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MPs urged to take national matters seriously

Guest Editor
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Some Members of Parliament follwoing proceedings during the official opening of the house

The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolutions of Disputes, SACCORD, has called on the Zambian parliament to take national issues seriously.

SACCORD Information Officer, Obby Chibuluma, says as parliament resumed sitting yesterday, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed by the legislature almost immediately.

Mr. Chibuluma said parliament must this time around follow up reports by the office of the Auditor General which have been bringing to light numerous cases of misappropriation of public funds.

He said these are issues parliament should address by ensuring that they are thoroughly debated on and a way forward found.

And Mr. Chibuluma has appealed to the parliamentarians to debate the constitution making process which he says has no clear direction.

He said the process is taking too long, adding that it is not clear as to when and how it is expected to end.

Mr Chibuluma has also called on parliamentarians to represent the people of Zambia genuinely.

He said SACCORD would want to see an effective parliament as the country approaches the 2011 tripartite elections.
[QFM]

State House launches Diaspora Survey

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State House has launched the Zambia Diaspora Survey which is a study designed to find out more about Zambians living abroad. The study is aimed at finding out wishes that Zambians in the Diaspora have in the context of contributing to national development.

President Banda and his assistants emerging out of State House to officiate at a function

This is according to an article that has been pasted on the Zambian State House website. The results of the survey will be used to inform the development of Diaspora friendly policies and legislation in an effort to make it easier for members of the Zambian Diaspora to play an active role in Zambia’s development process.

The survey is further aimed at maximising the development impact of migration and the resources of the Diaspora community. According to the article, members of the Zambian Diaspora would be asked to complete a brief questionnaire targeting to gather information regarding the demographics, professional skills, available resources, interests and experiences of Zambians living abroad.

It stressed that the results of this survey would provide policy makers with information to aid the formation of effective national development strategies.
The survey will in addition, serve Zambian individuals living abroad by providing an opportunity for individual Diaspora members, in various geographic locations, to share relevant up-to-date information.

It will also help improve information sharing among and between members of the Zambian Diaspora and strengthen existing their networks and associations.

According to the State House website, the survey is also aimed at providing opportunities for the Zambian Diaspora to contribute to national development and to also create a foundation for the development of future programmes and the promotion of policies that make it easier, more convenient and less expensive.

The article stated that all personal information contained in the survey will strictly be confidential and will not be released without prior consent of the respondents.

The Diaspora Page is intended to provide a communication avenue to Zambians living abroad.

ZANIS

Measles outbreak attributed to children missing routine vaccination

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The Ministry of Health has attributed the outbreak of Measles which has mainly has mainly affected Lusaka to children who missed the routine vaccination programme. And Government and cooperating partners have raised K16 billion for the Child Health week programmes that will be conducted next month.

Ministry of Health Spokesperson,

Ministry of Health spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe (R)

said another 15 percent of those who were vaccinated did not develop immunity hence Government was intending to introduce a second dose to cover children who did not develop immunity.

Briefing the Press on Tuesday, Dr Mbewe also disclosed that the Ministry of Health had also noted a peculiar occurrence where even six months old babies have contracted measles adding that in Zambia vaccinating age is 9 months.

“These outbreaks have occurred as a result of some children being missed during routine vaccination coupled with approximately 15 % of those that do not develop immunity. We have also noted a peculiar occurrence where even six months old babies have contracted measles. In Zambia vaccinating age is 9 months.

“These sporadic outbreaks are partly attributed to the flooding which has caused disruption of the services because in some cases the parent and guardian did not take their children for vaccination. As you may be aware some these cases are coming from area which experienced floods” he said.
On the K16 billion that has been sought for Child Health Week Programmes, Dr Mbewe said the money has since been distributed to all the districts adding that all necessary logistics are in place while vaccines are being distributed to all health centers.

Dr. Mbewe said government has procured vaccines for health centers at a cost of over K9 billion. He has since disclosed that the ministry has opened measles treatment centre at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and Chawama clinic. He said all vaccines to prevent diseases are on schedule and available to all health facilities and outreach services around the country free of charge.

Dr. Mbewe said Government will also use the child health week to carryout campaigns on measles outbreak countrywide. He has since appealed to parents to take their children for vaccinations at health centers and outreach points. The country has recorded measles outbreak and 2 832 cases have since been reported from January to June this year with 66 deaths.

Lusaka has recorded 2,453 cases representing 86% and 64 deaths since January. Other districts which has recorded major measles outbreak includes; Lundazi with 282 cases and Chibombo with 53 cases and one death each. Others are Nyimba with 18 cases and Chama with 26 cases and have no deaths.

ZANIS

NCC receives mixed reactions over draft constitution

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National Constitution Conference spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis, flanked by Patrick Jabani addressing journalists in Lusaka

The National Constitution Conference (NCC) says it has received mixed reaction from the public on the recently launched draft constitution. NCC Spokesperson, Mwangala Zaloumis says it is however happy that the public has shown great interest in making their submissions to the draft constitution.

Mrs. Zaloumis told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka Tuesday that the public has been calling on the NCC to make the documents more available adding that this was a good indication that people were interested in the draft constitution.

She said people have realised the need for a new constitution and were looking forward to its conclusion.

“People are looking forward to have a new constitution; they have been calling for us as NCC to make the draft copies readily available to them. We are happy that this is coming from the public because it means they have been looking for this copy but cannot find it” She said.

Ms. Zaloumis has meanwhile appealed to all Zambians to carefully read the draft report before making their submissions to the constitution.

He said there was need for people to read the documents so that they make informed decisions adding that there were people who were condemning the NCC without first reading the document.

Ms. Zaloumis said the NCC has hastened the availability of the draft constitution which would be accessed at all District Commissioners Offices and all Provincial Administrations around the country for people to access it.

She said the draft constitution was also accessible on-line and it had also been published yesterday’s copy of the Times of Zambia newspapers.

She has meanwhile appealed to political parties to embrace the draft constitution if the country was to have a good constitution.

Ms. Zaloumis said all political parties needed a good constitution for the country’s good governance.

She said it could however not print the draft constitution in vernacular due to inadequate time as it had to follow the NCC amendment Act.

Ms. Zaloumis however, said that this was not an issue as the Mug’omba CRC was also not made in local languages but people still contributed.

The NCC last week launched the NCC draft constitution to the public which would go for 40 days for the public to make their comments.

ZANIS

Chief Government Spokesperson speaks out on Handshake

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Information minister Ronnie Shikapwasha

Government has described allegations that Chief Justice Ernest Sakala refused to shake hands with PF leader Michael Sata at the funeral of late retired Supreme Court Judge Peter Chitengi as only trivial.

Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said the whole incident has been blown out of proposition and was just a deliberate ploy to undermine the integrity of the judiciary.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister has since urged Zambians to ignore the allegations saying the nation has more urgent and important issues of development to deal with than be engaged in fruitless squabbles over the so-called handshake.

He said in a media statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka on Tuesday that the Post Newspaper story on the handshake snub leaves more questions than answers from the journalism professional and ethical point of view.

[pullquote]Lt Gen Shuikapwasha wondered why the Post Newspapers sought a comment from Mr Sata and others soon after the handshake snub but could not do the same to the Chief Justice for him to comment on the alleged incident.[/pullquote]

Lt Gen Shuikapwasha wondered why the Post Newspapers sought a comment from Mr Sata and others soon after the handshake snub but could not do the same to the Chief Justice for him to comment on the alleged incident.

“Why was nothing done to this effect there and then so that both sides are heard in line with standard journalism practice of ‘balance and fairness’ to both sides”, the minister wondered.

He said journalism ethics demand that a journalist balances his or her story by getting the views of both parties, adding that a one sided account is tantamount to a lie.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said government therefore finds the so-called handshake snub a non-issue which some people want to exploit for selfish gain.

He further government is also appalled by the unwarranted attacks by retired high court judge Kabazo Chanda against the Chief Justice over the handshake.

The Minister said it is clear that retired judge Chanda has a grudge against the judiciary over his un-ceremonial exit from the bench hence his emotional and baseless outbursts over the so-called handshake snub.

[pullquote]“I ask Judge Kabazo Chanda to tell the nation why he unceremoniously left the bench. He should also tell the nation why he changed his name from a Mr Mumba to his current name Kabazo Chanda”, he charged.[/pullquote]

“I ask Judge Kabazo Chanda to tell the nation why he unceremoniously left the bench. He should also tell the nation why he changed his name from a Mr Mumba to his current name Kabazo Chanda”, he charged.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said Judge Kabazo Chjanda should better keep quiet and leave the judiciary out of his personal misfortunes and disappointments.

He stressed that the judiciary is one of the important pillars of the country’s democracy which he said should not be cheaply dragged into the mud.

President Banda expected in Kinshasa for Uhuru

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President Rupiah Banda is tomorrow expected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s capital city, Kinshasa to join several other invited Heads of State and notable guests to commemorate the 50th Independence anniversary for that country. The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, a vast country endowed with immense economic resources, gained its independence from Belgium on June 30th 1960.

President Banda has not only been invited in his capacity as Chairperson for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region-ICGLR, but also as a member of the Southern African Development Community-SADC, COMESA and indeed as a neighbouring Head of State.

Zambia’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maybin Mubanga told ZANIS in an interview that President Banda is expected to arrive in that country around 09 hours. Mr. Mubanga said President Banda will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande, Chief of Protocol Bob Samakai and other government officials.

Mr. Mubanga explained that Zambia played a significant role in the peace process for the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo saying peace in that country is cardinal for the enhancement of trade between the two countries. He noted that the 50th Independence anniversary and relative peace that the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing have a big positive impact on Zambia especially that the country shares the longest border with Zambia.

He said preparations for the arrival of the President have been completed adding that that it is exciting to have President Banda in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mubanga has appealed to Zambians to guard the peace that the country is enjoying, jealously.
He said it is important for Zambians to draw an example from the Democratic Republic of Congo that instability derails development.

He advised Zambians to allow President Banda run the affairs of the nation without unnecessary interference.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is now recovering from a series of civil strife which claimed millions of lives either as a direct result of fighting or because of disease and malnutrition.

Current President Joseph Kabila became President of the Democratic Republic of Congo when his father Laurent was assassinated in 2001.

He was later elected President to rule the vast country in a historical Presidential first democratic election in 2006 to bring a new era of stability after years of war and chaos.

Over 20 heads of States have been invited to witness the historical event.
The King of Belgium and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa are among the invited guests who have already arrived in DRC.

Others expected are Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, His Majesty King Mswati, Uganda President Yoweri Mseveni and Rwandan President Paul Kagame among others.

Meanwhile, President Kabila today unveiled a statue for the first President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kasavubu who ruled the country from 1960 to 1965.

The emotional ceremony was witnessed by the late President’s family who were led by his first daughter. After unveiling the statue, President Kabila who looked very touched went round greeting the crowd much to the excitement of hundreds of people who witnessed the event.

The celebration mood is high in the capital Kinshasa as all streets have been decorated with this country’s flags and posters alongside other flags for invited countries in the region and abroad

ZANIS

Anti Money Laundering Unit unearth scam involving over K2bn fake claims

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The Anti-money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)has unearthed a scam involving over K2 billion of fake claims for supply of goods and services to Government departments.

The scam was discovered during the on-going verification exercise of outstanding bills for the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs.

DEC Public Relations Manager John Nyawali said the verification exercise which is being conducted by the Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit was prompted by huge bills of claims of supply of goods and services to Government.

In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Nyawali noted that 81 claims out of a total of 681 which were scrutinised for the period covering first half of this year were discovered as fake.

He said the Prisons Service in Southern Province was highly affected accounting for about K1 billion while Zambia Army in Lusaka had over K800 million of fake claims.

Mr. Nyawali noted that other departments which had claims of supply of goods and services scrutinised include Provincial Administrations, Immigration, Zambia Air Force and Pass Ports Office.

He said the Commission has since recommended to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to block payments for fake claims and other claims which were not supported by necessary documents.

Mr. Nyawali warned unscrupulous suppliers and Government workers who were dubiously obtaining money from Government that they would be brought to justice soon.

He indicated that the verification exercise would be extended to Ministry of Education and Health to ensure that Government does not continue losing money through fake claims.

ZANIS

Queen Elizabeth honours Ex IG Ngangula

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Former Inspector General of Police (IG) Silas Ngangula has been honoured by Queen Elizabeth II for his close working relationship with St. John Cymru of Wales and his dedication to charity works.

Mr. Ngangula who is among over 20, exceptional St. John members worldwide has been personally approved by the Queen and will be invested as member and officer of the Order of St. John.

The Former IG was honoured with other members at a special Festival Service and Investure ceremony held at St. Woolos Newport Cathedral last weekend on June 19, 2010.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka on Monday by Second Secretary for Press at the Zambian High Commission in London, Rejoice Lukumba.

Mr. Lukumba said the investure services honours members of the community who have dedicated many hours to support charity in various ways.

He said Mr. Ngangula who was admitted to the Order of St. John as an Officer has since dedicated his work for St. John in Zambia.

He said under him, the partnership between St. John Cymru Wales and Zambia has helped to promote the development of youths from all principalities.

Mr. Lukumba added that the Wales group has also experienced a safe structured programme of teaching first aid and other life saving skills in Zambia while being immersed in cultural diverse regardless of their socio-economical background.

He said volunteers at St. John Cymru Wales have made five trips to Zambia where they have conducted various training through the train the trainer course for youth leaders development.

Mr. Lukumba said the security of full financial support for the youth progarmmes in Zambia with significant funding from the Welsh Assembly and the Wales council has helped disadvantaged youths in rural areas.

The Order of St. John is a major International charity accredited to the United Nations whose organisation provides first aid health care and support services in over 40 countries.

ZANIS

Britain to seek confidential meet with President Banda

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The British Government says it will seek a confidential meeting with President Rupiah Banda to discuss on issues relating to donor relationship.

British High Commissioner to Zambia Tom Carter disclosed this in a Statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today saying the British government did not want to conduct its relationship with the Zambian government through the media.

“However, we do not conduct our relationship with the Zambian government through the media. I will be seeking an early call on HE the President to have a confidential exchange on this important subject.”

Mr Carter however noted that the partnership between donors and the Zambian government was of key importance in an effort to reduce poverty in the country.

Mr Carter added that the partnership was of key importance as the donors and Zambia tried together to deliver the long-term goals of reducing poverty in Zambia, and achieving the Zambian government’s target of reaching middle income status by the year 2030.

ZANIS

MMD has lost direction says Bishop Mambo

Guest Editor
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Supporters raise the MMD symbol during a rally in Milanzi

Former Church of God Overseer Bishop John Mambo has charged that the ruling Movement for Multi party Democracy (MMD) has lost direction.

Bishop Mambo says the ruling party has failed to uphold true leadership values going by the utterances by some senior members of the party. He says it is quite disappointing that internal wrangling in the ruling party involving senior party officials have continued, setting a bad example to other political parties.

He has also observed that statements coming from MMD Lusaka province chairman William Banda also confirm that the party is in problems.

Bishop Mambo says the ruling party is supposed to be held in high esteem in the way it conducts itself and set a good example to other young political parties in the country. Bishop Mambo has since advised the MMD to put its house in order if it is to retain power next year.

[Q FM]

Parliament resumes sitting

Entertainment Editor
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Parliament is today expected to resume sittings after it adjourned sine die on March 26, 2010.

Members of Parliament are expected to vote for a deputy chairman of parliamentary committees following the appointment of UNIP Lundazi MP Mukhondo Lungu as Minister of Home Affairs.

National Assembly spokesperson Chikomeni Banda said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that nominations have been received from interested MPs.

He could, however, not disclose the names of MPs interested in the position.

Mr Banda said this session will mainly be considering and adopting committee reports.

“Basically, the main business for the House is to consider and adopt committee reports and any other issues that may arise,” Mr Banda said.

Two new members of Parliament are expected to take their seats after winning their respective by-elections.

These are Elliot Kamondo for the United Party for National Development (UPND) who won the Mufumbwe by-election and MMD’s Whiteson Banda who won the Milanzi Constituency seat.

The House will also record its regret on the untimely death of Chifubu MP Benson Bwalya (PF) who passed away in May.

Luena MP Charles Milupi (independent) will also be missing from the House following his resignation.
Mr Milupi is now leader of the Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD) party.

During the last sitting the House considered three private members’ motions and one motion to adopt the second report of the public accounts committee, on the report of the Auditor-General and on the outturn and appropriation accounts for the financial year of 2007.

[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

Mpombo’s outbursts misleading, divisive, charges ZCTU

Entertainment Editor
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George Mpombo

Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) Vice-president Sam Phiri has said Kafulafuta Member of Parliament George Mpombo’s recent media statements are aimed at misleading the nation and dividing the people.

And a Kitwe farmer Kevin Soper has advised the donor community to stick to their primary objectives instead of being political.

Mr Phiri said the labour movement was disappointed that Mr Mpombo was always issuing statements that were aimed at dragging the entire nation into his personal battles with President Rupiah Banda.

Mr Phiri was reacting to Mr Mpombo’s statement that President Banda should not think that he could bring the donors under his armpits like he has done with State Institutions.

He said President Banda should not be condemned for his statement that donors should not blackmail Zambia because it was a sovereign State as he was not the first Republican president to have expressed such concerns over the behaviour of some donors.

Mr Phiri said Mr Banda’s statement was not targeted at the entire donor community, but was aimed at those who always wanted to interfere with the internal affairs of the country.

“I find it unpatriotic and careless for any Zambian to attack President Banda for his statement on the donors,” Mr Phiri said.

He said the concerns that Mr Banda expressed over the behaviour of some donors were not new as African leaders had raised similar concerns before.

And the MMD on the Copperbelt has given its national executive committee (NEC) a 14-day ultimatum to discipline Mr Mpombo otherwise the province will take unspecified action against him.

Provincial MMD chairperson Joseph Chilambwe who was reacting to Mr Mpombo’s continued attack on President Banda said yesterday the party could no longer tolerate the former Defence minister.

Mr Chilambwe said nobody should blame him for the action he would take if NEC fails to discipline Mr Mpombo.
[ Times of Zambia ]

K1.7 billion goes missing at Lusaka City Council

Entertainment Editor
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About K1.7 billion at the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has allegedly been misused and police and the Anti-Corruption Commission have moved in to investigate the matter.

However, a senior LCC official has been suspended pending investigations.

The council is now seeking a comprehensive forensic audit to trace the money and the culprits in a probe that started when Local Government and Housing Minister Eustarckio Kazonga commissioned a special audit.

This followed reports of irregularities in the PF-run councils.

Lusaka mayor Robert Chikwelete confirmed the alleged misuse of the money and said the council decided to verify reports of financial abuse following a ministerial directive in April this year.

“We have just concluded our internal audit and what I can confirm now is that K1.7 billion has been misused. We wrote the Minister of Local Government, Dr Eustarckio Kazonga last week requesting authority to allow the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the police to move in because we suspect more has been stolen,” Mr Chikwelete said.

The mayor said the council had in the interim transferred most of the workers in the finance department to allow investigations to take place smoothly.

The transfers were necessitated by the report of the establishment and audit committees of the council, which are composed of councillors, co-opted members from strategic institutions and senior management officials.

Another statutory audit report has revealed gross mismanagement, misapplication and theft of resources amounting to more than K2.9 billion.

Mr Chikwelete said he would work closely with the minister to ensure development targets were attained.

The statutory audits for 2008/9 revealed gross irregularities in the PF-ran councils and the minister in April gave them a 60-day ultimatum to explain how they would correct the weaknesses in the management of resources.

Dr Kazonga also wanted an account of how they would recover the misapplied money, set up financial regulations and ensure that they spend more money on service provision and less on personal emoluments.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Sata’s conduct at funerals irritating – Siliya

Entertainment Editor
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PF leaer Michael Sata in the middle

MMD chairperson for information and publicity Dora Siliya has said the conduct of Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata at funerals is very irritating because he always seeks to attract wide political attention and presence in disrespect for the mourners.

But Mr Sata said he did not want to say anything on the matter because it was trivial but would only comment on serious matters affecting the nation.

Ms Siliya, who is Eductaion minister, said she expected elderly statesmen to be sombre and extend a heart of respect and maturity to the mourners and to the younger persons.

Ms Siliya said she had come across some mails from lawyers who were displeased with Mr Sata’s conduct at the funeral of the late Supreme Court justice Peter Chitengi.

She urged Zambians not to vote for the PF leader in next year’s elections to protect the image of the country because governance was a serious undertaking, which did not require people like Mr Sata.

Ms Siliya said the refusal by Chief Justice Ernest Sakala to shake hands with Mr Sata had been blown out of proportion.

She said it was common knowledge that Mr Sata canvasses for the attention of mourners by throwing his political weight around, instead of being humble for both the mourners and the dead.

Ms Siliya said the death of anyone brings emotions to close relatives, former workmates and relatives who get affected but Mr Sata made sure that he attracted their attention.

She said all Zambians should condemn attacks on the judiciary because it was an attack on the people of Zambia.

Ms Siliya said on several occasions, Mr Sata had sought to undermine important office holders like the chief justice in the name of politics.

Demands on the chief justice to apologise are unrealistic because Mr Sata and the chief justice are traditional cousins except that Mr Sata went beyond limits.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Measles cases on the increase

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ZAMBIA has recorded one thousand six hundred cases of measles from the time the disease broke out a week ago.

Director of Public Health and Research at the Ministry of Health Victor Mukonka disclosed this in an interview with ZNBC news in Lusaka, Saturday.

Dr Mukonka however, said the disease is under control.

He said all patients are receiving treatment in isolation centres, which have been set up.

Dr. Mukonka said the Ministry of Health will embark on a countrywide campaign and immunisation against measles in the third week of July.

ZAMBIA last had an outbreak of Measles over ten years ago.

ZNBC

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