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Suspected mealy bugs infest Isoka cassava fields

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About 10 hectares of cassava fields in Kantenshya ward and other surrounding villages in Isoka district of Northern Province have been heavily infested by suspected cassava mealy bugs.

A check by ZANIS in the area over the weekend revealed that 70 small scale farmers have had their fields infested by the suspected mealy bugs.

Areas badly affected include Namota, Mukangala, and nearly all the villages in Kantenshya ward of chief Kafwimbi’s area.

Camp extension officer, Bernard Kashiwa has confirmed the infestation to ZANIS in Isoka.

Mr. Kashiwa suspected that mealy bugs have spread across the camp because farmers in the area are growing the same variety of cassava commonly known as “Isunda” which is an early maturing variety which has allegedly lost resistance to the pest.

The Extension Officer said that the pest causes malformation of leaves and poor growth of the crop affecting the development of tubers and rendering the plant worthless.

“The pest would greatly affect the yield if left unchecked and will compromise the household food security as cassava is the staple food in the area,” Said Mr. Kashiwa.

Acting District Agricultural and Cooperative Coordinator (DACCO)Clive Matengu confirmed having received a report on the outbreak of suspected mealy bugs in Kantenshya ward and other surrounding villages.

Mr. Matengu said samples of the same suspected mealy bugs will be taken to Misamfu agricultural research station in Kasama for diagnosis.

The acting DACCO who commended the officer for promptly reporting the presence of suspected mealy bugs in the cassava fields in Kantenshya and other surrounding villages appealed to the farmers to immediately report to relevant authorities if they see any peculiar pest in their crop field.

ZANIS/ENDS/JM/HM/CLM

Kawambwa residents starts road works

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Some Kawambwa residents in Luapula Province have started working on the Kawambwa – Mulwe road using hoes and machetes

This follows the poor state of the road barely 6 months since it was last worked on by Sable Construction Company.

And a check by ZANIS yesterday (Tuesday)found a group of people filling potholes with burnt bricks and charging motorists K5 000 for using the road.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Davis Kabila told ZANIS in an interview that the residents took the initiative as patriotic Zambians who wanted to complement Government’s efforts in ensuring good road networks.

Mr Kabila complained that potholes had become big forcing motorists and pedestrians to create alternative roads.

He warned that if the road was not urgently worked on it would become impassable.

He appealed to the Road Development Agency (RDA) to consider renegotiating with Sable and claimed that the company did absolutely nothing.

He said though they were unqualified, they were in a position to see how deplorable the road had become and called for immediate Government intervention.

Mr. Kabila said they took the initiative as patriotic Zambians who wanted to complement government’s efforts to ensure good road networks.

Asked if they were not worsening the state of the road, Mr. Kabila said his group was doing a perfect work although they lacked bigger equipment.

And Mr. Kabila expressed fear that unless Government worked on the feeder roads in Kawambwa, the distribution and marketing of agricultural products this farming season would suffer a serious setback.

Efforts to get a comment from district director of works proved futile as he was reported to have travelled to Lusaka.

ZANIS/ENDS/LC/CLM

Ministry of Health recommends closure of Choma State Prison

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The Ministry of Health has recommended for an immediate closure of Choma State Prison due to the poor sanitary conditions at the prison.

District Commissioner Laiven Apuleni who confirmed the development to ZANIS in Choma today said the move is aimed at safeguarding the lives of inmates and prison warders.

The move comes on the heels concerns raised last week by the District Joint Monitoring Team on Sanitation chaired by Chief Macha on poor sanitation at the prison.

Mr. Apulen said the State Prison has been without water for the past three weeks following the disconnection of water due to non-payment of bills.

The letter addressed to the Prisons Officer-in-Charge advising closure of the State Prison copied to among others, the Southern Province Prisons Commander, has quoted sections of the Zambian laws defining the current situation at Choma State Prison a statutory nuisance and a public health disaster.

According to the letter obtained by ZANIS in Choma today the ministry conducted a public health inspection on the prison premises last Friday and made several findings which have to be addressed before the detention facility can be allowed to operate.

It has implored prison authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that recommendations are carried out promptly while the prison remains closed, stating that the detention facility was not fit to harbor human beings.

At the time of inspections, the prison with a total number of 184 male and female inmates, there was no water while maggots were found on the premises.

“The Public health Act Chapter 295 Section 67 of the Laws of Zambia defines the situation at Choma State Prison a Statutory Nuisance, hence a public health disaster,” the report reads in part.

ZANIS/CM/AM/ENDS

Two people gets prison sentence for flouting fish ban

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Two people of Chief Mwata Kazembe’s area have been sentenced to four months imprisonment with hard labour in a Kawambwa magistrates court in Luapula Province for unlawful possession of fish.

And a 31-year old woman of the same area has been fined K100, 000 in default four months imprisonment with simple labour for being found in possession of 180 kilogrammes (Kg)of fish.

Magistrate Felix Kaoma slapped the sentence on Martin Muyunda, 27 and Moses Mukaate, 29 for being found with fishing nets during the fish ban contrary to section 18 of the fish ban Act cap 200 of the laws of Zambia.

In mitigation, Muyunda said he was a double orphan and had two children whom he was supporting while Mukaate told the court that he was looking after his mother, four children and two orphans.

The duo asked for leniency saying they had people they were taking care of.

But Mr. Kaoma rejected their pleas saying the convicts were found in the fish camp when the ban was still in effect.

The Magistrate added that they defied the fish ban and that if the fish became extinct, people would suffer.

Meanwhile, in the same court, Dorothy Kafuti who was found with 180 Kg of fish has been fined K100, 000 in default four months imprisonment with simple labour.

ZANIS/ENDS/LC/CLM

Unknown disease claims 16 herds of cattle in Isoka

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-Sixteen (16) herds of cattle in Isoka district in Northern Province have died from unknown disease.

All the dead animals are from Chintenga, Mukangala and Langamisya villages of Kantenshya ward in chief Kafwimbi’s area.

According to the Agricultural Camp Extension Officer, Bernard Kashiwa, village head persons in the area have since resolved not to consume the meat from the dead animals as they do not know the actual disease that is affecting the livestock as it could be deadly to human beings as well.

Mr. Kashiwa said the affected animals produced stool with blood and were losing weight within a short period of time adding that the concerned farmers have not yet officially reported the disease outbreak to his office.

Mr. Kashiwa however, said he was happy that head persons in the area have resolved not to consume the meat from animals suspected to have died from the unknown disease saying the move was in line with the health regulations.

“All animal diseases and deaths should be reported to the relevant authorities because consuming meat from such animals was not only a health hazard but it is also against some religious ethics,” Said Mr. Kashiwa.

But when contacted for a comment, acting District Agricultural Coordinator Clive Matengu said his office has not yet received any report concerning a mysterious disease that has broken out in Kantenshya ward and wondered why such a sensitive issue has not been reported to his office.

But Mr. Matengu cautioned people in the affected area against consuming meat from animals suspected to have died from any disease as they would jeopardize their health.

He appealed to the cattle farmers to take the livestock industry very serious.

“Keeping cattle is a profitable enterprise if managed well and farmers should take the enterprise seriously and fully exploit the livestock industry,” Mr. Matengu said.

ZANIS/ENDS/ JM/ HM/CLM

Immigration institutes action against 2 erring officers

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The Immigration department says it has commenced disciplinary action against two of its officers who are based at Kariba border post in Siavonga district, Southern Province for allegedly being involved in corrupt practices.

The officers Patience Matubulani and Manyando Mubita are alleged to have been assisting and facilitating the trafficking of Congolese nationals enter the country illegally without proper documentation to cross into Zimbabwe using Kariba border post en route to South Africa after receiving payment.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer Anderson Phiri said the two officers have since been charged and that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against them.

Mr. Phiri said in an interview with ZANIS in Siavonga on Tuesday that the department has received valid evidence on the matter and that disciplinary action will immediately be taken once investigations are concluded.

“We have all the evidence with us involving the two officers from Kariba border post who were assisting in the trafficking of the Congolese who go to South Africa to leave the country using the border after receiving money from the same nationals,” he disclosed.

Mr. Phiri added that the evidence came from the middle man whom the Immigration officers were using to help facilitate and arrange the movements of the Congolese from Lusaka to Siavonga.

“The department has in its custody a man called Jameson Mumba whom the officers were using as a middle man to facilitate the movement of these Congolese nationals. The evidence we got from other security wings is that one of the officers after having differences with Mumba on money that was collected from the Congolese decided to apprehend and drag him to Siavonga police station,” Phiri revealed.

The Immigration Chief further added that it was at this point that the department got wind of the situation and made inquiries into the matter before charging the officers with misconduct and abetting crime contrary to their conditions of service.

Mr Phiri however described as sad that officers who have been mandated and tasked by Government to protect and prevent the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the country were the ones doing the contrary.

“Government sends these officers to border towns in order to stop any movement of people that have no valid traveling documents and not for them to be in the forefront assisting the entry and exit of prohibited immigrants,” he observed.

He further described the behavior of the two Kariba border post based officers as regrettable saying their actions compromises and puts the security of the country at risk.

” The behavior of such officers should not be entertained because they have proved and shown their weakness that they can be compromised as long as there is money involved. With this kind of behavior don’t you expect such officers to allow criminals to enter the country once they are given money?, he questioned.

In this vein, he assured that the current reforms that the department has embarked on will rid all sorts of corruption and other evil vices that may still exist within the department.

He said the reforms whose powers have already been felt by officers operating at the headquarters office in Lusaka have since reached an extent where officers can longer afford to play hide and seek.

Phiri said the reforms were aimed at cleansing the department from any form of corruption and ensure transparency in whatever the officers do.

“Signs are there that the officers are willing to change their lifestyles especially in Lusaka where the officers have already started cleansing themselves from all sorts of bad vices,. Corruption in the Immigration department will soon be a thing of the past, “ he assured.

To this effect, Mr Phiri disclosed that a disciplinary committee consisting of section heads has since been instituted and will handle disciplinary cases involving officers countrywide.

Recently, two other immigration officers from Kariba border post were arrested and detained by authorities in Zimbabwe after they attempted to smuggle out of that country about 4.5 tonnes of fresh fish a commodity whose export to neighboring countries, Government had banned.

The officers in question have since been forcefully transferred from Siavonga to other stations.

ZANIS/ENDS/LL/CLM

RB tells MMD to stop discussing the 2011 candidate

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President Rupiah Banda  has urged members of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to stop discussing matters pertaining to who would stand for party presidency for the 2011 presidential and general elections.

He said members of the MMD should instead concentrate on matters affecting the nation now.

The president was speaking upon arrival from his two day official visit of Malawi and Tanzania respectively.

Mr. Banda said it was too early for the party to start discussing the issue of the 2011 presidential elections when his administration was only three months in office.

He encouraged MMD party members to unite and start recruiting more members in readiness for the 2011 presidential general elections.

The president  also called on Zambians not to politicize the prevailing global economic crunch in order to win what he termed as cheap political mileage because the global economic down turn was a global phenomenon which needed a disciplined people for it to be addressed effectively.

The President further said there was need for Zambians to be disciplined in order to address the many challenges associated with the economic credit crunch.

President Banda  advised opposition political party leaders in the country to dialogue with him in order to resolve challenges affecting the economy of the country.

Mr. Banda observed that there was need for the political leaders to approach him and advice him on various issues in order to enhance development in the nation.

He said it was not necessary for politicians to concentrate on politicking at the expense of promoting programmes which his administration was implementing.

He has also described his visits to Tanzania and Malawi as successful saying he discussed a lot of issues affecting the region with leaders from the two countries.

The President has since called for enhanced cordial relations between the two countries with a view to enhance economic development in the region.

President Banda was accompanied to the two countries by Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande, Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya, Energy and Water Development Minister, Kenneth Konga and his Political Advisor, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, among other officials.

ZANIS/PC/TK/KSH/ENDS

Renard Names CHAN Team

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Herve Renard today named his 23-man team for the inaugural Caf Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament that will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire from February 22 to March 8.

Renard’s modest squad includes some shocks on the final lists namely Zanaco winger Ignatius Lwipa who had a very bad season last year and saw little action for his club with just one goal to his credit but still managed to sneak into the final team.

Striker Makundika Sakala of division 1 south club Amakumbi has also made the cut despite his poor display in his international debut against South Africa on January 27 during an international friendly played in Pretoria that Zambia lost 1-0.

Also in the side is defender Emmanuel Mbola of division 1 north Mining Rangers who is reportedly about to sign a long-term deal in Europe with Pyunik Yerevan.

However, Faz have insisted that Mbola is still a Mining player and is eligible to play at CHAN because no contract or clearance has been issued for the defender by Faz to join Pyunik.

CHAN is a new Caf tournament exclusively for national team players based in their local leagues

Renard meanwhile has handed two senior debuts to Nchanga Rangers defender George Chilufya including Red Arrows and Under-17 international defender Jimmy Chisenga.

Also in is Chambishi defensive midfielder Patrick Kasunga who was a non-playing member of the team that faced South Africa last month.

Zambia open their CHAN campaign on February 22nd against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a Group A opening match to be played in Abidjan and later face Senegal on the 25th at the same venue.

Renards men complete their Group A outing against Tanzania on February 28 in Bouake.

And Renard said Group was challenging though he believed he had picked his best possible squad for the tournament.

“We are in a tough group and it wont be easy but nothing is impossible,” Renard said.

“We will try our best because every coach who will be at CHAN wants to win n jut maybe one or two teams are better than us but when you have a good team spirit then you can beat anyone.”

Team:

Goalkeepers: Davy Kaumbwa (Red Arrows), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Davy Kaumbwa (Red Arrows), Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes)

Defenders: Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes), Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), George Chilufya (Nchanga Rangers), Elijah Tana (Unattached), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Perry Mubanga (Power Dynamos), Emmanuel Mbola (Mining Rangers), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United).

Midfielders: Henry Banda (Zanaco),Stanley Banda (Red Arrows), Simon Bwalya, Kennedy Mudenda (Both Power Dynamos), Patrick Kasunga (Chambishi), Kebby Hachipuka (Green Eagles), William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos)

Strikers: Ignatius Lwipa , Given Singuluma (Both Zanaco), Elson Mkandawire (Power Dynamos), Makundika Sakala (Amakumbi Stars), Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco United)

Minister warns smugglers

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The Zambian Government has warned that it will deal with anyone involved in the smuggling of goods in and out of the country.

Home Affairs Minister, Kalombo Mwansa says smuggling of goods does not only deprive the government of revenue but is also a criminal offence.

Dr. Mwansa said his ministry has intensified patrols in all the major border areas in the country to curb smuggling.

He has however directed all government security wings to arrest people engaged in illicit trade.

And Dr. Mwansa told ZNBC news in Lusaka today that it is wrong for people to smuggle mealie-meal when the nation is in need of the commodity.

ZNBC/NEWS

Maiko Zulu sentenced

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REGAE musician Maiko Zulu arrives for sentencing for drug possession at the Lusaka magistrate Court
REGAE musician Maiko Zulu arrives for sentencing for drug possession at the Lusaka magistrate Court

The Lusaka Magistrates Court has sentenced prominent musician Maiko Zulu, formerly known as St Michael, to six months imprisonment with hard labour, suspended for one year on one charge of trafficking in five balls of cannabis weighing 17 grammes.

Passing sentence on Zulu, 39, of house No. 15, Libala Stage 2 in a packed courtroom yesterday, Magistrate David Simusamba said Zulu, while serving his sentence, should not engage in any offence related to drug trafficking, failure to which he would be slapped with a custodian sentence.

“I have considered facts in mitigation and it is apparent that the offender is a house-hold name and a chief breadwinner of both his family and extended family.

“I will, therefore, impose a jail sentence on you, Maiko Zulu, of six months with hard labour and a suspended sentence of 12 months in which you will be required to visit 10 high schools in Lusaka, perform at Government functions and public holidays for free,” he said.

The magistrate said Zulu, in his community work, would be required to visit 10 high schools in Lusaka Province to speak about the dangers of drug abuse.

Mr Simusamba said Zulu deserved lenience because he was a first offender and an icon in championing child labour issues in communities.

Facts before the court were that on February 3, 2009, Zulu did traffic in psychotropic substances namely marijuana contrary to the laws of Zambia.

The sentence means Zulu would serve the 12-month sentence outside prison but should not commit a similar offence within the stipulated time.

In mitigation, Zulu through his lawyer, Sugzo Dzekedzeke, said he prayed that the court did not give him custodial sentence because he had not wasted the court’s time and taxpayers’ money by admitting the charge without delay.

Zulu said if the court meted out custodial sentence on him, his dependants would suffer because he was not just the chief breadwinner of his household but also of his extended family, which included his mother and eight children from his deceased siblings.

He said he had two school-going children who would suffer if he was sent to province.

Zulu said he was International Labour Organisation (ILO) ambassador against child labour and also an ambassador of the courts of law through his day-to-day activities.

He said he was also coordinating a programme on behalf of ILO meant for creation of employment for youths in the country.

Zulu said should a custodial sentence be slapped on him, the ILO programmes would be affected.

He said he was also the coordinator of a football team in his community that sought to identify talent and prevent youths from engaging in dangerous activities.

Local musicians that attended Zulu’s judgment included Angela Nyirenda, Saboi Imboela, Danny Peddle, Mozegeta, Mathew Tembo, James Chamanyazi and Moses Sakala.

Comedian Bob Nkoshya was also present.
[ Zambia Daily Mail]

Govt has abolished cut off point system for grade 9 exams

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Government has abolished the cut off-point system to select grade nine pupils to grade ten and replaced it with a full school certification as a criterion to qualify to grade ten.

A total of 110,798 pupils obtained full grade certificates in last year’s examinations and have consequently qualified to grade ten.

Minister of Education, Geoffrey Lungwangwa disclosed this in a ministerial statement to parliament today.

He said all the candidates who obtained full certificates during their grade nine examinations have since qualified to grade ten.

He said the decision to select candidates based on their full certificate was aimed at allowing more pupils proceed to grade ten.

Prof. Lungwangwa said out of 254 032 candidates, who entered for the examination last year, 228 107 candidates sat for the examination, of which 110,798 candidates obtained full certificates and consequently qualified to grade ten.

He said 46,001 candidates who obtained full certificates were girls while 64,797 are boys.

Professor Lungwangwa further disclosed that 196 candidates with special needs entered the examinations, out of which 118 candidates were selected to grade ten after obtaining full certificates.

He said only 56 cases of malpractice were recorded last year and attributed the low figures to the strict supervision by both teachers and Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) officials during examinations.

He said grade ten classes will start next week Monday, the 16th of February 2009, with a two weeks grace period.

Prof. Lungwangwa said all pupils who will not report for class by the 27th of February will lose their school places.

Meanwhile, Professor Lungwangwa has disclosed that government has put in place a committee that will look into the issue of extending free education policy to grade 12.

He said the committee is working tirelessly to ensure this was implemented soon in order to increase the number of pupils completing grade 12 education.

He said this in response to a complimentary question raised by Chongwe Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo who wanted to know if government has plans to extend free education to grade 12.

ZANIS/GP/KSH/ENDS.

RB, Kikwete nod possible TAZARA concession

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President Rupiah Banda and President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania have agreed to explore the possibility of a concession on the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) as a way of improving its performance.

The two Presidents have also agreed to cooperate in the rehabilitation of the Single Point Mooring (SPM) at the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) pipelines in order to enhance the flow of oil to Zambia.

This is contained in a communique issued in Dar-Es Salaam following the official visit of President Banda to Tanzania.

According to the communique, the two Heads of State have agreed on the immediate and long term strategies to address the logistical chain from the port, to TAZARA until final destination.

And the two Presidents have urged the relevant ministries to convene a meeting of experts to expedite the conclusion of an agreement on the One Stop Border Post concept.

Speaking earlier, TAZAMA Pipelines Regional Manager Abraham Saunyama said TAZAMA was failing to operate to its full capacity due financial problems that had dodged the institution.

Mr Saunyama bemoaned the fact that the equipment was old but noted that rehabilitation has been underway since 1986.

He appealed to the governments of Tanzania and Zambia to help recapitalise the company whose facilities have been in existence for over 30 years.

Mr Saunyama said the equipment at TAZAMA currently posed both economical and environmental challenges hence the need for the two governments to agree to finance the rehabilitation of the equipment.

He appealed to the Zambian government to make it possible for the company to borrow so that its facilities could be protected in order for them to continue to serve and contribute to the economic development of the two countries.

Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga echoed the sentiments of Mr Saunyama adding that the facility was the ‘blood vessel’ for the Zambian economy.

And Tanzanian Minister of Energy and Minerals Adam Malima said the concerns raised by TAZAMA Pipelines Regional Manager Abraham Saunyama would be looked into and see how they could be resolved.

Mr Malima said issues considered as bottlenecks from Tanzania would be attended to and a consensus would be reached as soon as possible.

The two Presidents also discussed issues relating to the supply of power to Rukwa region in Tanzania as well as transport facilitation under the One Stop Border concept.

The two Heads of State who exchanged views on the performance of various key institutions and sectors such as TAZARA, TAZAMA and the Port of Dar-Es- Salaam also emphasised the importance of revitalising the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPC) between the two countries in order to create a platform in which issues of mutual benefit could be dealt with speedily.

President Banda and President Kikwete further re-affirmed their commitment to ensuring that the 9th session of the JPC of cooperation is held.

With regard to regional issues, the two Presidents pledged to continue to work together to address matters of mutual concern in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)region and the continent as a whole.

”In this regard, they exchanged views on the situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe,” reads the communique in part.

The two Presidents also expressed hope that the problems facing DRC and Zimbabwe would be resolved so as to ensure peace, security, stability and development in the SADC region and the continent as a whole.

Earlier, President Banda toured TAZAMA Pipelines tank farm and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) Port of Facilities.

Mr Banda assured management at TAZAMA after he toured the facilities that he would work closely with his Tanzanian counterpart to see how the problems affecting the company could be solved.

”I have had useful discussions with President Kikwete and have reached agreements that will see us move forward. Our forefathers President Kaunda and Julius Nyerere were very wise to embark on joint ventures such as TAZAMA and TAZARA which have greatly benefited our two countries,” he said.

Mr Banda called for increased investments between the two countries and thanked the people of Tanzania for looking after the joint facilities with care.

Later President Banda toured the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) Port Facilities and expressed satisfaction at the operations of the company.

”Iam pleased to see what is happening here which signifies the cooperation between our two countries. This is the way we should go as Africans and if we do more of joint ventures, we will get quickly to the concept of African Unity,” he said.

And President Banda who was in Tanzania for a two day official visit has since left Tanzania for Malawi.

Mr Banda was seen off at Juilus Nyerere International Airport by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and other senior government officials.

He is accompanied to Malawi by Energy Minister Kenneth Konga, Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya, Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and other senior government officials.
ZANIS/ENDS/FM/CLM

Jacob Zuma to attend 2009 Nc’wala ceremony

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South Africa’s ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma is expected to attend this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony, which is slated for February 28.

According to the main committee’s chairman general, Adam Chongwe, Mr. Zuma will attend the ceremony which will be graced by President Rupiah Banda.

Mr. Chongwe has also disputed media reports that the committee has raised 75 per cent of the required money to host the function.

He described the reports alleging that the committee has raised K112.5 million out of the required K150 million as misleading because the statement was not true.

He was speaking during a Nc’wala ceremony preparatory meeting held at the provincial administration conference hall this morning.

Meanwhile, National Credit and Savings (NATSAVE) bank has committed itself to sponsoring lunch for dignitaries that are expected to attend the ceremony.

And provincial Permanent Secretary, Eularia Syamujaye, said Zain Zambia would carry out repair works on the main arena shelter.

She disclosed that the company had pledged to repair the shelter which was constructed last year.

Mrs. Syamujaye has since advised the committee to coordinate in order for the ceremony to succeed.

ZANIS/HN/KSH/ENDS

Zesco, Arrows Prepare to Head East

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Zesco United and Red Arrows leave for East Africa over the next 48 hours ahead of their weekend Caf Africa Champions League and Confederations Cup preliminary stage final return leg matches respectively.

Zesco take-off for Kenya on Thursday where they will face Mathare United on Saturday in Nairobi while Arrows leave for Tanzania on Wednesday to face Mundu in Dar es Salaam also on February 14.

Arrows enjoy a 6-0 advantage over Mundu from the first leg match played in Lusaka on January 31 while Zesco hold a slender 2-0 lead from their match played in Ndola a fortnight ago.

However, Zesco will be without regular defender Kunda Mushota while left-back William Chinyama is fit after an injury scare.

A draw or victory for Zesco will see them book a first round encounter away in the first leg in Abidjan against Africa Sport of Cote d’Ivoire during the weekend of March 13-15.

Arrows on the other hand have a potential first round meeting against Ocean Boys of Nigeria next month whom they host in the first leg.

Zesco United:

Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda, Charles Chisha

Defenders: William Chinyama, Chalwe Kabamba, Roger Kamwandi, Leonard Silungwe, Nyambe Mulenga

Midfielders: Mathews Chikwete, Clifford Chipalo, Innocent Mwaba, Maybin Mwaba, Yonah Mwango, Yonah Mwango, George Phiri, Lotti Phiri, Jonas Sakuwaha

Forwards: Jackson Mwanza, Enoch Sakala, Nicholas Zulu

Red Arrows:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Munyao, Medson Luwawa

Defenders: Jimmy Chisenga, Joseph Zimba, Kamuzati Kabwe, Sylvester Bwalya, Richard Phiri, Goodson Kachinga

Midfielders: Judge Mkandawire, Lawrence Pondani, Chisi Mbewe, Timothy Mbewe, Stanley Banda, Simon Lupiya, Daniel Siyuni.

Forwards: Agrippa Mbewe, Jimmy Njobvu, Chiwanki Liyainga,

Govt to recapitalize the Zambia Printing Company.

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Chief Government Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha says recapitalizing the company is the only solution government can use to address the current problems at the company.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, noted that his Ministry will ensure that operations at the company are revamped and workers who have lost their jobs are returned.

He disclosed that government will acquire new equipment which can also be used to generate resources for the company.

He said this to journalists shortly after addressing workers and management at Zambia Printing Company in Lusaka today.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha further assured that government will come up with the plan aimed at assisting the company to generate the required funds for its operations.

He also added that government will also ensure that workers welfare such as salaries are paid on time to enhance productivity at the printing company.

The Minster further commended workers for their sacrifice despite them operating under difficult conditions.

And Speaking earlier Company Deputy Director for Information John Moyo disclosed that the company owes Zambia Revenue Authority and Nation Pension Scheme K3.6 billion in unpaid taxes.

Mr. Moyo said the company is currently faced with a lot of problems and has since reduced its workforce from 215 to 30.

He noted that there is need for government to quickly decide on the status of the company before it completely stops operating.

He explained that the company also owes workers huge sums of money in salary arrears and benefits for retirees and widows.

He further called on government and other stakeholders to come on board and assist his company to procure modern machinery, adding that it is the only way it can compete favorably with other companies.

ZANIS/MM/IS/AM/ENDS.

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