Faz Premier League Week 18
25/10/2009
Chambishi- Zesco United
Roan United- Green Eagles
Power Dynamos- Konkola Blades
Nchanga Rangers- Nkana
City of Lusaka- Red Arrows
Kabwe Warriors- Green Buffaloes (KO: 15:00 CAT)
The United Party for National Development (UPND) party cadres intimidated MMD cadres who were found at UPND rally held at Villa ground in Livingstone today.
This happened after some party cadres from UPND identified some MMD supporters present at the rally and decided to chase them from the venue ground by force.
Meanwhile, UPND President, Hakainde Hichilema, accused the MMD of campaigning using tax payers’ money.
Mr. Hichilema said Zambians are now tired of MMD’s leadership which does not look into the plight of civil servants, saying if he is to be voted into power, workers will be paid handsomely.
He said Zambia is not poor but has got a lot of money except that the country has got poor managers who are not putting government resources into good use.
Mr. Hichilema said the country this time needs a vibrant, intelligent young leader like he who can transform the economic development, adding that old men like Michael Sata and Rupiah Banda should be retired because they are too old in politics.
He charged that currently the government ministers are many but are not working according to the expectations of the Zambian people but instead they are the ones who are highly paid.
Mr. Hichilema disclosed that he will make sure that cabinet ministers are reduced to 15 so that the money can go towards the economic development of the country.
He wondered why the MMD government keeps referring to opposition political parties of not having the majority number of members of parliament, saying it is possible that whoever wins will form the next government without problems.
Mr. Hichilema reminded the MMD government that in 2001, the late republican President, Levy Mwanawasa, did not have the majority in parliament but he managed to form government without difficulties.
He challenged the electorate to vote for a leader who will be able to listen to their cries instead of voting for someone who will forget them soon after getting into power.
Mr. Hichilema, among other things, promised proper health delivery, quality education and improved agricultural sector.
He said there will be free education from grade one to university level which government has failed for a long time now, saying it is only greedy people who do not want other people’ s children to learn.
ZANIS/ENDS/NM/EB
Acting president, Rupiah Banda, has dismissed reports that the ruling MMD party has been divided ahead of next week’s presidential election.
And Mr Banda has promised to bring Kafue back to life economically once elected president in the October 30 election.
Meanwhile, former republican vice president, Nevers Mumba, has urged Zambians to distance themselves from presidential candidates preaching anarchy and insults in the run-up to the October 30 election.
Addressing scores of Kafue residents who braved a hot afternoon at Matanda football ground today, Mr Banda said the ruling MMD is intact as evidenced by the presence of finance minister, Ng’andu Magande and other party leaders at today’s rally who were said to have been sidelined in the ruling party’s campaigns.
Mr Banda said the MMD was not divided but democratic where members are willing to march together as one united force after the election of the party presidential candidate.
Mr Banda said he was the best presidential candidate in the October 30 election as he has the experience and capacity to deliver to the expectations of the Zambian people.
Mr Banda assured the people of Kafue that he is aware of the economic challenges they are going through and has already started addressing some them.
High on the agenda is the urgent need to recapitalise Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), so that it can return to full and sustainable production, paying of retirees benefits and facilitating the sale of Kafue estates houses to sitting tenants.
He said Kafue is an attractive destination for fresh investment in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture in order to create jobs and wealth for the people.
The steel manufacturing plant will soon open in the district to widen avenues for employment for the locals.
Mr Banda said he is determined to improve the lives of the Zambian people as seen in the reduction of the price of fertilizer from K200,000 to K50,000 per 50kg bag.
He said consultations are also underway to reduce further the price of mealie meal so that Zambians can lead a good and happy life.
On next week’s presidential poll, Mr Banda challenged PF leader Michael Sata and UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema to renounce violence and accept the outcome of next week’s presidential election.
He said the election will be free, fair and transparent as results will be counted and signed for in the presence of all contesting parties and stakeholders at polling stations thereby leaving no room for cheating.
Mr Banda called on parties who may still have some concerns regarding the electoral process to raise them now so that they are ironed out before the October 30 election.
Earlier at the same rally, Finance Minister, Ng’andu Magande, who is also Chilanga member of parliament, said Kafue and Chilanga constituencies were ready to deliver 100 per cent vote for RB in the October 30 presidential election.
He said a lot is being done quietly in his constituency to ensure total victory for the MMD.
And former republican vice president Nevers Mumba said Zambians should uphold the principles of a Christian nation by rejecting a leader who preaches anarchy and insults.
Dr Mumba urged Zambians to turn out in large numbers and vote for Rupiah Banda for continued stability, peace and development.
United Liberal Party president ( ULP), Sakwiba Sikota, called on the people of Zambia to vote for RB as the MMD is the only party which has enough MPs to form a government representing all the nine provinces of the country.
And FDD president, Edith Nawakwi, ULP chairperson, Clementina Chipeta, MMD treasurer, Suresh Desai, Agriculture Minister, Ben Kapita and Lands Minister, Bradford Machila also addressed the rally, urging the electorate to vote for RB.
ZANIS/ENDS/JS/EB.
Sinazongwe District Commissioner, Mungoni Simulilika, has called on the people to apply for the Citizen Economic Empowerment Fund (CEEF) to accelerate economic development for the country to attain a middle income stage.
Mr. Simulilika said at this year’s 44th Independence celebration at Sinazongwe Basic School that government has released money for people to invest in various developmental projects.
He urged Sinazongwe people to get the forms from the banks such as Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO), Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays, Finance, and National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE).
Mr. Simulilika noted that the forms were supposed to be taken to the DC’s office after they were filled in for evaluations.
The DC said the government initiative of empowering people was meant to ensure the country attains a medium income stage through the vision 2030.
He noted that as this was in line with this year’s 44th Independence theme of “facing the future with hope,” the CEEF would also empower Sinazongwe people.
Mr. Simulilika urged Sinazongwe people to be hard working to ensure that they produced their own food rather than depending on relief handouts.
“Sinazongwe has plenty of water, fish, land, coal, and human resource and I do not understand why we should not feed ourselves,” Mr. Simulilika said.
He said government was preparing the citizens from the dependence on handouts to irrigation technology.
The DC acknowledged that government has already sent the inputs for 2008/2009 farming season to the district and the food security pack under Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare to help the vulnerable people.
He also commended government for providing a K1.8 billion towards building three new Schools and rehabilitation of Schools and Staff houses this year.
ZANIS/ENDS/TN/EB
Local Government and Housing Minister, Sylvia Masebo has suspended Chadiza District Council.
The move comes barely two days after Acting President, Rupiah Banda, ordered Ms Masebo to address the water crisis that has faced Chadiza for the past three weeks.
The minister has also suspended all grants to the council until competent people are put in office to run the affairs of the council.
Ms. Masebo said the Local Government Ministry will send an auditor to carry out investigations on how the council has been using funds meant for service delivery to the community.
The minister asked the police to guard the council premises until the auditor arrives so that no documents are tampered with.
She further said a qualified Council Administrator will take over the running of the council during the period the council will be on suspension.
Ms Masebo ordered that a special full council meeting be held on Monday to consider the move she has taken.
On the water crisis, Ms Masebo said officials from her ministry will be in Chadiza on Monday and ensure that water supply is stored before the end of next week.
Ms. Masebo who was in the company of Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Eurariah Syamujaye, and Provincial Local government Officer, Alex Bwalya, said the Council has failed the people of Chadiza district.
She said Chadiza District Council lacked qualified personnel and management did not seem to know what was expected of them.
The Minister wondered why unqualified people were holding management positions when the country had a lot of university graduates roaming the streets.
Ms. Masebo was incensed at the council management’s inability to answer her questions about how the council had spent government financial grants meant to improve water supply.
She complained that Chadiza District Council’s failure in service delivery was painting a bad picture about her ministry, when the ministry was constantly giving the council money to help the community.
And Chadiza Central Member of Parliament, Allan Mbewe, thanked the minister for suspending the council saying the move was long overdue.
Mr. Mbewe said Chadiza council was standing in the way of development because it was not interested in seeing the district develop.
Mr. Mbewe said he was bound to fail if the current council management continued in office as no development would come to Chadiza.
He said it was embarrassing that Chadiza council was one of the few councils that had not received the Constituency Development Fund on account of not having done retirement of the previous allocation.
ZANIS/ENDS/HH/CMM/EB.
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) tripartite Summit of Heads of States and Government which met in Kampala Uganda on 22nd October expressed concern at the current global financial crisis undermining the economic stability of the world.
The Summit, whose theme was ‘Deepening COMESA-EAC-SADC Integration’ noted that the global financial crisis poses a serious threat to the growth of African economies particularly in terms of demand for African exports of goods and services, tourism, foreign direct investment and the achievement of the MDGs.
This is contained in a final communiqué read by Ambassador Juma Mwapachu, the Secretary General of EAC and made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The communiqué noted that the tripartite summit called for a collective action to help African and other developing and least developed countries to address the adverse impact of the financial crisis and the global economic meltdown.
The summit further urged international financial institutions to adopt effective remedial measures to mitigate the risks.
It also noted the continued world food crisis and agreed to make strategic interventions to exploit the potential of African economies in the production of food and enhance accessibility to all markets.
The tripartite summit agreed on a programme of harmonizing trading arrangements amongst the three Regional Economic Communities (RECS).
In the area of trade, customs and economic integration, the tripartite summit approved the expeditious establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA) encompassing the member and partner states of the three RECS with an ultimate goal of establishing a single Customs Union.
In the area of infrastructure, the tripartite summit launched the Joint Competition Authority (JCA) on Air Transport Liberalization which will oversee the full implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on Air Transport in the three RECS commencing in January next year.
The JCA comprises seven members, two members each from the EAC, COMESA and SADC plus a Chairperson on a rotational basis.
With regard to the Legal and Institutional Framework, the tripartite summit directed the Council of Ministers of each of the three RECs to within six months consider and approve the memorandum of understanding on inter-regional cooperation and integration which should also provide for the powers of each decision making level.
ZANIS/ENDS/CBM/EB
Zambia celebrates her 44th independence anniversary on Friday.
However, the celebrations have been overshadowed by campaigns as political parties make their last minute efforts to woo voters ahead of the October 30 presidential election.
Political parties are engaged in activities in various parts of the country to sell their manifestos to the electorate.
Government has also canceled the investiture ceremony at state house, a permanent feature of the independence anniversary celebrations, to allow parties to continue with their campaigns.
However, some events took place, especially in Lusaka, to mark Independence Day.
Acting president, Rupiah Banda, on Friday morning led diplomats accredited to Zambia and service chiefs in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka.
The ceremony was attended by some cabinet ministers, senior government officials and former rrepublican vice president, Nevers Mumba.
Other dignitaries that attended the ceremony were Chief Justice Ernest Sakala, National Assembly Speaker, Amusa Mwanamwambwa and FDD president, Edith Nawakwi.
The theme for this year’s independence celebrations is” Facing the Future with Hope.”
And Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second today congratulated Acting President Rupiah Banda on the 44th Cerebrations of Zambia’s Independence.
The Queen also wished the government and the people of Zambia happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
British High Commissioner, Ms. Carolyn Davidson, also added her congratulations, saying relations between Britain and Zambia are excellent.
“We hope to further strengthen links between the two nations for the mutual benefit of the Zambian and British people,” said Ms. Davidson in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Ms. Davidson said the United Kingdom government was impressed at Zambia’s good democratic record in the region and hoped the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the forth coming Presidential election meet international standards.
She said this was an opportunity for Zambia to show the world that it was a beacon of democracy.
ZANIS/ENDS/CBM/EB
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is expected to fully commission its Chingola copper smelter, in Zambia, this month, following delays caused by technical hitches, a company official says.
The new smelter uses the proven Outokumpu flash smelting technology and will handle KCM’s copper concentrate and concentrate from other copper-mining companies in Zambia.
Currently, KCM, Zambia’s largest copper producing company, is implementing the Konkola Deep mining project (KDMP), whose fourth shaft has reached its final depth of 81 m.
The shaft will be used to take miners underground and to haul copper ore to the surface.
The KDMP will be completed in 2010, with midshaft production of ore scheduled to start next year.
Completion of the smelter will increase the production capacity of the mine, which is targeting at least one-million tons of copper a year by 2010.
Meanwhile, KCM has enlisted the help of police forces from neighbouring countries in an effort to strengthen its anti- copper theft squad.
KCM communications adviser Sam Equamo says the company’s security wing is working with the Zambian police and its counterparts in neighbouring countries where copper passes on its way to global markets.
Zambia is a member of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation, which aims to promote cooperation in thwarting crimes with regional implications.
Zambia’s inspector-general of police, Ephraim Mateyo, last year formed an anticopper theft crack squad to specifically deal with this type of crime, which has rocked the mineral-rich Copperbelt province.
In November last year, Zambian police arrested three Chinese nationals in Ndola for the theft of copper cathode and concentrate valued at $1-million.
The copper had allegedly been stolen from KCM, which is majority-owned by London-listed Vedanta Resources plc.
Mining weekly
Patriotic Front PF President Michael Sata has promised to tar the Mwinilunga -Kabompo road and turn Zambezi and Solwezi air ports into international air ports.
Addressing a public rally in Solwezi yesterday, Mr. Sata said he would improve the lives of people by developing Zambia without discriminating.
He also said he would reduce the price of mealie meal from K75, 000 to K25, 000 and conquer HIV/AIDS once elected President of Zambia.
Mr. Sata warned investors to respect Zambian workers, adding that he would make laws to force them to respect their workers if they decide to be arrogant.
He further charged that he would write off Chiefs car loans when he comes into power because Chiefs were supposed to be going round visiting their subjects to supervise them in any developmental projects in their areas.
Mr. Sata refuted allegations that he will chase away the Luvale, Chokwe Lundas and other tribes in Northwestern Province to Angola.
Mr. Sata said he had no such intentions because Northwestern Province is part of Zambia and he cannot chase away people that he wants to rule.
The PF President promised the people of Northwestern Province that he would develop the Province by constructing hydro power plants on the Zambezi, Kabompo and Lunga rivers to do away with the diesel machines and introduce mango, pine apple and rice plants.
Mr. Sata said there were no enough hospitals in Zambia and once he comes into power he would build hospitals and Television stations in every Province.
Opposition Heritage Party leader, Brigadier-General Godfrey Miyanda, has advised Patriotic Front president, Michael Sata, to stop misleading Zambians on the constitutional provision pertaining to the next republican president after the October 30 election.
Gen. Miyanda said it was unfortunate that Mr. Sata was misrepresenting facts by saying that the new president should rule the country for five years instead of the remaining three years of the presidency.
The Heritage Party leader said this when he addressed a campaign rally at Chambeshi Market in Kasama yesterday.
He explained that the constitution was very clear as to what should happen during this transition period and urged politicians to desist from creating unnecessary anxiety in the nation by making unfounded statements.
Gen. Miyanda has since urged voters in next week’s presidential election to ignore Mr. Sata’s suggestion on the term of office for the next president but instead concentrate on electing a leader of their choice.
And the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) in Northern Province has also condemned PF leader Michael Sata for insinuating that the new republican president should serve for a period of five (5) years instead the remaining three years for the presidency.
CCZ provincial chairperson, Reverend Patrick Mwanza, has since described the remarks attributed to Mr. Sata as irresponsible and unacceptable.
Rev. Mwanza told ZANIS that the constitution was clear on the presidential by-election, adding that nobody, including politicians, should tamper with the supreme law of the land.
He explained that people trying to change the constitution in order to suit their own interests were only exposing their acts of desperation for power, which should not be tolerated in a democratic country like Zambia.
Rev. Mwanza has since urged political party leaders to be responsible when making statements in order to avoid trivializing issues of national importance as doing so may result in unnecessary tension in the country.
Anti-rigging Zambia Limited lawyer, Kelvin Bwalya, has handed himself to the police in Lusaka for questioning.
Police Service Spokesperson, Bonnie Kapeso, said Mr. Bwalya cooperated fully with the police during interrogations.
He however declined to disclose the outcome of the interrogations.
Police summoned Mr. Bwalya on Wednesday to answer questions over his recent statement related to the electoral process.
Last Friday, Mr. Bwalya alleged that his organization impounded a truck in Kafue carrying presidential ballot papers.
He alleged that the ballot papers were going to be used to rig next week’s presidential election.
Inspector General of Police, Ephraim Mateyo, gave Mr. Bwalya a 24 hour ultimatum to report himself to the police failure to which the service would pursue him.
Mr. Mateyo appealed to political stakeholders to desist from making statements that will incite people to engage in violent behaviour.
He urged those with information on electoral malpractices to feel free to report to the police or other law enforcement agencies instead of issuing false statements to the media.
[ZNBC]
Acting President Rupiah Banda has urged Zambians to contribute to the emancipation of the country from poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment.
Mr. Banda said Zambians should use the prevailing democratic dispensation as a spring board to fight these ills.
He said the emancipation process begins with citizens exercising their constitutional right by participating in the elections in order to usher in the fourth republican president on 30 October, 2008.
He said government has demonstrated its commitment to free, fair and transparent elections by inviting international and local observers to witness these elections.
To this end, the Acting President has directed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
The Acting President made the remarks in his National address on both Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and Radio on the Eve of Zambia’s 44th Independence Anniversary.
This years independence would be cerebrated under the theme “facing the future with hope.
Mr. Banda said Zambia can look to the future with hope because the country has enjoyed peace, stability and unity since independence under the banner of one Zambia one Nation.
He said this was demonstrated recently during the illness and subsequent death of the Third Republican President, Dr levy Mwanawasa , during which Zambians from all walks of life were united in prayer and mourning.
He said the country can therefore look to the future with hope because even when prophets of doom were predicting chaos following the death of Dr. Mwanawasa, that Zambians were united in ensuring that the due process of the law and the constitution are observed as the country prepare for his successor.
He however said the country as it commemorates its independence should reflect and remember the significance of that day in 1964, when gallant freedom fighters, founding fathers and mothers, broke the yoke of colonialism.
‘Independence day is an occasion to reflect on what we have achieved as a country from the level it was 44 years ago to a higher political, social and economic level.
Furthermore, Independence Day rekindles in us Zambians a high sense of patriotism and national pride regardless of our diverse political, ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds,’ he added.
He said this year, Zambians commemorate against a very sad and painful background, the loss of our beloved president and visionary leader who passed away on 19th august, 2008.
‘ In remembering our departed president, we also pay tribute to our fallen heroes and heroines whose contribution to the political and economic emancipation of our country is recognized and commemorated on 24th October, our independence day,’ He said..
Mr. Banda has since called upon all Zambians to celebrate the independence day in peace, unity and harmony.
He said the country should remain must maintain the dignity and respect we have earned over the years from neighbours and the international community.
Mr Banda also said about US$3 billion has been invested in the mining sector since 2000.
He said the sector has in the recent past attracted massive investments due to high prices of metals on the world market and friendly investor policies the government has introduced.
He disclosed since the year 2000 when Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM ) was privatised, a total of us $3 billion was invested in the sector by the end of 2007 and 49,000 jobs were created.
Mr. Banda said the attractive economic and investment policies put in place since 1991 have made Zambia an investment destination of choice on the continent
.
He said government in order to enable Zambians to share in the fortunes of the mining sector, while at the same time leaving the mines profitable and rewarding to shareholders April this year introduced a new mining tax regime which resulted in an additional US $400 million to be raised by the end of 2008.
He said the additional revenues from mining will facilitate the implementation of national programmes in areas of health, education and infrastructure development including in the mining areas.
Additionally the acting president said government will soon advertise for prospectors to start bidding for exploration for oil and gas in North-western, Luapula, Eastern and Western provinces.
And Mr. Banda says government has unveiled multi-facility economic zones as a flagship for job and wealth creation in line with the national vision 2030.
He said the Multi-Facility Economic Zones (MFEZ) are intended to house multi-national corporations, which will expand manufacturing and trade to world class levels, thereby creating jobs for thousands of our skilled, yet unemployed citizens.
This years independence would be cerebrated under the theme “facing the future with hope.
On the social sector, he said government has continued to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving the well- being of our people through provision of universal primary education and primary health care as well as retention of both teaching and medical staff.
He said since independence, government has scored some major achievements in the health sector, that include the rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, replacement of diagnostic equipment in hospitals, construction of the cancer centre in Lusaka and implementation of a strategy to retain personnel.
He said government has also undertaken major interventions in the prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Banda added that government policy of free access to anti-retroviral drugs has led to an increase in the number of patients that are receiving ARVs.
On the education sector , he said the government is studying the possibility of extending free education up to grade 12 adding that it has continued to provide free education up to grade seven .
He further said government has succeeded in implementing programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the poor and vulnerable persons in society.
The programmes include the public welfare assistance scheme, the food security pack, the social cash transfer scheme, as well as programmes for vulnerable children.
The direct cash transfers have contributed to poverty reduction in vulnerable households by raising their incomes, consumption levels and improving their access to education, health and other social services.
Meanwhile Mr. Banda says government has started to take measures to cushion the domestic economy from the impact of the global financial crisis as well as the rise in food and oil prices .
He said Zambian economy has in the past few years recorded positive trends in the key macro-economic indicators as seen in the Gross Domestic Product in real terms which has averaged more than five per cent per annum over the past six years.
He further said inflation declined and for the first time in three decades, a single-digit rate was registered in 2006 and 2007 with interest rates also declining from 43 percent in 2002 to 19 percent by June 2008 .
The Acting President said improvements have equally been registered in the external sector where gross international reserves increased to an unprecedented us $1.4 billion as at the end of June 2008.
He further said government has prioritized development of the tourism and agricultural sectors as these provide real opportunities for economic diversification.
In the agriculture sector , the government has, this year, increased the budgetary allocation in order to enable 200,000 farmers to benefit. in addition, the subsidy has been increased to 75 percent from 60 percent last year.
Further The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) this year extended the marketing season to the end of October and the price has been pegged at a more competitive level of k55,000.00 per 50 kilogramme bag of maize.
ENDS/MK/ZANIS.
Five opposition Patriotic Front (PF) officials in Kasama who yesterday impounded a Ministry of Health truck on suspicions that it was carrying ballot papers have been detained for giving false information to a public officer.
The five were detained around midmorning today after a verification exercise which was conducted at Kasama Police station in the presence of all stakeholders revealed that the truck was only carrying spray pumps and chemicals for treating mosquito nets.
Northern Province Police Chief Charles Lungu who confirmed the development to ZANIS said Police have since launched investigations to establish the motive behind the alarm.
Police Spokesperson Bonnie Kapeso when contacted for a comment in Lusaka stated he could not comment on the matter as he had not received the report.
And speaking before the verification exercise, Christopher Chanda who identified himself as a member of the PF security committee said they received information from their colleagues in Mpika, that the Ministry of Health truck registration no. GRZ 914 BX destined for Kasama was carrying suspected ballot papers.
Acting on this information, the PF officials waylaid the truck at Tazara barrier around 20:30 hrs where they ordered the driver to park the truck so that they can check its contents despite him having told them what he was carrying.
After a bitter exchange of words, the driver decided to drive off to JB Hotel where he was supposed to spend a night.
The uncompromising officials followed the truck at JB Hotel where they started removing the tent and opened two boxes.
However, it was not until the police officer in-charge appeared on the scene when it was resolved that the truck be driven to Kasama Police station to allow for a verification of its contents today.
Among the stakeholders who witnessed the verification of the contents were the provincial Electoral Officer Nixon Kwapu, the Provincial Health Director Dr. Fabian Kabulubulu and Administrative Officer Vincent Phiri.
And Health Spokesperson Dr. Canius Banda disclosed that the ministry had a meeting with all the nine provincial health directors at which it was emphasised that they should not engage in partisan politic.
He said it was regrettable that the truck was impounded but hoped that all citizens would work hand in hand with the ministry to ensure that it delivers its services to the people.
He said the activities of spraying against mosquitoes must continue unhampered with or without elections.
ZANIS/HM/MK/ENDS
Inspector General of police Ephraim Mateyo says the police service will use short battens as opposed to fire arms during the October 30 presidential by-elections.
The IG disclosed that the police service has also released 11 motor vehicles which will assist in conducting patrols so that peace prevails before and after elections.
Mr. Mateyo urged police officers not to take sides during the elections as their role is to remain natural hence the need to embrace all political parties in Zambia.
Mr. Mateyo made the remarks when he addressed senior police officers ahead of the further coming presidential by-elections at Nakatindi hall in Lusaka today.
The inspector General advised the officer that are taking sides to leave the police service.
He stressed that the police have a duty to create an environment that will enable peaceful voting is done in accordance with the law.
Mr. Mateyo however urged the police officers to observe discipline as they maintain law and order
He has since commanded the police officers for the working so hard in maintaining order.
ZANIS/AH/MK/ENDS
Mine suppliers on the Copperbelt have complained over the 40 per cent discount announced by Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) early this week for every order given to suppliers.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Ndola today, one of the suppliers, Thomas Banda, who is also proprietor of Honanda Zambia Limited, said the move will make the local suppliers unprofitable because they bear a lot of costs in purchasing mining equipment which they supply because they order almost all the equipment from outside the country.
Mr Banda called on government to intervene on the matter to ensure that local suppliers can benefit from the mining industry.
He said the move seems to be one of the company’s ways of cushioning the impact of the dropping copper priceS on the international market and the global financial crisis on it.
Mr Banda noted that it would be unfair for KCM to directly transfer the negative impact of the business crisis to suppliers who are already struggling in business.
He further observed that the major mining companies on the Copperbelt rarely gave orders to local suppliers in preference to foreign suppliers.
Early this week, KCM announced that it will demand a 40 per cent discount for a supply orders it awards to suppliers.
And Roan Constituency Patriotic Front Member of parliament, Chishimba Kambwili, yesterday strongly condemned the demand by KCM, as it would push the local suppliers out of business.
Copper prices on the international market have continued to spiral downwards with the price standing in the range of $4,000 to about $5,000 from about $8000 in the past few years.
The drop in the copper prices coupled with the global financial crisis is likely to affect the operations of the mines and force them to make desperate operational adjustments for them to continue making prices.
ZANIS/ENDS/LNN/EB.
© Lusaka Times
