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Tourism Sector in Zambia growing -Ambassador Siwela

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Ambassador Sheila Siwela Flags off ZTB Roadshow - 24th September, 2010

The Zambia Tourism Board recently kicked off the Zambia 2010 Travel Road show in Washington DC with a colourful display of artifacts at the Zambian Embassy. The Travel show is designed to promote travel to Zambia by way of workshops. During the workshops, travel professionals from the US will meet with Zambian suppliers and companies that offer products and services in Zambia.

Her Excellency, the Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America, Mrs. Sheila Siwela told the American tourist professionals that Zambia’s tourism sector has been steadily growing fast as the second most important economic segment after agriculture.This was issued in a press release made available to Lusakatimes by Ben Kangwa,First Secretary (Press) for the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC.

Ambassador Siwela noted that tourism contibutted around four percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Statistics show an increase of about 15-28 per cent in the number of visitors to Zambia. According to the “AfricanMecca Inc.” the latest arrival statistics based on 2007 stands at 805,059 visitors from 690,000 in 2006.

Some of the displays laid out at the exhibition hall at the Zambia Embassy, Washington DC. Pictures by Ben Kangwa.

Flagging off the Zambia 2010 Travel Show at the Zambia Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Siwela said the United States of America is Zambia’s second tourist market after Europe.

Ambassador Siwela revealed that in 2009, the North American market recorded around 40,000 arrivals and appealed to the US and Canadian travel professionals to partner with Zambian private sector tour operators in selling Zambia to the American public.

“We aim to more than double this number for the coming years and can only achieve this target with you as our partners,” she said.

The travel show is designed to promote travel to Zambia and to educate travel professionals about the country’s wide range of travel options and services.

During the workshops, travel professionals will have the opportunity to meet with Zambian suppliers and companies that offer products and services in Zambia and learn about the latest tourism developments.

The seven day road that started in Washington DC will moves to New York where 100 travel professionals are expected to attend while other cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto in Canada are expected to attract about 180 travel professionals to attend.

Zambia Tourism Board Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stein Liyanda has meanwhile said the road shows were timely given the placing of tourism as second on the economic development agenda of the country.

“This event not only serves in keeping the US tour professionals up to date with the latest developments taking place in our country, it is also intended to attract tourists and holiday makers in big numbers,” he said.

Mr. Liyanda also applauded government for paying particular attention to the development of tourism by involving private sector participation in the industry.

He said, “In the Fifth National Development Plan, the policy of government is for the private sector to drive tourism development and contribute to making Zambia a major tourism development destination.”

He said he was excited about specific tourism projects such as the Northern Circuit in the North and Luapula provinces, noting that the two provinces are endowed with an array of tourist attractions that are of national, regional and international significance.

The US $400 million Kasaba Bay Tourism Resort Development project (KBTRDP), he said, comprises Nsumbu and Lusenga National parks, the Lumangwe and Kabwelume water falls and the towns of Kaputa, Mbala and Mpulungu.

He was optimistic that once the project was completed, it would be the most preferred destination in Africa as it is strategically located to receive tourists from East Africa and Great Lakes region. The program will include upgrades of airport facilities, roads, telecommunication, electricity, accommodation, water and shopping malls.

Mr. Liyanda also stated that another area of interest was the Greater Livingstone and the Kafue National Park whose infrastructure would improve tourism and also lure new investors.

Some of the displays laid out at the exhibition hall at the Zambia Embassy, Washington DC. Pictures by Ben Kangwa.

From the private sector, Managing Director of Zambezi Shuttles Limited based in Livingstone, Mrs. Rachel Lungu Ward who is part of the delegation said the Road show offers an opportunity for her to network with American travel professionals as well as to raise awareness of Zambia’s emerging tourism sector.

And the Managing Director of United Touring Company (Livingstone), Ms. Charity Chewe, was quick to state that the Zambian private sector’s participation at this year’s road show would boost numbers of American travelers to Zambia.

She said the fact that statistics of numbers of tourists from North America who visit Zambia were steadily growing, there was need for aggressive marketing of tourism.

“Basically, I have been able to explain where Zambia is located , its proximity with neighboring countries vis-a-vis the Victoria Falls and how they can package their tours from America to Zambia first before extending their holiday elsewhere,” she said.

Other members of the delegation include Board members Mr. Martin Simwaka and Mr. Matongo Matamwandi and the Zambia Tourist Board Acting Marketing Manager Mr. Donald Pelekamoyo

Zambia at the Cross Roads

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By Gerald Nkisu Katayi

In any country that practices multi-partism, it is normal to come to a cross road after every four, five or six years. Zambians is such a country; next year will be a decisive year, through the ballot, voters will be directing the destiny of their country. The Electoral Commission, The ruling party, the NGO’s, and the opposition seem to be preparing for the day of the battle. The mixture of excitement and anxiety can be felt in the air a year before the actual day.

But some how, there’s a strange phenomenon among the players; the ruling party seem to be determined than the opposition. His Excellence Rupiah Banda (H.E.R.B) like a good general is organizing his troops for the D-day. He has recruited the likes of F.T.J the self proclaimed “political engineer”, VJ, “election consultant”, the violet cadre William Banda, and recently he recruited a physical trainer. That is not enough; Mr. Banda like “the Camel’s nose in the tent” story has gone a second mile to remove obstacles like Magande and Mpombo from the MMD to secure his re-election.[pullquote]High office is like a pyramid; only two kinds of animals reach the summit, reptiles and eagles.” But in Zambia even hyenas reach the top. But in the next general and presidential election, let reptiles and eagles only reach the top. [/pullquote]

Who should blame RB for preparing himself? There is no gambling like politics. It has been said, “To be a chemist you must study chemistry; to be a lawyer or a physician you must study law or medicine; but to be a politician you need only to study your own interests.” Therefore RB is proving to be a good politician by attending to his own interests.

Outside the MMD; the atmosphere is set, the opposition political cadres are ready, NGO’s are ready, some priests are ready, but the opposition leaders are not ready. They are not ready because procrastination, power struggle, selfishness and bickering are dividing them. The bickering is who should lead the pact. This is the cause why ruling parties in Africa stay in office for ever because the opposition only concentrates on one portfolio- the presidency! The supporters are ready, but can not do it alone, they are like sheep without a Shepherd, but who shall lead them?

Even though RB and the MMD are doing their best to stay in business, all is not well in their quarters. They have a lame duck; the president. The flying from one country to another like a “president without borders” is not digested well among many voters. Dr. Sondashi once said, “I want to go to State House to enjoy myself.” May be this is what the president is doing and that can be a hole in the MMD’s amour. If recent by- election results in Ndola and other parts of Zambia are indicators of what is to come; the MMD must work harder.

What about the opposition? With the lukewarmness in the opposition; victory over the ruling party will not come on a silver platter. At least history has taught us that a divided opposition can never remove a ruling party from office. A divided house can not stand! Therefore, if the opposition loses, they should not accuse the ruling party of rigging elections. Greed and incompetence in the opposition is eating them like cancer.

And in the view of this author, petitioning and contesting presidential elections in the courts of law after a candidate is declared a winner does not work. Therefore, let the playing ground be leveled, selfishness be cast aside and as one wise man have said, “High office is like a pyramid; only two kinds of animals reach the summit, reptiles and eagles.” But in Zambia even hyenas reach the top. But in the next general and presidential election, let “reptiles and eagles only reach the top”.

VJ backs Speaker

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FLASHBACK: Vernon Mwaanga meets former Zambian envoy to Mozambique George Chulumanda at the Congolese national day in Lusaka

PARLIAMENTARY Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga says the ruling in which Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwa reprimanded Kafulafuta Member of Parliament George Mpombo over his conduct is consistent with the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Mr Mwaanga who was speaking in an interview yesterday advised the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) to study the Standing Orders of Parliament instead of being quick to attack the Speaker.

“It is unfortunate that SACCORD does not understand the Standing Orders of the House yet go ahead to accuse the Speaker of being biased. I expected SACCORD to be well informed,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate to accuse the Speaker of gross irresponsibility when he was acting within the confines of the law.

Mr Mwaanga said members of Parliament enjoyed absolute freedom but that freedom should not be extended outside the House when the subject matter is what was discussed in the House.

He said this was not the first time Mr Mpombo was being reprimanded but he has alleged continued to conduct himself in an unacceptable manner.
Mr Mwaanga said MPs are expected to behave in an honourable manner.

He said Mr Mpombo should have made his remarks concerning the Presidential speech in Parliament.
“While in Parliament, Mr Mpombo did not debate the President’s speech yet he goes outside Parliament to make disparaging remarks against the President,” Mr Mwaanga said.

SACCORD has accused Mr Mwanamwambwa of being biased in the manner he handled Mr Mpombo’s matter.
Last week, Mr Mwanamwambwa castigated Mr Mpombo for disparaging President Banda.

SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma is reported as having said Mr Mwanamwambwa was violating the law and undermining the separation of powers.
And the MMD on the Copperbelt has advised Mr Mpombo to heed Mr Mwanamwambwa’s warning to stop issuing disparaging attacks against President Banda.

MMD Copperbelt provincial vice chairman, Jerry Mukonkela said in an interview in Ndola that Mr Mwanamwambwa’s warning to Mr Mpombo is timely.

“We advise Mr Mpombo to heed Speaker of the National Assembly, Amusaa Mwanamwambwa’s warning that he should stop insulting President Banda because it is an offence. We also call on law enforcement agencies to do their work,” Mr Mukonkela said.

He advised Mr Mpombo and all well meaning Zambians to accord President Banda the respect he deserves as head of State.

On Wednesday, Mr Mwanamwambwa cautioned Mr Mpombo against issuing disparaging attacks against Mr Banda because it is an offence.

Mr Mwanamwambwa wondered what the law enforcement agencies are doing about the matter because it is an offence to insult the Presidency especially that it is provided for in the Penal Code.

Mr Mukonkela also castigated Mr Mpombo for his remarks that President Banda is claiming credit for projects initiated by President Mwanawasa.
“Mr Banda took over from President Mwanawasa and he has to finish all those projects,” he said.
Mr Mukonkela said Zambians were going to blame Mr Banda if he decided to abandon projects which had already taken off.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Magande party going nowhere

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Education Minister and MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya (R)

The MMD has described as over ambitious the decision by former Finance minister Ng’andu Magande to form another political party and warned that he will sink into political oblivion.

Mr Magande confirmed yesterday that he was one of the pioneers of the National Movement for Progress (NMP).

MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya said Mr Magande’s party would only be at the provincial level with little influence and that the MMD would defeat him in any election.

She said Mr Magande had given an impression that he was the best minister of Finance Zambia ever had when he was just given an opportunity to serve in the position.

Ms Siliya said there were thousands of Zambians who were better than Mr Magande and held higher qualifications than the former Chilanga Member of Parliament.

[pullquote]Mr Magande confirmed yesterday that he was one of the pioneers of the National Movement for Progress (NMP).[/pullquote]

And Evangelical Church in Zambia bishop Paul Mususu criticised Mr Magande for forming a political party.

Bishop Mususu said there were many political parties in the country which the former Finance minister should have joined.

He said even though democracy allowed people to form political parties of their choice, there was need to reduce on the multiplicity of political parties.

It would not be possible for newly formed parties to have unique manifestos from the existing ones.

Mr Magande said in an interview that he would offer himself as a presidential candidate in the 2011 elections.

“The movement has been established by my supporters who feel that they needed a forum to continue discussing. Even me I need to find a channel through which to communicate.

“In fact this movement started in North-Western Province and it is countrywide,” he said.

Mr Magande said he had done everything and that now it was time for him to lead Zambia.

He said it was a fact that he was part of the Government that helped the country attain the Highly Indebted Poor Countries completion point, and that it was also during his time that Zambia attained single-digit inflation in 30 years.

North-Western Province NPM pioneer Logan Shemena, who is a former United Party for National Development (UPND) secretary general, said the movement was spreading “like a bushfire”.

“With the cracks in the UPND and the confusion in MMD, the movement is spreading like fire. For now we are not focusing on leadership but to grow the movement,” he said.

[Times of Zambia]

Why State Run Institutions, in Zambia, are Inefficient?

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By Wesley Ngwenya

If you went to a state run institution in Zambia, chances are you are going to have a negative experience. A simple question will not be answered by the person at the front desk. They will refer you to another officer who will also refer you to another officer who will tell you to come tomorrow. It is indeed a nightmare to deal with these institutions. Since oftentimes, I have to “do business” with these institutions I have made some observations why they are inefficient.

Political interference is perhaps the biggest stumbling block in making these institutions economically viable. Most state run companies have managing directors who are hired purely because they are MMD party members, supporters or sympathizers. Institutions such as National Housing Authority, Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation and Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission are just a few of the many institutions, in Zambia, headed by people who are MMD party members or supporters.

As long as government continues to interfere in the running of these institutions, through the appointment of senior management we will continue having third class institutions which will be delivering third class products and services. Political interference is a deadly virus in our economic system. The government needs to leave professionals head these organizations. In addition, they need to let the institutions run independently and become competitive on the marketplace.

Lack of accountability both by management and government is a huge problem facing these institutions in our country. The way resources are managed leaves much to be desired. No one seems to be accountable of anything in these government run institutions. By the way, when I talk about resources, I also mean human resource. There seem to be lack of accountability on how human resource is used in these places. I always wonder why there are so many people who are literally doing nothing. Other resources such as cars, fuel, phones and other benefits are abused. There is so much over-expenditure that needs to be urgently controlled.

Inability to execute and make decisions by senior management is a big problem facing our state run institutions. The decision making structure is complex, unclear and lacks consistency. Senior management is afraid to make both critical and simple decisions because they have to consult with government “just in case”. Therefore, decision making process takes overly long. If it is a company that has competitors, it leaves them lag behind while others forge ahead. Even when decisions are made, there is no execution and adherence to agreed upon plan. Things are just left to sort themselves out.

These institutions need to create a simple decision making process where both senior and junior managers need to be given powers to make decisions. In order to do this, the managers (especially juniors) need to be equipped with necessary information so that the turnaround of making decision is shortened. I look forward to be able to go into an office where I am referred to an officer who is able to help me completely without referring me to another officer.

Position driven not performance driven culture is one other thing destroying our state run institutions. People working for state run institutions seem to be obsessed with titles. It is more important to address them with fancy titles than to look at their performance. That is why oftentimes their job descriptions and key result areas are vague. This is also the reason why they end-up over-employing because it takes two or three to do a job that could otherwise be done by one person.

About a year ago, an officer from a government run institution was offered a job by a Non Governmental Organization (NGO). His contract could not be extended because he could not perform. This person had quite a senior position in the government run institution. He never used to do much in this job. He was offered quite a junior job but of course the pay was good. He could not write reports or meet deadlines.

The danger of having people in positions who are doing little or nothing creates a risk of breeding a workforce that is not performance driven. In fact, it promotes laziness. There is need to create measures in order to monitor and evaluate performance for every personnel in the organization.

High management and operational costs make these institutions less competitive. It is difficult for some of them, such as ZESCO, to make profits or let alone break even because their management costs as well as the operational costs are too high. Even when they continue to raise the price of their products they continue to be dysfunctional. These companies need to come up with cutting edge products and improve on delivery. What more if we had competitors on the market would they survive?

Unskilled and de-motivated employees is also a major factor that makes state run institutions inefficient. Most employees in these institutions are stuck to their old ways of doing things. Even in this era of computers they still cannot tune themselves to starting using them—even when they are right there on their desks. They are slow in delivering and there are no signs of this changing anytime soon. They lack cross-organizational experience having only worked with one employer for 20 to 40 years. They are therefore unable to remain innovative for their employers. These employees are de-motivated because there is no motivation from the top. The working conditions for the employees on the ground are terrible.

Nepotism is one virus that has crept all levels of Zambian society. It is in our schools, churches, workplaces, in our cities, rural areas and just about everywhere. It is worse in government and state run companies. Since many of these senior managers are hired using the same virus, they also tend to use the same methods to hire their own.

There is a classic example in the recent government sold ZAMTEL to LAP Green of Libya. A whole extended family lost their jobs. There were uncles, aunties, fathers, sons, daughters, cousins, and nephews—the whole clan. I feel sorry for them although many of them got an unfair advantage over many other Zambians who were qualified and could have performed their lost jobs better perhaps.

Zambia needs a work culture revolution if it has to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 let alone becoming a middle income country by 2030. It should start with our politicians who are purely financially driven as opposed to service driven. Little wonder why we continue getting poorer and poorer 46 years after independence. It is time we turned tables around by introducing new ideas in the system. We need fresh and vibrant young men and women to run our state institutions. We even need fresh young men and women to run government. Last but not the least we need a fresh and young person lead government. Maybe things will move just for once.

Zambia Team Heads For Commonwealth Games

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The Zambia Commonwealth games bound team will likely be temporally accommodated in a hotel as their hostel in the games village in New Delhi is still not habitable.

The 22-member team leaves for India Tuesday afternoon for India and are due to arrive on Wednesday ahead of the event that will run from October 3 to 14 in New Delhi.

A tour on Saturday of the Games village by members of the Zambia mission in New Delhi revealed that Tower Number 17that is allocated to the Zambian contingent had inadequate bed-capacity and was not in satisfactory sanitary state.

The build-up to the Commonwealth Games have been hit with revelations of inhabitable living conditions in the Games village that has led some countries to delay their arrival for the  three-week event.

Zambia is sending representatives in track and field, boxing, swimming, badminton, squash and bowling.

RB thanked for first Boarding school for deaf

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Director of HIV/AIDS and Human Rights programmes for the blind Elijah Ngwale has commended President Rupiah Banda for allocating K30billion for building the first ever boarding school for the Deaf which will cater for about 500 pupils from basic school to senior secondary school.

Mr. Ngwale said this was a welcome made by the government to consider the deaf who were facing a lot of challenges to cope up with the ordinary schools .

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the new school should be a centre for excellence for the people who are physically challenged in society.

However Mr. Ngwale also commended the Ministry of Education for training and employing blind persons as teachers in the country adding that Ministry being the biggest government employer of the physical blind has been promoting the like another able persons in key positions as head teachers and lecturer at UNZA

Mr. Ngwale appealed to the ministry to domesticate Act 24 of the convention on rights of persons with disabilities which stipulates that qualified Blind Persons must be employed as teachers .

He appealed to the ministry of Education to also ensure that each blind teacher is provided with Computer Braille equipment and Braille paper to enable teachers effectively work.

During his Presidential address to parliament, Mr Banda reaffirmed governments’ committement to improving the welfare of the physically challenged in the country.

ZANIS

Zambian chiefs urged to be enterprising

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FLASHBACK: LUAPULA province minister Boniface Kawimbe with senior chief Milambo and Chief Kasoma Lwela when the Minister paid a courtesy call to both chiefs in Mansa.

Government has reiterated its appeal for chiefs to become enterprising and form companies to enable them bid for different contracts from government and other institutions.

Speaking today during the installation of chief Mununga, Luapula province minister Boniface Kawimbe said government would love to see chiefs become part of wealth creation in their chiefdoms.

Dr Kawimbe said there is no law or policy in the country that restrains chiefs from forming construction companies or any business venture like cooperatives.

“Chiefs can be able to form a company and bid for contracts like for infrastructure development or get the contract to clear the leave-way along ZESCO power-lines,” he said.

He noted that government has the money but it will not be enough to give to chiefs so that they can become wealth, hence encouraging them to become more enterprising.

He also reiterated the need for local people to get involved to building decent palaces for their chiefs.

He said in fact the development of chiefs’ palaces should be done out of constituency development fund.

Dr Kawimbe handed over the chieftainship rod, the chiefs black and maroon robe, Zambian flag and a date stamp as part of the government recognition.

Speaking through his spokesperson Bilton Sokoni, chief Mununga thanked government for recognising him as the duly elected chief of the Shila people in Mununga area.

The chief said although there was delay to recognise him for reasons that cannot be mentioned in public he was delighted that government gave him the recognition.

He also appealed to his subjects to maintain peace and security if the chiefdom is to develop.

Chief Mununga also described Census as an important exercise for national development and made an earnest appeal to his subjects to cooperate with enumerators by giving them accurate information once the exercise starts.

ZANIS

Zambians in Ethopia ready for Diaspora serminar

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FLASHBACK: President Rupiah Banda greets Mathews Mtonga, a Zambian student in Ethiopia after a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence in Ethiopia when he visited that country

Zambian Ambassador to Ethiopia Albert Muchanga has commended Zambians living in Ethiopia for their readiness to participate in the Diaspora seminar.

Speaking during the Association of Zambians in Ethiopia (AZE) general meeting in Addis Ababa yesterday, Mr. Muchanga said that it was gratifying to see Zambians in Ethiopia unite with the Zambian Embassy to strategize how to effectively participate in the development of the country.

Mr. Muchanga said that Zambians working abroad should not be referred to as brain drain but brain gain because of their intellectual and monetary resource can contribute to national development.

He said he was hopeful that the seminar will enlighten Zambians living in Ethiopia on opportunities available for investment in Zambia.

The AZE members in collaboration with the Zambian Embassy agreed to hold a seminar in Addis Ababa before the end of the year where Zambian some experts in finance, trade and investment are expected to come and make presentations that will focus on encouraging Zambians living in Ethiopia to invest in Zambia.

And AZE Chairperson Cosmas Chanda commended the Zambians in Ethiopia for exhibiting a strong team spirit in strategizing how to contribute to their country’s development.

Mr. Chanda said Zambians working abroad were looking forward to a Diaspora policy that would provide an enabling environment for them to invest heavily back home.

This is contained in release to ZANIS from the Zambian Embassy, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia signed by the First Secretary – Press Dorcas Chileshe.

ZANIS

PF/UPND Pact urged to sort out differences now

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The Southern Centre for Constructive Resolutions of Dispute (SACCORD) has urged the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Patriotic Front (PF) Pact to quickly work out their differences before the 2011 general elections.

SACCORD Information Officer Obby Chibuluma says there is need for the two parties to find lasting solutions to their problems if they are to remain as a strong opposition alliance.

Mr. Chibuluma told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today, that the current confusions in the Pact are likely to weaken the position of an opposition Political Party in the country.

He charged that in a democratic country it is important to have a strong opposition Party hence the need for the leadership of the two parties to promptly sort out their differences for the benefit of Zambians.

He said this is why leaders of the two Political Parties should meet and make decisive action whether their alliance is sustainable or not.

Mr. Chibuluma noted that the current revelations were the two parties are issuing contradicting statements is a clear indication that there is no unity between them.

He added that other problem that is weakening the Pact is because members have too much power therefore making the leadership of the two Political Parties with little control.

He further advised that it is for this reason that the Pact should come out in the open and let the Zambians know they position if their still in an alliance or they are working as two separate entities.

There has been growing misunderstandings in the UPND/PF Pact were members from both Parties are castigating each other in the media.

PF Vice President Guy Scot is today quoted in the media having said that the UPND is trying to build its image at the expense of PF, a statement which has argued UPND Deputy Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa and since urged PF to clearly state its position whether it is still interested to be in the Pact.

Yesterday over 350 opposition UPND and PF from Kanyama constituency were reported to have defected from their parties to join the ruling MMD accusing their entities of having lost direction and focus.

ZANIS

FRA releases K 3.4 Billion to Kalomo District for grain purchase

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The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has released about K3.4 billion Kwacha for the purchase of maize in Kalomo district Southern Province.

Kalomo District Commissioner Justus Phiri says out of the 7 million metric tonnes that the district recorded in the last farming season about 778, 000 metric tonnes has so far been bought.

Mr. Phiri said the maize has been bought from 21 maize depots in the district adding that government is targeting to buy all the maize harvested by farmers in the district.

He said it is governments wish to ensure that the welfare of farmers in the district and that of other farmer’s country wide is addressed to motivate them to work even harder in the next farming season.

Meanwhile the District Commissioner has revealed that a number of developmental projects are being implemented in the district.

Mr. Phiri cited the upgrading of the district hospital at a total cost of about K1.2 billion and the upgrading of major roads in the district as part of the developments being implemented by government.

Other developments Mr. Phiri cited include the grading of roads such as the Chikanta road which leads to Chief Chikanta’s area and the 150 Kilometers Ngoma roads leading to the Kafue national Park.

He said about 71 kilometer of the Ngoma road has so far been done and expressed satisfaction on the workmanship on the road being constructed by Crocodile Construction a consortium of South African and Zambian contractors.

ZANIS

VEEP calls for increased social responsibility

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Vice President George Kunda

Vice President George Kunda says while government is doing its best to create an enabling environment for investors to invest in the country, it is important for such investors to plough back part of their profits into the communities they are operating in.

Mr. Kunda says government is mindful that investors are using Zambian resources to make money, saying it was therefore the responsibility of every investor to identify themselves with the people in areas they are operating in.

He said investors should always practice good Corporate Social Responsibility so that they ordinary Zambians can benefit from their resources.

Mr. Kunda was speaking at Mailo Basic School yesterday when he received a donation of 70 desks and sports attire valued at over K 50 million from ZAIN Zambia.

He commended ZAIN for not only providing cellular phone network but also assisting vulnerable communities especially in areas of education.

Mr. Kunda said government has been following with keen interest what ZAIN Zambia has been doing not only in urban areas but rural areas of the country as well.

He said the donation will go a long way in creating a good learning environment for children in the area.

“Investors can tap natural resources of Zambia and make money because as a government, we have provided a conducive business environment for them”, he said.

Mr Kunda said this is important because investors who come into the country also provide the much needed revenue for government to initiate other development projects in all parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Mr Kunda has appealed to ZAIN to provide mobile telephone network coverage in Chief Mailo’s area.

He said this was important because the area can provide good business for the company, adding that government through the Ministry of Transport and Communication was looking at ways through which communication can be improved in all parts of the country.

Mr. Kunda said this will enable all Zambians to understand what is going on in their country and other parts of the world as well.

He said communication is a key factor in national development.

Speaking earlier, ZAIN Zambia Managing Director Yayaz King said in line with ZAIN’s Company policy, education is one of the top priority in its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

Mr King said under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility flagship programme “Build our Nation” ZAIN has since 2005 supported schools in all the 72 districts of Zambia by rendering support to communities through school expansions, infrastructure renovation and donation of desks and literacy materials.

The ZAIN Zambia Managing Director said this in a speech read for him by ZAIN Manager DTH projects, Martin Mambwe.

Meanwhile, government has devised a programme through which it wants to rehabilitate Mailo Basic School and construct an additional 1X3 classroom block.

Mr. Kunda said t the same occasion that money for the project has already been set aside and all that is been awaited is for the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) in Serenje to release the money.

Mr Kunda said government is committed to ensuring that as many schools as possible are constructed so that children can have the opportunity to access an education.

ZANIS

New Garments

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Provide for those who grieve…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor”
(Isaiah 61:3, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you need a new garment today? I’m not talking about a physical garment. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing ”heaviness?” If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord. But the Bible also tells us that God wants to give you a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness and despair.

Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? It’s time for a new garment. The garment of praise is light and filled with peace and joy. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore. Choose to forgive those who have hurt you and praise God for what He’s doing in your life today. If nothing else, start thanking Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. Just like this verse says, you will be as strong and secure as a tall oak tree, displaying His splendor all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I come to You today and ask that You take off my old, heavy garments of despair and heaviness. Make me new today. Give me a garment of praise so that I can be a display of Your glory and splendor. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Power Dynamos Advance In Barclays Cup

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Defending Barclays Cup champions Power Dynamos coach Fordson Kabole was very brief about his side’s victory at Woodlands Stadium today over Nkwazi and expectations in retaining their title.

The Super Divsions longest serving coach who is never an easy man to catch for an interview discribed the win as a way forward.

“The result is a step into the semifinals football is about attitude on that particular day we are planning to succeed,” Kabole said.

Power beat Nkwazi 1-0 through a 10th minute goal from Luka Lungu in the second match of the Woodlands doubleheader.

And in the lunchtime kickoff, record two-time Barclays Cup champions Zesco United also reach the last four after a 1-0 win over division 1 south leaders Nakambala Leopards courtesy of a first half goal from promising winger Kangwa Chileshe in the 15th minute.

And in the doubleheader at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe, Zanaco beat Green Buffaloes 2-0 thanks to goals from Venecious Mapande and Lottie Nyambili.

Lime Hotspurs were the only lower division team to advance after Nakambala were eliminated by Zesco when they beat Nchanga Rangers 4-2 on post-match penalties following a scoreless draw in the later kicoff at Arthur Davies.

Meanwhile, Faz communications officer Erick Mwanza said semifinal draws will be made this coming week.

Government pledges continued support to training institutions

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FLASHBACK: Science Minister Brian Chituwo (r) and UNZA vice chancellor professor Staven Simukanga after a graduation ceremony at Evelyn Hone college

Government says it will continue to provide guidance and support to training institutions in order for them to operate effectively and render quality service to the community.

Minster of Science Technology and vocational Training Brig General Brain Chituwo said his Ministry will ensure success in training the youth is attained to positively contribute to the labour demands of the nation.

Brig Gen Chituwo said this in a speech ready for him by Copperbelt University Vice Chancellor professor Mutale Musonda at the 6th Graduation of 197 students at Kitwe Vocational Training Centre Management Board (KVTCMB) in Kitwe yesterday.

He said the institution initiative for working towards self-sustainability by running a profitable production unit in order to strengthen their revenue base was commendable.

Dr Chituwo urged other higher learning institutions to emulate KVTCMB’s initiative to help students to become self reliant.

He added that his Ministry shall endeavor to continually lobby for capital funding to address the challenges faced by the institutions.

And principal of the institution William Mutale said the institution is faced with a lot of challenges one of them being lack of adequate boarding facilities for students.

Mr. Mutale said despite the difficulties the centre continues to demonstrate to the Zambian people that technical colleges are important in the development of the nation.

He added that institutional bursaries are provided for vulnerable children as a way of empowering them with necessary skills to be self reliant.

Meanwhile KVTCMB acting Board chairperson Joackin Mumba said the management is proud that the centre has not experienced any class boycotts by students or strike buy staff which shows how disciplined the institution.

ZANIS

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