Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa says government has made progress in developing a minimum wage for the transport sector through the Labour Advisory Committee.

Mr. Muntengwa says the minimum wage will, going forward, act as a basis for unions in the transport sector to negotiate for conditions of service for their members.

He reiterated government’s commitment to developing a Statutory Instrument that regulates conditions of service for protected workers.

And Mr. Muntengwa has advised drivers in the transport sector against going on strike over the minimum wage because they do not fall under protected workers.

He says the planned strike is illegal because drivers in the transport sector have no sector minimum wage.

Addressing leaders of four transport sector unions at his office in Lusaka today, Mr. Muntengwa said the unions are instead supposed to negotiate for better conditions of service for their members.

He said striking before any dispute has been declared is illegal and drivers found wanting risk being fired by their employers.

The transport sector unions that attended the meeting are National Union of Transport and Allied Workers, United Truck Drivers and Allied workers Union of Zambia, Zambia Bus and Taxi Union of Zambia and Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers and Allied workers.

By Musyani Siame

Many feeder roads in Lusaka have been stripped off of the trees and left naked due to road constructions. From independence avenue to Haile Selassie to Great East Road, to Lake Road, to Kabulonga Road and to many more, the view of the roads has turned into a sorry site and the pain of deforestation is unbearable to the people who value trees.

Take for instance, Haile Selassie Street in Long Acres was not so long ago one of the prettiest road to drive on because of its beautiful array of trees alongside. These trees did not only provide the beautiful scenery in the manner they were arranged but also a nice shade with colorful flowers during summer and fresh air to the environment making Long Acres more attractive including the business complex.

(Long acres Business Complex along Haile Selassie Road: Picture Courtesy of Project Environment 2020)

Moreover, these trees have been in existence since the colonial era and one mighty say they have really been standing for many years. However, the trees and their goodness along the roads have continued to be cut down in just a short a period of time to pave way for the rise of the new monster in town ‘’road constructions’’ under government’s Lusaka decongestion project. The sacrifice of trees on most roads has come at a cost when the construction of roads become priority by the government.

Nevertheless, the expansion of roads in Lusaka is triggering mega questions to the general populace. Firstly, are road constructions a necessary evil to the surrounding trees and people? Secondly, should we keep seeing our nice feeder roads being stripped-off of the beautiful trees and leave them naked and exposed to the effects of climate change? Thirdly, are there ways in which government can expand roads without cutting down trees? Fourthly, are there ways also we can replace the already cut down trees and restore all the functions and benefits fallen trees used to provide?

While such questions remain unanswered, I am tempted to believe that solutions lie within ourselves as people and all stakeholders to begin to undertake both intensive and extensive tree planting projects along the affected roads and help the city to cope with the effects of climate change such as floods and drought and increase the longevity of our roads as well as people.

The citizens of Lusaka and the government, working together alongside civil society organizations can see to it that trees are replanted back along the roads after the completion of the road constructions. It is also the mandate of the contractors working on various roads to conform to the terms of references of their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) which explicitly exemplify vegetation cover replacement projects at the completion of a project before the trees risk being wiped out in the city. Monitors and regulator of road projects must up their game and help replant the fallen trees. The truth of the matter is that; many more streets are about to be undressed as they lineup for road expansions.

I cry for these trees because they exist to give us hope for life. Hope to a better future. The trees along the roads function together and are connected in one way or another to the roots and to the branches. This is a symbol of unit, peace, love and togetherness. So, as a people we need to emulate this ecological life of trees which we can only do when they are standing and we can only see them standing when we replant.

When we are united with love to one another and spirit of togetherness, we can conquer and achieve the common good just like the way trees do. Just to give a little more latitude to this fact, this can be lesson to the various political groupings ahead of 2021 general elections. Let’s emulate the nature of trees because to a higher degree, trees can teach us how to replace political violence with love. From trees we can learn how to replace political vengeance with forgiveness. And from trees we can learn how to replace political hate speech with good speech. From trees we can learn how to replace tribalism with the spirit of togetherness and oneness. Therefore, we cry for these fallen trees along the streets at the realm of road constructions because they are our hope and the future.

As a people of good will, we urge the government, the public, the NGOs, road contractors, environmental regulators etc. to come together and find ways of restoring trees along the streets especially that urban forestry has dwindled in Lusaka mainly due to deforestation.

I feel government must deliberately set up a fund to support urban tree planting projects. Although there are few channels of funding to tree planting projects such as the one under Ministry of National Development Planning, many stakeholders in environmental sector do not know about them because of lack of awareness by the government on availability of such funds and how to access them.

On the other side, NGOs dealing with environmental issues such as deforestation have become too reluctant in pioneering tree planting projects in the face of road infrastructure development. Nevertheless, a few are exceptional and I can take this opportunity to recognize the relentless efforts made by Earth Alive Group organization for advancing urban tree planting awareness programs.

As I conclude, I would like to remind you that trees provide hope and life. Let’s plant trees and help combat effects associated with climate change. If you indeed want to leave legacy plant a tree. I am not in any way implying that road development projects are bad, but they need to be implemented in a sustainable manner which does not pose a threat to the environment.

The Author is an Environmental Consultant

Vice President Inonge Wina says there is no witch hunt regarding the proposed Commission of Inquiry into the Privatization process.

Mrs Wina noted that setting up the Commission of Inquiry into the Privatization process would help expose a lot of issues that were done unjustly, illegally and subjected many Zambians to suffering and poverty.

Speaking during the Vice president’s session in Parliament today, Mrs Wina said there is need to bring the matter of Zambia’s privatization to conclusion once and for all. The Vice president noted that the privatization exercise took place about 30 years ago and there is need for the case to be put to rest.

Mrs Wina was responding to a query on why government has not set up a Commission of Inquiry on gassing as pledged instead of the proposed inquiry on the privatization process.

She explained that government has been unable to set up a commission of inquiry on gassing because the matter is before the courts of law.

Mrs Wina stated that one gasser has been convicted while others suspected to have been behind the gassing incidents are still before the court.

Meanwhile, the Vice president has urged Zambians to take the voter registration seriously to ensure that they get registered as voters.

“ECZ didn’t just wake up to demand a new voter’s register,” said Mrs Wina.

Ms Wina said several factors have necessitated the compilation of a new voters register in line with the audit of the 2016 general elections as well as electoral observer mission’s views.

Mrs Wina stressed that it is also paramount that deceased voters are removed from the voters register.

And the Vice president has dispelled reports that civil servants in certain areas around the country have abandoned their work and are busy campaigning for Patriotic Front(PF).

Mrs Wina said anyone with evidence pointing to civil servants participating in partisan politics should report to relevant authorities.

US says it will watch Africa elections closely and has warned of travel bans for those interfering in democratic process and sponsoring electoral violence

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned that his country will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process.

Mr Pompeo said the US will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those responsible for election-related violence.

In a statement, Mr Pompeo said the United States is committed to supporting free, fair, inclusive elections.

“The conduct of elections is important not only for Africans, but also for defenders of democracy around the world. We believe all sides should participate peacefully in the democratic process. Repression and intimidation have no place in democracies,” he stated.

He said the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and association are at the heart of a functioning democracy.

“Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties, and platforms. We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those responsible for election-related violence,” he said.

“As long-time partners to the nations of Africa, we care about the region’s democratic trajectory and are committed to working constructively with international and regional partners.”

President Edgar Lungu says there is need to give room to reform old pieces of legislations such as the Public Order Act. The President has noted that the Public Order Act is a law that was inherited from the British colonialists and was good for the British government then.

President Lungu adds that reforming old laws is an area in the law reform process which can be cooperated extensively with what is trending.

He says reforms are the only way the country could match modern democratic trends as existing by global standards.

President Lungu was speaking at State House yesterday, when the United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Africa, James Duddridge paid a courtesy call on him.

“Law reforms are of importance in this country and right now in parliament we are trying to process the law so that it meets the expectations of the people in terms of liberties to assemble and to speak,” President Lungu said.

And the President acknowledged the historical relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom that created a special bond and strategic partnership between the two countries over many years.

President Lungu expressed gratitude for the UK’s generous support to Zambia in various sectors such as education, social protection, conservation and health including in the fight against the CIOVID-19 pandemic.

“The Zambian government values its special relations with the United Kingdom under the Common wealth which espouses the values of democracy, human rights, sustainable development, peace and security and good governance among others,” the President stated.

Meanwhile, the President reaffirmed the Zambian government’s continued commitment to further strengthening the relations and cooperation with the United Kingdom at bilateral and multilateral levels, for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

President Lungu also bemoaned the COVID-19 pandemic which he said has affected countries worldwide including Zambia and the UK and that with countries working together, the pandemic can be conquered on a global scale.

The Head of State further observed that Climate Change has also continued to be a challenge amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Zambian government is committed to the values espoused in the Commonwealth Charter, we are grateful to the UK government for the able manner in which it has steered the affairs of the Commonwealth in its capacity as chair in office,” said the President.

President Lungu also informed the UK Minister for Africa that various government agencies and ministries are making progress in preparations for the 2021 general elections.

He assured that the government will support a free, fair, transparent and credible election, which would reflect the will of the Zambian people.

“You are coming at a time when we are just getting ready for the 2021 elections. This election is very important for us. We want it to be free, fair and credible,” President Lungu stated.

And Mr Duddridge hailed the excellent historical relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Duddridge also announced additional funding to support Zambia’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrition programmes, Small Medium Enterprise Development and economic growth.

“I look forward to getting to know more about the country and the challenges in exchange with your views on what’s happening. I also look forward to a more mature relationship of trade and prosperity and transitioning Zambia into a middle income country, opportunities of more trade, opportunities of doing business directly with the UK and opportunities for increasing revenues,” the UK Minister said.

The Presidential solar milling plant empowerment in Mwinilunga District of North-Western Province has started bearing fruits.

Kapelupelu Women Multipurpose Cooperative working with Mwinilunga District Show Society has started producing breakfast Mealie Meal using the Presidential hammer mill empowerment at affordable prices.

Mwinilunga District Show Society Chairperson, George Mbimbi said the joint venture with the cooperative is a good move because it will help Mealie Meal prices to reduce in the district.

Witnessing the official launch of the milling project, District Administrative Officer, Kelvin Ndandanda expressed happiness that the solar milling plants which are an initiative of President Edgar Lungu are bearing desired results.

“The initiative by Kapelupelu Women Multipurpose Cooperative together with Mwinilunga district show society creates self-reliance, sustainability as well as job creation in the district.

“I appeal to other cooperatives in the district to emulate Kapelupelu Women Multipurpose Cooperative,” Mr. Ndandanda said.

Speaking at the same event, Mwinilunga District Cooperative Development Officer, Desmond Simfukwe said he is delighted with the initiative taken by the cooperative and the show society as one of government’s desire is to see value addition from the cooperatives to make money, more profit, and improve their lives.

Mr Simfukwe also appealed to other cooperatives in the district to add value to their products in order to further reduce Mealie Meal prices in the district.