Police pick up Dr. Simon Miti
Saturday, May 30, 2009, 15:50
Police have picked up former Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Simon Miti to help with investigations into the financial scandal at the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Miti, who is now Science and Technology Permanent secretary, was picked up Saturday morning for questioning at police headquarters in the Zambian capital, Lusaka. Police Spokesperson Bonny Kapeso has confirmed the development.
Investigations have intensified in the K10 billion scam at the ministry of health with 32 people now sent on forced leave. Secretary to the Cabinet, Joshua Kanganja has confirmed that the 32 officers have been written to. Dr. Kanganja said cabinet office will not suspend any officers until the probe is completed.
The Secretary to the Cabinet said there will be need to take administrative action against the officers implicated in the scam once investigations have been completed.
And in another development K4 billion released by the ministry of health last year for completing the construction of Shangombo District Hospital, has been diverted to unrelated activities by the western province administration.
This has enraged Sinjembela Member of Parliament Mubika Mubika.
Mr. Mubika says the Shangombo district hospital project that was started in 2004 has remained a white elephant for five years.
Mr. Mubika says critically ill patients suffering from Tuberculosis and those on Anti Retro Viral drugs continue to be inconvenienced by travelling to Senanga district to access the drugs.
He has called on Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao to ensure that the K3 billion budgeted for this year is not diverted.
The incomplete Shangombo district hospital project also includes construction of 14 staff houses, but only 6 have been completed.
Labels: JOSHUA KANGANJA, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, SIMON MITI
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Govt made simple
Written by Editor
Listening to some ministers’ pronouncements in this administration, one would not be wrong to say Rupiah Banda is running a circus.Maybe these ministers should not be blamed. It appears they have been inspired by their leader, Rupiah. Rupiah’s whole administration is a huge circus, from top to bottom, from State House to the lowest office in the land.
It is becoming increasingly embarrassing to listen to ministers like Benny Tetamashimba and Ronnie Shikapwasha. It’s clear these do not think through what they pronounce. Their main preoccupation is to please their master. So we have praise singers for ministers. It’s a government made simple.
Tetamashimba yesterday said he was forced to disclose that the decision to acquire hearses for the local authorities was started during Levy Mwanawasa and Sylvia Masebo’s time so no one should accuse him of receiving kickbacks. The other day, this same Tetamashimba told us that he paid for the 100 hearses in December last year in his capacity as local government minister.
Now Tetamashimba is saying he is going to investigate why the ministry paid K14 billion for the hearses instead of the budgeted K8 billion during Masebo’s time. But who paid this money? Is Tetamashimba going to investigate himself? Why didn’t he investigate or ask before releasing the money? And why only start the investigations after a public outcry? If Zambians had welcomed the purchase of hearses without questioning the deal, was Tetamashimba going to institute investigations and announce that the project was started by Masebo and Mwanawasa?
This is lot of confusion coming from Tetamashimba. It appears he does not know what he is doing or what he is supposed to do. Today he says the hearses programme is his project, tomorrow he says it is Masebo’s.
From Tetamashimba’s own words, the project was started by Masebo but he is the one who paid for the hearses, that is if ministers have now become paymasters or procurement officers.
So what was Tetamashimba paying for, even as late as last January, if he was not convinced that Masebo’s project was worthwhile? This Tetamashimba was Masebo’s deputy, so he cannot plead ignorance on this matter. Assuming he did not agree with Masebo’s decision, why did he go ahead to pay for the hearses after he took charge of the ministry?
It is not a secret that there are a number of Masebo’s decisions that Tetamashimba has so far reversed. So why didn’t he reverse this decision to purchase hearses if he thought it should have nothing to do with him but Masebo? Masebo left an idea and it is Tetamashimba who turned this idea into reality.
This is what Tetamashimba wanted to see done so he should not blow hot air over this issue of hearses. It is a matter of public record that when Masebo was local government minister, she stopped the construction of the building next to Lusaka Girls School near the Addis Ababa roundabout in Lusaka to protect the interests of the school-going children. But a few weeks after Tetamashimba succeeded Masebo, he overturned her decision and allowed the construction of this building.
Some people have questioned and insinuated about this development but Tetamashimba has not bothered to explain why his ministry allowed the construction of this building contrary to Masebo’s instructions. Why can’t Tetamashimba clear his name or the ministry in the same way he wants to clear it over the purchase of hearses?
Today, Tetamashimba and Rupiah are making big plans for the launch and handover of the New Soweto market in Lusaka without announcing that this project was started by Mwanawasa and Masebo with the support of the European Union.
When it suits them, certain things should be attributed to Mwanawasa and Masebo or any other officials that worked closely with Mwanawasa. Is this the continuity Rupiah and his cohorts preached about? Rupiah was Mwanawasa’s vice-president and therefore part and parcel of every decision that Mwanawasa’s Cabinet made. What has happened to the issue of collective responsibility?
In any case, it is Rupiah’s administration that brought to fruition the hearse idea that was conceived during Mwanawasa’s time. Mwanawasa was not there when Rupiah and Tetamashimba pushed for the payment of these hearses as late as five months ago.
Legitimate questions have been raised. Why isn’t Tetamashimba or Rupiah addressing these questions? Michael Sata is saying that each hearse was budgeted for US $9,000 but Tetamashimba paid US $29,000 for one. Why? This is the question Tetamashimba is not answering. Instead, he wants to divert attention to who initiated the project, ignoring the fact that the person who initiated this project did not make the payment.
The other day, Tetamashimba was proud to announce that he made the payment last December. When he is queried about the figures, he is quick to pass the buck, suggesting that there could have been corruption in the process, which corruption he did not talk about earlier. And now Tetamashimba says he is going to investigate this matter and make his findings public. What is there to investigate? As a person who made this payment, is he also going to investigate himself?
We do not see anything to investigate about this matter because it is simple and straightforward. If it is not that simple and straightforward with Tetamashimba, then it is him who has a problem or he is up to something.
We are tired of this circus in Rupiah’s government.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, CORRUPTION, RUPIAH BANDA
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Sondashi challenges Rupiah to act on deals involving his sons
Written by George Chellah
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:52:19 PM
LUSAKA lawyer Ludwig Sondashi has challenged President Rupiah Banda to act on deals such as the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) maize and RP Capital Partners where his sons have been mentioned. And Sondashi said the nation cannot be hoodwinked by President Banda's recent zeal to fight corruption because people know that he is not against corruption.
In an interview, Sondashi said President Banda's current stance on the crusade against corruption was not sincere.
"The perceived U-turning of President Banda to start fighting corruption is not genuine. If he was for the crusade, he should have started this immediately he assumed office as Republican President. So it's too late for him start this now," he said.
Sondashi, who is former works and supply minister, said President Banda was zealous about the K10 billion scam in the Ministry of Health (MoH) because none of his children and relatives were involved.
"What is happening in the Ministry of Health...because no one connected to him is involved, that's why he is fuming. When his children and relatives are involved, it's not possible that he can stand up," Sondashi said.
"But the nation knows that President Banda is not against corruption and therefore the nation cannot be hoodwinked to believe in whatever is happening now."
He challenged President Banda to equally act on scams where his children had been mentioned.
"His children were mentioned on the GMO maize deal and this Dora Siliya thing [RP Capital Partners deal]," Sondashi said.
"He should act on that as well. His children were mentioned that they were involved. Those are the deals I was referring to. If he is against corruption, he should be friends with The Post and stop the MMD youths who are harassing Post reporters."
President Banda's children, Henry and James, were linked to the RP Capital Partners deal, a company engaged to valuate Zamtel assets as well as the importation of GMO maize by one of the companies contracted by Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to supply the commodity.
Recently, President Banda said all civil servants and their agents who are currently under investigations in the K10 billion scam should not enter the Ministry of Health premises until further notice.
According to a statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere, President Banda received an interim report on the alleged financial scam at the Ministry of Health where billions of kwacha were alleged to have been misapplied or stolen by civil servants.
President Banda said the interim report indicated that the amounts involved in the scam could be higher than what was initially reported going by the number of people and companies implicated in the scam.
However, President Banda said he would wait for the final report from the Auditor General who was currently conducting a forensic audit at the Ministry of Health.
Labels: LUDWIG SONDASHI, RP CAPITAL PARTNERS, RUPIAH BANDA
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K27bn was stolen from MoH - Auditor General
Written by Chibaula Silwamba and Ernest Chanda
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:49:25 PM
AUDITOR General Anna Chifungula yesterday revealed that preliminary investigations at the Ministry of Health have indicated that
K27 billion was stolen and there is a possibility that more money might have been stolen
by civil servants. And Secretary to the Cabinet Dr Joshua Kanganja has revealed that the government has sent 32 workers from the Ministry of Health on forced leave.
In an interview in Lusaka, Chifungula said the amounts of money stolen from the Ministry of Health were much higher than the initially reported K10 billion.
"Well, for us we have found that K27 billion was stolen," Chifungula said.
Asked if there was a possibility that the money stolen was more than what the investigations had so far revealed, Chifungula responded: "Yes, there are possibilities that the amount might be higher than that. There are some other figures that are still...you know the investigation is still going on. So the ones that have been confirmed is K27 billion."
And Dr Kanganja said 32 workers from the Ministry of Health had been sent on forced leave.
Dr Kanganja said the affected workers would be liable for prosecution if investigations proved that they had abused public funds.
"I have sent 32 people from the Ministry of Health on forced leave in line with the revelations by the Anti Corruption Commission a few weeks ago and if they are found wanting, then they will be liable for prosecution," Dr Kanganja.
The ACC unearthed a corruption scam in which over K10 billion government funds were suspected to have been corruptly obtained from the Ministry of Health.
The commission is investigating Henry Kapoko, a former human resource manager in the Ministry of Health, in connection with the alleged corruption, theft and fraud.
The ACC has also seized and restricted property in excess of K3 billion allegedly belonging to Kapoko who now works at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in the human resource department.
President Banda last Tuesday directed all civil servants and their agents who were currently under investigations in the K10 billion scam not to enter the Ministry of Health premises until further notice.
According to a statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere, President Banda received an interim report on the alleged financial scam at the Ministry of Health where billions of funds were alleged to have been misapplied or stolen by civil servants.
Last Wednesday, over 20 employees at Ministry of Health were suspended to pave way for investigations into the scam.
Operations at the ministry were temporarily suspended as law enforcement agents cordoned the area to ensure that people did not move evidence from the offices and some people from various departments were picked up for questioning at the police headquarters.
Following the revelations, the Swedish and Dutch governments suspended aid to Zambia's health sector.
The donors have withheld their aid pending the report of the forensic audit of the Ministry of Health.
The Swedish government, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), was to release about K59 billion while the Dutch government contributes K92 billion annually to the country's health sector
And earlier when opening a sensitisation workshop meeting for permanent secretaries on decentralisation in Lusaka, Dr Kanganja disclosed that the Ministry of Local Government would soon present a Bill to Parliament on the re-introduction of the Local Government Commission.
"The government is keenly aware that unless adequate capacity is built and sustained in the councils, the fruit of decentralisation will not be realised. To this end, the process of developing a comprehensive capacity development programme which is aimed at improving the capacity of the councils as they prepare for full devotion already is underway," said Dr Kanganja.
"As part of this process, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing will soon be presenting a Bill to Parliament on the re-introduction of the Local Government Service Commission which should facilitate the recruitment and deployment of qualified personnel at senior management level in councils as part of the progression towards devolution."
Labels: ANNA CHIFUNGULA, AUDITOR GENERAL, JOSHUA KANGANJA, MINISTRY OF HEALTH
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Teta is lying on hearses – Sata
Written by Patson Chilemba
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:47:24 PM
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata yesterday charged that local government minister Benny Tetamashimba is lying because his statements on the hearses have been filled with contradictions. But Tetamashimba said he could not keep quiet over who made the decision to procure hearses because he was being accused of receiving kickbacks.
Commenting on Tetamashimba's statement that he and President Rupiah Banda were not involved in the procurement of hearses, Sata said Tetamashimba was lying because he was local government deputy minister and knew what was happening.
He said it was impossible for Tetamashimba not to know what was happening when he served as a deputy to former local government minister Sylvia Masebo.
Sata said Tetamashimba was contradicting himself because he recently said the ministry paid for the 100 hearses in December last year.
He said Tetamashimba had changed positions because of pressure from the public who wanted to know who had pocketed the US $20,000 on each of the 100 hearses that were bought.
"The documents we have show that those hearses cost US $9,000, but they said those hearses cost US $29,000. So we want to know who has pocketed US $20,000 and why is he bringing in Rupiah Banda? Have they shared the money?" Sata asked when he featured on a Radio Yatsani programme yesterday morning.
He wondered why the government went to buy the hearses from China when there were several companies in the country dealing in the sale of motor vehicles.
"And why pay them at government to government level? Why was he in a hurry that by December they pay? I want to know in whose pockets the US $20,000 dollars is. Anna Chifungula can you go to local government so that you can tell us who has pocketed the money," Sata said.
"He's [Tetamashimba] a champion of doom. He jumps on anything which pleases him, that's why he went to chief Mumena so that he can support him on the hearses and mobile hospitals."
Sata said people wanted to receive kickbacks and that was why they procured goods and services centrally.
Sata said late president Levy Mwanawasa opposed the purchase of hearses just as he was opposed to salary increments for constitutional office holders and senior government officials.
But Tetamashimba said he could not keep quiet on who made the decision to purchase hearses when he and President Banda were being accused of receiving kickbacks.
"Do you think I am supposed to agree to that, to remain quiet when you are accusing me of receiving kickbacks? You are being unfair, you are bought by Sata. I am just refusing, you were mentioning that it's Rupiah Banda and me," said Tetamashimba.
On Thursday, Tetamashimba said the decision to buy hearses, tractors and boats was made by Masebo during president Mwanawasa's reign.
He said Masebo revealed to him that she remembered hearses being budgeted for at a cost of K8 billion but that the ministry had now spent K14 billion on the procurement.
On May 19, 2009, when contacted for comment on the procurement of hearses, Tetamashimba said the budget to buy the hearses was prepared before he became local government minister although he was not aware of the procurement.
Tetamashimba said the director of local government informed him that the government had paid about K14 billion for the hearses last year and that the vehicles had arrived in the country.
He went on to justify that the vehicles would be given to the councils to help people in the rural areas because they were in most cases exploited when burying their dead.
But on May 20, 2009, Tetamashimba changed his position, saying his ministry paid for the 100 hearses in December last year.
"I am the minister of local government. They [hearses] were bought last year. So for now everything that happens falls on my back. I paid for these things in December. The money was paid when I was local government minister. Don't blame Honourable Sylvia Masebo, it's me. I have got these vehicles and I am going to give to every district," Tetamashimba had said.
And Sata said corruption had become more alarming in the nation than it had ever been in the country's history. He said President Banda should not just concentrate on sealing the Ministry of Health but should do so with other government ministries and institutions where corruption was rampant.
Sata said President Banda could not fight corruption.
"He has seen that all the money is already gone out of health ministry, that's why he says ‘seal’," he said.
Sata also said the country would not be in such a deplorable state if former president Frederick Chiluba had continued where Dr Kenneth Kaunda left.
He said president Mwanawasa did not achieve much because Chiluba had not left a development platform for him.
Sata further confirmed that PF had commenced talks with the United Party for National Development (UPND) and hoped to extend the same to Heritage Party (HP) president Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda.
One of the callers to the same programme, Reverend Edith Mutale encouraged Sata to continue speaking for the voiceless.
She said recently there was a revelation that MMD deputy national secretary Jeff Kaande wrote a letter to then home affairs permanent secretary Susan Sikaneta to pay suppliers who had pledged support to the MMD but the issue had gone quiet.
She said the public would want to know what happened over the issue.
Rev Mutale said accountants at Ministry of Health should be probed because there was no way Henry Kapoko could have committed alleged corruption without them.
Rev Mutale said she bled to see countries like Uganda which were behind develop rapidly when Zambia was still in poverty.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, SATA
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MPs will get their mid-term gratuities – Musokotwane
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:45:11 PM
FINANCE minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane yesterday said members of parliament will get their mid-term gratuities since it is an entitlement. And Dr Musokotwane has said the government will go ahead and pay for the mobile clinics if evaluation reports indicate that the facilities will benefit and add value to the Zambian society.
Meanwhile, Dr Musoko-twane said the Ministry of Finance would this year endeavour to keep track of all reported cases of misuse and misappropriation of public funds until the cases were disposed of in the courts of law.
Featuring on Let the People Talk programme on Radio Phoenix, Dr Musokotwane said gratuities for parliamentarians were an entitlement under the law.
"They will get their entitlements, it's like any other entitlement and the law requires that they get it so they will get their gratuities," said Dr Musokotwane, in response to a caller, who wanted to know if it could be postponed due to the global economic crisis.
And Dr Musokotwane said the matter to purchase mobile vans to serve as clinics from China was a proposal that would be evaluated for appropriateness.
"Like any other proposal, this issue will be evaluated for appropriateness and in this particular case, is it going to be of benefit to society, if it is and there are line ministries to demonstrate how the clinics will add value to the Zambian people, why not do it but if there are doubts about its usefulness then obviously we will not do it," Dr Musokotwane said.
When asked about renovating existing hospitals and clinics since the vans would face challenges associated with the poor road network, Dr Musokotwane responded that challenges were there hence the need for evaluation.
"This is why evaluation must take place but we should also recognise the essence of outreach service [flying doctor service] which is a recognised part of medical arrangement but given the level of intensity of what is being proposed an evaluation is required then we will take a look at it," he said.
When asked why government paid twice the amount to purchase the hearses, Dr Musokotwane said local government minister Benny Tetamashimba was investigating the matter.
"I think one possibility might be of exchange rate obviously this was planned when it was at a certain level now it has moved maybe I do not know but the most appropriate thing is to let the minister responsible investigate and come to conclusions and share something with us," he said.
Dr Musokotwane said the government was not defending any wrongdoing but had accepted that something went terribly wrong at the Ministry of Health hence the need to review entire process and tighten up loopholes.
"We are saddened by this downright theft at health, it is atrocious and we regret the suspension of aid and we do understand frustrations that donors have experienced but we need talk to them to understand exactly what they want and hopefully when they see the report from the investigative agencies they are likely to remove suspension and we have continued to engage them to assure them that money will be secured and if they are comfortable aid will resume," Dr Musokotwane said.
"These things happen everywhere and crime is a reality in the world, for me the systems on paper are there like when expenditure has to be incurred it goes through various stages and someone in the system may say ‘I want this' and it needs to be recorded. And if there is a budget for that item that must be verified, once done and if procurement is done according to rules somebody must check, before payment is done and internal auditors must satisfy themselves that everything is in order, when payment is done and someone must ensure that delivery is done and delivery note attached to say 'item is in the stores'. But on this particular issue they have completely beaten us and what is required for us is to learn from what has happened and tighten loopholes because criminals are not stagnant but always moving ahead."
He said the government had vowed not to see capital projects being sacrificed since the projects like hospitals and schools prepared the nation for the future, saying funds must be secured.
"If there are some issues arising like what has happened at health where support has been suspended and we divert money to cater for that what should suffer is fuel, travel, allowances, capital projects must remain intact and this year once we receive reports from the Auditor General's office, I have vowed to my officers that whatever administration actions required must be taken and whichever cases go beyond administration actions and require intervention of other agencies like ZP [Zambia Police] , DEC [Drug Enforcement Commission], ACC [Anti Corruption Commission], we will without hesitation deliver those reports to their attention," said Dr Musokotwane.
"It has been noted over the years that sometimes reports are handed over but nothing much seems to come out of it but this year we will keep a tally and track each and every case until it is disposed of so that everybody will know that cases have been concluded in the most satisfactory manner."
Labels: CORRUPTION, MPs, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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‘Zambia ready to support AU efforts in Sudan’
Written by George Chellah
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:43:41 PM
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday said Zambia stands ready to support efforts of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) that will culminate into sustainable peace in Sudan.
During the presentation of credentials by the Sudanese Ambassador-designate to Zambia Sabit Abbe Alley at State House, President Banda said Zambia was a strong and unrelenting advocate of peace and security.
"More so the peaceful resolution of disputes. My government and the people of Zambia have always encouraged dialogue in the resolution of disputes. It is therefore, my fervent hope and desire that concerted efforts are made to bring peace to Darfur," President Banda said.
"Zambia stands ready and resolute to support efforts of the African Union and the United Nations that will culminate into sustainable peace which is good not only for the people of Sudan but also for the rest of the world."
He said relations between Zambia and Sudan had over the years been cordial, founded on mutual respect, friendship and equality.
"It is gratifying that our two countries share common positions at international fora such as the African Union, COMESA, the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement where we both seek to promote global peace and economic advancement," President Banda said.
"Our membership in the United Nations and the African Union provide a useful platform for us to interact and support each other on matters of mutual concern such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, peace and security, terrorism and climate change which, if not contained, could undermine the socio-economic wellbeing of not only our two peoples but also of the rest of the world.
"In addition, the Non-Aligned Movement within which we share common aspirations and ideals has greatly helped us in not only advancing our common socio-economic agendas but also in cementing our fraternal relations."
President Banda urged Ambassador Alley to do his best during the tour of duty in Zambia to ensure that the two countries move to higher heights in their development cooperation.
"As you assume your responsibilities in Zambia, please do not confine yourself to Lusaka but go around the country with a view to identifying possible areas where our two countries can cooperate in order to broaden and enhance our bilateral relations," President Banda said.
And Ambassador Alley praised Zambia's role in the region and continent.
"We in Sudan have high regard and appreciation for Zambia for the prominent role it had played in the struggle for the liberation of Africa in the past and for its present exemplary role as a bastion of peace, stability and democracy in the region and indeed in the whole of Africa," Ambassador Alley said.
"Moreover, Zambia's hosting of the secretariat of COMESA is a testimony of your country's genuine commitment to the economic cooperation and integration of our region."
Ambassador Alley said Zambia had been supportive of peace efforts in the Sudan and that the Sudanese appreciated the gesture.
Labels: AU, RUPIAH BANDA, SUDAN
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Mopani was ill-prepared for global crisis, says CEO
Written by Mutuna Chanda in Kitwe
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:35:45 PM
MOPANI Copper Mines chief executive officer Emmanuel Mutati has confessed that his firm was ill-repared to face the global economic downturn.
Speaking during a luncheon hosted by the Zambia Mining Exhibition (ZAMINEX) Show in Kitwe at the ongoing Copperbelt Mining, Agriculture and Commercial Show, Mutati described the time of economic downturn as having been terrible. The Show is being held under the theme 'Productivity in Adversity'.
"Last year and in particular the last six months proved to be a very difficult and challenging time for us at Mopani due to the global economic downturn," Mutati said. "The situation caught most of us ill-prepared."
He said Mopani had to review its operations to ensure that it survived.
"At Mopani, we have had to reach deep and review absolutely all aspects of our operations to ensure that there is indeed a way forward," he said. "The remedy for repositioning ourselves has not been easy medication for us to take. Regrettably some of our workmates lost their jobs and indeed quite a number of contractors lost sizeable investments as we tried to reposition the company in order to meet the challenges of the new economic order."
He described the experience of the global economic downturn as having been a wake-up call of huge proportion.
"A time that we need to acknowledge and analyse and be mindful of as we go forward; because for sure...this will not be the last recession," he said. "There have been two world recessions-1975 to 1977, 1982 to 1984 and a global supply constraints recession-1990 to 1992."
He conceded that copper prices were strong but that high production costs and investment had stood in the way of some underground mines being profitable.
"It is not debatable that the price of copper has been strong to the point of exceeding the highs of previous cycles," he said. "However from July last year it has since plummeted by almost 50 per cent. The recent reversal in prices still puts copper at very high levels by historical standards but higher costs and significant investments into capital equipment and plant have limited the ability of some underground mines to stay viable."
Mutati said that addressing the cost of doing business in Zambia should be the mining sector's point of engagement with the government.
"Mining depth and the increase in fuel and energy prices have raised the cost of production and supply to the markets particularly for landlocked countries such as Zambia," he said. "The issue is not just one of low copper prices but one of high costs too. Zambia is a high cost destination and consequently a high cost producer by global standards. I believe that reducing the cost of doing business in Zambia is top priority and this should be the platform for engagement with the mining sector."
And mines minister Maxwell Mwale urged mining companies to continue lowering production costs.
"It should be noted that the production cost denominator is a level of production," Mwale said. "Retrenchment of local employees should be last resort."
He also praised Mopani management for rescinding their decision to close the Mufulira mine and placing Nkana operations under care and maintenance.
"Government is happy that the company made a wise economic decision as the past few months have indicated that metal prices are rebounding," said Mwale. "This upward trend in metal prices is also good news for other mining companies especially Lumwana Mining Company and the Chambishi Copper Smelter whose operations were only recently commissioned."
Labels: MOPAM
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Don’t target individuals in new constitution - Fr Mpasa
Written by Ernest Chanda
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:34:31 PM
MANSA Diocese Vicar General Fr Mambwe Mpasa has advised Zambians to sail beyond the idea of targeting individuals as the country enacts a new Republican constitution.
Commenting on works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti's proposal that presidential candidates in the next election should be degree holders, Fr Mpasa argued that education alone did not give one leadership qualities.
"We have had excellent leaders who were not degree holders. Currently we have a degree holder in State House but things are still not right in the country. Poverty levels continue to go high and unemployment continues to grow. Corruption is also on the increase and people are still losing jobs," Fr Mpasa said. "In my life as a servant of God I have also learnt that the ability to lead people does not come from high levels of education. Leadership comes from God, with level-headedness and the wisdom to understand and value people's needs. In fact most of the people in [first Republican president] Dr [Kenneth] Kaunda's team were lowly educated but they achieved a lot of things for this country. Yet they never viewed national problems from a theoretical perspective but from a practical one."
Fr Mpasa said the country had seen highly-educated people in government who had also messed up the economy.
"The first MMD Cabinet had a lot of highly-educated individuals, but look at what they have left in this country - poverty! And most of them are in problems because of economic mismanagement despite them being degree holders. I don't look at that as the criterion for choosing presidents. Besides, let us not discriminate against those who have the ability to lead this country but have no degrees."
He called on National Constitutional Conference (NCC) delegates to be broadminded and consider posterity as they deliberated on the new constitution.
"May I appeal to the NCC to think beyond their perceived enemies and political opponents. They should know that they are not writing a political party constitution. It would be a grave moral sin to stop others from contesting the next election just because we want to fix them. Let us learn from the 1996 constitution, which was targeted against Dr Kaunda. That 1996 citizenship clause up to now remains a big shame to the country," Fr Mpasa said. "I pray that those honourable members of the NCC should be above all pettiness and give us a good constitution. Targeting individuals is too costly for the nation because it means the constitution will have to be revisited in future. Besides, let us not end up handing over the country to a Dr Criminal or Professor Criminal. Let us be broadminded and think of the future generations."
Last week, Mulongoti said the nation should not U-turn on the precedent of having university graduates as Republican presidents.
Mulongoti, who is a nominated member of parliament, said the standard had already been set where the last three presidents had been degree holders.
He said former president Frederick Chiluba managed to get a degree when he was in State House, while President Rupiah Banda and late president Levy Mwanawasa entered the highest office in the land as graduates.
"I do not know whether it will help the country by reversing that and going to people who are not graduates. We should move on by attaching premium to leadership. We must adhere to the standards we have already set as a country by having the last three presidents who are graduates," said Mulongoti.
Labels: CONSTITUTION, MAMBWE MPASA, NCC
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Cops tell court how detained woman died
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:31:23 PM
THE Lusaka Magistrates’ Court yesterday heard testimonies from police officers over the circumstances that led to the death of a woman who was detained by another police officer.
During an inquest into the death of Alice Chishimba before magistrate Mwaka Mikalile, sub-inspector John Mutale and constable Glare Mainza told the court how constable Andrew Jemusala brought and detained an unstable and stark naked woman at Chawama Police Station. The incident occurred on the night of July 29, 2007.
Mutale said he was the shift officer on the night when he received a report that there was an armed police officer beating a naked woman behind the police station.
He said he sent some officers to verify the report from a concerned citizen and shortly, Jemusala walked in with a naked and unstable woman who was having difficulties walking.
Mutale said Jemusala charged the unknown woman with theft and threw her in a cell.
He said when throwing the woman in the cell, Jemusala had said that she had stolen his phone and that anybody who would release her would dance to his tune.
Mutale said around 10.00 hours, he heard that the woman brought in by Jemusala had died at the University Teaching Hospital and he came to know her as Alice Chishimba.
Jemusala, who was present during the inquest, cross-examined Mutale, who maintained that Jemusala was the one who placed Chishimba in the cell, where she was the only occupant.
Mainza told the inquest that he was instructed, together with other police officers, to go and verify the report that a police officer was beating a woman behind the station.
“I reported on duty at Chawama Police Station in the night shift, which runs from 17.30 hours to 07.30 hours the following day,” Mainza said.
He said the other police officers were constable Msimuko, constable Mbozi, constable Jemusala and reserve constable Chembe.
Mainza said at around 05.00 hours, Msimuko, Mbozi and himself were asked to follow up a report that Mutale had just received.
“He told us that there was a police officer beating a woman,” he said. “When we were told to go, we were not told the name but when we went to the scene we found constable Jemusala holding one hand of the woman, who was lying down naked.”
Mainza said Jemusala’s other hand was holding a short baton and when they asked him what was happening, he told them that she had stolen his phone.
He said Jemusala refused to be assisted in taking the woman to the police station and they left him. Mainza said he later learnt that the woman had died when he was off-duty. Hearing continues on June 16.
Labels: ALICE CHISHIMBA, ANDREW JEMUSALA, POLICE BRUTALITY
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COMMENT - Now if only the government taxed the mines... Because the tourist industry isn't going to build the infrastructure it needs. Not that Zambia should be pusuing another service industry like tourism, without developing it's primary industries first.
TCZ calls for Infrastructure development
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Saturday, May 30, 2009 3:28:37 PM
TOURISM Council of Zambia (TCZ) has challenged the government to
seriously consider infrastructure development as an ongoing development strategy with an annual implementation budget for a sustained period of time.
And TCZ executive director Josephine Mehl has said the 2009 budget lacked incentives for the existing enterprises in the tourism sector to be able to compete favourably in the midst of the global economic crisis.
Making submissions to the Parliamentary committee on Economic and Labour Affairs on the impact of the global crisis on the tourism sector in Lusaka on Wednesday, Mehl said infrastructure development was a long-term measure that would not be accomplished within a year to bring about growth and investment.
“The Budget is essentially addressing the issues of infrastructure development to attract investment particularly for the tourism sector and what remains to be seen is how the implementation will be done within the budget time frame especially that government has come up with an infrastructural development programme in tourist centres in the Northern circuit,” Mehl said. “Construction of roads, airports and bridges as a requisite to attract investment is a long term measure that should have been an ongoing development strategy with an annual implementation budget for a sustained period of time and even beyond. We welcome increased investment in the tourism sector but small investments that do not tie up within an overall planned strategy will be wasted.”
Mehl said the private sector would have liked the national budget to address fiscal and non-fiscal measures that would stimulate growth in the tourism business in responding to the global economic crisis.
Government has this year allocated K99 billion towards the rehabilitation of the Zimba-Livingstone road to improve access to the tourist capital, K24 billion to rehabilitate the Mbala to Kasaba Bay road and K11 billion for the construction of a terminal at Mbala Air Force Base and rehabilitation of the Kasaba Bay airstrip.
Labels: INFRASTRUCTURE, JOSEPHINE MEHL, TCZ
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Auditor-General gets tougher
By ARTHUR MWANSA
THE Auditor General’s (AG) office has established three specialised Audit departments to ensure value for money in the programmes that government and other public institutions are undertaking. The audit departments are performance and environment, information and technology and forensic and investigations.
Auditor General, Anna Chifungula said this at Lusaka’s Cresta Golfview Hotel yesterday when she officiated at a two-day media sensitisation workshop on specialised audits.
Ms Chifungula said with the support of the media, her office is determined to provide more quality audit reports to enable journalists discharge their functions effectively.
“I am aware that the media plays a critical role in promoting good governance, accountability and transparency. The manner with which the media has been covering my reports through their articles is encouraging, not only to me but also to my officers,” she said.
Ms Chifungula said during the strategic period from 2003 to 2007, her office implemented a restructuring exercise which included both the decentralisation to provinces and diversification into specialised audits.
Ms Chifungula said as a result of the restructuring, her office has its presence in all the provincial centres.
She said the presence of her office in all provinces is helping audit officers reach activities that are poverty reducing in nature.
Ms Chifungula said the media requires not only proper information regarding regularity in the utilisation of public funds appropriated by Parliament but also the effectiveness, and efficiency of the programmes funded.
She said traditionally, financial or regularity auditing has been concerned about financial controls and accuracy of accounts.
Ms Chifungula said the main objective of financial auditing is to provide an opinion on the fairness of the accounts and financial statements, and also examine compliance with applicable authority, regulation and rules.
She urged the media to take keen interest in the new audits to keep the public informed.
“I appeal to you (journalists) to carry out investigative journalism and not just end at reporting the Auditor General’s annual report and Public Accounts Committee deliberations as is the case now,” Ms Chifungula said.
Labels: ANNA CHIFUNGULA, AUDITOR GENERAL, GOVERNANCE
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Small-scale farmers to get fertiliser early
By Brian Hatyoka
THE National Association of Peasant and Small-Scale Farmers of Zambia (NAPSSFZ) will start distributing fertiliser to its members next month under its new Munda Credit Scheme with Zanaco.
National coordinator Moses Kasonkomona said the association would distribute about 55,000 bags of fertiliser in June compared to 23,000 bags of the commodity distributed during the last farming season.
The development is a big boost to farmers because of the perennial hicupps that characterise input distribution in the country whereby some parts of the country receive fertiliser late in the season, rendering the commodity irrelevant to the intended purpose.
In addition, under the fertiliser support programme, some intended recipients have not received their allocations in some seasons owing to some administrative failures
In an interview in Chisamba, Mr Kasonkomona said the early distribution of fertiliser would enable peasant and small-scale farmers start preparing early for this year’s farming season.
Mr Kasonkomoma said the increase in quantities of fertiliser being distributed to farmers would supplement Government efforts of boosting growth in the agricultural sector.
He urged farmers to start paying for fertiliser in order to receive the commodity early.
The New Munda Credit Scheme is a model developed by the NAPSSFZ in partnership with Zanaco to promote sustainable agriculture credit, production and marketing while complementing Government’s efforts in input supply to peasant farmers in the country.
And Mr Kasonkomoma said his association would soon start buying maize from farmers at the recently announced floor price of K65,000 for a 50 kilogramme bag.
He said the announced floor price was good and would protect farmers from maize traders who were buying the commodity at depressed prices.
Labels: FSP, MOSES KASONKOMONA, NAPSSFZ
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Seminars curtailed
State acts to save costs in the Ministry of Health...
By Times Reporter
THE Ministry of Health has suspended the holding of seminars and other non-essential activities to ensure that the delivery of service is not disrupted after some donors withheld US$33 million.
Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane said in Lusaka yesterday that the suspension of seminars and other non-core activities was part of a contingency plan intended to ensure continued delivery of health services in the absence of critical funding.
Dr Musokotwane explained that out of a total amount of $120 million that donors committed for the whole of 2009, about $33 million had been withheld.
“The Government wants the health services to the people to be ring fenced and strengthened using both Government’s own budgetary resources as well as from other cooperating partners who have not suspended aid,” he said.
At a joint media briefing with his Health counterpart, Kapembwa Simbao, Dr Musokotwane said that Sweden and the Netherlands had informed the Government that they had suspended aid following the revelation of possible embezzlement of more than K10 billion.
The Government agreed to engage the embassies of Sweden and Netherlands to understand from them the actions they would like the Government institute beyond the investigations and possible action taken on the culprits once identified.
He said the Ministry of Finance had since provided financial support to the auditor general’s office to conduct the investigations into the alleged theft and that it was still waiting for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to submit its budget.
Dr Musokotwane said the Government was also reviewing arrangements of financial management and controls to avoid reccurrence of financial irregularities.
The minister said the suspension of aid would have a negative impact on the Government’s ability to deliver health services to the people.
He said it was not true that the Government was abetting corruption and questioned how possible it was to build houses and a guesthouse seized by the ACC within the six months that President Rupiah Banda had been in office.
He said every ministry had internal auditors who were supposed to look out for such cases and it was sad that the system failed to detect the K10 billion scandal.
Mr Simbao said the most affected following the withholding of donor funding were district hospitals which got about K16 billion out of the total budget of K24 billion in a month.
Mr Simbao said the Government regretted the possible theft of public funds in the health sector whose interventions were at the core of providing basic human needs, especially for the poor.
He said the Ministry of Health would have difficulties in feeding patients, and the fight against malaria, HIV/AIDS and other programmes.
Labels: MINISTRY OF HEALTH, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, WORKSHOPS
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Zambia could develop at a faster rate ,Dr. Mambwe
Friday, May 29, 2009, 15:11
North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Eustern Mambwe has said prudent use of Zambia’s abundant resources and wiping out corruption and fraud can lead to the country’s fast development.
Dr. Mambwe said, if all the money for economic development were used for it’s intended purpose, Zambia could develop at a faster rate. He called on all Zambians to vehemently fight corruption and fraud, which he described as devastating to the country’s economy.
Dr. Mambwe said this in Solwezi today, in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Nkolola Hazemba during official opening of a workshop on, ”Prevention of Corruption and Fraud in the Work Place”.
He said public service workers can deliver according to people’s expectations, in the absence of corruption and fraud. Dr. Mambwe said, if all the money for economic development were used for it's intended purpose, Zambia could develop at a faster rate.
“God has blessed this country with plenty of natural resources, comprising of intelligent people, fertile soils, streams and rivers, lakes, minerals, trees and and many more. All we need is the proper use of finances, backed up by hard work,”, he said.
Dr. Mambwe said Zambians should step-up the fight against corruption and understand that no outsiders will rid the country of the scourge for us. He urged all Zambians to work hard, rather than complaining about the country’s economy not developing fast”, he said.
ZANIS
Labels: CORRUPTION, DEVELOPMENT, EUSTERN MAMBWE, GOVERNANCE
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Government in bid to boost national herd
Business Reporter
The Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services has introduced programmes aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of cattle across the country. The national herd currently stands at 5,1 million and the number is expected to increase as a result of the programmes. The department’s principal director, Dr Stuart Hargreaves said the Government was putting a lot of effort to increase the quality and number of pedigree cattle.
"Another smaller project is a farmer to farmer programme whereby commercial farmers are assisting communal farmers breed pedigree cattle and this is being done in Bikita, Triangle and Mwenezi areas," said Dr Hargreaves.
He added that there had been a decrease in the number of pedigree breeders for the past few years but the situation was bound to improve.
There are 48 registered pedigree breeders in the country with 6 000 pedigree cattle.
This programme is important because pedigree cattle from he seedstock for improved pure breeds, which will result in the production of ‘true to type animals’.
Dr Hargreaves said his department was also involved in the rehabilitation of dip tanks to improve the services especially in the region 4 and 5.
"This is an ongoing programme and we have received assistance from Help Germany and the European Union are assisting the programmes," said Dr Hargreaves.
The department of livestock and veterinary services administers 4 000 dip tanks countrywide.
Meanwhile the condition of all classes of livestock across the country is satisfactory due to adequate grazing in most farming sectors except in some communal areas.
Overgrazing especially in communal areas has resulted in poor grazing.
Recent crop and livestock assessment report revealed that there were districts where herbage quantity would not be able to last until the onset of the next season due to patchy rains received in areas such as Binga, Tsholotsho and the Zambezi Valley.
Although stockfeeds were readily available on the market, their prices were too high for some farmers.
Generally there is adequate water available for livestock from rivers, streams, dams, weirs and boreholes. However water availability will be a challenge in drier areas after winter.
Dipping frequency is still erratic in most districts and this has resulted in high incidence of ticks and tickborne diseases.
Tickborne diseases such as Redwater and gall sickness still remain a challenge to most farmers while common wet season diseases such as Lumpy Skin were reporter in most districts.
Farmers were not affording drugs and chemicals to vaccinate their livestock. Coccidiosis and Newcastle were indicated as major diseases affecting poultry. Cattle sales have decreasing because of the early harvesting of summer crops. Previously, farmers were selling their livestock and this was observed mostly in the communal areas.
Indications are that the livestock sales were mainly done through barter trade where livestock was being exchanged grain. Due to early harvesting of maize, the barter trade cases have reduced since some farmers now prefer cash sales to cater for their daily incidentals.
Prices for cattle range from US$120 500 per beast while goats are ranging from US$ 740, prices of sheep are generally higher than those of goats.
Prices of livestock are reportedly generally high in the southern provinces compared to northern areas due to demand and differences in quality of livestock.
Labels: CATTLE, STUART HARGREAVES
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Politburo sets up committees
By Fidelis Munyoro
ZANU-PF’S Politburo has set up a leadership committee to look into the procedure to be followed when dealing with succession, among other issues.
The party’s deputy secretary for information and publicity, Cde Ephraim Masawi, however, dismissed media claims that the issue of succession had divided the party saying the committee — one of five set up yesterday — did not mean the party was currently seized with the issue of succession.
‘‘We simply want to set the parameters to be followed whenever the party decides to select its top leadership, the procedure to be followed when talking about succession. Chii chinoda kuti chiitwe kana tava kuti tavakutaura nenyaya yesuccession,’’ he said.
The committee will also deal with issues of unity, discipline and the causes of alleged factionalism in Zanu-PF.
Cde Masawi, said the committee was one of five set up yesterday to deal with the pressing issues affecting the party.
All five committees will focus on thematic ideological issues namely: leadership, research, constitutional reform, economic policies, media and mobilisation strategies.
The leadership committee, chaired by party national chairman Cde John Nkomo, will look into the procedures to be followed when it comes to selecting people to occupy the highest offices in Zanu-PF.
"This committee is tasked to come up with ways to tackle these issues and report back to the Politburo," Cde Masawi said.
The Politburo is Zanu-PF’s highest decision-making body outside Congress.
The party is due to hold its next congress in December this year.
Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa will head the research committee and has been asked to come up with recommendations on the way forward on ideological issues.
"The party wants to claim a huge stake in the inclusive Government when it comes to economic issues. We want to make sure that the party has a bigger say as far as Government is concerned," he said.
The constitutional reform committee, which will be chaired by secretary for legal affairs Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, will revisit the party constitution and see how it can be married with the national constitution.
It will have a sub-committee focusing on a code of conduct, which has to come up with recommendations on the
rules and regulations governing the conduct of party members.
Cde Masawi said this committee would also look at the viability of party structures from the grassroots level up to the top brass.
The welfare of the people, especially the disabled, would be the top priorities, Cde Masawi said.
Under the economic policies committee — to be chaired by party secretary for economic affairs Cde David Karimanzira — is the responsibility to come up with projects to benefit all Zimbabweans.
Its thrust will be to achieve 100 percent empowerment and indigenisation.
Cde Angeline Masuku — who is the Matabeleland South Governor — will head the media and mobilisation strategies committee, which is tasked with coming up with means of boosting the revolutionary party’s relationship with other revolutionary parties in Sadc and abroad.
Cde Masawi, however, quashed reports that there were divisions threatening to tear the party apart.
"Some people think we are divided but we are all united. The party is united," he said.
He said all the issues of factionalism and indiscipline would be dealt with and nipped in the bud, as the party was being re-organised and it would emerge stronger than before.
"What we are doing now clearly shows we are going back to the old Zanu-PF people know and in future we want to have the majority in Parliament," he said.
On the Global Political Agreement, Cde Masawi said the party was rallying behind the President and First Secretary’s position on the progress made thus far.
President Mugabe, he said, had briefed them on the state of affairs in the inclusive Government and they would proceed accordingly.
"We are rallying behind our principal. It’s not a big issue. There is nothing of concern that our principal has brought to our attention for discussion in our meeting today," he said.
MDC-T has been pushing for the ouster of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono and Attorney-General Mr Johannes Tomana claiming that this would confirm Zanu-PF’s commitment to the GPA.
However, President Mugabe, as well as senior party, State and military officials have made it clear that the central bank chief was going nowhere until he completed his second term.
Labels: ZANU-PF
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Tsvangirai and Mutambara's letter to President Zuma
Fri, 29 May 2009 02:27:00 +0000
THE following is a letter written by the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara to South African President Jacob Zuma in which they ask him to help in resolving the "outstanding issues" in the implementation of the September 15 Global Political Agreement.
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Friday 29 May 2009
TO: The SADC Chairman - HE President Jacob Zuma
Cc: SADC Executive Secretary - Mr Augustos Salomao
African Union - c/o - Mr Jean Ping
The SADC Appointed Facilitator - Mr Thabo Mbeki
RE: UNRESOLVED ISSUES ON THE GLOBAL POLITICAL AGREEMENT
Your Excellence you will recall that an Extra-Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government met in Tshwane from the 26th to the 29th of January 2009.
That Summit, among other things, directed that the Parties to the Zimbabwe Global Political Agreement, signed on the 15th of September 2008, would inaugurate the Inclusive Government through the swearing-in of the Prime Minister and his Deputies and Ministers on the 11th and 13th of February 2009 respectively. The summit also directed that issues connected to the appointment of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor and the Attorney General be dealt with by the Inclusive Government after its formation.
In addition, the summit also directed that the Parties would negotiate on the formula for the appointment of Provincial Governors in a bid to pave way for the appointment of new Provincial Governors consistent with the composition of the Inclusive Government.
We regret to advise that despite innumerable meetings between the three Principals, the above issues remain unresolved. It would appear that on the part of Zanu PF the issue of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor and the Attorney General are no issues at all and thus not open for discussion.
With regard to the issues of Provincial Governors, although the Negotiators agreed on a formula, there is little progress in the implementation of the same and more importantly in ensuring that new Provincial Governors are appointed in terms of the agreed formula.
The failure to address the above issues is clearly affecting the credibility of the Inclusive Government. It is also causing great misapprehension in our respective political parties.
In terms of Article 22.6 of the GPA, the same shall be guaranteed and underwritten by SADC, the African Union and the Sadc-appointed Facilitator.
We thus write to you, in terms of the above provision, kindly requesting you to intercede in this matter to ensure that the above three matters are solved as a matter of urgency.
Your Excellency, kindly accept the assurances of our highest consideration and fraternal esteem.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
MORGAN R. TSVANGIRAI
MDC PRESIDENT
PROF. A.G.O MUTAMBARA
MDC PRESIDENT
Labels: ARTHUR MUTAMBARA, JACOB ZUMA, LETTERS, MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT
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Zanu PF threatens GNU pullout over Gono
Nyasha Murindagomo
Thu, 28 May 2009 01:50:00 +0000
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF party has threatened to pull out of Zimbabwe’s inclusive Government if the central bank governor is edged out. The three parties in the inclusive Government are deadlocked over the appointment of Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr Gideon Gono and Attorney General Johannes Tomana.
The MDC argues that the appointment of these two was unconstitutional as the President was supposed to consult with the other two principals.
“There is no one who touches Gono without provoking us," Zanu PF chief negotiator to the inter-party talks and Minister of Justice, Sen Patrick Chinamasa was quoted as having told mourners at the burial of Dr Gono's brother, Peter Tungamirai Gono who passed away on saturday after a long illness.
"The signatures of all those who served as Ministers of Finance since Dr Gono took over as governor are there to confirm that he did everything with our blessings and authority.
“Anyone who wants to remove Gono must remove us first and those who keep on calling for him to go are saying Zanu PF must go too.”
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) party last week referred the dispute to the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the African Union (AU) the guarantors of the September 15 power sharing agreement for arbitration.
The MDC wants the central bank chief to be removed from his post and blames him for contributing to the country’s economic meltdown by excessively printing money to support quasi-fiscal activities.
President Mugabe speaking at the same occassion defended the RBZ policies saying they were necessary for the country to survive illegal sanctions imposed by Britain, US and their allies and international isolation.
Sen Chinamasa, who was the acting minister of finance before the formation of the inclusive Government on February 13, said all the central bank's policies were approved by previous administrations.
He also said the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe was an issue agreed by all the principals to the inclusive Government.
"We agreed within the Global Political Agreement that sanctions should be removed and now we are speaking with one voice on the matter," said Sen Chinamasa adding that those element in the GPA calling for Dr Gono's removal should not be silent on the more pressing issue of sanctions.
"Why are you not speaking about that (sanctions) as an outstanding issue?
"It is a big outstanding issue," said Cde Chinamasa.
The war of words over Dr Gono’s tenure, which analysts say exposes the fault lines in the inclusive Government, has also drawn in the country’s service chiefs who vowed to protect the governor him from his enemies - "those with personal agendas".
The service chiefs, who have not met with the prime minister since his inauguration, waded into the stand-off over Dr Gono's appointment, saying among the RBZ governor's enemies were people who benefited from his policies but were forgetting that the battle for total sovereignty was not yet over.
Air Vice Marshal Henry Muchena, representing service chiefs at the burial, said despite the loss of a brother and those calling for him to go, Dr Gono should know that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces were solidly behind him.
He said when land reform started many people shunned it but Dr Gono left his businesses and embraced the struggle.
He added that as liberators they made a vow with their departed comrades that the struggle would continue until the country was totally free and "they will not falter on that promise" adding that "those people who do not want to be involved in this struggle should not stop those who are willing to engage in it".
Sadc chairman and South African president Jacob Zuma is yet to respond to calls for the regional body to intervene in the crisis over Dr Gono and AG Tomana appointments. He is the current chair of Sadc.
Critics say the "bad blood" between Dr Gono and Finance minister Tendai Biti, also MDC secretary general, is hurting efforts to mobilise donors and investors.
Influential Western donors including the World Bank have revealed that money meant for humanitarian aid and reconstruction was bypassing the inclusive Government because of concerns that the power-sharing has not demonstrated that it can manage the economy with prudence and transparency.
Labels: GIDEON GONO, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT, ZANU-PF
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Teta, clean up your own mess
Written by Editor
The Swahili people in East Africa have a saying. They say: “Do not put blame on the darkness if you bump into a pole.” This means that if one knowingly goes into a dangerous situation, he should not be surprised if he gets hurt. Today, local government and housing minister Benny Tetamashimba is accusing us of insinuating that he is behind the acquisition of the 100 hearses at the cost of US $29,000 each for local authorities.
He says if we cared to consult, we would have found out that he and Rupiah Banda were not involved in the purchase of hearses and that this programme was initiated by Sylvia Masebo during Levy Mwanawasa’s time.
In a bid to mislead the public, Tetamashimba, without shame, is accusing us of publishing the story about hearses without checking facts; that if we did, we would have established who was behind the purchase or order for the hearses.
When the hearses arrived at Chirundu border post for clearance on Saturday May 16, concerned Zambians who mistook the hearses for mobile hospitals alerted us that the controversial mobile hospitals had arrived in the country and were being cleared at Chirundu. We immediately dispatched a journalist and photographer to verify this information in Chirundu. On arrival at Chirundu, it was discovered that in fact the vehicles were hearses purchased by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing for all the local authorities in the country.
On May 18, before the story was published, we contacted Tetamashimba for clarification on the matter. Tetamashimba said although he was not aware of the procurement, the budget to purchase hearses was prepared before he succeeded Sylvia Masebo. He said his director of local government had informed him that the government had paid K14 billion for the hearses last year and the vehicles had already arrived in the country.
“For example, in the rural districts there has been a problem of burial where the poor are being exploited by people when they are burying their dead. So we are going to give the vehicles to the councils.”
This is what Tetamashimba told us on May 18. But when we printed this material the following day, Tetamashimba spoke to us and changed his statement this time. He said his ministry paid for the hearses last December and we should not draw Masebo in this issue.
He said: “I am the Minister of Local Government. They [hearses] were bought last year. So for now everything that happens falls on my back. I paid for those things in December. The money was paid when I was local government minister. Don’t blame Honourable Sylvia Masebo, it’s me. I have got those vehicles and I am going to give every district.”
To our surprise, Tetamashimba yesterday called for a press briefing at which he accused us of reporting that he and Rupiah were behind the purchase of 100 hearses and could have received kickbacks. Is Tetamashimba being fair with us? If tomorrow we described him as a shameless pathological liar, the people in government will be the first ones to rise and demand that we be regulated by law because our language is bad.
But how can we describe a person like Tetamashimba who is trying to discredit us by intentionally telling lies about us? How can Tetamashimba, in his sane status, claim that we never consulted before we published the story about hearses when we spoke to him before and after the story was published and he claimed responsibility?
Tetamashimba should just accept responsibility for his own challenging circumstances instead of blaming other people. He should not drag us in his mess, which he has created. We do not manufacture events; we report on them as they occur. We had no idea about the 100 hearses until we received those phone calls from concerned Zambians in Chirundu. We followed up the matter because it is our duty to do so without fear or favour. We have said so many times before that our duty is to expose the wrongs wherever they occur irrespective of who is involved because we believe that wrongdoing should not be rewarded but punished. And all the wrongdoers, regardless of their status or inclination, must be punished. This is the principle on which we have stood from inception.
However, the question that begs an honest answer is, ‘Why did Tetamashimba claim responsibility over the decision to purchase hearses and why has he now disclaimed this responsibility?’
This should have been the subject of Tetamashimba’s press briefing yesterday, not to attack innocent journalists doing an innocent job. Masebo ceased to be minister in that ministry in October last year. But Tetamashimba told us that he paid for the hearses in December last year and that we should not bring in Masebo’s name in this matter because he is the one responsible. So what has changed today? Why is Tetamashimba distancing himself from the acquisition of these hearses, which he proudly embraced a few days ago?
It is not difficult for us to understand why Tetamashimba is changing positions on this matter. We recall that well-informed sources questioned why the Ministry of Local Government and Housing paid K14 billion for the hearses and not half the amount, especially considering that they were tax-free. No one answered this question. And in the absence of a credible explanation, people should not be blamed for concluding that someone received kickbacks in this transaction.
Tetamashimba yesterday told the press that Masebo confirmed to him that the budget for hearses when she was in charge of the ministry was K8 billion. He said since he does not know why his ministry later paid K14 billion for the same hearses, he has instituted investigations and he will have nothing to hide on the matter.
Our people have raised legitimate concerns over the purchase of these hearses. What Tetamashimba should therefore be doing is provide answers to all these concerns. If he has no answers or explanations, he should either shut up or ask Masebo to explain since he is now distancing himself from this transaction, which he earlier proudly declared as his own.
We will not allow Tetamashimba to smear filth on us. And we advise him to take this as an early warning.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, MINISTRY OF HEALTH
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Teta distances himself, Rupiah from hearses
Written by Margaret Habbuno
Friday, May 29, 2009 5:02:10 PM
LOCAL government minister Benny Tetamashimba has
distanced himself and President Rupiah Banda from the procurement of the 100 hearses. Addressing the press at his office in Lusaka on Thursday, Tetamashimba said the insinuation that he and President Banda had received kickbacks from the purchase of hearses for the local authorities in the country were malicious and unfounded.
Tetamashimba claimed that if the leadership of The Post newspaper had consulted about the procurement of the hearses, they would have been told the truth that President Banda and the local government and housing minister had no hand in the matter.
"I know that if the leadership of The Post, especially Mr Amos Malupenga did consult he would have been told that President Rupiah Banda and myself had no hand in its decision and purchase of hearses," Tetamashimba said.
He said the decision to buy hearses, tractors and boats was made by the former local government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo under late president Levy Mwanawasa's reign.
"Issues pertaining to the purchase of the items and how much was spent is a subject of investigations that I have decided to institute," said Tetamashimba who served as local government deputy minister during president Mwanawasa's reign. "By next month I will have nothing to hide to the press."
Tetamashimba said Masebo had revealed to him that she remembered hearses being budgeted for at a cost of K8 billion but that the ministry had now spent K14 billion on the procurement.
"This has been necessitated by the fact that my discussion with Honorable Masebo especially on the hearses, she revealed to me that she remembers the cost not being beyond K8 billion but we spent K14 billion for the hearses," Tetamashimba said.
He said The Post newspapers and other media organisations should find out who was involved instead of insinuating on the matter.
"I therefore appeal to The Post newspaper and the press to know who were involved and not to insinuate that the President and myself are corrupt through theses deals," Tetamashimba said.
Government procured 100 hearses from China's Beijing Auto Works (BAW) operating as Top Motors in Zambia at a total cost of US $29,000 each.
On May 19, 2009, when contacted for comment on the procurement, Tetamashimba said the budget to buy the hearses was prepared before he became local government minister although he was not aware of the procurement.
Tetamashimba said the director of local government informed him that the government had paid about K14 billion for the hearses last year and that the vehicles had arrived in the country.
He went on to justify that the vehicles would be given to the councils to help people in the rural areas because they were in most cases exploited when burying their dead.
On May 20, 2009, Tetamashimba changed his position, saying his ministry paid for the 100 hearses in December last year.
"I am the minister of local government. They [hearses] were bought last year. So for now everything that happens falls on my back. I paid for these things in December. The money was paid when I was local government minister. Don't blame Honourable Sylvia Masebo, it's me. I have got these vehicles and I am going to give to every district," Tetamashimba had said.
And Tetamashimba said UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema had no moral rights to accuse President Banda of corruption.
He said instead Hichilema was corrupt because he was one of the beneficiaries of business during the Frederick Chiluba regime.
"Mr Hakainde is one of the beneficiaries of the Zambia Privatization Agency as he was asked in the Chiluba regime to sell on behalf of ZPA the hotel in Livingstone to Sun Group of Hotels," Tetamashimba alleged. "To me he is the one who is corrupt because the moment he appended his signature of the sale to Sun, he immediately acquired shares and became board chairman."
Tetamashimba said Hichilema should come out in the open and tell the nation the truth about his corrupt practices.
"I challenge him to clear and inform the Zambian people where his morality is," Tetamashimba said.
He also appealed to the donor community not to stop supporting the Ministry of Health because President Banda was fighting corruption in the country.
"I would like to appeal to the donors not to stop supporting the Ministry of Health. This is the time when we need to work as a team because the opposition will take advantage. We want to assure you the donors that MMD is not a corrupt government," said Tetamashimba.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, CORRUPTION, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, RUPIAH BANDA, THE POST
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Milupi warns officials sanctioning harassment of Post journalists
Written by Ernest Chanda
Friday, May 29, 2009 5:00:19 PM
LUENA Independent member of parliament Charles Milupi has warned that MMD officials that are sanctioning the harassment of Post reporters risk shooting themselves in the foot.
Commenting on the continued harassment of Post journalists by MMD cadres, Milupi reminded the MMD officials that since they would not be in the ruling party forever they would need The Post to give them a platform to air their views.
He said politicians should learn from history that those who had tried to suppress The Post ended up using the same newspaper to express themselves politically, socially and economically.
“The same press, the government controlled press that is giving them airtime and so on, when they are on the other side, that same press will ignore them. The same press that they are harassing now [The Post] will give them a chance to air their views. I say this because you see in politics it does not take much to offend the person that you are getting on with today, it does not take much,” Milupi said.
“I think there was some statement attributed to the chief government spokesperson [Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha] some time back. Now supposing, just as an example, at the [MMD] convention he [Lt Gen Shikapwasha] decides to exercise his democratic right to challenge for the [MMD] president, how would the cadres take that? Will he continue to be free? The answer is no.”
Milupi said it was a big disappointment that such harassment was coming from the ruling party and with the blessings of the leadership.
“I think it’s very unfortunate, it is extremely unfortunate that in a constitutional democracy where we say the press is the fourth estate: in other words after the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, the fourth estate is the press that we come up with statements or positions that stifle the press, that’s unfortunate. When senior government officials carelessly come up with statements that in any way suggest giving support to those that wish to stifle the press that’s extremely unfortunate.” Milupi said.
He said since 1991 the media had played a very important role in enhancing democracy in the country.
“Now going back to The Post, whether you like them or not, The Post have played a pivotal role in enhancing democracy in this country. From the 1990s up to now, this country would not have been what it is from the democratic position if The Post had not been there in the uncompromising manner regarding the role that they have played,” Milupi said.
“First of all when you threaten physical violence on anybody, whether they are members of The Post or just anybody, the mere fact that you are threatening violence means you are breaking the law. Our government and Executive are there to uphold the law. So where you have people saying so and so, we shall beat them up, in a properly functioning society we expect that the Executive will move in very quickly to arrest those people and have them prosecuted for the mere fact of threatening violence against other citizens.”
Milupi said the press should be allowed access to all public functions for them to inform the public effectively.
“With specific regard to the press, in order for the press to play their pivotal role as the fourth estate they must have access to all public functions. When the Executive have functions those are paid for by the taxpayer, therefore all the press must have access to those functions. Where they have issues with the accuracy of reporting, I think we have decent ways to highlight those. Sometimes myself I have questioned the accuracy of what is being said and that is normal in a democratic situation,” said Milupi.
“But that should not force someone to threaten violence against another person, least of all a reporter. That is something that I abhor, I detest and I hope that people will realise the folly of their ways and make correction.”
The Post journalists have of late suffered at the hands of the MMD cadres who have vowed that they will continue meting physical punishment as long as the newspaper continues to be critical of President Banda.
Labels: CADRES, CHARLES MILUPI, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, PRESS FREEDOM, THE POST
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Govt to suspend health programmes to meet budget
Written by Kabanda Chulu and Mwila Chansa
Friday, May 29, 2009 4:58:33 PM
HEALTH minister Kapembwa Simbao on Thursday said in the absence of donor support government will have to suspend less priority areas in order to meet the K16 billion monthly allocations for district hospitals around the country.
And finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has dismissed assertions that donors have lost confidence in Rupiah Banda's government for tolerating corruption, saying only the embassies of Sweden and Netherlands have officially notified government on the suspension of US $33 million out of the total donor support of US $120 million for the Ministry of Health in 2009.
Meanwhile, government sources have revealed that the operations in the Ministry of Health are limping amidst the shaky flow of funding.
During a joint briefing in Lusaka on the financing of the health sector after withdrawal of aid by some donors, Simbao said K24 billion was required every month to meet hospital requirements in the country.
"District hospitals will be the most affected since their allocation amounts to K16 billion per month and these funds is meant for feeding of patients, operations, HIV programmes, nursing and clinical duties, among other programmes. So you can see the difficulties that we will undergo through," Simbao said.
"So we are considering reducing or suspending funding to certain areas without causing damage and we have in mind items like seminars and others that can be pushed forward to next year."
And Dr Musokotwane said government had regretted the suspension of funding to a sector that assisted poor people because it would have a negative impact on the government's ability to deliver.
"Ministry of finance and health officials have been tasked to work out a contingent plan that will ensure that during the absence of donor, the key health services to the people are ring fenced and strengthened using both the government's own budgetary resources as well as the resources of those cooperating partners who have not suspended their support," Dr Musokotwane said.
"Donors have not lost confidence in the running of affairs by this government, only they have just notified us indicating that our support to our health ministry has been delayed on temporary basis following revelation of possible embezzlement of large sums of money from the ministry."
He said the total sum of money withheld was US $33 million out of a total donor support of US $120 million for the whole of 2009.
"Government very much regrets the possible theft of public funds in a sector like health whose interventions are at the core of providing a basic human need and this is why government has already provided all the needed financial support to the investigative wings so that the truth comes out and the culprits once identified, can be dealt with appropriately," Dr Musokotwane said.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources explained that government usually provided 45 per cent funding to the Ministry of Health while the other 55 per cent was met by donors.
However, the sources said government had only released 20 per cent of the monies, which was not sufficient.
"And most of that 20 per cent has gone to third level hospitals such as UTH [University Teaching Hospital], Chainama, Ndola Central, Kitwe Central and Arthur Davison Children's Hospital. And this is just towards operation costs and salaries," the source said.
The sources said second level hospitals such as the ones in provincial headquarters had been affected seriously by the lack of funding.
"Like for medicines in most of these hospitals; it is prescriptions that are working now because there are no medicines. That is why you have seen medical staff in some hospitals going on strike because some of the incentives they are entitled to have not been forthcoming in the last two months," the source said. "Things are bad for now. It is quite tricky and something needs to be done urgently."
The sources added that some donor-run projects in the ministry were also currently on hold.
"But it seems things will normalize in the second quarter. By the end of June hopefully things will normalize because it seems they just wanted to clear out things so that things start running smoothly again," said the source. "It will be better when things normalize because it is the people at the grassroots that are feeling the pinch."
The Swedish and Dutch governments have suspended aid to Zambia's health sector following revelations by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) of a K10 billion [US $2 million] scam in the Ministry of Health.
The donors have withheld their aid pending the report of the forensic audit of the Ministry of Health.
The Swedish government, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), were to release about K59 billion while the Dutch government contributes K92 billion annually to the country's health sector
The ACC unearthed a corruption scam in which over K10 billion government funds were suspected to have been corruptly obtained from the Ministry of Health.
The commission is investigating Henry Kapoko, a former human resource manager in the Ministry of Health, in connection with the alleged corruption, theft and fraud.
The ACC has also seized and restricted property in excess of K3 billion allegedly belonging to Kapoko who now works at the Ministry of Local Government and Housing in the human resource department.
President Banda last Tuesday directed all civil servants and their agents who were currently under investigations in the K10 billion scam not to enter the Ministry of Health (MoH) premises until further notice.
According to a statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere, President Banda received an interim report on the alleged financial scam at the Ministry of Health where billions of funds were alleged to have been misapplied or stolen by civil servants.
On Wednesday, over 20 employees at Ministry of Health were suspended to pave way for investigations into the scam. Operations at the ministry were temporarily suspended as law enforcement agents cordoned the area to ensure that people did not move evidence from the offices and some people from various departments were picked up for questioning at the police headquarters.
Labels: CORRUPTION, DONORS, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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Zuma to be tested on Zimbabwe
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Harare
Friday, May 29, 2009 4:56:01 PM
NEW South African president Jacob Zuma’s foreign policy on Zimbabwe is soon likely to be tested with his handling of the stalemate between ZANU-PF and MDC over central bank governor Gideon Gono, which threatens the stability of the unity government.
The central bank governor, along with Attorney General (AG) Johannes Tomana, has been subject of a confrontation between the two major partners to the inclusive government in Zimbabwe and threatens the smooth operations of the unity government.
On Monday President Mugabe insisted that Gono would not leave, and that he was just a victim of hatred for keeping the economy running in the face of sanctions.
Following President Mugabe’s statements, the MDC issued a statement on Wednesday saying the issue had now become a clear stalemate and will now be handled by SADC, whose new chair is President Zuma.
“The statement by (President Mugabe) that Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono is not going anywhere confirms that there is a deadlock over the central bank chief and the Attorney-General, Johannes Tomana...It is the MDC’s conviction that this deadlock over the AG and Central Bank governor is ripe and ready a matter for SADC and the AU to play the role of the umpire. We call upon SADC and the AU, as the guarantors of the global political agreement, to adjudicate over this issue as a matter of urgency because it shakes the foundation and threatens the health, stability and life of the inclusive government,” the MDC stated.
The National Constitution Assembly (NCA), a coalition of 42 non-governmental organisations, said it would be interested in seeing how President Zuma would handle the issue.
“We are waiting to see the difference between Zuma and (former president Thabo) Mbeki. It will be interesting to see how Zuma’s foreign policy will be on Zimbabwe,” said NCA executive director Dr Lovemore Madhuku.
The MDC insists that Gono must leave, as he was at the epicenter of the erosion and corrosion of the integrity of the central bank and that his re-appointment to the helm of the bank must have reflected the input of all three partners to the inclusive government, pursuant to the political agreement of September 15, 2008.
ZANU-PF, on the other hand, insists that Gono, whose first five-year term had ended in November last year, was re-appointed in line with the law.
The MDC stated that Gono had created skepticism among Zimbabweans and international partners as to whether Zimbabwe could mount a successful reconstruction programme.
“It is our understanding of the SADC communiqué was that the issue of Gono and Tomana was supposed to be handled by the inclusive government. The position of one of the principals on the issue of Gono or Tomana cannot constitute the position of the inclusive government. There are three political parties in the inclusive government and any decisions and pronouncements must reflect this new arrangement,” the statement reads.
Although various changes have been made to the central bank operations since the establishment of the unity government, the MDC feels that Gono and Tomana were still standing in the way of progress.
The central bank has since stopped all its quasi-fiscal activities such as directly funding under-performing parastatals and funding politically-linked programmes, as well as printing money at will for such activities.
“The issue is not about personalities but about principles and values; it is about creating strong national institutions that are transparent and accountable. The central bank and the Attorney-General’s office are standing between Zimbabwe and progress...The MDC further calls upon the disputed occupants of the two offices to put the country first; to put national interest ahead of personal interest. The disputed occupants must do the honourable, acceptable and expected thing and save the country,” the MDC stated.
Labels: JACOB ZUMA, MDC, ZANU-PF
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Rupiah's corruption fight is not genuine
Written by Patson Chilemba
Friday, May 29, 2009 4:53:49 PM
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) spokesperson Given Lubinda has observed that President Rupiah Banda's corruption fight is not genuine. And PF president Michael Sata said President Banda's move against the civil servants was right but that he should extend the same zeal to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing over the purchase of hearses which they said cost US$29,000 instead of US$9,000.
Commenting on President Banda's directive that all civil servants and their agents who were currently under investigations in the K10 billion scam should not enter the Ministry of Health (MoH) premises until further notice, Lubinda said the President was practicing double standards over corruption.
He said President Banda had one set of rules for his kith and kin and loyalists.
Lubinda said it was surprising that President Banda had moved swiftly on the civil servants when he failed to do anything on former communications and transport minister Dora Siliya, who is still staying in a government house and driving a GRZ vehicle.
He said much as President Banda's move on the civil servants was right, the decision was embedded in desperation so that he could win back the confidence of some donors who had pulled out from supporting the Ministry of Health on account of corruption.
"In this case Mr Rupiah Banda is hoping to redeem his stand against corruption by taking advantage of the issues at Ministry of Health. So this is a falling branch to which he wants to hold on to and claim that he is fighting corruption," Lubinda said on Wednesday.
He said President Banda was hell bent on protecting his kith and kin and loyalists at all costs.
"The civil servants fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the Cabinet. The ones who fall directly under him are his ministers. He failed to prevail over Siliya when she was facing investigations, and yet he is very quick to call for the arrest of civil servants who are implicated in the corruption scam. He's refusing them to enter Ministry of Health premises that they will interfere with evidence but he failed to remove Siliya from office when there was a call that she would interfere with the evidence," Lubinda said.
"That is playing double standards. On Siliya he said he could not do anything because the court process was still ongoing. On the civil servants he has turned himself into the arresting officer, the jury and the judge. You will also remember that during the time Dora was facing the tribunal, Rupiah Banda caused the transfer of Dr Eustern Mambwe from Ministry of Communications to North Western Province because he had a lot to say about Siliya."
He charged that President Banda was selective in most of his dealings and that he wanted to use the suspected corrupt civil servants to show that he was serious with the fight against corruption.
"He has one set of principles for those who are close to him and another set for those who are not close to him," Lubinda said.
He said President Banda defended and had continued to support Siliya's breach of the Constitution. Lubinda said President Banda was elected to defend the Constitution but failed to take any action against Siliya.
"He should have dismissed her. Dismissal is a dent on the person's career than resignation. But in his selective manner he asked for her to resign rather than face the sack," he said.
He said even Siliya's continued stay in a government house and driving a GRZ vehicle pointed to President Banda's double standards. Lubinda said it was important to reduce discretionary powers so that everyone irrespective of their relationship with the President could be treated equally.
"[Works and supply minister Mike] Mulongoti and permanent secretary Bizwayo Nkunika should explain who to keep in the house for more than 15 days or three months," said Lubinda.
Mulongoti has authorized Siliya to continue staying in a government house beyond the stipulated 15 days after leaving office. And Sata said President Banda's move on the civil servants was right but that he should extend the zeal to the local government ministry over the purchase of hearses.
"They told us that the hearses were US$29,000 but we have established that they are only US$9,000, we want to know who has pocketed the US$20,000," said Sata.
Labels: CORRUPTION, GIVEN LUBINDA, RUPIAH BANDA, SATA
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