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Zambian Embassy

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Zambians are now becoming well traveled and if you ever went to a faraway place like Hong Kong for example, chances are you will bump into a Zambian if you looked hard enough.

I did not want to be one of the less traveled Zambians and decided to travel to Bangkok with an acquaintance of mine called Big Jo. We were first to spend some days in Johannesburg at a place called Hilbrow. My well traveled friend Big Jo, told me they had cheap accommodation and would be the best place to stay, you see we had limited funds. Big Jo’s neighbor’s cousin was doing some business in Bangkok and we were going to help him sell some of the “stuff” in Johannesburg and Zambia. I knew northwestern province like the back of my hand and I was going to make millions of kwacha selling the “stuff” there. Well thats what Big Jo said. I did ask him what we would be selling and he said clothes, sofas, spare parts etc.

I later got to learn that Big Jo had conveniently left out some vital information about Hilbrow, like it was a dangerous place to be! But how was an innocent boy from Kasempa supposed to know such details.

So we traveled in a dirty luxury coach from Lusaka to Johannesburg. When we arrived, I had never seen such a big bus station in my life! It was called Park station. I thought when become rich I’ll build one just like this in Solwezi.We then took a mini bus to Hilbrow. As we drove another mini bus driver waved a gun at us. It was then my legs began shaking. Despite that, we arrived safely in Hilbrow, but just in time to hear more gun shots.
“Big Jo lets go back,” I cried. He, like all the other people around was calm. I was later to learn this was a way of life here. We had barely disembarked from the bus when a group of men approached us.
“Butuka!” Big Jo shouted. But before my wobbly legs could move, all my possessions were taken from me. I shook like a leaf, at least I was unharmed I thought. A few moments later Big Jo resurfaced. My passport, the driver’s license I had just bought in Lusaka and all my money were stolen. At least Big Jo had kept the air ticket to Bangkok.

We were about to go to the police station when a Zimbabwean man approached us.
“I saw what happened,” he said “but if you go to the police they will think you are an illegal immigrant.”
Big Jo suggested we try the Zambian embassy. He said they would take care of me. As for him he had to proceed to Bangkok. The next day Big Jo left me at the Zambian embassy. I walked in and was looked at suspiciously by the beautiful lady at reception. I explained what happened and she said I needed a police report to verify what I was saying. I told her I had no transport money, no passport and no clothes. If they could just organize a passport and drivers license for me I could join Big Jo in Bangkok. She laughed at me so hard you would have thought she was watching one of the late maximos comedies. At this point I had had enough. I broke down in my mother tongue. This attracted two gentlemen from the next office. The lady told them I wanted a passport and drivers license from them. They too laughed at me. This again attracted an elderly gentleman, whom I’ll never forget. At least he showed more compassion for me.
To cut a long story short I never made it to Bangkok. I am back in Kasempa.I don’t have a passport. I tried to buy a drivers license from Mr. Mwape but I’m told things are now computerized so its difficult. I however have a job interview with the Chinese or is it Indians running the mine in Chingola?

So, I never want to travel outside Zambia again. I do not know what the function of a Zambian embassy is, if you can’t even obtain necessary documents from them when you are abroad. As for Big Jo I never heard from him. Never trust someone with the name Big Jo I guess!

EDITOR’s NOTE:  Post Your Lifestyle stories through the  Contact Us Link Above. The best stories will get published in the Lifestyle section of the site.

Fighting corruption requires enhanced whistle blowers

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The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) says there is need to have serious ‘whistle blowing’ in the country if the fight against corruption is to bear its intended results.

ACC Copperbelt Region Community Education Officer, Masauso Lungu, says the fight agaisnt corruption cannot be achieved without enhanced and serious ‘whistle blowers’.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Chlilabombwe yesterday, Mr Lungu said the commission was committed to protect whistle blowers as they are key partners in the anti corruption crusade.

Mr Lungu called on the various stakeholders that attended the meeting to play a role in sensitizing people on corruption and its effects by discussing the subject in their meetings.

He also urged the stakeholders to desist from receiving gifts during the course of duty as the trend may compromise their professional conduct.

“We encourage whistle blowing as it is important in the fight against corruption. All the information we receive is held in confidence. We want people to be eyes and ears of the commission to effectively fight corruption,” he said.

Mr Lungu said corruption needed to be fought vigorously as it kills equal competition in society as well as leading to poor quality of goods and services subsequently retarding the nation’s economic development.

And giving a vote of thanks, District Labour Officer, Callaghan Musonda, thanked the commission for sensitizing stakeholders in Chililabombwe on corruption and its effects.

Among the people who attended the meeting, which was chaired by District Commissioner Timothy Musonda, were Acting Town Clerk Goldwin Chinoya, heads of government departments, school headmasters and Chililabombwe Municipal Council Directors.

Nakonde residents abuse, sell ITNs on black market

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SOME residents of Chiwanza ward in Nakonde district in Northern Province are reportedly using insecticide treated nets [ITNs] to catch fish.

And most of the ITNs given to the people in Nakonde district have found themselves on the black market, both in Zambia and neighbouring Tanzania .

This came to light on Friday last week during the commemoration of World Malaria Day held at Kantongo Basic School under the theme ‘MALARIA – A DISEASE WITHOUT BORDERS’.

Chieftainess Na-Waitwika of the Namwanga people of Nakonde district said it was disheartening that some people in Chiwanza ward, especially in swampy areas, were using the ITNs to catch fish.

In a speech read on her behalf by her advisor, Workson Mpotwa Siame, Chieftainess Na-Waitwika said the reports of people in swampy areas using ITNs to catch fish, was retrogressive.

The traditional leader told hundreds of people who attended the commemoration that she has now taken upon herself to educate the affected people and ensure that they use ITNs for the intended purposes.

Chieftainess Na-Waitwika said she would soon embark on a programme to sensitise communities in Chiwanza ward on the usage of ITNs which the government, through the department of health, distributed early this year.

Chief Na-Waitwika also appealed to people present at the function to go flat out and educate their friends on the positive usage of ITNs.

She also commended the government for distributed ITNs to all the households in her chiefdom in the bid to control malaria.

And the government says it is disappointing that most of the ITNs distributed to various households in Nakonde district have found themselves being sold on the black market.

Officiating at this year’s World Malaria Day commemoration at Kantongo Basic school, District Commissioner, Edwin Sinyinza, said the government was disappointed that some
ITNs, which were distributed to various households, were being sold on the market.

“I am informed that some ITNs that were distributed have been sold to Tanzanians,” Said Sinyinza.

He said his government will not tolerate such attitude.

Mr Sinyinza asked community leaders to monitor all the negative practices against health service delivery.

He also disclosed that following the Abuja Declaration, the Government of the republic of Zambia had increased funding to the health sector and malaria has the highest allocation in most districts.

“The government has further committed to monthly funding to the Ministry of Health directly to districts. The Government has further developed various strategies to halve malaria burden by 2010,” Sinyinza added.

He cited some of the strategies developed as, indoor residual spraying by use of DDT, mass distribution of long lasting insecticide treated nets, free distribution of insecticide treated bed nets and community malaria booster response among other strategies.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner has disclosed that the Government has released K24 million to two communities in the border town for the fight against malaria under Community Booster Response [COMBOR] programme.

Mr Sinyinza named the two communities as Kaombwe in Nakonde east and Ndigindi in West of Nakonde district.

He appealed to the community leaders and Government workers to monitor the utilization of the funds.

And District Director of Health, Dr. Ernest Mutale, told community representatives to bury small ditches and slash tall grass in the villages and surroundings.

ZANIS/ENDS/JM/EB

Government announces establishment of a multi-faceted Park

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A massive animal Park is underway in Lusaka in line with government’s effort to expand the spectrum of tourism attractions in the city and increase revenue base.

The Park to be managed by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) will be located in the de-gazetted forest reserves NO. 26 and 55 which have since been fenced off for animal sanctuary.

Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Public Relations Officer Bwalya Nondo announced the development to ZANIS in Lusaka.

Mr. Nondo said the multi-faceted Park will have amenities such as a lodge, restaurant and traversing roads among others.

He said the Park is expected to be stocked with a representation of animals found in Zambia’s National Parks.

Mr. Nondo said the Park will be developed partly through the K23 billion allocated for re-capitalization to ZAWA by government through the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural resources.

Out-going Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Permanent Secretaries Dr Eustern Mambwe has described the envisaged Park as a gem to tourism development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mambwe has commended employees in the Ministry for their hard work and focus aimed at ensuring that their Ministry contributes more to the economic development of the country.

Dr Mambwe urged workers to continue putting in their best in order to propel Zambia’s economic growth through tourism.

He made the remarks when he addressed employees to bid farewell to them.

Dr Mambwe has been transferred to the Ministry of Communication and Transport in the same capacity.

And in a vote of thanks workers’ representative Victor Chalabesa described Dr Mambwe as a man of vision who had transformed the Ministry within a short stint of his stay at the helm of the ministry.
ENDS/BN/AM/LUSAKA

UNZA stand-off still on

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The Minister for Education has appealed to Unversity of Zambia workers who are on go-slow to resume work.

Geofrey Lungwangwa said there is no need for workers to withdraw labour when government has pledged to release additional funds.

He said workers should be patient because government is about to release an K20 billion additional funding to UNZA.

Professor Lungwangwa was speaking in an interview with ZNBC news.

Unionised workers who include lecturers, researchers and support staff have withdrawn their services to press for increased budgetary support.

Meanwhile, the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union (CSAWUZ) and the National Union of Public Service Workers (NUPSW) have assured their members that the 2008 negotiations with government are still ongoing.

The two unions say this is in order to allow the labour movement and government resolve contentious issues on salaries and the base rate that has been used in calculating the housing allowance.

This is contained in a joint press statement released to ZANIS by CSAWUZ and NUPSW General Secretaries Darison Chaala and Davis Chingoni respectively.

The two appealed to their members to remain united and supportive as the leaders are working tirelessly to improve wages and conditions of service.

This follows queries from members concerning the status of the negotiations for the 2008 improved salaries and conditions of service for public service workers.

Government purchases 150 trucks for councils

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Government has purchased 150 light trucks worth over K5.5 billion to be distributed to all local authorities in the country.

Local Government and Housing Minister, Sylvia Masebo said the vehicles are meant to help the councils effectively carry out the Keep Zambia Clean and Health programme.

Ms Masebo said the trucks will enable local authorities collect garbage in their respective localities.

She was speaking in Lusaka today when she handed over 60 Yuejin light trucks to 36 district councils.

Ms. Masebo further disclosed that government would soon establish a Local Government Service Commission which would assist councils attract qualified staff members.

She noted that some councils were failing to generate resources due to lack of skilled man power.

Ms. Masebo warned council chief executive officers of stern action if the trucks were found being used for personal errands.

Speaking at the same function, representative of Top Motors Limited, the suppliers of the Yuejin trucks, Ge Liang assured government that the trucks were of high standard and durable.

Mr. Liang said the vehicles were specially made for the Keep Zambia Clean and Health programme adding that his company would offer after sales service to all the councils.

ZESCO electricity power generators restored

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ZESCO has repaired its two generators which had tripped off at Kafue Gorge Power Station.

ZESCO Public Relations Manager Monica Chisela has confirmed that the two machines are now back in operation.

Briefing the press in Lusaka today, Mrs. Chisela said one of the generators was restored yesterday while the other was restored this morning.

She however said it has not yet been established what caused the two generators to trip adding that the matter is being looked into.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Chisela has disclosed that the Democratic Republic of Congo power inter-connector line is still disconnected.

She said this has made it difficult for ZESCO to secure supplementary power from that country to meet the demand.

Mrs. Chisela said currently ZESCO is relying on its own power generation which has proven to be inadequate.

She has since urged customers to use electricity with caution and avoid needless and wasteful use of power.

Copper exports Increase

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Zambia earned $886 million in copper exports in the first quarter of 2008.

This represents an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to $858 million earned in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Cobalt export earnings increased to $108 million from $79 million in the same period.

This represents an increase of 36.9 percent.

Bank Of Zambia Govenor, Caleb Fundanga announced this in at the 2008 first quarter media briefing.

Dr. Fundanga however, said Copper output declined by 8.9 percent while that of Cobalt went down by 8.3 in the first quarter due to floods.

Crime gets off hand in L/stone – Munkombwe

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Southern Province Minister, Daniel
Munkombwe, has said that criminal activities in the region have gotten
out of hand following the increase in the number of people being
assaulted and beaten to death.

Mr. Munkombwe said Livingstone and surrounding districts had become a
breeding ground for criminals and called on the Police Commanding
officer, Lemmy Kajoba, to intervene in the matter and ensure police
posts and patrols were increased to curb crime.

The provincial minister said this during a press briefing held at his
office in Livingstone today.

He said quick action by the police service now would prevent the
public from losing confidence in their ability to protect and
safeguard the nation from criminals.

Mr. Munkombwe said crime had a negative impact on tourism and put the
status of Livingstone as a tourist capital at risk because it had the
potential to scare away international tourists and investors.

He advised the commanding officer to ensure his junior officers had
adequate access to transport to enable them carry out crime
prevention operations because he had observed that priority for
transport was given to senior officers that used it for purposes
other than crime prevention.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kajoba confirmed that crime statistics, especially in
the shanty compounds of Livingstone, had increased.

He said all police officers, including those in administration, would
now be required to be on the ground to carry out crime prevention
operations.

Mr. Kajoba partly attributed the increase in crime to events like the
World Malaria Day commemoration and other regional conferences that
were held in Livingstone as they required police manpower adding
that this development left the communities un supervised.

26 community schools to benefit from CDF

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Kabompo West Constituency in Northwestern province has resolved to use the K200 million its Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to procure roofing materials for 26 community schools in the area.

This came to light today after Kabompo west constituency Member of Parliament, Daniel Kalenga wound up his tour of developmental projects in his area.

Mr. Kalenga, who is also Agriculture and Cooperatives Deputy Minister, conducted a series of sensitisation meetings with the community on developmental projects to be undertaken in the area.

He said the K200 million CDF would be used to buy iron sheets, roofing nails, planks and cement for all the 26 community schools in Kabompo district.

Mr. Kalenga explained that all 26 community schools, which are made of pole and mud structures, would have 1 x 2 permanent classroom blocks each.

He has since implored the people in his constituency to work hard by provide building sand, stones and labour as part of their community contribution.

Some of the community schools to benefit are Mutokoma, Ndeho, Ndundwilo, Malola and Dikeli.

Mr. Kalenga said over K14 million would be spent on buying roofing materials and cement for each of the 26 community school.

He said the improvement on school structures in the area would motivate teachers and this would further improve the quality of education in rural areas.

The resolve to construct permanent structures for the 26 community schools has since gladdened the people of Kabompo west who praised President Levy Mwanawasa’s government.

Ministry Repays withdrawn Funds to N/W province

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The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has refunded the K2.8 billion, which was withdrawn from North-Western Province last year for not being utilised under Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP).

Northwestern province Permanent Secretary Jeston Mulando confirmed this to ZANIS in Solwezi today.

Mr. Mulando said the funds which were returned to the treasury last year have already been given back to the province for projects that stalled due to lack of funds.

He said relevant officers in the province have since been dispatched to districts to check on the uncompleted projects which need funding.

He said the projects should be funded immediately and be completed by July this year.

Mr. Mulando explained that the money that was returned to the treasury from the province in 2007 was K2.8 billion and not K5 billion as it was earlier reported.

Meanwhile, government has released K303.2 million for the rehabilitation of Solwezi stadium complex in Solwezi. The stadium was in a deplorable state.

He said rehabilitation works by Sunrise Company have already started.

Mr. Mulando has further explained that the Kansanshi Mine management who had earlier shown interest to use the stadium facilities.

He said he would therefore approach management at the mine and ask them to contribute towards the rehabilitation works.

Mr. Mulando noted that the completion of Solwezi stadium complex would be used for various activities, especially football to identify talented youth.

Zambia national team Monday Update

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Zambia entered camp today in Lusaka ahead of departure for Gaborone this Wednesday where they will face Botswana this Friday in a 2009 Cote d’ Ivoire Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) first round, first leg qualifier.

The match will be played on May 1 at the National Stadium in Gaborone at 15:00.

21 out of 22 players had arrived in camp by Monday with the Power Dynamos trio of goalkeeper Rabson Muchelen’ganga, and midfielders Kennedy Mudenda and Francis Kasonde joining the team this afternoon.

However, Zesco United midfielder Rainford Kalaba who is one of 13 new call-ups for the CHAN match against Botswana has yet to report to camp.

Dropped from the team are key defenders Hichani Himoonde, Eugene Shamakamba and Charles Siyingwa.

Midfielders Simon Bwalya, Timothy Mbewe and Sebastian Mwansa are also not in the team including striker Reuben Tembo and Emmanuel Mayuka who is currently on a trial spell in Portugal.

Coach Peter Kaumba will trim the team to 18 on Tuesday on the eve of Zambia’s departure for Botswana.

Zambia qualified to the first round of the CHAN qualifiers 4-1 on aggregate after beating Swaziland 3-0 in the preliminary round return leg after earlier drawing 1-1 away in Manzini.

Team

Goalkeepers: Joel Kambili (Chambishi), Rabson Muchelenganga (Power Dynamos), Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes)

Defenders: Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes) William Chinyama (Zesco United), Clive Sichondwe, Bronson Chama (Both Kabwe Warriors), White Simwanza (Young Arrows), Sanida Zulu (Chambishi)

Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba, Lottie Phiri (Zesco United), Moses Kapayi (Roan United) Siloni Jere (Kabwe Warriors), Francis Kasonde, Kennedy Mudenda (Both Power Dynamos), Chisamba Lungu, Stophira Sunzu (Both Zanaco), William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos)

Strikers: Roger Kola (Zanaco), Chiwanki Liyianga (Young Arrows), Enoch Sakala (Zesco United), Judge Mkandawire (Young Arrows)

Dropped: Dan Munyao, Eugene Shamakamba, Charles Siyingwa, Simon Bwalya, Emmanuel Mayuka, Reuben Tembo, Sebastian Mwansa, Hichani Himoonde, Tomthy Mbewe, Joe Lungu,

Levy congratulates Esther Phiri

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President Levy Mwanawasa has congratulated Zambian female boxer, Esther Phiri for winning the Global Boxing Union (GBU) super featherweight title on Saturday.

Dr. Mwanawasa told Phiri that her continued successes in the boxing sphere were a source of national pride and an inspiration to upcoming sports men and women.

Phiri won the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) super featherweight title after defeating German’s Elina Tissen on a unanimous point judgment.

Dr. Mwanawasa said in personal letter to Phiri that her victory had made Zambia proud of a world champion.

This is contained in a statement issued by Special assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, John Musukuma to ZANIS this evening.

“You have become an international boxing ambassador by putting the sports back into the limelight in Zambia and the world at large,” Dr. Mwanawasa said, adding “I wish to congratulate you for your well deserved victory in the Global boxing Union World Super Featherweight title fight”.

He said Phiri’s love for and commitment to boxing had cheered many Zambians, who he said would remain indebted to her for the pride she had earned the country.

“The government will continue to promote the sport of boxing and other sports disciplines. We look forward to your continued success,” Dr. Mwanawasa said.

Phiri also holds the Global Boxing Union (GBU) and the WIBF intercontinental super featherweight belts.

Meanwhile, Government has taken a swipe at what it calls irresponsible journalism over the media coverage of Esther Phiri’s Women International Boxing Federation (WIBF) superfeatherweight bout with Elina Tissen of Germany.

ZANIS sports reports Sports, Youth and Child development minister Gabriel Namulambe saying he is dissapointed with the recent media reports on the Esther Phiri’s performance against the German boxer on Saturday.

” I am quiet dissapointed with the media reports on Esther. I would not take kindly to negative reporting on Esther, ” Mr Namulambe said.

Speaking during a cocktail hosted for the two women boxers courtesy of Holiday Inn Hotel on Sunday evening, the minister urged the media to be responsible when reporting.

He said he is not a fan of the press which he advised not to be like Lucifer (Satan) by avoiding negative reporting of important national events such as Esther’s boxing match.

He advised the author of one named daily newspaper to withdraw the story about Esther Phiri and apologise to the nation instead.

” I am not a fan of the press.I am urging journalists not to be like lucifer to report negatively even when there is positive development in the country.

I there fore urge the author of the story to withdraw the story and apologise to the nation, ” he said.

Esther is reported in one of the dailies on Sunday that she should consider hanging up her gloves for good due to her below standard performance with Tissen.

The paper reported that Esther’s pace, power and technique with which she announced her entery in international women’s boxing ring in 2008 had completly fizzled out.

The minister asdvised sponsors to consider exposing Esther internationally by enabling her to train abroad.

And National Milling Managing Director Peter Cottan said Esther Phiri won convingly on Saturday.

Cottan said from his understanding of boxing, an opponate has to beat the champion convingly to grab the title which Esther’s previous opponates failed to do.

He said Elina aged 21 fought well on Saturday but lost the fight to put her record at eight fights, six wins three by technical knockouts and two loses.

Cottan said trainers of both boxers, referees and administrators were convinced that Esther won convingly on Saturday.

And Barclays Bank Managing Director Zafar Masud pledged his bank’s commitment to supporting sports in the country.

Masud said Barclays Bank would not only support boxing but other sports activities.

He congratulated Esther for winning Saturday’s fight to become WIBF super featherweight champion.

Michael Sata’s Son Passes Away

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Ailing Patriotic Front (PF) Leader, Michael Sata who is admitted to a South African clinic following a heart attack has suffered another misfortune.

His son Chilufya has died.

Party Spokesperson, Given Lubinda confirmed the death of Mr. Sata’s son to ZNBC News – Monday.

Mr. Lubinda said Mr. Sata’s son was found dead at his parents Kabulonga home in Lusaka.

He said Chilufya, 30 has been ill for some time and the cause of death has not yet been established.

Mr. Lubinda said the funeral of Mr. Sata’s son is being held at house number 37 serval road in Kabulonga.

Meanwhile , Mr. Lubinda said the PF leader has been discharged from the intensive Care Unit of Milpark clinic in South Africa where he had been admitted after he suffered a severe heart attack.

Mr. Lubinda said Mr. Sata’s is in very good condition and has since been admitted in an open ward.

He said Mr. Sata has been showing a lot of interest in knowing what is happening in the country.

Mr. Lubinda said Doctors have however not allowed him to read any newspapers or browse the Internet, to allow him recuperate.

Mr. Sata was on Sunday flown to South African – Saturday.

[ZNBC]

Govt tell PF not to Politicise Sata’s Evacuation

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Government says it is shocking to learn that evacuation of Patriotic Front-PF leader Michael Sata to South Africa for medical treatment has been politicized by the PF.

Acting Information and Broadcasting Minister George Mpombo says it is unfortunate that the PF is seeking to make political capital out of good intentions by government.

Mr. Mpombo described the report attributed to PF Vice President Guy Scott that it is the wish of Mr. Sata to refund the government whatever will be spent on his treatment as a simple gesture of cheap politics.

Mr. Mpombo, who is also Defence Minister, pointed out that it is inhuman to trivialize an illness for cheap politics.

He said the decision by President Levy Mwanawasa to evacuate Mr. Sata to South Africa was well intended and made in good faith.

Addressing the Press in Lusaka today, Mr. Mpombo said the report attributed to Dr. Scott reflects poor judgment by the PF.

Mr. Mpombo noted that it appeared Dr. Scott wished government did not evacuate the PF leader to receive specialist treatment.

He alleged that Dr. Scott has shown that he has hidden interests saying no wonder that some people my incline to speculate that some PF leaders aspiring to take over from Mr. Sata do not wish the PF leader well.

He emphasized that there was little time to waste to evacuate Mr. Sata after Doctors assessed his condition.

The Acting Information Minister pointed out that Dr. Scott’s remarks are beneath decency and surprising given that he of all PF leaders should be grateful that government acted with speed to save the life of his president.

Mr. Mpombo said at such a time, people should learn to come together and pray for the quick recovery of someone ill and not to engage government is cheap politics.

He pointed out that no amount of talking will stop government from doing good things for any Zambian who finds themselves in difficult situations such as the one Mr. Sata was in.

Mr. Mpombo explained that the evacuation of people of different status in society is an exercise that is undertaken by government at its own cost and no patient is required to refund the state.

Mr. Mpombo, who on behalf of government wished Mr. Sata a steady and quick recovery, said Mr. Sata is entitled to the service that government provided him at government cost which is non-refundable.

And responding to Dr. Scott’s reference to the need to provide specialist treatment at home the services for which people are evacuated to South Africa, Mr. Mpombo said Dr. Scott should be aware that the New Deal Administration has invested a great deal in the establishment of specialized units, including the cancer unit at UTH.

He noted that this is an ongoing exercise which started during the tenure of President Mwanawasa.

The Post Newspapers today carried a story in which Dr. Scott is quoted as having said it is Mr. Sata’s wish to refund the government whatever money will be spent on his treatment.

In the early hours of Saturday 25th April, Mr. Sata suffered a heart attack and was evacuated to South Africa for specialists treatment by government.

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