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MID-WEEK PRO’S HIT LIST

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Here are some selected briefs from early mid-week action involving over overseas Chipolopolo stars.

=DENMARK
On Monday evening, midfielder Edward Chilufya came on in the 77th minute for mid-table side Midtjlland’s 2-0 away win over Brondby.

=SCOTLAND
Striker Fashion Sakala started his first competitive game of the season on Tuesday in a 3-1 League victory over Queen of the South before being substituted in the 88th minute.

=ENGLAND
Chipolopolo captain Enock Mwepu started for Brighton in Tuesdays 2-1 away loss at Fulham before being substituted in the 63rd minute.

Chinese firm abandons borehole drilling project in Zambezi district

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Chinese firm abandons borehole drilling project in Zambezi district

Zambezi District Commissioner Simeon Machayi has expressed concern with the delayed completion of a borehole drilling exercise in the district.

Mr. Machayi says he is saddened with the departure of the contractor, China Gansu from the site after drilling only 17 out of the 40 boreholes.

“To the best of my knowledge what I know is they only drilled 17 boreholes out of the 40 that they were supposed to drill, at some point the contractor had some issues with the consultant,” he said.

Mr. Machayi expressed worry as to when the contractor will be back on site to complete the rest of the remaining boreholes as the Zambezi West bank will soon be flooded making it impossible for the contractor to do anything.

“So up to now I don’t know the reasons the contractor had left because he was supposed to rehabilitate 80 boreholes, I don’t think they managed to rehabilitate even 20. He didn’t say bye and we had no time to ask why he had left the district,” Mr. Machayi said.

He said this when Provincial Nutrition Coordinating Committee members paid a courtesy call on him today.

In response to the concern Scaling Up Nutrition Provincial Coordinator, Rodgen Loongo said the Department of Water is already in talks with the provincial Permanent Secretary to ensure those issues were settled as quickly as possible.

Mr. Loongo said government has already terminated the contract of the consultant and has since granted the department of water to do the consultancy

Zambian Government has commissioned the $210 million National Command Centre

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Zambian Government has commissioned the $210 million National Command Centre

The Zambian Government has commissioned the National Command Centre as part of the US$210 million Public Security System Safe City Project aimed at having a unified communication system to enhance security and peace in the country through installation of street cameras in key places across the country.

The National Command Centre, Safe City Project was constructed by the Zambian Government through the Ministry of Home Affairs in partnership with the People’s Republic of China through the ZTE Corporation.

Speaking during the commissioning in Lusaka’s Sikanze Police Camp yesterday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Jacob Mwiimbu highlighted that the Safe City Project will enhance internal security across the country.

Mr Mwiimbu added that the project is aimed at having a unified communication system which will endeavor to prevent crime by providing reliable and comprehensive security measures.

“This will enable law enforcement agencies to predict threats,” Mr Mwiimbu stated

And the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zambia Deputy Head of Mission Lai Bo said his government remains committed to supporting and enhancing security in Zambia.

Lai Bo has since commended the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, the ZTE Corporation, and Zambian staff and other stakeholders for the successful completion of the Command Centre.

“ZTE is the epitome of many outstanding Chinese enterprises in Zambia,” Mr Lai said

Meanwhile, the ZTE Zambia Service Limited Chief Executive Officer Arvin Xie noted that the company will work with stakeholders to support and sustain the Project.

The National Command Centre, Safe City Project has incorporated in the project systems such as the E- Policing, Installation of a 4G Wireless Broadband Trucking Network, a Transmission Coalition Emergency response system network, video surveillance system cameras and the installation of the intelligence traffic systems among others.

The National Command Centre will strengthen operations of security wings as it will accommodate all Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security namely; The Zambia Police Service, Zambia Correctional Service, The Drug Enforcement Commission, The Department of Immigration and The National Anti- Terrorism Centre.

The National Command Centre will provide all the Departments under the Ministry with real-time information and insights of what is happening in and around the cities across the country.

The Centre will assist the Zambia Police Service to effectively operate as it has not more than an estimate of 25,000 Police Officers against the population of close to 18 million people.

Therefore, the Centre is expected to assist the Police Service to keep an eye on the cities by closely monitoring activities around the city of Lusaka and surrounding cities across Zambia.

The National Command Centre system will help bridge the gap between the increasing population and the number of Officers employed.

The National Command Centre is designed to enhance security and not meant to invade the privacy of citizens.

The National Command Centre, Safe City Project has made four deliverables namely construction of the National Command Centre, construction of thirty-six communication towers, installation of radio communication systems and video surveillance system. The construction of the National Command Centre in Lusaka and Regional Command Centres in Kabwe, Choma, Livingstone, Ndola, Kitwe, Solwezi, Chinsali, Kasama, Mongu, Chipata and Mansa have also been completed.

And 116 Districts have been installed with radio communication and four districts namely Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe and Livingstone have been installed with street cameras, The project is scheduled for an evaluation since it has now been commissioned and implemented.

A National Command Centre is a command-and-control room that provides centralized monitoring, control, and command of any situation. The Centre is important as it enables Security Wings to generate real-time visibility and management of an entire service operation by acquiring information and data at a faster rate.

State House has reacted angrily to a comment by Nawakwi that HH will be the most corrupt President

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State House has reacted angrily to a comment by Nawakwi that HH will be the most corrupt President

State House has reacted angrily to a comment made by Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) President Edith Nawakwi in which she alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema will be the most corrupt President by the time he will be leaving office.

Featuring on Millennium Radio this week, Ms Nawakwi charged President Hakainde Hichilema will be the most corrupt President by the time he will be leaving office because he lives at his private residence and people do not know what he does there.

“By the time HH leaves office, he will be the most corrupt President because he lives at his private residence and we don’t know what he does there,” Ms. Nawakwi said.

But Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya said Nawakwi should know that Zambians no longer have the appetite for the kind of political sensationalism and rabble rousing she has always championed.

Mr. Bwalya said the FDD leader is attacking President Hichilema to gain public attention.

Presidential Spokesperson accused Ms. Nawakwi of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens.

“Ms Edith Nawakwi should take stock and reconcile the fact that Zambians no longer have the appetite for the kind of political sensationalism and rabble rousing she has always championed in a futile bid to gain public attention’s Nawakwi must be reminded that at the last general election, Zambians resoundingly rejected her desperate and toxic running commentaries underpinned by lies, false accusations, ethnic hatred and propaganda targeted at President Hakainde Hichilema,” Mr. Bwalya said.

“On the contrary, the people of Zambia voted for President Hichilema and gave him the mandate to deliver free education for thousands of children, deliver historic public pensions reforms to allow for partial access to contributions, deliver a devolved and enhanced CDF for better constituency development, recruit tens of thousands of civil servants, resolve the debt crisis, fight corruption and restore the rule of law – all of which the President has delivered in the first 12 months of being in office, with pensions reforms nearing a conclusion,” he said.

Mr. Bwalya repeated that President Hichilema will continue to focus on prioritizing the needs of ordinary people by making sure that public resources are prioritized for the greater benefit of the people of Zambia.

“Ms. Nawakwi’s clear lack of appreciation for the rapid development milestones President Hichilema has achieved in the last 12 months is a clear demonstration that Ms. Nawakwi is out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens.It is regrettable and shameless, that while President Hichilema is relentlessly working to deliver a robust and inclusive economy for all Zambians by lowering inflation to its lowest in many years, stabilizing the Kwacha, creating a predictable and fair economic environment for private sector participation, opposition political party leaders like Ms Nawakwi are petting around on non consequential issues in a failed quest to derail the President. Let me reiterate that the President will continue to focus on prioritizing the needs of ordinary people by making sure that public resources are prioritized for the greater benefit of the people of Zambia,” Mr. Bwalya said.

Last month, Ms Nawakwi warned the UPND led Government against relying heavily on the pending International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package for the local economy recovery.

Featuring on Camnet TV’s National Matter, The economist and former Finance Minister in the MMD regime challenged the New Dawn government to come up with a plan that will improve the economy of citizens.

“I heard our President say that watch me by June (2022), read my lips and I am yet to read anything but the question that we need to ask ourselves as a nation. This package is meant for debt relief so that we pay our creditors. What is our programme that we Zambians have in place for my mother in Chinyinji, for my mother in Chama to put food on the table? That is the programme I am looking for from the Government and the Zambians. That is the programme that we Zambians need to sit and discuss a local martial plan. To get ourselves out of individual economic quagmire and get our nation out of abject poverty,” she said.

Zombification of a state – Fela Kuti’s post-humous hit to Zambian fans

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Zombification of a state – Fela Kuti’s post-humous hit to Zambian fans

By Chimwemwe Mwanza

There is only so much that one can do to stretch the truth in order to duck responsibility. But that lies are fast becoming a body-politic of this government is a frightening reality. For now, they can take heart in the consolation that the electorate still has the enthusiasm and endurance to listen to the non-stop repetition of the current number one hit on the political chat, ‘PF and its looting spree’. Ever wondered then what will happen when this melody begins to lose its lustre?

As Elisha Matambo and Cornelius Mweetwa would like us to believe, the UPND will rule until Jesus comes. The inference here being that mere mortals have therefore no right to question the shortcomings of the governing party. The sheer arrogance, awe leza twavwe (Lord help us). Bushe, is power this sweet to prompt such hallucinations mwebantu? Maybe they are entitled to gloat, after all, is it not the great UPND that liberated us from political bondage?

In their universe, there shouldn’t be independent mindedness and Mweetwa is very explicit on this one. In Mweetwa’s own words, nobody but the politically pliant Nevers Mumba among opposition politicians has the moral right to criticise this government. Really, has the bar sunk this low? What has Nevers ever achieved politically to become one’s role model – other than presiding over the death of MMD? Lest we forget, is it not civil society including some daring Journalists that helped to keep the PF bigotry and brutality in constant check while the UPND labored to wrestle power from the former governing party?

As we are learning and can be attested by the ruling party, the goodwill of voters is in essence a free pass to obliterating critical organs of the state. Even those we once respected for masquerading as independent referees presiding over political contestations including elections have opted to give the constitution a middle finger. Listening to the counsel proffered to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in the wake of the ECZ’s rejection of Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji’s respective bids to re-contest their seats was cringeworthy.

This feeble attempt at comedy is like watching an on-field referee battling to rescind a goal decision endorsed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Imagine one telling a lie which they themselves can’t digest – this disease has a name. It is called chewing the truth. And truth be told, we shouldn’t be having a bye-election in Kwacha constituency for that matter. The Constitutional Court’s nullification of the Kwacha parliamentary seat was bogus. Regardless of views on Malanji, this decision is a travesty of justice.

Even more damning, the unfortunate absence of critical voices in this matter is a sad reality. In determining the outcome of the complaint lodged by the petitioner, the onus fell on Malanji to prove if he has a valid G12 certificate. As the last recourse to justice, the Court denied him the opportunity to prove his case. Even the interpretation of Article 72 section 4 of the Constitution cited by ECZ as basis for rejecting the duo’s submissions to recontest the seats is equally bogus.

A Zombie remix to Zambians (Please use this as a second heading and colour it blue)

Flashback to 1976 – with its constitution suspended, politicians and other dissidents arrested, the new Nigerian Junta led by erstwhile dictator and newly rehabilitated democrat General Olusegun Obasanjo, plunged the West African nation into turmoil. The military inflicted political and economic instability upon the land that birthed scholarly luminaries such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri and late Ogoni activist Ken Saro Wiwa, among others. One of Obasanjo’s legacies is the astuteness with which he crushed dissent.

With no opposition left to keep the military’s excesses in check, it was Fela Anikulapo Kuti – that great saxophonist and son of Abeokuta city that took on the mantle to defend his country’s descent to totalitarianism. Through song, poetry and dance, he took on the mighty Nigerian army with aplomb winning some battles, soul and minds of the Nigerian populace. It is his depiction in song of Obasanjo’s army as Zombies that earned this talented pan-Africanist notoriety.

In a rebuke to a passive Nigerian society, Fela chastised the military for their inability to question orders from their superiors. In the song Zombie, he belts these lyrics ‘Turn right, turn left, salute and attention’ tacitly admonishing the military for succumbing to hypnosis. Fela later paid a heavy price for his activism – was detained on numerous occasions by the junta, subsequently losing his mother in the aftermath of a military raid at his residence.

While equating this Nigerian scenario to home might be a tad too far, there are parallels to draw, with the Zombification of our civil society. What good is the existence of the Zambian constitution if those that swear to protect it seem readily prepared to desecrate it at their whim – the extent of which includes using hired guns to hypnotise society with lies. As we leant from the previous dispensation, decent to totalitarianism is not an event but a slow and painful journey. As such, both the Kabushi and Kwacha bye elections have already been rigged in favour of the ruling party.

And by the way rigging elections is not only the act of stuffing ballot papers but the creation of an uneven political playing field. Which is why the citizenry can’t afford to leave critical institutions like the ECZ in the care of Zombies.

This metaphor or write-up is a befitting tribute to you Mr Edem Djokotoe. Go well my idol and father figure. Hopefully, the heavens are not singing Zombie but chanting Hallelujah for they have an editor in their midst.

About the Author: Mwanza enjoys reading History and Philosophy. He supports nothing but Liverpool and Kabwe Warriors. For feedback, email [email protected].

The recent demolition of over 300 housing structures that were illegally built is sad

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The recent demolition of over 300 housing structures that were illegally built is sad

Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri has expressed his sadness over the recent demolition of over 300 housing structures that were illegally built on land housing the Kasompe Airstrip in Chingola.

Chingola Municipal Council on 20th August, 2022 demolished over 300 structures illegally built on the Kasompe Airstrip, a land on title and belonging to Zambia Civil Aviation Authority.

Many people have condemned the council for not arresting the illegal allocation of land and subsequent construction of houses way back when the illegality started around 2012.

Commenting on the demolition, Bishop Phiri said the Kasompe demolition issue was a collective of bad decisions by the parties involved.

The Bishop said people who illegally allocated land on the airstrip land were wrong together with those who built illegal structures and the council that demolished the structures.

Bishop Phiri, a Canon Lawyer, demanded that justice prevails in the Kasompe saga.

“I was particularly saddened recently when I heard about what happened in Kasompe, Chingola. I was greatly saddened. I did not apportion blame but it is indeed a very sad event. It is a collection of a series of bad decisions by various stakeholders. The first bad decision was by whoever apportioned land illegally, that was the first bad decision. The second bad decision was for those people who went to buy that land without the papers. That was also a bad decision. The third and concluding bad decision was by those who are responsible in the local authority to decide to erase more than 300 houses at the same time,” Bishop Phiri said during Mass in Chililabombwe.

He said some officers at Chingola Council must be held accountable for allowing an illegality to happen over the years.

“They (Council) should have consulted further. We should have sat down as stakeholders to find the best way forward. My challenge to you, the women and I know that some of the people in the local government are women; my challenge is when these illegal structures are being put up where are you? You seem to wake up only when the structure has been finished. You should be able to observe when it is starting and that is what you are paid for. That is your job. For you to wake up only when people have built up and have lived there for many years then that is when you realise that actually they have built in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Bishop Phiri added that the efforts being made by some organs of government to solve a problem which they have created is not necessarily a merit.

“I think that if it was up to me I would start by punishing those for failing to do their work. For an illegal to happen it is because somebody did not do their work his or her somewhere and that is very sad. We hope that the Government is going to do everything possible to ensure that justice is done. Jumping on board with the different organs of government to solve a problem which you have created yourself is not necessarily a merit; however, justice can still be done,” Bishop Phiri said.

Last week, Copperbelt-based Catholic Priest Fr. Francis Mwansa Mufwaya said it is a mockery for the Government to offer support to victims of the Chingola housing demolition through Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

Commenting on the demolition, Fr. Mufwaya, who has previously served at Kasompe Catholic Church in Chingola, said it an anomaly that the same government that has demolished houses in Kasompe is consoling people by dangling DMMU support.

UPND reports Corruption in Kwacha and Kabushi aim at causing fresh nominations

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UPND reports Corruption in Kwacha and Kabushi aim at causing fresh nominations

The ruling UPND on the Copperbelt has reported alleged corruption pertaining to the impending Kwacha and Kabushi Constituency Parliamentary by-elections to the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC).

The party alleges that the two candidates that lost the seats to nullification want to retain these parliamentary seats at all costs and decided to pay alternative candidates to withdraw before the poll day in case their court cases do not go their way.

Speaking after reporting the alleged corruption and delivering evidence to the ACC in Kitwe today, UPND Provincial Youth Chairman Warren Hinyama said his party will not sit idle and watch electoral malpractice and corruption take place in the two constituencies.

Mr. Hinyama, who declined to name the people involved to allow for the ACC to do its investigations, however charged that a named opposition political party is trying to use the defective constitution it enacted to frustrate efforts by government to deliver development.

And UPND Copperbelt Province Youth Vice Chairman in-charge of politics, Kangwa Kamando says while its constitutional for any person to withdraw from participating in elections, the party has gone ahead to reported the act by two named alleged corrupt candidates paying others to derail the Kwacha and Kabushi by-elections.

9 candidates last Thursday successfully filed in their nominations to contest for the Kwacha and Kabushi by-elections while former parliamentarians in the two areas had their nominations rejected by the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ citing article 52 (2) of the constitution.

Social Welfare receives over K31million in Muchinga Province

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Social Welfare receives over K31million in Muchinga Province

The Department of Social Welfare in Muchinga Province has received over K31million Social Cash Transfer (SCT) funds.

Provincial Social Welfare Officer Jacob Miti confirmed the development to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in a telephone interview yesterday.

Mr. Miti said the funds received by the department in all the eight districts in the province is for the July/August bi monthly payment.

He adds that the funds received will carter for the entire provincial case load which currently stands at 66,570.

“As a province we received funds amounting to over K31, 269,000 and payment of the same is on course,” he said.

Mr. Miti said so far four (4) out eight (8) districts of Muchinga Province are yet to complete paying beneficiaries while the other four districts completed paying by yesterday.

He named the remaining districts yet to disburse the funds as Kanchibiya which has four Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) remaining to be paid while Luvushimanda is yet to pay beneficiaries in six CWACs.

Other districts that are still paying include Shiwang’andu with four (4) CWACs remaining and Mafinga respectively.

The Provincial Social Welfare Officer says the payment process is running smoothly.

“We have not faced any major challenges from the time the payments begun last week and we appreciate Government for the timely release of funds,” Mr. Miti said.

Mr. Miti has since called on the beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer funds to ensure that they put the funds to good use.

He says the main objective of the SCT programme is to reduce extreme poverty and intergenerational transfer of poverty among beneficiaries can only be achieved if beneficiaries prudently utilize the funds through different business ventures.

Ministry of Local Government Disburses K43 Million to Accelerate Rural Development Projects

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Ministry of Local Government Disburses K43 Million to Accelerate Rural Development Projects

Forty-three (43) Million Kwacha has been disbursed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to facilitate the immediate construction of critical Crossing-Points and Road improvement works in selected rural Districts under the Rural Infrastructure Development component in the 2022 Ministry Budget.

The funding is earmarked on supporting the selected Districts in various Provinces to immediately embark on the construction and rehabilitation works of identified projects before the onset of the rains.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration) Mr Maambo Haamaundu announced that Chama District has received Eight (8) million Kwacha as part payment from the requested total amount of K8,645,691.12 for the construction and rehabilitation of selected crossing points.

Mr Haamaundu added that Seven (7) million Kwacha has been disbursed to Kasenengwa District, as part payment of K11, 474,738.12 which was requested to facilitate for the construction of three critical crossing points and five other identified points in the District.

He further noted that, Eight (8) million Kwacha has been disbursed to Mongu District, while in Vubwi District, Three (3) million Kwacha, which is a part payment towards the total requested amount of K 3,638,142.00, has also been disbursed.

“The funds are earmarked for immediate rehabilitation of critical crossing points in these two Districts,” he said

He stated that, of the requested amount of K6, 850,000.00 in Gwembe District, a total of K5 million-part payment, has been disbursed for the rehabilitation of damaged bridges and culverts on the Tobe-Sompani and Hanyombo-Bunyente Roads.

Mr Haamaundu said for Chadiza District, K3 million was disbursed as part payment from the requested total amount K3,436,854.96 for the construction of three critical crossing points in the area.

And out of the requested amount of K3, 053,300.00, a total of K3 million has been disbursed to Mulobezi District to facilitate for the rehabilitation of 10 kilometers of selected Township Roads, Mr Haamaundu highlighted.

He cited that K3 million was disbursed for Katete District as part payment from the total amount of K3,173,547.64, as requested for the construction of three critical crossing points.

He mentioned that in Mambwe District, K3 million was disbursed for the construction of three critical crossing points from the requested total amount K3, 968,023.60.

The Ministry further disbursed K4, 248,994.40 to Ndola City Council for the rehabilitation of Kapalala Market in Masala Township, this follows an inferno that swept through the trading area on 16th August, 2022 at about 20:30 hours.

The Permanent Secretary has also advised all the Local Authorities to utilize the funds for the intended purpose in order to achieve meaningful development.

Mr Haamaundu further implored them to submit progress reports and financial returns once funds are utilized.

Janza Jumps Straight into the Deep End of Tanzania Job

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Janza Jumps Straight into the Deep End of Tanzania Job

Ex-Chipolopolo trainer Honour Janza has started work as interim Tanzania head coach a day after his appointment.

The Tanzania Football Federation on Monday named Janza as new Taifa Stars coach in an interim capacity after firing Kim Poulsen.

Janza was until his appointment coaching Tanzania side Namungo FC.

On Tuesday, the former Zesco United and Red Arrows coach led Tanzania local players in training at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium ahead of this Saturday’s CHAN qualifier against Uganda.

Tanzania is preparing for the second round CHAN qualifier against Uganda to be played on September 3, 2022 in Kampala, Uganda.

Janza is being assisted by Mecky Mexime and goalkeeper coach Juma Kaseja.

He was the last coach to qualify Chipolopolo to the Africa Cup in 2014.

This is what happens when a Nation Loses its Compassion

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This is what happens when a Nation Loses its Compassion

By Fred M’membe President of the Socialist Party

The destruction of our people’s homes in Chingola is not a small thing and shouldn’t be played down. It shouldn’t be hidden in the afterthought of DMMU small reliefs of foodstuffs and promises of new land reallocations.

Without compassion, everyone is worse off.

What happened in Chingola is what happens when a government loses its moral footing, when elected officials seem to be operating without compassion. This is what happens when our politicians and their officials lack any semblance of compassion. Destroying more than 300 homes inflicts terrible and needless trauma and stress on families, especially on young children and that hampers and damages their development, causing long-term damage.

This destruction of people’s homes is morally unconscionable. That such egregious actions be employed in a nation that calls itself Christian and is supposed to put human beings above all other considerations is unjustifiable on any level. When compassion is absent, all suffer, including those who withhold it. What happens to us when there is such an extreme deficit of compassion in certain quarters of our country? I am convinced that harm results for all.

We know that compassion enhances the welfare of those who receive compassion and benefits those who are compassionate. It even benefits those who simply observe an act of compassion. Compassion is one of those experiences that deeply affects us —whether we give it, receive it, or observe it. When compassion is absent, all suffer, including those who withhold it.

We also know that being compassionate upholds our moral principles. When we restrain compassion we feel that our moral identity is compromised. That’s because compassion is central to being fully human. It is the key to reducing systemic oppression and nurturing a culture of respect, civility, and belonging.

Please know that I am not a moral philosopher. Yet understanding the nature of integrity and morality has been an important part of my life.

When I was an undergraduate university student, I discovered that there are many moral platforms. Ideas of what is right and wrong vary from culture to culture, even from person to person. But the Catholic social teachings have also given me a different way to understand human dignity, and integrity, one that looks at it through the lens of suffering. When we cause suffering to others or ourselves, our integrity is violated. When we alleviate the suffering of others, our integrity is affirmed.

At this time in our country, when we are witnessing an unbridled capitalist approach to life, we need strong moral sensitivity. We need the ability to recognise moral violations and discern which government actions are morally justifiable and which are not. We also need a large dose of moral nerve, a term used to describe someone who has non-negotiable virtue when standing above the abyss of harm.

If we do not take action against these abuses, if we hide out in apathy and do not manifest moral nerve, we will experience profound moral suffering. This is the harm caused by actions taken in our name that transgress the tenets of basic human goodness. Whether we uphold our values and ethical principles or not is what affirms or destroys our integrity, and thus our character.

As I consider what is happening in our country now, I believe our standing as a Christian nation is being seriously compromised by a serious deficit of compassion and a pervasive absence of integrity. We are facing a moral crisis that is reprehensible. We need to manifest moral nerve and compassion, now, for the sake of all.

The 75 Motor Bikes Contract was signed during the PF Government-Community MInister

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The 75 Motor Bikes Contract was signed during the PF Government-Community MInister

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba, has clarified on the ongoing speculations surrounding the alleged contract to supply 75 Motor Bikes at a total cost K9,885,010 to the Ministry.

Ms Mwamba disclosed that the said contract which is currently under investigation was in fact awarded in April 2021, but was unfortunately extended by a Ministry official without seeking guidance.

Ms Mwamba stated that she personally looked at the file and raised concerns, after which she forwarded the said contract to the Secretary to Cabinet Mr Patrick Kangwa and Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe for further advice on the matter.

“It was during this period that the said document leaked to the public and set a different narrative away from the true facts of the matter,” she said

She has since made an assurance that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and a consolidated report will be made available.

Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted with disappointment the misleading information on the 75 Motor Bikes shared by Mr Thabo Kawana, a Director and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Information and Media.

On today’s Red Hot Breakfast Show on Hot FM Radio, Mr Kawana informed the nation that the K9.885 million contract for the supply of 75 Motor Bikes to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services was signed during the Patriotic Front (PF) Regime.

In a statement issued, TI-Z Chapter President Mr Sampa Kaungu explained that the information is misleading since the Ministry’s Procurement Committee meeting which awarded the contract was held on 6th May, 2022 and the supplier was consequently informed through a letter dated 9th May, 2022.

Mr Kaungu said that in light of the above, TI-Z has called upon Mr Kawana to exculpate himself in the eyes of the public through retracting his statement.

He added that the interest of the public in this tender is anchored on the unit price of the Motor Bikes in question and it is therefore pretentious to shift blame while failing to address the main concern.

Mr Kaungu cited that speaking on the same program, Mr Kawana failed to inform the public of the exact model and specifications of the Motor Bikes, which information is critical in ascertaining if indeed one Bike can cost over K130,000 and therefore, TI-Z is calling upon the Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda who is the official Government Spokesperson, to issue a comprehensive statement on this matter.

“Furthermore, we wish to bring to the attention of Mr Kawana and the general public that government recently cancelled some contracts because they were deemed not to be in the national interests, this shows that government has the power and right of cancelling any questionable contracts,” Mr Kaungu said

Mr Kaungu mentioned that in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s promise to Zambians with regards to the prudent utilization and management of resources, TI-Z is calling upon all Government Ministries to actualize this promise through promoting transparency and accountability.

Brief facts of the matter are that on 9th May, 2022 the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services issued a letter to Kafelix Limited as the best bidder in the supply of 75 Motor Bikes.

The letter’s subject stated that the contract number MCDSS/GEWEL/001/21 for the supply and delivery of seventy-five (75) Motor Bikes for the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and supporting women’s livelihoods (SWL).

In the letter it was further stated that following the Ministry Procurement Committee recommendations to award the contract in the meeting held on Friday 6th May, 2022, your Bid for execution of the supply and delivery of Seventy-Five Motor Bikes – contract number MCDSS/GEWEL/001/21 for the Accepted Contract Amount of Zambian Kwacha Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand and Ten inclusive (ZMW 9,885,010.00) as corrected and modified in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders is hereby accepted by the Ministry.

In the letter it was further requested for the, Renew the performance Security within 28 days in accordance with the Conditions of Contract, for the purpose of the Performance Security.

It was also requested that, The additional information on beneficial ownership in accordance with BDS ITB 45.1 within eight (8) business days using the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form, included in Section X, Contract Forms of the Bidding Document.

Contract placement shall be in accordance with the Public Procurement Regulations of 2020.

The letter was signed by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Head of Procurement and Supplies at the Kalimukwa Mutumba on 9th May, 2022.

And the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami said that Kafelix Investment Limited, which will supply 75 Motor Bikes at a contract sum of K9,885,010, was actually the best-evaluated bidder with a better rate than Honda.

Ms Kawandami added that some individuals who are aggrieved after not being awarded contracts in the supply of fertilizer are the ones trying to label the Ministry corrupt.

This has however led to a social media uproar with various individuals questioning how one (1) Motor Bike can be procured at the cost of K130, 000.

Some foreigners deny access to census enumerators-Kamalata

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Some foreigners deny access to census enumerators-Kamalata

Lusaka Province Census Chairperson Robert Kamalata is concerned that some foreign nationals are resisting to provide information to enumerators in the ongoing census for population and housing.

Mr Kamalata who is also Provincial Permanent Secretary said this may compromise the purpose of the exercise which is intended to collect data required for planning of development in the country.

Mr Kamalata revealed this during a media briefing in Lusaka, that some foreign nationals are denying the enumerators entry into their homes while others close their shops for fear of arrest because their stay in the country is allegedly illegal.

Mr Kamalata explained that government has engaged their embassies and their associations to encourage them to comply with the enumerators stating that such actions may affect development planning.

He observed that resistance among residents has also been reported in areas such as Kabulonga, woodlands and Kamwala despite sensitization programmes that were carried out.

Mr Kamalata appealed to the residents to find time and meet the enumerators if the exercise is to be successful.

“Some of the people in such areas leave home early and get back late after the enumerators have knocked off,” he said.

He however observed that the census is going on smoothly in areas where the government had anticipated resistance.

“We are not having problems in areas such as Chibolya and Kanyama,” he said.

Mr Kamalata also announced that two enumerators were attacked by unknown people who stole tablets that were being used to capture data.

Mr Kamalata said police have been informed about the matter and that investigations are ongoing.

“I would like to warn those behind such activities that they will be arrested as the tablets are installed with GPS and it will be easy to locate them,” he said.

And Provincial Census officer Kennedy Chimpa said some foreigners have been referring the enumerators to their embassies, a move which he said is difficult.

Dr. Chimpa who in the company of police officers visited long acres following reports of resistance by some residents found a Chinese national who resisted to open the gate claiming that the owner of the house had gone out with the keys leaving the gate closed.

The occupant of the house near JCS foods who spoke to the team through the closed gate said he could not open the gate saying the census team should go back another time.

Dr Chimpa said though the census may not include the foreign nationals, the infrastructure is supposed to be captured as the exercise includes housing.

And one of the enumerators, Christabel Manyoma saidin Long acres that the process was difficult because some of the residents, especially the foreigners, were not willing to comply and rejected entry to their homes in some cases.

Zambian bonds most attractive-ZANACO

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Zambian bonds most attractive-ZANACO

The Zambia National Commercial (ZANACO) has described Zambia’s bonds currently as the most attractive in the world.

ZANACO Chief Risk Officer, Mutisunge Zulu says this is because of the sound political environment, reduced inflation rate and the continued stability in the local currency among other factors.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Zulu said the country has in the  recently recorded an increase in investment appetite with the business confidence growing up to 50.5 percent.

He explained that the attractiveness of the bonds has also been created because of the huge returns of about 23-25 percent that investors are likely to get after locking their money for five years.

“Single digit inflation and stable currency continues to make kwacha bonds very attractive in returns both in local and foreign currency real terms. The government bond index is at its highest 95 percent firmer in Zambian kwacha and 13.3 percent stronger in United States Dollars terms,” he explained.

Mr. Zulu added that the debt restructuring legislation presented before Parliament is historical for the country as it tries to control the uncontrolled expenditure.

He stated that government has continued to open investment doors to external partners through key platforms such as the African Union, European Union, World Bank and local private sector partnership through initiatives such as the Private Public Partnership Dialogue Forum.

Mr. Zulu further noted that the country’s mining sector is also poised to record growth with the increased demand for copper products and other minerals worldwide because of the decarbonization drive as measure for climate change mitigation which has resulted in initiatives such as the electric car battery and cleaner energy.

Meanwhile, ZANACO Chief Executive Officer, Mukwandi Chibesakunda reaffirmed the Bank’s continued support to the country’s key economic sectors in order to attain sustainable economic development.

Ms. Chibesakunda explained that to this effect the bank has invested over K1 billion in the agriculture sector to help improve farming activities for both the commercial and small-scale farmers across the country.

She said there is a need for farmers in the country to take advantage of the support and cease the increased World demand for grains which has been caused by the Russia and Ukraine conflict to grow more for export.

The New Dawn Government has a lot to do for Zambians

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The New Dawn Government has a lot to do for Zambians

Caritas Zambia – Executive Director Gabriel Mapulanga has said the New Dawn Government has a lot to do for the Zambian people one year after coming into power.

Reviewing the first year in office of the UPND Government, Fr. Mapulanga pointed out some positives and negatives Caritas observed in the way the government under UPND has been functioning.

The Catholic Priest cited re-introduction of free education, recruitment of teachers, legal reforms, the rebirth of fundamental freedoms and restating the country back to its socio-economic development trajectory for prosperity as some positives the government has scored.

“Over the last year of the UPND government, we have observed some progress in key sectors, as follows: Restating the country back to its socio-economic development trajectory for prosperity: During the past one year, Government has kept its promise and assurance that it was in the process of restating the country back to its socio-economic development trajectory. This effort has been seen in the way the government has handled the debt crisis. The heightened debate on debt and the opening of pathways towards its dismantling are positive economic signs. The previous government did not accept the fact that Zambia was experiencing a debt crisis and so they committed themselves to downplaying this fact. As a result, there was never an honest dialogue,” Fr. Mapulanga said.

“The UPND government has made a lot of progress in opening up dialogue and moving towards the dismantling of both the domestic and international debt. By bringing together Zambia’s debtors and making them realise the crisis so as to establish the best way of helping Zambia to make its debt sustainable, is a huge achievement. Caritas Zambia is also happy that a Public debt management bill is being considered by Parliament and will soon be enacted into law. In addition, the government has been sharing information on the status of the debt and have also come up with a debt dismantling strategy. This is commendable because Zambia needs order, transparency and accountability in the manner debt is contracted and used in the country. Parliament should have a significant role in this respect,” Fr. Mapulanga said.

On the fight against corruption, Fr. Mapulanga said the New Dawn government should ensure that the fight against corruption is not used as a tool to oppress and fight political opponents.

“The New Dawn government raised many expectations regarding the fight against corruption. They promised an increased number of cases to be dealt with, especially those reported after the 2021 general elections. The Government committed to a zero-tolerance to corruption. In order to make sure that people accused of financial crimes are tried quickly, a fast-track specialised court has been established. This court is also aimed at recovery of stolen assets from those who will be found guilty. This deserves commendations from us as Caritas Zambia. However, Caritas Zambia implores the New Dawn government to ensure that the fight against corruption is not used as a tool to oppress and fight political opponents. This fight should be done in a very impartial and non-partisan manner with no sacred cows. Corruption is the same whether committed by any member serving in the current administration or others before or outside in the private sector. The; law should be applied equally. Thus, Caritas Zambia strongly caution the Executive arm of the Government not to initiate arrests on the people suspected of having been involved in corrupt practices. This will negatively affect this noble fight and the law enforcement agencies will not carry out their work professionally and independently,” he said.

Fr. Mapulanga further urged the government to quickly resolve the impasse in the mining sector, accountability of the Mukula exports and the pending access to information bill.

“Issues that need Urgent Attention: We ask the UPND government to urgently attend to the following issues: Sanity in the mining sector: bring back sanity and order in the mining sector, develop a country mining vision urgently and revise the mines policy and also the mines and minerals act. These should provide for the benefit of local communities and Zambia while encouraging Lack of natural resource account – let’s learn from past Governments, let’s create a resource fund whose main aim will be to cushion any price reduction in metal prices and also to provide for reserves for future generations. We cannot continue consuming revenues from natural resources like there is no tomorrow or future generations; let’s not be selfish; let’s keep some resources for the future generation. Other parts of Zambia should not be mined now but in the future.”

“Accountability of the Mukula exports- We need not remind the Government that Zambia still awaits a report on the financials on the Mukula logging and transactions that have happened over the past 7 years. One year later, we still don’t have an account of the Mukula trees and the proceeds of the sales and exports that happened before the Government came into power. A lot of illegal logging and exports of this precious commodity happened. Access to Information Law Access to information bill has been pending for the past 10 plus years. The Government needs to enact this bill as one of the pillars to promote accountability in the country. This was supposed to be the first priority to give hope to the citizens as promised for people to enjoy. Road map on constitutional reforms – The government should agree with stakeholders for a clear road map and timeframe for constitutional reform. We expected that this would be done in the first 100 days of government as this is an urgent matter,” Fr. Mapulanga said.

He concluded:”In collaboration with other Civil Society organisations, Churches, and other non-state actors, we are carefully monitoring your promises to the people and the ones made during the campaigns. We will hold you to them with fearless honesty. That is the least we can offer as patriots.”

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