Digitalized land management panacea to corruption-LA

 

Daily News Reporter

 

Land management, ownership among other processes is not amenable to corruption in Zambia in the absence of digitalized records to plug corruption, interest groups have noted.

 

Global anti-corruption body-Transparency International and the Land Alliance, a consortium of Non-Governmental Organisations promoting fair land policies, laws and land administration and takes into account the needs of the poor call for digitalization of all records coupled with a systematic monitoring of acquisition procedures to avert corruption as demand rises.

 

To plug the uncouth act, TIZ-Zambia and Zambia Land Alliance, Thursday launched a land management and transparency portal to plug corruption in land management at munipality and traditional authority’s levels as a way of restoring land management.

 

The duo note that with the lack of computerized records at various authorities, corruption remained an active exercise when people seek to acquire land, spurred by various circumstances, including lack of information on how land should be acquired and other procedures.

During the launch, TIZ-(Z) executive director Maurice Nyambe noted that much of the process was at the mercy of the officials handling the acquisitions and with the increasing demand for land in recent years, corruption and the lack of transparency was becoming a norm, which should be nipped in the bud and avert the scourge from escalating.

 

The portal, being re-launched to be expedited until 2025-the second time after it was initially launched in 2018 and to be operated initially in four districts-Choma, Mansa, Chibombo and Kasempa, on the basis of new spaces being opened for allocation of land, would seek to provide information on potential existing and potential owners pm ownership procedures.

 

The portal will be complimented with literature translated in languages that are commonly spoken in the affected areas to enhance comprehension by would be land owners.

 

The innovative approach by the two players is to ultimately champion transparency and enhance the effectiveness of its mandate.

 

The process will later be escalated to all parts of the country to curb the vice which has left many existing and would be land owners at the mercy of some municipality or traditional land authorities that perpetuate corruption.

 

“The land transparency portal, marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to enhance transparency and accountability within Zambia’s land sector through our Land and Corruption in Africa project.” Mr. Nyambe.

 

The project is funded by the Germany Government and is being piloted in over eight countries in Africa in a quest to eliminate corruption related activities.

 

Land and Corruption in Africa project is arguably set up to combat corruption inland governance and contribute to improved welfare of people who depend on land but lack information.

The people, in turn, are often duped by various authorities for lack of information on procedures, hence, harboring corruption, land being a hallowed status and as a critical resource for livelihoods and development.

 

“How land is governed is a potential area for corruption risk that particularly affects the vulnerable segments of society, chiefly affected women, youth and the elderly who are sidelined by virtue of their status quo.

 

Land governance encompassed the rule, processes, and structures governing access, use, decision-making, implementation, enforcement and the management of competing interests in land.

 

And ZLA Project assistant and paralegal officer, Mufalali Samalumo regretted the unabated corrupt tendencies harboured at various levels with some potential land owners being induced into engaging into: “Status recognition” of land owners in cases of traditional land being sought.

 

“Some people are asked to pay a courtesy call to the traditional leaders and deliver either a chicken or other expensive gifts as a show of appreciation, but no one knows how much the same respect amounts to. At councils, some are asked to pay something to speed up the process, yet they are not told how much the favour is worth, and all that is corruption” Mr. Samalumo notes.

 

 

 ACCESS OF INFORMATION (ATI) IS THE MUST

By Daily News Reporter

The government views the Access to Information Bill (ATI) as a significant stride towards promoting transparency, accountability, and fighting against corruption.

 

Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of said “In line with our election promises made by His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, the government took the access to information bill to parliament for the benefit of the Zambian people,” he stated.

 

“Once enacted, this bill will also facilitate access to information, which is crucial in the fight against corruption.”

 

Mweetwa indicated that there would likely be extensive engagement with various stakeholders who will be invited as witnesses by the National Assembly to provide input on the final form and content of the Access to Information Act.

 

“It now remains for parliament to play its part so that the Access to Information Act becomes a reality that has eluded this country for a very long time. Yet, in every election cycle, it has been used as part of political campaigns if elected," noted Mweetwa.

No single government in the world can operate without the press, because the press is the fourth most important estate after the executive, judiciary and legislature in any democratic state. And for the press to be really appreciated as the fourth estate, it must be accorded the freedom to access information.

In 1802, former US President Thomas Jefferson, wrote: “Where it is left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate to prefer the latter.”

This therefore means journalists are supposed to play a watchdog role over the government. For them to perform this role, they must have undeniable access to information. Unfortunately, Zambia like many (African) countries does not have an Access to Information law or an express provision in the constitution.

Many countries instead have the Official Secrets Acts, so vaguely written that officials can interpret them in a way to avoid scrutiny of their actions or they may wish to hide something from the public. Such acts also prevent citizens from verifying information held by powerful institutions and indeed leaders of influential positions.

In Zambia, there is also the Public Order Act that is often used to deny the media access to information, arrest and detain journalists or search premises of a media institution and confiscate material. These acts are sometimes justified on grounds of state security.

While it is necessary for any government to protect national security, our government often fails to distinguish between state secrets and information that has no implication on that security.

Public interest arguments might include the need for properly informed debate, exposing wrongdoing, protecting the public from danger, accounting for public funds, demonstrating that standards are being observed, that authorities are properly discharging their duties, ensuring that people are dealt with fairly and the public is not misled.

If information is withheld, as is often the case, the authority should tell you which exemption it has relied on, why it thinks the public interest favours confidentiality and how to challenge the decision.

The first step should be to complain under the authority’s own complaints procedure, when a more senior official with greater authority to release information is likely to be involved. Strictly speaking, it’s the authority’s job to show why information should not be disclosed, not yours to prove that it can. But if you feel the authority may have an exaggerated view of the likely harm from disclosure or has failed to recognize the public interest in openness you should point that out. (The Campaign for Freedom of Information)

This is a crucial period. We have a government that promises so much on media freedom and access to information for all. The electorate vote the party in based partly on the assurance for access to information. Next general elections are in 2026, but without the press having access to information, it is most likely that more information will still not be in public domain.

As a free press plays a watchdog role on the government in any democratic state, people can be brought with information they need to exercise independent judgment on governance by public officials and those who favour the same policies they support.

Lack of access to information hinders the free-flow of information. It promotes rumour mongering among the citizenry. This ultimately breeds and sustains bad governance and in the long run hinders the democratic process.

Denial of access to information promotes unaccountability from the powers-that-be; abuse of citizen’s rights and corruption, which has characterised many African countries, Zambia inclusive. Without access to rightful information, corrupt practices cannot be exposed. The Zambian electorate and general citizenry should just rely on publicly released information which on many occasions only has elements of truths.

A one sided press befools society. ATI is not for fast-breaking stories. You’re more likely to wait weeks than hours for information. But if you’re dealing with an issue that will still be news in a month’s time or gradually putting a big story together the Act should be just what we need

There’s no special trick to making a request. Apply in writing or by fax or email to the authority concerned describing the information you want. It’s a good idea to say you’re applying under the Act, but strictly speaking you don’t need to. Any written request is automatically valid. You can ask to be sent photocopies of originals, have material emailed or ask to inspect records in person - the authority is required to comply with your preference if practicable. Photocopies may give you a better feel for how much information has been withheld than a print out with the gaps closed up.

Information to the media is denied in various ways. The most common one is to delay official comment or refuse to comment on an issue. This prompts the media to publish the story without a comment and sometimes the story is dropped, as it might be one-sided or unsubstantiated.

Another tactic is to refer the media to the Ministry of Information, which requires all questions in writing, and then the ministry will forward the questions to the responsible department or ministry. The response is relayed to the media through the same process. This process works against the media because news cannot wait forever.

On the other hand the state owned and controlled media is rewarded for its loyalty by being given better, but still selective, access to public officials and institutions. Journalists and the public have no institutionalised powers to compel officials to answer questions or provide information.

Official Secrets Acts, for example, are invoked when the media touches on matters relating to the military and the executive branch of the government. Issues related to the military and security are rightly recognised as sensitive because they affect the security of the entire nation. The harm to the nation can be immense if such information is made available to enemies or potential enemies.

The continued attacks on journalist prove that the government is not committed to freedom of the press. Though freedom of expression is guaranteed under article 20 of the constitution, there is need for an exclusive article for freedom of the press.

A state that prosecutes journalists on allegations of breaching any government secrets encourages the belief that there is something to hide, creating a credibility gap with the public and tensions with the journalists and the media as an institution.

There have been representations to have a guaranteed freedom of the press clause in the constitution.

“(ATI) is not for fast-breaking stories. You’re more likely to wait weeks than hours for information. But if you’re dealing with an issue that will still be news in a month’s time or gradually putting a big story together, the Act should be just what you need,” says Maurice Frankel, Director of The Campaign for Freedom of Information.

James, a Lecturer in Media Studies in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, said that there is need for a balance to be struck which will enhance the standing of public institutions and protect the interests of society. This balance necessitates the abolition of Official Secret Acts in favour of (Access to) Information Acts.

He added that (Access to) Information Acts can have provisions that protect sensitive information from being placed in the public domain. However, such provisions should not deviate from the principle of openness. Mechanisms must be worked out so that it can be verified that particular information is sensitive, or which aspects of such information are sensitive.

“We must rectify the situation where information is declared secret and so unavailable to the local media because it allegedly endangers national security, yet it remains available to media from ‘enemy’ countries,” advises James.

Public officials and agencies must prove that information needs to be kept out of the public domain and not the other way round.

When a proper mechanism is put in place, journalists should adhere to the system or face the legal and professional consequences of publishing information that is legally protected.

It is therefore in the interest of the journalist and the media that well-defined Access to Information Acts become law. Access to information will enable journalist to “dig deeper” while remaining on the side of the law and not appearing to be above the law. This way, journalists can practice self-regulation and institutionally they can fulfill the best ideals of journalism by producing accurate and balanced reports for the public good.

However, the enactment of the Access to Information Act should be watched and scrutinised on each stage so that we do not have an Act that restricts journalists from acquiring justifiable information.

As James Madison forth President of the U.S. wrote: “A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue or a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.” We need to have a popular government with popular information and undeniable means of accessing it.

Remember, the right of the people to speak out through a free press is the hallmark for a democratic society.

 

 CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING ACCESS OF QUALITY WATER

By Daily News Reporter

Climate change is affecting water access for many people in different parts of the country causing more severe droughts and floods.

Increasing global temperatures are one of the main contributors to this challenge as climate change impacts the water cycle by influencing when, where, and how much precipitation falls.

Lusaka City is currently facing threats to quality water due to severe drought across the country and in areas such as Kanyama where floods has become a perennial problem because of poor drainage system and that the area sits on the impervious dolomite rock.

These drought and floods affects access to quality water as the residents in the compound depends on water kiosks were water is intermittent. Other compounds include Misisi, Zingalume, Kalikiliki, Garden house, Bauleni and Mazyopa compounds where they face water challenges either during rainy season or dry season. As a result of erratic water supply most residents draw water from shallow wells for their house chores.

In an interview with some residents in Kanyama compound they said that access to quality water is a serious challenge because during the rainy season the toilets which are mostly filled up mixes with the flooded water risking the residents to waterborne diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera.

“We always face water challenges here in Kanyama during the rainy season because of the floods, we depend on shallow wells because we often experience erratic water supply from kiosks, said the residents.

The other challenge in these areas is the use of pit latrines which get filled and drains to the ground during the rains threatening the ground water.

While Kanyama residents’ faces flood related challenges, the situation is different from Bauleni compound residents who said lack of water is a serious challenge in the area which environmentalists says this is because of some illegal settlements where some people have encroached recharge areas.

But Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (former)  Public Relations Manager Nshamba Muzungu said that climate change has affected access to water in Bauleni as the main borehole has dried up.

“ I want to confirm that in Bauleni area they are facing water challenges due the borehole that has dried up as a result of climate change”, said Mr. Muzungu. He said the LWSSC is now distributing the water using bowsers to help the affected residents.

Mr. Muzungu said the challenge is not only in Bauleni compound but Zingalume where some boreholes belong to LWSSC have been affected.

He said the company through Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project will ensure that most compounds benefit and connected to the network to enhance access to quality water.

Meanwhile, Water Aid Zambia Head of Policy Campaigns and Communication Chitimbwa Chifunda has urged more funding to water sector saying poor water, sanitation and hygiene are the main causes of infections like cholera and diarrhea.

And the National Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (NUWSSP), which spells out government’s roadmap on improving access to clean water and sanitation, amplifies these two measures by stating the investment needs of the sector.

Pursuant to Part II, subsection 4(2d) of the Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 28 of 1997 that mandates NWASCO to develop sector guidelines on the management of water and sanitation services, NWASCO is in the process of revising a Climate Risks Screening Guideline.

The guideline was developed for use by practitioners in the country’s water sector to help identify, eliminate or allay adverse impacts that climate change may pose towards water infrastructure and resources.

It provides guidance on systematic steps practitioners can take to identify climate hazards and extenuating measures, thereof, as they design and implement water supply and sanitation projects.

Although the guideline is primarily intended for use on new projects, it will also be used to climate proof already existing water supply and sanitation project t s and infrastructure by guiding decision making for any modifications that may be required.

 As a response to the growing water demand amid dwindling water resources in the capital city which has seen increasing urbanization and industrialization, an initiative called Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) was started in 2016 to contribute to the security of water resources.

LuWSI, a multi-stakeholder collaboration system between public sector, private sector, civil society and international actors, aspires for a water secure city for its residents and businesses. Currently, LuWSI has 25 members and the patron is the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation.

In line with one of its core functions of assessing, prioritizing and monitoring water security threats and solutions, impacts of climate change is one of the challenges LuWSI tries to address. As a LuWSI partner, NWASCO hosts the LuWSI secretariat.

NWASCO has also collaborated with partners in collecting information for the purposes of quantifying green gas emissions for the sector and in identifying opportunities for reduction including energy reduction.

The water sector must continue developing climate change m mitigation and adaption measures in order to safeguard its resource.

 

 “PLANT A TREE CHALLENG” LAUNCHED

Let us all take action by planting trees and combat climate change……… Muti

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

Speaker of the Assembly Nelly Muti has launched the "Plant a Tree" challenge, urging citizens to combat climate change by planting trees.

 She stated that planting plant is one way to mitigate climate change and make a green Zambia

And Serenje Central MP Kandafula George called for collective action towards environmental preservation.

Speaking at the same launch of the "Plant a Tree" challenge, Kandafula urge all citizens across the country to start planting trees for the benefits in the future.

He emphasized the significance of tree-planting initiatives in densely populated areas, highlighting their potential for significant environmental impact.

Additionally, Kandafula stressed the economic benefits of planting diverse fruit trees and the importance of educating all community members, including cooks, to garner widespread support.

He called for collaboration across different groups, emphasizing inclusivity, and encouraged collective action in environmental initiatives."

 

 ZACCI -TAU SIGNS MOU SCHOLARSHIPS

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has now officially renew its partnership with Texila American University (TAU)-Zambia,

Speaking at the signing ceremony in lusaka ZACCI Mr. Anthony Kabaghe, President of ZACCI, stated that this partnership will focus on innovation and mutual growth between two institutions

 

“This dedication will harness the power of education, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive of positive change,” kabaghe said.

He added that TAU will also enforce the empower and support the corporate members MSMEs through TAU-ZACCI mentorship programs.

 

And Prof (Dr.) Ajay Poddar, the Vice-Chancellor of Texila American University,said that this will signifies a deepened collaboration between ZACCI and Texila American University, offering a range of initiatives including discounted undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored specifically for Chamber members.

 

He further said TAU will graciously extended scholarships to deserving ZACCI affiliates, fostering their skills and capabilities.

 

“We urge all ZACCI members to access this opportunity and get quality serices for the university through programs, discounted tuition fees, and scholarships,” he added.

 

 

ALL ZUNO MEMBERS TO HAVE 30% DISACCOUNT TO TAU

By Daily News reporter

Texila American University Zambia (TAU) and the Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration in advancing nursing education and practice in the country.

During the signing ceremony, Professor Ajay Poddar, Vice Chancellor at Texila American University, stated that the role nurses play in healthcare, both in Zambia and across Africa and it promotes health care system in the health sector.

And Prof. Poddar said that the University is committed to bolstering higher education across various sectors, including nursing, alongside Business management and technology.

He further said that through this partnership the University will foster the academic excellence in nursing, through workshops, training programs, and initiatives aimed at elevating standards.

He added that the university advocates for a holistic approach to nursing education, encouraging proficiency in clinical competencies as well as supplementary areas like information technology and communication.

Meanwhile ZUNO President Fray Michelo, said that this partnership is a welcome move by extending discounted education fees to ZUNO members and their families, fostering growth and empowerment within the nursing community.

“The collaboration signifies a significant step towards advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes in Zambia,” he said

He added that ZUNO Members to take advantage for this partnership to increase their access of quality skills in health sector.

This agreement will cover in 11 programs at TAU for all ZUNO Members across the country.

 Standard Chartered Records Steller Growth at Group and Country Level

By Daily News Reporter

Standard Chartered Bank has announced Zambia's financial performance for 2023 which looked bright. The Bank has demonstrated remarkable performance with significant growth in various key metrics, reflecting its commitment to delivering excellence in the banking sector at Group and country level.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia CEO, Sonny Zulu said, “At the Group level, the bank achieved remarkable progress, with operating profit increasing by an impressive 27% compared to the previous year, reaching $5.7 billion. And the income showed a robust growth of 13%, a testament to the bank's sound business strategies. The Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) at the group level stood at a commendable 10.1%, showcasing sustained efficiency and profitability.”

He further noted that the stellar performance of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia. “Our revenue in Zambia surged to K1, 521 million in 2023 from K1, 195 million in 2022, representing a substantial increase of K326 Million. He said.

The Bank's profit after tax also saw a remarkable uptick to K615 million in 2023, compared to K245 million in the previous year, demonstrating a significant leap in financial performance. The RoTE at the country level stood at an impressive 14.3%, demonstrating the bank's strong financial health and strategic execution,” he stated.

He further highlighted the bank’s achievements, stating, "We are pleased with the exceptional performance witnessed at both the group and country levels. These results underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders by achieving sustainable growth and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve."

Mr Zulu also shared exciting updates on the key milestones pertaining to expansion and technological advancements. "We have invested in 23 new Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), enabling our customers to enjoy convenient and hassle-free banking services. Furthermore, our agent network has grown to 142, with 23% of branch transactions migrating to the agencies from the branch underscoring our commitment to delivering accessible banking services to more customers in underserved areas,” he explained. 

The CEO further stated that the bank’s personal loans grew by an impressive 70% year on year, with over K860 million worth of loans booked, highlighting the bank's strong lending portfolio and commitment to fuelling economic growth.

Under Community Investment, Standard Chartered's Women in Tech programme has seen increased investment of K4million pumped into Cohort 4 of the WIT programme translating into more female winners and women undergoing training. Meanwhile, the Bank's youth programmes continue to be a key component of its community engagement efforts, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.