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Former Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba has charged that the decision by the Judicial Service Commission to transfer 10 magistrates out of Lusaka is politically motivated.
Mr. Kabimba says the move is an act of intimidation to the judiciary and meant to pave way for compliant adjudicators to handle controversial cases in favour of the government.
He says the move is because the government has not gotten the expected judgments so far from the subordinate court.
Mr Kabimba who is also Economic Front president has reminded the UPND government that court deals with rules of evidence and procedure.
He says the government is repeating exactly what it was condemning while in opposition with regards the transfer of civil servants by the Patriotic Front.
Recently, the Judicial Service Commission transferred at least 10 Magistrates, among them Lusaka magistrate Jenipher Bwalya who recently discharged former Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Ronald Chitotela of two counts of possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Police have arrested Iris Kaingu and charged her for indecent dressing with intent to corrupt morals of the members of the public contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Ms Kaingu is detained at Kabwata Police station and will appear in court soon.
Particulars of the offence are that Kaingu, a Lusaka resident, on May 26, 2022 in Lusaka while attending the launch of Fenty Beauty in Lusaka did, with intent to corrupt morals, dress indecently with clothes that were unreasonably revealing.
She has since been charged and detained in police custody.
In 2012, Kaingu was arrested and convicted for an offence of featuring in a pornographic video that went viral on the internet.
Residents of Nakatindi ward in Chongwe district have continued to have difficulties in accessing clean drinking water as they have been depending on one borehole for water supply for the past two years.
Speaking in an interview in Chongwe, Ward councillor Akashi Sitali disclosed that only one out of six boreholes in the ward has been functional for the past two years.
Mr. Akashi stated that the crisis has led a lot of residents in the area to draw water from Mikango army barracks while some have dug wells at their homes to access the resource.
He said some residents have been covering long distances to source water and are eager to see the crisis being addressed.
Mr. Sitali revealed that officers from Chongwe municipal council have since inspected the boreholes which are non-functional and are expected to repair them.
He also stated that Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Sylvia Masebo has offered to sink one borehole in the ward to improve water supply in the area.
Mr. Sitali said drilling of boreholes is among the proposed projects prioritised by the communities in the ward to be implemented through the constituency development fund (CDF).
He called on various stakeholders to come to the aid of people in the ward by drilling more boreholes to enable people in the area to easily access water.
Meanwhile, one of the residents talked to Wallace Chabota said people of Nakatindi are looking foward to start enjoying their basic right to water under the new dawn government.
“Very little was done in the past to address the water challenges in Nakatindi and we hope the new dawn government will improve water supply. Access to water is our right and it is sad that this problem has not been attended to for a long time,” Mr. Chabota said.
Mr. Chabota said the ward development committee in the area should ensure that CDF allocations for the ward are used to address various challenges affecting people in the ward such as the water crisis.
Farmers in Lusaka province have reiterated their call for early distribution of inputs for the 2022/2023 farming season.
Stressing that this is to lessen the difficulties in accessing commodities and accelerate farming activities in the region , the farmers say the delay in the input distribution contributes to low yields and losses.
Speaking during the West Block Agriculture and Commercial Show Chairperson for the west block farmers, the farmers spokesperson Kebby Mulimbika explained that each year crops get destroyed by army worms as a result of late distribution of chemicals thereby compromising on the yield.
Mr Mulimbika however government for its continued support towards productivity through the formation of cooperatives and enhanced skills that enable farmers to compete favorably on the market.
“ As farmers we are positive that with the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, more farmers will benefit from the program,” he said.
He further called for modalities to be clear on how funds can be accessed, as the majority of cooperatives and women groups lack knowledge and information on how to access CDF funds.
And Lusaka District Commissioner (DC) Rosa Zulu implored farmers to utilize the services of extension officers in the district.
Speaking when she graced the event Mrs Zulu said the scenario will help farmers to enhance their productivity, farm revenue, reduce poverty, and minimize food insecurity.
Reducing hunger and promoting food security are rooted in increasing agricultural productivity especially for small scale farmers who are the majority of farmers feeding communities in the country, she emphasised.
President Hakainde Hichilema values the agriculture sector because it is the engine of growth for Zambia’s economy and that support towards farmers through various initiatives such as Fertilizer Input Support Programme (FISP) and others will continue.
It’s certainly easy for opposition leaders to criticise decisions and policies of a sitting government because their vantage enables them to serve as the bulwark to reigning in on excesses of the government of the day.
As the leader of the largest opposition party then, President Hakainde Hichilema executed this role with much perfection and humility. For more than a decade and a half, he consistently positioned himself as a voice of reason – often providing critical checks and balances to past governments. The tables have since turned and opposition sharks are consistently circling his cage baying for his blood. Surprisingly, it’s worth noting the ease with which his foes have exposed his vulnerability to criticism.
For somebody that promised to de-link partisan politics from government, a few of his decisions are baffling to independent moderates – except if you are a UPND faithful. This political summersault is an apt reminder to his faithful that the President is but a fallible mere mortal that is susceptible to error. Lest we forget, HH as the incumbent President is no longer a UPND but a national asset whose decisions should transcend beyond party zealotry. And not everyone critical of his decisions is after his job, for some, it’s more about patriotism than self-interests.
That said, why should he be complicit in activities that seek to appropriate significant national events to his party?
Case in point, Africa Freedom Day is meant to celebrate and honour pre and post-independence leaders that have helped to positively shape Zambia as well as the continent’s social and economic trajectory. Accepted, the President may also use this opportunity to reward and acknowledge ordinary citizens that have served the country well in their respective areas of speciality.
Of significance though, this day is meant to celebrate luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, Amilcar Cabral, Augustinho Neto, and Ben Bella, among others for their role in helping to free the continent from political bondage.
On the local political scene, it’s unthinkable to celebrate this day without remembering the role that the likes of Harry Nkumbula, Simon Kapwepwe, Munukayumbwa Sipalo, Mainza Chona, Grey Zulu, Alina Nyikosa, Nalumino Mundia, Mary Fulano and Chibesa Kankasa – just to mention a few struggle stalwarts that played a role towards liberating the country from colonial rule.
Presiding over the recent investiture ceremony at State House to mark Africa Freedom Day, the President honoured Mercy Changwe, commending her gallantry in defence of democracy and multipartyism. So, who is this Mercy Changwe that supposedly ranks high among a pantheon of African greats? What has she achieved thus far to deserve this prestigious award? A quick browse through Wikipedia or notable Zambian history books draws a blank to her name.
Then what criteria did State House use to accord her this honour? Ms Changwe – a vegetable hawker is supposedly a victim of PF brutality. She was allegedly assaulted several times by cadres from the former ruling party. Despite her ordeal she never renounced her membership of the UPND – this is according to State House.
Could this really have been a basis for conferring her with such a massive honour? Mind-boggling stuff, right? At another ceremony to mark Zambia’s independence day in October last year, the President bestowed the Order of the eagle of Zambia second division posthumously to the UPND’s Founder and President Anderson Mazoka for his immense contribution to Zambia’s plural politics and good governance.
Take nothing from Mazoka, he was a visionary that helped to elevate as well as transform Zambia’s railway transport sector but to deserve this award, ayikona man. The President further used the same ceremony to honour the UPND’s long time accountant, Backstone Mambo. As one of the founders of the UPND, Mambo was brutally assaulted by police when they raided the UPND offices – permanently damaging his spine.
Mercy Changwe’s Destroyed stand by PF cadres on the run up to 2021 elections
Never mind the duo’s contribution to the UPND’s rise to power, the governing party seems to have thrown its ideals of meritocracy in determining such decisions to the wind. In the case of Changwe, there is no evidence whatsoever to prove or suggest that her non-renunciation of her UPND membership helped transform Zambia’s political landscape. Her decision to stick to her party despite living in perpetual torture had little to do with a national cause.
In addition, the President owes it to the entire Zambian citizenry across the political divide to make rational decisions. And the trouble with entrenching such questionable decisions is that future national investitures risk becoming a partisan affair. An alternative perhaps is for the UPND to start organising its own party sanctioned investitures. Just a thought.
About the author: He is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. The only thing he supports is Kabwe Warriors and Liverpool. Congratulations to Man City – deserving champs, it still hurts a little bit. For feedback, contact: Kwachaone@gmail.com
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Elijah Muchima says his ministry has introduced a smart centred Zambia Integrated Land Administration System (ZILAS) from the land administration system from the Zambia Integrated Land Management Information System (ZILMIS).
Mr. Muchima explains that this has been necessitated by challenges to administering and manage land affairs in a transparent and sustainable manner.
The Ministry has been working around the clock to find best ways of executing the strategic focus in its mandate to administer land efficiently.
Speaking during an internal sensitization and awareness meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Muchima disclosed that the shift to ZILAS will be officially launched on June 16, 2022.
The new system shall be integrated into the Government Service Bus (GSB) and payment gateway, aimed at modernizing the delivery of public services through digital technology.
It will thereby promote simplicity in the process of doing business as it allows for online payment transactions, unlike queuing up at the ministry to access services.
“The system allows members of the public to make online payment and receive documents in electronic form such as offer letters and certificate of title,” Mr. Muchima stated.
Ministry has scheduled training for officers who will contribute to efficiency in the operation.
And Smart Zambia National coordinator Percy Chinyama says that the coming on board of ZILAS on the GSB brings several benefits and opportunities for citizens, thereby realizing the vision of government of good governance.
Mr. Chinyama commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for stepping out of the paper-based way of doing business by adopting, adapting and embracing ZILAS.
He cited improved transparency and strengthened security and accountability controls, as well as provision of enhanced monitoring and oversight intervention mechanisms.
“Following successful implementation of the ZILAS, the management of land affairs is expected to be more structured and prudent, which will definitely create opportunities for citizens of different levels,” Mr. Chinyama indicated.
The development is part of government’s digital resolution to deepen the digital and knowledge economy which will allow the country to accelerate progress towards the 2030 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income countr
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga says government will not interfere in the operations of the private media institutions because it supports freedom of expression and the public deserve access to information from various media institutions.
Mr Kalunga adds that the government supports the fourth state and cannot interfere in their formulation of policies and how they choose to operate.
The Permanent Secretary said this today toured ‘Muvi Television and Radio Christian Voice to familiarize with the operations of the two media institutions.
And Muvi TV chief Executive Officer Ronald Kombe had appealed to government to create a conducive environment for all media institutions to run smoothly.
Mr.Kombe added that the media need to enjoy their freedom of expression and run independently.
ZNBC Director General Malolela Lusambo has resigned his position at the national broadcaster with immediate effect.
In a statement, ZNBC Board Chairperson Jack Kalala said that Mr Lusambo had stepped down.
“On behalf of the board, I wish to thank Mr Lusambo for his service to ZNBC over the years where he has been at the helm since December 1, 2019, having previously served as Director of Engineering among other roles,” Mr. Kalala said.
He further also announced that the position of Director General will be advertised to allow for the transparent selection of a new director general in the shortest possible time.
Mr Kalala said that in the interim, Director Engineering and Technology Bright Nkhata will be acting director general.
He further indicated that the board has recommended for other senior management positions vacant to be advertised and substantive appointments made as quickly as possible.
“These include the directors of finance, human resource and programmes. The board is determined to transform ZNBC and ensure that the institution is financially viable,” he said.
And in a letter seen by Lusaka Times, Mr. Lusambo said he wholeheartedly served the Corporation for 33 years since he first walked through the ZNBC doors in 1989.
“I take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support rendered to me while I served the Corporation in different positions. It is a journey that I will cherish to remember. Obviously, being human, i am sure I stepped on a few toes of the beloved members of staff. Please accept my sincere apologies whenever such happened because it was never deliberate.”
Moses Sichone has returned to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), this time as Chipolopolo assistant coach.
The ex-Chipolopolo defensive midfielder returns to FAZ after previously serving as Technical Director from 2017 to 2018.
“The idea is to also have a Zambian trainer to learn from the expatriate coaches so that we can also empower local trainers with experience,” FAZ President Adrian Kashala said.
Sichone has since joined Chipolopolo head coach Aljosa Asanovic’s bench in Ghana.
Zambia are in Accra were Chipolopolo have set up a week-long training camp in transit to Abidjan ahead of their June 3 date against Cote d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro in a 2023 AFCON Group H fixture.
Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic says he will not treat 2022 CHAN qualifiers opponents Mozambique lightly.
The two sides meet in the first round qualifying stage in July as Chipolopolo chases a fourth successive trip to the CHAN.
“Zambia is always expected to be a strong team but of course it is a tricky game against Mozambique because everybody is thinking it is easy,” Asanovic said.
July’s date will mark Zambia and Mozambique’s second meeting in a CHAN qualifier.
Seven years ago, Chipolopolo beat Mozambique 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 away to advance to Rwanda 2016 CHAN where Zambia reached the quarterfinals.
Chipolopolo will visit Maputo in the first leg on July 23 and will later host The Mamba’s on July 30.
Winner will face Malawi or Zimbabwe in the final stage during the periods of August 26-28 and September 2-4 in the first and final leg fixtures respectively.
“Playing one opponent is not easy, especially when you are playing two games,” Asanovic said.
“First of all we shall take it step by step and first we shall think about a win in the first round against Mozambique after that we shall think about the second opponent.”
By James Musonda (Phd) Socio-Political Anthropologist (University of Liege).
Just recently a subsidiary of Glencore pleaded guilty to seven counts of bribery in a London court. According to “The UK’s Serious Fraud Office Glencore was involved in “profit-driven bribery and corruption” across Glencore Energy UK’s oil operations in five African nations”. But the amount of money this company will pay in fines will only be known at a sentencing in June. On top of that, the company agreed to pay more than $1bn (£800m) to resolve similar claims with the US and Brazil. It previously set aside $1.5bn to cover the investigations it faced in the UK, US and Brazil.
These revelations show that Glencore has not weaned itself of its deserved bad reputation and character of its founder Marc Rich. Until his famous pardon by US president Bill Clinton on his last day in office, after Rich’s wife Denise Rich had donated more than US$ million to the Democratic Party, Rich was on the FBI’s most wanted fugitives list. He was facing charges of, among others, tax evasion, racketeering and evading US sanctions in trading with Iran. He later sold the company his trading business to the company’s managers. The company is registered in Zug, Switzerland went public in 2011 and merged with Swiss mining giant Xstrata.
In 2000 Glencore acquired a majority stake in Mopani copper mines in Zambia, the largest employer on the Copperbelt – comprising Nkana and Mufulira mines, two concentrators, one smelter, one refinery and two cobalt plants for only $30 million dollars. For two decades of its operations, the company consistently declared losses and hence refused to pay taxes. Together with Vedanta’s KCM, Mopani consistently responded to global commodity fluctuations by: retrenching workers massively; subcontracting most of its operations to companies who were paid less and who consequently offered their workers precarious working conditions; withdrawing social benefits such as housing, children’s education, water and electricity and so forth; transferring the blame for safety on workers; weakening trade unions by recognising seven more unions besides MUZ and; facilitating and encouraging workers to obtain loans instead of increasing their wages.
Business-wise, Glencore’s mines sold much of their copper to Glencore’s trading segments, mostly through Glencore UK. Put simply, Mopani sold its copper cheaply to another Glencore owned company in the UK cheaply, before that company sold the same copper expensively on the global market. As such Glencore could declare losses in Zambia and transfer the profits in foreign countries. Similarly, FQM sells all of its copper to just two other companies: Trafigura, long headquartered in Geneva, and Metal Corp Trading registered in Zug Switzerland. Metal Corp is a fully owned subsidiary of Metal Corp (Sweden) AB, itself a fully owned subsidiary of FQM. In short, Metal Corp Trading ‘buys and sells all of FQM’s metals and, in the process, carries out sophisticated derivatives management to handle price risk’ (Dobbler and Kesselring 2020).
In 2015, Mopani was one of the companies named alongside Vedanta’s KCM for tax evasion and avoidance resulting in the Zambian government losing over $3billion every year. Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) audit of Mopani Copper Mines conducted between 2006 and 2009, revealed that the transactions between the company and its Swiss parent multinational, Glencore International AG (GIAG) violated the Arm’s Length Standards (ALS), which requires a buyer and seller act independently without one party influencing the other. In May 2020 the Supreme Court of Zambia ruled in favour of ZRA and fined Mopani Copper Mines $13 million. Besides avoiding taxes, Glencore also continued to pollute and endanger the lives of many people living in surrounding areas especially Kankoyo, including causing deaths. For example, in 2016 the Zambian High court found Mopani guilty for the death of Beatrice Miti after she inhaled toxic fumes of sulphur dioxide negligently released beyond the legal limits into the atmosphere by Mopani. On appeal by Mopani, this fine was raised to K1 million. This is a company that refuses to pay taxes using doggy means, pollutes and kills, and yet is able to remorselessly defend itself in court.
The recent revelations should refocus our attention to that Mopani deal which saw the Zambian government purchase Mopani for US$1.5 billion-plus-interest for a company that made a US$91 million net loss in the same year the transaction was concluded. Glencore bought from the Zambian government for just US$50 million in 2000, and sold it back at US$1.5 billion-plus-interest or US$2billion plus or minus. This is more than twice the amount at which the entire ZCCM was sold. In short, we sell cheaply, and buy back expensively, yet more than 60 percent of Zambians live on less 2$ per day, have no electricity, decent water, and hospitals have no medicines. But this is not all.
Under the purchase agreement Glencore: retained buying rights for Mopani’s copper output until the transaction debt is fully repaid; ZCCM-IH must repay the loan PRINCIPAL by giving Glencore 3% of Mopani’s gross revenue from 2021-2023 and 10-17.5% of Mopani’s gross revenue until the debt is fully repaid; to pay quarterly interest of LIBOR plus 3%. Mines Minister Richard Musukwa estimated that this may upto 17 years depending on copper prices. This deal Glencore denied Zambians benefits for twenty years when it owned and operated the mines and has continued to do so even when it handed over the company to the Zambian government. The Glencore deal is an example of nationalisation with zero benefits.Indeed Glencore invested $2.4 billion between 2000 and 2015. However, given the above revelations, one would argue that this is the money they raised by selling the Zambian Copper. The Zambian government must investigate Glencore’s twenty years in Zambia, and the deal. The nationalisation of Mopani clearly demonstrates that it was meant to bankrupt the country already suffocated with an external debt of over US$14 billion. There was no need to pay all this amount because Glencore has already got its due.
An organisation calling itself the Association of Unemployed Youths (AUY) has reported former Patriotic Front (PF) aspiring Parliamentary candidate for Mwandi Constituency Iris Kaingu to Zambia police for what it described as conduct likely to corrupt morals contrary to Section 177(1)(a) Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
In a statement released to the media and signed by organisation President David Chishimba, AUY said that the conduct by Ms Kaingu, if unchecked is likely to corrupt the Zambian society, especially young people who might perceive undressing in public as normal conduct or may think that to make it in Zambia one has to undress.
Mr Chishimba said that it is a lame justification that those in the entertainment industry can undress to gain popularity adding that Zambia is not the Wild West has a culture and laws which govern the citizen’s actions.
Below is the full statement
WE HAVE OFFICIALLY REPORTED IRIS KAINGU AT KABWATA POLICE STATION FOR CONDUCT LIKELY TO CORRUPT MORALS.
“WE SAY NO TO POPULARIZATION OF IMMORALITY”
27.07.2022
As the Association of Unemployed Youths (AUY), we have watched with dismay the popularization of immorality by some Zambian celebrities. That is why we have taken a step to report one Iris Kaingu at Kabwata Police Station for conduct likely to corrupt morals contrary to Section 177(1)(a) Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Such conduct if unchecked is likely to corrupt our society more especially young people. People might perceive undressing in public as normal conduct or may think that to make it in Zambia one has to undress. It’s a lame justification that those in the entertainment industry can undress to gain popularity, Zambia is not the Wild West, we have a culture and laws which govern our actions.
Our country helplessly continues to tread on the trajectory and into the abyss of moral decay. It is sad that the people who are supposed to assist us in guiding the nation on the right course in our aspiration for a moraly upright nation are the ones at the forefront of eroding whatever is left of our moral standing.
I appeal to our celebrities to be cognizant of our culture and traditions as they present themselves in whatever industry they are in not only for the sake of the nation but for their own sakes as well. They may not see the wisdom in this now, but when time catches up with them, they will remember these words.
We would like to caution Zambians, more especially young people, to choose their role models carefully. We have a lot of women in every industry or sector who do not have questionable traits that they can choose from such as Mizinga Melu – Banker, Laura Miti – Activist, Mwizukanji – Celebrity, Kampamba Mulenga – Politician, Tasila Lungu – Politician, Mutale Nalumango – Politician, Maria Zaloumis – Farmer.
At some point, we have to stand up and say enough is enough.
Victory is certain.
David Chishimba President – Association Of Unemployed Youths
The Royal Establishment of Senior Chief Mweemba in Sinazongwe District has called for peace and unity following the establishment of a new coal mine in the area which will see the exhuming and relocation of about 30 graves.
Senior Chief Mweemba’s representative Benson Siamujansi said the relocation of the graves was not deliberate but meant to facilitate new mining activities by the African Power coal mine located in mulungwa village.
Mr. Siamujansi was speaking in Sinazongwe shortly before the commencement of the exhuming exercise at which affected families were consoled and strengthened about the shifting of the graves of their beloved ones to another area.
He also called on the mining firm to continue maintaining peace and unity with the affected families and rest of his subjects for the purpose of ensuring that the new development of the coal mine and the livelihoods of the host community are not disturbed.
A somber mood characterised the exhuming of the graves as fond memories of their beloved ones was evident on the faces of the affected families who watched as the operation was underway.
And some of them confessed that they had never seen or heard of such an activity in their lives.
African Coal Power Coal Mine has since commenced mining operations in Sinazongwe to produce first grade coal.
The Mining Giant is set to expand its operations hence the relocation of the graves to facilitate mining activities in the area.
The region is now host to three mining firms operating from Sinazongwe in addition to Maamba collieries and Collum Coal Mine.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga has stressed the need for quality delivery of service among statutory institutions.
Mr Mulenga says as Zambia grapples with debt, quality service delivery should be top of the agenda.
Speaking in Lusaka today during a business forum to commemorate, World Metrology Day, the Minister said downplaying the need for quality as the country tries to recover the economy will have a negative impact on the efforts.
Mr Mulenga said in as much as there is need to undertake work expeditiously, quality should never be compromised.
“I’d love to implore all of us, as we are here. Let us be a man and woman that will provide services with quality. We are a part of the innovators that will not only do business with each other but deliver quality services,” he said.
And Mr Mulenga said inaccurate measurements can be disastrous.
He cited irregular measurements of pharmaceutical products, saying this can be detrimental to human health.
The Minister also urged different stakeholders to enhance collaboration among players regardless of what sector they are in.
“Do not compete among yourselves, complement each other,” Mr Mulenga said.
Speaking on the same occasion, Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) Executive Director, Himba Cheelo said for Zambian goods and services to penetrate the global market, various international standards must meet several quality and quantity factors.
Ms Himba said all successful and developed economies were built on robust measurement systems.
She said ZMA is determined that all the institution’s partners meet the appropriate metrology standards.
“Zambia Metrology Agency remains committed to ensure that all our business players meet the necessary metrology requirements,” Ms Himba said.
And Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) Board Member, Mohammed Umar urged ZMA to undertake sensitisation to members of the public on issues of metrology.
Mr Umar said metrology is an important concept the public needs to understand.
“Metrology remains to be one of the most misunderstood concepts in the world.
The application of metrology cuts across all developmental and economic sectors.
This year’s World Metrology Day was being commemorated under the theme:
Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has given the Kalomo Town Council a 14 day ultimatum, to restore industrial harmony between themselves and the community, resulting from unfair allocation of land and dubious collection of revenue.
This comes after several complaints from the community, who have cited an unfair working culture from civic leaders and council officers.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mweetwa who received petitions from the community members in Kalomo district, reiterated President Hakainde Hichilema’s call to fight corruption, warning that those who will be found erring in the matters raised will be on their own.
He says both civic leaders and council staff are there to provide service to the community and not to be selfish by owning large pieces of land regardless of the people that they serve.
“We are servants of the people, we are not masters”, Mr. Mweetwa emphasized.
He says the government won the elections on the premise of helping the people and not duping them.
Mr. Mweetwa wondered how plots could be sold by the council without being advertised and also councillors soliciting money from potential buyers.
“How can you sell plots without advertising, on top of that others are collecting money from people, that is shameful,” He said.
At the same meeting Mr. Mweetwa also called for discipline among UPND cadres who have become disrespectful of their elected leaders.
Mr. Mweetwa further added that plot allocation must not be dominated by cadres but the general populace.
Meanwhile, Kalomo town Council Chairperson Coy Makayi has assured the Minister that all matters raised will be dealt with within the stipulated time.
Mr. Makayi however said that most of the plots sold were on first come basis, noting that they were advertised on several media platforms.
“The plots in question were advertised, unless my officers lied to me that they advertised when not, but I will find out”, the Council Chairperson explained.
He assured that the allegations on corrupt officers and councillors will be among the issues to be investigated within the two week period given.
