Works on Millennium Challenge projects impresses Chikwanda

By Ann Zulu

FINANCE Minister Alexander Chikwanda on Wednesday toured the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage (LWSSD) project sites to appreciate the progress that has been made since the project was launched.

Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda 

The LWSSD project is a US$355 million grant being implemented by Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Zambia which was established under the laws of Zambia and designated Government as the accountable entity.

The project is being funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an agency of the United States government.

Mr. Chikwanda visited sites of the Bombay drain that were currently under construction by Cooperative Muratori and Cementist (CMC di Ravenna of Italy, the contractor working on contract package (CP) seven and eight of the LWSSD project.

The first site the minister inspected was the Evelyn Hone College section before proceeding to the second site located in Garden compound.

Mr. Chikwanda said he was impressed that works on the Bombay drainage had started taking shape with concrete having been already laid in some sections.

He then proceeded to the third site in Kaunda Square where Mota Engil Engenharia Africa had also begun the US$9.9 million works to upgrade and expand the Kaunda square pond.

The works on this contract involved the rehabilitation and expansion of the Kaunda Square Waste Stabilisation ponds located in the eastern part of Lusaka.

The minister noted that once the project was completed, Lusaka residents would have improved reliability of water supply and sanitation including improved drainage.

“This investment will improve the lives of people in Lusaka; people have been walking long distances in search of water, but once this project is completed, they will spend their time on more productive ventures that will economically empower them, as the water will have been brought closer to their homes,” Mr. Chikwanda said.

And MCA Chief Executive Officer Pamela Bwalya said the projects were also aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.

She noted that more than 1.2 million people in Lusaka were expected to directly benefit from the investment.

Vote for leaders with women’s interest

By Ann Zulu

THE Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) has charged that women across the country should vote for candidates that will promote their welfare and touch their lives positively.

                                                                         ZNWL chairperson Beauty Katebe 

ZNWL chairperson Beauty Katebe stressed the need for women to participate effectively in the forthcoming elections and urged them to vote wisely.

Ms. Katebe complained that lack of women’s participation in decision-making in Zambia was inimical to democratic progress as it ultimately denied the female gender full participation in governance of the country.

She advised women to use their votes wisely and shield their children from unsavoury political consequences of thuggery and violence.

“I know the pains of losing a child, especially a grown-up child.  So, I urge all women not to allow politicians use their children for political gains. Women should stand out and expose anyone who is trying to cause confusion. I am appealing to women to take charge and make sure that there is peace in this country.

‘‘We should expose anyone that is trying to use our children to cause confusion. We should also pray for Zambia, pray for a peaceful 2016 elections and make sure that we vote wisely,” Ms Katebe said.

The world is watching Zambia

…to see if Zambia will maintain its world record of peace during this election period.

  By Ann Zulu

THE countdown to the long awaited August 11, a day that Zambians will go to the polls has begun.

On this day, Zambians will elect a new president, members of parliament, executive mayors, councillors and vote in a referendum in excise of their right according to the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.

From the day the campaign season was officially launched on May 16 by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), all eyes have been on Zambia, as the whole world is watching and eager to see if the country will maintain its record of being a hub of peace.

But sadly, as the election date nears and campaigns intensify, the country is becoming more replete with instances of political violence and the fear of anarchy after the elections has continued to send cold shivers down the spines of many Zambian citizens.

Just within this short period of time, lives of vibrant Zambians have been lost in the wake of political-related violence; vivid examples are the death of a United Party for National Development (UPND) supporter Mapenzi Chibulo in Lusaka and two Patriotic Front (PF) officials Paul Longwane in Chongwe and Vincent Chanda in Kasama. They all lost their lives as a result of political violence.

Apart from the loss of lives, property worth millions of Kwacha has been lost to violence. Ready examples are the violence which occurred at PF Matero constituency office and at the UPND secretariat in Lusaka’s Rhodespark area, personal property and those of the parties were wantonly destroyed.

Women in politics have also not been spared from political violence, as they have continued to face intimidation and assault as they fight for gender equality in decision making positions.

Notable violence involving women are the attack on Namwala Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Parliamentary candidate Charity Kabongomana who was beaten by suspected UPND cadres and the allegedly stripping of Mazabuka Central constituency PF chair lady Joyce Kangwa by suspected UPND cadres for putting her party regalia.

Most often, this violence is carried out by youths who are not in employment and have taken advantage of political season to make some money by engaging in illicit political activities.

“One has to make money and this is the only time we have, they (politicians) buy beers for us, provide vehicles and give us money. So we support and defend them, they are our bosses,” says a youth cadre of Lusaka who only identified as ‘Bigman’.

He explains that they put on party regalia and attack their ‘boss’s rivals, including members of the public who refuse to support their political party.

“We attack our ‘boss’s’ rivals and disturb their rallies because we are paid to do that. Sometimes we block roads and no motorist is allowed to pass through without flushing a symbol of a political party we support. For those who act pompous and try to resist, we beat them up,” he said.

Several stakeholders in the political process such as the ECZ, the Church, traditional leaders, NGOs, Civil Society organisations and the Police among others have come out strongly to condemn political violence and measures have been put in place to stop the vice from spreading further.

Following the rise of violence, the ECZ recently suspended campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala districts for 10 days and this was in exercise of its powers under section 28 (2) of the electoral process Act No. 2 of 2016.

Political rallies, meetings, processions and door to door campaigns were banned. Further, all branded campaign motor vehicles in the two districts were not allowed be used for any purpose.

ECZ Public Relations Manager Crispin Akufuna has also urged political parties and candidates countrywide to desist from violence.

“The commission re-iterates the need for peace before, during and after the elections the elections as violence not only endangers the lives of innocent citizens but will also result in voter apathy. The Commission will not hesitate to take stern action if violence continues,” Mr. Akufuna said.

The Zambia police have also been vigorous in curbing political violence and ensuring that sanity is maintained in the country.

Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has warned that police will not spare anyone engaging in violence regardless of political affiliation.

He stated that the police had to put in more effort in preventing the vice from escalating.

Mr.Kanganja assured that violence during election period would be met with full force, reiterating that the police would not relent towards curbing violence during and after elections.

“The police will deal with any perpetrator trying to cause violence in country ahead of the elections, there is need for people to adhere to all laws and rules governing the electoral process,” Mr.Kanganja said.

For the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the only way to ensuring that Zambia holds peaceful is to engage the Church to urgently convene another meeting of political party presidents before the actual day of voting with a view to them making a joint pledge before the Zambian people to end the culture of violence and allow for peaceful elections.

“Political leaders are the only key to ending violence, but they have not heeded LAZ and other organisations constant calls to ensure that their supports campaign peacefully, so maybe if the church is involved this could be done,” said LAZ president Linda Kasonde.

The Church believes that Zambia is a Christian Nation and that no evil will befall the country, as God has always watched over the land and its people.

To them, prayer changes things and with God nothing is impossible.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) in conjunction with the National House of Prayer set July 24, as a day to pray for the country’s peace in the run up to the general elections.

The prayers were  held at the Lusaka show grounds main arena.

According to EFZ Executive Director Reverend Pukuta Mwanza, the Church prayed to reverse the challenges facing the nation during the election period.

“We prayed against the spirit of violence, Zambia is a peaceful nation and we cannot allow this violence to continue. As Christians, we believe that when we pray God answers and on this day, we will pray and ask for God’s mercy,” Rev. Mwanza said.

And the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has urged candidates contesting for several political positions in the elections to accept the final outcome of the results to promote peace.

YALI president Andrew Nthewewe stressed that in any contest, there is one winner, a principal he says should be respected.

“There is no need for hate and demonstrations if you have been defeated because we cannot have two winners, those who fail to win should remain calm to promote peace. Those with genuine reasons can go to courts of law for redress,” Mr Ntewewe said.

With all these efforts, the surest way to disgrace a peaceful and respectable country like Zambia is to give in to political violence. But also, no matter how formidable violence is becoming ahead of next month’s elections, the Zambian people can overcome it and maintain the country’s peace record with unity and love.

The need to safeguard the peace that the country has enjoyed over the years is vital than anything else. It’s time for Zambians to forget about all their political affiliations and focus on promoting peaceful election on August 11, the time to sing the “Tiyende Pamodzi Ndimutima Umo” is now. The world is watching, will Zambia maintain its world record of peace during this election period?

Lusaka polo enthusiasts plan first glamour extravaganza

By Ann Zulu

in Lusaka

LUSAKA’s socialites and fashion enthusiasts are looking forward to Zambia’s first ever social polo event dubbed the ‘‘Lusaka July’’ that marries glamour with polo. 

The event, to be held at The Retreat in Roma on July 31, will be an opportunity for Lusaka residents to familiarize themselves with the leading international polo tournaments.

Like the original “Durban July”, guests at the event would be encouraged to dress in stylish outfits.

Following in the footsteps of events based on equestrian sports events like the Australian Melbourne Cup, the Lusaka July would be held every year during the Zambian polo season.

According to the event co-ordinator Monde Nyambe, the event was based on the concept of experiencing the social culture of the sport of polo.

Ms. Nyambe noted that as one of the oldest sports in history, polo had spread around the world.

“In Zambia, the polo season is between the months of February and September where polo clubs across the country organize local and international tournaments. Recently, an international men’s polo tournament between Chile and Zambia was held in Lusaka.

“We are focused on emphasizing the elegance, fashion and polo at this event.  Ladies should come in their most fashionable dresses and fascinators and gentlemen can dapper up in their best outfits.

‘‘Polo is in season and we will be tapping into polo matches happening across the globe; so get ready to enjoy the beautiful game of polo while you socialize in style,” said Ms. Nyambe said.

She observed that the infusion of fashion into the event was inevitable, with the growing fashion industry in Zambia,

Ms. Nyambe said the Lusaka July promised to be a display of trendy designs by some of the most talented fashion designers.

“Namibian designer, Nikola of Nikola Conradie Fashions, will showcase her outfits at the event alongside leading Zambian designers Debbie Chu, Mwenge of Lace and Chisoma Lombe of Chizo Designs.

“Lusaka July promises to be a spectacle of Lusaka’s evolving cosmopolitan culture. We should expect to see some of the city’s celebrities, TV and radio personalities at the event,” she said.

Ngabwe district in critical shortage of teachers-DC

By Ann Zulu 

In Ngabwe

NGABWE district commissioner Melody Phiri has revealed that more than 53 teachers who are teaching in Kapiri Mposhi and Kabwe are on the pay roll of Ngabwe district.

Iwonde Primary School in Ngabwe

Ms Phiri said the 53 were initially posted to Ngabwe district but had left the area through transfers because they did not want to teach in rural areas.

She has demanded that the Ministry of General Education should remove the said teachers from the Ngabwe district teachers’ pay roll because their appearance was giving a wrong impression that the district had enough teachers when, in fact, not.

“Ngabwe district has a critical shortage of teachers and it is my hope that in the next recruitment programme, the district will be given priority. Ironically, however, we have more than 53 teachers who are appearing on the Ngabwe district pay roll but they are either teaching in Kapiri Mposhi or Kabwe. These teachers must be removed from the Ngabwe district teachers’ pay roll because they are creating an impression that we have a lot of teachers when, in fact, not,” Ms Phiri said.

Ms Phiri said education standards in rural areas should be improved to match those in urban areas so that rural children could equally have access to quality education.

“Not even one teacher was posted to Ngabwe district despite having a critical shortage of teachers and also bearing in mind that we have newly upgraded schools which need teachers to teach various subjects.

“I feel that our children in remote districts are precious and deserve the same attention given to children in urban areas in terms of good education standard to help us develop and reduce poverty. So I hope that in the upcoming exercise my district will be considered,” she said.

And Ms Phiri has commended government on the education and health developmental projects being undertaken in the district.

Ms. Phiri observed that the district had seen tremendous improvement in the two sectors since the Patriotic Front (PF) came into power in 2011.

She told this reporter in an interview that a number of schools were being constructed and that community schools were being upgraded to primary schools to be taken over by Government.

“So far over four community schools are under construction and community schools are now being upgraded and these have seen construction of new classroom blocks. Among the schools that are being upgraded is Daniel Kalebuka Primary School, Kangwigwi Primary School, Chibobo Primary School, Mumbachala Secondary School and Ngabwe Secondary School among others,” Ms. Phiri said.

She also pointed out the construction of health posts, staff houses and a pharmacy which were almost completed as some of the health projects being undertaken by Government.

Mulungushi Textile to reopen- Lungu

By Ann Zulu 

In Kabwe

THE defunct Zambia-China Mulungushi Textile will be opened in the next two weeks, President Edgar Lungu has announced.

President Edgar Lungu addressing a rally in Kabwe

Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza- State House

President Lungu made the announcement at a mamonth rally in Bwacha Constituency in Kabwe district on Saturday.

He disclosed that the opening of the Textile would create 2,500 jobs for the local people by December this year.

The President said there were about 300 people who were currently working at the Textile.

"I know the challenges of the Mulungushi Textile and for this reason I am promising the people of Kabwe that the Textile will be opened by August 1, 2016. More local people will be employed there," President Lungu said.

The President also promised to Rehabilitate Wynter Muleya stadium in Kabwe.

And PF Bwacha aspiring Mr Sydney Mushanga asked the people of Bwacha to vote for PF candidates in the forthcoming polls.

He said the PF had built schools, clinics, sunk potholes and tarred roads in Makululu and other areas.

"The PF government has delivered development countrywide, so I am urging all of you to vote for the party for this development to continue," he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia's soccer icon Kalusha Bwalya has officially endorsed the candidature of President Lungu in next month's elections.

The 1988 African Footballer of the year pitched up at the rally with his footballs to announce his endorsement of President Lungu.

Kalusha Bwalya, who is former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President, told the rally that he had endorsed President Lungu because he was hardworking and development-oriented.

He said during his tenure as FAZ boss, he worked with the Head of State whom he described as a good leader. 

Education solution to end child labour

By Ann Zulu

CHILD Labour Ambassador Samson Mutambo says education is the best way to protect children from any form of child labour.

                             Children in a classroom

Mr Mutambo said education was a key element in the prevention of child labour 

“The best way to protect children from child labour is by taking them to school. Education is the only thing which can prevent and protect children from any form of child labour.” Mutambo said.

He observed that children who were in school were at less risk of exploitation.

“Children with no access to quality education have little alternative but to enter the labour market, where they are often forced to work in dangerous and exploitative condition.” he said.

Mutambo noted that the prevention and elimination of child labour should be an integral part of education policy.

He added that the education sector had great potential to contribute to the elimination of child labour.

“The prevention and elimination of child labour should be an integral part of education policy development and reform.” He said.

Mutambo also advised parents and guardians to ensure that children acquire education and protected from any forms of child labour.

He said children were future leaders and must be protected.

“There is no future to children who are exposed to all these forms of child labour, they are future is completely destroyed.” Mutambo said.

Mutambo further commended Government for its effort in preventing and protecting children from child abuse.

“I would like to commend Government for its efforts, they have come up with measures to ensure that some of the causes of child labour are tackled and also the information about child labour reaches the people.” He added.

NATAAZ, PF peace pact

By Ann Zulu

THE National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) has pledged to observe and safeguard peace in the country in the run up to next month’s general elections.

             NATAAZ during the Peace march on Saturday- Picture by Ann Zulu

NATAAZ made the pledge during a Peace Solidarity march in Lusaka on Saturday.

The event which consisted of artists from all over the country was graced by Patriotic Front (PF) Kabwata aspiring Member of Parliament Given Lubinda, as Guest of Honour who also joined the peace march from the Lusaka Post Office all the way to the Lusaka Play House.

Activities marking the event focused on the role of artists in peace building considering that they (artists) had capabilities to promote both peace and violence through their performances.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Lubinda called on all political players to observe peace and support the call for peaceful elections by different stakeholders ahead of the August 11.

He emphasised that despite having different cultural tribal, political, religious and racial backgrounds, Zambians were all one.

Mr. Lubinda, who is also Agriculture Minister, reiterated the need for Zambians to safeguard the peace that the country had enjoyed over the years, saying that the country’s peace was vital than anything else.

“We need to thank God for the peace that Zambia has continued to enjoy and it is important that we do not take this peace for granted. Political leaders must arrest violence and take the steps of Jesus Christ. He preached love, peace and forgiveness. Peace is very much important even as we go towards elections,” Mr. Lubinda said.

He also commended the NATAAZ for taking up the challenge to contribute to the peace of the country.

He observed that artists were a great treasure in promoting peace and that Government would support all efforts that contributed to peace in Zambia.

Speaking earlier, NATAAZ National Chairman Boyd Chibale observed that artists especially musicians had been used as agents of violence and that it was time to engage them as agents of peace by preaching a message of peace.

According to him, artists had a pivotal role to play in maintaining peace in Zambia.

He said the Peace Solidarity march marked a beginning of an intensive campaign against political violence before, during and after elections

“As NATAAZ, we want to indicate our commitment to peace and emphasis the need to be united amidst diverse affiliations,” Mr. Chibale said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda has been appointed as NATAAZ patron, following his remarkable contribution towards arts in Zambia when he served in the association.

Zambians, stop the GBV hypocrisy!!!!!!

By Ann Zulu

It pains me so much when I think of how hypocritical our Zambia society is, right from the day a girl is born in this part of the world, the society starts the horrible moulding work.

We go excited with joy when it's a male child at birth AND put up fake smiles saying "children are God's gifts" When it's a girl.

We come up with all the ridiculous rules and regulations for girls. But say the boys are men so don't need them. "We are preparing the girls for marriage” we always claim.

After moulding angels without fellow angels to marry them, what manner of world have you created?

We treat girls as inferior and boys as superior yet expect the former to have very healthy self-esteem?

No matter how great a lady becomes, we consider her a failure if still single. I recall a twat telling me "you haven't achieved anything until you're married". My response? Best you don't know. Well, the idiot who still feeds his married kids and in - laws discovered I have a crazy side. He now avoids me like a plague.

We blackmail and threaten our daughters into marriage. How could we yet come up writing stuffs about domestic abuse? Are we not our daughters' and sisters' number one abusers?

We then blackmail them to remain in abuse as we taunt them for not being able to keep a home should they ever flee spousal abuse! We shame divorced females but pet divorced males.

"He married a horrible woman" we conclude before hearing the full story!

He can cheat in marriage and the wife must forgive him. "Where do you want to move to or start from" we blackmail women married to pit latrines into tolerating being infected with STDs.

She cheats in marriage? Then she deserves to die! "She provoked him with her infidelity. No man loves to share his wife" we say.

"Fast and pray and watch war room" pastors do advise their abused female flocks! Mummy GOs (pastors' wives) have more gruesome panacea than their husbands for abused female members.

A woman must be all round matured before getting married. She must know how to talk, how to this, how to that, etc. No lecture, how much more on self-control for the boys in men skin we are churning out!

She gets promoted? She must have slept her way up!

She's doing well in her career? You condemn.

He gets promoted! He's always been a smart guy!

He's doing well in his career? We commend.

She is never to show anger lest men will avoid her.

It's normal for him to throw tantrums!

She dares speaks up and runs away from abuse? Haaaaa! She's lying against that loving and romantic guy society blackmailed her into marrying. A devil she is. "She never planned to remain married. She's always wanted to live a loose life" we say while judging her.

We marry before our friends, even if we were 40 years when we married another woman's husband, we start referring to single friends as bitter. We shame them and even avoid them since we are no longer on the same level. It doesn't matter if we are living smoke screen lives. At least, we are married. They are not!

....The list is endless. We silence females in this part of the world!

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE YOUR PROFESSIONAL HYPOCRISY, LOOK INWARD. EXAMINE YOURSELF. YOU COULD BE/ARE THE NUMBER ONE ABUSER.

DOMESTIC ABUSE IS A CYCLE. IT BEGINS WITH YOU. CHANGE YOU AND WE WOULD HAVE HEALTHY WOMEN.

STOP THE TALKS AND START ACTING RIGHT. STOPPING DOMESTIC ABUSE BEGINS WITH YOU NOT HER DODGING PUNCHES!

Thanks for reading. 

Women movement demands justice for GBV victims.

By Ann Zulu

POLICE in Kafue have arrested three suspects in connection with the video depicting a woman being physically and sexually assaulted by a group of men.

Police Deputy Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the development today.

Man beating woman

Mr. Hamoonga said the three suspects were in police custody, but however indicated that police were still pursuing the man who assaulted her.

“We are holding three suspects in connection with the video showing a woman being inhumanely treated and assaulted, but we are still pursuing the man who assaulted her by way of kicking her, investigations are on-going,” Mr. Hamoonga.  

Meanwhile, the women’s movement has urged the Zambia Police to deal with all cases of reported Gender Based Violence (GBV) with expediency, efficient and professionalism.

Women and Law in Southern Africa, Zambia (WLSA) Board Chairperson Priscilla Chileshe appealed to police to hasten the investigations and bring to book all perpetrators of the violence.

Ms. Chileshe said it was sad to note that in spite of all the efforts made by Women’s movement towards ending GBV, the vice had continued go on unabated.

She was speaking at a joint press briefing in Lusaka today to awaken the women to rise up against the increasing violence against women and girls.

 “The intensity of the violence and impurity with which the violence is committed is very shocking and painful. The video depicting a woman being physically and sexually assaulted by a group of men is something which is very unfortunate and of great concern to all of use.

“Such acts and behaviors are against the laws of our country, the law should not spare anyone found wanting. We expect the law enforcers to do their work diligently and investigate all cases of sexual harassment, intimidation and all other forms of GBV,” Ms. Chileshe said.

And speaking earlier, Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson Sarah Longwe implored government to step up and empower survivors of GBV.

She said survivors of such violence needed  financial help, urging government to include the GBV funding on the national budget.

“Government should come in and support GBV funding in full force and budget it, as much as they budget for the roads, then we shall see thing changing. Such women need to be helped,” Ms. Longwe said.

And World Vision Zambia National Director Chikondi Phiri who is also an advocate for GBV against women called on men in the country to desist from abusing women, but rather instead show love and compassion towards them.

Mr. Phiri noted that men had a huge role to play in ending GBV against women and girls.

 “It is very important that as men, we provide the needed support to women and girls, instead of abusing them. Women are special; they are our mothers, sister, aunties and daughters. Real men do not beat women,” Mr. Phiri said.