambwa castigated Mr Mpombo for disparaging President Banda.
SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma is reported as having said Mr Mwanamwambwa was violating the law and undermining the separation of powers.
And the MMD on the Copperbelt has advised Mr Mpombo to heed Mr Mwanamwambwa’s warning to stop issuing disparaging attacks against President Banda.
MMD Copperbelt provincial vice chairman, Jerry Mukonkela said in an interview in Ndola that Mr Mwanamwambwa’s warning to Mr Mpombo is timely.
“We advise Mr Mpombo to heed Speaker of the National Assembly, Amusaa Mwanamwambwa’s warning that he should stop insulting President Banda because it is an offence. We also call on law enforcement agencies to do their work,” Mr Mukonkela said.
He advised Mr Mpombo and all well meaning Zambians to accord President Banda the respect he deserves as head of State.
On Wednesday, Mr Mwanamwambwa cautioned Mr Mpombo against issuing disparaging attacks against Mr Banda because it is an offence.
Mr Mwanamwambwa wondered what the law enforcement agencies are doing about the matter because it is an offence to insult the Presidency especially that it is provided for in the Penal Code.
Mr Mukonkela also castigated Mr Mpombo for his remarks that President Banda is claiming credit for projects initiated by President Mwanawasa.
“Mr Banda took over from President Mwanawasa and he has to finish all those projects,” he said.
Mr Mukonkela said Zambians were going to blame Mr Banda if he decided to abandon projects which had already taken off.
