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The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested an Engineer in the Ministry of Works and Supply for corrupt practices.
According to the statement released to the media by Timothy Moono, the ACC spokesperson, Rabbis Musa Mukonta aged 59 of House number 3 Fiera Court Northmead Lusaka has been charged with one count of abuse of authority of office contrary to section 99 (1) of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Details are that Rabbis Musa Mukonta on unknown dates but between 1st October 2009 and 31st May, 2010 in Livingstone District being a public officer namely Acting Provincial Buildings Engineer at Buildings Department, Ministry of Works and Supply did abuse his authority of office in the manner he inspected the works and facilitated the issuance of certificate No. 3 certifying that works on the extension of an office block and rehabilitation of two staff houses for the Department of Metrology at Nanga in Mazabuka were completed when in fact not.
Mukonta has since been released on Bond and will appear in court soon.
Lusaka City Council Head OfficeTHE Lusaka City Council (LCC) is owed in excess of K35 million in unpaid commercial property rates and billboards from 30th March, 2017.
The Council has since dispatched bailiffs to help it recover over K18 million in commercial property rates and K17, 514, 724.15 from billboards.
Town Clerk, Alex Mwansa warned illegal billboard owners of punitive action and charged that the Council will apart from cutting down unauthorised billboards, not renew unpaid for billboards for the second quarter.
The Town Clerk strongly cautioned offenders that they risked prosecution through the courts of law.
He added that Demand notices for bills for the second quarter have since been dispatched.
“We are encouraging our debtors to come forward and pay what they owe the council. We are open on Saturdays up to 13:00 hours. Clients can either use the point of sale service or the Direct Debit and Credit Clearing (DDACC) with ZANACO, Stanbic, Natsave or UBA or they can deposit directly in their property rate accounts where applicable,” Mr Mwansa said.
Mr Mukwita, the Charge d’ Affaires at the embassy of Zambia in Sweden (C)
ZAMBIA’S Top Five placement as a preferred destination of investment continentally will increase interest from international investors seeking green-field and traditional investment opportunities said senior diplomat Anthony Mukwita.
Mr Mukwita, the Charge d’ Affaires at the embassy of Zambia in Sweden said the placement coming from an independent international rating organisation largely breaks the myth of negativity peddled by critics and re-affirms Zambia’s position internationally as the safe place to take money.
“The great thing about this ranking is that the favourable rating is coming from independent organisations and not Zambian organisations with a stake in the Zambian economy,” Mr Mukwita said.
According to the latest Africa Investment Index, Zambia has been placed at number five most favoured country of investment by Quantum Global’s independent research arm, beating even Africa’s second largest economy, South Africa.
This is the based on Zambia’s “significant domestic investment and access money supply” among other things but also includes the political stability Zambia has enjoyed since independence in 1964, free and fair elections plus upholding the rule of the law encouraged by President Edgar Lungu.
Botswana is the most attractive economy for investments flowing into the African continent, according to the latest Africa Investment Index 2016 (http://APO.af/sUtRNQ) by Quantum Global’s (www.QuantumGlobalGroup.com) independent research arm, Quantum Global Research Lab.
According to the Index, Botswana scores highly based on a range of factors that include improved credit rating, current account ratio, import cover and ease of doing business.
According to the report, the top five African investment destinations attracted an overall FDI of $13.6bn. Morocco was ranked second on the Index based on its increasing solid economic growth, strategic geographic positioning, increased foreign direct investment, import cover ratio, and an overall favourable business environment. Egypt was ranked third due to an increased foreign direct investment and real interest rates, and a growing urban population. The fourth country on the list, South Africa, scored well on the growth factor of GDP, ease of doing business in the country and significant population. Whilst Zambia was the fifth country on the list due to its significant domestic investment and access money supply.
Mr Mukwita, the Charge d’ Affaires at the embassy of Zambia in Sweden (L)
Mr Mukwita gave an example of his country of representation, Sweden where traffic and interest in Zambia has spiked upwards in recent months especially since the re-election of President Lungu and his open pledge to fight graft.
“Just last week a high powered technical delegation of ‘Team Sweden’ that seeks to revitalise Zambia Railways was in Zambia for what appeared like the umpteenth time doing on-spot physical checks on the more than 900 km railway line to see what repairs are needed in order to bring the railway back on track. We had a fruitful feedback in our office this week and a brief of Team Leader Mr Christian Bengtsson of Bombardier.”
Mr Mukwita said in weeks to come, more investors, perhaps in the agriculture and energy sector could travel to Zambia to explore more areas of taking direct investment to Zambia that could boost FDI, create jobs and slash poverty.
“Mr Bengtsson of Bombardier was part of a high level team that met the Minister of Finance hon Felix Mutati to sign agreements that could see up to half a billion US dollars get invested in Zambia’s transport sector by the end of the year. This is how much Sweden is interested in Zambia and a true example of FDI to flow into Zambia.”
Botswana is the most attractive country for FDI, Morocco is second, Egypt was ranked third while the fourth is South Africa that scored well on the growth factor of GDP.
Mr Mukwita said with the increased Economic Diplomacy drive by President Edgar Lungu and Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba, Zambia is likely to rise several notches up by the end of the year.
“The huge number of Presidents visiting Zambia and equally the huge number of invitations President Lungu is getting form leaders in Africa and beyond are also helping boost Zambia’s image abroad by money people,” the diplomat said.
Power Dynamos on Saturday welcomes Nkwazi at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe targeting to go top of the FAZ Super Division table.
Second placed Power and winless Nkwazi clash in Ndeke Township as the league enters round three.
Coach Dan Kabwe’s Kitwe side will go top with victory over Nkwazi in case leaders Green Eagles drop points at Lumwana Radiants.
Power sits on four points, two below Eagles, after two rounds of matches played.
The match will also test Power’s consistency levels having beaten Napsa Stars 1-0 on Sunday after starting the season with a 3-3 draw at Lusaka Dynamos.
Power’s Kitwe rivals Nkana are desperately searching for their first league victory when they line up against stubborn Napsa Stars in Lusaka.
Nkana and Napsa clash in a 13h00 kick off match at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Later at 15h00, Heroes Stadium will host the match between Lusaka Dynamos and Buildcon.
On Sunday struggling champions Zanaco and troubled Mufulira Wanderers will face-off at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Both teams are winless from the first two matches.
MTN FAZ SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURES FOR WEEK 3
SATURDAY, 22 April 2017
13:00~Napsa vs Nkana at (National Heroes stadium)
15:00 – (National Heroes stadium)
15:00~Power Dynamos vs Nkwazi
15:00~Zesco United vs Nchanga Rangers
15:00~City of Lusaka vs Konkola Blades
15:00~Real Nakonde vs Red Arrows
15:00~Kabwe warriors vs Forest Rangers
15:00~Lumwana Radiants vs Green Eagles
SUNDAY, 23 April 2017
13:00~Green Buffaloes vs Nakambala Leopards. (National Heroes Stadium)
15:00~Zanaco vs Mufulira Wanderers
(National Heroes Stadium)
Chilufya Tayali back at home
From the verbal aggressiveness of the Police, it was clear that, I was going in for a long haul of Easter holiday. I could tell that Bond was out of question so, I never bothered to even ask for it.
Being a man of faith, I accept whatever comes my way as if God has prescribed it for me for a purpose. So, I entered the cells with a positive attitude and open mind.
When I entered the cells, I was nicely welcomed by the inmates; among them were the four close associates (not cadres) of HH. Basically, I would not consider them as politicians because the 3 of them just work for HH like Amos Chanda. However, it is common practice that, you can’t work with a politician if you are not a party sympathizer.
The other guy can be considered as a close friend of HH who had gone to visit him at his House but caught-up in the ambush.
Two of them were charged with Treason while the rest were in for Obstruction of Justice when the police were conducting an illegal raid at HH’s house. I wonder who should be charged between one who is conducting and illegality and those were pleading for legality.
I really enjoyed the interaction and care I received from these gentlemen. Somehow, I feel like dropping my love for Eastern women and go Southwards because, Tonga women showed me that, they know how to care and love.
Our cells are usually overcrowded but not with real criminals who rob people at gun point, or the corrupt who have brought and sustained poverty in Zambia.
The most unfortunate, is that, the majority of the people in police holdings are young between the age of 16 to 23 years, at least these were the ones I found at Kabwata but I also spoke to the frequent offenders.
Many police officers, seem to enjoy their abuse of power to lock up people like treasury bond, which mature with the longevity. The longer people stay in cells, the more desperate they become to get out and they are ready to either pay a fortune or succumb to their oppressors, like in my case.
At times the cells are so full that, even sitting is a problem. Sleeping is always a nightmare, awashed by a strong stench from the filthy toilet without water. Inmates do not have the luxury of stretching legs while sitting or sleeping, unless you stand.
I found mostly liked to stand even at night because it was the only comfortable posture I could get. I adopted this habit because it kept my mind active and when I get tired, I could sleep for at least two hours.
This year, I have been so religious in following the mysteries (or events) of the life of Jesus so being locked up on Thursday before Good Friday, was an opportunity to share in the passion of Christ. I prayed most of the time and I shared the Pascal mysteries with my fellow inmates.
We usually prayed in the morning and in the evening. Standing up in the middle of the 2 x 3.5 meters cell parked with about 24 people, sited like squeezed bags of maize, was the best times of my time in the cells because it felt like the purpose of my presence among them. I gave them hope and spoke about God’s love as I we reflected on the suffering and resurrection of Jesus.
I shed tears on the second day (Good Friday), because one of my children (not biological but orphan) who is 11 years old wrote me a letter expressing her emotions. This girl had just come home for holidays after closing school with best results at the entire school, when the police called me to Northmead to arrest me.
The police officer who called me cheated that, they had one of the street kids in custody so I rushed there before we could even eat lunch with these two children I had just brought home.
This daughter of mine, said that, she wished, Easter would be different being with me at home, unfortunately those with powers had their plans. My tears, just don’t drop.
Unfortunately, my biological (two girls) children were among the last ones to know about my arrest. I don’t want to subject my children to stress when I am going through difficulties but I always want them to live the realities of life, unless, it is beyond their age and it would not spill in the public. I don’t want my children to hear anything about their father on News.
My street children, heard of my arrest and they launched a search to find me. They moved four police stations (Longacres, Kamwala, Town centre and Kabwata) on foot. They carried with them Bread and juice from the shop near my house, where we last got food on credit when I had no money.
Unfortunately, they could not see me at Kabwata because the police did not allow them. This morning they came and it was all joy as we laughed about their search and their attempt to go to a witchdoctor to secure my release using juju.
In cells, some people are sick and they get worse due to over crowdedness and negligence of some police officers. During my six days, we had 5 cases, two of which were HIV/AIDS related, one was epilepsy, the other one was fever. One boy had skin problem (like scabies) and two were badly beaten by the police and a mob.
Thanks to the officer-in-charge who responded positively to take one of the badly beaten to the clinic in the night while the rest, received little attention, especially the epileptic and HIV/AIDS patients who need to take medicines at specific times with a good diet. Likely, one was released on before I left.
The situation is really bad and I wish the police would be more professional in the way they handle their work because I think the congestion is owed that. Civil cases of debt, defamation, marital, personal conflicts among others, end up with people being locked up in cells by the police.
The human rights also, seem to be handicapped such that, the police don’t even fear to do wrong things. Somehow, Human rights need to be capacitated and effectively deal with human rights abuses otherwise, bad police officers, like Mwami One are having a field day locking up people at whim.
I am glad that I spent those days in the cells because I have hands-on information and if I will ever lead this Country, I will know exactly what to do. Without Mwami One putting me in there for 6 days, I would have not known, therefore, thanks Mwami One. I am certain that, whatever happens in future, I am the one that gained out of the experience.
Economic and Equity Party (EEP) is really being prepared nicely to look after the plight of people and I ask for your prayers that God will give us a chance to hold power and do the right thing. I am human, and they say, power corrupts but with your prayers, I can do the right thing to change Zambia for the better.
I shall talk about my experience at Kamwala remand Prison later.
Police in Lusaka have arrested a 32 year old man identified as Mwila Chungu in connection with a failed attempt to set on fire a bus at the intercity bus terminus.
The country has recently experienced a spate of fires mostly involving public property
In a statement released to the media, Zambia Police spokesperson Esther Katongo says incident happened on last evening between 20 and 21:00 hours.
Below is the full statement
We have picked up one person identified as Mwila Chungu ( 32) and we are looking for another person for attempting to set one of the buses ablaze at Intercity bus terminus.
The person who is on the run had set on fire a head sock which he later threw under one of the buses and alert members of the public rushed to the scene and quickly removed it.
The members of the public then turned on Mwila Chungu whom they had also suspected and after searching him they found a similar headsoak in his bag as the one that was thrown under the bus. They then apprehended him and reported the matter to police. All this happened between 2000 hours and 21 00 hours yesterday, 20th April, 2017.
The suspect is currently in police custody. Investigations and a manhunt for the person on the run have been instituted.
We therefore thank the alert members of the public for partinering with the police in promoting public security and safety and for preventing the misfortune from happening and we call upon them to continue being alert in avoiding any eventuality from happening.
MEANWHILE, We have apprehended one person and we are still looking for two others in connection with the stabbing of a minibus conductor at UTH. The suspect who was in the company of two others is believed to have come from Monze and were using a Toyota Corrolla . After a crowd was pushed from High Court by Police officers, part of it went to UTH bus station where the suspect started demanding money from the Victim, the bus conductor Shadreck Njovu. When he told them he had no money one of them stabbed him and rushed to their vehicle to change cloths.
They victimised another person whom they beat up and wanted to burn using a tyre. He was apprehended the same day around 10 00 hours. After searching the motor vehicle, a UPND membership card and UPND Regalia was found.
He has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault with Intent to steal contrary to section 295 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia. A search for the other two has continued.
He is currently undergoing medication at UTH as he fell in a ditch when police were pursuing him and had a dislocation on the leg.
ESTHER MWAATA KATONGO ZAMBIA POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Minister of General Dennis Wanchinga
Minister of General Education Dr Dennis Wanchinga says his ministry has not issued any policy statement to allow the distribution of condoms in schools.
Dr Wanchinga says he has continued to hear reports by some sections of the media who claim that the ministry has begun the distribution of condoms in some schools which he says are not true.
He says the ministry has not yet released a substantive policy or given the directive on the distribution of condoms in schools.
Dr Wanchinga has since dismissed as mere speculation reports that the ministry has allowed the distribution of condoms in schools.
The minister was responding to social media reports that the ministry has allowed and begun the distribution of condoms in schools.
Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) and the Green party has said that threats by President Edgar Lungu to declare a state of emergency are disturbing.
CiSCA mobilizing committee Chairperson Nicholas Phiri has reminded President Lungu that beating or corporal punishment by a public officer has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Mr. Phiri has referred to the case of Banda vs the People of 1999 in which the Court ruled that beating or corporal punishment is inconsistent with Article 15 of the Bill of Rights.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr. Phiri said that Article 15 of the Bill of Rights is therefore non-derogable.
Mr. Phiri said that this too meant that such a provision of the Republican Constitution cannot in this case be suspended even in an event of a state of emergency being declared in Zambia.
Mr Phiri said that the protection of people from inhuman treatment is also reaffirmed in article 16 of the convention on the elimination of Torture, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment.
Mr. Phiri further said that CiSCA has now established that the PF government is full of inconsistencies, incoherent and incorrect statements when it comes to upholding of national values.
Mr. Phiri said that they have particularly observed that in his recent public utterances, President Edgar Lungu has contradicted himself with what he said in his State of the Nation address to Parliament.
He has cited President Lungu’s recent statement that there is no need for the ruling PF to dialogue with the opposition UPND after the August 2016 general elections, as one such utterance that goes against his speech to foster national unity.
And the Green Party has released the following statement to the media on threats by President Lungu to impose the state of emergency
WE SAY NO STATE OF EMERGENCY: IT MAY WORSEN ECONOMIC SITUATION, SHOULD NOT BE CONTEMPLATED
The news from Livingstone that President Edgar Lungu may contemplate declaration of the state of emergency is extremely worrisome to us as the Green Party. We would like to appeal to the President to exercise maximum restraint on invocation of emergence powers at this point in time because instead of achieving socio-political objectives, the declaration is likely to unwarrantedly hurt the economic situation in the country.
A declaration of state of emergency will surely scare away most economic partners. In particular, it will invariably dissuade the IMF from the US$1.6 billion bail-out Zambia. Since emergence powers authorize the taking of possession or control by government of any property or undertaking as well as limiting or suspending civil liberties and human rights, these measures run afoul with IMF policies. In essence, a state of emergency will entail that all the good work that Minister of Finance Felix Mutati has done so far to secure the bail-out to stem the US$800million loan-repayment default goes down the drain. In addition, such measures will unduly scare away foreign direct investment. This means the US$2.8billion plans to refinance the Euro-bond will be a pipe-dream.
We strongly believe that the sporadic arson that the country is currently witnessing in some parts of the country is not extraordinary to warrant implementation of emergency law which invariably leads to restrictions on normal economic, civil or political activity and rights in order to address the extraordinary circumstances that have given rise to the emergency situation. We do not believe that the situation is exceptional as to warrant limiting or suspending civil liberties and human rights. It neither poses a fundamental threat to the country nor presents an imminent danger to any community. The arson situation can be ably dealt with by merely elevating security surveillance without necessarily declaring a state of emergency.
Emergency powers should only become necessary or expedient to secure public safety, the defence of the Republic, the maintenance of public order and the suppression of mutiny, rebellion and riot, and for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest, an epidemic, a financial or economic crisis or a widespread and pervasive general strike. Only then can certain restrictions may be fully justified.
Furthermore, there is a danger that government may take advantage of a state of emergency to introduce unwarranted restrictions on human rights and civil liberties, not only to neutralize political opponents, but also for other self-serving purposes. This may give rise to “constitutional dictatorship”. We therefore urge President Lungu not run that risk.
Vice President Inonge Wina says government remains committed and will always support programmes of the COMESA Court of Justice.
Mrs. Wina says the COMESA Court of Justice is important for maintaining the rule of law in the region which will in turn deepen regional integration.
She said the court will help resolve disputes arising in the region.
The vice president has also called on the regional body to sensitise the community on the role of the court.
Mrs Wine also called on Zambian lawyers to maximize their opportunities that they work in the COMESA court of justice.
She was speaking at the COMESA court of justice publicity seminar held under the theme the role and operations of the COMESA court of justice: supporting economic integration within COMESA region.
The Vice President has also congratulated the current COMESA court of justice judge president Lombe Chibesakunda for being elected in 2015.
And Justice Chibesakunda says there is need for lawyers to position themselves to fully utilize the services that the court has to offer.
And COMESA Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya commended the COMESA member states for ensuring that the court is strengthened and remains independent.
Mr. Ngwenya was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by his legal counsel Brian Chigawa.
It’s official! Diamond Platnumz will headline this year’s Mosi Day of Thunder in Livingstone on April 29.
Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist and dancer Naseeb Abdul Juma, popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz, is among the highest-earning artists in the region.
He is best known for his hit song Number One, which featured Nigerian artiste Davido. Diamond has won numerous awards at Channel O and the HiPipo Music Awards. He performed at the Big Brother Africa 7 eviction show in 2012.
He will be joined live on stage by chart-topping acts by the cream of local talent: Danny Kaya, Urban Hype, James Sakala, Jay Rox, Chef 187, Slap Dee, Marimba Band from Avani, DJ Psycho Tash and Bittersweet poets.
“All is set for next weekend’s event – it’s going to be thunderous. It is official: Diamond Platnumz is coming for this year’s Mosi Day of Thunder, joining with our very special local artists,” said Zambian Breweries marketing head Nomonde Donsa.
In addition, the music, arts and culture extravaganza will see the unveiling of a new Mosi song, in a never-before-seen collaboration by local artists from different genres.
Zambian Breweries will also be unveiling exciting news about the iconic Mosi lager brand as part of the festival, which will be a celebration of Zambia through all senses at party-goers will see, taste, hear and feel the Mighty Thunder.
Mosi Day of Thunder will also celebrate Zambia’s cultural heritage in partnership with the Tourism Department and the National Heritage Conservation Commission
Over 7,500 party enthusiasts from across Zambia and beyond attended last year’s event, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
Zambian Breweries has expanded the format this year to encompass the best of Zambian music, arts and culture, as well as arranging for ticket holders to the Mosi Day of Thunder to get free access to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls – The Smoke that Thunders’ – (Victoria Falls) as the iconic falls hits its peak water volume.
The Mosi Day of Thunder captures Mosi lager’s aim to unite Zambians to unleash thunderous potential. Tickets are K50 and available from Computicket in Shoprite stores nationwide.
The Mosi Day of Thunder is not open to under-18s.
Mazhandu Family bus after a road accident
in February
Mazhandu Family Bus Service has been give back its operating license.
The License has however been restored on condition that the Bus service fulfils three conditions.
The license has been restored following the Road Service Appeal Tribunal sitting.
Mazhandu Family Bus Service has agreed in a consent judgment that it shall avail all its vehicles to the Road Transport and Safety Agency -RTSA- for road worthiness inspection in accordance with the law.
According to the Tribunal judgment availed to ZNBC News by Ministry of Transport and Communications Head of Public Relations Brian Malama, Mazhandu Family Bus Service shall also avail all its drivers to RTSA for retest pursuant to the road traffic act.
The bus service will also implement the workplace road safety policy of 2017 on or before May 31, 2017.
The policy involves driver management, vehicle management, journey management and health and safety at the work place.
In Febuary, RTSA suspended the Road Service License for Mazhandu following a spate of crashes resulting in the deaths with the last one killing 10 people on Great North road.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu chats with Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa at the 2017 Infrastructure Symposium.
Some 400 blue-chip stakeholders from all strata of Zambia’s infrastructure sector gathered in Lusaka this week to seek practical solutions to the sector’s nagging challenges as well as to share past successes.
The 2017 Housing and Infrastructure Symposium, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development and financed by Stanbic Bank, was being held at the Mulungushi International Conference centre. Running under the theme “Towards Smart and Resilient Infrastructure”, the symposium is taking place from April 20-21, 2017.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu graced the occasion, stressing the need to expand and modernise the infrastructure base of the country with effective participation of the private sector.
President Lungu also said infrastructure development in today’s world could not be pursued without taking into account issues of sustainable environment management and the impact of climate change.
“The adverse impact of climate change is enormous. It is therefore imperative to construct infrastructure that will not only meet the prescribed standards but will also withstand the effects of climate change,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu said the Housing and Infrastructure Symposium was timely, as the government had prioritised housing and infrastructure development, investing significantly in the modernisation of various infrastructure around the country.
“This investment is intended to accelerate our country’s socio-economic development for the benefit of the people, in line with the goal of prioritising housing and infrastructure development as a catalyst for sustainable development,” he said.
President Lungu said going forward, the notion of smart and resilient infrastructure would be embedded in all infrastructure programmes in Zambia.
Stanbic Bank, the sponsor of the symposium, outlined its various banking solutions, including Enterprise Banking and Construction Banking, which are key to supporting infrastructure investment by both small and large industry players.
The bank has a long history of supporting the infrastructure sector. Over the last 60 years, Stanbic Bank has supported investments in massive infrastructure development spanning a wide range of sectors that include energy, agriculture, housing, mining, ICT and retail.
Stanbic Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa said the financial sector’s support to infrastructure development was key to spurring economic activities
“Our purpose and resolve for existence is that Zambia is our home, we have to be part and parcel of driving her growth,” he said. “To drive this growth that we are talking about, as a bank we need to look within. Not only have we invested in the construction of more than 30 branches countrywide but we recently implemented a US$25 million ICT infrastructure platform called Finacle that has linked all our branches, allowing us to provide our clients with a superior customer experience through continuous digital innovation.”
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu meets Stanbic Bank Senior Relationship Manager Sonke Soko during a tour of stands at the 2017 Infrastructure Symposium.Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa greets President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at the 2017 Infrastructure Symposium.
Mr Mudiwa said although achieving smart and resilient infrastructure would come with its own climate change-related challenges, tackling these challenges would call for innovation and ingenuity from the financial sector.
“We must be prepared to deliver customised and relevant products and services. It will perhaps even push us away from the usual way of doing business and to the next level of financial services provision for this particular market,” he said.
Minister Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela said the ggovernment had prioritised infrastructure development as a key strategy for realising sustainable socio-economic development.
“The modernisation and expansion of the infrastructure base that we have witnessed throughout the country bears testimony to this fact. Major areas of focus have been in the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of roads, construction of new schools and Universities, construction of modern health centres and hospitals including improvement and construction of infrastructure in the energy, water and sanitation sectors,” he said.
Mr Chitotela, however, noted that the country was faced with a huge housing deficit of about 1.3 million housing units and hoped that the symposium would provide the government with a platform to find solutions to facilitate public and social housing development in order to secure housing ownership for Zambians.
The symposium will discuss the subject of infrastructure across various thematic areas including transport, water and sanitation, private and public infrastructure, mining, industry, energy, agriculture, ICT as well as housing. It will also include an exhibition to give participants an opportunity to showcase their companies and organisations, equipment, materials, services, innovations related to industries and services, new knowledge and other practices.
The Patriotic Front is aware that the trust backing the UPND leader is bent on interfering in our internal politics and this they have been doing for a while. They were in Zambia during last year’s campaigns as Hichilema’s image builders and consultants and today they have lined up their people across the continent and indeed the globe to issue statements aimed at creating a false image of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as a tyrant.
We have noticed a desperate attempt by some paid voices for hire that are hell bent on tarnishing the image of Zambia as a peaceful country and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as a just and astute politician. In recent past, we have been greeted with imperialist corporate interests and voices inducted by the foundation to forward and safeguard these interests and profits in Africa. This is a type of neo-colonialism with a band of hired guns or stooges to which HH is a member earmarked to deliver Zambia to them.
‘Money over matter’ type of politics have been at play ever since UPND leader HH was arrested and charged with treason among other offences following his publicly televised reckless ‘race’ against President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade on the day of the Kuomboka Ceremony.
We cannot discuss the matter in detail because it is before the court but nevertheless we can give the general public, local and beyond, a perspective or context so that they are not duped by the pack paid for and owned by a well known Foundation.
This Foundation’s members include the loudest voices in this African Game of Thrones were the voices for hire want to demonise President Lungu, an educated lawyer and seasoned politician who knows that the best a leader can do is follow the law and not defy it wantonly in order to remain relevant.
On 25th January 2015, President Edgar Lungu, grossly under rated by HH and his under educated image builders was sworn in as President of Zambia after a gruelling nail biting race. HH refused to recognise the vox populi then and embarked on all manner of defiance that smacked of nothing but illegality.
This included derogatory language heaped on President Lungu that cannot under normal circumstances be allowed in a functional or budding democracy like Zambia. His legislators frustrated parliamentary debates and embarked on all sorts of cheap schemes to frustrate the government including dramatic but unparliamentary walk outs.
President Lungu still marched with eyes on service to the people, proceeding to win another election and beating HH for the second time in under 20 months, perhaps the source of the intense bitterness HH holds against President Lungu—twice beaten twice bitter!
After the ECZ declared President Lungu, HH cried foul like the political baby that he is, stamped his feet like a toddler and ran to the Constitutional Court with a pack of lawyers looking for a pay day. After a gruelling two weeks of back and forth at the Constitutional Court, HH lost to the same man he had contempt for, for the third time in 20 months, a very painful pill to swallow.
During the two week period, President Lungu remained calm, prayed and did not succumb to the insults HH and his friends kept hurling at him, even after the Constitution Court on 12th September returned with a verdict that the ECZ was right, Edgar Lungu was legally the President and HH had lost. This was the fourth time HH was losing to the same opponent in less than 20 months.
Instead of swallowing the humble pie, HH now resorted back to insults, calling an elected President Lungu a ‘hyena with no plan ‘and any sort of derogatory terms he could muster during his public outcries for attention, but President Lungu ignored him.
Without commenting on a matter before the Courts, it’s clear that after running out of patience after sensing President Lungu would continue ignoring him even if he stood up on the hill and insulted him, a desperate HH moved his drama a notch up as the circulated video depicted and almost caused serious death and or maybe even potential death of the elected President that day in Mongu. The footage is there for all to see and it speaks volumes regarding what HH’s obsession for the Presidency has driven him to; levels were he does not mind causing harm both to himself and other individuals.
We therefore call upon his vuvuzelas paid for by well-known neo-colonialists to step back and see the context and history of their ‘bad boy’s ‘behaviour they sink more money in a bottomless pit of losses. It is a fact that HH is a political loss super case study and his supporters must wake up to this reality before he grinds all of them to a political abyss or worse still get someone killed with their reckless demonstrations.
President Lungu has shown under pressure that he will observe the law to the matter so therefore if anyone wanted to be fair and chose sides, let them chose President Lungu. Zambians and the President love their peace and have shown their commitment to peace through very trying times. This is because President Lungu respects the rule of the law—HH doesn’t.
HH with his friends and their questionable financiers on the other hand have shown relentlessly that they will work doubly hard to destroy the peace that President Lungu guards jealously. Some of these mouthpieces do not have any morality to lecturer anyone, later on Zambia about democracy and peace building. They carry more dictatorial baggage than anyone can ever imagine. Others suffer from the same complex of refusing to accept the will of the people as HH does. They have never understood that Vox Populi, Vox Dei. It is laughable that bloodthirsty individuals and former dictators, including the “Nazi Party” in South Africa are paid to speak in order to tarnish Zambia’s enviable image.
We are also not shocked when UPND is supported by the Democratic Alliance (DA). This is a political party that seeks to undo all that the people of Zambia sacrificed for in securing South Africa’s Freedom. DA is political party that exists to strengthen the hand of the apartheid legacy and racial supremacy in South Africa.
Everyone understands that neo-colonialism uses the likes of Mmusi Maimane to advance or implement foreign/alien agendas against the true wishes and felt interests of the marginalised indigenous majority. The beneficiaries of South Africa’s apartheid regime who represent capital have morphed into DA’s Mmusi Maimane. DA is not a project of Maimane; the original owners of DA are the Leons and the Zilles. Maimane knows that he is a political front and while he retains his name, he speaks and represents the interests of his matters the neo-colonialists.
In particular, we wish to challenge Mr. Raila Odinga to tell Zambians the lessons he learnt from Kenya’s Post-election violence after he behaved like Hichilema by refusing to accept the will of the people. Thousands of Kenyans lost their lives because Mr. Odinga refused to accept the will of the people after he accused former President Mwai Kibaki of rigging the election. This is Mr. Odinga’s style of politics and there is no doubt that Hichilema is being a very good student. Zambia is not for sale to the highest bidder!
While we do not agree with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF’s) statement in totality, we agree when EFF confirms that Mr. Hichilema’s neo-liberal ideas will not lead to much needed transformation of social circumstances and economic emancipation in Zambia. The EFF is correct when it correctly states that the people of Zambia, through peaceful elections chose President Edgar Lungu, whom through political tolerance and harmonious contestation of ideas was able to lead an effective campaign. Further, the EFF is correct when it pronounces that they believe President Lungu had made progressive and admirable decisions to work with members of opposition party when elected in office to transform social circumstances and economic emancipation of people of Zambia. We certainly have no doubt that if availed the right information regarding Zambia’s socio-political and legal regime, most of EFF’s other concerns would not even arise.
Lastly, we therefore call upon Zambians of goodwill to reject populist business interests that threaten to slide Zambia in a dangerous abyss of chaos and possible spillage of blood. Let it be told to those who seek to auction our country to the highest bidder – keep your money, we will keep our country, our honour and our peace.
The Author is the Media Director of the Ruling Patriotic Front Party in Zambia
President Lungu speaking to Chief Sinazongwe at his Palace in Southern Province 21-04-2017. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
SOUTHERN PROVINCE chiefs have welcomed President Edgar Lungu who is in the province to address various development agenda’s for the province.
Receiving the head of state at his palace Snr Chief Mweemba of the Tonga people of Sinazongwe said President Lungu is the Head of State and as traditional leaders they are privileged to have him want to work with them.
The Chief Mweemba announced that as Snr Chief in the valley region he wanted to convey that they were receiving the head of state with open arms.
“We are the valley chiefs and we receive your with open arms… we receive you with both our hands… we are privileged to have you here,” Snr Chief Mweemba said.
And in response President Lungu thanked their Royal Highnesses for their warm welcome.
He noted that he wanted to work with all traditional leaders in his development agenda but noted that those who did not want to partner with government would not halt government plans.
He re-echoed his statement by saying, “those who do not want to work with us please, step aside and let us work.”
Chief Mweemba (r) and Chief Sinazongwe joyfully welcomes President edgar Lungu at Chief Sinazongwe Palace in Southern Province 21-04-2017. Picture by ROYD SIBAJENE/ZANIS
Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu says he is done with politicking and wants to divert his energy to the development of Zambia.
Speaking when he visited Sinazongwe district Nzenga Farm on the occasion of the national field day by NWK Agri-services, President Lungu observed that government wanted to partner with great initiatives such as the cotton farming at Nzenga farm to help develop Zambia.
He observed that the time for politicking was long over and between now and 2021 he wanted to make a positive difference to the development of Zambia.
President Lungu observed that government was not an island that can work alone if they wanted to successfully develop Zambia.
He observed that various stakeholders needed had key roles to play and his government was ready to partner with these stakeholders.
President Lungu noted traditional leaders, the private sector and the community and key stakeholders in the development of any region.
He advised the private sector to not fear government offices when they have challenges and requested that they always maintain an interactive approach in their business.
“Together we can develop Zambia. Your issue of the tractors we shall look into it and table it. We are interested in partnering with great projects like this one, We are tired of politics, it’s time to work we will get back to politics in 2021,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu said government would strive to create a conducive environment for businesses to flourish as their growth greatly contributes to the development of Zambia.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested an Engineer in the Ministry of Works and Supply for corrupt practices.
