President Hakainde Hichilema says the hoarding of fuel by some filling stations is unacceptable.

President Hichilema disclosed that some filling stations were hoarding fuel hoping that the fuel price goes up.

He said the government will not accept a situation where fuel is readily available in the country but someone decides to hoard the commodity.

“We won’t accept the situation where fuel is there but someone decides to hoard it, ” he said.

President Hichilema stressed that Zambians cannot accept the hoarding of fuel by some filling stations.

The President said this at State house when he convened a high level meeting with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector.

President Hichilema stated that causing artificial storage of fuel is tantamount to sabotage.

He said Zambians want fuel to be readily available in filling stations at all times.

President Hichilema recalled that prior to the war in the Middle East some filling stations were holding fuel.

He wondered why fuel service providers were hoarding the fuel stocks.

The Head of State has since called for the cleaning of distortions in the petroleum sector.

President Hichilema said the reforms being implemented by the government in the energy and petroleum sector are part of the efforts aimed at cleaning the distortions in the industry.

Speaking earlier, Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote said it was prudent for the government to meet with stakeholders in the petroleum sector to discuss how to cushion the country against the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Chikote said it was important to put heads together in coming up with measures to mitigate the effects of global fuel volatility on the economy.

And in giving an update of the current fuel stocks in the country, Mr Chikote disclosed that the country has 60 days diesel stock cover.

He revealed that some of the fuel products are inland while the rest of diesel stocks are in storage tanks in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

Mr Chikote further disclosed that for petrol the country has 22 days stock cover.

He indicated that the holding of the high level meeting with players in the petroleum sector is meant to ensure that the government and the private sector work as a team in resolving fuel challenges that may rise as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Mr Chikote pointed out that of late the country has been experiencing disruption in the fuel supply chain.

“It is important that we work together and see how we can improve and uplift the Ndola terminal,” he said.

Mr Chikote emphasised on the need to work together in addressing the fuel challenges caused by the war in the Middle East.

National Oil Marketing Association Vice President Pinchi Simukwai thanked President Hichilema for convening a high- level meeting with stakeholders in the petroleum sector.

Mr Simukwai said the decision to bring together key stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain demonstrates strong leadership and foresight in safeguarding Zambia’s energy security during the period of global uncertainty.

He explained that the conflict in the Middle East has continued exerting pressure on the global energy markets.

Mr Simukwai said Zambia as a nation that relies on imported petroleum products has been affected by the ripple effects of disruptions in international markets.

He said during the high level meeting that the disruptions in the global fuel supply chain is beyond the Zambian government.

Mr Simukwai however, assured President Hichilema that the industry remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of fuel despite the war in the Middle East.

He said the association is ready to collaborate with the government to ensure that the country’s economy continues to function without disruption.

Mr Simukwai has since commended the government for its continued efforts aimed at strengthening fuel supply systems and improving procurement frameworks.

He has also called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector in resolving challenges affecting the industry.

Mr Simukwai said oil marketing members stand ready to support the government in identifying solutions that will enhance fuel supply security and improve efficiency in the importation and distribution systems.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a strong and efficient road infrastructure network as a key driver of national development.

Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai noted that a good road infrastructure is key to achieving national development.

Ms Muleabai was speaking when she officially opened a Seven days capacity-building workshop for Engineers drawn from Southern and Western Provinces being held at Chrismar hotel in Livingstone.

The Mayor said Government recognised that a well-developed road network was critical to economic growth, as it supports tourism, enhances trade, and promotes industrial development.

Ms Muleyabai noted that investing in road infrastructure not only improves connectivity but also creates opportunities for communities and businesses to thrive.

She added that the ongoing training of engineers was aligned with government’s agenda of ensuring that infrastructure projects were delivered efficiently and on schedule.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Fund Agency, Mr Daniel Mtonga urged engineers attending the workshop to take the training seriously.

Mr Mtonga emphasized that the knowledge and skills to be acquired during the seven-day programme will play a crucial role in improving the maintenance and durability of road infrastructure across the country.

He said enhancing technical capacity among engineers was essential in addressing infrastructure challenges and ensuring that Zambia continued to build a resilient and sustainable road network.

Cornelius Mweetwa says government is using diplomatic channels to address concerns over a possible move by the United States to withhold life-saving assistance to Zambia.

Mr Mweetwa said the two governments are actively engaged on the matter and that the nation will be informed once a final position is reached.

Speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Choma, Mr Mweetwa said issues surrounding the potential withdrawal of life-saving support, particularly for people living with HIV, are not suitable for public debate through the media.

According to The New York Times, a draft memo prepared for Marco Rubio by staff in the State Department’s Africa Bureau indicates that the administration of Donald Trump is considering significant cuts to assistance as early as May.

The reported move is aimed at increasing pressure on Zambia to enter into an agreement that would grant the United States greater access to the country’s critical mineral resources.

Twenty-four officers from the Zambia Defence Force have commenced a two-week specialised training programme aimed at strengthening their capacity to protect vulnerable groups during peacekeeping missions.

The Military Gender Advisors training is being held at the Zambia National Service Banquet Hall and has brought together participants from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.

The programme is being organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in partnership with the Canadian Department of National Defence through its Military Training and Cooperation Programme.

Opening the training, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the initiative is aimed at equipping officers with specialised gender advisory skills for both local and international operations.

Mr Haamaundu said Zambia seeks to deploy officers who will not only represent the country abroad but also safeguard women, men and children in areas affected by conflict.

“Courses such as these help Zambia maintain its reputation as a leading contributor of professional officers for peacekeeping missions,” he said.

He added that Zambia’s stability places a responsibility on the country to contribute to global peace efforts.

“The Ministry of Defence wants officers who will continue protecting women, men and children on peacekeeping missions abroad,” Mr Haamaundu said.

Meanwhile, Janie Desgardins commended the Zambian government for prioritising gender-sensitive training within the defence forces.

Ms Desgardins said the programme will provide both theoretical and practical training to prepare participants for operational challenges, while also equipping them with leadership skills.

Participants are expected to undergo intensive sessions over the next two weeks to prepare them for roles as gender advisors in complex operational environments.

Social Economist, Kelvin Chisanga has applauded the approval of 45 million Dollar by the World Bank under the Second Zambia Climate and Economic Resilience Programmatic Development Policy Financing (DPF).

Mr Chisanga said the move is a strong endorsement of Zambia’s reform agenda, aimed at consolidating the framework.

In a statement made available to the media, he added that the support will strengthen fiscal transparency, particularly in copper revenue management and introduce a credit risk assessment framework for loans and guarantees, safeguarding debt sustainability.

“It will also promote private sector investment through operational PPP funds, new guidelines and the Green Economy and Carbon Market Regulations 2026, unlocking climate-aligned opportunities”,Mr Chisanga said.

“While modest in size, the real value lies in reforms that enhance fiscal discipline, resilience to climate shocks and investment confidence”, he said.

He added that effective implementation will stimulate growth, create jobs and signal Zambia’s commitment to responsible governance and sustainable development.

By Valentine Mukuka | Ndola

At Ndola Teaching Hospital on the Copperbelt, one of Zambia’s major public referral facilities, patients are routinely directed to private laboratories located just outside its gates—raising questions about whether capacity constraints alone explain the practice, or whether deeper systemic and ethical concerns are at play.

For Chungu Kapema, a Ndola resident, the experience was frustrating.

“You go to a big hospital expecting everything to be done there. But they tell you to go to a private lab. If you don’t have money, your treatment just stops,” Kapema remarked.

Just outside the hospital along Nkana Road, a cluster of private laboratories operates within a short walking distance of the hospital—some only a few metres from the main gate.

This raises questions about why patients are being referred outside for services expected at a public referral hospital.

Patients told Radio Icengelo that these referrals increase medical costs, delay treatment, and in some cases force families to abandon care altogether.

Health workers and officials blame it on capacity constraints, such as shortages of reagents, frequent equipment breakdowns, and a lack of specialised staff.

But insiders say capacity alone does not explain the scale of the problem.

“Yes, sometimes capacity is an issue. But there are cases where equipment is available and still not used. Some referrals raise serious questions,” said one of the workers in the hospital.

Patients and health workers say tests that cost less than fifty kwacha at public facilities can cost four times more at private laboratories.

“I did a test at Ndola Teaching Hospital costing K50 but again I was referred to do the same test at a private facility and it costs K700. I was forced to start searching for a cheaper facility because I didn’t have the K700,” said Maluba Sitali, a patient.

Beyond the financial burden, referrals also create delays, as patients must return to the hospital with results for interpretation, slowing treatment further.

The issue of referrals to private laboratories is not new.

In November 2022, then Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo acknowledged that some public hospitals were referring patients to private labs due to personal interests of health workers.

She directed that private laboratories should not operate within public hospital premises, warning that conflicts of interest were undermining public health services.

Nearly three years later, patients say the practice continues.

Veteran clinician David Mulendema, who worked in various public hospitals in the country for more than 30 years, says conflicts of interest in referrals have long existed.

“Sometimes health workers refer patients to facilities where they work part-time. That is unethical. Public service must benefit patients, not individuals.”

While Radio Icengelo could not independently verify allegations of kickbacks, experts warn that weak oversight and unclear referral systems leave room for abuse.

Ndola Teaching Hospital did not respond to questions on referral protocols, equipment availability, or enforcement of the 2022 directive, at the time of publication.

However, Copperbelt Provincial Health Director Dr. Charles Mwinuna confirmed that Ndola Teaching Hospital refers patients to private laboratories but dismissed claims that the practice has become widespread.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi said the government is working to build capacity in public health facilities so they can provide services currently outsourced to private laboratories and pharmacies.

Immediate past Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima had warned that it is against ministry of health’s policy for health workers to refer patients to private laboratories or pharmacies when public facilities have the capacity to offer those services.

Health policy experts caution that unchecked referrals to private providers undermine Zambia’s commitment to universal health coverage.

They say when public hospitals fail to deliver essential services, patients pay twice first through taxes, and again through out-of-pocket medical costs.

NOTE : This story was produced by Radio Icengelo and fact-checked by Makanday Centre for Investigative Journalism

Officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission (Zambia) (DEC) have allegedly broken into a residence belonging to late former President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka’s Libala area.

In an interview with the media, one of the lawyers representing the former President confirmed the development.

The lawyer disclosed that the officers were also collecting vehicles belonging to Mr. Lungu’s son, Dalitso Lungu.

The vehicles were recently forfeited to the State after being deemed tainted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (Zambia). However, Dalitso Lungu has since appealed the court’s decision to have the vehicles and other properties forfeited.

The lawyer described the conduct of the officers as “total lawlessness,” alleging that they refused to present a search warrant when requested.

More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.

Elvis Nkandu says government has an obligation to deliver development to all constituencies regardless of whether they produce cabinet ministers.

The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts (Zambia) minister said road construction across the country, including in Northern Province, will be guided by the national development plan rather than the presence of senior government officials from particular areas.

Speaking during an interview , Nkandu said government is committed to ensuring equitable development across the country.

“Whether there is no minister who is coming from your constituency, it’s an obligation of government to give development to those people that are there,” he said.

Nkandu dismissed suggestions that Kaputa District should receive priority road infrastructure because some senior government leaders originate from the area.

“I don’t buy those issues where you say, because the minister of sport is coming from Kaputa, the vice president is coming from Kaputa, then we have to do roads. That will be segregation,” he said.

He explained that government has already outlined a long-term infrastructure development blueprint and that roads captured in the plan will eventually be implemented.

“As a responsible government, we have a plan to make sure that those roads are done. If that road is part of the plan, it will definitely be done,” Nkandu said.

The minister attributed delays in implementing some projects to economic challenges the government inherited.

“We found a broken economy. You can imagine, we were growing at negative 2.8 percent. It was very difficult for us to find money to do these roads,” he said.

Nkandu added that government is exploring alternative financing options, including public-private partnerships, to support road construction projects.

“That’s why one of the issues we are talking about is public-private partnerships. Because we know that we don’t have the resources, so even these roads will be done through PPP,” he said.

He urged citizens to remain patient as government works to stabilise the economy and create fiscal space to implement infrastructure projects.

“Obviously, people should give us more time, especially that we are coming from an economy that was so broken. Now we are trying to rebuild, and once the fiscal space is there, the roads will be done,” Nkandu said.