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FAZ DIVISION 1 NORTH WEEK 9 WRAP-UP

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Nkana maintained their eight-point lead at the summit of the Faz division 1 north table after a 3-0 away win at Police Blue Eagles this afternoon at Wusakile stadium in Kitwe.

Blues Eagles played their home game at their hosts’ pitch this afternoon due to the poor condition of facilities at their own ground up the Ndola-Kitwe Carriageway at Kamfinsa.

And back to the game, Nkana’s away win also means they maintain their 100 per cent record since the start of the season with nine-out-of-nine league wins.

However, it took Nkana until the last eight minutes for the match today to secure the three points against bottom of the table Blues Eagles.

All three goals came in a space of eight minutes with William Chinse scoring a brace with goals in the 82nd and 84th minutes.

DR Congo-born striker Patrick Kabamba wrapped up another good day at the office for Nkana with his sides third and final goal in the 89th minute.

Nkana are now on 27 points while INDENI, on 19, take over 2nd place from Muchindu after the former beat Chambishi FC 1-0 in Ndola while the latter drew 0-0 with visiting Kalewa.

Joseph Kazembe scored in the 27th minute for INDENI to end Aggrey Chinyangi’s sides four-match unbeaten run stretching back to April 1.

Mufulira Blackpool joins town mates Muchindu in 3rd spot on 17 points after they beat Chindwin 1-0 in Mufulira today.

Meanwhile Afrisports suddenly find themselves also in the race for the 2nd promotion slot after beating rivals Kitwe United 2-0 away at Garden Park this afternoon lying on 15 points in our featured match of the day.

The defeat was United second in a role in a derby after they lost 3-1 away to Nkana last Sunday.

Baldwin Mwase and Afrisports captain Mwila Kabwe scored in the 58th and 82nd minutes respectively to hand the visitors their first away league victory of the season.

Afrisports were on top of their hosts today and packed the midfield suffocating their hosts despite another outstanding performance by United’s combative defensive midfielder Joseph Kamalondo.

United had one fine chance to get on the score sheet in the 75th parried by Carlos Chola after a rasping shot from the edge of the 6-yard box through defender Moses Lolozi.

Meanwhile the biggest bang on the day was to be heard at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe where Mufulira Wanderers beat fellow strugglers and home side Konkola Mine Police FC 5-0 to see the away side record its first win of the season.

In the days other matches, Lime Hotspurs played out to a scoreless draw at Medical Stars and it was the same result between Prison Leopards and Ndola United, also in Ndola.

Zambia Sugars embarks on construction project at Mazabuka hospital

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The Zambia Sugar Company PLC has embarked on the construction of new surgical wards and water reticulation system at Mazabuka District Hopsital.

Zambia Sugar company Corporate Affairs Manager, Lovemore Sievu disclosed the
development to ZANIS in Mazabuka today, and said the company will implement the
projects under its social investment programme aimed at empowering the community,
through provision of infrastructure, with improved access to medical services.

Mr Sievu said the project will be implemented at a cost of K 415 million.

He said the company is geared to equip the hospital with equipment and infrastructure that would help improve service delivery at the health institution.

He said the company remains committed to supplementing government efforts in providing quality health services to the residents of Mazabuka.

Zambia sugar company has in the past two years renovated the Male and Female wards
and built a modern maternity ward at the district hopsital.

First Lady says accurate Bible translation is key to Bible teaching

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First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa says effective teaching of Christianity principles is dependent on the accurate translation of the Bible into other languages that are fully understood by the people.

Mrs Mwanawasa notes that the Bible, being the oldest book in human race, is inspired by God and advised people to develop the interest of reading the book.

She advised Christians in the country to help provide necessary tools and resources in the production of the Bible.

The First Lady was speaking in Lusaka today when she officiated at the Mbunda Bible
– Women’s Fundraising Tea Party held at Sandy’ Creation Gardens.

She commended the Bible Society of Zambia, BSZ, and the Mbunda community for the
tireless efforts in the publication of the translated Mbunda Bible adding that it is significant to preserve the word of God in a written form.

The First Lady donated K2 million and over K24 million was raised at the function which was organized to raise US$ 60,000 in  printing the vernacular Holy Book.

The First Lady appealed to the business community and other well-wishers, individuals government officials to consider supporting the Bible Society of Zambia in its quest to strengthen its operations in book publications.

The  translation of the Mbunda Bible started in 1926 but the text is only available in the New Testament without the Old Testament therefore this cause supported by the BSZ.

And speaking, Chekwe-Mbunda Cultural Association Chairperson, Claire Limbwambwa said language is critical if people were to articulate fully their language.

Ms. Limbwambwa called for concerted efforts in making vernacular language more
understandable.

And Bible Society of Zambia vice Chairperson Easter O’Dani said her organization stands ready to working with cultural communities in the country.

Evangelist O’Dani said 6,000 Mbunda Bibles have been translated so far.

ZANIS

ZADECO worries over ongoing Constitution impasse

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The Zambia Development Conference, ZADECO, says it is concerned with the impassed surrounding the enactment of the new Constitution.

ZADECO chairman, Langtone Sichone, the party is next month converge at a conference
and would among other pertinent issues, come up with a resolution on how it would help push for the enactment of the constitu

Mr. Sichone said the party has set May 26 for the conference schedled to take place at Lusaka’s Masiyes Motel.

Mr. Sichone  was speaking in an in an interview with the Zambia News and Information
Services in Lusaka today.

He revealed that ZADECO would submit the resolution to the Zambia Centre Inter-party
Dialogue.

He accused government of dragging its feet regarding the enactment of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sichone said the party is undergoing re-structuring and re-organizing exercise meant to help identify credible leaders at it prepares for opportunities of contributing foe the development of the nation.

ZANIS

PF calls for increased funding to MSD to curb mine accidents

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The opposition Patriotic Front, PF, on the Copperbelt Province wants government to increase funding to the Mines Safety Department, MSD, under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

The challenge is from PF Chairman for Mines, Yamfwa Mukanga.

Mr. Mukanga, who is also Kantanshi Member of Parliament, MP, said the MSD must also
look at prospects of recruiting qualified Mining Inspectors if occupational accidents were to be avoided.

Mr. Mukanga said this in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services,
ZANIS, in Mufulira.

Mr. Mukanga’s comment comes in the awake of increased cases of mine accidents that
have rocked the Copperbelt Province with the latest incident being the Chambeshi Metals accident were four workers were burnt in a blast.

In support of the Chambeshi metal, which was earlier last week closed for two days after the fatality, the parliamentarian said the closure should serve as a lesson to mine owners who were complacent in effecting safety measures and standards.

He noted that qualified  mining experts can only be attracted to the MSD if better perks and conditions of services were provided.

He said government should seriously address the aspect of salaries and wages for MSD
personnel.

Mr. Mukanga MSD should also consider opening up offices at district levels for the easier monitoring of mining firms.

ZANIS

Faz Premier League Week 10 Match Reports.

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NCHANGA RANGERS 0- ZESCO UNITED 0.

Zesco United failed to stretch their lead at the top of the table today after they drew 0-0 away at Nchanga Rangers in a dull encounter played at Nchanga stadium in Chingola.

The visitors had some good chances from set-pieces by midfielder Rainford Kalaba who saw his four free kicks during the match either parried or flying high or wide.

Ex-Rangers playmaker Maybin Mwaba hit the post with a fierce low shot in the 67th minute of this uninspiring match.

ZANACO 4- CITY OF LUSAKA 1.

Defending champions Zanaco recovered from two successive league defeats to beat local rivals City of Lusaka 4-1 at Sunset stadium in the two sides’ capital derby.

Zambia Under 17 international midfielder Chisbamba Lungu put Zanaco ahead in the 13th minute before Mumamba Numba added the second six minutes later.

Four minutes later, City scored their lone goal of the match through Francis Kombe and Zanaco went 3-1 into the break thanks to 35th minute goal from Winston Kalengo.

Defender Martin Daka completed Zanaco’s rout of City with the fourth goal of the game on 81 minutes.

2nd placed Zanaco are now just one point behind leaders Zesco who lie on 19 and 20 points respectively.

ZAMTEL FC 0- KONKOLA BLADES 2.

Konkola Blades stay third after dispatching bottom of the table and newcomers Zamtel FC to their sixth league defeat of the season when they defeated their hosts 2-0 at Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola today.

Robert Tembo and Felix Nsunzu Jr were on target in the 22nd and 64th minutes.

LUSAKA DYNAMOS 1- NAKAMBAKLA LEOPARDS 0.

Lusaka Dynamos revival continued and today they beat struggling Nakambala Leopards 1-0 via a Josphet Nkhoma goal in the 31st minute.

RED ARROWS 0- YOUNG ARROWS 0.

The battle between the two Arrows’ finished scoreless at Nkoloma with Young Arrows in 5th place and eyeing a Coca Cola top 8 place while Red Arrows are 4th from bottom and fighting hard to move away from the drop-zone.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 1- KABWE WARRIORS 1.

Kabwe Warriors striker Emmanuel Mayuka scored his 8th competitive goal of the season to top the scorers chart after netting a 35th minute equalizer for The Railwaymen.

This is after Assembly had taken the lead in the 22nd minute through ex-Nkwazi striker Friday Kabubi.

FOREST RANGERS 1- GREEN BUFFALOES 2.

Forest Rangers suffered only their second ever competitive defeat at their Dola Hil home ground today since they were promoted last season when Green Buffaloes rallied to win 2-1 in Ndola.

3rd from bottom Forest took a 1-0 lead into the break via a headed-in goal through Zambia junior international defender Nyambe Mulenga in the 22nd minute.

Buffaloes surge of the winner begun with a Jimmy Mumba equalizer in the 68th minute before Sebastian Mwansa made sure of the 3 points with the winner ten minutes later.

POWER DYNAMOS 3- ROAN UNITED 1.

Power Dynamos recorded their third league win of the season, and second at home, this afternoon after a 3-1 win over promoted strugglers Roan United in Kitwe.

Simon Bwalya put Power ahead in the opening 2nd minute of the match before Kelvin Mumba leveled in the 41st minute to see the two sides go 1-1 into the break.

Striker Isaac Lungu scored his first and second goals of the season when he struck for Power in a space of ten minutes in the 50th and on the hour-mark.

TABLE.

 

P

W

L

D

F

A

GD

PTS

1

ZESCO UTD

10

6

2

2

15

4

11

20

2

ZANACO

9

6

2

1

18

6

12

19

3

KONKOLA BLADES

10

6

2

1

12

7

5

19

4

LUSAKA DYNAMOS

10

5

2

3

6

11

-5

18

5

YOUNG ARROWS

10

5

3

2

12

11

1

17

6

KABWE WARRIORS

10

4

2

4

14

10

4

16

7

NCHANGA

9

4

2

3

10

8

2

15

8

CITY OF LUSAKA

10

4

3

3

11

12

-1

15

9

BUFFALOES

5

4

1

0

11

5

6

12

10

POWER DYNAMOS

8

3

3

2

9

9

0

11

11

NAKAMBALA

8

3

5

0

7

13

-6

9

12

NAT ASSEMBLY

10

1

4

5

6

10

-4

8

13

RED ARROWS

9

2

5

2

6

11

-5

8

14

FOREST RANGERS

10

0

4

6

5

10

-5

6

15

ROAN UTD

10

1

6

3

7

16

-9

6

16

ZAMTEL

9

0

6

3

2

10

-8

3

Veep hails Prof Nkanza

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Vice-President, Rupiah Banda, has hailed a private health practitioner for setting up a laboratory in Lusaka saying this would cut costs for patients travelling abroad seeking medical tests.
Mr Banda said this when he officially opened Professor Nkanza’s laboratories in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Banda described the laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art machinery as a milestone achievement in the medical history of the country.
“Our people have been trekking to South Africa for various tests, the opening of this laboratory, therefore, will bring relief both to Government and our citizens as it will be cheaper to have these tests locally.
The Government was happy with the support from the private sector in ensuring there was easy access and affordable medical services.
He assured Prof Neil Nkanza of Government’s total support, adding that a solution would be found to concerns raised by the proprietor over delays experienced to clear medical requirements by customs authorities at border points.
The Vice-President also conveyed a congratulatory message from President Mwanawasa on the positive achievement and assured Prof Nkanza of Government support towards the smooth operations of the laboratory.
Mr Banda urged the corporate world and Zambians to render support to the laboratory to help it achieve its intended goals.
Speaking earlier, Prof Nkanza said the laboratory opened its doors to the public 22 months ago and that he was prompted to establish it after seeing the agony endured by locals travelling to neighbouring countries seeking medical attention.
“When patients go out of this country for laboratory investigations the country is not only losing foreign currency but a lot of medical information is lost as the result of those investigations cannot form part of the information that the ministry of Health needs for proper assessment of the medical conditions in Zambia,” he said.
Locally, it was not possible to use that data for purposes of teaching and furthering medical knowledge.
He said the responsibility of providing affordable medical services to the people could not be attained by Government alone but that the private sector should compliment the already existing efforts.
He said public-private partnership was the only way Government could succeed in making health facilities easily accessible to people.
The laboratory had also offered its services to the University Teaching Hospital and the Churches Health Association of Zambia.
Prof Nkanza observed that Laboratories provided value in the use of data in national health planning as it amassed large amounts of disease information vital for planning.
On problems encountered when importing reagents for laboratory use, Prof Nkanza said delays by customs officers, meant huge losses.
The laboratory was opened with the backing of Lancet Laboratories of South Africa.

Govt reaffirms determination to develop the economy

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Southern province Minister, Joseph Mulyata, says government is working hard to create an environment for increased production necessary for national economic growth.

Mr Mulyata said government is currently increasing the hydro electricity sector’s
capacity to provide electricity to the new mines and other industries as a measure of encouraging productivity in key sectors of the economy.

The minister was speaking in Siavonga yesterday during a conducted tour of the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation, ZESCO, run Kariba North Bank power station.

He said the move by government to establish another power plant at Itezhi Tezhi will
greatly help the country cope with the increasing demand for electricity by the industries.

Mr Mulyata commended workers at Kariba North Bank power station, which is Zambia’s
second largest power plant, for exhibiting a spirit of hard work and professionalism.

The minister, who inspected ongoing rehabilitation works on underground power
generation equipment, expressed happiness at the progress made so far in the project.

ZESCO engineers informed the minister that the ongoing rehabilitation works are
meant to increase power production capacity and modernize equipment in line with
current trends in the power industry.

They said some equipment had become obsolete and that spares were no longer available on the market, hence the need to catch up with latest technology.

Levy sends message of goodwill to TZ

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President Levy Mwanawasa says Zambia is committed to maintaining brotherly relations with Tanzania.

President Mwanawasa is hopeful that the existing cordial bilateral ties would be strengthened for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

Mr. Mwanawasa said this in his message of congratulation to his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete on the occasion to mark that country’s national day.

This is contained in a statement released to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, John Musukuma today.

“I take this opportunity to renew Zambia’s commitment to the maintenance of the
brotherly relations that our two countries continue to enjoy,” read part of the statement..

Mr. Mwanawasa also sent messages of congratulation to Togolese President Faure
Gnassingbe and Seirra Leone’s Ahmed Tejan Kabbah the two countries’ 47th AND 46th
national days that fell on April 27.

In the massage to Mr. Gnassigbe, Mr. Mwanawasa indicated Zambia’s appreciation of
the warm relations with that country and wished the people continued peace and unity.

“And I wish to re-affirm my desire to deepen further these relations for the mutual benefit of our two people,” the statement read in part.

He also wished Sierra Leone leader Mr. Kabbah and the people of that country continued peace and prosperity.

Lawyers exam leakages shock Attorney-General‘…this shows that the reputation of our profession is under threat…’

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Attorney-General, Mumba Malila, has charged that many law students at the legal institute were resorting to examination leakages because of rampant violation of professional ethics by several practitioners.
Mr Malila said yesterday that it was shameful that even some learners of the legal profession at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) would deem it convenient to cheat their way into the profession by helping themselves to leaked examination papers.
“As a leader of the bar in Zambia and chairman of the Council of Legal Education, I was devastated to learn of the leakages of examination question papers at ZIALE and this shows that the reputation of our profession is under threat,” he said.
He was speaking at the opening of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) seminar at Zambezi Sun Hotel in Livingstone yesterday.
Mr Malila said it was such cheats who, upon admission to the bar, became a menace to the profession, adding that such professionals threw out of the window every rule of ethics.
The Attorney-General said many legal practitioners were violating ethics of the legal profession in Zambia, giving it a bad name and creating a recipe for other vices to new entrants.
The entire legal profession has consequently earned itself a bad name and it was in considerable disrepute because of the slow, tardy, corrupt justice and declining standards of adjudication and legal service.
“Noble as our past may be, the current reputation of lawyers is not what it should be. We can no longer ignore the persisting and pervasive criticism of the conduct and performance of the lawyers,” Mr Malila said.
He said there was need for concerted efforts to change the image of the profession and ensure the legal system restored its good name and delivered an improved quality of service to the people.
It was, therefore, necessary for the LAZ to reinforce the application of rules of practice and strengthen the sanction for delinquents and violators.
“We must purge ZIALE of those examination cheats. We must take those young lawyers who, for lack of chambers, practice from their brief cases and unsuitable premises in workshops back into chambers where their formative years as practitioners should be effectively monitored and supervised,” he said.
The quality of performance of the legal sector would be an important determinant of the prospects for consolidated economic growth and democracy in Zambia.
“The efficient legal system affords more effective protection of human rights, freedoms and liberties of the citizens and available evidence from studies shows that well functioning legal systems promote business growth, rising incomes and democracy,” Mr Malila said.
He said lawyers ought to understand the complex rules of engagement in line with international bodies to enable them to exploit international rules than be exploited by them.
Mr Malila said it was also necessary for LAZ to provide a formal framework for continuous professional development so that members were kept abreast with global development and issues that could open up opportunities for specialisation.

Govt warns politicians against intimidating public service workers

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Northern Province Minister, Lameck Chibombamilimo, has cautioned politicians against intimidating public service workers in their execution of duties.
Mr. Chibombamilimo, who is also Mpulungu MMD Member of Parliament said public
service workers should be left to perform their duties freely in the interest of enhancing public service delivery.
He was speaking when he officially flagged off the disbursement of Constituency
Development Funds, CDF, at a function held at the civic centre today.
Mr. Chibombamilimo said he was aware of a group of people, who were allegedly
intimidating workers especially District Commissioner, Willie Simfukwe, and his
family.
He warned that govcernment would not hesitate to seek the intervention of the law
enforcement agencies in the alleged intimidations of workers by politicians.
Mr. Chibombamilimo also warned political parties allegedly intimidating councilors
that government would not allow parties to fume confusions in councils and would
ensure that politicians who compromise national security are dealt with by law.
He commended Mpulungu district Council and Mpulungu Harbour Management for the role in the successful disbursement of the CDF and cautioned residents to avoid any
attempts that might jeopardize the successful implementation of infrastructure
development in the district.
Over 900 Iron Sheets and one hundred bags of cement were distributed to several schools earmarked for rehabilitation in the district.
And speaking at the some occasion, District Education Board Secretary, Beytus Nshenda, said the district was short of about 100 teachers.

ZANIS

Levy directs Minister of Science to curb GMO imports

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President Mwanawasa has ordered the immediate issuance of a statutory instrument to curb the smuggling into the country of suspected  genetically modified agricultural products.

Mr Mwanawasa has directed Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Peter Daka to issue the statutory instrument.

The President issued the directive in Lusaka yesterday when he officially commissioned the Genetically Modified Organisms National Referral Laboratory of the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research at Mount Makulu Research Station.

Mr Mwanawasa said Government would maintain its stand against genetically modified organisms and would continue rejecting them.

He also explained that the statutory instrument should spell out how to control the importation of agricultural chemicals.

The President said the statutory instrument should certify dealers of herbicides and other agricultural chemicals and curb smuggling of the products into the country.

Mr Mwanawasa said Mr Daka should also table a bill in Parliament so that the statutory instrument could become an Act of Parliament.

“All dealers in herbicides and other agricultural chemicals should get certified because it is very important that we protect the environment.

It is also important that our people are protected from eating genetically modified food which can affect their health,” Mr Mwanawasa said.

Mr Mwanawasa said in 2002, the world spotlight was focused on Zambia and in many cases Government was misunderstood as having rejected biotechnology.

He brushed aside the misunderstanding, saying Government was only cautious with technological transfer, especially regarding genetic modification of food crops.

The President said some institutions in Zambia were studying genetic engineering because genetic modification was not the only product of biotechnology.

Mr Mwanawasa said the whole world was aware of the implications resulting from products of modern biotechnology like genetic engineering on human and animal health and the environment.

“Therefore, as a Government, we would rather be cautious and not venture into the unknown.

My Government fully appreciates the centre stage biotechnology is taking and will continue to take in the 21st century and beyond,” he said.

He said Government was, on the other hand, criticised by some local sections of society that wanted it to reject the donated maize on grounds that its effects on people’s health was uncertain.

Mr Mwanawasa said since his Government was just in its first year in office; it was difficult to make a decision on whether to accept such donated maize.

“But the interesting part on this matter was that some of the countries which wanted Zambia to accept GM maize later came to donate non-GM maize to us after we rejected the GM one.

They wanted to use Zambians as guinea pigs,” the President said.

He said in 2004, Government with the support of Norway embarked on a capacity building programme that resulted in the commissioning of the GM detecting laboratory at Mount Makulu.

Government contributed K1.9 billion for infrastructure development while Norway released US$400,000 for the purchase of equipment, legislative processes, staff training and public awareness.

The President urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure that the laboratory was used optimally especially in examining products that farmers utilised.

And Norwegian ambassador to Zambia, Terge Vigtel, commended Government for the bold decision of rejecting GM maize in 2002 in the midst of food shortages in the country.

Dr Vigtel said the decision led to the commissioning of the referral GM detecting laboratory at Mount Makulu.

He pledged his Government’s continued support in various development sectors in Zambia, including the biotechnology industry.

SATURDAY FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Leaders Zesco United could extend their lead at the summit of the Faz Premier League table this Saturday when they travel to Chingola to play 8th placed Nchanga Rangers in a week 10 Faz Premier League fixture.

The match will be an emotional one for both sides head coaches who have past links with the club they will be playing against this weekend.

Zesco coach Wedson Nyirenda left Rangers a disillusioned man in 2001 after almost three years as a peripheral figure on the bench and as head of the youth team before joining City of Lusaka that same year.

On Saturday, after stints as number 2 at City and Zanaco, he returns home as at the helm of a side riding high on the log and already touted as probably the Copperbelts’ only hope of winning the top-flight or finishing 2nd this season.

On the Rangers bench, Dick Ngwenya too will be out to embarrass his ex-club after he was sacked in July 2005 after some uninspiring performances on their way to finishing 2nd under Wesley Mondo.

Mondo himself was subsequently fired last year after a poor run during Zesco’ debut outing in Africa in the Caf Confederations Cup and in the last stretch of the 2006 season before the club made last minute relegation escape.

A win for Zesco will push them to 22 points that will see them maintain their status on the table while also a draw too would still be enough to leave them in command at the end of week 10.

Rangers meanwhile will be looking to maintain the momentum after crushing Young 2-0 away last weekend that helped them recover from that 3-0 thumping at the hands of Zanaco the weekend before then.

A wounded Zanaco meanwhile stays home for a second successive week where they entertain across town rivals City of Lusaka in their Capital derby.

A draw or second defeat at home for Zanaco should set into motion the pressure to bare down on head coach Fighton Simukonda.

In the weekends other league matches, Konkola Blades travel to Ndola to play bottom of the table Zamtel FC, while sister clubs Young and Red Arrows face-off at Nkoloma.

Kabwe Warriors are at National Assembly, Lusaka Dynamos host Nakambala Leopards while Green Buffaloes are away in Ndola to play Forest Rangers.

And at Arthur Davies, Power Dynamos are home and they host Roan United.

Anti-Corruption poor show irks Levy

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President Mwanawasa says he is disappointed with the poor performance of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).

“I am not satisfied with the Anti Corruption Commission’s operations.You will need to find ways of improving its operations.You should sit down with senior managers and discuss why its performance has been so poor,” Mr Mwanawasa said yesterday at State House.

Mr Mwanawasa said this when he swore-in ACC chairperson, Valentine Chileshe and commissioner Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika.

The President said he would be reluctant to lobby funds for the ACC if it did not improve its performance.

Mr Mwanawasa said the ACC had performed below his expectation compared to the Drug Enforcement Commission.

“A lot of cases taken to court by ACC take too long to be disposed of and this has greatly contributed to congestion in prisons.

When I was a practising lawyer, I never saw cases that dragged on in court for more than five years like it is currently,” he said.

Mr Mwanawasa was also disappointed that there were many adjournments of court cases, which were delaying justice.

The President asked the Chief Justice, Ernest Sakala, to find time and sit with senior judiciary staff to find ways of addressing the problem of cases, which were always being adjourned.

“Sometimes judges allow adjournments on flimsy grounds, resulting in congestion of prisons.

Very soon, I shall be signing a statutory instrument through which I have committed the death penalty to life imprisonment,” Mr Mwanawasa said.

The President said once the statutory instrument was signed, some of the inmates serving death sentences would face life imprisonment while others would be released.

Mr Mwanawasa said crucial witnesses would have died if cases were always delayed before coming up in court.

He also said witnesses’ memories would have been blurred and all it required to get an acquittal was a clever lawyer.

“They will be asked very nasty questions and witnesses will be scratching their heads or sometimes you (witnesses) will say it is a slip of the tongue.

The tongue is safely anchored there in the mouth,” Mr Mwanawasa said.

He said if the cases took too long to be disposed of, witnesses would find it unfashionable to give evidence against suspects who would be heroes by then.

Mr Mwanawasa also said the crowding of inmates in the country’s prisons was inhuman and needed urgent attention to address the situation.

 Daily- Mail

China gives Zambia $39 million loan for floods disaster

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President Levy Mwanawasa announced Thursday that Zambia had secured a loan of 39 million dollars from China to be used for repairing infrastructure that has been destroyed by floods.

Mwanawasa said the money from Beijing will be used to procure earth-moving equipments that will be used in the construction of roads and bridges, which were destroyed by heavy rains.

“We have secured a 39 million dollar loan from China to be used for the procurement of earth moving equipment,” Mwanawasa said during a swearing-in ceremony for the new Chinese ambassador to Zambia, Li Qiangmin.

He said the machinery will be in Zambia by June this year.

Heavy rains earlier this year displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed roads, bridges and schools in mainly rural areas.

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