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Setting Goals for our leaders

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President Banda flanked by local government minister Ben Tetamashimba and Defence minister George Mpombo
President Banda flanked by local government minister Ben Tetamashimba and Defence minister George Mpombo
By Wesley Ngwenya

The President and his cabinet ministers are undoubtedly the most powerful men and women in our country. These people are responsible for implementing policy, driving the economy
and controlling Zambia’s meager resources. The President at the helm is the overall Chief Executive Officer of the land.

In Zambia, especially, he is so powerful so much so that he is literally revered and somewhat admired by friends and foes alike. How should this powerful man together with his team govern the country?

With the way things are going in our country—it got me thinking. In the corporate world we are subjected to evaluations, reviews, goals, deadlines, and etcetera. Why not have our president give his ministers specific objectives and goals when they are appointed? Why not ensure that the president outlines clear job descriptions that are known to the public. He will clearly give each minister deadlines on what they have to achieve. Then every year, he would sit with each of the ministers and have a one-on-one on the state of affairs in their ministry. If the minister fails the review it is very clear what will happen to him or her.

This approach as a president will force him look for the best of the best to head the various ministries. It will also help the president to be more objective and overlook petty issues and concentrate on real issues. The president will ensure that the ministers do not personalize their jobs. They will be made to understand that as ministers they are custodians and answerable to the Zambian people. I propose that the president should reward the best performing minister with an award and a paid for family vacation to anywhere of his or her choice.

Among the indicators of how best performing a ministry should include; a) the ministry which saved the government the most money by reducing expenses or adopting cheaper and conservative use of resources, b) the ministry which utilized the human capital to capacity by keeping idle hours to a minimum, c) the ministry which avoided workshops, d) the ministry that hired the most qualified and competent personnel.

If these indicators would have been presented to the current ministers we have, I wonder if they would have taken the jobs in the first place. In the back of their minds, these are impossibilities but in reality it just takes common sense and a willing soul. Being a leader, is more than just showing off your power. Our leaders are obsessed with statements like, “I will sort them out!” Daily, in public they display cheap politics and kindergarten behavior.

When basic leadership principles are followed, it is likely that the leader will earn the due respect naturally. The highest office in the land should, at all cost, be the first one of uphold these principles. It is sad when the office displays personnel disagreement in public. How can someone you appointed as a minister and you have been working with for so long suddenly become a devil and be subjected to public humiliation? Since the president has so much power it is just fair that he equally be subjected to the same scrutiny and given goals, by parliament, which he ought to meet during his tenure in office.

Because of the urgency of the situation in our country we need good hardworking men and women. Men and women who will sacrifice their wealth, for instance, to ensure that others’ lives are better off. Can you imagine a Zambia where leaders got poorer after they served in government? That will be Zambia we will all be proud to be part of.

Zambian Airways shareholders given 30 days to pay back K28bn

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zambiaairwaysDevelopment Bank of Zambia (DBZ) has given two institutional shareholders of Zambian Airways 30 days in which to pay K28 billion guaranteed for loans awarded to the airline, failure to which they will be taken to court.

According to the latest issue of Executive Issues, the Post Newspaper and JCN, which is owned, by Mutembo and Nchima Nchito had failed to pay K14 billion each that they offered DBZ as guarantee for some of the airline’s loans.

The Executive Issues states that DBZ has since given the Post Newspaper and another shareholder JCN, 30 days in which they should pay K14 billion each for guaranteeing the loans, which were given to the company before it suspended operations.
DBZ is claiming K28 billion from both JCN and the Post Newspaper after they signed an undertaking to buy-back equity from DBZ in October 2008, it said.

“We, Post Newspaper Limited, further undertake to hold this undertaking valid and legally binding on ourselves until the execution of the irrevocable joint and several share buy-back guarantee by all the shareholders of the Zambian Airways,” reads part of the undertaking as quoted by the Executive Issues.

The undertaking was made on the understanding that DBZ would swap its loan exposure to Zambian Airways into equity, provided that the two key shareholders undertook to buy-back the shares at a later stage.

Following the execution of the buy-back options, DBZ proceeded to take equity in the airline and released the debentures and securities it had on Zambian Airways to Finance Bank Zambia Limited, which had made a capital injection of over US$ 5 million in the airline.
The publication said the directors of Zambian Airways decided to abruptly suspend the operation of the airline before the transactions could be concluded. This prompted DBZ to demand for the buy-back commitment made by the Post Newspaper and JCN.

The two institutions failed to honour their obligations within the 30-day period and DBZ intends to sue the two companies to claim their dues.

The Post Newspaper had also undertaken to takeover part of the Zambian Airways debts with Intermarket Banking Corporation to the tune of $1.5 million in order to facilitate for DBZ to swap its loans into equity.
The publication added that the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) had also joined in the Zambian Airways scam by questioning the decision by the DBZ management to pump money into the airline at a time when it was clear that the company’s financial position according to its books was weak.
According to correspondence from the Central Bank directorate of non-bank financial institutions supervision, the loans, which DBZ provided to Zambian Airways, were irregular as it was against the Banking and Financial Services (Large Loan Exposures) Regulations.

The publication further says key financial institutions had agreed to place the airline in receivership following protracted meetings and negotiations, which had failed to yield any meaningful survival plans.

Initially, it was conceptualised that the current shareholders of the airline should exit and carry the debt burden while new investors should be invited to literally start the airline afresh.

But some investors had shown interest in taking up the company under a new flagship, Zambian Airways 2009 Limited but the proposal was not universally accepted by other creditors who include Finance Bank Zambia Limited, Investrust Corporation Plc, Intermarket Banking Corporation, Development Bank of Zambia and NAPSA.

The publication said it also emerged that Zambian Airways directors and management had proposed to the Government in December 2008 to consider bundling all Government-connected debts in the airline into equity through DBZ.These State entities are the DBZ, National Airports Corporation (NAC), Zambia Revenue Authority and NAPSA.

Meanwhile, the forensic probe into the conduct of the Zambian Airways activities by the combined team of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police had, according to Executive Issues, revealed glaring instances of financial scams.
[Times of Zambia]

MMD to resume lower organ elections, Katele Kalumba

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Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) will soon resume the process of elections to fill up leadership positions in the party’s lower organs.

Party National Secretary, Katele Kalumba said members of the MMD could not continue with this process because of the demise of late President Patrick Mwanawasa who had initiated the process.

Dr. Kalumba said the National Executive Committee of the MMD has considered it prudent to continue with the process after the election of President Rupiah Banda, who is now the party leader.

He said the chairman of elections has since been directed to issue a time schedule defining when different levels of the party organs would be expected to complete their party conferences.

He said the process of elections will be a continuous one, adding that this initiative has already been undertaken.

Dr. Kalumba explained that the level at which each province has reached concerning elections in party organs would not require to start afresh but would just continue where they ended.

This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka last this evening.

And the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy in Serenje district of Central province has pledged total support to President Rupiah Banda in all his endeavours to lead the country.

Acting MMD district chairperson, Mulando Hamachili and district secretary, Richard Chikamba said President Banda should be given enough time to lead the country to prosperity.

Mr. Hamachili and Mr. Chikamba have since commended President Banda and the MMD National Executive Committee for expelling Katuba Member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa and Mpulungu Member of Parliament Lameck Chibombamilimo from the party.

The duo said the MMD should not tolerate indiscipline members adding that nobody was indispensable.

ZANIS/KC/EML/KSH/ENDS

COMESA’s RAERESA to help develop infrastructure in energy sector

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Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, is confident that the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for the Eastern and Southern Africa, RAERESA, would help member countries achieve infrastructure development in the energy sector.

COMESA Secretary General, Sindiso Ngwenya, said RAERESA, once launched, will bridge the energy infrastructure gap that has been identified as one of the main priorities of COMESA in the infrastructure Development.

Mr. Ngwenya also stressed that lack of inadequate regional energy infrastructure in the region has lead to high production costs of energy prices and high energy losses which have contributed to low levels of comparatives of countries in the regional and global markets.

Speaking at the meeting for the launch of RAERESA , Mr. Ngwenya said COMESA embarked on the an energy programme whose main aim is to promote regional cooperation in energy development , capacity building and trade.

He said the programme is intended to harmonize the energy policy and regulatory issues that will develop the COMESA region energy infrastructures through the development of medium to long- term energy plan that will facilitate trade in the energy services.

Mr. Ngwenya noted that the energy regulatory frame work will assist in the reformation of the sector there by providing plans and frameworks that will regulate the energy supply and demand.

He however said many COMESA countries have establishment their energy regulatory set up whose mandate include enforcement, licensing, rule making and approval of tariffs through the harmonization of the energy regulatory system that has become a regional and international trend.

And speaking at the launch Energy Deputy Minster, Gladys Lundwe, said it was important to develop the regional power infrastructure and the need to adopt an integrated approach to the generation and transmission of power.

Ms Lundwe, further, said the association will facilitate the enhancement of energy reliability in the region and reduce energy costs which in turn will enhance international competitiveness of exports products and strengthen regional integration.

She noted that energy plays an important role in the process of development as it is one of the basic inputs in the process of economic and social development.

Ms Lundwe further noted that COMESA region has currently estimated a deficit in electricity supply at 20percent of demand adding that it is expected to be exacerbated in the forthcoming years to 46 percent by 2011.

ZANIS/ENDS/AH/MKM/SJK

Meteorological dept predicts more rains

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The Meteorological Department says widespread rainfall is expected in most parts of the country for almost a week.

Meteorological Department Deputy Director, Jacob Nkomoki, said the current rains being experienced in some parts of the country are due to the inter-tropical convergence zone established over the central parts of the country.

In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Nkomoki said the effect of a broad deep low pressure which is also associated with the rains and situated over the Western half of the country will strengthen the International Tropical Convergence Zone, ITCZ.

He said with the ITCZ strengthened, the outbreaks of the rains is focused to fall heavily over Northwestern, Western, Copperbelt, Luapula and Eastern Provinces.

Mr. Nkomoki, however, added that the rains are expected to start reducing over the Southern parts of the country by Sunday, March 22, this year.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/SJK

Former First Lady, Maureen, mourns Gabon First Lady

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Zambia’s former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, says the death of Gabon’s First Lady, Lucie Bongo, is a tragedy to efforts of fighting HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Mrs Mwanawasa, who is also former Organization of African First Ladies against AIDS, OAFLA, described the late Mrs Bongo as a gallant daughter of Africa, who held the issues affecting the continent close to her heart.

Mrs. Mwanawasa said in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka to today that she learnt with great pain and shock the death of Mrs Bongo.

She said Mrs Bongo would be greatly remembered for her positive contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS particularly, through the works of OAFLA.

She said as the first president of the OAFLA, Dr. Bongo’s secretariat formulated the constitution, the framework of Action and took part in the drafting of the first OAFLA strategic plan of 2002 to 2008.

Mrs. Mwanawasa said Mrs Bongo diligently carried out OAFLA activities under the Save the Unborn Child First Ladies Campaign among other things despite her ill health.

Mrs. Mwanawasa expressed her deepest condolences to Gabon President, Omar Bongo Ondimba, and wished him God’s strength during this trying moment.

Dr. Bongo was the first OAFLA president from 2002 to2004 and was succeeded by Mrs. Mwanawasa’s predecessor Jeanette Kagame of Rwanda in 2004.

ENDS/ZANIS/ENDS/SJK

Zambia has huge potential for electricity generation – RB

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gridPresident Rupiah Banda has says Zambia still has a lot of potential for generating enough electricity from various natural resources.

Mr. Banda said the country can produce more electricity than it is currently generating from natural resources such as coal, water and solar among others.

He said this when a Chinese delegation of investors State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and Zhonghui Mining Industry Zambia Limited paid a courtesy call on him at state house this evening.

He said SGCC’s intention to invest in electricity generation was welcome because the country and the Southern African region were currently experiencing a serious deficit of electricity.

Mr. Banda also observed that the intended investment by one of the world’s biggest electricity generation company is a positive indicator of Zambia’s investment environment.

He said the visit and intentions shown by State Grid Corporation of China are also a positive indication at a time when other investors, especially in the mining sector are pulling out.

Speaking earlier, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, advised the Chinese investor to take advantage of the low metal prices prevailing on the market to invest in the country.

Mr. Mutati said government was ready to provide tax regimes and other framework of incentives especially in value additional products.

And speaking at the same occasion, State Grid Corporation of China Chief Economist Du Zhigang commended government for providing a friendly investment environment, which he said has continued to attract investors.

Mr. Zhigang said his company will visit some parts of the country for possible investment in the energy sector.

ZANIS/CM/KSH/ENDS

ECZ finds Larfage Cement guilty of pollution

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The Enviromental Council of Zambia (ECZ)says the country’s major cement making company, Larfarge Cement( formerly Chilanga cement) has contravened the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act (EPPCA) of 1990.

ECZ Acting Senior Communications Officer Chama Nyendwa said in a statement obtained by ZANIS, yesterday, that Larfage Cement has been found guilty of operating the factory contrary to the Act.

Ms Nyendwa said for this reason the ECZ has slapped a 14 days ultimatum to address the normalise operations in accordance with the Act.

This means Lafarge Zambia has 21 days to stop cement particles or dust from being strewn or being emmitted in the perimeters of the factory after which further action shall be taken.

ECZ has further given Lafarge –Chilanga’s air emission license validity period from one year to six months for non compliance as provided by the law.

Ms. Nyendwa requested that Larfarge submit stack air emission reports every two weeks for the next six months. This will allow ECZ to increase the frequency of monitoring the facility.

She said findings by ECZ team of inspectors dispatched to Lafarge Cement in Chilanga on 8th March 2009 followed complaints from the public.It has been established that the company has increased an abnormal amount of pollution into the open environment of 1.6 km radius.

The team revealed that Larfarge did not put in place adequate remedial measures to mitigate against the impact of the pollution on human health and the environment.

Ms. Nyendwa says the cement firm failed to report the pollution in question immediately to regulatory authorities as evidenced on surrounding buildings, motor vehicles and plants.

She said clean up and remediates affected areas against the pollution arising from the incident in the surround community up to 1.8 kilometers north-west of the plant.

She stressed that ECZ provided environmental educational sensitization public awareness by way of public meetings.

ZANIS/KC/ENDS/MM

Bail applications frustrate Nkole

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nkoleThe Executive Chairman of the Taskforce on Corruption is sad that convicted people are not staying in prison but quickly applying for bail which is granted pending appeal.

Maxwell Nkole has appealed to the National Constitutional Conference NCC to put into law which will ensure convicted persons process their appeals while behind bars.

He said it frustrating that some convicted individuals quickly apply for bail to avoid going to prison.

Meanwhile Mr. Nkole has commended his staff for securing conviction in high profile cases in the past few weeks.

The magistrate court has convicted high profile persons among them, former military chiefs, for corruption and abuse of office.

Mr. Nkole said in a statement to ZNBC that the convictions are fruits of hard work.
[ZNBC]

Over 400 people displaced by floods in Western Province

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A flooded classroom block at Nakaywe Basic School in western province after the Barotse plains were submerged
A flooded classroom block at Nakaywe Basic School in western province after the Barotse plains were submerged
About 400 households and livestock in Naliywa ward of

Senanga Central Constituency in Western Province face displacement due to heavy floods that have hit the area.

Pupils at Ngundi basic school in the same area are reportedly camping at the school premises as their villages are submerged in water.
Naliywa MMD ward Councilor Mutumba Mabele told ZANIS in Mongu today that the situation in the area is critical as most crops have been submerged in water.

Mr. Mabele named the affected seven areas as Namaenya, Ngundi, Sabelo, Sikumbi, Mashabu, Songa and Milenga.He said the high rising flood waters being experienced in the area have not been witnessed for many years.

Mr. Mabele has since appealed to government for assistance in form of shelter and food saying that the situation needs urgent attention.
Meanwhile four pupils have died after they were swept away by floods in Shang’ombo District in Western Zambia.

Sinjembela Member of Parliament, Mubika Mubika, says the four pupils are from Mambolomoka and Lisisi areas of Shangombo.

Mr. Mubika says the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit learnt during a fact finding mission on Saturday that the pupils died recently.

He told ZNBC news in Lusaka that the bodies of the four pupils have not yet been found.

Mr. Mubika also said communication between Shangombo and the rest of country may be cut off because ZAIN Zambia which is the only phone provider in the district is likely to run out of fuel to run its equipment.

The main road to the area has also been destroyed by the floods.

Heavy rains have caused floods in some parts of the country and Shang’ombo is among the worst affected so far.
[ZANIS/ZNBC]

US Air Force serviceman rescues two women from plunging into Vic falls

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Quick action by a visiting United States Serviceman saved two women from perishing over the Victoria Falls.

US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Keith Andrews rescued two Zambian women who fell into the Zambezi River some 60 meters from the edge of the falls.

The incident happened when the US Air Force Air War College servicemen visited the Victoria Falls recently.

US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Christopher Wurst, told ZANIS in a statement that the two women were believed to have accidentally fallen into the river.

Mr. Wurst, said eye witnesses narrated that the duo fell in the fast current moving river, when one woman bumped into the other, who was talking on a cellular phone.

“Lt. Col Andrews was downstream posing for a photograph when he heard screams and immediately moved towards the women who were holding onto each other and managed to grab one of them’s wrists at the last moment.” narrated Mr. Wurst.

About 24 US Air Force War College servicemen were in the country on a visit.

ZANIS/WM/ENDS/SJK.

Sun Hotel International aid children with disabilities

Guest Editor
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Sun Hotel International has donated K20 million to three special unity schools for children with disabilities in Livingstone.

Sun has also pledged to continue supporting the children with disabilities as a way of giving back to the community despite the global recession which has adversely hit many investment firms.

Sun Hotel Corporate Affairs Manager, Mupeta Musungule who presented cheques to the three unity classes said the hotel has since inception supported the vulnerable children in society.

The Beneficiary schools are David Livingstone High school class K3.3million, Christ the King class K3.5 million and Lubasi Home class was given K14 million.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Acting Provincial Coordinator for Zambia Agency for People living with Disabilities (ZAPD), Jane Jere said children with disabilities also have a potential to be future leaders.

Ms. Jere thanked Sun International for the gesture and urged other corporate companies to emulate what the hotel has done.

David Livingstone High School class, school Head teacher, Andrew Matimba thanked Sun hotel and urged the company to continue with the good work they are doing.

Christ the King Head teacher, Kanchele Wallace said one of his pupils who is visually impaired is able to perform well in school just like those pupils who were visually upright.

Sun hotel has been making donation to Lubasi home since 2002 and to Christ the King since last year.
ZANIS/AS/MKM/ENDS.

Minister advises people of North Western Province to enhance crop production

Guest Editor
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Gender and Women Development Minister Sarah Sayifwanda has encouraged people in Northwestern Province to diversify in agricultural activities in order to meet the growing demand for food in the Province.

Mrs. Sayifwanda said Northwestern Province has a conducive environment and abundant perennial rivers to promote agricultural production.

She said the province should enhance food production at household level in order to have food sufficiency.

The Minister was speaking in Solwezi yesterday during the induction service for United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Reverend David Mujumila at Trinity Church.

Mrs. Sayifwanda who commended the Church for having a woman Bishop Sylva Mukuka said government attaches great importance to churches and Reverends because they are a source of inspiration and encouragement in times of challenges.

She explained that churches play a vital role in development and maintaining peace in the country.

Speaking at the same function, Bishop Mukuka said Trinity congregation in Solwezi was the backbone to the entire Presbytery that needed a hard working Minister.

ZANIS/CK/CMM/MKM/ENDS.

Weekend Scorecard

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Nkana put their financial woes aside to go top of the Division 1 north table with an emphatic opening day week 1 home win while the same couldn’t be said about fellow crisis-ridden club Mufulira Wanderers who asked for time out. 

Nkana crushed promoted Zesco-Luapula 7-1 in  Kitwe on Sunday in a Week 1 round of matches that saw seven out of the nine Division 1 north fixtures played.

However, their fellow financially troubled old rivals Wanderers failed to host Kalewa on Sunday at Shinde Stadium in Mufulira due to logistical reasons after Mopani Copper Mines recently ended their traditional long-standing sponsorship of both the legendary 9-time league champions and Nkana.

Wanderers have asked Faz for a 2-week break to reorganize themselves before kicking off what is expected to be their most challenging season in over 50 years.

Meanwhile, two clubs are tied in 2nd place in Division 1 north at the end of Week 1.

Afrisports were 2-0 away winners over promoted Chingola Leopards while Elijah Litana’s Mining Rangers also won by the same margin at home in Kitwe against Muchindu.

And Kalulushi Modern Stars return to Division 1 after two seasons in Division 2 began with a 0-0 draw at Independence Stadium in Kalulushi against Kitwe United.
Caf Africa Champions League, 1st rnd, 1st Leg

15/03/2009

Abidjan

Africa Sports 0- Zesco United 0
Caf Confederations Cup 1st rnd, 1st Leg,

14/03/2009

Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka

Red Arrows 2(Timothy Mbewe 3″, Richard Phiri 28″)- Ocean Boys 0

 

Junior International Friendly

14/03/2009

Nakambala Stadium, Mazabuka

Zambia U17 0- Malawi U17 2(Ackim Phiri 7″, Robin Ngalande 52)
 

2009 Faz Premier Division

Week 1

14/03/2009

Choma Eagles 1(Aubrey Zulu 57″)- Forest Rangers 0

Konkola Blades 2(Chileshe Kabwe 15″, Chipulu Chileya 30″)- Green Buffaloes 0

Kabwe Warriors 0- Nakambala Leopards 0

Power Dynamos 2 (Elson Mkandawire 49″, Perry Mubanga 76″)- Zanaco 1(Henry Banda 43″)

Postponed:
City of Lusaka-Chambishi
Lusaka Dynamos- Roan United
Young Arrows- Red Arrows
Zamtel- Zesco United

TOP SCORERS

After Games Played 15/03/2009

Clifford Chipalo (Zesco United): 3

Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 2
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos) 2
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United): 2
Judge Mknadawire (Red Arrows): 2
Chiwanki Liyainga (Red Arrows): 2
Division 1

North

15/03/2009

Nkana 7 -Zesco Luapula 1

Mufulira Blackpool  0-Ndola United  0

Kalulushi Modern Stars 0 -Kitwe United 0

Chingola  Leopards 0 -Afrisports  2

Chindwin  0-Prison Leopards 0

Mining Rangers 2-Muchindu  0

Lime Hotspurs 1 -Indeni 0

Postponed:
Mufulira Wanderers-Kalewa
Rangers-Luanshya United                  

South

Paramilitary 1-Police Bullets 0

Kascol Rangers 0-National Assembly 0

Young Green Eagles 0-Mazabuka United 2

Zamcoal Diggers 1 -Lusaka Tigers 2

Lusaka Celtic 0-Livingstone Pirates 0

Riflemen 1-Nkwazi 2

Profound Warriors 3-Luena Buffaloes 1

Nampundwe 1-Lusaka City Council 1

Green Eagles 4- Petauke United 1

Why deserving teachers have not been paid rural hardship allowances

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ACCOMMODATION for many teachers who have been recruited in the districts has remained a major challenge. Here a teacher at Kafue's Nankanga Basic School settles in his new home
ACCOMMODATION for many teachers who have been recruited in the districts has remained a major challenge. Here a teacher at Kafue's Nankanga Basic School settles into his new home

Education Minister, Geoffrey Lungwangwa says the delay to

pay rural hardship allowances to deserving teachers in rural areas is as a result of the verification process.

Prof Lungwangwa said his ministry was still carrying out a verification and audit of teachers in some areas to ascertain those eligible to get the allowances.

Speaking in an interview , Prof Lungwangwa clarified that not all teachers based in rural areas qualified for rural hardship allowances hence the reason why the ministry decided to do a verification process.

He said there was no need for the teachers to go on strike because the Government had been paying teachers their rural hardship allowances and that the monies were delayed by the system.
“There is no need for teachers to go on strike due to non-payment of rural hardship allowances because those who qualify will eventually get their money, the Government has been paying this money, the only delay is the verification process, it is done for a purpose,” he said.

Prof Lungwangwa said the criteria of verification to pay rural hardship allowances was not only done in his ministry but to other public service workers as well, to ensure allowances were paid to intended beneficiaries.

The minister was reacting to unionised teachers in Chongwe, Katete and Chadiza who unanimously resolved to go on strike to press the Government to pay them their rural hardship allowances from April 2008.
Prof Lungwangwa said his ministry would institute investigations to verify whether those teachers threatening to go on strike were all qualified for the rural hardship allowance and normalise the situation.
“ I was trying to get hold of people who can assist us with information on the ground to determine whether these teachers all qualified for the rural hardship allowances but failed, my ministry will verify these issues so that as a ministry we can have a clear picture of the strikes,” he said.

[Times of Zambia]

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