yesterday told parliament that K92 billion, out of the K150 billion earmarked for the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) funds has been released for various developmental projects.

Mr. Mutati said K35 billion has already been spent on about 160 projects, adding that another 240 projects have been approved at the cost of K52 billion as at 30th September 2009.

He said the commission was still considering the remaining projects for funding.

He was answering a question raised by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament (MP) Davies Mwango (Patriotic Front), who wanted to know how much money has so far been disbursed by the CEEC to the intended beneficiaries country-wide and how much is expected to be disbursed next year.

Mr. Mutati said over 1,200 jobs and a lot of wealth has been created through the funds from the commission.

He explained that the beneficiaries of the CEEC funds have been drawn both urban and rural areas of Zambia, contrary to assertions by some MPs that only those from urban areas have benefited.

Mr. Mutati stated that the funds are meant for all the Zambian citizens, adding that the rural communities have not been left out.

He further explained that CEEC has established offices in all the districts in order to make people access the funds easily.

And contributing to the debate, Lukulu East MP Batuke Imenda MP (United Liberal Party) bemoaned the alleged long process through which people have to go through to access the funds, adding that the procedure was complicated and cumbersome.

Meanwhile, Kabwata MP Given Lubinda (PF) asked how many women and youths have benefited from the CEEC so far.

In response, Mr. Mutati said government has put on board youth groups, women clubs and the physically challenged persons as priority for accessing the funds.

He disclosed that government will consider increasing the allocation to the commission so that more people could benefit as a way of alleviating poverty in communities.

ZANIS

THE total expenditure of the Task Force on Corruption was higher than the recoveries made during the period of its operations, Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani has said.

Mr Mangani said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that colossal sums of money were spent on the operations of the Taskforce, particularly on the hiring of private lawyers within and outside the country.

“The nation did not get a good deal from the Taskforce. A lot of money was spent on private lawyers. The facts on the expenditure and recoveries speak for themselves,” Mr Mangani, who did not state the total amount of money spent said.

But sources said the Government spent $13 million on foreign lawyers and more than $900,000 on local private prosecutors.

The sources said $1.3 million was still outstanding for the foreign legal fees while $480,000 was still owed to local private lawyers.

The money raised from the sale of properties seized abroad has all gone towards settling the legal fees for the hired lawyers.

In 2004, the Government paid $85,000 to MNB, a firm where local private prosecutor Mutembo Nchito is a partner.

In 2005, $465,000 was paid out to MNB while $200,000 was paid in 2007. A further $120,000 was paid out to the law firm in 2008 with the last payment made this year of $80,000.

•Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga has challenged members of Parliament (MPs) alleging corruption in the fuel procurement process to prove their claims.

Mr Konga said in Parliament on Wednesday evening after several opposition MPs
repeatedly accused the Government of being corrupt in the importation of fuel that there was no such a thing because contracts were awarded on a competitive basis.

He said in response to Luena MP Charles Milupi (Independent) who alleged that the Government had awarded a contract to a small Kenyan company that there was no element of corruption in the whole process.

[Times of Zambia]

Veteran politician Grey Zulu’s family has appealed to politicians not to politicize the funeral of late Mr. Agrippa Zulu son to Mr. Grey Zulu.

Family Spokesperson and a cousin to the deceased, Fisho Mwale says contrary to assertions by some politicians, his family has received a lot of support from government.

He says government has supported the family by providing food and will transport the remains of the deceased back home from London where he died.

Mr. Mwale, who is also former Lusaka Mayor, said in an interview with ZANIS at the funeral house that President Rupiah Banda and government have been kind enough and taken interest in the matter.

Mr. Mwale said the President also appointed Lands Minister Peter Daka to co-ordinate and facilitate the funeral procession.

He further said the statement attributed to his uncle, Grey Zulu was and carried by the Post Newspaper in today’s edition was taken out of context.

Mr. Mwale said it was unfortunate that the reporter took advantage of his uncle’s emotions.

He stated that the late Agrippa should be mourned in dignity and respect without the involvement and influence of politicians.

“Only an insane person can celebrate and feast during mourning periods. It is very unfair to speak to a father with bereavement and take a statement that is heavily negative and misinterpreted. My Uncle did not utter such a statement. It was taken out of context taking advantage of Mr. Zulu who is emotional.

As a family, we had received a lot of assistance from the Government including from selfless Zambian citizens. As you know my uncle was actively involved in government as Vice President and secretary General of UNIP,” Mr. Mwale said.

The late Agrippa died in Britain after an illness.

Meanwhile, the body of the late Agrippa Zulu arrives in the country on Saturday.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

ZANIS