1 Our United Party for National Development (UPND) team will work tirelessly to
realise the dream of a prosperous Zambia anchored on mutual understanding, love
and national unity for speedy economic and social development, with a targeted
economic growth rate of ten per cent (10%) per year. This will be achieved
through running a mixed economy, particularly promoting increased but properly
structured private/public local and foreign investments in sectors such as
agriculture, mining, construction, energy, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure,
telecommunications, pensions, insurance, financial and other services many of
which have in the past decades been neglected. Among measures necessary for
the achievement of high but sustainable growth, would be maintenance of macro
economic stability (lower inflation, lower interest and stable exchange rates). The
UPND believes that as a country we should realise that we cannot share poverty.
The only sustainable way of helping the vulnerable and weak members of our
society is through strong economic growth supported by effective social
programmes.

2 We will take positive and clear steps to move Zambia forward into a middle
income country, with equitable distribution of wealth among our citizens in all
parts of the country so as to achieve overall poverty reduction, within a decade.
The UPND believes that politics is serious business and not a game as some
people would like to treat it. The country now than ever before needs visionary
leadership and economic management skills for development and social progress,
as we are mainly not in a military or legal but rather economic war situation.

2.1The hallmark of our approach would be good planning and prudent management
(economic, efficient and effective utilisation of public including donor resources)
supported by a vigorous but professional fight against corruption. Economic,
business and social projects/programmes will be negotiated/structured within an
average period of six (6) months and not thirty-six (36) months or more as is the
case currently.

2.2 Further, the UPND shall:

(a) place emphasis on improving Zambia’s business climate to promote private and
public investments for growth;

(b) work with business to promote raw material processing and regional and
international trade with particular emphasis on increasing Zambian exports in
order to support the achievement of the intended economic growth objectives. As
a consequence, Government shall provide market access support to enable
businesses to exploit regional and other international trade opportunities;

(c) aggressively and tirelessly work to redress various constraints to business
development and social progress. This shall include cutting to minimum the
current excessive bureaucracy in various Government/public institutions, set
minimum delivery standards for efficiency such as licence or permit issuance
within a set time frame, foster attitude change among staff to facilitation rather
than hindrance, promote the concept of partnership and not competition with the
private, church, community and social players:

(d) run an open Government that will view, treat, take advise from and work with the
private, professional, church, community, non governmental organisations
(NGOs) and other social sectors in areas of policy, legal, regulatory, programme
implementation, etc. as true partners in development;

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(e) ensure that all agreed or approved projects and programmes are implemented
rigorously in an efficient, effective and timely manner;

(f) ensure that Government retains particular oversight and involvement (where
necessary in partnership with the private/public sectors) in resources/assets such
as energy-uranium, electricity, oil and gas for strategic and revenue for
developmental reasons;

(g) provide clear and effective guidelines for domestic and external debt contraction,
utilisation and control in order to practice what may be termed as ‘responsible
borrowing’. We will therefore re-align any necessary borrowing from
consumption orientation to investment and other productive activities in order to
enhance the country’s capacity to pay back loans.

2.3 As part of our efforts to remove vindictiveness, pettiness, negative behaviour and
wastefulness in our society we shall take a building block approach to running the
country. Keep the good aspects from previous Governments, fix only those that
are broken and introduce reasoned and tested measures necessary to drive high
performance in the economy and country.

3 We need to realise our shared dream as a people with respect to many aspects such
as:

3.1 Enhancing constitutionalism, democracy, separation of powers, independent
electoral commission, gender equality, various freedoms, rights, responsibilities
and obligations like those relating to information, property ownership, human,
economic, social and community welfare.

The judicial and parliamentary systems shall be reformed to make them
independent so that they can deliver fair/timely justice and appropriate
legislation to the people.

3.2 Food affordable to all through improved agriculture:

3.2.1 provide subsidised fertilizer and seed to the vulnerable. Identification
or confirmation of the vulnerable would utilise existing information
held by relevant departments and through consultations with the church,
traditional and other local community leaders;

3.2.2 provide affordable and readily available agricultural loans to farmers;

3.2.3 promote efficient crop, livestock and fish production through improved
farming methods and technology for increased yields, improved incomes to
farmers, sustainable farming, food security for the country, better nutrition
to the population and export to food deficit countries;

3.2.4 overall, improve agricultural and scientific research stations and the
veterinary services’ delivery capability (organisation, facilities, drugs,
staffing, training/retraining and research and development).

3.2.5 effectively control livestock and fish diseases, provide community dip tanks,
carryout livestock and fish restocking in relevant areas;
3.2.6 specifically, provide extension services (crop, veterinary and forestry
officers) in rural and farming communities;

3.2.7 invest more in the meteorological services so as to improve accuracy of
weather forecasting essential for agricultural planning and management,
disaster preparedness and general public use.

3.2.8 improve forestry management for sustainable utilisation, control of
deforestation and soil erosion;

3.2.9 invest in planting and replanting of both indigenous and exotic trees. Further
support will be provided to bee keeping, harvesting and processing of honey
for domestic consumption and export;

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3.2.10 promote effective water development and conservation through efficient
utilisation of current water resources, construction of more boreholes, canals,
pipelines, dams and weirs to support crop irrigation schemes, livestock
production, fish farming and transportation of goods and passengers;

3.2.11 provide ready and efficient market (rehabilitate existing depots/storage
facilities, establish and build more of these closer to farmers) for produce and
inputs distribution;

3.2.12 provide good viable producer prices;

3.2.13 ensure early payment to farmers for their produce and timely distribution of
farming inputs;

3.2.14 promote agro processing industries to create more jobs for citizens;

3.2.15 ultimately, we would develop agriculture to a level that enables Zambian
families including the poor to be able to afford three decent meals everyday.

3.3 Good roads, railways, waterways, airways, bridges, electrification,
telecommunication, other rural and urban infrastructure in order to open up these
areas to development especially in industry, agriculture, tourism, commerce and
other economic activities. It is often said that where a good road goes
development follows.

3.4 Education for all through:

3.4.1 free, appropriate, good quality and non discriminatory education from
primary school up to college and university level alongside private education
facilities for those who are able to pay. Both public and private education
institutions shall be governed by common minimum standards. The
teaching of skills such as agriculture, brick laying, plumbing, mechanics,
welding, carpentry, electrical and other trades shall be promoted to support
formal and self employment;

3.4.2 improved education facilities close to the people (rural areas, compounds and
other urban places);

3.4.3 easy access to school, college and university places including adult literacy
through expanded facilities and programmes (rehabilitation and building of
more schools and colleges supported by improved technical and research
capabilities);

3.4.4 special education facilities to the differently abled;
3.4.5 better pay, housing, training, retraining and other conditions of service to
teachers, lecturers and other education staff;

3.5 Health for all through:

3.5.1 free quality medical care for the poor alongside private medical facilities for
those who can afford to pay. Emphasis will be placed on providing health
care for maternity, children, differently abled and the aged;

3.5.2 improved and modern medical facilities (rehabilitation and building of
more clinics and hospitals supported by good technical, research and
development capabilities) close to the people. This would include having
suitable clinics in busy places such as markets, main bus stops, large
schools, compounds, other residential and rural areas. In particular, there is
need to ensure that high quality medical facilities are available to all citizens
within Zambia in order to minimise the need to evacuate patients who are
critically ill as is the case now where only the favoured few benefit;

3.5.3 readily available and safe medicines in clinics and hospitals and not the
current habit of only giving prescriptions to those seeking medical care;

3.5.4 a vigorous fight against Malaria and HIV/AIDS, in particular, improved

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management and increased funding for prevention, treatment and care;

3.5.5 improved but affordable medical schemes and insurance;

3.5.6 better pay, housing, training, retraining and other conditions of service for
nurses, medical assistants, doctors and other health workers.

3.6 Improved land management and delivery system. Land belongs to Zambians.
Zambians including those who live outside the country should have access to
their land to build houses, factories and industries on, grow food and for other
productive use such as security for loan financing. The Ministry of Lands
should, in consultation with traditional rulers, avail more land on title, facilitate
and not hinder citizens from accessing and owning land while ensuring that
rural communities are left with enough land to meet their needs.

3.7 Better land use planning (master and specific use plans including roads and
bridges), quick processing (approval or rejection) of applications, adequate
monitoring and control of plan implementation.

3.8 Better and sustainable labour and investment relations by fostering a
genuine tripartite partnership involving:

(a) workers (labour);
(b) employers (investment) and;
(c) Government.

This would be achieved, among others, through modern, fairly balanced but
reasonably stable labour and investment policies, laws, procedures, processes
and practices. Overall, the main objective would be to achieve a balance
between protecting workers’ rights and promoting investment while workers,
investors and Government meet their respective obligations to each other and
society at large. Practices such as casualisation shall be discouraged.

3.9 Employment for all. Create more jobs through the planned increase in
economic and social activities. Zambians including the youth, women and
differently abled shall be accorded priority for employment in all companies
on a principle of equal pay for equal work. This measure is expected to
encourage employment of more Zambians in addition to attracting some of
those living outside the country to return home. At the same time, Zambia shall
welcome and grant work and other relevant permits to individual and corporate
citizens of the World who have specialist skills or bring into the country
substantial investment to support success of an operation, job creation and
sustenance for Zambians.

3.10 Depoliticise the public service, bring back professionalism in the service and
strengthen public institutions for improved delivery. Zambians from all parts
of the country including those abroad should have access to employment and
promotion to higher levels in the service without discrimination.

3.11 Improved salary and conditions of service to all public service workers
including men and women in uniform and council employees so that these
workers are able to acquire their own houses, cars and other assets through
affordable loan schemes. In return, the workers should improve productivity
and service delivery to the public.

3.12 Fair and balanced corporate and lower personal taxes so that Zambians can
have more money to spend on basic necessities in addition to promoting the
savings and investment culture among our citizens. For example, the tax free
income band will be increased to a level above the food basket cost for an
average household of six (6) people. The tax system shall be structured in a
manner that will strike a balance between the need for sufficient public revenue

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generation and promoting/sustaining investments.

3.13 Adequate and sustainable pension schemes/arrangements for council, public
(including those in uniform) and private sector workers. Such pensions should
cover all types of workers including professionals, lower levels such as drivers,
cleaners, artisans, domestic, general and other workers.

3.14 Salary and retirement benefits to public (including those in uniform), council
and other workers should be paid on time.

3.15 Social support schemes to the old, orphaned children, differently abled and
other vulnerable citizens.

3.16 Clean water supply for all (more boreholes and suitable water supply systems
closer to the people).

3.17 Sanitation of good quality for all. For example: markets, working places,
compounds and other residential areas should be kept clean, have proper
drainage, reliable water supply and working toilets.

3.18 Housing appropriate for all through suitable but affordable housing schemes.

3.19 Upgrading of shanty compounds to acceptable standards.

3.20 Affordable communication by lowering the cost of telephones and other
communication facilities.

3.21 Priority access to trading places in markets will be accorded to Zambians
including ownership of some markets by citizens through marketeers’
associations.

3.22 Cheaper business loan schemes for the youth, women, differently abled and
other Zambian individuals and businesses in order to promote self employment
and entrepreneurship development among our citizens. For example, assist taxi
and bus drivers to buy their own taxis and buses through a loan scheme.

3.23 Preferential treatment (through legal, regulatory and other measures) to
Zambians and Zambian companies in award of service and supply contracts
in all companies.

3.24 We will not demonise but work closely with Zambians living abroad, assist
them to invest in Zambia and tap their network of contacts so as to increase
investment flows into the country. Zambians living in other countries shall be
treated as our ambassadors.

3.25 Appropriate taxation of all mining and other extractive industries in order to
to benefit both Zambians and investors. Re-align the effective tax regime
in the mining sector to internationally comparable and relevant levels in
particular mineral royalty, corporate tax etc. while paying particular
attention to the need for continued commercial viability and sustainability of
mine operations. This, together with the targeted economic growth and
other revenue measures, would help generate the necessary revenue to
finance the intended and responsible investments in various areas including
the social sectors of education, health, clean water supply, sanitation,
infrastructure, etc.

3.26 Support Zambians through deliberate Government measures to own shares
and businesses in mining and other companies in their own right or
through joint ventures with foreign capital providers.

3.27 The precious and semi-precious mining sub-sector (emeralds, etc) will be
restructured in terms of mining, processing and marketing so that it can add
meaningful value and income to the Zambian economy including creating
more jobs for citizens and those who live and pay taxes in Zambia. There is
need to emulate countries such as Botswana which have done well with their resources such as diamonds.

3.28 Issuance of new artisan, small and large scale reconnaissance, prospecting
and mining licenses shall favour Zambian individuals and entities.
Foreigners and foreign companies will participate in these new job creating
mining operations by providing capital and technical skills through joint
ventures with Zambians and the Zambian Government. This is expected to
create a sense of common interest and mutual benefit arising from mining
activities between Zambians and foreign capital providers.

3.29 In addition, mining and other extractive industries would be required to :

3.29.1 resolve and where necessary pay any outstanding pension and
entrenchment monies which they are responsible for;

3.29.2 going forward, provide appropriate and sustainable retrenchment and
pension arrangements to miners and pay such pensions and retrenchment
monies on time when they fall due;

3.29.3 provide one or more of : free carry shares, profit share, yearly grant
funds to local communities where the mines are located. This could be one
through Community Development Trusts (CDTs) for community
development and social expenditure and reinvestment in other ventures;

3.29.4 employ Zambians and pay them fairly and only employ expatriates
where it is absolutely necessary as we recognise the fact that every
country needs some specialist skills from other countries;

3.29.5 invest in more mineral processing facilities and manufacture of final
products in order to add value and create more jobs;

3.29.6 provide scholarships, training and education support to Zambians. In
effecting this measure, favour should be accorded to the vulnerable and
orphaned miners’ and ex miners’ children;

3.29.7 pay bonuses to miners in line with performance. This used to be called
Copper Bonus;

3.29.8 improve safety standards in the mining sector;

3.29.9 implement sound and internationally acceptable environmental management
programmes with strict supervision from relevant Government departments to
ensure compliance;

3.29.10 invest in and sponsor sports so that Zambia can return to and even
surpass our country’s past glory in sports;

3.29.11 invest (directly or in partnership with specialist service providers) in health
(clinics and hospitals) and public health and hygiene in mine areas;

3.29.12 deliberately favour and give Zambians and Zambian companies service and
supply contracts in order to increase benefits from mining that accrue to the
economy . Where training and other support is required for this measure to
be achieved, it should be provided. In return, Zambians and Zambian
companies should perform/deliver on such contracts in a professional and
efficient manner.

3.30 Resolve the energy crisis in order to minimise electricity outages or cuts to
Zambian homes, schools, colleges, industries, mines, farming enterprises and
other areas. This would be achieved through :

3.30.1 Improved planning and management;

3.30.2 Adequate maintenance of generation, transmission and distribution assets;

3.30.3 Increased investment in new hydro power stations (small and large) given
the great generating potential our country has. This is necessary so as to
meet domestic demand and the huge export opportunity.

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3.30.4 In order to promote competition, efficiency, fairness and increase in supply,
we will encourage more private and public investments in the improvement
of existing and development of new hydro power stations (generation),
transmission and distribution assets, ensure that customers are charged fair
tariffs, and that they only pay for the electricity used.

3.30.5 Further, we will promote solar, wind and other environmentally acceptable
energy sources.

3.31 Implement a well designed and focused decentralisation programme in
collaboration with local authorities, ministries, church and NGOs in order to
empower local communities, stem rural-urban migration and enhance local
governance by taking development closer to the people so as to fight poverty.
At the same time:

3.31.1 Invest in capacity building in these local administrations and private
sector service providers to enhance delivery capability;

3.31.2 Allocate sufficient development resources to provinces, districts,
constituencies and wards in order to encourage local economic expansion,
create jobs in addition to enhancing revenue generation at these levels.

Increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to more than K4 billion
per constituency by 2011. Youth and Women Development funds should also
be increased, accessed easily without discrimination and managed better.
Ward Councillors’ are doing a lot of developmental work at the grassroots
level. Currently, their pay is too low and should be improved to enable them
to even do more work with the citizens.

3.31.3 Further, every district of Zambia, where necessary, should have a water
drilling machine, bull dozer and grader for drilling clean water boreholes,
building dams, maintaining existing and building new roads;

3.31.4 Consult and consequently work closely as partners with all traditional leaders
(chiefs and headpersons) in the development process and provide them with:

(i) better housing/palaces and lighting (chiefs);
(ii) higher allowances (chiefs);
(iii) clean water supply through boreholes (all);
(iv) transport ownership (duty free motor vehicles through loans for all
chiefs and bicycles for all headpersons);
(v) better rural roads.

3.31.5 Replace the current narrow Chief’s Act with a Royal Establishment Act
(REA) in order to broaden coverage to the whole royal establishment’s
development programmes and activities including traditional ceremonies.

3.32 Improve town (urban) and country planning and capacity for implementation,
monitoring and control. There is need to promote beauty, orderliness,
appropriateness, standards, functionality and futuristic considerations in our
village, farming, residential, commercial and industrial developments. For
example, councils and the Ministry of Lands would be required to provide the
public with well planned and serviced plots unlike the current chaotic situation.

3.33 Arrange for Zambian cities, towns and provinces to have sister agreements with
other developed establishments in foreign countries, commonly known as
twinning, in order to enhance visionary thinking, appreciation for good,
organised and expeditious development of various areas in our country.

3.34 Maximum use of information and other appropriate technology in the
development process. For example, more rural areas should have access to
facilities such as electricity, internet and telephones.

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3.35 Clean and sustainable environment. Institute clear measures to reduce carbon
emissions or green house gases in order to halt global warming and the current
adverse changes in weather patterns that consequently affect food production.

3.36 Clear foreign policy which acknowledges that the World has become a
global village. The policy will focus on achieving mutual respect, non
interference in the internal affairs of other countries. We would, however, take
active interest in areas of common interest such as peace, development,
democracy, social, cultural, political and beneficial economic cooperation
with neighbours, African and other states. We would strategically exploit for
economic and social gain relationships arising from Zambia’s contribution to
the liberation struggle in the Southern Africa region. Will actively participate
through quality and purposeful interaction in the affairs of regional (African
Union) and other World bodies such as the United Nations.

 

4 For too long, we have been living with the problem or paradox of a potentially
rich country on one hand and extremely poor citizens (70%) on the other.

5 We need to solve this problem, but then why are we not doing so ?

6 The missing link is knowledge and quality based leadership in the management of
our country’s public resources and affairs.

7 This resourceful, prudent and quality leadership should not be viewed from the
point of view of tribe or ethnicity but rather capability. We are all children of
God and should co-exist, love and accommodate each other.

 

8 In the past Zambians have always achieved unity of purpose:

(a) In the 1950s and early 1960s Zambians of all tribes and ethnicity united to
deliver political independence.

(b) In the early 1990s Zambians of all tribes and ethnicity united to deliver
multipartism.

(c) Going forward, we need to unite to deliver economic and social
independence to our people. This is the theme around which the people of
Zambia should rally and not political rhetoric or unproductive noise making.

9 Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and the UPND Team from the nine (9) Provinces are
ready to drive Zambia forward on the road to real economic and social
development to benefit all citizens. We are carrying on with the journey started
by our first President Anderson Kambela Mazoka and other right thinking
Zambian forebearers.

10 The UPND Team represents real change, is service oriented, committed, and
possess the required knowledge and skills to deliver on our Dream.

11 We wish to re-establish the culture of hard work and not handouts in order for us
to achieve meaningful development in our country. Food relief and other support
should be available to the vulnerable and during times of crisis and disaster.
12 As citizens we should agree that the “nichekeleko” or corruption mentality is

costly, destructive, unwanted and should be detested.

13 We wish to promote strong family and Godly values as the foundation of our
society. We believe that our God fearing leadership will restore Zambia’s lost
moral fibre.

14 The UPND Team , working with other Zambians and friends, has what it takes to
drive Zambia forward so we can realise our national Dream of an economically
and socially prosperous Zambia in which all our citizens from various back9
grounds shall, without discrimination, have opportunities to realise their potential.

15 The UPND leadership focus is to reconcile and unite our polarised nation,
keep our eyes on the ball especially on issues of development and move the
country away from politics of anger, hatred, division, revenge, insults, ethnicity,
racism, marginalisation, vindictiveness and low levels of performance. We
shall instead drive the country into politics of love, development, tolerance,
quality and timely delivery, harmony, inclusiveness, team work, mutual respect,
equity, firmness and fairness.

16 Past Presidents and other leaders should be well looked after in retirement, made
to feel safe to continue living in the country, respected and utilised as advisors to
those serving in subsequent Governments.

17 There is need to revive the sense of nationalism, pride and unity among our
citizens. We should rekindle and truly believe in One Zambia One Nation, One
Nation One People.

18 We cannot delay realisation of this Dream any longer as the suffering of our
people is too much and unbearable. We cannot continue voting in the same
people and expect different results. Time has come to pass the leadership torch
to the new generation who will in turn look after our elders because you have
prepared us well.

19 Let us as a country unite once more through the UPND, the Party for national
development, to deliver a better Zambia for all our people.
Need to Vote Wisely

20 Vote HH for President.

21 Vote for the UPND Councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) in all our nine
(9) Provinces.

22 Voting for HH and the UPND Team will bring about real change and is
a wise and good way of using the power and weapon in your hands, the vote, to
deliver the Dream for Zambia’s timely, speedy and true economic and social
development for all.