Thursday, April 3, 2025
Home Blog Page 4981

Chelstone residents sue Kabimba over toilet

Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba (l)

Over 5,000 residents of Chelstone township have sued Patriotic Front (PF) general secretary Wynter Kabimba and three others for allegedly constructing a toilet on prime land meant for a shopping mall.

The plaintiffs have also sued a Mr Zulu of Chelstone, Sard Tech Company, and Lusaka City Council (LCC).
This is according to a writ of summons filed in the Lusaka High Court principal registry by the residents’ representative Dauzeni Tembo.

Mr Tembo says Mr Zulu, Sard Tech and Mr Kabimba are allegedly working in league to commission the unplanned development while LCC, which is the city’s planning authority, is not doing anything.

“The first defendant (Mr Zulu), second defendant (Sard Tech), and third defendant (Mr Kabimba) have commenced construction of a toilet on a prime land of Great East Road in Chelstone area, upon which the community desires that a shopping mall be constructed as none exists in the area,” Mr Tembo says.

He adds that the area is too prime for construction of a mere toilet ‘as the said area is a gateway to the capital city and therefore desires a better structure’.

Mr Tembo says Mr Zulu, Sard Tech, and Mr Kabimba allegedly have no legal documents to support their action.

“In the meantime, the fourth defendant (LCC) has taken no steps to stop this nuisance despite a committee of residents making a representation (to the local authority),” he says.

Mr Tembo adds that it has now become prudent for the plaintiffs to seek the court’s indulgence for the sake of Chelstone and Lusaka, as such a development will only add to the city’s ugliness, especially that the toilet is being built on prime land.

He has since asked the court to declare that the first three defendants’ action to construct a toilet on prime land designated for a shopping mall is wrongful and illegal.

He is further seeking a court order to direct LCC to take all steps that will ensure that the said piece of land is not subjected to activities that are contrary to its approved use.

The case has since been allocated to Judge Munyinda Wanki.
Meanwhile, Government says it will not entertain cadres from any political party that will engage in illegal allocation of land.

Minister of Lands Gladys Lundwe said illegal allocation of land is rife in Lusaka, adding that those who will be found guilty will face the wrath of the law.

Ms Lundwe said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday following allegations that some cadres, including those from the MMD, are involved in land wrangles in Ng’ombe township.

She clarified that Lusaka MMD chairperson William Banda was engaged to help establish whether it was true that party cadres are engaged in illegal allocation of land.

Ms Lundwe said a taskforce was formed to stop the culprits from continuing with the vice.
Ms Lundwe said this is contrary to claims by Mandevu Patriotic Front (PF) member of Parliament Jean Kapata that Mr Banda is the master-mind in the fracas.

“When the ministry got reports and claims that MMD cadres are grabbing land from residents of Ng’ombe township, we thought it wise to engage Mr Banda so that he could ascertain whether it is members from his party who are involved in that activity.

“The police are doing a good job but we thought it will be more appropriate to involve Mr Banda so that he can identify the people involved,” Ms Lundwe said.

She said it is not right for political leaders to publicly accuse one another of allocating land illegally as this has potential to cause confusion among their cadres.

Ms Lundwe said her ministry has received a number of reports of leaders who are allegedly involved in illegal land allocation and that the cases are being dealt with administratively.

She said leaders will not be able to control their membership if they cannot conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Ms Lundwe also advised members of the public to be honest when submitting information to the ministry.
She noted some people have gone as far as pretending to be displaced when in fact not.

“I recently visited a site near SOS Children’s Village where I found women who pretended to be squatters and needed land, but it was later discovered that they were actually just ferried there by some unscrupulous people.

“Their plan was that should they have been given land, they would have later demarcated it and sold it to other people,” she said.

Ms Lundwe said the ministry is trying its best to resolve land problems but that it is saddening that some individuals are not being honest.

She said the MMD is a Government of laws, adding that those found wanting will not be spared by the law.
Ms Lundwe has since advised affected people in the Ng’ombe saga to dialogue in trying to resolve the matter.

She said her ministry is ready to meet all the parties to settle the matter amicably.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Court throws out Sata’s case against Times

PF leader Michael Sata

THE Lusaka High Court has dismissed an application by Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata for an injunction to stop the TIMES newspaper from publishing articles about him.

Lusaka High Court Judge Evans Hamaundu said in a ruling that he had declined to grant an injunction sought by Mr Sata, who wanted an interlocutory injunction to restrain the Times from publishing what he alleged were defamatory words concerning him.

Mr Sata had said in the affidavit in support of his application that the Times published articles that concerned him in several of its editions in February this year.

The affidavit said the words in those articles were understood to mean that he was not a law abiding citizen, that he had a criminal record, that he was not a sincere Christian and that he was a dishonest person without integrity.

Mr Sata wanted the defendant, Times, to be restrained by way of a court order from repeating the publication of defamatory matters because he was likely to suffer irreparable injury as his political ambitions and standing in the Catholic Church could not be atoned for by damages.

The Times, through their lawyers Brian Singine and Joseph Musonda, filed an affidavit in opposition to the application saying that the plaintiff, Mr Sata was a president of the main opposition political party in Zambia and was for that reason a well-known public figure whose conduct the general public were entitled to comment on.

“The defendant published the articles complained of in the discharge of a public duty to the general public,” the affidavit says.

It said the Times were not the originator of the information contained in the articles and prior to the publication of the articles the defendant had contacted Mr Sata for his reaction.

At the hearing, Mr Sata’s lawyer John Mulwila said there were serious matters to be tried namely, whether or not the plaintiff was dismissed from the police because of a criminal offence and whether or not he led a polygamous life.

The court was asked to grant an injunction if there was prima facie evidence that the statements made were not true.

The plaintiff’s contention was that when it came to matters concerning a political career, the issue of damages would not suffice and only a freezing order would do.

In response, Times counsels argued that the question of whether an injunction ought to be granted or not was to be determined by reference to the circumstances and the state of the law.

“An injunction will not be granted if it will be oppressive to the defendant. The defendant will be able to substantiate the material complained of once the matter proceeds to trial.”

The lawyers argued that the defendant has not continued to publish the same material but has published different articles on different subjects.

An award of damages would sufficiently indemnify the plaintiff if he succeeded in that action.

Mr Justice Hamaundu said in his ruling that in such a matter, the newspaper’s right to freedom of speech should be considered.

He said the articles complained of could be defended successfully by the defence at trial and to satisfy himself, he wanted to closely look at the articles complained of.

The first article, the judge said, showed that it was a report by the Times of words said at a Press conference by former president Frederick Chiluba who was also responding to utterances that Mr Sata had said about him and his wife.

The rest of the articles showed that they were reports of what other people had said and in those articles, Mr Sata was quoted as having made some response or other to the utterances.

“Clearly, the defendant was merely disseminating what other people including the plaintiff were uttering.

However, the defendant was making attempts to balance the utterances by seeking the reaction of the plaintiff,” Mr Justice Hamaundu said.

He said the matter was an appropriate case where the defendant’s rights should remain protected and for that reason, he declined to grant the injunction sought.
[Times of Zambia]

Musokotwane happy with North-Western projects

File picture for Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
FINANCE and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has said he is impressed with the development projects Government is undertaking in North-Western Province.

And MMD national chairperson Michael Mabenga has expressed satisfaction at the overwhelming support the ruling party is receiving in Milanzi ahead of the April 29 by-election.

Dr Musokotwane said while the opposition parties were criticising the Government, the Zambian people were happy with the projects being undertaken.

He said yesterday that the Ministry of Finance had intensified the monitoring of Government projects to ensure funds were used prudently.

The minister, who is currently touring projects in North-Western Province said he was interested in seeing how the projects were developing.

The minister was inspecting development projects in Zambezi, Kabompo, Kasempa, and Mufumbwe in North-Western Province.

And Mr Mabenga, who addressed a rally in Dole Ward in Milanzi Constituency on Sunday, together with MMD campaign manager, Eustarckio Kazonga said the party was receiving massive support in the area.

He expressed confidence that the ruling party would retain the seat with a landslide victory.

Times of Zambia

RB will not be best man at Bingu Wa Mutharika’s wedding

92
President Rupiah Banda

State House has described the story in Malawi’s Nyasa Times that president Rupiah Banda will be president Bingu Wa Mutharika’s best man during his wedding as a incorrect, misleading and a fabrication.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere in a statement released to media said contrary to media reports, President Banda is not travelling to Malawi to attend the wedding ceremony of his Malawian counterpart, Dr.Wa Mutharika.

“I wish to inform the nation that contrary to media reports, His Excellency, Mr. Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia, is not travelling to Malawi to attend the wedding ceremony of his counterpart, His Excellency, Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi,” reads a statement

The statement went on to say that the President and the Zambian Government will instead be represented at the wedding ceremony by First Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Parliamentary Chief Whip, Vernon Mwaanga.

Mr Jere also said that President Banda will be within the country on the day of the wedding.

Meanwhile, First Lady Madam Thandiwe Banda will travel to Malawi to represent the President at the funeral of former Cabinet Minister of Malawi, Dr. Aleke Banda who passed away last week in South Africa.

Dr. Banda, a veteran politician, was a close friend of President Banda. The First Lady will be accompanied by Tourism and Natural Resources Minister Catherine Namugala.

Weekend Scorecard

4

The race to be the next Zambia coach is now truly in full steam as Faz receives an overwhelming number of applications since Herve Renard quit a week ago.

Kosta Papic, Otto Pfister, Roald Poulsen and Noel Tosi are some of the notables amongst the seasoned European football missionaries in Africa who have filed in their CV’s at Football House who reportedly also include former Liverpool star Ian Rush.

Former Botswana coach Colwyn Rowe of Britain is also reportedly in the race for the Zambia.

Romanian Mario Marinica who coached several clubs in his homeland including Black Leopards in South Africa on Monday also filed in his CV.
FAZ SUPER DIVISION

10/04/2010

WEEK 5

Konkola Blades 0- Forest Rangers 0

Roan United 0- Nkana 1(Douglas Chiwaya 77″)

Power Dynamos 2(Luka Lungu 4″, Lameck Mwale 70″ pen)-National Assembly 1(Mwape Mwelwa 44″)

City of Lusaka 0- Nchanga Rangers 0

Choma Eagles 1(Tresford Mhango 24″)-Green Buffaloes 0

Nkwazi 0- Red Arrows 0

11/04/2010

Zanaco 2(Venacious Mapande 30″, Winston Kalengo 81″) Lusaka Dynamos 0

Zesco United 1 (Kangwa Chileshe 23″)-Kabwe Warriors 1(Maonga Kabuku 61″)
2010 TOP SCORERS

11/04/2010

Liniker Mwikisa (Green Buffaloes): 4

Makundika Sakala (Zanaco): 3

Douglas Chiwaya (Nkana):2
Kameta Mutambo (Forest Rangers): 2
Luka Lungu (POwer Dynamos): 2
Jimmy Njovu (Red Arrows): 2

Kameta Mutambo (Forest Rangers): 2
Ignatius Mukota (Nchanga Rangers): 2
Aubrey Funga (Nchanga Rangers): 2
Enock Sakala (Zesco United): 2
Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos): 2
Dube Phiri (Red Arrows): 2
Brian Chilando (Green Buffaloes): 2
Reuben Tembo (Green Buffaloes): 2
Joseph Milanzi (Lusaka Dynamos): 2
Chipulu Chileya (Konkola Blades): 2
Kennedy Chola (Green Buffaloes): 2

DIVISION 1

WEEK 6

11/04/2010

NORTH

Mufulira Blackpool 0- Mining Rangers 0

Ndola United 2- Mufulira Wanderers 0

Lime Hotspurs 2- Chambishi 1

Chingola Leopards 0- Kalewa 3

Medical Stars 1- Mansa Health Stars 0

Zamtel 0-Kalulushi Modern Stars 2

Prison Leopards 1- Chindwin 1

Muchindu- Indeni*

*Not played after Indeni arrived late for match

Postponed

Kitwe United -Konkola Mine Police
SOUTH

Mazabuka United 2- Zesco Shockers 2

Livingstone Pirates 2- Nakambala Leopards 0

Green Eagles 2- Communite 0

Young Green Eagles 2- Kuwama 1

Profund Warriors 0- Kafue Celtic 2

Luena 2-Riflemen 2

Paramilitary 1- Nampundwe 1

Kalomo Jetters 1- Lusaka City Council 2

Lusaka Tigers 1- TP Rangers 1

Economic growth recorded in the first quarter of 2010 putting strain on ZESCO

34
ZESCO Head Office

ZESCO Acting Managing Director,Ernest Mupwaya has revealed that there is an increase in power demand in the country due to the national economic growth recorded in the first quarter of 2010.

Briefing the press in Lusaka this morning,Mr.Mupwaya says ZESCO has been struggling to meet the increased demand for power created by the increase in economic activity in the country which has had a ripple effect on the households.

He however says the completion of rehabilitation works at the Kafue Gorge power station and the progress being made in finalizing works at the Kariba north bank power station is expected to inject a further 300mega watts of power supply.

He also disclosed that the joint venture partnership between ZESCO and Tata Africa for the construction of the Itezhi Tezhi power station will also contribute significantly contribute to the national power supply .

[pullquote]And ZESCO director of generation and transmission, Masiye Mwale says ZESCO will not prioritize power supply to South Africa despite the country’s government requesting for over 2,000 mega of power supply from the company.[/pullquote]

Mr Mupwaya further disclosed that ZESCO will in the next two weeks sign a US$100million contract to conduct rehabilitation works in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Livingstone and Chipata as part of the measures to address the challenges the institution is facing in power supply.

And ZESCO director of generation and transmission, Masiye Mwale says ZESCO will not prioritize power supply to South Africa despite the country’s government requesting for over 2,000 mega of power supply from the company.

QFM

The Week/end in Pictures

65

1.

Education minister Dora Siliya makes a speech during the 40th Anniversary celebrations for Naboye High School in Kafue

2.

Some cabinet and deputy ministers look tense and uncertain about their jobs before President Banda addressed a press conference at State House

3.

President Banda points at a tree where the notorious monkey urinated on him the last time he addressed a press conference

4.

President Banda arrives for a press conference outside State House

5.

President Banda confers with his assistant for press and public relations, Dickson Jere during a press conference at State House

6.

President Rupiah Banda addresses journalists during a press briefing at State House

7.

President Banda meets Vatican Ambassador to Nicola Virasoli after addressing a press conference State House.

8.

First Lady Thandiwe Banda and Mrs Irene Kunda during a media seminar of maternal health in Lusaka

9.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe talks to wife of vice president George Kunda, Ireen in Lusaka

10.

Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM)'s residence in Kabulonga.

11.

Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) and Kabwata MP Given Lubinda going to address a press briefing held at GBM's residence in Kabulonga.

12.

Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) and Kabwata MP Given Lubinda going to address a press briefing

13.

Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba makes a point during a press briefing at his home in Lusaka

14.

Kabwe district commissioner Jonathan Kapungwe hands over mealie meal to flood victims in Kabwe

15.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala shows President of the Supreme Court of Russia Vyasheslav Lebedev how the Supreme Court is using ICT to enhance justice delivery in Zambia.

16.

Supreme Court Judges are now able to conduct court business using computers and other ICT tools.

17.

Nchanga Ranger's Moses Ngambi pursues City of Lusaka's Chomba Sikazwe during the FAZ-KCM week four game played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka. The teams drew 0-0.

18.

Some minister's spouses exchange notes after a Minister's Spouses Club meeting in Lusaka

19.

UPND-PF pact Parliamentary candidate for Milanzi Albert Banda after he was introduced to the public.

20.

The MMD Campaign team for Milanzi led by campaign manager Dr. Eustarckio Kazonga ( far right) and Parliamentary candidate Whiteson Banda ( in suit ) arrives at Kagoro Basic School to file their nominations

21.

Milanzi Parliamentary by-election Returning Officer Mukiti Lukonga verifying nomination papers for aspiring candidates during the filing of nominations in Katete

Five people die in car crash

Five people died on the spot in MUNGWI district, Northern Province after being hit by a motor vehicle on saturday.

An unregistered TOYOTA Nadir lost control and hit 26 people killing five on the spot.

Northern Province Police Commanding Officer CHARLES LUNGU told ZNBC news that 21 people are admitted in KASAMA General Hospital.

Mr LUNGU said the driver of the vehicle is being held by Police and has been charged with careless driving.

Mr. LUNGU said the fifth person who died was a passenger in the vehicle which was involved in the accident.

He said upon seeing what the driver had done the passenger got off the vehicle in a state of confusion and started running.

The passenger was however run over by the vehicle he was in as the driver tried to run away from the scene of the accident.

The accident happened on SATURDAY 10th April.

ZNBC

RB mourns Mwale

President Rupiah Banda was this afternoon among several mourners who attended a church funeral service for the late former Works and Supply Minister Hazwell Mwale at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Mr Banda was joined by former Presidents Kenneth kaunda and Fredrick Chiluba who also attended the church service.
Earlier, Dr Kaunda described Mr Mwale as a man who stood for unity and peace.

He said Mr Mwale contributed immensely to Zambia and its neighbours during the liberation struggle.
Government has accorded Mr Mwale a State funeral.

Mr. Mwale who is survived by two children will be put to rest at the New Leopards Hill memorial Park in Lusaka this afternoon.
In 1964 Mr Mwale served as Chama MP while between 1969 to 1988 he was Lumezi MP.
Mr. Mwale died at the age of 79 in Lusaka on Thursday last week.

President Banda has also declared Monday April 12th, 2010 a day of national mourning in honour of the late former Minister of works and supply Hazwell Mwale.
ZNBC

Government working on providing safe water transport

 Lower Zambezi
Local fisherman on Zambezi-Kafue River intersection near Kiambi Lodge, Lower Zambezi

Communications and Transport Minister Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa has said government is working on improving safety of inland water transport to mitigate water accidents in the country.

Responding to the recent deaths of people on Lake Tanganyika and Kafue River after their wooden boats capsized while trying to cross on water, Professor Lungwangwa said government has already started putting up measures to mitigate the impact.

He said government is currently rehabilitating the post boat on Lake Bangweulu to serve people’s need of inland water transport.

Prof. Lungwangwa disclosed that government is also procuring a boat on Lake Bangweulu in an effort to boost inland water transport.

He said government would rehabilitate another post boat in Mongu to be used to serve people on the Zambezi River.

Meanwhile, the Minister described the accidents as unfortunate and untimely adding government could not do anything to prevent them.

He said government would work hard to ensure that there were no accidents of such nature.
QFM

RB declares day of national mourning for former minister

12
President Rupiah Banda

Republican President Rupiah Banda has declared today, Monday April 12th, 2010 a day of national mourning in honour of the late former Minister of works and supply Haswel Mwale.

In a statement released to MUVI TV News, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja stated that the national mourning begins from 6 am to 6 pm.

Dr. Kanganja says all radio and television stations should play solemn music during the period of national mourning.
A funeral church service is scheduled to be held today at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Thereafter burial will take place at the Old Leopards Hill in Lusaka.
Mr. Mwale died on Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.
[MUVI TV]

Parents of Zambian student killed in Russia feel sidelined

25

The parents of the Zambian student who died in Russia have accused the Zambian and Russian governments of unfair treatment in the investigations of circumstances that led to his death.

The family has wondered why the investigative wings are carrying out an identification process without their involvement. They said that they felt unfairly treated especially that they are poor.

19 year old Lance Mate went missing on November 6, 2009 after a quarrel with some Russians and his body was last week retrieved from Kazanka River in Kazan City.

Mrs. Juliet Mate, the mother to the deceased, also expressed disappointment at what she described as a a bad picture being painted of her late son. She said he was a decent child who performed very well at school.
The Zambian Government has remained tight-lipped over the killing while Russian Ambassador to Zambia Boris Malakhov regretted Mate’s death.
[MUVI TV]

Only foreign investors show interest in Public Private Partnership projects.

4

GOVERNMENT is concerned that only foreign investors, especially South African companies, are keen in applying for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

Director of the PPP Unit at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning David Ndopu said Government is concerned that not many Zambians are coming forward to partner with it in PPP projects.

He said this on Friday night during an Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ)-Southern Region business discussion at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.

Mr Ndopu said engineers can play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for Zambians to participate in PPP projects.

“There is limited local capacity to undertake and finance PPP projects. Post HIPC conditionalities could also have been contributing factors,” Mr Ndopu said.

Mr Ndopu who was presenting a paper on ‘PPP policy, strategy, implementation and opportunities’ urged the engineers in Zambia to take up the challenge and partner with Government on various PPP projects.

He said government has been doing its best to advertise the projects so that Zambians could actively participate in the projects.

Mr Ndopu said the projects that government is undertaking through PPPs are more of public interest than for generating excessive profits.

“Government would have to ensure that the returns are not excessive. Projects must be in line with government intentions,” he said.

He said another challenge for the government and local investors is a lot of protectionism in view of the requirement that government must provide a guarantee so that the country does not slide back into debt.

Mr Ndopu also said that many Zambians are highly expectant of the PPPs because they think that these will sort out all problems in Zambia.

“People think that PPP has come to sort out all the problems that the country has. But PPP is not a panacea for our problems,” Mr Ndopu said.

He said government has advertised various projects under the PPP. These include the Lusaka International Airport development, Nansanga Farm hydro-power generation and irrigation project in Serenje, and the refurbishment of the Kazungula and Kasumbalesa border posts.

EIZ President Mr Henry Musonda said while it is the responsibility of the private sector to provide government with high quality partnership, it remains government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure.

He said government’s decision to waive tax for some sectors has also been a challenge to investors working on certain projects.

Mr Musonda suggested that donors should help local investors who may have interest in PPP projects but lack capacity to do.

He said government must consider working closely with EIZ because engineers can play a significant role in helping Zambia achieve its Vision 2030 plans.

An investment banking consultant, Mr Siyanga Malumo, said in his presentation on “ Resource Mobilisation for PPP projects and investment financing’ that PPP investors should not work in isolation if they want to successfully implement their projects.

He said investors should engage others experts to do certain jobs, such as project proposals.

Speaking at the same function, National Council for Construction chairman Francis Ndilila said lack of capacity for Zambians to actively participate in the PPP programmes is a creation of Zambians and not foreigners.

Dr Ndilila, who is also a consultant, said Zambians can succeed if they partner with foreign investors who have the technical and financial muscle.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Daka questions GBM’s boasting over FRA debt

70
Minister of Agriculture Peter Daka (L)

THE Government has questioned the calibre of opposition leaders like Lusaka business executive Geoffrey Mwamba seeking to be in Government when he has failed to settle a K2.4 billion debt to the Food Reserve Agency that takes care of peasant farmers.

Minister of Agriculture Peter Daka wondered yesterday why Mr Mwamba had failed to settle a 1998 loan from FRA which he now was claiming was petty cash to him when the same money works as a revolving fund to pay poor peasant farmers.

Mr Mwamba at a Press briefing yesterday boasted that he would today settle the debt to enable him recover the seized building seized by the FRA last week.

He said he would today instruct his junior accountant to pay the FRA debt so that he reclaims the seized building.

The seized building in Lusaka also houses the central secretariat for the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), a party to which Mr Mwamba belongs and is a Member of Parliament.

Mr Mwamba, flanked by PF spokesperson Given Lubinda accused the Government of ‘squeezing’ him and mixing his business with politics, and that he was not a finished business person as some people were saying.

But Mr Daka said it was surprising that Mr Mwamba could drag the Government into an issue that was purely commercial between his business and the FRA.

He said the FRA was an independent institution operating through an Act of Parliament and there was no way the Government could interfere in its operations.

[pullquote]“If he is calling K2.4 billion petty cash why did it take him long to service the loan?” he asked.[/pullquote]

He said the FRA had its own mandate and through its board of directors made all its decisions and decided whom to do business with.

“The issue is between GBM and FRA and it is purely commercial without any political connotations,” he said.

Mr Daka said it was also shocking that Mr Mwamba and Mr Lubinda who were once political rivals when they battled for the Kabwata Constituency seat in 2006 were now friends who teamed up to denounce the Government based on false allegations.

He said as minister he could not understand why Mr Mwamba could boast about having a lot of money through a Press conference when he had neglected to service his indebtedness since 1998.

“If he is calling K2.4 billion petty cash why did it take him long to service the loan?” he asked.

Mr Daka said it was unfortunate that most farmers across Zambia remained poor when people like Mr Mwamba were not paying the FRA.

He said Government remained selfless and committed to the development of the agriculture sector through support to the farmers.

“That money is a lot to pay farmers across the country and he is not giving FRA,” he said.

He said the matter was decided by the courts that Mr Mwamba should pay the FRA and the Government.

And the FRA has confirmed that the Supreme Court passed a judgment in1998 against GBM Trucking and GBM Milling

FRA legal counsel, Chola Kafwabulula said in a statement yesterday that the court judgment was delivered in January.

He said the deal between the FRA and GBM was purely commercial and there where no politics involved.

He said GBM willingly offered collateral in form of a building in Villa Elizabetha and that was not done under any duress.

The Supreme Court upheld an earlier High Court decision in favour of FRA after GBM appealed to the higher court.

On April 7, the FRA seized a property belonging to GBM Trucking to recover more than K2.4 billion it was owed.

[Times of Zambia]

President Rupiah Banda wants work on key roads completed this year

46
Sable Construction Company earth moving machines lined up before President Rupiah Banda officially flagged off the works of the tarring of the Chipata/Mfuwe road in Chipata
Sable Construction Company earth moving machines lined up before President Rupiah Banda officially flagged off the works of the tarring of the Chipata/Mfuwe road in Chipata

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has directed the minister of Finance and National Planning to immediately mobilise additional funds for the construction of main roads throughout the country this year.

The president called for the acceleration of road construction works in all the provinces following the end of the rainy season.

He said in a statement released by special assistant to the president for Press and public Relations Dickson Jere yesterday that the cost of repairing the roads had gone up because of the delays in completing the works.

Mr Banda said he wanted to specifically see the completion of the construction of the Mutanda-Chavuma Road in North-Western Province, Choma-Chitongo-Namwala Road in Southern Province, and the Kasama-Luwingu Road in Northern Province.

“A number of key roads have been under construction for many years without being completed due to inadequate funds.

“The delays in completing road construction have led to the escalation of costs over the years, compounding the problem of inadequate resources,” the president said.

He also directed the minister of Works and Supply to mobilise contractors to ensure that the specified roads are completed this year.

The president, however, said his directive to accelerate the road works should not in any way be used as an excuse to compromise the quality of works by contractors engaged by Government.

“In this regard, Road Development Agency officials and consulting engineers engaged to supervise these road works are directed to ensure that each and every road constructed meets the highest standards of quality and durability,” he said.

Mr Banda said apart from the specified roads that should be completed this year, works should commence on a number of other economically-strategic roads throughout the country.

He directed the minister of Finance and National Planning to mobilise extra funds from the bilateral and multilateral institutions specifically for the roads sector.

“My Government is committed to improving growth-enhancing infrastructure in the country. My Government is also calling upon the private sector to work closely with the Government and participate in infrastructure development through public private partnerships (PPP),” the president said.

A number of projects had been advertised under the PPP framework to enable the private sector participate in infrastructure development.

A legal and regulatory framework was already in place through the enactment of the PPP Act of 2009 which provided a conducive environment for private sector participationt.

“I, therefore, wish to appeal to the private sector to rise to the occasion and hasten to bring development and prosperity of our people as quickly as possible,” President Banda said.

He said the Government would continue prioritising the construction of schools, trades and training institutions, hospitals, clinics and health posts in every province of Zambia.

[Times of Zambia]