EMBRACE DEVELOPMENT- MULOBEZI RESIDENTS TOLD

*By MacPherson Mukuka in MULOBEZI*

Newly created Mulobezi District in Western Province is poised for massive development. This follows Government’s plans to develop the area in various sectors.

However, the challenge lies on the locals who have been cited as having a negative approach towards development.

Patriotic front Mulobezi area Member of Parliament, PATRICIA MULASIKWANDA has called on the residents in the area to develop a positive attitude towards government’s plans and embrace development.

Addressing Villagers in Chief MUTUNDA’S area during her visit to the area, Ms Mulasikwanda said the area has lagged behind because of the local’s negative approach towards government plans.

She said Government has a number of developmental projects earmarked for implementation in the area adding that the projects will only be successful if the residents open their hands and embrace the plans.

The law maker further disclosed that Government plans to construct 41 dams for irrigation, and water storage and 78 boreholes to further cushion the water shortages in the area.

She said Government is also finalising paper work to sign a contract with the Zambia National Service for the upgrading of feeder roads from Simungoma Junction.

Meanwhile, Chief Mutunda of Ngabwa People has called on the law maker to be visiting the area consistently.

He said the village faces a number of challenges that needs the attention of the member of parliament adding that they challenges can only be heard when the MP visits the area regularly.

The traditional leader disclosed that unemployment, hunger, lack of proper sanitation and HIV/AIDS are among the many other problems his subjects are currently facing.

Chief MUTUNDA adds that lack of communication facilities has also hampered development in the area as locals have no access to other news apart from Radio.

The Member of Parliament was on a four day tour of her constituency to check on progress of Government programmes.

ZARRSO SEALS DEAL WITH HTTI

By MacPherson Mukuka*ZARRSO*

In a bid to curb illegal reproduction of artistic works and copyright protected materials and further contribute to the fight against piracy in Zambia, the Zambia Reprographic Rights Society ZARRSO has intensified its efforts by engaging institutions of higher learning where photocopying of books and other written documents is on demand.

The Society recently signed a licencing agreement with the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute meant to allow the institute make copies of its member’s materials up to a certain percentage.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZARRSO Chief Executive Officer RUTH MWENYA said the agreement signed between the two firms does not imply that the HTTI should go on rampage making reproduction of artiste works.

She said the agreement only allows the institution rights to make reproductions from copyrighted materials to a certain extent as it is not a replacement of sales of books.

Mrs. Mwenya said the society has engaged over 20 institutions around the capital of Lusaka to try and negotiate the signing of licensing agreements and ZARRSO hopes that now that government has issued a circular the process begins to move faster and are very positive that more licenses will be signed.

She also disclosed that ZARRSO will be working closely with the Copyright Office at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services and the Zambia Police Intellectual Property Unit and other stake holders in terms of enforcement.

The Society Chief adds that the signing of the agreement with HTTI is part of ZARRSO’s campaign of sensitizing the public on the need to respect copyright laws.

Mrs. Mwenya was however quick to indicate that the society still has a lot of work to do vis-a-vie sensitizing the public on reprographic and rights.

And speaking at the same event, HTTI Director WILSON SILUNGWE says the institution has decided to buy the licence because of the importance it attaches to copyright.

Dr. SILUNGWE says the institution is in support of the fight against piracy and wants to associate itself with institutions like ZARRSO.

  

He says although there is no illegality in undertaking reproduction because one will have paid for the service, this ought to be done legitimately with the authorisation of the owners of the work and as an institution they are aware of the need to remunerate the owners of the works who have worked so hard to come up with that work thereby they support licensing for reproduction to protect Intellectual Property.

ZARRSO's operations are similar to ZAMCOPS the difference is that ZAMCOPS deals with Music while ZARRSO deals with licensing of literary and artistic works.

Meanwhile, Government through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services has issued a circular discouraging the public from engaging in illegal reproduction of literary works.

Students in Colleges and Universities are major users of reproduced  materials directly from the original copies without the author’s consent in most cases. 

It is therefore a timely development for the society is engaging institutions of learning in its bid to curb the scourge.    

9.9 MILLION DOLLARS FOR LUSAKA WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT- MCA-ZAMBIA

By MacPherson Mukuka*Millennium Challenge Account*

In a bid to improve provision of sanitation to communities in Lusaka, the Millennium Challenge Account Zambia Limited has signed a contract with Mota Engil Africa to upgrade and expand the Kaunda Square sewage ponds at a cost of 9.9Million US dollars.

 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Millennium Challenge Account Zambia Limited Board Chairperson FREDSON YAMBA Says the rehabilitation and construction of the new Kaunda Square ponds will cater for over 16 Thousand households in Mtendere that will transition from pit latrines to flushable toilets.
Mr. YAMBA, who is also Secretary to the Treasury, says the project will improve the health status of residents of Mtendere and protect ground water from contamination.

And U.S Ambassador to Zambia, ERIC SHULTZ says the Millennium Challenge Compact is exciting because it offers an example of how donor assistance can operate as a true partnership with Zambia.

He says the project is a shared investment with Zambian s taking the lead in developing and implementing the numerous activities, strengthened by the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s investment.

And Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Board Chairperson Professor MUNDIA MUYA says over the years, the institution has continued to invest in improving water supply and sanitation services in the province but limited infrastructure has continued to be overwhelmed by the exponential population growth.

He says the investment could not have come at a better time than now when the institution is facing increasing demand to provide vital services with limited infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, Visiting MCC principal Deputy Vice President KYEH KIM has noted that Lusaka residents will benefit from the investment in water, sanitation and drainage saying that safe and reliable water systems are vital to MCC’s mission of reducing poverty through economic growth around the world.

She says access to water and sanitation and hygiene – commonly known as WASH is fundamental to improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of poor and vulnerable populations-such as women, children and the physically challenged.

Ms. KYEH adds that evidence shows that clean water and adequate sanitation are not only critical to good health, but can also improve school attendance, productivity, and entrepreneurship.

She says the compact is investing in water supply, sanitation and drainage infrastructure with the goal of decreasing the incidence and prevalence of water-related diseases, productive days lost due to diseases and time to collect water, cost of water and new sanitation and business and residential growth.

Works targeted under the contract agreement will include expansion of the 45 year old ponds in order to restore the natural treatment process and create provision for future sewage loads in the sewer shed.

The new ponds are designed to cater for a population of 156, 000 as opposed to the targeted 18, 000 when originally constructed.

The project is part of 355 Million Dollars Bilateral compact agreement funded by the United States Government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation in partnership with the Government of Zambia.      

ZAMBIAN STUDENTS IN RUSSIA STARVING- SAYS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

 By MacPherson Mukuka *in Lusaka*

Zambian students in Russia have expressed concern over the delay by Government through the Bursaries Committee in releasing their top up allowances.

Zambian Student Community president in Smolensk, Russia JOSEPH TEMBO said in a statement released to ZNBC today that the Bursaries Committee was supposed to pay students at the beginning of the academic year, but has not done so for the last 2 months.

Mr. Tembo a 6^th Year General Medicine and Surgery Student says at the beginning of every academic year, students are required to pay for visa extension, medical policy and accommodation but Zambian students has not done so due to the delay.

He says failure to pay for the latter leads to eviction from hostels, while the former are offenses that lead to expulsion and deportation.

He says the past months have been hard for the students as they have exhausted all their sources of income.

Mr. Tembo said the students are now starving, and cannot borrow anymore  because their Zimbabwean creditors are waiting for them to settle their debts.

He says when the secretary to the Bursaries Committee was contacted, she said that the BC has not been funded and she had no idea as to when the funds will be made available.

He has since I appealed to President EDGAR LUNGU to look into the welfare of foreign students adding that most scholarship students abroad are coming from poor families and they completely depend on the top up allowances for their survival.

Mr. Tembo has stressed that if students do not pay for their hostels, they will be evicted from hostels and  If they do not renew their visas, they will be deported, and If they are discovered that they do not have medical policies, they will be deported.

He has added that If students fail to go attend classes due to  lack of money for their bus fares, they will be missing classes and that will lead to expulsion.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Higher Education Acting Permanent  Secretary, DAVID NDOPU has called for calm in the Zambian  Student Camp in the middle East Nation.

Mr. NDOPU says Government is aware of the problem and is doing all it can to avert the situation.

He says the ministry has engaged the Ministry of Finance to see when the funds will be released to the students.

Mr. NDOPU has however indicated that the situation has not only affected the students in Russia but also those in other countries and within Zambia.

REALIGN THE INSTITUTION- GOVERNMENT TELLS NEW NHA BOARD

By MacPherson Mukuka *in Lusaka*

 

Lack of improved and affordable housing in Zambia continues to be a concern for many who can hardly put a meal on the table three times every day.

 

Where houses have been built, especially by Government housing construction companies such as the National Housing Authority, the prices tags are always an issue, and government wants to put an end to the cry.

Local Government and Housing Minister STEVEN KAMPYONGO has implored the new National Housing Board of Directors to provide required policy guidance and oversight in the Management of the Authority.

Speaking during the inauguration of the 10 member National Housing Authority Board of Directors, Mr. KAMPYONGO says the government expects the directors to blend and lead the Authority in the right direction of providing efficient, affordable, adequate and decent housing for all.  

He urged the Directors to ensure improved delivery of housing at the center of the Authority’s existence and business.

Mr. KAMPYONGO has further called on the Board to resolve complaints being raised by the public and Members of Parliament over the performance of the Authority.

Mr. KAMPYONGO has also urged the Board to improve financial mobilization and utilization by ensuring the authority’s revenues due from all customers are collected on time, and prudently used to ensure value for money.

He says the institution must also be proactive by having a deliberate policy of communicating and sharing programmes. Successes and challenges with clients.

And Board Chairman FRANCIS NDILILA has pledged his team’s commitment to ensuring that the Authority delivers to government’s expectation.

Dr. NDILILA says the board will work towards achieving President EDGAR LUNGU’s desire to have the Authority realigned and work in conformity with its mandate of building affordable and quality houses.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. NDILILA says the Board will also ensure that the environment t in which people leaver are kept clean.

In his speech to the 5^th Session of the 11^th National Assembly, President EGDAR LUNGU noted that the Authority has deviated off its mandate of providing affordable housing to the Zambian Citizen.

 

 

NEW EU DELEGATION TO COMESA PLEDGES TO CONTINUE WITH GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP

By MacPherson Mukuka (in Lusaka)

European Union Ambassador to Zambia ALLESANDRO MARIANI says national
ownership is central to effective integration.

Ambassador MARIANI who is also EU Special Representative to COMESA says it is important to enhance visibility and understanding amongst politicians and ordinary citizens of the regional integration process and what it entails.

Speaking when he led a team of EU delegates to present credentials to COMESA secretariat, Ambassador MARIANI says efforts should always be devoted to analyze and promote the benefits of regional economic integration and to monitor the impact of regional reforms as well as
to sensitize and raise awareness in the region.

He says the EU and COMESA have jointly prioritized regional integration in which the EU has given the region 85 Million Euros grants as the focal area for developing the partnership up to the year
2020 in line with the COMESA strategy aimed at fostering economic prosperity through regional integration.

Ambassador MARIANI has further disclosed that beyond the development assistant to be implemented through the COMESA secretariat, the close dialogue will be of key importance for the benefits that COMESA may derive from EU support to EA-SA-IO under the infrastructure financing
envelope worth 600 Million Euros and the cross regional envelope worth 250 Million Euros.

He says it is clear the regional development programme in support of EA-SA-IO will support the tripartite process- a regional integration strategy of COMESA, EAC, SADC to strengthen and deepen economic integration in southern and eastern Africa through the harmonization of policies and programmes in the area of trade customs and infrastructure development.

And COMESA Secretary General SINDISO NGWENYA the EU remains the leading cooperating partner for the implementation of COMESA’s regional integration agenda that seeks to attain sustainable economic and social transformation hinged on the growth and development of
productive capacities to support the increased export of goods and services within and outside the region.

He says COMESA has greatly benefited from the European Development Fund (EDF).

He says under the 9th EDF, COMESA received a total of 78 Million Euro, out of which 32 Million Euro financed the implementation of the regional integration support programme, and 8 Million Euro channeled towards the implementation of the East African Community Customs Union.

He said to date, 16 countries are benefiting from the facility adding that resources amounting to more than 58. 8 Million Euros have been disbursed to member states in the form of adjustments support.

Mr. NGWENYA has since disclosed that in the 11th EDF, it is expected that the EU support will help COMESA achieve reduced cost of cross border trade through removal of the internal barriers, increased private sector participation in regional and global value chains and enhanced capacity of COMESA including the private sector, to deepen regional integration.