20100105
africanews

2009 marked one of the worst years for Zambia in terms of economics and politics. The southern African state was not spared by the global economic crisis and the daily politicking.
Market in Zambia Photo: Sanday
However, a new year has dawned. 2010 has come and many Zambians have aspirations, expectations and projections. 2010 is particularly unique because it is the first time that the continent will be hosting the coveted FIFA World Cup.

For Zambians, 2010 is a year they look up to with a combo of expectations. On the eve of the 2010, as is per tradition, Zambians gathered at different locations to wait for the countdown to was 2010.They prayed, drunk, danced, dined, wined and jived until it was time for welcome 2010 through a splendour display or fire crackers, common referred to as fireworks.

But the people of Zambia, what are they really expecting from this 2010. Mavis Mumba, of Chelstone in Lusaka East, 2010 is a year she wants to improve on her past failures. She said she expects to change her approach towards social issues.

“For me really, all I expect from 2010 is a better place for all of us and a year that will provide good thing for me. I will definitely work towards meeting a set of resolutions that I have lined up. One of which is to consolidate my marriage with my husband,” said Mumba.

Central Bank Governor, Caleb Fundanga said he expected increased economic growth for Zambia. He is optimistic that with the right economic fundamentals in place, Zambia’s economy will perform better than in 2009.

“Last year, we were affected by a dip in metal prices. Our inflation tumbled into double digits and our growth projection had to be revised twice. This year, I expected better economic performance. This will result from rising metal prices, increased economic developments in the manufacturing sector.

“Mind you we closed last year with inflation in single digits. I expect a further decline in our inflation. I also expect a pick in metal prices and more jobs for our people,” projected Fundanga.

There has been a fusion of expectations from Zambians regarding what 2010 will offer them. Those in the social streams are blaming those in leadership for their failures while those in leadership contend they are doing everything possible to provide basic social services to every citizen.

Thomas Jones Mkandawire, a marketing executive says he expects improved social service delivery in the country. Mkandawire notes that many Zambians cannot afford to pay their medical bills, school fee for their children and utility bills. He says therefore that there is need for more political commitment towards social service delivery.

Mkandawire, franked by his colleagues at a local pub who refers to him as Tom Lee Jones says, “ Zambia is a reach and resourceful country. What I expect this year is to see that every Zambians has access to clean water, free primary education and affordable medical care. We have been suffering for too long but that is not the true picture of this rich country of ours”.

He added, “ I expect to see innovative marketing and business initiatives that will make us benefit from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. We are neighbours with South Africa, hence I expect to see a lot of foreign tourists in our country. The benefits of the World Cup should benefit the people of Zambia”.

The death of Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa on August 19, 2008 in Paris France, was taken by come anti corruption campaigners as the demise of Zambia’s crusade against graft. Mwanawasa was internationally recognised for his bold stance against Robert Mugabe’s regime in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Locally, Mwanawasa’s stance against corruption was highly hailed. The election of Rupiah Banda as Zambian head of state to replace Mwanawasa has been embroiled in controversy. While his opponents attack him over his approach towards riding corruption in Zambia, his opponent argue he has done better in combating the scourge.

Anti graft watchdogs, Transparency International has not been very impressed with the way President Banda is driving the anti corruption crusade since he took over office.

Transparency International Zambia President Reuben Lifuka says he expects a renewed commitment to fight corruption in Zambia. He says the current lukewarm strategy used by the Banda administration should be re-enforced to an extent that the country can win back the confidence of donor partners, who funds part of Zambia’s anti corruption crusade.

Journalist, Collins Changwe Kabwe says he expected a more pluralistic media that is much free to delivery independent editorial opinion.

“As a journalist like you, I expect 2010, to be a year where journalists can publish burning issues as they are. I expect government and the media fraternity to reach a compromise over gridlock regarding media regulation. Viva 2010,” said Kabwe.