GENERAL NEWS – Lusaka Voice

Western police warns public over counterfeit notes

Mongu, July 9, ZANIS……..Police in Western Province have appealed to the general public to be on the lookout for unknown people circulating counterfeit rebased notes in the Province.

Western Province Police Commissioner Fanwell Siandenge told ZANIS in Mongu today that last week on Tuesday police apprehended and arrested a 40 year old man of Mongu district for being in possession with Kr4, 500 and $1 US counterfeit notes.

Mr. Siandenge identified the man as Charles Mubita Munalula of Malengwa area of chief Libumbu in Kapona village.

He said the accused was arrested at Mongu black market at around 15:00 hours on Tuesday last week after a tip off from concerned taxi drivers he had been booking in town who went to complain to Mongu Central police station.

Mr. Siandenge stated that the notes were taken to Bank of Zambia for examination and a report revealed that the money was counterfeit.

He said the accused revealed that he came to the Province with a group of friends from Lusaka whom he said are on the run, adding that the group is targeting foreigners especially the Chinese.

Mr. Siandenge said Mr.Munalula appeared in court last week on Friday and pleaded guilty to the offence.

He added that police has also arrested Chris Mushimbei, a 25 years old man of Mungule village in Senanga district for being found with Kr200 counterfeit notes.

Mr. Siandenge said Mr.Mushimbei was arrested last week on Thursday after a Bank official in Senanga ZANACO Bank discovered that the money which was being deposited on his behalf was counterfeit notes.

He has since appealed to the public in the Province especially businessmen to be careful with conmen who want to do business using counterfeit money and quickly report them to police.

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Govt. directs Northern Province based DCs to address disasters

Kasama, July 9^th, 2013, ZANIS — Government has directed District Commissioners (DCs) and District Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee (DDMMC) officials in Northern Province to provide means of resolving challenges in the implementation of relief operations.

And Luwingu District Commissioner (DC) Mambwe Katontoka has appealed to DDMMU under the office of the Vice President to fund districts to enable them address urgent needy areas which affect the lives of people in rural areas.

And Northern DMMU Provincial Coordinator Paul Muyongo on his called on DDMMC officials to account themselves as Government has provided policies to enhance their operations.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika says all District Commissioners in the province as chairpersons of DDMMCs should work tirelessly as disasters occur in their respective areas at any given time and urged them to provide link for relief to people.

Mr. Nkunika made this directive during a two day orientation workshop for DCs and members of the DDMMC held in the Northern Provincial conference room yesterday.

He said it is important that DCs as chairpersons of DDMMCs should work tirelessly as disasters occur in their respective areas at any given time and urged them to provide link for relief to people.

The PS urged DDMMC officials to be proactive and channel the available human and financial resources towards strategies in dealing with disaster prevention, Mitigation and preparedness as opposed to wait until the disasters happen.

Mr. Nkunika said the workshop is expected to discuss and enhance the operations of DDMMC and strengthen coordination of DMMU in order to save vulnerable communities in a prudent manner saying the DDMMC should be a solution seeker and provider of the needs to the affected communities.

Meanwhile, Luwingu District Commissioner (DC) Mambwe Katontoka has appealed to DDMMU under the office of the Vice President to fund districts to enable them address urgent needy areas which affect the lives of people in rural areas.

Mrs. Katontoka revealed that DDMMU only provided funds to her district once in January this year and provided hope for better service delivery to people in remote areas of Luwingu district.

She added that in her district districts some roads and bridges as well as some School and health structures needed urgent attention but due to non-availability of funds such concerns cannot be worked on.

And Northern DMMU Provincial Coordinator Paul Muyongo called on DDMMC officials to account themselves as Government has provided policies to enhance their operations.

Mr. Muyongo said district teams should work hard and plan adequately to prevent disasters and the suffering of people in disaster prone areas.

The workshop was attended by district officials from the nine districts and will wind-up its work today.

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Teacher Commission empathizes with Teachers’ poor conditions of service

Kasama , July 9^th, 2013-ZANIS- The Teaching Service Commission says it is concerned over the poor working Conditions of teachers in rural areas.

Commissioner Chairperson Jennifer Chiwala says her commission was aware of the many challenges that teachers especially in rural areas are facing.

ZANIS reports that Commissioners said this when she paid a courtesy call on Kasama District Commissioner Kalanga Bwalya at his office today.

She said this is why they are going round the Provinces to familiarize themselves with the many challenges facing the teaching fraternity.

Mrs. Chiwala was however quick to mention that the teaching commission service is working hard in order to address some of these difficulties.

And Kasama District Commissioner Kalanga Bwalya expressed happiness that the commissioners have taken time to tour the area.

Mr. Bwalya said most teachers in the area have been facing difficulties that need the agent attention from the teaching service commission.

The District said the visit by the commissioners will bring hope to the teachers in the area.

He has since expressed optimism that most difficulties will be tackled as they are in the Province.

The Teaching Service Commissioners are on the familiarization tour of schools in Northern Province.

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Three appear in Mazabuka for illegal abortion

Mazabuka, July 9^th, 2013, ZANIS — Three Mazabuka Residents charged with an offence of aborting a pregnancy this morning appeared in the Mazabuka Magistrates court to answer charges leveled against them.

The trio, Godfrey Sitali, 51, a Clinical Officer at Johnson Medical Clinic, Kelvin Mphande, a mathematics teacher at Habuce Private School and Busiku Moomba a pupil at the same private school appeared before Mazabuka Resident Magistrate Greenwell Malumani

However, Sitali, Mphande and Moomba, the 16 year old who is alleged to have aborted Mphande’s pregnancy all denied the charges when they appeared in court for plea.

Particulars read out in court indicated that Moomba who is charged with abortion by pregnant woman Contrary to Sub Section 1 Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia as amended by Act No. 15 of 2005 on unknown dates but between 27^th and 28^th of June 2013 with intent to procure her own miscarriage unlawfully administered to herself some poisonous drug.

Sitali and Mpande are in the second count jointly charged with an offence of supplying drugs or instruments to procure an abortion Contrary to Section 153 Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The trio that was earlier released on police bond following their arrest pleaded not guilty to the offence and trial has been set for July 30^th, 2013.

Last week, Police in Mazabuka arrested Sitali 51, proprietor of Johnson Medical Clinic situated along the Mazabuka – Livingstone road in order to help with investigations into an abortion case involving a 16 year old Habuce Private School pupil that was allegedly impregnated by her own school Teacher Kelvin Mphande.

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Govt cautions lax civil servants

Solwezi, July 9^th, 2013, ZANIS —- Government says it will not relent to take disciplinary action against any civil servant when found wanting.

Solwezi District Commissioner Crispin Likando said his office will not hesitate to punish any civil servant in his district for failing to perform to government expectations.

Mr Likando said he has observed with dismay that performance of some government workers at district level have not been impressive leading to poor delivery of services to the people.

ZANIS reports from Solwezi, that the District Commissioner was speaking during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting held in the BOMA conference hall in Solwezi today.

“ The Patriotic Front Government is very much committed to deliver meaningful development and quality services to the people (therefore all ) urged civil servants in the district should be proactive and dedicated to duty to protect the interests of the vulnerable people in society, “ he said .

He said civil servants are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people diligently and advised them to implement government programs with commitment and seriousness it deserves.

Meanwhile, Mr Likando has appealed to Solwezi Municipal Council to protect government land ear-marked for developmental projects from encroachment by members of the general public.

Mr Likando said his office will not sit idle to watch people encroach on government property but to protect it and build more social infrastructure.

He noted that the district has in the recent past experienced unprecedented population growth due to massive economic activities taking place in the area hence the need for construction of more social infrastructure in different sectors of the economy.

Mr Likando said government alone cannot cope up with many challenges brought about by unprecedented economic boom in the district and appealed to different stakeholders to come on board and supplement its efforts.

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Govt. calls for Transparence and Accountability in DCs performance

Ndola July 9, 2013, ZANIS —- Government says District Commissioners in Copperbelt Province should observe principles of Transparency and accountability in the running of the affairs of their respective districts.

ZANIS Ndola reports that Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Stanford Mschili said this during the official opening of a two-day Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit orientation workshop for District Commissioners and Planners in the province held at the Provincial Administration conference room.

The PS explained that the DMMU was specifically created to guarantee a decent and dignified life for all citizens.

“DMMU was specifically created to guarantee a decent and dignified life for all citizens, this is another cornerstone in the PF manifesto, It is therefore important that your decisions as DC’s and planners are streamlined in a humane manner so as to achieve this underlying objective,” he said.

He said it was imperative that DC’s work with Transparency and accountability because the office of the Vice President was counting on the DC’s to assist the DMMU in delivering to the expectant communities.

The PS further cautioned the DC’s not to concentrate on the disaster aspect and forgetting the mitigation factor.

“You are expected to coordinate and superintend all activities, let me mention that you should not only concentrate on the disaster aspect at the exclusion of mitigation. Mitigation entails lessening the intensity of the burden,” he said.

The PS further advised district planners to embrace the bottom up approach, stressing that it was important for the community to fully participate.

“Planners are critical to our planning process, the bottom up approach must be enhanced, it is important that the community is fully involved so that the end results are embraced,” he said.

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ZAWA apprehends two armed men in Kaoma District

Kaoma, July 09, 2013, ZANIS —- A team of Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) officers from Mufunta game management area have apprehended two men for unlawful possession of firearms contrary to the firearm Act.

ZANIS reports that a ZAWA prosecutions officer based at Kaoma office Evance Mushimbalume confirmed the development in an interview.

Mr. Mushimbalume named the apprehended duo as Derrison Tukuma 52 and Kabihima Mangwati 38, both of Levu village in chief Afumba’s area in the newly created of Luampa district.

He said that Tukuma and Mangwati were found illegally possessing the guns namely muzzle loading guns without firearms license and they will appear in court soon.

He has however appealed to those possessing the firearms illegally in the three districts of Luampa, Nkeyema and Kaoma respectively to surrender the arms to ZAWA or Kaoma police station.

He also advised the local people in the area to take advantage of the amnesty which is on-going in the country.

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Last week it was reported that the Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo would be removing Mandla Mandela as chief of Mvezo after he conducted himself inappropriately during a family feud over the burial site of the remains of Nelson Mandela’s children. Mandla exhumed the remains illegally from Qunu and reburied them in Mvezo, which angered the family.

The Mandela family wanted the the remains to be buried in Qunu, where Mandela said he would like to be buried when he dies. Mandla was against this. He wanted them to be buried in Mvezo as he believes that the place has historical significance since it is where Mandela was born. However, Mandela grew up in Qunu.

The Mandela family met in Qunu in June and asked Mandla to return the remains. However, he stormed out of the meeting and refused to answer why he had exhumed them without permission. The matter ended up being resolved in court. The court ordered Mandla to return the remains last week. They were then exhumed from Mvezo and reburied at the Mandela graveyard in Qunu. Mandla vowed to fight the court’s ruling.

Mandla was widely criticized for his conduct. King Dalindyebo decided to strip him of chieftaincy. The king said he would be expelled from all ranks of duties, saying he was no longer needed in the Madiba clan. However, recent reports indicate that the King does not have the power to relieve Madla of his duties. Chief Daludumo Mtirara, the king’s brother, said King Dalinyebo was on his way out himself. According to reports, he was removed as king late last year. They are waiting for the government to process documents that finalize his removal. When the documents have been processed, a new king will be appointed.

MORE ON [SOURCE]

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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia is concerned with the unlawful confinement of two journalists, Mr Clayson Hamasaka and Mr Thomas Zyambo, who were picked up in the early hours of this morning, 9 July 2013, by the Zambia Police Service.

MISA Zambia is worried that the two journalists who are not criminals were picked up by Police without any charge and have been in Police confinement since then. The two have not even been formerly charged and still awaiting formal interrogation.

We consider the raid on the two journalists’ homes and their subsequent confinement at Zambia Police Headquarters as illegal and an indication that Zambia’s human right record is deteriorating. It is worrying that the two who are not criminals were subject of an early morning Police Raid although there is no state of emergency in the country where people’s human rights can be suspended.

This act is also a clear abuse of the rights of the two to freedom of movement. According to the Zambian law, a person should be charged, formerly arrested and then then take to court, but this was not the case for the two.

This should not be happening in a democratic society. We appeal to the Police to release the two journalists without any further delay as their continued confinement is not legal.

While MISA Zambia is glad that two lawyers, Mr Jack Mwiinmbu and Mr Gilbert Phiri, are handling the issue, it has also engaged Kabesha and Company to assist the team of lawyers representing the two Journalists.

MISA Zambia is also in touch with the Law Association of Zambia over the increasing media freedom violations.

Nalumino Nalumino
Chairperson – MISA Zambia
9 July 2013

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Court fines Pastor for dangerous driving

Mansa, July 10, ZANIS ———- The High Court sitting in Mansa has fined a Seventh Day Adventist Church Pastor K2000 for causing death by dangerous driving contrary to section 161 of the Road Transport Act number 11 of 2002.

Facts before the courts where that on 22^nd September 2012 Lazarous Kalembe aged 49 of house number 327 Samfya Farmers training institute in Samfya District while driving a Toyota Sprinter Registration Number ALE 3687 along Samfya Lubwe road from his pastoral work did cause the death of Evelyn Chaabu a minor.

This was in a matter that came up for plea before High Court Judge Justice Timothy Katanekwa this morning in which the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

In mitigation Kalembe through Legal Aid Counsel Paul Chavula pleaded for lenience saying he was a first offender, pleaded guilty without wasting the courts time and that he was remorseful.

In passing judgment Justice Katanekwa said considering that the accused was the first offender, remorseful, did not waste the courts time, and that the car was insured he deserves maximum lenience but hoped that the accused will be a more careful driver in future.

Justice Katanekwa then ordered Kalembe to pay K2000 before or on 30^th August 2013 or in default to serve a for six months simple imprisonment effective the date of failure to pay fine.

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Govt. releases funds for disaster mitigation in Luapula province

Mansa, July 10, ZANIS——- Government has released K 600,000 for disaster mitigation in Luapula Province.

Disclosing the development to ZANIS in Mwense today, Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Joyce Nsamba commended government for releasing the funds saying the funds will go a long way in mitigating disasters in the province.

She said this after she toured Disaster and Mitigation Units projects in Mwense and Mansa Districts.

Mrs Nsamba said the Provincial Administration in Luapula Province is happy with the response of the office of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit in the province towards disasters.

She said many schools in the province have been hit by disasters forcing many pupils out of schools or squatting in places that are not conducive for learning.

Mrs Nsamba noted that the disasters in the province require quick response which she said the disaster Management and Mitigation in the province have shown.

She said the release of the funds in the province was a sign of government’s commitment in addressing challenges that its people face arising from disasters.

Meanwhile Disasters Management and Mitigation Unity Luapula province coordinator Mweetwa Haambayi has expressed satisfaction with the works done so far.

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East chamber of commerce implores govt. to complete Chipata/Mchinji railway project

Chipata, July 10, ZANIS……… Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry (EPCCI) Chairperson Thomas Mtonga has implored government to be proactive in completing the Chipata/Mchinji railway line project which started in the 1980’s.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIs in Chipata today, Mr Mtonga said there was need to link Tanzania, Zambian Railway (TAZARA) through Mpika and connect to Kapiri Mposhi for the line to start yielding economic results for the nation.

Mr Mtonga said the railway project would be beneficial to Eastern Province because the goods which came through Tanzania would come to Chipata through the same railway line adding that this would boost trade in the country and the region at large.

He noted that the original plan was to connect Zambia to Nacala corridor in Mozambique and that the continued delay in the completion of the Chipata/Mchinji railway line project had made the country lose out on economic opportunities because geographically, Nacala Corridors in Mozambique was the closest port which the country could take advantage of.

Mr Mtonga said there is also need a good road network to be constructed from Dinga Dinga which was along Lusaka road to the dry port to come through the hills behind the port.

He said the exporting of agro crops such as cotton; tobacco and maize would be easier for the country once the railway line became operational, thereby boosting agriculture activities in the country.

Mr Mtonga called government to move in quickly and work on the road from Dinga Dinga which would run through the hills behind the dry port because it was important to have a strong road unlike now where Kalindawaro road from town centre which passes through the township could not cope with big cargo because it was weak and was too small to contain the huge cargo.

He stated that benefits for the country were numerous such that a private company in Petauke which mines titanium ole which was used for manufacturing paint was interested in moving the ole by road for export to other countries via Nacala corridor into Mozambique.

Mr Mtonga noted that once the Chipata/Mchinji project was enhanced would integrate the whole sub region thereby increasing trade between Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia though initially it was arranged that it should run between Malawi and Zambia.

He said a stretch in Mozambique to Nacala corridor which was dilapidated would soon be worked on by a Brazilian company which mines core in Tete province hence the need to speed up the construction of the dry port and warehouse so that the country was not left out of the deal to reap from the arrangement.

He said when that was done people would be able to have lower costs of ferrying goods even from Dar es salaam to come through chipata.

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Govt. embarks on National Social Protection Policy consultations

Monze, July 10, ZANIS—Government has embarked on carrying out consultations with stakeholders on the development process of the National Social Protection policy whose main objective will be to guide the development and implementation of multi-sectoral poverty reduction programs and promote rights of the poor and vulnerable in society.

The consultations which are being conducted by the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health are intended to get views from stakeholders with a view of influencing the direction which the policy will take.

This came to light when the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health conducted the consultation meeting on the development of the social protection policy for the District Development Coordinating Committee(DDCC),NGOs, Civil society organizations and faith based organizations at the council planning conference unit in Monze yesterday.

Speaking during the consultative meeting, Marian Tembo who led the team that was facilitating the consultations said that the development of the policy was cardinal for enhancing poor and vulnerable people’s livelihoods, creation of opportunities and ensuring that they participate and benefit from the nation’s developmental initiatives.

Mrs. Tembo explained that the decision by Government to develop the policy on social protection was made after realizing that high levels of extreme poverty and vulnerability coupled with multiple effects of HIV/AIDS and unemployment provided a strong justification for the need to develop the policy as stated in the 5^th National Development Plan of 2006 to 2010.

She said the decision was further influenced during the formulation of the 6^th National development plan of 2011 to 2015 where stakeholders realized the need for the national social protection policy.

Mrs. Tembo said once developed, the policy would guide multi-sectoral protection programs, provide an entry point for external support towards social protection service delivery and establish well structured, coordinated resourced social protection service delivery frame work.

She added that the development of the policy was critical in avoiding fragmentation and duplication of programs including waste of scarce resources.

And stakeholders that attended the consultative meeting in Monze have welcomed the move by Government to develop the social protection policy.

Jubilee Zambia Monze chapter coordinator Phoebe Moono called on Government to put in place a proper monitoring system that would ensure that resources meant to provide social protection to the vulnerable trickles down to targeted beneficiaries and are used for the intended purposes.

Mrs. Moono said Government must consider using the bottom up approach whenever undertaking consultations on various issues of national interest such the development of the social protection policy.

However, other concerns raised by stakeholders at the same meeting included the need for Government to consider setting up guaranteed budget allocation towards social protection programs and take social security as an integral part of social protection rather than concentrating on issues such as pensions alone.

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5 Luapula MPs happy with works on Pedicle road

Mansa, July 10, ZANIS —Five Members of Parliament (MPs) from Luapula Province are happy with the progress of works on the Pedicle road that links Copperbelt and Luapula via Democratic Republic of Congo.

The five law makers, among them two deputy ministers, showed their happiness when they toured the road on their way to Lusaka from Mansa where they had gone to attend the second quarter of the Luapula province development coordinating committee meeting on Monday.

These are Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Nixon Chilangwa, Mambilima Member of Parliament Mighty Mumba, Nchelenge Central MP Raymond Mpundu and Bangweulu MP Chifita Matafwali.

They said the progress on the works was impressive and have since urged the contractor to complete the works on time.

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Nixon Chilangwa implored the contractor to employ more people from Luapula province as works get closer to Chembe.

He said it was important for people from Luapula to get the jobs in order to fulfill the Patriotic Front’s (PF) promises of job creation for the people.

And Goldfield Mining Services Quality Assurance and Works Clerk Peter Nkandu said about 35 kilometres of the road would be completed before the onset of the rain season.

Mr. Nkandu disclosed that the project has provided employment to 230 people out of which 200 were Zambians while 30 were Congolese.

And Luapula province Minister Brigadier General Benson Kapaya said he was going to check on the road again next month to follow up on the promise of completing 35 kilometers before the onset of the rains.

He encouraged the workers to be committed to the work so that the works can run according to schedule.

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Various stakeholders have started making their submissions to the Ministry of Finance for the 2014 national budget following the ministry’s invitation.

One of the stakeholders that have started submitting is the Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) which has requested government to consider extending the implementation period for the waiving of tax on tourism related goods coming into the country to 2014.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Council Chairperson Felix Mulenga said although the statutory instrument (SI) was issued during the 2013 budget presentation last year, the instrument was only effected in January to run up to December this year.

He observed that not many technocrats were able to adequately interpret the SI adding that only a few stakeholders have benefitted from the tax waive.

Mr. Mulenga noted that with the country’s hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) next month, Zambia will experience an increase in tourism activities.

He further added that with government expecting about 300,000 jobs in the sector by 2015, there is great need for support in the industry which largely depends on international products.

Private Sector Development Association (PSDA) chairperson, Yusuf Dodia, said his association was still preparing its input for the 2014 budget.

Mr. Dodia explained that the association will first analyze the areas of focus this year to determine what activities should be prioritized in the 2014 national budget.

He said the association was focusing on critical drivers of the national economy which include mining, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) will increase popularity in the Zambian tourism.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) has commended government for the thought to include sector expectations in the 2014 national budget.

Association Chief Executive Officer, Maybin Supila, said the organisation was still compiling its submissions from the policy committee which will be formulated and clustered into sector demands.

Mr. Supila hoped that the process will help address tax and competition issues resulting from imported products currently affecting manufacturing industries.

Other sectors such as the Zambia Chamber of Mines have not yet started the process of preparing submissions towards the 2014 budget.

The Chamber of Mines is awaiting formal communication from government on the same invitation to make submissions.

Last week, the Ministry of Finance through various media organizations called on stakeholders to start making their submissions for the 2014 national budget.

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Govt. assures trade unions of new salaries

Lusaka, July 10, ZANIS—Government has assured trade unions that it will not default on the agreed new salary scales for civil servants which will be effected in September this year.

Labour Deputy Minister Ronald Chitotela reiterated that government was committed to ensuring that civil servants get their new agreed salaries in September.

Mr. Chitotela thus dismissed assertions by some politicians suggesting that the country’s economy has collapsed.

ZANIS reports that the Deputy Minister said the assertions were unfounded and lacked substance as people behind the statements were merely seeking political mileage.

Mr. Chitotela added that people who were claiming that there was a budget overrun were not sincere and described the claims as political statements.

The Deputy Minister noted that the Patriotic Front (PF) government has gone a step further to demonstrate how the national budget is being executed by publishing expenditure reports in the daily tabloids.

He therefore implored critics to go through the published national budget expenditure.

Meanwhile, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Roy Mwaba said civil servants are anxious to receive their long awaited new salaries in September 2013.

He called on government to stick to the agreed month for civil servants to pocket new salaries.

Mr. Mwaba said civil servants have always corporated with government and therefore it should not disappoint them on effecting new salaries.

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Expelled Sinazongwe United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament (MP) Richwell Siamunene says he would not hesitate to recontest his seat if declared vacant.

Mr. Siamunene noted that he has so far done half of what needs to be done in his constituency in the short time that he has been in office.

He told ZANIS in a telephone interview in Lusaka today that the people of Sinazongwe gave him a five year mandate in 2011 when they voted hence the need for him to continue up to 2016.

“People in that area want me to continue as their MP up to 2016 because of the work I have done in a short time,” he said.

Mr. Siamunene said he still wanted to continue fulfilling the promises he made to the people in 2011.

“People don’t want me as Siamunene. They are interested in my work,” he stressed.

And Mr. Siamunene has described Sinazongwe UPND district spokesperson George Bbabi as a ‘masquerader’.

Mr. Siamunene said he has no time to comment on the allegations leveled against him by Mr. Bbabi because he does not know him.

“Who is this Bbabi? Do u know him? Because as far as I am concerned he is a masquerader,’’ Mr. Siamunene said while wondered whether Mr. Bbabi belonged to UPND or not.

He added that, “I don’t think he is even a UPND member, I think it’s just someone they are using to get at me.”

Mr. Siamunene further said as far as he was concerned, he was not aware of anyone by the name of George Bbabi who is Sinazongwe UPND spokesperson.

“That person does not exist, if he does then he is not a UPND member because I don’t know him,” said Mr. Siamunene.

Recently, Mr. Bbabi alleged that Mr. Siamunene will lose a parliamentary by-election in Sinazongwe if he recontests the seat in an event that it is declared vacant.

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Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga has said access to information was crucial for the creation of a transparent, accountable and democratic society.

Mr. Malupenga said the free flow and public access to information was vital for the development of any society.

The Permanent Secretary said this in a congratulatory message to Parliament Radio for opening a second studio for radio transmission.

He said the opening of the studio will play a fundamental role in improving access to information.

Mr. Malupenga has since pledged government’s continued support to the radio station in bringing parliament proceedings closer to the people.

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SDA church constructs a primary school in Choma

Choma, July 10^th, 2013, ZANIS —- THE SWAN Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA) Church has constructed a school in Choma District aimed at supplementing government efforts in the education sector.

Swan SDA church administration elder Roy Wakumelo said the Maranatha Primary school is currently steadily growing and employing 10 teachers providing services from preschool to grade five.

Mr. Wakumelo said this in an interview in Choma today.

The multimillion kwacha school was constructed to assist parents who cannot afford school fees and is sponsoring pupils who are in dire need through the church education department.

He stated that the school that has been constructed through the Swan SDA financial support programmes has since seen pupils who have graduated to high school.

Mr. Wakumelo stated that the school has a completed 1 by 3 classroom block while the other 1 by 3 classroom block will soon be roofed to run to grade 7 level.

He explained that the school further offers adult education for people who want to improve their literacy levels.

‘’The second 1 by 3 classroom block that is still under construction has received financial support from a United States based SDA pastor, James Mangum, We are planning to construct a clinic at the school plot where natural remedies will be offered after fully completing the school,’’ said Mr. Wakumelo.

He pointed out that the uncompleted 1 by 3 classroom block will be completed before the end of the year.

Mr. Wakumelo was however quick to appeal for assistance towards the construction of the school as it carters for all members of the community.

He observed that the school is further planning to install a water tank to supply the school with clean drinking water once there is intermittent piped water supply.

‘’We are also planning to install power to the school to increase the number of learning hours and introduce programmes such as project management for the youths to acquire various skills,’’ he explained.

Mr. Wakumelo further stated that the school is training pupils who will have a Christian background, God fearing and know the rule of law.

‘’The school has assisted parents who are underprivileged and cannot afford to pay school fees and has further assisted through the church educational department to sponsor children in need who have since reached high school,’’ he said.

The second goal of the millennium development goals is to achieve universal primary education, every child has the right to go to school, but millions are still being left behind.

Universal primary education involves entering school at an appropriate age, progressing through the system and completing a full cycle.

Today, there are over 30 million more children in school than in the beginning of the decade. There have been some remarkable success stories. Primary school enrolments have increased dramatically in sub-Saharan Africa as well as in South and West Asia.

However, there are 72 million children still out of school. Nearly half of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa. On current trends, 56 million children could still be out of school by 2015.

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Stakeholders praised for continued peace ahead of Mkushi North Parliamentary By- elections

Mkushi, July 12, 2013—-Mkushi District Electoral Officer Everity Ng’andu has praised electoral stakeholders participating the forthcoming Mkushi North Parliamentary By Elections for their peaceful conduct and adherence to the electoral code of conduct .

Mr. Ng’andu explained that his office has received overwhelming support from all participating candidates and other electoral stakeholders through the District Political Liaison Committee in observing the code of conduct.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Ng’andu said this in an interview in Mkushi, today.

He further explained that Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in conjunction with key electoral stakeholders held a Youth Conference where participants resolved to uphold peaceful campaigns.

He added that the Conference also resolved among many other things to denounce electoral violence, importing of political cadres outside the district and avoid confrontations before, during and after the elections.

“ I wish to commend all participating candidates and other electoral stakeholders for exhibiting high levels of maturity since the official opening of political campaigns which has so far not recorded an form of violence or electoral malpractice”, he said.

Mr. Ng’andu who is also Mkushi District Council Secretary pointed out that the District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) has enhanced sensitisation campaign aimed at encouraging voters to turnout in numbers during the voting period.

He said the constituency is mountainous and polling districts are far apart which in most cases discourages voters to turnout in large numbers to go cast their votes.

“ As you wish to know, Mkushi North Constituency is mountainous and Polling Districts are far apart that in some instances voters have to commute to just go and vote hence this has led to apathy even during the 2011 Tripartite Elections”, he added.

Mkushi North Constituency has 11 wards with a total of 37, 967 registered voters with 57 Polling Districts and 71 streams.

The seat fell vacant following the defection of then Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Member of Parliament, Mutale Musonda to the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), recently.

Six candidates are participating in the by election slated for July 25^th with Albert Kawaya standing on the National Restoration Party (NAREP) while Felix Chisenga is contesting as an independent.

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) is fielding Ingrid Mpande, United Party for National Development(UPND) has settled for Winter Libbohole.

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) is defending the seat through Jonathan Kapungwe while United National Independence Party (UNIP) is floating Bernard Nsimbi.

The post Stakeholders praised for continued peace ahead of Mkushi North Parliamentary By- elections appeared first on Zambia News | Lusaka Voice.