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Zambia takes over AGOA forum chairmanship

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Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson(left) and Hon. Felix Mutati in Washington DC

Zambia has taken over the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) Forum for the next one year following an African Ministerial Consultative Group meeting held in Washington DC. This is according to a statement released to Lusakatimes by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in the United States of America Ben Kangwa.

The Forum is an annual event mandated by the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which was signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in May 2000 to expand trade and investment with the sub- Saharan Africa.

It allows eligible countries’ officials to review the implementation of AGOA, as well as exploring new ways for the future in order to enhance and strengthen trade integration and make smooth commerce activities between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.

The out –going Chairperson of Kenya, the Minister of Trade Hon. Amos Muhinga Kimunya passed over the Chairmanship to Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Felix Mutati, pledging unflinching support and cooperation for a successful tenure.[pullquote]Africa is no longer the same as before – It is a continent that is rich in natural resources and has a highly cost effective labour base. Let us kill this negative myth for it to develop[/pullquote]

Speaking at the Ministerial opening ceremony on behalf of the Ministerial Consultative Group, Hon. Mutati reiterated the importance of AGOA in promoting trade and economic development in Sub Saharan Africa.

He stated that Africa is a continent with significant potential for the US market and offers greater financial returns more so that it was seeing its strongest economic growth since the late 1970s.

“Africa is no longer the same as before – It is a continent that is rich in natural resources and has a highly cost effective labour base. Let us kill this negative myth for it to develop,” he said amid a loud applause.

Minister Mutati also said that Africa had shown greatest improvement and taken the biggest steps in reducing corruption in 38 countries, introduced business reforms as well as stabilized exchange rates over the past decade.

He emphasized the need that AGOA should be viewed as a partnership- between the US and Sub Saharan Africa in order to promote trade and development.

Later the Minister took part in a plenary session along his equivalent – US Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk in a discussion entitled “New Strategies for Expanding US Sub Saharan African Trade.”

The session explored new strategies to reduce trade barriers, creation of new trade opportunities and the strengthening of US-African trade within the context of the changing global trading environment.
Hon. Mutati and his delegation which included Zambia’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela held two bilateral meetings, first with Ambassador Kirk and officials from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) and later with Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at the US Department of State.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela said this year’s AGOA Forum offers a great platform for the Zambian delegation to engage with American decision makers and their private sector in developing productive business networks based on mutual understanding.

“It will be a great opportune time to enhance personal business contacts between Zambia and the USA in order to try and jump start trade and investment between the two countries,” she added.

‘Squabbles in the pact are normal’ – Sata

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PF Leader Michael Sata (Picture Courtesy of The Post Newspaper)

Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata says the differences in the PF/UPND pact are normal.

In an interview with QFM, Mr. Sata said there is nothing sinister about the squabbles in the PF/UPND pact because in every situation human beings are bound to differ.

He expressed happiness that the differences in the pact have emerged at a time when there is still room to resolve them.

Mr Sata says it would have been bad if the differences emerged in 2011 ahead of the general elections because Vice President George Kunda would have been vindicated.

He has also dismissed reports by some sections of the media that the two parties in the pact were fielding candidates in all the contested seats for this Thursday’s by-elections.

The PF/UPND National Governing Council is expected to meet soon to find a way of resolving the problems in the pact.
[ QFM ]

Police arrest 10 PF cadres

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PF cadres

Police in Ndola have arrested 10 Patriotic Front (PF) supporters for allegedly having blocked Vice-President George Kunda’s motorcade on Monday.

Copperbelt police commanding officer, Antonneil Mutentwa said 13 others who are suspected to have been part of the cadres that blocked Mr Kunda’s motorcade will be arrested soon.

Mr Mutentwa said those arrested will appear in court soon, adding that most of them are taxi drivers alleged to have been hired by the PF.

“The total number of the people that were involved in the fracas is 23, but we have so far arrested 10,” he said.

Mr Mutentwa warned that police will arrest people who perpetrate violence.

He said police held three meetings with all the political parties participating in the Chifubu constituency by-elections on the need to maintain peace and tranquility during the campaign period.

And the Leadership In Development has described the tearing of the Mung’omba draft constitution by PF vice national chairman Simon Mukupa as being anarchist.

Leadership in Development executive director, Moses Kalonde said the PF has no respect for the law.
“That is an act of anarchy which should be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said.

Mr Kalonde said people should judge for themselves the kind of opposition leaders who want to aspire to the highest office of the land.

He said the public should start scrutinising the kind of leadership they want to lead them after 2011.

“This is the time to ensure that politicians are scrutinised in both the ruling party and opposition political parties,” he said.

Mr Kalonde called on the people in Chifubu to elect a candidate that will bring about development in the constituency.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

Mohan murder case: DPP withdraws Simeza

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Director of Public Prosecution Chalwe Mchenga

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has with immediate effect withdrawn Lusaka lawyer Robert Simeza as a co-prosecutor in the murder case involving Inktech managing director Mohan Matthews and others.

In his letter to Mr Simeza dated July 20 this year, Mr Chalwe Mchenga indicated that his action to immediately withdraw him had been necessitated to protect the integrity of the trial process.

This is in a case in which Matthews and Crown Paints proprietors Idris Suleiman Patel and Shabbir Patel have been charged with the alleged murder of Cyclone Hardware managing director Sajid Itowala on July 21, 2009.

“ This letter serves to advise that I have with immediate effect withdrawn the authority for you to co-prosecute the case of ‘The People Vs Mohan Matthews and others, my action has been necessitated to protect the integrity of the trial process.

“ And the inconvenience that the very short notice may cause you and your clients is deeply regretted,” said the DPP.

And the respondent’s family representative and uncle of the deceased, Mr Mohamed Suleman Itowala had filed an appeal against the DPP’s decision to withdraw Mr Simeza as a co-prosecutor in the matter.

In his affidavit, Mr Itowala alleged that he had authority to depose his support of Mr Simeza as co –prosecutor and that as family, they were comfortable with the way he had been prosecuting the case and felt that justice was going on well.

Mr Itowala said as the family they had been grandly taken aback and distressed by the turn of events that the person who had primary conduct of the prosecution would no longer be able to direct the prosecution at this advanced stage of the case.

“ That I and the family are desirous to see Mr Simeza continue to play a role in this matter as he is well versed with the facts of the case as he has spent time interviewing witnesses including those who may not be called to testify, he will be of great service in easing the mind of the deceased’s family and of great value to the court,” he said.

Mr Itowala indicated that allowing Mr Simeza to continue a role in the prosecution of this case would go along way towards ensuring that justice was not only done but also manifestly seen to be done.

That this case was the first of its kind in Zambia and had generated enormous public interest especially in the Muslim community and as such there should not be any lingering doubt as to the manner the prosecution would have been conducted.

But Mr Mchenga in his response said his withdraw of Mr Simeza from the case was not as a result of any misconduct on his part but followed his assessment that it was not in the broad interest of justice for this case to continue to be prosecuted by a private legal practitioner.

“ This being the case I will not reverse my decision to withdraw Mr Simeza from the case, neither will I allow any other private legal practitioner to join in the prosecution,” Mr Mchenga said.

He said it was his obligation to act as he did knowing well that his decision might not be well received by interested parties like him and his family and apologised for his action and the inconvenience.

The matter has been set for August 9, for continued trial.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Sata’s bodyguard convicted

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A LUSAKA magistrate’s court yesterday convicted Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata’s body guard Judge Ngoma on two counts of assault.

The court has since reserved sentencing to this Friday.

Senior Resident Magistrate David Simusamba yesterday said he was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the accused guilty on both counts.

Mr Simusamba said Ngoma’s defence could not stand because there was overwhelming evidence, which showed him and his colleagues punching and kicking at a helpless man trying to escape from them.

“I am therefore satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and I accordingly find the accused guilty as charged and convict him accordingly on both counts,” he said.

In count one, Ngoma 42, of plot 21/15 of Barlastone Park in Lusaka on June 5, 2009 in Lusaka jointly and while acting together with others unknown, assaulted Mubanga Chileshe thereby occasioning him bodily harm.
[pullquote]“I am therefore satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and I accordingly find the accused guilty as charged and convict him accordingly on both counts,” he said.
[/pullquote]
In count two, Ngoma on the same date jointly and while acting together with other persons unknown assaulted Samson Zulu, thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm.

Mr Simusamba said during trial, Mr Zulu testified that on June 5, 2009 while hosting a Press conference at Courtyard Hotel in Lusaka as a pressure group within the PF protesting against the party’s failure to call for a convention, he was confronted by a group of seven members whom he identified as his colleagues in the PF.

Mr Simusamba said Mr Zulu narrated that among the group Ngoma was also present.

“He testified that the members of the group took turns in beating him up while the now accused was speaking on the phone to the effect that he had been apprehended and abducted him by which time the now accused participated in the beatings and took him to a place he recognised as the party’s secretariat where he was further physically abused,” he said.

He said Mr Zulu testified that after the abuse, a statement denouncing his Press conference was forced out of him and was released and warned not to report the matter to the police since the matter was resolved.

He, however, decided to report the matter to the police where he was issued with a medical report, which he took to the hospital.

And Mr Chileshe also testified that on June 5, last year, while hosting a Press briefing with Mr Zulu, he was attacked by a group of people he identified as PF members, among them, Ngoma who was with his friends took turns in punching and kicking him.

Mr Simusamba said another witness Chiwele Maimisa testified that on the material date, Ngoma, together with others known went to Courtyard Hotel to disrupt a Press briefing where he witnessed the other members of the group beat up Mr Zulu and Mr Chileshe.

He said Mr Mamisa testified that he drove in the front seat of the vehicle in which Mr Zulu was bundled when he was abducted and taken to the party secretariat where he was further physically abused.

Mr Simusamba said after considering all the evidence before the court, he was satisfied that the evidence of Mr Zulu, Mr Chileshe and Mr Maimisa and as corroborated by an exhibit of a video footage that on June 5, 2009, both the complainants were assaulted by persons known to them.

Mr Simusamba said Ngoma’s defence was that he was merely acting in self-defence when Mr Zulu descended on him.

Ngoma has since been detained in custody pending sentencing.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Malawian President’s arrival in Pictures

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1.

Traditional dancers from Lundazi performing at Lusaka international airport as part of the tradition to welcome visitors to Zambia

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Traditional dancers from Lundazi performing at Lusaka international airport as part of the tradition to welcome visitors to Zambia.

3.

Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mutarika alights from his Presidential plane when he arrived at Lusaka international airport.

4.

President Rupiah Banda embraces his Malawian counterpart Bingu Wa Mutarika at Lusaka international airport

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Nyau dancers of Gule Wamukulu dancing before receiving Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mutarika at Lusaka international airport

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Nyau dancers of Gule Wamukulu dancing before receiving Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mutarika at Lusaka international airport.

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President Banda's official Mercedes Benz arrives at the show with Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika on board

Grandstand: North African Strip of Fire Awaits Nyirenda

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Wedson Nyirenda this about to find out whether he is currently the best coach in Zambia.

Nyirenda has risen to fame over the last four years after having won three successive league titles with two different clubs; two with Zesco United before going to Zanaco last season when he collected his third.

Domestically, he has gone some way in proving his worth which, in local conversional football wisdom, is a benchmark of a future national team trainer.

This year, he has gone further in Africa and to become the second coach to guide a Zambian club to the group stage of a Caf club competition after Zesco did so under his successor Fighton Simukonda last season.

Zanaco qualified to the group stage of the Caf Confederations Cup under Nyirenda’s helm as a consolation after the team was knocked out from the Champions League at the pre-group stage in May.

Their opponents in Group B present a good platform to enhance his reputation as one of Zambia’s top coaches.

His dashed dreams in the Caf Champions League have set him on an even more challenging course of the North African strip of fire that awaits him in Group B that has at least two high caliber seasoned campaigners.

Furthermore, Zanaco are then only team in Group B south of the Sahara in their pool with the other three sides all from North Africa stretching across that region from Egypt to Morocco.

Group B comprises of 2007-2008 Confederations Cup winners CS Sfaxien of Tunisia and Egyptian side Haras Hodoud who are making their third straight appearance in this event although they are yet to make it past the group stage.

FUS de Rabat of Morocco who have as little pedigree in any of the two Caf club competitions as Zanaco complete Group B and like the Sunset side, are also making their mini-league stage debut in African club competition.

North African clubs have always been Zambian clubs nemesis over the last 30 plus years .

Nyirenda will need to muster all his tactical nous and overcome that psychological barrier of North African football that haunts Zambian players to finish in a respectable position in Group B or finish top two to qualify for the Confederation Cup semifinals.

The biggest thing working for him is home advantage as North African teams are notoriously poor on the road but ruthless at home as Haras, whom Zanaco host on August 26 on match day two, will attest to.

Haras lost by a combined three goals in their last two away matches but have rebounded to score a whopping 13  goals in return leg home games; five against Patrick Phiri’s Simba of Tanzania and eight alone in the last round when they hosted Gaborone United also coached by another Zambian trainer in the form of Mike Sithole.

The challenge of defending this year’s league crown will also test his ability as he tries to find a tangible balance with his targets both at home and abroad as he heads into choppy waters as the cold front gives way to the forecast rising heat from the north.

Rupiah blames Police for Veep’s blocking

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President Rupiah Banda receives a bouquet from young Memory Lilumba

President Rupiah Banda has condemned the violence perpetrated by suspected PF cadres that blocked Vice-President George Kunda’s motorcade after he addressed a campaign rally in Chifubu Township in Ndola yesterday.

Mr. Banda said it was incumbent upon every Zambian to respect the Vice President regardless of which political party he represents.

The President blamed police officers in Ndola for allowing members of two political parties in Ndola to meet in the manner they did.

He said this when he addressed journalists at Livingstone International Airport,shortly before departure for Ndola to campaign for the MMD candidate in the Chifubu parliamentary by-election, Frank Ng’ambi.

Mr. Banda charged that police were careless for allowing MMD and PF members to meet resulting in PF cadres who were in the company of their party president Michael Sata, disobeying traffic police orders to stop to give way to the Vice-president’s motorcade which was heading to Ndola International airport.

According to media reports, female police officer who tried to block the PF convoy was almost hit by the vehicles.

Meanwhile, President Banda has called on Zambians to pray for him in his endeavors to lead the country.

Mr. Banda said leadership came from God as and that no one could be elected to lead without God’s involvement.

He said there was no need for opposition political party leaders to fight over the national presidency since Zambia is a democratic nation characterized by peace, without any room for hatred and strife.

President Rupiah Banda was in Livingstone for a two-day official visit during which he graced the Bene Mukuni traditional ceremony of the Toka leya people of Kazungula district.

QFM

Zambia paid over US$ 1.9 m subscription to AU

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Parliament today heard that the Zambian government paid a total of over US$1.9 million to the African Union (AU) in annual subscription between the year 2006 and 2010.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fashion Phiri said in 2006, Zambia paid US$310,186 while in 2007, the country paid US$242,375 as subscription fee to the AU.

Professor Phiri further said Zambia paid US$468,840 for the year 2008, US$412,739 to cover the year 2009 and an advance payment of US$40,000 to the union to cover the year 2010.

He explained that there was still an outstanding balance of US$450,699 to be paid to the continental body for this year.

He said this balance, which was supposed to have been paid before the July, 2010 AU summit in Kampala, would be cleared before the end of this year.

Professor Phiri was responding to a question raised by Chilubi Member of Parliament, Obby Chisala who wanted to know how much money Zambia paid in subscription fees to the AU between 2006 and 2010.

He said the total amount paid was US$1,925,901 to the African Union as subscription fee.

And Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kabinga Pande said any member country of the AU which failed to pay subscription fee was suspended.

Mr. Pande explained that the suspension barred members from voting even when they were allowed to attend the summits of the continental body.

ZANIS

Zambia copper, cobalt output up in first half

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Copper production in Zambia, Africa’s leading producer of the metal, rose by 16 percent in the first half of the year after mines increased output as the global economic crisis eased, central bank data showed.

The first-half copper output of 393,089 tonnes put the country on course to hit its annual target of 750,000 tonnes.

Zambia last year produced just under 700,000 tonnes of the metal, used extensively in construction and wiring, after mines which had suspended output during the global economic crisis resumed operations.

“This year’s production should exceed last year’s figure given the impressive first-half results,” said Chibamba Kanyama, an analyst at think-tank Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ).

“The new mines like Lumwana are increasing their output, and other mines which resumed production after the global economic crisis are also picking up relatively fast.”

Zambia’s copper exports during the first six months rose to 405,784 tonnes from the 310,956 tonnes the southern African country exported in the first half of last year, data showed.

Kanyama said the mines were drilling deeper because of rising metals prices.

Cobalt production during the period more than doubled to 4,057 tonnes from 1,967 tonnes last year, while exports of the metal increased to 3,889 tonnes from 1,950 tonnes last year.

Kanyama said the restarting of output at Zambia’s largest cobalt producer, Chambishi Metals had greatly contributed to the increased cobalt production.

Zambia has continued to attract mining investments to lift output to the targeted 750,000 tonnes this year and 1 million tonnes by 2012, Central Bank Governor Caleb Fundanga said last week.

The government and the Chamber of Mines of Zambia both said investments in the mining sector, the country’s economic lifeblood have peaked at $5 billion in the last eight years.

The mines are a major employer in Zambia, a country of over 12 million people.

Foreign mining companies in Zambia include London-listed Vedanta Resources, Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, Equinox Minerals, Glencore International of Switzerland and Metorex of South Africa.

[Reuters]

AVAP, ZDDM slams Sata, supporters

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Michael Sata and PF Cadres

The Anti Voter Apathy (AVAP) and Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) have condemned Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and his supporters for blocking Vice President George Kunda’s Motorcade in Ndola yesterday.

AVAP Executive Director Bonnie Tembo in a telephone interview with ZANIS from Luena constituency said the action by the PF to blockade the vice president’s motorcade was a recipe for violence.

Mr. Tembo called on the PF leader to exercise politics of mutual respect with other politicians unlike him engaging in politics of hatred and personal agendas.

He said the PF’s action was totally out of order and urged the people of Chifubu not to vote for people with bad influence to society.

Mr. Tembo has since called on political parties contesting the Chifubu seat to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct to avoid any incidences of violence.

And in a separate interview ZDDM National Coordinator Edwin Sakala noted that the PF party was in a habit of provoking situations and later apportion blame on MMD on the outcome of their action.

Mr. Sakala observed that yesterday’s incidence was just a repeat of what transpired in Serenje where former Health Deputy Minister Solomon Musonda was blocked by suspected PF cadres and in his attempt to flee himself opened fire injuring a PF cadre in the process.

“The PF’s actions clearly shows that they are not ready to address the needs of the many Zambians but are just interested in violence and their personal interests” Mr. Sakala observed.

Mr. Sakala noted that being destructive was not the only way to show people that they could deliver development to them.

He has urged the PF and other political parties in the country to begin engaging in constructive and result oriented politics instead of engaging in acts of violence.

Meanwhile, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Information Officer McDonald Chipenzi in a telephone interview from Ndola described the by-election campaigns as peaceful and incident free.

Mr. Chipenzi described the campaigns as issue based and not character assassinations as mostly witnessed in Zambian politics.

He has also praised the Zambia Police in the manner in which they have instituted the Public Order Act during campaigns in Chifubu.

Mr. Chipenzi stated that the Zambia Police have shown professionalism in their duties ahead of the by-election set for Thursday this week.

The Electoral Code of Conduct clearly states that a political party shall issue directives to its members and supporters to observe the code and take all other necessary steps to ensure compliance.

ZANIS

Bingu’s statement puts Zambia’s image at stake – Kabanda

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President Rupiah Banda embraces his Malawian counterpart Bingu Wa Mutarika at Lusaka international airport

The Citizen’s Forum (C.F) has described as unfortunate the turn of events following Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika’s statement about how Republican President Rupiah Banda helped him win a second term in office.

Citizens Forum Executive Director,Simon Kabanda says the statement by the Malawian leader on how President Banda contributed to his re-election for a second term in office and how the opposition in that country has reacted might dent Zambia’s democratic credentials and reputation.

Mr.Kabanda says Zambia has managed to build a good name with its multiparty dispensation in a bid to build democracy and good governance.

He however said that the manner in which the opposition has interpreted the statement by President Mutharika during the official opening of Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka last week, might put the country’s at a risk.[pullquote]Mr Mabenga said Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika’s remarks that President Banda helped him in the campaigns to secure his second term of office last year should not be mistaken for rigging elections.

He said Professor wa Mutharika was merely congratulating President Banda for the support rendered to him during that country’s general elections.
[/pullquote]

He says the remarks uttered by Malawi’s opposition leader John Tembo risk the country being wrongly judged.

Mr Kabanda adds that Zambians are not happy with how the whole issue has been turned into because it brings the nation’s credibility into disrepute and raises questions about the country’s democratic credentials.

He has since advised politicians to be careful with their utterances about political matters in other countries.

Malawi’s main opposition leader John Tembo was yesterday reported in a daily tabloid claiming that Mr Banda had sent some people to Malawi to help rig election results in favour of Prof Mutharika.

Meanwhile, Mr Michael Sata recently alleged that some Malawians had received Zambian national registration cards to vote for President Banda in next year’s elections.Mr Sata was quoted in the Sunday Post as saying some Malawians at the border areas with Zambia were obtaining NRCs as well as voters’ cards in readiness for the elections so that they could vote for the MMD.

The MMD has described as rubbish remarks by Michael Sata that some Malawian nationals are getting national registration cards (NRCs) and voters’ cards to vote President Banda.

MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga said it is folly for Mr Sata to allege that Malawians are getting NRCs and voters’ cards to vote for President Banda and the MMD in the 2011 tripartite elections.
“Mr Sata is a daydreamer and that comment from him is total rubbish. That is my comment,” Mr Mabenga said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.

He said there is no other person apart from Zambians who can be issued with NRCs and voters’ cards.
Mr Mabenga said Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika’s remarks that President Banda helped him in the campaigns to secure his second term of office last year should not be mistaken for rigging elections.

He said Professor wa Mutharika was merely congratulating President Banda for the support rendered to him during that country’s general elections.

[QFM ,Daily Mail]

Lusaka Council lacks adequate funds to raze illegal structures

Entertainment Editor
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Chingola’s Town center Makeshift Shops
Makeshift Shops

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has admitted that it does not have enough resources to conduct the demolishing of illegal structures in the capital city.

Council Public Relations Manager Chanda Makanta said lack of resources was hindering the Council’s plans to demolish illegal structures in Lusaka.

Ms Makanta explained to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that the local authority was aware that illegal structures contributed to making the city look untied.

She also said the exercise was ongoing which Council was expected to conduct all the time.

Meanwhile, Ms Makanta advised individuals interested in putting up structures to always consult the Council.

She said that this would help the Council not to demolish their structures as they would have proper documents and would have followed procedure.

Ms. Makanta challenged members of the public to report any form of illegal structures across the capital city.

She said members of the community should play a role as partners in the development of Lusaka.

In another development, Ms. Makanta reiterated the Council’s call for members of the public to always keep their surroundings clean.

She said it was important for members of the public to observe cleanliness to avoid contracting different diseases.

[ ZANIS ]

Kanyama residents welcome Sanitation project

Entertainment Editor
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Traders at Soweto market in Lusaka trading under heaps of garbage (File Picture)

Kanyama residents have welcomed a programme on sanitation dubbed Community Led Total Sanitation Programme and initiated by United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Kanyama Township.

Speaking to ZANIS in an intervew in Lusaka today, both Mukolo and Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula ward councillors said that the people of Kanyama were happy with the programmme as it would help incessant cholera outbreaks in the area.

Mukolo Ward 12 Councillor Samson Mwenda said the people of Kanyama Township have embraced the Community Led Total Sanitation programme saying this would help curb cholera outbreaks in the area.

Councillor Mwenda said the people now understood that it was not the role of Lusaka City Council to remove garbage but that the community should also be involved since they were the ones responsible for littering the surrounding resulting in accumulation of diseases come rain season.

And Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula ward 11 councillor Simon Sinyangwe hailed the President Rupiah Banda’s Government for wooing co-operating partners such as UNICEF in the fight against cholera in the country.

Mr Sinyangwe added that the gesture should be extended to other cholera prone townships as well.

He said people were geared to start the programme before the rain season to avert experiencing disease outbreaks which have continued to claim many lives in the township.

He said people were now aware that the issue of hygiene did not only involve the Council but that residents were equally responsible involved as they were the ones prone to diseases whenever there was an outbreak.

He said Lusaka City Council was not directly affected with unsanitary conditions but that residents should take center stage in the fight against such situations.

And Kanyama Ward 10 Chairperson Leonard Cheelo further told ZANIS that more people in Kanyama needed to be sensitised about the Community Led Total Sanitation Programme to enable them understand fully the benefit of full participating in the programme.

Mr Cheelo stated that many people in Kanyama did not have information on good sanitation hence the need to initiate the process of educating them so that they appreciate the benefits of the programme.

He said Government was keen to prevent diseases such as cholera adding that the problem was with the residents themselves who were adamant on good hygiene.

He disclosed that the resident Committee will be conducting meetings with the residents starting Friday this week to educate the people in the area about the programme.

The community Led Total Sanitation Programme was formed in 2002 with the help of the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for rural areas aimed at addressing poor sanitation.

The perennial out breaks of cholera in some townships in Lusaka has prompted the introduction of the programme to Kanyama Township as a pilot and and would equally be extended to other cholera prone areas in the district.
[ ZANIS ]

Increased unlicensed traders worry Public Health Prosecutor

Entertainment Editor
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Public Health Prosecutor Michael Musenga has expressed concern with the increasing number of people appearing in courts because of trading without licenses.

Mr. Musenga has since urged Local Authorities in the country to intensify their inspections and ensure that people conducting various business activities were issued with trading licenses and complied with the law.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that, it was saddening to see the country losing a lot of revenue from business houses that did not acquire trade licenses.

He noted that despite many business people having been educated on the importance of obtaining trade permits, businesses have continued to be conducted without trading certificates.

Mr Musenga explained that there was need for local authorities in the country to ensure that all businesses being conducted were accounted for as a way of enhancing the country’s revenue collection and the general safety of people.

He pointed out that unlicensed traders could be dangerous to consumers because they were capable of selling expired and counterfeit products as their main interest was to make money.

Mr Musenga disclosed that in a two days inspection exercise carried out in Kanyama more than 50 people were found trading without licenses and have since been summoned to appear in court.

He further said that people should to be reminded that doing business without a license was a serous offence under the laws of Zambia.

He also advised local authorities not to merely issue licenses but to also ensure that people issued with permits complied with the requirements of the licenses.

[ ZANIS ]

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