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UPND TO TAKE APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST MWENSE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON FOR ALLEGEDLY INCITING TRIBALISMVice Pre...
17/03/2023

UPND TO TAKE APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST MWENSE COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON FOR ALLEGEDLY INCITING TRIBALISM

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the UPND will follow its internal disciplinary procedure to ensure appropriate action is taken against its Mwense Council Chairperson Stephen Chikota for allegedly inciting tribalism.

Speaking during the Vice President`s question time in parliament this morning, Mrs Nalumango says tribalism is unacceptable and the new dawn government will not tolerate it regardless of the political affiliation of the person perpetrating it.

Mrs. Nalumango says the current regime has pledged to govern the country using the rule of law and hate speech is against the laws of the country hence appropriate action will be taken against the civic leader if found guilty.

She was responding to a question from Pambashe member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela who wanted to know what action government will take against the Mwense Council Chairperson who is also UPND Deputy National Youth Chairperson for issuing tribal remarks.

Mr. Chikota in a video that has gone viral on social media is heard disparaging other tribes while in a police cell where he is detained over the sugilite mineral scandal.

FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU CHALLENGED TO CLEARLY STATE IF HE HAS RETURNED TO ACTIVE POLITICSBy Leah NgomaThe Movement ...
14/03/2023

FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU CHALLENGED TO CLEARLY STATE IF HE HAS RETURNED TO ACTIVE POLITICS

By Leah Ngoma

The Movement for National Transformation has challenged Former President Edgar Lungu to state clearly to the nation whether he has returned to active politics.

Party President Daniel Shimunza says the former head of state should clearly state his position than to hide behind the pulpit, every time he attends church, so he can forfeit his retirement benefits and the due respect accorded to all former presidents.

Dr. Shimunza is of the view that Mr. Lungu is risking neither being a statesman, nor a father of the nation, by his divisive politics recently exhibited.

He notes that whereas a father is a founder of something like a political party, which he births, nourishes, sustains, and provides for, Mr. Lungu is not a founder of patriotic front and is failing to leave a successor in his party by seeking to comeback.

President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday warned Mr. Lungu to desist from championing a return to power by the activities he has been engaging himself in of late.

Credit;PHOENIX NEWS

Pope Francis suggests he’ll review Catholic Church’s vow of celibacy for priests. ⛪️ 👀
14/03/2023

Pope Francis suggests he’ll review Catholic Church’s vow of celibacy for priests. ⛪️ 👀

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WARNS FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU TO STOP CHAMPIONING A RETURN TO POWERBy Michael Kaluba in KitwePresiden...
13/03/2023

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WARNS FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU TO STOP CHAMPIONING A RETURN TO POWER

By Michael Kaluba in Kitwe

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned former president Edgar Lungu to desist from championing a return to power saying he allowed the former head of state freedom to unite the country and not as a sign of weakness.

Speaking in Kitwe today when he addressed UPND party structures on the Copperbelt, President Hichilema said the former head of state would stop enjoying his freedoms including going to church like he did yesterday, if the current regime decided to accord him the same maltreatment he subjected them to.

President Hichilema says the ongoing “alebwelelapo” chants are not only unwise but also an insult to the Zambian people who were beaten, killed and mistreated and has warned that he will not condone any messages, language or actions meant to take the country back to the violence and lack of rule of law experienced under the former regime.

The head of state says his government is preoccupied with national development but will not allow the former ruling party and former President Lungu to return to power as this will signify a return to unlawful deaths, arrests and break down in the rule of law.
Credit;PHOENIX NEWS

Breaking news: Police have arrested organizers of the Peaceful demonstration against 25 years concession on the Lusaka -...
10/03/2023

Breaking news: Police have arrested organizers of the Peaceful demonstration against 25 years concession on the Lusaka - Ndola road.

Good night.
09/03/2023

Good night.

09/03/2023

An unidentified motor vehicle has hit & run - killing an unidentified male in his 20s on the spot on Lumumba road near Family 24 restaurant. The body is still on the side of the road.

Credit Hot FM.

09/03/2023

TWO ARRESTED IN JAMES MILIMO'S MURDER CASE

Police in Lusaka have arrested two people in connection with the brutal murder of James Milimo on allegations that he stole a mobile phone last year.

Milimo, 19 died on 19th February 2023 after he was attacked by family members who ganged up against him while in the company of his friends when decided to buy some samosas at a house they usually bought the snacks from.

According to the Coroner’s authority for burial issued at the University Teaching Hospitals on 23rd February 2023, the deceased died after suffering a blunt impact fracture to the head and abdomen due to assault. Creto Kaanza, the Lusaka Province Police Commanding Officer has confirmed the arrest of the duo to Hot FM News in an interview.

Mr. Kaanza has identified the suspects as Harold Bunda, 43 of New Kabwata, and Rodgers Tembo, 33 of Kabwata Site and Service who have both been charged with murder.

He says the duo is believed to have been part of the group that attacked Mr. Milimo, and police hope to pick more suspects as investigation into the matter are ongoing.

ACC ARRESTS AUDITOR GENERAL DR. DICK SICHEMBE FOR CORRUPT PRACTICESThe Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested and charg...
09/03/2023

ACC ARRESTS AUDITOR GENERAL DR. DICK SICHEMBE FOR CORRUPT PRACTICES

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested and charged Auditor General Dr. Dick Sichembe for corrupt practices involving over K1million.

Dr. Dick Chellah Sichembe 52, of plot number A23 Miracle Lane Roma, Lusaka has been charged with one (1) count of Obtaining Goods by False Pretences Contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia, one (1) Count of Conspiracy to
Defraud the Government of the Republic of Zambia Contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia and one (1) count of Willful Failure to Follow Applicable Procedures Contrary to Section 34 of the Anti-Corruption Act No.3 of 2012.

Dr. Sichembe has further been charged with one (1) count of Theft by Servant Contrary to Section 278 as read with Section 272 of the Penal Code Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Details are that on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2018 and 31st December,2021 in Lusaka District, Dr. Sichembe jointly and whilst acting together with other persons, whilst serving in his capacity as Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance
and subsequently as Auditor General at the Office of the Auditor General, did receive various payments for fictitious activities purporting that all activities were actualized and performed when in fact not to which he received an accumulated sum of K1,160, 639.57 in allowances (exclusive of salaries), acts prejudicial to the rights and interests of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.

Dr. Sichembe has since been released on bond and will appear before court soon.

Timothy Moono
HEAD- CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

STOP DECEIVING US ABOUT DEMOCRACY, FOCUS ON ENDING THE WAR IN UKRAINE The United States will hold its so-called Democrac...
09/03/2023

STOP DECEIVING US ABOUT DEMOCRACY, FOCUS ON ENDING THE WAR IN UKRAINE

The United States will hold its so-called Democracy Conference in Zambia at the end of this month. But what for?

What can the United States, a country that that has initiated so many coups in Africa and other parts of the world, killed so many of our leaders and helped rig elections in many countries, teach us about democracy and elections? Its own elections are being disputed!

This is a shameful conference to hold in Zambia, a country that for a long time was the liberation centre of our region. Today, Zambia is being turned into a centre of neocolonialism with a puppet government, a lackey of imperialism.

We have been cheated, fooled, for a long time with rhetoric about democracy and freedom. It must come to an end. The American rhetoric about democracy should be dismissed with derision.

Let them leave us alone and focus on ending the conflict they provoked and are fuelling in Ukraine.

And clearly, whatever they say, whatever they do, Ukraine is heading for military defeat and will never be the same. The contortions that will be needed to explain Ukraine’s impending defeat will be something to behold.

If anything, this conflict has actually helped to bring Russia much closer to China. It has also helped expose the hypocrisy of the United States and the West.

Cynical and confected outrage in the West about Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty conveniently ignores its own, more devastating crimes in Vietnam, Grenada, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria. There is no mention of the West’s acceptance of Turkey’s annexation of northern Cyprus and support for Israel’s effective annexation of the West Bank and the Golan Heights, as well as its brutal blockade of Gaza. The West is not defending any moral or legal principles in Ukraine. Rather, it is opportunistically exploiting a tragic situation, which it helped to provoke for its own interests.

But events do not take place in a timeless vacuum. Historical context is always needed to make sense of them. Anyone who understands how the United States moved NATO relentlessly eastward towards the Russian border after the collapse of the USSR, despite assurances to the contrary, will not be surprised that Russia responded.

Those who are also aware that the United States has manipulated Ukrainian domestic politics since it promoted regime change in 2014 to antagonise Russia, will not be surprised that those who claim to defend freedom are being questioned by an increasingly cynical public suspicious of their own governments’ motives. Anti-war rallies have just begun in Europe and are likely to spread around the world.

Fred M’membe,
President of the Socialist Party

CAUTION SENSITIVE PICTURESDriver hits 6 people tries to escape...There was a road traffic accident this morning in chibo...
09/03/2023

CAUTION SENSITIVE PICTURES

Driver hits 6 people tries to escape...

There was a road traffic accident this morning in chibolya road were a driver hit 6 people including school pupils. The accident happened along Ben bella road.

One of the picture shows the driver frantically tries to escape a group of passerby who tried to chase and punched his car. Driver was later whisked for his safety. Unconfirmed reports states that the school pupils are from Chibolya basic & Kamwala.

Details later....

Credit: Zambia Online

WOMEN ARE BACK WITH THE SAME DEMANDS Today is March 8 – International Women’s Day – and women come back with the same ba...
08/03/2023

WOMEN ARE BACK WITH THE SAME DEMANDS

Today is March 8 – International Women’s Day – and women come back with the same banners and demands they carry and make on this day:

• A gender equal world
• A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination
• A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive
• A world where difference is valued and celebrated

On this day let’s commit ourselves to coming together to forge women’s equality. Let’s collectively embrace equality, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity.

International Women’s Day belongs to all of us, to everyone, everywhere. Inclusion means all International Women’s Day action is valid.

And today we join all of you in celebrating International Women’s Day under the 2023 theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.

A more just, fair and humane society is possible, but we have to struggle for it!

Fred M'membe,
President of the Socialist Party

08/03/2023

Do you still think that PF we'll remain united after congress. Get to listen to this audio between GBM and chishimba kambwili.

Women's Day.The party in government UPND in Mpika on women's Day.In photo
08/03/2023

Women's Day.

The party in government UPND in Mpika on women's Day.

In photo

March 7, 2023 - Police have charged and arrested the Co-Founder of Sistah Sistah Foundation identified as Gladys Mwangal...
07/03/2023

March 7, 2023 - Police have charged and arrested the Co-Founder of Sistah Sistah Foundation identified as Gladys Mwangala Monde aged 29 of Silverest area in Lusaka with the offence of Giving False Information to Public officers and Unlawful Assembly.

Police have also charged and arrested three others identified as Ann Kazhila Hollard aged 28 of Civic Center area who is the Programme Director, Chilombu Kabambi aged 22 an Administrative Assistant under the same foundation and Luse Mwila Chanda aged 25 with the offence of Unlawful Assembly.

The suspects are in Police Custody and will appear in court soon. Investigations have intensified.

Meanwhile, Police have instituted investigations into the programmes and activities of Sistah Sistah Foundation.

Danny Mwale
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer

*A MUST READ 📚**WHAT CAUSED UNIP TO DIE (Timely Lesson for PF)-------------------------------------*Sunday 5th March, 20...
07/03/2023

*A MUST READ 📚*

*WHAT CAUSED UNIP TO DIE (Timely Lesson for PF)
-------------------------------------

*Sunday 5th March, 2023*

*Author: Dr Edgar Ng'oma/ Philosopher/Political Analyst.*

*Without fear or favor*

■ ...kindly check the coincidence on the magic last number 6 in the two election years 1996 & 2026.Those who know you know the meaning. It's a wait and see situation.
----‐--------------------------------....let's examine the comparative symptomatic facts between UNIP & PF behavior as we critically analyze what led to the complete obliteration of UNIP in Zambia from the political landscape of the country, although it being the first party to form government in 1964 and ruled for 27 years uninterrupted, but unfortunately is
dead today with no representative anywhere in the government.
-------------------------------------
Again let me apologize in advance to those that this analysis may unsettle and cause them the stress, to you kindly find it in heart to understand that I am a mirror in politics, I reflect the political activity and interpret it for those involved. Just like a thermometer measuring temperature on objects as required. Kindly take heart, I mean well for all of us.

*THE ANALYSIS*
-------------------------------------
The belief in one single man that without him there is no PF, that this and that single man is PF and PF is that single man is a very dangerous philosophy which has the potential to crush any political party in this case the Patriotic Front party. This same philosophy of wamuyayaya (life President) and kumulu lesa pansi pano Kaunda, (God rules in haven and Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda rules on earth) killed United National Independence party (UNIP) under the leadership of the founding father of the nation Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who ruled Zambia as President for 27 years uninterrupted and caused UNIP go into extinction.Today UNIP cannot even win a local government election, because of centering all power in one man and his Sons.
Even if today UNIP has changed leadership to an ordinary citizen who is
a Religious Spiritual Leader like MCP of Malawi led by Lazarus Chakwera who won the former ruling political party elections in 2020 in Malawi, for UNIP it is too late now because the party is already dead. To take a leaf 🍃 from what happens before the death of a person, it was better to change UNIP leadership when the party was feeling headache, but now when the medical doctor examining the autopsy has declared it dead and the mortuary attendant has secured the remains in the cold room for relatives to come and collect it for burial, and then some one prescribes the right medicine hoping the person would respond, it becomes a practical comedy/joke for the onlookers in this case the people of Zambia 🇿🇲, they have unfortunately been laughing quietly.

I warned PF in 2017/2019 when I saw President Lungu fire Kaizer Zulu his Political Advisor and replaced him with a man who had verbally abused him on Social media more than anybody had defamed him. In his insults he even dedicated a book insulting President Lungu. I also saw so many other people who defected from MMD and UNIP who I know them as undertakers, upon seeing them closer to President Lungu, that is when using my 4 eyes I concluded without doubt that President Lungu was being escorted out of state house to allow for President Hichilema to come in.

*DEEP ANALYSIS ON THE EMINATE DEATH OF PF*.
---------------------------------------------

When MMD under the leadership Fredrick Jacob Titus Chiluba (FTJ) as President took over power in 1991 after defeating super Kenny(Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda) and his United National Independence Party (UNIP), in a decisive highly contested election of 1991 where MMD formed government ending a 27 years autocratic one party rule system ushering in a democratic dispensation which is until today is the system of governance which is regulated by the rule of law.

MMD under President FTJ Chiluba made a lot of sweeping changes to the government left by UNIP. One of the biggest sweeping changes which FTJ made effected was the privatization of state owned companies and institutions. About 90% of state owned companies were privatized leaving a lot of people working for those companies jobless . This loss of jobs and closure of most of those companies had ripple effect, such that a lot of people suffered harsh economic hardships and such that about 60% of citizens regretted removing KK/Super Kenny and they started calling for his return to power 🔋.

*"This cry of the people in 1996 for Super Kenny to return from political retirement to active politics to restle power from the MMD who had defeated him is exactly what is repeating itself in Zambia today where PF wants to get back power using the defeated Leader Edgar Chagwa Lungu citing similar reasons of economic hardship where people feel PF under the leadership of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu were better because atleast fuel, electricity and mealie meal which is Zambia's staple food was cheaper and affordable than it is today under the New Dawn Government under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema."*

So, Super Kenny was enticed to rejoin active politics in a similar manner what is happening to Former President Edgar Lungu today, being lured into contesting the 12th August 2026 election.

Fast forward; Super Kenny succumbed to the call for him to re-contest the Presidency in 1996 and I see Former PF President Lungu following suite.

I know it is exactly 27 years ago today in 2023 when Supper Kenny led the death of his political party in 1996. Those who were not there then, or were young together with those who have forgotten how super Kenny killed UNIP , here is how;

FTJ Chiluba who was the incumbent president of Zambia at the time for from 1991 to 1996 for a five year term, who was a self acclaimed Political Engineer hatched out a plan to stop Super Kenny from contesting that election and he did so by making sure the name of Super Kenny does not appear on the ballot paper by tampering with an eligibility parental clause in the constitution of ZAMBIA.
In summary the clause which was adjusted to bar Super Kenny from participating in the election stated that;

*" For a candidate to qualify to contest as President, his Parents must be Zambian citizen by birth! "*

That was it! Super Kenny nailed because both his parents hailed from Nkhotakota in Malawi and the father came as a missionary at Lubwa mission in Chinsali district now in Muchinga Province of Zambia. However, Super Kenny himself was born in Zambia 🇿🇲 and he was a citizen of Zambia by birth.

Aftre being barred from contesting the 1996 general and Presidential election Super Kenny got incensed and sort international community intervention, but international community said they could not interfere in matters that had the potential to undermine a sovereign state. Then what does super Kenny do next? He went straight on a su***de mission by getting a rope and hang both himself together with the party he led UNIP by boycotting the entire general election thinking that the MMD government was going to change their mind to allow him to contest the presidency, MISTAKE!

President FTJ Chiluba then said in a statement he made, to reply to Super Kenny boycott!

*" In a democratic dispensation the constitution provides for citizens to respect a democratic right of every individual/citizen, whether he wants to participate in an election or not, we will respect their democratic right, in this case democratic right of Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda and his party UNIP not to participate in the 1996 general election*.
*However, for those of us who want to participate in this election, we too our democratic right should be equally respected."*
end of quote.

And true to Dr. Kaunda"s directive, ( leadership centred on One man), both UNIP candidates standing on parliamentary ticket and municipality local government ticket as candidates, boycotted the 1996 general election, and the day of casting a vote President FTJ Chiluba and the MMD turned it into field day by sweeping clean the entire election with a land slide victory. UNIP had died MHSRIEP.

Today PF members and their sympathizers are in serious conversation to entice Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to re-contest the 2026 Presidential election, and like Super Kenny was told, he too is being told he would easily win the presidency in 2026 if he contested by a wide margin, why ? because in their persuasion they are advancing reasons such as;

*under the UPND presidency the cost of living has become extremely expensive as compared to the time when he(ECL) was President*.

Very true, true the cost of living is higher today than it was during PF regime, but who has told the PF that all people who voted for the UPND voted for them because they wanted the cost of living to be lower?

Let PF know today from this writer's analysis after interviewing a lot of people why they voted for UPND, their is that, most people who voted for UPND and Bally (President Hakainde Hichilema) did so just to remove PF party from government, just to see to it that the ills they experienced under the PF were removed out of site together with its instigator PF party, because the citizens were fade up of the un-ruly cadrerism weird behavior where cadres were more powerful than state police, and NOT what PF is thinking were the reasons. Also among the many ills were gassing and arrogance (Kusamwa) that was being exhibited by both cadres and PF leadership. For example this statement here;

*" ( Wiomba mwibala, alalya mwibala) meaning; he who work in a perfume factory has to smell the aroma of the perfume long after he has left the perfume factory."*

If you know you know the meaning of this statement which was made by the sitting PF President who they have enticed to re-contest the 2026 election, he said this while addressing a press conference at State House in Zambia.

*FREE ADVICE & CAUTION*.

Remember what political engineering FTJ did to prevent Super Kenny from contesting the 1996 general election? In the case of Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu it will be very simple.... those who know , you know why.

In conclusion, my advice to PF and its leadership is simple; Allow all those who have paid to contest party Presidential election in an intra party democracy system do so without intimidation and interference.

*"Let the electrol college hold free and fair election. President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for the love and respect for PF Founding Father Michael Chilufya Sata, so that his Party does not die a sudden death in 2026 when your name might miss on the ballot paper, kindly Let go the seat of President for any other possible succesor who should not be your daughter/Son or relative but any other person the convention will chose without your influence. After the convention has chosen a leader of their choice, kindly support who ever emerges winner. You will be more respected to remain a States man for young politicians to seek your wise counsel. Remember that you are the only surviving Former President in Zambia today, 5 others are all late and peacefully resting at Embassy Park in Lusaka"*.

To PF cadres, my advice to you is guard your party jealously, Do not allow greedy, selfishness steal your heritage and future.
This advice is free, one can choose to take it or start calling this writer names for both I will be grateful.

TO UPND & LEADERSHIP -ADVICE

PF with Driver Lungu want to repurchase their antique motor vehicle because they feel you are not looking after it well, especially that they can see the spare parts they put to this vehicle are still intact, they badly want it back because they are walking on foot these days without the vehicle which you are driving now.

My humble advice to UPND leadership is; kindly e exceedingly alert!, open your eyes wider to secure our prestigious antique motor Vehicle from car thieves. Motivate the security guards guarding it, especially so that the one you have put as second in charge of all of your security guards is demotivating and frustrating them, he is seemingly not relating well with security guards supervisors. Kindly caution him the dangers of frustrating guards. If I am not clear, I can be reached easily.

Remember what happened to both Super Kenny and FTJ? they woke up one morning in a panic !!. Let's prevent history from repeating itself by motivating the morale of security guards looking after this prestigious antique vehicle.

I will emphasize again to Bally, for your motor vehicle to take us to the land of milk and honey, kindly take your Antique motor Vehicle to the garage for service, remove counterfeit spare parts left by PF, buy your own genuine parts and replace them immediately, because time is not your best ally.

IMPORTANT NOTICEThe PA to the Kopala rich man has been trying to get hold of him to no avail. The last time he was seen ...
07/03/2023

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The PA to the Kopala rich man has been trying to get hold of him to no avail. The last time he was seen was yesterday 21hrs around SOS area.

All his usual places have been checked and he is not there, the friends he usually hang around with have equally not seen him up to this time.

His team is so worried that something may have happened to him since he has never gone out without notifying anyone before.

The case has been reported at North Gate police post and we kindly request the general public to call this number if anyone of you happens to find him.

+260977579981

We will appreciate your support 🙏🙏🙏

07/03/2023

5 UPND CADRES ARRESTED FOR DEFAMING THE FIRST LADY MUTINTA HICHILEMA.

07/03/2023

Good morning our people, wishing you a wonderful day.

Why is Mr Hakainde Hichilema so afraid of going to China and facing the Chinese leadership to discuss debt restructuring...
06/03/2023

Why is Mr Hakainde Hichilema so afraid of going to China and facing the Chinese leadership to discuss debt restructuring? He has made 35 trips abroad since becoming President but none of them to China, which is so strategic to the economic and general wellbeing of our nation. He needs to put Zambia first!

Fred M'membe

NAPSA are just part of Lusaka-Ndola road funders - Milupi By Kombe Chimpinde Mataka INFRASTRACTURE minister Charles Milu...
06/03/2023

NAPSA are just part of Lusaka-Ndola road funders - Milupi

By Kombe Chimpinde Mataka

INFRASTRACTURE minister Charles Milupi says if Zambia allows capital projects to be funded by foreign capital, profits arising out of the project will go out of the country.
A special purpose vehicle registered by Macro Ocean Investment Consortium has been awarded the tender to construct the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway and rehabilitation of 45 kilometres Luanshya-Fisenge Masangano road under public-private-partnership.

According to information, financing institutions include the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) Worker’s Compensation Fund Control Board and Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited.

In an interview, Milupi told The Mast that the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway construction project was properly done with consideration of how the financiers would make returns on their investments.
“If you allow these things to be funded by foreign capital, the profits arising out of the project will go out. 100 per cent will go out. We have said that we want Zambian involvement in terms of construction. Each NAPSA investment, their part of the profit will remain in Zambia. So I think we have revealed all these,” Milupi said. “Zambians must get used to investing in private enterprises. So many years ago, I invested in Copperbelt Energy [Coropration]. I am getting something. Putting nshima on the table is not an issue. And when it was publicly listed, a number of people, over 4,000 people invested in Copperbelt Energy including the same pension scheme I was talking about.”
He said making investments on big returns was key for pension schemes like NAPSA.
“This is a good thing. It’s excellent. Look at the PPP Act, you will see that upon signing, like we did, the concessionaire has some time to reach what is called financial closure. That is where those details come in because in terms of financing, you cannot reach financial closure until you know the details of the concession. Details of the concession is what was signed,” he said. “The Lubumba Market concession, how many years was it? Check it, I think it was 60 years. Now this one is 25 years. Three years of construction [and] 22 years of operation. The concession period is arrived at after very critically looking at the level of investment and factor in the amount of time that it is going to take to recover because this is not free lunch. The investor has to recover their investment and make a return. So that is critically looked at. We don’t just wake up and say give them 25 years. So that is arrived at to give them a reasonable margin. It also takes into account what the public can take in terms of charges. We can shorten that (concession), we can by doubling the toll fees, but is that what our population needs? We can also cut in half, so we have to keep the service at reasonable cost. Because you have set what you are going to charge you can then work out how long it will take for them to recover their money and make a reasonable profit. So that is what determines the concession period. You have to understand how pension schemes operate. Pension schemes get money from active members who are actively working, they invest that and investment must give them a return so that they can look at the pensioners who are not working. So they would have an investment committee that will determine what sort of investment that will give them the required return.”
Milupi said investments on capital projects by pension schemes was key to growth.
“So far pension schemes like NAPSA, even Mukuba where I belong, they have gone into real estate,” he said. “They build houses and charge rentals. They can work out what sort of returns they are getting on things like that. So this is an investment where there is a return. I am sure they (NAPSA) have evaluated to see that they are getting a higher return than they would normally get on their...Really look at it from the pure point of view that they are making an investment decision. I am sure they have carried out a review of what their architectural evaluations shall be going forward. Besides that, they’re not the only ones funding the project. They are just part of the funders.”
Milupi said Zambians would benefit from the construction of the road economically.
He said women could team up and provide services and food during the construction of the road.
“It is an economic activity. Many people are happy. Obviously those who don’t want to do it are not happy. We have to analyse that. First of all $1.245 billion base figure and it was contractor facilitated funding. So it was going to be a loan. There was going to be interest over the period [of] about K600 million and maintenance was supposed to done by government, about K400 billion,” said Milupi. “Government is not funding it and secondly it is not going to carry out maintenance. Bally is fixing it! There will be jobs directly during construction. There will be jobs during operation, toll gates and maintenance. The sub-contractors and service providers.”

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