The Q Fund Blog

On the last visit we had negotiated a contract with  “sitting tenants” of a home site  so that the school could take over the property to build the new 8th/9th grade classroom block.  On the day the building was to come down, the previous tenants took virtually everything, down to the window & door frames, doors, glass window panes, metal roofing sheets, and bricks! Absolutely hilarious and so classic here.

BEFORE

AFTER

On another note, today is election day for the new Zambia president.  Last night was a gong show…trucks driving up and down the streets with window shattering speakers blaring music & candidate messages, parades of flag carrying party members, followed by the sounds of fireworks (I think) going off until the wee hours.  For the most part, everyone anticipates a relatively subdued election day, albeit the army is poised to step in should things get out of hand, which I doubt.  Today the town is shut down and like a ghost town, with everyone at the polling stations.  People anticipate having to queue as long as 8 hours to cast their vote.  The final tally won’t be known until Monday (at the earliest), after they collect the results…via fax no less.  The front runners of the four individuals competing are Rupiah Banda of the MMD party and Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front.  “Change” has been a theme, but tough to discern what precisely the candidate’s platform is.  You certainly don’t hear/read things such as affordable health care, jobs, economy, etc.  One candidate’s theme, and I quote, “I am the best candidate because my mind is still fresh”.  Another was quoted as saying he’s the right candidate because he will uphold the constitution.  Say what?

Well there you have it…another glimpse into African politics at its finest.  More news as it breaks.

Kevin Kew, Zambia