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Tottenham Hotspur of England has signed Zambian-born Emmanuel Mbola in a £1 million deal

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Zambia’s Emmanuel Mbola and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Mum In Guk fight for the ball during the international friendly match played at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka, Zambia
The Tottenham Football club of England has signed Zambian-born Emmanuel Mbola in a £1 million deal, officials confirmed here Tuesday.

The 16-year-old defender, who already has clocked up a remarkable 20 caps for his native African country, was the youngest player in the recent African Cup of Nations in Angola.

The youngster plays for Armenian side Yerevan ; and will be sent abroad for ’first-team’ experience next season, though astonishingly, he already qualifies for a European ’work permit’, his managers said.

Tottenham officials have welcomed him as “a star of the future”, having beaten their competitors West Ham FC to secure the teenage Zambian’s signature.

[African Press Agency]

Zain Zambia boosts full-year profit, subscribers

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Zain Zambia, a unit of Kuwaiti telecoms firm Zain, posted an 8 percent rise in profit before tax for the year to end-December as its subscriber base grew by more than 15 percent.

Zambia’s largest mobile service provider and one of Africa’s fastest-growing mobile companies said on Tuesday profit before tax rose to 416 billion Zambian kwacha as at December last year, compared with 386 billion kwacha in 2008.

Zain Zambia, whose current market share is about 70 percent, compared with rival MTN Zambia’s 27 percent and and state-run Cell-Z’s 3 percent, recorded a pre-tax profit of 342 billion kwacha in 2007, finance director Andrew Jones told Reuters.

Jones said Zain Zambia’s subscribers had increased to 3.076 million in December 2009, compared with 2.669 million in the same month in 2008 and 700,000 in 2005.

The company’s revenue rose to 1.38 trillion kwacha last year from 1.22 trillion kwacha recorded in 2008.

“The outlook for our business in 2010 … is more positive although we must remain cautious,” said David Holliday, Zain Zambia’s managing director.

Holliday added that the group was planning to launch its own international voice service and 3G network, which has video link for mobile phone users, during the first half of 2010.

Zain had started tests on 3G transmission technology and would roll the service out as soon as the communications authority granted it permission, Holliday said.

“These should provide potentially significant upsides to both revenue and profitability,” he said.

Holliday added Zain Zambia would also introduce other strategic initiatives to increase revenue and reduce costs.

Zain Zambia, which competes with rivals Cell-Z, a subsidiary of state-owned Zamtel and MTN Zambia, a unit of Africa’s biggest listed telecom firm, MTN (MTNJ.J) of South Africa, has spent $500 million on improving its network since its inception in 1998.

India’s Bharti Airtel Ltd is in talks to buy most of the African assets of Kuwaiti telecoms group Zain for $9 billion.

[Reuters South Africa]

Herve Renard applies for the Tanzanian coaching job

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Herve Renard

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has revealed that Zambia National Team coach Herve Renard is among the many tacticians who have applied for the Tanzania job.

TFF’s General Secretary Fredrick Mwakalebela told Daily News Newspaper in Tanzania that t Renard was among high profile coaches who sent in their applications. Over 12 coaches have sent in their applications to replace Brazilian Marcio Maximo, whose contract expires in July.

Herve Renard impressed in the African Nations Cup in Angola by reaching the quarter-finals, but he is now seeking greener pastures.

In the wake of Maximo’s pending departure TFF has started the process of searching for his replacement and Mwakalebela said coaches from Venezuela, United Kingdom as well as other European countries have already submitted their application vying to take over from Maximo.

Reports also indicate that Cote D’Ivoire’s national soccer coach Vahid Haliihodzic who pitched camp with his team in the East African state ahead of the just ended Orange Caf Africa Nations Cup in Angola is also interested in taking charge of the Taifa Stars.

He will however be available after leading the Ivorians through their World Cup campaign this summer in South Africa.

[Tanzania Sports]

The Last Ten Years, The Next Ten Years

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By Wesley Ngwenya

Lusaka city

Over the last few weeks, I have been looking back at the last decade particularly on the impact it has had on the Zambian marketplace. The last ten years, in Zambia, has seen a huge investment in real estate and property development. Zambia now booms with many shopping complexes all over the country. Housing estates all around Lusaka are equally booming.

Perhaps, another huge economic development that is new in Zambia is the emergence of banks and other micro lending institutions. In 2009 alone, Zambia saw five new commercial banks on the market—the largest number of new banks in a single year. Micro lending institutions continue to be on the rise, as a result this is creating a new need on the market—financial advisory and debt collection. Here are business opportunities to explore in Zambia. I have already written comprehensive business plans on this. Anyone interested?

Chinese investment in Zambia increased significantly in the last 10 years. It is estimated that by the end of 2008, Chinese investment in Zambia reached $800 million, representing a growth of over 35 percent as compared to the previous years. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China is likely to double if not triple in the next 10 years. Therefore, the next decade will continue to see an increase in Chinese investors looking for opportunities in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and mining sectors.

The last ten years have all not been uphill. There have been a few downturns—Zambia was hit with the recent global economic crisis which saw copper prices fall. As a result, mining companies closed including other supporting industries. This meant little or no revenue for the government which strongly depends on taxing mining companies. Thankfully, the copper prices have risen again. However, it is now time the Zambian government explored other options of raising revenue.

In the next ten years there will be a huge increase in food production provided the government creates the right environment and implements the right policies. There is a sense of urgency for many Zambians who are involved in farming, food preservation and using new and more productive farming methods. In addition, many international organizations are at our mercy and investing hugely in this department. Zambia has all the necessary resources to make it the food basket for the southern region by 2020.

Another undoubtedly likely boom in Zambia is going to the internet use. Currently, high speed internet in Africa is at about 2% and perhaps lower in Zambia. The fiber optic cable from East Africa will bring about a big change in the way the internet will be used. With high speed internet we will see many households having internet in their homes. Therefore, many businesses will begin to align themselves on the web so as to target the users. Internet advertising will likely increase since it is cheaper, more targeted and easily updated.

Although many things will become more and more efficient and even cheaper I have big reservations for the transportation industry. At the rate we are going, in this country, we shall continue paying heavily on transportation and communication. There is not much investment on roads, railway lines and other forms of transportation even when there will be an additional million cars in the decade. This will just mean transportation will become slower and more expensive.

In Zambia, there are mainly three mobile phone service providers. The market is controlled by these three and new entrants into the market face insurmountable challenges. In this decade, the phone companies will continue reaping huge profits. There may be some efficiency one way or the other as far as a variety of services offered by these companies but they will come with a price. Users will continue paying handsomely throughout the decade provided there are no new entrants on the market.

It is not easy to predict on what the economy will look like in the next ten years because the activities of the government are not very clear. Government has not sold its policies to the Zambians and we are therefore left to wonder. However, if we are to make predictions on what the next ten years will be like, it will purely be based on history—what has been happening previously. Based on this we can predict some slow growth if copper prices continue to rise.

Finally, the next ten years present clear and big challenges for our leaders. We can make this decade to be the turnaround decade. A decade when turned tables for the millions living in poverty. A decade when we turned tables for the struggling entrepreneur. A decade when we turned tables for many farmers. A decade when we made the right decision that changed and improved our lifestyle here in Zambia. Let us make this decade our decade.

George Kunda is mentally unstable and a danger to society-UPND presidential spokesperson

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Vice president, George Kunda

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has demanded that vice president, George Kunda steps down on medical grounds, alleging that he is suffering from a panic mental disorder that has led to his biomedical insanity state.

Reacting to Mr Kunda’s statement yesterday that UPND Members of Parliament want to expel their president Hakainde Hichilema for failing the party and replace him with Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo, with his Siavonga counterpart , Douglas Siakalima as his deputy, Mr Siakalima alleged that Mr. Kunda has lately been suffering from an obsessive disorder which makes him very unfit to ran the nation in the absence of president Rupiah Banda who left the country for China yesterday.

He has since appealed to president Banda to remove Mr. Kunda from his position as vice president alleging that he is mentally unstable and a danger to society. Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka this morning, Mr Siakalima said the vice president has lately been making a number of unwarranted statements against the UPND because the ruling MMD is stiff scared of the UPND and the pact as a whole.

Meanwhile Mr. Siakalima who is the UPND presidential spokesperson says UPND leader, Hikainde Hichilema is unstoppable and that no war, law or man ill stop him. He said Mr. Hichilema is well prepared to take on any challenge that might come his way because he is properly advised and surrounded by people who are confident in his works.

And speaking at the same briefing, Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, Garry Nkombo said the vice president is bringing the nation into ridicule by failing to comply with the standards of his dignified office. He describes Mr Kunda as a liar and a man who has sown a seed of discontentment in the UPND, but assures him that seed will not grow because the party is cemented on its own values and principles.

Mr Kunda yesterday said some UPND MPs are discontented that Mr Hichilema has offloaded the party to the Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata where Mr Hichilema has been sidelined. Mr Kunda said the UPND members of Parliament are allegedly preparing to hound out Mr Hichilema and replace him with Mazabuka Central MP Gary Nkombo while Siavonga MP Douglas Siakalima will assume the position of deputy president.

Mr Kunda made the revelations to some MMD cadres and Government officials after his arrival at the Livingstone International Airport.

QFM

Hichilema not safe – Kunda

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VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has revealed that some United Party for National Development (UPND) members want to expel their president Hakainde Hichilema for allegedly failing the party.

And Mr Kunda has said Government is disappointed with the Livingstone City councillors for their involvement in alleged immoral scandals which led to the suspension of the council.

Mr Kunda said the UPND members of Parliament are allegedly preparing to hound out Mr Hichilema and replace him with Mazabuka Central MP Gary Nkombo while Siavonga MP Douglas Siakalima will assume the position of deputy president.

Mr Kunda said some UPND MPs are discontented that Mr Hichilema has offloaded the party to the Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata where Mr Hichilema has been sidelined.

Mr Kunda made the revelations to some MMD cadres and Government officials who braved a rare downpour after his arrival at the Livingstone International Airport yesterday.

“The opposition like the UPND has serious internal problems. Mr Hakainde Hichilema will soon be expelled from his party by his members of Parliament. Mr Gary Nkombo will be appointed the president of the UPND while Mr Douglas Siakalima is going to be the deputy.

There are also problems in the PF-UPND pact where there are two leaders both aspiring to be adopted as presidential candidates for the 2011 elections. MMD has one leader and let us move as one,” he said.

But Mr Nkombo has denied that he will take over the UPND presidency.

Mr Nkombo, who was monitored on Radio Phoenix last evening, said he was loyal to the party and president Hichilema.

He said there was no way he could take over the party presidency.

Mr Kunda said the MMD should take advantage of the imminent cracks in the UPND and the PF/UPND alliance to embark on a massive recruitment exercise of members.

He reiterated Government’s commitment to developing the country by focusing on economic growth despite the persistent attacks and criticism from the opposition.

Mr Kunda said the opposition have run out of serious matters to criticise Government on and have resorted to malice and innuendoes.

He said the opposition have even extended their verbal tirade to former President Frederick Chiluba who has thrown his support behind President Banda.
Mr Kunda said the opposition have no alternative economic policies and that Zambians should not vote for them in the 2011 elections.

“The government will continue concentrating on matters of economic growth and expansion and its stability. The opposition have nothing to offer in terms of alternative economic policies.

Their concentration now is on insulting traditional leaders and they have now extended their verbal attacks to our former President Dr Chiluba,” he said.

Mr Kunda commended the cadres and Government officials who for over an hour stood in the rains to welcome him and listen to what he had to say.

And Mr Kunda has expressed disappointment at the calibre of councillors at the Livingstone City Council.

He said it is strange that instead of concentrating on development, councillors seem pre-occupied with bickering.

Mr Kunda said councillors in the tourist city should be above mediocrity.

He said Government is looking forward to having councillors who can understand their roles in service delivery.

Mr Kunda said councillors at the Livingstone City Council should devote their energies to developing the tourism sector and avoid moral scandals and pettiness.

He said Livingstone is important not only to the tourism sector but also to the country as a whole as it has been significantly contributing to the overall growth of the economy.

“Of course, we are disappointed with the suspension of the Livingstone City Council on grounds of getting involved in scandals. Livingstone is a tourist city and it should be a model.

We want serious minded councillors and we cannot afford to have civic leaders engaging in scandals and squabbles at the expense of service delivery,” the Vice-President said.

Mr Kunda said Government is looking for civic leaders who have a vision of developing infrastructure and promoting the ideals of the government.

He was accompanied to Livingstone by Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Development Bradford Machila, Minister of Lands Gladys Lundwe and Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President Gaston Sichilima.

He was met at the Livngstone International Airport by Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning Chileshe Kapwepwe, former Southern Province permanent secretary Darius Hakayobe and Southern Province deputy permanent secretary Manuel Nchima and other senior Government officials.

Meanwhile, Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has warned the MMD leadership in the province to refrain from gossip. He said the tittle-tattle among the MMD leadership in Southern Province has the potential of destroying the party.

Mr Munkombwe said the formation of the pact has been a blessing in disguise for the ruling party and that the MMD will smoothly win the elections in 2011.

“You do not grow the party by gossiping. Stop peddling lies about the MMD leadership and concentrate on building the party. The premature formation of the PF-UPND pact is a blessing in disguise for the MMD because the opposition has now been weakened,” Mr Munkombwe said.

Zambia Daily Mail

Local Councils’ audit starts

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Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director George Ndongwe explains the water purification process to Local Government and Housing Minister Eustarkio Kazonga during a tour of the water works in Kafue

GOVERNMENT has constituted a four-man team to audit the Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe city councils.The audit will cover revenues, utilisation of rates, levies and Government grants for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009.

This follows President Banda’s directive to audit Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe city councils to establish how the councils utilised public funds.

According to a letter obtained by the Zambia Daily Mail in Ndola yesterday, Minister of Local Government and Housing, Eustarckio Kazonga said the audit team will prepare an audit report and recommend its findings to his office.

He said the findings will be copied to the Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe city councils and relevant provincial local government officers.

Mr Kazonga said the terms of reference for the audit team include verification of approved budget provisions for rates and levies in the three councils for the 2008/2009 financial year.

He said the team will also verify the actual billing of rates to residential, commercial and industrial property owners.

Mr Kazonga also said the audit team will collect schedules for the various grants from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing which Government disbursed to the councils.

Mr Kazonga further said the audit team will conduct physical verification of sites to check on whether service delivery, infrastructure development and maintenance financed from rates and levies are benefiting residents.

He said the team will capture payments made from rates and levies which are contrary to provisions of the local authorities regulations number 125 of 1992.

And Copperbelt Province local government officer Solomon Sakala said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that auditing of the councils will start on Friday.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Jacob Mwanza tipped to succeed Mahtani

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Former Bank of Zambia Governor Jacob Mwanza looks in the horizon after teeing off in the Planet Memorial Golf Club official opening tournament in Lusaka.
THE Finance Bank Zambia board has proposed former Bank of Zambia (BoZ) governor Jacob Mwanza as a replacement for Rajan Mahtani who resigned as chairperson on Saturday.

And the Bank of Zambia has said it is convinced Dr Mwanza would continue to contribute to the growth of the financial sector and help consolidate the progress that Finance Bank had made so far.

The Finance Bank board has also resolved to reduce the Finsbury Investment shares in Finance Bank from 25 per cent to 10 per cent.

Finance Bank executive director- corporate banking and marketing Noel Nkoma confirmed this in a statement in Lusaka yesterday.

Mr Nkoma said the board made the proposal for Dr Mwanza, who is University of Zambia chancellor to succeed Dr Mahtani, at its extra-ordinary board meeting on Saturday.

Dr Mahtani tendered his resignation to the bank’s board on Saturday which the board accepted during the subsequent extra-ordinary board meeting held on the same day.

Commenting on the changes, BoZ head of public relations Kanguya Mayondi said the Central Bank had taken note of the stepping down of Dr Mahtani and welcomed the proposed appointment of Dr Mwanza.

“Dr Mwanza has served the private and public sectors in Zambia in various capacities. in the financial sector. Dr Mwanza is the immediate past governor of the Bank of Zambia, having served from 1995 to 2002,” he said.

He said the BoZ was optimistic that Dr Mwanza would be able to steer the bank to greater heights and build on what had been done in terms of the expansion programme.

[Times of Zambia]

Nine dead in Zambia landslide

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Nine people died in northern Zambia after a cliff on the Lake Tanganyika coast collapsed and buried their fishing camps, the local member of parliament said Monday.

Lameck Chibombamilimo, who represents Mpulungu district near the Tanzanian border, said seven bodies have been retrieved but two were believed still buried in the debris after landslide.

“Nine people have died and 30 families have been left homeless after the mountain collapsed on them because of the heavy rains experienced in the area,” Chibombamilimo said.

Chibombamilimo said he has donated 30 bags of maize meal, the staple grain, to the affected families but appealed to government to send relief food to the affected areas.

Zambia has seen unusually heavy rains this year, with some parts of the capital Lusaka flooded.

[timeslive.co.za]

Gemfields discovers 6,225-carat ‘elephant’ emerald in Zambia

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The emerald was recovered during normal mining operations on February 5, the company said in a statement, and is being examined by Gemfields’ experts to establish a clearer understanding of its value and significance.

The emerald has been named 'Insofu', which means 'elephant' in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region
The emerald has been named “Insofu” (which means “elephant” in the language of the Bemba people indigenous to the region) due to its size and in honour of the World Land Trust’s “Wild Lands Elephant Corridor Project”, of which Gemfields is a participant.

Gemfields said its experts “will continue to evaluate the gem before any final decision is taken in terms of its future”.

Ian Harebottle, chief executive of Gemfields, said: “This is a unique find. The Insofu displays wonderful colour and good translucency. Its sheer size, rich colour and fine protective biotite shell make it difficult to see deep into the gem. However, all indications suggest that the core of the emerald is competent and that it should yield a number of cut gems of significant size.”

The largest uncut emerald believed to have been found was in Carnaiba, Brazil in 1974. It was an incredible 86,136-carat natural beryl crystal. The stone was eventually valued at $1,120,080. The largest emerald crystal ever discovered was 7,025 carats and was found in a mine in Colombia.

[Telegraph Media Group]

RB appoints New Attorney General, reshuffles Government

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President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda has appointed Solicitor General Abyudi Shonga as new Attorney General subject to parliamentary ratification.

The President has also retired, in national interest, Southern Province Permanent Secretary Darius Hakayobe and replaced him with Gladys Kristafor who was until this appointment Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources.

In a mini reshuffle announced in a statement by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere, President Banda has also recalled Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Lucy Mung’omba and appointed her Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, replacing Ambassador Tiens Kapoma who has been transferred to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in the same capacity.

For administrative convenience, the President has also appointed Mr. Alfred Chunda to act as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until the return of Ambassador Mung’omba to take up her appointment.

Other appointments are those of Mr. Andrew Phiri as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education to replace Ms. Lillian Kapulu who has been transferred to the Ministry of Tourism.

President Banda has also appointed Davison Mendamenda, who was until this appointment Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services as new Deputy Auditor-General responsible for administration in the Office of the Auditor-General.

Mr Mendamenda has replaced Mr. Mulenga who has been deployed to Foreign Service.

ZANIS

The Week/end in Pictures

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1.

M-Net Face of Africa winner Lukando Nalungwe with MultiChoice Zambia public relations manager Marlon Kananda when she arrived from Nigeria where she won the pageant

2.

The Stanbic Marketing Manager (Ireen Musonda) offered to Lukando , the Zambian winner of MNET Face Of Africa, a US$1,500 and a Private Account on her arrival in Lusaka. Photo by J. Mandela

3.

M-Net Face of Africa winner Lukando Nalungwe with President Banda and First Lady Thandiwe before a luncheon at State House

4.

Western province permanent secretary Ikanuke Noyoo receives a gift from Professional Insurance Corporation of Zambia general manager George Imbuwa in Mongu recently

5.

Zambia Police spokesperson Bonny Kapeso inspects recovered household items at Lusaka central police station

6.

Lusaka district police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni wears a recovered mask and holds a rifle recovered from criminals during a public display of the goods at Lusaka central police station.

7.

Chiefs Mumena (l) and Mujimansovu with the proprietor of Kansanshi hotel after the official opening in Solwezi

8.

North western province minister Daniel Kalenga inspects the new Kansanshi hotel in Solwezi

9.

Education minister Dora Siliya interacts with pupils in Lusaka

10.

Football association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya arrives late for a press briefing at Football House in Lusaka

11.

Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya unveils the new national soccer teams jerseys at Football House in Lusaka

12.

Province Permanent Secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe addressing Agriculture Camp Officers in Nakonde recently

13.

some women arrive for the launch of 'Zambia We Want' by Women for Change at the Mulungushi international conference centre in Lusaka.

14.

Dr Chiluba greets MMD cadres before addressing a press briefing

15.

Dr Chiluba's Chrysler parked at his residence

16.

Former Nchanga MP Charles Chimumbwa dances with a MMD cadre at Dr Chiluba's residence

17.

Flooded houses that are almost submerged in water in Mambwe district

18.

Former Patrotic Front secretary general Edward Mumbi arrives for Dr Chiluba's press briefing

19.

Part of the Chipata-Mfuwe road that has been affected by floods in eastern province

We wanted to attend RB’s meeting – UPND Councilors

Guest Editor
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Some opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Councilors in Mazabuka district are angry with their National Management Committee (NMC) for stopping them from attending President Rupiah Banda’s meeting when he visited the district last week.

The Councilors complained to ZANIS in Mazabuka today that it was sad to note that the NMC of the UPND decided to stop them from welcoming President Banda when he had traveled for a developmental meeting. The civic leaders, who did not want to be named for fear of victimization, urged their party authorities to differentiate between politics and development.

They charged that they were threatened with expulsion from the party if they disobeyed the party directives.
They wondered how they would now explain issues such as the construction of a high school in Magoye constituency and the upgrading of the Mazabuka District Hospital into a general hospital to their wards.

But UPND Mazabuka District chairperson, Lloyd Buumba told ZANIS in Mazabuka that there was nothing he could do because the instructions came from the supreme organ of the party.

Mr Buumba however argued that the meeting which President Banda addressed was political because it took place at Chief Mwanachingwala’s palace.

During the visit to Chief Mwanachingwala’s palace, President Banda announced that his government would this year construct a new high school in Magoye constituency and upgrade Mazabuka district hospital into a general hospital.

He also assured Chief Mwanachingwala that boreholes would be sunk in areas that are faced with serious water problems.

ZANIS

DEC nabs 62 peasant farmers in one week

Guest Editor
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cannabis

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 62 peasant farmers countrywide and seized over 10 tonnes of cannabis in the last seven days.

DEC public relations officer John Nyawali disclosed this during a media briefing in Kitwe today. Mr Nyawali said the latest arrest was made yesterday when the Commission arrested two peasant farmers of Kasata farming block in Chingola district who were found with 2.8 tonnes of cannabis field.

The two farmers, Kelvin Kabimbi and Tandeo Mwena, both aged 25 years, were cornered in an operation conducted by the DEC officers. Mr Nyawali said the seizure in Chingola was the largest on the Copperbelt in the last five years.

He said the commission has also arrested 60 people country wide in the last one week after an operation in which 7.3 tonnes of various psychotropic substances were confiscated.

He said among the people arrested was one inmate of Mukobeko Maximum Prison in Kabwe, who was found with 19 balls of cannabis, and a grade 10 pupil of Imbolela high school in Serenje district, who was also found with 10 rolls of the banned drug.

Mr. Nyawali said the cultivation of cannabis in the country has reached alarming levels. He has since appealed to farmers in the country to concentrate on growing cash crops which would sustain their food security and not engage in growing illegal drugs.
ZANIS

Continued Floods in Lusaka

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Houses flooded with rain water in Misisi township

By Wesley Ngwenya
I am writing this from a guest house somewhere in woodlands–one of the neighborhoods in Lusaka. This is my temporal shelter for the weekend maybe more as my house in Kabwata is completely submerged in water—every room. I have, therefore, abandoned my property which is all floating in about 12 inches high water. [quote]

This should not be a big deal because I chose to go and live in Kabwata. No one forced me to move into that neighborhood. Kabwata site and service is a neighborhood just south east of Lusaka. This means that the houses in this neighborhood have been built by the residents. The City Council provided the land to build the houses. Therefore, the neighborhood has a variety of houses from nicely fenced and fancy houses to poorly built ones.

This neighborhood has been in existence since the early eights but it has no proper drainage systems or paved roads. Therefore, when it rains especially the way it has been in the last three weeks, there are a lot of floods all over. Many people in Kabwata are living with pools of water outside or inside their houses. They do not have the privilege of sneaking to some guesthouse or a relative with better accommodation. They have to continue staying in the same conditions during this period.

Kabwata is considered middle class and is in such terrible state. I hate to think of the situation in Misisi, Kanyama, and Chipata Compounds where I hear people are reported to have died as a result of the floods. What is the local or state government doing about this? What has taken them long to provide these much needed services in these areas? What has been happening to the land rates and other taxes that we pay?

This past week for the first time, the local government decided to send contractors to work on the drainage in Kabwata. What work can be done at this time of the year when there is so much water? Where have they been all this time? Where was the money sitting all this time? Why do we always have to react to problems instead of tackling issues before they become problems? These are frustrating questions to even think of when there are people employed to do these things.

Lusaka City needs a complete makeover underground. Downtown Lusaka (or the city center) is a terrible mess when it rains. Each time it rains in the city the water doesn’t seem to know where to go. It is never guided and usually will flow with the gradient of the ground. Look at those bus stations in the city. Despite that they are used by millions of passengers every year, they continue to be flooded sometimes to knee-high when it rains. Year after year it is the same problems, same places and same consequences- accidents, diseases, and even deaths.

I would go on and on but I will stop here. I have already provided solutions in my previous article on floods. Besides, Rupiah is in a party mood right now and won’t listen. He is busy celebrating his birthday. He is never too old to party. Anyway, as soon as the partying is over we can come back to the table and talk about the floods. By the way, I am working on another love letter for you and your government. Until next time happy birthday Mr President.

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