Vice-President, Rupiah Banda, has hailed a private health practitioner for setting up a laboratory in Lusaka saying this would cut costs for patients travelling abroad seeking medical tests.
Mr Banda said this when he officially opened Professor Nkanza’s laboratories in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Banda described the laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art machinery as a milestone achievement in the medical history of the country.
“Our people have been trekking to South Africa for various tests, the opening of this laboratory, therefore, will bring relief both to Government and our citizens as it will be cheaper to have these tests locally.
The Government was happy with the support from the private sector in ensuring there was easy access and affordable medical services.
He assured Prof Neil Nkanza of Government’s total support, adding that a solution would be found to concerns raised by the proprietor over delays experienced to clear medical requirements by customs authorities at border points.
The Vice-President also conveyed a congratulatory message from President Mwanawasa on the positive achievement and assured Prof Nkanza of Government support towards the smooth operations of the laboratory.
Mr Banda urged the corporate world and Zambians to render support to the laboratory to help it achieve its intended goals.
Speaking earlier, Prof Nkanza said the laboratory opened its doors to the public 22 months ago and that he was prompted to establish it after seeing the agony endured by locals travelling to neighbouring countries seeking medical attention.
“When patients go out of this country for laboratory investigations the country is not only losing foreign currency but a lot of medical information is lost as the result of those investigations cannot form part of the information that the ministry of Health needs for proper assessment of the medical conditions in Zambia,†he said.
Locally, it was not possible to use that data for purposes of teaching and furthering medical knowledge.
He said the responsibility of providing affordable medical services to the people could not be attained by Government alone but that the private sector should compliment the already existing efforts.
He said public-private partnership was the only way Government could succeed in making health facilities easily accessible to people.
The laboratory had also offered its services to the University Teaching Hospital and the Churches Health Association of Zambia.
Prof Nkanza observed that Laboratories provided value in the use of data in national health planning as it amassed large amounts of disease information vital for planning.
On problems encountered when importing reagents for laboratory use, Prof Nkanza said delays by customs officers, meant huge losses.
The laboratory was opened with the backing of Lancet Laboratories of South Africa.
Veep hails Prof Nkanza
Govt reaffirms determination to develop the economy
Southern province Minister, Joseph Mulyata, says government is working hard to create an environment for increased production necessary for national economic growth.
Mr Mulyata said government is currently increasing the hydro electricity sector’s
capacity to provide electricity to the new mines and other industries as a measure of encouraging productivity in key sectors of the economy.
The minister was speaking in Siavonga yesterday during a conducted tour of the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation, ZESCO, run Kariba North Bank power station.
He said the move by government to establish another power plant at Itezhi Tezhi will
greatly help the country cope with the increasing demand for electricity by the industries.
Mr Mulyata commended workers at Kariba North Bank power station, which is Zambia’s
second largest power plant, for exhibiting a spirit of hard work and professionalism.
The minister, who inspected ongoing rehabilitation works on underground power
generation equipment, expressed happiness at the progress made so far in the project.
ZESCO engineers informed the minister that the ongoing rehabilitation works are
meant to increase power production capacity and modernize equipment in line with
current trends in the power industry.
They said some equipment had become obsolete and that spares were no longer available on the market, hence the need to catch up with latest technology.
Levy sends message of goodwill to TZ
President Levy Mwanawasa says Zambia is committed to maintaining brotherly relations with Tanzania.
President Mwanawasa is hopeful that the existing cordial bilateral ties would be strengthened for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
Mr. Mwanawasa said this in his message of congratulation to his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete on the occasion to mark that country’s national day.
This is contained in a statement released to ZANIS by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, John Musukuma today.
“I take this opportunity to renew Zambia’s commitment to the maintenance of the
brotherly relations that our two countries continue to enjoy,” read part of the statement..
Mr. Mwanawasa also sent messages of congratulation to Togolese President Faure
Gnassingbe and Seirra Leone’s Ahmed Tejan Kabbah the two countries’ 47th AND 46th
national days that fell on April 27.
In the massage to Mr. Gnassigbe, Mr. Mwanawasa indicated Zambia’s appreciation of
the warm relations with that country and wished the people continued peace and unity.
“And I wish to re-affirm my desire to deepen further these relations for the mutual benefit of our two people,” the statement read in part.
He also wished Sierra Leone leader Mr. Kabbah and the people of that country continued peace and prosperity.
Lawyers exam leakages shock Attorney-General‘…this shows that the reputation of our profession is under threat…’
Attorney-General, Mumba Malila, has charged that many law students at the legal institute were resorting to examination leakages because of rampant violation of professional ethics by several practitioners.
Mr Malila said yesterday that it was shameful that even some learners of the legal profession at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) would deem it convenient to cheat their way into the profession by helping themselves to leaked examination papers.
“As a leader of the bar in Zambia and chairman of the Council of Legal Education, I was devastated to learn of the leakages of examination question papers at ZIALE and this shows that the reputation of our profession is under threat,†he said.
He was speaking at the opening of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) seminar at Zambezi Sun Hotel in Livingstone yesterday.
Mr Malila said it was such cheats who, upon admission to the bar, became a menace to the profession, adding that such professionals threw out of the window every rule of ethics.
The Attorney-General said many legal practitioners were violating ethics of the legal profession in Zambia, giving it a bad name and creating a recipe for other vices to new entrants.
The entire legal profession has consequently earned itself a bad name and it was in considerable disrepute because of the slow, tardy, corrupt justice and declining standards of adjudication and legal service.
“Noble as our past may be, the current reputation of lawyers is not what it should be. We can no longer ignore the persisting and pervasive criticism of the conduct and performance of the lawyers,†Mr Malila said.
He said there was need for concerted efforts to change the image of the profession and ensure the legal system restored its good name and delivered an improved quality of service to the people.
It was, therefore, necessary for the LAZ to reinforce the application of rules of practice and strengthen the sanction for delinquents and violators.
“We must purge ZIALE of those examination cheats. We must take those young lawyers who, for lack of chambers, practice from their brief cases and unsuitable premises in workshops back into chambers where their formative years as practitioners should be effectively monitored and supervised,†he said.
The quality of performance of the legal sector would be an important determinant of the prospects for consolidated economic growth and democracy in Zambia.
“The efficient legal system affords more effective protection of human rights, freedoms and liberties of the citizens and available evidence from studies shows that well functioning legal systems promote business growth, rising incomes and democracy,†Mr Malila said.
He said lawyers ought to understand the complex rules of engagement in line with international bodies to enable them to exploit international rules than be exploited by them.
Mr Malila said it was also necessary for LAZ to provide a formal framework for continuous professional development so that members were kept abreast with global development and issues that could open up opportunities for specialisation.
Govt warns politicians against intimidating public service workers
Northern Province Minister, Lameck Chibombamilimo, has cautioned politicians against intimidating public service workers in their execution of duties.
Mr. Chibombamilimo, who is also Mpulungu MMD Member of Parliament said public
service workers should be left to perform their duties freely in the interest of enhancing public service delivery.
He was speaking when he officially flagged off the disbursement of Constituency
Development Funds, CDF, at a function held at the civic centre today.
Mr. Chibombamilimo said he was aware of a group of people, who were allegedly
intimidating workers especially District Commissioner, Willie Simfukwe, and his
family.
He warned that govcernment would not hesitate to seek the intervention of the law
enforcement agencies in the alleged intimidations of workers by politicians.
Mr. Chibombamilimo also warned political parties allegedly intimidating councilors
that government would not allow parties to fume confusions in councils and would
ensure that politicians who compromise national security are dealt with by law.
He commended Mpulungu district Council and Mpulungu Harbour Management for the role in the successful disbursement of the CDF and cautioned residents to avoid any
attempts that might jeopardize the successful implementation of infrastructure
development in the district.
Over 900 Iron Sheets and one hundred bags of cement were distributed to several schools earmarked for rehabilitation in the district.
And speaking at the some occasion, District Education Board Secretary, Beytus Nshenda, said the district was short of about 100 teachers.
ZANIS
Levy directs Minister of Science to curb GMO imports
President Mwanawasa has ordered the immediate issuance of a statutory instrument to curb the smuggling into the country of suspected genetically modified agricultural products.
Mr Mwanawasa has directed Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Peter Daka to issue the statutory instrument.
The President issued the directive in Lusaka yesterday when he officially commissioned the Genetically Modified Organisms National Referral Laboratory of the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research at Mount Makulu Research Station.
Mr Mwanawasa said Government would maintain its stand against genetically modified organisms and would continue rejecting them.
He also explained that the statutory instrument should spell out how to control the importation of agricultural chemicals.
The President said the statutory instrument should certify dealers of herbicides and other agricultural chemicals and curb smuggling of the products into the country.
Mr Mwanawasa said Mr Daka should also table a bill in Parliament so that the statutory instrument could become an Act of Parliament.
“All dealers in herbicides and other agricultural chemicals should get certified because it is very important that we protect the environment.
It is also important that our people are protected from eating genetically modified food which can affect their health,” Mr Mwanawasa said.
Mr Mwanawasa said in 2002, the world spotlight was focused on Zambia and in many cases Government was misunderstood as having rejected biotechnology.
He brushed aside the misunderstanding, saying Government was only cautious with technological transfer, especially regarding genetic modification of food crops.
The President said some institutions in Zambia were studying genetic engineering because genetic modification was not the only product of biotechnology.
Mr Mwanawasa said the whole world was aware of the implications resulting from products of modern biotechnology like genetic engineering on human and animal health and the environment.
“Therefore, as a Government, we would rather be cautious and not venture into the unknown.
My Government fully appreciates the centre stage biotechnology is taking and will continue to take in the 21st century and beyond,” he said.
He said Government was, on the other hand, criticised by some local sections of society that wanted it to reject the donated maize on grounds that its effects on people’s health was uncertain.
Mr Mwanawasa said since his Government was just in its first year in office; it was difficult to make a decision on whether to accept such donated maize.
“But the interesting part on this matter was that some of the countries which wanted Zambia to accept GM maize later came to donate non-GM maize to us after we rejected the GM one.
They wanted to use Zambians as guinea pigs,” the President said.
He said in 2004, Government with the support of Norway embarked on a capacity building programme that resulted in the commissioning of the GM detecting laboratory at Mount Makulu.
Government contributed K1.9 billion for infrastructure development while Norway released US$400,000 for the purchase of equipment, legislative processes, staff training and public awareness.
The President urged the Ministry of Science and Technology to ensure that the laboratory was used optimally especially in examining products that farmers utilised.
And Norwegian ambassador to Zambia, Terge Vigtel, commended Government for the bold decision of rejecting GM maize in 2002 in the midst of food shortages in the country.
Dr Vigtel said the decision led to the commissioning of the referral GM detecting laboratory at Mount Makulu.
He pledged his Government’s continued support in various development sectors in Zambia, including the biotechnology industry.
SATURDAY FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Leaders Zesco United could extend their lead at the summit of the Faz Premier League table this Saturday when they travel to Chingola to play 8th placed Nchanga Rangers in a week 10 Faz Premier League fixture.
The match will be an emotional one for both sides head coaches who have past links with the club they will be playing against this weekend.
Zesco coach Wedson Nyirenda left Rangers a disillusioned man in 2001 after almost three years as a peripheral figure on the bench and as head of the youth team before joining City of Lusaka that same year.
On Saturday, after stints as number 2 at City and Zanaco, he returns home as at the helm of a side riding high on the log and already touted as probably the Copperbelts’ only hope of winning the top-flight or finishing 2nd this season.
On the Rangers bench, Dick Ngwenya too will be out to embarrass his ex-club after he was sacked in July 2005 after some uninspiring performances on their way to finishing 2nd under Wesley Mondo.
Mondo himself was subsequently fired last year after a poor run during Zesco’ debut outing in Africa in the Caf Confederations Cup and in the last stretch of the 2006 season before the club made last minute relegation escape.
A win for Zesco will push them to 22 points that will see them maintain their status on the table while also a draw too would still be enough to leave them in command at the end of week 10.
Rangers meanwhile will be looking to maintain the momentum after crushing Young 2-0 away last weekend that helped them recover from that 3-0 thumping at the hands of Zanaco the weekend before then.
A wounded Zanaco meanwhile stays home for a second successive week where they entertain across town rivals City of Lusaka in their Capital derby.
A draw or second defeat at home for Zanaco should set into motion the pressure to bare down on head coach Fighton Simukonda.
In the weekends other league matches, Konkola Blades travel to Ndola to play bottom of the table Zamtel FC, while sister clubs Young and Red Arrows face-off at Nkoloma.
Kabwe Warriors are at National Assembly, Lusaka Dynamos host Nakambala Leopards while Green Buffaloes are away in Ndola to play Forest Rangers.
And at Arthur Davies, Power Dynamos are home and they host Roan United.
Anti-Corruption poor show irks Levy
President Mwanawasa says he is disappointed with the poor performance of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
“I am not satisfied with the Anti Corruption Commission’s operations.You will need to find ways of improving its operations.You should sit down with senior managers and discuss why its performance has been so poor,” Mr Mwanawasa said yesterday at State House.
Mr Mwanawasa said this when he swore-in ACC chairperson, Valentine Chileshe and commissioner Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika.
The President said he would be reluctant to lobby funds for the ACC if it did not improve its performance.
Mr Mwanawasa said the ACC had performed below his expectation compared to the Drug Enforcement Commission.
“A lot of cases taken to court by ACC take too long to be disposed of and this has greatly contributed to congestion in prisons.
When I was a practising lawyer, I never saw cases that dragged on in court for more than five years like it is currently,†he said.
Mr Mwanawasa was also disappointed that there were many adjournments of court cases, which were delaying justice.
The President asked the Chief Justice, Ernest Sakala, to find time and sit with senior judiciary staff to find ways of addressing the problem of cases, which were always being adjourned.
“Sometimes judges allow adjournments on flimsy grounds, resulting in congestion of prisons.
Very soon, I shall be signing a statutory instrument through which I have committed the death penalty to life imprisonment,” Mr Mwanawasa said.
The President said once the statutory instrument was signed, some of the inmates serving death sentences would face life imprisonment while others would be released.
Mr Mwanawasa said crucial witnesses would have died if cases were always delayed before coming up in court.
He also said witnesses’ memories would have been blurred and all it required to get an acquittal was a clever lawyer.
“They will be asked very nasty questions and witnesses will be scratching their heads or sometimes you (witnesses) will say it is a slip of the tongue.
The tongue is safely anchored there in the mouth,” Mr Mwanawasa said.
He said if the cases took too long to be disposed of, witnesses would find it unfashionable to give evidence against suspects who would be heroes by then.
Mr Mwanawasa also said the crowding of inmates in the country’s prisons was inhuman and needed urgent attention to address the situation.
 Daily- Mail
China gives Zambia $39 million loan for floods disaster
President Levy Mwanawasa announced Thursday that Zambia had secured a loan of 39 million dollars from China to be used for repairing infrastructure that has been destroyed by floods.
Mwanawasa said the money from Beijing will be used to procure earth-moving equipments that will be used in the construction of roads and bridges, which were destroyed by heavy rains.
“We have secured a 39 million dollar loan from China to be used for the procurement of earth moving equipment,†Mwanawasa said during a swearing-in ceremony for the new Chinese ambassador to Zambia, Li Qiangmin.
He said the machinery will be in Zambia by June this year.
Heavy rains earlier this year displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed roads, bridges and schools in mainly rural areas.
Maamba Hospital employees work as casual workers
By Tovin Ngombe:-
Most workers at Maamba hospital have worked for 22 years, 10, six, five, three, and one year without being confirmed under the Ministry of Health.
ZANIS investigation and interviews with most health workers revealed that workers have been filling in the annual confidential forms and confirmation forms but they were stuck in the Hospital Administration Manager’s office.
The forms were not being submitted at the province for consideration of confirmation for employees that needed to be confirmed.
Mildred Chinene an enrolled midwife disclosed that she had been working at Maamba Hospital for 22 years without being confirmed.
Most nurses who refused to give their names complained that they were not motivated with the working environment prevailing at the hospital because their Hospital Administration Manager had no time to look into their plight.
They said that at times Mr Cosmas Michelo would tell them to fill in their forms for confirmation but he fails to deliver them.
“We are sick and tired of this working culture at Maamba Hospital we have been trying to air our views but we have no channel to deliver them being in the rural area and all we receive are intimidations†the nurses said.
Not only are the nurses and other health personnel affected but also the security officers, secretaries and other supporting staff have worked for many years without being confirmed.
Sinazongwe District Commissioner Laiven Apuleni said the delegation from the public Service Commission would be in the province and urged management to submit their forms for the employees that were due for confirmation.
Mr Apuleni said the issue of confirmation was now straight forward as an employee is supposed to be confirmed after working for six months.
Maamba hospital is going through difficult times as all the workers have passed a vote of no confidence in their Hospital Administration Manager Mr. Michelo.
Sinazongwe district Director Dr Kebby Musokotwane said he would not work with Mr, Michelo.
Dr Musokwatane told the meeting on Monday that Mr. Michelo called him on phone after he wrote a warning letter to him for failing to report for work for four days without any proper explanation that he was hurt and disappointed with the letter.
“Dr Musokwatane, I am hurt with your warning letter, now it’s either your life or my life at stake here,†Mr. Michelo warned the doctor.
The doctor said in another incident Mr. Michelo warned him that he was not surprised because Tokaleyas are known to fight Tongas.
“I have a problem with the office of the Hospital Administration manager since I joined the hospital he has never allowed me to do my work and my colleague who is an environmental officer,†one Health Inspector told the meeting.
ZABF picks controversial boxers for Pan African games
By Tovin Ngombe:-
Southern Province Amateur Boxing Association (SPABA) has called on Zambia Amateur Boxing Federation (ZABF) to reselect boxers scheduled to travel to Algeria because the team was biased and unfairly picked.
SPABA Secretary Blackie Mantele told ZANIS that only boxers from Midland and Copperbelt which represents two provinces only were chosen.
He said his executive was dismayed at the manner used in selecting the boxer as they failed to choose any one from the Southern province.
Mantele said Maamba Boxing Amateur Association and Nakambala managed to complete the season and they were committed to intense preparations they had and wondered why the mother body chose to ignore their contributions.
“SPABA has expressed concern at the selection of boxers to travel to Algerai on July 15th and only Midland and Copperbelt has been chosen while Southern province has been left out,†Mr. Mantele said
He said SPABA would not affiliate it self this season if the anomalies for biased selection of boxers by ZABF leads by the Interim Chairman Steve Simpemba would fail to rooted out the mess.
Mantele disclosed that his boxers have been doing fine in most tournaments that they has participated and questioned criteria used to choose people that were even battered by his boxers.
He said Southern Province has good, talented and up coming boxers such as Mombela Mukuni, Casias Chiyanika, Alex Ng’andu, Douglas Mbewe who were all of national material and have been participating in international games.
The Secrtary beamoned that his sponsors were committed to sponsoring them but the disappointment and the biased selection in the ZABF would make them fail to continue sponsoring the sport.
“Mombela mukuni one our boxer has beaten Gideon Kabaso on two occasions but he has been left out while Kabaso has been picked.
He alleged that most of the boxers chosen were from Green Baffalos because the national coach boxer comes from the same club.
“ This is disappointing some of these boxers are too old, they can not bring medals, they have participated in a lot of national tournaments but they have come home with nothing, there is a lot of corruption if this fails to end we are not going to have any medals.
Mantele said in the next month’s elections for ZABF, Southern Province would only vote for people who have the interest of the sport at heart and those would also consider Southern Province.
MIDWEEK WRAP-UP
It was midweek of shocks that saw the Faz Premier League leadership change hands for the fifth time this season as two giants tumbled and two David’s triumphed.
Wedson Nyirenda’s Zesco United are the new leaders after they handed Green Buffaloes their first league defeat of the season on Wednesday crushing their hosts 3-0 at Independence stadium in Lusaka.
Zesco join Konkola Blades, Nchanga Rangers, Young Arrows and Zanaco who have all enjoyed a brief spell at the top of the log in the two-month old league campaign.
Zambia international midfielder Rainford Kalaba struck twice in a period of twelve minutes for Zesco before the opening half-hour mark with goals in the 11th and 23 minutes.
Kalaba’s brace means he joins Kabwe Warriors striker Emmanuel Mayuka on 7 goals at the summit of the scorers chart.
Ex-Ndola United striker Enoch Sakala scored his 5th of the season for his new club with Zesco’s third a minute after Kalaba’s second goal to beat Buffaloes.
Zesco are on 19 points, pulling away from former leaders and now second placed Zanaco on 16 who suffered their second defeat of the season and first at home since November 26 last year.
Zanaco lost 2-1 at home to 7th placed Lusaka Dynamos as question marks are beginning to arise as to whether the defending league champions luster for a third-successive top flight title actually exists.
However, it was Zanaco who took the lead in the 56th minute in this modest Lusaka derby through midfielder Jack Chileshe.
But Dynamos rallied with goals from defender Hichani Himoonde and Under 20 playmaker Tom Bakala in the 64th and 75th minutes respectively to hand Zanaco their first home defeat since Forest Rangers beat The Bankers by the same margin at Sunset last November.
Meanwhile at Dola Hill, Forest stayed unbeaten at home this season but had to comeback from 1-0 down against Power Dynamos to finish 1-1 in a very boring encounter played at Dola Hill in Ndola.
Simon Bwalya put Power ahead in the 24th minute poking home the ball after a clanger from Forest goalkeeper Harrison Phiri’s.
Forest’s underperforming striker Bizwell Phiri Jr scored his first competitive top-flight goal for the Ndola clubs since they were promoted last season with the equalizer in the 74th minute after turning in a cross from the left delivered by Field Chipungu.
Forest swap places with Roan United to shift from 15th to 14th on the table while Power stay put in 11th place.
TABLE.
 Â
|
P |
W |
L |
D |
F |
A |
GD |
PTS |
||
|
1 |
ZESCO UTD |
9 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
15 |
4 |
11 |
19 |
|
2 |
ZANACO |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
14 |
5 |
9 |
16 |
|
3 |
KONKOLA BLADES |
9 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
7 |
3 |
16 |
|
4 |
YOUNG ARROWS |
9 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
12 |
11 |
1 |
16 |
|
5 |
KABWE WARRIORS |
9 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
9 |
4 |
15 |
|
6 |
CITY OF LUSAKA |
9 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
15 |
|
7 |
LUSAKA DYNAMOS |
9 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
11 |
-6 |
15 |
|
8 |
NCHANGA |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
8 |
2 |
14 |
|
9 |
BUFFALOES |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
|
10 |
NAKAMBALA |
7 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
7 |
12 |
-5 |
9 |
|
11 |
POWER DYNAMOS |
7 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
6 |
8 |
-2 |
8 |
|
12 |
NAT ASSEMBLY |
9 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
-4 |
7 |
|
13 |
RED ARROWS |
8 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
6 |
11 |
-5 |
7 |
|
14 |
FOREST RANGERS |
9 |
0 |
3 |
6 |
4 |
8 |
-4 |
6 |
|
15 |
ROAN UTD |
9 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
13 |
-7 |
6 |
|
16 |
ZAMTEL |
8 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
-6 |
3 |
Government ready to partner with private sector on development
Government has reiterated its commitment to work with the private sector and it’s cooperating partners on initiatives that aim to exploit the development potential of Luapula Province.
Provincial Minister, John Chinyanta also said the continued cooperation between
government and partners would result in the province meaningfully contribute to
Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr. Chinyanta said Luapula had immense potential in farming, fish and agro processing.
He was speaking in mansa today when he officiated at the Luapula Province Trade and
Economic Sensitization Workshop dubbed “Value addition key to international trade
competitiveness”, organized by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
He said the province had opportunities for investment in tourism, mining, fish and Agro-processing to improve the livelihood of people in the area.
And Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Alfred Kalumba said there was need to add
value to products and services from the province as currently a lot went to waste due to lack of packaging and processing.
He said the province exports about K8 billion worth of produce through the pedicle road only to the Copperbelt and that Luapula could generate a higher turnover from its resources with improved quality of the export.
At the same function Canadian High Commissioner to Zambia John Deyell said the Donor
Community appreciates Zambia’s commitment towards the formulation and implementation of various bilateral and trade agenda’s on both regional and global scales.
Mr. Deyell said Zambia had demonstrated it’s sense of leadership and ownership
towards the realization of the intended goals through partnerships such as NEPAD and
the Southern African Development Community (SADC), among others.
He called on the local business community to embrace global market changes through
the utilization of modern information and technology tools such as e-commerce in order to access the world market and profit from their products.
He said the Zambian Government had shown commitment by prescribing platforms for local business to penetrate the global market and that the donor community would
continue to be partners in development.
And Acting Director General of Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Glyne Michelo said
the workshop was aimed at sensitization of Zambia’s economic environment and export
Business opportunities related to the products and services generated in Luapula Province.
Mr. Michelo said the outcome of the deliberations with the various local business stakeholders would create networks and strategic alliances that would play a pivotal
role towards the development of trade in Zambia.
ZANIS
FIFA urges member associations to introduce beach soccer
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has with immediate effect instructed all member National Associations to introduce Futsal and Beach Soccer in their countries.
This was stressed at a seminor which was organized by FIFA in Maputo, Mozambique on
Futsal and Beach Soccer in Africa.
Briefing Journalists in Lusaka today, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Head of Competition and Administration Julio Chiluba said that the seminor was meant to
explain to member national Associations what Fusal and Beach soccer were and their
position on the FIFA development programmes.
Chiluba explained that both sports will be given equal opportunities of development
along side conversional Eleven-a-side Football for both men and women.
He pointed out that the two sports activities have since been recommended for National Team players as they help sharpen their skills due to the small size of the field.
He also noted that Fusal and Beach Soccer have become the fastest growing sports as
they have the largest number of clubs playing in the world.
Chiluba has also disclosed that FIFA and UEFA have promised to donate Fusal and Beach soccer balls and other basic equipment to each Member National Associations which will participate to speed up the introduction of the two sports activities.
He added that the two international football bodies have also pleged to send instructors to conduct courses for coaches and referees.
Chiluba said the appointment of the members of the Futsal and Beach soccer committee is underway.
ZANIS
New Start Center urged to provide mobile VCT services
The Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) of Chipata in Eastern province has requested the New Start Centre to provide mobile VCT services in Mambwe district following an outcry by residents.
ADRA district coordinator Boniface Kalaswa disclosed that ADRA had already approached New Start Centre to respond to the needs of the people of Mambwe toaccess the mobile VCT services.
Mr. Kalaswa disclosed this in an interview with ZANIS today, at Katopola farmers training institute in Chipata where ADRA was holding a workshop for neighbourhood health committees.
”We have already approached new start centre for a mobile VCT to be conducted in
communities in the district and they have also shown interest and willingness to provide the services as long as it was less than 50 kilometers while beyond that ADRA will have to foot the bill,” he said.
Mr. Kalaswa said ADRA would soon come up with a budget on the matter because it was
happy that the message had reached the people and that the organisation will respect
the will of the people by providing them with free VCT services closer to where they lived.
He said his organization incorporated HIV/AIDS in all the programmes because it realized how crucial it was to tackle the problem from all angles because it retards development in the country.
Mr. Kalaswa said behaviour change in the fight against the disease was cardinal hence the need for a continuous sensitization programme to educate the residents on the need to change their behaviour.
Mr. Kalaswa said ADRA was aware that HIV/AIDS impacted negatively on members of
society hence the need to tackle the root cause of the scourge.
”We realise that the scourge does not spare any body and that it impacts negatively
on individuals, households, communities and the public sector such that when a family member fell sick most of the time it is the family members who take care of the patient,” he said.
Mr. Kalaswa said if a lot of people got sick in the country, development suffers as most public institutions would lose human resource.
He has since urged residents to go for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), which he described as a positive step towards the eradication of HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Kalaswa has since praised the traditional in the area and ministry of health for working closely with ADRA as it educate.