1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
The Week in Pictures
DC bemoans bureaucracy in input distribution
Solwezi District Commissioner Frobisher Fulayi has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture to urgently send deposit books to the district to enable farmers access fertilizer.
Mr. Fulayi said the district had run out of deposit books and this has delayed the issuance of fertilizer to farmers in the whole district.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Mr. Fulayi said that with the absence of the deposit books, farmers cannot be issued the fertilizer as they would not be able to deposit the 20% contribution to enable them access the inputs.
He said the Ministry should send the books by Monday November 30th so that farmers can start accessing fertilizer adding that further delays would greatly impact on the yields for most of them.
Mr. Fulayi said it was sad to note that the bureaucratic way of input distribution still existed even after government had issued directives to stop the trend.He noted that the bureaucratic tendencies would only hinder government efforts to fight hunger and extreme poverty.
Mr. Fulayi said government was working hard by ensuring that inputs are in the country and distributed to all parts of the country as early as possible.
He added that deposit books should be made available to Provincial Agriculture Coordinating Offices so that districts that run out of the documents can easily request and access the books.
ZANIS
Weekend Football Fixtures
Here are the weekend football fixtures to be played 28-29/11/2009
2009 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup
Group A
28/11/2009
Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi
KO: 15:00 ZMT
Kenya- Zambia
2009 Barclays Cup Final
28/11/2009
Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka
Power Dynamos-Green Buffaloes
Faz Premier League
Week 30
29/11/2009
Konkola Blades – Zamtel
Zesco United – Chambishi
City of Lusaka – Nakambala Leopards
Lusaka Dynamos – Forest Rangers
Kabwe Warriors – Zanaco
Young Arrows – Roan United
02/11/2009
Choma Eagles – Green Buffaloes
Power Dynamos – Red Arrows
**Faz Division 1 North & South Week 34 Fixtures TBA
Habitat for Humanity constructs house for 80 year old
Habitat for Humanity Zambia has built 188 houses for orphans and vulnerable Children in society at an estimated cost of K470 million since the beginning of this year.
Habitat for Humanity Zambia, Global Village Coordinator, Sakalima Yoyo disclosed this to ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today. This was at the construction site of a K25 million three roomed house for an 80 years old woman in Kalingalinga compound.
Mr. Yoyo said the houses which are co-funded by Irish Aid and its donors are meant to provide simple but decent housing to people who cannot afford to construct houses.
He said there was need for concerted effort from all stakeholders in the provision of decent accommodation especially for Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
Mr. Yoyo said Mrs. Tinenenji Zulu, the 80 year old woman, whose house was being constructed today, is living with six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He said the old lady has been living in a mud house which is in an inhabitable state. Mr. Yoyo said the house is also a Christmas gift to the family and will be completed in three weeks time and handed over a week before Christmas.
Habitat for Humanity has meanwhile donated clothing to the same family in Kalingalinga.
And Mrs. Tinenenji Zulu has thanked Habitat for Humanity for the house and donation of clothes to her family. She said the house has come at time when she was looking for a house to keep the ten grand and great grand children.
ZANIS
LCC warns operators of unregistered taxies
Lusaka City Council (LCC) says the council with soon conduct an exercise to remove all unregistered taxies and non functional vehicle packed at the police stations.
LCC Public relations Officer Henry Kapata said the council is working on the impound yard where all the vehicles impounded will be taken and then charge the owners for dumping their vehicles at the police station.
Mr. Kapata told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the council will also impound all unregistered taxies as they do not pay anything to the local authority.
He said the move would also help to de-congest the city.
Mr. Kapata disclosed that recently the council held a meeting with some stakeholders, the Ministry of Justice, Zambia Police and Road traffic and Safety Agency to strategize on how best to address issues related to congestion.
He said the council will not hesitate to charge people parking their vehicles unnecessarily especially in busy and undesignated places.
And Mr. Kapata has expressed concern on the tendency by some bus drivers to park thir buses at bus stops in the city.
He added that the council was not happy with congestions created by bus drivers and other motorists who park their vehicles at bus stops.
He explained that bus stops should only be used as dropping points not for loading.
Mr. Kapata observed that knowledge was lacking among the drivers as they do not know the difference between bus stops and bus stations.
He appealed to bus operators to help the council by educating their drivers on the need to observe rules and regulations when servicing the travelling public.
He has since appealed to the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) to help the council by apprehending drivers who congest bus stops.
ZANIS
Veep lures businessmen to invest in Zambia
Vice President, George Kunda has invited foreign investors to visit Zambia and explore the various investment opportunities that exist in the country.
Addressing a Business Forum in Trinidad and Tobago’s Capital, Port of Spain yesterday, Mr Kunda said Zambia is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.
The Vice President said Zambia has put in place a legal framework and strategies that have tremendously improved the investment climate in the country.
He added that Zambia enjoys a stable political climate, observes the rule of law, and has separation of powers and a strong civil society, among others.
He explained that for the last eight years, Zambia has recorded real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 5.2 percent per annum as well as a broad based growth due to the diversification process, which has helped secure a wide market for the country’s products.
Mr Kunda further said the formation of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has helped to facilitate the granting of incentives to investors intending to invest in different sectors of the economy.
He said since infrastructure is a catalyst to increased investment, the country has therefore embarked on the establishment of multi-facility zones in different parts of the country as a strategic initiative for economic development.
The Vice-President said these zones, commonly known as M Phases are designed to make Zambia a centre of excellency in economic development through increased activity in the manufacturing sector.
He also called on the private sector to consider investing in Zambia’s energy sector now that there is exploration for oil and high demand for energy in the country.
In the tourism sector, Mr Kunda said there is great potential for investment in national parks and rivers that are sanctuary to some of the most attractive tourist attractions in the world.
He said among the initiatives government has put in place to attract foreign investment include the introduction of a free market economic policy, no foreign exchange controls and easy procedures in exporting and importing goods and products.
Meanwhile, Mr Kunda has said the Commonwealth Heads of Government were meeting at a time when the global economy was making positive attempts to get out of the global economic and financial crisis.
He said the crisis, which has not spared Zambia, is a great challenge and has negatively affected the performance of the world economies.
Mr Kunda also said climate change is one of the challenges affecting Zambia, like in all other countries, resulting in floods which have caused untold suffering to the flood victims.
The CHOGM, which officially opens today November 27, ends on Sunday November 29.
ZANIS
China honours KK with Sino-African Friendship award
The Chinese government has conferred a Sino-African Friendship award on first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
The award follows Dr Kaunda’s successful trip to China where he was voted as one of the five Africans who moved the entire Chinese people the most.
The award is voted by the informed Chinese general public on the internet across all China, and proves Dr Kaunda’s lasting popularity since he had been heard by the Chinese people about 42 years ago.
Speaking at a breakfast reception in Lusaka today, to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 4th Ministerial Conference of Forum on China-Africa cooperation (FOCAC) and Dr Kaunda’s trip back from China where he went to receive the award today, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin said the Chinese people cherish the sincere friendship that exists between Zambia and the Chinese people.
Mr Qiangmin said China’s support to Africa’s development would remain concrete and tangible, adding that whatever changes that mighty take place in the world, China’s policy of supporting Africa’s economic and social development will never change.
He disclosed that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed eight new policy measures during his keynote address to the conference that the Chinese government aimed at strengthening the Sino-Africa cooperation in the next three years from 2010 to 2012.
The Chinese Ambassador said based on the concerns raised by African countries on the implementation of the last eight measures, China decided to customize the new eight measures stressing more on helping Africa to overcome the financial crisis and improve African people’s living standards.
He said as the first of the eight new measures, China has proposed to establish a China- Africa partnership in addressing climate change where china would build 100 clean energy projects for Africa covering solar power, bio-gas and small hydro power stations.
“China will enhance cooperation with Africa in Science and technology. China would carry out 100 joint demonstration projects with Africa and receive 100 African postdoctoral fellows to conduct research in China. Third china will help Africa build up financial capacity”, he said.
Mr. Qiangmin revealed that Chiana would also provide US$10 billion in concessional loans to African countries, and support Chinese financial institutions in setting up a special loan of $1 billion for small and medium-size African businesses.
The other new measures include the opening up of the Chinese market to African products, enhance further cooperation in agriculture, their deepening of cooperation in medical care and health, and enhance cooperation in human resources development and education in addition to the expansion of people to people cultural exchange.
And speaking at the same function, Dr Kaunda said the relationship between China and Zambia was based on strong human relationships that have existed for a long time now.
Dr Kaunda said the Chinese people have looked beyond the issue of race and color which had been the source of many divisions in the world and has partnered with their African bothers and sisters for their betterment.
He said the old generation of Chinese and African people worked hard to build the relationship that exist between the two continents, saying the task is now on the new generation to continue fostering the relationship.
Dr Kaunda has since urged the new generation of Chinese and Zambian people to continue helping to carry on the honorable relationship between China and Zambia.
[ZANIS]
RB on a two-day working visit to Western Province
President Rupiah Banda is tomorrow expected in Western Province on a two-day working visit.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere told ZANIS in statement today that the President will during his visit to the province visit Kalabo district where he will inspect development projects including schools and road infrastructure.
Mr. Jere said the President will also meet some government officials in the District.
The President will be accompanied by Finance and National Planning Minster Situmbeko Musokotwane, Tourism and Natural Resources Minster Catherine Namugala, Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti and other government officials.
Mr. Banda is expected back to Lusaka on Monday.
ZANIS
First lady Thandiwe thanks her predecessors
The organization of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) Workshop which started on Saturday came to a close in Lusaka yesterday.
In her closing remarks, First Lady Thandiwe Banda paid tribute to her predecessors, Vera Tembo Chiluba and Maureen Mwanawasa for having blessed the official opening of the workshop. She said the presence of the two former first Ladies shows that the nation is united.
Mrs Banda also thanked the media for being a great partner in the build-up to and during the workshop. She said the media was an important component in the development of the country.
The workshop which was held under the theme “Maternity Protection, Prevention and Care Strategy against Mother to Child Transmission of HIV”, was attended by Ethiopian First lady Azeb Mesfin who is also the OAFLA president and South African First Lady Nompumelelo Zuma. Others were Namibia’s First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba’s Representative, former first lady Dr Maureen Mwanawasa and government officials.
Speaking earlier, South Africa’s first Lady Nompumelelo Zuma called for continued reinforcement of policies aimed at combating HIV/AIDS to create an HIV/AIDS free Africa.
Mrs. Zuma said the South African government has implemented a number of policies aimed at reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and promoting the well being of women.
Mrs. Banda was later expected to entertain her guests to a boat cruise on the Kafue River before a fundraising gala night at Intercontinental Hotel for OAFLA Zambian chapter.
ZANIS
Barclays Chipata constructs K8m feeder road
Barclays Bank Chipata Branch in Eastern Province has constructed a 2.4 kilometer feeder road along airport road where Chipata Municipal Council is putting up a market.
The feeder road which was constructed at a total cost of K8 Million was put up by the branch under the Make a Difference Day (MADD), part of the Bank’s community service programmes.
Branch Corporate Manager Anderson Zulu disclosed this when he handed over the road to Chipata Municipal Council yesterday.
Mr. Zulu said that the Bank saw the need to construct a road that gets to the new market as a way of ploughing some of its profits back into the community.He said that it was the intention of the bank to get involved in developmental projects such as road construction.
Mr. Zulu said the MADD programme was conducted worldwide where each branch of the Bank was required to carry out developmental projects to help communities.
And Chipata Acting Town Clerk Andrew Zulu commended Barclays bank for getting involved in developmental projects.
Mr. Zulu stated that the council on its own could not have managed to raise funds for the construction of the road in the area.
The Town Clerk noted that residents in the area would also benefit from the newly constructed road as most roads in the area were impassable.
He further called on business houses in the district to emulate Barclays bank by getting involved in developmental programmes in communities.
ZANIS
ECZ approves 37 projects
The Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ) with input from stakeholders has approved 37 environment developmental projects across the country.
ECZ Principal Information and Communications Officer Irene Lungu said this in statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Ms. Lungu said the approval comes after the ECZ reviewed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports submitted by various developers..
She said this is in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act Cap 204 of the Laws of Zambia as read with Regulation 3 (1) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations Statutory Instrument number 28 of 1997.
Ms. Lungu named the approved projects as the proposed establishment of a Catholic National Hospital on plot number Sub2/A/F487 on Leopards Hill road in Lusaka by the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC).
She said another project is the Proposed Construction of a Service Station on part of plot 129/M, Corner of Kamloops Road and Chainama Golf Club Entrance by Engen Petroleum Zambia Limited.
Other projects include a Fuel Service Station at Former Dag Hammarskjold Stadium in Ndola by Oryx Oil, rehabilitation of old ZOT Service Station by Chovu Chovu brothers of Luanshya and installation of four above-ground fuel storage tanks in Bwana Mkubwa industrial area of Ndola by Geofreight Training Limited.
Others are the proposed Fuel Storage Tanks in Ndola by Zambezi Portland Cement, the proposed Mobile Safari Camp in Mupamadzi area of South Luangwa National Park and the Mapunga Lodge in the Kafue National Park by Chikunto Consultancy Limited, Granulated Slag Dump at Nchanga Mine Site LML 34 by Konkola Copper Mines PLC and Extension works for Mwambashi River Lodge in the Lower Zambezi National Park are also some of the projects among others.
ZANIS
British Government donates 275,000 pounds
The Department for International Development has donated 275,000 British Pounds towards the Child Health Week which will run from November 26th to December 5th 2009.
The donation is the British government’s support to Zambia towards the successful Child Health week this year.
British High Commission Press and Public Affairs section disclosed the development in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday.
According to the statement, the British government will remain committed to supporting activities such as the Child Health Week which includes programmes such as the growth monitoring, deworming and immunization of children against common childhood diseases such as measles, polio and tetanus.
The statement further said the funds would be channeled through UNICEF and allocated to Central Province, Copperbelt province, Chipata, Nyimba and Lusaka.
ZANIS
Sata’s allegations on fuel, misleading, irresponsible and provocative – Shikapwasha
Government has described Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata’ s media statement that President Rupiah Banda is about to hike fuel prices to subsidize ‘thieves’ involved in fuel procurement as misleading, irresponsible and provocative.
Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha says Government is saddened by Mr. Sata’s allegations.
Lt. Gen Shikapwasha said in a statement to ZANIS last evening that the statement by the opposition leader only reflects his poor understanding of running of government and his propensity to tell lies.
He said government is deeply concerned that Mr. Sata was deliberately misleading the nation into believing that prices of fuel were determined by the President.
Gen Shikapwasha stated that it was only the Energy Regulation Board which has the mandate to determine the prices of fuel and that the criterion had nothing to do with government.
He explained that local fuel prices are determined by the cost of supplies from the source and transportation among other market forces.
Gen. Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said contrary to Mr. Sata’s assertions, all these factors are not determined by the President.
He dismissed Mr. Sata’s allegations as regrettable and uncalled for.
Gen Shikapwasha said Mr. Sata’ s allegations against President Banda were only a reflection of the kind of leadership that Zambians should expect if he was given an opportunity to lead the nation.
He said it was clear from the statement that the opposition leader’s governance style would also involve fixing fuel prices from State House just to appease suppliers.
Gen. Shikapwasha added, “ As for the thieves that Mr. Sata is referring to in the procurement of fuel, we can only say, it takes a thief to know a thief.”
Mr. Sata is quoted in one of the daily newspapers as having said President Rupiah Banda wants to hike fuel prices to subsidize thieves involved in the procurement of fuel.
ZANIS
Katele Kalumba Discharged
MMD National Secretary Dr. Katele Kalumba has been discharged from hospital.
Dr. Kalumba who was admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for a suspected heart problem was discharged from hospital yesterday morning.
UTH Public Relations Manager Pauline Mbangweta told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that Dr. Kalumba was discharged yesterday morning after he was declared fit by doctors attending to him.
Ms. Mbangweta added that Dr. Kalumba was discharged after responding well to the treatment he was given.
She pointed out that during the time Dr. Kalumba was admitted to UTH his condition had remained stable.
Last week Dr. Katele Kalumba was admitted to the UTH high cost admission ward after a suspected heart problem.
ZANIS
Iam impressed with Zambia’s economy-RB
President Rupiah Banda says he is impressed with the country’s economy which he said has become stable despite the global financial crisis.
President Banda said the lending and growth of interest rates in the banking institutions has also continued to grow hence the stability of financial institutions.
He said it is important for the country to implement its programmes as people expect the political leadership to perform diligently.
Mr Banda said this at a swearing ceremony were he swore in Ministers and Permanent Secretaries and State House staff at State House in Lusaka today.
The people that were sworn in include Eustackio Kazonga as Local government minister, Solomon Musonda as Deputy Minister in the ministry of heath, Sikubele Mwapela as Western Province Minister.
Others sworn in include Personal Physician for the President Dr Shailan Desai and Charles Kachikoti as chief analyst for Press and Public Relations at Sate House. Former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Teddy Mulonga was sworn in as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Sports Youth and Child Development.
Sherrie Thole was sworn in as permanent secretary at Science and Technology Ministry while Timothy Hakuyu was sworn in as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
The President emphasized that there is need for the new Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Health to assist the ministry in delivering better services to the people.
Mr Banda noted that the ministry of health is an important ministry which needs to perform its functions well.
The President also urged the new Local Government and Housing Minster Mr Kazonga to ensure that he works well in the ministry of local government by implementing programs up to village level.
ZANIS