PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema Zambia is dedicated to leveraging Public Private Partnerships in order to deliver infrastructure projects.

The President who today joined his counterpart President Felix Tshisekedi to the inauguration ceremony of the Kasomeno – Kasenga – Chalwe – Kabila- Mwenda Road said Public Private Partnerships not only alleviates fiscal pressure but also encourages active participation from the private sector in economic development.

He said the project’s significance extends beyond regional integration as it will bolster connectivity, improve accessibility, reduce transport costs, and contribute to poverty alleviation by generating jobs and fostering wealth creation.

“We are delighted to have joined His Excellency President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo to inaugurate the Kasomeno – Kasenga – Chalwe – Kabila- Mwenda Road, along with the One Stop Border Post Project, which includes the construction of the Luapula River Bridge.

Zambia and the DRC share robust bilateral relations, and this project exemplifies our commitment to strengthening the ties between our two nations and peoples,” he said.

President Hichilema further called GED Africa the Concessionaire to prioritise the utilisation of local materials and the employment of local people, especially our youth and women.

“Land-linked Zambia’s access to regional and international markets presents a vital opportunity for diversification and growth. The tripartite region boasts immense market potential and GDP growth, which our country aims to harness,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Monday, 2nd October, 2023)

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is today expected to undertake a one-day official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo where he is expected to grace the ground breaking ceremony of the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila Mwenda Road Project, with his counterpart Félix Tshisekedi.

Ministerof Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kakubo said in a statement  that the launch of the project by GED Africa Limited and Partners will take place in Kasenga, DRC.

He said the project includes a road, a One Stop Border Post and a bridge across the Luapula River.

“President Hichilema has continued to underscore the importance of developing transport corridors in a bid to enhance trade links for sectors such as mining and agriculture and provide employment and other long term economic benefits for improved livelihoods of the people along the corridors,” he said.

Mr Kakubo said the project is in line with the Zambian Government’s development agenda

that prioritises the creation of financially viable joint venture partnerships in the region and beyond that are aimed at stimulating economic development and progress.

The Minister said the actualization of the road project attests to the excellent longstanding bilateral relations and cooperation between Zambia and the DRC.

He said Zambia’s active involvement in this project will not only enhance regional connectivity and greater integration but also contribute to improving people’s wellbeing through creation of opportunities for employment and other income generating ventures.

(Mwebantu, Monday, 2nd October, 2023)

FOLLOWING her recent arrest, former First Lady Esther Lungu, and four others, including two police officers, have been taken to court over alleged theft of three cars and money laundering involving over K1.5million.

Mrs Lungu is also facing a charge of concealing US$400,000 which is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The other suspects in the matter are o James Phiri and Lee Chisulo, both police officers of Obama and New Chilenje, respectively, and Catherine Banda and Kapambwe Lungu, whose occupation are yet to be established.
The are facing five counts of theft of motor vehicles, theft and concealing property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Allegations are that between August 9, 2021 and September 30,2022, the five stole a Mitsubishi canter registration number BAV 5282 worth K 320,000, belonging to Elizabeth Phiri, who is reportely the former first lady’s niece.

In the second count, allegations are that between the same dates, all the accused persons stole a Toyota Runx Registration number BLA 9772 valued at K 110,000 , the property of Ms Phiri.

It is alleged in count three that between the same dates, the accused stole a Toyota Alex registration number BAV 3986 valued at K 110,000 belonging to Furhana Patel.

In count four, Ms Lungu and others allegedly stole a certificate of title relating to stand number S/LUSAKA/333/2977 situated in Libala , Lusaka water works worth K 1,050,000, the property of Ms Phiri.

In the last count, allegations are that between the same dates, Ms Lungu, a housewife according to the indictment, had in her possession or concealed US$400,000, money is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The accused are expected to appear before Lusaka Magistrate Mbuywana Sinvula.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 29th September, 2023)