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LET’S TALK MUSIC

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LET’S TALK MUSIC

Chembo Liandisha aka Chembomusic is Zambian singer/songwriter and Actor with over 5 years experience in the music industry. In 2017 she released her debut EP titled Love verses reality, since then she has gone on to be a BBC Playlisted Artist,  performed at International Music events and festivals including Lake of Stars, Focus Wales, Zamfest and many others. In 2019 the young musician received a career boost with an Arts Council of Wales fun as well as being chosen as one of Mr Eazi’s Empawa 100 Artists.

She began the Music Business for Beginners in June of 2019 with a one day workshop held at Global Platform in Lusaka, Zambia with the aim of sharing with newer and younger musicians the things that had propelled her to where she had gotten to until that point. The event featured Hot Fm radio personality Fanatik Lochead, international DJ She Spells Doom and Music and Events Manager Webster Kasongo as fellow educators at the workshop. She noticed that younger/newer artist didn’t even have the basic information needed for them to start successfully and to thrive.

This year the Music Business for Beginners rebranded as ‘Let’s Talk Music’ and have utilised Instagram as the sharing platform in order to reach as many younger/emerging talent as possible and this time Chembomusic has enlisted the assistance of other music industry professionals and musicians for the sessions from multiple countries and will be covering a multitude of topics from consistency to management to visual branding etc. The sessions began last weekend 31st of July with three session covering the entire weekend. The inaugural guests were Zambian new wave leader Kunkeyani the Jedi who shared on how to get noticed, Malawi’s Afrimma award winning songstress Hazel Mak sharing on how to be at award winning level early and Zambia Musician and Hiphop Artist Sticka who shared tips for consistency!

The sessions will be happening throughout the month of August every Friday to Sunday via www.instagram.com/chembomusic and will be saved on IGTV for anyone who needs to return and get more information. Coming Up this weekend are sessions on management, getting on radio and being a successful DJ, more information is available via Chembomusic Instagram page.

The intention is to equip future African Musicians and Music Industry professionals with all the required knowledge in order for not only their careers to thrive and this will ensure a stronger and more resilient future African Music Industry. Chembo wants to transform the African Music.

 

Mampi releases “Ubepelefye” featuring Bobby East

Entertainment Editor
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Mampi releases “Ubepelefye” featuring Bobby East

Zambian celebrated songbird Mampi releases her much anticipated music video captioned “Ubepelefye” which features XYZ Entertainment CEO Bobby East.

The song was produced by KB (Killer Beats) with Visuals directed by DJ Lo.

LCC beset by high incidences of damage and theft to the newly installed solar traffic light poles

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LCC beset by high incidences of damage and theft to the newly installed solar traffic light poles

Lusaka City Council (LCC) has bemoaned the high incidences of damage and theft to the newly installed solar traffic light poles and fittings by some motorists and individuals.

In a statement released to the media, LCC Public Relations Manager George Sichimba said in the month of July, 2020 the Council recorded 11 incidences of damage, out of which seven (7) were incidences of motorists hitting into traffic light poles and four were theft of fittings.

“This unfortunate scenario is leading to solar traffic lights not working at full capacity,” Mr Sichimba added.

“The damage and theft incidences are rampant along Lumumba and Mungwi Roads.”

Mr Sichimba disclosed that the hit and run of the 3.5 meter traffic light poles by some irresponsible motorists is giving rise to theft of components as thieves are taking advantage of the situation.

He said in other incidences, some unscrupulous people are simply stealing components for personal gains.

“These irresponsible acts are a drawback to the road infrastructure development in the city,” Mr Sichimba said.

He charged that Government is spending colossal sums of money in road infrastructure in the city but enemies of development are busy frustrating the efforts.

Meanwhile, the local authority is appealing to motorists to be taking responsibility when they hit into a traffic or street light pole by reporting to the police or Council.

Mr Sichimba said that prompt reporting of such incidences will help the Council to quickly move in and secure the damaged installations before thieves pounce on them.

He stated that individuals who are in a habit of stealing solar traffic light components should be warned that it will not be long before the law catches up with them as surveillance has been heightened.

And LCC is calling upon members of the public to be vigilant and report to Police or Council, all those found tempering with road furniture in particular and public installations in general.

Winning hearts, one Chitenge at a time

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Winning hearts, one Chitenge at a time

Mbombo Laments Nkana Draw at Arrows

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Nkana striker Idris Mbombo laments Saturday’s away draw at Red Arrows that saw them fail to assume poll position on the penultimate day of the season in the race for the 2019/2020 FAZ Super Division title.

The record 12-time champions rallied from two-down after the hour mark to finish 2-2 at Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka to stay second and one point behind leaders Napsa Stars.

Mbombo was Nkana’s saviour on the day with a brace in the 68th and 73rd minutes.

“We didn’t come into the game nicely and we conceded early in the game. We tried to fight for the equalizer and fortunately we got the second goal,” Mbombo said.

Arrows stunned Nkana by taking a 1st minute lead through Joseph Phiri and James Chamanga added the second in the 57th before Mbombo saved Nkana.

“We didn’t come with a good strategy; this was our chance to win the league. Had we won the game, we would have already won the league but unfortunately we got a draw,” Mbombo said.
”
It is very painful for the team. I don’t know maybe it is the fact that we conceded early in the game. We didn’t come strongly in the first minutes of the game.”

Nkana are almost guaranteed to finish on 50 points with reports that guests and relegation zone side Nakambala Leopards have forfeited their remaining league fixtures due to Covid-19 concerns.

Napsa, who lead on 48 points, host Forest Rangers who are fourth on 46 points while defending champions Zesco United, on 46 points, await mid-table Arrows in a four-horse race for the league title in the August 6 finale.

“We will wait and see what results come out on Thursday, we will see what will happen,” Mbombo said.

72 per cent of Zambian businesses are unable to raise funds due to COVID-19, FSD Zambia

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72 per cent of Zambian businesses are unable to raise funds due to COVID-19, FSD Zambia

A survey on the financial impact of COVID-19 on SMEs conducted by the Zambia Financial Sector Deepening and BFA Global show that Zambian businesses critically need working capital, with 72 percent of businesses unable to raise funds.

The research, which was aimed at understanding the economic situation from the perspective of MSEs, shows that about 40 percent of them are seeing a significant decrease in revenues.

The survey was also designed to assess Medium and Small Enterprises digital readiness as a method to limit the impact of COVID-19.

FSD Zambia Chief Executive Officer Betty Wilkinson says the key issue of gaps in working capital is important and her Organisation will be looking for options to help financial institutions grow working capital loans to help the enterprises survive and thrive.

“The key issue of gaps in working capital is important. So is the optimism and commitment of small firms to stay alive through the challenging COVID-19 period. FSD Zambia will be looking for options to help financial institutions grow working capital loans and expand our own Working Capital Access project to help these enterprises survive and thrive,” she said.

And FSD Zambia Director Analytics, Floyd Mwansa said assessing the impact of COVID -19 on MSEs is vital, as their survival is important to sustain the livelihood of most households.

This is according to a statement released by FSD Zambia Head of Communications Eneyah Phiri.

Mr. Phiri states that the research, which was aimed at understanding the economic situation from the perspective of MSEs, shows that about 40 per cent of MSEs are seeing a significant decrease in revenues.

“The survey was also designed to assess MSE digital readiness as a method to limit the impact of COVID-19. Despite these odds, most MSEs foresee continuing operations. They are confident that their business revenue is enough for the same level of production and are optimistic about recovery” Mr. Phiri said.

As recent studies have shown, the lowest income segments are particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic slowdown. The survey by FSD Zambia and BFA Global was conducted to better understand the effects of the crisis on MSEs in the country.

The results of the survey will help FSD Zambia, Government and other financial market players to fill the gap in digital technology, to facilitate commerce not only in the time of COVID-19 but in the near future.

As MSEs are encouraged to adopt the use of digital platforms, partnerships among key stakeholders of the sector should aim to improve internet connectivity issues, technological infrastructure and lower prices of digital financial services.

WEEKEND SCORECARD: Forest Stay Positive Despite League Title Setback

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Forest Rangers coach Tennant Chilumba says they have a very big say in the direction of 2019/2020 league title in Thursday’s final round decider despite Monday’s loss in their penultimate league game of the season.

Forest returned to action after a controversial last three weeks that saw them out of action due to a reported 28 Covid-19 cases in their team.

But it wasn’t a memorable return after they lost 2-1 away at power Dynamos that saw them fail gain an advantage to go top of the table after staying put at number four on 46 points, two behind leaders Napsa Stars whom they host in their big season finale this Thursday in Ndola..

“Firstly I want to congratulate Power; they played a very tactical game. But of course we won’t sit down. We will continue working hard because the chance is still there,” Chilumba said.

“We have played Napsa before. We know they are tactical but of course we are lacking match fitness. We have stayed almost two weeks without training. But that is not the excuse. We will go back and work hard.”

The first leg meeting against Napsa ended 0-0 in Lusaka on November 2, 2019.

Four teams head into the final day with hopes of clinching this season’s title.

Defending champions Zesco are third, tied with Forest on 46 points, while Nkana are behind Napsa on 47 points.

Green Eagles and Zanaco have an outside chance of finishing second and are tied on 45 points.

WEEKEND SCORECARD

29/07/2020
WEEK 19
Green Eagles 0- Zanaco 1(Roger Kola 35′ pen)

WEEK 26
31/07/2020
Napsa Stars 2(Collins Sikombe 6’73’pen)-Buildcon 0
01/08/2020
Lumwana Radiants 0-Kabwe Warriors 1(Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba 27′)

Lusaka Dynamos 0-Zesco United 1(Paso Mayenge 40’og)

Red Arrows 2(Joseph Phiri 1′,James Chamanga 57′)-Nkana 2 (Idris Mbombo 68′ 73′)

02/07/2020
Green Buffaloes-KYSA*
Mufulira Wanderers 0-Nkwazi 1(Davy Kalandanya 20′)

03/08/2020
Nakambala Leopards-Zanaco*
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-Green Eagles 0
Power Dynamos 2(Luka Chamanga 16’59’)-Forest Rangers 1 (Adams Zikiru 82’pen)

2019/2020 TOP SCORERS
LEAGUE
03/08/2020

James Chamanga(Red Arrows):15
Baba Basile(Lusaka Dynamos):15

Idris Mbombo(Nkana):14

Jesse Were (Zesco):13

Rodgers Kola (Zanaco):12

Adams Zikiru (Forest Rangers):11

Collins Sikombe (Napsa Stars) :10
Jimmy Ndhlovu(Kabwe Warriors):10

Kennedy Musonda (Green Eagles 5/Power 4):9

Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes):8
Winston Kalengo (Zesco):7

Ronald Chibwe(Green Eagles):6
Emmanuel Manda(Lumwana Radiants):6
Moses Phiri (Buildcon 4/Zanaco 2) :6
Spencer Sautu(Green Eagles):6*
Bornwell Mwape (Napsa Stars):6
Daniel Chama (KYSA):6
Eric Choomba(Nkwazi):6

Kelvin Mubanga(Nkana):5
Chanda Mushili(Buildcon):5
Quadri Kola (Zesco 2/Forest 3):5
Larry Bwalya(Power Dynamos):5
Royd Alfonso (Kansanshi Dynamos):5
Chitiya Mususu(Zanaco):5
Elias Maguri(Nakambala Leopards):5

Luka Chamanga (Power Dynamos):4
Akakulubelwa Mwachiyaba(Kabwe Warriors):4
Aubrey Funga(Lusaka Dynamos):4
Moonga Chilimba (Buffaloes):4
Lassa Kiala(Zanaco):4
Chris Mugalu (Lusaka Dynamos):4
Fredrick Mulambia(Power Dynamos):4
Dave Daka (Power Dynamos):4
Webster Muzaza (Forest Rangers):4*
Jamal Jefaru (Mufulira Wanderers3/Buildcon 1):4
Martin Dzilah (Lumwana 3/Nkana 1):4
Tapson Kaseba (Green Eagles/Napsa 1):4
Jeff Banda (Nkwazi):4*

Danny Silavwe(Napsa Stars):3
Dominic Changwa (Lumwana) :3
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zanaco/Zesco 1):3
John Makwatta (Zesco):3
Stephen Mutama(Nkwazi) :3
Willy Stephanus(Lusaka Dynamos):3
Ali Sadiki(Kabwe Warriors):3
Felix Bulaya (Nakambala):3
Doisy Soko (Napsa Stars):3
Chaniza Zulu(Lumwana):3
Shadreck Mulungwe (Green Eagles):3
Laudit Mavugo (Napsa Stars) :3
Thabani Kamusoko(Zesco):3
Emmanuel Phiri (Kansanshi):3
Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows):3

$1 million Fire Truck fails to put out a small fire

editor
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$1 million Fire Truck fails to put out a small fire

Majority of COVID-19 Cases Still from Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces

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Majority of COVID-19 Cases Still from Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces

Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces still account for more than 70 percent of Covid-19 cases. The pandemic has on the other hand spread to almost all parts of the country.

Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya has since urged employers to exploit technology and encourage virtual work to minimize contact between people to stop the spread of COVID-19.

And Dr. Chilufya says the country has recorded 233 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours out of the one thousand 820 tests conducted.

He says the cumulative cases of the pandemic in the country now stand at 6 580.

Dr. Chilufya adds that the cumulative deaths are now 171.

He says the recovered number of COVID-19 patients is pegged at four thousand 7-hundred and one.

Dr. Chilufya revealed this today during the COVID -19 status update in Lusaka.

At the same function, Ministry of Health Director -Infectious Diseases Professor Llyod Mulenga said diarrhoea, vomiting, rush and fatigue are some of the emerging symptoms associated with COVID-19.

And Ministry of Health Deputy Director of Clinical Care and Technical Daniel Makawa who recently recovered from Covid-19 encouraged Zambians to prioritise tests for the pandemic for the treatment to be effective.

The Breakdown of  233 New Cases

  • 167 cases identified through healthcare facility screening in Lusaka (102), Mpika (19), Kitwe (15), Senga Hill (9), Luwingu (8), Kasama (6), Chinsali (5), Ndola (2) and Mungwi (1)
  • 32 individuals identified from routine community screening in Lusaka (22), Mufulira (5) and Ndola (5)
  • 21 contacts to known positive cases in Lusaka (20) and Mufulira (1)
  • 9 truck drivers in Chirundu
  • 3 healthcare workers screened in Lusaka
  • 1 passenger through KKIA

MISA commences capacity building training for local journalist

Chief Editor
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MISA commences capacity building training for local journalist

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has commenced capacity building training for local journalists and those from Malawi and Zimbabwe.

The training seeks to build trust and credibility in news writing for professional journalists.

Anderson Fumulani, a Malawian based facilitator says the programme comes at the backdrop of recommendations in the 2019/ 2020 media baseline report that capacity building trainings be undertaken to rebuild the lost trust in the media by the public.

Mr. Fumulani, a veteran journalist and media trainer said in Ndola today that the training session that will be conducted in Ndola, Lusaka and Chipata will be conducted for a period of five days where journalists will be enlightened on concepts of credible writing.

Ndola becomes the first town to host the training workshop drawing journalists from ten media organisations in the district.

Meanwhile, Journalists have welcomed the move by MISA, describing it as timely, as it will equip them with necessary skills that will enable them to execute their duties in a professional way.

Mulwanda Lupiya, a Zambia Daily Mail reporter said the workshop offers an opportunity for journalists to go back to their basics of journalism which will enhance accurate and credible reporting.

Agricultural prosperity forms the basis for the Socialist Party’s comprehensive development of Zambia-M’membe

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Agricultural prosperity forms the basis for the Socialist Party’s comprehensive development of Zambia-M’membe

FOOD is the result of farmers’ hard-work, says Socialist Party president Fred M’membe.

And Dr M’membe has pledged that under the Socialist Party government, agriculture would be the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment.

Dr M’membe said farmers were the backbone of Zambia and that one could not stand straight if their backbone was broken.

His comments are in light of this year’s Farmers’ Day, commemorated on August 3. “The life of a farmer is very tough as he or she works very hard day and night in all seasons for us. Our farmers deserve all our support and respect,” Dr M’membe said, on behalf of the Politburo of Socialist Party.

“Today is August 3, a day celebrated as Farmers’ Day to recognise the services rendered by our farmers to our people.”
He added that it was known by everybody that Zambia was a land of villages and that most of the populations residing in villages were farmers.

He said the Socialist Party dedicated Farmers’ Day to solidarity with farmers.

“And on this day, we salute all those who toil in the soil to feed us. Farmers who have made significant achievements should be honoured on this day,” he said.

“The advent of farming was a crucial turning point in the evolution of humankind. Human society has transformed from that of a hunter-gatherer stage to that of a permanently settled one because of agriculture.”

Dr M’membe said that farmers were the founders of human civilisation.

He said it was for that reason it is said “the ultimate goal of farming was not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings”.

“Our food is the result of farmers’ hard work. In the earlier days, farmers had to face threats only from nature. However, today apart from nature, they also have to face threats from decisions of treacherous politicians, transnational corporations who are the suppliers and owners of seed, suppliers of fertilisers and contract farming,” Dr M’membe said.

“The welfare of farmers and peasants has to be ensured. Only then can we ensure the comprehensive development of our society. The social service done by our farmers must be given its due.”

Dr M’membe further indicated that the revival of the country’s agricultural sector was one of the three pillars of the Socialist Party programme, in addition to education and health.

He said agricultural prosperity formed the basis for the Socialist Party’s comprehensive development of Zambia.

“It is said that agriculture not only gives riches to a nation but the only riches she can call her own,” said Dr M’membe.

PF Not Bribing UPND Councilors, it’s a crime and UPND should report their bribed councilors for prosecution

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PF Not Bribing UPND Councilors, it’s a crime and UPND should report their bribed councilors for prosecution

By Marvin Chanda Mberi

The wind of continuation for the ruling PF is now blowing nearly in all corners of the country as it has now become stable in the once upon a time UPND strongholds.

The popularity of UPND and its life President Hakainde Hichilema is fading and melting like butter in the Sahara desert while the popularity of PF is raising at an alarming rate like the sun rising from the horizon after dusk.

This is attributed to the mature and issue-based politics that the PF has embarked on with the development-oriented approach.

The massive resignation of councilors in UPND has brought about insecurity as the chances of the UPND coming second are reducing.

We have noted the growing tendency of UPND to attribute massive resignations to alleged corruption which we have carefully scrutinized and established to be untrue.

This is the lame excuse which has become an alternative way of blackmailing their political opponents who with vigor and determination will eliminate HH at the political battlefront.

It is inconceivable that to assume that the attention-seeking UPND can have evidence of bribery, conceal it and dare not to publish it in the press.

For a fact, bribery constitutes a criminal offense and UPND will do well to handover their councilors to the relevant institutions for prosecution as opposed to parading elderly people to expose their lack of consistency.

To the contrary, it is the UPND coercing its councilors not to resign to the party of mass movement and national character.

This is a scheme and the new political strategy UPND is using to quench their desperation to remain relevant in this era were the PF is the sole people’s choice.

We suspect and expect to see more UPND councilors taking resignations and later rescind their decisions with a view to seeking political attention.

We say so because in this era, financial transactions have a proper paper trail and beside their oral assertions, there is no other connecting link between the allegations and members of the ruling party or indeed any other official.

There is growing intolerance and dictatorial culture which is well entrenched in UPND. The inordinate delay by UPND to replace the two departed vice presidents exposes that the UPND under Hichilema will grant the President despotic power to the extent that he will concurrently be performing the functions of the President and that of the Vice President.

UPND is at the verge of being relegated to a regional party once the campaign mode commences as many big wigs will flex their political six pack and join the winning team.

Having sensed the pending humiliating defeat, the oldest active opposition party knows so well that it is at the verge of historic defeat and this is why they are hitting out in desperation.

For a fact, the PF is not on the business of buying people, it is a voluntary association that values the right of citizens to belong to the political party of their choice. The PF’S preoccupation is to popularize the political agenda of President Lungu and the various political programs.

The preoccupation if PF is to carry on the mantle, preach the gospel to the unconverted whilst leaving no stone unturned. We refuse to be the reason their political shutting down.

We can only assure the UPND to brace themselves for mass exodus at the 11th hour preceding the election which will usher in President Lungu for the second term in office.

We wish to repeat our earlier timely request for Mr Hichilema to quit politics and concentrate to pursue his calling in the corporate world.

We say so as we are concerned with the timely warning he was given by his sympathizers of possible manhandling at the hands of his sympathizers should he suffer defeat at the hands of ECL.

Ministry of Home Affairs Orders Private Organisations Monitoring National Mobile Registration to Disband

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Ministry of Home Affairs Orders Private Organisations Monitoring National Mobile Registration to Disband

The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned some Organisations that have given themselves the task to monitor the recently launched National Mobile Registration exercise, to disband their groups and give space to the deployed officers to carry out the national exercise.

Ministry spokesperson Nephas Chifuta says the Mobile Registration exercise is an ordinary operation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, under the Department of National Registration Passport and Citizenship and does not call for external monitoring by any other organisation.

Mr Chifuta says the Ministry of Home Affairs has its own internal system to appraise the exercise and has a mechanism to identify and revisit areas where issuance of identity cards should be enhanced or repeated.

He said the Ministry shall not tolerate any interference in the operations of the on-going Mobile Registration exercise and any person or organisation who will be found obstructing Registration officers shall be arrested and charged accordingly.

Mr Chifuta said there is no organisation that has been accredited by the Ministry of Home Affairs to carry out the monitoring exercise.

He said Police officers deployed in all registration centres are therefore, directed to deal firmly with any form of intimidation or interference from any person or organisation purporting to be accredited monitors for the exercise.

Mr Chifuta has appealed to all the stakeholders to encourage children who have attained the age of 16 and above to obtain the National Registration Cards and those whose National Registration Cards need replacement should be encouraged also to appear before registration officers whilst they are in the area.

He said the registration officers shall not be selective of who should be issued with the identity cards, however, the only requirement is to meet the required age.

Mr Chifuta said those without birth certificates or Under Five Clinic Cards are also encouraged to obtain the National Registration Cards, as long as one is able to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that he/she has attained the required age.

And Mr Chifuta said the Ministry is disappointed by the intimidating behaviour and interference being orchestrated by some Members of Parliament in North Western Province who stormed a registration centre and asked Registration officers unnecessary questions.

He said the Parliamentarian was accompanied by a large group of cadres from a known opposition political party, who illegally took photographs of the Registration officers.

“Furthermore, the Ministry wishes to correct the misinformation circulating in some sections of the media that Government has not paid Registration officers who participated in the 2015 Mobile Registration”, he added.

Mr Chifuta said the exact position is that Government has paid all the officers that took part in the exercise from North- Western and Luapula provinces.

He said Government has also cleared a large number of officers from the Copperbelt Province and has only remained with about 207 officers who could not be cleared due to some technical challenges and change of bank accounts.

“We appeal to the source of the misleading information to always consult the Ministry of Home Affairs before issuing public statements to avoid misleading the general public”, he added.

Power Dynamos Dent Forest Rangers Title Dreams

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Forest Rangers debut FAZ Super Division title hopes sustained a dent on Sunday when they lost 2-1 away to Power Dynamos at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

The game came a fortnight after the former league leaders Forest briefly withdrew from the race due to a reported 28 Covid-19 cases in their camp on July 18.

Forest return, though, was a forgettable episode after Power stunned them through a Luka Chamanga brace in the 16th and 59th minutes.

Forests’ consolation came in the 82nd minute via penalty converted by Adams Zikiru.

Forest stay put at number four on 46 points, tied with defending champions Zesco United, and are two points behind leader Napsa Stars whom they host in their league finale in Ndola on August 6.

Meanwhile, 2019 season runners-up Green Eagles are out of the league title race following a 0-0 away draw at relegation battling Kansanshi Dynamos.

Eagles are sixth on 45 points.

Away in Mazabuka, Zanaco swapped places with Green Eagles following a walkover victory over third from bottom Nakambala Leopards who failed to turn up for their home game at Nakambala Stadium where the seven-time champions waited at the gate.

At Shinde Stadium in Mufulira, 14th placed Nkwazi confined second from last Mufulira Wanderers to relegation after a 1-0 away win courtesy of a 20th minute goal by Davy Kalandanya to ensure their survival and send Wanderers back to National Division One football after two years of top flight action.

What is the real opportunity cost of the $13 million Kafue Flyover Bridge?

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What is the real opportunity cost of the $13 million Kafue Flyover Bridge?

By Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

Today is the day the Patriotic Front (PF) regime and President Edgar Lungu will once again parade the media and play and dance to the gallery as they commission the Kafue Flyover decongestion project.

The project has been built with $13m of debt money from India via EXIM Bank of India, and built by an Indian contractor – AFCON. Please note that because of the structure of implementation of the project, 75% – 80% of the project amount never actually came to Zambia, while Zambians will still be expected to pay around 10% of US dollar driven interest on the original loan amount.

So, we have the flyover yes, but what inherent economic value has the flyover generated which will generate $15m over the next 5 – 10 years for example to be able to pay back the loan in respect of this project?

For a UPND administration, $13m would have been enough money to recapitalize MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES, creating around 4,000 direct jobs, with another 1,000 indirect jobs through textile supply chain linkages such a cotton outgrower schemes, transport and logistics.

From the direct jobs alone, at our current personal taxation reforms proposals, that is $2.5m in tax revenues per annum for the country; while if we extend the revenue gains across the entire textile supply chain, the value tops $5m in tax receipts per annum.

With just Six (6) years of functional operation of a recapitalized MULUNGUSHI TEXTILES, a UPND administration would generate enough tax revenues to be able to not only repay the initial $13m loan amount, but also generate enough cash internally to build the equivalence of the Kafue Flyover.

For the PF regime, we Zambians will only have the flyover to look at while looking for money to maintain it – zero actual economic value.

But while this is going on, do Zambians know that some high ranking elected politicians in the PF are having luxurious lodges being built for them in our national parks using kickbacks money from infrastructure projects such as this one, although not exactly this particular one.

Wake up my people.

Tell your neighbor and ask your neighbor to tell their neighbor.

2021 is the year of Independence.

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