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MISA Zambia backs the introduction of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill

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MISA Zambia backs the introduction of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill

MISA Zambia has backed the introduction of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill in parliament, following President Edgar Lungu’s pronouncement that the Bill will be aimed at protecting ‘persons’ from cybercrime.

Speaking to the PF media team over the weekend, MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale said that the Head of State was spot on when he emphasized the introduction of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill.

“I think the Head of State was right on point because we are all tired of these insults, we are all tired of being abused. We have all been victims of social media abuse you know, but I think one thing that I want to say is that social media has come to stay and we will live with it for as long as it exists however we need laws that are going to protect freedom of expression, laws that are going to support freedom of expression, laws that are going to support to information.” Ms. Mwale stated.

“We are alive to the fact that government means well. The Bill is not intended to guard people, the Bill is not intended to stop people from owning any online media but caution comes in that if you abuse something, pay for it because even in a home when you are wrong, you are wrong so this law will protect you and me. We have suffered at the hands of people that we don’t even know.” she added.

She maintained that the government’s introduction of the Bill was aimed at protecting its people especially those who were incapable of defending themselves online.

“I have been insulted several times on social media but I can’t go back to social media and start insulting NO! Social media must be used in a responsible manner.” She Reiterated.

The Agriculture Sector has potential to overtake Mining in Earnings-Chief Chitimukulu

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The Agriculture Sector has potential to overtake Mining in Earnings-Chief Chitimukulu

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, Kanyanta Manga II of the Bemba people has said the agriculture sector has potential to overtake mining in earnings because of the arable land and weather patterns that the country has.

He said government’s efforts to diversify the economy away from mining to agriculture, manufacturing and tourism must be supported as this was the only way to develop the country.

Speaking when Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, His Excellency Emmanuel Mwamba paid a courtesy call on him at the Chitimukulu Palace in Mungwi District, the Chitimukulu said efforts being made to diversify the economy must rely on available resources the country has, such as land, water and the favorable weather pattern.

He said Zambia should fully develop the agriculture sector and its associated agro processing industries and had capacity for mass food production an can be the bread basket for the sub-region.

He said Agriculture should be developed as it was also a mass-employer and the sector had the capacity to anchor the economy.
The Paramount Chief said he has welcomed the Cassava project and called on all stakeholders such as Chifwani Concepts to support rural and small-scale farmers to produce more of the crop to enhance livelihoods.

He said Chifwani Concepts should adopt best practices from similar and previous projects.

He said the concept was different as it assured reliable income for the small-scale farmers since the promoters had signed off-take agreements with manufacturers.

And Mr. Mwamba expressed gratitude for the valuable support he was receiving from Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and other traditional authorities in Northern Province.

Mr. Mwamba as promoter of the project took time to update His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II about the progress that has been made regarding the Cassava Project.

Chifwani Concepts is promoting the rapid scaling-up of cassava farming and the use of the cash crop as a reliable income-generating and economic activity for rural communities following the rising demand for the crop for industrial and commercial use.

It’s time President Edgar Lungu was given a big share of the votes in Western Province-GBM

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It’s time President Edgar Lungu was given a big share of the votes in Western Province-GBM

Patriotic Front Deputy National Mobilisation Chairperson Geoffrey Mwamba says it is time President Edgar Lungu was given a big share of the vote in Western Province in the 2021 Presidential and General elections.

Mr Mwamba says President Lungu has visited Western Province more than any other President since 1964 a sign that he is a President for all Zambians.

Mr Mwamba disclosed that the President has shown that he loves all Zambians by visiting different parts of the country including those that did not vote for him.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mwamba has since urged the people of Western Province to give President Lungu a fresh mandate by emulating Northern Province to vote for him in the 2021 presidential elections.

Mr Mwamba stressed that there is a need to embrace the one Zambia one Nation motto as in the case of Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji who hails from Northwestern but is a member of parliament in Copperbelt Province.

Speaking during a PF mobilisation meeting in Natukoma area of Shangombo district, Mr Mwamba urged the people of Western Province not to vote on region but merit.

“I want you to emulate Northern Province where I come from, I also want you to emulate copper belt Province where Joe Malanji is MP, but he hails from North Western Province to vote for a President on merit and not region.” He said.

He urged the people of Shangombo to vote for a leader that will bring the country together unlike a leader that may divide the country.

And Bright Kufuka who is PF Western Province Provincial Chairman agreed with Mr Mwamba saying President Lungu is still equal to the task.

He said Western Province has realised that it is time to join the rest of the country in supporting the PF led government

Patriotic Front Deputy National Mobilisation Chairperson Geoffrey Mwamba and Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji
Patriotic Front Deputy National Mobilisation Chairperson Geoffrey Mwamba and Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji has urged civil servants in Shangombo district to be focused in their line of work.

This came to light when Mr Malanji addressed civil servants in Natukoma area in Shangombo district of Western Province.

ZANIS reports that the Minister encouraged government workers to work hard regardless of their environment saying that every boundary of the country needs the services of civil servants.

The law maker said that there’s a need for civil servants to have a vision no matter where they are working from instead of being discouraged.

He stressed that everyone starts from somewhere saying there is a need for civil servants to showcase very good performance in all their work as they are government representatives.

“Do not be frustrated working in boundary areas saying why me instead you must have a vision, work hard and exhibit good work performance,” he said.

Mr Malanji further encouraged civil servants in Shangombo to be focused by venturing into other sources of income like constructing houses for rent.

He lastly urged them to use their initiative by emulating a Lundazi teacher he met in Eastern Province who has built 7 houses.

Roan MP assures NDC Members that Kambwili is not going back to PF

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Roan MP assures NDC Members that Kambwili is not going back to PF

The Roan Member of parliament Honourable Joseph Chishala had a tough time last week in defending the party and the President when Roan National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials took him to task on the rumours going round social media that Dr Chishimba Kambwili is headed to PF.

Addressing party members during a mobilisation meeting the Roan Member of parliament assured the officials and also took this time to update the nation that besides the rumours taking rounds on social media, Dr Chishimba Kambwili is NDC President and his ready for August 12,2021 general elections and has got no intentions whatsoever of going back to PF.

During the meeting, NDC party officials asked about the status quo of the opposition alliance.

The Roan lawmaker reminded people of what the NDC leader said when he last featured on Diamond Tv programme. Dr Kambwili stated that the opposition alliance has agreed 99.9% of its talks and they are still talking, so the alliance is still alive and kicking and the PF are only trying to distabilise the opposition alliance because its a threat to PF stay in power after August 12, 2021.

During the meeting, the Roan Member of parliament instructed party officials to immediately look for an NDC office in Roan besides the one in Mpatamatu, to easy mobilization works for the party.

Amidst the COVID-19 restrictions the government is not allowing the opposition to hold any meetings and yet them they are busy traversing the country campaigning. With a office this will make It easy for the party to hold meetings legally, Chishala said.

The meeting was attended by NDC Roan Constituency ward officials from all the four wards plus two political wards. Others in attendance were NDC Roan Constituency officials.

President Lungu’s Push for Economic Diversification Through Value Addition and Industrialisation

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President Lungu’s Push for Economic Diversification Through Value Addition and Industrialisation

By Sunday Chilufya Chanda

His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has continued to work tirelessly to promote economic diversification through value addition and industrialisation, as espoused in our nation’s development blue-print, the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).

President Lungu and his administration is also cognizant of the fact that, without a thriving energy sector, our country cannot attain economic diversification through industrialisation and value addition. Hence, the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has continued to prioritise and invest significantly in energy generation as demonstrated by projects that include the following:

  1. The implementation of the Lusaka Transmission and Distribution Rehabilitation Project started in 2013, and is co-financed by the World Bank, European Investment Bank and ZESCO at a cost of USD 246 Million. The aim of this project is to increase capacity to 900 MVA, thereby improving the reliability of the electricity transmission and distribution system in the Lusaka area by 2021.
  2. In 2015, the new Lunzua Power Station was upgraded to 14.8 Mega Watts (MW) from the initial 0.75MW in 1961. This power station has been synchronised to the National Grid. Nevertheless, the Power Station is able to supply power to Mbala, Mpulungu, Sumbawanga export line and Nkamba/Kasaba Bay and other areas, even when the main grid has an outage.
  3. In March 2016, the 120 MW Itezhi-Tezhi hydro power station was commissioned as a joint venture between ZESCO and TATA Power of India, and was constructed at a cost of USD 245 Million. Itezhi-Tezhi is being operated by Itezhi-Tezhi Power Corporation (ITPC).
  4. In 2016, the 330KV Pensulo-Msoro-Kasama and Pensulo-Msoro-Chipata Grid Transmission lines were commissioned as an upgrade from the previous 66KV. This brought an end to the low voltage electricity challenges to our people in Muchinga, Luapula and Northern Provinces.
  5. The Musonda Falls Power Station in Mansa district has been upgraded from 5MW to 10 MW. This has increased local power generation capacity to reinforce reliability of supply in Luapula province while adding capacity to the National grid.
  6. The flagship 750 MW Kafue Gorge Lower (KGL) Hydro Power Project constructed at a total cost of over USD 2.2 Billion, is another huge success. The KGL commissioned the first 150 MW in April 2020, and within the first quarter of 2021, the KGL will be able to operate at full capacity. This shall end load shedding in the country.
  7. Finally, the 15MW Lusiwasi Upper became operational by the end of 2020.
    Government is expected to add 765 MW to the National Grid and “power and light-up Zambia” to economic diversification through value addition and industrialisation.

Our country’s future remains very bright, and the prospects of Patriotic Front’s Industrialisation Agenda highly attainable. President Lungu will not rest until this becomes a tangible reality for our great country, Zambia.

The Author is Patriotic Front Media Director Sunday Chanda

Heavy rains and strong winds damage Kapalala Rural Health Center maternity wing in Milenge

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Heavy rains and strong winds damage Kapalala Rural Health Center maternity wing in Milenge

A maternity wing at Kapalala Rural Health Center in Milenge District of Luapula Province has been partially damaged after a tree fell on the building following heavy rains and strong winds being experienced in the area.

Acting Milenge District Health Director Geoblyn Mutunga said no injuries were recorded as there was no client at the time of occurrence.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Mutunga said the incident took place in the early hours of 13th February 2021.

He stated that the development will negatively affect the delivery of maternal care services at the facility.

“The roof has been partly blown off at the part the delivery beds are placed hence we can no longer use this structure for deliveries. Today’s patients narrowly escaped the disaster as both came a few hours after the incident. And so, we improvised a delivery room,” he said.

Mr. Mutunga stated that there is need for speedy rehabilitation works especially that the health facility has a catchment population of over five thousand.

He said health personnel will continue to use the improvised labour space in the meantime.

Meanwhile, Milenge District Administrative Officer Kanonka Chola who made an on-spot check has assured the community of quick intervention.

Mr. Chola said government recognises the issue as a matter of urgency and will do its best to mobilise funds for the renovations.

“The district administration understands the importance of this structure and we will do everything possible to renovate it within the shortest possible time,” he stated.

Mr. Chola added that the office will also look into pruning other trees around the facility to prevent future disasters of such nature.

Government commends church mother bodies for intervening in the fight against COVID-19

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Government commends church mother bodies for intervening in the fight against COVID-19

Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance Godfridah Sumaili has commended Church Mother Bodies in the country for responding positively and effectively in the fight against the Coronavirus.

Reverend Sumaili indicated that government is impressed with the support being rendered by the church to ensure that citizens adhere to the health guidelines in an effort to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19.

The Minister noted that the church is not only following the health guidelines but also operating in accordance with magnitude of the virus as in some instances are holding virtue church proceedings.

She reminded that the church has a role to give life as well as preserve it, thus following the health guidelines is priority at the moment.

“As government we are very grateful for the way the church has responded to the COVID-19, they have really followed the guidelines from the Ministry of Health which is very encouraging,” Reverend Sumaili stated.

She was speaking during the ecumenical prayer service in the prevailing COVID-19 held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holly Cross, which organized by three church mother Bodies.

The Minister observed that the church being a mother of faith offers prayers in various sectors which are able to rebuild the losses and also bring hope to the people of Zambia especially during the pandemic.

She indicated that the church are also praying for President Edgar Lungu to receive God’s guidance as he heads the nation in times of COVID-19.

Reverend Sumaili urged the church to continue praying for the country to remain strong as well as conquer the virus by observing the five golden rules.

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Acting Executive Director, Andrew Mwenda disclosed that the escalation in the rise of COVID-19 cases has prompted the church to come together in prayers of intercession for God’s intervention.

Bishop Mwenda disclosed that the event was going on country as other churches were participating virtually because of the pandemic.

The Bishop stayed that the prayers were aimed at seeking for God to direct the nation of n the right path amid the pandemic.

“As the church mother bodies that is EFZ, Council of Churches in Zambia and Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops came together to have a joint moment of intercession and prayer that God will come through for some s because we trust in Him,” Bishop Mwenda said.

He called on Zambians not to relax in observing the health guidelines following the announced reduction in cases during the previous update by the Minister of Health Jonas Chanda.

And ZCCB Secretary General Cleopas Lungu urged Zambians to remain confident that the country will overcome the virus.

Father Lungu stressed the need for unity in the fight against COVID-19 if victory is to be guaranteed.

He noted that the pandemic was sudden and caught everyone unaware but that people should not tremble and trust in Jesus for healing.

“We are all at risk hence let us pray for the spirit of unity, solidarity, working together and we shall overcome,” Father Lungu stated.

He was disappointed that some members of the public are still ignorant about the virus hence urged citizens to follow the five golden rules.

Government will not tolerate land encroachments in national parks-Chitotela

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Government will not tolerate land encroachments in national parks-Chitotela

Tourism and Arts Minister Hon. Ronald Chitotela says Government will not tolerate land encroachments in national parks.

Speaking when he checked on the Chikomeno GIZ funded project at Lukusuzi national park in Lumezi district, Eastern province , Hon.Chitotela said eviction of people illegally staying in national parks is non negotiable.

He said mostly people who encroach national parks do it purely for criminal activities such as poaching but hiding under the guise of being fishermen.
Hon. Chitotela expressed happiness that illegal settlers in Lukusuzi national park have been completely removed and the area is ready for animal restocking.
” We will not condone illegalities. All those illegally staying in national parks will have to move out and there will be no compensation. Those in Kafue national park will also have to move out because they have where they are coming from,” Hon.Chitotela said.

“People who do encroachments in national parks do it purely for criminal activities such as poaching but hiding in the name of being fishermen. If land encroachments in national parks is not dealt with, the country will be left with nothing in terms of wildlife,” he said.

And Hon. Chitotela assured the Department of National Wildlife and Parks that he will stand with them in their execution of duties.

He said officers under the Department of National Wildlife and Parks are Heroes because they are working hard to safeguard wildlife for future generations.

Meanwhile, Hon. Chitotela expressed happiness with the implementation of the chikomeno GIZ funded project at Lukusuzu national park.
He said Government continues to enjoy a good working relationship with the Germans.

Tourism and Arts Minister Hon. Ronald Chitotela checks on the implementation of the Chikomeno GIZ funded projects and checks on the operations at Lukusuzi National park situated in Lumezi district, Eastern province.
Tourism and Arts Minister Hon. Ronald Chitotela checks on the implementation of the Chikomeno GIZ funded projects and checks on the operations at Lukusuzi National park situated in Lumezi district, Eastern province.

Police arrest three men for gang raping 75 year old woman

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Police arrest three men for gang raping 75 year old woman

Police in Kafulafuta in Masaiti district on the Copperbelt province have arrested three men of the same family aged 20, 23 and 28 for allegedly gang rapping a 75-year-old woman.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner, Elias Chushi confirmed the development in a statement that police arrested the trio after they were positively identified by the victim.

Mr. Chushi said the matter was reported to Kafulafuta police by the son to the victim, whose name has been withheld, who found his mother lying unconsciously in the nearby bush.

“Please be informed that we have arrested three suspects all from the same family for allegedly gang rapping a 75-year-old woman at Mukoko village in Senior Chief Mushili’s area in Masaiti district.

The suspects after being positively identified by the victim have been arrested and are in police custody,” Mr. Chushi said.

He said the incidence occurred on February 8, 2021 at around 20:20 hours within Mukoko village.

And according to son to the victim, the ordeal occurred on Saturday, February, 8 2021 at around 20:30 hours and was only informed about it through a phone call on Sunday, February 9,2021 that his mother was found lying in the bush in unconscious state.

He said he received a call from a Good Samaritan informing him that his mother was found in the nearby bush laying and rushed to the scene to see what he had heard.

And Masaiti district hospital authorities said the victim sustained painful private parts, a cut on the left eye, bleeding from the ears, mouth and bruised neck.

One of the family female members revealed to the hospital authorities that 3 used condoms and an empty cup beloved to have been used to consume alcohol were found near the victim.

Napsa Stars Stun Gor Mahia to Smell CAF Group Stage Debut

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Napsa Stars have made headways in their quest to reach the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

This follows Napsa’s 1-0 win over Kenyan side Gor Mahia in the first leg match of the pre-group stage played in Nairobi on Sunday.

Daniel Adoko was the hero of the day when scoring the vital away goal at Nyayo Stadium late in the game.

The match was seemingly heading for a goalless draw when Adoko scored in the 86th minute.

Meanwhile, the final leg is set for February 21 in Lusaka.

This is Napsa debut CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Nkana Beat TAS Casablanca to Keep CAF Group Stage Hopes Alive

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Nkana have thumped Moroccan side TAS de Casablanca 2-0 in the first leg tie of the CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage played at home in Wusakile, Kitwe.

The win has brightened Nkana’s chances of advancing to the Confederation Cup group stage.

Forwards Fred Tshimenga and Obeddy Masumbuko scored a goal each on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the swampy Nkana Stadium.

Kalampa took a 1-0 lead into the half time break thanks to Tshimenga’s 17th minute strike.

Masumbuko wrapped up the scoring in 86th minute to stun the visitors.

The two teams will meet in the return match on 21 February in Casablanca with the overall winner qualifying to the lucrative group stage.

PF has shrunk Zambia’s GDP, and UPND and its leader HH is not an Option to Fix the Economy

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PF has shrunk Zambia’s GDP, and UPND and its leader HH is not an Option to Fix the Economy

By Sean Tembo

1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), we wish to remind the Zambian people that as they make their decision on who to vote for in the 12th August general elections, the ability of a given political party to properly manage the economy should be a major consideration. That is because sound management of the Zambian economy is what will create employment for the people, it is what will create business opportunities for the masses, it is what will convert Zambia’s potential into actual wealth so that citizens can lead decent lives.

2. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to remind the Zambian people that the failure of the ruling Patriotic Front political party is evident for all to see. Under the deficient leadership of the PF, the Zambian economy has shrunk from a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about US$29 billion in 2011, to a GDP of approximately US$19 billion in 2020. The cost of living has skyrocketed with the price of most basic commodities such as cooking oil, electricity units, sugar, milk etcetera, being unaffordable to the majority of our citizens whose salaries have remained stagnant. Indeed, the only group of citizens who are thriving today are those who are closely affiliated to President Edgar Lungu as they are given inflated tenders by the President, as well as access to collect money from markets and bus stops, which ends up in their individual pockets instead of the bank accounts of city councils. Every genuine Zambian should have no doubt in their minds that the PF has failed this nation.

3. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we further wish to remind the Zambian people that if we seriously need to turn around the fortunes of this nation, then the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and its leader Mr Hakainde Hichilema should not be an option. Just like the PF in 2011, the UPND today have no plan for this country. The proposals for turning around the Zambian economy that have so far been proffered by the UPND leader lack substance and are incapable of implementation. For example, his proposal to borrow about US$3 billion from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) and put this country on an IMF package, as his first order of business if elected President, will only further plunge this already heavily indebted country into further debt, as well as take away our sovereignty and place it in the hands of the IMF. The UPND’s proposal to subsidize the cost of production as a solution to the ever increasing prices, is untenable. Our treasury currently has no money to even meet our debt repayment obligations, witnessed by the recent defaults, so where would Mr Hichilema get the money to subsidize the cost of production in the entire economy? Besides, we tried subsidies in the KK era and they failed. They are simply not sustainable. Additionally, Mr Hakainde Hichilema’s questionable conduct when this nation gave him an opportunity to serve it during the privatization process means that he is unlikely to stop the current plunder of national resources, but would instead promote it, albeit to a new set of beneficiaries. Those who cannot be trusted in small things cannot be trusted in big things. Mr Hichilema failed to acquit himself properly as one of the Negotiating Chairmen of the privatization process and instead of putting the interests of the nation first, he put the interests of his pockets first. Therefore, it is unreasonable for any genuine Zambian to expect that the man who put the interests of his pockets above the interests of the nation when the nation called upon him to play the small role of Negotiating Chairman during the privatization process, will suddenly have a change of heart if elected President. There is no doubt in our minds that an HH presidency would be disastrous for this nation.

4. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we further wish to remind the Zambian people that the majority of the other so-called political leaders that have mushroomed in the past few months, leading a myriad of small parties, are former thieves in either the MMD administration or the PF administration. After they stole enough money to start their own political parties, they today want to portray themselves as saviors. We know that they are former thieves because their so-called businesses only thrive while they are serving in Government, and when they are no longer in Government their businesses crumble and they become overnight paupers. It is therefore fair to conclude that their businesses thrive on theft of public resources. The Zambian people must not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by these charlatans.

5. As Patriots for Economic Progress, we wish to take this opportunity to remind the Zambian people that we are the only political grouping that has consistently and continuously developed and presented alternative solutions to the management of the Zambian economy through our Alternative National Budgets for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 as well as an Alternative 7th National Development Plan in 2019 and more recently an Alternative Economic Recovery Plan last month. The Zambian people must be reminded that our model for Zambia’s economic management leverages on efficient utilization of our existing potential in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining etcetera, by putting Zambians in the forefront in the development of Zambia. The PeP model does not rely on borrowing money from the IMF or implementing unsustainable subsidies, but rather on the sealing of tax and non-tax revenue leakages so that all money that belongs to the State should end up in the national treasury and not in any individual’s pockets. If true development is what the Zambian people want, then the Patriots for Economic Progress and its leader Mr Sean Tembo should be their only option. Any procrastination will result in serious regret sooner rather than later. Vote wisely on 12th August.

All is set for UPND elective General Assembly

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All is set for UPND elective General Assembly

The United Party for National Development (UPND) says all preparations for holding a successful elective General Assembly today are in place.

Making the announcement at the party secretariat in Lusaka this morning, Elections Chairman, Garry Nkombo said all was set for the landmark General Assembly.

And Nkombo says the party has put enough security measures in place for the smooth holding of the Assembly.

“We are set for our General Conference tomorrow. All lists of the electoral college are in the provincial centres and all ten commissioners and conveners are already in the ten provinces. 209 candidates have so far successfully filed in their nominations. However, 9 have withdrawn from the race citing personal reasons,” said Garry Nkombo.

He also commended the Ministry of Health for allowing the UPND to hold the Conference in the wake of the new strain of the novel coronavirus.

“I wish to commend the Ministry of Health for being forthright and allowing us to proceed with the General Assembly despite the ravages of the new strain of the novel coronavirus. As you may be aware, the MOH restricts gathering to 50 people but being a constitutional requirement, they allowed us to proceed,” he said.

The elections chairman also announced that 2, 915 delegates will take part in the voting tomorrow and that everyone was expected to be seated at exactly 08:00hrs.

“2, 915 will take part in the approval of the amendments of the UPND Constitution and the voting for a new National Management Committee (NMC) team that will take us to the general elections,” said Nkombo.

Mr. Nkombo also disclosed that the Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo has assured him that there would be no interference from State Police during the period of the conference.

Zambia to record bumper harvest – ZNFU

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Zambia to record bumper harvest – ZNFU

Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) has said the country is expected to have a bumper harvest because it has recorded one of the best seasons of crop production this year.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, ZNFU Public Relations Manager Kakoma Kaleyi said crop production is expected to exceed previous records of the past four years.

Mr Kalayi noted that the country has experienced a good harvest this year and this is because the government and farmers worked together to ensure minimal damage was caused.

He said Southern province and some parts of Western and Central province which have not been productive the past four years are expected to have a good harvest this year.

Mr. Kaleyi said most of the farmers in Central and Eastern province had to replant their crops owing to the flash floods which were caused by the heavy rains this year.

“When crop maturity is expected at a certain stage and then flash floods are experienced it becomes devastating to farmers because both the crops and nutrients have been washed away,” he said.

He added that Muchinga and Northern Province experienced fall armyworms, but the government had taken action and distributed pesticides.

Mr. Kaleyi said farmers were aware and ready after listening to the early warning messages that were sent to areas that were expected to have poor or heavy rainfall.

“The effects of the fall army worms were not very bad because the farmers were proactive and when the government was coming in they complimented each other,” he said.

Eastern Permanent Secretary impressed with provincial broadcast studio

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Eastern Permanent Secretary impressed with provincial broadcast studio

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary (PS) Veronica Mwiche is impressed with the state of art provincial studios whose construction is nearing completion with only minor works remaining.

The Permanent Secretary who inspected the US$3.667 million project in Chipata said the people of Eastern Province are eager to see the studio completed and commissioned soon.

Ms Mwiche observed the studio is a strategic infrastructure that will give the country a competitive position in the development of the media industry in locally and at southern regional level.

“I am delighted to have inspected this massive and impressive infrastructure being put up by government in our province. This is one of the indicators in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) towards enhanced service delivery to our people,” Ms Mwiche said.

She noted that other than the new broadcast studio contributing to the dissemination of quality news and information it will also provide a platform for enhancement of art and cultural products in the province.

“This modern studio will have equipment that matches its status and this will contribute to production of desired content that will in turn enable the province and country compete on the international level in the production of film for instance,” the PS said.

The Eastern Province Permanent is optimistic that the studio that will house both radio and television broadcast facilities will be a source of employment for many people, including local residents.

She said it was for this that the minor works and installation of equipment must quickly be done in order to commission the facility.

“As we work in one government approach, we appeal that the final touches on this piece of infrastructure is done so that it is commissioned at the earliest possible convenience so that it does not fall to ruin due to lack of activity around here,” she added.

Meanwhile, local artists have commended government for implementing the project in the province.

Mr Martin Dube, a Chipata based artist, said currently the province does not have sophisticated equipment to facilitate the recording of quality music.

He said he is happy that the broadcasting studios will offer him and other artists a versatile space to have their musical works produced.

“I am happy with this development, and I am sure my fellow artists feel the same way. We cannot wait to have this facility open for use, it is definitely going to improve a lot of things in the arts and film industry”, he said.

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