NCC chairman bemoans erratic funding
By Ernest Chanda
Thu 12 Aug. 2010, 04:00 CAT
NATIONAL Constitutional Conference (NCC) chairperson Chifumu Banda has lamented erratic funding to the constitution-making process.
Officially opening the NCC’s final plenary sitting at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Tuesday, Banda said inadequate and untimely funding had led to the NCC excluding certain activities.
He said the NCC could not go round the country to collect people’s views on the draft constitution because of poor funding.
“Members may wish to know that the funding situation is still critical. It is for this reason that the final stages in the constitution-making process have had to be revised to exclude certain activities such as the collection of views from members of the public in all the seventy three (73) districts of Zambia,” Banda said.
“In the same vein, this session of the Conference will be held for four (4) days only from today Tuesday, 10th to Friday 13th August 2010…. This time around we do not have the luxury of time or financial resources in the face of the 31st August, 2010 deadline when the National Constitutional Conference will stand dissolved.”
Banda urged delegates to be focused and work diligently in view of the limited time and funds. He further pledged the NCC commitment to help the government deliver a new constitution before neat year's general election.
“The NCC is determined to make its contribution towards ensuring that the government delivers the new constitution to the people of Zambia before the 2011 general elections.
So far, our determination to deliver on our mandate has been demonstrated by the speedy pace at which we as members of the NCC have worked to meet all our deadlines despite the numerous challenges,” said Banda.
“It is important to note that the input of the public at large is crucial for the final conclusion of the constitution-making process and the consequent realisation of a truly people’s constitution.”
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, FUNDING, NCC
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NCC chairperson accuses The Post of biased coverage of NCC
By Kombe Chimpinde
Wed 11 Aug. 2010, 14:00 CAT
National Constitution Conference (NCC) Chairman Chifumu Banda has accused The Post of being biased toward the Catholic Church and Council of Churches of Zambia (CCZ) in its coverage of NCC review process.
But Post news editor Chansa Kabwela advised Banda to direct his energies towards people’s concerns about the manner in which the NCC handled the constitution making process.
Banda charged that The Post had hidden motives when it published a story in which the Catholic Bishop openly rejected the draft constitution, saying the newspaper deliberately chose to ignore some pro-draft constitution like the one from JCTR.
“Am surprised that The Post reported on CCZ which has rejected the draft constitution and did not do the same on submissions that had commended it,” Banda said.
“You see, the Jesuit Center of Theological Reflection is a Catholic wing that is even more learned due to the concrete researches they do than the bishops, so if I were a journalist I would think the recommendations of JCTR carries more weight.”
Banda said some of the people who made recommendations on the draft constitution hardly understood it.
“I can tell you some of the people who were commenting on the draft constitution have not even read it. I can ask you right now to go and ask CCZ if they read the draft before submitting... ,” he said.
“In any law making process you expect mixed reactions, we however must make it our duty to make meaningful suggestions and proposals.”
Banda, however, thanked citizens who made contributions on the draft constitution despite complaints of the 40-day period allowed for public scrutiny and feedback on the document being short.
“We thank Zambians who made their submissions because that is the way responsible Zambians should react,” Banda said.
He further added that the constitution was a very important document of the land and should not trivialised or politicised.
Banda said a total of 415 submissions towards the draft constitution had been received within the 40 day period set aside for recommendations.
But Kabwela said it was disappointing that Banda could accuse The Post of bias in its coverage of submissions on the NCC draft constitution.
She said the misleading statements needed to be dismissed with the contempt they deserved.
Kabwela said it was unfortunate that a man of Banda’s caliber could think that some Zambians did not even understand the constitution.
“If Mr Banda thinks that Zambians cannot understand the constitution or they made submissions without reading the draft, why has he been asking them to make submissions?
This is the same arrogance and pomposity that we have been condemning as a newspaper about this process, which is supposed to be people-driven,” Kabwela said. “Mr Banda should understand that all Zambians have a say in the constitution making process because it is national document.
Instead of focusing on such trivialities, Mr Banda would do well to reflect on the concerns that people have raised on key clauses that the NCC excluded, clauses that they laughed at, straightforward clauses that they have referred to the referendum, clauses that people wanted to see in their constitution.”
Kabwela said The Post’s duty was to inform the public and contribute to the growth of the country’s democracy.
“May I remind Mr Banda that we have endeavoured to do just that over the last 19 years,” said Kabwela.
And Citizens Forum executive secretary Simon Kabanda has demanded that the submissions and recommendations made to the draft constitution be published so that there can be transparency in the process.
Meanwhile, Southern Africa Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) spokesperson Obby Chibuluma has said the NCC must during this sitting be more honest in handling the issues and aspirations of Zambians.
“The next NCC is vital and as SACCORD we want the next session to be holistic in the studies. NCC must make the wishes and aspirations of the people they serve a priority, unlike what we noted in the past where the delegates have ignored the important desires of the people,” said Chibuluma.
“We already know what people want, and that the 50 plus one, the rights to safe and clean water, a Presidential running mate among other desires and so we expect the NCC to seriously look at these submissions.”
Labels: CATHOLIC CHURCH, CCZ, CHANSA KABWELA, CHIFUMU BANDA, NCC, THE POST
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NCC launches Draft Constitution
Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 16:19
The National Constitutional Conference, NCC, has today launched the long awaited Draft Constitution.
Speaking during the launch at Mulungushi International Conference Centre this morning, NCC Chairperson, Chifumu Banda, said the launch has been done in accordance with Section 23 of the National Constitutional Conference Act, No. 19 of 2007, which states that the National Constitutional Conference should publish the Initial Report and the Draft Constitution adopted by the Conference and facilitate public debate and comments.
Mr. Banda said the governance of the country will not improve by how much citizens quarrel among themselves.He says the public should spend much of their time to study the document instead of issuing unworthy criticisms of the NCC.
Mr. Banda launched the three documents which the NCC produced which include the Initial Report of the Conference, the Draft Constitution, and the Summary of the Resolutions of the Conference.
Mr. Banda has since appealed to the general public to take time to study the documents during the 40 days period starting today for the public to make their contributions, observations and other responses to the draft constitution.
He says the documents will be made available to the general public through the office of the District Commissioner in all the districts across the country, through the NCC Secretariat at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, as well as through the three websites which have been provided.
He named the Websites as the governance Secretariat under the Ministry of Justice on www.governance.gov.zm; the National Assembly website on www.parliament.gov.zm; and the National Constitution Conference website on www.ncczambia.org.
Meanwhile, Mr. Banda said the governance of the country will not improve by how much citizens quarrel among themselves.
He says the public should spend much of their time to study the document instead of issuing unworthy criticisms of the NCC.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, CONSTITUTION, NCC
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NCC microphone purchase is unwarranted – Miyanda
By George Chellah
Sat 24 Apr. 2010, 04:20 CAT
The purchase of microphones for the NCC was at a cost of K1.8 billion
HERITAGE Party (HP) leader Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda has described the National Constitutional Conference (NCC)’s purchase of microphones at a cost of K1.8 billion as unwarranted expenditure.
And Brig Gen Miyanda has demanded a full disclosure of how the transaction came about. Commenting on the purchase of microphones for the NCC, Brig Gen Miyanda observed that there was no justification for this unwarranted expenditure, which the NCC was trying to justify.
He stated that there were a lot of red herrings splashing about in the attempt to give satisfactory answers on the latest scandal of microphones for the NCC.
“The issue is not whether the items purchased are government property or not but how they were bought and why. Further if the items were ordered a long time ago, the public are entitled to know what steps were taken to ensure that the items were delivered in time for the actual purpose for which the contract was entered into,” Brig Gen Miyanda stated.
“Who drew up the contract and what was the timeframe for delivery? Why was the order not carried out punctiliously? While it is true that the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) falls under the National Housing Authority (NHA), the NCC does not fall under the MICC and is not an agent of the said organisation nor of the NHA.
“Further, the NCC was not created as a purchasing agent for the MICC or any other government unit. So under what consideration did NCC buy microphones on behalf of the MICC? This is sheer recklessness and the decision was made with malice aforethought.”
Brig Gen Miyanda stated that the NCC was created on the fallacious claim that it was cheaper than a constituent assembly.
“So now what has happened at the 11th hour? There is no justification for this unwarranted expenditure, which the NCC is trying to justify. Was the contract honoured? If not there is a breach by not delivering the items on time,” stated Brig Gen Miyanda. “We demand full disclosure of how this transaction came about, the delivery schedule stipulated in the contract and the inventory and other details of the purchase.“
Recently, NCC delegate Bonnie Tembo sought clarification from chairperson Chifumu Banda on the purchase of microphones at a cost of K1.8 billion.
In response, Banda said the microphones in question were government property.
“There is no problem at all, if people want to be negative they will always be negative. The bottom line is that these microphones we’ve been using have given us problems. A decision was made a long time ago to purchase new ones so this is not something new. And let me say that these microphones are government property and they will obviously be surrendered to government,” said Banda.
“Bear in mind that Mulungushi International Conference Centre is under National Housing Authority, and National Housing Authority is a quasi-government institution.
This should not worry people. Honourable Chifumu Banda will not go away with this equipment. If people want to be negative, you can’t stop them. Some people are just naturally negative. If you show them a white piece of paper they will tell you it’s red. So, we have to learn to live with them.”
Labels: BONNIE TEMBO, CHIFUMU BANDA, CORRUPTION, GODFREY MIYANDA, NCC
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NCC chairman defends purchase of microphones
By Ernest Chanda
Thu 15 Apr. 2010, 04:50 CAT
NATIONAL Constitutional Conference (NCC) delegate Bonnie Tembo on Tuesday sought clarification from chairperson Chifumu Banda on the purchase of microphones at a cost of K1.8 billion.
During matters arising, Tembo who is also Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) executive director sought to know who would use them after the conference mandate had finished. He said the story published in the Sunday Post where it was revealed that the NCC had purchased microphones at a cost of K1.8 billion was a surprise.
“I want some clarification from this conference on the reported purchase of microphones at K1.8 billion.
[At K6000/$, that is $400,000 for microphones. MrK]
We read in The Post last Sunday that the NCC had purchased microphones. And right now, I have two papers, which I will later lay on the table, where this purchase is being condemned. And for me I think this has taken us by surprise,” Tembo said.
“I would like to know who the owners of Mulungushi International Conference Centre are. I ask because I want to know what happens to the microphones in question when the NCC finishes its business. I thought that Mulungushi International Conference Centre was a government institution. So, I need your clarification on this issue chairperson.”
In response, Banda said the microphones in question were government property.
“There is no problem at all, if people want to be negative they will always be negative. The bottom line is that these microphones we’ve been using have given us problems. A decision was made a long time ago to purchase new ones so this is not something new.
And let me say that these microphones are government property and they will obviously be surrendered to government,” explained Banda.
“Bear in mind that Mulungushi International Conference Centre is under National Housing Authority, and National Housing Authority is a quasi-government institution.
This should not worry people; Honourable Chifumu Banda will not go away with this equipment. If people want to be negative, you can’t stop them. Some people are just naturally negative. If you show them a white piece of paper they will tell you it’s red. So, we have to learn to live with them.”
Labels: BONNIE TEMBO, CHIFUMU BANDA, CORRUPTION, NCC
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‘MPs loiter during NCC proceedings’
By Mwala Kalaluka
Sat 10 Apr. 2010, 04:00 CAT
SOME parliamentarians attending the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) have allegedly stopped contributing to the conference’s debates and are just waiting for the final document to go to Parliament where they will shoot it down.
And NCC chairperson Chifumu Banda said delegates that are fond of loitering outside Mulungushi International Conference Centre premises during proceedings are not being paid allowances to loiter around.
During clarification time in the NCC on Thursday afternoon, NCC delegate Reverend David Masupa said he had a pertinent clarification to make.
“This is my observation and maybe the secretariat can confirm that there are groups of some commissioners that are sitting outside and in the bar while the deliberation of the conference is going on,” Rev Masupa said. “And we have heard that some MPs will not debate any further here but they are waiting for this document to go to Parliament so that they shoot down what has been agreed.”
In response, Banda said since he did not have evidence, it was extremely difficult for him to make a ruling.
“Parliament in passing the NCC Act thought in its wisdom that including MPs at this stage will assist in garnering consensus,” Banda said. “As you will see many honourable MPs have been participating actively and I hope honour will demand that decisions that have been agreed here can be respected. I don’t think honourable members of parliament can become like turn-coats. I do not think they will be dishonourable.”
And during debate on the report of the NCC committee on human rights, Banda asked for a moment’s indulgency to deal with a note from a concerned member about some delegates that were loitering outside the conference hall.
“Before I call Mr Phiri, some concerned member of the NCC has sent me a note telling me that some members of the NCC are just chatting outside,” Banda said.
“I have sent somebody to go and get their names to see what could be done. I don’t think they get allowances just to be chatting outside. Some it’s habitual. There is no consultation at all.”
Those found outside the conference immediately after Banda’s directive included, works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti, who was conducting an interview with a journalist in the lobby. Local government deputy minister Moses Muteteka was seen chatting with his permanent secretary Timothy Hakuyu and Mkushi North MMD parliamentarian Sydney Chisanga on the lawn in front of the conference centre.
Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) leader Edwin Sakala was also standing on the lawn with two other persons, chatting. Other NCC delegates were seen chatting in the car park or attending to visitors.
Local government deputy minister Elijah Muchima was spotted arriving late for the deliberations and when commerce deputy minister Dr Lwipa Puma told him that he was fond of coming late, he replied that he was busy.
“Busy, in fact I have left a meeting. I am going back,” said Muchima as he rushed into the conference room before emerging out of it a few minutes later.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, MPs, NCC
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Chifumu reminds NCC delegates of deadline
By Mwala Kalaluka
Fri 09 Apr. 2010, 04:01 CAT
NATIONAL Constitutional Conference (NCC) chairperson Chifumu Banda on Wednesday reminded delegates that on August 31, 2010 the NCC would be no more.
During consideration, confirmation and adoption of various NCC committee reports, Banda said the failure by some delegates to take the conference’s work seriously had led the NCC to being showered with unfair criticism.
After handing down a warning to one of the delegates, Dante Saunders, following what was described as a negative and discomforting statement he made on Radio Phoenix on the work of the NCC, Banda presided over the presentation of various motions to adopt some committee reports.
The reports that came for consideration were those from the democratic governance committee chaired by Stanley Mhango, the executive committee chaired by Michael Mabenga, the legislative committee chaired by Mutale Nalumango, the local government committee chaired by Solomon Muzyamba and the human rights committee chaired by Enoch Mulembi.
Moving a motion to confirm and consider the articles that the House adopted from the democratic governance committee, Mhango said the committee operated on 29 terms of reference.
Mhango said 20 articles were adopted as they were in the Mung’omba draft constitution while eight articles were adopted with amendments.
Mhango said the article on the election of a Republican president through the 50 per cent plus one threshold was referred to a referendum after the NCC failed to reach consensus.
“I now request the NCC to adopt the report of democratic governance committee as amended,” Mhango said.
Banda said the report of the committee had been circulated before the NCC adjourned in February and there was no need to go clause by clause during the consideration.
Alfred Mudenda proposed the adoption of the report and Bishop Joshua Banda seconded it and there was no counterproposal.
Following the adoption of the report, Mhango said the decisions was a clear indication of the commitment of the members of the NCC in ensuring that the views of the Zambian people were reflected in the new constitution.
Mhango said he could safely say that out of everything that the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) had been advocating for in terms of electoral law reform, 99 per cent had seen the light of day through the adoption.
However, the report and the presentation of a motion on the confirmed adoption of the report of the executive committee was deferred after some delegates complained that they had not had an opportunity to read through the document.
Mabenga said the executive committee had 36 terms of reference falling under Part nine of the constitution.
“19 articles were adopted without amendment as recommended by Mung’omba,” he said. “10 were adopted with amendments.”
Mabenga said five articles were deleted and replaced by others while one new article was introduced by the general conference.
He said another article that was recommended under the Mung’omba draft was referred to a referendum after the committee referred it to the general conference.
But the adoption confirmation could not proceed after all the delegates said they had not read the report as it had just been distributed.
“Those documents were distributed as you were reporting yesterday,” Banda said as the delegates disagreed. “In the name of democracy and to allow those that are keen to read the report tonight, we will defer recommendation of this report.”
On the report of the local government committee, Muzyamba said the committee worked on 37 terms of reference and that from that number five articles were adopted as presented while 12 articles were adopted with amendments.
He said 14 articles were deleted and six articles were harmonised with similar provisions in the current constitution.
When it came to the adoption of the report, one delegate suggested that Banda should read the report clause by clause during consideration because some of them had left their copies.
“Let us not postpone decision making. That is why we get unfair criticism,” Banda said.
He said the delegates had been given enough time to read and that all of them were expected to come with their copies of the report.
“This is not a kindergarten. You are expected to bring the report as responsible members of the NCC. This is why we are showered with unfair criticism. We know what we are here for,” said Banda. “On 31st August 2010 there is no NCC, let’s move.”
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, DANTE SAUNDERS, NCC, STANLEY MHANGO
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Kunda, MMD protest against loan terms clause adoption
Written by Ernest Chanda and Katwishi Bwalya
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:40:27 PM
VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda on Tuesday led fellow government and MMD members in protest against the NCC decision to adopt a clause in the Mung'omba draft constitution which compels government to disclose to the National Assembly terms and conditions of any loan they want to contract. This was after the majority of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) members adopted the clause.
Article 312, Clause 3 (a) of the Mung'omba draft constitution states as follows: "That the terms and conditions of the loan shall be laid before the National Assembly and shall not come into operation unless they have been approved by a resolution of the National Assembly."
It was the third time in a week that the NCC had reached a stalemate on the matter.
As NCC chairperson Chifumu Banda announced that those in support of the clause were in the majority, Vice-President Kunda stood and beckoned other MMD and government officials to stand as they called for a division.
And the division was granted after about 126 people stood, including Vice-President Kunda. After Banda granted the division there was a round of applause and shouts of "ya, ya" from all those against the clause. At about 17:12 hours, Banda suspended the proceedings to facilitate for voting at 18:00 hours.
However, even after Banda promised to call for a vote at 18:00 hours, people were made to wait up until 20:15 hours when he adjourned the voting to Wednesday.
This attracted a sharp reaction from most of the delegates who complained that their time had been wasted. They said the NCC should have instead suspended the clause and debated other Articles from the Public Service Committee, which was next on the agenda.
Earlier during debates, foreign affairs minister Kabinga Pande proposed that the conference should either adopt the Mung'omba report in its entirety or take Clauses 1 and 2, then details be put in an Act of Parliament.
Pande's view was supported by Nchelenge National Democratic Front (NDF) member of parliament Ben Mwila who argued that contents in clause 2 sufficed what should be in the constitution. But Copperbelt UPND youth chairman Joe Kalusa argued that he did not want his children to suffer for debts whose conditions they did not know.
"As a youth I'm an interested party and I won't be intimidated by anyone. Ministers know that currently Zambia is the only country where money is borrowed without Parliament knowing. You can't borrow a loan without knowing the conditions," Kalusa argued.
"I don't want a loan which will say buy a mobile hospital first, or a hearse before contracting it. If we fail here let's take it to a referendum."
Mapatizya UPND member of parliament Ackson Sejani contended that the clause if maintained would instill accountability in the government.
"I stand firmly with those in support of the clause. What we emphasise is not separation of powers but accountability. When it comes to accountability, I have no compromise and I believe accountability is more important than the separation of powers," said Sejani.
"This clause cannot be left to the whims of those in power because they will either trash it or ignore it. Where are the Freedom of Information Bill and The Independent Broadcasting Authority Bill this government promised to take to Parliament? These are some of the lessons we should learn when we leave everything to those in power."
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, CONSTITUTION, DOMESTIC DEBT, GEORGE KUNDA, MMD, NCC, PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS
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Magande condemns inclusion of civil servants in FSP
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Saturday, November 29, 2008 4:26:13 PM
FORMER finance minister Ng’andu Magande on Thursday said the inclusion of civil servants as eligible beneficiaries in the government-funded Fertiliser Support Programme (FSP), is disadvantaging the peasant farmers. And Chasefu FDD member of parliament Chifumu Banda has asked the government to drill water points in the Eastern Province following the vigorous support they gave to the MMD during the last presidential election campaign.
During the oral question and answer session in Parliament, Magande, who is Chilanga member of parliament, stood on a point of order and asked deputy Speaker Mutale Nalumango to rule whether agriculture minister Dr Brian Chituwo was in order to commence the distribution of FSP inputs without specifying who the beneficiaries were.
Magande also wanted to know if Dr Chituwo was in order to issue a ministerial statement in the course of the week where he was urging the distribution of more fertiliser.
“Last night, I saw him on TV instructing one of the companies to start distributing,” he said. “There is confusion in my constituency between the civil servants and small, vulnerable but viable farmers. They are now going to get the fertiliser and the peasant small-scale farmers are being clouded out of the process, which is a very good government programme.”
Magande wondered if it was fair that such a well-intended public programme could end up benefiting non-vulnerable people, who were already rich.
“Is he (Dr Chituwo) in order?” asked Magande as the opposition side applauded him and told him that he had come back with a bang.
But Nalumango said she had not seen any contradiction between Dr Chituwo’s ministerial statement and the situation on the ground regarding the distribution of FSP inputs.
“The ministerial statement was on the distribution of fertiliser,” she said. “The chair is also careful to say that she did not watch the minister to give the instructions.”
Nalumango said in view of that, it would be like operating in a vacuum to make a ruling on the matter.
However, Nalumango was in order to give the House the fact that fertiliser had been distributed.
And making an observation of the low number of boreholes in Lundazi despite the pursuit made by parliamentarians from the area to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Banda said they had campaigned for the MMD during the elections.
But local government minister Benny Tetamashimba said the distribution of boreholes would not be based on who campaigned for the ruling party as the MMD government was for everyone, including the PF.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, FSP, MAGANDE, WATER
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There is no threat to NCC, says Chifumu
By Mutuna Chanda in Kitwe
Sunday August 31, 2008 [04:00]
NATIONAL Constitutional Conference (NCC) chairperson Chifumu Banda has said there is absolutely no political threat to the NCC irrespective of who takes over the leadership of Zambia. In an interview, Banda said all well meaning Zambians should honour the late President Levy Mwanawasa by ensuring that the constitution was delivered.
"I don't see any political threat to the NCC," said Banda. "First, it was created by an Act of Parliament. If people want to change it they have to change the law where they get majority support. If you look at Parliament, the MMD are in majority. Unless they change their policy, but I don't see them changing it."
Recently, Kasama Central Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Saviour Chishimba withdrew from the NCC.
Chishimba said his participation in the NCC was based on the understanding that late President Mwanawasa was principled enough to deliver a constitution that would stand the test of time.
"Now that he has died, I find it very difficult to continue my membership with the NCC amidst uncertainties because the Act has got provisions which empower a sitting President to stop the process at any time," said Chishimba.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, NCC, PRESIDENCY
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FDD leadership proposal cheers party members
By Correspondent
Thursday August 21, 2008 [04:00]
OPPOSITION Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Copperbelt chairman Teddy Kangwa has said the proposal that party vice-president Chifumu Banda takes over from Edith Nawakwi has excited some members.
In an interview in Kitwe, Kangwa said the proposal would be discussed at the party's forthcoming mid-term convention.
Kangwa said Nawakwi was still the FDD president and that she had been quiet because she was nursing her son.
"I must say there have been some proposals that Banda should take over the leadership of the party from Nawakwi. The general membership of FDD are happy and excited about these proposals, but as you know FDD is a democratic party so we have to go for a convention to elect a new leader.
We are not like other political parties who just appoint individuals to positions of leadership," Kangwa said.
He said the party was strong on the Copperbelt and would soon start identifying candidates for parliamentary and local government seats ahead of the 2011 elections.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, EDITH NAWAKWI, FDD, TEDDY KANGWA
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FDD will meet its challenges squarely - Chifumu
By Patson Chilemba
Friday July 04, 2008 [04:00]
FDD will meet its challenges squarely, party vice-president Chifumu Banda said yesterday. Reacting to information minister Mike Mulongoti's statement that Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) had lost impact on the country's political scene, Banda said although the party seemed to have lost impact, it would one day rise to the occasion and make significant impact on the country.
"There are many political parties that have been in the opposition for a long time. Some have even taken over power after being in the opposition for 30 years. There are some political parties in Zambia who had two members of parliament but after mobilisation and selling their messages, they now have more members of parliament," he said.
Banda said he had no intention of resigning from the FDD.
He said it was not up to Mulongoti to comment on the affairs of his party.
Banda urged Mulongoti to focus on reorganising MMD.
"The responsibility to organise FDD lies with the membership and therefore, the party knows what its challenges are and it will meet its challenges squarely," Banda said. "Democracy will not flourish if there is a mentality that everybody must join the ruling party.
"In fact, Mulongoti himself should ensure that an environment exists for other parties to operate effectively. Access to state resources must be granted to all the political parties."
On Wednesday, Mulongoti urged FDD to re-examine its political relevance to the country.
He said the problems in FDD emanated from the previous conventions where the membership questioned whether the elections were democratic. Mulongoti said the party membership should stand up and question whether the current leadership was guiding the party in a proper manner.
Labels: CHIFUMU BANDA, FDD
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Development agreements not excuse to avoid mine tax, says Machila
By Mutuna Chanda
Friday February 15, 2008 [03:00]
LANDS minister Bradford Machila has advised mining companies not to use development agreements to escape the proposed tax regime on the mines. And Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Chasefu member of parliament Chifumu Banda expressed worry that foreign investors were trying to justify their refusal to share revenues from the country’s mineral wealth.
Contributing to debate on the motion of supply in Parliament on Wednesday, Machila said development agreements did not only comprise taxes but also included other aspects that some mine investors had not fully lived up to.
“Some mine investors have not been honouring their part of the development agreements that have to do with health and safety, environment, labour and immigration,” Machila said. “The mining companies have been getting away with non-compliance to those aspects of the development agreements.”
He said in the event that the government was dragged to court over breach of the development agreements, it would be forced to defend its position. And Machila said the improper ownership of land by some foreigners was distorting land distribution in the country.
“The allocation to my ministry has been reduced by K2 billion in this year’s budget despite having achieved a revenue target of more than 100 per cent. This shall not detract us,” Machila said.
“We shall use the resources to fund the re-entry exercise and flush out those who are illegally owning land in Zambia.”
And contributing to the debate, Banda said he was vehemently opposed to foreign investors’ unwillingness to share the country’s mineral wealth.
“Government is not saying they will take all of the mineral wealth; they are saying let us share. Only those who are greedy will refuse to share the mineral wealth,” Banda said.
“During the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Zambia’s mineral wealth was used to build Zimbabwe. Why should we be shy to get a share of our country’s mineral wealth now? Congratulations to the government for taking a bold move. The measures taken by the government are welcome and well-intentioned and government should not be shy to implement them to the latter.”
And Banda challenged finance minister Ng’andu Magande to explain private companies’ debt as part of the country’s national debt.
“I hope the government is not continuing to guarantee private companies’ debt,” Banda said.
Labels: BRADFORD MACHILA, CHIFUMU BANDA, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, FDD, MINISTRY OF LANDS, WINDFALL TAX
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