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RB’s trips rake in $400m investment-Shikapwasha

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Information minister Ronnie Shikapwasha

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda’s foreign trips have generated investment worth more than US$400 million within a period of one year that he has been in power.

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said this in Lusaka yesterday and dismissed assertions by United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema that the trips had been costly to the country.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha said President Banda’s trips had yielded more investments than the cost of the trips while more pledges had been lined up.

In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Gen Shikapwasha said the K5 billion quoted by Mr Hichilema for each trip was by far lower than the value of the investment even if the figure were true.

Gen Shikapwasha said Mr Hichilema was speaking from a position of ignorance following his sentiments that President Rupiah Banda’s foreign trips were costing the country K5 billion (US$1 million) and not bringing value to the economy.

He said other benefits included job creation and some revenue is aid, which was much higher than K150 billion while some companies were constructing structures.

Gen Shikapwasha said the Government was constructing high schools, hospitals and roads throughout the country.

Gen Shikapwasha said Mr Hichilema should realise that some of the trips were short and cost little money while the returns were much higher.

He said the president had a duty to attract investors from other countries and develop the country instead of sitting in State House while people wanted jobs.

Gen Shikapwasha said the president would not be distracted by Mr Hichilema’s attacks because he was conveniently not stating how much revenue and investment had been brought into the country as a result of the same trips.

Gen Shikapwasha said Mr Hichilema should avoid politicising development efforts, as it was common knowledge that President Banda was working hard to achieve development by promoting the country’s investment potential abroad.

He wondered why Mr Hichilema condemned the recently launched Choma-Namwala road saying it was below standard and yet he was not an engineer.

“That is the problem with Mr Hichilema he talks and then thinks later. The roads the Government is constructing are being used by his company Grant Thornton and himself when he is travelling to Namwala,” Gen Shikapwasha said.

Gen Shikapwasha said the Government had done a lot to ensure that development was speeded up for the benefit of all Zambians.

He said the Government had delivered the bumper harvest at 2.8 million metric tonnes under the leadership of President Banda and this has ensured that there was food security at household level.

Gen Shikapwasa challenged Mr Hichilema to drive around the countryside and observe huge stacks of maize the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) was purchasing from farmers.

[Times of Zambia]

Mayoral polls reveal Pact shaky ground

Entertainment Editor
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The recently-held mayoral elections in Lusaka once again brought to the fore the simmering problems in the pact between opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND).

They were at it again, contesting against each other, going against their memorandum of understanding that stipulates that the two parties would not contest against each other.

In the Lusaka mayoral polls, the councilors from either party were sizing each other and openly differing. Where has this clear principle of no contest against each other gone?

PF vice-president Guy Scott later revealed that the pact faced a rebellion from Lusaka city councilors during the elections for the position of mayor and deputy Mayor.

Hardly surprising, especially that there is no constant interaction between these councillors and their national leaders such as Dr Scott.

According to Dr Scott, the pact leadership had resolved that the PF should take the position of mayor in Lusaka while the position of deputy mayor was reserved for UPND but some councilors from the pact sponsored their own candidates, which defeated the cause of the pact.

This indeed was a total rebellion. These are issues that the pact should not just comment on and forget but should investigate and get to the real causes before prescribing solutions.

Some councillors within UPND and some in PF held their own caucus rejecting the ideals and rationale behind the decision to share the position.

Now Dr Scott is challenging the councillors who attempted to fight the pact to resign immediately to allow the two political parties concentrate on strengthening the alliance.

The thinking of the pact, according to Dr Scoot, was that the conduct of the councillors had exposed the divisions in the pact but was hopeful that they would be resolved.

“I want to challenge them to go to hell. What are they still doing in the pact if they want to be rebels? Let them resign,” Dr Scott said.

It is surprising that Dr Scott still thinks councillors were in the dark about what was politically wrong and correct.
[pullquote]The thinking of the pact, according to Dr Scoot, was that the conduct of the councillors had exposed the divisions in the pact but was hopeful that they would be resolved.

“I want to challenge them to go to hell. What are they still doing in the pact if they want to be rebels? Let them resign,” Dr Scott said.[/pullquote]
People such as the newly-elected Lusaka mayor Daniel Chisenga hold very high academic qualifications and are able to articulate issues of national nature. The language being used by Dr Scott seems demeaning and indicative of the dictatorial attitude of the top PF leadership.

But despite all this, the councillors defied the national leadership’s directive with impunity. Threats or evictions from the party are not a solution in this case.

The cause of the trouble and such rebellion from the councillors must purely be blamed on the pact national leadership. Let them get down to the grassroots for the answers.

When the two parties first challenged each other in the August Kaoma and Lundazi local government by-elections, they pointed fingers at each other for defying the pact memorandum.

That was allowed to pass, of course with comments and emotional reactions from individual members from either party.

For sympathisers from the PF and the UPND, the Kaoma and Lundazi scuffle was just another pointer to the real issues surrounding the pact but which have been ignored.

Both PF leader Michael Sata and UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema strongly supported their respective parties’ decision to challenge each other.

The plight of the pact between the PF and the UPND lies in the decision that Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema make, not what the membership feels is right or wrong. So what really is causing the antagonism in the pact, especially when it comes to deciding on which partners contest a position?

The idea of the pact formation was commended by all well-meaning Zambians as it not only promoted integration of two parties, but came as a symbol of unity among various political parties in Zambia regardless of the region of descent for the leaders.

It appears the grassroots of the PF-UPND membership find it easy to defy their national management directives with impunity. This is common in any institution where there are no properly established structures to manage the whole system.

It does appear that the grassroots have the respective command system that does not really need the support of the senior party leadership.

Almost just a year before the 2011 election, the pact only has a joint committee of national executive members from the PF and the UPND that also rarely meets to discuss political issues.

This means that the existence of this pact is only at national level and not even at ward level where councillors such as those that defied their respective parties’ orders in the Lusaka mayoral election are found.

Councillors, for instance in Lusaka District, do not hold any senior party positions apart from representing their wards. This lack of direct linkage with their national executive and mostly missing constant consultation leaves the decision making process rough and usually without loyalty to superiors.

Does it mean that the pact does not need grassroots joint structure to just coordinate issues smoothly?

The management of a political party is at the ward and the constituency levels and not through a committee of senior national executive committee members who are sometimes not even known by the cadres out their in the far-flung areas of the country.

The failure by the pact to realise this and just the absence of constant dialogue among the leaders from the two parties seem to have cost them greatly.

Things are no longer the same in the pact especially after the recently held by-elections in Luena and Chifubu constituencies.

The PF celebration of the loss of the UPND in Luena seems to have angered the partner greatly and was further aggravated by the defence made by Mr Sata of his vice-president Dr Scott’s scathing remarks on the partner party.

The PF’s celebration of the loss of the UPND in Luena to the Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD) was in bad taste despite the fact that the party was reaffirming its commitment to the pact.

It seems Mr Hichilema is now more on a sober and softer side in his approach to politics as seen in his recent Press briefing where he called for more unity among politicians.

He also seems to be gathering courage to advise his older partner on the need to follow proper etiquette in handling pact issues. Respect for each other and procedure.

The admission by the UPND that no single opposition political party at the moment could defeat the MMD unless through a pact is indeed an interesting observation. But is the PF also alive to this reality?

Even as a joint force it appears defeating the MMD in 2011 would not be easy. The PF and the UPND have various challenges which they themselves have created but do not want to address timely. Their differences as political parties are much more than their areas of unity.

PF leaders seem to have paid a blind eye to some of the critical issues that some people have raised about the pact.

The PF seem to have established a hypocritical approach where they have comforted themselves with misguidance that they could win the 2011 election single handedly and do not care about the UPND. PF itself has loads of internal problems even more than those in the partner party.

The recent resignation of people such as Chileshe Mulenga, a very senior official and critical to the mobilisation of the PF to its present state is another big issue in the pact. It was shocking to hear Mr Sata describing Dr Mulenga in such a derogatory manner after he announced his resignation.

For those in the light about where the PF came from, they would agree that Dr Mulenga’s departure is not something one could simply slapdash or smile at and forget. It’s a great loss and the PF should think over it.

The attempted resignation of Kasama Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Mwamba from his seat following the suspension from the position of chairperson for elections obviously opened up some PF members’ eyes as to what playing double standards is in politics.

Nobody has and should support Mr Mwamba for battering his wife. It was wrong and it remains wrong. But Mr Sata’s decision to suspend him without following laid-down disciplinary procedures seemed to have angered Mr Mwamba.

There are many MPs in the PF today that have gone against the law. Some of them like Ndola Central MP Mark Mushili were even convicted of criminal offences and served sentences but did not receive any admonition from Mr Sata or the PF as a party.

The same for Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili who was also convicted in a Luanshya magistrates court. Others such as Mandevu and Munali MPs are also appearing in courts of law for some offences but have remained active in the party.

These clear double standards seem to have hurt Mr Mwamba prompting him to make an emotional decision of resigning and later rescinding it. Why has Mr Sata allowed criminally convicted MPs such as Mr Mushili to continue enjoying party support?

The delays to announce the candidate for the pact seem to be the major issue at the moment. UPND national youth Chairperson Joe Kalusa thinks the failure to quickly come up with a candidate for the 2011 polls would cost the pact greatly.

The same views are being shared by the PF youth wing. But apart from just expressing concern on the delay the youths from the two parties have given the pact leaders a one month ultimatum to announce the candidate.

Such ultimatums should not be seen as rebellions but a sign of commitment by the young politicians to see progress being made by their elders. It is clear that they have noticed a lot of laxity on the part of their leaders, hence the need to jerk them up.

Will Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema respect the ultimatum by the youths for them to come up with a solution of the candidate or they will ignore them?

While time is slowly moving towards the 2011 elections, procrastination also seems to deeply consolidate itself in the pact. Are the leaders really failing to address issues of leadership in pact?

Issues raised by youth in the PF and UPND are important and should not just be observed. The realisation by Mr Hichilema that the UPND would find it hard to win the 2011 polls single handedly should also ring bells in the PF. This is just reality. But how long will this time-wasting continue in the pact.

Instead of making false assumptions on issues such as the election date, leaders like Mr Sata should focus their energies on addressing the leadership deadlock in the pact.

They should also stop pretending that they are ready for elections even if the date was announced at short notice. In this case, time has really run out for the pact but nobody wishes them failure.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Zambia’s economy on right track—IMF

Entertainment Editor
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Zambia’s economy is performing well with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projected at 6.6 per cent this year.

This is after an IMF mission visited Lusaka from September 2 to15, 2010 to conduct discussions for the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility.

According to a statement released by the IMF yesterday, mission chief for Zambia George Tsibouris said Zambia’s economy had been boosted by a record bumper harvest, a rebound in tourism, continued copper price increments and construction.

Mr Tsibouris said this year’s bumper harvest had helped bring down inflation to 8.2 per cent at the end of August while the trade balance had been in surplus for 12 consecutive months, primarily as a result of strong copper exports and that the current account deficit was projected to narrow to 2.4 per cent of GDP.

He said international reserves remained strong at about 3.3 months of imports and that there were signs of improved financial sector conditions with credit to the private sector slowly picking although non-performing loans remained high.

“Macro-economic policy implementation has contributed to strong economic performance so far in 2010. As at the end of July 2010, the fiscal programme is broadly in line with original plans,” he said.

He said any repercussion on the exchange rate stemming from the recent economic difficulties in Europe had been handled well by the Bank of Zambia, which had managed liquidity conditions with a view to containing inflation while providing an enabling environment for robust economic activity.

“Growth is expected to remain strong in 2011 and over the medium term. There is some risk of rising inflation towards the end of 2010 and into 2011, given the onset of the agricultural season and still high non-food prices,” he said.

Mr Tsibouris said that the current account deficit was expected to widen to almost four per cent of GDP in 2011, as large energy and infrastructure projects with high import content come on line.

[ Times of Zambia ]

State builds 26 hospitals

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President Rupiah Banda and his ministers

President Rupiah Banda has said Government is constructing 26 hospitals countrywide including the upgrade of Lusaka General Hospital to improve access to health care in the country.

The president said Government took a bold decision to convert health centres into hospitals in Lusaka to meet the demand of the increasing population that has been causing congestion at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

Commissioning the newly-built theatres at the upgraded Chawama Hospital in Lusaka yesterday, President Banda said eight out of the 26 hospitals would be completed this year.

“Undoubtedly, this will improve the access to health care for our people. This is a clear indication of the great desire by my Government to provide services for all the people of Zambia,” the president said.

He said the upgrading of the five health clinics in Lusaka to level one hospital had cost Government K65 billion, which has been paid from the treasury.

Mr Banda said it was important to decongest the UTH so that it could concentrate on referral cases.

“The increased burden of disease has also been responsible for the congestion. It is important to mention that the UTH is a referral hospital for the whole country that is why it is critical to decongest it,” he said.

Mr Banda said before the upgrade of Chawama Hospital, all operations including caesarean sections, cleaning of injuries and draining of abscesses were done at the UTH.
[pullquote] “The increased burden of disease has also been responsible for the congestion. It is important to mention that the UTH is a referral hospital for the whole country that is why it is critical to decongest it,” he said.
“This means that apart from alleviating the work load at UTH, you will be able to care for your loved ones [/pullquote]closer to your homes. I know most of you have to spend money on transport and on providing your relatives and friends with personal care after they have been operated on at the UTH,” he said.

President Banda said with the commissioning of the theaters, work would immediately start at Chawama Hospital.

“Additionally, some of the specialists at the UTH will be coming to Chawama and indeed other hospitals to provide the required services. The necessary equipment that will be used in these facilities has been mobilised,” he said.

The president thanked health workers who work tirelessly to ensure that Zambians get good health care.

And in a vote of thanks, Chawama resident Potipher Tembo commended Government for the timely action to upgrade the Chawama Hospital.

Mr Tembo said because of the increased population in Chawama, the upgrading of the hospital would help the people in the area.

“The upgrading of the hospital is testimony of your Government’s care for the people of Chawama,” he said.

Mr Tembo appealed to the president to consider buying a standby generator for the hospitals.

The president then assured the podium and the crowd that came to witness the commissioning that a standby generator would be procured and delivered immediately.

And a health practitioner Tuckson Lambart has said the upgrade of the five hospitals in Lusaka will greatly help healthcare delivery.

Some Chawama residents spoken to by the Times expressed happiness with the upgrade of the Chawama Hospital.

Forum for Progressive Politics (FPP) secretary general Charles Kafumbo who is a resident of Chawama said the upgrade demonstrates that President Banda’s Government has a vision for the people.

Another resident Rhoda Phiri who has lived in the area for 26 years said she was happy that the hospital had been upgraded because now mothers could deliver at the hospital.

Meanwhile President Rupiah Banda yesterday said Zambians should not tolerate men who batter their wives.

The president said jokingly in response to the Master of Ceremony Herbet Mutabi that his Church should join hands with women to protest against wife battery.

Last week Kasama Central Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba was arrested for beating his wife Chama.

[ Times of Zambia ]

Chipata police under investigation over suspect murders

Entertainment Editor
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Three officers at Chipata Central police have been apprehended in connection with the murder of three suspects.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Mary Chikwanda told journalists this morning that the officers have been detained to help with investigations leading to the shooting of the suspects who escaped police by jumping off a moving vehicle in Chadiza.

Ms Chikwanda explained that the officers would be charged after police have carried out an investigation on the intent of the shooting.

She stated that the incident occurred when the suspects were leading police to places where they were hiding caucuses of stolen cattle when they jumped off a moving vehicle.

Ms Chikwanda said the suspects did not stop when police fired warning shots, a move which forced the officers to gun down the suspects.

She stated that the suspects are reported to have been stealing cattle in various villages in Chipata and Chadiza districts and supplying the meat to butcheries at Kapata market in Chipata district.

In another event, police are investigating a matter in which a middle aged man was last Thursday found unconscious and later died in Chief Maguya’s area in Chipata district.

The man identified as David Mwamba, a teacher at Kabele Basic School was found lying on the road between Kabinga and Kalunga villages with multiple body injuries before he was rushed to Chipata general hospital where he later died.

[ ZANIS ]

Bridges on Bottom road to be worked on

Entertainment Editor
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Sinazongwe District Commissioner (DC) Oliver Pelete has disclosed that government will work on damaged bridges along the controversial bottom road from Sinazongwe to Siavonga.

Mr Pelete told ZANIS that all the damaged bridges from Sinazeze/Chiyabi bottom road have already been advertised for construction.

He said major bridges such as the Sikalamba, Nangombe, Nakula and Sialwele have been earmarked for construction to alleviate the suffering that people in the areas face during the rain season.

The DC urged Sinazongwe residents to be patient with government so that the right channel is followed in choosing the right contractor.

Most of the bridges along the Sinazeze/ Chiyabi bottom road were washed away during last rain season affecting the surrounding communities.

[ ZANIS ]

[ ZANIS ]

Mabenga’s daughter interred

Entertainment Editor
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The late Gladys Mabenga Chitika daughter of Lands Deputy Minister Michael Mabenga has finally been buried at the Leopard Hill Memorial Park.

The burial which failed to take place on Tuesday was finally conducted after the family had a second and independent postmortem.

Family representative, Raphael Mabenga said the family is happy with the methodology that was used in the second postmortem that was conducted by a Russian Doctor at the University Teaching hospital (UTH) today.

He told a gathering at the burial site that the family is,however, waiting for the results of the postmortem which will be released by the Ministry of Health.

“We conducted a second postmortem today but the results are not yet released to us, we are told to wait for a go ahead on the results by the ministry of health. We are however happy that this has been conducted, we are happy with the methodology used and it was transparent” he said.

Mr Mabenga further disclosed that police have instituted fresh investigations into the matter adding that there was also a new set of police officers present to witness the postmortem.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha urged the family to look up to God saying the cause of death will be revealed.

He said although it was appointed for every person to die, it was saddened by the unexpected death of the late Mrs Mabenga Chitika.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha described Mrs. Mabenga Chitika who was an Executive Officer in his ministry as a dedicated worker and an asset to both the family and the government.

And President Rupiah Banda has sent a message of condolences to the Mabenga family.

The President said in a letter addressed to the family and read by Mabenga’s family spokesperson Colonel Patrick Lubinda that he was deeply saddened by the sadden death of their daughter.

And in a sermon at the church service at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, Father Sylvester Ngandu called on people to have love for one another.

He said there are high cases of gender based violence, child abuse and the like because people have neglected the simple teaching of the Bible on love.

Fr Ngandu said the greatest tragedy that has befallen the human race is stopping caring and loving one another.

The late Gladys Mabenga Chitika is survived by a husband, and two children.

First lady Thandiwe Banda and wife to the Vice President Irene Kunda were among cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and other senior government officials who attended the funeral procession.

[ ZANIS ]

Zanaco vs CS SFAXIEN in Pictures

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Zanaco’s Makundika Sakala (left) takes on Ali Maoloul (center) and Hachem Abbes of CS Sfaxien during the Orange CAF Confederation Cup game at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka over the weekend.

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Hachem Abbes of CS Sfaxien beats Zanaco’s Makundika Sakala (right) to the ball during the Orange CAF Confederation Cup game at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka

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Zanaco coach Wedson Nyirenda is sent off by a CAF official during the Orange CAF Confederation Cup game at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka .

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Zanaco’s Charles Siyingwa (right) marks Hamza Younes of CS Sfaxien

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Zanaco’s George Chilufya (right) loses the ball to Uche Agba of CS Sfaxien

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The crowd roars with pleasure after Zanaco scored a goal during the Orange CAF Confederation Cup game against CS Sfaxien at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka

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Zanaco goalkeeper Racha Kola celebrates his team’s goal against CS Sfaxien during the Orange CAF Confederation Cup game at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka

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Zanaco’s Allan Mukuka (left) tries to beat Issifu Maman of CS Sfaxien

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A CS SFAXien supporter posing with part of the crowd at Nkoloma Stadium!

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Nkana supporters had a chance to sell their newly acquired team kit.by J.Mandela

Protest against women battering – RB

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President Rupiah Banda (L)

President Banda has challenged the women’s movement in the country to strongly protest against the battering of women. The President said women in Zambia should reject men who beat up their wives. President Banda said no man should be allowed to beat up his wife in the name of love.

He said the practice should be rejected in the strongest possible terms. Mr Banda said love should not be about beating spouses. The President was speaking in Chawama after commissioning the first level Hospital in the area.

Kasama Central Patriotic Front Member of Parliament Goeffrey Mwamba was on Monday arrested and charged for assaulting his wife, Chama, following a domestic row. Mr Mwamba who is popularly known as GBM will tomorrow appear in the Lusaka Magistrate court for assault.

Meanwhile, President Rupiah Banda has commissioned the newly upgraded first level Chawama hospital in Lusaka. The occasion was witnessed by thousands of Chawama residents at Chawama football ground this morning.

[pullquote]President Banda said government is currently constructing 26 District Hospitals at 65 billion Kwacha across the country. He said eight of the hospitals which include the Lusaka general hospital will be completed this year.[/pullquote]

Speaking after commissioning the hospital, President Banda said government is committed to providing quality health care close to the families.

President Banda said government is currently constructing 26 District Hospitals at 65 billion Kwacha across the country. He said eight of the hospitals which include the Lusaka general hospital will be completed this year.

Mr Banda said this will improve access to quality health care for people in the country. President Banda said Chawama Hospital including four others in the capital will help decongest the University Teaching hospital-UTH.

The other four up graded clinics in Lusaka are in Kanyama, Chilenje, Matero and Chipata compounds. Mr Banda also said a power generator has been bought to help address a critical shortage of power at the new hospital.

ZNBC

Mohan put on defence in Itowala’s murder case

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The Lusaka High Court has found Inktech Managing Director, Mathew Mohan, and his two co-accused, Idris Patel and Shabia Patel, with a case to answer in a matter where the trio is charged with the murder of Cyclone Hardware Director, Sajid Mohammed Itowala.

Supreme Court Judge,Gregory Phiri, sitting as High Court Judge found the trio with a case to answer and has consequently put them on their defense.

In his ruling this morning, Judge Phiri said the prosecution produced a mixture of evidence which indicate that the trio had nothing to fear as they murdered Itowala during the day in his vehicle.

He said this took place after the deceased was captured and abducted in the early hours of July 21, 2009.

The matter has since been adjourned to October 18 and 19,as the dates for the commencement of defence while the trio remains in custody.

The trio is charged of murdering Cyclone Hardware Director, Sajid Itowala, on July 21, 2009 in Lusaka, contrary to section 200 of penal code.

[QFM]

L/stone UPND asks Chizyuka to quit

Entertainment Editor
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Namwala Member of Parliament Major Robbie Chizyuka

The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Livingstone has called on Namwala UPND Member of Parliament Robbie Chizyuka to resign from the party as he had openly insulted party president Hakainde Hichilema and shifted his allegiance to the ruling MMD.

But major Chizyuka said that the current political scenario was not about the MMD, Patriotic Front (PF) or UPND.

“All I can say is that people need to understand that the current political scenario is about the best president for Zambia in 2011,” he said.

Major Chizyuka said the only person at the moment who had the capacity to unite Zambia was Republican President Rupiah Banda.
[pullquote]“The UPND in Livingstone wishes to remind Major Chizhyuka that Mr Hichilema is a political heavy weight with principles which could not be matched with Major Chizhyuka’s.

“Why is major Chizyuka clinging to the court when the UPND has demonstrated its readiness to challenge him in Namwala District as he stands on the MMD ticket,” the UPND said.[/pullquote]
However, in a statement released in Livingstone yesterday and signed by party district publicity secretary Neto Kalwabala, the party accused Maj Chizyuka of repeatedly belittling Mr Hichilema.

The party condemned Major Chizyuka for his alleged unwarranted and unpalatable insults against Mr Hichilema in some sections of the media.

“The UPND in Livingstone wishes to remind Major Chizhyuka that Mr Hichilema is a political heavy weight with principles which could not be matched with Major Chizhyuka’s.

“Why is major Chizyuka clinging to the court when the UPND has demonstrated its readiness to challenge him in Namwala District as he stands on the MMD ticket,” the UPND said.

The UPND in Livingstone also condemned the politics of name calling, violence and hatred that were currently going on in Zambia today.

“This is exhibited in the manner that Major Chizyuka openly referred to his own party president as an under-five and a political diaper,” part of the statements reads.

The party urged Maj Chizyuka to withdraw the court case and seek a fresh mandate from the people of Namwala under a different party.

The UPND in Livingstone further called on the people of Namwala to pass a vote of no confidence on maj Chizyuka as that was the only action that could not be challenged in a court of law.

[ Times of Zambia ]

Magande’s party to pose threat to MMD-SACCORD

Entertainment Editor
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Former Finance Minister Ngandu Mangande

The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes SACCORD says the ruling MMD will be the most threatened party if expelled Chilanga Member of Parliament, Ng’andu Magande decides form a political party.

The former finance minister is reported to be planning to form a political party.

SACCORD information officer, Obby Chibuluma said the ruling party will be most threatened if Magande goes ahead to form a political movement as reported.

Mr Chibuluma said Mr Magande has been an all time MMD sympathizer and would find it easy to draw most of his party membership from the ruling party.

He noted that the fact that he once served in government and most people within the MMD have openly supported him means that most of his party membership would be drawn from the ruling party.

He has since warned the MMD to brace itself for the worst because if Mr Magande forms a party as reported,the ruling party would suffer the most casualties.
[ QFM ]

Don’t meddle, Veep advises councillors

Entertainment Editor
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VP George Kunda

Vice-President George Kunda has advised councillors not to interfere with the role of council officers because that is contrary to the principles of separation of powers at local government level.

Speaking yesterday at the installation of new Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga and his deputy Harry Hapwende, Mr Kunda said councillors should effectively coordinate Government programmes and projects from the grassroots to council level.

“You have a civic responsibility to explain projects initiated by both the central Government, your local authority and cooperating partners which are aimed at alleviating poverty and benefit the people,” he said.

Mr Kunda also advised councillors and council officers to prudently manage public resources and avoid corrupt practices because they received huge amounts of public funds.

He said the role of councillors was to provide policy guidance and pass decisions as well as interfacing with citizens, potential investors and other stakeholders in matters of local economic development.
[pullquote]“You have a civic responsibility to explain projects initiated by both the central Government, your local authority and cooperating partners which are aimed at alleviating poverty and benefit the people,” he said.
[/pullquote]
He said council employees should implement policies aimed at fulfilling development aspirations to accelerate socio-economic development in all corners of the country.

The vice-president said the Government was committed to implementing a robust fiscal decentralisation framework and had increased allocation to local Government in order to enhance service delivery.

He said that the budgetary allocation to councils was K110 billion in 2009, K113 billion in 2010 and in 2009, K90 billion was allocated as Constituency Development Fund, translating into K600 million per constituency.

He urged councils to support the ‘Make Zambia Clean and Healthy’ campaign to improve community and personal hygiene.

He said the Government would soon announce the appointment of commissioners for the Local Government Service Commission that would have powers to employ, appoint, confirm, discipline and transfer councils officers.

Out-going Lusaka mayor Robert Chikwelete said there should be no politicking because people should not suffer because of differences in political opinion.

He said that government should also release funds for the clearing of drainage on time to avoid flooding in townships because the council had finances to do it alone.

New mayor, Mr Chisenga said challenges faced by the council could only be fought if all stakeholders partnered with the council.

Mr Chisenga said there was a huge task ahead and he would personally see to it that street lighting was done and drainage was improved in flood-prone areas.

And the Government has implored Solwezi Municipal Council to be transparent in the utilisation of money collected from rates, especially colossal amounts it receives from Kansanshi Mine, and warned that the State will not tolerate abuse.

North-Western Province Minister, Daniel Kalenga said during the installation of Sandang’ombe MMD councillor, Jameson Kapumba as mayor that accountability should be extended to other funds.

He warned that Government would not hesitate to take punitive action on any council, councillor or officer cited in audit reports for misapplication or misappropriation of public funds.

Mr Kalenga said the administration of President Banda would continue with its development programmes designed to lessen people’s suffering.

And the new Mayor, Mr Kapumba, who takes over from Peter Kikatula after serving his two mandatory terms, conceded that challenges awaited him in his new office, and called for support from the people to move forward the district.

Mr Kikatula said his tenure was not easy, but projects including construction of a new chamber, extension of council offices and street lights were undertaken through team work.

In Ndola, Local Government and Housing Minister, Eustarkio Kazonga has warned Ndola City Council to desist from politicising the office of mayor at the expense of service delivery.

He said if the councillors failed to heed the advice he would not hesitate to suspend the entire council.

Dr Kazonga said on Monday that it was important for the mayor and councillors to perform their duties diligently because residents were looking up to them for service delivery.

Officiating at the installation of the new mayor, Friday Sikazwe and his deputy Oscar Himanga at the civic centre grounds, Dr Kazonga said councillors had a responsibility to provide services for the benefit of the community.

The new mayor, Mr Sikazwe called on Government to construct more modern markets after the opening of Ndeke and Chisokone markets at a cost of K13 billion.

Former mayor, Charles Chiwala advised the new mayor and his deputy to ensure that there was a good work relationship between the councillors and the council management to ensure that there was effective delivery of service.

Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima advised councillors against pre-occupying themselves with private agendas at the expense of providing civic services to the people whom they are mandated to serve.

Mr Mbulakulima said being a councillor entailed being with the people within the wards and not just to be found at council offices all the time.

He was speaking when he officiated at the installation ceremony of new Mufulira Mayor, Andrew Msiska and his deputy, Catherine Mutale at the Mufulira Municipal Council on Monday.

Mr Mbulakulima said in a speech read for him by Copperbelt Provincial Local Government Officer, Solomon Sakala that Government’s expectation of councils was for them to come up with programmes that related with the people.

Outgoing mayor, Thomson Ngulube called on the Government to address the problem of poor road infrastructure in the district.

And Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti has implored the new mayor of Chingola McDonald Mulongoti to be accountable to the people and avoid being influenced by partisan politics.

He said relying on advice from outside Chingola council would mislead him and betray the people of Chingola that put him in office.

Officiating at the installation of the mayor in Chingola on Monday afternoon, Mr Mulongoti advised the new mayor to be proactive in order to deliver to the people who
entrusted him with responsibility.

The minister said the local government authorities were an agent of the central Government charged with the responsibility of implementing projects initiated by the the State.

The new mayor thanked Government for a grant of K2.4 billion to his council coming in form of K1.2 billion general grant and K1.2 billion as constituency development funds.

Mr Mulongoti called for team work and promised to do everything possible not to betray his fellow councillors and the people of Chingola.

Sata should follow pact grievance procedure — HH

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UPND_PF_PACT

United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema has advised Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata to follow procedure in airing his grievances against UPND youth chairperson Joe Kalusa.

Mr Hichilema said his party would not take disciplinary action against Mr Kalusa because there had been no formal representation from Mr Sata spelling out that he had misconducted himself.

The UPND leader said the pact had a system of airing its grievances and said if Mr Sata had used the right channels UPND would have considered his complaint against Mr Kalusa.

Mr Hichilema was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.

Mr Sata told a QFM Radio programme that he had been hurt by Mr Kalusa’s conduct lately who had even gone to the extent of giving him ultimatums in the media apart from attacking him publicly but UPND had not taken disciplinary action against him.

Mr Hichilema said he did not sit on the disciplinary committee which he said was chaired by the national chairperson and that is why it was important that Mr Sata put his demand in writing.

He admitted that his party lacks the political support to lead it to victory in next year’s presidential election, which was the reason it was insisting on keeping the pact alive with the Patriotic Front (PF).

He said there existed statistics from the 2001, 2006, and 2008 presidential election results that showed that UPND could not go anywhere without a pact.

Mr Hichilema said he was disappointed by senior leaders of UPND and other individuals who had been attempting to convince him to contest the elections outside the pact and called them liars because he did not have the capacity to win the election.

“Please stop coming to cheat me that I can win an election alone because statistics are there for 2001 up to 2008 to show that I cannot win. I hope other politicians can see things that way. I cannot win mwilabepa ubufi (Bemba for don’t tell lies),” Mr Hichilema said.

He said it was clear that the combined votes by the opposition were always higher than the ruling party.

“So please don’t come to me again and say Hakainde you can win alone. You are lying to me and I know that I cannot win,” Mr Hichilema said.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Lusaka August mealie meal prices reduce

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THE Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has said that prices of mealie meal reduced by an average of K5,200 in Lusaka last month.

The JCTR said in the Basic Needs Basket (BNB) for Lusaka in August, the cost of a 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal reduced by K5,200 from an average price of K60,800 in July to K55,600.

“The sustained reduction in the cost of mealie meal is mainly attributed to the recorded bumper harvest,” the JCTR stated yesterday.

The BNB is a tool that measures the cost of basic food and essential non-food items for an average family of six in a specific town.

The JCTR also recorded a decrease in other food items such as beans, dry fish, dry kapenta, meat, eggs, vegetables, tomato, onion and bread.

The JCTR stated that overall, the Lusaka BNB recorded an unprecedented reduction in the average cost of basic food items of K96, 300 from K945, 650 in July to K849, 350 in August 2010.

“The reduction in the average cost of food has been completely eroded by significant increases in the cost of non-food items. The non-food items on the BNB is made up of a lean list of essential needs such as housing, energy, water and sanitation, soap,” the JCTR stated.

It said that the average cost of these non-food essentials in Lusaka increased by K115,600 from K1,863,830 in July 2010 to K1,979,430 in August 2010.

While other countries in the world were affected by a rise in wheat prices, the JCTR said that it was commendable that Zambia was not affected. In Mozambique for instance, the cost of bread increased by about 30 per cent contributing to the recent violent protests.

It was noted that the upward trend in the cost of essential non-food items was triggered by a significant increase in the cost of electricity.

[Times of Zambia]

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