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Chewe Mulenga has 17 games in which to save Konkola Blades and probably keep the job for a while longer.
Mulenga takes full charge of Blades on Wednesday when his side visits Red Arrows in a delayed Week 4 fixtures at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
This follows the departure of Peter Kaumba by mutual consent on Tuesday just 13 games after taking over the Chililabombwe club after feeling the pressure on Saturday when his side lost 2-1 away to fellow troubled club Zamtel.
This will be Mulenga’s second time at the helm of Blades after his first stint at the start of the 2008 season when he replaced Charles Mwila before being relegated to the assistant role to the latter and later Kaumba this term.
Mulenga’s second tenure is more difficult than his previous stint as he tries to lift Blades away and up from 12th with just three wins all seasons on 14 points and lift them up into the safer confines of the top 8.
Moreover, Blades faces an Arrows side that lies just four places above them are unbeaten in their last five games as Mulenga seeks Blades first league win since June 7 after two successive defeats.
Tourism minister Catherine Namugala scrutinizes the National Environment Policy during the launch in Lusaka.President Rupiah Banda has called for concerted efforts from
all stakeholders in addressing the challenges affecting the environment such as climate change and deforestation.
The President said this in a speech ready for him by Tourism Environment and Natural Resources Minster Catherine Namugala at the launch of the National Policy on Environment in Lusaka today.
President Banda said government will use the policy to provide a framework for the management of Zambia’s environment and natural resources.
He further said the policy will also play an important role in promoting sustainable economic development and protection of the environment by ensuring that all economic activities being conducted do not undermine the balance of the ecosystem.
He called for the proper protection of the country’s environment on which 62 percent of people, especially in rural areas depend for their livelihood and the sustainable use of natural resources.
He said mounting pressure is being exerted on the environment, especially in key economic sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry, leading to widespread deterioration of the environment.
President Banda said the environment policy will be used as a tool to assist government in addressing the challenges affecting the environment, which he said is in danger of further depletion.
He said the implementation of the policy will result in the reversal of environmental degradation.
Meanwhile, President Banda has called for the creation of awareness among the people in the country on the need to safeguard the environment and natural resources.
He urged all the people in the country to embrace and implement strategies of the national policy on the environment, if it is to translate into viable development programmes and projects.
The President further reiterated that the implementation of the policy should not be left to the government alone, in view of the crosscutting nature of the issues pertaining to the environment and natural resources.
Speaking earlier, Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Ministry Permanent Secretary Teddy Kasonso said, the process of formulating the policy took long to ensure that it was comprehensive.
Mr. Kasonso said the policy will address a lot of cross cutting issues affecting all stakeholders such as the Non governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society and the public among others.
United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema chating with party vice president Richard Kapita during the opposition party general assembly in Lusaka.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) extra ordinary
general assembly has approved the recommendation by the National Management Committee(NMC) to have four Vice Presidents.
The Four Vice Presidents will be in charge of Administration, Economics, Politics and Gender.
In a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, UPND Chairperson for Information and Publicity Charles Kakoma also disclosed that the NMC has expanded from 42 to 51 members, while the National Executive Committee (NEC) has increased the number from 17 to 30.
He added that the provincial Management Committee has also been expanded from 14 to 33 and similar expansions have also been made at District, Constituency, Ward and Branch levels.
He further disclosed that the Assembly resolved to recognize the pact between the Patriotic Front (PF) and UPND.
Mr. Kakoma stated that the Assembly has also approved the recommendations by the NMC which are aimed at working together with PF and liberating the Zambian people from the ruling Movement for Multi party Democracy (MMD).
He noted that the pact will also have two Deputy Secretary Generals, one in charge of Administration and the other for Politics and two Deputy Treasurer Generals for Accounts and Resource mobilisation.
Others will be two National Chairpersons for Publicity and Information one in charge of Media Relations and the other for Propaganda and Internal Communication.
The Pact will also have three Deputy National Chairpersons for Women Affairs of which each one of them will be in charge of three Provinces and there will also be three Deputy National Chairpersons for Youth Affairs, each of whom will be in charge of three provinces.
Mr. Kakoma said the committee also approved to have twelve National Trustees adding that the Party President has been empowered to nominate a Director of Research, National Coordinator, Senior Advisor to the President and nine other nominees.
He explained that these appointed by the President are meant to balance regional, gender and disability issues which are subject to ratification by the NMC.
He has however said all the new positions created will be filled soon.
Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has said the status of Livingstone as the tourist capital of the nation makes it a high-risk area for HIV transmission.
Mr. Munkombwe attributed this development to tourism and other economic activities such as cross border trade, fish mongering and subsistence farming in rural communities.
He said this during the commemoration of the National Voluntary and Counseling Day (VCT), at Mukuni Park in Livingstone today, which was celebrated under the theme “Family first: Men take your families for Counseling and Testing.”
He bemoaned the high prevalence rate of HIV in Livingstone which he said is now at 30.6 indicating a slight reduction from the initial 31 percent.
Mr. Munkombwe challenged all stakeholders to take a leading role in the response to HIV and AIDS since many people did not know their status resulting in new infections taking place on a daily basis.
He encouraged people to go for VCT services as doing so would equip them with the knowledge to either protect them from infection or to live positively with HIV and get access to treatment when necessary.
The Provincial Minister said VCT day was an important day for the country as it continued to play an important role in helping government work towards achieving universal access to HIV treatment, care and support by the year 2010.
Mr. Munkombwe said it was commendable for government through President Rupiah Banda’s leadership to exhibit positive political will in the response to HIV and AIDS.
And speaking earlier, District Director of Health Dr Kenneth Chibwe said HIV and AIDS was not a thing to be proud of as it had destroyed people’s lives and careers, adding that this had resulted in reduced productivity and high poverty levels.
Dr. Chibwe called on men to take a leading role in fighting HIV since statistics indicated that more women were accessing VCT services than men despite them heading up households.
He urged people to use weapons such as abstinence, condoms, positive behavioral change, and mutual faithfulness to one partner, in the fight against HIV.
Dr. Chibwe said the fight against the deadly pandemic could be won if all stakeholders involved in the fight could remain unified in their intentions and purpose.
Many Zambians and non-Zambians alike who are abroad wonder about what they need before they come to invest in Zambia. Many questions are asked such as what opportunities exist? How much money do I need? What is the business environment like? What is the culture like and how does that affect the way of doing business? What is the political environment like?
These and many other questions need to be asked before one plans on returning home to invest in a business. Each of these questions could be dealt in great detail. However, here are a few things that are helpful as one comes to Zambia to do business be it a Zambian or non-Zambian
What is your product or service?
An exhibitor displays salted dry fish in Lusaka
The first and perhaps most important thing, is to know exactly
what product and service you intend to offer here. You should have done a thorough research on the other players in the business of your interest. What are competitors offering and how do you hope to differentiate yourself from them? If it is a completely new product you intend to launch, what is your market and is it something people want or you intend to create a need for it? Remember, just because you are coming from outside Zambia doesn’t guarantee you instant success for your product or service. In fact, even your unique skills whether it is business, medicine, or some other field will be resented. Therefore, it leaves you the challenge to penetrate the market in a non confrontational but strategic manner.
Small market in Zambia
As you come to do business in Zambia, realize that it is a small
market compared to other markets. Depending on how one looks at it but it can be a great opportunity because the market is still fresh and immature. Which means, it leaves open so many industries untapped that one can venture into. For instance, internet usage is still less than two percent in Zambia. There are other industries such as agriculture and tourism that still need some substantial investment.
Since Zambia is a small market it is also worth to mention that one should avoid overinvesting. Your investment has to match your expected return in a reasonable time. It is unrealistic for one to put in millions of dollars and expect immediate returns. When you come to invest in Zambia be prepared to hang around for a while before you start enjoying the fruits of your investment.
Poverty
One of the challenges of investing in Zambia is that it is very poor.
The government is poor and runs on borrowed money mostly. Its citizens are equally poor with millions not working. Again despite the poverty, one can look at this as an opportunity. What aspects of investments would benefit the poor? What products and services are most essential to the poor and those living in rural areas? These are good questions to ask as you address the poor’s plight. Solar energy for example is one area that could benefit the majority of Zambians all across the country at the same time make someone some big money.
Lack of infrastructure
Engineers working on a diversion to repair the Lusaka-Chirundu road
The lack of adequate infrastructure presents a real challenge for
many potential investors. One, therefore, has to be prepared to face the worst. If, for example, your investment is going to be in transportation, then you have to buy vehicles that will stand the Zambian roads. You must realize that you will be spending more on vehicle maintenance simply because the roads are not as good.
Again, the lack of infrastructure should not only be a challenge for an investor but also an opportunity. For example, office space is becoming an issue in especially the capital Lusaka. Those who are investing in real estate will be reaping it big soon. Lusaka cannot get enough offices, shopping malls, play parks, schools, etc.
Knowing the tax laws of Zambia
If you are importing something into the country it is important to
find out what the customs and tax laws are before you come in. If you are Zambian, you actually get tax breaks for importing vehicles, machinery and household goods provided you have been out of the country for a specified period of time. This is a great opportunity to save on customs tax because it is very costly to import goods in Zambia. To avoid the runaround with the officials please make sure you keep all paperwork such as receipts, etc.
Depending on the industry you can get tax breaks for a certain period where you do not pay income tax to the Zambia Revenue Authority. Also if you do not make a certain amount of revenue you can get some tax exemption. Be sure to find out from other agencies on paying pension for your employees if you plan on employing others.
Registering your business
A frontal view of Henry Kapoko's Best Home Lodge
Registering a business in Zambia is quite easy. You pick up the forms from the Registrar of Societies, fill them in and have all the necessary people sign them. Attach copies of articles of association as well as identification for all the directors. The whole process of registering a business takes less than a week provided you have all the required material. You do not have to be Zambian to do this.
Political influence on business
Former Local Government and Housing Minister Sylvia Masebo
Many times politicians do not interfere with private businesses. It is important to not that Zambia is a democratic country which has general elections every five years. Politicians especially those in the ruling government have a lot of influence on state controlled companies. To do business with a state controlled company or a government department, you have to know someone who is senior. It is important to point out that in Zambia, the government is the biggest spender and almost everything revolves around the government. Businesses that do business with the government are the winners on the Zambian market. It is in your favor to be friends with the politicians and more benefiting if you can get key accounts with the government.
Poor work culture
Zambia has generally poor work culture especially in government run institutions. Workers are not usually in a hurry to do their work and meet deadlines. They get to work late and leave early. The customer service is very poor. You can walk in a store and the attendants will not pay attention to you. Instead, they will continue reading the newspaper or their conversations.
Therefore, as one pursues business in Zambia it is important to understand its people so that you can devise ways to overcome frustration. If you are going to employ people or have business partners, be sure they know what your work culture is and what your expectations will be in the relationship.
Be prepared to wait for a long long time
Former President Frederick Chiluba at the magistrate court
In Zambia, you have to be prepared to wait for everything. If you are from a western country
like the United States you will immediately notice the difference. In the west people are usually in a hurry to meet deadlines or get work out of their way. However, in Zambia people are not usually in a hurry to do work. Even when you have an appointment with someone, they will come 20 or 30 minutes late without being apologetic. Therefore, you need a lot of patience to do business here in Zambia.
Bribing–know when to do
The deadline for using old Zambian passports has elapsed. Here, scores of people queuing up to apply for the new traveling documents
Bribery is against the laws of Zambia. However, it is a common practice here in Zambia. It is difficult to get anything done without giving or promising an official something. This is especially applicable to big business contracts in government or private sector. Every time you have a business proposal to another institution, the official on the other side is asking, “What is there for me?” Depending how badly you want the business from that institution, sadly you will need to find ways to motivate that official.
Let me clearly state that I do not approve bribery but merely stating what the trend is here in this country. It is very difficult to play it clean in this country when most of your partners around you are playing it dirty. This is not to say, too, that there are no businesses you can work with who will not expect a bribe from you.
Zambians are formal
Zambians are generally formal people who like to be addressed
formally as Mr. John even when you use their first name. First names are rarely used in the business world. When meeting with other business partners make sure that you are dressed formally with a suit and tie. In this country, people respect someone who is “smartly” dressed as it is referred.
Know that “yes” is sometimes “no”
Finally, when a Zambian says they will be able to do it do not take
their word for granted. They will actually agree with you even when they disagree. I have personally found it helpful to tell people that it is okay for them to say no if they are not able. This will, oftentimes, open them up and be able to state clearly whether it is a real yes or real no.
These are just a few things that may be helpful as far as doing business in Zambia. Since Zambia is a young economy, investment opportunities are numerous. For Zambians living abroad, it is very important that you keep in touch with what is happening here so that you can explore the opportunities on establishing businesses as a well of helping the many Zambians here.
Some gemstone miners on the Copperbelt province have lost huge sums of money due to the alleged wrong geological survey data they got over the mining areas which government allocated to them.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Ndola yesterday, Emerald and Semi-precious stones Miners Association of Zambia (ESMAS) general secretary, Victor Kalesha said the miners had invested heavily in mining areas that had little quantities of gemstones.
This was contrary to the data they were given which suggested that the areas had huge deposits of gemstones lying near the ground surface.
Mr. Kalesha explained that the miners did not realize any significant profits because the availability of the stones in those areas did not tally with the geological survey data they were given concerning the areas.
He said that currently, only a few of the local gemstone miners were mining, noting that most of them have given up the business due to non availability of the precious stones in their mining areas.
He added that other miners do not have the necessary mining equipment to exhume the gemstones which lie deep in the ground.
Mr. Kalesha noted that on the Copperbelt province, there were 500 gemstone mining license holders but only two miners were actively operational. The two operational mines are owned by foreigners.
The ESMAZ general secretary named the two operating companies as Grizzly and Kagem Mining Companies.
He has since appealed to government to conduct another geological survey on these mining areas so that local gemstone miners can be productive and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
Mr. Kalesha also said the recently opened Gemstone Exchange Centre in Ndola has not helped the gemstone miners because they have no stones to supply to the centre.
He attributed the failure by the miners to supply stones to the wrong geological survey data they were given regarding their mining areas at the time they acquired them.
ZANIS
A 33 year old Kitwe Local Courts officer yesterday appeared in the magistrate court for mention in a case in which he is alleged to have committed incest with his two year old daughter.
Before Kitwe Magistrate Penjani Lamba was Boyd Chanda Kabuswe, a Local Court officer at Wusakile Local Court.
Kabuswe is accused of having committed incest with his two year old daughter in December last year.
Magistrate Lamba told Kabuswe, who was looking calm and collected, that the Director of Pubic Prosecution (DPP) has issued instructions that his case should proceed in court.
She said Kabuswe, who was arrested in December last year and currently on bail, would appear on 27th July 2009 for mention while plea and trial would commence on 14th September 2009.
Minister of Health, Kapembwa Simbao has dismissed claims that opposition Patriotic Front (PF) leader, Michael Sata’s granddaughter, Kayula, died because of government’s inertia.
Mr. Simbao was reacting to a news story in one of the daily newspapers that Mr. Sata was quoted as saying “My Granddaughter has died because of government inertia”.
The Ministry of Health has since sent a message of condolences on the untimely death of Mr. Sata’s granddaughter.
Mr. Simbao said the late Kayula was sent to South Africa for treatment and appropriate therapeutic attention was initiated over a year ago.
He also said the Ministry of Health shall always endeavour to ensure that there was equity of access to affordable, cost effective and quality services to all Zambians.
Meanwhile, Mr. Simbao expressed gratitude that most health workers in the country have called off their strike and returned.
But government has since maintained the deadline of midnight of the 29th of June as the day health workers who have not resumed work would consider themselves fired.
Mr. Simbao said health workers that did not resume work by last night should considered themselves dismissed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Simbao has since appealed to persons qualified for employment as health workers and were registered with an appropriate authority to submit their application letters to the nearest Provincial Medical Officer, District Medical Officer, District Director of Health or the Hospital Executive Director.
Ms Masebo talking to reporters on the purchase of hearses
Former Local Government and Housing Minister Sylvia Masebo has
denied allegations of corruption in the procurement of 100
hearses,150 constituency vehicles, boats and utility trucks.
Ms. Masebo has challenged her successor, Benny Tetamashimba to state clearly the people that were involved in the purchase of the 100 hearses at a cost of US$2.9 million.
Ms Masebo has however, described the move taken by Mr.Tetamashimba to call her and explain to the public about the transaction of the hearses and other vehicles as cheap political propaganda.
She told a media briefing in Lusaka today that Mr. Tetamashimba, who is the current minister in the same ministry, was aware of the transaction of the hearses for which, K14 billion was been paid towards the purchase during his (Tetamashimba) tenure of office.
She charged that the decision to purchase the hearses was made in May last by her, with the help of the former Permanent Secretary (PS) Joel Ngo and Mr. Tetamashimba himself, who was then Deputy Minister with Dr. Eustachio Kazonga.
Ms Masebo explained that she was responsible for making decisions but did not take part in the implementation processes which was regarded as any administrative matter and required the attention of the Permanent Secretary and Directors in the ministry.
She pointed out the decision was reached at after various consultations from the Directors within the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNBT), which even advertised for tenders to supply the 100 hearses to the Ministry.[quote]
She stated that that it was irresponsible for Mr. Tetamashimba to claim that there were some irregularities in the transaction when he was part of it as a Deputy Minister.
Mrs. Masebo added that there was no need for Mr. Tetamashimba to claim that he does not understand the transaction, adding that the implementation process and partial payment and delivery of the hearses were made during time he took over the ministry as minister.
She further advised Mr. Tetamashimba to stop issuing reckless statements but instead report the matter to law enforcement agencies that can come up with a conclusive report for the public to understand the transactions.
Ms Masebo was reacting to Mr. Tetamashimba who said he has reported her to the Anti Corruption Commission and the Auditor General Office so that she could explain the transactions in the purchase of 100 hearses to the pubic and President Rupiah Banda.
Hope for Africa International (HAI) has appealed to striking nurses to resume work.
HAI Spokesperson Pastor Clergy Chombela says striking nurses need to return to work to avoid the needless loss of lives.
Pastor Chombela, in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, appealed to nurses to go back to work as their profession demanded a measure of selfless service and sacrifice.
He said further dialogue should be going on whilst nurses are working in line with the labour laws.
Pastor Chombela, however, advised government to urgently address the grievances of health workers.
He said there was need for government to look into the plight of health workers and ensure that their demands are receiving active attention.
Pastor Chombela said his organization was gravely concerned with the continued strike action by health workers.
Meanwhile, Pastor Chombela has called on the Church, Civil Society and opposition political party leaders to show leadership on the matter by advising nurses and health workers to return to work.
He observed with sadness that the longer the nurses and health workers take to return to work, the more people would suffer due to lack of medical attention.
Most health workers and nurses in the country have been on strike for over a month demanding improved conditions of service, a move that has since prompted government to issue an ultimatum to the striking nurses to resume work by today or consider themselves dismissed.
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has advised government to proceed cautiously in the partial privatization of the Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL).
ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba says caution should be taken to ensure that the exercise is to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Mr. Hikaumba said there was need for capital injection into the firm for the company to meet the current demands of the industry.
He further said any investor in ZAMTEL should ensure that conditions of service are respected in accordance with the obtaining labour laws.
Mr. Hikaumba was speaking during a National Union of Communications workers workshop on the partial privatization of ZAMTEL.
Speaking earlier, National Union of Communication Workers (NUCW) president Patrick Kaonga disclosed that for the past four years ZAMTEL employees have not had a salary increment.
Mr. Kaonga said workers have been working under very difficult conditions. He said with the many problems ZAMTEL was going through, there was need for government to respond with a sense of urgency.
He said it was therefore important to look into the plight of the employees before the partial privatization process is in motion.
And Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Acting Director General Juliana Mwila commended ZAMTEL for taking a bold step to formally inform unions and employees of the status of the company.
Ms Mwila said it is important to have an insight into the challenges the company was currently facing, especially a true picture of the financial status of the company.
She has since said that there is need to be fair when it comes to the worker’s plight while appreciating the financial status of the company.
Northern Province Minister Charles innaugurates a traditional brew chipumu after he officially opened Mutomolo traditional ceremony for the Mambwe in Mbala
2.
Senior chief Nsokolo innaugurates traditional beer chipumu at the Mutomolo traditional ceremony for the Mambwe people in Mbala
3.
Kela dancing group performing at Mutomolo traditional ceremony in Mbala
4.
Lusaka district police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni examines a hand gun confiscated from criminals at the weekend
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Lusaka district police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni with firearms that were recovered from criminals at the weekend
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Lusaka district police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni fitting a mask that was recovered from criminals in Lusaka
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Mysterious .. a dancer putting fire in his mouth during a traditional dance at the Lusaka international airport
8.
A traditional dancer 'eating' fire during a performance at the Lusaka international airport
9.
A traditional dance troupe performing dances at the Lusaka international airport
10.
Henry Kapoko's lawyer Kelvin Bwalya showing baby kits stocked at Kapoko's home in Lusaka
11.
President Rupiah Banda shakes hands with newly appointed commissioner of the Drug Enforcement Commission, Aaron Zulu, at a swearing in ceremony at State House
12.
President Rupiah Banda receives an affidavit from newly appointed Education Minister Dora Siliya at a swearing in ceremony at State House
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United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema chating with party vice president Richard Kapita during the opposition party General Assembly in Lusaka.
14.
Some participants sprinting during the inter-company relay in Lusaka
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Choma Eagles' Tindi Mwanza (l) and Green Buffaloes Ken Ngambi (r) fight for the ball during the FAZ-KCM premier league week 15 match played at Woodlands stadium. Buffaloes won 2-0
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Green Buffaloes Sekelani Mwanza races for the ball against Choma Eagles' Moses Sakala during the FAZ-KCM week 15 match played at Woodlands Stadium.
Chikondi Foundation President Bishop John Mambo has dismissed calls by some sections of the society to extend the probe on corruption to officials that served during the tenure of the late President Dr Levy Mwanawasa.
Bishop Mambo says calls for a probe into the conduct of government officials who served under the late President Dr Mwanawasa should not be entertained at a time when the country was going through a lot of economic challenges that required all the available resources to overcome.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that he did not support calls to probe government officers who served in the past regime as this will only derail the implementation of development programmes as funds for such programmes would inevitably be channeled to the probe.
Bishop Mambo further said it must be recognized that most senior government officials who are currently serving under President Rupiah Banda’s administration served in the past regime of the late Dr Mwanawasa.
He said the probe was bound to negatively impact on the implementation of developmental progammes in the country.
Bishop Mambo, who is also a former Commissioner of the Willa Mung’omba Constitution Review Commission, further called on government to move with a sense of urgency to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Task-force on Corruption and the Zambia Police Service.
The Clergyman said the move to strengthen the country’s Law enforcement agencies will effectively help the nation to fight corruption, which he said has eroded the moral fibre of the country.
Bishop Mambo, who is also Nyaphande Orphanage Board Member and a former Church of God Regional Overseer, however, advised politicians not to use politics to enrich themselves but instead to sacrifice for the well-being of the country.[quote]
“People should not use politics as a source of income but they should learn to sacrifice in order to help the nation develop,” Bishop Mambo said.
He said politics of benefits were long gone adding that there is need to put in place extra remedial measures that will deter senior government officials from plundering the public recourse’s.
The Clergyman was reacting to some remarks made by Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Information and Publicity Chairperson Benny Tetamashimba and Political Activist Dante Saunders that probe of corruption should be extended to the late Dr Mwanawasa’s government.
Bishop Mambo further urged the nation to avoid petty politics and concentrate on addressing the economic challenges affecting the nation.
He said as the country continues to answer to the challenges of the global economic crisis there is need for the nation to remain united and focused with a view to addressing the economic crisis affecting the nation.
Bishop Mambo has since called on political leaders to bury their differences and embrace the spirit of unity in order to help the country propel to greater heights.
Vice President, George Kunda, has warned local contractors and suppliers against abandoning projects because the trend is costly to the nation.
Mr. Kunda is concerned that some local contractors are failing to fulfill contractual obligations despite government releasing funds to facilitate the implementation of projects.
He was speaking in Mansa yesterday when he met the local business community and the church.
He advised the business community to help change the negative culture as it can lead to deprivation of opportunities to local contractors.
He said government was committed to promote local businesses by ensuring that more contracts on procurement and infrastructure development are given to local companies.
And Mr. Kunda has advised the church to help sensitise Zambian people on the dangers of engaging in illegal actions.
The vice president said the church should advise the striking nurses to resume work and help save lives of people as opposed to continuing with the illegal strike.
Mr Kunda, earlier, toured the Control Tower being constructed at a cost of K1.3 Billion before holding a private meeting with the traditional leadership of Mansa.
Mr. Kunda was in Mansa to officially kick-start the Luapula province MMD annual card renewal exercise.
