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Govt determined to make Zambia credible

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Government is determined to make Zambia a credible nation and worthy of investments, Chipata District Commissioner Nicholas Banda has said.

Mr. Banda said this would made possible since Zambia is internationally regarded as a credible investment destination because zero rating to corruption by the new deal government of President Levy Mwanawasa’s government.

He said there is need to fight corruption, which he said does not good for investments as it causes instability of prices commodities and services.

He said economic instability due to corruption renders proper business planning impossible to for investments.

Mr. Banda was speaking Friday during the official opening of a one day workshop by Transparency International (TI) on monitoring, evaluation of projects and corruption to the District Development Coordination Committee (DDCC)members.

He also stated that dishonest businesses and individuals amass huge profits through corruption and evasion of tax at the expense of the less privileged in society.

Mr. Banda appealed to the members of the DDCC to respond to civil society demands for higher levels of integrity and accountability among public officials.

The district Commisioner said in a corrupt economy, prices of goods and services become high and inaccessible to the less privileged.

He called on DDCC members and other public service workers to ensure integrity and transparency in their course of duty.

“Each individual and organization in governance needs to uphold his integrity and continue keeping corruption in check, if it is to be fought,” he said.

Mr.Banda urged participants to increase their understanding of corruption,its challenges and how to overcome them, in order to bring development to the district.

The District Commissioner said the only way that Zambians could help increase investments is by ensuring that they are corruption free as this would instill confidence in would be investors.

ZANIS/HN/CMM/ENDS/MM.

MAZ opposes price increase for mealie meal

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The Millers Association of Zambia, MAZ, has described as unjustified the increase in mealie meal prices by some traders.

MAZ vice Chairperson, Peter Cottan, told ZANIS in an interview that some traders have taken advantage of recent speculations that indicated that the country does not have enough maize, to increase the price of mealie meal.

He said it was too early for people to speculate on the available quantity of grain because the harvest season has just ended.

He noted that millers are facing with a challenge of buying maize for the production of mealie meal as some farmers are not willing to put their produce on the market.

He explained that this has also led the market to experience low supply of maize while the demand for mealie meal has increased.

He has, however, advised all farmers in the country to sell their maize at the recommended flow price to help resolve the problem.

In Lusaka a 25 KG bag of Breakfast mealie meal is selling at between K50, 000 and K53, 000 while the same quantity of roller meal is selling at between K45, 000 and K48, 000.

ZANIS/MM/ENDS/SJK

Zesco United Looking to Soar Over Eagles

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League leaders Zesco United hope its new boys can reprise last weekend’s great escape this Saturday when they travel to Green Eagles at Railway Grounds in Kabwe.

Zesco last week came from 1-0 down against visiting Kabwe Warriors to score three late goals in the last 14 minutes of the match to win 3-1 at home.

New boys Innocent Mwaba and Fred Kapema both scored on their debut while ex-Zambia striker Own Kaposa chipped in with the third goal that secured the 3 points for Zesco to see them top the log for the first time this season.

However, Coach Wedson Nyirenda will be without key defenders Nyambe Mulenga and William Chinyama who are away on Cosafa Cup duty as he seeks back-to-back league wins over Eagles whom they beat 4-1 in Week 5 on April 13.

Victory over promoted Eagles will see Zesco maintain their slender dominance on 31 points from 17 games played this season.

Not far behind Zesco and a point behind the defending league champions are Young Arrows and Green Buffaloes both locked on 27 points and are 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The two coincidentally clash this weekend at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka with away side Buffaloes looking the healthier.

Buffaloes have no Cosafa Cup commitments with the exception of head coach George Lwandamina who is assisting Herve Renard this weekend in South Africa at the tournament.

Young Arrows on the other hand will be without defender White Simwanza including key strikers Judge Mkandawire and Chiwanki Liyainga who are both away on international duty.

Liyainga scored in the first leg that Young Arrows won 1-0 away but Buffaloes still have an edge under the tactical guidance of Bilton Musonda at the helm who is sitting in for Lwandamina.

And at Arthur Davies in Kitwe, Mohamed Fathy will try to avoid a second successive way defeat when 7th positioned Warriors on 23 points visit a resurgent Power Dynamos in 4th place on 25 points.

Both sides will be without some potency upfront with Power missing Francis Kombe while Warriors will be handicapped without one Emmanuel Mayuka who have each scored 8 and 7 league goals this season respectively.

Meanwhile the rest of Saturdays Week 20 games will see 5th placed Red Arrows visit 2nd from bottom Roan United and Zanaco at number 6 travel to 9th positioned Nchanga Rangers.

Lusaka Dynamos stay home to play Konkola Blades, City of Lusaka host Nkwazi while Nkana visit last placed Chambishi.

TABLE

P W L D F A GD PTS
ZESCO UTD 16 7 2 7 21 7 8 28
YOUNG ARROWS 16 7 3 6 17 8 9 27
BUFFALOES 16 8 5 3 18 12 3 27
POWER DYNAMOS 16 7 3 4 18 11 7 25
RED ARROWS 16 6 3 7 14 10 4 25
ZANACO 16 7 5 4 17 16 1 25
KABWE WARRIORS 16 6 5 5 14 13 1 23
NCHANGA 16 6 5 5 16 15 1 23
LUSAKA DYNAMOS 16 4 3 9 9 7 2 21
CITY OF LUSAKA 16 5 6 5 11 13 -2 20
KONKOLA BLADES 16 4 5 7 13 13 0 19
NKANA 16 4 7 5 15 18 -3 17
NKWAZI 16 3 8 6 8 18 -10 15
GREEN EAGLES 16 3 7 5 16 19 -3 14
ROAN UTD 16 3 9 4 11 21 -10 11
CHAMBISHI 16 3 9 4 9 24 -15 11

Kansanshi Mines pays $30m tax

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Kansanshi Copper Mine in Solwezi in the North Western Province has paid over $30 million to the Zambian government under the newly introduced windfall tax on mining firms.

Finance Deputy Minister, Jonas Shakafuswa said government expects other mining firms to pay their dues.

He told ZNBC news that the funds will be channeled towards infrastructure development.

Mr. Shakafuswa said time has come for the local people to benefit from their vast mineral wealth.

The windfall tax on mining firms was effected on April 1, this year.
[ZNBC]

Lands probe completed

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Investigations into alleged corrupt practices at the Ministry of Lands have been completed and a report submitted to the Zambian Government.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Acting Director General, Rosewin Wandi said a number of recommendations were made with regard to land allocation.

Mrs. Wandi said the major focus of the enquiry were Makeni, Mass Media, Chamba Valley and Chinika Industrial areas all in the capital, Lusaka.

She told a media briefing Friday that cases involving some senior officials at the Ministry of Lands were concluded and are before the courts of law.

The probes into alleged corrupt practices at the Ministry of Lands follow President Levy Mwanawasa’S revelation that the Ministry was the most corrupt.
[ZNBC]

Katumbi Supports the Mwanawasa Bridge Naming

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Katanga Province Governor, Moses Katumbi says he supports calls for the Chembe bridge to be named after President Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr. Katumbi has commended the Zambian leader for his initiative to put up a bridge at Chembe between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also said he has sanctioned the Zambian government to tar the pedicle road.

Mr. Katumbi says his tour of the road and Chembe Bridge is a demonstration of his country’s commitment to working with the Zambian government on various aspects of development.

He was speaking in an interview with Journalists shortly after a delegation meeting between the Zambian and Congolese authorities.

And Works and Supply Deputy Minister, Mundia Ndalamei commended the DRC governor for allowing the Zambian government to tar the pedicle road.

Mr. Ndalamei disclosed that issues that have been discussed with Congolese authorities will be tabled before the Zambian government before entering a Memorandum of Understanding.

[ZNBC]

Government creating cold war-Chiefs

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Eastern province royal foundation has expressed concern at government’s intention to streamline traditional ceremonies so that it can only participate in one in each of the nine provinces in a year.

Chief Mazimawe of the Ngoni people of Chipata district said traditional ceremonies provide government with an opportunity to explain its policies and developmental programs to the people.

Senior chief Nsefu of the kunda of Mambwe district ruled out possibilities of merging the ceremonies saying all traditional ceremonies in the province were an asset of various ethnic groupings.

Chief Nsefu stated that if government was not ready to continue its support to the traditional ceremonies, then it should let the ceremonies continue without its support.

“Traditional ceremonies were initiated by traditional leaders and chiefs used to manage to host the occasion even without support from government. Government only came in to support, so we can continue to host them as it was before without support from government,” he said.

He stressed that no ethnic tribe could be forced to join another because each one of them has different traditional beliefs and practices.

“My fear is that the merging of these ceremonies may lead to a cold war, because it might lead to the loss of traditional and cultural practices which are of great importance to chiefs because they are a pride of a tribe, he added.

The traditional ruler further noted that traditional ceremonies represented unique beliefs which were not similar to all other tribes hence the need not to merge their ceremonies which were based on different cultural beliefs of their traditions.

And chief Mumbi of the Nsenga people of Petauke district said the six ethnic groupings in the province host ceremonies to portray their unique cultural practices therefore, they could not be merged.

“For instance, the Nsenga celebrate their ceremony ‘Tuwimba’ to pray for the rains so that they can produce adequate agricultural produce while the Ngoni celebrate the Nc’wala to thank God for the harvest among others,’ he said.

Chief Mumbi also expressed fear that if some traditional ceremonies were not held, the affected tribes might feel belittled.

Meanwhile, chief Mwangala of the Chewa people in Chadiza district expressed concern that government was the one that initially supported the resuscitation of traditional ceremonies and wondered why it saw it ideal to do away with some now..

Chief Mwangala said traditional ceremonies provide avenues for respect of the various ethnic groupings because they teach their children to appreciate their cultural heritage.

Levy Continues to Make Steady Progress

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Doctors treating President Mwanawasa at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France say they are satisfied with the steady progress Dr. Mwanawasa is making in his recovery.

According to the latest update posted on the State House web site by Vice President Rupiah Banda, the condition of Dr. Mwanawasa continues to improve.

Mr. Banda said First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa and some family members are at the President’s bed side.

He said the First family is encouraged by the messages of goodwill and prayers for the President’s full recovery.

Mr. Banda said the nation will continue to be provided with updates on the President’s condition.

He has since requested the nation to continue praying for Dr. Mwanawasa’s speedy recovery.

Dr. Mwanawasa is admitted at the Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France, where he is receiving medical treatment.

ENDS/CM/AM/ZANIS

Zambia Deplores the Indictment of Sudanese President

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The Zambian government has described as ill-timed and ill-motivated, the indictment of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande says this is because despite the numerous obstacles in the way of the search for peace in Darfur, there is currently underway an all-inclusive political process sponsored by the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (UN).

Mr. Pande notes that the success of all peace initiatives depends on the cooperation of all parties, including the Government of Sudan.

This is contained in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today on Mr. Pande’s address to the ministerial meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, held in Addiss Ababa, Ethiopia, early this week.

Mr. Pande said the timing of the indictment and any further moves to pursue it are not in the best interest of the Darfur and other UN-supported peace process in that country.

He said any further moves by the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC to obtain an international warrant against the President of Sudan should hence be suspended together with any already issued warrant against other members of the leadership in that country.

Mr. Pande said many African countries are troubled by the selective manner in which the ICC has been targeting and charging persons accused of crimes against humanity

He said while supports whole-heartedly the court’s activities against impunity, she has trouble comprehending, let alone supporting some of the methods it employs in its operations as well as its timing of cases and motives behind that,” he said.

He said it has been observed that the focus of its investigations has been African despite common knowledge that such crimes are being committed all over the world and by some powerful nations.

Mr. Pande added that the targeting of sitting African Heads of State is particularly offensive.

“For this and other reasons, we find the Court’s indictment of President Omar Al-Bashir of the Sudan improper, ill-timed and ill-motivated. It is our view that the activities of the International Criminal Court on the Sudan constitutes a paradox. This is because the Court is sponsored by the UN, but can be seen to be working against the UN interests in that country,” Mr Pande said.

ENDS/AM/BMK/ZANIS

Ila chief urges subjects to observe livestock movement ban

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Chief Shimbizhi of the Ila people of Itezhi-tezhi district has advised his subjects to comply with the ban on cattle movement to help prevent the further spread of foot and mouth disease in the area.

Chief Shimbizhi told ZANIS in an interview that there was need for concerted effort among stakeholders to eradicate the disease which recently broke out in the district.

“I am appealing to all my subjects and every owner of cattle in the district to strictly comply with the ban on animal movement in the district which is aimed at curbing the further spread of foot and mouth disease in the district.It is for the good of every one of us,” he said.

Chief Shimbizhi said measures would be instituted to stop cattle rustlers from passing through mosts villages in Itezhgi-Tezhi to evade veterinary check points on the Mongu-Nalunsanga Road.

He warned that government would deal sternly with farmers and rustlers who would be found frustrating the ban.

He observed that government was spending huge sums of money in procuremnent of vaccines in its efforts to ontain livestock diseases.

“The current livestock act punishes the innocent animals by killing them but the owner is only fined or given a six months imprisonment which is not fair ,I would like to see that harsher punishment is given to the owners,” he said.

He, further, asked the police to bring to book people involved in illegal cattle movement.

He also advised the veterinary department in the distroict to intensify patrols.

SADC envoys pray for the speedy recovery of Dr. Mwanawasa

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ambassadors and High commissioners accredited to Zambia have joined the rest of the country in praying and extending their Good will messages for the quick recovery of President Mwanawasa.

The Diplomats who delivered their solidarity message to Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande in Lusaka today included the High commissioner of Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique.

Others are from Angola, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In delivering the solidarity message on behalf of the Diplomats, Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia, Chrissie Mughogho said the SADC region is greatly touched with the illness of Dr Mwanawasa hence they have joined the rest of Zambians in praying for his speedy recovery.

Dr Mughogho said President Mwanawasa has exhibited excellent leadership to the SADC region since he assumed office hence the region should continue praying and wishing him a speedy and quick recovery so that he comes back to continue leading Zambia and the SADC region.

And Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande said government is greatly humbled and encouraged with the genuine prayers and good will messages it has continued to receive from Zambians and foreign friendly countries.

Mr. Pande said government is confident that God has answered the many prayers and would heal Dr Mwanawasa.

Dr Mwanawasa is currently admitted to the Percy military hospital in Paris France where he is receiving medical treatment.
[ZANIS]

Chipolopolo to camp in Germany

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GERMANY has set aside 20,000 Euros (about K104 million) to camp the Zambia national soccer team in preparation for the decisive 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo.

And Germany ambassador to Zambia Irene Hinrichsen said a win for Zambia over Togo would contribute to President Mwanawasa’s recovery from a stroke he suffered three weeks ago in Egypt.

Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Gabriel Namulambe, disclosed at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that the Germany Government would accommodate the national team during the “tour of duty.”

The Chipolopolo will camp in Germany from August 15 to 24.

Namulambe said the Zambian Government would only provide air-tickets. Zambia face Togo in a must-win tie on September 6 at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Namulambe said Government has attached a lot of importance to the game against Togo.

“We have a huge task of qualifying to the Africa Cup and World Cup. We are remaining with one game against Togo, which we have to win at all cost.

We know that when Zambia losses everyone is affected and a lot of issues are brought up and there is a lot of finger-pointing.

“When Zambia wins, production increases and those who have worked in the mines can prove this but when Zambia losses production goes down,” he said.

All winners of the 12 groups and the best eight teams would make it to the next and final round.

Swaziland and Zambia lead Group 11 with four points while Togo have three.

The minister said the gesture by the Germany Government was encouraging and urged the national team players to take advantage of the camping to sharpen their skills.

He said the players should beat Togo as a way of paying gratitude to the good gesture from Germany.

“It will not do to the Zambian and Germany Governments that after investing so much money, the team records a poor result against Togo,” Namulambe said.

He said the gesture was a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Namulambe also urged business organisations to come on board and assist the national team prepare adequately for the match against Togo.

He also said the Germany Government would this year equip Zambian coaches with the latest techniques as the country prepares to host the 2011 All-Africa Games.

“Our major task is capacity building in our coaches. It takes a long to prepare adequately,” said Namulambe who was flanked by his deputy Richard Taima, permanent secretary Bob Samakai and director of sport Bernard Nakachinda.

Others in attendance were National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) acting general secretary Margaret Mukupa, NSCZ board member Elliot Mhende and Football Association of Zambia media officer Erick Mwanza.
And Hinrichsen said they have arranged two friendly games for the Chipolopolo.

Hinrichsen said Zambia would play Ruit Academy in Kirchheim adding that plans were in the pipeline to arrange for a friendly against a top Bundesliga side.

She said Zambia’s European-based professionals would be with the team during the ten-day camping in Germany.

Hinrichsen also said Germany coaches would conduct a one month coaching course in Lusaka some time this year to assist in the preparations of the 2011 games.
She said a long-term coach would be in the country next year.

“We are scouting for talent in Zambia to take to Germany,” Hinrichsen said.

[Zambia daily Mail]

Mining affects energy deficit

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The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) says increased industrial activity on the Copperbelt has contributed to the energy deficit in Zambia.

ERB Copperbelt Regional Office Manager, Yohane Mukabe says most existing mines are expanding their operations.

He said this is in order to take advantage of the current high price of Copper on the International Market.

Mr. Mukabe said this in Kitwe, Wednesday during the recording of the Energy Conservation Campaign Week programme.

He also said a number of supporting industries to the mines are coming up in the province.

Mr. Mukabe said this is a sign that the Zambian economy is performing well.

And ZESCO Copperbelt Division Manager, Muntungwa Mugala said load shedding is expected to end in March next year.
[ZNBC]

Don’t victimise Zambians- Katumbi

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Katanga Governor, Moses Katumbi has warned Congolese National Police manning the Pedicle Road and Chembe bridge against victimizing Zambians.

Mr. Katumbi says any policeman who will victimize Zambians will be fired.

Mr. Katumbi said the completion of the Chembe bridge should not be used by officers as an opportunity to mistreat Zambians.

He said the completion of the bridge has generated a lot of interest from foreign nationals who are now using the Pedicle road and the Chembe bridge.

Mr. Katumbi was speaking when he adressed villagers at Mwenda on his way to the Chembe bridge.

And speaking earlier at Lubembe bridge on the Pedicle road, Mr. Katumbi said he will allow a 24 hours operation of the bridge.

Mr. Katumbi said it would be pointless to restrict the movement of people once the bridge is completed.

Meanwhile Mr. Katumbi has commended President Levy Mwanawasa for the initiative to construct the Chembe bridge.

He said he is happy that the bridge is nearing completion and is looking forward to working with the Zambian government in tarring of the Pedicle road.

Mr. Katumbi was accompanied by Luapula Province Minister, Chrispine Musosha, Copperbelt Province Minister, Mwansa Mbulakulima and Works and Supply Deputy Minister, Mundia Ndalamei.

[ZNBC]

Developmental meetings shunned

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Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elijah Chisanga has expressed disappointment at the failure by most provincial heads to attend developmental and planning meetings.

Mr. Chisanga has since appealed to technocrats to not belittle such meetings as they are meant for the province to strategize on how to propel development in the province.

He was speaking during the 73rd Provincial Epidemic Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management Committee meeting held at the Provincial Administration offices.

Mr. Chisanga called for planning ahead of the onset of the rain season as failure to plan would have disastrous consequences because some parts of the province are disease prone.

And Lusaka Province Director of Health Dr Tackson Lambart lamented that qualified personnel were reluctant to ply their trade in rural parts of the province.

He called for incentives for skilled human resource posted to rural areas.

ZANIS/JT/AMENDS