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The government has approved the recommendation of the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board to increase monthly payments for injured workers from K150 to K400 minimum, per month.
The decision follows professional advice through an actual valuation of the Workers Compensation Fund in accordance with the standard actuarial principles.
This indicates that the Fund has a healthy funding level of 325% percent with the value of assets standing at 2.4 billion Kwacha against liabilities of 743 million Kwacha.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba says adjustment is in line with section 86 of the Workers Compensation Act no. 10 of 2019 of the laws of Zambia which permits the Board to increase amounts payable under the Fund.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Ms. Tambatamba noted that this is to compensate the beneficiaries for the increase in the cost of living.
She however bemoaned the previous minimum benefit levels which remained low not meet the expectations of the injured workers in terms of levels of coverage and benefits.
“The social security reforms by government are not only aimed at improving benefits but also expanding the scope and modernizing the occupational injury scheme as well as remove ambiguities,” Ms. Tambatamba indicated.
This is in line with the new dawn government’s transformational agenda of changing the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board into a proactive work injury scheme that responds to the needs of beneficiaries, she said.
The Minister implored the Fund to maintain a steady increase of the benefits to adequate levels by re-modeling the investment strategies.
She said this should be to respond to the contemporary investment environment so as to optimize returns in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive during the 2022 International Labour Day celebrations.
Also present at the media briefing was the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board Chairperson Emmanuel Mbambiko who took note of the Ministers concerns and requests, regarding the transformation of the institution
Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) says the establishment of the national airline, Zambia Airways has contributed significantly to domestic tourism.
ZTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Chavunga Lungu says the national airline’s competitive pricing has worked in favour of domestic tourism.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Mr Lungu said the airline servicing domestic routes has also contributed greatly to local tourism.
“Zambia Airways were clever when they were coming in. They decided to be servicing some of these routes where we have our natural endowments and people would want to travel to these particular places,” he said.
The national airline commence operations on 01st December 2021 from its hub in Lusaka to domestic destinations of Livingstone and Ndola. The airline currently has frequency of five and six times a week to Livingstone and Ndola, respectively.
The airline will introduce additional domestic routes to Mfuwe and Solwezi and add regional destinations, Johannesburg, and Harare, to its network within the first quarter of 2022.
Zambia Airways (2014) Limited is the flag carrier of the Republic of Zambia with its hub at Kenneth Kaunda Airport in Lusaka. It is established in accordance with the shareholder’s agreement signed between the Government of Zambia through Industrial Development Corporation Limited (IDC) and Ethiopian Airlines Group in August 2018 where IDC owns 55% while Ethiopian Airlines Group (ET) owns 45% of the shares.
And Mr Lungu said there has been an improvement in domestic tourism adding that there is now wide acceptance for local tourism products.
Pointing out that statistics were still being tabulated, and would be ready next month , Mr Lungu however expressed optimism that when statistics are fully compiled, they will show an upward trend regarding domestic tourism.
“Yes there has been an improvement, an upward trajectory we believe as Zambia Tourism Agency. This is on the premise that the numbers that we saw in 2021 and 2020 that supported the hospitality industry was actually domestic tourism.
“ More than 60 percent of the tourism business was sustained by domestic travelers,” he said.
President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration is putting in place measures aimed at promoting value addition in the country.
President Hichilema points out that the new dawn government has put in place incentives so as to allow farmers to import agricultural machinery for value addition at zero rate.
Mr Hichilema said this when addressing journalists shortly after attending the Zambia National Farmers Union ( ZNFU ) symposium at Mulungushi international Conference centre.
“Yes government is putting in place incentives for farmers to import agriculture machinery for value addition at almost zero rate,” He said.
It is the new dawn government’s goal to turn Zambia into a producing, processing and distribution center for the local and regional market.
Government for this reason is slowly changing the narrative of exporting raw materials as is the case in the mining sector.
The President noted that Zambia has all the natural resources required to produce goods and services.
“Zambia should be a production, processing and distribution center for the local and regional market.”
And explaining that the zero rating of agricultural machinery is aimed at encouraging productivity, Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri indicated that government primarily wants to grow the country’s through increased productivity in the agriculture sector.
However, Mr Phiri stressed that government alone cannot grow the country’s economy hence calls to work with the private sector closely.
The Agriculture Minister has since thanked President Hichilema for accepting to engage with suppliers of fertilizers during the symposium at Mulungushi International Conference centre.
And ocal Journalists have been challenged to be truthful as they discharge their duties by ensuring that they carry factual stories so as to make Zambia the most favourable investment destination.
President Hichilema told journalists during the symposium that irresponsible reporting only dents the country’s image and scare away would be investors. President Hichilema at the Zambia National Farmers Union ( ZNFU ) symposium at Mulungushi international Conference centre.
Earlier, In a bid to lower the cost of food in the country, President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration remains committed to address challenges being faced in the agricultural value chain.
And President Hichilema notes that high fertilizer prices is one of the major barriers that need to be addressed to ensure reduced food prices.
Mr Hichilema explains that his administration will work with key stakeholders among them farmers and fertilizer suppliers to ensure that the prices of fertilizer are reduced and make it readily available.
“ Availability of the commodity will attain if local manufacturing is promoted and supported, “ he says.
The President said this to journalists after an engagement with Fertilizer Suppliers at a Symposium organized by the Zambia National Farmers Union ( ZNFU ), in Lusaka, yesterday.
He said he will continue to engage ley partners in revolving challenges in the economy and those being faced by citizens that will in turn address the high cost of living especially food.
“This is our new way of working, we shall and continue working together and unlock any challenges that we face in our economy, in our communities, food issues and the availability of it,” he said.
He noted that his administration is dedicated to growing the economy and creating job opportunities for the Zambians in order to better their lives.
“In everything we do our first core is to better the lives of the people, create jobs for somebody, we have challenges now in the agriculture sector, to ensure that we do not drop the ball on production of various produce to satisfy the local market and exports, “he explained.
The President further urged the farmers to enhance their production capacity and ensure that there is food security in the country.
And Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president Jarvis Zimba commended President Hichilema for devising effective policies that promote the agriculture sector in order to assure food security in the country.
Mr. Zimba explained that President Hichilema has shown political will in addressing issues that affect production of food.
He added that currently various stakeholders are trying to come up with measures to resolve the issue of low productivity and the cost of production so that the prices of fertilizer are affordable.
The current prices of fertilizer are too high for small scale farmers to afford, hence the need to address the matter.
He said this is why the Symposium has been held so that government, together with farmers and fertilizer suppliers can find an amicable solution to the challenges.
In a bid to lower the cost of food in the country, President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration remains committed to address challenges being faced in the agricultural value chain.
And President Hichilema notes that high fertilizer prices is one of the major barriers that need to be addressed to ensure reduced food prices.
Mr Hichilema explains that his administration will work with key stakeholders among them farmers and fertilizer suppliers to ensure that the prices of fertilizer are reduced and make it readily available.
“ Availability of the commodity will attain if local manufacturing is promoted and supported, “ he says.
The President said this to journalists after an engagement with Fertilizer Suppliers at a Symposium organized by the Zambia National Farmers Union ( ZNFU ), in Lusaka, yesterday.
He said he will continue to engage ley partners in revolving challenges in the economy and those being faced by citizens that will in turn address the high cost of living especially food.
“This is our new way of working, we shall and continue working together and unlock any challenges that we face in our economy, in our communities, food issues and the availability of it,” he said.
He noted that his administration is dedicated to growing the economy and creating job opportunities for the Zambians in order to better their lives.
“In everything we do our first core is to better the lives of the people, create jobs for somebody, we have challenges now in the agriculture sector, to ensure that we do not drop the ball on production of various produce to satisfy the local market and exports, “he explained.
The President further urged the farmers to enhance their production capacity and ensure that there is food security in the country.
And Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president Jarvis Zimba commended President Hichilema for devising effective policies that promote the agriculture sector in order to assure food security in the country.
Mr. Zimba explained that President Hichilema has shown political will in addressing issues that affect production of food.
He added that currently various stakeholders are trying to come up with measures to resolve the issue of low productivity and the cost of production so that the prices of fertilizer are affordable.
The current prices of fertilizer are too high for small scale farmers to afford, hence the need to address the matter.
He said this is why the Symposium has been held so that government, together with farmers and fertilizer suppliers can find an amicable solution to the challenges.
The government through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, has commenced preparations for the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 to 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Acting Secretary to the Treasury, Danies Chisenda announced that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will be conducting broad-based consultations on the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 MTEF to facilitate interactive preparations.
Mr. Chisenda said that a considerable consultation period of up to 30th June, 2023 has been set so that many stakeholders are involved in an open and transparent process.
He therefore urged members from both the public, and private sector, civil society and other stakeholders to submit tax, non-tax and expenditure proposals, for review and possible inclusion in the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 MTEF.
Mr. Chisenda indicated that the National Budget and the MTEF are important economic policy tools which help to shape the direction of economic policy and other development priorities.
“The Ministry is confident that the set period will create considerable room for citizens, including the youth, women groups, the private sector, public sector, and all other stakeholders and interest groups to participate in the formulation of the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework,” Mr. Chisenda stated.
He stressed the importance of citizen’s participation in the budget formulation process to ensure that the Government and stakeholders move together in streamlining taxation and creating a conducive policy environment for business.
Mr. Chisenda advised that detailed guidelines on submissions of tax and non-tax proposals for the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, will be published on various media platforms.
32-year-old Yvonne Muntemba is the only female ward councilor in Kabwe District of the Central Province.
Kabwe District has 29 ward councilors.
On the road to becoming David-Ramushu Ward Councilor, Ms. Muntemba, a trained teacher, overcame many challenges ranging from inadequate campaign finances to criticism by fellow women.
She was elected as David-Ramushu Ward Councilor during the 2021 General Election held in August.
Her passion toward contributing to the development of her low-income community motivated her to become a civic leader.
Councilor Muntemba wants to be part of the solution to challenges affecting people in David-Ramushu Ward.
“When you have stayed in a ward and you see that development is not coming you feel like, let me also try and come in to do the needful. We of course have been intimidated, especially that we are women, especially that we don’t have money,” she said in an interview in Kabwe.
The civic leader said challenges did not stop her from becoming a leader in her community.
“I can assure you that I stood with men who had money but the passion for the people motivated us. Of course we had challenges of money and campaign materials but some organisations like NGOCC helped us,” Councilor Muntemba said.
She highlighted her vision for David-Ramushu Ward.
Councilor Muntemba wants to ensure that her ward has a secondary school and clinic in the next five years.
“I have got a vision; I want to be the voice for the voiceless, talking about the youths and women. By the time my five-year term will end we shall have a secondary school and fully fledged clinic in the ward,” she said.
“We don’t have a clinic in David-Ramushu Ward. We don’t have a clinic and people trek to Kasanda and Makululu to access health services, which are far from where they live. So we need a clinic,” she added.
Councilor Muntemba is not under pressure despite working in a council chamber dominated by men.
“I am not under pressure as I serve the people. As I am speaking by now we will have our police post opened soon. We are also clearing drainage in the ward with the help of youths.”
Councilor Muntemba wants to see more women taking up leadership roles.
“We need to have more women to participate in leadership or politics.”
She concluded:”Women are not supporting each other much to be honest if I had not been strong, I was not going to win the elections. I would not have been a councilor today if I didn’t have thick skin.”
The Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has cleared ZESCO over its decision to procure wooden poles from Zimbabwe and South African companies.
In a letter written to PF PresidentIal Aspirant Emmanuel Mwamba dated 23rd May 2022, ZPPA stated that the use of Limited Bidding procurement method by ZESCO to acquire the wooden poles was within the law.
ZPPA Director General Idah Chulu said ZESCO relied on Section 42(2) of the Public Procurement Act No. 8. Of 2020 which states that when there is an urgent need for the goods, works or services and engaging open bidding would be impractical, limited bidding procurement method would be used.
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba reported to both the Anti-Corruption Commission and the ZPPA to probe the procurement the supply and delivery of nine(9) and (12) metre wooden poles shortlisted to foreign companies.
He contended that the decision by ZESCO to spend in excess of $107million on foreign companies when the ZPPA Act of 2020 provided that the first float of such a tender was to be afforded to citizen suppliers.
He said both the Zambia Manufacturers Association(ZMA) and the Timber Association of Zambia had affirmed that enough materials existed in the country to meet ZESCO’s wooden poles needs.
Mr. Mwamba had contended that both ZAFFICO and Copperbelt Forestry Company had capacity to supply the wooden poles and should be given preference in the supply tender as local suppliers.
But ZPPA said ZAFFICO had a running contract with ZESCO.
Mr. Mwamba thanked ZPPA for investigating his complaint but maintained that ZESCO’S decision to use uncompetitive methods for such a large sum of money remained a serious matter of concern.
He said he would wait for a report from the Anti-Corruption Commission on the matter before he can take the next course of action.
China based Zambia Shepolopolo striker Barbra Banda is missing from the 31-member provisional squad coach Bruce Mwape has unveiled ahead for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup to be hosted by Morocco in July.
Banda conspicuously missed Zambia’s Africa Cup qualifier against Namibia earlier in February.
There have been debates about the player’s status in women’s football.
Meanwhile, Mwape has summoned Spain-based striker Rachael Kundananji to the squad.
Veteran Indeni Roses striker Noria “Mbesuma” Sosala has earned a recall after years of absence from the squad
According to FAZ, the team will enter camp on 29 May.
Zambia will face Cameroon, Tunisia and Togo in Group B of the Africa Cup that will run from 2-23 July.
TEAM:
GOALKEEPERS: Hazel Nali (Fatih Vatan Spor-Turkey), Leticia Lungu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (Indeni Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Agness Banda (National Assembly)
The Luangwa district magistrate circuit court sitting in Rufunsa district has granted bail to White Zulu, the 93 years old man who is alleged to have defiled his three-year-old granddaughter.
Magistrate Allan Kangwa granted bail to Mr. Zulu after his legal aid lawyer, Douglas Njolomba who is representing him in the case of defiling a three-year-old girl appealed to the court for time to study the case after the second witness Margret Phiri, the mother to the child and the arresting officer constable Raphael Bwingi gave their evidence.
The mother of the child told the court that on 10th April, 2022 around 18:00 hours she left her two daughters aged two and three in custody of their grandfather Mr Zulu and went to draw water but when she came back, she found her three-year-old daughter crying while sleeping in a blanket with her grandfather.
When she asked the father in-law Mr Zulu, why the child was crying, he told her that maybe some stick had pricked her private part.
In cross examination, Legal Aid Lawyer, Douglas Njolomba asked the complaint Magret Phiri from her own analysis if White Zulu could have the energy to have carnal knowledge with any woman and she answered that he can’t.
The third witness, Constable Rapheal Bwingi in his evidence, told the court that on 11th April, 2022, he received a report from Magret Phiri aged 24 that her three-year-old daughter had been defiled by White Zulu aged 93.
Constable Bwingi issued two medical reports which the complainant took to Mpanshya St. Luke’s Mission Hospital and when she came back from the Hospital, the medical reports were signed by a doctor and they showed that there was penetration.
Upon receiving the medical report, he went to arrest Mr Zulu and handed him to Luangwa Police Station for further investigations.
In cross examining, Constable Bwingi, the Lawyer asked how the matter was reported and Constable Bwingi told the Court that on the 11th April, Magret came to report the case of defilement at Mpanshya police post.
In finding out what happened, Magret Phiri told him that on the 10th April, 2022 she left her daughters aged two and three in custody of their Grandfather White Zulu at around 18:00 hours when she went to draw water from a borehole.
She later said that when she came back from the borehole, her three-year-old daughter ran to her crying and it was at this point when the legal aid lawyer asked for adjournment saying they were conflicting statements from the two witnesses, the mother and the Police officer.
Magistrate Kangwa adjourned the case to 11th July, 2022 for continued trial and later granted White Zulu bail in his own recognition as he was not a threat.
President Hakainde Hichilema has pardoned 2,045 inmates ahead of tomorrow’s African Freedom Day commemoration.
The pardoned inmates include 1,969 ordinary inmates and 33 old aged.
President Hichilema has also commuted sentences for 607 inmates.
Acting Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Ambrose Lufuma announced the development at a press briefing in Lusaka today.
The Minister indicated that the government has started addressing the challenges in correctional facilities by securing mattresses and bunk beds.
He added that government further plans to accelerate the opening of the new ultra-modern 3, 500 holding capacity of the Correctional Centres in Mwembeshi under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Mr Lufuma stated that government will also construct and expand more open-air correctional farms to increase capacity and agricultural production.
He has further urged Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to consider taking part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to correctional centres to resolve some challenges that include poor diet.
Currently, the inmate population in the country stands at 25,242.
President Hakainde Hichilema says there is need to deal with the cost of fertilizer so that productivity of food is at a low cost.
President Hichilema says Government is working together with farmers and fertilizer suppliers to see that the cost of fertilizer is reduced and to have the commodity produced locally.
He says Government will work to resolve challenges in the economy and that this will resolve problems faced by citizens such as availability and cost of food.
President Hichilema says his Administration wants to grow the economy so as to create jobs for citizens and better their lives.
The Head of State said this to journalists after an engagement with Fertilizer Suppliers at a Symposium organized by the Zambia National Farmers Union at Mulungushi International Conference centre in Lusaka today.
President Hichilema said the country has a task of boosting production in the agriculture sector and to ensure that farmers continue to produce more.
He said it is his Administration’s ambition that farmers produce enough for the local market as well as export to the region.
Zambia National Farmers Union President Jarvis Zimba said the various stakeholders are trying to resolve the issue of productivity and the cost of production so that the prices of fertilizer are affordable.
Mr. Zimba noted that the current prices of fertilizer are too high for small scale farmers, hence the need to address the matter.
He said the Symposium was held so that Government, together with farmers and fertilizer suppliers can find an amicable solution to the challenges.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said President Hichilema has political will to ensure that the agriculture sector thrives.
Scores of Kitwe residents this morning thronged the Kitwe Magistrate court to catch a glimpse of the wife to late prominent Kitwe businessman Richard Mbulu as she appeared for mention.
Annie Monta, 30, is alleged to have murdered her husband Mbulu popularly known as Chile One on April 30th this year at their home in riverside Kitwe after a marital dispute.
Monta, who was brought in a private vehicle amid tight security by police in full riot gear, appeared for mention before Chief resident magistrate Chongo Musonda who explained to her the charge of murder contrary to section 200 of the penal code chapter 87.
Magistrate Musonda read the charge to Monta who responded in affirmative.
Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic says he has picked the best team possible for next month’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.
The Croat-born coach on May 23 named his 25-member team for the away date against The Elephants in Yamoussoukro on June 3 and the home game against Comoros on June 7 in Lusaka.
“We will be ready. All we need is to just focus and play at a higher level,” Asanovic said.
Asanovic also revealed that he had courted two 2012 AFCON veterans for the June qualifiers but hit a set-back.
Defender Stopilla Sunzu could not make it because he would have been subjected to 21-day COVID 19 quarantine upon returning to his base in China.
Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene cannot make it as he is dealing with some contractual and club commitments back at South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Meanwhile, injuries have ruled out midfielders Clatous Chama of Simba SC in Tanzania and Augustine Mulenga of Amazulu in South Africa.
Furthermore, defender Aime Mabika’s naturalization process to play for Zambia is in the bureaucratic mill at Home Affairs.
Mabika, of USA MLS club Inter Miami, was born in Lusaka to Congo DR parents and spent the first eight years of his life in Zamia before his family moved to America.
He made his debut in last March’s 3-1 friendly win over Congo-Brazzaville together with another call-up from the diaspora Frankie Musonda of Scotland second tier club Raith Rovers who has received his papers to play for Chipolopolo.
TEAM:
GOALKEEPERS: Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune, South Africa), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Cyril Chibwe (Unattached)
Feira Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Emmanuel Tembo says his constituency has identified a number of projects in various communities awaiting actualisation through the Community Development Fund (CDF).
Mr Tembo expresses confidence that through the increased CDF funding to the tune of K 25.7 million, the constituency has outlined some projects which once approved will change the livelihoods of the people of Feira for the better.
The law maker in an interview expressed concern at the deplorable state of infrastructure and road network he said was retarding development in the area.
‘’The constituency has a number of challenges such as poor road network, through the CDF we are going to construct roads, build classroom blocks and a mortuary at a named clinic,’’ said Mr. Tembo.
Stressing that these are areas that need to be addressed using the CDF,the lawmaker further observed that there is a need for capacity building and training for most of the cooperative members who will be recipients of the CDF.
‘’We have noticed that these people need to be trained by business consultants on how to handle a business and manage their finances once they are given the CDF so that they are able to make profit out of the funds,’’ observed Mr. Tembo.
Meanwhile , the lawmaker has called for local investment in mining and agriculture in the area he said has a lot of precious stones which he adds local miners can take advantage of and invest for the economic growth of the country.
Mr Tembo in an interview expressed optimism that local miners have the full potential, capacity to invest and control the mines which Zambia is blessed with.
Mr. Tembo observed that the Town has the potential for local farmers to invest in fish farming as well as tourism because the area has a lot of natural resources for income generation for the local people.
‘’Instead of waiting for foreigner investors to come and create jobs for us, we as Zambians can create our own jobs by way of investing in various sectors such as agriculture, mining and tourism particularly in Luangwa district,’’ he said.
A clergyman on the Copperbelt says the apology rendered by Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo to President Hakainde Hichilema is strength in a healing nation.
Bishop Victor Kalesha of CityGate Christian Center says learning to apologise has benefits as there are benefits in forgiveness.
“The apology by Honorable Bowman Lusambo should not be taken for weakness or as a sign of surrender, but as a sign of strength for a progressive nation. What I see from Bowman’s apology is the progression of a nation headed in the right direction to a progressive nation,” Mr. Kalesha said.
“His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema is on record having said he wants to bring healing to the nation and such healing should not be devoid of forgiveness. Bowman’s apology to me should be part of the healing process that the country should experience,” he said.
“As the Head of State and father of the nation, President Hakainde Hichilema embed in his heart an extra big heart to have a forgiving heart.
An apology from whatever angle you look at it from comes with respect and sincerity of heart, it can create an opportunity for a relationship to mend, heal and even grow a nation.”
“I would like to outline the power of apology with three main elements. 1- Acknowledgement- Being able to see how your actions impact others is key to making a sincere apology and my view Honourable Lusambo has acknowledged that. 2-Remorse and empathy- Remorse is truly feeling bad for what you have done and Bowman has expressed that. Empathy is putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and knowing how they feel and am sure Bowman has shown leadership in that area. 3- Restitution – This means taking action to provide an act or service to make up for the transgression- Bowman Lusambo has taken mature action by apologizing.”
Bishop Kalesha said when an apology contains the three components listed above then it’s meant to give benefit to both the receiver of the apology and the giver of the apology.
“Bowman’s apology which I personally support will allow for the repair of the relationship of even even other politicians on the political field. Bowman’s apology will open up genuine communication or actions to take place through the power of an apology,” he said.
“Since an opology has been rendered, President HH should no longer perceive Bowman as personal threat to the governance system, but as a contributor to the healing process. Bowman’s apology should help those calling for his blood to move past their anger prevent themselves from being stuck in the past.”
Patriotic Front (PF) Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya has said the United Party for National Development (UPND) must focus on fulfilling old promises as opposed to making new ones.
Mr. Kafwaya, the PF presidential aspirant, has observed that the UPND has already made enough promises to the people of Zambia and most of them are yet to be fulfilled.
He cited some promises the New Dawn Government is yet to fulfill as selling the presidential jet, reducing mealie meal prices to K50.00 per 25KG bag, reduction of the cost fuel to K12.00 per litre, reduction of fertilizer price to K250.00, creating of employment for youths and reducing the cost of doing business.
Mr. Kafwaya said some promises the UPND made such as making the Kwacha appreciate in hours after forming government were time bound and can never be fulfilled as the period attached to the promises has already elapsed.
He also cautioned the UPND against labeling civil servants as PF.
“Two things UPND must stop doing. UPND as a governing system must stop the following two things: Stop giving further promises and stop calling public workers as PF. Let me start by thanking UPND for managing hooliganism in bus stations and markets. President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has done well on this front, in my view. But the administration must make sure that this clean up is not just superficial, but becomes entrenched not only in the UPND ranks but also in the total political landscape of our country,” he said.
“Stop giving further promises. As UPND, you have given enough promises to the people. Many of these promises are yet to be fulfilled. Remember that these promises were given at different levels for example, when Hon Garry Nkombo promised that immediately after HH was sworn in, they would get bulldozers to demolish houses in forest 27, he was just a member of parliament and an NMC in UPND. Now he has more power because in addition to both of those, he has been appointed minister, making it easier to fulfill promises,” Mr. Kafwaya stated.
“There are promises which were time bound, for example the fours of Kwacha appreciation, from 10 hours to 14 hours. This means that such promises and others will never be fulfilled as the timing attached to the promises have already lapsed. As such people including myself will receive promises from UPND with suspicion because the credibility record is quite poor. To save the situation, as opposed to giving further promises, UPND should take existing promises as enough and work on fulfilling them.”
“Putting it more strait, please sell the jet, reduce mealie meal to ZMW50.00, reduce the cost fuel to ZMW12.00, reduce fertilizer cost to ZMW250.00, create employment for Youth’s, create business opportunities for Zambian Youth’s, reduce the cost of doing business etc.These promises once fulfilled, will cause the UPND party to boost its credibility record, and then it would be more appropriate to come up with further promises,” the Lunte MP added.
He warned that the agenda of labeling public workers as PF is a dangerous one and can cause serious service problems not only to the government but to people as well.
“Stop calling civil servants or public workers as PF. The first thing to think about is that there are people being employed in the public service right now. Would you want future Governments to regard them as UPND? Of course not, I hope. Government is a going concern. This agenda of labeling public workers as Pf is a dangerous one and can cause serious service problems not only to the Government but to people as well. Those police men, nurses, doctors, teachers, judges, soldiers are professionals who are professionally trained. And they fully comprehend the need to serve the Government of the day. Please give them a break. They are at your service. Please just apply them well and your objectives will be achieved. I strongly wish our nation well,” Mr. Kafwaya concluded.
