Advertisement Banner
Monday, July 7, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 623

Govt committed to promote cassava value chain – VEEP

Support Editor
-
1
Govt committed to promote cassava value chain – VEEP

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the new dawn government is keen to promote the cassava value chain in its quest to diversify the agricultural sector and transform the economy.

Mrs. Nalumango says there is need to fully exploit the potential in commercial cassava production which has for a long-time been overlooked.

Cassava is a viable cash crop owing to its increasing demand for commercial purposes and could help to alleviate poverty.

Mrs. Nalumango said in a speech read for her by Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao at the launch of the Itabwa Cassava Processing Plant in Kasama.

“Cassava is one of the most grown crops at subsistence level, yet the crop has huge potential for commercial value and poverty alleviation.” Mrs. Nalumango said.

She added that the new dawn administration will also work with traditional leaders in encouraging people to increase cassava yields and exploit  the available market both locally and internationally.

“The demand for cassava has significantly increased over the last three years, mainly due to its use in ethanol production, ” she said

Mrs. Nalumango commended Chief Kaputa for spearheading the US$200, 000 project, supported by MUSIKA Zambia and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).

Mrs. Nalumango expressed confidence that the initiative will help to increase economic activities through the out-grower schemes and job creation.

And Chief Kaputa, who is the board chairperson of Itabwa Investments, said the commissioning of the Cassava Processing Plant the  beginning of a journey to reduce poverty levels in Northern Province and beyond.

He said advancement of agriculture production and industrialization of rural areas are key drivers in alleviating poverty.

Chief Kaputa has since pledged his support to stimulate cassava production and economic growth not only in his chiefdom but the entire Northern region.

“This milestone is the realization of a dream to lift our people out of poverty, as traditional leaders we too can play a role in contributing to economic development.” Chief Kaputa said.

He disclosed that the project is expected to create fifty direct jobs and over six thousand indirect jobs at full-scale implementation.

Earlier, MUSIKA Managing Director Reuben Banda said his organization will continue to provide both technical and financial support towards the enhancement of the cassava value chain.

Mr. Banda added that MUSIKA is proud to partner with Itabwa Investments in promoting the production of cassava among small-scale farmers especially women.

And CEEC representative Kacha Mutenda said the establishment of the Cassava Flour Processing Plant at the Kasama Industrial Yard is a game changer for the area.

Mr Mutenda said the development was welcome for local farmers who previously faced challenges in accessing markets.

Meanwhile, ZHONGKAI International Managing Director, Chen Guiping urged local cassava farmers to explore different varieties and seize the opportunity to increase productivity.

Mr. Chen also thanked government for reducing excise duty in the manufacturing of ethanol from 125 percent to 60 percent.

Itabwa Investments began its operations in 2017 and is run by the Kaputa Royal Establishment.

The company has so far received support of K2.6 million and over K500, 000 from MUSIKA and CEEC respectively.

Chiefs from various provinces witnessed the launch of Itabwa Investments Cassava Processing Plant in Kasama

GBM gets 300,000 bail

Chief Editor
-
15
GBM gets 300,000 bail

PF member Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba popularly known as GBM has been granted bail of K300,000 by the Lusaka Magistrate Court.

GBM appeared in Court today for counts he faces of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and conflict of interest involving millions of kwachas and thousands of dollars respectively.

GBM was yesterday arrested by a joint investigations team and charged with 8 counts of Conflict of Interest and 19 counts of being in possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

GBM was remanded in custody, however today after applying for bail, he has been granted bail at a value of K300,000.

He is set to appear on June 14 for plea.

“Corrupt” ACC senior officer Siwakwi placed on forced leave, faces dismissal

Chief Editor
-
7
“Corrupt” ACC senior officer Siwakwi placed on forced leave, faces dismissal

The Anti-Corruption Commission has placed its senior Investigations Officer Christopher Siwakwi on forced leave for improper conduct.

Mr. Siwakwi was served with a letter of suspension last week after internal investigations found him wanting on a number of offences.

ACC Spokesperson Queen Chibwe confirmed that Mr. Siwakwi was asked to “step aside.”

“Yes it is true he was written to, j saw the letter but I cannot just remember it’s contents. All the cases he was handling have been handed Ivey to other officers because we work as a team,” Mrs. Chibwe said.

A number of individuals and organisations had raised complaints against Mr. Siwakwi alleging that he is one of the most corruption ACC officers.

He is the officer who was implicated in a leaked audio soliciting for a bride from then Infrastructure Minister Ronald Chitotela in 2019 in order to drop an investigation against Mr. Chitotela.

Mr. Siwakwi was also implicated in the disappearance of around US$9,000 from the ACC vault in unexplained circumstances.

He is also the same officer who is accused of having pointed a gun and threatened to shoot Amos Chanda’s wife when he went to search a property as part of an investigation.

Highly placed sources at ACC have confirmed that Mr. Siwakwi was asked to stay away from home and that he is likely to be fired after serving the suspension.#

“The findings of the investigations were very damaging to him and it also implicates the Acting D.G (Silumesi Muchula). The man has been doing a lot of corrupt activities and dragging the name of the Commission and the axe had to fall on him,” the source revealed.

Deplorable road network in Samfya poses a danger to travelling public

Chief Editor
-
2
Deplorable road network in Samfya poses a danger to travelling public

Residents of Prisons Compound in Samfya Town , Luapula Province have expressed concern over the bad state of roads in the area,

Agness Mumba a resident of Prisons Compound says the potholes especially along Prison road are posing serious danger to road users.

Speaking in interview yesterday, Mrs Mumba said there is need for the Local Authority in Samfya to work on the road before.

The area has recently witnessed a number of traffic accidents involving cyclists and vehicles when avoiding potholes. A number of lives have been lost.

“It is very difficult for cyclist to pass when there is a motor vehicle coming, cyclist have to wait until there is no car passing to avoid accident,” She said.

Mrs. Mumba has since appealed to the Local Authority to take the matter seriously before a life is lost.

And Samfya Town Council Public Relations Officer Veronica Sampa says the Local Authority is aware of the situation and has plans to address the situation soon.

“As the Local Authority we are aware of the damage that has been caused on the Prison’s Road and we are on the ground working on it,” she said.

Ms. Sampa has since assured the residents that the patching of the potholes will be completed in an eight weeks project that has since started.

Government commences payment of monthly subsidies to Chiefs

Chief Editor
-
6
Government commences payment of monthly subsidies to Chiefs

The government has commenced payment of monthly subsidies to traditional leaders throughout the country. So far a total of 15 out of 26 Chiefs across the country have now started receiving.

Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba people of Mpika disclosed this to Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Henry Mukungule. Speaking at his palace yesterday when Mr Mukungule and team paid a courtesy call on him, Chief Chikwanda said from the 15 traditional leaders who have been introduced on the system four are from Muchinga.

Muchinga alone has a total of 19 traditional leaders eligible to receive monthly subsidies and so far only 18 are receiving. The remaining chief is yet to receive his as he is yet to be included in the system since he recently ascended to the throne.
Chief Chikwanda said on behalf of the House of Chiefs, he is happy that the new dawn government has managed to put a total of 26 Chiefs on the monthly subsidy.

He further advised other traditional leaders who are yet on the system to be patient.

“I want to inform you that Government has managed to introduce a total of 15 traditional leaders on the monthly subsidy out of 26 Chiefs who were not receiving the monthly subsidies, ” said Chief Chikwanda.

Chief Chikwanda says traditional leaders in the country are happy with the good gesture by the government to give monthly subsidies to them.

And Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Mukungule says as President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration considers traditional leaders as partners in development, it, therefore, consults traditional leaders on various issues of national interest.

“We consider traditional leaders as partners in national development and as new dawn administration, we will ensure that we work closely with the traditional leaders,” said Mr Mukungule.

The Provincial Permanent Secretary also advised traditional leaders to stay away from politics. Mr Mukungule is in Mpika on his continued familiarisation tour to check on developmental projects and other programmes being implemented by the government.

And Chief Chikwanda says traditional leaders will work with the government to foster development in Chiefdoms. He says unity is cardinal in national development adding that it is important that government and traditional leaders work in harmony in order for the ordinary citizens to benefit from what government intends to implement.

“Government should always engage traditional leaders on various programmes and activities it intends to implement for easy rolling out of such programmes, “ he said.

Chief Chikwanda also appealed to the Government to help the Mpika College of Agriculture with a tractor so that it can expand the cultivation of its farmland.

He said that the school has enough farmland and a newly acquired centre pivot and can do better if it was assisted with a tractor.

The traditional leader further appealed to the Government to assist the College with a school bus saying the bus the school is currently using is old and not safe for the students and members of staff.

Mr Mukungule is in Mpika on his continued familiarisation tour to check on developmental projects and other programmes being implemented by the government.

Mr Mukungule is also taking time to visit traditional leaders and also meet civil servants in the Districts. Meanwhile, Chief Chikwanda says he has reported some people to the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC ) for allegedly giving pieces of land to people in the Chiefdom without his consent.

He said a named former civil servant is allegedly conniving with some people in Lusaka to acquire land in my Chiefdom and put that land on title behind my back.

Government will involve the public in finding solutions to KCM

Chief Editor
-
7
Government will involve the public in finding solutions to KCM

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has assured Zambians that the Government will involve the public in finding solutions to the impasse surrounding the disputed ownership of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).

Mr. Kabuswe said the Government is aware of people’s complaints and reservations against Indian investor Vedanta Mineral Resources, who have expressed willingness to return to KCM.

Speaking during a recent stakeholders meeting organised by the Chingola clergy at Life Gospel Fellowship Ministries International, Mr. Kabuswe said the Government will prioritise the interest of Zambians during negotiations.

He also repeated that the Government alone cannot resolve the KCM issues minus involving Vedanta.

“We are now in charge and we have to deal with the mess at KCM. It is so messy because for us we are saying can we unlock all the assets including KCM and Mopani Copper Mines. Right now, you heard my statement I think two days ago where I said the next arbitration between us (Government) and Vedanta is in January 2023. So what do we do between now and then? That’s why His Excellency the President is saying let us get out of court. Let us sit down and talk. So getting out of court is talking to whom? I want us to answer that (telling the gathering). We are getting out of court with whom? (Vedanta the crowd responded. So they are the character to sit down with, we have to sit with the demons and discuss. That is the scenario we have found ourselves in,” Mr. Kabuswe said.

“They (Vedanta) are not going to go by blowing them. No. it is by sitting with them. We either choose to sit with them in court or we sit with them outside court and say guys we cannot mine in court. I have said as a Minister, we have been mining in court. I have heard all the complaints but we have to sit with the devil. The option is either we wait for 2023 and when we are saying January 2023 arbitration it’s not just the finality to the discussion. It can even be adjoined again to June. So meaning we will have protracted legal battles. We can’t win like that. So what we need is support from the Church. I like the permutations given by Bishop Joseph Kazhila. The permutations that Bishop Kazhila has put across we must open our minds like he was saying that we need to look at what are the different permutations about resolving this Vedanta issue. Like the NDC President (George Sichula) said, let’s not work with the knife to resolve a matter. We must go with an open mind. As a government we have not given a position. It stands as it is that Vedanta lost its social license,” he said.

Mr. Kabuswe said Zambians have a chance to make proposals to the Government on how best KCM could be unlocked.

“I want to assure you the kind of President that you have and the kind of government we are not going to negotiate things to please anyone. Any negotiations that we are going into as a government, we are not going from a position of weakness. We are going from a position of strength because these assets are sitting in Zambia. You elected us to make sure that these assets can benefit the people of Zambia and we are going with that in mind. Wherever we are negotiating, KCM, Mopani..I have complaints and issues on how Vedanta treated people. I have taken your word. I will sit with the President; this is the feeling of the pastors. Whatever permutations we will follow we will carry the nation along. We may not call all of you. Quickly after this discussion do a position paper on the different permutations that you would want for Vedanta so when you give a position paper on various suggestions that you have. If it goes to this, we want you to do this; if it goes to that we want you to do this,” Mr. Kabuswe continued.

He added:”I am alive to the fact that Zambia has been mining since the 1900s, we have people, we have engineers, we have accountants, and we have people that have been metallurgists for a long time. The mining brains are there in Zambia but get the mining brains to bring them together, do proper negotiations, and do a proper transaction. What are you going to do about salaries? What are you going to do about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)? What are you going to do about the mining license? What are you going to do about the roads where you are sitting?”

In his remarks, Chingola senior clergy Bishop Joseph Kazhila asked the government to find a credible investor to run KCM.

Bishop Kazhila said people want an investor who will have the interest of Zambians at heart.

President Hichilema tells ECZ Chair and Vice that he will not renew their Contracts

Chief Editor
-
21
President Hichilema tells ECZ Chair and Vice that he will not renew their Contracts

President Hakainde Hichilema has notified Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Essau Chulu and Vice Chairperson Emily Sikazwe of their expiration of contracts and non-renewal of tenure.

President Hichilema says the decision has been made in exercise of the power vested in him under section 4 (3) of the Electoral Commission Amendment Act number 5 of 2019.

The Head of State has since thanked the two for their dedicated service to the country and has wished them well in their future endeavors.

This is according to a statement made available to the media by the Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Anthony Bwalya.

Justice Chulu was appointed ECZ Chairperson in 2015 and has held the position for the last seven years, while Dr. Sikazwe has served as Vice Chairperson for two years, following her appointment in 2020.

Government has a funding shortfall of K308 million for census-Musokotwane

Chief Editor
-
7
Government has a funding shortfall of K308 million for census-Musokotwane

Government has a funding shortfall of K308 million of the total national Census population and a housing budget of 967 million kwacha with less than two months remaining.

The delayed census is expected to be conducted from 18th August to 14th September 2022.

Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said that the government has so far disbursed over 658 million kwacha equivalent to 68 percent of the total Census budget.

Dr. Musokotwane said that the government has also provided the funding for key Census equipment and materials which include 30, 000 tablets, 35, 000 power banks, 500 motorbikes, 13,000 bicycles and 44 motor vehicles among others.

He has since appealed to the cooperating partners and the private sector for financial and technical support in this important national undertaking which affects everyone in Zambia and beyond.

Speaking when he delivered his speech virtually to Cooperating partners on the 2022 census of population and housing during a resource mobilization meeting in Lusaka today, Dr. Musokotwane says the new dawn government attaches great importance to conducting the census.

And Secretary to the Treasury, Felix Nkulukusa says government will go to Parliament and ask for a supplementary budget and identify some programmes that can cancel in order to bridge the budget deficit.

He has pleaded with the private sector to ensure that they make their pledges before the end of this month.

Speaking earlier, United Nations Population Fund Activities Deputy Country Representative, Margaret Twala-Tembe has expressed concern that despite enhanced efforts to mobilize domestic resources to undertake the 2022 Census, there is still a budget deficit.

She since has appealed to the private sector and other stakeholders to consider increasing support to the 2022 digital Census.

And making a presentation of the 2022 Census Key Milestones accomplished, ZamStats Interim Statistician, Mulenga Musepa says DFID and UNFPA have so far provided 15, 025 of the 45, 000 tablets required for data collection.

Tayali Tasks new RTSA Board to immediately investigate the 33 000 illegally imported vehicles

Chief Editor
-
10
Tayali Tasks new RTSA Board to immediately investigate the 33 000 illegally imported vehicles

Transport and Logistics Minister, Frank Tayali has tasked the new Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) Board to immediately investigate the issue of the over 33,000 vehicles suspected to have been illegally imported into the country, but registered by the agency.

Over 33, 000 vehicles have been discovered not to have matching records of customs clearance between the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), a development that has resulted in the suspension of 6 senior RTSA officers who including RTSA Director Gladwell Banda.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the eight-member RTSA board to be led by Allen Mate in Lusaka today, Mr Tayali says the board is expected to conduct investigations in the matter without fear or favor for the truth to come out and a solution to be found.

He says the issue at hand is very serious and borders on national security because if not handled well and left unchecked, it might result in the country having insurgents driving through the borders.

Meanwhile, the minister has noted the need for the tenure of office of the board members to be reduced to at least 3-years from the current 5-years.

And Mr Tayali has directed the board to find solutions to enhance service delivery and mitigate the spate of road traffic crashes and fatalities the nation continues to record annually.

He has also noted the need to advocate for the construction of inclusive roads that cater for all road users including people living with disabilities.

And new RTSA Board Chairperson, Allen Mate assured has pledged the board’s commitment to the delivery and implementation of policies vigilantly, effectively and efficiently in order to reduce accidents, improve on-road rules compliance and ensure prudent use of resources.

The other members of the board include Kennedy Mumba, Bubala Chibbonta, Patrick Choolwe, Emmanuel Sampa, Anna Kasor, George Manyele and Wallace Mumba.

Charles Milupi to source funds for Sesheke-Imusho road

Chief Editor
-
0
Charles Milupi to source funds for Sesheke-Imusho road

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi says his ministry will re-engage the World Bank, to help with funds to rehabilitate the Imusho -Sesheke road, in Southern province.

Mr. Milupi said government is aware of the dilapidated state of the road, adding that he will visit the World Bank and see how the project can be done.

He noted that through the Improved Rural Connectivity road project that is being implemented by the World Bank, he is optimistic that once approved, the road challenges will be a thing of the past.

The minister said this yesterday during the question and answer session in parliament, when Sesheke Member of Parliament Romeo Kangombe, inquired when the rehabilitation of the Sesheke road will commence.

Mr. Milupi noted that the new administration will explore all forms of financing, to ensure that critical roads which include the Sesheke-Imusho road is worked on.

He stated that the said road had its contract signed on the September 4th, 2020 and the contract was awarded to have the one kilometer stretch worked on.

Mr. Milupi noted that works were scheduled to be part of the National Feeder Road Phase 3 contract, which was earmarked for execution by the contractor.

He added that the contractor failed to initiate the mode of finance and hence the works could not take off, adding that the government will use other financing avenues to ensure that works are executed.

How Milupi set to Land Link Zambia, Transform Regional Trade and help Diversify Economy

Chief Editor
-
5
How Milupi set to Land Link Zambia, Transform Regional Trade and help Diversify Economy

By Mwansa Chalwe Snr

The recently released 8th National Development Plan has correctly identified the low diversification of the economy and the high youth unemployment among the four persistent development issues that Zambia faces; and consequently, the priority areas. In order for the country to diversify its economy, its products and services ought to have access to external markets. And one of Zambia’s lowest hanging fruits for economic recovery are the trade markets of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Angola. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi together with President Hakainde Hichilema have clearly decided to laser focus on road infrastructure that leads to these countries to take advantage of the long outstanding opportunities, we all have been crying for.

As a caveat, I do not know Mr. Charles Milupi, and neither do I have his brief nor that of the UPND administrations. I have criticised the New Dawn government on a number of issues such as the lack of a clear and comprehensive roadmap on Youth unemployment, the design of the CDF program which puts the cart before the horse, and on their strategy on the Mining industry without renegotiating development agreements especially the percentage forex retention by mining houses. At the same time, I have recognized the many good things they have done so far. And their strategy of promoting regional trade by focusing on the road network leading to Zambia’s borders thus linking Zambia to regional markets, the debt restructuring strategy, the establishment of Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) and the recent phone conversation by President HH had with Chinese President Xi JinPing, to name but a few cases, are right decisions in my view, based purely on objectivity, data and facts at my disposal.

I was one of the major critics of the PF’s infrastructure programme. And in my book: China-West Battleground in Africa: Debt Ridden Zambia, I dedicate an entire chapter entitled: “Infrastructure, the Poisoned Well of the Zambian Economy”. I essentially argue that whereas infrastructure has both short term and long term economic benefits in most countries, in Zambia’s case, the Patriotic Front (PF)’s ambitious, massive infrastructure programme was singly responsible for the economic mess of the period 2011-2021 that Zambia found itself in. The improvement in infrastructure in terms of roads, energy and telecommunications should lead to economic growth. It makes travel, trade and communications easier and improves accessibility. In Zambia’s case, however, the expected benefits in the short and medium terms did not happen for a number of reasons apart from excessive foreign debt.

“Firstly, there was little or no planning. And the normal project management processes and principles of project evaluation and appraisal were not followed. The programmes were rushed and the PF claimed they were in a hurry to “develop”. Secondly, the choice in terms of priority of some of the infrastructure was poor and largely influenced by populist political imperatives. Thirdly, the contracts were mainly single sourced without any tendering as most of the infrastructure projects were tied to funding from Chinese financial institutions. Fourthly, the contracting process was generally not transparent, which created opportunities for rent seeking by politicians, government officials and politically connected persons. This, in turn resulted in the cost of construction to be more expensive than comparative projects in neighbouring countries. Fifth, the materials were sourced mainly from China,” the book argues.

It is on the basis of the apparent change in approach to infrastructure development, by the New Dawn administration, that I decided to pen this article to share with the public, while advising government to be even handed in their development strategy. They should also ensure Zambians start benefiting immediately from infrastructure construction carried out by foreign companies through outsourcing more work to locals and using more local materials for economic multiplier effects unlike in the past

Strategic Road Network to neighbouring countries

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one country which previous administrations have not focused on, in terms of exploiting the potential of its 90million market. President Hakainde Hichilema has had several meetings with President Felix Tshekedi of DRC which have been focused on Trade and investment. And Infrastructure Minister, Charles Milupi has had meetings with the Governor of Katanga Province Governor Jacques Katwe in Solwezi. He also has had meetings with Lualaba Province Governor Fifi Saini. These resulted in plans to construct the following roads: Solwezi-Kambimba-Kolwezi road, Solwezi-Mushindamo to Kipushi to add to the existing road from Chililabombwe to Kasumbalesa. The roads will link Zambia to Katanga and Lualaba Provinces of Democratic Republic of Congo. Other planned strategic roads are the 125km Tapo- Sikongo – Angola Border, the Katete to Chanida enroute to the port of Beira in Mozambique, rehabilitation of the 225km of Livingstone –Sesheke- Katima Mulilo road leading to the port of Walvis Bay in Namibia.

North Western and Western Province Trade Facilitation Routes

In December, 2021, Minister Charles Milupi announced a Public Private Partnership (PPP) deal which entailed a 25-year-Concession Agreement with Nkulu Zambia Limited, with the Southern Africa Business Development Forum for the construction and/or rehabilitation international road linkages and trade facilitation routes mainly involving North-Western and Western Provinces of approximately 2,208.5 kilometres .The deal was to be carried out through a Finance, Design, Construct, Rehabilitate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer Public Private Partnership Model. The package has been dubbed as: Development of the Western Province Trade Facilitation Routes inclusive of Resettlement Schemes and Border Facilities through a Finance, Design.

They are eleven roads involved in the deal which are: Tapo – Kalabo – Sikongo – Angola Border Road (125km), Sioma – Shangombo Road (175km),Lufwanyama – Kankolonkolo – Kasempa Road (225km), Kasempa – Kaoma Road – Luampa Junction (280km),Luampa Junction – Machile – Simungoma Road (340km),Livingstone – Katima Mulilo Road (225km),Resettlement Roads (minimum of 500km),Shangombo Bridge (approximately 8.5km),Sikongo Border Post and Trade Hub,Shangombo Border Post and Trade Hub and Katima Mulilo Border Post and Trade Hub.

However, despite the above plans, Minister Milupi has been criticized on the choice of the road network to construct and accused of abusing the PPP model. One of the critics is the former Ambassador to South Africa and the African Union in Addis Ababa, the PF Presidential aspirant Emmanuel Mwamba.

“In my view, Hon. Milupi has chosen to undertake roads in his constituency and his province under an opaque process whose cost burden will be borne by the country. If he genuinely wishes to do viable PPP projects, he should follow Zambia’s renowned trade routes such as the Lusaka-Chirundu, Lusaka-Livingstone, Lusaka-Ndola-Mufulira, Kapiri-Serenje – Mpika -Nakonde, and similar roads that are in an extremely dilapidated state but are core to trade/sea routes of the country,” He wrote in his article.

The Minister also caused some controversy in the Eastern Province when he was quoted as saying the Chipata – Vubwi Road was not economically viable to qualify for the PPP model. Senior Citizens in the Province led by Major (retired) Francis Kamanga, protested about what they termed as insensitive remarks. They pleaded for the equitable distribution of the road network by New Dawn the government. Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Bizwayo Nkunika even went further and cautioned the government about using the public-private partnership model to suppress development in some provinces.

Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge to Lubumbashi – Why the delay?

There is no doubt that Minister Milupi and President Hakainde’s international land linking strategy should be applauded. However, they should be sensitive to ensure that other parts of the country’s strategic roads are given equal attention. The road that comes to mind is the shovel ready 92km Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and 345m cable Luapula Bridge in Luapula province, which can link the Port of Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania to Lubumbashi via Mwenda in Luapula province. This road will cut the travelling distance by almost 300Kilometres and it was conceived under the PF administration.

The project was conceptualised by Groupe Europeen De Development (GED) projects Africa who structured a 25-year finance, design, build, operate-transfer project between its subsidiaries – GED Congo and GED Zambia, and the governments of the DRC and Zambia under separate agreements.

There have been allegations in some circles in Luapula Province that the UPND has put the project on ice or on go slow because Luapula is a PF stronghold. They argue that the DRC government has already signed their part of the Concession with the Project managers-GED, but Zambia has yet to sign. The other short distance viable roads that need quick attention are Mufulira – Mukambo road (19Km) plus Pedicle, Ndola-Mufulira(62km) and Ndola–Sakania Border (36Km) enroute to Lubumbashi. Recently, the Former Finance Minister, Ng’andu Magande appealed to the New Dawn Administration to attend and finish beneficial projects that were started by the PF.

“Even if we show concern, these people are out of government. Embrace all these projects. If there were meant for the benefit of the people, try to finish them and see from there, we can think of a new programme. Everything that somebody started which is for the benefit of the people, go ahead and finish it and move on,” he was quoted as saying in an interview with News Diggers Newspaper of 3 June,2022.

The expectation by many observers was that the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge would get the top most priority by the New Dawn government, rather than the green field roads in Western and North Western Provinces referred to earlier, which are just on the drawing board. This road is important to the country’s economy. And it’s urgent. Recently, they have been reported congestion at Kasumbalesa border Post with queues of trucks reaching Chililabombwe and Chingola.

In order to allay the above allegations, Minister Milupi is well advised to expedite its urgent commencement. He should even consider undertaking a physical visit to Luapula via pedicle road, like he has done to some other provinces. The Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge is not just an economically imperative project; but it is also a politically smart road to attend to. It is likely to change some people’s perceptions. The impact of the optics of President HH having the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony with his DRC counterpart, Felix Tshekedi cannot be underestimated.

Conclusion

President HH’s administration’s strategy in promoting trade and investment by first focusing on our neighbours, through improving links to their markets, before looking to more competitive international markets, should be applauded and supported. In the last nine months of the UPND administration being in charge, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has proved to be among the few effective ministers. He seems to know what he is doing at his Ministry. As for President HH, in order for him succeed and speed up policy implementation, he is advised to delegate more, empower his ministers more and desist from the temptation of micro management. Government bureaucracy is more complex than even trillion dollar valued companies. Management in the public sector requires humility to learn a few new skills set for those coming from private sector, like the Author and the President.

The writer is a Chartered Accountant and Author. He is a retired international MSMEs Consultant and an independent financial commentator. He is also an Op-Ed Contributor to the Hong Kong based, Alibaba owned, and South China Morning Post (SCMP) Contact: [email protected]

Government is eager to improve Sakania border-Matambo

Chief Editor
-
0
Government is eager to improve Sakania border-Matambo

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, says plans aimed at modernising Sakania border in Ndola have reached an advanced stage.

Mr. Matambo said he will engage Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Garry Nkombo to ensure that the proposed site for constructing the border facilities is developed under a comprehensive plan.

He said using the comprehensive plan under the regional planning Act number 3 of 2015, the minister of Local Government can declare regional development on lands near the border.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Matambo said when he visited the proposed site for the construction of modern infrastructure at Sakania border that proper planning is critical in order to have order at the border.

He said the government, through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) engagement, is keen to modernise the Sakania border.

The Copperbelt Province Minister said doing so will not only enhance trade between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but the entire SADC region.

Mr. Matambo stated that the PPP engagement will also see the 25 kilometres stretch from Ndola’s Hillcrest roundabout to Sakania border being worked on.

The Minister has however indicated that the Road Development Agency (RDA) will soon carry out temporary works on the road to ease the movement of goods and services.

And Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Sakania border station manager, Rex Nketani, has disclosed that over 139 trucks are cleared into the DRC daily.

Mr. Nketani said the formalisation of the border calls for improved infrastructure such as truck parking lots among others.

Meanwhile, RDA Regional Manager, Emmanuel Kanguma, said his office is seriously considering the possibility of temporarily working on the road from Ndola to Sakania border.

Recently, the government signed statutory instrument number 36 of 2022 to include the Sakania border among those that allow the exit of goods for export and transit into the DRC.

President Hakainde Hichilema is a puppet of the western countries-Fred M’membe

Chief Editor
-
19
President Hakainde Hichilema is a puppet of the western countries-Fred M’membe

The opposition Socialist Party has insisted that President Hakainde Hichilema is a puppet of the western countries.

Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe recently accused President Hichilema of being a puppet of the west.

Dr. M’membe’s accusations against the Head of State were criticised by United Party for National Development (UPND) deputy National Chairman Andrew Banda.

Mr. Banda, the eldest son of the late former President Rupiah Bwezani Banda, argued that President Hichilema was not a puppet of the west.

He said President Hichilema was a genuine Head of State elected by millions of Zambians.

The Socialist Party (S.P) has, however, issued a follow up statement insisting that allowing AFRICOM base called ‘office’ in Zambia would constitute not only an unacceptable violation of the country’s sovereignty.

SP Copperbelt Provincial Spokesperson Joseph Kangwa said Mr. Banda is defending President Hichilema because he is seeking a job from the New Dawn government.

“Calling President Hakainde Hichilema a puppet of the west is not disrespecting the people who voted for him as opposed to United Party for National Development (UPND) deputy national chairperson, Mr Andrew Banda’s sentimental statement published on 02 June, 2022 in the Zambia Daily Mail newspaper. Contrary to Mr Banda’s view, Dr Fred M’membe has no history of disparaging Zambian presidents; he just calls a spade a spade. You do not need to be in the opposition party to know that President Hichilema is a puppet of the west, but we understand Mr Banda’s predicament as he may have also been a puppet of the late Presidents during his service in the foreign mission under the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). Being part of the privatization of the Zambian Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) in 1997 which resulted in millions of Zambian people losing their jobs, and triggered the periods of intense economic turmoil that engulfed the Copperbelt and Zambia from 1997 hitherto, and allowing the American government to open its U.S. Africa Command in Zambia is evident enough to tell that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is indeed a petty bourgeoisie and a puppet of the west. However, It can only take a genuine leader to see that, not a simpleton person,” Mr. Kangwa said.

He said President Hichilema is driving the agenda of the capitalists at the expense of the majority suffering Zambians thereby putting the country’s sovereignty at great risk.

“That said, it is imperative to answer some of Mr Banda’s questions. “If HH is a puppet, then who is a leader, is Fred himself a leader?” He asked. In simple terms; a leader is a servant of a group of people having authority to lead or direct and do what is best for them and the country. A puppet is a person controlled by another. In this case, President HH is the puppet of the West in the sense that he is driving the agenda of the capitalists at the expense of the majority suffering Zambians thereby putting our sovereignty at great risk.On the contrary, Comrade M’membe is the living legendary of Zambia. He is a beacon of democracy and free press we are enjoying today. Dr M’membe played a key role in the revolution of one party state to multiparty democracy. Since then He has always been in the forefront in the transformation from one government to another,” Mr. Kangwa said.

He continued:”Mr Banda and UPND should know that allowing AFRICOM base called ‘office’ in Zambia would constitute not only an unacceptable violation of our country’s sovereignty, but the whole Africa. It would be an insult of the highest degree to the devoted men and women who sacrificed to death until they brought independence to Zambia. Mr Banda and his superior should ask themselves a question as to why president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, his father the late president Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the late president Michael Chilufya Sata and Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu refused that request. And why the former South African president Thabo Mbeki mobilised the African leaders by that time to oppose the move.”

Mr. Kangwa said President Hichilema should always protect and defend Zambia and it’s sovereignty.

“If President Hichilema is a puppet, why did Zambians vote for him?” Mr Banda questioned. Well, the truth is that Mr HH is the first and most unpopular person to have been elected as President in our history. Approximately 50 per cent of the 2.8 million people UPND have been bragging about voted for HH out of frustration as people got fed up with the Patriotic Front(PF) government and because HH was the only one close. Others voted for him out of sympathy of him losing five times. Otherwise, he was never a choice of all those 2.8 voters. That is probably the reason Mr Banda admitted that some people still cannot believe that HH is the Republican President and it is clear that Mr Banda is among those people even though he intentionally could not admit it.

“The advice of the Socialist Party under the able and competent leadership of Dr Fred M’membe who has lived his whole life defending our country’s democracy and its sovereignty is that the UPND should respect the Zambian people who entrusted their whole future to lead them, not to death but to freedom and abundant life. And President HH should always remember that he had sworn to protect and defend at all cost the Zambian Constitution and sovereignty of our country as such, we do not expect him to do the opposite. The people have the power,” Mr. Kangwa concluded.

Chipolopolo Crank to Life With Hard Earned Win

sports
-
6

Chipolopolo on Tuesday evening posted their first win of the 2023 Africa Cup Group H qualifying campaign when coming from behind to edge Comoros 2-1 at home in Lusaka.

The win at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka helped Zambia to bounce back after Friday’s 3-1 loss to Ivory Coast in their opening Group H match last Friday.

Comoros scared Zambia with an early goal scored by El-Fardou Ben Mohamed just after 13 minutes.

Chipolopolo captain Enock Mwepu denied Comoros a chance to take a lead into the break when equalising just seconds before half time.

Second half substitute Klings Kangwa came off the bench to score the winner late in the 88th minute to send home fans into wild celebrations.

Emmanuel Banda had paved way for Kangwa in the 60th minute.

Meanwhile, the win has pushed Zambia into second position in Group H at least before leaders Ivory Coast faces bottom side Lesotho away on Thursday.

Comoros thumped Lesotho 2-0 in the other opening Group H match earlier on Friday afternoon.

Zambia vs Comoros Highlights for Afcon Qualifiers

Chief Editor
-
1
Zambia vs Comoros Highlights for Afcon Qualifiers

 

1...622623624...5,642Page 623 of 5,642

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times