ZCTU canes careless opposition leaders

Thursday, May 26, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
ZAMBIA Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) vice-president Humphrey Lungu has castigated some opposition leaders for issuing careless statements that can cause anarchy in the nation.
In an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Mr Lungu said it is shameful that some opposition leaders have continued to issue inflammatory statements which can divide the country.
“The labour movement in Zambia is extremely worried that some politicians have gone ahead with their irresponsible statements which are dividing the country,” he said.
Mr Lungu said politicians should instead promote peace ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.
He said politicians are obliged to work with all stakeholders to develop the nation.
“It is frustrating that some politicians are not doing enough to promote unity and peace in the communities. Zambians don’t have any home apart from Zambia. Politicians must be told that war is bad, and it is high time they stopped issuing irresponsible statements which are affecting our young democracy,” he said.
Mr Lungu said Zambians are not interested in politicians who preach hatred and regionalism.
He advised the electorate to reject violent politicians.

‘Luapulans will shock opposition'

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
CHIENGI member of Parliament Katele Kalumba has advised opposition parties to forget about winning elections in Luapula Province because local people are satisfied with Government’s performance under President Banda’s leadership.
Dr Kalumba said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday opposition parties cannot win votes in Luapula because they do not have an agenda to develop the nation, and that voters cannot be deceived.
"When I was a young man, in fact when I was a deputy minister, former Prime Minister Mainza Chona told me that the people of Luapula Province are enlightened politically, and should not be taken for granted.
This is very true. They are not interested in political jokers, they may attend rallies organised by jokers but when it comes to voting, they are very wise and sensitive people," Dr Kalumba said.
He said the people of Luapula have refused to be hoodwinked by opposition parties because they appreciate the development projects Government is undertaking.
"Opposition parties, especially those which entertain people when they have rallies, must forget about getting votes from the people of Luapula.
"The people want to listen to serious politicians. They want real issues. I must say that as a province, we are very fortunate to have benefited from the infrastructure development in the country. Health centres and education facilities are all over the province," Dr Kalumba said.
He said the people of Luapula will support Mr Banda in this year’s tripartite elections because they are happy with his performance in the two years he has been in office.
Dr Kalumba urged opposition parties to stop taking people for granted.
"The MMD may have its own challenges, but the truth of the matter is that the people of Luapula appreciate the efforts by the ruling party to develop the country and the province. The government recently released money for road rehabilitation, and there are other projects which are going on," he said.
"This is what the people want, and not political jokers who want to take advantage of villagers to get to State House. The people there are very wise when it comes to voting. They speak loudly through the ballot paper," he said.
Dr Kalumba is confident that the MMD will win this year’s elections because President Banda’s administration has demonstrated commitment to developing the country.
"The major difference between the MMD and opposition parties is that the ruling party has an agenda for Zambians, while most opposition parties have nothing. The people want the MMD to continue in power because it has demonstrated love for Zambians," Dr Kalumba said.

‘Luapulans will shock opposition'

Investor separates workers from goats

Wednesday, may 25, 2011

By ALEX NJOVU

 

A CHINGOLA-BASED foreign investor has secured alternative accommodation for his workers who were allegedly sharing sleeping space with goats in a garage.
Last week, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Simon Kachimba rebuked the investor for allowing his workers to share sleeping quarters with the animals.
Mr Kachimba said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday the investor has complied with his 48-hour ultimatum to move his workers from the garage, which also houses goats.
"I can confirm that the investor in Chingola has moved the workers out of the garage where they were sharing sleeping space with goats. I am very happy that the investor has complied with the directive because it was inhuman and degrading to allow people to share the same building with animals," he said.
Mr Kachimba said Government will continue sensitising foreign investors on the importance of adhering to Zambian labour laws.
He said investors play an important role in the development of the country.
Mr Kachimba said Government and investors are important partners in national development.
Last week, Mr Kachimba discovered that the workers slept in a garage, which also housed goats.
Mr Kachimba said when he inspected Wang-Kong Company Limited that it is inhuman for the firm to allow its workers to sleep in a garage that also houses goats.
"I am giving you up to Monday to move these people out of the garage. Give them money so that they can go and rent good houses in the townships," Mr Kachimba said.
He said Government appreciates the contribution investors are making to economic growth, but it is important for them to respect human rights.
He also said it is unbelievable that the investor is paying his workers a monthly salary of less than K350,000.
A visibly annoyed Mr Kachimba urged management to move the workers from the garage and give them better salaries to secure alternative accommodation.

He said Government supports progressive investors who are adding value to the economy.

Chingola residents vow to vote RB

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
OVER 300 beneficiaries of the MMD home empowerment policy in Chingola’s Mushishima area have endorsed President Banda’s candidature in this year’s tripartite elections.
The residents commended Mr Banda for writing off outstanding balances on 3,386 housing units on the Copperbelt.
Mushishima housing committee chairman Richard Mofya said in an interview in Chingola yesterday that the beneficiaries have resolved to vote for President Banda in this year’s elections.
“We recently held a meeting and we all agreed that we must support and vote for MMD candidates in this year’s elections. We voted for Patriotic Front (PF) candidates in the last elections and there is nothing we have benefited from them in terms of development,” he said.
Mr Mofya said the MMD has demonstrated commitment to developing the country.
He advised opposition parties against politicising the development projects Government is undertaking.
Mr Mofya said the numerous development projects are testimony of Mr Banda’s committment to improving the welfare of the people.
“We have lost confidence in the PF and its leader Michael Sata because he keeps telling us that he will develop this country within 90 days when his councillors have lamentably failed to initiate meaningful projects since they were elected into office five years ago. We are tired with Mr Sata’s vulgar language. For us in Mushishima, we need change and the change we need is to vote for MMD candidates. We have a PF councillor and member of Parliament and there is nothing they have done for us,” MrMofya said.
He said all well-meaning Zambians should commend President Banda for his decision to empower citizens with decent housing.
Mr Mofya said critics of the MMD home empowerment programme must know that President Banda is not buying votes but is simply trying to improve the living standards of people.
“It is unfortunate that the people who are criticising President Banda for empowering Zambians with housing are the ones who are scrambling for houses in Mushishima. The PF top leadership in the area is scrambling for houses and yet their leader condemned President Banda for the gesture. These are not genuine and they must be ignored,” he said.
Mr Mofya said President Banda has exercised good leadership by empowering Zambians with housing.

Doomsday: Kitwe town deserted

Tuesday, may 24, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
SOME Kitwe residents on Saturday remained indoors with their families following a false prophecy that was allegedly made by a US-based evangelical broadcaster that the world would end on May 21, 2011.
A snap survey conducted around town, especially at Chisokone market, revealed that most people decided to remain indoors as they waited for the second coming of Jesus Christ in their homes.
Chisokone market, which is usually a hive of activity ,was deserted by some traders who took the prophecy by the South African pastor seriously.
Ireen Banda, a trader at Chisokone market, said she stayed away from the market because she wanted to concentrate on praying, in readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Moses Tembo, another trader at the vast market, said it was ‘risky’ to venture into town when information was circulating that the world would end on Saturday.
And Riverside Assemblies of God Church Reverend Paul Mwale who visited the popular Chisokone market in Kitwe said he was surprised that some people took the prophecy seriously.
He said during his sermon on Sunday that he was shocked that some Kitwe residents abandoned their activities because of the prophecy.
“On Saturday, I went into town and passed through Chisokone market. I was surprised that some people stayed away from their daily activities because of the false and fake prophecy made by an American evangelist, 89-year- old Harold Camping. I talked to some traders at Chisokone market who told me that their colleagues stayed away from the market for fear of being found at the market during the second coming of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Rev Mwale warned Zambians against listening to false prophets and urged members of the public to read the Bible carefully and understand what will happen when the world finally comes to an end.
“My church members should get my mobile number and develop a tendency of calling me and when my phone goes unanswered, it is a sign that rapture has taken place,” he said in jest.
He cautioned Christians to watch out for the devil who is busy misleading God’s people with all sorts of false information.

Hiroshima at a Glance

By ALEX NJOVU


The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will forever be embedded in world history because of the tragedy of being destroyed by atomic bombs during World War II. Our staffer ALEX NJOVU reports on his recent visit to the city of Hiroshima. OVER 20 years ago my history teacher, Brighton Mulenga, spectacularly demonstrated how United States of American fighter-bombers reduced the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to rubble with atomic bombs. He narrated how, at exactly 8:15 hours on August 6, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb used against human beings exploded over Hiroshima. The bomb, dropped by the B-29 Enola Gay, exploded 600 meters over Hiroshima with a blinding flash, creating a fireball that blazed like a small sun. Two weeks ago, echoes of Mr Mulenga's lesson came flashing back to my mind, as I flew into Hiroshima,which has since risen from the ruins to be a sprawling city. Memories of that bombing, however, are still fresh and indelible. I was with fellow African journalists from Botswana, Ethiopia and Malawi on a tour of Hiroshima, a city that attracts more than 20 million tourists yearly from all over the world. The explosion over Hiroshima killed hundreds of thousands of people. Those who survived suffered grievous mental and physical trauma, from which many still suffer to this day. The place to go for all visitors to Hiroshima is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Built in 1955, to preserve and convey to future generations the facts about the unprecedented tragedy, it collects, stores and displays artefacts from the atomic bombing and other materials that speak of the tragic events of that fateful day. When visiting the memorial museum, however, African journalists become somewhat of a tourist attraction themselves, especially for children who had apparently never seen a black person in real life. The children politely requested to touch the hands of the journalists in order to have the feel of the black skin. They also asked, and got, autographs. The Peace Memorial Park, with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the atomic bomb victims, was constructed as an appeal for lasting world peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The extensive park grounds are filled with monuments, including the cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, the flame of peace, the children's peace monument and the fountain of prayer. Hiroshima has accomplished an amazing recovery since that bombing. Today, it is the largest, most vital city in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. With modern buildings lining Aioi-dori Avenue, elegant shops and restaurants in Motomachi and the outdoor café on the Motoyasu-gawa River, downtown. Hiroshima, with a population of 1.16 million people, is nestled between mountains and has picturesque rivers that are a sight to behold. About 900 kms from the capital Tokyo, it is less than two hours away by air and about 4 hours by the 'bullet train'. You drive from the Hiroshima Airport into this historic city over several waterways, rivers, and into the rolling mountains. Given the physical geography of this city, tunnels are intermittent as are bridges across hills and mountains. There are high-rise buildings but no extensive skyscrapers as in Tokyo. And like most cities in Japan, it is very clean. The transport system is efficient. The streetcar, or the tram, occupies a special place in the hearts of the residents. Hiroshima is the home of Mazda, or Matsuda as the local people's phonetics goes. The Mazda plant is at the seaport to get the cars ready for export. A new modern stadium dominates the skyline not far from the Mazda plant. Mazda has bought the naming rights at this stadium and it is appropriately called the Mazda Stadium. Many buildings in Hiroshima are very modern. There is no sign of ruined buildings as if the city never suffered such a devastating blow six decades ago. It is as if the local authorities, if not the country as a whole, wanted to forget the pain and anguish of war by replacing the ruins with elegant modern structures. This belief holds sway until one moves out of the built up areas into a huge tract of land with well manicured lawns and buildings set up in a single file. This is the Peace Memorial Park, the bank of the sum total of the tribulations and agony of the 1946 Hiroshima disaster. Radiation effects from the atomic bomb extended beyond the acute disorders that appeared immediately after the bombing. It caused various disorders for decades and continues to threaten the health of survivors today. Within one second of detonation, the fireball generated in the air grew to a diameter of 280 meters. It blazed for approximately 10 seconds. Heat rays emitted in all directions by this fireball exerted powerful effects at ground level. Temperatures in the hypocenter vicinity reached 3,000-4,000 degrees Celsius. The burns were only on the side directly facing the epicentre, but as far as 3.5 kms away people suffered burns on exposed skin. The surface of roof tiles within 600 meters of the hypo-centre melted and blistered. Out to 2kms clothing on bodies or drying on the line ignited. Approximately 2.5kms away, thatched roofs went up in flames. Many trees spontaneously ignited. Within 3 kilometres, electric poles, trees, and lumber were charred. A tour of the Hiroshima Museum is a journey into untold pain, misery and brutality of epic proportions. More than 19,000 items tell a story of how buildings were destroyed, how hundreds of thousands lost their lives in a slow painful death of radiation heat. "The precise number of those who perished is unknown. Hiroshima city estimated that by December 1945 in excess of 140,000 had died, but many more died thereafter due to radiation effects," tour guide Miho Mizutani said. Some people died a slow and painful death in weeks or months as they were exposed to fatal radiation dust and lost their arms, legs, hair, tongues and skin. A wall clock with an hour mark pointing to eight and the minutes pointer on three to remind everyone of the time when the bomb was detonated over a T-shaped bridge and next to a hospital is one of the first artefacts that confronts you as you enter the huge and beautiful museum. Miho Mizutani said the city was targeted because it was a major military outpost. "On that fateful day of the bomb attack Hiroshima's fate was sealed purely because the weather was good. The skies were good to allow for the American bomb 'experiment' to be carried out. The B-26 bomber was followed by another plane that was purely to photograph the resulting explosion in order to see the power of the atomic bomb," she said. It is ironic that the pictures in Hiroshima Museum were taken by the American military soon after they had detonated the bomb. Many people who see these pictures are deeply emotionally touched. So was I. One such picture is that of a junior high school student who was burned so severely that skin hung loose from his body. He was rescued and taken home by a friend. Unable to bear his thirst, he reportedly sucked the pus from the ends of his fingers, from which the nails had peeled off. He died in agony on the next day, August 7. His mother kept his fingernails and some of his skin as a remembrance to show his father. The one that got my eyes welling with tears was a burnt frame of a tricycle. It tells a story of a three-year-old boy who died while playing outside their house. Shinichi Tetsutani was exposed while riding his tricycle in front of his house and died the same day. Because Shinichi's father felt that lying to rest a three year old alone in a distant grave was too pitiful, he buried this tricycle in the backyard along with his son. In 1985, 40 years later, his bones were dug up and placed in a formal grave. The tricycle was donated to the Peace Memorial Museum." While on our tour, Japanese children also being taken around the museum, flashed the peace sign. World leaders come to visit the museum to sign messages of peace. Among previous visitors are President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, South African former president F. W de Klerk, outspoken Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. I joined the list with my own message condemning the use of weapons to settle disputes between nations and I hailed the Japanese for their forgiving hearts and for promoting peace in the world. The event is, however, one that cannot ever be forgotten as the Japanese went through lots of anguish before rebuilding their city. Simple clothing and everyday necessities were almost impossible to find. All faced hunger and runaway inflation. Those who had been exposed were also struggling with various disorders caused by the bomb. "During this period of confusion following the bombing, as all of Japan struggled through the tumultuous transition from surrender to life under occupation, the people of Hiroshima began to rebuild their lives. Nevertheless, on August 5, 1946, exactly one year after the bombing, the people comforted the souls of the dead and vowed to restore the city at a peace restoration festival. The magnitude of the task, however, was staggering," Ms Mizutani said. As I sat on the bullet train en route to Kyoto, Nagoya and back to Tokyo the images of World War II Hiroshima remained vivid and are bound to be so for many years to come, especially since I have been able to reconcile history with the first hand experience the visit gave me.

Teachers strike illegal

By ALEX NJOVU

 

SECONDARY School Teachers Union of Zambia (SESTUZ) Copperbelt chairman Christopher Mpofu has described the strike by teachers in the province as illegal.
Mr Mpofu said in an interview in Lufwanyama that the decision by teachers to go on strike was not made by the provincial executive committee.
“The decision by teachers to go on strike was not made by the provincial executive committee. It was made by the districts.
“In fact, it was the teachers themselves who passed the resolution,” he said.
Mr Mpofu said, however, that the teachers might have opted for a strike because of the long procedure involved in arriving at a legal strike.
“Teachers on the Copperbelt have gone on an illegal strike but the process of establishing a legal strike is too long. We, therefore, appeal to Government to resolve this problem by concluding negotiations,” Mr Mpofu said
He said a meeting would soon be held to chart the way forward.
Civil Servants Allied Workers Union of Zambia president Leonard Hikaumba on Monday appealed to his members who are on strike to resume work.
Some teachers and nurses on the Copperbelt are on strike demanding improved conditions of service.
Mr Hikaumba assured civil servants that negotiations would be concluded soon.
He urged civil servants to refrain from activities that will jeopardise negotiations.

NGO condemns abuse of sex workers

By ALEX NJOVU

 

A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation on the Copperbelt has condemned a group of unknown men who abducted 10 suspected sex workers in Kitwe on Friday and sexually abused them.
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Copperbelt co-ordinator Jurita Mutale called on Zambians to respect and uphold women’s rights.
She condemned the gang for attacking women and called on the police to investigate the matter.
She said it is unfortunate that a group of men abducted 10 sex workers in Kitwe and raped them.
Ms Mutale described the offenders as cowards who don’t know how to propose love to a woman.
“In the first place, sex workers don’t force themselves on men, they just offer a commodity to the market which is readily available worldwide,” she said.
She said it is worrying that some men have continued abusing women and called for concerted efforts in addressing challenges facing both women and children in Zambia.
Ms Mutale said sex workers have got rights which should be respected by people.
One of the victims among the 10 women who were abducted from Independence Avenue around 02:00 hours on Friday said in an interview that they were taken to a place near Garnatone residential area where they were beaten and sexually abused.
The woman, who had difficulty in narrating her ordeal, said she and her colleagues were picked from various spots around the town centre in different vehicles by their abductors, who told them that they would be paid a lot of money if they agreed to go with them to an unknown place.
She said there were about 30 men in the operation and she accused the gang of stealing their money that they had earned earlier.
The victim said she and her colleagues escaped in their nakedness using a back door after the men slept in their drunken stupor.

Workers, goats share garage

Saturday, May 21, 2011

 
From ALEX NJOVU in Chingola
 
DEPUTY Minister of Labour and Social Security Simon Kachimba yesterday rebuked a Chingola-based foreign investor for allowing his workers to share sleeping space with goats.
The workers sleep in a garage which the investor also uses to keep goats.
Mr Kachimba said when he inspected Wang-Kong Company Limited that it is inhuman for the firm to allow its workers to sleep in a garage that also houses goats.
“I am giving you up to Monday to move these people out of the garage. Give them money so that they can go and rent good houses in the townships,” Mr Kachimba said.
He said Government appreciates the contribution investors are making to economic growth, but it is important for them to respect human rights.
He also said it is unbelievable that the investor is paying his workers a monthly salary of less than K350,000.
The visibly annoyed Mr Kachimba urged management to move the workers from the garage and give them better salaries to secure alternative accommodation.
“Let us have respect for workers, without workers there can be no production. Government recognises the role workers play in national development. It is important for our partners, investors, to do the same by giving them good conditions of service,” Mr Kachimba said.
He said Government supports progressive investors who are adding value to the economy.
Mr Kachimba also toured the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) housing complex in Kalulushi.
He called on Zambians to ignore disgruntled politicians who are criticising the developmental projects Government and its partners are undertaking.
Mr Kachimba said it is unfortunate that some people have politicised the developmental projects NAPSA is undertaking countrywide.
He said President Banda and his administration will not be derailed from implementing viable projects which are positively impacting on the lives of Zambians.
He is happy that the Kalulushi NAPSA housing project is progressing well, but advised the contractor, Yangts Jiang Enterprises, to provide workers with protective clothing.
He also advised the workers against stealing protective clothing from the company.

Road repairs cheers Kitwe

Friday, May 20, 2011  
By ALEX NJOVU
 
KITWE residents have commended President Banda for embarking on the rehabilitation of urban roads in seven districts on the Copperbelt.
In an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Kitwe District Residents Committee interim chairman Henry Mabona described President Banda as a responsible leader who is committed to improving the welfare of Zambians.
Mr Banda on Wednesday commissioned the K1 trillion urban road rehabilitation programme in Kitwe’s Kwacha township.
“As Kitwe residents, we would like to pay tribute to the President and his administration for focusing on the development of the country. We are happy with the way Mr Banda is attending to development issues.
Everyone knows that Mr Banda did not do well in the last presidential by-election on the Copperbelt but he has continued to give us real development. This is an amazing story to tell our children,” he said.
Mr Mabona commended Government for partnering with Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) to rehabilitate dilapidated roads on the Copperbelt.
He said it is good that MCM has provided US$10 million (about K50 billion) for the rehabilitation of Chibuluma –Sabina and Mufulira roads while Government has also secured K20 billion for the maintenance of the Sabina-Mufulira road.
“These are some of the notorious roads on the Copperbelt. We are very sure that once these roads are properly rehabilitated, economic activity on the Copperbelt will improve even further. We are told that the urban roads rehabilitation programme is targeting approximately 500 kilometres of both tarmac and gravel roads. This is good news for Zambians, especially for those of us living on the Copperbelt,” Mr Mabona said.
He said the people of Kitwe are encouraged by the MMD government’s commitment to national development.
Mr Mabona called on Zambians to vote for President Banda in this year’s presidential and general elections.
He said the country’s safety is guaranteed under Mr Banda’s leadership.
“We can see that the national cake is being shared equally. Development is being taken to all parts of the country, even to areas where the MMD government did not do well in the last election,” he said.
Mr Mabona urged President Banda to ignore his critics and continue to develop the country.
He said the majority of Zambians are happy with the manner in which President Banda’s administration is running the affairs of the country.
Mr Mabona said it is clear that the opposition is not interested in national development because they criticise all Government programmes.
“People are not interested in insults or unwarranted criticism. They want solutions to their problems and this is what the MMD government under President Banda is doing by implementing viable projects in the communities,” Mr Mabona said.

PF leaders scramble for houses

Friday, May 20, 2011

 

From ALEX NJOVU in Chingola
 
GOVERNMENT has unearthed a scam in which some top Patriotic Front (PF) officials in Chingola’s Mushishima area are allegedly trying to corruptly acquire ZCCM-IH houses following President Banda’s directive that outstanding balances on the units be written off.
This was brought to light when Chingola district commissioner Tobias Maliti addressed over 200 residents at Mushishima Basic School yesterday.
“Government has unearthed a scam in which some top PF officials in Kabungo ward wanted to take advantage of people in the settlement by buying the houses through corrupt means. Some of them started giving the houses to their daughters and other family members at the expense of the deserving sitting tenants,” Mr Maliti said.
He said some PF top officials are scrambling to buy the houses.
Mr Maliti said authorities have grabbed the house that PF Kabungo ward councillor Richard Katebe allocated himself and the property has been given to the sitting tenant
He said it is disappointing that individuals who have been criticising President Banda for empowering the vulnerable with housing are now trying to use corrupt means to acquire the houses.
“We are not saying PF members cannot benefit from the houses because they are also Zambians. What we are against is a situation where PF officials are taking advantage of their positions in certain areas to disadvantage other Zambians.
“These are the same people who condemned President Banda for empowering Zambians with houses, yet they are now in the forefront trying to benefit from the houses,” Mr Maliti said.
He said President Banda will continue implementing prudent policies to eradicate poverty in the communities.
He advised the PF not to politicise development programmes.
Mr Maliti warned that he will firmly deal with individuals who will use corrupt means to acquire houses in Mushishima.
But Mr Katebe said he has not benefited from the houses, and that he does not live in the area.
He said it is unfortunate that some people are trying to tarnish his image through accusations that he is trying to corruptly acquire houses.
Mr Katebe also said it is important for opposition political parties and Government to work together to develop the country.

New C/B mine creates 1,500 jobs

Thursday, May 19, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
GOVERNMENT says the initial stage of the development of the Konkola North Copper Mine (KONNOCO) in Chililabombwe is expected to create over 1,500 jobs.
The development of KONNOCO has begun at a cost of US$400 million, and it is projected that the mine will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes of ore when it starts operating next year.
Chililabombwe district commissioner Timothy Musonda said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday the investor will also relocate 1,900 residents of Poor People of Zambia township to an area near Konkola Township.
“Over 1,500 jobs have been created in the initial stages of the development of the KONNOCO mine in Chililabombwe. The investor will also relocate about 1,900 people from Poor People’s compound and modern houses will be built for them,” he said.
Mr Musonda said people are happy with development projects being implemented in Chililabombwe.
He said Chililabombwe has witnessed massive development under President Banda’s administration.
Mr Musonda said KONNOCO is expected to provide more jobs to the local people through companies supplying goods and services to the mine.
Brazilian mining giant Vale, through its joint venture with African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) of South Africa, launched the US$400 million KONNOCO project last year.
“The construction works started in August 2010, and the first copper ore extraction is scheduled for 2012 while full production is due in 2015.The construction and development of the mine will take approximately 27 months,” he said.
Mr Musonda urged Chililabombwe residents to support President Banda in his quest to develop the country.
He said Government has demonstrated commitment to developing the country through the implementation of prudent policies that are benefiting the people.

Stop insulting RB, politicians warned

Thursday, May 19, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
FORMER Freedom Fighters League of Zambia (FFFLZ) Copperbelt secretary Bernard Lupiya has advised opposition political parties to avoid attacking President Banda and his administration.
“As former freedom fighters who liberated the country from the colonial masters, we wish to appeal to Zambians to take into account the fact that this is not the time for politics of vindictiveness but economic development,” he said.
In a statement issued in Kitwe on Tuesday, Mr Lupiya said insulting President Banda will not develop the country.
He appealed to political leaders to promote unity in the country instead of insulting each other.
He said President Banda has performed well in the two years he has been in office.
“Although we are non-partisan, our policy as former freedom fighters is to work with the government of the day and ensure that there is peace in the country. We also want to appeal to church leaders to pray for peace as we approach the tripartite elections instead of sowing seeds of discontent in the country,” he said.
Mr Lupiya said putting a wedge between the church and Government should not be encouraged because it has led to ethnic violence in some countries.
He said Government and the church are important partners in national development.
“It is, therefore, advisable for church leaders who are bent on attacking Government through the media to swallow their pride and
resort to dialogue,” Mr Lupiya said.

I will not be derailed from development agenda – Banda

Thursday, May 19, 2011  
 By ALEX NJOVU
 
PRESIDENT Banda says his critics will not derail Government’s development agenda in this election year.
And Mr Banda has advised Zambians to reject recycled politicians calling for change of Government because they failed to improve living standards despite serving in Government for a long time.
Mr Banda said Government will rehabilitate selected urban roads in seven districts on the Copperbelt because the roads have been in a state of disrepair for many years.
President Banda was speaking in Kitwe’s Kwacha township yesterday when he commissioned the K1 trillion urban road rehabilitation programme on the Copperbelt.
“They can’t tell me to sit down because this is an election year. I have to continue working, whether they like it or not, because elections the world over are about performance. If I don’t work, it means you the masters will not be able to pay me as a servant. I have to work, so that I am paid by my masters,” Mr Banda said.
He said he had received feedback from a Kitwe resident identified only as Lawrence who told him of the importance of rehabilitating certain roads in Kitwe.
“This is what Lawrence communicated to us by email and I quote : ‘That is a very good gesture for the people of the Copperbelt. I know this is a very difficult province for the ruling party. These are the best solutions to this problem which has persisted for some time. I am based in Kitwe. The most impassable road is the Chamboli road which leads to Chamboli cemetery. If this road is done, a lot of people will be delighted. The second one is the Chibuluma road. Please let’s do something about these roads as they are the major ones in Kitwe’.”
He said Lawrence’s concerns are truly valid and will be attended to. Mr Banda is concerned that urban roads have so far not received the same urgent attention due to limited funding.
He also said Government has secured funding to rehabilitate selected urban roads in Lusaka, Kafue, Kapiri-Mposhi and Kabwe.
“On the Copperbelt, seven urban towns will benefit from this programme in Ndola, Luanshya, Kitwe, Mufulira, Chingola, Kalulushi and Chililabombwe. It is time to bring back the Luanshya that we knew. It is time to once again make Chingola the cleanest town in Zambia that we knew in the 70s. It is time to make Kitwe look like the hub of the Copperbelt,” Mr Banda said.
He said the urban road rehabilitation programme will alleviate the hardships road users face due to the poor state of roads.
He said the rehabilitation of the roads will facilitate the easy movement of people, goods and services.
“This urban roads rehabilitation programme is targeting approximately 500 kilometres of both tarmac and gravel roads and is estimated to cost about K1 trillion,” he said.
He commended Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) for providing US$10 million (about K50 billion) for the rehabilitation of Chibuluma –Sabina and Mufulira roads.
He said Government has also secured K20 billion for the maintenance of Sabina-Mufulira road.
And Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe called on Copperbelt residents to vote for President Banda in this year’s elections.
On recycled politicians, Mr Banda said they had nothing to offer the people of Zambia.
He said it is unfortunate that individuals who have failed to perform like Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata, former Minister of Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti and former ambassador to Libya Mbita Chitala are now calling for change of Government
He said it is unfortunate that some disgruntled individuals are calling for change of Government for the sake of ascending to power.
“When they were in the MMD Government, they were arrogant, abusive and lazy. Now they want to form a new government. How can they have a new government made up of old people?” Mr Banda said.
He advised Zambians to elect leaders who will maintain peace and make Zambia an attractive destination for both tourists and investors.
“The leaders must be exemplary in character, they must show our children what leaders should be like, both in their words and deeds,” Mr Banda said.
He said it is unfortunate that some disgruntled individuals are calling for change of Government for the sake of ascending to power.
“When they were in the MMD Government, they were arrogant, abusive and lazy. Now they want to form a new Government. How can they have a new Government made up of old people?” Mr Banda said.
He advised Zambians to elect leaders who will maintain peace and make Zambia an attractive destination for both tourists and investors.
“The leaders must be exemplary in character, they must show our children what leaders should be like, both in their words and deeds,” Mr Banda said.

Another bumper harvest

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

 
 
ZAMBIA has again recorded a maize bumper harvest of 3,020,380 metric tonnes, breaking last year’s record of 2,795,483 metric tonnes.
The country has also posted an increase in the harvest of non-staple crops.
Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Eustarckio Kazonga announced the news yesterday at a press briefing on the crop forecasting survey for the 2010/2011 agricultural season and the food balance status for the 2011/2012 marketing season.
Dr Kazonga said this is another unprecedented maize harvest and congratulated farmers on the achievement.
The food balance sheet indicates that the country has recorded a maize surplus of 1,661,626 metric tonnes.
“I am pleased to inform the nation that production of maize, soya beans, cotton, Irish potatoes and tobacco has increased compared to last season.
“The official crop production estimates that I am releasing today are based on a universally applied scientific survey method that is used every year,” he said.
Dr Kazonga said this year’s large maize harvest provides the country with a good opportunity to adequately feed the nation and the potential to export the surplus.
He, however, said such a huge crop has its own challenges such as ensuring availability of adequate storage facilities, putting in place mechanisms and incentives that will result in effective value addition of maize.
The minister said the other challenge is addressing the cost of production in order to make Zambia’s export of maize and other produce more competitive.
Dr Kazonga said the national food balance sheet for the 2011/2012 marketing season based on the crop forecasting survey shows that the country has produced enough maize for both human consumption and industrial use.
He said because of the good production experienced in the previous season, the country has a large amount of maize carry-over stock amounting to 848,606 metric tonnes.
“This is the largest carry-over stock ever recorded by the country,” he said.
Dr Kazonga said most of the maize is under safe storage with the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), private traders and commercial farmers.
Dr Kazonga said the total supply of maize available for the 2011/2012 marketing season is 3,868,986 metric tonnes.
He said for an estimated population of 13.4 million, the food balance sheet shows the total maize required for human consumption amounts to about 1.3 million metric tonnes and that the estimates for stock feed and breweries is 270,000 metric tonnes.
Maize requirements include an anticipated Government reserve stock of 240,000 metric tonnes to be held by the FRA.
Dr Kazonga said Government will continue to provide input subsidies to farmers to enhance national food security and improve the welfare of the farmers.
He said the FRA will soon announce the purchase price of maize for the 2011/2012 marketing season.
The minister said Government will buy all the maize from farmers, and that it is rehabilitating silos and building new storage facilities throughout the country.
During the same briefing, FRA executive director Lovejoy Malambo said the organisation will pay back two loans acquired from Finance Bank and Standard Chartered Bank at the end of this month and at the end of July, 2011, respectively.
The money was used to pay farmers for the maize they sold to FRA during the last marketing season.
The survey was jointly conducted by Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives and the Central Statistical Office.
Meanwhile, the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has commended Government for putting in place sound agricultural policies that have helped the country record another maize bumper harvest.
EAZ president Isaac Ngoma said his association is happy that Government has continued to put in place effective agricultural policies that have contributed to food security in the country.
Mr Ngoma said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
He said the recording of another bumper harvest is an indication that Zambia will soon address food insecurity as well as meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on poverty reduction by 2015.
Mr Ngoma said the steady progress made in Zambia’s economy is a result of the sound policies put in place by the MMD Government.
He said the bumper harvest is an indication that Zambia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

2 women detained for killing baby

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
POLICE in Kitwe have detained an elderly woman and her daughter for allegedly killing a baby and burying it in their backyard.
The two women of Kitwe’s Kapoto township are alleged to have strangled the toddler because the family is financially incapable of raising it.
Police spokesperson Ndandula Siamana said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday her office is yet to receive a full report on the incident.
But a police source in Kitwe said the incident happened last Friday.
The source said alert members of the public reported the matter to the law enforcement officers after discovering that two women had buried the baby in their backyard.
“When the child was born, as usual babies make a lot of noise and neighbours were able to hear the cries of the baby. They even congratulated the family on the newly-born baby. But they were shocked to learn that after some days, there was no sign of the baby at home and they decided to investigate.
“That is how they discovered the grave of the toddler behind the main house,” the source said.
He said police immediately arrested the two women after the alleged murder was reported to them.
“The woman confessed that she connived with her daughter to eliminate the baby because the family did not have the means of bringing it up,” the police source said.
He said the two will appear in court soon.

Nkana PF defects to MMD

By ALEX NJOVU
 
THE entire Patriotic Front (PF) Nkana Constituency executive committee comprising 16 members has resigned from the opposition party to join the MMD.
And Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, who welcomed the defectors, said the PF has lost its popularity on the Copperbelt and that President Banda and the MMD will easily win this year’s elections.
Former PF Nkana Constituency information publicity secretary William Chungu, who led the defectors, described PF president Michael Sata as a dictator who should not be trusted by Zambians.
“The PF in Nkana Constituency is dead. MrSata is a bad man who should not be entrusted with the governance of the country. We have never held any meeting in the last three months, and yet we are in an election year.
“We will give President Banda 100 percent support in this year’s elections, and we are calling on Zambians to vote for the MMD government,” Chungu said.
He said the PF is a personal property of Mr Sata and most top party leaders have no say in the management of the party.
Mr Chungu was speaking yesterday during an MMD rally held at Bulangililo Basic School in Kitwe.
And Mr Mbulakulima said President Banda is not worried about people who are insulting him because his main focus is to develop the country.
“President Banda is going to win the elections. The PF structures on the Copperbelt are collapsing and people are joining the MMD in numbers on a daily basis. Don’t listen to frustrated politicians such as Lusaka lawyer, Dr Rodger Chongwe, because he has nothing to offer. This is why he has resorted to insulting Mr Banda.
“He must take his frustrations to himself. He has become an embarrassment to his family and Government,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
And Copperbelt MMD task force chairman Joe Malanji urged Zambians to continue supporting President Banda in his quest to develop the nation.
Mr Malanji assured the residents that Government will soon address the water problems they are facing.
“You have been neglected by your own member of Parliament and councillors. These people have failed to use the Constituency Development Fund properly because they are not genuine leaders.
“Vote for MMD candidates in the elections, and you will not be disappointed,” Mr Malanji said. Monday, May 16, 2011

Katele hails Luapula pedicle road works

Saturday, May 14, 2011  
By ALEX NJOVU
 
CHIENGE member of Parliament Katele Kalumba says the people of Luapula Province appreciate Government’s commitment to tarring the pedicle road that traverses the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr Kalumba said people are happy that Government is committed to improving the road network in Luapula Province.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Kalumba, however, called on Government to consider working on the Mansa-Lunchinda and Mansa-Luwingu roads.
“I would like to thank Government for releasing about K800 million for the rehabilitation of roads in Luapula Province. The money will indeed go a long way in changing the face of the road network in the province. I would also like to urge Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of Mansa-Lunchinda and Mansa-Luwingu roads,” he said.
Dr Kalumba, who is former MMD national secretary, said the two roads are vital to the development of Luapula and Northern provinces.
He said Mansa-Luchinda and Mansa-Luwingu roads play a vital to the development of agriculture and mining activities in the two provinces.
“These are very important roads to the people of Luapula and Northern provinces. They have not been worked on for many years, and the people in the area will be very happy if the two roads are given the maximum attention they deserve,” Dr Kalumba said.
“The people in the two provinces are proud of the MMD government for giving them the Mwanawasa Bridge and many other development projects that are making life easier for them,” he said.
Dr Kalumba hopes that the ministries of Works and Supply and Finance and National Planning will prioritise the rehabilitation of the two roads this year.
He also said the rehabilitation of feeder roads will add beauty to Luapula Province.
Dr Kalumba commended Government for its commitment to developing the road infrastructure in all parts of the country.
“I am very hopeful that the government will work on the Mansa-Luchinda and Mansa-Luwingu roads this year.
I know they will do it because these are very important roads to the people of Luapula and Northern provinces. I would like to commend them for what they are doing in the area of infrastructure development in the country,” he said.

Anti-hospital PF MP slammed

Saturday, May 14, 2011

 

By ALEX NJOVU
 
MMD national youth treasurer Evans Chibanda has slammed Patriotic Front (PF) Chingola member of Parliament Joseph Katema for condemning Government procurement of mobile hospitals.
Dr Katema was quoted on Radio Icengelo community station yesterday criticising President Banda and his administration for buying mobile hospitals.
Mr Chibanda said in an interview in Mufulira yesterday that it is unfortunate that DrKatema has continued issuing disparaging remarks on Government programmes.
“It is sad that a medical doctor who should understand better the importance of delivering health services to the people can come out and condemn Government for initiating development projects which have a positive impact on the people,” he said.
Mr Chibanda said the mobile hospitals have shamed President Banda’s critics because many people have continued to seek services from mobile hospitals countrywide.
He said the mobile hospitals reflect Government’s commitment to providing quality medical services to the people.
“Much as the government is building hospitals and clinics countrywide, it is important for people in remote parts of the country to access medical facilities. This is why Government came up with the initiative of mobile hospitals. It is sad that opposition parties just criticise for the sake of it,” he said.
Mr Chibanda said he is happy that the hospitals are in operation and called on Zambians to ignore opposition parties bent on tarnishing the image of the ruling party.
He said the hospitals have helped to deliver healthcare services to the people, especially in rural areas.
He wondered why some opposition political parties have continued to criticiseprogrammes Government is implementing on behalf of the people.
Mr Chibanda said a lot of Zambians, including traditional leaders, have welcomed the launch of mobile hospitals and wondered why the PF has refused to see anything good about the facilities.
“Zambians should ignore the PF leadership because it is a danger to the development of the country. These people have failed to appreciate what Government is doing to improve the living standards of the people.
The PF has nothing to offer to Zambians and they must be rejected during this year’s general elections,” he said.
Mr Chibanda urged DrKatema to be quiet if he has nothing to offer to the development of the country.
“Dr Katema must tell us what he has done for the people of Chingola since he became their representative in Parliament. He must be ignored by well-meaning Zambians because he is not a factor in politics. The MMD will defeat him and the PF in this year’s elections because the people are happy with the development projects being implemented by the sitting government,” he said.

CBU closed prematurely

By ALEX NJOVU

COPPERBELT University (CBU) has been closed prematurely following the students’ recent riotous behaviour.
CBU acting registrar Mwala Sheba announced this in a press statement released yesterday in Kitwe.
“Following the special Senate meeting held today (yesterday), the Copperbelt University Senate has resolved to bring forward the end of term II with immediate effect,” Mr Sheba said.
He said the action is aimed at allowing the university management to have enough time to restore calm and bring about a conducive learning environment and ensure the safety of the public.
Mr Sheba said the students would be expected back on campus on August 30, 2009.
“Note that this action does not affect distance learning and all evening and part-time students,” he said.
And Copperbelt police commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa said police will continue with investigations into the beating of a 76-year-old man by the students despite the institution being closed.
He said police are determined to bring the culprits to book and that nothing will stop them from ensuring that those involved in the burning of the Toyota Surf and the beating of Mr Mamadi Conde are prosecuted.

Mr Mutentwa, however, said the police have not received a report on K200 million belonging to Mr Conde allegedly being stolen.
Copperbelt University Students Union (COBUSU) president Kasonde Mwenda also confirmed the closure of the institution.
Mr Mwenda denied that his members stole K 200 million.
The students were ordered to evacuate the campus premises by 18: 00 hours yesterday. The institution was supposed to close officially on September 4, 2009.
And Mr Conde’s son Issa said his father would be transferred to another clinic for further treatment.
“We are also taking legal action for the loss of the money, the burning of the car and the beating of my father,” Issa said.

No thank you, MUZ tells PF

By ALEX NJOVU

THE Mine Workers’ Union of Zambia (MUZ) has described the Patriotic Front’s intention to stage a demonstration against the firing of workers by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) as a vain attempt to win political support.
And Government says it is monitoring the situation at KCM.
In an interview in Mufulira yesterday, MUZ general-secretary Oswell Munyenyembe said the planned protest is not necessary.
He was reacting to a planned demonstration in solidarity with miners who were fired by KCM after taking part in a riot in Chingola last month.
Mr Munyenyembe said unions are holding talks with KCM management to ensure that all the miners who were fired are re-employed.
He said it is regrettable that some PF officials on the Copperbelt are planning to protest against the firing of miners.
“We are making every effort to ensure that all the miners that were fired are reinstated. KCM management has reinstated eight out of 40 miners that were fired for taking part in the riot after an appeal. Our hope and prayer is that the remaining miners will be reinstated,” Mr Munyenyembe said.
Mr Munyenyembe accused some PF officials of trying to take advantage of the situation.
“We don’t need their sympathy in this matter. We are capable of handling this issue as unions and we are wondering why PF officials want to stage a protest.
“Why should these officials be seen to care now when they are nowhere to be seen during negotiations?” he said.
Mr Munyenyembe said it is sad that some politicians want to take advantage of situations to gain popularity.
“Why should they gain political mileage over this issue that we can handle on our own? They must desist from causing confusion in the mining sector,” Mr Munyenyembe said.
PF Copperbelt chairman Mwenya Musenge said the party will organise a demonstration that will paralyse the operations of mines if the sacked workers are not reinstated.
Mr Musenge, who is Nkana Constituency member of Parliament, said yesterday that his party held its provincial council on Saturday in Chingola where it was resolved that PF members would rally behind the miners who were fired.
“We don’t want to give them a timeframe, but we are appealing to KCM to reinstate the miners that were fired before we organise a protest that will paralyse the mining sector,” Mr Musenge said.
He called on the government to intervene in the matter and address concerns of miners.
Meanwhile, Government is monitoring the situation at KCM and hopes management and the union
will resolve the issue.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato said Government is closely watching the situation.
“We are watching the situation closely because we are interested in harmony at places of work, including KCM. It is our hope that the mature union leaders and management will resolve the issue,” Mr Liato said.
He said if there are any other concerns on how the matter should be handled, union leaders should bring those issues to his attention.
Mr Liato said it is not procedural for Government to intervene and disregard the process that KCM management and the union have embarked on.
“I am still waiting for the issue to be resolved by management and the union because I believe that the two parties know the details of who did what,” Mr Liato said.
He said Government will not support the breaking of the law and that there is no room for violence during the process of collective bargaining.
And Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima is confident that stakeholders will find a way forward over KCM’s decision to dismiss some workers for rioting, but that Government will not take sides on the matter.
“We hope KCM will resolve the issue. We believe that Government has created enough cpacity in institutions to attend to such matters. We will not take sides and I believe that at the end of the day, stakeholders will find a way forward,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
Last month, KCM workers damaged property during a protest in which they were demanding a 100 percent salary pay rise.

mayors welcome Government move

By ALEX NJOVU
FIVE mayors from opposition Patriotic Front (PF) controlled councils on the Copperbelt have welcomed Government’s plans to audit local authorities.
And Copperbelt Province local government officer Solomon Sakala said yesterday that all councils in the province have failed the people and urged them to improve service delivery.
Ndola mayor Charles Chiwala, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said at a press briefing in Kitwe that the mayors will co-operate with the auditors.
“We would like to welcome the decision by Government to audit our councils. Every year, since 2006 when some councils started to be controlled by PF, we have been audited by Government.
“We are ready to work with the government of the day in improving service delivery to the people. As city fathers, we don’t want to combine politics with work,” Mr Chiwala said.
The mayors present at the press briefing were Stephen Chipungu (Kitwe), Ben Mpande (Chililabombwe), Thomson Ngulube (Mufulira), Simon Chanda (Chingola) and Mr Chiwala from Ndola.
Recently, Minister of Local Government and Housing Eustackio Kazongo said auditors would be sent to Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe city councils in response to queries raised by members of the public on utilisation of funds.
Mr Chiwala said the Ndola City Council held a special council meeting about two weeks ago at which the councillors agreed to sell the Itawa flats because the cost of repairing them is too high.
Meanwhile, Mr Sakala said councils on the Copperbelt have failed the residents in service delivery.
He said in an interview that there is a lot of uncollected garbage in markets and town centres.
“Do they need K1 billion to slash the tall grass in townships? They have failed the people and they must jack up and improve their operations,” Mr Sakala said.

‘Opposers of Chinese investment a danger to society’

By ALEX NJOVU

 

MINISTER of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane has said political leaders that speak ill of Chinese investment in Zambia are a danger to society and should be ignored.
And NFC Africa Mining plc deputy chief executive officer Xu Ruiyong said about US$500 million is expected to be spent on the development of the Chambishi South Mine which is expected to produce about 10,000 tonnes of copper ore per day.
Speaking in an interview after he toured Chambishi Copper Smelter and other Chinese companies in Chambishi on Sunday, Dr Musokotwane said politicians that despise Chinese investment are dangerous to the development process of the country.
Dr Musokotwane wondered how such leaders can develop the country if they are against investment that benefits the people on whose behalf they claim to speak for.
He said Zambians must be wary of opposition political leaders that offer empty promises.
“Political leaders that are threatening to do away with Chinese investment are dangerous and Zambians must be wary of such people. These are the same people who are promising Zambians jobs, but how are they going to give people jobs when they are against the investment that Government is bringing into the country.
“The people must be wary of politicians that are giving them empty promises…these are dangerous leaders who must not be trusted. “Every government in the world is working towards attracting investment so that jobs are created for their people,” Dr Musokotwane said.
He said he is impressed with infrastructure that has been developed in the Chambishi economic zone and called on Zambians to continue supporting Chinese investment.
He said the government under the leadership of President Banda will continue supporting investment in various sectors of the economy.
Dr Musokotwane said Chinese investors have contributed a lot to the creation of jobs in Zambia and wondered why some political leaders are speaking ill of them.
The Chambishi economic zone currently employs about 4,000 Zambians.
“The infrastructure that I have seen is wonderful and the fact that the zone is expanding is encouraging,” Dr Musokotwane said.
Dr Musokotwane said the mining sector has continued expanding and commended various mining houses for their contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.
He said Government has continued working towards creating jobs for Zambians, especially young people.
Dr Musokotwane said there is need for Zambians to copy the culture of some countries that have successfully managed to reduce poverty in their communities.
And Mr Ruiyong told the minister that about US$500 million is expected to be spent on the development of Chambishi South Mine.
He said the mine is expected to contribute a lot to the development of the country.
Mr Ruiyong said exploration works which started about two years ago have indicated that the copper ore that will be mined from the area is of high grade.
He said some senior officials are currently in Beijing negotiating with shareholders on the design, policy and finances of the project.
Zambia-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone first vice-general manager Zan Baosen commended Government for the support it has continued to render to the development of the Chambishi economic zone.
Mr Baosen said Zambia-China Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone officials will continue working towards creating jobs for Zambians.
He said over 4,000 Zambians have been employed in the zone and that 6,000 local people are expected to be employed once the zone is fully developed.
He said US$600 million has already been spent on the development of the zone.

LCM workers get benefits

By ALEX NJOVU

LUANSHYA Copper Mines (LCM) workers yesterday received their terminal benefits following the placing of Baluba Mine on care and maintenance in December, 2008.

A check at LCM yesterday found hundreds of miners at Shaft 28 offices receiving January pay slips and letters of termination of employment that tabulated their benefits.
The mine employed 1,749 miners, of whom only 40 were retained to carry out care and maintenance at Baluba to ensure that the mine did not flood.
LCM has paid its former employees amounts ranging from K15 million to K18 million according to their grades.
Some former LCM employees talked to said Government should now state its position on Baluba Mine.
One of the miners, Maxwell Mulukelwa said Government should stick to its promise of bringing a new investor to run Baluba Mine.
“Government should now move in quickly to find other investors…we are happy that President Banda has said Chinese and Indian investors are interested in the mine,” he said.
Joseph Musonda said Government should find an investor quickly to save jobs for the people of Luanshya.
And Roan member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili commended LCM management for paying terminal benefits to its former employees.
He called on Government to State the way forward on LCM.
“What we want to hear from Government is the way forward on Baluba Mine…. Is it Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holding or an Indian investor taking over?” he asked.
Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Maxwell Mwale said Government would not allow formers workers to be left in the cold.
“We have insisted to Luanshya Copper Mines management that they meet their obligations to the former workers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines has said there is need to support steps taken by Government to restore investor confidence and promote Zambia as a choice destination for investment.
Chamber of Mines in Zambia president Nathan Chishimba said the performance of the mining sector had an influence on the economy.
He said in response to a press query that measures taken by Government would enable the country to mitigate effects of the global economic crisis.
“We are confident that the steps taken by Government to restore investor confidence and promote Zambia as a choice destination for investment funds will be received positively, and this will enable us mitigate effects of the difficult times the global economy is going through.
“These measures must be supported and encouraged, because as recent events have shown, the performance of the mining sector has a very strong influence on the entire economy and, therefore, the well-being of Zambians,” Mr Chishimba said.
He said the Chamber’s position had always been that investment into the development of the mining sector was welcome because it promoted the industry and created employment.
“The Chamber’s position has always been that investment into the development of the mining sector is welcome, as long as all national laws and local and international standards are followed. “The events we have seen in recent times highlight the extent of risk that investors coming into the country take when committing funds into various projects.
This is why we welcome Government’s objective of creating a more conducive environment for further investment into the economy,” Mr Chishimba said
He said a vibrant mining sector would support the economy to develop other key sectors of the country’s economy.

State wont take over ailing industries

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

By ALEX NJOVU

 
MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato says Government will not take over mines or any other industry, despite the problems they are facing.
And Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Rayford Mbulu says it is sad that some Zambians were against Chinese and Indian investors taking over Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM).
Mr Liato was speaking on Saturday during a forum of the Press Freedom Committee of the Post Newspapers in Kitwe.
He said it was not Government policy to nationalise any industry.
“It is not the policy of Government to nationalise any industry including mines. We can only take charge in the interim capacity as we look for potential investors to take over operations of the mines,” he said.
Mr Liato urged Zambians to have confidence in the government saying it could not run away from the responsibility of looking after its people.
He said Government policy was to encourage Public Private Partnership in a bid to create jobs and wealth for the people.
Mr Liato said stakeholders such as trade unions, the Church, the business community and ordinary Zambians were important partners in finding solutions to problems affecting the mining sector.
He hailed miners’ unions for their commitment to addressing problems affecting the mining sector.
Mr Liato said it was sad that some people were against Asian investors taking over mines such as LCM.
“If they meet the minimum requirements, then they are welcome. You cannot reject them on the basis of being Chinese or Indian,” Mr Liato said.
He said it was unfortunate that some politicians were politicising problems affecting the mining sector.
“Some of these people were in Government in the past and were part of the group that sold the mines.
“Today when they come to you, they are heroes and you vote for them especially here on the Copperbelt,” he said.
“Some people are bent on criticising even when Government is working. Chinese and Asian investors have proved to be partners in developing the economy,” he said
Mr Liato said Government was concerned with what was happening in the mining sector and that it was working hard to ensure that solutions were found.
And Mr Mbulu castigated some Zambians against Asian investors taking over operations of LCM, which had been placed under care and maintenance.
He said Asians had proved to be serious investors who had demonstrated that they had the interest of workers and the community at heart.
“Look at what Vedanta group of companies has done at Konkola Copper Mines…they have added a lot of value to KCM,” Mr Mbulu said.
And Mr Mbulu said Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) which had a workforce of about 20,000 had allegedly terminated contracts of most of its contractors to mitigate costs of operation.
He said Mpelembe Drilling Company allegedly had its contract terminated.
Mr Mbulu said the union had allegedly received job loss notices from MCM where about 700 workers were expected to be retrenched.
And Citizens for a Better Environment executive director Peter Sinkamba expressed concern at the environmental liabilities allegedly left by Anglo American mining company which he said had caused some people health problems.
Mr Sinkamba feared that some mining companies placing their activities under care and maintenance could leave environmental liabilities.

Sata Hichilema desperate

Monday 28 June 2010  

 

From ALEX NJOVU in Mufulira

VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has charged that Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and his United Party for National Development (UPND) counterpart Hakainde Hichilema are desperate politicians who are offering unrealistic promises because they have been in the opposition for too long.

And Mr Kunda said Government and the Catholic Church have continued working together in bettering the lives of people in various communities in the country.

Mr Kunda said Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema are offering Zambians unrealistic promises which they cannot fulfil.

He was speaking when he addressed Copperbelt and Mufulira MMD executive committee members at Mufulira Municipal Council chamber yesterday.

“Mr Sata and Hichilema are desperate people who have been in the opposition for too long. They have resorted to telling people lies because they want to get to power. Don’t trust them,” Mr Kunda said.

He said it is unfortunate that some innocent Zambians are being convinced with unrealistic promises being made by Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema.

Mr Kunda said Government is making promises from the development projects it is implementing countrywide.

He urged MMD members to explain to people the projects government is implementing across the country.

Mr Kunda said the country has continued attracting investors and that donors have confidence in the government because it is prudently managing public resources.

He said Government has almost completed working on roads leading to all the provinces and that it has started rehabilitating township roads throughout the country.

Mr Kunda said he had seen how bad the Mufulira –Sabina and Mufulira –Ndola roads are and that Government is committed to ensuring that the roads are worked on.

He said Government is building schools, hospitals, clinics and other infrastructure countrywide because it is committed to the development process of the country.

“The opposition knows very well that there is K17 trillion in the budget and we are executing it transparently and prudently and yet they have continued attacking us. If you trust these leaders who have bad records and if they come into power, that is 100 years from now, they will ruin the country. We are taking development to all parts of the country.

“Even if Mr Hichilema talks about the sale of ZAMTEL, we have records at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning that indicate the exact amount of money that he got as fees from the sale of RAMCOZ and BINANI mines,” Mr Kunda said.

He said Government will continue implementing viable projects which can benefit the people in communities.

Mr Kunda urged Zambians, especially women and youths, to form clubs and apply for funds from Government that have been set aside for empowerment purposes.

He urged youths to desist from being used to fuel violence in communities.

Mr Kunda said the MMD is preparing a manifesto and other documents for 2011 which it will be giving to its members.

He said Government is also preparing the Sixth National Development Plan which will act as a guide in national development.

Mr Kunda said President Banda will make a final decision on the houses in Kankoyo township in Mufulira whose sitting tenants have already made part payments.

“I am going to make a very good report with my recommendation to President Banda on the houses in Kankoyo township. The sitting tenants have made part payment on the houses under the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines –Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH). The President is going to make a final decision on this matter,” he said.

And speaking when he attended a church service at St.

Patrick Catholic Church in Mufulira, Mr Kunda said Government and the Church have continued working together in fostering development in the country.

He said there are schools and health centres that are managed by both the Catholic Church and the Government.

Mr Kunda said Government will continue supporting the Catholic Church and other Churches in the country.
He said there is need to continue working together to meet some of the challenges facing the vulnerable people.

“The Catholic Church and other churches have continued playing a role of spiritual healers and contributing to the peace and tranquillity that the country is enjoying. When we have problems we all run to the Church for guidance, hence it is important to work together,” Mr Kunda said.

And parish priest Steven Katebe said leaders must not get upset when they are insulted by the people.

Father Katebe, who read from Galatians 5 verses 1-13 to 18, urged Christians to use their gifts that God has given them for the benefit of communities.

And parish chairman Lawrence Bwalya said that the Church and the government are real partners in the development process of the country.

Lumwana employs 70 miners

By ALEX NJOVU

LUMWANA Copper Mines has employed about 70 workers that were retrenched by some mining companies on the Copperbelt in the last one month.

Lumwana managing director Harry Michael confirmed the development in a telephone interview yesterday from Lumwana in Solwezi, North Western Province.
“We have employed about 60 to 70 workers that were retrenched by mining companies from the Copperbelt in the last one month…interviews are still going on,” Mr Michael said.
He said Lumwana was happy that it had continued creating jobs for Zambians.
Mr Michael said workers at the mine had demonstrated commitment to work, adding that Zambians had some of the best skills needed in the mining sector.
“All we are demanding from our workers is hard work, honesty and dedication to work because if they cheat the company, it is them that will suffer.
“We are struggling just like anyone else, but we are determined to pull through,” he said.
Mr Michael said the company was confident that challenges facing the mining sector would soon end.
And National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) president Mundia Sikufele said the union was happy that retrenched miners were being absorbed by Lumwana.
Mr Sikufele said, however, that mining companies on the Copperbelt should not be happy that workers they were retrenching were being absorbed by Lumwana.
“Lumwana Copper Mine employs skilled workers and we are happy that the mining company is absorbing them.
But we would like to caution mining companies on the Copperbelt that they should not rejoice that the workers they are retrenching are being absorbed by Lumwana Copper Mine,” Mr Sikufele said.
He commended Lumwana for efforts the company was making in ensuring that it contributed to the reduction of unemployment in the country.
Mr Sikufele said Lumwana was proving to be a true partner in development by employing people when other mines were retrenching workers.
He said unions were interested in seeing retrenched workers re-employed.
“Even after new investors are found for mines such as Luanshya Copper Mine, we want the same workers to be re-employed,” Mr Sikufele said.

‘Mpombo a disgrace to Lamba culture’

Friday, May 6, 2011  
By ALEX NJOVU
 
SENIOR Chieftainess Malembeka’s brother, Hyback Mwanza, has described MMD Kafulafuta member of Parliament, George Mpombo as a disgrace to the Lamba culture because of his incessant attacks on President Banda and his administration.
Mr Mwanza called on traditional leaders on the copperbelt to disown the former minister of Defence.
He said, in an interview in Ndola yesterday that, it is unfortunate that Mr Mpombo has continued issuing disparaging remarks against President Banda and his administration.
“In Lamba culture, it is not allowed to insult those who are in authority. Reports that Mr Mpombo has cursed President Banda and his Government are worrying.
“It appears the man has not been doing well financially since he left Government and he is now frustrated. He must leave President Banda alone,” Mr Mwanza said.
He said it makes interesting reading that Mr Mpombo is now supporting Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata ahead of this year’s tripartite elections. Mr Mpombo discredited Mr Sata in the 2008 presidential elections and described him as a dictator.
Mr Mwanza said the Lamba-speaking people have rejected Mr Sata and have resolved to support President Banda’s candidature in the 2011 presidential and general elections.
He said the Lamba people will not waste their time associating with Mr Sata who has insulted them in the past.
Mr Mwanza said the Lamba people will not support Mr Sata’s candidature in the tripartite elections because of his alleged vulgar language.
“Let me tell Mr Sata that if he is counting on the Lamba people for votes to go to State House, he is deceiving himself. We have not forgotten what he said in 1999, that Lamba people are a small tribe that demands a lot of things from Government.
“He insulted us and discredited our people. When voting starts, we will show him that we still remember what he said about us many years ago,” he said.
Mr Mwanza advised Mr Mpombo against issuing derogatory statements against President Banda’s administration.
He said Mr Banda has proved that he is a President for all Zambians and is executing development projects in all parts of the country.
“There is massive development of infrastructure going on in Ndola rural, including Kafulafuta where Mr Mpombo is MP. The man has failed to initiate any development, yet he is busy attacking people who are bringing investment into the country,” he said.
Mr Mwanza said Mr Mpombo allegedly failed to work with Government because of his negative attitude towards his colleagues.

Zambians in Malawi back RB

Thursday, May 5, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
ZAMBIANS based in Malawi have resolved to support Government’s development agenda under President Banda’s leadership.
The Zambians resident in Malawi who converged on the Zambian embassy in Lilongwe on Monday have formed an organisation called the Association of Zambians in Malawi (AZM).
AZM deputy information and publicity secretary Bishop Victor Kalesha said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that Zambians resident in Malawi are impressed with the manner in which President Banda is managing national affairs.
“We held a meeting on Monday at the embassy where we formed an association and resolved to back Mr Banda who is doing a commendable job in terms of development,” Zambia’s deputy High Commissioner to Malawi Paul Katema said.
“Most of us are registered voters and we will take part in this year’s elections,” he said.
Bishop Kalesha said President Banda has demonstrated commitment to improving living standards through the implementation of prudent policies intended to eradicate poverty.
He said Government has managed to create job opportunities for the youth in various sectors of the economy.
Bishop Kalesha said he is impressed that the mining sector, which was negatively affected by the global recession, is performing well because of President Banda’s good leadership.
“As Zambians living in Malawi, we have decided to work with the government of the day. Our association has decided to support and work with the current government because we have seen what is happening in various sectors. There is massive investment in Zambia and development projects are being implemented everywhere in the country,” Bishop Kalesha said.
He said the association would encourage Zambians resident in Malawi to invest back home and contribute positively to the development of the country.
“We are happy that Zambia is developing at a fast rate under President Banda. Things are happening in the country. The ground is very fertile for investment and we appeal to Zambians in the Diaspora to seriously consider investing back home,” he said.
Bishop Kalesha called on Zambians to be peaceful during and after this year’s tripartite elections.
He advised citizens to reject politicians who encourage violence in the communities.
He also advised politicians to desist from politics of insults and hatred.
“Our politicians must know that Zambians have never known civil strife. It is important that politicians, individuals, churches and NGOs preach peace during and after the general elections.

PF’s Chanda hails RB for funds

Wednesday, may 4, 2011  
By ALEX NJOVU
 
KANKOYO Patriotic Front (PF) member of Parliament Percy Chanda has commended President Banda for helping him to source K 2.5 billion for the rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities in the constituency.
The project to restore the collapsed water system in Kankoyo Township in Mufulira is expected to start next month.
Mr Chanda said in an interview in Mufulira yesterday that the President played a key role in helping him to secure funds to improve water reticulation.
“Without President Banda, I would probably be struggling to source money for the project. I had an opportunity to talk to Mr Banda about the problems the people of Kankoyo face in terms of water.
He immediately directed then Minister of Local Government and Housing EustarckioKazonga to find money for the project and the funds were sourced. I am happy to announce that the project will commence in June,” Mr Chanda said.
He said he is happy that Mr Banda has continued to embark on development projects countrywide.
Mr Chanda said the water infrastructure in Kankoyo has collapsed completely and some people are forced to walk long distances to look for water.
“We have to overhaul the entire water system in Kankoyo because it is aging. Some sections of the township do not have water and we had to ask Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company to provide standby taps for the people,” Mr Chanda said.
He said he is grateful to President Banda for his commitment to providing quality water and sanitation services.
He said the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Kankoyo will help foster development in Mufulira.
“The issue of water in Kankoyo has been a thorny one and we are happy that very soon, the rehabilitation of the water and sewerage system will start.
As the people of Kankoyo township, we have to pay tribute to President Banda for the concern he has shown for the people of Zambia who have been facing numerous problems including access to clean water. We are happy that this problem will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Mr Chanda said President Banda has continued to demonstrate love for Zambians by implementing polices intended to improve living standards.
He also called on local people to desist from acts of vandalism.
“One of the problems we have in Kankoyo is vandalism. People have to understand that Government and its partners spend a lot of money on rehabilitating water infrastructure and it is important for us to protect these facilities from destruction.
We cannot continue rehabilitating the same infrastructure every year. We need to work together to safeguard water infrastructure against vandalism,” he said.
Mr Chanda also commended Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company for its commitment to providing quality water to customers.
He thanked the company for putting in place measures intended to discourage residents from destroying water infrastructure.