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You Herve To Win

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The Herve Renard show rolls into Thulamahashe in rural Mpumalanga on Wednesday where Zambia face defending Cosafa Cup champions and hosts South Africa in 17:30 semifinal kick-off.

Focus on the semifinal tie will be on coach Renard who has overseen some uninspiring performances in six games in charge with Zambia since taking charge in May.

While Renard has a modest bunch of players at his disposal in the Cosafa Cup, he failed to inspire with his favored attacking philosophy against Zimbabwe in their Cosafa Cup quarterfinal fixture on Sunday in Secunda.

Moreover, in the four competitive games Renard has been in charge of Zambia, his only two wins so far have both been secured via penalties.

Renard has constantly thrown on strikers to try and hit the right note but none of the attackers have been able raise a resonating tone in any of the four competitive matches in open play.

On Wednesday evening against South Africa, Renard’s tactical nous will come under scrutiny again as the Frenchman eyes his first competitive tournament final appearance at the helm of a national team.

However, South Africa already hold an edge over Zambia in the Cosafa Cup coming into this match.

South Africa beat Zambia 4-3 on post-match penalties in last years final played in Bloemfontein on October 24 after the match ended scoreless.

And although Bafana Bafana have entered a B side in this years competition, they remain favorites to reach the finals.

This is after they dispatched of Namibia whom they beat 1-0 in their opening quarterfinal game of the tournament played on Saturday at Witbank.

Zambia on the other hand struggled to find any rhythm against an equally poor Zimbabwean side that, despite winning the battle in midfield, went on to lose 5-4 on post-match penalties after a scoreless draw at full-time.

And to try and single out which Zambian player is likely to inspire against South Africa would be unfair after last Sunday’s all-round average performance against Zimbabwe.

Renard just needs to win in the 90 minutes in Thulamahashe to continue enjoying any favor with a Zambian public resigned to living with a team whose status as continental powerhouse is rapidly fading after a decade of false dawns.

Winner on Wednesday will face either Mozambique or Madagascar in the final on Sunday at the same venue.

Mozambique and their across-the-sea neighbors Madagascar face off in a 19:30 semifinal kickoff at the same venue.

Updates on Levy’s Condition have Calmed the Nation

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The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has commended government for constantly updating the nation on President Mwanawasa’s condition.

Briefing the press in Lusaka today, ZCID Spokesperson, Langton Sichone said the updates by government have been useful to Zambians.

Mr. Sichone pointed out that the updates have calmed the social, political and economic situation in the country.

He said ZCID has continued to pray for the quick recovery of President Mwanawasa adding that they are hopeful that the President will recover soon and continue with his duties.

Meanwhile, the ZCID has paid tribute to political parties in Zimbabwe for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will facilitate the dialogue process.

Mr. Sichone said ZCID recognizes the sovereignty of Zimbabwe and the role that people and the leadership must have in resolving internal problems.

He disclosed that political parties in Zambia through the ZCID platform will however attempt to engage political parties and other stakeholders in Zimbabwe to dialogue in a bid to find lasting solutions to the political crisis in that country.

Mr. Sichone said ZCID will seek for resources and sponsorship to engage in the matter through political parties incorporated in the ZCID.

He charged that the organisation will not create any parallel process but that it is merely it will aim to add value to the continental and regional initiatives of SADC.

“We are conscious of the need not to prejudice any of our member parties’ position but proceed through a path of seeking deeper and better understanding of what transpired in Zimbabwe,” Mr. Sichone said.

The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) is a non-governmental political platform for the Zambian political parties in and outside parliament and was formed in 2003.

ZANIS/YK/AM/ENDS.

Demands to Disclose the Medical bill of Levy immoral-Bishop Mambo

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Demands from some sections of society for government to make public of President Mwanawasa’s medical bills have been described as cynical and immoral.

Out-spoken clergyman Bishop John Mambo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that such demands should be dismissed because they are lanced with malice.

Bishop Mambo, who is President and Founder of Chikondi Foundation, said the demands are unfair because Dr. Mwanawasa like any other citizen is entitled to medical treatment at tax payer’s expense within the confines of the constitutional entitlement.

He said the money being spent on the treatment of Dr. Mwanawasa should not be an issue at a time when the nation should be pre-occupied with praying for the speedy recovery of President Mwanawasa.

Bishop Mambo further said if the law will at some time stop the State from meeting the medical bills of the President, then well-meaning Zambians should consider setting up a special trust fund.

He said such a facility would allow well-wishers make donations to help meet the medical bills of Dr. Mwanawasa and the upkeep of family members at his bedside.

Some sections of society have been pressing government to disclose the medical bill of Dr. Mwanawasa who suffered a stroke at the African Union summit in Egypt and was later evacuated to Paris, France where he is currently hospitalized at Percy Military Hospital.

Chief Government spokesperson Mike Mulongoti has since described such demands as uncalled and inhumane.
ENDS/CM/AM/ZANIS

Magande urges Malaysians to invest in Zambia

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Finance and National Planning Minister Ngandu Magande has urged Malaysia to consider extending its Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to the African Continent.

Mr. Magande said Zambia being centrally located in the two economical Regional groupings of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) can be used as the starting point for such agreements.

Mr. Magande further called for the signing of a taxation agreement so that both Zambian and Malaysian business people are not subjected to double taxation.

He stated that such an agreement is vital for facilitating trade for the private sector in both countries.

He was speaking when Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister Mohd Najid and his delegation who is in the country for the Smart Partnership Dialogue paid a courtesy call on Vice President Rupiah Banda at his office.

And Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati urged the visiting Deputy Minister to take advantage of Economic Development Zone to be established in Zambia and woo Malaysian investors to invest in the zone.

He also called for the exchange programme between the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority in order to assist in building the capacity of ZDA.

Mr. Najib was accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Mustapha Mohamed and the minister of Science , Technology and Innovation Dr. Maximus Ongkili.

Other members of his delegation included Dr. Tekhee Lafe Member of Parliament (MP) of Mas Gading , Shamsul Nasarah, MP for Lenggong, Abdul Dahlan, MP for Kota Blud and Hahman Dahlan, MP Kota Blud.
ZANIS/MK/AM/ENDS

Kakoma Dethroned as Chief Kaindu of Kaondes

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Chief Kaindu of the Kaonde people in Mumbwa district has reportedly been impeached by members of the Royal Establishment.

Kaindu Royal Establishment Chairperson, Paul Mpasu, confirmed in a Circular which indicated that 18 members of the Royal Establishment resolved to have, Leonard Kakoma, dethroned on grounds of alleged poor leadership.

The 18 members, who signed the petition that facilitated the impeachment, unanymously accused Mr Kakoma of having mishandled the mineral wealth potential of the chiefdom by allowing investors to acquire land cheaply.

He is also accused of exhibited unreasonable behavious in public mostly influenced by excessive alcohol intake in the Eight years of his reign.

Mr. Kakoma is also alleged to have annoyed the Traditional purists by selling off even the sacred ‘Makuji’ Royal graves in transctions which only fulfil his craving for alcohol.

Mr Mpasu indicated that efforts by the establishment to counsel the Mr Kaindu failed because heed any advice on the need for him to reform.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Royal Establishment, Joshua Mutoya, revealed that 8 members of the Establishment’s Privy Council will meet next Monday to finalise on the succcession to the throne.

Mr Mutoya said a successor to the would be derived from the Eight members who include Senior Headmen Chikoloma, Mpanga, Koyi and Katanga.

Others are Hedmen Kabinda, Mukobo, Chikumbi and Mumeno.

Mr Mutoya also confirmed that the Office of the District Commissioner, district Police Command as well as the other Chiefs from the District, had already been notified of the development.

Frantic efforts to obtain a comment from Mr Kakoma proved futile at press time.

And unconfirmed reports reaching ZANIS in Mumbwa indicate that possibility that Mr Kakoma resigned from the throne.

ZANIS/CM/CMM/ENDS/SJK

Let’s Double our Search for Solutions, Levy

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The Global Southern Africa International Dialogue 2008 opened in Lusaka yesterday with a call for participating countries to address issues that derail their economic development.

Among the issues that require urgent and careful attention are the challenges of climate change, rising fuel and food prices, poor infrastructure and increased demand for energy put the Southern African region in particular into general economic malaise.

President Levy Mwanawasa in a speech read for him by Vice President, Rupiah Banda during the opening dinner of the GSAID 2008 in Lusaka last night, said smart partners attending the 18th International Smart Partnership Dialogue should re-energise themselves towards addressing issues that exacerbate poverty among communities in the region.

Dr. Mwanawasa said countries should redouble the pace of their economic development and diversity in line with the theme for the dialogue, “Smart Partnership in Economic Development and Diversity,” – New perspective on transforming communities through realizing national visions.

“The challenge of translating the economic gains into equitable and improved living standards for the people however remains. This challenge is compounded by among other things, rising fuel and food prices, energy deficits, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure and high poverty levels,” he said.

Dr. Mwanawasa challenged the partners to transform some of the challenges, such as rising food prices, into creative minds by considering producing crops for food or fuel.

“I appeal, in this regard for smart ideas on what actions and strategies we should consider to take advantage of the opportunities arising from high fuel and food prices,” he said.

President Mwanawasa pointed out that high global economic growth and rising incomes have exerted demand on Africa’s mineral and other resources which the African continent was endowed with.

“This Mulungushi Dialogue should therefore come up with innovative ideas on what Africa and other developing countries can do to promote increased investment,” he said.

And Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Mohd Mohammed Najib, said the agreements of last year’s Langqawi International Dialogue (LID) should be implemented seriously.

The partners agreed in August last year to develop human capital, knowledge, skills and promote a work culture that is progressive and innovative in order to move out of the economic depressions which many countries are facing.

Mr. Najib said there was need to create necessary infrastructure that would step up wealth creation among the smart partners.

“I invite you to share with us on the progress your countries have made with regard to projects aimed at eradicating poverty,” he said.

Prime Minister of Lesotho, Pakalitha Mosisili, described the Smart Partnership gathering as a testimony of how desirous Southern African countries and the African continent were to eradicate poverty among their communities.

Prime minister Mosisili said the challenges that were facing the African continent and beyond could best be resolved through collective wisdom and dialogue.

He said all the development processes required serious dialogue for the countries to assume the path of their visions.

“By realizing our individual countries’ visions, we will realize our regional visions as well,” he said.

He pointed out that no single country could transform the region hence the need to dialogue.

Mr. Mosisili paid special tribute to former Presidents of Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia, Joaquim Chissano, Sir Ketumile Masire, and Sam Nujoma for attending the dialogue.

He urged them to keep nudging the current Presidents in their countries if they swayed from their original idea of smart dialogue.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister of Swaziland Absalome Dlamini, government officials and a wide spectrum of delegates from various countries attended the dinner.

The Global Southern Africa International Dialogue 2008 closes on Thursday, July 31st 2008, with delegates touring stands at this year’s Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show.

ZANIS/ENDS/KSH/BMK/ENDS

Monday Zambia Football Round-up & Weekend Scorecard

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-City of Lusaka have fired ex- Zambia assistant coach Fighton Simukonda including his two deputy trainers Happy Sichikolo and Francis Majaka.

This follows a poor run of results for the Faz Premier League team who are currently 10th on the table on 21 points from 17 games played.

Simukonda has been replaced Keegan Mumba who takes charge at Woodlands Stadium until December.

Mumba’s contract to be renewed should he produce the results.

Simukonda had until he was dismissed on July 28 been in full-charge since the start of the season after Sichikolo, who guided City to promotion in 2006 after 4 years in division 1, was relegated to assistant trainer.

The former Konkola Blades and Roan United coach has been at City since last August when he was hired as techincial advisor before taking full reigns this year after Zanaco fired him after a poor run of results last season.

Simukonda, who won 2 league back-to-back league titles with Zanaco in 2005 and 2006, also coached Zambia in 1998 whom he led to Cosafa Castle Cup victory with a 1-0 away win over Zimbabwe in the final.

City have won just 4 games from 17 league matches played this season and on Saturday acme from behind to draw 1-1 with Nkwazi in a poor game played at Woodlands.

-Sporting Braga have loaned Zambia midfielder Rainford Kalaba to Portuguese division 2 side Gil Vicente to gain some competitive experience.

Kalaba recently signed a 5-year deal with Braga from Afrisports who had earlier loaned the 2007 Faz Footballer of the Year to Zesco from 2005 to July this year.

-Bailiffs on Monday mount an unsuccessful raid on Faz at its Football House headquarters to recover K70 million owed to them in legal fees.

However, they failed to leave with any office items as all the equipment is branded by the Zambian government.

Faz spokesman Erick Mwanza said the debt owed to a Lusaka law firm dates back to 1998.

Mwanza said Faz was doing everything in its powers to clear all debt it owes to various suppliers of goods and services over the years.

-Zambia defender Nyambe Mulenga out of action until end of the season after suffering an injury in Cosafa Cup quarterfinal game against Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The defender, who is on loan to defending league champions Zesco United, was stretched off with a leg injury in the 25thminute of the 1st half and replaced by his club mate William Chinyama.

Weekend Scorecard
2008 Cosafa Snr Challenge Cup Q/Finals

26/07/2008

Witbank

South Africa 1(Rooi Mohamutsa 7″)- Namibia 0

Madagascar 1(Praxis Rabemananjara 19″)- Angola 0

27/07/2008

Secunda

Zimbabwe 0- Zambia 0*

Zambia win 5-4 pp

Botswana 0- Mozambique 2

Faz Premier League Week 20

26/07/2008

Green Eagles 1(Aubrey Zulu8 80″)- Zesco United 0

Power Dynamos 0 – Kabwe Warriors 0

Chambishi 1(Vanecious Mapande 40″) – Nkana 0

Young Arrows 1(Chomba Ngandwe 90″) – Green Buffaloes (Brian Chilando 20″)

Roan United 0- Red Arrows 0

Lusaka Dynamos 0- Konkola Blades 0

Nchanga Rangers 0- Zanaco 0

City of Lusaka 1(Evans Musonda 52″) – Nkwazi 1(Isaac Mutantabowa 34″)

After games Played 27/07/2008

LEAGUE, INTL & CUP:

Roger Kola (Zanaco): 10
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 10

Mathew Macha (Nchanga Rangers): 8
Francis Kombe (Power Dynamos): 8

Aubrey Zulu (Green Eagles): 7
Reuben Tembo (Green Buffaloes):7

Kruger Mwansa (Young Arrows) : 6

Chomba Ng’andwe (Young Arrows): 5
Patrick Kabamba (Nkana): 5
Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 5
Kelvin Mumba (Roan United): 5
Chileshe Kabwe (Konkola Blades): 5

Chipulu Chileya (Konkola Blades): 4
William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos): 4
Nicholas Zulu (Zesco United): 4
Judge Mkandawire (Young Arrows): 4
Jonah Sakuwaha (Zesco United): 4
Lottie Phiri (Zesco United): 4
Chisi Mbewe (Red Arrows): 4
Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 4

Faz Division 1

27/07/2008

North

Week 20

Forest Rangers 0- Mining Rangers 0

Mufulira Wanderers 1- Muchindu 1

Kalewa 2- Prison Leopards 0

Kitwe United 0- Lime Hotspurs 0

Medical Stars 0- Ndola United 1

Afrisports 0- Mufulira Blackpool 0

Tazara Express 1- Indeni 1

Chindwin 0- Zamtel 0

South

Riflemen 3- Mazabuka United 1

Lusaka Tigers 1- Lusaka Celtic 2

Nampundwe 0- National Assembly 0

Profund Warriors 0- Builders Brigade 1

Zamcoal Diggers 0- kalomo Jetters 0

Petauke United 1- Young Green Eagles 2

Chilanga Heroes 1-Kambuku 0

26/07/2008

Nakambala Leopards 3- Young Buffaloes 1
Livingstone Pirates 1- Lusaka City Council 1

Birthday Mania

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Dear Womba,

Hope you are well. I need advise. I met this beautiful Lozi girl called Inonge. She is absolutely gorgeous and we have been “going out” for 3months now. 2 weeks ago she told me in passing that her birthday was on the 26th July. However last week I had a big presentation at work then on the 25th I had an interview. So my mind was obviously occupied. On the 26th I met Inonge at Manda Hill like we always do. Sissy I’ve never seen a woman so angry. She obviously saw that I was empty handed.

“Wheres my present!” she yelled.

I told her to chill, I could explain. She went on and on and on.I managed to calm her down after 30minutes. I then escorted her to her elder sisters house. When we arrived there was a sizeable crowd there.Everyone had gifts,flowers -you name it, for Inonge. She beamed with delight. Even her ex boyfriend was there and gave her a huge bouquet of roses. Of course I felt stupid but I’m not going to compete with ex-boyfriends.

This girl is everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman except for this birthday craze. Growing up in our home, a birthday was a personal event- each person remembered his/her own birthday and kept that piece of information to him/herself. It was only disclosed when filling out school forms or getting things like a registration card.I don’t even know if our mother ever remembered our birthdays but it was no big deal. Could we expect her to recall her 10 kids birthdays? Now this woman I’m in love with wants a feast in her honor! I’m supposed to pluck flowers or buy flowers that with die in the next 24 hours.( can you give a girl plastic flowers?) I tried telling her this hullabaloo is all western culture,just like diabetes and cancer are all western culture and we shouldn’t follow blindly. She would hear none of it.
So please explain this birthday culture to me. In this ‘modern’ world will my children suffer psychologically if I don’t celebrate their birthdays?

love Humphrey

Corrupt People have Taken Advantage of Levy’s illness

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Zambian Information Minister, Mike Mulongoti says some corrupt people have taken advantage of President Levy Mwanawasa’s illness to campaign with the intention of assuming power.

The Chief Government spokesperson says such people are busy dishing out money with the hope of achieving their objective.

But Mr. Mulongoti says thieves and corrupt people will never rule Zambia because it is a Christian nation.

He said this at the Redeemed Methodist Church in the capital, Lusaka where the church held a prayer session for the Zambian leader.

Mr. Mulongoti also said ministers will not stop visiting churches to pray for President Mwanawasa even though the action has been criticised by some people.

And Redeemed Methodist Church Trinity congregation pastor in Charge, Reverend Alletty Chibumbe condemned calls by some people that the government should reveal how much money is being spent on President Mwanawasa’S illness.

Reverend Chibumbe said people should worry about life which is more precious than money.

President Mwanawasa is currently admitted in a military hospital in Paris, France after suffering a stroke in Egypt.

[ZNBC]

Uganda Police arrests parents denying children education

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Ugandan Police in Kakiika, Mbarara district have arrested over 100 parents who refused to take their children to school.

The parents claimed that this was because their religion forbids identification of persons with a number.

Early this year, the Government introduced the Personal Identification Number (PIN) in order to track the enrollment of students in primary and secondary schools

In the one-week operation that climaxed on Friday, the Police also rounded up 150 idle children, some of whom were picked up from bars and video clubs after absconding from school.

The officer in charge of Kakiika sub-county Police, Milton Nkwatsibwe, said the parents were picked from their homes and farms.

Kakiika sub-county LC3 chairman Benon Mugume said the operation conducted by the Police, political and civic leaders followed an outcry by head teachers that so many pupils had dropped out of school.

David Beinomugisha, a father of five, vowed to keep his children at home unless the system of pin numbers is stopped.

“Even if you arrest or kill me, I know when I die in prison for this cause, I go to heaven. I will not take back my children to school unless you stop giving them pin numbers because the numbers are for demons,” he said.

He claimed that his faith called Engiri cautions followers against numbers.

“Whoever accepts his child to be given a pin number will not go to heaven,” said Beinomugisha.

A 12-year-old boy (names withheld) who dropped out of P.5 at Rwebishuri Primary school over the same claim, said his parents told him the pin numbers would lead him to hell after death.

“Even if you arrest my parents or kill them, I will not go back to school because I was clearly taught that being in school where they give pin numbers would lead me to hell,” the boy asserted.

Asked whether he could go to schools which do not give out pin numbers, he said: “I now want to be an evangelist because I have seen the right way.”

Cpl. Nkwatsiibwe said the children were released but their parents would be charged with child neglect and abuse of child rights, which could earn them a jail term of 12 weeks.

Mbarara district education officer Edward Mbabazi said every child is entitled to basic education. He said pin numbers had nothing to do with religion and were introduced by the Government to identify the number of students in schools.

Formulate policies for promotion of culture- Govt urged

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District Commissioner, Elemani Mwanza, says government should put in place deliberate policy measures to enrich the country’s several cultural identities in order to build up a rich and diverse national heritage.

Speaking in Katete at the Cultural revival night organized by the Eastern province culture department on Saturday, Mr Mwanza said culture is an important developmental tool which constitutes a fundamental dimension of the development process.

He added that culture defines the distinctive spiritual, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group.

He further observed that promotion of Arts and cultural activities can help harness local talents, skills and heritage that may provide innovative possibilities for raising incomes, generating quality employment, and wealth creation.

He bemoaned the increasing abuse of artists by business entities who pay the extremely low wages when they engage them for performances during functions.

He called for the stop to the alleged abuse of artists because it destroys the development of culture.

He noted that artists also deserve better funding because it is that same money which they depend on for their livelihood.

And speaking earlier Eastern province cultural officer, Josphat Lombe, also bemoaned the abuse of artists in eastern province.

Mr .Lombe said the abuse of artists was a draw back in the promotion of culture.

He observed that culture was an important aspect in fostering national economic development and every country including Zambia should value and uphold it.

The cultural Revival night function which was organised by the Eastern Province Department of Culture was attended by several artists from various parts of Eastern province.

The function gave artists an opportunity to mingle and share their experiences and skills
[ZANIS]

COMESA members prodded to meet International Standards for Food Safety

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The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says there is need for member states to meet the International Standards for Food Safety and Hygiene in order to advance the export potential of agricultural products.

COMESA Assistant Secretary General Stephen Karangizi said COMESA has agreed on about 300 harmonised standards of which one third are based on standards provided by the International Standards Organisation.

Mr. Karangizi added that member states have provided, in the COMESA Treaty, for the use of International Standards in the harmonization of standards except where they do not exist.

He said this in Lusaka today during the official opening of a three-day regional training workshop on ISO 22000 food safety management.

Mr. Karangizi said there is concern in the region about the growing tendency of developing private standards which are becoming de facto standards used in determining market acceptance of products in some countries.

He called on ISO to work with the World Trade Organisation to resolve the matter.

And International Standards Organisation Secretary General Dr. Allan Bryden called for the harmonization of food safety and hygiene standards in order to avoid standards that are detrimental to trade in agricultural produce.

Kalomo Police pick up decomposed, body of a man

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Police in Kalomo have picked up and buried a body of a man who was discovered dead in Chief Chikanta’s Hapuya area.

The body of the deceased which was discovered in a decomposed state was immediately buried while Police investigate the matter.

The unidentified body was spotted by a boy in the bush last Thursday, and efforts by the local community to help identify the body failed.

Both Kalomo Police and Headman Hapuya confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Kalomo over the weekend.

Police has, however, ruled out foul play in the death of the man.

Govt to Upgrade Pedicle Rd

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-Government says it intends to upgrade the Pedicle Road once the construction of the Chembe Bridge across the Luapula River is completed.

Mines and Minerals Resources Minister, Kalombo Mwansa, disclosed that government has set aside funds for the improvement of the state of the pedicle road.

The minister said the completion of the Chembe Bridge would facilitate business interactions not only between Luapula and Copeprbelt, but throughout the Northern region and neighbouring countries.

“Let me take this opportunity to inform you that the bridge worth K46 billion is almost compelte and will be officially opened soon. Once the bridge is compelted, government will embark on raising thepedicle road to bitumen standard,” Dr. Mwansa said.

This year’s Mutomboko ceremony coincided with the 10th anniversary of the current Mwata’s reign as senior chief of the Lunda people of Luapula and the DRC.

The Mutomboko ceremony has for the first time of its history been attended by the Paramount Chief Mwati-Yamva of the DRC, who share the same ancestral origins with the Lunda people of Luapula in Kola region.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulyu of the Bemba people in the Northern Province, senior Chief Mukuni of the Leya people and Chief Kanongeshya of Mwinilunga were also attended the ceremony.

Others present were Local Government Deputy Minister, Benny Tetamashimba, Community Development Deputy Minister, John Chinyanta, Katanga Province Governor, Moses Katumbi, United Party for National Development, UPND, President Hakainde Hichilema and Luapula Permanent Secretary, Clement Siame.

Dr Kalombom Mwansa said described this year’s Mutomboko ceremony as a significant one because it has been attended by Royal Highness Mwati Yamva of the Congo DR.

Dr Mwansa congratulated Chief Mwata Kazembe on his 10th Anniversary and progressive leadership.

ZANIS/ID/SC/ENDS/SJK

No Freedom of Expression In W/Province

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A senior citizen in Western Province has accused the Provincial Administration of denying the people in the province the freedom of expression.

Mumbisho Mulele popularly known as Mwana-Muchembele said that the provincial administration has strategically made it impossible for the residents to freely express themselves.

Mr. Mulele said that some senior government officials in the province were in the habit of threatening people who go on the two community radio stations to talk about development and the mismanagement of funds in the province.

He further accused senior officials at the provincial administration of over exercising their powers by denying the residents freedom of association.

Mr. Mulele said that the provincial administration has on a number of times barred residents from holding public meetings by instructing the Police not to issue permits to hold meetings.

He said that people intending to hold public meetings aimed at discussing developmental issues of the province were normally labeled as anti-government and often accused of wanting to overthrow the Litunga.

Mr. Mulele said that situation was oppressive and retrogressive to the development of Western Province.

He has since vowed to continue exerting pressure on the erring officials till the situation changes for the better.

And scores of Mongu residents yesterday called for the immediate arrest of senior government officials that are cited in the Auditor General’s report as having misappropriated funds meant for development in Western Province.

The residents said that it was eminent from the audit report for Western Province that controlling officers at the Provincial Administration were corrupt and needed to be brought to book.

The residents demanded the arrest of the provincial controlling officers at a public forum organised by the Press Freedom Committee of the Post newspaper.

A Mongu resident and senior citizen Lawrence Nyambe said that officials at the provincial administration were frustrating government efforts to develop the area by being corrupt and need to be arrested.

Another resident Samuel Wamui said that senior officials at the provincial administration were letting down President Mwanawasa who was in a hurry to develop the country.

AND former Permanent Secretary for Western Province Silumelume Mubukwanu said that the positioning of government officials in one place for more than ten years was retrogressive and detrimental as some officials tend to grow combwebs.

Meanwhile another senior citizen, Moto Moto appealed to residents to form a sub-committee that will sternly deal with the culprits that have been revealed in the auditor general’s report.

Mr. Moto further urged the residents to officially lodge a complaint at the Police so that a case can be opened to bring the culprits to book.

And Director for Mongu Diocese, Nathaniel Mubukwanu says part of the poverty in Western Province is created by government controlling officers.

Mr. Mubukwanu said the revelations in the recent Auditor General’s report were a vivid indicator that the controlling officers entrusted by government to manage government resources were mismanaging the funds.

He said it was sad that the province has remained the poorest of the nine provinces in the country in spite government releasing funds to develop the area.

Mr. Mubukwanu said that the grave anomalies that are enshrined in the Auditor General’s report for Western Province can not be accepted anywhere else in the country.

He said that it was sad that security wings were adamant to action by following up the misappropriation of funds as indicated in the Auditor General’s report.

And speaking at the same forum, the Assistant Director under the Auditor General’s Office in Western Province, Tackson Mweemba says auditors in the province get frustrated by non reaction by members of the public to audit reports.

Speaking at a public forum organized by the Press Freedom Committee of the Post in Mongu yesterday, Mr. Mweemba said that members of the public were supposed to take keen interest in the auditor general ‘s report because they are the tax payers.

Mr. Mweemba that as concerned citizens, Mongu residents were supposed to be showing keen interest and take appropriate action to rectify the anomalies that are exposed in the Audit General’s report.

He said that it was frustrating that the Auditor General’s Office produces reports every year without the public taking any action.

Mr. Mweemba has since assured that the Auditor General’s Office will continue doing its best in compiling the reports but that the final reaction should come from the people who are the owners of the money.

He has further appealed to residents in the province to utilize the Auditor General’s Office whenever they have an issue.

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