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UPND-PF Pact demand Health Deputy Minister’s arrest

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Dr Solomon Musonda

The Patriotic Front United Party for National Development pact has demanded that Health Deputy Minister Dr. Solomon Musonda should be arrested and detained in police custody.

Patriotic Front spokesperson Given Lubinda has urged the police to act swiftly and arrest the minister as what he did was a a criminal act.

He said that failure to arrest Dr. Musonda will result in the government influencing the outcome of the investigation.

Mr. Lubinda has further castigated Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha who said that the shooting of the youth should not be politicized.

He said that the incident itself was politically motivated and that the pact will use politics to ensure that justice prevails in the case.

Mr. Lubinda has since defended the youth who was shot by the police as saying that he was not armed as alleged by the MMD Chitambo Member of Parliament.

Speaking on last evening, Mr. Lubinda explained that the alleged PF cadre was one of the youths who were repairing the dilapidated roads and merely asking for money from road users.

And speaking on the same programme, spokesperson of the UPND said that the pact is not in a hurry to choose a presidential candidate.

Charles Kakoma said that they pacts main objectives are to address challenges that the country is address.

And Zambia Daily Mail reports that Government has advised the Patriotic Front (PF) to stop politicising the shooting and wounding of Jackson Musaka of Lubembe village in Serenje by Deputy Minister of Health Solomon Musonda.

[pullquote]“This matter regarding the shooting of Jackson Musaka of Lubembe area in Serenje is currently being handled and investigated by the police because it is a police case. So there is no need whatsoever for the opposition Patriotic Front to politicise the matter,” Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said.[/pullquote]

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said there is no need for the opposition to start politicising the shooting and wounding of Mr Musaka, 25, as the case is currently being handled and investigated by police.

Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha said this when he visited Mr Musaka at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where he is admitted.

He said the PF should exercise political maturity when handling the case and that the police should be allowed to deal with matter professionally.

“This matter regarding the shooting of Jackson Musaka of Lubembe area in Serenje is currently being handled and investigated by the police because it is a police case. So there is no need whatsoever for the opposition Patriotic Front to politicise the matter,” Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said.

He said it is unfortunate and saddening to note that some people have decided to politicise the shooting and wounding of the PF cadre, instead of praying to God for Mr Musaka’s quick recovery.

“It is unfortunate that this happened but I have to thank God that doctors have managed to remove the bullet from Mr Musaka from his head.

“I am, therefore, asking my colleagues from the political arena to stop politicising the incident to win political capital, but they should put our brother in prayers so that he receives the quickest recovery,” Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said.

Lt.Gen Shikapwasha appealed to the opposition PF to allow the police to carry out its investigations without any political interference.

Meanwhile, UTH public relations officer Pauline Mbangweta said Mr Musaka’s condition is stable compared to last night (Wednesday) and that he is responding to treatment.

[pullquote]“It is unfortunate that this happened but I have to thank God that doctors have managed to remove the bullet from Mr Musaka from his head.[/pullquote]

“Yesterday, the condition of Jackson Musaka was critical. I can confirm now that his condition is stabilising. This is because of the operation which was conducted by doctors who managed to remove the bullet from his head,” Ms Mbangweta said.

And Central Province PF security wing party official George Lemba also confirmed that Mr Musaka’s condition is stable compared to Wednesday night.

“I can confirm that the condition of Musaka has improved as compared to last night (Wednesday) when he was failing to talk. But at night doctors managed to remove the bullet from his head,” he said.

On Wednesday, police recorded a warn-and-caution statement from Dr Musonda

ZAMTEL discontinues pension scheme

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ZAMTEL and the National Union of Communication Workers (NUCW) have mutually resolved to de-register the pension scheme for employees.

But some Ndola-based ZAMTEL employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they feared they would lose out on payments equivalent to the contributions which they were supposed to get after retiring at the age of 55.

ZAMTEL public relations manager Rosemary Mwanza confirmed the development in a statement released in Ndola yesterday and said the board of the Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) resolved to de-register the Zamtel Pension Scheme.

“The decision was made so as to protect members’ interests that have been exposed to risks due to the fact that the scheme was under-funded,” she said.

The pension scheme was until recently administered by the Zambia State Insurance Corporation.
[pullquote]“The decision was made so as to protect members’ interests that have been exposed to risks due to the fact that the scheme was under-funded,” she said.[/pullquote]
It had over the years accumulated a colossal actuarial deficit and as a result, it had no capacity to honour its obligations to the scheme members as it became due.

Ms Mwanza said in order to avoid the escalation of the weakening financial position of the scheme, the registration had to be cancelled, especially that the scheme’s sponsor, ZAMTEL had no capacity to liquidate the deficit.

NUCW general secretary Clement Kasonde said most of the ZAMTEL workers countrywide were in favour of the decision to de-register the pension scheme.

Mr Kasonde said it was only a few Ndola-based employees who were against the move, which would see workers paid according to the years served unlike the earlier arrangement where they were expected to receive their pension benefits after the age of 55.
[ Times of Zambia ]

PF MPS under threat

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Mwense Central Constituency Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Jacob Chongo and his Kankoyo counterpart Percy Chanda are living in fear after receiving death threats from some Mufulira-based suspected members of their party.

The duo said some suspected PF members had been threatening to beat them up if they did not stop what they termed as destabilising the opposition party.

Mr Chongo said in an interview that some people tipped the parliamentarians last weekend that some PF cadres were plotting to cause harm to the two MPs and their property.

The two parliamentarians, who live in Mufulira’s mine area, said although they had received threats in the past, they were concerned with the recent ones which came after some PF members met at the weekend at a club belonging to a named party member.

It is alleged that some party officials had directed some cadres to “deal” with the two parliamentarians for allegedly destabilising the party.

Mr Chongo, who said he had reported the matter to Mufulira Central Police station, warned that the PF leadership in the district would be held responsible if the MPs or their property were harmed.

Efforts to get Copperbelt police chief Antoneill Mutentwa proved futile as his mobile phone went unanswered.

“I have been informed by some people who attended the meeting that some party members have been instructed to target us for destabilising the party.

“The truth of the matter is that we are being sidelined and it’s not possible for us to destabilise the party,” he said.

Mr Chongo said he was aware that some top officials in the PF were not happy that the targeted MPs had disobeyed the party’s directives to withdraw from the National Constitutional Conference.

Meanwhile, the family of the late Chifubu Constituency MP Benson Bwalya has appealed to PF vice-president Guy Scott and the opposition party cadres to learn to show respect to the dead.

The late PF MP’s widow, Maggie, said in an interview in Ndola yesterday the family was saddened by Dr Scott and some PF cadres’ conduct which led to the disruption of the burial ceremony.

Mr Bwalya, 50, a ‘rebel’ PF MP, who defied the party order not to attend the NCC was buried on Wednesday at Kansenshi Cemetery in Ndola.

Mrs Bwalya said her late husband, who served the country as MP and a Zambia army soldier deserved a befitting send off rather than being victimised by people like Dr Scott even in death.

“The behaviour of Dr Scott, who did not even take time to visit the funeral house before and after the burial does not portray the good picture of the PF leadership. The PF leaders did not make any attempt to restrain their party cadres from causing confusion at the grave yard,” she said.

Provincial youth chairperson Menyani Zulu threatened to beat PF ‘rebel’ MP spokesperson Peter Machungwa after he was given a chance to address mourners and disrupted the burial ceremony.

Speaking during the burial ceremony earlier, Dr Scott made remarks suggesting that the late MP was a ‘naughty, prodigal son’, who was ungrateful after being given a chance to contest elections on the PF ticket.
[ Time of Zambia ]

Pact lacks sober, mature leaders

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Education Minister Dora Siliya

MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya has urged Zambians to reject the United Party for National Development and Patriotic Front (UPND/PF) Pact which is set for launch tomorrow on grounds that it lacks a sober and mature leadership to properly run the economy and hold the existing unity.

Ms Siliya warned against making a mistake by voting into office the alliance headed by Mr Hakainde Hichilema and Michael Sata in next year’s elections because of the insults the two leaders had promoted in their politics.

Ahead of the launch of the pact tomorrow, Ms Siliya said the alliance lacked real leadership and experience to prosper the economy to the next level because the two leaders were just good at insults.

Addressing MMD supporters and other residents at Chisonso Middle Basic School in Petauke, Ms Siliya said President Rupiah Banda’s Government had recorded massive economic growth which must be protected.

She explained that the people of Eastern Province and the rest of the country did not require anyone to campaign to them because of the infrastructure development which the Government was putting up.

Ms Siliya said during elections, both the PF and UPND leaders frequented the countryside seeking votes but never returned after elections which showed that they lacked the true agenda for the people.

Ms Siliya, who is minister of Education told the residents that the MMD did not perform well at Chisonso Middle Basic School and wondered what the people really wanted.

She reminded Zambians that some politicians were merely power-hungry and should not be taken seriously to avoid regrets.

Ms Siliya said leaders who lived on insults were not good for national stability which President Banda was already providing.

Meanwhile, MMD Eastern Province chairperson for women’s affairs Martha Mulenga urged Zambians to remember that President Banda was already in State House and providing development.

She said the president should be given a block vote by the people of Eastern Province to show appreciation for his efforts in developing Zambia.

The maturity that had been shown by the people in the province by voting for leaders irrespective of their tribes should continue.
[ Times of Zambia ]

The Last Weekend in Pictures

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1.

Duda Yankovich and her trainers arrive in Lusaka
Duda Yankovich and her trainers arrive in Lusaka

2.

Esther Phiri during her weighing in ceremony in Lusaka

3.

Duda Yankovich during the weighing in ceremony in Lusaka

4.

Esther Phiri (l) and Duda Yankovich squaring each other during the WIBA fight in Lusaka

5.

Esther Phiri and Duda Yankovich push each other during the WIBA title fight in Lusaka

6.

Tired...Esther Phiri and Duda Yankovich push each other during the WIBA title fight in Lusaka
Tired...Esther Phiri and Duda Yankovich push each other during the WIBA title fight in Lusaka

7.

Some boxing fans watch the WIBA fight between Zambian Esther Phiri and Brazilian Duda Yankovich in Lusaka

8.

Esther Phiri almost falling but leans against her opponent Duda Yankivich

9.

Clown Difikoti (l) joins Lusaka singer Daliso in a performance in Lusaka

10.

Clown Difikoti (c) joins Lusaka singer Daliso in a performance in Lusaka

11.

A boxing enthusiast cheering Esther Phiri

12.

Vanquished...Duda Yankovich after she was clobbered by Esther Phiri in Lusaka

13.

Duda Yankovich and her trainer after she lost the WIBA title fight to Esther Phiri

14.

Some physically challenged athletes racing along Freedom Way in Lusaka

15.

Sit like Leo...Mazhandu Bus operations inspector and former Amayenge dancer Chanda Beu finds the chair to be too high during the Ministry of Education awards in Lusaka.

16.

Second republican president Frederick Chiluba driving freely in his Mercedez Benz in Matero township.

17.

President Banda talks to Ronnie Shikapwasha with vice president George Kunda behind before he left for Nice France

18.

First Lady Thandiwe Banda with her Burundian counterpart Denise Nkurunzinza at Lusaka international airport

19.

Dr Chiluba, holding a brown envelope with Bishop Peter Ndlovu outside BIGOCA Church in Lusaka.

20.

Dr Chiluba cools off after preaching at BIGOCA Church in Lusaka

21.

DR Chiluba is interviewed by reporters on the conviction of Katele Kalumba outside the BIGOCA Church in Lusaka

Smile, forgive, forget and be a little more Zambian

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By Jo Fidgen  BBC News, Lusaka

Zambians have a remarkable ability to set aside grievances and move on – people actually seem to find it hard to bear a grudge.

I had a run-in with the police not long ago.

I had been ordered to pull off the road by an officer who said his camera had clocked me speeding. But I had been pootling along well under the limit and was sceptical about the policeman’s motivation. After all, checkpoints are a well-known source of extra income in Zambia.

So I kicked up a fuss, tried to inspect the speed camera and questioned other, more docile motorists about the speed they had been doing when stopped.

The police officers were furious.

One threatened to lock me up, but settled for scolding me with the most scathing insult she could muster: “You have problems. Take them to hell, not to the police.”

I was still feeling irritated when driving out of town the next day, a mood not improved by being done for speeding – again – by the same police team. A fair cop this time.

[pullquote] I paid the fine, he waved me off, and I spent the next 100km of my journey marvelling at the remarkable ability of so many Zambians to let bygones be bygones.[/pullquote]

I steeled myself for a humiliating dose of sarcasm, or smugness at least. Instead, a cheery face appeared at the window.

“Hello again,” said the policeman, with no trace of animosity. “How are you today?”

I paid the fine, he waved me off, and I spent the next 100km of my journey marvelling at the remarkable ability of so many Zambians to let bygones be bygones.

But there is an expectation of forgiveness in Zambia.

One Zambia, One Nation

A friend of mine was visited by a former employee who he had sacked for stealing.

The guy wanted his job back. “Surely you didn’t say yes?” I asked my friend.

“I did,” he replied, seemingly as surprised as I was, adding: “It was like he thought yesterday shouldn’t have any bearing on today.”

Certainly Zambians have had a lot of practice at putting the past behind them.

The decades of British colonialism, for instance, which at its worst, institutionalised the second class status of local people.

A small example – Europeans were allowed into the butchery to select the choice meat. The less appetising cuts were sold to Zambians through a hatch.

Yet these days, race relations are very good.

Or how about the bombing raids by the Rhodesian air force in the years before Zimbabwe fought its way into existence?

Now large numbers of “Rhodies”, as they are known, have been welcomed into Zambia since being hounded off their farms by Mugabe.

Then there is the woeful mismanagement of the country by political leaders.

First among them was Kenneth Kaunda, founding father of the nation, and now at 86, elevated to demi-god status.

I went to a talk where he was guest of honour.

The audience was made up of 40-something professionals, sharp-suited and hard-nosed.

As Kenneth Kaunda reached the podium and danced his trademark jig, the crowd swooned.

“One Zambia,” he called to them. “One Nation,” they chorused happily.

This catechism may be Kenneth Kaunda’s greatest legacy.

He managed to forge a shared identity for a country made up of more than 70 tribes. But he also presided over economic collapse.

By the time he permitted genuine elections in 1991, after 27 years in power, the shops were empty, the nationalised mining industry was ruined and state spies were everywhere.

‘A good man’

A charismatic trade unionist called Frederick Chiluba was agitating for democracy and capitalism. The voters could not wait to dump Kaunda, among them presumably many of these businessmen now gazing at him adoringly.

It is hard to find anyone with an acrimonious word for Kenneth Kaunda, even Taki, a naturalised Zambian and property magnate, who I met propping up his own bar.

He recounted how the first president had confiscated his businesses without compensation.

“How do you feel about him?” I enquired. “Ah he’s a good man,” he said, draining his glass.

President Chiluba recently provided another opportunity for Zambians to display their capacity for forgiveness.

In 10 years in power, his grand promises delivered wealth only to a select few.

The London High Court ruled that he and his associates had stolen more than $40m (£27m) of public money, but he was acquitted of corruption at Lusaka’s magistrates court.

Ahead of the verdict, one of Zambia’s foremost anti-corruption campaigners told me he wanted a conviction. But then the current president should immediately issue a pardon, he said.

“It would send a message that we are a very forgiving people,” he argued.

Now back in the UK, I am re-adjusting to life in a country where small slights are not so easily overlooked.

Next time someone rubs me up the wrong way, I am going to try to be a little more Zambian about it.

Smile, shake hands and act like it never happened. After all, as the Zambian proverb has it: Two thighs will always rub together.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8718808.stm
Published: 2010/06/03 12:31:33 GMT
© BBC MMX

Govt stance on RDA audit report annoying-TIZ

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Transparency International Zambia Chapter has described as annoying the attitude being portrayed by government and the Road Development Agency on the over commitment of over K1 trillion in expenditure revealed in the special Auditor General’s Report.

And Government has been called upon to stop politicizing the over Commitment revealed by the Auditor General.
TIZ president Rueben Lifuka said the Blame game by government and other stakeholders raises concern.

He said it is erroneous for Government to deny that the RDA did not commit government to expenditure in excess of K1 trillion in 2008 when the findings of the Auditor General’s report are a clear violation of both the Public Finance and Appropriation Act.

Mr Lifuka said government should come to terms that there are defects and weaknesses in the operations of the RDA when it comes to contracts and supervision.

He said any spending outside the budget is supposed to be approved by Parliament but that the act has not been the case with the colossal sums of money over committed to the operations of the Agency.

Meanwhile Mr Lifuka disclosed that overnment still owes the Zambians an explanation over the Carlington Maize Saga.
He said Transparent International Zambia will continue advocating for the conclusive of the Carlington Maize saga and seek the arrest of those found wanting.
[ QFM ]

Rupiah is ‘tribal’, maintains Mpombo

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George Mpombo

Former Defence Minister George Mpombo says Zambia has lost the vision of the One Zambia One Nation Motto because of the alleged ‘tribal’ politics of president Rupiah Banda.

Mr.Mpombo said it is a pity that the Rupiah Banda led administration has embraced tribal politics and sees nothing wrong with that.

He said President Banda should emulate his mentor, first republican president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s spirit of One Zambia One nation.

Speaking to QFM in an interview, Mr Mpombo noted that president Banda is slowly dividing the nation with the way he is making his cabinet appointments.

He added that it is shameful that president Banda has continued to defend his tribal appointments.

Mr Mpombo said president Banda should abide by the motto of One Zambia One Nation that has kept Zambia united instead of dividing the nation.
[ QFM ]

Govt receives over 100 applications for radio stations

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Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha (R)

Government says it has received 110 application for new radio stations and 10 for private television stations.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha says the government is waiting for the Independence Broadcasting Act (IBA) to be passed in parliament and the appointment of the board to start processing the applications and subsequently issue the licenses.

Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the processing and issuance of licenses will be done as soon as the IBA is taken to parliament in the next sitting.

He said of the ten Television stations that have applied, five have applied for Christians broadcasting stations and want them established in Lusaka and the Copperbelt Provinces.

The Minister has also disclosed that three pay television providers similar to MultiChoice have also applied for the licenses.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha further said other parts of the country such as Eastern and Western Provinces, which were previously shunned have also received overwhelming response for the establishment of the stations.

He said 10 applications have been received from Chipata alone and commended the private sector and the community for the good response.

Lt. Gen. said this has been realized with support from PANOS, UNICEF and other donor agencies.

He said the development is good and will help to the citizens have easy access to information.

He said government will continue playing a facilitatory role in the establishment of both radio and television stations to bridge the information gap.

He has since called on the citizens to seek help from PANOS and others to establish more radio and Television stations in the country.

Meanwhile Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha has disclosed that government has set up a task force to oversee the movement from analog to digital migration.

Gen. Shikapwasha said the team will also ensure that the country is not polluted with unwanted equipment during the migration.

He said the country is on the right direction and remained confident that it will realize this goal by 2015.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha said his ministry is working with other ministries like the Ministry of Communications and Transport in this area.

ZANIS

Lwandamina Silent on Saturday CHAN Line-up

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George Lwandamina is keeping the shape of his final team list close to his chest on the eve of Zambia’s must-win CHAN qualifying tie against  South Africa following Wednesdays 1-0 win over Angola in a friendly.

Anticipation as to who of the 22 players will make the final 18 for the match against South Africa was dumped today when Lwandamina declined to release the names of his final team.

The dropped players are set to know their fate on Friday at the end of the final phase of training.

Meanwhile, South Africa arrived on Wednesday evening with two new faces in the team in the form of Bidvest Wits Nedbank Cup final winning star players midfielder Sifiso Myeni including defender and man-of-match Michael Morton.

Coach Simon Ngomane said he hoped he had done his homework ahead of what he described as a difficult match against Zambia.

“We are expecting a very tough game against the Zambians. We have done our homework and we are looking for a positive result,” Ngomane said.

Zambia must beat South Africa 2-0 to overturn a 1-0 away result to qualify for the CHAN finals in Sudan next year.

Emerging markets investor CDC Group appoints Valentine Chitalu as a non-executive director

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Valentine Chitalu
CDC has appointed Valentine Chitalu as a non-executive director, according to a statement. Chitalu formerly led the Zambia Privatisation Agency, a state-backed organisation aimed at selling Zambia government-owned businesses to private owners, as its chief executive. While at the agency he oversaw the sale of more than 240 businesses.

Chitalu, also previously worked for accountancy firm KPMG Peat Marwick in the UK and Meridien Financial Services in Zambia.

Today he works as an entrepreneur in Zambia and southern Africa specialising in private equity and local private sector development.

His appointment will bolster CDC, which invests heavily in Africa, as the firm seeks to further diversify its presence in the region. In April, Richard Laing, chief executive of CDC, said traditional private equity, which CDC classed as buyouts, expansion capital, microfinance and infrastructure, made up about 95% of the firm’s portfolio but he said debt and forestry investments would account for a combined 25% in a few years – which would be £625m (€710m) based on its present portfolio.

Yesterday, CDC said it had committed $50m to the first private equity fund to focus solely on sustainable forestry in sub-Saharan Africa. The firm expected private investors to invest subsequently, bringing the fund to its $150m (€122m) target. In April, Laing also said the group was also close to appointing a private equity firm to run an Africa-focused senior debt fund.

CDC has previously come under fire for failing to invest enough in developing economies. In 2008, CDC was told to invest more of its capital in the poorest world economies, increasing the amount of risk to which it is exposed. The move followed political criticism over the perceived shift in CDC’s strategy towards more developed markets following the spin off of its direct investments arm, Actis.

The UK Government’s Department for International Development said the investment policy for CDC meant it would have to invest at least 75% of its capital in funds in countries with a gross national income per person of less than $905.

However, last year, a UK parliamentary committee said CDC had failed to do enough to reduce poverty despite earnings profits and awarding staff “extraordinary” pay packages. The Committee of Public Accounts also criticised the government department responsible for ensuring CDC honoured its brief of lax oversight on pay at the group and said it must more to “steer” CDC towards investment in developing economies.

[Financial News]

Magande accused of swindling a Tazanian national

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A Tanzanian National has accused MMD Chilanga Member of Parliament and former Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande of allegedly swindling him of 200 million Kwacha.

Soul Hilal Rashid a Tanzanian resident of Sibuwanga told journalists during a press briefing in Lusaka this morning that Mr Magande has allegedly failed to pay for the supply of 5,000 bags of rice following an agreement they made on 7th April 2010.

According to the agreement Mr Magande was suppose to pay half the amount to Rashid a week after the collection of the consignment at Mbala which was the agreed destination.

Mr Magande who was liaising with Rashid through his cousin Chris Gona was also supposed to pay for his accommodation and meals whilst in Zambia.

And Rashid who claims to run an export business says that he is stranded because Mr Magande has refused to meet him.

He says he has since reported Mr Magande to police over the matter.

QFM

Some Mumbwa farmers allegedly selling maize at K30,000 instead of the K65, 000

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A farmer receiving cash from a customer during Maize sales

Some farmers in Mumbwa district are allegedly selling a 50 kg bag of maize at K30,000 instead of the K65, 000 maize floor price set by government.

Mumbwa Central Member of Parliament Brian Chituwo confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Mumbwa yesterday.

Dr. Chituwo who is also Science and Technology Minister expressed sadness over the development saying agriculture is a business and farmers need to get maximum profit from their produce.

He urged farmers in his constituency to wait a little for the Food Reserve Agency in order to sell their maize at a profitable price.

Dr. Chituwo said inputs were obtained at a high cost therefore it was important for farmers to realise that selling their maize at a give away price was not good for them.

Meanwhile, Dr Chituwo said government’s decision to reduce the number of inputs given to farmers from eight to four under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) was paying dividends.

He said this year’s bumper harvest was a clear indication that once the number of beneficiaries of the FISP, the country can increase its production levels.

And Dr Chituwo has attributed the unprecedented bumper harvest the country has recorded to the good agricultural policies and political will by government.

ZANIS

Civil society call for Eye policy

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A woman having her a sight check up during the world sight day commemoration in Lusaka

Sight Savers International (SSI) has implored government to come up with an Eye Policy as the country embarks on the preparation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP).

SSI Zambia Chapter Country Manager Joseph Musanje notes this is important because key areas which are backed by government policy have continued to receive attention.

Mr. Musanje says the eye policy will compel government and the
concerned stakeholders to give attention to problems of sight related nature.

He cited the National HIV/AIDS policy, National Youth Policy and Decentralization Policy among other policies in the country as some of those that have received support from the government, other stakeholders and cooperating partners.

Mr. Musanje was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

He disclosed that his organisation pushed for the setting up of eye policy in the then Fifth National Development Plan but that the exercise proved futile.

He is however optimistic that something positive may come up in the 6th National Development Plan.

He said that would compel government to put in place a clear staff structure at health institutions including in
districts hospitals to specifically attend to eye related issues.

According to Mr. Musanje, an estimated 120,000 people in Zambia suffers from eye related complications.

And Mr. Musaanje has bemoaned the high number of people suffering from eye problems especially among the youth in peri-urban and rural areas.

He said there are more cases of younger people who are visually impaired in most of the health centres in the country.

The SSI Chief said there is need for the Ministry of Health to double its efforts to curb the increasing number of patients suffering from eye related illnesses.

He sad this was the reason why his organization, working with other stakeholders, has embarked on a sight restoration programme in communities around the
country.

ZANIS

Lusaka residents urged to be responsible

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FLASHBACK: Traders at Soweto market in Lusaka trading under heaps of garbage

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) ,has urged its residents to be responsible in waste management to ensure good sanitation in the city.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today LCC Assistant Public Relations Manager Mulunda Habeenzu urged the public to be conscious in the way they package and dispose waste.

Mr. Mulunda noted that some people throw waste during the night in undesignated areas, a situation he said was an offence.

He said waste should only be disposed off at central points for easy collection by the council.

Mr. Mulunda explained that without support and commitment from members of the public, issues of sanitation and good health could not be positively dealt with.

He said citizens should realize that good sanitation was not the responsibility of the council alone but for every resident of the city.

“If people at grassroot levels do not take it upon themselves to be clean and dispose waste at designated areas, it becomes hard for the council to do its job,” said Mr. Mulunda .

Mr. Mulunda said every household should exercise high levels of cleanliness and hygiene by throwing garbage and litter in supplied containers.

He added that members of the public are obliged to subscribe to the council ‘s system to ensure efficiency in the collection of garbage.

Mr. Mulunda further appealed to households to ensure that they pay for garbage collection to help the council speed up the process of collecting waste.

He said the LCC has been facing problems of purchasing fuel and other collection facilities hence the need for people to make payments.

Mr. Mulunda said the council was only mandated to collect secondary waste at central points.

He further explained that the Keep Zambia Clean Campaign can only yield positive results if the community at large ensure that they dispose waste and litter in designated areas.

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