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Agriculture minister Brian Chituwo (second from l) and his counterpart from mines Maxwell Mwale (second from r) inspect some goods at the Copperbelt mining and agriculture commercial show in Kitwe.Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Brian Chituwo has
urged retrenched miners on the Copperbelt to venture into agriculture which he said was one of the most profitable and sustainable businesses in the country.He was speaking at the Kitwe show grounds earlier today.
Dr. Chituwo said retrenched miners should not despair but take life’s challenges head on by engaging in small and large scale farming.
He further disclosed that some mining companies have requested his ministry to provide land where former miners could grow crops.
Dr. Chituwo said the ministry of Agriculture has since started exploring some pieces of land and advised former miners to take advantage of this in order to mitigate the effects of the global economic recession.
Dr.Chituwo also said the country had the capacity to produce different types of crops on a larger scale.
He said the country could use the global recession to its benefits by engaging in commercial production of crops such as cassava, groundnuts and beans.
He added that there was need to encourage mass production of certain crops that grow well in certain parts of the country, citing rice and groundnuts in Western and Eastern provinces respectively.
He further said there was need to identify crops with certain areas and regions of the country in order to effectively improve in the production of those particular crops.
First Lady Thandiwe Banda (l) and wife to the vice president Irene Kunda (r) First Lady Thandiwe Banda says the church is an important
institution that contributes to the development of the nation through spiritual guidance to citizens.
Speaking in a speech read for her by Vice President George Kunda’s wife, Ireen, Mrs. Banda said the church needs to be supported as it contributes to the national development and promotes the unity and well-being of citizens.
She noted that the church also provides community services through the construction of basic facilities such as schools and clinics.
She said this at a fund raising luncheon for the Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ) at Petauke’s Chimwemwe lodge.
Mrs. Banda observed that the increase in the membership of church members is a testimony that that more people were becoming sober minded, adding that this would focus peoples’ minds on developing the country.
Earlier, RCZ Reverend Francis Zulu said the church requires K20 million to expand the church building and the house of the Reverend.
Reverend Zulu said other requirements were benches, vestry chairs and building materials for major renovations.
South Africa’s High Commissioner to Zambia has said Zambians should not be running out of food because Zambia had conducive climatic conditions for growing a variety of both food and cash crops.
Mr. Chikane observed that Zambia was endowed with abundant natural resources and had potential mining and agricultural investors.
Mr. Chikane was speaking when he officiated at the awards presentation at ongoing Copperbelt Mining, Agriculture and Commercial show dubbed “productivity in adversity”.
He said the current economic meltdown was an opportunity for Africa to go back to the drawing board and redesign her development plan.
Moses Chikane said there was need for Africa to devise how best the continent can tackle the economic problem.
Mr.Chikane commended all the exhibitors for their excellent display for both business people and the general public.
He has since appealed to government to help train and empower people in agriculture as a way of eliminating poverty and ensuring the proper functioning of the economy.
The overall winner of the show was Sandrik Mining and Construction while Zambia State Insurance Corporation got the best interpretation in conformity to the theme award.
The best new exhibitor award went to Scan Limited, who also received the best stand design award.
Former ministry of health permanent secretary Simon Miti leaving the Zambia Police Service headquarters.Police have picked up former Health Permanent Secretary,
Dr. Simon Miti to help with investigations into the financial scandal at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Miti, who is now Science and Technology Permanent secretary, was picked up Saturday morning for questioning at police headquarters in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
Police Spokesperson Bonny Kapeso has confirmed the development.
Investigations have intensified in the K10 billion scam at the ministry of health with 32 people now sent on forced leave.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja has confirmed that the 32 officers have been written to.
Dr. Kanganja said cabinet office will not suspend any officers until the probe is completed.
The Secretary to the Cabinet said there will be need to take administrative action against the officers implicated in the scam once investigations have been completed.
And in another development K4 billion released by the ministry of health last year for completing the construction of Shangombo District Hospital, has been diverted to unrelated activities by the western province administration.
This has enraged Sinjembela Member of Parliament Mubika Mubika.
Mr. Mubika says the Shangombo district hospital project that was started in 2004 has remained a white elephant for five years.
Mr. Mubika says critically ill patients suffering from Tuberculosis and those on Anti Retro Viral drugs continue to be inconvenienced by travelling to Senanga district to access the drugs.
He has called on Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao to ensure that the K3 billion budgeted for this year is not diverted.
The incomplete Shangombo district hospital project also includes construction of 14 staff houses, but only 6 have been completed.
The Zambia national team will extend its training camp in South Africa for another two days ahead of next Saturdays 2010 World/African Cup Group C qualifier against Rwanda at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Team manager Solly Pandor said the team will now return home on Wednesday at midday instead of the earlier announced Monday arrival date.
Pandor said this is after coach Herve Renard had requested for an extended stay in Johannesburg where the team has been holding a closed-door training camp for the last fortnight.
And the team will fly direct to Ndola on Wednesday where they are expected to set up camp in the Copperbelt administrative capital.
Zambia will arrive back home on the same day that Rwanda are scheduled to land in the country.
Rwanda have made a brief stop in Malawi where they are playing a friendly international today against their hosts in Blantyre.
Meanwhile, Zambia beat Orlando Pirates reserve side 5-0 in training game on Friday.
Traders at Soweto market in Lusaka trading under heaps of uncollected garbage
Environment Council of Zambia (ECZ) has challenged government to come up with policies that would enhance waste management at all levels.
ECZ senior inspector Masawell Chisanga, told ZANIS Kitwe in an interview at the 52nd Agriculture and Commercial Show that government’s capacity to manage waste through the local authority left much to be desired.
Mr Chisanga further urged Zambians to prudently take care of the environment in order to ensure sustainable development in the nation.
He said every Zambian should bear in mind the cultural aspect of a clean environment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kabinga Pande says the ongoing investigations into the K10 billion scandal at the Ministry of Health should be extended to other ministries and government departments.
And Mr. Pande has advised civil servants in the country to work hard and earn their money in a clean manner.
Mr. Pande, who is also Kasempa Member of Parliament, said investigations into the theft of public resources should be done on every civil servants and ministers.
“We should not get what does not belong to us. It does not only tarnish the image of an individual but even that of the ministries where these people belong to and even the country as a whole. So the investigations should be extended to every one, even ministers,” he said.
He said abuse of government and donor funds should not only be described as corrupt acts but be deemed to be theft of public resources.
He said for a rural Member of Parliament, the theft of public funds such as the one at the Ministry of Health, affects the delivery of health services to the poor people in rural areas.
Mr. Pande pointed out that stolen money and that which is earned through fraudulent means could not be enjoyed freely because the people who stole it fear to be arrested.
He said this in Kasempa yesterday where he is monitoring developmental projects.
Mr. Pande said the country should strive to utilise what it has to enhance developmental programmes in key sectors of the economy hence the need to stop theft of public funds.
He urged civil servants in his constituency not to get involved in such scams saying they should earn their money honestly if they are to spend it publicly.
He further pointed out that government is determined to fight corrupt activities in the country and called on every patriotic Zambian to get involved in curbing theft and corruption.
And Mr. Pande said his regular visits and monitoring of projects in his constituency has instilled a sense of responsibility in those tasked to implement projects in the district.
“My coming here quite often to monitor the implementation of projects has an impact because people are scared to misuse the money. Though I do not come here as a supervisor but to create an atmosphere where every one is free to discuss developmental issues,” he said.
Mr. Pande, who bragged about having the best civil servants in the country, however said the global economic crunch has an impact on some of the development projects.
He explained that Kasempa district, just like other districts in the country, has experienced some delay in the completion of some projects due to the global economic crunch.
The minister was however, quick to note that government is committed to ensure that the projected that were ongoing were completed.
And Senior Chief Kasempa said the monitoring of project implementation was a very good guard against misuse of funds.
The traditional leader, who said this when Mr. Pande paid a courtesy call on him at his palace, also said projects can only succeed when people are united.
He also called upon youths to work hand in hand with the older people in developing their communities.
Lundazi District Commissioner (DC), Masauso Banda on Thursday took a swipe at Wamwabi General Dealers for supplying sub standard materials used to construct Mkomba Health Post in Chief Kapichila’s area in Lundazi District.
Mr. Banda said the building materials used were of a sub standard and this has resulted into the entire project being shoddy.
The DC was speaking when he inspected construction works on newly constructed Mkomba Health Post in chief Kapichila’s area.
The construction work is being done by a local contractor at a total cost of K100million, sourced from Community Development Funds (CDF).
Mr. Banda said it was vital for the local suppliers to prove to the general community that they supplied high quality materials to woe the market.
The sub standard materials observed by the inspectorate team were poor door frames and door shutters, window frames, cornice and cover strips.
And Lundazi District Director of Health, Godfrey Lingenda and the inspectorate team revealed that Mkomba Project was one of the most highly funded community projects in Lundazi district.
Dr. Lingenda lamented that it is unfortunate that the community decided to hand over an uncompleted Project done in a shoddy way to the ministry.
He revealed that the clinic will only be handed over when the works are in accordance with government’s laid down specifications.
A 46 year old man of Nyela village in Nakonde district of Northern province has been shot dead by unknown people while a school teacher of the same area has been found dead in a nearby stream.
Northern division police commanding officer Charles Lungu has confirmed the shooting to death of the man but said he had not yet received a report on the mysterious death of the teacher.
Mr. Lungu identified the man who was shot dead as Green Singoyi of Nyela village in Musele ward, east of Nakonde district.
He said Singoyi was shot dead around 19:00 hours at his home and no arrests have been made so far.
The body of Singoyi is lying in Nakonde district health centre mortuary awaiting a postmortem.
And Nakonde District Commissioner, Edwin Sinyinza said Nyela basic school deputy head teacher, who went missing last Friday, has been found dead in a nearby stream.
Mr. Sinyinza said Billings Siame was found dead yesterday in Nachisenga stream, 15 km from Nyela basic school.
Mr. Sinyinza, who described the late Siame, as a hard working teacher said he went missing on Friday around 21:00 hours. The deceased went missing shortly after handing over a football kit he bought for the school from Nakonde boma.
“The school administration sent Siame to buy school jerseys and a ball and disappeared shortly after handing over the items,” said Mr. Sinyinza.
Mr. Sinyinza said police suspect foul play in the death of Siame, adding that initial investigations indicated that Siame could have been killed before being thrown into the stream. He said Siame’s mutilated body has since been buried.
And Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) Northern province chairperson, Nondo Kasanda has appealed to the police in the area not to rest until they find the people who killed Siame.
ZANIS
Mines and minerals Development Minister Maxwell Mwale Government has strongly urged mining companies to continue lowering their production costs during this harsh global economic crisis.
Mr. Mwale said it should be noted that the production cost denominator is level of production.
The Minister said this today during the annual Minister of mines luncheon held at Jubilee Lodge in the show grounds.
He explained that in order to ensure that the mining industry remained viable government has taken measures such as removal of windfall tax, reduction of tax on heavy fuel oil from 30 percent to 15 percent and providing for 100 percent capital allowance on investment.
Earlier Mopani copper mines chief executive officer Albeno Mutati commended government for the revision of mining tax regime in particular the removal of windfall tax.
Mr. Mutati expressed regret that some workers lost their jobs and a number of contractors lost sizeable investments as management.
Meanwhile, The Ministry of Mines and industry Development says there is need to diversify the mining industry and not only depend on copper production.
The ministry’s Principal Documentalist Phineas Zulu said there was need for companies to implore other minerals.
Mr. Zulu said there was need to create local demand for other minerals apart from Copper to revive the industry.
He disclosed that there mines were yet to open with the discovery and various minerals.
The specialist was speaking in an interview at the ongoing Copperbelt Agriculture and Commercial (CACS) show in Kitwe today.
He noted that the prices and Copper on the international market was slowly increasing and therefore the industry would soon stablise.
He said the sector was facing alot of challenges like the losses of jobs in the mining sector.
Mr. Zulu said the country had been negatively affected as that was a reduction in revenue due to loss of jobs.
ZANIS
Namwala magistrate Munalula Mubita has sentenced a villager to 22 months imprisonment for threatening violence to an aged woman.
Before magistrate Mubita was Barot Shambala 31, of Basanaga village in chief Musungwa’s chiefdom in Itezhi-tezhi district who stood charged with three counts of the of threatening violence contrary to section 90 CAP 87 of the laws of Zambia.
Facts before the court were that Shambala on unknown date of February this year in Basanga village did threaten, Lukacha Mupizyo, 70, on three occasions that he was going to kill her with an ax because she was a wizard who had finished people in the village of Basanga.
The court also heard from one of the witnesses, Lukacha Mupizyo in her testimony that early this year Shambala went to her home and threw an axe at her but fortunately the axe missed her.
Mupizyo told the court that despite this Shambala threatened to kill Mupizyo wherever he would meet her because she was allegedly a ‘‘despicable ruthless witch’’ who had killed so many people in the village.
After considering all the evidence from witnesses, Magistrates Munalula found Shambala guilty of the offence and convicted him accordingly.
Shambala asked for the court’s leniency in meting out his punishment as he had one wife and six children.
In passing the sentence, Magistrates Mubita said that he took in consideration that Shambala showed cruelty to the old woman and his gestures towards the old lady would have harmed the defenseless old woman if there was no one near by to grab the axe that Shambala threw at her.
“ You showed cruelty to the old woman, by saying that she was a wizard you also put her life in danger because people in the village would have risen against her and beat her up therefore you are hereby being sentences to six months for count one, eight months for count two and three to be served consecutively,” he said.
Meanwhile two men of Chibolya compound in Itezhi-tezhi district have been jailed for two years for stealing goods from a shop worth K674, 000.
Before the court were Ian Mushoke ,31 and Lubena Kandyata ,28 of Chibolya compound in Itezhi-tezhi district who were charged with one count of breaking into a building and committing a felony contrary to the penal code of the laws of Zambia.
Facts of the matter were that on 23 April 2009 a Mr. Muzyandu discovered his shop had been broken into with good worth K674, 000 plus a bicycle and cell phone missing, he later reported Theft to Itezhi-tezhi police station who instituted investigations that led to the arrest of the duo.
The duo pleaded guilty to the charge and Magistrates Munalula convicted them.
In mitigation Ian Mushoke asked the court to exercise maximum leniency considering that he did not waste the court‘s time by pleading guilty to the charge while Nalube Kandyata asked the court to consider that he was married with two children.
In sentencing them Magistrates Munalula Mubita said that he took into account the duo were very honest by pleading guilty thereby saving the time of the time-pressed court officials and slapped two years jail terms for each with effect from February 26,2009.
ZANIS
Vice president George Kunda has commended Lumwana Copper Mines (LCM) of North Western province for its commitment to transform the Zambian economy.
Mr. Kunda observed that there was tremendous transformation in the town of Solwezi due to the operations of LCM.
“Lumwana has done wonders for the people of Zambia it has seen major transformation in the town of Solwezi since the time my national service in 1975,”said Mr. Kunda.
Mr. Kunda said during a luncheon held in his honour at the ongoing Copperbelt Agriculture and Commercial Show, that it was gratifying that LCM was committed to help the Zambians when most investors had pulled out their shares due to the global economy crisis.
The Vice President further expressed happiness with the organization of this years CMACS and commended the show chairman Mr. Bill Osborn.
He further noted that he was impressed with all the exhibitions whom he described as optimistic despite the negative effects of the global economic recession.
Mr. Kunda however noted that government would continue to devise good polities and create an enabling environment to attract credible investment in the country.
He further said government was committed to diversification of the economy to agriculture as it is the main stay of the country.
The Vice president added that diversification to agriculture offered an opportunity for job creation and an increase in government revenue.
Speaking at the some function LCM chief Executive Harry Michael indicated that mining industry had experienced a difficult rime due to the negative effects of the global recession.
Mr. Michael noted that hence there was a need to move away from copper and diversify the economy.
He urged government to encourage more mines to invest and create wealth and employment in the country.
He commended various stakeholders fro the theme “productivity in diversity” noting that it captured challenges and opportunities the industry had been facing.
Marketeers at New Kasanda market have complained of the increased number of vendors operating outside the market.
One of the concerned marketeer, Jane Kunda said the traders who sell outside the market do not even pay levy.
Mrs Kunda said people who sell outside the market disturb the business for those who sell in the market.She said there was space in the market and that the traders who sell outside the market just want to do so.
And the market Chairperson Joe Mpundu said they consulted the Kabwe Council to help move the traders inside the market.
He said although some traders who sell outside the market complain that the levy in the market was too high it is not true and the market levy is only K500 per day.
Meanwhile the Acting Director of Public Health and Social Services Joseph Kayombo said the council was in the process of removing traders along the line of rail and outside the market.
Mr Kayombo said the council will use force if the vendors fail to comply.
He said the council would meet next week so that they decide on when to implement what they agreed concerning removing vendors from outside the market and along the line of rail.
Government has re-introduced the Local Government Service Commission in its quest to improve the administration of local government in the country.
Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamashimba explained that the government move was aimed at addressing and prescribing conditions of services for local government employees in the country.
Mr. Tetamashimba further said the commission will also spell out the salary structures for councils, capacity building programs and deal with indiscriminate dismissal of council officers including councilors.
“The Local Government Service Commission will prescribe conditions of services, salaries, structures and grading of councils according to their capacity.
” It will also help cure some of the mischief in employment of staff in council indiscriminate dismissal for both officers and councilors” he said.
Mr. Tetamashimba said during the installation of Lusaka mayor Robert Chikwelete and his deputy Captain Davison Mulenga at Civil Centre in Lusaka today.
He also said government is expediting the decentralization process which will soon be implemented after been approved by cabinet as it is aimed at empowering the people in the country.
He said the process will focus on development and service delivery to districts and strengthen the local government system.
Mr. Tetamashimba has directed the local authorities in the country to work hard and address the many problems they currently faced with such as poor drainage system, lack of social amenities, and water problems.
He said councilors should not just be at the civic centre everyday interfering in the officers’ work but work hard and meet their set target.
He has urged them to also be prudent in the financial management of the council as this is key to successful running of councils.
The Minister has further reiterated government commitments in funding developmental projects that the council will be undertaking to bring development to the city.
And Lusaka Province Minister, Lameck Mangani has urged the new mayor to work with his office and help alleviate the suffering of the people of Lusaka.
Mr. Mangani has meanwhile warned councilors against allocating illegal plots to the people saying those found wanting will firmly be dealt with.
He said local government ministry and his government will not spare all those who will be found allocating illegal plots in Lusaka as this has caused a number of problems in the city.
Mr. Mangani said the city is failing to provide services to its people because councilors are giving plots illegally without looking at social, sewerage facilities.
And speaking earlier in his acceptance speech the new mayor Robert Chikwelete has promised to address the many problems in the city.
Mr. Chikwelete said his immediate plan is to addressing the cholera situation, unemployment, and urbanization.
The Lusaka Province Joint Operations Committee has recommended that the K70 million given to Siavonga district council for erecting a security wire fence around Siavonga airstrip be properly accounted for.
The Committee noted with serious concern,the manner in which the funds were used.
Government gave the money to Siavonga District Council to enable the local authority fence the airstrip to prevent livestock from crossing the runway.
The joint operations committee expressed disappointment over the work that has been done so far, saying the amount given does not tally with the work that has been carried out.
“We are disappointed with what we have seen at the airstrip, because the K70 million that was released by government was enough to completely erect a security wire fence, unlike what has been done,” Brigadier General Mwila said.
The committee that comprises senior officers from Zambia Army, Zambia Police Service, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service, raised the concern over the poor workmanship at the airstrip when they paid a courtesy call on Siavonga District Commissioner, Emily Striedl at her office yesterday.
Brigadier General Mwila further said the money was not put to good use and called for a follow-up on the matter to establish how the money was utilized.
He informed the District Commissioner that the team’s visit to the district was to check on the security measures of the area.
Brigadier General Mwila further said, his team visited Namoomba fishing camp on the lower Zambezi near Zimbabwe, where there were reports of Zimbabwean security personnel harassing Zambian fishermen recently.
He assured the District Commissioner that there is peace in Siavonga and that the concerns raised by villagers in the area had been taken care of by various security agencies.
And Mrs. Striedl said the issue surrounding the fencing of the airstrip is critical and needs to be given serious attention for it to be completed.
She said, at the moment no department has taken full responsibility of the airstrip, resulting in the infrastructure that was put-up getting vandalized by locals.
She said some materials that were meant for the fencing of the airstrip are still lying idle at the District Council offices.
The DC said her office would soon convene a meeting involving senior officials of the local authority, to get to the root of the problems surrounding the fencing of the airstrip.
ENDS
