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There is still my $8.5 million in ZAMTROP account, Chiluba

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Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba says that there is still $8.5 million in the Zamtrop account which belongs to him. He said this today when he was winding up his defence in a case where he is accused of plundering national resources.

Dr Chiluba testified that three audit firms that audited the Zamtrop account established that there was an outstanding amount of $52 million out of which $43 million belonged to the state.

Dr. Chiluba said auditors who included Price waterhouse Coopers and Grant Thorntorn confirmed that the $8.5 million belonged to him.

The former President started his defence on Tuesday before Ndola high court deputy registrar Jones Chinyama who is sitting as a magistrate in Lusaka.

Dr. Chiluba’s lawyers asked for an adjournment of the case to February 9, to enable the defence bring ten witnesses.

The former president together with Mr. Kabwe and Mr. Chungu is accused of stealing public funds amounting to $500 million.

And yesterday Dr Chiluba said his heart breaks when people say he did nothing for Zambia during his tenure of office.

The former president testified that he has done a lot for the country citing the empowerment policy in which sitting tenants were sold houses at what he called give-away prices.

Dr. Chiluba said he managed to create a middle class in Zambia which never existed since independence through his policies.

The former head of state also testified that it was NOT true that he woke late president Mwanawasa from sleep to adopt him as MMD presidential candidate.

He said to the contrary, he was written to by the late Mwanawasa to be considered for the MMD presidency ahead of the 2001 elections.

Dr. Chiluba testified further that he gave Dr. Mwanawasa K600 Million and three motor vehicles for his campaign trail using money from private sources and well-wishers.

And Dr. Chiluba disclosed that $1 Million was spent by the MMD to buy a building called Black Velvet in Lusaka where the party intended to be accommodated.

UPDATED

Katele tells MMD presidential aspirants to wait for next party convention

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MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba has urged party members to give the National Executive Committee a chance to ratify President Rupiah Banda as acting party president.

Dr. Kalumba says other members interested in the MMD presidency should wait until the next party convention.

He said in Lusaka, wednesday that President Banda should be allowed to assume party leadership for administrative convenience.

The NEC is scheduled to meet on February 7, to consider the proposal for Mr. Banda to act as President of the ruling MMD.

And a senior MMD official in Kafue has challenged some MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) Members who are allegedly holding dark corner meetings to come out in the open if they want to form their own political party.

MMD District vice Treasurer John Mwansa said the party in the District has received information that some MMD NEC officials and some prominent businessmen were meeting at a named guest house contemplating to form a political party .

He said that those contemplating should just come out in the open than hiding in the name of the MMD.

He said that the party in Kafue will not be taken by surprise if the new political party will be formed because Kafue has been a breeding place for the opposition political parties.

He said MMD is not afraid to face any opposition political party in any given election because it is already established.

Mr. Mwansa however, stated that any one is free to form a political party because that is his or her democratic right. He appealed to the entire MMD members not to fall prey to such activities and to concentrate on rebuilding the party.

He stated that the 2011 elections will be more tough because a lot of new parties which will be formed to challenge the ruling MMD.

And Mr. Mwansa has hailed the decision by some NEC members to appoint to Republican President Rupiah Banda as party President.

He said the decision to be adopted by the NEC when they meet will enhance unity in the party.

Mr. Mwansa urged Mr. Banda to do his best to ensure unity in the ruling party if the MMD is to scope the 2011 general elections.

He said the President has shown maturity and wisdom adding that the party is going to be stronger with him as Acting Party President.

ZANIS/BS/MKM/ENDS

Government to address deficiencies in the FSP

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Government has announced that it will this year undertake various measures aimed at addressing deficiencies recorded in the operations of the Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP) during the 2008/2009 farming season.

The measures include the production of an early procurement plan for 2009/2010 season, reviwei8ng the levels of subsidy for 2009/2010 proportionately and reviewing levels of pack sizes downwards or upwards to suite the amounts of hectares to be grown and the number of farmers to support.

Other measures are rezoning the country and securing more companies during the tendering process to supply inputs for efficient distribution to all provinces within the stipulated time and strengthening the FSP by focusing on extension services .

Agriculture Minister Brian Chituwo In a ministerial statement in parliament today said there has been dishonest among district agricultural committee members and the co-operation from co-operatives executive who have discriminated against other framers to their own advantage.

He further said there was non observance of guidelines by district Agricultural committees in identification procedures of bona fide beneficiaries.

The Minister told the house that some farmers resold their inputs to other at higher costs than the amount prescribed under the subsidy.

Despite the deficiencies, The Minister said the FSP has been done successfully in the areas where there was no thefts and abuse .

The initial budget for the FSP for the 125 000 farmers in 2008 financial year was about K185 billion which was meant to purchase 50,000 metric tones of both basal and top dressing and 2500 metric tones of seed.

The figure was however revised and an additional K300 650, 400 000 was sort to procure 80 000 metric tones of inputs of each basal and top dressing.

Nyiombo Investment Limited and Omnia Small scale limited were awarded the contract on the 50 -50 percent basis to supply the commodity countrywide.

The Minister stated that if the suppliers had complied with the contractual terms, that the commodity would have reached depots countrywide by November 2008.

“ In fact both companies had indicated during the tender that they already had adequate stocks of urea in the country. In earnest therefore the distribution of fertiliser started in later part of November into December, 2008’ he added.

The minister however told parliament that his ministry will also consider the recapitalization of Nitrogen chemicals of Zambia for cheaper fertilizer in partnership with the private sector.

And the minister have revealed that a team of officials from the ministry, government department and the private sector had gone on a study tour of the FSP to Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi.

He said the team that went into sampled districts to monitor distribution of the inputs returned last week.

He said the report shall be the basis for recommendations of committee of ministers to cabinet in the review process of the FSP for 2009/2010 framing season.

ZANIS/AH/MKM/ENDS

Government procures boats for councils

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Government has procured 16 multipurpose boats at a cost of K3.9 billion in order to improve service delivery of councils whose accessibility to other areas is through water transport.

The boats have been procured for the purpose of alleviating the transport problems that councils face during rainy seasons .

Local government Minister Benny Tetamashimba said this in a speech read on his behalf by the deputy minister Dr. Lwipa Puma, today at Lusaka City Council offices when he handed over the boats to various councils.

The beneficiaries are Gwembe, Sinazongwe, Kafue, Senanga, Serenje, Kazungula, Zambezi Samfya, Kabompo and Kalabo districts respectively.

Mr. Tetamashjimba said that government will do its best to procure more boats for the remaining needy councils.

He warned the council officers to take keen interest in the usage of the boats and report any mismanagement of the boats to the ministry.

ENDS/WM/MKM/ZANIS

Joyce Nonde, Beatrice Nyirongo condemn UNZA riot

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The Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia (FFTUZ) and the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) have condemned the riotous behaviour by some University of Zambia (UNZA) students who are demanding increased meal allowances.

Speaking in separate interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, FFTUZ president, Joyce Nonde-Simukoko, said it was sad that the students resorted to riotous behaviour over the allowances.

Mrs. Nonde-Simukoko said it would always be better for the students to use the right channel when aggrieved on certain issues other than resorting to riotous behaviour.

She added that it was also not fair for the students to stone and damage public property, which she said was very dangerous to people’s lives.

The FFTUZ president said students need to be responsible and intellectual in the way they were addressing issues affecting them.

Mrs. Nonde-Simukoko also said the students should realize that government would be required to repair the same property they were destroying.

She said students should instead demonstrate peacefully than resorting to riotous behaviour.

And CSAWUZ vice president Beatrice Nyirongo expressed disappointment at the riotous behaviour by the UNZA students.

Mrs. Nyirongo said it was very irresponsible for UNZA students.

She said it was wrong for the students to start attacking the members of the public who were innocent people.

On Tuesday night , some University of Zambia (UNZA) students ran amok and rioted demanding meal allowances.

ZANIS/AJN/KSH/ENDS

Scrap off visa fees- DRC, Zambian traders urge governments

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The Cross Border Traders Association (CBTA) has called on governments of the Democratic of Congo and Zambia to scrap off visa fees to encourage cross border trading.

Secretary General, Tadeo Taruvinga said once these visa fees were scrapped off, free trade between DRC and Zambia would become a reality.

In an interview with ZANIS at Kasumbalesa border post today, Mr. Taruvinga expressed happiness that the Congolese government has secured an office at the border where Zambian traders would be taught French for easy communication with their Congolese counterparts and custom officials.

He said the meaning of the trade information desk would greatly benefit traders because they would be well informed on how to do business in Congo.

Mr. Taruvinga advised Zambian cross border traders not to fear the Congolese custom officials by cooperating with them and ensuring that trading was done in a normal way other than smuggling.

He commended the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development (DFID-UK) and Unites States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their support in cross border trading.

ZANIS/PFK/KSH/ENDS.

LCC begins to replace street lights in Lusaka

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The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has dismissed claims from some sectors of society that it has failed to maintain street lights in the capital city.

Council Public Relations Officer, Henry Kapata, said the council has started replacing street lights in some areas of Lusaka using the K10 billion, which the government gave to the local authority last year.

Mr. Kapata told ZANIS in Lusaka today that on the Great East Road, the council intends to replace the yellow bulbs in the street lights with much brighter colours.

He said it was sad that people think that the council did not want to see the capital city look as beautiful as it could.

He complained that some members of the public decide to vandalise street lights as soon as the council puts them up.

Mr. Kapata has since warned of stern action against those who like vandalizing the street lights.

He has since called on the members of the public to report any vandals to the council or the police, adding that the local authority would not hesitate to take serious action against such.

The Public Relations Officer has also called upon motorists to be cautious on the road to avoid hitting into the street lights that the council has put up.

Mr. Kapata also said the council can only put street lights in residential areas that have their streets named.

He has since commended residents who have resorted to put up street lights in their areas using their own resources, saying this would enhance security.

He said there was need for people from the public, private sector to work closely with the council to develop the capital city.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kapata has said the council has commenced making marking lines on the Kafue road.

He said the council has engaged a constructing company called Kaliff International Company (KIC) from the neighbouring Zimbabwe to do the job.

He said the constructing company has been given enough time to a good job on the road, warning that if it does some shoddy works, the council would look for another company to do the job.

ZANIS/AJN/KSH/ENDS

RB urges Permanent Secretaries to desist from corrupt practices

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President Rupiah Banda congratulates new Luapula province permanent secretary Jazzman Chikwakwa after swearing-in ceremony at State House. Mr Chikwakwa has served as commerce minister in Chiluba's government
President Rupiah Banda congratulates new Luapula province permanent secretary Jazzman Chikwakwa after swearing-in ceremony at State House. Mr Chikwakwa has served as commerce minister in Chiluba

President Rupiah Banda has directed controlling officers in government ministries and departments to ensure that public funds are properly and efficiently utilized for implementing government projects.

President Banda warned that he would not tolerate the misuse of government funds on unnecessary luxuries, which add no value to the lives of Zambian people.

He said this at State House yesterday when he swore in 13 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and State House senior private secretary.

He has further cautioned permanent secretaries and controlling officers to desist from corruption adding that his administration will not condone corruption and will dismiss anyone involved in corrupt practices.

And President Banda has advised then newly appointed permanent secretaries to carefully read his recent address to parliament in order for them to understand and appreciate government’s vision, objectives, and plans for this year.

He has also urged them to take interest in this year’s budget, which would be presented to parliament on January 30th this year.

Mr. Banda noted that the budget will list and show all the projects and programmes which government has planned to implement this year.

He said his administration will not accept excuses and failure to perform because he wanted Zambians to receive a decent service from the civil service.

President Banda has since called for discipline and hard work among those serving in his administration in order to fulfill his promises in the next three years of his tenure of office.

The President however, expressed confidence in the newly appointed team of permanent secretaries despite the criticism and debate on their ability and credibility from some sections of society.

The newly appointed and sworn in are permanent secretary in the vice president’s office, Sebastian Kakoma, permanent secretary in the ministry of finance and National planning, Berlin Msiska, permanent secretary in the ministry of home affairs, Ndiyoi Mutiti and permanent secretary in the ministry of health, Velopi Mutonga.

Other permanent secretaries sworn in are Chilala Chibbonta for the ministry of Local Government and Housing, Godwin Beene for Mines and Minerals Development, Davison Katolo Mendamenda for Lands, Villie Lombanya for Copperbelt province.

Also sworn in was permanent secretary for Eastern Province Eularia Siamujaye, permanent secretary for Luapula Province Jazzman Chikwakwa, permanent secretary for Lusaka province Stephen Bwalya, permanent secretary for Northern Province Mwalimu Simfukwe and permanent secretary for Western Province Ikanuke Noyoo.

Robinson Nkonde has also been sworn in as the senior Private Secretary to State House.

ZANIS/CM/PC/KSH/ENDS

Immigrations dept, FSP fail to account for billions of Kwacha

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The Auditor General’s report has revealed that Over K2.4 billion collected from five immigration stations in 2007 has gone missing.

It said K1.8 billion collected from Ndola station has not been accounted for.

Other monies collected from Immigrations Headquarters, Kasumbalesa, Chingola and Lusaka International Airport offices have also not been accounted for.

It further indicates that 57 visa books, nine general receipt books and two visiting permit books have disappeared and could not be availed for audits for the year 2007.

The missing documents are for Lusaka immigrations headquarters, Lusaka International Airport, Kasumbalesa and Victoria Falls offices.

The report has also highlighted serious irregularities in the management of money collected at various diplomatic missions abroad.

The Auditor General’s Report has also revealed glaring irregularities in the management of the government sponsored Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP).

The report says it has not been possible to verify collected farmers cash deposits of over K86.7 billion.

It also indicates that the Ministry of Agriculture did not maintain a debtors ledger for the FSP.

And the Ministry did not reconcile bank accounts for the Fertilizer Support Programme during the 2006 – 2007 farming season.

The report also shows that over One thousand five hundred bags of fertiliser have not been accounted for in Chipata.

It further reveals that over K90 million collected from farmers in Kapiri Mposhi and Chipata has not been accounted for.

President Rupiah Banda Tuesday told journalists that government may consider reviewing the FSP for the coming farming season.

This follows growing calls to review the FSP to enable the targeted vulnerable farmers benefit from the subsidised agro inputs.

[ZNBC]

Evacuations of Govt officials to SA to continue- RB

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President Rupiah Banda says government will continue to evacuate its officials for specialist treatment abroad while equipping local hospitals to take up future tasks.

He said three senior government officials admitted to hospitals in South Africa are doing well.

Mr. Banda said this Tuesday shortly after arrival from South Africa where he had attended a SADC summit on Zimbabwe.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala, Science and Technology Minister Peter Daka and Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga were recently evacuated to South Africa for specialist treatment.

[ZNBC]

Dr. Chiluba breaks down in court

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Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba Wednesday wept in court as he testified in a case where he is charged with plunder of national resources.

Dr. Chiluba lamented that members of his family no longer walk with their heads held high because of the theft allegations leveled against him.

He also said he was saddened that he has been subjected to ridicule and derogatory editorial comments in the Post Newspaper.

Dr. Chiluba said he was denied natural justice when parliament endorsed that his immunity be lifted, without being summoned to exculpate himself.

He however said parliament was careful as it only removed his immunity with regards to the offences he committed in his personal capacity.

Dr. Chiluba also told the court that he felt betrayed that late president Levy Mwanawasa the man he helped to ascend to power leveled false allegations against him.

He denied having stolen $47 million which was raised from the Luanshya Copper mine.

Dr. Chiluba testified that of the figure $35 million was in the safe custody of Zambia Consolidated Copper Mine (ZCCM) while $12 million went to the receivers Grant Thornton.

The former president is jointly charged with former directors of the Defunct Access Financial Service Aaron Chungu and Faustin Kabwe.

[ZNBC]

Zambian marketeers to own bank accounts

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Banking services to open in market near you
Banking services to open in market near you

A marketers’ credit association has decided to help uplift small scale traders’ living standards in Zambia by encouraging them to save their profits in banking institutions.

Zambia National Marketers Credit Association (ZANAMCA) says all marketeers in the country should have bank accounts for them to be able to access loans for expanding their businesses.

ZANAMCA President, Frank Kameya told ZANIS in Lusaka today that his association has introduced a facility that would require all marketeers in the country to open accounts and save money.

Mr. Kameya observed that marketeers have had a culture of keeping money in their pockets, thereby finding it difficult to reinvest it in their businesses.

“Marketeers should change their living by developing a culture of saving money in the banks and building relationships with these banks,” he said.

He further noted that empowering marketeers with banking services and expanding their businesses would help government ease the negative economic impact which the current global financial crisis might exert.

ZANAMACA, in conjunction with the Zambia National Commercial Bank and Zain-Zambia limited will therefore launch an instant banking service at Lusaka’s Mtendere market tomorrow.

Mr. Kameya said marketeers will be able to carry out transactions with the bank and business partners through using their mobile phones and visa cards both locally and abroad.

He explained that the facility would only be available to marketeers trading in designated places so as to discourage street vending.

In Zambia, marketeers comprise a larger portion of the informal sector, which is not taxed by government.

ZANIS/KSH/ENDS.

Man found in possession of pornographic material

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A 46 year old man of Siavonga Township in Southern province yesterday appeared in the Siavonga magistrate court charged with the offence of possessing pornographic materials.

Henry Sakala, a Lodge manager at Eagles Rest, appeared before magistrate Veronica Sikwangala to answer the charge.

Particulars of the offence are that Sakala, a resident of Kaleya compound, was found in possession of obscene materials, contrary to section 177 (1) (a) of the penal code, chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The court heard that on 21st January 2009, Sakala was found with nine obscene DVDs, which tends to corrupt morals of people in the country.

Sakala told the court that he understood the charge. The court has since set February 10, 2009 for plea and possible commencement of trial.

The accused, who has been in custody since his arrest on the 21st of January, was however released on a K5 million bail.

Meanwhile, trial for the three persons accused of stealing some items from the accident scene, commenced in the Siavonga magistrate court yesterday.

Seven state witnesses have so far testified before magistrate Sikwangala and have since implicated a bus driver, a taxi driver and a bus conductor who were arrested by police in connection with the theft of the items.

The stolen items involved a cassette radio, cell phone, passport and undisclosed sums of money belonging to the deceased Interpol officer who was based at Kariba border post.

The three men are alleged to have taken turns removing the items from a golf car that the deceased police officer was driving.
Trial continues on February 3rd, 2009.

ZANIS/LL/KSH/ENDS

UNZA students riot over allowances

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Irate University of Zambia students Tuesday evening rioted and stoned some vehicles along the great East road.

The students are demanding payment of their meal allowances by government.

Police managed to push students back from the roadside into the university grounds after firing teargas at the unruly students.

Heavily armed riot police blocked part of the Great East road from the Arcades Shopping mall round-about up to the University of Zambia main entrance led by Lusaka province police commanding officer Greenwell Nguni.

Acting inspector general of police Francis Kabonde said no arrests were made.

Mr. Kabonde said police controlled the situation and prevented further damage to property.

Police are keeping vigil to maintain peace at the higher institution of learning.

[ZNBC]

CHAN Team Biggest Loser From SA Friendly

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Zambia yesterday lost 1-0 to South Africa in a friendly game of contrasting halves played at Super Stadium in Pretoria.

The match did little for the CHAN-bound players than those that will face Egypt away in a 2010World/Africa Cup Group C qualifier on March 29 in Cairo.

Maverick striker Makundika Sakala was, as expected poor, in the first half before being substituted by another uninspiring replacement Agrippa Mbewe who just solidified the theory that they are no tangible attacking portions in Zambia.

However, one winner was a trim-looking Collins Mbesuma who showed some added pace throughout.

Mbesuma showed some serious team-player spirit tracking back into midfield in a poor second half after Henry Banda and eventually Noah Chivuta were replaced by another ineffective pair: Stanley Banda and Simon Bwalya in the 52nd and 69th minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Mweene was outstanding in goals after making some dramatic saves for Mhabuti Khanyeza and Teko Modise.

Of the best local CHAN prospects, Henry Banda did himself justice with an inspiring performance and was influential throughout the 52 minutes he was on the park.

So too was Green Eagles’ Zesco United-bound midfielder Kebby Hachipuka who completed an almost flawless 90 minutes.

Goalkeeper Jacob Banda of Zesco continued to show a lack of judgment during set-pieces with Modise’s goal from a free-kick in the 53rd minute a clear point in question.

And how with the Cameroon friendly called off after the Indomitable Lions decided to play Guinea instead on February 11, Zambia will be without a critical CHAN build-up.

A great opportunity to feature a full CHAN team was lost for Tuesday’s game and it’s looking bleak for the team when the team kicks off against host Cote d’Ivoire on February 22 in Abidjan.

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