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Kunda urges all eligible voters to register for 2011 elections

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Vice-President George Kunda

Vice President George Kunda has urged all eligible voters in the country to register during the forthcoming voters’ registration exercise.

Speaking at Kanona Basic School in Serenje today, Mr. Kunda said there are many citizens who have reached voting age in Zambia.

He said it was for this reason that they must take advantage of the next voter registration exercise which will be conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to register as voters.

He also said it was time the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to restructure itself in readiness for the 2011 general polls.

Mr. Kunda, who is also Minister of Justice, emphasized the need for the party to keep record of how many members it has countrywide.

He explained that it was for this reason that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the MMD will send a number of registers to various parts of the country to ascertain the exactly number of its members.

Earlier, the Vice President met a number of traditional leaders, among them Chief Mailo, Chieftainess Serenje and senior Chief Chitambo.

Mr. Kunda assured the chiefs of continued government support because traditional leaders are government’s developmental partners.

He said it was encouraging that traditional leaders were also supportive of President Rupiah Banda and his government.

Mr. Kunda said this when he met chief Mailo at his palace in the outskirt of Serenje district today.

And Chief Mailo expressed gratitude to the MMD government for many developmental projects in his chiefdoms.

The traditional leader says the MMD was the only party which had the vision to develop the country.

He however said there was need for Zambians to continue supporting the MMD government even in future.

He further said he has read the MMD government’s Vision 2030 of making Zambia a middle income country, noting that this was a progressive vision.

The traditional leader said he was praying hard to God to extend the MMD’s leadership for a better Zambia.

He also said Zambia was lucky to have continued enjoying peace and attributed the development to the MMD government.

Meanwhile, Education Deputy Minster, Richard Taima has expressed sadness at the state of some schools in the area.

Mr. Taima said some classroom blocks in the areas are in a deplorable state.

He said it was for this reason that his ministry will soon hold a budgetary meeting with stakeholders to build more one by three (1 x 3) classroom blocks throughout the country.

He reiterated government’s commitment to increasing the number of schools around the country.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health, Solomon Musonda has disclosed that plans were underway to build more health centres in the country to take health services closer to the people.

Dr. Musonda said his ministry will build more hospitals as close to the people as possible.

He said this at Serenje district hospital after he conducted a tour of a new theatre at the health centre worth K70 million.

He has however stated that there is need for the community to participate in the construction of health centres especially that there are budget constraints.

Dr. Musonda said his ministry, through the Poverty Reduction Programme, has limited funds to cater for all requisites of new health centres.

He advised that it was in this vein that the community should construct health centres on self help basis and not to expect government to buy equipment such as furniture and other medical equipment.

And Acting District Medical Officer Jerry Sinyangwe thanked government for government’s support to his institution.

He disclosed that other than the construction of the new theatre at his institution, government is constructing a new health centre in the district.

ZANIS

At least 300 farmers cry foul over non receipt of agric inputs

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Over 300 small scale farmers in Luanshya district have cried foul over the non- receipt of fertilizer and seed under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

Spokesperson for the 300 farmers, Godfrey Ndalima, told ZANIS that the affected famers had paid in full for their packs but to their surprise, they did not get their allocation.

Mr. Ndalima, who is also a trustee at Kankwiba cooperative society, said about 160 x 10 kilogrammes of seed and 768 x 50 kg of compound “D” fertiliser were not issued to the affected farmers.

He lamented that most of the peasant farmers who depend on farming will face starvation.

He noted that even if Nyiombo Investments had to replace the inputs, it would be too late to use them in this farming season.

Luanshya District Commissioner George Kapu said he had received a report on the matter.

And Nyiombo Investment Copperbelt regional manager Martin Chaikatisha said the problem was caused by the theft that allegedly took place where the inputs were kept before distribution.

Mr. Chaikatisha said he carried out a forensic audit about the missing inputs and got a report from his officers that there was a break-in at the shed.

He said his company will do everything possible to replace the inputs which will eventually be distributed to the affected farmers.

ZANIS

Ward Councilors cry for K50m gratuity

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Civic leaders in Nakonde district of Northern Province have appealed the government to consider paying them gratuity at the end of their term of office.

The ward councilors said government should consider paying them gratuity at the end of their terms in office as a way of appreciating their contribution to development at local level.

They made the passionate appeal during a full council meeting held in the council chambers yesterday.

This followed a report by the acting Council Secretary Titus Walima on the meeting of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) which was held in Livingstone in Southern Province early this year.

Nakonde district council chairman Luka Simusamba said councilors do a lot of work on a daily basis and contribute greatly to the development of the country.

Mr Simusamba said no meaningful development could take place if people at the grass root level are not involved adding that the country has continued to record success in various economic sectors of the economy because of the involvement of people at various levels.

“Councilors do a lot of work in the district on daily basis and this is the reason why we are humbly requesting the government to consider paying councilors gratuity as a way of appreciating their efforts,” said Mr Simusamba.

He said councilors were not asking for hundreds of millions of Kwacha but suggested that they could be given even as little as K50 million each at the end of the term.

ZANIS

Tell Zambians what you will do when you assume power, Mabenga tells opposition

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Michael Mabenga

The Movement for Multi Party Democracy MMD has expressed displeasure at opposition political parties continued insults and attacks on the Republican President.

MMD national Chairman Michael Mabenga has since advised opposition political parties to direct their energy to tell the Zambian people what they will do when they come into power.

Mr. Mabenga said President Banda has made visible efforts to ensure the country achieves enhanced economic Development.

He noted that the MMD as a party has a passion for the efforts the President has made in a short time that he has saved in office since his election.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Mabenga cited the growth in the mining sector, the oil explorations and the re introduction of the Fertilizer Support Input Program in the Agriculture sector as some of the many development efforts scored by President Banda.

He noted that all these achievements are an indication that the President is working and wondered why some people are saying the President has failed.

Mr. Mabenga further said the opposition political parties were using bad language because they have taken advantage of the democratic environment in Zambia.

He called on Zambians to support President Banda because he meant well for Zambians.

Meanwhile, the MMD has said the recent tour of Western province by United Party for National Development- UPND President Hakainde Hichilema was unsuccessful.

Mr. Mabenga also reiterated that former Gender Minister Patricia Mulasikwanda’s resignation from the MMD party was a good move adding that she was just there to detract the party.

He noted that her moving to the opposition UPND/PF Pact will not make any impact saying Ms. Mulasikwanda failed to improve her political career from as way back as the time she was with UNIP and MMD.

ZANIS

Government performed well in 2009- Shikapwasha

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Chief Government Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha
Chief Government Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha

Chief Government Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha says government performed well in most sectors in 2009.

Gen. Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister pointed out that there are numerous achievements that the country recorded this year especially in the education and health sectors.

He said in 2009 alone government managed to construct high and basic schools in all provinces in the country.
Gen. Shikapwasha noted that the construction of hostels at the University of Zambia is another major achievement scored in 2009 in the education sector.

The Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said an average of about six thousand teachers have since been employed to supplement the teacher ratio in peri-urban and rural areas in an effort to improve the education sector in the country.

Gen Shikapwasha highlighted these achievements scored by government through 2009 in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He also pointed out that government had embarked on electrification of schools in rural areas to try and improve the education sector in remote areas.

Meanwhile, Gen. Shikapwasha disclosed that in 2009 government constructed more hospitals and clinics in most parts of the country.

He said the construction of a cancer hospital at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and the ongoing construction works of a general hospital in Lusaka are some of the many projects that government embarked on in 2009.

ZANIS

MOH rep ejected from the meeting over the failed Microbicide Gel research

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A ministry of health representative was on Monday ordered to leave a full council meeting in Mazabuka, for failing to provide answers to the failed Microbicide Gel research.

The councillors had demanded to be briefed on the outcome of the clinical trial.

But Environmental Health Technician, Mushabati Mushabati, failed to provide answers.

It was at this time that Mazabuka District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba, ordered him to leave the meeting.

However, after consultating his superiors, Mr. Mushabati informed the meeting that the ministry of health had instructed that no official statement should be issued until after a report on the matter has been scruitnised.

The Microbicide Gel drug was used by the MDP under its clinical trials to determine its efficacy in blocking HIV transmission.

According to MDP Principle Investigator, Dr. Maureen Chisembele, 46 women contracted HIV and AIDs virus after the research.

The district commissioner said he was particularly disappointed with the district director of health for failing to heed to his directives to produce MDP officials before the councillors

[ZNBC]

Renard Names 2010 CAN Squad

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Here is Zambia’s 23-man team list for the 2010 Orange African Cup of Nations.

Zambia are in Group D in the January tournament together with Tunisia, Cameroon and Gabon and will be baserd in Lubango.

Herve Renard’s side open their Group D campaign against Tunisia on January 13.

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu, South Africa), Jacob Banda (Zesco United) Defenders: Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes), Kampamba Chintu (Amazulu, South Africa), Hichani Himoonde (Zesco United), Emmanuel Mbola (Pyunik Yerevan, Armenia), Joseph Musonda (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa), Thomas Nyirenda (Zanaco)

Midfielders: Isaac Chansa (Helsingborg, Sweden), Noah Chivuta (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Rainford Kalaba (União de Leiria, Portugal),Francis Kasonde (Al Suwaiq, Oman), Felix Katongo (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Clifford Mulenga (Mpumalanga Black Aces, South Africa), Stophira Sunzu (Zanaco), William Njobvu ((Hapoel Kiryat Shmone, Israel)

Strikers: Christopher Katongo (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Emmanuel Mayuka (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Collins Mbesuma (Moroka Swallows,South Africa)

31 die in Christmas road..

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THIRTY-ONE people died while 53 others were seriously injured in road traffic accidents during the Christmas holiday.

The incidents in which 25 people escaped with minor injuries occurred countrywide between December 22 and 26.

Police spokesperson Bonny Kapeso said 116 road traffic accidents were recorded this year, compared to 143 road mishaps recorded last year.

He said Lusaka topped the list with 49 road traffic accidents in which seven people died while eight others were seriously injured.

Mr Kapeso said Copperbelt followed with39 accidents in which six people died and 23 were left with serious injuries.

He said Central Province had nine accidents with 16 deaths while nine others had serious injuries.
Mr Kapeso said Eastern Province recorded 11 accidents with one fatality while 10 other people were seriously injured.

He said North-Western Province had seven accidents and only one person died while two others escaped with minor injuries.
Western, Northern and Luapula provinces did not record any road traffic accidents.

Mr Kapeso said this shows an increase in the number of people killed in road traffic accidents as compared to last year when only nine people died in the period under review.

He said there has, however, been a reduction by 18 percent, in the number of traffic accidents recorded during the Christmas holidays this year as compared to last year.

And Mr Kapeso said 750 motor vehicles were impounded by traffic officers for various traffic offences in Lusaka.
Mr Kapeso said K50 million was raised from admission of guilt fines for the impounded motor vehicles.

 Zambia Daily Mail

Reinstate Namakando committee — VJ

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Politician Vernon Mwaanga

FORMER MMD national secretary, Vernon Mwaanga has advised the party’s national executive committee (NEC) to reinstate the Simasiku Namakando-led dissolved Western Province executive committee.

Mr Mwaanga said there was no way the NEC should fail to recognise the reconciliation between President Rupiah Banda and the dissolved executive committee.

He said the acting party president had taken a reconciliatory path which should be recognised and the best route to take was to reinstate the committee.

When contacted for a comment, MMD deputy national secretary, Jeff Kaande agreed with Mr Mwaanga’s advice but said NEC would have to sit and make a decision.

“I totally agree with Mr Mwaanga’s advice but what I should say is that we are just waiting for a directive as NEC and we will act.

‘‘Now that the national secretary, Dr Katele Kalumba is back, he will liaise with our party president and give the directive as to when NEC should meet to decide on that matter.

“This is not a one-man show. It is not about Jeff Kaande but it is the responsibility of the NEC. I mean, who am I to argue against the president,” Mr Kaande said.

Asked about his earlier statement that Mr Namakando ceased to be a party member after his executive committee took the party to court, Mr Kaande said such were the regulations of the MMD but that since they were made by the people, it was up to the same people to bend them.

Mr Mwaanga said it was important for the NEC to realise that the president himself had reconciled with Mr Namakando and the rest of the NEC members and follow the path the president had taken.

“Unless this is done, the party will leave itself open to acrimony. The provincial executive committee is next to the NEC and this is why I am saying the party should find a way of dealing with this issue,” he said.

He said President Banda’s stance to reconcile with Mr Namakando should not be taken as a sign of weakness but that the president had looked at a broader picture, a position he said was the best for the party and its members.

He believed that the party had the capacity to deal with various matters in an amicable way and advised senior members of the party to stop attacking each other in the Press.

Mr Mwaanga said senior members of the party should show that they were able to handle issues internally because what was currently happening did not paint a good picture to the members.

He advised MMD members not to worry about the negative statements coming from the party’s enemies because as a party in Government, the MMD had scored various successes in growing the economy, poverty reduction, agriculture, health and in education.

He said the MMD needed to manage its politics well as it prepared for the 2011 tripartite elections.

Mr Mwaanga said the policies of the MMD had won accolades from the international community which was why the party’s enemies were attacking it on a daily basis.

[Times of Zambia]

Man commits suicide after killing friend

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A 40 year old man has committed suicide after murdering a 57 year old man in chief Mailo’s area in Serenje district.

Serenje District Police Officer Commanding Daniel Mseteka said William Chiwama 40, took poison and died after he was queried about the death of Handless Chibuye.

Mr. Mseteka told ZANIS in Serenje today that Chiwama and Chibuye were both of Nansala area in Serenje district.

He said the two men were together on December 24th but Chibuye was not seen the following day.

He said this prompted people to ask Chiwama about the whereabouts of his colleague.

Mr. Mseteka said Chiwama expressed ignorance about where Chibuye was but he later took Zinc Sulphate and died.

He explained that a search was then conducted and Chibuye’s body was found wrapped in a sack in a stream.

He further explained that the body Chibuye’s body had multiple injuries which indicating that the deceased could have been killed.

Mr. Mseteka suspected that Chiwama took poison because he killed his friend.

The two bodies are lying in Chitambo Hospital mortuary.

In a related development, a 47 year old man working for Lwimba Ranch in Chongwe district as a driver has died from suspected poisoning.

The man, identified as Stephen Phiri, is believed to have been poisoned on Sunday while drinking beer at a named nearby village.

Both police and a family spokesperson Vincent Zulu confirmed the death of Phiri yesterday to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS).

M. Zulu said the deceased was discovered dead in his bedroom by his daughter early yesterday.

He explained that the deceased was on Sunday drinking beer with people who have not been yet identified.

Mr. Zulu further explained that when the deceased returned home around 18:00 hours, he complained of severe stomach pains.

He said the deceased’s children and neighbours gave him porridge and milk and went to sleep.

Mr. Zulu said the late Phiri’s wife was away in Lusaka and no one checked for the deceased in the night until the following morning when his daughter found him dead.

And police in Chongwe have since picked up the body of the deceased and taken it to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for postmortem.

Meanwhile, workers at the ranch have called on police in the district to investigate the matter and bring the culprit to book.

ZANIS

Media vital in information dissemination

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Government says the Media plays a vital role in the dissemination of information in the country.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Ngosa Chisupa said there is need to enhance the dissemination of information in the country because it helps the public to make informed decisions.

Mr Chisupa was speaking in Lusaka today after a familiarizations tour of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

He said government will continue providing a conducive environment in terms of policy and discharging of the duties of ZNBC.

Mr. Chisupa urged ZNBC to utilise the “support to media institutions” public funds that have been set aside for improving the quality of the media in the country.

He said there is need to for partnerships in helping the corporation in the process of digital migration by 2015.

And ZNBC Director General Juliana Mwila said the corporation has an establishment of 502 employees but currently has 441 including those for TV2.

Ms. Mwila said 80 percent of its income is sourced from advertising and 20 percent is sourced from government and other sources.

She called for increased allocation of resources to the corporation, saying the survival of the media depends much on resources.

Ms. Mwila revealed that US 13 million dollars is needed for the corporation to facilitate the digital migration programme.

ZANIS

DEC arrests Sesheke Priest for cannabis cultivation

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cannabis
The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested a priest of New Apostolic Church in Sesheke district for drug cultivation.

DEC Public Relations Officer John Nyawali said in a press statement made available to ZANIS today that William Siomboka was arrested for cultivating in 2.1 tones of cannabis.

He said the Priest of Siomboka congregation in chief Imalenda’s area had cultivated the substance only 150 meters away from the church premises.

Mr Nyawali said the clergy was arrested on Christmas day together with six other females from the same area who had cultivated a total of 7.1 tones of cannabis.

Mr. Nyawali however disclosed that Preliminary investigations indicate that the group was contracted to cultivate the cannabis which was earmarked for export to some neighboring countries.

Meanwhile Mr Nyawali has said that the Commission is saddened with the increasing number of custodians of good morals getting involved in illicit drug trade and has urged such people to uphold ethics and morals for the benefit of the nation.

He said to this effect the commission has put in place deliberate measures to ensure that cannabis fields are identified at an early stage and destroyed before they reach their intended markets.

Mr Nyawali has also disclosed that about 700 kilograms of cannabis was seized on Christmas day and 17 people have since been arrested for trafficking in the psychotropic substance.

ZANIS

No more Microbicide clinical trials on women – Mazabuka Central MP

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A bus making its way into Mazabuka town centre
Mazabuka Central member of parliament Gary Nkombo says he will not allow the Microbicide Development Programme (MDP) to conduct any further clinical trials on poor women.

Mr Nkombo told ZANIS in Mazabuka today, the ban is with immediate effect.

He said MDP should not even attempt to launch another feasibility study in Lubombo because the organisation will not be allowed to do so by the community.

Mr Nkombo challenged MDP management to tell the nation the criteria that was used to enroll the women who contracted the HIV and AIDs virus and the compensation involved.

He said Zambia is made of 72 districts but wondered why MDP selected to conduct the clinical trials in Mazabuka and only targeted women whose education levels are low.

MDP Community Liason officer, Kennedy Mundia however said the stance taken by the MP was wrong because his organisation is in a hurry to find a remedy to HIV and AIDS.

MDP targets to enroll 60 women in Lubombo for yet another ARV based Microbicide gel.

ZANIS

President Banda launches K290 billion upgrading of Chipata/Mfuwe road

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Banda at lodge in mfuwe
President Rupiah Banda this morning launched the K290 billion upgrading works on the Chipata/Mfuwe road in Eastern Province.
Speaking during the flagging off of the project, President Banda said the tarring of the 104 km road by Sable Transport and Construction Company will not only benefit the tourism sector in Malambo but also the residents of Chipata and Mambwe districts through easy transportation of people, goods and services.
The President, however, said the upgraded road will greatly enhance the tourism potential in Mfuwe and agricultural activities along the road corridor and contribute towards poverty reduction.
Mr Banda said the launch of the works on the road indicates the MMD government’s commitment to deliver its promise of providing good roads to its people in line with the second Road Sector Investment Program that is running for ten years from 2003 to 2013.
President Banda stressed that road works were not only being done on the Chipata/Mfuwe road but in other districts in the country.
He said his government believed in good road network as an engine for economic growth as it facilitates efficient movement of goods and services cheaply, which he said reduced travel time, accidents and contributed to lower cost of conducting business.

The President further stressed that government will endeavor to ensure that all parts of the country are accessible through road construction, rehabilitation of deteriorated roads, periodic and routine maintenance of core road network.
He revealed that the Road Sector Investment Programme is supported by government and cooperating partners and involves the investment of US $ 1.6 over a period of ten years to cover 40,000km of road network throughout the country, although the Mfuwe road is solely funded by the Zambian government.
President Banda clarified that Sable Transport and Construction was not picked for any other reason other than experience and good reputation in the construction industry.

“Sable has done a number of projects in the country in a professional manner and has continued to improve the road infrastructure throughout the country,’ he said. He added that once tarred, the road will also secure and improve all weather access and reduce user costs and enhance economic activities.
“It will enhance economic activities in the area in terms of agriculture, tourism and other activities for individual communities including trading, health care delivery and good education delivery,” he said.

President rupiah banda's 2008 campaign billboard still hanging at Luangwa along the Great East Road
“Other than the South Luangwa National park, there are three other projects namely, Luambe, Lukusizi and North Luangwa National Park which also attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world,” he said.
The President stressed government’s determination to diversify the economy from copper dependence to tourism and agriculture.
He emphasized the importance of institutional reforms and implored those tasked with the responsibility of managing roads and the associated finances to use public resources prudently. “With prudent resource utilization of allocated funds for roads, we are able to improve our network of 40,000 kilometers by the year 2013, thereby creating about 30, 000 jobs through the country,” he said.

President Banda observed that the Chipata/Mfuwe road construction works would benefit the local people through gainful employment and training in various skills related to the construction of the road.
He also noted the HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns would be conducted in the project area and that information on the danger of vandalizing road infrastructure would be disseminated to the public during the course of the project.
“This will reduce the infection rate of HIV and AIDS, and reduce vandalism of road signs which are a major target of vandalism by local people,” he said.
The President urged the relevant government institutions to ensure that the project is completed within schedule by providing resources as required.
“Works may stall if government does not play its role of releasing funds as required,” he said.
And President Banda has urged the Ministry of Works and Supply, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), to prioritize the enhancement of safety in their road designs on all roads to save lives. The President implored the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and RDA to ensure that over-speeding and overloading were curbed on all the roads in the country.
“They are not only against the Law but are also selfish and a danger to the safety of our people; they are a cost to government and the people of Zambia,” he stated.

President Banda urged the contractor and the project management team to complete works within reasonable time and ensure compliance to technical specifications set forth for the construction of the Chipata/Mfuwe road.
Mr Banda commended Sable Transport and Construction, saying it had shown commitment in its contracts with government noting that sometimes the company started carrying out works before advance payment.
The works on the Chipata/Mfuwe road started on December 18, 2009 and expected to end on April 18, 2013.

Works and Supply Minister, Mike Mulongoti
Works and Supply Minister, Mike Mulongoti
Earlier, Works and Supply Minister, Mike Mulongoti, observed that poor road conditions on the Chipata/Mfuwe road forced tourists to fly to Mfuwe and miss out on a number of other attractive tourist areas along the way to Eastern Province’s tourist destination.
Mr Mulongoti said it was for this reason that government was improving the road infrastructure in the region to improve economic sectors not only in tourism but agriculture, mining and commerce which could only develop with the support of good road network.
He noted that government had embarked on a number of road construction and rehabilitation in Eastern Province, adding that some of the road works in the province had been completed.
Mr Mulongoti named the Chipata/Lundazi, Nyimba/Sinda and Petauke/ Chilongozi as some of the roads that were recently rehabilitated.
He revealed that government was rehabilitating 83 priority bridges located in all the eight districts in the region.
“We are working on agriculture roads through the Agriculture Development Support Program totaling to 389.17 kilometers in Chipata and Katete, and 308 Kilometers in Lundazi while periodic maintenance is being carried out on Luamfwa/ Mutipwazi road.” Mr Mulongoti said.

Some Chipata residents going for the Kulamba traditional ceremony
The minister disclosed that government was planning for the maintenance of the Chipata/Lundazi road and the rehabilitation of Lusaka/Chipata road.
He noted that other road sections had been maintained using government equipment by the Rural Roads Unit (RRU).
“All these are testimony of government’s commitment to improve the road infrastructure in the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eastern Province Minister said people in the province were excited about the tarring of the Chipata/Mfuwe road because of the socio-economic value that the road had.
Mr Banda said the tourism potential of the South Luangwa National Park was dependent on the state of the road as most tourists travelled to Mfuwe by road.
He said it was, therefore, envisaged that once completed, the number of both local and foreign tourists would increase and subsequently enhance the local economy.
Mr Banda said there was need to encourage the local community to engage in tourism-orientated businesses such as curio making and selling to reduce poverty.
The minister noted that this could only be realized if locals accessed funds through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
And RDA Board Chairman, Walusiku Lisulo, pledged commitment to ensure that works on Chipata/Mfuwe road were carried out professionally according to specifications.
Mr Lisulo said the upgrading of the Chipata/Mfuwe road would add up to the realization of the Road Sector Investment Programme which was initiated in 2003 and commended government for funding the agency promptly.
He, however, bemoaned poor funding which he said led to the stalling of some road projects in the country.
He said there was need for adequate funding to the road sector to ensure an efficient and dynamic road network which he said was vital to economic growth, productivity and socio development.

ZANIS

The 2011 General Election Campaign has begun – George Kunda

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Vice President George Kunda
VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has challenged MMD members in Muchinga Constituency in Serenje, to step up party mobilisation at grassroots level and ensure that the ruling party consolidates its position against the opposition ahead of the 2011 presidential elections.
Addressing residents of Waya in his Muchinga Constituency yesterday, Mr Kunda said the 2011 campaigns for the general elections had begun and party members should therefore ensure that all their structures were in place.
“Tell everybody, we are now ready to start campaigning for 2011, we want as a party to be a formidable force to fight and surmount the opposition which is always losing elections,” Mr Kunda said.
He said it was cardinal for party members to commence the mobilisation exercise so that structures at grassroots level remained solid.
“Entice all those that left our party to come back and when they come, embrace them and together work out mechanisms that will strengthen our party ahead of the 2011 general elections,” Mr Kunda said.
The vice-president assured the people of Muchinga that the Government would continue to undertake development projects aimed at uplifting their living standards.
“When we campaigned here, I promised you that we shall bring power and I am glad to note that the electrification programme under the rural electrification authority has begun and with electricity, investment shall be attracted to this area,” Mr Kunda said.
He said agricultural investment would be enhanced in the area to create more jobs for the local people.
“Let me direct the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Richard Taima and the Provincial minister Mr Ackimson Banda to ensure that a one by three classroom block is erected together with the teachers’ houses.
“Let’s not take advantage of the support that our people continue to give us and as such, we should ensure that in future electricity should also be connected to Waya Basic School,” Mr Kunda said.
The vice-president also said the earth-moving equipment procured from China had done a commendable job by grading Ndabala area up to Chibale road.
He challenged youths to access the K5 billion empowerment funds allocated for each ministry in next year’s budget to undertake various projects aimed at uplifting their living conditions.
Mr Kunda hailed the people of Muchinga Constituency for overwhelmingly voting for the MMD in the 2006 general elections.
The school is supposed to be transformed into a modern institution.
Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu, Health Deputy Minister Solomon Musonda are also in the entourage.
Mr Kunda is on a three-day tour of Serenje District and Constituency.
Earlier, Mr Taima assured Waya residents that his ministry would transform their school into a modern one and that it had since been included in the 2010 work plan.

By ABEL MBOOZI

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