PRESIDENT Banda has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to sell the Itawa flats and houses at the Masala housing complex to the sitting tenants at fair and reasonable prices. The President has also ordered the Ministry of Lands and all councils to expedite the issuance of title deeds before the end of August this year.
Mr Banda said this was so because the Patriotic Front (PF)-run councils were charging exorbitant land rates on houses owned by Zambians. The president said the council had conspired to reverse the empowerment policy initiated by second Republican president Frederick Chiluba by frustrating house owners by asking rates which house owners could not afford.
He was speaking during a Press briefing at Broadway Lodge in Kitwe yesterday.
“My Government will not entertain this kind of dishonesty any longer. These PF councils which have turned rates into rentals and are demanding rates from people on residential properties which are unattainable must reconsider this,” Mr Banda said.
The president said the owners of the houses were Zambians without a regular income, adding that some of them were over burdened with the care of orphans, while others were widows or widowers who had lost their bread winners.
[pullquote]“My Government will not entertain this kind of dishonesty any longer. These PF councils which have turned rates into rentals and are demanding rates from people on residential properties which are unattainable must reconsider this,” Mr Banda said.[/pullquote]
He said it did not make political, economic, moral or even financial sense to over-value properties just to collect higher land rates.
Mr Banda said some house owners who failed to pay the increased rates had their household goods confiscated by councils, a situation he said was unacceptable.
He said the manner in which PF-run councils were charging rentals was a sure recipe for political revolt. The council had not undertaken any maintenance or repair works to the flats.
And Mr Banda disclosed that he had also received a petition from former United Bus Company of Zambia (UBZ) workers throughout the country who were offered houses by Government to buy at book value but had not because some officials in Government increased the property prices beyond the former workers’ ability to pay.
He said he would not entertain any further delays in the issuance of title deeds, adding that the Government would not allow the councils to frustrate its efforts to empower the people.
Earlier, when he launched the Copperbelt roads project, President Banda commended the Japanese government for the support it was rendering to the Zambian people.
He said the Japanese people opted to support the Zambians because they knew that they were accountable and would use the funds for their intended purpose.
And Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Hideto Mitamura said the project was particularly significant in that it would enhance economic development.
Mr Mitamura said the project would be implemented at an estimated cost of US$27 million, which was equivalent to about K133.4 billion, and that it was the largest grant project to be undertaken by the Japanese government.
[Times of Zambia]
It beats me how an elderly person such as the President can use an important forum such as the press briefing he had in Ndola for telling lies just to ensure his stay in office. The audit he promised us has failed so he chose to portray that the opposition councils have been spending money on luxuries. The MMD controlled councils such as Kalulushi have got bigger and more expensive vehicles than Councils like Kitwe and Ndola which are bigger. Kalulushi Council can even afford the luxury of installing Dstv in their offices which is not the case with the PF controlled Councils
As for the sale of Itawa flats and Chinese Complex in Ndola, instead of instructing the Council to sell these building why can’t he himself conduct the sell them. He knows that there are issues concerning these two areas so he wants to make the impression that it the council which is the obstacle. Mr. President your tact is as transparent as water so you cannot fool us. Calling Fr Bwalya an ugly face is not expected from any President. Fr. Bwalya like any other citizen can aspire to the highest office in the land. The Presidency is not a personal to holder and neither is a preserved position for certain individual
Oh my God!!! So ka Chiluba is still in power, controlling Govt. It was just some months ago that Chiluba went and had a meeting with sitting Tenants, and assured them that the flats will be sold to them. Exactly this is what has happened. I am not against the good fact that our people will own now these Flats, what disappoints me is that Chiluba still has the power to influence Govt decisions, and by ‘Govt’ I mean RB.
# 1. Whether the move was political or non political, to me it was a gud move. You just dont know what it means to own a house. It is good thing to be a landlord. The bottom line is that people have been empowered. I know sata and hh dont like this. God bless Zambia
My Headline RB Selling Meat To Cows
Thats what he did by TRYING to discredit PF councils. I don’t know which country and its people he is familiar with but it seems Zambia is not the one. Anyone can see that:
1. The houses issue is a Chiluba gimmick, which means is Chiluba controlling RB into such useless activities?
2. Trying to discredit PF councils in a die-hard PF territory is literally selling meat to cows, which are vegetarian. He must fire the advisers that gave him that speech because it is was an event in futility: CB will never vote for MMD whether PF is shown to be a devil or not. MMD is simply and will never be the alternative. Someone should have told him that.
RB and MMD are a dying force as we shall in the coming bye elections.
It beats me most of the time to see how our politicians think. Have u wondered why the villagers have remained backwards for the past 20 years? It’s because retirees no longer go back to the “land” as it used to be. Rentals are extremely high in urban areas coz of this thing of selling houses to retirees. They shud have bulit houses by the time they retire or at least build something in their villages with the retirement package.
Damn,the new graduates from colleges and versities have to pay the price since these retirees now depend on rentals to run their families.
A president should come with policy issues than what this old man is doing
This is what Chiluba promised the people of Itawa when he went to campaign for RB this year. Chiluba said it clearly that he would persuade RB to sale the flats. What a shame to have Chiluba back through the back door. S.T.UPID MMD politics is robbing the country’s democracy and resources. These old people who have worn-out brains like Rupiah Mubwezeni-Kumunzi Banda will never develop our country but just vandalize the little we have. You generation, please serve our country from these vandals. What good can come out of a finished peasant farmer who is called back to be a president in his near 80s?
Do your Govt(RB) give pf controlled Councils money for roads? Who is Handsome between you(RB) and Father Bwalya? Dont lie to yourself that you are handsome………………………… Tell us what you have done for mother Zambia dont talk about what we the pf/upnd pact are doing. Mindu we are the incoming Govt. Cu 2011
Why is it that the mode of operation is always: “the president has directed…., has ordered this or that ministry to do this or that…, the president has ordered police to arrest…., the president has….” Does it mean there are no policies, guidelines set for each dept. or ministry to operate?? they all have to wait for orders and directives??? Good to see people own accommodation, BUT VERY SAD TO SEE HOW POWERFUL CHILUBA STILL IS.
After a long time no see, back in your area is UBZ with UNIP. There we go trying to get votes through bribery and corruption. while he was still flying from one country to another, voters had started supporting the opposition. He is desperately trying to woo voters back to MMD, too late Mr Nyama soya. Just continue flying because that is your specialist.
#4 MASEBO – You have missed my point. I did not mean that those tenants shouldn’t be empowered NO. Ask yourself why Chiluba did not sell those houses when he sold all houses including the GRZ ones. Ther are issues concerning those units. Ndola Council are not so stupid that they can be carrying units which are source of political problems.MMD was in charge of those house until PF won the elections 2006 ten years after Chiluba sold all houses so why din’t MMD think of these tenants. So my worry is that your President wants to tarnish the names of the Councillors so that he can gain political mileage. I still say let him conduct the sale personally rather than passing the buck. RB is desperate.
Why now and why copperbelt? The move is politically motivated period.
Surely how does Our dear Bwezani Kumbuyo president call a press Briefing and turn it into a political Rally to discredit PF Dominated Councils, I thought the Minister of Local Govt had powers to dissolve a council if its not performing,Unless RB is telling us Councils are not part of Zambia and he is not responsible for them otherwise the only gud thing that came out of that political rally was jus the fact that some pipo will own house just as promised by Ka Chiluba, RB Next time try to iron out issues such as the cleaning op of Flood affected areas in Lusaka by putting in place good Drainages as well as the shortage of Drugs in Health Centers Plizzzzzz……….
This man is busy discrediting the PF run councils.I hope the mayors and councilors dont waste their time to welcome him to the Copperbelt.It just beats me that RB can not see that FTG is a liability to him and will cost him dearly in 2011.Surely the intelligent people of Copperbelt will not vote for thieves or atleast those who support plunderers!Can someone please advise this man before its too late!
Am shocked that the whole president can de insulting before the nation.How do you lebel a priest to be mad and having an ugly face!Please RB tone down.And you his minions help him dont just praise him.He insults citizens and at the end of the day he cries foul that am being insulted! This is not your Kingdom RB! Respect young ones if you want respect.And by the way who is more ugly between RB and Fr Bwalya?
did you listen to RB last night, politics in Zambia never cease to amaze me. Our President, a grandfather for that matter calling father Bwalya ati kuipa, vimambala bena Sata and HH. Saying that father Bwalya how can he be called a father when he has no children. cheap politics
Zambians should continue ignoring these inconsiquential armchair critics thoughtlessly trolling in vanity. Blindly opposing national infrastruture development-roads and citizen housing empowerment programs without strategy.PF ng’wang’wazis are nothing but authentic enemies of the people’s dignity.
Are the gods planning to destroy RB?
#1 DEJAVU, SO THE COUNILLORS JUST GO TO WATCH SKY INSTEAD OF SOLVING LOCAL WELFAIR PROBLEMS? WELL, IT IS NOT SURPRISING IF THE PRESIDENT ATTENDS EVERY PARTY, MAINLY OVERSEAS AND ABROAD.
Itawa tenants, get the units and then teach the MMD big lesson in 2011. Never vote for MMD because it does not care. Those are your houses as they were built with your tax. Get them dont even hesistate but dont vote for MMD so that we teach RB and Chiluba lessons in 2011. :-?:-?:-?
#20
peter – Please elaborate more then I will answer.
CHIKALA CHOBE RB
BA FIKALA BA MMD
Get the houses and pay for them before the end of the elections because they may change their minds after that. We dont want any politician to buy any of those houses. they are meant for sitting tenants. REMEMBER TO VOTE WISELY
Kambongolo ,
My dear Zambian voters have no alternative on the ECZ ballot box other than MMD and RB. Show us what you think is an alternative and why you think such is better than MMD the only true national party.
The President should try and be more like a Republican President than Party President. To me he came out more like an MDD president rather than Zambian President on the way he handled the council issue.
Now i believe what Sata said that RB did his Economics by correspondence if he had sat in class he can understand that property does nto depreciate but appreciates in value, so he should not expect the rates to be the same. Rates are a source of income to the Councils, so in short the president has killed the council. Whether PF of MMD the councils serve the people of Zambia, so if the govt does not fund the councils it is actually failing the people of Zambia. RB was a shame during the briefing to the whole world, he does not need to be reminded that copperbelt is a PF stronghold what he says just gives more reason why we will be voting for the PACT. Viva Pact.
Cry the beloved country,yes with the old tactics
Please do not insult in public, Ka Chiluba naka serial killer, you are not serving anything let 20111 comes we shall win. You are going to see.
oh how i miss itawa my home. uko RB serously compaigning ka:d
You Kitwe residence, just pay for those houses (God given houses) and vote wisely in 201. tiye nazo chi Nyama Soya.
It’s quite shocking that these morons never learn. Chiluba made a big mistake by selling houses at give away prices and misusing the money instead of giving it back to councils ,the NHA etc for them to reinvest. It was also under Chiluba that councils lost the provision of water & sewerage services,we saw the creation of utility companies to deal with that and that further made the councils lose their 2 major sources of revenue. Yes it is important that people are empowered with houses and it was important that other companies provide water and sewerage services because councils failed to improve but the systematic changes in Zambia are done in a rush & mainly for political reasons,that sucks big time,will anything ever be done in good faith in Zambia,eeeish!
I’m ashamed, i can not lift my head! To have such a president…. it’s a shame. What pride is left for us zambians if our leader is so incompetent; ignorant; dull, unfocused and demented. God help us.
To waste a vote is a right in democracy and those few cadres who think they would be putting their vote to good use by voting some tribal parties other than MMD will be just wasting their vote because the aggregate national vote will deliver MMD victory.
Cheap political gimmickry! He’s now in compaign mode! Would somebody tell me why announce such issues at a “Press briefing” instead of a compaign rally? This is where he is very wrongly adviced! abnd he was suppose to know! YABA! Is that asking too much?
Thats good for the sitting tenants but let not this be the basis for choosing your candidate for the next elections. Even if they gave you cash please get it your vote is your secret.
This man is demented a disease associated with old men
from now till 2011 there will be good things that will be happening every day and PF na UPND caders will be condemning everything
PRESIDENT Banda has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to sell the Itawa flats and houses at the Masala housing complex [and] has also ordered the Ministry of Lands and all councils to expedite the issuance of title deeds before the end of August this year…!
Ba RB ngaifwe pa Chisokone? Mwatulabako apapene?
Dont forget that RB spends most of his spare time watching cartoons on a big screen at state house. This is why most of the time he thinks he is acting in the same films. Just see how he easily gets upset like Tom whenever he realises that Father Bwalya could be listening. He loses his mind and starts talking crap. His reasoning is also questionable like he has no advisers.
Veteran U are making me Laugh:(( Ati Aggregate National Vote! Do you remember that Sata Only lost by 30 000 Votes stolen by MMD, Simple mathematic Add UPND votes to those of FP, Results in 2011
MMD President whoever it will be 600 000, PACT President 1.2 Million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are in trouble as a country, we are being driven 100years backwards by this old man. What a shame!
And I thought RB was an economist. We will ever have a president who will drive this nation forward?
No wonder this country will never develop.So this Rb guy just wakes up,with his pendulum high,mucus in his eyes and nose, then decides to sell those housing units just because they belong to PF run councils.I have never seen such an arrogant,whimsical president anywhere.Shame:-?
#6 Chips Netwon, good observation and you are very right. Its so sad.
I saw the clip, it was very uncomfortable to watch…ba president besu like that%-(
A good message delivered in a very bad tone & way!
Petty petty , how cheap and *****ic is this guy getting at , does he know that ,to sell housing units to people is a policy moved issue, which does not entail someone to just wake up and say so to appaise kafupi whose currently ruling this country.Mind you alabee will never rule again the writing is already on the wall.~X(~X(:”>:”>:”>:”>unless the devil helps him with a white card.
Just like the AUDIT of PF Councils directive, all these nonsensical directives will not materilise once the Mufumbwe by election is over and done with.I have said let RB conuct the sale of those unit himself. Let him come with letters of offer signed and approved by him.
Ndipo # 45 mwakamba.Well guess thats explains everything.Pendulum ? Lol.:d
Guys ba LT an ***** is an I.D.I.O.T, let me just make it plain, it means; a dullard who is a mentally deficient person or someone who acts in a self defeating or significantly counter productive way.
Imwe ba Deja Vu ….. do you think selling real estate is like kaponya selling sweets . . . .
#1. What I mean to say is, is it no wonder problems are not being solved. Because, if one has an international TV in his/her office then most of his/her working hours will be spent on watching TV programs rather than work. The other thing is, is it really necessary to have such expensive working conditions in Zambia? And from your personal point of view as an enlightened person don’t you think the government could have been solving numerous problems if the little (if ever its little) money Zambia has, has been spent on projects that directly affect peoples’ welfare?
VIVA RB VIVA:d:d:d:d:d:d:d
#53 New Landlord- Going by the behaviour of RB this already happening. Remember it was MMD that sold the houses, so ask your self why didnt they sell those two ares?
#54 peter – Cant comment cos you have said it all.
I dont support, neither do I trust any of our current crop of politians, but most of the people in the ruling party have had the opportunity to improve the wellbeing of the masses due to the fact that they have access and control the resources but have failed to use that chance. The big question is WHY HAVE THEY FAILED TO IMPLEMENT THE DECENTRALISATION POLICY????????????????? Honest answers must be given!!!!!!!!!! Are MMD controlled Councils doing better that the PF controlled ones????????
Guys, most of you have said it all! The majority of us Zambians know exactly what RB is up to, and we are not impressed!
Thank you LT for your initiative of bring us closer to our homeland through these news feed. With gratitude I have just been introduced to this site by my boyfriend.
You Zambians have indeed revolutionized yourselves with technology haah! I have just seen on
Mwape Radio Talkshow” site that this Saturday they are hosting
The CEO/Managing Director at National Housing Authority in Zambia. The CEO will be talking to the Diaspora about acquiring property in Zambia. He will answer questions about the Zambian real estate market. I think this indeed an opportunity to engage him especially if we are considering acquiring a residential property, we can’t just miss this show. The website say join the discussion with your questions this Saturday April 17th, 2010 at 8:00am New York Time (14:00 hrs Zambian Time) online or call: +1-718-766-4857 with free skype service available to listen or talk on the show.
Is it true that he only watches cartoons and still listens to Jim Reeves? He should find time to read current economic theory because his Medieval History of Economics is failing him. The temptation to watch Tom and Jerry must be overwhelming at his age.
Ba Ex-CBU where have you been? Do we really want to know you have a boyfriend?
These guys will colapse next tear RB bounces back to power.UTH will run out of oxgen to resustate these guys.Hey the hate is just too much.Chiluba sold almost every house in Zambia.There was no comment.RB is not my relative nor tribesman but i can not hate him like this.Zambia is now controlled by Satan.Hating someone for no aparent reason because of wanting Sata or Hakainde to be in Statehouse.Gentlemen one day you will hate Sata or Hakainde again.Kaunda was hated in 1991 and today the same pipo have loved kaunda.These are *****s who eat mankeys in their lushoko.
Chiwamila galu. Sata went and promised we the people of barotseland lots of stuff. HH has done that alot of times. Its all about meeting peoples needs. Politics is about putting food on the table. Obama promised reforms in the health care, withdrawing troops from iraq and people voted for him. Obama gained political mileage. As simple as that. If sata promises 90 days of change its ok. If RB did the same,its a sin. Mawe mawe. In barotseland our demand is simple. Mongu kalabo, Senanga sesheke and kalabo-luanda. If RB meets those needs, then he gains mileage, as simple as drinking water BYe
Are title deeds issued without full payment for a house?
21# well said::)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-:)>-
Its sad to see irrelevant self disenfranchised PF kaponyas around the clock burning in vanity with hallucinations of gabbage in gabbage out all to themselves.Burning in vanity without moral, social, economic, spiritual, or indeed political dividend. Gabbage in gabbage out retiring to bed with empty venom that moves no institution, no law, system or an insect in the land of the living. This is lack of purpose and self worth in life at worst. Noble people do not devote valuable personal life to vanity and intangibilities democracy keep recording in Zambia. PF kaponyas attatch no value to their lives and time. No measurability to any objective if any. A rational actor would introspect and revaluate value for self deviation in life. They keep dreaming for the impossible in a democracy,
people must be thankful if a good thing has be done, there is nothing wrong with RB giving away those flats. people still have a choice of voting for him or not while keeping their houses, So you wanted to wait for sata to come and give them away? come on:d/
so shameful to have RB as our president.Viva Pact,Viva Red card campaign & Viva Fr Bwalya.
RB, FTJ’s disciple!!! Shame on you. You think MMD can win on the copperbelt by you selling those flats?![-([-([-(
This is Chilubaist RB is campaigning in the same way as his Zairean master did. What a shame!
Am shocked, this is the lowest point RB has gone so far, he is a statesman and he must from today apologise and ditch Chiluba, that political engineer who even denied his own father will make him more unpopular
I am watching the debate on sky. This is what we realy need in zambia so that the people should select a person that the zambian people realy want. A person who can stand to defend his or her ideas for zambia
At least Greece has a bigger fiscal problem than Zambia. Please blame RB for Greece’s problems. Your criticism of RB will be more credible.
law #1 ; a reliable set of bowels is more important than any quantity of brains..
law #2; 1RB is equivalent to 50 cadres provided they remain foolish enough