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ZPPA clears ZESCO over wooden pole importation deal

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ZPPA clears ZESCO over wooden pole importation deal

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.

Bruce Mwape Names Provisional Shepolopolo Womens AFCON Team

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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)

DEFENDERS:Esther Banda (BUSA), Esther Siamfuko (Queens Academy), Margaret Belemu (Shanghai Shengli-China), Bertha Imponene (Nkwazi Queens), Vast Phiri (Zesco Ndola Girls), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Anita Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Pauline Zulu (Lusaka Dynamos Ladies), Judith Soko (YASA Girls)

MIDFIELDERS:Misozi Zulu (Hakkariguku Spor FC -Turkey), Ireen Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows), Evarine Susan Katongo (ZISD Women), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls), Rhoda Chileshe, Norin Betani (both Indeni Roses), Maweta Chilenga (BUSA)

STRIKERS;Rachael Kundananji (SD Eibar-Spain), Xiomala Mapepa (Lusaka Dynamos Ladies), Grace Chanda (BIIK Kazygurt-Kazakhstan), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (Red Arrows), Eneless Phiri (Police Doves), Jessy Zulu (Pataaki FC), Noria Sosala (Indeni Roses), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

93 -year-old alleged defiler granted bail

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93 -year-old alleged defiler granted bail

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 Hichilema pardons 2,045 inmates

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President Hichilema pardons 2,045 inmates

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.

We have to lower the high cost of fertilizer- Hichilema

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We have to lower the high cost of fertilizer- Hichilema

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.

Chile one murder, Annie Monta appears in Kitwe Magistrate

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Chile one murder, Annie Monta appears in Kitwe Magistrate

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.

Asanovic: Team Picked, Now We Must Work

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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)

DEFENDER: Frankie Musonda (Raith Rovers, Scotland), Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Miguel Chaiwa (Athletico), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United)

MIDFIELDERS: Roderick Kabwe (Sekhukhune-South Africa), Enock Mwepu (Brighton, England), Emmanuel Banda (Djurgardens,Sweden), Kings Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Rally Bwalya (Simba SC, Tanzania), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Lubambo Musonda (AC Horsens, Denmark), Kelvin Kampamba, Spencer Sautu, (both Zesco United), Lameck Banda (Maccabi Petah Tikva,Israel), Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland,Denmark)

STRIKERS: Fashion Sakala (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Evans Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Ricky Banda (Red Arrows), Gamphani Lungu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)

Luangwa awaits CDF funding for identified projects

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Luangwa awaits CDF funding for identified projects

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.

Bowman’s apology is strength in a healing nation

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Bowman’s apology is strength in a healing nation

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.”

UPND must focus on fulfilling old promises as opposed to making new ones

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UPND must focus on fulfilling old promises as opposed to making new ones

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.

Lusambo makes peace with Nevers Mumba

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Lusambo makes peace with Nevers Mumba

Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo has reconciled with MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba.

This followed a reconciliatory meeting held on Sunday evening at which the two agreed to forget the past misunderstandings and reconcile.

Mr. Lusambo was a close ally of Dr Mumba in the MMD but the two fell out and Mr. Lusambo ended up joining the PF.

The reconciliation was part of Mr. Lusambo’s move to make peace with those he may have injured.

The development was confirmed by Mr. Lusambo’s campaign manager Mathews Ngosa who attended the three hour meeting.

Mr. Ngosa explained that the two political leaders also pledged to maintain cordial relations in their approach to politics.

At the same meeting, Mr. Lusambo apologized for the political misunderstandings that may have occurred in his past dealings with Dr Mumba.

“The meeting was initiated by Mr. Lusambo, he felt the need to apologise to Dr. Mumba in a similar manner he has apologized to the Head of State President Hichilema and Dr Mumba gracefully accepted the apology,” Mr Ngosa said.

He said Dr Mumba agreed with Mr. Lusambo’s new approach to politics driven by love and national unity.

“Dr Mumba was happy with Mr. Lusambo’s new approach to politics, he said he has always believed in Mr. Lusambo’s political capabilities but that he has concerns over the brutal and militant approach he sometimes used in the past and that he is happy we was now new a new page.”

Mr. Ngosa said the MMD President emphasized the need for Zambians to adopt clean and value based politics.

“Dr Mumba spoke on the need to promote clean politics based on the need for national unity and promotion of peace, he believes there is no need yo insult one another even if we are seeking to serve the same people.”

People seem scared to criticize the president because of arrest and forced relocation

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People seem scared to criticize the president because of arrest and forced relocation

By Venus N Msyani

Today in Zambia people seem scared to criticize the president because of arrest and forced relocation

Under new dawn administration, only the rich can afford to criticize the president. The poor seem not only scared to criticize the president because of arrest but also possible forced relocation.

When one criticizes the president in the language that is not pleasing to the new dawn administration cadres, he or she is reported to police in the remotest part of the country for defamation.

It seems to be a scheme to make accused spent more hours in custody and possibly spend more money.

The Zambian law demands that a detainee appears before a court within 48 hours of arrest and be informed of charges against him or her. Transporting the accused, most of who reside in Lusaka, to far places make it possible to escape the 48 hours law.

On top of that, one has to spend more money on legal process as he or she need to arrange travel for his/her legal team from Lusaka.

For example, on Thursday May 19, Economic and Equity Party (EEP) leader Chilufya Tayali, who is currently a leading President Hakainde Hichilema critic was arrested in Lusaka. The following day Tayali was transported to Lukulu in Western Province where he has been charged for defamation of the president.

On Monday May 23, 2022, his legal team managed to secure him police bond, but after the EEP leader has spent more than 48 hours in custody.

Mr. Tayali will have to use his own transport to get back to Lusaka. He is about 600 km away from home, Lusaka. A poor person may end up opting to settle there in Lukulu; forced relocation.

Meanwhile, prior to last August election President Hakainde Hichilema was onboard hence knowing exactly what kind of freedom of expression Zambians are demanding.

The freedom of expression Zambians are demanding is not possible under the current form of defamation of the president law.

“We have restored freedom of speech, expression & association, allowing anyone to write or say what they want, where they want & when they want.” President Hakainde tweeted few weeks ago.

The president sounds like he is not aware of the ongoing defamation of the president arrests in the country. If he is not, maybe the emerged cadreism will do. Cadres are now openly threatening to deal with anyone criticizing the president. That is not freedom of expression Zambians want.

Today the poor are scared to criticize President Hakainde Hichilema because of possible forced relocation. That is not freedom of speech and expression Zambians want.

Having power or authority without love is catastrophic-Catholic Bishop

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Having power or authority without love is catastrophic-Catholic Bishop

Catholic Diocese of Chipata Bishop George Lungu has warned that having power or authority without love is catastrophic.

Bishop Lungu said this teaching applies in both religious and political circles.

He said people with power should possess love and self control.

In his sermon when ordaining 29 Catholic Deacons at St. Dominic’s Major Seminary in Lusaka at the weekend, Bishop Lungu said loving without self control could be compared to a tornado.

“St. Paul says ’laying on of my hands, God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, and love and self control’. Three things, power, love and self control. Keep that sequence, power, love and self control. You people who will be ordained today will be given the power to preach the Word. Don’t apologise to anyone. Preach the Word. There is power to celebrate marriages; there is power to serve at the Lord’s altar,” Bishop Lungu preached.

“There is power but remember, power without love is catastrophic. Whether in religious circles or political circles power without love is catastrophic. I won’t go into details, reflect. And love without self control my goodness some people compare it with a tornado. Loving without self control, self control anyamata. Without self control ni tornado. What does a tornado do? It leaves a trail of debris and destruction. Power, but power with love is life giving. It is a service in humility. And so you save yourself from having power without love and self control. Remember it will be this constant awareness that it is because the Lord loves you that He set his love upon you and chose you,” Bishop Lungu said.

He told the new Deacons to be humble and loving while exercising self control.

Bishop Lungu said the 29 were ordained not because they are worthy but because of God’s love.

“Only God’s love will justify your ordination today and so my dear candidate it is not because you were always above average in academic performance, scoring distinctions that the Lord today sets you apart and appoints you to be his minister. No. It is not about distinctions here my dear brothers. It is because the Lord loves you. That He has set his love upon you and he has chosen you, consecrated for mission today. Only love justifies. What a humbling and an exciting experience to all of you who are going to be ordained today as deacon and to all of us who have already been ordained. How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? How will I raise the cup of salvation and I will call on the Lord’s name at this altar. My joy will be at the altar raising the voice in praise of God,” he said.

Bishop Lungu continued:”And therefore, your entire life becomes a thanksgiving hymn, thanking God for his goodness. It is with this treasure buried deep in your heart, humility becomes simply a natural instinct. You don’t have to be forced to be humble. Humility becomes a natural instinct you don’t have to fight because you will realise that you don’t deserve anything except God’s love.”

He hailed the ordination of 29 Deacons as relief owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic that killed many people including priests.

“29 young men are soon going to be ordained deacons for the Catholic Church in Zambia. What a wonderful gift from the Lord to our local Church for the services of our brothers and sisters in Zambia and beyond. We have every reason to celebrate this day, offering hymns and prayers in thanksgiving for such a great and wonderful gift from the Lord. Let us therefore rejoice and be glad in him. Tears of joy wiping away sorrow we experienced due to COVID-19 pandemic that brought about so much suffering and death in our midst and so we celebrate this event with a sense of gratitude, deep gratitude to God for his steadfast love for us His people. In other words at the heart of this celebration is God’s love for us,” the Bishop of Chipata said.

Tourism has potential to grow economy -Muhanga

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Tourism has potential to grow economy -Muhanga

The Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga says there is a need for the tourism sector to grow so that it supports the country’s economic trajectory.

Mr. Muhanga said this can be done through the formation of strong partnerships with other ministries such as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development which provides the utilities and infrastructure in communities on which the tourism industry benefits from.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the critical role of the Local Government in tourism, hence the need to open up new possibilities and ways of doing business so that the sector continues to thrive.

Speaking at the official opening of the Local Authorities workshop in Lusaka, Mr. Muhanga stated the outcome of the training will have a significant impact on the development of the tourism sector and country at large.

He expressed confidence that the training was an opportunity to explore ways of both harnessing the potential of tourism to transform lives and seek effective ways of achieving positive transformation in the sector itself. He said that it is evidence of the determination to accelerate the pace of transformation in every sector of the country’s economy and making the national aspiration a reality.

Mr. Muhanga explained the economic activity across the tourism value chain that contributes significantly to the GDP, adding that it already provides substantial resources to advance transformation.

“This training workshop would not have come at a better time than this, when the country is on the path of economic transformation and growth and stakeholder engagement will form part of the strategies in which tourism will be enhanced and value created,” Mr. Muhanga stated.

The Permanent Secretary also noted the implementation of the e-licensing and grading system by the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) as one way of ensuring that it offers quality assured tourism destinations for both the domestic and international market.

He therefore appealed to the tourism enterprise to remain compliant with all the requirements needed to run a business.

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary for Administration Mambo Hamaundu explained that the councils are a multipurpose unit responsible for delivering a broad range of services in relation to various infrastructure in communities.

Mr. Hamaundu said the local authority is therefore ready to work with ZTA in uplifting the tourism standards, hence underscored both ministries’ ambition of providing a service that fulfills the needs of the stakeholders through the workshop.

Mr. Hamaundu was hopeful that the training will be a continuous interaction to form the basis for a more sustainable tourism sector that responds to the obligations and mandate of the ministries. “I am hopeful that training will address all the challenges and opportunities to foster tourism development in our country,” Mr. Hamaundu noted.

And ZTA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chavunga Lungu reported the high expectations from the stakeholders hence, the Agency is working around the clock to ensure the industry gets the system that brings value and quality to destinations.

Mr. Lungu said that in an effort to improve the standards, the Agency has embarked on the grading of accommodation among tourism businesses and setting of minimum standards. He disclosed that ZTA has so far graded about 33 accommodation facilities and licensed about 2000 tourism enterprises in the country, adding that both processes are ongoing.

Central province to beef up vehicles for police in the region

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Central province to beef up vehicles for police in the region

The government is committed to ensuring efficiency in the police service hence will ensure the provision of transport it adds is critical in curbing crime.

Central Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa says his office will for this reason use part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to procure vehicles for the police to enhance policing in the region.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Kabwe District Commissioner (DC) Lennox Shimwambwa, Mr. Nanjuwa disclosed that cabinet has directed that police should be assisted transport through the CDF.

“I’ve received an application from Division Headquarters in Kabwe but I advised them that all applications should pass through the CDF committee and that they should follow all the CDF guidelines,” Mr. Nanjuwa disclosed.

Mr. Nanjuwa said the country is having a big challenge where issues of crime are reported but the police are not able to move because they do not have transport.

The Provincial Minister added that the government is also aware about the transport challenges in the other sectors like agriculture, education and health among others.

Mr. Nanjuwa said the government was equally looking into the issue of transport for other sector departments for enhanced service delivery.

“We cannot talk of enhancing the education sector when the inspectorate cannot even move. If you go to schools in rural areas most teachers have resorted to doing their personal errands at the expense of the pupils because the inspectorate have no transport to visit schools,” he observed.

He said in order to enhance the education sector in the country, the government should strive to ensure that the inspectorate becomes functional.

And speaking earlier Kabwe District Commissioner (DC) Lennox Shimwambwa said effective implementation of government programmes in the District has become a challenge due to lack of transport in government institutions.

“Issues of transport are the prominent challenges that most government departments are facing in the district. Most of these officers are using their personal vehicles and in some instances even using their own fuel to implement government programmes,” Mr. Shimwambwa said.

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