Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
CHINA Nonferrous Mining Group Corporation (CNMC) will inject US$300 million more into the operations of China Nonferrous Metal Company Luanshya Copper Mines (CLM) to expand production at the mine.
CNMC president Luo Tao said in an interview upon arrival at Ndola International Airport yesterday that his company had always prioritised development in Zambia and that the injection of the $300 million into the Luanshya mine was aimed at expanding and improving production at the mine.
A total of $38 million had been spent in the refurbishing of the surface and underground infrastructure at the time President Rupiah Banda commissioned the resumption of production last year.
Initially, $90 million had been earmarked for the rehabilitation of both Baluba and Mulyashi mines.
Mr Luo said his delegation would visit the mine in Luanshya and study how to further develop it.
Mr Luo, who led the delegation of 13, which included government officials, CNMC officials and entrepreneurs from the group that met President Banda when he recently visited China, said the visit by the Zambian president to that country had yielded positive results.
He said his team was in Zambia to inspect the Chinese investment performance and explore more investment opportunities.
Mr Luo said his delegation, which would inspect the Chinese CNMC investment on the Copperbelt before proceeding to Lusaka, would be in Zambia for half a month.
“President Banda made a very successful trip to China which was even appreciated by our President Hu. Important issues were discussed between the two presidents, which we have now come to implement.
I must say as the Chinese we were honoured by President Banda’s visit, especially that the two presidents even witnessed the signing of the various important agreements which will be beneficial to both countries,” Mr Luo said.
While in Zambia, Mr Luo and his delegation would meet President Banda and report back to President Hu over the progress of the implementation of the ZCCZ.
The delegation would also meet Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati and Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.
Vice-mayor of Linquin City of Shandong Province Wang Xiaohua is also part of the delegation, which was met at Ndola Airport by Copperbelt Province assistant secretary Steven Lindunda.
OPPOSITION Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has disowned its leader Edith Nawakwi over her continued attacks on President Rupiah Banda.
FDD vice president Chifumu Banda said yesterday in an interview that Ms Nawakwi’s attacks on President Banda were her personal views and did not represent the party’s position.
“You can ask senior leaders in the party or the national policy committee. Those views do not represent the views of the party,” he said.
Mr Banda said although people had a right to express their views, the FDD always had a clear position on national issues.
“Those views are hers and do not represent FDD members or the party position,” he said.
He said he did not discuss other people’s utterances because people could not tell the difference between him and other people.
“You know I am a lawyer and I know that every person has a right to express himself or herself,” he said.
The FDD vice-president said even if he had his personal opinion and the fact that he chose to keep quiet did not mean that he did not hold any views.
And FDD national youth chairperson Levy Ngoma said he would issue a statement on the matter today.
Mr Ngoma said he was scheduled to meet Ms Nawakwi last evening before he could issue a statement today.
Ms Nawakwi has in the recent past launched an aggressive attack on President Banda raising concerns in the MMD ranks and the public.
She has recently condemned President Banda’s trip to China and alleged that the president was leading the country on a path of economic disaster.
The opposition leader has also been reported to have attacked President Banda saying most clinics in Lusaka had no medicine and the situation was deplorable.
She has also been quoted as saying that without her support in the 2008 elections, Mr Banda could not have been elected as president.
But many MMD sympathisers have said that Ms Nawakwi was a job-seeker who wanted President Banda to appoint her to a Government position even when there was no need.
Zanaco are expected to depart for Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Caf Champions League clash against ASEC Mimosa.
The team is expected to leave on a Kenya Airways flight just before midday ahead of their match in Abidjan against ASEC that is scheduled to be played on Sunday, April 4.
Zanaco enjoy a 1-0 lead over ASEC from the first round, first leg match played on March 20 at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Zesco United’s Caf Confederations Cup opponents Warri Wolves of Nigeria arrive in the country on Wednesday.
Wolves are expected to land in Lusakaby mid-morning before connecting by air to Ndola where they will be camped and will train from Wanderers club.
The first round, return leg match will be played at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe on Saturday April 3.
Wolves enjoy a 3-0 lead from the first leg match played in Warri on March 21.
Faz Super Division
Week 3
28/03/2010
Power Dynamos 1(Kennedy Mudenda 32″)- Zesco United 1(Arthur Kaseloki 13″)
27/03/2010
Vice president George Kunda and his wife Irene dancing during a dinner dance in Kitwe
2.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya addresses the FAZ Council during the Annual general meeting in Lusaka
3.
Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya and general secretary George Kasengele (left) exchange notes during the FAZ annual general meeting in Lusaka
4.
Football Association of Zambia General Secretary George Kasengele and Life member Mwamba Kalenga (left) exchange notes during the FAZ annual general meeting in Lusaka
5.
President Rupiah Banda re-opening the Albidon Nickel Mine in Mazabuka
6.
Part of the crushing section at Albidon Nickel Mine in Mazabuka which President Rupiah Banda re-opened
7.
”]
8.
”]
9.
”]
10.
Defence Chiefs vie the body of the late Prison Service Commissioner Gibbie Nawa in Lusaka
11.
Former ministry of Home Affairs minister Peter Mumba views the body of the late Zambia Prisons Service Commissioner Gibbie Nawa in Lusaka
12.
Dr Chiluba views the body of the late Gibbie Nawa in Lusaka
13.
Pallbearers carry the casket for the late Gibbie Nawa
14.
Youth, Child and Sports Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu shaking hands with a boy who received an artificial leg at Cheshire home in Mongu during his visit
15.
Youth, Child and Sports Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu speak to patients and their mothers at Cheshire Homes in Mongu.
16.
from R- L is Mongu Mayor Shalala Simushi, Western Province Minister Richard Mwapela, Deputy Minister of Defence Joseph Mulyata and Mongu District Commissioner Jethro Mumbuwa leading people during the kuomboka Kufuluhela foundering walk in Mongu
17.
Youth, Child and Sports Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu (c) inspecting the Mongu Sports Stadium during his Visit on infrastructure in his Ministry.
18.
Some Lusaka residents carry Palm leaves dring palm Sunday celebrations in Lusaka
19.
Roman Catholic church Saint Ignatius Church parish Priest Father Joe Kearney distributes palm leaves during palm Sunday celebrations in Lusaka
Forum for Democracy and Development FDD leader, Edith Nawakwi
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader, Edith Nawakwi has vowed not to succumb to the intimidation of the ruling MMD following her sustained criticism of president Rupiah Banda and his government.
Ms Nawakwi said in an interview she would continue to be critical of the MMD leadership style.
The FDD leader described Vice president George Kunda’s remarks and for the African institute of democracy and good governance as empty for alleging that she has failed her party and members were calling for her removal.
Ms Nawakwi said it is clear that the ruling MMD has been threatened by her stability in leadership and the heat is too much for them to handle.
She said the assertions by Mr.Kunda that her party members would soon be petitioning her are false and only go to show that the MMD has started to porch some of her party members to destroy her political career.
She accused the ruling party of sponsoring a few members in the FDD who might rise against her and call for her to step down.
THE MMD in Mufumbwe has castigated North-Western Province MMD youth chairman Newton Malwa for asserting that the party will lose in the Mufumbwe by-election if it adopts Ambassador Mulondwe Muzungu as its candidate.
Mufumbwe MMD chairman Samola Kayombo said in a statement yesterday that although the party has not yet announced its candidate for the by-election, Mr Muzungu’s capacity to win the seat is unquestionable.
“Any sincere member of the MMD should know that Mr Mulondwe Muzungu is a force to reckon with not only in Mufumbwe Constituency but the entire province. If he was adopted to contest the seat, the MMD would scoop it without difficulty,” Mr Kayombo said.
He said Mr Malwa’s assertion in Friday’s edition of The Post newspaper that Mr Muzungu, who is the country’s ambassador to Libya, would lose the Mufumbwe seat to United Party for National Development (UPND)’s Elliot Kamondo if adopted, is misplaced.
Mr Kayombo said it is wrong for Mr Malwa to compare Mr Muzungu’s influence and popularity in the district to that of Mr Kamondo whom he alleged is a political novice.
He cast doubt on the genuineness of Mr Malwa’s membership of the MMD, because of the assertion, which he said should not have been made, as the MMD has not announced its candidate.
Mr Kayombo said Mr Malwa’s assertion is understandable as he has never been to Mufumbwe and that he does not understand the politics of the district.
He said the MMD is the only party in the district with a large following.
Mr Kayombo said the MMD in Mufumbwe will not allow squabbles that could divide the party.
He said the party is following President Banda’s efforts of reconciliation and unity within the MMD.
Mr Kayombo said Mr Malwa should be reprimanded for not following MMD procedures on making press statements.
He said the MMD in Mufumbwe is more united than ever before and stronger than the UPND.
Mr Kayombo said this is because people in the district appreciate the development which they have seen under the MMD.
He said Mr Banda should be assured that the MMD will scoop the Mufumbwe by-election.
Law Association of Zambia President Stephen Lungu (left) talks to Transparency International Zambia Executive Director Goodwell Lungu after the Supreme Court delivered a ruling in former President Frederick Chiluba
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has commended Government and the judiciary for computerisation of the judicial system in the country.
LAZ president said in an interview yesterday that the computerisation of the judiciary will benefit the public, as it will strengthen the way cases are handled.
Mr Lungu said the development will also ensure speedy access to justice by members of the public.
“The launch of the computerisation of the judicial system is very good. It will provide for speedy access to justice,” he said.
Mr Lungu said his association is happy with the development.
He said the judiciary is making significant strides in speeding up the administration of justice.
Mr Lungu said apart from the computerised system, the judiciary last year launched the small-claims court in an effort to reinforce the administration of justice.
He hoped the project to computerise the system will continue and be sustainable.
“As lawyers we are happy. Government and the judiciary should be commended for launching the computerisation of the judicial system. We hope the process will continue and that it will have sustainability,” Mr Lungu said.
He called on all stakeholders to ensure the project continues.
Vice-President George Kunda launched phase one of the computerisation of the judicial system in Lusaka on Friday.
Mr Kunda said the country will be the first in Africa to use such a system.
He said the first phase will see the computerisation of the Supreme, High and Magistrates courts.
The project has been made possible by a grant from Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICFA) in partnership with Government.
The grant of US$500,000 from the ICFA represents 75 percent of the total cost of the project.
Former Defence Minister George Mpombo has described the decision by the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC)to suspend him as energizing.
Mr. Mpombo who is MMD Kafulafuta Member of Parliament says he is not shaken by the suspension and that he will not be threatened by the party’s action against him.
Asked on whether he will abide by the ten day ultimatum in which to exculpate himself, Mr. Mpombo says he will only comment after studying the suspension letter. The MMD has suspended Mr. Mpombo on four
charges.
Meanwhile, MMD National Chairperson, Michael Mabenga has confirmed Mr. Mpombo’s suspension saying it is long overdue. He says some members of NEC advised Mr. Mpombo to tone down on his attacks on the Republican President Rupiah Banda, but to no avail.
United National Independence Party (UNIP) will not join the Red Card Campaign being spear headed by the civil society because the objective is not clear, party secretary-general Jemima Banda has said.
And UNIP has advised all peace-loving Zambians to be alert all the time as Zambia heads to the polls next year because there are organisations that will be paid just to cause confusions.
In an interview yesterday, Ms Banda also warned UNIP members countrywide not to be swayed into joining the Red Card Campaign because the party suspected the campaign was aimed at disrupting the peace of the country.
Ms Banda said Zambians should be alert and worried about campaigns that had no clear agenda. She said UNIP had joined in the anti-third term campaign because it was aware the Constitution only allowed two terms but this was not the case with the Red Card Campaign.
Ms Banda said her party would continue to criticise the Government in areas of poverty, education and unemployment until the situation was improved, as the best way to make the Government work and not causing disunity.
GREENBELT Fertilisers Limited (GBF), a Zambian owned firm, is to set up a fertiliser blending plant in Mkushi at a cost of K3.5 billion.
This will be in addition to another already existing plant in Mazabuka.
After completing the Mkushi plant the company would have a capacity to produce more than twice the amount of fertiliser used in Zambia.
GBF Spokesperson Stanley Kasiya said in a statement that the two fertiliser plants would have the capacity to produce in excess of 350,000 metric tonnes of compound fertilisers per year.
He said the equipment for the Mkushi fertiliser plant arrived in the country two weeks ago.
Mr Kasiya said the Zambian fertiliser market consumed approximately 160,000 metric tonnes of compound fertilisers per year and with the new fertiliser plant coming, the long-term plan for GBF was to capture a significant share of both the commercial and small-scale farmers’ market.
He said that GBF was already running a modern, state-of-the-art fertiliser plant supplied from the USA. The raw materials are sourced from around the world and Greenbelt was taking advantage of the latest proven and improved products on the market.
Mr Kasiya said the plant located in Mazabuka was commissioned in June 2004 and was producing competitively and servicing the local farmers.
He said the coming of GBF would also reduce on the monopoly by some industry on the fertiliser market.
The setting up of another fertiliser plant in Mkushi would be a platform for innovative fertiliser products to the Zambian market and enhance farmers’ yields and quality.
Mr Kasiya said GBF currently employed over 150 people in Zambia and provided extension advice to the agricultural sector.
The company also made investments in intellectual capital in the form of highly trained and experienced agronomists, to improve the service to agriculture in Zambia.
He said the number of workers under GBF was expected to rise to over 250 after the commissioning of the Mkushi plant.
“Greenbelt Fertilisers provides scientifically formulated compound fertilisers to farmers in Zambia, which are formulated to each farmer’s soil, crop and targeted yield requirements. These compound fertilisers are made from a stock range of more than twenty raw materials covering all macro nutrients,” he said.
Mr Kasiya explained that the plant was able to put together compound fertilisers with as many as 11 different nutrient types in a single compound.
He said regular monitoring of fertiliser samples were sent to an independent laboratory in South Africa to ensure all the compounds meet internationally recognised standards.
The demand of fertiliser in Zambia is high and Government was encouraging people to focus more investments in industries that support the agriculture sector.
THE FAZ has recorded a staggering K3.4 billion surplus, translating into a 50 per cent growth in revenue.
Treasurer Boniface Mwamelo said during the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Saturday that the unprecedented feat was achieved mainly because the association had controlled its expenditure levels.
Meanwhile, FAZ affiliates have urged the association’s executive to clarify certain parts of the constitution to avoid misunderstandings in the administration of football.
In a vote of thanks, Nchanga Rangers committee member Emmanuel Simbeye said some happenings prior to Saturday’s AGM could have been avoided if certain clauses in the constitution were clearly stated and appealed to FAZ to consider affiliates’ observations in the current charter during the review of the constitution scheduled for next month.
And in the financial report ending December 2009, Mwamelo said the FAZ bank account currently had K1.4 billion compared to a meagre K16 million at the same time in 2008.
“This has never happened before. This is largely due to the fiscal discipline the association has exercised during our last financial year,” he said in a speech that was often interjected by occasional cheers of approval from the councillors.
Mwamelo explained that FAZ got its income from FIFA, CAF and Government grants, a share of television rights from the inaugural African Nations Championship (CHAN), sale of television rights to Sport 5 channel, games revenue and advertising.
FAZ also got income from Zambia’s participation in the Confederation of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) championship, but was yet to receive the prize money for emerging second in the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) challenge from the Zimbabwean government who were the sole sponsors and hosts of the event.
Mwamelo said during the year under review, the FAZ fixed assets rose to K6.8 billion from K4.4 billion mainly due to the vehicles that were recently procured while the liabilities stand at K7.3 billion.
He said the K257 million overdraft that the association had been servicing had since been cleared and that FAZ had managed to reduce its accumulated losses to K5.3 billion.
Mwamelo said the FAZ expenditure had not changed from K11.3 billion that was spent in 2008 from where K2.6 billion was spent on the national team’s preparations for the Africa and World Cup qualifiers and subsequently the AFCON finals in Angola.
The treasurer predicted that 2010 would be a tough year and that FAZ would need to maintain its revenue estimates through the highest levels of fiscal discipline as well as a reduced spending.
Mwamelo said this year the association had financial obligations like the 2012 AFCON qualifiers, the under-23 qualifying race for the All-Africa Games and Olympics and the under-20 and under-17 continental qualifiers.
He said K2.7 billion was set aside for salaries for secretariat staff and that the amount was a reduction from last year because during that period FAZ was servicing retirement packages for some staff.
Also included in the 2010 budget is K500 million for capacity building and furnishing of the FAZ technical centre in Lusaka.
FAZ retained Barclays Bank as the association’s bank and Thewo & Company as auditors.
FDD President Edith Nawakwi campaigning for RB in 2008 elections
THE African Institute for Democracy and Good Governance (AIDGG) has described Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi as a desperate politician who has allegedly failed to run her party leading to calls for her removal by members.
AIDGG spokesperson Thabo Kawana also charged that Ms Nawakwi expected an appointment for supporting President Rupiah Banda’s candidature during the 2008 Presidential by-election.
Mr Kawana yesterday said it had now become evident through statements the FDD president was issuing against President Banda and Government that Ms Nawakwi supported the MMD in 2008 in anticipation of an appointment.
Mr Kawana said in an interview that Ms Nawakwi should instead concentrate on building what he called her diminished political party than resorting to attacking President Banda.
He said currently, Ms Nawakwi was running the party with dissatisfied membership which had seen no value in her, leading to the call for the party vice-president Chifumu Banda to take over.
“What Ms Nawakwi is doing is just sour grapes because she expected an appointment after supporting President Banda in 2008.
“What she needs to do is to concentrate on building her political party which is now almost defunct.
“She should remember that she has a dissatisfied membership which has seen no value in her, hence the calls for the party’s vice-president to take over,” Mr Kawana said..
And Forum for Leadership Search executive director Edwin Lifwekelo said Ms Nawakwi lacked the vision and direction in terms of adding value to the Zambian political scene.
[pullquote]“What Ms Nawakwi is doing is just sour grapes because she expected an appointment after supporting President Banda in 2008.[/pullquote]
Mr Lifwekelo said it was shameful that Ms Nawakwi could choose to misdirect her energies towards insulting President Banda at the expense of re-organising her political party.
“FDD is currently suffering and if it was not for Chifumu Banda and Newton Ng’uni, the party would have crumbled a long time ago. Ms Nawakwi has become a liability even in FDD itself. Infact, the members should kick her out and allow Mr Banda to take over as party president.
“In short, she lacks vision, direction and even the capacity in terms of adding value in politics,” he said.
He said the FDD leader had not provided any solutions apart from showing her negative character by issuing statements that were exposing the kind of leadership.
He urged Ms Nawakwi to exercise humility like in her days as a marketeer way back.
Mr Lifwekelo said the inconsistency Ms Nawakwi, who could be reached for a comment, had shown from the time she supported President Banda to date, was evident enough that she was not a capable leader.
Zesco United recovered slightly from their recent poor competitive form to draw 1-1 away to Power Dynamos in their first league game of the season at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe.
The draw ended a two-match winless run after losing 3-0 to Warri Wolves in the Caf Confederation Cup and 1-0 before then against Green Buffaloes in the Charity Shield final.
Zesco took the lead in the 13rh minute through midfielder Arthur Kasoloki whose shot from close-range ripped the net that needs replacement after year’s punishment.
Power came back strongly urged on by a charged partisan crowd at a packed Arthur Davies and equalized in the 32nd minute through Kennedy Mudenda who has seemingly rediscovered his good from the 2008 season.
Mudenda could have scored a hat trick when in the 61nd minute he missed a sitter after firing inches wide.
Two minutes later, Mudenda failed to capitalize on a blunder by Zesco goalkeeper Jacob Banda after the latter fumbled with the ball inside the area.
Power are second on 5 points after the draw and one point behind leaders Buffaloes.
Meanwhile, in the second league match played earlier on Saturday, Nkana’s winless streak continued this time suffering their first league defeat after going down 1-0 away to Konkola Blades.
Midfielder Patrick Kasunga scored the games’ lone goal for Blades in the 28th minutes in this Week 3 match played at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe.
Vice-President George Kunda described as “provocative and annoying” an anti-government red card campaign that is being spearheaded by Change Life Zambia executive director Father Frank Bwalya.
Mr Kunda told hundreds of Copperbelt residents that the red card campaign is about violence and that it is aimed at disrupting peace in the country.
“The red card campaign is provocative and annoying. It is aimed at diverting Government attention from attending to real issues affecting our people.
“I know most of our supporters are annoyed because the Copperbelt Province is a fertile ground for the MMD,” Mr Kunda said.
He said the MMD is gaining ground on the Copperbelt and that the opposition political parties, especially the PF-UPND pact, will be crushed in next year’s general elections.
Mr Kunda said he was encouraged that when he arrived at the meeting he found people waving white cards, which symbolise peace.
He warned that those that are promoting lawlessness and violence in various communities will be dealt with by the law.
“President Rupiah Banda stands for investment, development and progress. He is focused in his vision to develop the country. I have worked with President Banda, he works hard and he loves this country. Mr Michael Sata is a failure and Zambians have continued rejecting him.
“The miners that lost their jobs during the recession are being re-employed by various mining companies. Investment in the mining sector is still growing. Government is improving the lives of Zambians by creating jobs for them. Zambia is admired by foreigners because of the way the government is managing the affairs of the country,” he said.
Mr Kunda said investors from various parts of the world are investing in the country because of the good polices that the government is implementing.
[pullquote]“We are looking after your money very well. It takes time to develop the country. We also want councils to play their role in the development process of the country. They receive huge sums of money and they can use part of the funds they receive from mining companies to improve service delivery.[/pullquote]
He said the government is committed to developing the road infrastructure and that it had signed an agreement with the Japanese government to rehabilitate some roads in Ndola and Kitwe.
Mr Kunda said the government is taking development to all parts of the country, noting that hospitals, clinics and schools are being built in all the districts in Zambia.
He said people throughout the country are either joining or rejoining the MMD because they are happy with development projects taking place in various parts of the country.
He said Zambians wanted to associate themselves with political parties such as the ruling MMD because of its commitment to addressing the welfare of the people.
“We are looking after your money very well. It takes time to develop the country. We also want councils to play their role in the development process of the country. They receive huge sums of money and they can use part of the funds they receive from mining companies to improve service delivery.
[pullquote]
Mr Kunda said President Banda’s foreign trips are meant to attract investment and wondered why some Zambians are criticising these outings.
[/pullquote]
The agricultural sector is doing well. We have so much maize including other cash crops. We will be exporting some of these crops. We used to import maize when some opposition leaders were in government,” he said.
Mr Kunda also took a swipe at Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi for her continued attacks on the government, especially President Banda.
He charged that some FDD members have petitioned for the removal of Ms Nawakwi as FDD president.
“We want to give respect to our women in Zambia and we are committed to working with them in developing this country and they are useful partners in the development process of the country. But we are wondering what is giving Ms Nawakwi courage to insult government,” he said.
Mr Kunda said President Banda’s foreign trips are meant to attract investment and wondered why some Zambians are criticising these outings.
He maintained that there is confusion in the UPND and that the party will soon disintegrate.
He said the PF-UPND pact does not have any agenda for the development of the country and that he has been vindicated by Senior Chief Mushili’s son, Prince Robert’s resignation from the UPND.Mr Kunda donated K10 million to the MMD on the Copperbelt for party organisation.
He said Government has set aside about K15 billion for the empowerment of youths and women in the country.
.
Local government minister Eustackio Kazonga and his deputy Moses Muteteka during a press briefing in Lusaka
GOVERNMENT is in the process of repealing the Town and Country Planning Act to address challenges faced in unplanned settlements in the country.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Eustackio Kazonga said yesterday that this is being done to deal with contradictions between the town and country planning Act and the Housing Act.
Dr Kazonga said this during a recording of the ‘Culture Remodelling’ television programme at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning under the theme Making it Happen: Local Government and Housing.
He said the contradiction has made it difficult for councils to provide services following the increase in unplanned settlements.
“In 2010 we have a number of programmes and if we start with physical planning, the first programme that we are embarking on is the repeal of the current Town and Country Planning Act. It has been overtaken by challenges that we are facing right now. We need to totally repeal that Act,” Dr Kazonga said.
He said work is going on to have the new act by the end of this year.
“When you look at the current Town and Planning Act and you look at the Housing Act, you will sometimes find some contradictions. Whereas something will be accepted as legal within the Housing Act, in the Town and Country Planning Act it will be illegal. So we need to harmonise these two pieces of legislation,” he said.
Dr Kazonga said Government has seen a number of challenges in unplanned settlements and that there is need to have specific clauses to tackle this aspect.
“The legal framework is part of what the physical planning is working on, but that is not all. We are also working on integrated development plans (IDPs) where we have a totality of these plans in terms of the scale, rate and quality of development put together in a consultative manner. These IDPs are being done for a number of towns in the country so that we have orderly development in the country. Development cannot just come up abruptly,” Dr Kazonga said.
He said currently Government is working on IDPs for Kapiri Mposhi, Lufwanyama, Samfya, Mazabuka, Choma, Luangwa, Mongu, Sesheke, Shangombo, Siavonga and Mambwe.
He said there is need to improve municipal infrastructure in the country, which he described as quite bad.
“Generally speaking, municipal infrastructure in the country is quite bad. Efforts are being made by Government to work on roads, markets and the drainage systems,” he said.
He said Government is also working on upgrading some unplanned settlements in the country.
“Government policy right now is that we do not want anymore of unplanned settlements. Let’s tackle the ones that are already in existence, no new ones. To upgrade settlements you are looking at the road network, the corresponding drainage systems, the water supply and sanitation facilities, street lighting and so on. All that is a totality of unplanned settlements upgrading,” he said.
Dr Kazonga said Government has made efforts to assist some councils to upgrade some of the unplanned settlements.
He said all local authorities were requested to submit to Government the list of unplanned settlements to determine which ones will be upgraded.
“But of course resources are not enough. What is important is to begin so that we can have specific compounds (townships) to be upgraded,” he said.
He said the current problem of floods in townships is a result of people building in areas not fit for human habitation.
He, however, said Government has scored some successes in water supply and sanitation within the Fifth National Development Plan.
He said 5,000 boreholes have been sunk in rural areas since 2006 and that Government is currently rehabilitating 400 boreholes.
He said this programme has increased access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas by about 1.3 million people.
He said the baseline in 2006 showed that only 37 percent of the population had access to clean water in rural areas compared to the current 50 percent.
“We are targeting that by 2015, 75 percent of the population will have access to clean water and sanitation. For sanitation in 2006 it was at 13 percent and we want to increase it to 60 percent under the Rural Water and Sanitation,” he said.
He said in urban areas Government has created 11 commercial water utilities to provide clean water to residents.
Dr Kazonga also said all councils in the country are up to date with statutory audits.
“All 72 councils have been audited for the year ended December 2008. People have the right to complain about audits in councils,” he said.
However, Dr Kazonga said Government has so far given the Local Authorities Superenuation Fund K37 billion to help in the payment of retirement packages for former employees in councils.
He also urged Zambians to internalise the ‘Make Zambia Clean’ campaign to reduce the prevalence of epidemics in the country.
