CHARLES BANDA IS NEW MALAWI HIGH COMMISSIONER

President Michael Sata has appointed Charles Banda as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malawi and conferred Lusaka prominent lawyer, John Sangwa, with the status of State Counsel.

President Sata has since implored the duo to exhibit exemplary behavior in their discharge of national duties.

He said this at State House today shortly after swearing in the duo.

President Sata further advised the duo to desist from bad behaviour while holding important offices.

The head of state reminded Mr. Banda to represent Zambia well in Malawi.

And Mr. Sata urged Mr. Sangwa to exhibit good behaviour as he serves as a State Council.
Meanwhile President Sata today handed over bus keys to beneficiaries of Higer bus loans.

Over 1,000 buses have been procured from Higer Bus Company with the assistance from the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ).

The beneficiaries will be required to repay the loan over a period of five years to DBZ who are the financers of the bus loans.

President Sata said the buses will help improve the transportation system in the country.

He has since appealed to beneficiaries not to default but to repay the loans.

Meanwhile, Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Deputy Minister Colonel Panji Kaunda explained that government was not involved in the procurement of the buses.

Col. Kaunda told journalists that his ministry only facilitated the loan through DBZ to enable the Public and Private Drivers Association of Zambia (PPDAZ) purchase the buses.

He said the onus was on PPDAZ to identify drivers who were legible to get the buses on loan.

And PPDAZ president Josiah Majuru praised government for facilitating the loans noting that the development has created employment for drivers.

He said the buses will help end casualization in the transport sector as drivers will be empowered.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Stella Nghuvu, expressed optimism of repaying the loan within the stipulated time.

 ZANIS