Belgium has pledged to write off Zambia’s debt of more than K21 billion (US$5 million), with President Mwanawasa calling on investors from that country to consider investing their money in various developmental areas.
Belgium’s Ambassador to Zambia, Peter Maddens, said his country had authorised him to sign a debt relief agreement with Zambia amounting to $5 million and that he would soon be taking care of the formalities for the agreement.
Mr Maddens was speaking when he presented letters of credence to President Mwanawasa at State House in Lusaka yesterday at which Kuwait, Swaziland and Sudan representatives also presented theirs.
“My Government takes its responsibility vis-a-vis Africa seriously and particular its responsibility in terms of debt relief. In that context it is an honour to inform you that I have been authorised to sign a debt relief agreement with Zambia in the amount of $5 million,†he said.
Mr Maddens, who would be resident in Tanzania, said the two countries had enjoyed good relations and should continue to work together for peace, stability and development for the benefit of Zambia and other countries.
He said the two countries had similar commercial and consular challenges to achieve similar goals in the Central and South-Eastern Africa .
And Mr Mwanawasa said Zambia was aware of Belgium’s efforts towards promoting strong ties with African countries and commended the country for support especially in education.
He said through the Belgium Association for Development Cooperation and Technical assistance, Zambia had received assistance to community schools in Central Province. The other area was provision of scholarships to Zambian doctors and researchers.
He said Zambia was a country endowed with vast resources and the Government was committed to developing the resources.
He called on Belgian investors to come and help develop Zambia.
He said Zambia had signed a number of agreements for the promotion and protection of investments with European Union member states.
Meanwhile, Mr Mwanawasa has expressed concern at the persistent crisis and deterioration of the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan.
He said there was no conflict that could not be resolved through peaceful means.
Speaking when he received letters of credence from Sudanese ambassador to Zambia Hassan Farag, President Mwanawasa appealed to all parties to the Durfur Peace agreement signed in Abuja in May last year to go back to the negotiating table and implement the agreement.
He implore the Sudanese government to consider persuading rebels who had raised objections to the 2006 peace agreement to come to the negotiating table.
He however, commended his Sudanese counterpart, Omar Hassan Al-bashir and his government, for reportedly agreeing to the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission and hoped that there would be no further hesitation in facilitating the idea.
Zambia acknowledged with gratitude the technical assistance that Sudan had rendered in the development of Zambian human resources in agriculture, defence and security as well as diplomacy.
Earlier, Mr Farag said his country appreciated the role Zambia played during the liberation struggle for African countries and commended the nation for maintaining peace and unity.
He said Sudan was committed to working with Zambia in various developmental programmes that would be of mutual benefits for the two countries.
He pledged that during his stay in Zambia, he would work towards strengthening the already existing bilateral friendship relations.
And Mr Mwanawasa called for the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of negative foreign forces from conflict zones in the Middle East to promote the search for peaceful settlement within the shortest possible time in the face of the war and many conflicting situations.
He said this when he received letters of credence from State of Kuwait ambassador to Zambia, Saudi Al-Daweesh, who would be resident in South Africa.
He said the bilateral relations existing could develop further only if countries enjoyed peace and stability and their immediate environments shared the benefits of peace, security and stability.
Belgium pledges to write off debt
Zambia to pay Vulture Fund $15.4m
The United Kingdom Royal Court of Justice in London yesterday ruled that Zambia should pay US$15.4 million to Donegal International, the Vulture Fund that sued Zambia for US$55 million debt.
And commenting on the judgement in an interview in Lusaka last night, Attorney General Mumba Malila described the outcome as good news for Zambia.
This is according to the Jubilee United States of America website which also stated that court would determine the share of legal costs later.
It also described the judgement as a small victory for Zambia.
The anti- Vulture Fund campaign organisation further said that the injustice of the result could not be clearer.
And Mr Malila said the outcome of the case was a plus for Zambia and commended the lawyers for having fought hard to bring down the amount from US$55 million to US$15.4 million.
He said the judgement of such an amount was a plus for Zambia unlike the earlier claim.
British Virgin Islands-based International paid US$3 million for a debt Zambia owed Romania but later sued for US$55 million repayment.
The debt originally had a face value of US$15 million, but Donegal International claimed that unpaid interests and other charges raised the amount to US$55 million.
Zambia had paid back US$ 2 million, but Donegal International successfully sued the Zambian government on February 15, 2007 in the UK court.
In 1979, the Romanian government lent Zambia money to buy Romanian tractors.
Zambia was unable to keep up the payments and in 1999, Romania and Zambia negotiated to liquidate the debt for $3m.
But before the deal could be finalised, Donegal International, which is part owned by US-based Debt Advisory International stepped in and bought the debt from Romania for US$3m.
Daily Mail
UK Court Slashes Vulture Fund’s claim by almost Three-Quarters
Donegal International – described by critics as a “vulture fund” -had its claim against Zambia cut by nearly three-quarters on Tuesday after the judge said the dishonesty of key witnesses had made the trial more complex than Ânecessary.
Donegal International, a fund based in the British Virgin Islands, was awarded $15.5m by the High Court in London after Zambia defaulted on sovereign debt that Donegal had bought at a big discount. The fund, which bought the debt for less than $4m in 1999, had sued for more than $55m after Zambia ceased payments under a settlement agreement between its government and Donegal.
FOOTBALL MIDWEEK PREVIEW
Zanaco return to action on Wednesday just three days after suffering their first league defeat of the season in a 1-0 loss away at Kabwe Warriors when they host Lusaka Dynamos in a delayed week 3 match.
The game is one of three rescheduled top-flight fixtures that will be played on Wednesday.
Another slip-up this time at home for Zanaco following that loss is certain to open debate as to whether the defending league title holders’ championship circle is over.
However, victory at home for Zanaco against Dynamos will momentarily put a hold on any debate over questions of their title defence ambitions this year.
A win for Zanaco will see them stretch their lead at the top by 3 points from 16 to 19.
Dynamos on the other hand are still searching for their first away win after collecting two points on the road since the start of the season.
Moreover, Dynamos are yet to beat an established side away this season after draws with promoted Zamtel FC and Roan United-Those games finishing 0-0 and 1-1 respectively.
Similar 4-0 defeats at Young Arrows and Green Buffaloes should raise questions about Dynamos form on the road.
In the days other fixtures, 2nd placed Zesco United travel to Buffaloes to play a rescheduled week 1 fixture hoping to keep pace with Zanaco with a win at Independence stadium.
Zesco, like Zanaco, are also on 16 points but with an inferior goal-difference.
And at Dola Hill, Forest Rangers could heap more misery on lethargic Power Dynamos when the two meet in Ndola in their delayed week 3 midweek game.
A second successive defeat after that 3-1 loss across town to Zesco could just spell the end of coach Lawrence Mweemba’s brief reign at Arthur Davies.
TOPSUP students threaten class boycott
Teachers from who are pursuing a diploma course with Teachers of Primary and Secondary School Up grading Programme (TOPSUP) in Solwezi this morning threatened to boycott classes demanding to know why the institution hiked tuition fees without their knowledge.
A check by ZANISÂ at Solwezi High Secondary School found the students being addressed by the coordinator, Phillip Mututa, who pleaded with them to go back to classes until they resolve the issue with the student union.
Some students talked to said they wanted to know why TOPSUP had been changed to
Zambia College Open Learning without their knowledge and where it is registered.
The students also demanded to know why the tuition fees had been hiked from K480,000
to K750,000, yet facilities at the learning institution were allegedly and poor without a library.
The TOPSUP management were this afternoon expected meet the union representatives
to discuss the issues raised but the students vowed not to attend classes tomorrow if they did not come to agreement over their grievances.
The students refused to eat their breakfast and the coordinator pleaded with them not to boycott lunch.
They however reluctantly went back to classes to allow for the meeting with the management and the union representatives tomorrow.
ZANIS
MMC embarks on a K600 million street lighting project
Municipal Council (MMC) on the Copperbelt Province has set aside K 600 million for street lightning projects in the border town.
Town Clerk, Charles Mwandila, disclosed the development in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mufulira today.
Mr Mwandila said some of the streets to be lit include the Mufulira/Ndola road and the Sabina/Mufulira road which links the district to other mining towns.
He also revealed that the council would also light both residential and mining townships roads, including the Butondo and Jomo roads.
Mr Mwandila said the council will raise the money for the project from its own coffers, adding that it had the capability to complete project with the help of residents who should be consistent in paying up their ground rates.
The Mufulira Municipal council has set aside K 16 billion in its 2007 budget for various developmental purposes.
ZANIS
National Assembly approves opening of Mufulira Constituency office
The National Assembly of Zambia has approved the  decision to open a constituency office in Mufulira Central Constituency on the Copperbelt.
And the decision to open the local parliamentary constituency office has cheered both the civic authorities and parliamentarians in the district.
Mufulira Town Clerk (TC) Charles Mwandila, says the National Assembly had since written to his office over the matter.
Mr. Mwandila, told Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in an interview that the council has already secured an office building at Kamuchanga, township were the
office will be housed.
The Town Clerk said the opening of the constituency office in Mufulira Central was part of the on-going parliamentary reform programs.
Mr Mwandila said the introduction of the local parliamentary office was a milestone as it will bring the area MPs much closer to the electorates who will have access to information on issues of development.
And Kantanshi Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP), Yamfwa Mukanga, has
also announced his decision to open up an office at Chawama, Hall under Kantanshi constituency.
Mr. Mukanga, said the office will be his own initiative and will operate until the National Assembly opens its office in his constituency.
ZANIS
Levy appoints Mulongoti as new Information minister.
President Mwanawasa has appointed Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Mike Mulongoti as the new Information and Broadcasting Minister, with imnmeadiate effect.
And Mr Mwanawasa has dropped Health minister Angela Cifire and has replaced her with
Science, Technology and Vocational Training Minister Dr Brian Chituwo.Comnmunications and Transport Minister Peter Daka takes over from Dr Chituwo. Â
In State House statement to ZANIS signed by Special Assistant for Press and Public
Relations John Musukuma ,this evening, that Mr Mulongoti is among the two deputy
ministers promoted to full ministers while five other ministers have been transfered
to other ministers in a mini cabinate reshuffle.
Mr Mulongoti takes over from former Information and Broadcasting Minister Vernon
Mwaanga who was relieved of his duties recently.
Mr Mwanawasa has promoted Sports, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister
Patricia Mulasikwanda is now full cabinate minister of at the ministry of Gender and
Women in Development while her predecessor Sarah Sayifwanda has been transfered to
the Ministry of Communicaztions and Transport in the same capacity.
Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Kenneth Konga is the new Energy and Water
Development minister taking over from Mr Felix Mutati who is the new Commerce , Trade and Industries Minister.
And in his letter of Appointment to Mr Mulongoti, President Mwanawasa said the
appointment underscores the great confidence he has in former Foreign Affairs Deputy
minister’s ability and leadership.
” This appointment underscore the tremendous confidence I have in your ability and
leadershp to guide this very importanbt ministry which I have assigned you,” Mr
Mwanawasa said in the statement.
Similary in his letter to Ms Mulasikwanda, Mr Mwanawasa reminided her and other
ministers of the importance of collective responsibilty.
He at the same time directed Ms Sayifwanda to speed up the establishment of the
National Airline which he said the matter should be brought to cabinate. He also urged her to ensure that the Railway Systems of Zambia performs to expectations.
On Dr Chituwo’s new appointment, Mr Mwanawasa urged him to ensure the abolition of
the user fees in healh institutes in urban areas and the procurement of medicines
and other medical requisites which should be done efficiently and transperantly to
abate the critical shortage of critica drugs in most health centers in the country.
” Ensure that an attractive reward package for core clinical staff, namely Doctors,
Nurses, Pharmacists and Labarotory technologists are put in place so that the said
staff are attracted to in rural areas,” the President said.
He also instructed Dr Chituwo, his deputy and the Permanent Secretary to immeaidiatly lead to lead three separate delegations to separate districts to study
the challenges faced by health institutions in the country.
And President Mwanawasa has directed new Energy Minister Konga to pay particular
attention to the Rural Electrification Prograame (REP) to ensure that it works
satisfactorily so that the whole country can access electrical power which in tuirn
promote industries.
The President urged Mr Konga to ensure that the on going expansion programmes of
enhancing power capacities of the country’s major hydro- stations are expidited.
The President also advised Mr Konga to ensure that the programmes to turn Indeni Oil
arefinary into a profitable and efficiently run company is workewd on as a m atter
of urgency.
On Mr Mutati’s new appointment, President Mwanawasa advised to ensure that internal
trade and citizens’s empowerment are given the utmost attention.
 ” This is not to say that issues of foreign trade are not important but we cannot make meaningful progress and create employment and wealth if we do not attend to internal matters and citizens empowerment, ” sai the President in the same statement.
ZANIS
Major Electricity Crisis Looms
The government announced on Monday that the country faced a major electricity crisis as power generation capacity had not kept pace with an economic growth spurt.
The energy ministry said in a statement that power supply would be outstripped by demand by next year if no immediate solution was found to avert the situation.
For a long time, Zambia has had a surplus in power capacity from its main hydro-power plants which has allowed the country to export to neighbouring nations.
“The surplus capacity in generation is expected to run out by next year and has far-reaching implications on the national economy,” the statement said.
The government said the demand for power has been steadily growing at an average rate of 150 megawatts per year but current infrastructure developments in the nation had pushed demand too high.
The copper mining industry has experienced major development with foreign investors opening up greenfield mines, while old mines were being expanded following a surge in copper demand on the foreign market.
“The current capacity from our major power stations is not able to support this rate of growth,” the statement said.
Zambia’s power generation capacity stands at around 1 600 megawatts but needs to increase output to about 4 500 megawatts by 2010.
The government has called for a national conference next month to discuss the way forward on how to address the power supply deficit.
Confusion, death threats reigns maamba hospital
By Tovin Ngombe:-
Confusion is reigning at Maamba hospital in Sinazongwe district and the community has called for the immediate transfer of the Hospital Administrator alleged to be issuing death threats and frustrating the entire hospital staff.
Speaking at an emergent meeting to save the hospital from total collapse most workers said the Hospital Administrator Cosmas Michelo has taken the operation of the hospital as personal to holder and he fails to consult when making decisions.
Sinazongwe Health Director Dr Kebby Musokwane who took Michelo to Maamba police for threatening his life said he was not ready to work with him.
Dr Musokwatane told the meeting that MMichelo called him on phone after he wrote a warning letter to him for failing to come for work four days without any proper explanation that he was hurt and disappointed with the letter.
“Dr Musokwatane I am hurt with your warning letter, now it’s either your life or my life at stake here,†Michelo warned the doctor.
The doctor said in another incident Michelo warned him that he was not surprised because Tokaleyas are known to fight Tongas.
“I have a problem with the office of the Hospital Administration manager since I joined the hospital he has never allowed me to do my work and my colleague who is an environmental officer,†one Health Inspector told the meeting.
Another worker from the x-lay department said the hospital was divided because of Michello’s poor workmanship with other staff members.
“In his eyes we are all fools, he does not pick people on merit, and this is frustrating us,†One officer said.
Sinazongwe District Administrator (DC) Laiven Apuleni who was present at the meeting said no individual could claim to be the sore owner of the government institution.
He said the hospital personnel should provide a service to the community and if problems were created it would deprive them the much needed help.
He said the institution has key personnel and support personnel that need to core exist.
“As an individual if you fail to save its better to resign and to leave things running smoothly than creating confusion and some of you have decided to take this hospital as a chicken run,†the DC said.
In his response to the allegations leveled against him, Michelo failed to give a concrete answer to his members of staff who kept on murmuring at any word to he uttered.
He said the members of staff wanted to betray him of things he has not done and that problems were arising because positions.
The meeting pointed out that Michelo handpicked some body to replace him when he went on leave without consulting the health Director or the Hospital Superintendent.
The workers also complained of the poor funding to the hospital and the inadequate essential drugs.
Maamba hospital has about 250 and it was supposed to have 20 to 30 doctors but presently there are only two doctors running it.
Maamba ward Councilor Peter Siavuulwa said women were planning to march half naked to the hospital to seek for the removal of the Hospital Administrator if the situation was not addressed.
The meetimg has since given Michelo a leave as management consults with the provincial office to decide the fate of his position.
TN/ END
PRO’S HIT LIST AND WEEKEND SCORECARD
DENMARK.
Forward Christopher Katongo played the full 90 minutes on Sunday in 6th placed Brondby’s 3-0 away league defeat at bottom placed Vejle.
FRANCE.
Striker Jacob Mulenga also played the full 90m minutes for 7th placed Chateauroux on Friday in a 0-0 Ligue 2 home draw with 12th placed Niort.
GERMANY.
ALEMANNIA AACHEN: Defender Moses Sichone did not play for Aachen in the sides 3-1 away Bundesliga defeat at Werder Bremen.
Werder and Aachen are 2nd and 16th on the Bundesliga table respectively after Saturday’s game.
PADERBORN: Paderborn lost 3-0 at SpVgg Unterhaching on Sunday and midfielder Andrew Sinkala did not play in that 2.Bundesliga match.
Paderborn are 11th after their away loss to 4th from top SpVgg Unterhaching.
PORTUGAL.
Striker Collins Mbesuma started for 10th positioned Maritimo on Saturday when they lost 3-0 at home in a league against 3rd placed placed Benfica.
Mbesuma was substituted in the 67th minute.
SWEDEN.
Ljungskile-Orgryte: Ljungskile hosted Orgryte on Sunday in a division 2 game the latter and away side won 1-0.
Defender Edwin Phiri played the full 90 minutes for Ljungskile while Orgryte midfielder Dominic Yobe, who helped create his sides goal, was replaced by compatriot and striker Boyd Mwila in the 64th minute.
SOUTH AFRICA.
Midfielder James Chamanga scored for SuperSport United on Sunday with a 31st minute goal on Sunday his clubs’ 1-0 home win over visiting 11th positioned Wits.
WEEKEND SCORECARD.
2007 CAF CONFEDERATIONS CUP 3RD, RTN LEG.
21/04/2007.
INDEPENDENCE STADIUM, LUSAKA.
Green Buffaloes (Zam) 1 (Sebatian Mwansa 41″)- Ismaily* (Egy) 1
(Mohamed Mohsen 68″).
Ismaily advance 3-2 on agg.
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 9.
21/04/2007.
Zesco United 3(Nicholas Zulu 8″, Enoch Sakala 28″, Yonah Mwango 50″)-
Power Dynamos 1(Norman Munthali 63″).
Konkola Blades 2(Willie Chimpinde 47″, Stophira Nsunzu 57″) – Red
Arrows 1(Victor Lupiya 42″).
Roan United 1(Noble Bwalya)- Lusaka Dynamos 1(Lameck Banda).
22/04/2007.
Young Arrows 0 -Nchanga Rangers 2 (Lyson Siakonga 14″,Justin Kunda 26″).
Kabwe Warriors 1(Maonga Kabuku 51″) -Zanaco 0.
Nakambala Leopards 2(Ken Mwaba 60″, Lazati Gambo 90″)-National Assembly 0.
City Of Lusaka 1(Mazuba Mukandawire 52″ pen) – Forest Rangers 0.
Green Buffaloes – Zamtel (PP).
TOP SCORERS (22/04/07).
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 7.
Simon Luipya (Red Arrows):6.
Mazuba Mukandawire (City of Lusaka): 5.
Lyson Sikaonga (Nchanga Rangers): 5.
Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 5.
Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades):5.
Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United) 5.
Lottie Phiri (Young Arrows): 5.
Lameck Banda (Lusaka Dynamos): 4.
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United) 4.
Ken Mwaba (Nakambala Leopards):4.
Kelvin kaindu (Zanaco): 4.
Mumamba Numba (Zanaco): 4.
Maonga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors): 3.
Winstone Kalengo(Zanaco): 3.
Chiwanki Liyainga (YOung Arrows): 3.
Precious Mpondela (Konkola Blades): 3
Fwayo Tembo (National Assembly):3.
FAZ DIVISION 1 WEEK 8.
22/04/2007.
NORTH.
Medical Stars 0- Prisons Leopards 1.
Chambishi FC 2- Ndola United 1.
Lime Hotspurs 0- Muchindu 1.
Mufulira Wanderers 0- INDENI 1.
Kalewa 2- Mufulira Blackpool 0.
Afrisports 3- Konkola Mine Police FC o.
Chindwin Sentries 5- Police Blue Eagles 0.
Nkana 3- Kitwe United 1.
SOUTH.
Nampundwe 0- Riflemen 1.
ZNS Green Eagles 0- Builders Brigade 1.
Communite 0- Profund Warriors 0.
Zamcoal Diggers 0- Livingstone Pirates 0.
Kambuku Warriors 1- Chilanga Heroes 0.
Young Buffaloes 1- Lusaka Tigers 3.
Lusaka City Council FC 1- Nkwazi 3.
Lusaka Celtic- Kalomo Jetters (Not played).
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 9 MATCH REPORTS
KABWE WARRIORS 1- ZANACO 0.
Zanaco lost their first league game of the season this afternoon away to Kabwe Warriors by 1-0.
But the defeat does little to change Zanaco’s status at the summit of the table after Young Arrows too lost today at home against Nchanga Rangers.
A 55th minute goal from Maonga Kabuku gave Warriors their first home league triumph
over Zanaco since September 14, 2002 when they beat their guests 3-1 at Railway Ground on that date.
Warriors stay 5th despite their victory in this midlands derby but shift from 12 to 15 points, one behind leaders Zanaco.
YOUNG ARROWS 0- NCHANGA RANGERS 2.
Nchanga Rangers returned to winning ways after two successive league defeats with a 2-0 away win over high-flying promoted club Young Arrows at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka to deny their hosts a chance to return to the top of the table after Zanacos loss away to Warriors today.
Striker Lyson Sikaonga scored his 5th goal of the season with the opener in the 14th minute.
Ex-Mufulira Wanderers defender Justin Kunda made sure of the points four minutes before the opening half-hour mark to keep Rangers in 7th spot.
CITY OF LUSAKA 1- FOREST RANGERS 0.
Zambia Under 23 striker Mazuba Mukandawire record his 5th goal of the season that handed City of Lusaka their first win after two consecutive draws today when they beat visiting Forest Rangers 1-0 at Woodlands stadium.
Forest are yet to record a league win this season and are 2nd from bottom on 5 points after eight matches played.
NAKAMBALA LEOPARDS 2- NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 0.
Nakambala Leopards notched their third home win of the season to move from 13th to 10th and out of the relegation zone after a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers National Assembly FC in Mazabuka.
Lazati Njombo and Ken Mwaba scored the vital goals to help raise Nakambala out of the drop-zone.
GREEN BUFFALOES-ZAMTEL FC (PP).
TABLE:
|
 |
P |
W |
L |
D |
F |
A |
GD |
PTS |
|
|
1 |
ZANACO |
7 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
13 |
2 |
11 |
16 |
|
2 |
ZESCO UTD |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
12 |
4 |
8 |
16 |
|
3 |
KONKOLA BLADES |
9 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
7 |
3 |
16 |
|
4 |
YOUNG ARROWS |
9 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
12 |
11 |
1 |
16 |
|
5 |
KABWE WARRIORS |
9 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
9 |
4 |
15 |
|
6 |
CITY OF LUSAKA |
9 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
15 |
|
7 |
NCHANGA |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
14 |
|
8 |
LUSAKA DYNAMOS |
8 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
11 |
-9 |
12 |
|
9 |
BUFFALOES |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
1 |
8 |
9 |
|
10 |
NAKAMBALA |
7 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
12 |
-5 |
9 |
|
11 |
POWER DYNAMOS |
6 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
-2 |
7 |
|
12 |
NAT ASSEMBLY |
9 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
-4 |
7 |
|
13 |
RED ARROWS |
8 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
11 |
-5 |
7 |
|
14 |
ROAN UTD |
9 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
13 |
-7 |
6 |
|
15 |
FOREST RANGERS |
8 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
7 |
-4 |
5 |
|
16 |
ZAMTEL |
8 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
-6 |
3 |
DIVISION 1 NORTH WEEK 8 WRAP-UP.
Nkana maintained the one hundred percent run since the start of the season today after they beat local rivals Kitwe United 3-1 in a thrilling derby played at Wusakile stadium.
The fallen record 11-time Zambia top-flight champions remain unbeaten for an 8th successive league match.
Nkana are on 24 points from 8 matches and in the process have opened up an 8-point gap between themselves and three other clubs concertinaed on 16 points.
However, the result over financially-troubled United who were relegated from the top flight last season was not a true reflection of matters on the pitch.
United matched their host in almost all but attack where the Garden Park side were out totally of their depth and must find a quality striker fast when the transfer window opens in July.
But that didn’t stop United from taking the early lead when Freegone Kaunda fired them ahead in the 5th minute.
Then a ghost from United’s recent past in the form of their DR Congo-born ex-striker Patrick Kabamba returned to haunt them when he headed in a Mark Sinyangwe free kick six minutes later.
Kabamba added another, again with a header, this time benefiting from a cross from his fellow former United team mate William Chinse in the 58th minute.
Chinse and Kabamba both joined Nkana in the off-season from United.
Chinse rubbed further salt into United’s wounds from the spot just two minutes before full-time after defender Ben Chola had handled the ball.
Nkana meanwhile are now the only undefeated side in division 1 north today after 2nd placed Lime Hotspurs lost 1-0 away in Mufulira to Muchindu who swap places from 3rd to 2nd place-both sides are on 16 points.
INDENI are 4th are a 1-0 away win over 3rd from bottom fallen giants Mufulira Wanderers at Shinde.
Chambishi FC continue their race up the log and are 5th on 15 points after a 2-1 home win over Ndola United this afternoon and have now won all their last four league games.
In Sunday other results, Afrisports were 3-0 winners at home over Konkola Mine Police, Chindwin beat Police Blue Eagles 5-0 in the biggest win of the day while Prison Leopards beat Medical Stars 1-0 in Ndola.
Kalewa were 2-0 victors in Ndola over Mufulira Blackpool whose momentum is fading after a bright start to their campaign.
Arrested Drug New Zealand nationals are not our employees says Albidon Zambia Limited
Albidon Zambia limited, Munali Nickle Mine Management in Mazabuka has denied media reports that two of its employees have been arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC)for drug trafficking.
Mine Manager, Sixtus Mulenga told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that the two employees
arrested do not work for Albidon mine but an independent drilling company contracted
by the mine called Capitol drilling.
Dr Mulenga has since advised DEC to give correct information to members of the public and avoid issuing misleading statements which could tarnish the image of the mine.
He said the statement attributed to DEC public relations and press Liaison officer, Rosten Chulu is not true.
Dr Mulenga has since demanded for an apology from DECÂ for the bad picture created
adding that the board of directors felt the statement was calculated to embarrass the management.
Mr Chulu, in a statement said the commission had arrested Jeff Macdonald,45 and
Bevan Thompson,24 both New Zealand nationals working for Albidon capitol drilling
after they were allegedly found with eight balls of cannabis weighing seven grammes.
But DEC Public Relations Officer, Rosten Chulu has maintained that the two people who were arrested by DEC are Albidon employees.
Mr Chulu says the statement he issued yesterday was true and factual.
Mr. Chulu noted that a team of DEC officers arrested the two from Mazabuka to Lusaka
and still detained.
He has since challenged Albidon management to come to Lusaka and prove if the two are not employees of Albidon Mine.
ZANIS
Suspected bogus maize dealers invade Mazabuka
Suspected bogus maize dealers are reported to have invaded Mazabuka district cheating farmers by buying maize at give away prices.
Zambia National Farmers Union, Mazabuka branch, Agri- business manager, Clement
Phiri who disclosed this to ZANIS in Mazabuka today said his union is worried at the high influx of brief case maize traders going round cheating farmers.
Mr Phiri said the unscrupulous maize dealers are now buying a 50kg bag of maize at K
20,000 lower than the government recommended floor price for the 2005/2006 maize
marketing season.
He has since asked farmers to be patient and wait for government to announce the
floor price.
Mr Phiri has however advised farmers to be warry of conmen who last year swindled
farmers out of millions of kwacha after they supplied maize to traders who later abandoned them without paying for the produce.
HIV patients in Mazabuka abandon ARVs
Some people living with the HIV/AIDS Virus in Mazabuka are reported to have stopped taking anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) in preference for herbal medicine being sold in private drug stores.
District Aids Coordinating advisor, Pastor Kenan Ndhlovu disclosed this during a
District Development Coordinating Committee meeting held in the Mazabuka municipal
council chamber, and chaired by District Commissioner, Misheck Chiinda yesterday.
Pastor Ndhlovu said the sudden behaviour has caused alot of suffering to the affected patients due to severe reactions.
He said there is need for the government to intervene quickly and clear the perception by patients that herbal medicine can cure HIV/AIDs before lives are lost.
And District Director of Health, Dr Namasiku Siyumbwa who also attended the meeting
confirmed that some patients had stopped taking ARVs but could not shed more light.
Meanwhile, District Commissioner, Misheck Chiinda has urged people living with HIV
who have been enrolled on ARVs to continue with their treatment because herbal
medicine cannot cure HIV.
He observed that, recently, the ministry of health released reports of the clinical trials on herbal medicine but stated that the results showed that herbal mecidine
cannot cure HIV/AIDs.
Mr Chiinda said there is need for people living with HIV to support government efforts meant to curb the rising HIV infections by adhering to the treatment.
He said the negative attitude by patients would frustrate government from procuring
ARVs if patients stop in preference for traditional medicine.
The HIV infection rate in Mazabuka stands at 16.8 percent.
ZANIS