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RB’s performance impressive—BY

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NATIONAL Democratic Focus (NDF) president Ben Mwila

NATIONAL Democratic Focus (NDF) president Ben Mwila has said President Rupiah Banda has outperformed expectation with economic recovery prospects and national unity forming a larger portion of his legacy.

Mr Mwila said yesterday that President Banda’s staunch critics, Forum for Democracy and Development president Edith Nawakwi and Patriotic Front’s Michael Sata lack the understanding of how Government runs when they promise that they would provide development within 90 days of assuming power.

In an interview in Lusaka, Mr Mwila warned Zambians against falling prey to mock promises from the opposition in view of the development programmes that had been initiated by the Government.

“Even a house cannot be built in three days, they don’t understand Government,” Mr Mwila said.

He said President Banda had built a legacy of national unity, tolerance and humility with the backbone being the booming economy despite the global economic recession that saw countries and companies fall economically.

“The real legacy is the one which we are seeing now. There is no tension in the country and I wish President Banda could continue with his programmes,” he said.

Mr Mwila, who served as Defence minister under the leadership of second Republican president Frederick Chiluba, said his interaction with Government systems at a high level exposed him to knowledge about how Government runs.

He said he would like to be president of Zambia just like other opposition leaders except that his colleagues were exhibiting lack of maturity in their campaigns and criticisms.

[pullquote]Meanwhile, Mr Mwila has challenged Mr Sata to produce the degree which he claims to hold because a qualification is a source of pride if one has acquired one.[/pullquote]

The NDF leader alleged that presidency under the opposition leadership would be destructive and the unity the country was experiencing would be compromised because of lack of seriousness and signs of acrimony.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwila has challenged Mr Sata to produce the degree which he claims to hold because a qualification is a source of pride if one has acquired one.

He said Mr Sata should be proud of his academic qualifications by parading them each time people asked for them.

“That is why others profile themselves because they want to show how qualified they are. Why is he hiding his degree from stakeholders when it is supposed to be part of his profile?” Mr Mwila asked.

[Times of Zambia]

Violence characterises the filing of Nominations for Milanzi parliamentary by-elections

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

Violence characterized the filing of Nominations for Milanzi parliamentary by-elections this afternoon involving Patriotic Front and MMD cadres.

The violence was sparked following by incident in which an MMD campaign vehicle is reported to have rammed into a parked vehicle which the PF leader Micheal Sata was using.

Anti Voter Apathy Project AVAP monitors co-coordinator for the Milanzi by-elections,Alice Muyunda tells QFM from Milanzi that the incident provoked PF youths leading to the violence.

Mrs. Muyuinda adds that despite the PF leader reporting the matter to the police and police recording a statement no arrest has been made.

The Anti Voter Apathy Project AVAP has since condemned the political violence that characterized the Milanzi nominations.

AVAP has appealed to political parties in Milanzi to observe law and order and ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful manner.

They also called on the police to act professionally when it comes to campaign conflicts. Those who have successfully filed in their nominations for the Milanzi by-elections are MMD’s Musa Banda,PF’s Albert Banda and UNIP’s Whiteson Banda.

Meanwhile the filing of nominations for the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-elections was characterized by jubilation by political party supporters.

AVAP CO-coordinator in Mufumbwe, Alex Ifwaha says the nominations were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

QFM

Renard Signs For Angola

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Herve Renard has signed a two-year deal to coach Angola.

Renard was unveiled today in Luanda and will pocket a reported Euro 50,000 a month pay check for the next 24 months.

Renard stepped down as Zambia coach earlier this week after being at the helm of the team since May 2008 and is permanent replacement for former coach Manuel Jose of Portugal who stepped down after the 2010 Africa Cup that Angola also hosted.

The Frenchman’s first big day in the office is expected to be a friendly international away to Mexico on May 13 to be played in Houston, Texas.

ZDA records over US$ 1 billion in FDI

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has recorded more than US$1.3 Billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2010, surpassing the projected US$1 billion FDI inflow in 2010.

Speaking during the first quarter media breakfast briefing at Pamodzi Hotel today,ZDA Girector General Andrew Chipwende said the recorded investment of K1,344,328,350 FDI in various sectors of the economy represents more than 590% increase compared to US$194,548,459 recorded during the same period in 2009.

He said ZDA utilized the Private Sector Development Reform Programme (PSDRP) initiatives and collaborative outward investment missions with government to key FDI sources like China and India.

Mr Chipwende stated that investors showed increased confidence in the Zambian economy during the first quarter, and that their confidence can be attested by the huge FDI inflow recorded in the first quarter.

He added that many sectors of the Zambian economy recorded tremendous investment inflows during the quarter, with Pick n Pay Zambia Limited planning to open a number of retail stores in the country.

He said Pick n Pay Zambia Limited has a projected investment plan of US$27 million to open seven corporate stores during the first 5 years and 13 stores within 10 years.

Mr Chipwende noted that the approved investment applications in the same period under review were from 59 applicants, with a total number of 5,943 new job opportunities expected to be created once the projects are implemented.

Meanwhile Mr Chipwende has disclosed that the ZDA has received the three binding bid for Zamtel.

He said the three binding bids were received on 12th March 2010 from Lap Green of Libya, Unitel/Cables of Angola and Ultimo of Russia.

He disclosed that the ZDA board approved the negotiations to proceed with two bidders Lap Green and Unitel while the ultimo bid has been put on reserve in case one of the two bids falls away.

Mr Chipwende said the next phase will involve negotiations and actual implementation of the partial privatization of Zamtel which is expected to kick off in the third week of April and possibly conclude everything by the end of June.
QFM

350 heart patients await treatment abroad

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About 350 heart disease patients are awaiting government’s approval for them to be flown out of the country for cardiac surgery.
Dr. Emmanuel Makasa says the country’s highest health referral hospital has inadequate manpower and equipment to carry out cardiac surgery.
He says it is costly for government to send people abroad for treatment hence the need to procure equipment and train medical personnel.

[MUVI TV]

Zambian Student bemoans racial crimes in Russia

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A Zambian student studying in Russia has bemoaned the rate at which racially motivated crimes are escalating in that country.
In a letter addressed to MUVI TV news, the student, who prefer anonymity claims that life in Russia for black people is a nightmare. He further claims that people of color have to grapple with discrimination and racial remarks behind the backdrop of increasing hate crimes.

The letter claims that in Russia anything can happen to black people who are in constant fear.
It further claims that black people are constantly mocked as they walk in the streets of Russia by people chanting racial slogans.
The letter comes following a video footage aired by MUVI TV showing the body of a Zambian student being fished out of the lake. The Zambian, who had been missing for six months and discovered during the Easter holidays, has since been identified as Lance Mate.

Sources reveal that the Zambian embassy in Russia had sent some officials to Kazan State where Mate was studying. His parents were informed that there was nothing the embassy could do as the matter is in the hands of the Russian government.

But the Russian Ambassador to Zambia, Boris Malakhov has distanced his country from allegations of escalating racial violence there. Mr. Malakhov says most of the cases involving neo racists in his country have been dealt with.

The Russian ambassador has however expressed regret over the death of Mate saying Russian police will investigate the matter for justice to prevail. He says the incident should not be perceived as a hate crime.
[MUVI TV]

UPND-PF pact to elect president

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THE United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF) will subject the position of presidential candidate of the pact to a vote ahead of the 2011 elections.

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said members of the UPND and PF pact will vote in favour of a candidate of their choice to represent them in the presidential and general elections.

Mr Hichilema said in Lusaka yesterday when he featured on Radio Phoenix’s Let the people talk programme that speculations that the pact has chosen a presidential candidate are not true.

“Instead, pact members of the UPND and PF will vote to elect an individual who will represent the pact,” he said.

He said the existence of the UPND-PF pact is for the purpose of unity and providing good leadership.

Mr Hichilema said the pact is still consolidating its foundation and will ensure that it does not fall into a trap, as was the case in the 2006 elections.
“Right now, we are making our people understand why we merged with the PF,” he said.

He said all pact members will support whichever candidate the majority choose.

[ Zambia Daily Mail]

Deputy Ministe Musosha sued over water tank

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Local government and housing Deputy Minister Hon. Chrispine Musosha receives a book “Guide to the Draft Urban and Regional Planning Bill” from Embassy of Sweden charge d 'affaires Charlotta Norrby in Lusaka

A NDOLA-based transport company has sued Science, Technology and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Chrispin Musosha for US$10,000 that he allegedly failed to pay for a water tank.

This is according to a statement of claim filed in the Ndola High Court by BUKS Haulage Limited.

BUKS Haulage Limited is claiming payment of $10,000 that it alleges has not been paid by Mr Musosha as balance for a water tank the company supplied him.

The company is also claiming interest at the current Bank of Zambia rate on the said amount from November 10 last year.
It is also claiming costs and any other relief the court may deem fit.

BUKS Haulage Limited says in its writ of claim that in September last year, Mr Musosha approached the company and expressed his intention to purchase an Astra water tank, registration number ACH 3432, which was on sale for $30,000.

According to the terms, $20,000 of the $30,000 was to be paid before or on October 31 last year while the balance was to be paid before or on November 30 last year.

Mr Musosha paid $20,000 before October 31 last year.
The writ of claims alleges that Mr Musosha has to date refused or neglected to pay the last instalment of $10,000 despite repeated reminders to do so.

The company is therefore claiming payment for the said amount with interest.
It is also claiming costs that the court may deem fit.

[Times of Zambia]

State tenders 6 projects to US govt for financing

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Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane confers with secretary to the treasury Evans Chibiliti before a meeting with donors in Lusaka

THE Zambian Government has submitted six project proposals for grant financing by the United States (US) government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for a financing agreement known as Compact.

Finance and National Planning minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the proposals were in the areas of power generation and transmission, eco-tourism development, technical and vocational training, education, roads development, water and sanitation.

Speaking during a Press briefing in Lusaka, Dr Musokotwane said the Zambian Government had prioritised its submissions because it did not expect all the projects to be financed.

The minister further disclosed that a mission from the MCC was in the country until April 16 to review the project proposals for financing.

Dr Musokotwane said the review by the MCC was a step in the process of developing a financing agreement between the Zambian Government and the Compact.

“We were reselected by the MCC last year in December because we scored high on the MCC score card in strong policy performance in areas of just ruling, investing in the people, and economic freedom,” he said.

Dr Musokotwane said for Zambia to remain eligible for the grant, Government would have to sustain vigorous implementation of anti-corruption policies.

The projects that would ultimately be included in the Compact programme would need to meet investments criteria such as economic returns, environmental and social impact, and must be implemented within five years.

“The scope of the proposed projects was like to evolve further as more detailed feasibility and preparation work is conducted in the coming months,” Dr Musokotwane said.

Zambia calls for agriculture partnerships in the region

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has urged the private sector in the southern African region to partner with the governments in agriculture which has for a long time been regarded as a ‘government affair’.

And Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Peter Daka has urged banks in the region to consider reducing lending rates to farmers.
Mr Banda said agriculture had the ability to turn around the economies of the region.

“This is a misnomer we need to move away from in order to give agriculture its rightful place. Agriculture is a sleeping giant that has the ability to turn around our economies and become the major poverty reducer.

“We must look at agriculture as a leading factor in creating wealth and food security,” he said.

The president said this in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Daka during the official opening of a regional agriculture and food security forum yesterday organised by the World Bank and European Union at Zambezi Sun Hotel in Livingstone.

The theme of the forum was ‘Building Sustainable Small-Scale Agriculture in Southern Africa’.

The main objective of the forum was to facilitate discussions on enabling private sector-led agricultural development with government support in the southern African region.

Mr Banda said there was need to explore best practices in the sector which would be supplemented by the private sector.

He noted there was a lot of potential for agriculture as a business and all that was needed was concerted effort from the governments and the private sector.

He said the forum should find practical ways on how to include small-scale agriculture in mainstream economics.

The president said small-scale farmers had peculiar needs that needed to be addressed and harnessed.

Mr Banda said the private sector should find ways to help small-scale farmers move away from subsistence farming and contribute to the growth of the economies by maximising production.

Broader access to finance by the farmers would need both the private sector and governments in the region to bring together public and private finance to high impact intervention.

“Finding a formula for sustainable partnerships between the two is what is going to stimulate private sector-led agriculture growth in the region,” he said.

And Mr Daka bemoaned the high interest rates that the banks had continued to charge small-scale and commercial farmers.

He said in order to stimulate growth in the agricultural sector, there was need to reduce the lending rates, which he described as exorbitant.

“The money which the banks are lending belongs to the people. There is no way that the bank will give you five per cent as interest when you bank with them and when you want to borrow they will charge you interest at 25 per cent,” Mr Daka said.

International Finance Corporation acting general manager, Emmanuel Nyirinkindi said the agriculture sector in Africa was faced with various challenges which required unity among countries to be solved.

Mr Nyirinkindi said there was need to create investment opportunities and new partnerships, adding that IFC wanted to help boost private sector-led investments in the agriculture sector in the region.
Times of Zambia

President Rupiah Banda swears in the newly appointed Defence chiefs

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President talks to journalists during the press conference at State House.

President Rupiah Banda has sworn in the newly appointed Defence chiefs. President Banda this morning announced the retirement of all the defence chiefs.

he President Swore in newly appointed Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa and his deputy Major General Vincent Mukanda; newly appointed Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Andrew Sakala and his deputy Major General Monta Chileshe; and newly appointed Zambia National Service Commandant Major General Anthony Yeta and his deputy Brigadier General Nathan Mulenga.

And speaking during the swearing in ceremony at State House this afternoon, President Banda said the security services in the country are not only physically equipped but also have Officers with the right attitude. The President also expressed gratitude to the services of the defence and security personnel in the country.
He said they have worked tirelessly to ensure there is peace and stability in the country.

Meanwhile, President Banda has also sworn in newly appointed Attorney General Abyud Shonga Junior. During the swearing in ceremony at State House this afternoon President Banda said Mr. Shonga’s appointment is an important task because the entire legal profession will be looking up to him for guidance.

The President also swore in newly appointed Public Policy Specialist Sastone Silomba. During the swearing in ceremony, the President said Mr. Silomba’s appointment was timely because it has come at a time when Zambia was operating in a competitive world.

He called on the newly appointed Public Policy Specialist to understand global trends in the public Policy Sector to ensure best practices are adopted at local level.

Meanwhile President Rupiah Banda has reiterated that he will not hesitate to relieve any government official found to be practicing tribalism. Mr Banda said the worst crime one would commit is to be confirmed to be preaching tribalism. He says Zambia belongs to all Zambians and not to any particular tribe.

He adds that even in his appointments he made sure that all the country’s tribes are represented because Zambia belongs to all Zambians regardless of tribe.

President Banda adds he will strive to encourage unity in his own party the MMD,which unity he said he is proud of. He was speaking at State House this morning when he announced the retirements of the Defence chiefs.

QFM

Blades Cuts a Draw at Zesco

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Zesco United failed to make significant gains in their second league match of the season after drawing at home against Konkola Blades on Wednesday afternoon.

Zesco drew 0-0 with Blades in a rescheduled Week 4 match played at Musa Kasonka stadium in Ndola.

The draw sees Zesco rise up slightly from 14th to 13th on the Super Division log on two points from as many games played since the start of the league season.

Zesco have yet to win a league game after drawing 1-1 away to leaders Power Dynamos in a week 3 match played on March 28 at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe.

Politics of insults can lead to anarchy, Shikapwasha

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Government says the politics of insults being exhibited by the opposition Patriotic Front if not checked have the potential to spark anarchy in the country.

Speaking in an interview with QFM, Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha says having PF President Michael Sata and his Secretary General Winter Kabimba in leadership is the worst thing that can ever happen to Zambia.

[pullquote]He says it is a tragedy for some leaders who claim to be Christians to refer to other respectable leaders as Dogs.[/pullquote]

He says it is the politics of name calling that caused the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda. He narrates that the leaders in Rwanda caused the genocide after calling each other cockroaches.

Lt General Shikapwasha has since requested Zambians especially those in the opposition to take a leaf from what happened in Rwanda and desist from engaging in politics with the potential of causing chaos in the nation.
He says it is a tragedy for some leaders who claim to be Christians to refer to other respectable leaders as Dogs.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha further states that if Mr Sata can insult Mr Mangani, Zambians should be aware that he is also capable of insulting them when elected into office.

QFM

Faz might consider hiring local coach

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Faz have said they are open to look at options for a local coach in the wake of Herve Renard’s departure as Zambia coach.

Faz communications officer Erick Mwanza said on Wednesday at the weekly press briefing at Football House in Lusaka that the possibility of a local trainer taking over will be considered by the executive committee.

“It is one of the considerations,” Mwanza said. “Les us look at numerous options that we have and look at the merits. We will take into considerations all the permutations.”

And asked as to whether Renard’s former assistant George Lwandamina will be in charge in an interim capacity, Mwanza was non-committal.

“We will make a statement to that effect,” Mwanza said.

Renard resigned as Zambia coach this week after three years at the helm since 2008 and quit two month short of the expiry of his contract.

His assistants and fellow Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle also stepped down.

President Banda retires top defense Chiefs(corrected)

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President Rupiah Banda

By Lusakatimes staffer
President Rupiah Banda has retired all the top defense force commanders and their deputies from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air force, and the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and replaced them with other officers with immediate effect.

Those retired include Zambia Army commander General Isaac Chisuzi,Zambia Air force commander Lieutenant General Samuel Mapala, and Zambia National Service commandant Major General Raphael Chisheta.

Speaking at the press briefing at State House today President Banda retired the Zambia Army Commander Isaac Chisuzi and replaced him with Brigadier General Lopa who he has promoted to the rank of Major General and was until his appointment Defence Attaché at the Zambian Mission in Ethiopia Addis Ababa.

At Zambia Air Force (ZAF), President Banda retired Lieutenant General Samuel Mapala and replaced with him with retired Brigadier General Andrew Sakala who he has recalled and promoted to the rank of Major General.

Zambia National Service (ZNS), Commandant Major General Chisheta has been retired and replaced with Brig Gen Yeta, who has since been elevated to the rank of Maj General.

President Banda retired ZNS deputy commandant Brig Gen J.M Miti and replaced him with Brig Gen Nathan Mulenga who was until his new appointment ZNS secretary at the Ministry of Defence headquarters.

The President told the gathering that he made the changes to ensure that young officers were given chance to hold decision making position and to boost their moral.

He said the men chosen merit their positions because they were experienced officers and had performed well in their previous positions.

The President noted that his appointment of the defense force represent all the regions in the country to ensure that every one contribute to the national duties.

All the appointed defense force commanders and their deputies would be sworn in today.

Mr. Banda thanked the retired officers for working well with him and for the support they gave him at the crucial time he was elected as republican President.

However, President Banda has disclosed that the campaign to destablise his government by some Non-governmental organizations and some political parties has failed.

The President warned that he would not allow any person to destablise the peace that Zambians have continued to enjoy during the presidential elections next year in 2011.

He charged that some political parties have failed to win past elections because they use tribe to climb the ladder adding that his ruling Movement for Mult-party Democracy (MMD) was a national party that articulates the issues of all Zambians.

Editors note:We sincerely appologize for the errors in the previous article