Maravi

LETTERS

Respect Zambians
By Saka Sokontwe
Friday June 08, 2007 [04:00]

Those who are keen followers of the game of chess will know the word “check”; “situation of the chess king in danger of being captured by the opponent’s piece”; “a difficult position that one is placed in by the opponent” and “a setback experienced by someone who becomes aware that their calculations were wrong, or their hopes have not been attained.”

I have taken trouble to use this term in view of President Mwanawasa and the MMD national executive committee’s proposal for a referendum to determine how the constitution must be adopted.

Their arguments; that the constitution will financially strain government coffers, the government has a road map, certain articles need to be repealed, those who are grieved about the constitution-review process can seek judicial guidance and now the referendum has undoubtedly been countered by their 'opponents'.

The MMD’s efforts to give Zambia a people-driven constitution in general and its adoption in particular have been faulted since they took power in 1991.
They have propagated a false sense of impartiality, striving for consensus based on the ability to speak on behalf of the Zambian people when in actual fact, they are representing a particular interest group.

They have desired to construct a Zambia whose ideals can only be realised through their legacy. Yet the legacy of of MMD in the constitution -making process is marred by controversy, greed, demonising well-meaning people and a narrow sense of tolerance.
I must say that the MMD are shunning facts of history and instead are looking for answers to the constitution-making process hypothetically. They are definitely acting as outsiders offering no practicable alternatives to this process.

This is one clear indication to what absurdity, pride and intolerance lead, when each man is so sure of his position and believes he is right to the exclusion of the rest of the citizens.
Let me end by reminding the MMD that in chess, you must watch your moves when your opponent says “check.”




http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=27616

Public discussion with Levy
By Mthoniswa Banda
Friday June 08, 2007 [04:00]

From the calls and letters, the President comes out as the sole depository of wisdom and knowledge on matters pertaining to the Zambian way of life. He comes out as the only intelligent person in this country, who can single-handedly steer the cause of the country and economy without regard to the views of other people.

In his letters, Mwanawasa seems to think that his re-election was a confirmation that he can spend the Zambian resources in any manner he deems fit and can solely determine the pace of development that this country can aspire to.

Mwanawasa seems to forget that his very luxury at State House and that of his family is paid for by the sweat and hunger of the millions of Zambians that struggle to survive on less than a dollar a day.

The sacrifice of the people has never been meant for Mwanawasa to threaten them or insult them with his arrogance but for him to get on his laurels and facilitate for the smooth operations of Zambian ways of life and the nation's economic growth.

If Mwanawasa has a lot of things to say to the Zambian tax payers, let him be brave enough, like Thabo Mbeki, KK among other leaders to appear on live discussion and debate programmes on radio and TV stations so that we can hear his views and debate with him.

Let him write his views in the columns of our newspapers, giving us his e-mail addresses so that we can react to his views.

If he ignores this, Mwanawasa might go down in history as the only president that never faced a live and intelligent audience in any debate on any issue during his tenure of office. What is he afraid of? Zambians want their country to compete with the G8 and not to always beg from them.



http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=27614

Leaders of intergrity
By Yetambuyu Munalula Livingstone
Friday June 08, 2007 [04:00]

It is good for Zambians to have woken up and seen for themselves that it is time for them to vote into power or governments people of integrity and morality, and this is final!

I would also like to congratulate Levy Mwanawasa for setting a standard, and The Post for their untiring fight to educate Zambians on what is good and bad by informing the majority.The above, we cannot pretend that they have done nothing even if they have their own weakness in one way or another. The truth is the standard has been set for people aspiring for presidency.

I am writing in reference to Fr John K. Kafwanka from London who wrote to say : “It is very interesting and sad to read many letters in search for the right person to succeed President Levy Mwanawasa as head of MMD and national President, and it appears many people are convinced that MMD will have something to offer politically, economically and so on.”

As much as one may wish to hate MMD, the fact that they are a political party in power, they still play a major political role in the nation hence the demand from the people they are ruling that they conduct their affairs well or face the red card.

If some people demand that someone clean and of integrity has to come on board, in this I see nothing wrong because we are all Zambians and we are all seeking something better for all to benefit.

And this goes to all political parties, but the appeal especially had to go to MMD as a major political player and this we cannot hide. Who knows if they will clean themselves and have a credible person at the helm that things can change? This I know is debatable.

Honestly, Levy with all his weakness has at least shown a different style from the “Chiluba” type of eating everything from your field of work! We need leaders of integrity and morality!





http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=27612

We need modern infrastructure
By Marvin Chibuye
Friday June 08, 2007 [04:00]

We continue to mourn the soccer fans who died due to a stampede at Konkola Stadium after the Zambia-Congo game last Saturday. It is heartwarming that families that lost beloved ones are being helped by the government and well-wishers but the truth is that it will only ease the burden but the pain will linger for a long time.

This could have been avoided if the government listened to peoples’concerns. With due respect, it’s evident that they swing into action very quickly when a crisis occurs but no mitigating measures are ever put in place to avoid a recurrence.

It is now a chorus that we need new or modern infrastructure in this country and many people have cited the benefits. Alas, it falls on deaf ears. Our politicians are only bent on ensuring they acquire wealth for themselves and no thought of the populous ever occurs to them.

This is evident in misplaced priorities that can be cited from our national budget. If we had modern stadia with capacities of 60,000 or 75,000 with many open exits due to negligence these gates may not be opened the tragedy could have been avoided.

The death traps we call stadia were meant for fewer people but Zambia has since outgrown the numbers.
Politicians, wake up!

There is nothing wrong with putting up a Commission of Inquiry to determine the cause of a calamity but we need mitigating measures.

Many soccer fans were crammed into a stadium that is not meant for such capacities; after all tickets in excess of the Konkola Stadium capacity were sold, with no thought of safety.

There are also no floodlights at Konkola and to add salt to injury the game ended late for known reasons, forcing people to panic as darkness loomed.

The fact is no other stadium is suitable to host international matches after the death trap we call Independence was banned by FIFA. Come on politicians, Zambia has no suitable stadia for international games.

Unless the government revisits its priorities, another tragedy looms. I am not a prophet of doom but it seems risk management is not critical to our government. On June 16 Zambia plays Chad and the question is from where? Of course, Konkola, the only FIFA-approved stadium if it is also not banned following the tragedy.

Soon and very soon, the Chipolopolo and soccer-loving Zambians will be destitute and deprived when our home games will be played away from here due to safety concerns.
It is the same old story when it comes to the road infrastructure. Lusaka is congested with traffic and no action is being taken to remedy the situation. All we hear is talk and no action. The government is waiting for a catastrophe so that they can set up a commission of inquiry.

To improve road safety, let us build bypasses to let vehicles flow without interference from local traffic, to reduce congestion in the built-up areas.

In fact, Lusaka urgently needs flyovers or overpasses; these are bridges formed by the upper level of a crossing of two highways at different levels. This will not only solve the safety aspect but beautify the city as well. These projects can then be extended to other cities and towns.

Well, I am sure some politician will remind us how poor Zambia is but they can afford to pocket US$ 55,000 in car loans, K 500 million in gratuity as MPs. And Zambia can even afford a US$ 28 million helicopter and other expenses. For once, politicians act! We are not as poor as you make us believe.

Labels: CONSTITUTION, GOVERNANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE, MWANAWASA

posted by MrK @ 5:12 AM