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Zambia’s growing population outpaces social services

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Government says the increase in population has caused an in increase in demand for goods and services.

Minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Catherine Namugala says the current demographic and socio-economic development situation of Zambia reveals that there are a number of population concerns that need attention.

Ms. Namugala said government has recognized that distribution, structure, growth rate and demographic processes of the fertility, mortality and migration affect and are in turn affected by development.

She said this during the launch of the 2009 state of the world population report in Lusaka today.

She added that climate change is one of emerging challenges to the potential of the population to contribute to accelerated development and attaining good standard of living and quality of life.

And speaking earlier, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Duah Owusu-Sarfo says climate change threatens to deepen poverty levels and increase the suffering of already burdened and vulnerable groups of women and children.

Mr. Owusu-Sarfo said the impact of climate change reveals that men and women are affected differently and that women are most vulnerable to the suffering brought about by climate change.

He added that this is because in many countries women make up a larger share of the agricultural workforce and tend to have fewer access to income.

ZANIS

Kapiri accident victims stable – Samakau

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The condition of two survivors from
yesterday’s road traffic accident in Kapiri Mposhi and admitted to Mine hospital in
Kabwe has been described as stable.

And Central Province Permanent Secretary Denny Lumbama today took off
some time from his official duties to visit funeral houses of the
deceased two United Church of Zambia (UCZ) clergymen.

Mine hospital administrator Misheck Samakau told ZANIS at the hospital
that the condition of Mrs. Mary Mutale 60 and Mrs. Christine Chanda 50
who were involved in an accident in which four people died after the
vehicles their collided, was stable.

Mr. Samakau said Mrs. Mutale and Mrs. Chanda who sustained fractured
legs respectively were admitted to the hospital yesterday.

And speaking from her hospital bed, Mrs. Mutale complained of painful ribs
and the fractured right leg while Mrs. Chanda also complained of pain
in the fractured leg.

Meanwhile burial of the two deceased UCZ clergymen who died in a road traffic
accident at Mubalashi in Kapiri Mposhi has been set for Saturday, 21
November 2009.

Rev. Laston Chisanga of Kabwe told ZANIS that burial of the late Rev.
Patrice Simumba 39 and Bishop Petheus Siame 40, would take place this
Saturday.

And Permanent secretary Denny Lumbama visited the funeral house of the
late Bishop Siame at house number three (3) Chishimba falls avenue and
All Saints where mourners for the late Rev. Simumba have gathered.

The two clergymen died on the spot when their vehicle collided with a land cruiser, which was coming from Nakonde in which two people including the driver also died.

ZANIS.

Govt to scale up Social cash transfer

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Government says it will scale up the Social Cash Transfer Scheme (SCTS) next year as the review of the scheme shows that it is an effective instrument in fighting poverty among the poor and incapacitated households.

Community Development Deputy Minister Friday Malwa said the scheme which started as a pilot has provided strong evidence about the feasibility of implementing such a programme on a large scale.

Mr. Malwa said the Ministry has taken bold steps in combating poverty and vulnerability and has been implementing the SCTS in Kazungula, Kalomo, monze, Katete and Chipata.

He was speaking at the launch of the HelpAge International report on the Katete Social Cash Transfer Scheme in Lusaka today.

Speaking at the same event, Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ) Representative Mwiche Siwale said the Association is grateful to government for establishing Social Cash Transfer in five Districts of the country to reduce starvation and extreme poverty in most destitute and incapacitated households.

Mr. Siwale said the pilot has made significant difference in peoples lives and are achieving many impacts.

And Help Age International Africa Regional Development Centre Representative, Nesta Hatendi said HelpAge will continue to focus on issues of access to appropriate and quality health services for older people and their families.

Ms. Hatend said HAI’s anticipates a much larger presence of its network in both West and Southern Africa over the next three years especially through developing stronger linkages with ECOWAS and SADC.

ZANIS

Zambia records about 6.1% GDP growth- Musokotwane

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FINANCE Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
FINANCE Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane

Government says it has recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of about 6.1 percent out of the targeted 7 percent per annum.

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the development is one of the highest the country has ever recorded since independence.

Dr Musokotwane said the increased GDP has since contributed to the country’s social, economic and infrastructure development.

He however noted that the reduction in maternal mortality rate is likely going to make it possible for the nation to attain the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) five of reducing MMR to 162 per 100,000 live births by 2015.

The minister disclosed the developments in Lusaka today during the Mid Term Review of the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) 2006-2010.

Mr. Musokotwane also disclosed that the 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey indicates a reduction in HIV and AIDS prevalence rate of 14 percent for adults aged between 15-49 years, from 16 percent in 2001 and 2002.

He also observed that malaria prevalence levels have slightly reduced from 373 per 1000 population in 2002 to 358 per 1000 population in 2007 and are expected to drop further due to governments programs in the fight against malaria.

Meanwhile the Minister has expressed sadness on the continued poverty levels in the country.

He said a recorded reduction of 80 percent to 64 percent is not good for the nation adding that government is working towards creating an enabling environment for investments to help create more jobs and increase revenues in an effort to reducing poverty.

ZANIS

Kalulushi MMD condemns Sata

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Kalulushi MMD District Vice Chairman Andrew Nawa says the continued attacks of the Chief Justice Ernest Sakala by Patriotic Front ( PF ) leader Michael Sata is uncalled for.

Mr Nawa told ZANIS in Kalulushi, today, that the attacks on the Chief Justice were meant to turnish the image of the judiciary and that of the chief justice.

He said the Chief Justice is simply applying his wisdom and the the trust vested in him by the Zambian people.

Mr. Nawa said Zambian would not stand by watching greed and selfish people harass the Constitutional office bearers to their advantage either individually or severally.

“However, Mr. Sata has got better ideas of how the office of the Chief justice should be run, then he must wait until he is appointed to the same office, as for now it’s Chief Justice Ernest Sakala,” said Mr. Nawa.

Mr. Nawa disclosed that if Sata was being informed by his Defence and security agents that there was something sinister about the way the Chief Justice Sakala was handling the Regina Chiluba’s appeal, then he should have addressed his concerns using other arms of the law.

PF President Michael Sata last week said that Chief Justice Ernest Sakala was protecting plunderers through his directive that all high profile criminal appeal cases involving people accused of plunder and corruption be heard by a panel of three judges and that he was being selective in his work.
ZANIS

Barclays staff clean cancer ward and donate K8m

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Barclays Bank Zambia today donated assorted items worth K 8 million to Breakthrough Trust Cancer ward at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka. The Bank’s staff present at the donation also took time to clean the ward, B21.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, the Bank’s Managing Director Zafar Masud said the donation was made because of the Hospital’s committed fight against cancer.

Mr. Masud added that the donation is also part of his bank’s policy of giving back to the community. He said Barclays Bank would continue giving back to the community and that the community plays an important role in the Bank’s operations.

And Breakthrough Trust Cancer Hospital Publicity Secretary Amy Sikazwe thanked Barclays Bank Zambia for the gesture.

ZANIS

Why The Zambian Coach must go!!!

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Zambia national soccer team coach Herve Renard talks to reporters after returning from Rwanda
Zambia national soccer team coach Herve Renard talks to reporters after returning from Rwanda

By Simunyola Benjamin

The Zambian National soccer team has been in the soccer lime-light for far too long without claiming any major continental cup apart from the COSAFA which now is failing them.

Concerned Zambians living in South Africa met yesterday (18/11/2009) to discuss the way forward for the National team. Mr. Isaac Kalilo Kahilu a Zambian Businessman based on Jules Street in Johannesburg calculated the team’s performance which has become a tradition with most of us, leading to the Angola African cup of Nations. “we played 6 games, scored 2 goals and allowed 6 goals .Against even better performing teams who scored better but we still couldn’t make it to the finals in Angola”, said Mr. Kalilo. “How will the team perform better in Angola when they have shown that they can’t score or defend?” he said, “no, we need to talk to the FAZ president and concerned football council staff to resolve this problem, this coach must shape up or GO!”

Mr. Javan Safeli a soccer developer and retired soccer player was also in attendance. “It’s sad that our team is not showing signs of scoring goals and winning the games in Angola, rest to win the cup”. Mr. Safeli said. “It’s strongly suggested that the coach and the FAZ staff consider this as urgent and strategize for a change”, he said.

Another Zambian supporter Mr. Tembo, a truck driver by profession was also present. “Why can’t these boys stay home and save Zambia the millions in wastage? We can use that money for other developments unlike this soccer crisis” Mr. Tembo said. “It’s embarrassing to see our National team every time losing even to unworthy teams like Rwanda”

The writer tried to get views from players based in South Africa whose phones where either off or not answered. Mr. Kalilo Isaac tried to phone the FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya who is believed to be staying in Johannesburg, but the phone was off.

The meeting called for the head of the coach, who they claimed sidelined players. During the meeting an attendee phoned the Zambian High Commission in South Africa to seek an intervention. However, the commission offered no help as they referred him to another Sports council official in Zambia.

The Gathering come-up with this probable line-up, failure to which the Coach and his FAZ cronies should find their way to their farms;

1. Kennedy Mweene 2. Joseph Musonda 3. Mbola 4. Chintu Kampamba 5. Elijah Tana 6. Moses sichone 7. Felix Katongo/ James Chamanga 8. Andrew sinkala/ Isaac Chansa 9. Jacob Mulenga/ Singuluma 10. Christopher Katongo/ Noah Shivuta 11. Clifford Mulenga. Bench; Kalaba, Billy Mwanza, Ian Bakala, Kalilo kakonje, Nyerendah.

Kazungula postpones World Toilet Day commemoration

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Kazungula District in Southern Province today failed to join the rest of the world in commemorating the World Toilet Day which falls on November 19 every year.

Some government departments from various ministries turned up to Namapande Resettlement area, the venue for the commemoration only to find that nothing was happening.

And a check by ZANIS at the site found that the people in the area did not know about the event and were doing their normal businesses while others where ploughing their fields.

Some government departments who turned up for the event expressed disappointment at the organizers of the event saying there was need to notify people on the preparations of the event.

The departments that turned up for the event included Immigration, Zambia Police, ZRA, Health, Prisons, the Network of the Zambian People living with HIV/ADS (NZP+) and Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).

Meanwhile, Programme for Sustainable Rural Development (PSRD) Projects manager Semion Zgyambo told ZANIS in a telephone interview that the World Toilet Day in the district has failed to take place because it has been postponed to Wednesday next week.

Earlier in the week, invitation letters were dispatched to various government departments and Non-Governmental Organizations in the district.

According to the invitation letter dated November 13, 2009 and signed by the District Commissioner Mary Mukwiza the World Toilet Day commemoration was to take place today November 19, 2009 at Namapande Resettlement area.

Mrs. Mukwiza said in the letter that the World Toilet Day was set by the United Nations to enable the world reflect on the importance of every household having a toilet and using toilets accordingly.

She emphasized that proper maintenance and use of toilets could contribute to reduction of diseases while contributing to the cleanliness of the environment in the keep Zambia Clean Campaign.

The theme for this year’s World Toilet Day Commemoration is ‘The health of your child begins in a toilet’, understanding that good health and sanitation practices must begin at an early stage.
[ZANIS]

Aka advised to leave the Litunga out of Politics

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President Banda (in red dress) escorts the King to board the Nalikwanda
President Banda (in red dress) escorts the King to board the Nalikwanda

A concerned Kalabo resident, Kalaluka Mubukwanu has advised Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika to leave the traditional leadership out of politics.

Mr. Mubukwanu said it was disrespectful Dr. Lewanika to draw the name of the Litunga into political matters.

He said Dr. Lewanika should instead direct his energies towards advising the ruling party on how best it can re-organise itself in Western Province.

Mr. Mubukwanu said accusing the Litunga of working with former MMD provincial chairman, Simasiku Namakando in hindering the progress of the MMD in the province was an insult to the Malozi people of the Barotseland.

He said the people in the province felt insulted because the MMD has failed to fulfil its campaign promises in the province adding that Mr. Namakando was only advocating for development in the province.

Mr. Mubukwanu advised that fighting Mr. Namakando would only retard development because attention would be diverted to him.

He has since urged Dr. Lewanika to stop implicating the traditional leadership in political matters as the Litunga has nothing to do politics.

ZANIS

Voting in Solwezi Central starts on a slow pace

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Voting in the Solwezi Central Constituency Parliamentary by-election started at a slow pace this morning.

A random check by ZANIS at five polling stations found no queues as a few people were casting their votes freely.

At Kamakonde polling station in Mushitala, 89 people out of a total of 1, 202 registered voters had cast their votes by 08: 46 hours while Kimale polling station had recorded 110 out of 1, 832 registered voters as at 09:02 hours.

ZANIS also found that 150 people had cast their votes out of the 1,900 registered voters at Kikombe polling station as at 09:15 hours while at Kyankwakwa polling station at Solwezi basic school 130 people had cast their votes out of the 1,310 registered voters.

A check at the two Kandundu polling strings at Community revealed that 297 people had cast their votes out of 3,198 registered voters as at 09:42 hours.

The polling stations which opened at 06:00hrs this morning are expected to close at 18:00 hours.

The Solwezi central parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of area Member of Parliament (MP) Benny Tetamashimba.

The seat is being contested by MMD candidate Albert Chifita, Watson Lumba on the PF/UPND pact, Mohammed Kalela of FDA and Thomas Kafula who is contesting as an independent candidate.

ZANIS

38 inmates released on parole

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Thirty eight inmates from the Copperbelt Region will be released on parole tomorrow, November 20th.

Zambia Prisons Service (ZPS) Senior Superintendent Daniel Chiwela said this will be the third group of inmates to be released on parole following the National Parole Board’s recommendation.

Mr. Chiwela said in statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday that this was according to the subsequent approval by the Commissioner of Prisons as provided for in the Parole Rules in pursuant to the Statutory Instrument number 101 of 2008 and in the Prisons Act Cap 97 of the Laws of Zambia.

He said Board members of the National Parole Board have been trained both locally and abroad in order to equip them to face challenges that they may face when implementing programmes of the parole system.

Mr. Chiwela said the inmates shall receive support and shall be under supervision adding that the they have undergone behavioral treatment and have attained skills in prison.

The first group of 23 parolees from Lusaka region was released on July 27th, while the second group of 59 inmates from Central Region was released on October 16th.

Conditional release entails an inmate is given some time in the community as a parolee to serve the remainder of sentence under conditions.The inmate is therefore a licensee to serve part of their sentence outside prison gates in the community so that they can fend for themselves eventually, once discharged from prison.

ZANIS

Livingstone pupils use Braille to cheat in an exam

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The Provincial Education office in Livingstone is investigating reports of leaked grade nine examination papers printed in Braille, a formal way of writing and reading for Person’s with visual impairment.

This came to light after some identified grade nine pupils who are sitting for their examinations from a named school bragged to their friends about their new skill of taking leaked exam material into an examination room.

A parent overheard the pupils in question narrate to their friends at home after sitting for their first examination paper on Monday,how they successfully managed to carry their leaked examination material impressed in Braille form upon rubbers and rulers, the only items allowed in an examination room.

The pupils said they acquired the Braille leakage skill from a named teacher from a private school during extra tuitions and the Education office is investigating the matter.

Southern Province Education Officer Festus Mungo told ZANIS that his office would follow the matter with keen interest to curb the scourge.

However, invigilators in all examination centres have been informed of the new skill in leaking examinations and are on the lookout for rough markings on rulers and rubbers.

ZANIS

Sinazongwe urged to control rising cholera cases

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Sinazongwe district Health Director Elias Chipandwe has said Cholera cases were likely to increase if preventive measure will not be effective.

Dr. Chipandwe told the Sinazongwe District epidemic preparedness meeting that there was a high risk of the disease to spread to a lot of areas in the district as the cumulative cases have reached 37 from the time the disease was confirmed as cholera last week.

He said most cases were coming from Sinazeze and Nkandambwe area where there is a Chinese Collum Coal Mine and one case was recorded from Sinakasikili.

The Director pointed out that the district was facing the challenge of fuel as at the time cholera cases break out there was no fuel in Choma and it was difficult to visit the affect areas.

Dr. Chipandwe appealed to the wel-wishers to assist them with fuel, Chlorine, and the disinfectants to ensure that homes where the epidemic was coming from were sprayed.

He said most households were the cholera has occurred have no toilets.

The meeting also head that the Skalamba stream from the Chinese Collum mine has been contaminated with resulting in the spread of cholera cases because most villages draw their drinking water from the same stream and they do not boil it.

The meeting also resolved that the business community within the district should be approached to ensure that they contributed to the eradication of cholera in the district.

[ZANIS]

North Korea Arrive For Friendly

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North Korea Coach Kim Jong-Hu said the 2010 World Cup finalist were looking forward to a good game against their Zambian hosts.

“We are looking for a unique football experience and our players will do their best to their abilities in the game,” Kim said.

Meanwhile, Zambia go into camp on Thursday in Lusaka ahead of their match against North Korea.

Herve Renard’s side will begin training Thursday afternoon.

Max Nkole denies ever asking for the discontinuation of Chiluba’s case

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FORMER Taskforce on Corruption executive chairperson Max Nkole has described allegations by the Committee of Citizens (CC) that he had asked for the discontinuation of the case involving former Republican president Frederick Chiluba as a lie.

Mr Nkole said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that at no time did he write a letter to the Republican vice-president asking that the case should be discontinued and challenged CC executive director, Gregory Chifire to immediately publish the purported letters.

Mr Chifire on Tuesday challenged Max Nkole to deny that he had written letters to the vice-president asking that the case involving Dr Chiluba be discontinued.

He said that Mr Nkole should in the next seven days publicly admit that he had written several letters to the vice-president, saying that Dr Chiluba’s case should be dropped because of lack of evidence.

“I am challenging Mr Chifire to publish the letters I purportedly wrote immediately,” Mr Nkole said before adding that in fact he could not write such a letter to the vice-president but to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).[quote]

Mr Nkole said there was no way he could have said that the case should be discontinued due to lack of evidence as a person who had been championing the need to exhaust the justice process through appeal.

He said non-governmental organisations officials should not use their positions to misinform the nation, adding that there was need to stick to the truth.

Mr Chifire had said that if Mr Nkole did not respond to the committee, he would make public the letters.

But Mr Nkole said Mr Chifire was free to tell the nation whatever he knew about the issue.

[Times of Zambia]

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