Chongwe man fails to perform marital duties after being beaten by William Banda led cadres

Some Residents of Chongwe District in Lusaka province have expressed fear for the nation after elections due to the continued cases of violence by alleged Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) cadres.

The residents who claimed that they were beaten by MMD cadres over the weekend expressed disappointment with the campaign strategy being used by Lusaka province MMD chairperson, William Banda.

Christopher Chabu who is one of the victims told Yatsani News that he is now failing to perform his marital duties after being subjected to torture and brutal beating by the MMD cadres over the weekend.

He has since called on the police to maintain law and order if the country has to continue being peaceful.

And another victim, Chama Mulubwa expressed displeasure with William Banda’s conduct saying it is not right to force people to belong to a particular political party.

Mr. Mulubwa said in a democracy, votes are won through persuasion and not by force.
He says it is every person’s democratic right to belong to a political party of their choice.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Florence Banda questioned the existence of a government if people’s lives cannot be protected by state security agents.

In apparent reference to alleged police inaction during the Chongwe violence where PF members were brutally beaten by MMD cadres, Mrs. Banda wondered what the role of the police is in national security.

It has been alleged the violence occurred in full view of police who could not do anything.
However, Lusaka Division Commanding Officer, Mlakeni Zulu refuted media reports that there was police presence during violence in Chongwe.

Mr. Zulu told Yatsani News yesterday (Monday) that the media have blown the situation out of proportion.

And in its defence, the MMD has maintained that the Pf had no right to be in Chongwe because the MMD has police permit for their rally.

MMD Deputy National Secretary, Chemebe Nyangu told Yatsani News that the PF provoked the situation and wondered what they were doing in Chongwe.

The violence which is alleged to have been perpetuated by MMD cadres under the command of Lusaka Province Chairperson, William Banda has been condemned by a cross section of society with some calling for the arrest of Mr. Banda.

Source: Yatsani Catholic Radio(Lusaka)

President Banda to commission the Sesheke-Senanga Road works

LUSAKA, Tuesday September 6, 2011– Republican President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda, will on Wednesday 7th September 2011 officially commission the construction works of the Sesheke-Senanga Road at the start of a series of public meetings in Western Province.

The 221-kilometre road will be upgraded from gravel to bituminous standard at the cost of K707.1 billion.

Construction works have already begun and considerable progress has already been made so far. Infrastructure development in all parts of Zambia is Government’s top priority and Government will therefore continue to pay close attention to upgrading, rehabilitating and maintaining the roads throughout the country.

Government will also construct a bridge at Sioma to replace the existing Kalongola pontoon. A contract has already been awarded at a cost of K74 billion and the works on the bridge will be commencing soon.

This according to a statement issued by the state house public relations unit.

President Banda for Itezhi-Tezhi groundbreaking ceremony

LUSAKA, Monday, September 5th, Republican President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda will today officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Itezhi-Tezhi Power Station.

The Itezhi-Tezhi Power Station project is expected to cost US$ 250 million and will be implemented under the Public Private Partnership Framework (PPP) between Zesco and Tata Africa.

The President says the project is expected to create almost 450 direct jobs for the people of Itezhi-Tezhi, the surrounding areas and the rest of Zambia.

“This project will help provide reliable power supply in Itezhi-Tezhi, Mumbwa Area, North-Western Province, Western Province and Zambia as a whole. Additionally, through various interconnection transmission lines that will be constructed, power generated at the new power station will be exported to other countries in the region, which will earn Zambia extra revenues,” the President says.

He is happy to inform Zambians that this project will also boost local small, medium and large enterprises such as cement suppliers, steel suppliers and suppliers of other building materials and other services which will be sourced locally.

“The additional spill-overs of this project include the construction of new roads, new houses, new hospitals and new schools and the expansion of the existing ones. This will include the rehabilitation of water and sewerage facilities. Electricity supply infrastructure to the Ittezhi-Tezhi hospital will also be rehabilitated.”

On Saturday 3rd September 2011 President Banda launched a US$1.5 million water treatment plant in Chongwe, financed by the Danish Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, for the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC).

This is according to a statement issued by state house public relations unit.