By Isaac Mwanza

DURING Zambia’s 2017 to 2020 constitutional review process, there was a strong push by some Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament who sat in the back benches of the National Assembly to re-introduce the office of Deputy Minister.

This proposal by MPs stemmed from discontent which was forming and growing among PF backbenchers who complained that Ministerial offices had become personal-to-holder.

They mumbled that the then President Edgar Lungu was not affording every PF MP a chance to become a minister.

There were also subtle accusations against serving Ministers that despite all MPs being elected by the people and spending own resources to win parliamentary seats, Ministers were living more comfortable and better lives than ordinary MPs.

Clearly, many sought the prestige of a ministerial office even if it was at the lower level of Deputy Minister.

These backbenchers from the then ruling PF made threats and apparently looked ready to collapse the entire constitutional review process from the floor of the National Assembly if the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) did not adopt provisions that re-introduce the office of a Deputy Minister.

We must also remember that our excuse as a nation for abolishing the position of a deputy minister was that deputy ministers were a drain on the Treasury and had no clear job description.

Perhaps we need a detailed study to establish the validity of that argument as well, and to re-examine the structure of our government as it stands today.

In a place of deputy minister, we now have more directors employed and more than one Permanent Secretary appointed to a ministry or Cabinet Office without clear job description.

The appointment of more than one Permanent Secretary in a Ministry, to the best of this author’s knowledge, is a novel arrangement which is less practiced in the Commonwealth.

On the other hand, there was also a stronger push by civil society organisations (CSOs) for a constitutional change to allow the President to appoint his Cabinet Ministers from outside Parliament.

This demand was unpopular among Members of Parliament from the then ruling PF. Even opposition MPs from the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) silently opposed this proposal.

It may not be widely known but there were UPND lawmakers who, even after staying away from the NDF on the orders of their Party leadership, kept lobbying delegates to the NDF not to adopt the extra-parliamentary system of appointing Cabinet Ministers.

The collective arguments by both the PF and UPND MPs were that Zambia was not yet ready for such a copy-paste system as the final cost would even be higher than if the Ministers were appointed from within Parliament.

It is certainly a good thing to look at best practices from other jurisdictions but that should not be an end in itself.

In the United Kingdom, Ministers are chosen by the Prime Minister from the members of the House of Commons and House of Lords, as is the case is in Zambia.

It may be worth pointing out that the idea of Cabinet Secretaries is not novel. The United States of America and Kenya call their Cabinet ministers as Cabinet Secretaries.

The U.S Secretary of the Treasury is the equivalent of the Minister of Finance in other jurisdictions, or Chancellor of the Exchequer in the United Kingdom.

The difference is that in the United States of America, and now in the Republic of Kenya, the Cabinet Secretary to the Treasury, or Finance Minister, is appointed from outside parliament.

Cabinet Secretaries do not become Members of Parliament on appointment to the Cabinet.

The question that now arises are, are we ready as Zambia to make the change and appoint our ministers from outside parliament?

If so, what is the thinking behind the change and why do we want Ministers appointed from outside parliament? If not, why not?

What are the advantages of our current system of appointing our Ministers from among our Members of Parliament? What do we stand to lose as a country if we do not adopt the US or Kenyan model?

In Kenya where Cabinet Secretaries are appointed from outside Parliament, members of Parliament are well-remunerated and the Cabinet Secretaries are an additional expense on the treasury.

The question then is whether Zambia’s economy is now ready to meet the additional expenses beyond what we spend on our parliament.

Can the appointment of Ministers from outside parliament be seen as imposing an additional burden on our finances? In what way would this argument be valid?

As part of the process, every effort should be made to establish a clear consensus on whether Zambians really want Ministers appointed from outside Parliament and remain opposed to reintroduction of deputy ministers since these have just been replaced with more directors and Permanent Secretaries.

We must also rethink whether we want to abandon the current first-past-the-post system of electing Members of Parliament and councillors, which matter was extensively canvassed during the last constitutional review process.

During parliamentary debate of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill of 2015, the National Assembly decided that these three issues will remain matters for future debate and consideration.

I wish to also warn Zambians that the more we open up our Constitution for amendments every time we notice gaps or introduce some more provisions, the more gaps we create in the Constitution.

We have and must continue to progressively clean the gaps in the Constitution through our courts of law, with support of subsidiary legislation.

[Published by the Daily Nation, May 2023]

Leader of the opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile has alleged that Constituency Development Committees (CDCs) have been ordered to spend Constituency Development Funds on Police Vehicles, Ambulances, Desks Chief’s Palaces and Rural Electrification Authority (REA) Projects and have failed to prioritise community projects.

Mr. Mundubile, who is also Mporokoso Central Member of Parliament and PF Presidential Candidate said in Kasama that while the CDF was supposed to be localized authority, this was not the case in the New Dawn government because the Ministry of Local Government was dictating on the local communities.

Speaking on Kasama Radio and broadcast on Radio Mano in Kasama, Walamo in Mpulungu and Liberty Radio in Mporokoso, Mr. Mundubile said huge projects such as Police Vehicles, Ambulances, Chief’s Palaces and REA Projects which were supposed to be funded direct by the Central government were being dictated on the local people and that the people had failed to spend the funds on needy community projects.

Mr. Mundubile said the local people failed to prioritize community projects until they procured what government had demanded.

He said in PF time, CDF was well utilized because it was directed on community projects while the Central government undertook projects such as Ambulances and Police Vehicles.

Speaking on Zambia’s foreign policy, the PF Presidential hopeful said Zambia’s position was non aligned and would continue to be so.

He said from independence, Zambia was free to associate with any country but said the UPND government had decided to go west adding that the USA meant to dilute China’s Influence and warned that no military bases would be allowed to be set up in Zambia, a non aligned country.

The PF leader advised President Haakainde Hichilema not to ignore Africa and the Regional Groupings such as SADC.

Mr. Mundubile said China built the Tazara railway at a time when no Western country was willing to come to “our aid” and said as PF, the largest opposition political party in Zambia, “our policy is very clear and that is to respect the African leadership.

He recently met with the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr. Michael Gonzales, at his Residence in Lusaka.

“We discussed a wide range of issues related to the role of Opposition in Parliament.Ours is to continue providing quality checks and balances in the interest of the emancipation of the Republic of Zambia. God bless Zambia.

On governance, Mr. Mundubile noted that Zambia was slowly turning into a Police State where opposition politicians were being threatened everyday and that the former Head of State Edgar Chagwa Kungu was not respected.

“Zambia is now like a one party state where peace is no longer a pre-requisite, there is no direction because everywhere there is” Police” and that is how we’re living”.

Mr. Mundubile however said opposition political parties support the UPND government on genuine fight against corruption, but noted that wholesome condemnation of one political party as being corrupt without any clear case of corruption would not be condoned.

“As things stand now, there is no one facing a charge of corruption but that has been the talk of those in the UPND government” Mr. Mundubile noted.

FORMER PS SUES ACC FOR DEFAMATION

Former Ministry of Higher Education permanent secretary Dr Patrick Nkanza has sued the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for libel after he was prosecuted over corruption allegations for a year.

In his statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Dr Nkanza said on or about May 6, 2022, ACC arrested him on an allegation that during his tenure in office as permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education he signed a contract worth K200 million without confirming availability of funds.

He submitted that without reasonable and probable cause, ACC charged him with five other suspects before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court with the offence of wilful failure to comply with applicable law and procedure contrary to section 34 (2) (b) of the Anti-Corruption Corruption Act no. 3 of 2012 in respect of the FTJ Chiluba University, a contract he was not part of.

Dr Nkanza explained that in a letter dated September 15, 2022 he requested for a meeting prior to the date of trial to communicate his position that he was not connected to the offence as charged and by a letter dated October 10, 2022, the ACC responded to his request and proposed that the meeting be held on October 18, 2022.

On the material date of October 18, 2022 a meeting was held between him and his lawyers and two representative from ACC, where at the meeting his lawyers availed to the ACC evidence that he was wrongly indicted .

He stated that the evidence in question included documents which seemingly indicated that funds for the project were confirmed by the Minister of Finance in parliament during the budget address, among other things.

Dr Nkanza stated that despite his efforts to show the ACC that the charge against him was baseless, frivolous, and vexatious, ACC elected to proceed to prosecute him and the matter was taken to court for almost a year.

He disclosed that he was discharged of the charge by magistrate Davis Chibwili on March 9, 2023, following a successful application by his lawyers .

Dr Nkanza submited that despite being discharged from the indictment he was made to appear before a different magistrate the following day on March 10, 2023 by ACC and at the hearing thereof ACC withdrew the matter against him.

He now wants an unreserved apology published in the same manner as the publication of the libellous words and a statement by ACC to the public, to the effect that the charges against him were withdrawn.

He is also seeking costs of and incidental to this action and other reliefs which the court may deem just and equitable.

This is because, according to him, ACC prosecuted him for a year without conducting proper investigations.

Dr Nkanza said ACC also issued defamatory words after his arrest, specifically in their particulars of offence, which they issued to the media

He complained that the said words in their ordinary and natural meaning meant and were understood to mean that he personally benefited unscrupulously, and without regard to the law signed contracts worth US$225, 000, 000.00 during the period 2015 and 2017.

By reason of the libellous publication of the words refered to, he argued that he had been seriously injured in his reputation and had been brought into public scandal , odium and contempt.

He also argues that he had been defamed in a sensational manner by ACC as it had known that the allegations were untrue.

Dr Nkanza is therefore, seeking reliefs in form of special damages of K500, 000.00 as legal fees and K50, 000.00 as transportation costs.

PF DEFEND MUSUKWA’S WEALTH: WE MADE MONEY BEFORE WE BECAME MINISTERS

…the poverty mentality in UPND will not take the country anywhere says Davies Mwila.

FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila says former mines and minerals development minister Richard Musukwa can’t fail to own property because he started making money before he became minister.

Mwila, who is former home affairs minister, says Musukwa and him were trade unionists, arguing that the UPND’s “poverty mentality” will not take the country anywhere.

And PF information and publicity chairperson Raphael Nakacinda says people in Chililabombwe can actually support Musukwa because they know how he gained his wealth.

On Tuesday, Drug Enforcement Commission officers conducted a search at Musukwa’s house in Chililabombwe and seized several assets.

The seized assets included over 10 vehicles, a firearm, stones and a house.
But in an interview, Mwila said the seized house and some of the vehicles were acquired even before Musukwa became a minister.

“This is coming from after the by-election. If you look at the figures, they were not impressive to the ruling party. Looking at those figures, if it is a general election they can’t win. They think that honourable Musukwa is the one who was in the forefront in buying that by-election. It’s total intimidation and harassment. First and foremost, they got nothing in the sense that they didn’t want to seem embarrassed because they got fuel and allowances from government, so they have to be seen like they are doing something. How do you go and get a house which someone built even before he became minister? That house was built before he became minister, when he was a general treasurer for mine workers,” he said.

“How do you get a car which he bought when he was deputy minister? When you’re a deputy minister or minister, you’re given a vehicle which you use at home. So that Prado they got, he bought it when he was deputy minister. You get a VX, do you know how he got that VX? He got it from Parliament. So some of these things they are doing are not helping the country.

They are taking us backwards. These other vehicles they’ve impounded or seized are preconditioned vehicles. These are vehicles costing 150,000. So there’s nothing they are doing, they are just embarrassing themselves. They are supposed to ask, ‘when did you build this house? When did you get this land? When did you start building?’ You can’t just seize a house which was built in 2004 [or] 2005. They have not achieved anything”.

Mwila said the poverty mentality in UPND would not take the country anywhere.

“Those things will be gotten back to Richard Musukwa once the matter goes to court because he will be able to justify. How much is the cost of the firearm? K20,000, a firearm. They even include it on the list? I’ve grown with Richard. I was treasurer for mine workers. He was also treasurer for the other union for mine workers. So I know Richard. I know when he built that house when we were together in the union. We’ve not just started now.

We were miners, we were trade unionists. We made money before we became MPs. That’s why this poverty mentality from the UPND is not taking us anywhere,” he said.
“All those vehicles they’ve impounded are preconditioned vehicles. The ones which are used by whites and Japanese. They use them and sell them to Africa. Those are not from the showroom. The vehicle that came from the showroom is the VX because he got it from Parliament when he was MP. When Richard became MP in 2011, he got a vehicle from Parliament and he also got another vehicle from the ministry. Two 4X4s. 2016, again he got two. One from Parliament and again from the Ministry. Let them publish them so that we see the vehicles. The house was built when he was in the union. Maybe they don’t know the history so I am telling them.

People didn’t make money when they were in government. We made money before we became ministers. We were trade unionists. 2022, I was getting 17,000, more than what I was getting as a minister.
What can they tell us?”

Mwila said law enforcement agencies should not only target opposition political leaders.

“I hope what they are saying is what they will be doing. A new broom sweeps well and we have every confidence in the new DEC DG. So we expect them to perform well. We expect to see good results but they should not be political. They should not only target politicians, especially in the opposition. If you look at what they are doing, it’s not right. It’s intimidation. How do you call honourable Lubinda over issues about Parliament? That’s total intimidation. Speaker of the National Assembly is not an island. We can condemn her. But when we talk about her, she should not be reporting us to the police. She’s incompetent, she’s not impartial and she’s a UPND cadre. We’ve got pictures where she has displayed the symbol of UPND. So she should not expect that we will be silent. We will talk about her and people must continue criticising her because she’s not neutral,” said Mwila.

Meanwhile, Nakacinda said people in Chililabombwe can actually support Musukwa because they know how he gained his wealth.

“The people of Chililabombwe and Copperbelt know that honourable Musukwa built that house many years ago when he was serving as one of the union leaders. Beyond that, we know honourable Musukwa having been a successful entrepreneur on the Copperbelt. His track record in terms of business is known by all. Actually, you can get the entire Chililabombwe to come and testify on his behalf in terms of how he has been able to make the bit that he has for his family and his children. What is shocking is officers went with a blank legal document calling it a search warrant without specifying what they were looking for and began to record whatever they saw in that premise as what they could include as one of the things they can seize. There’s no search conducted in such a manner,” he said.

Nakacinda said the seized stones were not minerals but decorative stones.

“They’ve also seized an Allion for his wife and a vehicle for his sister. They have attempted to sensationalise this whole arrangement by saying that ‘there are so many vehicles at the residence’, to try and hoodwink gullible citizens to think that there’s something fishy. They even report that ‘we even got stones’. The stones they got are decorative stones. The ones we put in our yards. We buy these stones from the street. For him, he got them here at Sikale. These are not minerals. This is just limestone if you like. It’s in different colours, white, gray and in some cases brown and we use them for decoration. Even at my house, I have these stones. Unfortunately, that’s what we’re being subjected to,” he said.

Nakacinda said the only wrong that Musukwa might have committed was the ability to look after his property well.

“When Mr Hakainde Hichilema said ‘if I had not acquired education, possibly I’d have been so primitive that I’d have married 10’. Maybe the degree of primitivity may have reduced in the area of marriage but like we’ve said, what’s going on in this country, bututu (primitiveness).

You know, a leader ultimately produces his own kind. When you have a leader that is inclined towards prospering citizens, they encourage hard work. Honourable Musukwa is supposed to be an example of those who have done something of their own outside their service to the nation as minister, civil servant, union leader. All this put together plus entrepreneurial activities is supposed to inspire others,” said Nakacinda.

“Actually, the people that will defend honourable Musukwa are people who live in Chililabombwe because they know his track record. All of us his colleagues have been drawing wisdom from him on how we can succeed by doubling. The greatest sin that maybe honourable Musukwa has committed is the ability to look after property. Some of the people who acquired vehicles in 2011, 2016, this time they are wrecks. But because of how he polishes from 2011 up to today, the vehicles still look in good condition. That’s the problem he has but the primitiveness in the new dawn is what’s bringing this kind of situation. If there was anything wrong that could have been done by him, we’d have possibly been the first ones to raise those issues”.

(News Diggers)

JUDICIARY WANTS TRIBUNAL FOR ERRING JUDGES

By Isaac Mwanza

AGAIN, during the 2017 to 2020 constitutional review up till the National Dialogue Forum (NDF), the Zambian Judiciary and civil society organisations (CSOs) made proposals on what they sought to be reviewed in the current Constitution.

One of the many proposals the Judiciary made was a merger of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court into one apex court.

The proposal was for the original jurisdiction in constitutional matters to be restored or reverted back to the High Court, under a Constitutional Division.

The Judiciary’s arguments were that placing original jurisdiction in constitutional matters in the Constitutional Court denies a litigant the opportunity to have the decisions of the court reviewed and tested by another court in a moment where a litigant is dissatisfied with the decision of the court of original jurisdiction.

The Judiciary also wanted the review process to delete provisions on the processes of removing judges from office.

It was their view that the new provision of using the Judicial Complaints Commission should be replaced by reversion to the previous process which was in place before the 2016 Constitutional amendments.

In their preferred process, a judge would be subjected to a disciplinary hearing before a Tribunal of his or her own peers just as legal practitioners sit before Committees comprising of their peers at the Law Association of Zambia.

On the part of the civil society, there was a strong push during the NDF for adoption of the Mixed Member Proportional Representation (MMPR) System which would provide for more women and youth representation in the National Assembly and Councils.

This was met with resistance from major political parties who claimed that smaller parties and CSOs wanted to use the back door to enter Parliament and local councils.

The opponents of the MMPR system argued that this system would be unfair as it would allow certain groups free passage into the Parliament and local councils.

They stated that candidates for traditional political party are required to spend considerable resources on campaigning for their elective seats in the same parliament.

The counter-proposal by those who were opposed to the MMPR system was to include a provision in the proposed Political Parties Bill which would compel political parties to adopt more women and youth.

Adopted candidates would, in turn, compete on the same terms as all others who aspire to the office of Member of the National Assembly.

This counter-proposal was rejected by the CSOs who then threatened to shoot down the entire constitutional review process which had climaxed at the NDF.

Other institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia made submissions that called for removal provisions from the Constitution which limit the number of parliamentary constituencies to one-hundred-and-fifty and place them in an Act of Parliament.

The intention was that said the number of seats in the National Assembly should easily be increased or decreased when circumstances arise and at the whim of the National Assembly or government without the need to amend the Constitution.

This proposal attracted a mixed reaction with some delegates viewing it as a move by the then ruling Patriotic Front to create more seats in its strongholds for purposes of gaining greater control of Parliament.

We must acknowledge that the exercise of legislative power based on numbers is one of the pitfalls of representative democracy.

The party in power or indeed any other party, if it has numbers in parliament, can move amendments any legislation and the Constitution itself regardless of the wider public opinion.

Naturally, the issues raised by the Judiciary, Civil Society Organisations and the Electoral Commission, when viewed objectively, give rise to the question of whether or not there is an urgent need to amend the Constitution in view of those issues, as has been done in other countries?

The biggest challenge with Zambia’s approach to constitution-making is that it is driven by what is happening in other countries.

We tend to review our constitution not because we have our own original ideas which reflect our own national circumstances.

We usually invite so-called foreign experts to come and tell us about what is in their constitution and what must be in our Constitution.

Some of the issues which may be considered for amendment or removal from the Constitution have not been fully tested to see how they work over an extended period of time.

As a matter of fact, some provisions were deliberately placed in the Constitution in order to “protect” such provisions from the whims of the party in power using its parliamentary power to amend Acts and change the law at its own convenience. Are we ready to revert to our old ways?

Of course, this author believes our Constitution does indeed have some lacunae and ambiguous provisions which ought to have been cleared and clarified with other provisions.

But no Constitution in the world is perfect, including the world’s oldest written Constitution of the United States of America whose twenty-nine amendments, so far, are testament to its imperfections.

The fact that a constitution is not perfect is the reason why we have courts specialised to deal with problems that emerge from the lack of clarity in a constitution.

The best approach to removing ambiguities and redress matters which its drafters never thought would arise is to allow the Constitutional Court to broadly interpret the Constitution.

Unfortunately, our Court has been the first one sending invitations to Parliament, through its judgments, to open the Constitution up for further amendments.

Our Court must emulate its sister Supreme Court of the United States of America to never duck, weave and push back the Constitution to the people and Parliament.

It is the duty of our Constitutional Court to develop this country’s constitutional jurisprudence without any need for further amendments to the Constitution.

[Published by the Daily Nation, May, 2023]

ZAMBIA’S ZOWA NGWIRA TO STAR IN NETFLIX ANIMATED SERIES

By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya

Zambia’s burgeoning entertainment industry has hit a major milestone with Zambian actress Zowa Ngwira securing a prominent role in the highly anticipated Netflix teens animated series – Supa Team 4. Created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, the show is a collaboration between South African production company Triggerfish Animation Studios and British company CAKE. The groundbreaking series is set to make history as the first-ever Netflix animated production to be developed in Africa.

Supa Team 4 takes viewers on a thrilling adventure in the neo-futuristic city of Lusaka, Zambia, where four talented teenage girls unite with a retired secret agent to become undercover superheroes on a mission to save the world. With its unique blend of African storytelling, dynamic characters, and cutting-edge animation, the series promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

Joining a talented ensemble cast, Zowa Ngwira will share the screen with acclaimed South African actors Namisa Mdlalose, Nancy Sekhokoane, John MacMillan, and Pamela Nomvete. This diverse and talented group of performers is poised to bring the show’s characters to life, infusing them with depth, emotion, and authenticity.

The inclusion of Zowa Ngwira, a rising star in the Zambian acting scene, highlights the growing recognition of African talent on the global stage. Ngwira’s remarkable range and captivating presence make her an exciting addition to the cast, representing not only Zambia but also the larger African entertainment industry. She is well known for her captivating acting in popular local drama series, Mpali as Tiwonenji.

As the first animated series of its kind to emerge from Africa, this trailblazing show is poised to make a lasting impact, cementing Africa’s position as a hub of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry. The significance of Supa Team 4 extends beyond its entertainment value. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring African creatives, affirming that their stories and perspectives matter and deserve to be shared with the world.

The series will make its highly anticipated debut this July, and the Zambian and African audience will eagerly await the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey through Lusaka’s vibrant and action-packed world.

📸 Tiggerfish Animation Studios

While he intends to create some fanfare in the brief, they are a few questions we would like him to address such as;

By Citizens First President Harry Kalaba

Does the Finance Minister share the view that the debt restructuring is on course?

While we appreciate free education and meal allowances what actions are being taken to ensure that upon graduating the students will be guaranteed a job and not aspire to see someone retire at 55 and take up their position?

How many cooperatives have benefited from the increased CDF allocation and how is that working to address the hardships people are faced with?

How many jobs have been created from the empowerment funds under CEEC?

How does a learned economic manager reconcile the reduction in retirement age to 55 and yet allow people to access 20% of their NAPSA contribution? With the increase in life expectancy, are they seeking to send retirees into destitution or to their early grave?

What bureaucracy has been cut? serve to create more confusion in the manner in which things are done. Is he referring to making things easy for foreign interests to pillage wealth at our expense as the case is for ZCCM-IH?

How is Zambia’s relationship with its neighbors? Is he convinced that it is at its best? One moment you said let’s export to Congo DR and the next you send men and women in uniform to block exports to the DRC, is that what you call good relations or its allowing farmers from other countries to come and start farming in Zambia?

Are more citizens benefiting from the social cash transfer? Even under the PF that was voted out to accommodate the UPND, there was better reach of social cash transfer.

How many new jobs have been created since he took over as head of state?

Is he going to be drawing parallels to the PF who people rejected and gave his Party a resounding mandate owing to his well orchestrated rhetoric or he will set a higher yardstick for the nation?

We would like to remind the president and his many followers to read the editorial comment in The Mast Monday 15, 2023 titled; Mr. President- There’s a Limit to Rhetoric.

WHAT WOULD YOU ASK HIM AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE?

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

1. You said in 2021 that Mopani and KCM will be resolved soon. “Soon” has been two years. When will you truly resolve the KCM and Mopani issue.

2. You have been fighting corruption related to the previous government. But what about the Corruption in your government? Why do you punish whistle-blower and victims but protect Ministers and others?

3. Inefficiency, bureaucracy, ineptitude and failure characteristics service delivery in your Government, will you make changes? When will you stop blaming civil servants and the Patriotic Front for this and ensure that the job is done and service is delivered?

4. High-cost of living, high mealie-meal and fuel prices, what are you doing about this?

5. FRA sold and exported almost all national strategic reserves. Currently FRA has 246,000metric tonnes(one month supply) to the point of food insecurity. FRA is beginning to buy maize at K280 per 50kg from K180 last year. This is good news for the farmers but challenging for all Zambians that may have to pay higher mealie-meal prices.

What’s your Government doing to mitigate this inevitable price increase? Why have you excluded the FRA to purchase Soya Beans yet it was budgeted for?

6. You have taken 35 international trips. Isn’t this too much for such a short period? Of what benefit are these trips involving Inaugurations, Royal Installations, Expos and State visits?

7. Why has it taken you 35 international trips to realize that you needed to go to China to help resolve the debt restructuring programme?

8. Why is it difficult for you to treat the former President well and in accordance with the law? Why are you fighting him?

9. In light of the deep-seated economic crisis, huge foreign and local debts, and delays in the IMF Bail-out, do you have an alternative economic programmme beyond the IMF? Would you consider holding an Economic and Consultative Indaba of stakeholders.

10. Brenthurst Foundation and Tony Blair Institute for Global Affairs at State House! Really? You cannot trust, rely and use qualified local staff? Kindly explain.

And the cost incurred in travel, security outlay, and recent upgrade in power, road and other infrastructure at or near your house because of your continued stay at your private residence named Community House, when will you shift to the designated and official residence of Zambia’s Presidents- State House?

Levy DNA lab has already dealt with 5 paternity cases – IG Musamba

INSPECTOR General of Police Graphel Musamba says the newly-commissioned Forensic DNA Laboratory at Levy Medical University (LMMU) in Lusaka has already dealt with five paternity cases.

The police chief made the revelation during the launch of the country’s first ever Forensic DNA Laboratory.

Before the launch of the K11 million Laboratory, Zambia used to send DNA samples to South Africa for examinations.

But the Laboratory set in the country, Musamba said DNA evidence had revolutionised the way Zambia Police Service approached investigations by providing evidence that links suspects to crimes and exonerates the innocent.

Musamba said lack of DNA facility in the country led to alarming increase in sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases.

He pointed out that in 2022, 33,536 GBV cases were reported as compared to 29,540 in 2021 representing a 73.3 per cent increase.

“Since the establishment of the cases submitted for analysis. Eight of these sexual offenses, 22 were murder cases, five were paternity cases, three were robberies and four were human identity inquiry cases, Musamba revealed.

And Minister of Home affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu thanked the United States of America, United Nations, Ireland and Sweden for the rendered support towards the Lab’s establishment.

“My ministry is disheartened by the increasing number of sexual crimes and the high number of unresolved cases due the unavailability of DNA evidence, it is therefore a relief to government to know that such a huge problem can now be locally resolved for our people and by our own people,” said Mwiimbu.

This development will help Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba and his men to stray away from asking the who, what, where, how and when questions for a long time in order to solve a criminal case, as he confirmed that the lack of a local DNA facility in the country is what led to the alarming increase in sexual and GBV cases.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali said DNA evidence provided crucial support to survivors’ testimony or witness statement in court.

To make this a success, the United States procured lab equipment costing a whooping US$600,000 (K11 million) while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) financed the partitioning of the lab and procured the first DNA reagents.

Monetary Policy Rate raised to 9.50 percent

■In April 2023, inflation rose to 10.2.

■To support the market in meeting some critical imports, such as, oil and agricultural inputs, the Bank provided US$377.0 million, of which US$186.0 million was from mining tax receipts.

■In April, the Kwacha appreciated against the US dollar by 16.8 percent to K17.73, mostly driven by improved supply of foreign exchange mainly from quarterly corporate tax obligations.

■Government uses contributed to the decline in gross international reserves to US$2.9 billion.

■growth in domestic credit slowed down to 12.1 percent, year-on-year, from 18.7 percent in December 2022.

■Concerns related to delays in external debt restructuring negotiations, tighter global financial conditions, higher maize prices, risks to the growth outlook, elevated energy and food prices.

The Monetary Policy Committee, at its May 15-16, 2023 Meeting, decided to raise the Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 9.50 percent. The decision was informed by the projection that inflation will continue to be above the target band of 6 – 8 percent over the forecast horizon .

The Committee also took into account fragile growth, and vulnerabilities and risks in the financial sector.

Continued delays in external debt restructuring negotiations, tighter global financial conditions, higher maize prices due to the anticipated lower production amid strong regional demand, as well as the impact of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war on food and energy prices remain key upside risks to the inflation outlook.

Observed budgetary discipline and continued implementation of fiscal consolidation measures and broader economic reforms outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) will remain important anchors in achieving lower inflation and macroeconomic stability.

Inflation declines in first quarter of 2023, but pressures to persist

Inflation declined further in the first quarter of 2023, albeit marginally. However, it remained elevated and is projected to stay above the target band of 6 – 8 percent over the next eight quarters (the forecast horizon).

In the first quarter of 2023, inflation averaged 9.6 percent compared to 9.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022. Dissipation of base effects in a broad range of items in the consumer basket and sustained reduction in the prices of oils and fats, due to lower costs of imported inputs, were the key drivers.

Notable items in the consumer basket in which base effects dissipated were road passenger transport, fish, fuel, bread and cereals, as well as rent. Accounting for the reduction in prices of oils and fats was the decline in the international soybean prices.

In April 2023, inflation rose to 10.2 percent from 9.9 percent in March. This was mostly driven by strong regional demand for maize grain and maize meal and the lagged pass-through from the depreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Kwacha depreciated by 16.8 percent to an average of K19.52 against the US dollar.

The key drivers were excess demand, adverse market sentiments associated with protracted external debt restructuring negotiations, and tighter global financial markets conditions.

To support the market in meeting some critical imports, such as, oil and agricultural inputs, the Bank provided US$377.0 million, of which US$186.0 million was from mining tax receipts.

The aforementioned support to the market, multilateral debt service, and Government uses contributed to the decline in gross international reserves to US$2.9 billion (equivalent to 3.3 months of imports cover ) at end-March 2023 from US$3.1 billion (equivalent to 3.8 months of import cover) at end-December 2022.

In April, the Kwacha appreciated against the US dollar by 16.8 percent to K17.73, mostly driven by improved supply of foreign exchange mainly from quarterly corporate tax obligations.

The reaching of the Staff-Level Agreement on the first review of the International Monetary Fund Extended Credit Facility (IMF ECF) arrangement created expectations that external debt restructuring would soon be concluded. This positively changed market sentiments and also contributed to the appreciation of the Kwacha.

Pressures in the foreign exchange market have, however, re-emerged, mostly due to excess demand for foreign exchange from a broad range of sectors, chief among them the wholesale and retail, financial, as well as electricity, gas and water supply. As at May 16, 2023, the Kwacha was trading at K18.53 per US dollar.

The inflationary pressures observed in April are expected to persist over the forecast horizon and keep inflation above the target band despite declining slightly relative to the February 2023 forecast.

Underpinning the current forecast are largely the impact of the recently approved electricity tariffs and elevated maize prices, particularly in 2023, as anticipated in the February forecast. In this regard, inflation in 2023 and 2024 is projected to average 10.5 percent and 8.4 percent compared to 11.1 percent and 10.5 percent in the February 2023 forecast, respectively. In the first quarter of 2025, inflation is forecast to remain at 8.4 percent.

Further delays in external debt restructuring negotiations, tighter global financial conditions, higher maize prices, due to the anticipated lower production amid strong regional demand, as well as the impact of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war on food and energy prices remain key upside risks to the inflation outlook.

Current account balance to rebound as the global economy recovers

The current account deficit narrowed in the first quarter of 2023 as deficits on both primary and services accounts reduced. The primary income deficit reduced on account of lower investment

income following a decline in dividend payments on foreign direct investment. Similarly, the services account deficit narrowed, reflecting lower expenditure on transportation attributed to passenger travel.

In the medium term, the current account balance is poised to post a surplus due to a faster rise in exports relative to imports on the back of the recovery in global growth.

The recovery is underpinned by a rebound in growth in China, unwinding supply-chain constraints, and subsiding disruption to food and energy markets.

Credit growth slows down, money supply expands, and economic growth to rebound in the medium-term

In March 2023, growth in domestic credit slowed down to 12.1 percent, year-on-year, from 18.7 percent in December 2022 following reduced lending to Government.

However, over the same period, credit to the private sector continued to grow—35.9 percent compared to 34.2 percent.

Money supply grew further by 30.0 percent in March 2023 compared to 24.5 percent in December 2022 due to increased credit to the private sector and valuation effects relating to US dollar denominated credit.

The economy is projected to slowdown in 2023, and rebound in 2024. This is underpinned by the recovery in agriculture and mining sectors as well as sustained growth in information and communications, manufacturing, transport, and financial and insurance sectors.

However, a slowdown in global growth, tight global financial conditions, adverse weather conditions, due to climate change, and elevated energy and food prices related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continue to be key downside risks to the growth outlook.

Preliminary data from the May 2023 Bank of Zambia Quarterly Survey of Business Opinions and Expectations and the Stanbic Bank Zambia PMITM point to a moderation in economic activity in the first quarter of 2023.

This was largely attributed to the depreciation of the exchange rate and increase in fuel pump prices.

Monetary Policy Committee Decision

The Monetary Policy Committee, at its May 15-16, 2023 Meeting, decided to raise the Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 9.50 percent. The decision was informed by the projection that inflation will continue to be above the target over the forecast horizon.

The Committee also took into account fragile growth, and lingering vulnerabilities and risks in the financial sector.

Observed budgetary discipline and continued implementation of fiscal consolidation measures overall, including broader economic reforms outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), will remain important anchors to achieving lower inflation and macroeconomic stability.

Decisions on the Policy Rate will continue to be guided by inflation outcomes, forecasts, and identified risks, including those associated with financial stability and external debt restructuring.

The next MPC Meeting will take place on August 21 and 22, 2023.

Issued by

Dr. Denny H. Kalyalya
GOVERNOR

K11.4 BILLION RELEASED FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS & PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY

….As Dr. Musokotwane calls for consistent and effective monitoring of budget execution by all stakeholders

Lusaka, Wednesday, 17th May, 2023 (SMART EAGLES)

Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has called for consistent and effective monitoring of budget execution by all stakeholders in their sectors of operation and interest.

The Minister has affirmed that the implementation of the 2023 budget is on course as all major budgeted programmes are now being funded, considerably.

He has also appealed to members of the public (individual and corporate) to actively participate in the formulation of the 2024 National Budget and the 2024 to 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Dr Musokotwane was commenting in connection with the April 2023 funding report whereby the Government released a total of K11.4 billion for developmental programmes and public service delivery.

“Of the K11.4 billion, K2 billion was released for transfers, subsidies and social benefits, whilst K2.2 billion was spent on debt service (domestic and external) and dismantling of arrears, and K3.6 billion was spent on the public service wage bill. In addition, the Government released K3.2 billion for implementation of various government programmes and general operations, while K359.7 million was spent on road infrastructure,” he said.

“From the K2.2 billion released for debt service and dismantling of arrears, a sum of K1.6 billion went towards both domestic and external debt payments to multilaterals while the component related to dismantling of arrears for suppliers of goods and services, got K627.4 million.”

Notable expenditure items under this category, included:

1) K388.3 million as grants to schools;

2) K275.3 million for the Farmer Input Support Programme;

3) K209.9 million for the nationwide Social Cash Transfer Programme;

4) K436.5 million for the operations of hospitals, other grant aided institutions under various Ministries;

5) K221.2 million for the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) for pensioners financing gap and grant;

6) K100 million for the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) financing gap;

7) K115.1 million for university grants to ensure smooth operations; and,

😎 K111.6 million to the Local Government Equalization Fund.

K3.2 billion was released to facilitate service delivery under various public institutions. Under this aspect, notable expenditure items included:

1) K436.7 million for the procurement of drugs, medical supplies and equipment (Ministry of Health);

2) K22.4 million for TAZAMA workers’ salaries;

3) K125 million for the Compensation and Awards Fund;

4) K42.5 million targeted at youth skills development through the Skills Development Fund;

5) K24.6 million Tourism Levy for development of Infrastructure in tourist locations; and,

6) K2.7 billion for general operations of Ministries, Provinces and Agencies (MPA’s), of which K631 million went towards public, health, education as well as water and sanitation infrastructure.

#SmartEagles2023

A STATE OF INSECURITY — THE INCARCERATION OF HON. GIVEN LUBINDA

BY HON. LUCKY MULUSA

It is extremely painful to see how state organs are abusing citizens each time there is a difference of opinion between and among citizens on the one hand, and the State on the other.

In the end, we have a situation where those elected to govern, have, in under 20 short months after taking power, descended into a worrisome state of insecurity. We now have a state of insecurity in the place of democracy underpinned by the 2.8 million votes. This figure one would have thought gave the UPND government unfettered legitimacy for people to be repaid through good governance practices.

In all this, only the gullible would be fooled that the current government is acting within the law each time they arrest an opposition leader. To the contrary, what is at play is LAWFARE, the use or abuse of legally established organs of the state to inconvenience citizens who hold different views from those in power. This is a clear dawn of the most sustained crackdown on dissent, only comparable to the authoritarian one party state of the UNIP era. It is not surprising in response to the visit by the Communist Party of China, the UPND said they wish to learn on how the UPND can institutionalize the party just as it is institutionalized in China! Are we going back to the One Party State of UNIP days? Then the Director of Information at the ministry of Information, my good brother Thabo Kawana responds to to political activism of the opposition PF that, “If we here you, telling lies we will come for you!” How can a the civil service go for political issues?

The executive through the police brutalize, maim and take away peoples’ lives at will. The police are used to deny people the freedom of speech, movement and association and fair participation in elections. Elections are a cardinal conduit for peoples’ participation in governance and politics being the activityby which groups reach binding collective decisions through attempting to reconcile differences among their members is health in our contemporary democracy. Politics must presume an initial diversity of views about goals or means or both. It is said that, were we always in agreement all the time, politics would be redundant. Politics involves reconciling such differences through discussion and persuasion and not weaponising state institutions against dissenting citizens.

The Judiciary seems to have an insatiable appetite to take away peoples’ liberties at will, deny people justice, or take away their hard earned wealth through incompetent or corrupt rulings. By her own admission, Justice Chibesakunda as Acting Chief Justice, told the nation that the judiciary was corrupt. And indeed we have seen in the recent past the dismissal of a number of judges and other officials from the judiciary.

The legislature is another institution involved in double standard practices against citizens simply for pointing out bad practices. It is like politics is a plague in this country and for as long as someone who is practicing it is not in government, then they are a pariah to the state and must be dealt with brutally! Did given Lubinda deserve to spend time in police custody for the perceived misdemeanor for which Parliament did not complain against? Cry my beloved country and HELL NO!

It is embarrassingly bizarre, that Parliament, the very bastion of our democracy, must itself lead in the campaign to gag citizens in the most draconian manner one can ever imagine in a democratic society.

How can verbal differences between an opposition leader and Parliament turn into criminal defamation for which an alleged offender must face criminal sanctions?

Let us not forget that in 2012, I chaired Mr. Speaker’s Select Committee that considered the ratification of Mr. Mutembo Nchito as DPP. Following his ratification, I was concerned with his actions that led me to write to Mr. Nchito, President Sata, the Attorney General and the ACC Director general as follows and I quote:

“I have perused through Cap 12 of the Laws of Zambia and come to the following clauses that are critical to the Mutembo Nchito case:

WITNESSES PROTECTION AND PROSECUTION
PART II
(False evidence)
16. Any person who before the Assembly or any authorised committee intentionally gives a false answer to any question material to the subject of inquiry which may be put to him during the course of any examination shall be guilty of an offence against section one hundred and four of the Penal Code.

In this case, I wrote, Mr Mutembo Nchito gave a false answer to the Committee which had shared concerns with him that given that it was the PF government’s wish that Mr Banda’s immunity be lifted, Mr Mutembo Nchito’s assertion that Mr Banda targeted him and that the downfall of Zambian Airways, a company so dear to his heart, was a consequence of that targeting, would compromise his position.

It was also pointed out to him that the prosecution of Dr Mathani, whose bank he was indebted to, was awaiting the new DPP’s instructions. Mr Mutembo Nchito allayed these fears by stating that he would not personally prosecute Mr Banda and that he would declare interest in any matters involving Dr Rajan Mathani.

He however went on to enter two nolle prosequi in favour of Dr Rajan Mathani who in turn discontinued claims against him for the money owed to Finance Bank. Dr Mathani was caused to commit possible corporate fraud when he illegally used company proceeds to pay for his sins.

He also evaded tax payments as a result of lost interest income from which the public should have earned tax. Dr Mathani committed corporate fraud and frustrated ZRA’a ability to collect tax from the bank’s transactions.

By stating the above highlighted falsehoods, Mr Mutembo Nchito was in breach of Section 16 of Cap 12 of the Laws of Zambia which is an offence under section one hundred and four of the Penal Code.

Following the above-mentioned letter, I further sought guidance from the Speaker on how I needed to proceed if Mr. Nchito failed to exculpate himself. I was ignored and rumor had it that I was going to be suspended from Parliament for expressing concerns bordering on public interest. My seat was later nullified.

Parliament never responded nor acted on my observation.

A short while letter Mr. Hichilema as an opposition leader was about to be summoned by Parliament to go and be sanctioned for comments Mr. Speaker was not pleased with. I wrote to the Speaker reminding him of more serious criminal acts regarding Mr. Nchito, which the Speaker ignored. He abandoned the planned action against HH:- What an act of institutional arrogance and insincerity!

Fast forward, Hon. Lubinda was incarcerated for apparently ignoring Parliament summons. But then, this is the same Parliament that ignores people when they seek redress from the Institution – double standards!

Recently, I wrote to the Speaker asking her to operationalize the Office of the Public Protector. Nothing has happened, not even an acknowledgement of receipt of the request.

When the citizens proposed to have that Office in the constitution they enacted for themselves, nobody has the right to ignore them especially those that swear to uphold it. Maladministration, which that Office is supposed to deal with, has continued unabated by the UPND government at great cost to the nation’s development agenda. Cry my beloved country!

“WHO STARTED THIS” LIE” AND WHY?….”NATIONAL HEROES UNFIT TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MATCHES”

It is a well-scripted, coordinated, rehearsed and timed lie meant to derail a noble national cause.
It is clear to all and sundry that the release of the “lie” is well-calculated and planned.
It is easy to decipher who started the lie and the motive.
To understand this, let us look at the following:

1. National Heroes Stadium hosted a CAF Qualifier, Zambia Vs Comoros, on 7th June, 2022. What has happened between 7th June, 2022 and now for Heroes Stadium to be declared unfit?Have we been fined or censured by CAF on any concerns raised about Heroes Stadium? As far I can remember, we have not heard anything to the effect that the stadium is not fit to host international matches.

2. It is a FIFA /CAF requirement that about three to four months before any qualifier that the host nation informs CAF of the stadium they plan to use for the next game. In turn CAF considers the stadium being proposed as venue. CAF also considers among other things facilities like hotels being proposed to host visiting team. Distance between the airport where the visiting will land and where the match will take place is also considered.

Once CAF or FIFA okays the proposed venue for the match, the details are fowarded or shared to the visiting team. If a country has two (good) stadia like the case of Zambia, CAF will only respond or comment on the stadium that was proposed by host Football Association. The question is did FAZ submit Levy Mwanawasa stadium or Heroes Stadium as the planned stadium to host the next Qualifier next month or did FAZ submit two venues?

3. CAF approval is for a specific game or games. Once the host FA has submitted the venue to CAF or FIFA, the approval of the venue is for a specific match or matches. The approval for the next Qualifiers read “This list is specific for the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’ ivore 2023 group stage Qualifiers, match day 5”. This means that FAs that will be away on match day 5 will have to inform CAF again about the stadium they plan to use in June even if CAF had allowed them to use the very stadium in March, 2023.

4. When CAF inspectors came to inspect facilities following our Afcon 2025 bid, we happily took them to Heroes. Have we forgotten what was said when the CAF inspectors were around?

5. If CAF had /has any reservations or concerns on Heroes, has FAZ communicated to the Ministry of Infrastructure so that the concerns can be addressed?

Having considered the above, it is clear that the release of the news claiming that the Heroes Stadium is unfit was not done in good faith. We can only make a hazard guess that the very misleading information was another attempt to derail the match between Chipolopolo Legends and Barcelona Legends slated for next week Thursday.

It is being orchestrated by known individuals hell bent on manipulating Zambians or always playing victim. They desire to appropriate good to themselves and bad to others.

But we believe that since the misleading information was not hatched by our FA, at the right time FAZ is expected to clear the air regarding the process of how venues to host Qualifier games are arrived at and whether they submitted Heroes to CAF.

Mumbo Lombe
16th March, 2023
Lusaka 🇿🇲

LOVE TO CHILDREN & SPOUSES OF RIVAL POLITICIANS

By Miles B. Sampa, MP (16.05.2023)

I have come to witness some unwritten rule in politics be it in Zambia or elsewhere. Never attack your opponent’s family (wife and children). You will therefore never hear me attack any politician’s family and glad to have observed that most of our past and current President can be said to do that.

About 2008 late then opposition PF President Michael Sata (MCS) had a funeral. His son Mulenga lost a beloved daughter. I remember being at the funeral house (Mulenga’s home) and a message came that President Rupiah Banda (RB) would visit at a particular advised time. President Sata tasked me to welcome President RB when he does arrive. When the convoy approached I got there to welcome the RB entourage led by then Minister Hon Catherine Namugala. I ushered them to the tent where MCS was seated.

Within seconds of passing condolences from RB to MCS, the tent became some insaka of laughter with the two reminiscing their young lives away from politics. I ushered back the RB entourage to their vehicles some 40 minutes later but by then it was evident the RB visit had managed to cheer up MCS, Mulenga, wife and all mourners that were present. Their burden was made lighter but needless to say that it was only a week or two later before President RB and Opposition leader MCS were back in news boxing each other in the political arena.

I have come to read today that when then President Edgar C. Lungu (ECL) was marrying off daughter then Councillor Tasila Lungu, HH posted a congratulatory message. Today we woke up to a good gesture from the former President ECL of a congratulatory card addressed to the daughter (Miyanda) of President HH and her husband Meenda on their wedding over the weekend. This is commendable given the evident tension between the President and former President since 2021 general elections.

Shall it be so that children and spouses of political leaders are respected and not dragged into political shenanigans or abuse of each other. One may however point out that what if the children or spouse themselves enter the political arena should they fall on this unwritten rule of being shielded. Subject to debate.

For today I commend President ECL for showing love to the children of President HH. Meenda and Miyanda must be the happiest and not to be brought into political kick boxing as they are not politicians but children of a politician. May we all emulate ECL and show love to families of fellow politicians be it within same party or rival parties.

MCS16.05.2023

WE HAVE LOST 1MILLION LITRES OF DIESEL IN THE ACCIDENT-TAZAMA

May 15th, 2023

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON PIPELINE RUPTURE AT KM 839 SWAYA, NEAR M.U.S.T. IYUNGA MBEYA

Background

Tazama Pipelines Limited is aparastatal owned by the governments of Zambia and Tanzania by shares 67% and 33% respectively.

It operates a 1,710 km pipeline transporting finished products from the port of Dar es Salaam to receiving terminal at Ndola, republic of Zambia.

In Tanzania, Tazama owns a 6 storage tanks tank farm with capacity of 231,000,000 litres, and 5 booster pumping stations situated at Kigamboni, Mikese Morogoro, Elphons Pass Kilosa, Mbigili Iringa, and Inyala Mbeya.

There are 2 booster pump stations in Zambia, Chinsali and Kalonje.

Source of Rupture

On 15th May, 2023, at around 13;40 hrs, a contractor, working on behalf of Tarura, was carying out road works at the said area, and while grading the road, he ruptured Tazama pipelines causing serious damage to the pipeline and spillage of over a milion litres of Low sulphur gasoil [LSG] which gushed out of the ruptured pipeline.

Action taken by Tazama

At around 13;10 hrs, operator on duty noticed an abnormal change of parameters [a rapid pressure drop] downstream the pipeline.

Immediatel, the station ordered a line survey to the walking patrols along the line and at about 1340 hrs the Swaya ward councillor rang Tazama to inform about the rupture.

An emergence response team was organised and sent to the site. All procedures put in place were caried out like isolating the problematic section by closing the valves at Km 799 and km 856 Songwe.

On arrival at scene at around 14;30, the team assessed the situation and started procedures for containing the leak. Because of the abnormality of the rupture, [big hole caused the the Motor grader blade] the team requested assistance from Dar es Salaam regional office, for more machinery/equipment assisted repairs.

By the time of writing this report, the team with their equipment is on the way to the site.

Costs associated with this rupture

Preliminary cost includes, about 1.0 million litres of spilled LSG, cost of repairs consisting of mobilization of manpower and equipment, supervisory and administrative costs to be worked out after repairs are completed and demobilization is done.

In addition to the above costs, idle time cum loss of business as a result of this will also be calculated. Environmental degradation associated costs will also be calculated.

Conclusion

It is estimated that operations will resume in 2 days’ time on completion of repair works and environmental clean-up. It is also worth noting that the pipeline Right of way is very welI located but it seems the contractor neglected the markings.

Prepared by:

Operations Department, Tazama Pipelines Ltd Dar-es-Salaam

Gertrude Imenda, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND),has asserted that the immunity enjoyed by former Zambian President Edgar Lungu does not extend to his wife and children. Imenda emphasized that they can be subject to investigation and legal proceedings if any wrongdoing is suspected.

Imenda’s comments came in response to remarks made by Brian Mundubile, a presidential aspirant from the Patriotic Front (PF), who claimed that Lungu was unjustly treated by the UPND government, alleging that he had not committed any actions to warrant such treatment.

Responding to Mundubile’s assertions, Imenda clarified that Lungu was not being harassed by the UPND government, as implied. She reiterated that the investigation into Lungu’s alleged misdeeds was carried out in accordance with the rule of law and due process.

Imenda further explained that presidential immunity, which shields former heads of state from prosecution for acts committed during their tenure, is limited to the individual holding the office. The immunity does not extend to the immediate family members, such as the spouse and children.

Yesterday, Ho Mundubile, a presidential aspirant from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, expressed his disapproval of the treatment received by former Zambian President Edgar Lungu at the hands of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) government. Mundubile questioned the justification behind the treatment and accused the government of infringing on Lungu’s rights as a citizen.

Mundubile specifically referred to Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe’s statement regarding Lungu’s continued enjoyment of benefits despite alleged misbehavior. He questioned the notion of misbehavior and urged the government to clarify the actions they were referring to. Mundubile emphasized that as a citizen of Zambia, Lungu is entitled to all the rights and freedoms accorded to him, and any attempt to control his behavior would be an infringement on his rights.

Furthermore, Mundubile drew a parallel to the respectful treatment of former presidents in neighboring Kenya, particularly mentioning President Uhuru Kenyatta’s respect for former President William Ruto. He called upon the UPND government to learn from this example and urged ministers and the head of state to show similar respect towards Lungu.

The opposition aspirant criticized the alleged harassment and humiliation that Lungu has endured, particularly by the police and the UPND government. Mundubile argued that there was no justification for such treatment, and the government’s contradictory statements and activities concerning the former president’s office raised suspicions. He called on the UPND to reflect on their actions, stating that their treatment of a former head of state was drawing negative attention globally.

Mundubile suggested that Lungu’s harassment stemmed from the UPND government’s fear that his interactions with citizens would expose their failures in fulfilling their promises. According to him, the government’s sensitivity arose from their realization that they had not delivered on their commitments to the Zambian people. Mundubile cited potential topics that Lungu might address, such as drug shortages, agricultural sector challenges, compromised judiciary appointments, and concerns within the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Meanwhile, Mundubile challenged Justice Minister Haimbe’s assertion that a former head of state’s treatment was based on their conduct while in power. He accused the UPND government of handling the matter in a childish manner, calling for a proper legal process if they had any case against Lungu, including laying charges, removing his immunity in Parliament, and prosecuting him in a dignified manner.