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WIBA Champion Seeks Esther Challenge

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WIBA super featherweight defending champion Melissa  Hernandez of Puerto Rico has offered Esther Phiri a crack at  challenging her for the title sometime this year.

However, Esther’s camp has disclosed that they have an eye on fighting former WBC womens lightweight champion Jelena Mrdjenovich of Canada at a date and venue to be announced.

The 29-year-old Hernandez who fights out of Bronx, New York  says she is willing to travel to Zambia to defend her crown against Esther, whom the WIBA ranks 9th in the World.

WIBA president Ryan Wissow said in a statement that he was ready to sanction the fight after the Puerto Rican said she was willing to come to Africa to face Esther.

“WIBA Super Featherweight World Champion Melissa Hernandez has agreed to defend her WIBA title in Zambia or Kenya against Esther Phiri,” Wissow said.

Wissow said Hernandez has demanded a US$6,500 purse money  for the fight plus tickets for her ringside crew.

The WIBA president insisted that the deal should not involve the controversial Kenyan based boxing promoter Caleb Kuya.

“She (Hernandez) will fight for US$6,500 and two tickets, and she wants to be paid her purse the night of the fight before she makes her ring walk,” Wissow said.

“Lets get together and make this fight a reality. Esther deserves it, and Zambia deserves it as well. Lets make it happen.

“I also want my US$1,000  sanction fee on fight night before the ring walks. If Esther wins the title, they can pay me the remaining $650 belt fee after the fight.”

Wissow said he should also be given the mandate to choose three African-based judges for the fight.

“If these terms can be met, we can have this “genuine” WIBA World title fight,” he said.

Hernandez’s 12-professional fight record stands at 9 wins, three of them via knockouts, one defeat and two draws.

Meanwhile,  Hernandez is set to fight Jeri Sitzes in  a non-title fight in Las Vagas on May  9.

Mobile hospitals initiative to be determined by technocrats – Shikapwasha

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Chief government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha
Chief government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha

Government has disclosed that technical experts are scrutinizing the feasibility of establishing mobile hospitals in all the nine provinces of the country.

Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha explained that the idea of establishing mobile hospitals in the country is a suggestion that is still being processed by the relevant authorities.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said in Lusaka today that government will only decide on the matter once the technocrats determine the feasibility of the initiative.

He also said that government will decide whether mobile hospitals are feasible or not based on the findings of the technical team that is looking into the issue.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha said the nation will be informed in due course as soon as the evaluation is successfully completed.

He said government will also endeavor revamping rural roads around the country if the initiative is approved.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha’s was responding to some media reports that government is in the process of acquiring a US $53 million loan for EX-IM Bank of China to facilitate the acquisition of the mobile hospitals from a Chinese firm called China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).

ZANIS/CM/AM/ENDS

Renard Names Team for June 2010 Qualifiers

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Herve Renard has named an unchanged squad from the one that face Egypt last month for Zambia’s two 2010 World/Africa Cup Group C home qualifiers coming up in June against Rwanda and Algeria.

The team , as earlier speculated in the press, includes strikers Collins Mbesuma and James Chamanga of Mamelodi Sundown of South Africa and Chinese club Dalian Hai Chang respectively.

Both players were dropped prior to Zambia’s trip to Cairo on March 29 where they drew 1-1 against Egypt in both sides opening Group C game.

Meanwhile, the home-based players are expected to go into camp in Lusaka on May 11 in Lusaka.

The team will head to Johannesburg for a closed door training camp a week later on May 17 before returning home on June 2 ahead of the Rwanda game to be played at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Renard and his team will later fly back to Johannesburg on June 9 for another weeklong closed door training camp and return on the 16th just four days before they face Algeria at Konkola.

Zambia and Egypt are top of Group C on 1 point each level with Algeria and Rwanda whom they beat to top spot on goal difference.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Davy Kaumbwa (Green Buffaloes, Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu FC, South Africa)

Defenders: Emmanuel Mbola (Pyunik Yerevan,Armenia),Nyambe Mulenga, Hichani Himoonde (Both Zesco United), Joseph Musonda, Chintu Kampamba (Both Golden Arrows, South Africa), Misheck Lungu (Budapest Honved, Hungary), Davies Nkausu (Supersport United, South Africa),Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes)

Midfielders: Felix Katongo, Stoppila Sunzu (Both Chateauroux, France), Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco), Rainford Kalaba (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Fwayo Tembo (Etoile Du Sahel, Tunisia), Isaac Chansa (FC Helsingborg, Sweden), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Noah Chivuta (Supersport United, South Africa)

Strikers: Jacob Mulenga (Chateaurox, France), Emmanuel Mayuka (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Christopher Katongo (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Given Singuluma (Zanaco), James Chamanga (Dalian Hai Chang, China), Collins Mbesuma (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

PF Councillor is new Lusaka Mayor

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Patriotic Front (PF) Chakunkula ward 32 Councilor Robert Chikwelete is the new Lusaka City Council mayor.

This follows a tightly contested mayoral election held at the council chambers at civic center in Lusaka today. He polled 19 votes while his rival PF Kabulonga ward 16 Councilor Charles Msiska polled 18.
A total number of 38 votes were cast and one vote was rejected.

Delivering his victory speech, Mr. Chikwelete pledged to work with all councillors and other personnel at the council regardless of political affiliation.
He said bickering and mudslinging should be a thing of the past as the city of Lusaka belongs to everyone.

And PF Chawama ward 2 Councilor Davison Mulenga is the new deputy mayor for the city of Lusaka.
He assumed the seat after convincingly beating PF Mulungushi ward 18 Councilor Daniel Chisenga with 23 votes against his opponent’s 15.

The deputy Mayor-elect called on the losing candidates to work with the new leadership. He said the new leaders will require the co-operation and support of all the stakeholders in order to work efficiently in developing the city.

Meanwhile, the installation of the mayor-elect and his deputy which was supposed to have taken place today has been postponed to May 29.
Lusaka City Town Clerk, who was also the returning officer, Timothy Hakuyu, has confirmed the development.

ZANIS/PM/TM/AM/ENDS

Southern Province on Swine Flu high alert

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The Ministry of Health in Southern Province has mobilized teams of health experts to man all international entry points in the province and to conduct thorough inspections of any case that might be suspected to be swine flu.

Provincial Health Director Dr. Lutangu Alisheke said extreme caution must be taken to protect communities and health personnel who are heading the teams since Southern Province has five busy international entry points.

He said officers at the Livingstone International Airport, Victoria Falls border post, Kazungula border post, Sinazongwe and Chirundu borders areas have already been oriented with the latest information on how best to execute their duties.

Dr Alisheke told ZANIS in Livingstone today, that his officers would work closely with airline staff and immigration officials to ensure all operations that would be undertaken were done in an efficient and effective manner.

He however asked the public to remain calm and unalarmed since no cases of swine flu had been recorded in Zambia yet.
He said the Ministry of Health would soon print out pamphlets and produce radio programs to sensitize the public about the viral disease.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described swine flu as a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza, which causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.

CDC has further said this type of flu does not normally affect humans but confirmed that sporadic human infections had occurred mostly in persons with direct exposure to pigs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) however says the virus, which has so far killed more than 150 people in Mexico, is showing a “sustained ability” to pass from human to human and is able to cause community-level outbreaks.

The disease has since spread to Europe and Asia and governments around the world have been stepping up precautions against the spread of the swine flu.

ZANIS/AMM/KSH/ENDS

Zambia to rally behind Zimbabwe’s economic recovery

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Zambia’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe Sipula Kabanje says Zambia supports the efforts by Zimbabwe to revive its economy and does not support the sanctions still imposed on its southern neighbor.

Dr Kabanje has said the Zimbabwean economy is back on the road of recovery following the dollarization of the economy in that country.

Dr Kabanje said Zimbabwe has overcome the phenomenon of hyper inflation following the replacing of the Zimbabwean currency with the United Sates Dollar and the South African Rand.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Harare today, Dr Kabanje said it has always been Zambia’s spirit to support its neighbors.

He said Zambia will rally behind Zimbabwe’s efforts aimed at bringing economic stability in the southern neighboring country that is emerging out of a period of hyper inflation.

The ambassador said it is Zambia’s desire to see sanctions and restrictions imposed on Zimbabwe removed as the government of national unity endeavors to bring back peace and prosperity in the country.

He said Zimbabwe’s economy is rising and the world should congratulate President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai for agreeing to work together.

He noted that the government of national unity in Zimbabwe is now delivering and what is remaining is the removal of sanctions and restrictions in order for the economy to explore more opportunities.

“President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangarai must be congratulated. These are African leaders who found an African problem which they have resolved. The inclusive government is now delivering and sanctions must be removed,” he said.

ENDS/IMD/AM/ZANIS

Task Force terminates contract of public prosecutor, Sebastian Zulu

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GOVERNMENT has with immediate effect terminated the services of Task Force on Corruption public prosecutor, Sebastian Zulu of Sebastian Zulu and company.

Mr Zulu confirmed in an interview yesterday that he received a letter of termination of his contract from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) last week
“Yes, I received the letter last week on Wednesday from the DPP terminating my contract as public prosecutor. So for any details, get in touch with the Director of Public Prosecution, Chalwe Mchenga,” he said.

Three private law firms were engaged as Task Force on Corruption public prosecutors.

The firms were MNB where defunct Zambian Airways chief executive officer Mutembo Nchito operates, Sambo Kayukwa and Sebastian Zulu and company.

The decision to drop Mr Sebastian Zulu and Company leaves MNB and Sambo Kayukwa to continue representing the Task Force on Corruption.

And when contacted for a comment Attorney General, Mumba Malila referred all queries to the Vice President George Kunda who was in a meeting.

Some members of the civil society have been calling for the resignation of Mr Nchito to allow for smooth investigation into the defunct Zambian Airways.
They argue that his stay at the Task Force on Corruption can frustrate investigations.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Six Months of Rupiah’s Presidency—What has he done?

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By Wesley Ngwenya

President Rupiah Banda flanked by his vice George Kunda talks to reporters when he arrived from North western province at Lusaka City airport.
President Rupiah Banda flanked by his vice George Kunda talks to reporters when he arrived from North western province at Lusaka City airport.
It is now six months since Rupiah Banda was supposedly

elected the President of the Republic of Zambia. Having
undertaken such a huge responsibility on behalf of the Zambian people, it is only fair to give our president a review on his performance in the last six months.

The first mistake the president made was appointing people to his cabinet who either did not qualify for those positions or had a questionable history. Just last week one of Rupiah’s cousins was sworn in as the new High Commissioner of Zambia to Mozambique. This explains the problems the government has experienced in the last six months. There is indeed a leadership crisis in this government. What the president has failed to do is surround himself with credible individuals who shall help him run the affairs of this country. Instead, he has opted to date men and women with low morals–without the slighted foresight as to where this country needs to go.

There have been numerous cases of corruption and abuse of office that have been reported in the last six months of Rupiah’s presidency. Those that have criticized the president have been thrown to the curb while those that have been found wanting have been relentlessly defended by the president. The president has completely failed to wage war against corruption that he promised the Zambian people during the campaign. There is no doubt that his predecessor’s legacy has not been kept alive in the current government.

The country has faced one of the most trying economic times during the past six months. The difficulties that we are facing are not entirely as a result of the world-wide economic crisis but are also a result of inadequate planning and lack of visionary leadership in our country.Hundreds of people have lost jobs, in Zambia, during this time. However, can Rupiah’s government point to a single job that they have created in the last six months other than those of their friends and cousins? Clearly, this government has failed the Zambian masses. They have continued to blame the “global warming” (as someone in government called it) for the problems we face as a nation. If only, you invested in agriculture, empowering the citizens, and tourism maybe we will all be able to take a trip to Mfuwe after all.

Once of Rupiah’s blunders was to initiate and sponsor the national indaba to discuss the current “economic crisis”. This was a sheer waste of time and money. How did Rupiah expect to come up with answers in a couple of days if he could not do it in the last six months? How could he come up with answers when most of the individuals at the indaba were either his friends or were connected to the government? I looked at the list of individuals invited for the indaba—there were only about five marketeers. Most of the 300 plus guests were politicians, government officials, directors, bankers and senior so or so. Look at those categories again. Aren’t those the same people that are screwing us everyday and causing the same problems we have? If Rupiah was interested in coming up with something substantial at the indaba then common people from all walks of life could have been invited.

Six months down the road it is difficult to come up with something substantial about Rupiah’s leadership. During his presidency there have been job losses with unemployment rate rising to probably 80 plus percent. We have seen companies such as Zambian Airways, our national carrier, fold without the slighted help of the government. As if that is not enough, we have also seen the Zambian local currency depreciating to an all time low during Rupiah’s presidency. What is it then that he can proudly show to the Zambian people as his achievement in the last six months? Other than the tours he has taken around the world, with MMD cadres, I cannot think of any. I beg to be challenged here.

When the president leaves office, he is going to be judged on the deliverables he gave the Zambian people and not the promises he made. Although six months have gone, Rupiah still has more than two and half years to turn things around. Things can only be turned around if he becomes selfless and surround himself with men and women of high caliber. And six months later, Rupiah is still wearing the same cream white Caribbean shirt with three squares in the front. Does he need to go shopping?

Locusts continue ravaging Kazungula

Guest Editor
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Villagers in Sililo area in Ngwezi of Kazungula district have complained of locusts that have continued to destroy people’s fields.

Bob Katanga said the locusts have caused serious damage to crops, saying farmers will not have proper harvests in this year’s farming season.

Mr Katanga mentioned that 15 villages in the area are affected and that the locusts have also invaded vegetable gardens, a situation he described as unfortunate.
He was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Sikaunzwe on Monday.

Mr Katanga said there is need for relevant authorities to move in and assist the desperate farmers before their food is completely finished.

In another development, Kazungula District Council Chairman, Lazarus Simwatachela, has bemoaned the poor state of roads in the district.

Mr Simwatachela said most roads in the district are in a deplorable condition and in need of serious attention.

He appealed to the Road Development Agency (RDA) to work on important roads, like Kauwe-Nguba, which leads to Kalomo district.

Mr Simwatachela, who is also Kauwe ward councillor in Chief Nyawa’s area, disclosed that farmers rely on the same road for transporting their produce to some parts of the districts in the Southern Province.

The District Council Chairman stressed that the Kauwe-Nguba road is the most reliable route for everyone in the area but has never been graded for a long time.

ZANIS/ENDS/NM/EB

Chief Justice awaits Magande probe

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magande-1110CHIEF Justice Ernest Sakala is awaiting a report from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding its investigations against former Finance and National Planning minister, Ng’andu Magande before he can consider constituting a tribunal to probe him.

Chongwe resident, Waziona Nkhwekwe, on March 23, 2009 petitioned Mr Justice Sakala to set up a tribunal to probe Mr Magande for allegedly abusing his authority in handling the Zambian Airways debt issue.

Justice Sakala said in response to Mr Nkhwekwe that he had been informed by the ACC that it was investigating Mr Magande in connection with his role in the defunct Zambian Airways and could, therefore, not appoint a tribunal.

Mr Nkhwekwe had in his letter to the chief justice said Mr Magande allegedly breached part two of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, Cap 16 of the laws of Zambia.

In his response, through letters dated March 24 and 30, 2009, Justice Sakala said he was awaiting a report from the ACC who had informed him that they were investigating the former minister in connection with the Zambian Airways issue.

He said it had always been a practice that the matter brought up for a tribunal was supposed to be referred to the relevant law-enforcement agencies before the decision to either constitute the tribunal or not could be made.

Mr Justice Sakala said it was for that reason that he decided to refer the matter to the ACC and could only make a decision on whether to constitute the tribunal or not once the commission furnished him with the report.

A team of officers from the ACC, the Drug-Enforcement Commission and the police which was constituted to probe the Zambian Airways issue had concluded preliminary investigations and has since handed a docket to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Warn and caution statements have been recorded from four Zambian Airways directors.

Justice Sakala said in response to the petitioner that Mr Nkhwekwe had correctly alluded to the fact that the law-enforcement agencies were investigating the Zambian Airways issue.

In his letter, Mr Nkhwekwe said he was aware that the investigative wings were investigating the affairs of Zambian Airways but the allegations against Mr Magande touched on his function as a former minister and member of Parliament now.

“My Lord will recall that in 2001, a tribunal was constituted to investigate honourable Messrs Katele Kalumba, Peter Machungwa and the late Godden Mandandi notwithstanding the fact that the Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating the matter,” he said.

But Mr Justice Sakala said that was not correct because in that instance, the tribunal was only constituted after the ACC had completed investigations and handed over a report to then chief justice.

“In your case, therefore, I will await a report on the matter by the ACC. It is only after that that I will consider setting up a tribunal,” he said in the letter dated March 24.

[Times of Zambia]

Chanida border to get electricity

Guest Editor
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Government will this year electrify Chanida Border Post in Chadiza district.
Energy Deputy Minister, Allan Mbewe, disclosed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Chadiza on Monday.

Mr. Mbewe, who is also Chadiza Central Member of Parliament, said the electrification project would cost about K14 billion.

He said once electrified, Chanida, which borders Zambia and Mozambique, will be expected to operate on a 24-hour basis.

He said the move will also translate into increased revenue collection by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Mr. Mbewe said Chanida will also be equipped with an electric powered scanner that helps speed up clearance of trucks at border posts when Zesco powers the border.

He said work will begin soon and Chanida border post is expected to have power before the end of the year.

ZANIS/ENDS/HH/EB

New Zambia Public Procurement Authority to promote transparency

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Government says Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) which has replaced the Zambia National Tender Board will be transformed into a fully fledged regulatory body in two years.

Financial Management and Administration Acting Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Finance, Daniel Bowasi said currently the Ministry of Justice was drafting the procurement regulations to be followed by the Authority.

Mr. Bowasi pointed out a framework to guide the procurement processes was receiving appropriate attention following wide consultation with other partners.

He was speaking in Lusaka today at the public procurement meeting held under the Public Expenditure Management and Financial Accountability (PEMFA) programme.

Mr. Bowasi further said that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PEMFA to commence the implementation of comprehensive public financial management reforms.

He said the transformation of the public procurement guidelines and procedures would promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the public procurement system which would improve financial expenditure management.

Mr. Bowasi said the procurement reforms would also ensure prudent use of national resources thereby supporting poverty reduction and economic growth among other things.

He added that progress in the reform process had been recorded through the implementation of expenditure and budgeting policy based on the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP).

Mr. Bowasi said a computerized control system has also been implemented resulting in reduced expenditure arrears.

Mr. Bowasi also disclosed that government has instituted legal reforms to support on-going public financial management reforms.

ZANIS/MP/AM/ENDS

Zambia International Travel Show opens in Lusaka

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The second Zambia International Travel (ZIT) show has opened in Lusaka today attracting over 120 local and foreign exhibitors.

The three day event is organized by Africast exhibition management with the aim of marketing Zambia to the rest of the world prior to the 2010 world and Africa cup.

Speaking at the official opening, Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Minster Catherine Namugala reaffirmed government’s commitment to support efforts intended at promoting tourism destinations in the country.

Mrs. Namugala said government alone can not manage to attract and convince many tourists to visit all tourisms sits therefore there is need for other stakeholders to play a leading role in ensuring that tourists continue to come the country.

She assured that government will do everything possible to support all efforts and process pertaining to facilitating more investment in the country.

She pointed out that partners in the private sector like Africast should endeavor at assisting government find lasting solutions to the current global economic crisis.

The Minster who also toured the exhibition stands explained that through providing such a platform like ZIT show that brings operators who are potential investors together, the country is likely to increase its investment capacity to the industry.

Mrs. Namugala also urged exhibitors to use the show and exchange views amongst themselves on how best the current global economic crunch can be addressed so that it does not affect their business.

She further added that marketing is key to the growth of the tourism sector adding that this is way innovative ways such as ZIT should be wide explored.

She said Marketing Zambia as a tourist destination in non traditional products can contribute positively to the economic development of the country.

She also challenged the financial institutions to come on board assist government in developing Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector.

She stressed that SMEs have potential to reduce poverty as they would ensure wider participation of the local people in various tourism enterprises.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Namungala has also urged investors to respect the laws of the country and conduct their business in accordance with the stipulated guidelines.

And earlier Africast exhibition management Managing Director Chimwemwe Nyirenda said despite the economic disturbances world wide there is need for the tourism sector not to relent in marketing their products.

Mr. Nyirenda explained that local and foreign marketing of tourism plays a vital role in developing and attracting more tourists in any country.

He noted that Zambia is a country that is blessed with natural tourism attractions but only lack proper marketing skills of her products to other countries.

He also called upon local exhibitors and other tour operators to use the show as an opportunity to identify more tourists to the businesses.

Mr. Nyirenda further thanked government and other stakeholders for partnering with his organization, adding that this will go along way in encouraging more investment and consequently contribute to the economic growth of the nation.

ZANIS/MM/AM/ENDS

Government pumps K2.5 billion into Mazabuka Municipal Council

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Government has approved K 2.5 billion for Mazabuka Municipal Council for Integrated Municipal Service Delivery.

This follows a successful project proposal submitted to Cabinet under the Public Service Management service delivery fund.

Mazabuka Town Clerk, Ekan Chingangu confirmed the development to ZANIS in Mazabuka today.

He said the local authority will handle the tender procedures and select contractors while the disbursement of funds will be done by the Ministry of Finance.

Mr Chingangu said the funds will be used among other things to construct a modern solid waste management, a weigh bridge and the processing of the issuance of title deeds for 1,000 housing units in Nakambala and Mulonga townships.

He said equipment for the construction of a weigh bridge purchased from India has since arrived in the district.

Mr. Chingangu said a Lusaka-based contractor has since been engaged to undertake the project which scheduled to be completed within two months.

A project monitoring vehicle and Industrial back hoe loader have already been procured and received while purchase orders for the mobile office equipment have been submitted for payment to the ministry of finance.

The German Technical Cooperation to Zambia under the Support to Decentralization Implementation has been instrumental in capacity building at Mazabuka Municipal Council, (GTZ-SDI).

GTZ-SDI has also been conducting capacity building at Sinazongwe and Kalomo district councils in Southern Province.

He further said the funds will help the council in conducting mobile information system especially for rural communities who do not have access to information and are not aware of processes and issues involved in accessing services.

Mr. Chingangu added that the council data base on revenue, accounts, plot allocation that are not integrated into one system that links up all records pertaining to revenue payments and accounts would now be networked.

ENDS/HC/AM/ZANIS

Thunderous welcome awaits RB in Zimbabwe

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Zambia’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Sipula Kabanje, says President Banda’s State visit to Zimbabwe is key in cementing the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Dr Kabanje told ZANIS in an interview in Harare today, that the people and government of Zimbabwe hold President Rupiah Banda in high esteem and look forward to his visit.

He said President Banda is visiting Zimbabwe at a time relations between the two countries are at their highest and strongest level.

“The people and government of Zimbabwe are extremely excited about President Rupiah Banda’s visit. The visit comes at a remarkable time when relations between the two sister countries are at their highest level,” Dr Kabanje said.

He said the people of Zimbabwe are happy that Zambia has been an all weather friend since the colonial era when the two neighbours were one country under the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The high commissioner observed that the two countries should therefore continue to emphasise collaboration as opposed to competition in their quest for sustainable development.

“There is need for Zambia and Zimbabwe to emphasize cooperation and not competition with each other for mutual benefit,” he said.

Dr Kabanje said Zimbabwe has a long history of mechanized agriculture and irrigation which the government of President Banda wants to emphasize in the development of Zambia’s agriculture sector.

He called for the promotion of joint ventures between the two countries in developing agriculture and other key sectors of the economy.

Following the formation of the government of national unity, Zimbabwe is back on the road to economic stability, with the country overcoming the hyper inflation phenomenon as a result of the introduction of the use of the United States dollar and the South African Rand as the country’s main currencies in place of the Zimbabwean dollar.

President Rupiah Banda arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe tomorrow on a four-day State visit during which he will also officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

Zambia’s High commissioner to Zimbabwe, Dr Sipula Kabanje, told ZANIS in Harare today that President Banda is expected to touch down at Harare international airport at 15.30 hours.

He will be accompanied by First Lady, Thandiwe, commerce minister Felix Mutati and other government officials.

Dr Kabanje said agriculture minister Brian Chituwo, Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, Energy deputy minister Gladys Lundwe, and Chipangali Member of Parliament Vincent Mwale arrive in Bulawayo today ahead of President Banda’s arrival there on Thursday.

Host President Robert Mugabe accompanied by his wife, Grace, will lead a high powered Zimbabwean government delegation to receive President Banda at the airport.

The welcoming party will include the two vice presidents Joseph Msika and Joyce Mujuru, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy Professor Arthur Mutambara.

President Banda will be given a 21 Gun Salute to be mounted by the Zimbabwean defense forces after which he will watch some traditional dances before proceeding to Rainbow-Towers hotel where he will stay.

The two leaders will later in the afternoon hold official talks at state house, to be followed by a state banquet in honour of President Banda.

On Thursday morning, President Banda leaves for Bulawayo where he will be met on arrival at Joshua Nkomo international airport by President Mugabe.

The two leaders will then proceed to the Trade Fair grounds where they will tour stands after which President Rupiah Banda will officially open the Zimbabwean International Trade Fair and present prizes to winning exhibitors.

Among the stands the two Presidents are scheduled to visit include the Zimbabwean Grain Marketing Board Pavilion, Zambian, South African, Botswana and Chinese stands.

They will also tour the MTN South Africa, Namibia Port (NAMPORT), Malawian, Mozambican and Tanzanian stands.

On Friday, President Banda is expected to visit Gwanda district, about 150 kilometres south of Bulawayo.

He returns to Lusaka on Saturday, 2nd May.

ENDS/IMD/AM/ZANIS

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