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Zambulance an invention of convenience

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An unidentified man and his wife making a majestic ride on one of the streets in Chipata
The proper use of a bicycle.An unidentified man and his wife making a majestic ride on one of the streets in Chipata

By Chanda Mwenya
It is pleasing to note how Zambia’s first lady Thandiwe Banda seems to have a heart for motherhood. This is seen in her expression of concern over the high number of women dying as a result of pregnancy and childbirth due to lack of transport means to convey them to health centres. What is sad though, is her revelation that, in Zambia one woman dies every four hours due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.
On the other hand, over 50% of expectant mothers are attended to by non-qualified personnel, Thandiwe revealed. This is a situation which she says needs to be resolved with urgency. The first lady reaffirmed her motherly concern earlier this week when Zambike presented her with three bicycle ambulances at State House.Zambike_at_State_House1

Well I find the whole ‘Zambulance’ thing as the newly invented Zambian Bicycle ambulances are tagged, to be an insult to the welfare of Zambians and the integrity of the country’s health programmes. While I admire Zambike’s initiative and their generous donation of the said ambulances, it is very foolish of the government to exhibit them with delight at State House, when a few months ago it purchased 100 brand new hearses.

I honestly fail to see the logic in rushing someone to the grave in an imported 4WD hearse while innocent lives are pushed and lost on bicycle drawn deathbeds in the name of local innovation.Worse still,
expectant mother are left to give birth in public. Meanwhile Zambike Marketing Manager, who handed over the infamous ambulances at state House, further observed that many women, who die from midwifery related complications, die as a result of walking long distances to health centers. However it is hoped that Zambulance will mitigate this problem in the rural areas.

The controversial fleet of hearses that had been bought by the ministry of local government and housing.
The controversial fleet of hearses that had been bought by the ministry of local government and housing.

However, my conviction is that Zambians should not only

receive equal but good health services including those in rural areas, and not subjecting them to these primitive and hazardous wagons which government is shamelessly promoting as ambulances. All the government priorities are to gain political mileage on the maginalised rural population.

On the other hand, the Zambian government has upheld the purchase of hearses so as to “help” Zambians bury their loved ones in a dignified manner. I believe only a fool would want to live in abject poverty, die in anguish and in the end get a glorious ride to the grave. In real sense the purchase of hearses was a bad decision which needs to be questioned, because it was not made in the interest of the general public.

Well, if an ambulance is anything that can ambulate someone to the hospital then it will be wiser and more effective to use even the newly acquired hearses. Then the Zambulances can be spared to boost the fleet of Zamcabs on our streets. Actually some concerned citizens have suggested to use them to ambulate Kachasu victims back to their sanctuaries-As long as the Zambulances are tagged ‘Get a ride at your at own risk’.

More farmers join the FRA complaints bandwagon

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Farmers in Kawambwa district have complained at the slow pace at which the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is buying maize in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Philemon Chilufya said the pace at which FRA is buying maize was slow forcing farmers to spend a number of days at the maize satellite depots.

He accused the FRA of having breached the earlier agreement that farmers were to be paid 10 days after delivery of their produce to satellite depots.

Mr Chilufya has also complained at the small number of bags of maize allowed for each cooperative to sell to the FRA.

He said the 200 x 50 kg bags were not adequate because some areas had many satellite depots yet the same number is what was allowed.

Mr Chilufya said there was a risk of farmers being forced to start selling their produce to briefcase businessmen for fast cash.

Mr Chilufya has since appealed to the government to intervene and increase the number of bags if all farmers were to benefit.

Meanwhile, Kawambwa District Farmers Association (KADFA) coordinator Charles Wapalwena said about K189 million has so far been paid out to farmers.

Mr Wapalwena said another K100 million had been deposited into the bank and assured farmers that they would be paid what was due to them.

Asked why only one transporter was engaged to transport maize from satellite depots to the main shade, Mr Wapalwena said FRA was responsible for engaging of transporters.

He added that only one local transporter qualified to carry out the transportation of maize saying others who were engaged last year were not reliable.

Mr Wapalwena has since appealed to FRA to consider increasing the number of transporters for quick delivery of maize to the main shade.

And when asked for a comment, District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO)Henry Mugomba said so far, about K1.3 billion worth of maize had already been procured by FRA.

The Food Reserve Agency has targeted to buy over 32,000 x 50 kg bags of maize in Kawambwa district this marketing season.

ZANIS

CEG condemns University demos

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The Centre for Elections and Governance (CEG) has described the action by University of Zambia (UNZA) students to block education minister Dora Siliya from attending their graduation ceremony as political blackmail.

Centre Trustee, Gershom Musonda says the decision taken is also likely to affect their academic performance.

Mr Musonda said in an interview in Lusaka today that there is need for students to consider engaging in constructive criticism for the betterment of the country.
He said there is no need for students to engage themselves in acts that are likely to bring confusion between their administration and government.

He explained that students should not take advantage of important functions such as graduation ceremonies to air their grievances against government.

Mr Musonda added that students must always devise practical and good ways of pushing their agenda for the development of the institution and the country as a whole.

He pointed out that the recent shooting of the Copperbelt University (CBU) student should not be blown out of proportion.

Mr Musonda stated that there is no need for the students to demonstrate when President Rupiah Banda has shown interest in the matter by ordering the inspector of police to have the police officer who shot the student arrested.

He stressed that students should give the police ample time to investigate the matter and not rush in demonstrations that can bring about confusion and disturb their academic year.

Mr Musonda has further advised the unions at CBU and UNZA to give the minister a chance to perform her constitutional duties adding that she is just an appointee by the President.

UNZA and CBU students are today planning to demonstrate against the delay of arresting a police officer who shot a CBU student.The students have also planed to demonstrate against Education Minister Dora Siliya if she attends the UNZA graduation today.

ZANIS

MMD, Sakwiba are political failures -HH

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UPND president Hakainde Hichilema (L)
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema (L)

United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema has urged the electorate in Livingstone’s Maramba ward to desist from voting for political failures.

And Mr. Hichilema has strongly condemned ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) cadres’ violent behaviour towards opposition political parties.

Speaking in Livingstone yesterday when he drummed up support for a UPND candidate in today’s local government elections in Maramba ward, Mr. Hichilema urged people to be careful not to vote for political failures in any election.

Mr. Hichilema alleged that the MMD has proved to be a failure and a cheating party that deserves no support at all levels of elections.
He said the MMD leadership is tired and advanced in age that its performance has continued to decline.[quote]

Mr. Hichilema accused Southern Province Minister, Daniel Munkombwe of running out of ideas owing to his old age following his alleged move to drive traders from Tandabale market.
“The MMD party does not like you. It is a lying party. Do not give it your vote. You should stop liking it because it does the same to you by making sure you not earn a living,” he said.

He further urged the crowd that gathered at the PF-UPND rally not to vote for the United Liberal Party (ULP) candidate because its president Sakwiba Sikota is a failure.

Mr. Hichilema said Mr. Sikota is another tired politician who traded his own party members and electorates to MMD in last year’s presidential election.

“You people of Livingstone surprise me by voting for failures. Sakwiba and his ULP party has failed you. Why does Sakwiba want to field a candidate in this election when he had traded his people to MMD during the last election?” he asked.

And reacting to the alleged MMD’s continued name-calling, Mr. Hichilema said he was not in a beauty contest and added that everyone was created in God’s image.

He told the gathering that he will never tolerate politics of foolishness but will exert his energy into developing the nation by ensuring free education and zero-tolerance to corrupt practices.

Mr. Hichilema observed that the MMD party is a minority government that has resorted to violence against its opponents.

Yesterday, a near-fight erupted when MMD cadres advanced towards the rally site where Mr. Hichilema was addressing Maramba residents to drum up support for Boas Maseka, a UPND candidate in today’s local government elections.

The Maramba seat fell vacant following the death of MMD councillor Fred Lungu.

ZANIS

Tetamashimba out of danger

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MINISTER of Local Government and Housing Benny Tetamashimba, who is admitted to South Africa’s Morningside Medi-Clinic, is stable and out of danger.

And former freedom fighter Sikota Wina, who is admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, is improving.

Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Leslie Mbula said yesterday that he had visited the two.
Mr Mbula said doctors had already examined Mr Tetamashimba and that he is awaiting results of the tests.

“Doctors have assured him that his vital organs like the heart, liver, lungs and kidneys are in good condition, which means he is out of danger….he should be out by Friday,” Mr Mbula said.

Mr Mbula also said Mr Wina’s condition has improved from the time he was admitted to Milpark Hospital.
“Mr Wina looks better than when he was admitted,” he said.

Mr Mbula said doctors at the hospital have done preliminary tests on him and that other tests will follow in due course.

“He is in a very good mood,” Mr Mbula said.
Mr Tetamashimba and Mr Wina were evacuated to South Africa on Tuesday.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

State gives Zambia police K2.1bn to help fight street vending

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Two illegal vendors have just concluded a meal along Lumumba road in Lusaka, although they could have had a better and decent meal at a restaurant shown in the background
Two illegal vendors have just concluded a meal along Lumumba road in Lusaka, although they could have had a better and decent meal at a restaurant shown in the background

THE Ministry of Local Government and Housing has transferred K2.1 billion from the Lusaka City Intercity account to Zambia police to assist the council remove vendors from the streets of Lusaka.

In a ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday, acting Local Government and Housing Minister Bradford Machila said since the vendors had taken full control of the city and the local authority was ineffective in carrying out its duties and a decision was made to involve the police in the removal exercise.

“I, therefore, wish to take this opportunity to appeal to members of Parliament who are councilors to help us in ensuring that their councils carry out their legal mandate effectively, thereby ensuring compliance by our citizens,” Mr Machila said.

He said the K2.1 billion was not from the Lusaka City Council account but from a business venture account which the Government set up to raise revenue for the improvement of facilities such as markets and bus stations throughout the country.

Mr Machila recalled that in 2000, the Government upgraded and increased its oversight of the management of intercity bus terminus in order to bring sanity.

The upgrading of the facility was after the realisation that unscrupulous people were raising revenue at the expense of the travelling clients and the general populace.

“It is against this background that the Government invested in the intercity bus terminus by spending over K5 billion in the tarring of pavements and packing as well as refurbishing the buildings,” Mr Machila said.

Mr Machila said the Government later decided to put the station under a management board, which ran the facility as a genuine business entity.

He said as a result of the efforts of the Government, the station managed to accumulate a surplus of over K7 billion, which was set aside for future investments.

This, Mr Machila said, was not withstanding the fact that the council was receiving K150 million from the station on a monthly basis.

“I must inform that the ministry should have been receiving 42.5 per cent of the surplus income from the station towards improving markets and bus stations but due to the number of projects that the intercity management has initiated, the ministry has refrained from taking the dues,” Mr Machila said.

The minister assured the House that soon, street vendors would be removed from the streets of Lusaka as well as other cities in the country.

He said this when he responded to concerns raised by Mandevu MP Jean Kapata (PF) and Mbabala MP Emmanuel Hachipuka (UPND) who wanted to know when the street vendors would be removed on the streets.

Mr Machila said if the Lusaka City Council was effective, such an undertaking of transferring funds from one account to another would not have been necessary.

He said this after Kabwata MP Given Lubinda (PF) wanted to know why the Government did not consider constructing more markets to accommodate the vendors.

Finance and National Planning Deputy Minister Chileshe Kapwepwe told the House that the Government released K2 billion to assist fight cholera in Zimbabwe in January this year. This, she said, followed a Cabinet resolution.

She said the cholera situation that hit Zimbabwe in December 2008 was beginning to affect some parts of Southern Province, hence the decision to release the funds to save Zambians from being affected.

Further, she said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting to discuss the cholera situation in Zimbabwe resolved that member countries should assist their member state in combating the effects of the water-borne disease.

Ms Kapwepwe said this when she responded to a question by Kanyama MP Gerry Chanda (PF) who wanted to know under whose authority the ministry released the said funds to Zimbabwe.

Mr Chanda said it was wrong for the Government to assist the neighbouring country when citizens in Kanyama were dying as a result of the disease.

Ministry of Justice Deputy Minister Todd Chilembo told the House that books of account for the office of the Auditor General were audited in 2008 and anticipated that in the second quarter of this year, the books would again be audited.

He said this when he responded to a question by Mwinilunga East MP Stephen Katuka (UPND) wanted to know when the books of accounts were audited

[Times of Zambia].

International Ministers Fellowship attack Sata, HH and Fr Mwewa

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PF Leader Michael Sata
PF Leader Michael Sata
The International Ministers Fellowship and Affiliated Churches (IMFAC) in Zambia has condemned Catholic Diocese of Ndola Treasurer General, Augustine Mwewa, for attacking government before veryfying issues.

IMFAC Executive president, Paul Mulenga, said Father Mwewa’s utterances in the media showed that he had no respect for government leaders and reverends of pentecotal churchs.

Dr Mulenga told ZANIS in an interview in Chipata that Fr Mwewa attacked General Ronnie Shikapwasha in the Post newspapers yesterday without verifying, adding that the minister had put it clear that he was misquoted by the daily tabloid.

He was reacting to utterances by Fr Mwewa in yesterday’s Post newspaper that General Shikapwasha did not deserve to be government spokesperson because he was allegedly shallow.[quote]

“If Fr Mwewa verified with General Shikapwasha where he said he was misquoted by the Post, he would not have attacked him like that. What I can see is that he respects only those that are in Catholic church and if this attitude continues, there will be no unity between independent pentecostal churches and the Catholic,” Dr Mulenga said.

Dr Mulenga observed that the Catholic Church was practicing partisan politics as shown by the Treasurer General of the Ndola diocese, saying, Fr Mwewa was being used by the opposition.

He also advised Patriotic Front Leader, Michael Sata, not to refer to General Shikapwasha, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting, as a fake pastor.

Dr Mulenga observed that Mr Sata belonged to the Catholic Church and it was the reason he was fond of attacking reverends of Pentecostal churches.

“Mr Sata, being a political leader, must respect the clergy regardless of denominations they are coming from. IMFAC would like to call on all peace-loving Zambians to join hands in condemning the language of people like Mr Sata, Fr Mwewa and UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.

Dr Mulenga said the Catholic Church was not the only denomination which contributed to national development, saying his organization was also doing a lot of projects in the country but that could not make it start despising other churches.

He also said it was unchristian by Mr Hichilema to call a minister who is a reverend that he belonged to a category of pigs in the animal farm.

“If you are reacting to what General Shikapwasha said, you must have respect because such language belongs to people of the world,” Dr Mulenga said.

He said IMFAC has respect for all Catholic Bishops and it believed that Fr Mwewa was not fit to be a Christian and a priest of a church like the Catholic because the clergy in the Catholic Church were Christians who should not use wild language.

Dr Mulenga advised political leaders to handle national issues with maturity, adding that if they continued using wild language, they were not going to receive any vote from all independent church members which he said had a large following.

Fr Mwewa is reported in the Post newspapers dated August 11, 2009 to have said that General Shikapwasha did not deserve to be government spokesperson because he was shallow.

According to the Post Newspapers, General Shikapwasha is alleged to have attacked the tabloid and the Catholic Church when he commented in a ministerial statement in parliament last Friday.

ZANIS

Maize market under FRA a mockery – chiefs

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Chiefs in Petauke district say government has left many small scale farmers vulnerable to exploitative prices by the private sector due to inadequate markets.

Speaking from Nsimbo palace, senior Chief Kalindawalo said the Food Reserve Agency’s (FRA) measure of 4,000 bags of maize per deport was a mockery to farmers as they could not manage to sell even a quarter of the produce.

And in another interview, Chieftainess Nyanje wondered how a farmer should be given the measure when the same farmer had already measured what to sell and the surplus.

The traditional rulers said farmers have been educated that farming was business and as such their business partners, who are FRA, should show seriousness the business of farming deserves, adding that there was no way the producer should be restricted to a certain access to the market.

Chieftainess Nyanje said her chiefdom had more than 7,000 farmers with the capacity of producing an average of 1,500 bags of maize and being given to sell only 153 bags per farmer was a mockery to them.

The chiefs said the FRA has given the farmers to the exploiters who are buying maize at very cheap prices, thereby pushing the farmers towards the poverty line.

The traditional leaders have advised government to devise a mechanism that would protect small scale farmers from exploitation by some private buyers.

The chiefs have also implored the government to revisit their proposed reduction in a pack of eight to four bags of fertilizer under the FSP.

They said the proposed reduction from eight bags to four bags per pack would only increase poverty and food insecurity.

ZANIS

Black Stars KO Chipolopolo

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By Al Gunn at Brisbane Road

The saying for when a team performs poorly is, “We didn’t turn up today”. For Zambia’s friendly at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road stadium in London against a Ghana team led by Chelsea’s Michael Essien, the saying was the truth.

Starting with only nine professionals, Herve Renard was forced to call upon three unknown UK-based amateurs as William Njobvu and Emmanuel Mayuka had not arrived on time from Israel.

A thrilling first half saw Ghana seal the match. The scoring opened after 11 minutes, Inter’s Sulley Muntari converting a cross from close range. It was two when Hichani Himonde volleyed an embarrassing own goal half an hour in. Zambia rallied. The energetic Given Singulumu played in clubless Stopilla Sunzu, who blasted into the top corner.

But the game was sealed with five minutes of the first half remaining when Dennis Banda conceded a penalty. He was sent off and Junior Agogo converted. Haminu Draman ended the first half with a fourth goal, shortly after Njobvu and Mayuka had entered play. They replaced amateurs Kasase Kabwe and Lengwe Kapotwe. Kapotwe has only come on to replace the injured Njambe Mulenga after eight minutes. His international career lasted 34 minutes.

Reduced to 10 men, Zambia defended manfully in an insipid second half, which Ghana strolled through. After the game, Zambia failed to attend the press conference, where Ghana manager Milovan Rajevac had polite words for his weak opponents. Ghana’s towering defender Francis Dickoh regretted that the likes of his FC Utrecht colleague Jacob Mulenga had not been able to play, providing the Black Stars with more of a challenge. He was surpised to learn that he had been playing against an amateur strike-force. Yet he praised left-winger Fwayo Tembo’s performance, a view echoed by the Chipolopolo fans who named him Zambia’s stand out performer.[quote]

Despite being proud to see their nation put in a hard-working performance against a superior side, the abiding memory for UK-based Zambians will be the shambolic organisation surrounding the game. With tickets selling at £20, fans felt it was an opportunity lost to showcase their best players. Most were critical of FAZ with some blaming the UK for not granting Visas. The real reasons for the no-show of so many Zambian professionals remain to be explained.

Zambia team: Kaumbwa; Kasonde, Himonde, Banda, Mulenga ((Kapotwe, 8′) Nyobvu 42′); Sakuwaha, Sunzu, Singuluma, Tembo; Zulu, Kabew (Mayuka 42′)

Al Gunn’s interview with Ghana\’s Francis Dickoh after the Zambia vs Ghana Match. Ghana won 4-1

LIVE Update: Zambia 1 vs Ghana 4 FULLTIME

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Live updates from Zambia vs Ghana international friendly match at Brisbane Road in London tonite.

 -Players finish warm-up after arriving an hour ago at Brisbane Road. Kickoff delayed.Update to follow soon.

 

Teams line-up, Kasonde captain for Zambia, Essien wearing Ghana armband 

-Game kicks off, 21:00 ZMT. Game is on 0-0

-GOAL! 11 mins Sulley Muntari Ghana 1- Zambia 0

-Fwayo shot parried for corner. Corner cleared.Fwayo looking lively in attack.

-Nyambe out . Stretched off with heavly strapped sright knee.Kabwe takes his place.

-GOAL 2-0 Hichani Himoonde 28 min own goal.

 -GOAL 32- Stoppila Sunzu goal from Given Singuluma assist, 2-1

 -RED CARD: Dennis Banda.

-GOAL! Junior Agogo 37 min  3-1

-Goal! 4-1 Draman 42min, 4-1

 Halftime: Ghana 4- Zambia 1

 Second Half: Quiet opening period. Fwayo most impressive of the Zambian team

 -goalscorer Sunzu has knock

-Essien threatens with a couple of shots on zambia’s goal.

-Essien free kick saved.

-Appiah makes long return, on for goal scorer Drahman.

 

-still 4-1, Muntari off, Dickson on, Ghana dominating and walking with the ball.

-Still 4-1. Essien off, Awaku on.THREE MINUTES LEFT!

-90 sub: Annan Off, Telfa on. Ghana walking and dominating. FINAL WHISTLE! 4-1

Zambia: Davey Kaumbwa; Francis Kasonde, Nyambe Mulenga (Kasase Kabwe, (Sub: Mayuka)), Hichani Himonde; Stoppila Sunzu, Lengwe Kapotwe (William Njobvu), Fwayo Tembo, Jonas Sakuwaha; Given Singuluma, Lyson Zulu.

Subs:

Ghana: Owu; Inkoom, Afful, Paintsil, Annan, Essien, Agogo, Muntari, Draman, Dickoh, Eric Addo.

Subs: Amamoo, Awaku, Quansah, Appiah, Telfa, Dickson

Referee: Andre Marriner

Kalonga Lose Coca Cola Schools Crown

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2008 Coca Cola Schools Soccer Champions Kalonga High have been eliminated from this years competition.

Kalonga’s future in this years competition was decided by Copperbelt champions Chingola High who beat them 2-0 and Mwinilunga who defeated winless Samfya 5-0 in their respective final Group A games in Lusaka today.

Mwinilunga crushed Samfya thanks to a Emmanuel Phiri while Royd Jameson Jikubi and Royd Mufwankolo chipped in with a goal each.

The outgoing champions finished their preliminary group stage matches on 7 points from their four games played after suffering their only loss of the tournament against Chingola that sealed their fate in this years outing.

Mwinilunga from North-Western Province finished top of Group A on 10 points.

Meanwhile, Chingola finished one point behind Mwinilunga in 2nd position on 9 points following a 3-0 win over Western Province champions Senanga thanks to a hat trick from Masautso Tembo.

Mwinilunga and Chingola will face Parklands and Nampundwe respectively in Thursdays semifinals.

Parklands and Nampundwe secured their passage to the semifinals after they drew 1-1 in their final Group B game today to tie at the top on an unassailable 8 points and on the same goal aggregate.

Nampundwe scored first through  Edward Bwalya while leveled after the break through an Innocent Mazimba penalty to share the spoils and sail through to the penultimate stage of the Coke Schools Championship.

25 Somalis arrested for illegal entry

Guest Editor
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The Immigration Department in Chipata district of the Eastern Province has arrested 25 Somalis for entering the country illegally.

Immigration Department Public Relations Officer, Mulako Mbangweta confirmed the arrest of 24 men and a 15 year old girl this morning.

Ms Mbangweta said the 25 Somalis who were arrested at Mpezeni Park in Kapata township were from Malawi traveling to Zimbabwe enroute to South Africa.

She said the officers were tipped about the presence of the Somalians by a driver of a canter truck from whom the foreign nationals wanted to get transport to proceed with their journey.

Ms Mbangweta said the 25 Somalis have been detained at Namuseche Prison in Chipata.

And Ms Mbangweta has asked Zambians to report suspicious movements of foreign nationals.
She said the immigration department was arresting Somalis who were entering the country illegally almost every week.

Ms Mbangweta disclosed that human trafficking had become a profitable business and required the involvement of all stakeholders to curb the illegal trade.

Last month 77 Somalis were arrested in Petauke after entering the country illegally while in May this year 16 Malawians were also arrested for entering the country without proper documents on their way to South Africa.

Meanwhile, four Malawians were yesterday arrested in Mgubudu area in Chipata district for attempting to obtain green national registration cards in the on going mobile issuance of National Registration Cards (NRC).

Ms Mbangweta said the four Malawians tried to obtain the NRC’s by giving false representation.
They have also been detained at Namuseche Prison and will appear in court soon.

ZANIS

Govt to construct labs in schools – Siliya

Guest Editor
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Government will soon start constructing laboratories in upper basic schools that do not have the facilities.

Education Minister, Dora Siliya disclosed in parliament today during the oral answer session that government would begin construction of laboratories in upper basic schools once funds were available.

Ms Siliya said there were no laboratories in most upper basic schools in the country following the recent separation of upper basic schools from secondary schools.

She however noted that government was currently providing mobile laboratory kits to schools that do not have permanent laboratory structures.

Ms Siliya said this was one way government was helping basic schools without permanent structures conduct science lessons.

She said this in response to Chilubi Member of Parliament (MP) Obby Chisala who wanted to know when government would fund the construction of laboratories and libraries at all upper basic schools in the country.

Ms Siliya said government was currently procuring and sending laboratory equipments to some schools in the country.
She said the mobile laboratory kits made locally, at the National Science Centre had greatly helped the schools conduct science lessons.

Ms Siliya further said government was planning to strengthen the Zambia Library Service to enable it be sustainable.
She said her ministry was also working with other organizations to provide library services for school going children and communities.

Ms Siliya said the move was being made to encourage the culture of reading among people in Zambia.

ZANIS

I am grateful for the support from government- Maureen

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Former First lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, says she is not at loggerheads with the government or President Rupiah Banda.

Mrs. Mwanawasa told ZNBC news in an interview in Lusaka on Wednesday that President Banda and herself are not enemies.

The former first lady said she is grateful for the support the government has given to her family since the death of her husband almost a year ago.

Mrs. Mwanawasa said it is wrong for people to assume that she does not get along with the government or President Banda.

The country will this month remember late President Levy Mwanawasa who died in on August 19 and was buried on September 3, last year.

Since her husband died, Mrs. Mwanawasa has commented on a number of national issues.

Her views have been published, mostly by the private media.

[ZNBC]

Use CDF to develop your areas – Shawa

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Government has urged civic leaders and parliamentarians in Lusaka province to utilize the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to develop their areas.

Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa said there is need to unlock the potential of Zambians to enhance the promotion of economic growth and diversification.

Mr. Shawa noted that this would also help to improve the quality of public service delivery to the people.

The Minister said this when a group of councillors from Kafue District Council called on him at his office today.

He advised civic leaders to work closely with their area Members of Parliament in the use of funds from CDF to improve the social services and infrastructure development in the district.

Mr Shawa added that government is in hurry of extending benefits of economic growth and development to the people through the involvement of key stakeholders.

Earlier, Kafue District Council Chairperson, George Muleya said the council was working had in reviving the manufacturing industry in a bid to make the district an industrial hub of the province.

Mr Muleya said the construction of Universal Mining and Chemicals Industries, a major hotel and a cement manufacturing company would revive the economic activity in the district resulting in job creation among the people.

He commended government for injecting capital into Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).

The Coucil Chairman said the move would help the fertiliser company resume full production.

Mr Muleya however, bemoaned the decline in the collection of council levy from firms that have closed down, such as Abion Nickel Mine.

He noted that the development has negatively affected the revenue base of the council leading to failure by the council to provide quality service to the people.

ZANIS

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