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President Lungu Assures Botswana President that Zambia will Hold Free and Fair Elections

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President Lungu Assures Botswana President that Zambia will Hold Free and Fair Elections

President Edgar Lungu has assured President Mokgweetsi Masisi of continued collaboration between the two countries. President Lungu has also assured his Botswana Counterpart that the country will exercise free and fair elections during the August 12th General elections.

President Lungu said government will follow the laid down protocols on holding free and fair elections while welcoming election observers.

The Head of State made the remarks at State House today when he held official talks with visiting President of the Republic of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi.

And President Lungu has hailed the collaboration exhibited by the two countries in the fight against COVID-19.

President Lungu who declared his readiness, to be the first, to receive the vaccine once all processes are approved, said Zambia will continue working with Botswana in the fight against the pandemic and beyond.

“We will continue to enhance our bilateral relations as they are key to social and economic development. Mr President you being the current chair of the SADC troika on security, we need to work together in finding the solution to the current invasion by rebels in the neighbouring Mozambique, as peace is key for regional integration,” President Lungu said.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has commended the cooperation received from Botswana during the elimination of the Africa migratory red locusts, which paused a threat to the food security in the region.

The Head of State called for regional solutions to the hash effects of climate change within and outside the Southern Africa.

And President Lungu later cited the soon to be commissioned Kazungula Bridge as a practical example of regional integration, infrastructure expansion and strengthened bilateral ties.

The Head of State underscored that the bridge will further enhance export of goods between the two countries and Africa as a whole.

“Kazungula Bridge is an example of the regional integration and Africa as a whole will benefit from the massive investment, “the President explained.

And visiting Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi pointed out that Zambia will always be an all-weather ally to his country.

Dr Masisi reminisced that Zambia was the first country to commence bilateral relations with his country through the establishment of an embassy in that country on September 30th 1966, a partnership that is still being enjoyed today.

The visiting Head of State who continuously hailed Zambia for its role played during Botswana’s struggle for Independence, explained that the Kazungula Bridge was not just a mere bridge but a symbol of the cherished friendship that exist between the two countries.

“When I am here in this beautiful country l feel at home because of your role in our Independence struggle and we are indeed benefiting from our bilateral relations having exchanged notes on the COVID-19 fight,” President Masisi emphasized.

He further said that as the current Chairman of the SADC troika organ on defense and security, he is concerned about the situation in Mozambique and will later today hold talks with his Zimbabwean Counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa having spoken with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaposa last evening.

The visiting Botswana President has since left the country for Zimbabwe.

Government prepares debt pay off for civil servants

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Government prepares debt pay off for civil servants

The government says progress has been made in preparation for the debt pay-off for civil servants.

Public Service Management Division (PSMD) Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali says a cab memo has already been presented before Cabinet and once it is signed and approved the issue of staff debt in the Civil Service will be addressed effectively.

Speaking during the induction of 35 civil servants in Eastern Province to the human resources management committee held today at Luangwa House in Chipata, Mr Chimbwali said Government is committed to improve the welfare of staff within the civil service.

“Contrary to the Doom Sayers going round peddling lies that Government has forgotten the issue about staff debt when we are actively looking at the matter,” he said.

Mr Chimbwali also announced that a number of positions in the public service have been unfrozen and that the treasury authority has been given for civil servants that had been acting to be confirmed.

“This move is meant to motivate the civil servants in the country and as government, we do not want to see any civil servant act in a position for a long time,” he said.

And Civil Service Commission (CSC) Vice Chairperson Hilary Chipango said in line with the Service Commission Act Number 10 of 2016, the Commission embarked on delegating some of its functions to HRMCs in selected government institutions.

“You may wish to note that Eastern Province is the sixth province to receive the delegated functions from the Commission after Luapula, Southern, Central, Northern and North-Western.

“As human resource management committee, you will be expected to perform the delegated functions on behalf of the Civil Service Commission in line with the prescribed regulations,” he said.

Mr Chipango stated that the delegated human resources management functions will lead to timely decision making as well as efficient and effective handling of human resource management cases in Eastern Province.

“It is also envisaged that delegating our functions will cut down on bureaucracy and turnaround time of processing human resources cases in the civil service,” he said.

Earlier, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Veronica Mwiche appealed to the newly inducted human resource management team to take their responsibilities seriously by conducting themselves with integrity; and remain committed to the values and code of ethics of the public service.

Ms Mwiche said this intervention by the Civil Service Commission is in line with the resolve and commitment of government to continuously improve service delivery to the citizens and enhance the management of public service.

Meanwhile, Ms Mwiche was appointed as Responsible Officer of the HRMC in Eastern Province while her deputy Josphat Lombe has been awarded the position of chairperson and Provincial Health Director Dr Gideon Zulu is holding the vice chairperson position.

Government launches National Occupation Standards

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Government launches National Occupation Standards

Ministry of Higher Education Permanent Secretary has said the Launch of the National Occupation Standards will address the mismatch that exists between job performance requirements and skills development.

Ms Siame disclosed during the Zambia Qualification Authority (ZQA) launch of the National Occupation Standards (NOS) at Pamodzi hotel that government is aware of the concerns from the industry with regards to skills gap that exists in key economic sectors of the country such as Manufacturing and Construction sector.

She said government is ready to work with the Private sector and other key stakeholders to come up with interventions that will enhance the quality of education and training.

“Therefore, the government will support initiatives such as the development of NOS, for the betterment of our country,” Ms Siame said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the steps which the ZQA has taken to develop National Occupation Standards is in line with the government’s policy of ensuring availability of skilled workforce across the various sectors of the economy as outlined in the seventh national Development Plan.

Ms Siame pointed out that the launch is vital for the Manufacturing and construction sector as it will contribute to improving the efficiency and productivity of the workforce in the two respective sectors.

She said NOS describes good practices in all major areas of an occupation and will allow employees to get a good understanding of what they used to know for their jobs and what they need to do in their job.

Ms Siame noted that the NOS will be used to ensure that curricula and learning programmes are tailored to meet the aspirations of the industry.

She said the launch of NOS will create the fostering of relationships between training providers and industry to ensure that training institutions produce graduates with adequate and relevant skills needed in the industry.

“The involvement of industry in the development of NOS is also necessary to ensure that NOS are implemented by the intended users, such as employees, employers, curriculum developers, and training providers,” She said.

She also thanked the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia for their financial support in implementing a number of activities which includes the development of NOS which has been launched.

ZQA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mirriam Chiyaba said the Authority conducted a desk research on international best practice pertaining to the NOS development and collected important literature which was important to the development of the NOS.

Ms Chiyaba noted that the Authority Conducted validation workshop last year in December for the final validation of the NOS for the manufacturing and construction sector.

The NOS which has been launched has six components for the manufacturing sector which includes, Mechanical engineer, electrical and electronic engineer, chemical engineer, production manager, quality controller and workshop machine operator.

In the Construction sector, it will cater for geomatics engineer, electrician, low voltage, droughts person, general bricklayer, metal fabricator and steel fixer.

Magistrate deferred judgment in Kangombe’s abduction case and extends his bail

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Magistrate deferred judgment in Kangombe’s abduction case and extends his bail

Chinsali Senior Resident Magistrate Julius Malata, has again deferred Judgement day and extended bail for United Party for National Development (UPND) Sesheke Member of Parliament, Romeo Kangombe to April 7, 2021.

Mr. Kangombe was today scheduled to appear for judgement before Senior Resident Magistrate Malata but Senior State Advocate Obeit Siankanga informed the court that Mr. Kangombe was not before the court.

“Your honour this matter is scheduled for judgement today but the accused person is not before court,” said Mr. Siankanga.

And Defence Lawyer Mulambo Haimbe said the two sureties who were in court could shade more light why the accused person was not before court.

Fabian Mataa, one of the sureties for Mr. Kangombe later informed the court that Mr. Kangombe was not before court because he is unwell.

Mr. Mataa also produced a medical report that indicated that Mr. Kangombe was unwell in Sesheke and had been put on bed rest.

“Your honour Mr. Kangombe is unwell. He is at home in Sesheke and the hospital has given him a bed rest according to a medical report he sent to me yesterday,” said Mr. Mataa.

Magistrate Malata later adjourned the matter to April 7, 2021 for judgement and advised the two lawyers representing Mr. Kangombe to ensure one of them was available on the date for judgement.

Defense lawyer earlier applied for the matter to be given a lengthy adjournment because he was going to be busy in the High Court and the Constitutional Court between, April 7 and 14 and will therefore, not make it to be available for judgement in Chinsali on April 7.

“Your honour, I will be busy in the High and the Constitutional Court between, April 7 and 14 and am asking if the matter could be adjourned beyond that period, “said Lawyer Haimbe.

This is in a matter in which Mr. Kang’ombe is charged with four counts of abduction and assault of two police officers contrary to the laws of Zambia.

It is alleged that the accused person whilst acting with others unknown in Lavushimanda district of Muchinga province did abduct and assaulted two police officers who were assigned to facility the smooth passage of the United Party for National Development President Hakainde Hichilema and his entourage.

Mr Kang’ombe in the first charge faces two counts of abducting Sergeant Innocent Mwale and Constable Chinyama Chipango of Mununga police post on October 14, 2020 contrary to section 256 of the penal code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The lawmaker is in the second charge is facing two counts of assault of the two police officers contrary to section 250(b) of the penal Code.

Mr. Kangombe is on a K200, 000 bail in his own recognizance with two sureties who are residents of Chinsali district in the like sum of K200,000.

Mr Kang’ombe is being represented by two lawyers Mulambo Haimbe and Kamuwanga Phiri of Malambo and Company of Lusaka.

Zimbabwean Defender Excited to Join Nkana

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Newly signed Nkana defensive midfielder Tichaona Chipunza has promised club supporters good performances.

Zimbabwean Chipunza, 26, officially joined Nkana on Tuesday.

He has played for Zimbabwean clubs among them Dynamos, Chicken Inn and Triangle United.

“I am so happy to join a big team not only in Zambia but Africa. Nkana has such a rich history and it is one of the biggest teams on the continent,” Chipunza told the Nkana Media.

“My expectations are that we are going to give it our best as a team because I am a team player. I expect to win things for Nkana and supporters will definitely see good performance,” he said.

He has four caps for Zimbabwe.

ECL empowers 50 Senga cooperatives

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ECL empowers 50 Senga cooperatives

he Edgar Chagwa Lungu Multipurpose Empowerment Cooperative has empowered 50 cooperatives in Senga District of Northern Province with assorted empowerment items.

The items includes ploughs, incubators, sewing machines, roofing sheets, fertilizer among others.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu Multipurpose Empowerment Cooperative Coordinator Bob Sikaala said the items are a gift from President Lungu who loves the people of Senga.

“These items are exactly what you requested from the President and he has done it by the kindness of his heart. We should therefore wish his Excellency long life, his good deeds have made many people happy” said Mr Sikaala.

And Senga District Commissioner, Peter Chaila thanked President Lungu for empowering the people of Senga.

Mr. Chaila said the gesture shows that the President has the heart for the people of Senga.

Milling plants almost complete in Mpika

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Milling plants almost complete in Mpika

Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commandant Nathan Mulenga says he is impressed with the progress made at the Mpika milling Plant in Muchinga Province.

He said the project is almost complete and will be handed over to the government soon.

Speaking when he toured the milling plant in Mpika, Lieutenant General Mulenga said he did not expect the works at the plant to have progressed to almost completion, adding that the workmanship is impressive.

Lt. Gen. Mulenga stated that the project is a grant from the Chinese government who have been contracted to work on the milling plant project.

He said the completion of the project will reduce the price of mealie meal which is the staple food in the country.

He added that once the project is done, it will also create employment opportunities for the local people in Mpika district.

“From this milling plant, jobs will be created, people will be buying mealie meal at an affordable price. It is just not job creation here, there are other spiral effects that will actually rise just as a result of this place,” he said.

The ZNS Commandant further indicated that facilities such as the milling plant are meant to further develop and open the Northern circuit.

Lt Gen Mulenga added that the Mpika Milling plant will be one of its kind and will go a long way in helping the people of Zambia, not just people in Muchinga Province.

Meanwhile Lt. Gen. Mulenga explained that hiking of mealie meal prices by private milling companies has become a matter of great concern to President Edgar Lungu.

Meanwhile, China Machinery Industry Construction Group Engineer Zhen Duo Fan revealed that the construction of the Mpika Milling plant commenced on 30th December 2018.

Mr Duo Fan said the plant is almost done and will be handed over to the government within the shortest possible time.

He urged the Commandant to continue supporting the project, in order for it to reach its full potential and benefit the people of Zambia.

The ZNS Commandant was in Northern and Muchinga Provinces to inspect ZNS projects and the ZNS units.

Kasama youths in fuel tanker empowerment

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Kasama youths in fuel tanker empowerment

A youth cooperative in Kasama district has hailed government for empowering them with a fuel tanker.

Be Creative Multipurpose Cooperative Chairperson, Francis Mwamba said the empowerment of the fuel tanker is a great milestone for youths in the district.

Mr Mwamba explained that the empowerment of the fuel tanker shows that President Lungu cares for the welfare of the youths in Kasama and the country at large.

“This is the biggest youth empowerment we have seen in the province, and we thank government for giving the youths this opportunity.” Mr Mwamba said.

He has since pledged the group’s commitment to use the empowerment, and help create jobs for other youths in the area.

“We are promising the government that we will create more jobs for our fellow youths in the province” he added.

Mr Mwamba said this when the cooperative presented the letter of offer for the fuel tanker to the provincial administration in Kasama.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Permanent Secretary Royd Chakaba has challenged the group to use the empowerment they have received to improve their lives and employ their fellow youths.

Mr Chakaba said the fuel tanker is a huge investment for the youths adding they should also use part of the profit they will realize from the funds to diversify their business.

He also called on the group and other youth groups that have benefited from government empowerment programmes to pay back the money so that other youths can also benefit from the empowerment.

“Timely when you are required to pay back on a monthly basis, I urge you not to default because these are evolving funds. There are other also on the waiting list so they expect you to pay back do that other can benefit.” he said.

He has further urged youth groups in Kasama who have received empowerment funds and those in business to inculcate good financial discipline in order to grow their business.

“I am also extending this same noble issue of inculcating financial discipline on all the youth beneficiaries in the province because you are not the only ones, others have benefited and others are yet to benefit so what is important is financial discipline” he said.

The Permanent Secretary further called on the groups to embrace other cooperatives that did not receive anything so that everyone can contribute to the growth of the area.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairperson of Be Cooperative Multipurpose Cooperative Julie Mandefu said the empowerment of the fuel tanker shows that the President honors the contribution of the youths.

Ms Mandefu has since encouraged the youths to take advantage of this opportunity and help improve the face of Kasama and the province at large.

She emphasized the need for the youths to work hard and not depend on handouts from people.

“I would love to encourage my fellow youths that this opportunity should not go to waste. It is time for youths to help improve the face of Kasama” she said.

Ms Mandefu has since pledged the group’s commitment towards helping to empower other youths across the province.

President Lungu on youth day officiated at the handed over of 50 fuel tankers to youth cooperatives across the country.

Botswana President Masisi visits Zambia

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Botswana President Masisi visits Zambia

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi arrived in Zambia Wednesday morning.

President Masisi is on a three-nation working visit to Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe to discuss bilateral, regional and continental issues.

He was received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji and Lusaka Province Bowman Lusambo.

President Masisi is undertaking the visit in his capacity as chairman of the South African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence and security, is also expected to meet
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The trio are also expected to discuss “common solutions” to the social and economic challenges facing their nations brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Masisi will also take the opportunity to present Botswana’s candidate for Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Elias Magosi.

During a visit to Malawi earlier this month, Masisi secured the backing of his Malawian counterpart Lazarus Chakwera in advancing Magosi’s candidacy.

Mr. Masisi will be accompanied by senior government officials including Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Lemogang Kwape and Minister of Basic Education Fidelis Molao.

The delegation is expected to return to the capital Gaborone on the same day.

CCPC fines Cement firms for Anti-Competitive Trade Practices and orders adjustments of prices

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CCPC fines Cement firms for Anti-Competitive Trade Practices and orders adjustments of prices

The Board of Commissioners of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has fined Lafarge Zambia Plc and Mpande Limestone Limited 10% of their annual turnovers for the year 2019 and another 10% of their 2020 annual turnovers for price fixing and division of markets.

Dangote Cement Zambia Limited was granted full leniency for having cooperated with the Commission during investigations.

Further, the Board has ordered Lafarge Zambia Plc, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited and Mpande Limestone Limited to revert to the pre-cartel prices ranging between USD 4.50 – USD 5 for a period of one year from the date of receipt of the Board Decision pursuant to Section 59 (3) (b) of the Act.

Additionally, that Lafarge Zambia Plc, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited, Mpande Limestone Limited submit monthly average ex-works prices and any price adjustments be indexed to the exchange rate and be submitted to the Commission for review pursuant to Section 58 (1) of the Act.

The Board has also ordered the three Cement Companies to develop and implement compliance programmes in their respective firms within 90 days of receiving the Board Directive.

This is according to a statement issued by CCPC Spokesperson Namukolo Kasumpa.

“Furthermore, the Board has directed Lafarge Zambia PLC, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited and Mpande Limestone to make undertakings within 90 days of receiving the directive that their respective employees should not engage in any anti-competitive behaviour and that the enterprises should not facilitate and/or participate in any anti-competitive conduct including the exchange of information.”

The Board of Commissioners also dropped charges against Zambezi Portland Cement Limited after it was established that they were not part of the cement cartel.

The decision to fine Lafarge Zambia Plc and Mpande Limestone Limited was made during the 49th Board of Commissioners Meeting for the Adjudication of Cases held in Lusaka on 30th March 2021.

This was after an exhaustive investigation by the Commission initiated in January 2020, following the Commission’s observations of a sustained increment of cement prices from an average of K55 to K100 per 50Kg bag between July 2019 and January 2020.

The continuous price increment of cement by the parties led the Commission to suspect that there was possible collusion and an agreement to fix the prices of cement.

The investigation which lasted for over one (1) year revealed that the parties shared price adjustment proposals seeking approval for price changes before the implementation date and in some cases before they were approved by their respective management.

The exchange of commercially sensitive information on future prices and rebates demonstrated that there was a ‘meeting of minds’ among the Respondents to pursue an agreed objective.

The investigation established that company representatives from Mpande Limestone Limited, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited and Lafarge Zambia Plc held discussions and meetings which resulted in the development of a pricing philosophy to stop cement price reductions.

The investigations also established that the Cement Companies had agreed on a flat rebate of ZMW3 sometime in December 2019.

The Board of Commissioners determined that the sharing or exchange of commercially sensitive information relating to future prices and rebates by Mpande Limestone Limited, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited and Lafarge Zambia Plc amounted to an agreement.

The Board of Commissioners further determined that this agreement was anti-competitive as it was used to fix the price of cement and share markets contrary to Section 9(1) (a) and (b) of the Act respectively.

The Board noted that infrastructure development is the backbone of social- economic development and one of the Government’s key priority areas in the Seventh National Development Plan.

The construction industry is important for Zambia’s economic growth, infrastructural development and employment generation and the cement industry plays a vital part of this infrastructure development.

The fixing of cement prices by the three Companies and setting of trade conditions therefore undermined a competitive market and was detrimental to consumers.

“While the Board of Commissioners takes cognisance of the role Mpande Limestone Limited, Dangote Cement Zambia Limited and Lafarge Zambia Plc, play in the economy in general and their contribution to employment creation, their conduct had the serious effect of undermining infrastructure development both private and public especially with Government’s continued thrust on infrastructure development projects from roads, schools, clinics and development of district centres among others.”

Based on these facts, the Board decided to fine Lafarge Zambia Plc and Mpande Limestone Limited the maximum fine of 10% of their annual turnovers for the two (2) years of 2019 and 2020 for price fixing and market sharing.

The Board noted that Dangote Cement Zambia Limited was granted leniency as they were the only Leniency applicant and assisted with investigations.

“The Board would also like to take this opportunity to warn businesses that engage in Anti-competitive Business Practises to desist from such conduct. The Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate any anti- competitive trade practices, which impact negatively on Zambia’s quest to promote a competitive business environment and ensure that ordinary consumers are not exploited.”

U-turn: Cornelius Mweetwa changes his mind over Choma Central seat

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U-turn: Cornelius Mweetwa changes his mind over Choma Central seat

UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says he has rescinded his earlier decision not to recontest the Choma Parliamentary seat in the forthcoming elections.

And Mr Mweetwa says his campaign machinery would soon be rolling out into Choma to kick start his campaign in readiness for the 12th August general elections.

Mr Mweetwa, announced, Sunday, that he had decided not recontest the Choma seat so that he could concentrate on campaigning for party leader, Hakainde Hichilema ahead of general elections slated for 12th August.

But addressing a media briefing at the UPND secretariat in Lusaka on Tuesday, Mr. Mweetwa clarified that his decision has been arrived at as a result of calls from youths in the party, women’s groups, members of the Diaspora, young politicians, senior statesmen, traditional leaders and the general citizenry whom he said have made endless pleas for him to rescind his decision.

He stated that the huge political and media firestorm that his statement sparked for the past two days was a clear indication that the people of Zambia in general and Choma in particular were not ready to forego his contributions to the country’s political dispensation.

He has dispelled speculations that his earlier decision had been prompted by various issues such as lack of a Grade 12 Certificate, loss of political ground in Choma or that he had been bought by PF as unfounded and fallacy.

He has since thanked MPs from both the ruling and opposition political circles and Ministers in the PF who rejected his decision not to recontest his seat.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mweetwa has thanked former Information and Publicity Secretary Charles Kakoma who defected to the ruling PF for the services he rendered to the UPND during the 22 years that the party has been in existence.

Government has not neglected KK

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Government has not neglected KK

Government says reports in some sections of the media that it has neglected to take care of Dr Kenneth Kaunda are incorrect.

Ministry of Works and Supply Spokesman Ndubi Mvula was reacting to reports that there has been water shortages at Dr Kaunda’s residence in New Kasama.

“As you may be aware, Government through the Ministry responsible for Works and Supply, do appreciate the water challenges that has affected the residence of the First Republican President, His Excellency Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. Contrary to reports appearing in some sections of the media that there has been persistent water shortage at the residence, we would like to state that the subject in question is not as purported to be,” says Mr Mvula.

Mr Mvula said the Ministry received the report of water challenges from the Administrative Officer in the Office of the First Republican President in the evening of Friday, March 26th 2021. Immediately, measures were put in motion to rectify the shortcoming.

“As at now, both short and long term measures have since been instituted in the quest to keep the residence with the constant supply of fresh water.”

Patson Reflects on AFCON Qualifier Goals Milestone

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Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka has played down the milestone of emerging as joint top scorer in the just-ended 2021 Africa Cup qualifying campaign with five goals.

Daka of Austrian side RB Salzburg scored four of those in the last two games – in a space of four days with the first one coming in the 2-1 home loss to Zimbabwe on match-day-two on November 19,2019 and later added a brace against the latter last Monday in the 2-0 away win in Harare.

He ended the qualifiers  tied on  five goals  with Nigerian  striker Victor Osimhen of Serie A side Napoli who was top scorer at the 2015 AFCON U17 they both took part in and where they finished on  two and four goals respectively.

Daka missed two of the six AFCON qualifying matches against Botswana due to injury.

He attributed his scoring prowess in the qualifiers to team work.

‘It is not very important for me because I couldn’t have done it alone,’ Daka said after grabbing a brace against Zimbabwe in Harare on Monday night.

‘It was a team effort; if my friends were not there to support me I couldn’t have made it. ‘

‘So I give the credit to the team because we played as a team and we helped each other and at the end of the day I was just found at the right place at the right time to be the person to help the team,’ Daka said.

COVID-19 team to monitor elections constituted

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COVID-19 team to monitor elections constituted

The Technical Committee to look at modalities of holding the 2021 General Election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been constituted and held its inaugural meeting yesterday.

This follows the 22nd February 2021 consultative meeting between the Ministry of Health and Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) whose resolution was to form a technical committee to work on mainstreaming COVID-19 prevention mechanisms into the 2021 General Election Calendar.

ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga indicates in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that membership has been drawn from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) 5 and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (OVP-DMMU).

She said other include Zambia Centre for Inter Party Dialogue (ZCID), Civil Society Organisation, Zambia Police Service, Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) – Zambia as well as the Electoral Commission of Zambia which is leading the process.

Ms. Luhanga stated that in today’s meeting, the Electoral Commission of Zambia presented the Election Calendar with associated activities while the Ministry of Health and the Zambia National Public Health Institute presented the current 2 country scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic which form a basis for what the Committee will be focusing on.

“As a way forward, the meeting agreed to among other things formulate the terms of reference for the Technical Committee to which the Ministry of Health is to provide disaggregated demographic data on how COVID-19 has affected each population segment,” she noted.

She said the meeting further agreed to review the adequacy of the legal framework to ascertain levels of adherence and to identify structures that will support the cascading of information to the rest of the stakeholders.

“The Technical Committee will be meeting on a regular basis to speed up the formulation of guidelines and allow for timely engagement of political parties and other stakeholders,” Ms. Luhanga indicated.

President Edgar Lungu, to remain in power during the period of 2021-26-EIU Report

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President Edgar Lungu, to remain in power during the period of 2021-26-EIU Report

The Economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU) has said that it expects Zambia’s ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), led by President Edgar Lungu, to remain in power during the period of 2021-26.

In its latest Country report forecast of March 2021 on Zambia, the EIU made the forecast stating that despite tough economic, political and social challenges, President Edgar Lungu and the ruling Patriotic Front, will score an electoral victory in August 2021 General elections, over its main rival, the Opposition, United Party for National Development ( UPND).

It stated that Zambia’s on-going economic recession, initially sparked by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and later aggravated by a formal default on Zambia’s sovereign debt to its Eurobond holders in mid-November 2020, represents a challenge to the survival of the
increasingly embattled government.

The EIU is the world leader in business and political intelligence. It is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. It was created in 1946 and has over 70 years’ experience in helping businesses, financial firms and governments navigate the ever-changing global landscape.
It also gives economic and geo-political insights guiding the world’s organisations.

The EIU has a portfolio of clients globally and helps them accurate and credible analysis to help them navigate the increasingly complex global environment.
It also analyses political and economic developments, forecasts economic trends, and understand country specific regulations and business practices.

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