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Simbao directs NCC to halt shoddy road works

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Government says there is need for the National Council for Construction (NCC) and other key players in the construction industry to establish the root cause of shoddiness in road works, particularly by some local contractors.

Works and Supply Minister Kapembwa Simbao says the cause for the shoddy works should
be established in order to come up with appropriate remedial measures.

Mr. Simbao was speaking at the National Road Fund Agency conference held in Lusaka
today.

Mr Simbao said government is concerned at increasing cases of shoddy roads works
because a lot of money is expended on such undertakings.

“I would like to request the construction industry to re-look at its performance
because some road works leave much to be desired,” said Mr Simbao.

He said Government created the National Council for Construction-NCC to specifically
deal with capacity issues in the construction industry.

Mr Simbao urged NCC to help Government in addressing problems in the construction
sector so as to correct the situation.

He said Government wants to see a situation where the available meagre resources are
put to good use and result in quality works.

Mr. Simbao pointed out that road and other infrastructure is key to economic
activities and subsequently in efforts aimed at reducing poverty.

He said roads were the engine for national development and that they open up
landlocked countries to national and international trade.

Mr Simbao also said that roads improve accessibility and mobility, especially in the
rural areas.

Mr Simbao ,however, was glad to note that the road sector had gone back to its
original vision of dissemination of details of the annual work plan for road
projects and road transport services in Zambia.

He told the participants that information dissemination was very important to the
government and for stakeholders to know and be able to provide valuable input into
the planning process.

He pointed out that information dissemination also promotes transparency and
accountability.

Mr Simbao further said that there is need for the Road Sector to prioritize projects
so that Government can channel funds to projects that are of economic importance to
the country.

He noted that Government’s policy was to get value for the money from all road
projects implemented.

And National Road Fund Agency Board Chairperson Julu Simuule said the objective of
the seminar was to disseminate the proposed 2008 Annual Work Plan for phase two of
the Road Sector Investment Programme whose main objective is to obtain stakeholder
input.

Government in 2002 restructured the road sector through Acts of Parliament that
ushered in three Road Sector Agencies to instil transparency, checks and balances
and accountability in the management of the road sector

Central Bank should be given charter to pursue price stability-Fundanga

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Bank of Zambia Governor, Caleb Fundanga has recommended that the Central bank be given a charter that includes the freedom and sufficient scope to pursue price stability.

Mr. Fundanga who observed that economies work better if investment and wage
decisions are not thwarted and confused by high inflation, said that while central
banks may not have goal independence, they should have instrument independence.

The Governor attributed an improvement in the fiscal operations of Government to the
supportive country’s inflation and growth objectives.

Mr. Fundanga was speaking in Livingstone today during the opening of the Symposium
on Central Bank Independence whose theme was “Central Bank Independence: Does it
Hurt the Treasury?” Mr. Fundanga said.

He disclosed that the issue of Central bank independence has taken a degree of
prominence in the region adding that it is one of the core principles underlying the
draft Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Central Bank Bill which he
said is actively pursued by the Committee of Central Bank Governors in the SADC
region.

However, Mr. Fundanga noted that the independence of the Central bank would affect
the financing of fiscal deficits that Governments in the developing world have to
run and meet from time to time.

“There are arguments that there is a fundamental conflict between independence and
an obligation to finance the budget deficit which often is resolved at the expense
of price stability,” he pointed out.

He urged participants to make use of the forum to outline some of the past
developments and challenges, share experiences, appreciate the political and legal
aspects, and understand advantages of Central bank independence among others central
bankers, government, banks, non-bank financial institutions and the business
community to take Zambia’s financial sector to higher heights.

And former Bank of Zambia Governor, Justin Zulu has said that positive and
consistent macroeconomic reforms have manifested in improved investment environment
in the country.

Mr. Zulu, who is also Investrust Bank chairman said a stable macroeconomic
environment is a precondition for achieving growth and economic development which he
said are necessary factors to effectively reduce poverty.

He called for the consolidation and strengthening of the macroeconomic gains to
ensure that the economy has robust and sustained growth and development.

Mr. Zulu reiterated that making the central bank an agency with the mandate and
staking its reputation to maintain price stability benefits the economy and the
government as it stabilizes the macroeconomic environment.

The two-day symposium has attracted participants from Uganda, United Kingdom,
Netherlands, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Weekend Scorecard

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2007 BP TOP 8 FINAL

10/11/2007

Nkoloma Stadium,Lusaka

Kabwe Warriors 3(Emmanuel Mayuka 2″ 81″ 90″)- Nakambala Leopards 1(Kelly Kumwenda 83″)

3rd & 4th Place

Zanaco 0- Konkola Blades 1(Buchizya Mfune 30″)

2007 MOSI CUP ROUND OF 16

11/11/2007

National Assembly 2(Simon Sakala 25″, Ronald Sakapaji 64″)*- Zamtel FC 2(Eugene Shamakamba 10″, Musatwe Simutowe 83″)

*Assembly win 4-1 on pp

Forest Rangers 2(Lyson Sikaonga 41″, Christopher Musonda 63″)- Green Buffaloes 1(Newa Mwewa ?”)

Nchanga Rangers 2(Ephriam Bamda 65″, Boyd Chanda 74″ pen)*- Lusaka Dynamos 2 (Josphat Nkhoma 24″ 70″)

*Nchanga win 6-5 on pp

Young Arrows 4(Sam Gondwe 1″ 19″ 61″, Abraham Mwamba 58″)-Chambishi FC 0

Red Arrows 4(Lombe Kaluba ?”pen, Dan Sibanda, Chisi Mbewe, Lawrence Mpondani)- Tazara Express 1(Ackim Ngandu)

14/11/2007

City of Lusaka- Kabwe Warriors

Lusaka City Council- Zesco United

City of Lusaka- Kabwe Warriors

Kalomo Jetters- Konkola Blades

TOP SCORERS (11/11/07).

Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United): 22.
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United) 22.

Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 15.

Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades):13.

Winstone Kalengo (Zanaco): 12.
Lottie Phiri (Young Arrows): 12.

Mumamba Numba (Zanaco): 11.
Lyson Sikaonga (Nchanga Rangers): 11.

Josphet Nkhoma (Lusaka Dynamos): 10.
Nicholas Zulu (Zesco United): 10.

Maonga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors): 9.

Simon Luipya (Red Arrows):8.
Francis Kombe (Power Dynamos): 8.
Siloni Jere (Kabwe Warriors): 8.
Elson Mukandawire (Power Dynamos) 8.
Noel Mwandila (Green Bufffaloes): 8

Christopher Musonda (Forest Rangers): 7.
Sam Gondwe (Young Arrows): 7.
Dan Masumba (Nakambala Leopards): 7.
Musonda Mweuke (Kabwe Warriors): 7.
Yonah Mwango (Zesco United): 7.
Kruger Mwansa (Young Arrows): 7
Ben Mwanza (Roan United): 7
Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 7
Mazuba Mukandawire (City of Lusaka): 7.

Michael Sata’s passport seized

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The Zambian government has temporarily withdrawn the passport of opposition leader Michael Sata, an arch critic of Lusaka’s key ally Beijing who has been lobbying against the Chinese economic presence in Africa, a minister said Saturday.Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwashya told reporters that Sata’s passport had been withdrawn with immediate effect to allow a probe.

“We asked him to temporarily surrender his passport because it was issued without following procedures,” Shikapwashya said.

He said the opposition leader, a vocal government critic, had been interrogated and cautioned by police over the matter and could be arrested if sufficient evidence was gathered against him.

Two weeks ago, Sata lost his passport while in London en route to the United States but quickly returned to Zambia and got a new passport without following the procedures, the minister said.

Shikapwashya said Sata failed to provide necessary documents to prove his claim that he lost his passport and needed a replacement.

The controversial opposition leader has been making international trips to campaign against China’s growing influence in Africa and is accused of receiving money from Taiwan for his mission.

Sata had threatened to expel Chinese traders from Zambia if elected president in last year’s elections.

Bilateral trade between Zambia and China, the third-largest foreign investor in the country, grew by 11.8 percent last year to 316 million dollars, according to the Zambia-China Business Forum.

There are some 180 Chinese firms doing business in the southern African nation.

Does Luck exist?

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“If a man is lucky, there is no telling the possible extent of his good fortune. Throw him into the Zambezi river and he will swim out with a diamond in his hand”

The desire to be lucky is universal. We all hope to be favored by the whimsical goddess of Good Luck. Is there a way we can meet her and attract, not only her favorable attention, but her generous favors?

This is what Kamwandi Nyakalenda wanted to know.

There was going to be a businessman’s meeting at the Protea Hotel in Chingola. Kamwandi, just had to be there. Rumor had it a wise rich man, whom everyone called uncle Alfred was going to be there. He was one of the tycoons of Solwezi. At such forums people were free to talk to Uncle Alfred like an equal.

As the sun rose to light up the Solwezi skyline, Kamwandi boarded the minibus that would take him to Chingola. Ironically today he felt lucky, there were no big trucks on the way that would have slowed the journey. Minibus drivers these days were scared of overtaking trucks after the fatal accident on the Chililabobwe/Chingola road that killed many people including his childhood friend.

“What shall we discuss this morning?”uncle Alfred asked the 50 businessmen gathered in the conference room of the hotel. Kamwandi’s heart was beating fast; this was his only chance to voice what had been heavy on his heart.
He cleared his throat and said “I have a subject I would like to hear discussed yet hesitate to say lest it seems ridiculous to you my fellow businessmen.”

“Mwaiche landa fye,” Big Jo shouted from the back of the room.

“Well this week I have been lucky. Among other things I found an envelope with K500 000. To continue to be lucky is my greatest desire. I suggest we debate how to attract good luck that we may discover ways it can be enticed to one.”

“Gentlemen an interesting topic has been offered,” Uncle Alfred commented, “one most worthy of our discussion. To some men, good luck is a chance happening, that like an accident may come upon one without purpose or reason. Others believe that the instigator of all good fortune is the gods, who are ever anxious to reward with generous gifts those who please them. Speak up, gentlemen, what do you say, should we seek to find if there is a way by which good luck may be enticed to visit each and every one of us?

Wife clobbers husband to death

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Police in Mazabuka have arrested an elderly woman of Mugoba area in Chief Mwanachingwala’s chiefdom in connection with the murder of her husband.

Both Police and Chief Mwanachingwala confirmed the arrest of Funny N’gandu to ZANIS in Mazabuka today.

Chief Mwanachigwala narrated that a rift between the couple was first witnessed
following bitter quarrel at a beer party.

He said a fight thereafter ensued when the now deceased husband asked the wife to
stop drinking beer and go home and prepare food for the children as it was getting
late.

Chief Mwanachingwala said the wife was furiously incensed by the husband’s request
to go home and prepare food for the family and descended on the husband and started
beating him in full view of stunned bar patrons.

Chief Mwanachingwala, who is the first cousin to the deceased, said the woman
continued beating her late husband even when they arrived home.

He said the woman is later suspected to have used an unspecified weapon to further
clobber the husband leading to his death.

Chief Mwanachingwala, who provided fuel to the Police for them to pick up the
suspect, said his cousin died upon reaching Mazabuka District Hospital.

The body of the deceased Simon N’gandu, 67, is lying in Mazabuka District Hospital
mortuary.

FNDP, a panacea to most challenges

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Mambilima Constituency Member of Parliament John Chinyanta has assured the electorates that challenges being experienced in the constituency will be addressed through the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP).

Mr. Chinyanta says low staffing levels in schools and health centres, bad road infrastructure, as well as staff accommodation shortages will soon be a thing of the past.

Mr. Chinyanta, who is also Community Development and Social Services Deputy Minister says government is implementing the Plan with sense of urgency.

He told ZANIS in an interview that government will upgrade Mulundu Basic School into a High School, and that accommodation for health personnel would be built at Mambilima clinic.

He said he is aware of the major challenges affecting the people in the constituency but added that government would act swiftly to answer most of the challenges faced by residents.

The Parliamentarian pointed out that Mwense Rural Council would also benefit from the US$39 million funds China gave Zambia to buy earth moving machines to repair all the damaged roads.

He said the local council would soon receive a Grader to rehabilitate damaged roads in the area.

MMD officials told to lay off market toilets

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The Lusaka City council (LCC) has warned the MMD branch officials operating from Cha Cha Cha market to desist from collecting toilet fees on behalf of the local authority.

LCC Public Relations Officer, Henry Kapata told ZANIS in an interview that councils are the only institutions authorised to collect market levies and toilet fees in markets across the country.

He was responding to reports that the MMD branch officials in the market have taken over the running and collection of toilet fees at the Market alleging that LCC has failed to maintain sanity at the toilets despite collecting money.

Mr Kapata noted that the MMD branch officials should have first reported their grievances to the Market Manager who would have sought an audience with the LCC officials to resolve the matter.

“We appreciate the efforts by the MMD to clean the toilets but it is illegal for them to collect fees on behalf of the council because we haven’t given them consent” Mr Kapata said.

He said the branch officials should stop the exercise immediately as they are violating the law.

Mr Kapata said the council has since called for a meeting with market officials to see how best they can resolve the matter.

Meanwhile the LCC will in December this year start dragging illegal car washer dealers to court.

Mr Kapata noted that despite the council confiscating equipment from the dealers, they have continuously violated the law hence the council’s decision to start taking them to court.

He noted the mushrooming of illegal car washers have been a great source of concern to the council as they have brought about unnecessary filth to the city.

Mr Kapata said that people who are planning to set up car washes should first consult the planning department of the council so that they are advised accordingly.

“You just can’t come from no where and set up a car wash. There so many things one has to consider like the drainage system etc,” Mr Kapata said.

He said that the council has the responsibility to ensure that it maintains sanity in the city.

Girl 14 defiled, impregnated

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By Tovin Ngombe
A 14 year old girl has been defiled and impregnated in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province.
James Sigaba the father of the defiled girl said in an interview when he reported the matter to Sinazongwe police that his daughter was in grade seven at Siamuyala Basic School.

Mr. Sigaba who is from Siamuyala village in Chief Sinazongwe area identified the alleged defiler as Peter Mukonka who is 20 years old of Siamuyala Village.

And Mrs Linety Sigaba the mother of the defiled girl said her daughter is two and half month pregnant.
Mrs. Sigaba disclosed that the alleged defiler has accepted that he was responsible for impregnating her 14 old year girl.
She said the medical report obtained from Maamba Hospital and approved that the girl was pregnant.

Police source at both Maamba and Sinazongwe said the district has the highest number of defilement cases in Southern Province.

The sources said parents have a problem of reporting defilement cases because they always try to sort them outside the court and when they fail to agree that is when they report topolice.

EU support to Zambia will continue with or without the EPA

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Zambia has been assured that its development assistance from the European Union, EU, would not be affected even if the country decides not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) this December.

Head of the EU Delegation in Zambia Derrick Fee told ZANIS in an interview that the
EU’s support to Zambia’s developmental programmes is guaranteed .

Dr Fee disclosed that Zambia will in December be expected to sign for the 10th
European Development Fund (EDF).

Currently, the European Union is Zambia’s largest cooperating partner in financial
support for road projects.

Dr Fee however said countries that will not sign the EPAs will fall back to the GSP
of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He said Zambia would not feel the impact of the change because it has Everything
But Arms (EBA) under which the country is enjoying duty free and quota free market
access.

Dr Fee however pointed out that Zambia would still be required to adhere to the
new rules of origin that will apply in the EPAs.

He stressed that the signing of the EPAs with the Africa Caribbean and Pacific
Countries (ACP) and those negotiating under the Eastern and Southern Africa
configuration, is meant to strengthen inter- regional trade.

” By signing the agreement with ESA, it means we are moving towards inter- regional
trade we will be trading with more than 15 countries under the configuration,” he
said.

Zambia and other ACP countries are in December expected to sign the EPAs which will
come in effect in January 2008.

But the civil society have urged countries not to sign the agrerements saying the
EPAs have not addressed the developmental aspect.

The EPA are the trade and development agreements that the European Union is
negotiating in parallel with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions.

They will replace the trade chapters of the 2000 Cotonou Agreement between the EU
and the ACP countries.

The ACP countries are being called upon to speed up negotiations so as to meet the
December 2007 deadline.

The objective of the EPAs is to bring each EPA region under a single trade regime to
encourage regional integration, growth of regional markets and creation of regional
supply chains.

Under current arrangements, the 40 ACP Least Developed Countries (LDCs) already
have duty and quota free access to the EU while the 37 non-LDCs have special tariff
preferences under the Cotonou Agreement

In April this year, the EU proposed to remove all remaining quota and tariff
limitations on access to the EU market for all African, Caribbean and Pacific
regions as part of the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations.

PF retains Nchanga parliamentary seat

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The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has retained the Nchanga parliamentary constituency seat in an election marred by apathy.

PF candidate Wylbur Simuusa polled 8,201 votes while his closest rival Charles
Chimumbwa of the ruling MMD got 2,139.

All People’s Congress (APC) candidate Christopher Mwape came third with 587 votes
followed by United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Alvin Simwinga
who polled 532 votes.

Independent candidate Ginetone Kachamba polled 110 votes with Forum for Democracy
and Development (FDD)’s Stanley Simukoko getting 103 votes.

United National Independence Party (UNIP) candidate Plyson Gondwe polled 78 votes
while another independent candidate Lillian Kaoma came out last with 47 votes.

Announcing the results at Chingola Civic Centre, Returning Officer George Lupani
said 149 ballot papers were rejected while two were disputed.

There was jubilation, characterized by honking and display of fireworks, among PF
cadres who waited for the results that were only announced after mid-night.

MMD Campaign Manager Gabriel Namulambe said it was difficult for his party to
concede defeat as some PF cadres allegedly conducted campaigns at polling centres
during voting in violation of the electoral rules.

He said a recount was necessary for the MMD to verify the actual results of the polls.

Meanwhile, PF’s winning candidate, Mr Simuusa called for cooperation from all
Chingola residents, including the losing candidates, if economic development was to
be achieved.

Mr Simuusa said developmental programmes cannot only be implemented by a candidate
from the ruling party as the constituency had access to resources such as
Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

And Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Executive Director Bonny Tembo expressed
concern at the poor turn out of voters at most polling stations.

Mr Tembo said there was need to declare election days a public holiday to ensure
more people participate in choosing their leaders.

He was however impressed with the turn-out from the youths compared to the mining
fraternity who are the majority of the voters.

According to a ZANIS survey, less than half of the registered votes cast their votes
in most polling districts such as Kabompo where 255 had voted as opposed to the 668
registered voters.

At Twashuka polling district, 112 people voted against 257 registered voters while
at Twasekelela 280 voted against the registered 742 voters.

meanwhile, the MMD has won the Lumbe ward by-election in Senanga, Western province.

MMD’s Leonard Malala polled 265 votes against his only opponent Muzinga Muyambuta of
the United Liberal Party, ULP, who got 57 votes.

Returning Officer Cecilia Wamulume confirmed the results to ZANIS in Senanga.

She said eight votes were rejected.

The Lumbe ward in Senanga Central constituency, fell vacant after the death of MMD’s
Mashekwa Mubika.

EU support to Zambia will continue with or without the EPA

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Zambia has been assured that its development assistance from the European Union, EU, would not be affected even if the country decides not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) this December.

Head of the EU Delegation in Zambia Derrick Fee told ZANIS in an interview that the
EU’s support to Zambia’s developmental programmes is guaranteed .

Dr Fee disclosed that Zambia will in December be expected to sign for the 10th
European Development Fund (EDF).

Currently, the European Union is Zambia’s largest cooperating partner in financial
support for road projects.

Dr Fee however said countries that will not sign the EPAs will fall back to the GSP
of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He said Zambia would not feel the impact of the change because it has Everything
But Arms (EBA) under which the country is enjoying duty free and quota free market
access.

Dr Fee however pointed out that Zambia would still be required to adhere to the
new rules of origin that will apply in the EPAs.

He stressed that the signing of the EPAs with the Africa Caribbean and Pacific
Countries (ACP) and those negotiating under the Eastern and Southern Africa
configuration, is meant to strengthen inter- regional trade.

” By signing the agreement with ESA, it means we are moving towards inter- regional
trade we will be trading with more than 15 countries under the configuration,” he
said.

Zambia and other ACP countries are in December expected to sign the EPAs which will
come in effect in January 2008.

But the civil society have urged countries not to sign the agrerements saying the
EPAs have not addressed the developmental aspect.

The EPA are the trade and development agreements that the European Union is
negotiating in parallel with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions.

They will replace the trade chapters of the 2000 Cotonou Agreement between the EU
and the ACP countries.

The ACP countries are being called upon to speed up negotiations so as to meet the
December 2007 deadline.

The objective of the EPAs is to bring each EPA region under a single trade regime to
encourage regional integration, growth of regional markets and creation of regional
supply chains.

Under current arrangements, the 40 ACP Least Developed Countries (LDCs) already
have duty and quota free access to the EU while the 37 non-LDCs have special tariff
preferences under the Cotonou Agreement

In April this year, the EU proposed to remove all remaining quota and tariff
limitations on access to the EU market for all African, Caribbean and Pacific
regions as part of the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations.

Weekend Cup Previews

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Kabwe Warriors and demoted Nakambala Leopards clash in this years BP Top 8 final at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka.

Warriors will be hoping to secure an 8th BP Top 8 title and move within one of record title winners Mufulira Wanderers who have won it 9 times.

Both sides will be at full strength with notably Warriors who have all their international players available for the match.

Striker Emmanuel Mayuka defenders Clive Sichondwe and Bronson Chama have all be with held from Under-23 duty to be available for the final.

Nakambala on the other hand, who will be appearing in their first-ever major cup final, will also have their under-23 star striker Signs Chibambo available to lead in attack.

Chibambo’s partner upfront and ex-Afrisports attacker Dan Masumba will be hoping to add to his 7 competitive goals he has already scored this season.

Meanwhile, honors this past season between the two sides have been even.

Nakambala won 1-0 in a Week 8 game in Mazabuka on April 9 before Warriors got their revenge in Week 23 on August 22 with a 2-1 win at Railway Ground.

And in the 3rd and 4th place playoff at the same venue to be played earlier at lunchtime Zanaco will take on Konkola Blades.

There will be more cup action on Sunday when six out of the eight the last 16 of the Mosi Cup games will be played.

Topping the bill is the Lusaka City Council match against defending Mosi Cup champions Zesco United including 2006 runner-up Red Arrows clash against Tazara Express at Nkoloma.

The rest of the fixtures will see promoted Chambishi visiting Young Arrows while at Woodlands, National Assembly and Zamtel engaged in all-relegated showdown.

In Ndola, Forest Rangers await Green Buffaloes while Nchanga Rangers wait Lusaka Dynamos in Chingola.

The City of Lusaka-Warriors and Kalomo Jetters-Blades matches have all been postponed due to both visiting sides BP Top 8 commitments 24 hours earlier.

ZCCM-Investment Holding admits wrongs at Maamba coal mine Management

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By Tovin Ngombe     


Zambia Consolidated Copper Mine (ZCCM)  Investment holding  Executive Officer Joseph Chikolwa said there are a lot of wrong things obtaining at Maamba coal  mine  management  level because there is no one in the senior rank.    

Mr. Chikolwa said in an interview over the unlawful demotions and reduction of salaries for some employees that the issue of selective salary increment and employing people without proper qualification at the Maamba mine was something that could be addressed.    

He said Maamba Coal mine board could have acted on wrong information from Management over the selective salary increment for some of the workers.    

“It pains me to see a lot of people suffering at Maamba mine as government workers we have a duty to ensure that no one is punished over a small issue, we can not fail to address the current problem at Maamba mine,” Mr Chikolwa said.    

Mr. Chikolwa said government has since appointed Stephen Mutembo as the new managing Director for the mine to replace Wylbur Simuusa who is now the Member of Parliament for Nchanga constituency under Patriotic Front (PF).    

However, the department of labour under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has urged Maamba Coal Mine Management to rescind its decision of unlawful suspension and of reduction of salaries from some of its employees.    

In its letter dated 29 October to Maamba coal mine management Choma labour department states that management selectively increased salaries for some individuals in the salary scale of M5 leaving others without any proper reason.    

The letter reads that instead of correcting the mistake, after the some workers complained, they punished them further through demotions and suspensions as though denying them an increment was not enough.    

“The charge you gave them of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information came about because of your management’s unfairness in dealing with issues of human resource,” the letter reads.    

It also stated that the said charge of the disclosure of confidential information to the Sinazongwe District Commissioner (DC)  Laiven Apuleni could not hold because he is a senior government official and is under oath to know such matters.    

The letter states that if management strongly felt that a punishment of some kind was needed a reprimand would have been better than demoting them and deducting their salaries.When contacted Maamba Coal Mines Acting Mine Manager Songwe Nyembe said it was wrong for the workers to report to the DC because he was a third party even when Maamba coal mine is owned by Government.    

But when asked  later to disclose the decision that management made Mr Nyembe said   his management has sent the head of Industrial Relations Manager Mathias Siilongo to go and talk to the labour officer in Choma.    

Mr. Nyembe alleged that the Choma labour officer who issued the letter only listened to one side of the story and failed to get management’s view.    

Acting Labour Inspector Peter Phiri said Maamba Mine management has refused to rescind its decision of unlawful demotion and suspensions.    

Mr. Phiri said since Maamba Mine was a government institution it was wrong for management to fail to address the matter because the whole issues boarders on people’s salaries and welfare.He said if the matter is taken to industrial relations court it was still government that would bear the costs and in an event that it looses the case.    

Mr Nyembe said it was not wrong for the demoted workers to be replaced with unqualified personnel if they were able to deliver.    

Some of the demoted employees in Management have been replaced with people that have grade seven qualifications.    

The demoted people whose salary scale has been reduced from M5 to M6 would also be supervised by people who are less qualified with craft certificates.

Kaumba awaits four players from BP Top 8 final

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The Zambia Under-23 national team entered day 2 of training camp in Lusaka ahead of next weekends Olympic Games football tournament Group B qualifier away to Cote d’Ivoire in Abidajn on November 17.

Four players continue to be absent from Under-23 training camp due to BP Top 8 final commitments this Saturday.

Nakambala Leopards and Kabwe Warriors who meet Saturdays BP Top final match to be played at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka have held on to their key players for the weekend fixure.

Warriors have held on to defenders Bronson Chama and Under-23 captain Clive Sichondwe including striker Emmanuel Mayuka.

Demoted Nakambala have also kept striker Signs Chibambo away from Under-23 training camp to prepare for their showdown against Warriors.

“They are not new players and they have played with us for a long time and know what to do,” Kaumba said today at the end of Thursday morning’s training session at Queensmead.

“We’ve trained with Mayuka in Maamba when he joined us for the first time and we know what to expect from him too,” Kaumba said.

Kaumba said he was expecting the four players in camp on Saturday evening immediately after the BP Top Eight final.

He said the three South African based players called for the game against Ivory Coast will join the team next week en route to Abidjan.

Kaumba said the team leaves for Abidjan on Thursday, November 15 ahead of the match scheduled for Saturday the 17th.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Rabson Muchelenganga (Power Dynamos), Kalililo Kakonje (Nathi Lions, South Africa), Jacob Banda (Zesco United).

Defenders: Bronson Chama, Clive Sichondwe (Both Kabwe Warriors), Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Charles Siyingwa (Konkola Blades), Maybin Ngosa (Green Buffaloes), Davies Nkausu (Pretoria University, South Africa), Eugene Shamakamba (Zamtel FC)

Midfielders: Francis Kasonde, Simon Bwalya, Norman Munthali (All Power Dynamos), William Njobvu (Lusaka Dynamos), Thimothy Mbewe (Red Arrows), Stophira Nsunzu (Konkola Blades)

Forwards: Signs Chibambo (Nakambala Leopards), Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors), Reuben Tembo (Green Buffaloes), Given Singuluma (Bay United, South Africa), Felix Nsunzu (Konkola Blades)

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