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Senior Chief Puta wants to go to court over the re-demarcation of the border line between Zambia and DRC

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Senior Chief Puta wants to go to court over the re-demarcation of the border line between Zambia and DRC

The Bwile Royal Establishment under Senior Chief Puta in Chienge District has disclosed plans to go to court over the matter surrounding the demarcation of the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Border along the Region.

The Traditional Leadership complained that over 32 villages including two schools namely Musangu and Lambe are under the DRC following the re-demarcation of the border line.

ZANIS Reports that this was disclosed during a Meeting called by Senior Chief PUTA at his Palace to discuss the ongoing demarcation of the border along the two nations.

Senior Chief PUTA, who was visibly upset wondered why the Ministry of Land is rushing to complete the demarcation despite several concerns raised by his Chiefdom.

He said there is need to immediately halt the exercise so that all the concerns raised can be remedied, to avoid future problems

“When you are talking about Land, you are talking about people’s livelihoods and these are very sensitive issues. My subjects are disoriented and very annoyed with what has happened to them because there are in a situation where they were Zambians but now, they have been turned into Congolese,” Senior Chief Puta said.

Senior Chief Puta further expressed sadness with the lies being told purporting that President Hakainde Hichilema has connived and sold the land in question to the DRC.

And speaking earlier, Sub chief of Natende Walushiba, Katele Kalumba, accused some officials in the Patriotic Front (PF) working with other technocrats in the Civil Service of being behind a scheme to give away mineral rich areas to corporate entities which have interests in parts of the land in Chienge District.

“What has now come out is that a Corporate Entity released 4 million U.S Dollars in order for the exercise to be carried out, what is its interest, because we know that both the Zambian and the DRC governments did not release any funds,” Dr Katele Kalumba wondered.

Dr Kalumba said the Bwile People are aware that the land under contention is the area along the Lunchinda and Mpweto enclave areas where the Ministry of Lands has been demarcating.

He revealed that the Bwile Chiefdom has access to the history of the border lines for both countries, adding that the Chiefdom is privy to the various Treaties.

Dr Kalumba also questioned the legal backing of the demarcation exercise on grounds that if there has been new treaty between the two countries over the border line, it should have passed through Parliament to be ratified, but that such as not been done.

He described the border wrangles as failure by the Surveyor General’s Office to show leadership and to consult key Stakeholders over the matter.

The Traditional Leader also called for the need to halt the re-demarcation exercise until consultation with Traditional Leaders from both the DRC and Zambia who know the Boundaries better.

And making a Submission on behalf the Civil Service, Acting District Commissioner Abraham Kachipansi assured the traditional Leaders that his Office has conducted on the spot checks on the demarcation exercise and reports have been submitted.

ZAF to secure airspace in all 10 provinces

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ZAF to secure airspace in all 10 provinces

Zambia Airforce ( ZAF) Commander Lieutenant General Colin Barry says his command will continue setting up provincial air defence centres to enhance monitoring of the country’s airspace.

Lt. Gen Barry said the Air force wants to establish its presence in all the 10 provinces of Zambia not only to receive feedback on air aspects but also enhance the welfare of the provinces.

He said the Air force will continue to uphold the territorial integrity of the country’s airspace to keep the Zambian people safe.

He was speaking in Solwezi today when he called on acting Northwestern province Permanent Secretary Beatrice Muyambango.

Lt. Gen Barry who is on his first familiarisation tour of the province following his appointment as ZAF commander, said the Airforce will continue offering Air services in times of emergencies whenever called upon.

“Let me assure you that we will continue implementing our mandate of transporting government officials to far flung areas, ballot papers to hard to reach places as well respond to emergencies whenever we are called upon. Acting PS don’t hesitate to call on us when need for air services arise,” he said.

Lt.Gen Barry encouraged Air men and women to continue upholding the values of national service above self which he said will help move the nation to greater heights.

He added that discipline and dedication to duty must also be maintained at all times if the officers are to discharge their duties diligently.

And Ms Muyambango who congratulated the ZAF commander on his appointment and for inspiring young people in the province to be disciplined and aim high in life.

“As much as we welcome you as ZAF commander, we also welcome you as a son of the province. Your appointment is an inspiration to young people to aim high in life,” she said.

She said young people lack role models to help shape their behaviour hence the high rate of juvenile delinquencies in society today.

It’s becoming very apparent that Mr. Hichilema and the UPND were not ready to govern, but petition an election

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It’s becoming very apparent that Mr. Hichilema and the UPND were not ready to govern, but petition an election

By Bowman Lusambo

It is becoming very apparent by the day that His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND were not ready to rule this great nation.

The shambolic manner in which he has gone about his reign so far goes to confirm that Mr. Hichilema was a man who was only ready to petition what was to be another heavy electoral defeat and not a man who was ready to govern a nation.

Today marks 40 days since his inauguration but President Hichilema still does not have a functional government to help him execute his mandate.
He haphazardly fired some Permanent Secretaries and Diplomats weeks ago after stakeholder pressure but he is yet to replace the vacant positions. As we speak, several P.S and diplomatic posts remain unmanned.

Anyone who understands governance will know that government cannot function efficiently without Permament Secretaries.

As we enter week 7 of his presidency, It is becoming evident that President Hichilema does not have sufficient human capital within the UPND to pick from. He is stuck with the same men and women from the PF administration whom he constantly accused of being inept, corrupt and non performers. Only an incompetent Manager can still hold on to a team member who cannot perform for this long.

We therefore give President Hichilema until Monday, October 4th 2021 to complete and announce the list of key presidential appointments and begin the process of governing the nation.

Those three hour long speeches will do very little to convince Zambians that the Head of State indeed had a plan for the nation before August 12th.
If this ultimate is not met, a greater majority of Zambians will be right to conclude that the man we have in State House was unprepared to govern.

A Chipata stakeholder call for tourism diversification

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A Chipata stakeholder call for tourism diversification

A Chipata based enterprising farmer, who has diversified into tourism, is appealing for strategic government support to local investors if the sector is to grow and benefit the local market.

Mr Patrick Chirwa, who is the developer of Kauzu Game Ranch, sitting on 30 acre piece of land, told ZANIS that he has invested K1 million aiming to realise a theme park of events, camping, viewing of exotic birds and game animals as well as education tours.

“Why I came up with this idea is that a lot of people would want to go and watch animals. The nearest tourism centre from Chipata is Mfuwe. Mfuwe is very far, so I thought it wisely that I can make a difference and bring some tourism next to my city of Chipata,” he said.

According to Mr Chirwa, six schools have already booked in advance for education tours ahead of the game ranch opening this week.

However, Mr Chirwa notes that for the tourism sector to grow and serve both the local and international market, it needs full government support.

Drawing comparisons from Madagascar and Kenya economies that have made tourism their big foreign exchange earner, he is optimistic Zambia cannot go wrong if it capitalized the tourism sector.

“Talk about Madagascar, talk about Kenya. The economy of Kenya is driven by tourism. We have got a lot of national parks that could bring in forex, but it is only, maybe, these sectors have been ignored. So I would encourage the new government to put some consideration into tourism and you will never go wrong,” Mr Chirwa said.

Mr Chirwa who is alos former Mayor for the Chipata Council under UNIP government, said tourism has the potential to beat agriculture and mining in terms of earning foreign exchange.

He also advised that government must also look into promoting art which forms a key component of tourism.

“Government should at least identify and concentrate not only in agriculture, not only in these other sectors, but art as well because art is part of tourism. The sculptures that the artists make, the curios and the likes, they fetch a lot of money when tourists come and buy,” Mr Chirwa said.

He explained that part of his plan is to host art exhibitions and traditional dances in order to promote the cultural heritage of Eastern Province.

However, he bemoaned the bureaucracy riddled process of buying animals for game ranching from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, which has made his project expensive.

Mr Chirwa said he opted to start buying animals for his ranch from private ranches, who are extremely expensive because he did not want to join a waiting list which has people waiting for seven years to buy animals from the national parks department.

“I am so pleased with the National Parks for their support. Only challenge we have, which I think it has to be brought to the attention of government is: we are buying these animals from private ranchers, which are extremely expensive, yet we have the national parks with a lot of animals but I cannot access them,” he said.

John Sangwa writes to HH asking him to advertise position of Chief Justice, attacks Zambian judiciary

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John Sangwa writes to HH asking him to advertise position of Chief Justice, attacks Zambian judiciary

Respected Constituonal Lawyer John Sangwa has written to President Hakainde Hichilema advising the Head of State to appoint the new Chief Justice through a transparent process.

And Mr Sangwa has sharply attacked the Zambian Judiciary saying some Judges had become openly partisan during the 10 years of the PF

In a letter dated 1st October 2021, Mr Sangwa is advising President Hichilema to for the first time in the history of Zambia, advertise the position of Chief Justice.

“I implore you Mr President to allow the position of the Chief Justice to be publicly advertised, followed by a transparent and rigorous process to find the most qualified, competent, and experienced person to head the Judiciary,” he wrote.

“The woman or man who will emerge from this process as Chief Justice should be someone with an active conscience, a keen mind committed to fairness and reform of the Judiciary, and a person of unquestionable integrity. She or he should be someone who has never abused public trust and with a demonstrable devotion to scholarship and a willingness to learn, to understand better, to judge better.”

Mr Sangwa suggested that the Judicial Service Commission must invite interested people to apply for the vacant position and publicly interview them.

“The people, whose power the Chief Justice will exercise and in whose name she or he will sit to dispense justice, must have a say in the choice of their Chief Justice.”

Mr Sangwa said in the future, and subject to the overhaul of the Constitution, all appointments of Judges of the Superior Courts must follow the same rigorous, open, and competitive process.

He said subjecting the candidates to an open, competitive, and fair process will give all Zambians equal opportunity to apply for the highest job in the Judiciary.

“Given the experience of the last ten years, such a process is crucial in restoring public confidence in the integrity and independence of the Judiciary.

Mr Sangwa said previously, the process of appointing Judges was a sham and did not have any semblance of transparency or fairness.

He said the process eroded the independence and integrity of the Judiciary and institutionalised political nepotism in the Judicature.

“During the reign of your predecessor, some competent Zambians were denied appointment as Judges of the Superior Courts because they were considered not “user-friendly. The consequence has been the emergence of a Judiciary that does not command the respect of the people it is supposed to serve.”

He charged that going to court is like going to a Casino

“Today, going to Court is like going to a Casino in that there is no consistency in decision-making. The outcome, in most case, is a matter of chance. The decisions are rarely informed by the law and facts governing the case but by other variables, such as the intellectual capacity, temperament and experience of the Judge, parties to the proceedings and whether the Judge is receptive to bribes,” he wrote.

“The independence of the judiciary became a fiction. The Judiciary was reduced from a branch of government co-equal with the Executive and Legislature to a department within the Executive branch of government. It failed to check on the lawlessness of your predecessor and in certain instances the Judges legalised it.”

He added, “Some Judges became openly partisan and fiercely defended the personal interests of your predecessor in appreciation for the appointment or promotion within the judicial hierarchy.”

“Until 12 August 2021, some Judges did not know and those that knew forgot or ignored that the sovereign authority did not belong to the President but to the people.”

“Mr President, whilst you are obliged by the Constitution, where necessary, to ensure regional diversity in appointments to public offices, the concept should not be employed to justify the appointment of an unfit person to the office of Chief Justice. The reasoning is very simple, your mandate is subject to renewal by the people every five years through a general election. Most of the people appointed to these public offices are your delegates. They will serve at your pleasure and your successor can reverse your appointments. However, a Judge’s tenure is protected. Except for fault, a Judge will hold office until the age of seventy or retire early at sixty-five. An unfit person appointed to the office of Chief Justice of will undermine the Judiciary and rob the taxpayers until retirement.”

He says, “The choice of the next Chief Justice must, therefore, not be informed by partisan, ethnic, regional or even personal considerations but by the ideal that merit, hard work, a clean track record and honesty will be recognised and rewarded. This is what will set you apart from your predecessors and Zambia from other emerging democracies.”

Open Letter to the Minister of Infrastructure And Urban Development.

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Open Letter to the Minister of Infrastructure And Urban Development.

By Eng. Michael Kopulande
(BEng, MSc (Struct. Eng.), MSc (Infra. Eng.), REng. MEIZ)

I would like to begin by wishing you my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment as Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development. Just as well, it is very much in order for me to congratulate H.E Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND party for their election to office during the August 12th 2021 election. I must state here that the whole country wishes you well and indeed we vouch for you to succeed as you lead the citizens of this country.

From the onset, I wish to mention to you Hon. Minister that the wider stakeholders in the infrastructure drive are happy with your appointment more so that you indeed are a member of the Engineering Institute of Zambia, and as such, we have one of our own driving the infrastructure development and growth agenda. Not to take anything away from the distinguished gentlemen who have held your office before, we now feel more than ever before that we have someone in office who understands our language and to some extent serves as our mentor – owing to the vast knowledge and experience you have in this field.

Notwithstanding the above however, the Ministry you have inherited is full of challenges that need your immediate attention and direction. To put it into perspective, much of the highly discussed debt crisis that this country is going through is as a result of your Ministry. As well, the economic growth agenda that the new government has embarked on will only be realized if your ministry responds fast to the challenges and immediately innovates to fulfil the infrastructure needs necessary for economic growth. Simply put, if the livelihoods of the Zambian citizenry were to improve, then your Ministry Sir will have to rise to the occasion and deliver much needed infrastructure on behalf of the Zambian people.
If you allow me Sir, I would want to itemize some of the teething challenges that need your urgent attention;

1. Unfinished construction projects across the width and breadth of the nation: Sir, we do acknowledge that the PF government embarked on massive infrastructure spend over the last 10yrs that they were in power. Unfortunately, of the many projects that they embarked on, with the exception of bilateral and multilateral funded projects, most of these projects remain unfinished across the whole country. In mind I have the Safwa-Chinsali-Mulilansolo road, the bottom road, the Sikongo – Kalabo road, Kafue Hook bridge rehabilitation, Pedicle Road, Chama – Matumbo road, Chipata – Lundazi- Chama – Mafinga road. Mbesuma Bridge construction, Monze – Niko Road, Mbesuma – Isoka road, Kazungula – Sesheke road, Kaoma – Kasempa road, township roads in Solwezi, Kasempa, Mufumbwe, Sesheke, Kabompo, etc. Public universities student accommodation at the University of Zambia, Mulungushi University, Mukuba University, Kapasa Makasa University, etc. Public Universities like Palabana University, Lewanika University and FTJ University. (The full list can be obtained from the relevant departments and government agencies.

2. Sky rocketing interest rates from contractors; Hon. Minister all the projects mentioned above came to a standstill because payment of IPC’s to both contractors and consultants became erratic especially towards the end of 2015 and the situation has hardly improved since then. As a result, works were suspended and equipment was withdrawn from the affected sites. However, interest claims are still being claimed by the various contractors on the unpaid IPC’s. As a result, the government arrears (domestic debt) keep rising every month on the backdrop of interest claims as opposed to unpaid-for measured works. Hon. Minister, you will agree with me that this is a real problem and just as serious (maybe even more serious) as the topical foreign debt crisis. I would want to put it to you sir that as long as the projects mentioned above are not brought to a close, the issue of interest claims will continue being a real challenge to the growth of our industry and ultimately to the growth of the wider economy.

3. Dismal Involvement of the local business houses in the infrastructure growth value chain; Sir, I am sure you are very much aware that most of the construction projects are awarded to foreign firms (both as consultants and works contractors). As if that is not enough, most of the raw materials and plant have to be imported from abroad and thereby leaving our local business houses with only a thumb in the mouth. You may wish to know Sir that I did a full article on this back in 2018 and was published by Lusaka times whose link I have added below for your reference. Hon. Minister we need to resolve this with all the urgency it deserves.

Economically Empowering Zambians through Infrastructure Investment

4. Uncoordinated manner in which infrastructure investment is conducted: Sir in my article published by Lusaka times shared below, I belabored to explain how our infrastructure investment should always be tied to the economic development agenda of our country. What we have witnessed in the previous years is an investment that is made without worrying much about its returns. I remember your party Sir whilst in opposition would always mock the government that they are building roads to nowhere. Indeed, as much as this could be referred to as mere politicking, there is some level of truth in this. I would propose to you Sir that going forward, we need to carry out both financial and economic appraisals on all infrastructure projects of a certain threshold (say above ZMW100,000,000) that we intend to construct. This will ensure that all our financial investments on infrastructure are tied to the economic growth of the country.

Management of our Nation’s Public Infrastructure Assets – A call for Action

5. Unsustainable high cost of our Infrastructure Projects; Hon. Minister, at various fora, you have been quoted saying our infrastructure projects are too expensive – more especially in the road sector. As much as I would wish to agree with you, but I would say it in a different way; we need to look at our infrastructure spend with analytical eyes and see if we could achieve more for less. Sir, the answer in this lies in science and technology (and I am happy your government seems to attach seriousness to this sector). Being an Engineer yourself, am very confident that you are aware that efficiency in the use of materials and resources, as well as the discovery of new materials and methods does lead to cost effective ways of doing things. Sir this can only be achieved through sponsoring R&D activities that are well coordinated with a clear objective of achieving certain goals. I am afraid to say therefore Sir that real cost effectiveness will not come through pronouncements but through hard work and the involvement of think tanks around the country or indeed establishing such think tanks with clear objectives.

6. Deteriorating key pieces of Infrastructure around the country; Sir, it is ironic that so much has been spent on Infrastructure development and here I am telling you that our key infrastructure has deteriorated beyond normal service levels. Unfortunately, Hon. Minister this is a reality. In mind I have the Kafue Hook Bridge, The Lusaka Mongu Road, the Great North Road – from Chibombo to Chinsali (bearing in mind that the Chinsali – Nakonde stretch is being rehabilitated). Kazungula – Sesheke road, Kapiri to Ndola road, Mutanda to Mwinilunga road, Indeni Oil refinery, the Zambia Railways track – just to name a few. Sir these pieces of infrastructure needed serious interventions like yesterday. Sir, please find means of intervening in these as soon as possible as the economic wheels of this nation basically depend on these pieces of infrastructure that I have mentioned.

7. Lack of innovation in the way we finance our infrastructure spend; in essence, all of the above challenges that I have mentioned are as a result of our lack of innovation to find solutions to how best infrastructure development can be financed. It may surprise you Sir that from where I stand, there is no method superior than the other. In fact, it is up to your Ministry Sir together with your counterpart at Finance to devise innovative and sustainable ways of spending on our infrastructure growth. The good news to you sir is that such minds do exist in this country and when called upon to advise will be more than willing to devise such methods. To this effect Sir, I wrote an article on this platform that sort of gave a road map to this quagmire.

Infrastructure Development – What Next Under the UPND Government?

In conclusion Sir, I must mention that though the challenges at your Ministry are many and may seem insurmountable, their solutions lie within the minds of the many Zambians within this country. I should state here that you stand advantaged in that you are surrounded with staff that is mostly well educated, and the last I checked are some of the best engineers we have in this country. Hon. Minister Sir, colleagues at the RDA, Ministry of Infrastructure, the NRFA, NCC and indeed Ministry of Local government are some of the best and well-trained individuals I have known in my professional life. It is my prayer that you shall fully utilize them to the best of their abilities and of course in conjunction with the private sector, the EIZ and indeed the public universities to come up with the solutions to some of the challenges I have mentioned above. Hon. Minister Sir, I wish you and your team success and I am very confident that you shall achieve even much more than any of your predecessors.

I wish you well.

The author is a Chevening Scholar-UK, Civil/Structural Engineer and Infrastructure Planning Expert.

League Leaders Green Buffaloes Trot To Sixth Unbeaten Game

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Green Buffaloes stayed unbeaten this season following Saturday’s 2-0 away win at Chambishi.

A Patrick Mambwe own-goal in the 16th minute after the Chambishi defenders poorly executed-headed back-pass to goalkeeper Jairos Mulenga handed Buffaloes a one-nil halftime lead.

But Chambishi took the game to Buffaloes who had goalkeeper Fred Silwamba to thank including the woodwork that kept out Chabala Kasanda and Konga Konga’s quick-fire close-range attempts in the 24th minute.

However, Buffaloes striker Friday Samu muted Chambishi in the 54th minute when he punished Mulenga for a poor clearance to slot in the ball on the rebound.

The win saw Buffaloes collect their fifth straight league win since drawing 1-1 in Week 1 with fellow unbeaten side Lusaka Dynamos.

Buffaloes have now opened a five-point lead over Nkwazi who drew 1-1 with fourth placed Forest Rangers in Lusaka.

But third placed Buildcon who are on 10 points would reclaim second spot if they can manage to beat Lusaka Dynamos on Sunday.

FAZ SUPER LEAGUE WEEK 6 RESULTS AND FIXTURES
02/10/2021
Power Dynamos 0-Kafue Celtic 0
Indeni 1-Nkana 1
Chambishi 0-Green Buffaloes 2
Kabwe Warriors 2-Konkola Blades 1
Nkwazi 1-Forest Rangers 1
Zanaco 0-Prison Leopards 0

03/10/2021
13h00: Lusaka Dynamos-Buildcon
15h00: Red Arrows-Green Eagles
POSTPONED:
Zesco United-Kansanshi Dynamos

REA motivated to continue pursuing government’s mandate of taking electricity to the rural areas

Chief Editor
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REA motivated to continue pursuing government’s mandate of taking electricity to the rural areas

Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Board Chairperson Johnstone Chikwanda says the authority is significantly motivated to continue pursuing government’s mandate of taking electricity to the rural areas in the country.

Mr Chikwanda said the authority has a mandate to provide clean, affordable and sustainable energy access for all by 2030.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Mazabuka Acting District Commissioner, Timothy Mulenga, Mr Chikwanda said inspecting and monitoring ongoing projects is part of the authority’s mandate.

He stated that the authority has been using the Electrification Master Plan document which was rolled out in 2018 and runs up-to 2030 to guide and mentor their works.

He informed the acting DC that the board team will be visiting Manyaana Grid extension project and then proceed to Pemba, Choma, Sonazongwe and Kazungula Districts.

“Places that are expensive to connect to the National Grid, we are opting to use a powered solar system which works well and still benefit the rural people. It is being piloted project in Ngabwe District,” he said.

And Acting Mazabuka District Commissioner Timothy Mulenga commended REA for their great works in trying to improve the lives of the rural people by providing energy.

Mr Mulenga said the Manyaana Extension Grid project by REA in Mazakuka has allowed nearby schools to connect to the national grid.

He highlighted that the Manyaana project has helped pupils learn computer lessons in schools.

“If we look at the Ministry of Education, they have introduced computer lessons in schools. It is cheaper for schools to conduct those lessons when using power unlike using generators which are expensive as they use fuel,” he said.

He urged REA to consider expanding their operations in other parts of Mazabuka so as to cater for the remaining 24 schools in Haanjalika Chiefdom that need to be connected to the national grid.

The government to launch the Domestic Tourism Strategy

Chief Editor
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The government to launch the Domestic Tourism Strategy

The government has made plans to launch the Domestic Tourism Strategy and an Investor’s Guide at the end of this year.

Speaking during the official opening of the Zambia Tourism Expo at Bonanza Resort in Chongwe last evening, Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba says the two documents will give investors necessary information that will help them make investments in the sector, as well as set out a clear strategy on domestic Tourism.

Mr Sikumba has since called on stakeholders to take advantage of the window provided for to make submissions on the two documents.

“By next year we should be all good to go, working hand in hand, growing our domestic tourism market and attracting the best investment deals for the country,” Mr Sikumba said.

And Mr Sikumba said government will reduce the cost of doing business in the tourism sector.

He said all the challenges pertaining to high cost of business in the sector will no long exist.

He disclosed that the ministry will undertake a comprehensive review of policy, regulatory and the legislative environment which tends to produce multiplicity fees, licenses and the general red tape associated with government.

“We want quick and quality service delivery but at the right price. This can only be achieved through unit of purpose and effective collaboration with the private sector and the Tourism Council of Zambia, in particular,” he said.

The Minister also urged stakeholders in the tourism value chain to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“To be trusted as a safe destination, our vaccination statistics must tell a better story, that’s where it starts,” Mr Sikumba said.

And speaking at the same occasion, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley disclosed that the UK government has released 100 million pound fund meant for biodiversity landscaping in six countries of which Zambia’s trans-frontier Kaza region is among the beneficiaries.

“This announcement forms part of the UK government’s ambitious commitments ahead of the COP26 Climate Change Summit and builds on successes achieved at the UK chaired G7 which saw G7 leaders commit to protect and conserve 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030,” Mr Woolsey said.

And Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) Chairperson Vincent Mupwaya urged players to aim for high quality service delivery as this is a major way the sector can stand out.

ZANIS reports that the 2021 Zambia Tourism Expo will run for three days.

EU looks forward to cooperation on green partnership with Zambia for sustainable recovery

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EU looks forward to cooperation on green partnership with Zambia for sustainable recovery

Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, has reinterred government’s stance to address climate challenges by strengthening multilateral relations with the European Union (EU).

Speaking yesterday when a delegation from the EU paid a courtesy call on him, Mr Njovu noted the strong partnership that exist which can be used to address multiple climate challenges.

He said government is confident that the strong partnership with the EU will help address issues such as, environmental degradation, deforestation while pursing the green growth and creating jobs for the people.

And EU Representative Ambassador Jacek Jankowski highlighted the EU’ Multi-annual indicative programmes for 2021 to 2027.

He said the Union looks forward to cooperation on green partnership with Zambia for sustainable recovery, growth and jobs at the forth coming COP26 scheduled to be held in Glasgow Scotland monthend of October.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu speaking to with European Union High Commissioner and Ambassadors during the European Union Delegation courtesy call to the Minister yesterday. Friday, October 01, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu speaking to with European Union High Commissioner and Ambassadors during the European Union Delegation courtesy call to the Minister yesterday. Friday, October 01, 2021. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS

Fans Back in Football Stadiums

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Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that spectators will be allowed to return to stadia after Government relaxed several Covid-19 restrictions.

Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo yesterday lifted Covid-19 restrictions and indicated that Zambia has been removed from the red list and upgraded to green arising from the reduction in the numbers of infection.

FAZ said it has sought guidance from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports to ensure that the return of spectators is within the specified Covid-19 guidelines.

“We have taken note of the pronouncements by the Ministry of Health over the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in the country and are pleased to announce that fans will be allowed to return to stadia for league matches,” says FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala.

“We, however, advise clubs to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines which include regular disinfection of their premises, masking up, sanitizing and social distancing. We also urge clubs to encourage their players, officials and fans to take up the option of vaccination as part of helping reduce the risk of infection.”

Kashala says FAZ will continue to liaise with the Ministry of Health through the Zambia National Public Health Institute and the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) in ensuring that football is above board in adhering to the guidelines.

“We also wish to advise our members that should they fail to adhere to the guidelines, they may run the risk of having their match venues barred from admitting fans. The longevity of fans staying at stadia is subject to us remaining vigilante at all times of the threat posed by the Covid-19 infection,” he says.

And FAZ has clarified that the number of fans for the October 10, 2021, Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier remains 20, 000 as guided by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

President HH Lies on Gay Rights: Is this Lubinda’s and PF’s Ticket to Plot 1?

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President HH Lies on Gay Rights: Is this Lubinda’s and PF’s Ticket to Plot 1?

By Kapya Kaoma

President Hakainde Hichilema is slowly morphing into Donald Trump–one can hardly keep up with his lies. The statement that he never discussed the rights of “gays and lesbians” during his tour of the U.S. is another big lie–the Biden administration global foreign policy is unequivocally linked to the protection of gay rights. Didn’t the Zambian Embassy lie that Joe Biden canceled his meeting with President HH because of gay rights? Is Vice President Harris so foolish to ignore the diplomatic row between Zambia and the U.S. that led to the firing of ambassador Daniel Foote by the Trump administration? Besides, during her July 2014 visit to Zambia, Dr. Jill Biden, now the US. First Lady, personally lobbied for the release of the Kapiri-Mposhi gay couple. So how could the U.S. Vice President fail to raise the issue? Only victims of ballyvirus can believe the shameful lie. But for the PF to weaponize gay rights is like campaigning for 2011. If the PF wants to retain power in 2026, campaigning around gay rights will only distract from President Hichilema’s false economic promises, which are his biggest vulnerabilities.

It is unbelievable that of all the issues that welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s tour of the United States, the PF gifted him with the apolitical gay rights. Such a strategy was utter lunacy though not surprising. The PF ship is captainless and the once mighty Titanic is slowly sinking. I don’t know who is advising the PF, but the lack of political strategy suggests that it’s headed to the political museum of Zambian politics. It should look for new leadership beyond the current outdated and overspent empty tins–the current leadership will only kill the Party.

The PF just blew up its first major opportunity to test HH’s leadership following the debates on school fees in Parliament. Had it successfully organized peaceful demonstrations and boycotts of payments of school fees in its strongholds, for example, it would have kept its cadres politically engaged. In addition, this would have been the first wake up call to HH and an invitation to respect the PF if HH was to drive his agenda. Instead, it chose the inept route of gay rights–the lost cause in the August 12 elections. HH loves each day the PF spends talking about homosexuality–it distracts from his false promises! He knows his followers don’t care and will believe his lies. But one thing they cannot ignore is the belly–so talk about wallet issues–the economy!

Sadly, the PF seems lost in politics of 2011–homosexuality is no longer contested as a political issue. Many young people are not as invested in this issue as the current PF leadership. In 2021, the President didn’t promise to create “homosexuality jobs” for all graduates in Zambia, deploy all teachers and nurses in homosexuality schools and hospitals, reduce the cost of ubunga to 50 gay rights and fertilizer 250 homosexuality Kwacha. What makes Lubinda and the PF to think homosexuality would end his presidency? Gays don’t harm anyone, but poverty and unemployment do. Talking about homosexuality in 2021 as the way to reorganize the party is simply fatuous.

Democratic politics is about messaging and strategy. The PF lost the elections because it focused on matters that didn’t matter to young Zambians. Among the issues that matter to younger voters, homosexuality is likely not on the list. That’s why political strategists study exit polls–they tell politicians how people feel about issues. As for PF, Given Lubinda has started singing anti-gay rights hymns, as if a Cardinal. Go ahead, sinless Soul; thy holy heart gay rights offend. Add homosexuality! Then the Christian nation chorus. End with the declaration–but all these sacred PF treasured oracles to Bally worshipers profane. Didn’t Dora and Banda try it on Sata? Sata won. Didn’t Lungu, GBM, Kambwili, Rev. Sumaili and Prof. Luo tried it on HH? He won too! And when Bally and victims of his ballyvirus listened to Joe Biden, they smiled as he insulted our beautiful and admired democratic nation to dictatorial Sudan and civil war-infected Ethiopia. His demand for defending gay rights as human rights across the globe, just yesterday HH and his worshipers claim they never heard or talked about. Regardless, HH can endorse gay rights, and his followers will still support him.

It is time the PF cadres understood that the HH regime position on gay rights won’t be as overt as the Lungu administration. In fact, it would be more of words, but no arrests policy. The Book of Revelation 3:15-16 explains this policy better than I, “…neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” This is President HH’s “chameleon” gay policy. To donors, we respect gay rights, to Zambians, the Constitution is clear, we are a Christian Nation. But this attitude has implications on the credibility of the president to the outside world.

The PF must find a working strategy–politics has no permanent enemies, but common interests. HH wants to build his name as the respecter of human rights to European and US donors, so why shouldn’t the PF gain political capital by partnering with human rights groups and push President HH to honor gay rights as Biden said in that speech? This approach would fix Bally both locally and internationally. But it would also expose him to his worshipers.

If anything, President Hichilema is in the better position to champion this cause–he is still popular and he has 5 years before the next election. The African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights has already passed a resolution asking African nations to decriminalize homosexuality. Our neighbors Angola, Botswana, and Mozambique joined South Africa in decriminalizing homosexuality. Namibia is in the process of doing so. The World Council of Churches has already acknowledged and affirmed the human rights of homosexual persons. President HH does not need Parliament to decriminalize homosexuality–litigation as was the case in Botswana, could be another avenue. Should his administration refuse to appeal the court ruling, he could become the first Zambian President to accord all Zambians rights to live freely without discrimination. With 5 years to make his case, his legacy could be that of Nelson Mandela. This could be bad news to the PF if it hopes to regain Plot 1. Don’t ask for more than you’re able to swallow!

The good news is the PF can easily reclaim this legacy by thinking ahead of HH–advocate human rights for all Zambians. Opposition to gay rights is nothing but political baloney! People don’t eat homosexuality at all! Let all Zambians live peacefully–arrest corruption and poverty, not innocent persons whose crime is to born gay! Enough of this fatuity!

Government has decided to lift the restrictions for the next one month

Chief Editor
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12
Government has decided to lift the restrictions for the next one month

Following the reduced transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia, Government has decided to lift the restrictions for the next one month starting today 2nd October 2021.

The COVID-19 situation will continue to be monitored to inform appropriate decision-making even before the end of the month.

The new guidance on the various restrictions which have been in place is as follows;

  1. Churches and other places of worship: Worship services are to be conducted normally, subject to observing the five golden rules. Religious leaders are urged to disseminate public health messages to congregants, including encouraging congregants to get vaccinated;
  2. Markets and trading places – To operate normally while ensuring adherence to public health guidelines. All traders and customers are urged to observe the five golden rules and regular disinfection of premises.
  3. Public places and transport – Transport operators must ensure the masking up of all passengers is always observed and that conveyances are thoroughly disinfected and sanitized regularly.
  4. Public events of a social nature to be held while observing the five golden rules. Masking and physical distancing should always be adhered to.
  5. Workplaces – Employers should ensure that employees return to normal working arrangements with strict adherence to 5 golden rules.
  6. Physical conferences, workshops, and general meetings – We encourage the holding of virtual meetings. Where physical meetings are necessary, facilitators must ensure that the meetings are held in compliance with five golden rules and adequate meeting space is provided to allow physical distancing.
  7. Bars, taverns, casinos, restaurants, night clubs will operate normally and strictly observe the five golden rules including regular disinfection of premises;

The Government said that as stated above, the situation will continue to be monitored closely with appropriate action taken and emphasised continued adherence to the prescribed COVID-19 public health measures including the five golden rules as well as cleaning and disinfection of public premises.

Stakeholders laud govt’s stance on cross border trade

Chief Editor
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11
Stakeholders laud govt’s stance on cross border trade

Western province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) has called for enhancement of trade across boarders for the benefit of Zambians.

Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Coordinator Fred Mulozi has called for traders to take advantage of the fact that cross boarder trading does not require international companies or inter-government arrangements for it to take place.

Mr. Mulozi said this in reference to President Hakainde Hichilema’s pronouncements on enhancing cross-border trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia during yesterday’s press conference.

Mr. Mulozi has encouraged the people of Western Province to also take advantage of the neighbouring Angola and utilize the readily available markets.

He said Angolans are buying mealie meal, cement, sugar and maheu among others from Zambia while Zambians are buying fuel, cooking oil, condensed milk and beer from Angola.

He has since appealed to government to work on the Kalabo-Sikongo road up to the Angolan border so as enhance trade between the two countries.

JCTR urge govt to reduce cost of living

Chief Editor
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JCTR urge govt to reduce cost of living

The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on government to put measures that will reduce the cost of living in the 2022 national budget.

According to the JCTR’s trends analysis findings, the cost of living has continued to increase from K6, 256.95 in January to K7, 704.15 in August this year.

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programmes Coordinator Modester Mwanza said government should address the increasing cost of living in next year’s budget.

“Government should consider implementing policies that will promote production of food so that they can be grown at a larger scale for export purposes and revenue collection.

Ms Mwanza said at a press briefing in Kitwe, that government needs to put in place other policies in next year’s budget that will ease affordability to cost of living.

Ms Mwanza said the trends analysis carried out in 15 towns indicate a persistent increase in the cost of living due to an increase in food prices such as mealie meal, rice, fruits and chicken among others.

She said the prices of non-food items such as charcoal also contributed to an increase in cost of living.

She explained that the country has continued to witness an increase in the cost of living which the organization would like to see addressed in the national budget.

She said the upward in price of food and nonfood were affected by volatility in the macroeconomic indicators such as the exchange rate and inflation rate.

Ms Mwanza said the exchange rate necessitated a hike in prices because the country is dependent on imports.

She said the 2022 budget is a window of opportunity to spell out how key macroeconomics indicators will be addressed towards reducing the cost of living.

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