Maravi

Levy told me I would succeed him, claims Rupiah

Levy told me I would succeed him, claims Rupiah
By Zumani Katasefa and Abigail Chaponda in Luanshya
Tue 22 Dec. 2009, 17:30 CAT

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday disclosed that late president Levy Mwanawasa told him that he would one day succeed him. During the production resumption ceremony at China Luanshya Mine (CLM) today, President Banda said he was very proud that president Mwanawasa advised him well. President Banda said a Vice–President was not miles away from becoming a Republican President.

“When my late brother late president Mwanawasa brought me from my village to be his Vice-President he told me that he knew that one day I will be able to succeed him, and I am very proud that he always better advised me,” said President Banda who was accompanied by Vice-President George Kunda and Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

He said it was important to include Vice-President Kunda in his entourage to Luanshya to witness the celebrations on the production resumption of Luanshya mines because he was born and bred in Luanshya.

He said Vice-President Kunda was a role model of the young people of Luanshya and urged them to work hard at school so that they could one day head such high offices. President Banda described himself as a servant of the people. He said it was his duty to serve the people of Zambia and not to be thanked.

“I did not come here for people to thank me or give praises. It is my duty to come here and celebrate with you because I am a servant of the people,” President Banda said.

He said his duty was to ensure that people had jobs and their lives improved.

President Banda said former president Dr Kenneth Kaunda taught him how to serve people and this was why he did not address him as Dr but Professor.

He urged the Cabinet ministers and other government workers to serve selflessly, saying leaders who worked to serve their own personal egos would not last long.

“We are there to work for the people not to be thinking about our personal egos, that is failed leadership,” he said.

President Banda said the government was concerned about all the workers and their conditions of service in the country.

“It is not true that we favour investors’ interests at the expense of workers’ welfare.

In some cases, due to certain developments surrounding conditions of service of mine employee surrounding the country, work stoppages have became too frequent.

While welcoming foreign investors with open hands, I also want to see that employees earn reasonable pay to enable them meaningfully develop and make progress as individuals and as families.

Pay the employees meaningful wages and salaries, and they will repay you long-term dedication,” said President Banda as workers shouted “ukukole ko apo! bachilamo ukutubepa Emphasise that point, we are tired of lies.”

He said poor conditions of service would invariably leave workers unhappy and miserable adding that such workers tend to disadvantage production not only in the mining sector but in all sectors of the economy.

“Since the district has had enough mine closures, I urge management CLM to work closely with the local union and amicably, move the entire operation forward,” he said.

President Banda urged unions in the mining sector to be resilient, creative, and innovative in negotiating better conditions of service.

“Work stoppages and industrial unrests are not the way forward. In this vein, I thank the miners for being calm and peaceful during those trying times when the mine was placed under care and maintenance.

My government is most grateful for this mature and sacrificial spirit,” President Banda said.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin said Chinese investments were not only well received and extensively recognized by all African governments and peoples on the continent, but also applauded by the well-informed and well-traveled Western researchers and credible institutions.

“Just three days ago against this backdrop a unique Zambian politician of rare breed again attacked China with a claim that Chinese do not bring any investment to Africa.

Before your own eyes everyone here has witnessed the construction of TAZARA, establishment of Zambia–China economic and trade cooperation zone, the rising of Ndola stadium nearby, not to mention the numerous schools, hospitals, anti malaria centre and hydro-power station under the aid program from China,” Ambassador Qiangmin said.

“The politician’s remarks are absolutely baseless and ill-motivated or is just in denial or lost sight and vision which is very dangerous for any politician.”

He said so far the accumulated investment in Luanshya mine had reached over US $70 million and 2,250 local people had been employed.

He said the project investment would reach US $400 million.

“My dear friend when we face those figures, can we believe that politician’s nonsense the Chinese don’t bring in any investment and good to Africa,” asked Ambassador Qiangmin.

Later, President Banda was expected to have a meeting with traditional leaders on the Copperbelt.

Labels: CHINA LUANSHYA MINE, GEORGE KUNDA, MMD, PRESIDENCY, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:26 PM