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RB lauds British support to Zambia

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Acting President Rupiah Banda says that Britain’s support to Zambia has contributed significantly to stimulating economic growth in the country.

Mr. Banda said the support from the British government, which Zambia receives through the European Union (EU) and the Department for International Development (DFID), has also contributed in improving the living standards of the people in the country.

He said this when he received credentials from the new joint British High Commissioners to Zambia, Carolyn Davidson and Thomas Carter and Netherlands’ Ambassador to Zambia, Harry Molenaar.

Mr. Banda said the accrediting of the two British High Commissioners to the country was an indication of the importance that the United Kingdom attached to Zambia.

He said Zambia appreciated Britain’s steadfast commitment towards developing the country in the fight against corruption, public service reform, good governance, health delivery and budget support among other developmental areas.

Mr. Banda has since assured the British government that Zambia would continue to uphold the tenets of good governance and ensuring free and fair elections in the forthcoming presidential by-election.

And speaking after receiving credentials from Netherlands’ Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Banda noted that the partnership between Zambia National Commercial Bank and Dutch Rabo Bank has rendered credence to government’s policy of investment partnerships.

Mr. Banda said the relations between Zambia and Netherlands were founded on development cooperation in sectors of education, agriculture, health and private sector development.

He said government hoped more Dutch investors could enter into business partnerships with Zambians in order to exploit the many business opportunities the two countries offered for the benefit of their peoples.

Mr. Banda said it was gratifying that Netherlands played an active role in conflict resolution and peace building in Africa.

He added that Zambia was also looking forward to Netherlands’ support for Africa’s inclusion on the United Nations Security Council as a permanent member.

And Mr. Banda has also hailed the Dutch government for hosting the International Criminal Court of Justice, adding that the institution has greatly helped in the promotion of human rights and good governance in the world.

He also said government attached great importance to the forthcoming presidential by-elections because they gave credence to the democratic wishes of the people.

Mr. Banda said government was further committed to ensuring that a level playing field was guaranteed for all political players in order to ensure free and fair elections.

He added that the election process and outcome would be evidence of the people’s resolve to entrench democracy in the country.

Meanwhile the newly appointed joint British High Commissioners to Zambia, Carolyn Davidson and Thomas Carter, have conveyed a message of condolences to the government of Zambia and Zambians on the death of President Mwanawasa.

In a joint speech the duo said the late President Mwanawasa spent much of his energy in ensuring that democratic processes were increasingly well embedded in Zambian politics and society.

They said Zambia has now got a challenge to ensure that people benefit from the economic growth the country has experienced in the recent years and ensure that the fight against corruption continues under the new leadership that will assume office after the polls.

And the two High Commissioners have said the eminent presidential by-election is an opportunity for the country to show its democratic maturity and deliver free and fair elections.

The duo said their mission would work with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the civil society organizations to help support the October 30th presidential elections.

And new Netherlands Ambassador to Zambia, Harry Molenaar, said Zambia’s dependency on development cooperation was rapidly reducing.

He said the Netherlands would continue supporting Zambian government’s developmental programmes.

Mr. Molenaar said the growth of the economy in the country should be supported by good governance in order to generate the necessary resources for poverty reduction, fighting HIV/AIDS and improving education among others.

ZANIS/CM/KSH/ENDS

Don’t be compromised, CPD urges trade unions

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The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has urged trade unions in Zambia not to be compromised and neutralized by political parties even though they were pursuing similar workers’ interests.

CPD Executive Director Neo Simutanyi said although trade union members may belong to political parties, they should not be compromised in the runner up to the forthcoming presidential elections.

Dr. Simutanyi said trade unions should use their dialogue with political parties as a platform to give conditions on the interests of workers in the country.

He pointed out that trade unions should work together with political parties in pursuit of a common interest aimed at bettering people’s lives.

Dr. Simutanyi was speaking at Lusaka hotel today at the seminar on enhancing relations between trade unions and political parties.

And Resident Director for Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Gerd Botterweck, said trade unions should be in constant dialogue with political parties for the betterment of the workers in the country.

Mr. Botterweck said trade unions should however be independent and united in order to avoid being hijacked by political parties.

The seminar was attended by members of trade unions, political parties and journalists.

ZANIS/KSH/CBM/ENDS

CAZ to disburse K14 billion rural funds soon

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The Communication Authority of Zambia (CAZ) will soon start disbursing over K14 billion rural telecommunication funds to all the 72 districts of the country.

CAZ Director for Economic Regulations, Susan Mulikita, said the disbursement of the rural telecommunication funds will step-up CAZ efforts of enhancing Information Communication Technology (ICTs) services in all the areas of the country.

Mrs. Mulikita said this today at the media forum organised by the Communications Authority of Zambia in Lusaka.

She said the disbursement of the funds will also encourage local entrepreneurs to set-up telecommunication businesses especially in rural areas to help enhance the growth of the ICT sector in the country.

Mrs. Mulikita further said the introduction of the rural telecommunication funds will also have various incentives that will empower people in rural areas to set-up ICT businesses and encourage ICT operators to effectively grow their business.

She disclosed that the Communications Authority of Zambia Board has already allowed the authority to start disbursing the funds in order to facilitate the growth of the ICT sector in the country.

ZANIS/TK/KSH/ENDS

Hichilema files in his nomination papers

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United Party for National Development president, Hakainde Hichilema has successfully filed in his nomination papers for the october 30 presidential elections.

Mr. Hichilima filed his nominations before chief Justice, Ernest Sakala, at the Supreme court on Wednesday.

And Mr. Hichilema has called on the electorate to vote wisely in the coming elections.

He said people should not vote on the basis of party and tribal lines but should vote for the best candidate.

The UPND leader told journalists that people should vote for the best president who will be able to take the country forward.

There was jubilation among the UPND cadres as their leader successfuly filled in his nomination papers.

Patriotic Front leader, Michael sata, filed in his nomination papers on Tuesday.

MMD candidate, Rupiah Banda, who is also acting president will file his papers on Friday.

[ZNBC]

Zambia calls for support in its 2030 vision

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Zambia has called for international support in its quest to become a middle income country by 2030.

Lands minister Bradford Machila said Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI )inflows were one of the ways the international community could assist Zambia achieve its feat in accordance to the 2030 vision.

He said the FDI would assist Zambia in develop its human resource availability and eventual infrastructure Development.

Mr Machila was speaking at the 63rd regular session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States ,Tuesday.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS from Zambian mission in U.S.A, signed by first Secretary Moses Walibuta.

This was during a high level meeting on Africa’s Development Needs in united States of America.

Mr Machila noted that recent improved performance in commodity prices has contributed to positive growth of most of the African countries like Zambia, which has an average grown of 5.5 percent annually in recent years.

The minister further noted that positive growth is yet to be translated into poverty reduction and improved social –economic welfare for the majority of the population as the poverty levels remained high mainly because of low investment in key sectors .

He said Zambia was particularly concerned about the rising world food and oil prices he said was threatening the country vision of becoming a middle income country by 2030.

He noted that the recent price increases in oil and food now threatens Zambia’s positive economic gains.

Mr Machila pointed out that most Africa countries will not be able to achieve the set goals with out stepped up efforts at both national and international levels.

He however noted that the implementation of most commitments under the international agreed development Goals and targets.

And speaking earlier united Nations secretary General Ban-Ki-moon said the cost of solving the food crisis , addressing global warning and pulling millions out of extreme poverty in Africa looked like good value.

Mr ki-Moon apple ad to all donors to implement the 2005 Gleneogles Summit pledge to more than double aid to Africa.

He noted the need to improve maternal health ,slowest –moving MDG and make sure every child has access to free primary education .

Mr Ki-moon told the many head of state and government at the meeting that it was important and critical in preparations for high –level meeting on the MDG.

ZANIS/AH/ENDS/MM

Kasama pastors pray for none thieving next president

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astors fellowship Chairman Bishop Bivan Musonda has said the suitable aspirant Presidential candidate for the October 30 forth-coming Presidential by-elections to be God fearing and of good morals in society, who should uphold the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

Bishop Musonda also said the candidate should be free from criminal record and one not inclined to plunder national resources.

The clergyman added that the Presidential candidate must conform to good morals and a crusader against any form of corruption.

He said that the time has come for people of Zambia to elect an aspiring Presidential candidate who is able to accommodate divergent views of the people in the nation.

Bishop Musonda noted that although the constitution is adequate to guide the nation, it was silent in certain quarters which prompted the fellowship to come up with its prayers.

He also called on all the people in the nation to be prayerful during and after the by-election for continued peace and unity in the country.

ENDS/AP/PK/ZANIS.

RB calls for more foreign investiment

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Acting President Rupiah Banda has urged foreign investors to take advantage of the conducive business environment government has created.

Mr Banda says foreign investors should rise to the challenge of setting-up businesses in Zambia because of the good business environment that government has created.

The Acting President said this when a delegation from the Access Bank Zambia paid a courtesy call on him at government house in Lusaka, Tuesday.

Mr Banda, who assured investors of more government support, said it was gratifying to see that more foreign investors were investing in various sectors of the economy thereby contributing to national development.

He commended Access Bank Zambia for setting-up business in Zambia, a move he described as a catalyst to improving the welfare of people in the country.

Mr. Banda said government will continue supporting programmes aimed at contributing to national development as well as employment creation.

And Access Bank Zambia Group Deputy Managing Director Hebert Wigwe said the Bank has committed over US$200 million into the expansion programmes of the Bank in African.

Mr. Wigwe said the Bank has also sourced US$1 billion to go towards the expansion of the Bank to Europe and other continents in the world.

He pledged the Bank’s support to Zambia’s Banking sector with a view to developing the sector.

Access Bank Zambia is tomorrow set for official opening.

ZANIS/TK/ENDS/MM

Fuel price reduced

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The pump price of petrol has been reduced by almost K2-thousand per litre in all provincial centres.

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says the new pump price of petrol is now seven thousand six hundred and 91 Kwacha for Lusaka.

This represents a reduction of one thousand 956 Kwacha per litre of petrol which is currently selling at nine thousand 647 Kwacha per litre.

The pump price of diesel reduced by an average of one thousand and 91 Kwacha in all the provincial centres.

In Lusaka, diesel will now be selling at seven thousand 264 kwacha per litre from the previous eight thousand 355 Kwacha per litre.

Kerosene has also been reduced by 852 kwacha per litre while no price changes have been effected for Jet A one and heavy fuels.

ERB Chairperson, Sikota Wina announced the new prices at a press briefing in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, Tuesday.

He said the new prices follows government intention to cushion consumers against rising fuel prices by reducing excise duty on petrol from 45 percent to 36 percent.

ACC welcomes Aka’s plan to quit

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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has welcomed one of its Commissioners Akashabarwa Mbikusita-Lewanika’s intention to resign.

ACC Chairperson Valentine Chileshe says Mr Mbikusita-Lewanika’s involvement in active politics is denting the good image of the commission.

Justice Chileshe says Mr Mbikusita-Lewanika’s public declaration of being an active politician does not serve the best interest of the Commission.

Justice Chileshe said this during a press briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday.

“I wish to state that the position of the ACC is that Commissioners and ACC Staff should not be involved in active politics as that creates a conflict on interest that undermines our role of fighting corruption without fear, favour or political affiliation real or perceived.

” Therefore, Mr. Mbikusita-Lewanika’s plan to resign is welcome,” Justice Chileshe said.

ACC Commissioner Mbikusita-Lewanika is reported in the media to have said that he is considering resigning from the Commission following heavy criticism that he cannot serve the ACC objectively as a politician.

The ACC chairperson said the reputation of the Commission is negatively affected and legal ACC provisions Section 8 (2) provides for an ACC Commissioner to resign upon giving one-month notice in writing to the President.

And ACC Acting Director-General (DG) Rosewin Wandi implored both the media and the general public to be vigilant by reporting suspects of corruption.

She said this was the only way late republican President Levy Mwanawasa’s zero tolerance to corruption could be maintained.

The Acting DG pointed out that her Commission will handle corruption cases professionally without undue influence in a bid to carry on the ‘famous legacy of corrupt free nation’.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Wandi has announced that the ACC will embark on sensitization-drive on electronic and print media to educate the members of the public and the political players on the importance of eradicating corruption in the country.

She observed cases of malpractice are becoming common before and during the presidential run-up by elections.

Zambia goes to the polls on October 30.

ZANIS/KC/ENDS/MM

PF hails Lusaka High court expeditious judgement

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The Patriotic Front (PF) has applauded Lusaka High court for expeditiously handling of the case in which Kasama central PF Member of Parliament Savior Chishimba had filed in an injunction to restrain party leader Michael Sata from filing his Presidential nominations.

PF Spokesperson Given Lubinda said the quick judgment by the high court has enhanced the democratic and judicial system adding that it will go down in the history of Zambia.

He said this at a press briefing In Lusaka on Tueaday.

Mr. Lubinda noted that had the high court delayed in passing judgment, Mr. Sata would not have successfully filed in his Presidential nominations.

He urged PF members and Zambians to refrain from engaging in into acts which might compromise the peace country has enjoyed for many years.

He has since challenged Mr. Chishimba and his lawyer to tell the county the motive behind their action.

Mr. Chishimba yesterday filed in an application to the high court to refrain PF Leader Michael Sata from filling in his Presidential nomination.

ZANIS/YK/ENDS/MM

And the Michael Sata  Website  has published the following statement :

MMD/UPND PLOT UNCOVERED

On Tuesday 24th September Mr Sata officially became a candidate for October presidential elections when he successfully filed his nomination papers at the High court.

Attempts by MMD and UPND to prevent him via a Dr Saviour “Chainama ” Chishimba’s injunction was thrown out the windows of the High court with costs.

Meanwhile a UPND MP Garry Nkombo (witness in Sundaih Kayumba corruption case) was last night seen driving off from the court premises with Dr Chishimba and his lawyer one Mutakela Lisimba (once suspended by the Law Association of Zambia for abusing client’s money).
We have known and confirmed that MMD and European sponsors have given HH’s men $2M to prevent Mr Sata from becoming the next president.
Plan 1 was via a Dr Chishimba injunction and Plan 2 is now for HH to stand so he splits the opposition vote.
Whatever the method, it wont work…THE HARDER THEY COME, THE HARDER THEY WILL FALL..

Mufulira opens 93 voters registration centers

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Mufulira district has opened ninety three (93) centres as places for voters’ re-registration exercise.

The centers opened Monday in all the 28 wards of the three constituencies that are within the municipality of the district.

Town Clerk (TC) Charles Mwandila confirmed in an interview that the re- registration exercise for lost voter’s cards has kicked off in all the polling centers.

Mr. Mwandila who is also the district electoral officer said there are 34 centers under Mufulira constituency that are opened while Kantanshi has 33 centers.

Kankoyo constituency has 26 centers opened.

TC appealed to electorates who lost their voters cards not to wait until the last day to register because there will be no extension of the exercise.

He advised the voters who lost their cards to quickly go to the respective polling centers to register so that they can have the cads replaced before the election date.

He said the centers will remain open every day from 8 hours to 17 hours from 21st to 26th September, 2008.

October 30 has been set as date for the presidential election.

And the Voters’ Cards Replacement exercise in Lufwanyama District has tremendously improved, following a vigorous Publicity campaign by ZANIS.

A check by ZANIS  in Chief Nkana, Shimukunami and Shibuchinga areas revealed that polling centres have been set up in almost all the schools in the area.

Some villagers talked to, complained that the majority of people have lost their national registration cards and wondered whether there would be a mobile registration exercise to have their voters cards verified.

Lufwanyama Electoral Officer, Ben Sihulumi said all electoral materials have been delivered to 55 polling centres.

Mr Sihulumi said the district  received 66 ballot boxes in readiness for the Presidential by-election on October 30.

He expressed hope that at the end of the exercise, many villagers would have replaced their lost voters’ cards.

Mr Sihulumi explained that when the exercise first began, people thought that it was about only about the issuance of new registration cards to those who had attained the age of 16  and above.

He proposed that the Ministry of Home Affairs should mount a mobile issuance of national registration cards exercise.

ENDS/PFK/PK/ZANIS.

It will be a challenge to maintain single digit inflation, Magande

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Finance Minister N’gandu Magande has it is a big challenge to maintain a single digit inflation rate in light of the soaring global oil and fuel prices.

He said short and medium developments in the external sector would continue posing a threat on macroeconomic stability and effective monetary policy.

He said inflation challenges could only be resolved through collective efforts by all key stakeholders especially those in the financial sector.

Mr. Magande said this during the Second African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) Conference under the theme: Promoting Financial Sectors with increased investments in agriculture.

He also observed that between 2 and 3 billion people worldwide, are excluded from having access to financial services, despite consensus on the importance of financial inclusion as a poverty alleviation tool.

Mr. Magande said the limited use of financial services in developing countries, has become an international policy concern, because widespread financial exclusion was disadvantaging the poor people in low income brackets.

He said access to financial services for all was a key factor in development, because it contributed to economic growth and social safety nets that protect the vulnerable from adverse economic shocks.

He said Government recognized the importance of the financial sector in national development and would aim at establishing a financial system which would be stable, sound, market-based and in support of economic diversification and sustainable growth.

At the same function, Bank of Zambia Governor Caleb Fundanga said Government would strive to increase the level of financial services to 48 percent by the end of 2008 and 50 percent by 2009.

Mr. Fundanga said this was because a study called Finscope Supply-Side Survey conducted in 2007 revealed that bank charges were unaffordable for 90 percent of the rural adult population and banks had high interest rates.

The governor was however delighted to note that financial institutions in the country were rising up to the challenge of broadening the scope of their services and extending beyond traditional customers by including previously unbanked communities.

ENDS/AMM/PK/ZANIS.

UNZA re-opens

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The University of Zambia, (UNZA) which has been on recess for weeks will now re-open on September 29.

This follows a decision reached by the UNZA senate which recently met to resolve the matter.

UNZA Registrar Alvert Ng’andu said in a statement that the senate concluded that the environment at the University is conducive for learning.

He said all students should begin reporting to the institution Wednesday in readiness for resumption of normal academic activities on Monday.

The university was closed following student unrest to protest against striking lecturers and unionised staff.
[ZNBC]

Chilombo to stand in 2011

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Former Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister in the Chiluba regime Steven Chilombo says he will not stand in this years presidential elections due to logistical constraints.

Mr. Chilombo said he will stand in 2011 as a presidential candidate after launching his Trinity Christian party.

Mr. Chilombo has since advised Zambians as they go to the polls to  consider voting for a president who is God fearing in order to continue with the fight against corruption and poverty.

He urged all politicians to have a mandate that will improve the welfare of citizens through issue based politics and not politics of insults.

Mr. Chilombo said it is through politicians recognizing  the sovereignty of God, that they will be able to change their way of doing things  thereby  improving  the lives of the majority citizens .

Mr. Chilombo was speaking during a press briefing  in Lusaka today.

PF leader files in Nominations

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Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has successfully filed in his nomination as presidential candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections slated for October 30.

And the high court has dismissed with costs a court injunction by PF rebel Member of Parliament Savior Chishimba to restrain the PF leader from contesting the presidential by election.

Mr. Sata who was expected to file in his nomination around 09:00 hours was however delayed by the court injunction.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officers commenced the filling in of nominations for the Mr. Sata after the injunction was dismissed around 11:00 hours.

And speaking to scores of jubilation PF cadres  that gathered at  the  Supreme court grounds after successfully filling in his nomination the PF leader urged the cadres not to succumb to provocation of any kind.

Mr. Sata who was flanked by his wife Dr. Christine Kaseba also called on the party membership to remain calm during the campaign and election period.

Meanwhile Mr. Sata has charged that Kasama central Member of Parliament Savior Chishimba connived with a named MP from another party and were allegedly paid 2 million dollars by two Europeans.

And there was jubilation among PF cadres that gathered at the Court grounds after PF Legal Chairperson Edgar Lungu announced the dismissal of the court injunction.

The cadres who gathered at the Supreme Court as early as 06:00 hours chanted PF slogans in solidarity with Mr. Sata until the PF leader emerged from the supreme court after successfully filling in his nomination.

Mr. Sata is the first presidential candidate to file in his nomination for the October 30th polls which was necessitated by the death of President Mwanawasa.

Other presidential candidates expected to file in their nominations are the ruling party’s candidate Rupiah Banda who is also Acting Republican President and opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Hakainde Hichilema.

PF Kasama Central MP Savior Chishimba yesterday sort a court injunction in the high court to restrain Mr. Sata from contesting the forthcoming polls on grounds that he had violated the party constitution because he had never been voted at a party convention.

The high court however dismissed the injunction arguing that the reasons given for the injunction were not clear.
ZANIS/CM/MK/ENDS

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