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SADC urges ruling, opposition party leaders in Zimbabwe to embrace humility

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President Mwanawasa has appealed to the ruling and opposition party leaders in Zimbabwe to embrace the virtue of humility in charting the future of their beloved country that they rightly reclaimed from the colonial masters after a long and bloody liberation war.

Officially opening the Summit at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre today, President says the extraordinary Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit is not intended to put Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on trial over the current political situation in that country.

Dr Mwanawasa who is also SADC Chairperson said SADC can not continue to standby and do nothing when one of its members was experiencing political and economic difficult.

Dr Mwanawasa said SADC can not continue to standby and do nothing when one of its members was experiencing political and economic difficult.

‘’It would be unwise for a neighbour or neighbours to turn a blind eye when another neighbour’s house is on fire’’.

The SADC Chairperson who is also Zambia’s President said the region was at pains to see the fruits of the Zimbabwean independence struggle endangered as a result of political differences among political parties.

President Mwanawasa said that the Zimbabweans should put national interest above all the other interests and to take judicious decisions that would make Zimbabwe, the region and Africa proud.

He further said the Zimbabwean leaders should make these decisions fully aware that at critical times, great men and women have take bold steps for the benefit of posterity.

‘’That critical time has come for them and that time must be seized now’’, he said.

President Mwanawasa said SADC concern hinges on the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce the results of the presidential elections which has given rise to a climate of tension in that country.

The situation has further been aggravated by the inability of the High Court of Zimbabwe to determine the matter speedily following opposition MDC’s appeal to compel ZEC to announce the results.

Dr Mwanawasa said this situation has left Zimbabweans, the SADC region and the international community in the dark as to who won the recent Zimbabwe elections.

The extraordinary Summit in Lusaka convened to address the post election impasse in Zimbabwe is being attended
eight Heads of State namely South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, Edwardo Dos Santos of Angola, Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza, Malawi’s Mbingu Wa Mutharika and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Others are Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba, Ian Khama of Botswana and host President who is also SADC Chairman Levy Mwanawasa.

President Mugabe is represented by a delegation of three ministers who include Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengege, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Rural and Social Amenities Minister Emmerson Munangagwa.

Opposition leader Morgan Tshivangirai who arrived in the morning is also in attendance.

And Dr Mwanawasa who hailed the Heads of State for responding to his call at short notice noted that their presence was a clear testimony of their unwavering commitment to the achievement of the objectives of the regional body.

He urged the Heads of State to discuss the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe in an open, objective and honest manner.

‘’This Summit, therefore should focus on helping Zimbabwe to find an answer that genuinely reflects the will of the people. I have no doubt in my mind that the presence of the Zimbabwean leadership at this SADC extraordinary meeting attests to their disposition to heed our advice and their willingness to steer the country out of the current situation’’, President Mwanawasa said.

‘’The challenge before us is that we should identify ways and means of assisting our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters in finding a solution which will be acceptable to the people of Zimbabwe and all parties involved in the recent elections’’.

President Mwanawasa explained that SADC‘s intervention is anchored on the pursuit of two objectives of the regional body namely to promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions that are democratic, legitimate and effective.

In addition, he said the intervention is premised on the need to consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability.

He expressed confidence that the Summit will successfully achieve its objective given the good will portrayed by the people of Zimbabwe and the region.

The SADC Heads of State have since gone into a closed door session which will culminate in the release of a communiqué on its stance over Zimbabwe.

And American Ambassador to Zambia Carmen Martinez said the political situation in Zimbabwe should be addressed amicably without violence and intimidation on the people.

Ms Carmen who commended Zambia for holding the extraordinary Summit said Africa should have solutions to its problems hence the SADC region was key in finding solutions to the situation in Zimbabwe.

Late Mudenda Inspiration Sends Zambia to CHAN 2nd Round

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Zambia are through to the second qualifying stage of the inaugural Africa Nations Championship after defeating Swaziland 3-0 at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka this afternoon.

The win sees Zambia sail through 4-1 on aggregate after drawing 1-1 in the first leg played in Manzini a fortnight ago.

Peter Kaumba’s teams victory sees them book a first round meeting with Botswana away during the weekend of May 3.

Zambia struggled to find the net in the opening half despite outplaying their opponents throughout the 90 minutes.

The hosts 1-0 lead into the break was testament of Zambia’s poor finishing in-front of goal where they missed numerous gilt-edged chances.

Roger Kola put Zambia ahead in the 19th minute when he bungled in the ball just a minute after hitting the upright in his second of three attempts within the opening 20 minutes.

Zambia’s goal came just a minute as Swaziland almost stole an embarrassing opener against the run of play through Concia Mazibuko but he fluffed the ball in a one-on-one with Mike Poto.

Kaumba’s team continued to blow hot and cold in attack with Kola missing a sitter in the 51st minute before he was substituted four minutes later by unimpressive Signs Chibambo.

Chibambo failed to inspire and was lucky to be on the pitch until the final whistle as man of the match Kennedy Mudenda limped off in the 84th minute to be replaced by Reuben Tembo.

It was through Power Dynamos winger Mudenda that Zambia got its vital last two goals in the second half to make sure they reached the first round for a rendezvous with Botswana next month.

Mudenda’s speculative long-range shot in the 71st minute from the edge of the left wing was parried by Njapaliso Simmelane but Emmanuel Mayuka was quickest to react to slot in from close range to score Zambia’s second.

The Power player turned from provider to scorer when he slalomed pasted Swaziland’s towering defenders and Simmelane to walk the ball into the net in the 81st minute before he limped off with an injury.

It was a case of De ja Vu for Swaziland at Woodlands where they also lost by the same margin three years ago in the COSAFA Castle Cup mini-tournament to Zambia.

Mbeki jets in for the extra-ordinary SADC Summit

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South African President Thabo Mbeki has arrived in Lusaka, Zambia for this afternoon’s extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

President Mbeki, who has led mediation efforts between the two Zimbabwean sides since last year through the “quiet diplomacy” approach, arrived at Lusaka International at 14:05 hours on board a South African Air Force plane.

He was received by Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Felix Mutati and other senior government officials.

In route to Lusaka, President Mbeki made a stopover in Zimbabwe where he met with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

Despite growing tensions, Mr Mbeki is alleged to have maintained that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Mozambican President Armando Guebuza arrived in Lusaka for the extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe has risen to five.

President Guebuza’s presidential plane touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 13:15 hours and was received by Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Sarah Sayifwanda.

He followed President of Angola Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS who arrived at about 13:00 hours and was received by Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya.

Others that have arrived include President of Botswana Lieutenant General Seretse Ian Khama. Lieutenant General Seretse Ian Khama arrived in the country at Lusaka International Airport at 08:30 hours.

He was received by Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Lusaka Province Minister Lameck Mangani, Lands minister Bradford Machila, Information Deputy Minister David Phiri and other senior government officials

This marks the first assignment that the Botswana leader is undertaking after he replaced President Festus Mogae who stepped down one year before the end of his term. Mr. Mogae had served 10 years as head of state, the maximum allowed by law.
Botswana’s new president is a former army commander and lieutenant-general who entered politics 10 years ago, after leaving the military.

He was elected to parliament in 1998. He moved quickly up through the hierarchy, first as minister of presidential affairs and public administration and subsequently as vice president and party chairman.

He was followed by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila whose presidential plane touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 11: 30 hours.

The DRC leader was received by Labour and Social Security Minister Ronald Mukuma, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Lusaka Province Minister Lameck Mangani, Lands minister Bradford Machila, Information Deputy Minister David Phiri and other senior government officials

Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika and Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba have also since arrived.

The duo who arrived separately between 11:40 hours and 12:00 hours were received by Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile it is believed that Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has arrived in the country for the extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

Airport sources told ZANIS that the MDC leader arrived around mid day, away from the eyes of the press, shortly after the arrival of the Botswana leader aboard a private plane and was immediately whisked away.

Lusaka International Airport is a hive of activities as Zambia is today hosting an extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

Members of the 14-member regional grouping are meeting in Lusaka to discuss Zimbabwe’s post-election impasse. The summit comes amid growing pressure on that country’s electoral commission to release the results of the presidential poll held two weeks ago.

The SADC is expected to debate on ways and means of assisting the people of Zimbabwe over the current impasse, following the 29 March elections, as well as adopt a coordinated approach to the situation in that country.

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has since congratulated President Mwanawasa, the SADC chair, and SADC for the move to convene the extra-ordinary summit of the regional grouping to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

The UN chief has described the convening of the summit as a timely initiative to help Zimbabwe overcome its post-electoral crisis through peaceful means.

“The secretary-general is concerned that the situation in Zimbabwe could deteriorate if there is no prompt action to resolve this impasse,” UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe has said.

Mr Ban Ki-moon’s predecessor, Kofi Annan, has also called for the SADC leaders to push for a peaceful and just solution to the impasse in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Annan has said SADC leaders have a grave responsibility to act and act not only because of the negative spillover effects on the region, but also to ensure that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are respected.

He warned that Zimbabwe was standing on the brink.

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Morgan Tsvangirai has been touring southern African countries, urging leaders to put pressure on Mr. Mugabe to step down.

He says he won the vote outright and has refused to take part in any second, run-off presidential poll with Mr. Mugabe.

In the parliamentary vote also held on 29 March, Mr Mugabe’s Zanu-PF lost its majority in the House of Assembly for the first time since independence.

Mr. Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.

SADC invites Mugabe and Tsvangirai

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President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) President Morgan Tsvangirai have been invited to the Extra Ordinary SADC Summit to be held in Lusaka – Saturday.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, John Musukuma said media reports suggesting that Mr. Tsvangirai has not been invited are incorrect.

Mr. Musukuma said this in a statement made available to ZNBC News.

He says the Extra Ordinary Summit which will take place at Mulungushi International Conference Centre will be opened by Presidetn Mwanawasa, the current SADC Chairperson.

Mr. Musukuma said this will be followed by closed sessions of the SADC Heads of state from member countries.

He said a final communique’ will be issued at the end of the summit.

And Mr. Musukuma said the Extra Ordinary Summit will be preceded by an Extra Ordinary meeting of the Ministerial committee on SDAC organs on Politics, defence and Security.

He said this will be followed by another meeting of the ministerial committee of the SADC Organ on Zimbabwe.

The summit has been called by President Mwanawasa as SADC chairman to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe following the March 29 poll, whose results are yet to be announced.

Zambia Under Pressure To Dodge Early CHAN Exit

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Zambia and Swaziland clash this Saturday, April 12 in a 2009 Caf Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

The meeting is the second of four scheduled competitive matches between the two teams over the coming three months.

Zambia will host Swaziland on June 20 in the 1st leg of the 2010 World/Africa Cup preliminary group qualifier.

Meanwhile, Zambia and Swaziland go into this weekends return leg Saturdays game all-square at 1-1 with all to play for in the battle for a 1st round qualifying place in the race to reach next years finals of the inaugural CHAN tournament to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in February.

Zambia coach Peter Kaumba knows that to advance, his strikers need to show some greater urgency after failure to score in their first leg performance in Swaziland.

Promising midfielder William Njobvu from Lusaka Dynamos saved Zambia’s blushes with a late equalizer a quarter of an hour before the end of the match after Swaziland had led from the opening 9th minute of the game.

Kaumba has called up Zanaco’s Roger Kola to add some cutting edge to Zambia’s attack.

The forceful giant Zanaco striker is expected to start ahead of the more passive Green Buffaloes forward Reuben Tembo.

Kola is set also set for a possible reunion with Kabwe Warriors attacker Emmanuel Mayuka.

Kola and Mayuka reunite to try and inspire Zambia to the second qualifying stage 10 months after forming a formidable partnership at the FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada.

Kaumba has also brought in Zesco United defender William Chinyama for his first CHAN cap.

Consistent Chinyama is set to start at left-back where Kaumba improvised with Warriors defender and Captain Clive Sichondwe in the 1st leg match in Manzini a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, the two team’s last competitive meeting, also played at Woodlands, ended in a 3-0 triumph in favor of Zambia in the 2005 Cosafa Castle Cup mini-tournament.

Kaumba will be hoping lightening will strike again at Woodlands this weekend.

Winner of this weekend’s preliminary round tie will face Botswana away in the first round, first leg qualifying stage during the weekend of May 2-4.

Meanwhile, Faz have postponed all top-flight matches to Sunday 13/04/2008 due to Saturdays Caf 2009 Ivory Coast Africa Nations Championship qualifier between Zambia and Swaziland at Woodlands Stadium tomorrow.

FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE

13/04/2008

Week 5

Konkola Blades-Lusaka Dynamos

Zesco United-Green Eagles

Nkana -Chambishi

Kabwe Warriors-Power Dynamos

Green Buffaloes- Young Arrows

Red Arrows-Roan United

Zanaco- Nchanga Rangers

Nkwazi- City of Lusaka

FAZ DIVISION 1

WEEK 6

13/04/2008

NORTH

Medical Stars- Prison Leopards

Kalewa- Lime Hotspurs

Forest Rangers- Ndola United

Kitwe United- Zamtel

Mufulira Blackpool- Afrisports

Muchindu- Mufulira Wanderers

INDENI-Tazara Express

Mining Rangers- Forest Rangers

SOUTH

Profund Warriors- Lusaka Celtic

Young Green Eagles- National Assembly

Riflemen- Chilanga Heroes

Kalomo Jetters- Young Buffaloes

Nakambala – Livingstone Pirates

Lusaka Tigers- Mazabuka United

Nampundwe- Lusaka City Council

Zamcoal Diggers- Builders Brigade

Petauke United- Kambuku Warriors

Zaloumis Assures Zambians of a Good Constitution

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National Constitutional Conference-NCC Spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis has called upon Zambians to be determined to have a good constitution.

Mrs. Zaloumis said constitution making is a process that should not be rushed but demands commitment and determination for good results to be achieved.

Mrs. Zaloumis pointed out that there is hope that this time around Zambia will set a good example in Africa by having a good constitution because of the process that has been
employed.

She was speaking during a phone in programme on Oblate Liseli Radio in Mongu today.

Asked when the NCC would deliver the constitution to Zambians, Mrs. Zaloumis said, the NCC is determined to work and produce a good constitution and not to just hurry the process.

She noted that many countries that have hurried the process have ended up in trouble saying because constitution making is both political and legal.

She pointed out that the NCC is developing a constitution that will not be shot down in many generations to come.

And a number of callers expressed concern over the Barotseland Agreement demanding to know the position of the NCC.

Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the Barotseland Agreement has been the centre talk by the people of Western province saying the document has been presented to members of the NCC to read and debate when they begin their sittings.

And Mrs. Zaloumis explained that the allowances awarded to members of the NCC was not even enough compared to the USD 10,000 allowances that their Kenyan counterparts were
getting.

She noted that the much talked about allowances were not even any where near the USD50, 000 that their Nigerian counterparts were getting.

The NCC Spokesperson explained that it is unfortunate that some sections of society have concentrated on talking about the allowances at the expense of looking at having a good constitution.

She said cheap is not always the best saying quality was expensive.

The NCC has embarked on a country wide sensitization tour on the NCC mandate and its operations among others which will continue during the NCC life span.

NCC embarks on a nationwide sensitization drive

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The National Constitution Conference (NCC) has embarked on a countrywide sensitization drive of core representatives and stakeholders on the NCC.

NCC Spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis told ZANIS in Mongu today that the countrywide tour of districts is aimed at discussing various issues pertaining to the NCC and the constitution making process.

Mrs. Zaloumis said the sensitization process will involve meeting and explaining in greater detail to stakeholders such as government officials, community leaders, various professionals, among others, pertinent issues concerning the NCC and the constitution making process.

She said public participation in constitution making is vital hence the resolve by the NCC to strive to have everyone understand the mandate of the NCC.

Mrs. Zaloumis said by so doing the people will be better informed and would hence actively participate in the constitution making process.

She however noted that among the challenges the NCC team will meet during the exercise is the high levels of misunderstanding of the constitution by some people.

Mrs. Zaloumis also said people may think the whole exercise is an absolute waste of time but she pointed out that constitution making is time-consuming and is an expensive undertaking.

She explained that Zambia was in fact striving to undertake the task in the most inexpensive manner.

And speaking when Mrs. Zaloumis paid a courtesy call on him, Western Province Minister Adonis Mufalali hailed the NCC for undertaking the countrywide sensitization drive.

Mr. Mufalali pointed out that people in the Province needed to understand what the NCC was and what its mandate is.

ENDS/CBM/AM/ZANIS

Rail concession not favouring Zambia – Magande

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Finance and National Planning Minister Ng’andu Magande has expressed dissatisfaction with the operations of the Rail Systems of Zambia (RSZ), the concessionaire operating the country’s rail network.

Mr. Magande, who is in Washington DC to attend the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings which will convene on April 12 and 13th respectively, said there is need to revisit the current rail concession which he said was not favouring Zambians.

At a meeting with the Vice President of the African Region of the World Bank, Dr Obi Ezekwesili, Mr. Magande said the Zambian rail system had collapsed.

The Finance and National Planning Minister requested the World Bank to help Zambia in reviewing the rail concession.

Mr. Magande Zambia was now relying on the road network to transport equipment and goods and that some of the roads had been badly damaged because of overriding.

Recently, President Mwanawasa described the state of the country’s rail system as shameful and directed Minister of Transport and Communications Dora Siliya to investigate the reasons for its failure to deliver services.

The Minister also took time to brief the World Bank Vice President for African region on the strides that Zambia was making on the construction of the Kazungula Bridge.

He said the site for the construction of the bridge would now cost more than had been anticipated because the site had been moved through Namibia from Zimbabwe.

The Finance Minister called on the World Bank to work closely with the Zambian government in addressing the country’s infrastructure challenges especially the energy sector.

Mr. Magande said that the power outages that the country is facing had greatly affected the economic performance of the country.

He said as a result, Zambia had put in place medium and long term measures to conserve energy.

The Minister said the long term and permanent solutions would be to build new or expand the existing power stations.

Mr. Magande said currently China was helping to expand the Kariba Dam on Lake Kariba which serves as a key source of hydropower to the nation.

He further said that the Tata Holdings Group of Companies from India was working with the Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO) on hydro-electricity project on the Kafue River.

Mr. Magande further mentioned that the Zambian government had removed duty on energy saving bulbs, solar panels and generators in order to help improve efficiency in energy consumption.

Other sectors that required urgent attention were health and education.

He noted that Zambia was facing a problem of resource capacity building in health and education sectors and that this was a challenge to the country.

In response, the African Region of the World Bank, Dr Obi Ezekwesili said Zambia has a lot of potential for enhancing economic development and that it could be a showcase to development to other countries.

She echoed the need for the World Bank and Zambia to work together in developmental projects and called for better management of resources.

Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission given a six week ultimatum

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Government has given the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) a six weeks ultimatum to start disbursing the citizen economic empowerment funds to the intended recipients.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said the process of disbursing funds by the commission should be speeded up so that people do not lose hope in the commission.

Mr. Mutati noted that there is need for the CEEC to start working out modalities and publish the guidelines on how the citizen should access the funds.

He advised the CEEC to come up with a strategy of reaching out to all parts of country and ensure that the fund is accessible to all beneficiaries within six weeks.

Speaking at the launch of CEEC Company Logo, the Minister ordered the commission to ensure that they start disbursing the funds before it holds any other gatherings like workshops, seminars among others.

He said he did not want to see a situation were he will start explaining what the CEEC is all about when parliament resumes sitting in June.

Meanwhile, Government has implored the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the economic funds.

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Felix Mutati says the Commission should further ensure that the funds are accessible by all the targeted beneficiaries in the country.

Mr. Mutati explained that the economic funds should not be treated as a Bank loan or grant but be seen as a grant meant for empowering the local citizens so that they can contribute to national development.

He noted that the collateral and payment terms should be flexible and not discourage people to apply for the funds.

Mr. Mutati said government has pledged its support to ensure that people are economically empowered for the betterment of their lives.

He stressed that people want to see transformation of funds from policy to implementation.

The Minister was speaking in Lusaka today when he officiated at the launch of CEEC Organisation Logo.

And speaking earlier, CEEC Commissioner Dillon Chipungu said the Organisation aims at changing the way business is conducted in the country.

Mr. Chipungu said the Commission remains committed to promote economic transformation in order to increase the participation of Zambian citizens in the economic activities of the country.

Mugabe to attend SADC meeting

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Zimbabwe’s President, Robert Mugabe will attend an emergency meeting of regional leaders on the presidential poll delay in Lusaka.

The BBC reports that his Deputy Information Minister, Bright Matonga said that if there is a SADC meeting, President Mugabe will definitely be there.

The opposition said its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, won the election outright.

It has accused the government of using the delay to engineer a second-round victory for Mr. Mugabe.

President Levy Mwanawasa, who chairs the 14-nation Sadc grouping, called the emergency meeting for Saturday.

Zambia’s Information Minister Mike Mulongoti told the BBC that Mr. Mugabe’s presence would not necessarily be helpful.

The Movement for Democratic Change’s leader, Mr. Tsvangirai, is touring Southern Africa in a bid to get regional leaders to put pressure on the Zimbabwean government to announce the results of the presidential election.

PF councillors boycot Chishimba’s meeting

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Patriotic Front Councillors in Kasama yesterday boycotted a meeting called by Kasama Central Member of Parliament Xavier Chishimba to discuss the disbursement of K260 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for 2006 and 2007 respectively.

The councillors, who included Kasama Mayor, Sebastian Chipope, maintained that they do not recognize Dr. Chishimba as MP because he was an expelled party member.

They said they had nothing to discuss with the embattled MP whom they accused of frustrating developmental programmes in the district.

The councillors said they would continue to uphold their party’s directive not to entertain Dr. Chishimba’s manoeuvres to win back support from PF members after his expulsion from the party.

But Dr. Chishimba dismissed his purported expulsion from the PF and vowed to continue executing his duties as Kasama Central Member of Parliament.

The MP described the councillors’ actions to shun his proposed meeting on the disbursement of CDF as retrogressive, and warned that they risked becoming irrelevant to the development of his constituency if they do not change their attitudes.

Dr Chishimba also accused the councillors of having vested interests in the allocations of resources to beneficiaries in his constituency, saying the clubs earmarked to benefit from the CDF were just formed a few weeks before the funds were aportined.

He further said he would go ahead and constitute a new committee to oversee the disbursement of the K260 million CDF which was lying idle in commercial banks in order to spearhead development in his constituency.

High water bill due to misuse of water – LWSC

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Luakanga Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC), Managing Director Joseph Munalula has attributed the huge bills incurred by consumers to the misuse of the commodity and not the newly introduced metering system.

He said the metering system was an efficient way of ensuring that consumers paid for the service utilized.

Mr. Munalula said this in an interview with ZANIS in Kabwe that the utility company is a credible institution that has the interest of its customers at heart.

“The metres were introduced due to the demand of the consumers who wanted to pay for what they used in a particular month as opposed to fixed charges,” Mr Munalula added.

He said that the water utility company’s water charges are amongst the lowest in the country.

The Company mangers remarks comes in the wake of comments from an opposition Patriotic Front Ngungu ward councilor who expressed disappointment with the company’s abnormal fluctuating water bills.

Provide for your workers, KK tells employers

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First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda says employers have a huge responsibility of providing the necessary HIV/AIDS workplace policies to cater for the wellbeing of the workers and their families.

Speaking at a retreat for the Zambia Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS (ZBCA) in Lusaka today, Dr. Kaunda said the private sector is the engine of development and therefore needs healthy workers in order to play its rightful role in the country’s economy.

Dr. Kaunda who is also Patron of ZBCA, commended the coalition for ensuring that the corporate world remains committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said ZBCA has over the past seven years developed a track record in supporting the implementation of HIV/AIDS workplace programmes.

The former head of state said the coalition has gained experience in a wide range of issues regarding policy formulation, workplace programme formulation and support for the implementation of HIV/AIDS workplace programmes.

Dr. Kaunda added that ZBCA has also embarked on a three year strategic business and operational plan which comprises recruitment and retention of workers, coordination of technical service provision and support for national efforts.

He however noted that ZBCA faces challenges of inadequate resources resulting in an outstanding K73 millionin staff dues.

He urged the Board and staff of the organisation to come up with innovative ways addressing the challenges.

And ZBCA Chairperson Chriticles Mwansa said for ZBCA to maintain its position as a focal point organisation in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the private sector, there is need for member organisations to assist in mobilizing resources for the organisation’s activities.

Mr. Mwansa who is also ZRA Commissioner General, pledged the secretariat’s commitment to helping member companies establish policies that mitigate the effect of HIV and AIDS in workplaces.

ZBCA is a coalition of companies aimed at supporting HIV/AIDS workplace programmes.

It was launched in 2000 and currently has a membership of 73 companies.

GRZ allocates K800m for rural ICTs

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Government says it has allocated K800 million in this year’s budget for the enhancement of information communication technology, ICT, in rural areas.

Director in the Department of Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Transport, Victor Mbumwe said this in Lusaka today at the Launch of the book by E-Brain Forum Zambia.

Mr Mbumwe said the allocation of the funds is a demonstration of government’s commitment to providing information communication technology (ICT) to people living in rural areas.

The book titled ‘Options and Challenges for Connectivity and Energy in Zambia,’ is aimed at promoting ICT in developing countries as a tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Mr Mbumwe said government has introduced the Rural Energy Powered ICT Services Entrepreneurship (REPRISE) to establish innovative services in areas with no connectivity.

He said there is need for ICT service providers and the private sector to supplement government efforts by extending their services to rural areas.

Mr. Mbumwe however commended the mobile phone providers in the country for taking their services to all the 73 districts in the country..

He also disclosed that the Communication Authority, CAZ, has provided funds for people and institutions to undertake research in various ICT fields.

He urged E-Brain to apply for the funds in order for them to do more research.

And author of the book Dean Mulozi bemoaned the high ICT connectivity fees in Zambia.

Mr. Mulozi said this makes it difficult for people in rural areas to access the ICTs.

He said though Zambia has made progress in mobile communications, there is need for the country to promote the use of the internet

New Zambia Coach To Be Unveiled in Two Weeks

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Faz will unveil the new Zambia coach in a fortnight’s time while a government team and delegates from Football House will tomorrow, Friday inspect Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Faz vice president Emmanuel Munaile confirmed the developments today in Kalusha Bwalya regimes first press briefing since sweeping to power on Match 29.

“The association realizes the anxiety in the nation regarding the recruitment of a national coach,” Munaile said.

“We envisage that the new coach will be in position to start work before the first week of May 2008.”

Munaile also revealed that Phiri would not be part of the new coaching set-up.

“With regard to the position of Mr. Patrick Phiri, the association will not be renewing his contract as national coach,” Munalile said.

“The contract extension was performance related and came to an end on March 31, 2008.

“We wish to thank Mr. Phiri for the invaluable service he has rendered to the nation and would wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Meanwhile, Phiri’s last act on official Faz duty will see him represent Zambia at the 2008 Africa Cup finals review seminar to be held in Cairo from April 21 to 23.

And a Faz and government team led by Bwalya and a senior sports ministry official will inspect Konkola Stadium on Friday, April 11 where Zambia hopes to host its international competitive matches.

Munaile also added that the prospect of hosting a home qualifier outside Zambia was likely.

However, Munaile said Faz was optimistic a Fifa inspection team that will inspect Konkola next month ahead of Zambia June 20 World Cup qualifying home match against Swaziland would give the venue the thumbs-up to host the match.

Konkola has been shut since 11 months ago after 11 fans where killed in a stampede on June 2 at the end of Zambia’s Africa Cup qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville.