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Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya has said that Zambia will in February 2021 receive the first vaccine against Covid-19.
Speaking today during a media briefing today, Dr. Chilufya said that the vaccines are under COVAX facility following the country’s successful application and admission.
The COVAX Facility, is a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure eventual COVID-19 vaccines reach those in greatest need, whoever they are and wherever they live.
Dr. Chilufya noted that the vaccine against covid-19 is critical in the fight against the disease and that his ministry will indicate with time on how the sequencing will be done in the administering of the serum.
The Minister also said that the new trend in covid-19 is affecting not only the elderly but also the young, with many young lives being lost to the disease.
During the briefing, Dr Chilufya also said that 100 districts have recorded Covid-19 and that Zambia has recorded 241 COVID-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours from over 6 000 tests conducted, 1 death, and 79 recoveries.
Dr. Chilufya said 36 patients are currently admitted in health facilities of which 18 are on oxygen therapy while 2 of them are in a critical condition.
He also revealed that there are also two expectant women who are admitted due to COVID-19, further stating that health personnel are closely monitoring them.
And Zambia National Public Health Institute Director Victor Mukonka said the increase in covid-19 cases is because most people are not adhering to the regulations.
Speaking at the same briefing, Director for Infectious Diseases Lloyd Mulenga said the country has again started to record severe covid-19 cases.
Over 98 percent of farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) have collected their inputs.
Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says FISP inputs for the current farming season were delivered early, and that the response from farmers has also been encouraging.
Mr. Katambo says as of 18th December 2020, over 1 million farmers had deposited the required 400 Kwacha contribution towards the programme, representing a 100 per cent achievement.
He said this at his office in Lusaka during a press briefing on the outlook of the 2020/2021 agricultural season, with emphasis on the FISP, Army Worms and African Migratory Locusts.
And the Minister has urged small-scale farmers to be alert and look out for pest infestation especially armyworms and the African Migratory Locusts.
He said his ministry has started receiving isolated reports of armyworm attacks and that all agricultural staff are on high alert and have been directed to frequently interact with farmers and immediately report any cases for swift response.
Meanwhile, Mr. Katambo said the population of the African Migratory Locusts in the country has been controlled to below threatening levels.
He said to avoid further build-up of the locust population, some measures have been put in place that include continuous surveillance with ground and aerial spraying when need arises.
Police in Lusaka have warned and cautioned the UPND leader, Mr Hakainde Hichilema for the offence of Conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 313 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged that Mr Hichilema who introduced himself as a community worker based in Lusaka whilst acting together with other unknown persons, fraudulently purchased a property, Sub-division “A” of farm number 1924 in Kalomo district belonging to the late Samson Siatembo, purporting that at the time of purchase, the Administrator of the property in question consented to the sale by appending her signature when infact not.
This is alleged to have occurred at unknown date in 2004.
Police in Ikelenge district have arrested 14 New Heritage party cadres for unlawful assembly.
North Western Province Commissioner of Police, Elias Chushi has confirmed to the media in Solwezi today that the 14 were picked up after they held an illegal meeting yesterday at Mwanauti area around 10:00 hours in Ikelenge.
“Police in Ikelenge district have arrested 14 New Heritage party cadres who held an illegal meeting on 22nd December, 2020 around 10:00 hours at Mwanauti area,” Mr Chushi said.
He said the 14 who are in police custody, have been charged with unlawful assembly offence and they will appear in court soon.
“The 14 are in police and have been charged with the offence of unlawful assembly and will appear in court soon,” Mr Chushi said.
In another development, four United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres in Ikelenge district have been arrested for inciting violence.
Mr Chushi said police received a report of unlawful assembly by a group of UPND on Monday who allegedly uttered threatening statements with a view to incite the public to cause violence.
He said acting on the report police moved in and arrested the four who have since been charged with inciting violence and will appear in court soon.
“Police in Ikelenge received a report of inciting violence which occurred on 21st December 2020 around 12:00 hours in which a group of UPND cadres unlawfully assembled and uttered threatening statements with a view to incite the public to cause violence.
“Acting on the report, police arrested four who have been charged with inciting violence and will appear in court soon,” Mr Chushi said.
The provincial police chief said police are looking for the other cadres who are on the run.
Police have instituted investigations to establish the circumstances in the shooting of two people this morning.
A National Prosecution’s Authority lawyer identified as Nsama Nsama Chipyoka and a suspected UPND cadre who is yet to be identified were this morning shot dead in unclear circumstances.
The two were shot in different locations at the time UPND leader was appearing for questioning at the police headquarters.
Mr Nsama was gunned down at the entrance of restaurant where he went to have breakfast while the suspected UPND cadre is reportedly to have been shot near the premises of the High Court ground.
In a media statement, Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja explained that in the process of dispersing the unruly crowd using tear smoke canisters, the two were reported to have been shot dead in unknown circumstances which we are yet to establish.
He said his office will wait for forensic examinations so as to ascertain what type of firearm was used and the public shall be informed on the findings and way ahead.
“As you may be aware, police summoned the president of the UPND Mr Hakainde Hichilema to police service headquarters for an interview. Prior to his appearing, police as well as the minister of home affairs had advised people to stay away to avoid break down in law and order,” he said.
Mr Kanganja said police officers will remain on the ground to monitor the security situation.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm during this period and not take the law into their own hands.
“However, this morning as Mr Hichilema was coming to police headquarters, he was being escorted by a huge crowd which was dispersed by police officers from cabinet office area on independence avenue, High Court and other notable areas such as civic center,” added Mr Kanganja.
Mr Nsama Nsama, a State Prosecutor gunned down this morning.
Meanwhile, the Law Association of Zambia(LAZ) has condemned the use of live ammunition by Zambia Police on that has led to the loss of two lives this morning.
In a statement released to the media LAZ said that it has not seen any justification for the use of live ammunition against members of the public who were unarmed.
LAZ further called for a full investigation to ascertain, not only who issued the instruction, but also determine which officer fired live ammunition
The United States government has praised the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) for it’s efforts in developing programs that engaged young people in the Democratic process of the country.
Speaking during the launch of the Capacity Training for Youth on Governance for Effective Youth Participation in Democratic Processes, U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Affairs Julien Kreuze said his government will continue to help CLRI and other organizations in their efforts to ensure that youths are equipped with skills for responsive leadership.
He observed that with 65% making the country’s population it was commendable that CLRI has developed a program that does not only deeply engages the youths in their advocacy skills but also learn about responsible civic engagement.
“With national elections approaching in August 2021, it is important to energize and engage all sectors of society. Youth make up 65% of Zambia’s population, and I applaud the leadership and initiative shown by CLRI in developing a program that engages young people more deeply in the democratic process. As part of this program, youth from different political parties, civil society organizations, and other young leaders will develop their advocacy skills and learn about responsible civic engagement.
“To the young leaders in the room who are participating in this week’s workshops, I say you represent the future of progress and development in Zambia. Our goal at the U.S. Embassy is to amplify your actions and initiatives, and equip you to develop as effective, responsive leaders whose work inspires your peers and communities to build a better Zambia,” he said.
U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Affairs Julien Kreuze
And CLRI Executive Director Paul Mundia Hakoola said his organization is aware that the country has inadequate representation space for youths in governance structures as evidenced by the non existence of youths representation at parliamentary and cabinet levels.
He said the institute with the help from the US embassy in Zambia is implementing the project which aims at promoting the participation of youths and women in the Governance processes.
“The Institute recognizes that in Zambia there is inadequate representation space for meaningful participation of the youth in governance structures as evidenced by low representation youths at parliamentary and at cabinet level. The institute is with the support of the US Embassy in Zambia is implementing this project that aims at promoting the participation youths and women in governance processes. Other objectives of the project include increasing dialogue and advocacy skills and also to increase their knowledge on issues accountability and transparency which are key for democratic Governance.
“We take this opportunity to call on all political parties to make deliberate action in ensuring that youths and women are represented in decision making at all levels of their structures and desist from using youths as tools of violence,” he said.
Mr Mundia added that no meaningful development will be achieved if the key stakeholders are not actively represented in the decision making process.
“We cannot achieve meaningful development as country if the key stakeholders such as youths and women are not actively represented in decision making, lack youth and women representation causes a situation where policies and development strategies do not reflect the genuine concerns of the Zambian youth and this misplaces development priorities. The government and political players should take a leaf from countries that used the youthful population to their advantage and develop their countries.
“The 2-day capacity building training we are conducting aims at building the skills of youth in areas of non violence, peace building, issue based advocacy. The training will also enhance capacities of youth on how they cab promotes transparency and accountability in their communities,” he said.
Launch of the two day training was attended by ECZ Chief Executive Officer and other heads of government departments as well as Civil Society Leaders. CLRI Executive Director Paul Mundia Hakoola
By Father Alex Muyebe, S.J., JCTR Executive Director
A few days before the year 2020 comes to an end, it is an opportune time to look back at the last few months, reflect and look ahead to 2021. The year 2019 closed with a focus on two policy pronouncements; the increased fuel pump price and an upward adjustment of electricity tariffs. Stakeholders from all corners of the country echoed concerns on the detrimental trickledown effect that these two policy pronouncements would have on the economy in the year 2020. The two policy pronouncements resulted in increased prices for both goods and services and particularly saw the cost of living as measured by the JCTR rise from K6,600 in December 2019 to K7,410 in January 2020.
The year 2020 on the other hand closes with some key highlights; the enactment of the Planning and Budgeting Bill, the launch of the 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme, a favourable copper price of US$7,964 and a bumper harvest of over 3.4 million tonnes of maize in the 2019/20 farming season. For one, the enactment of the Planning and Budgeting Bill provides for an integrated national planning and budgeting process and gives opportunity to capture citizens’ aspirations and needs in national budgets and to attain people-centred development.
The nation however, closes the year with a negative growth rate, double digit inflation and a depreciating currency (opened the year at ZMW14.6 and closes at ZMW21 to US$1) that continue to erode citizens incomes, rising public debt, a US$42.5 million default on its Eurobond, high poverty rates and compounded supply and employment challenges due to COVID-19. Admittedly, a fiscally constrained space limited government’s ability to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in society, most of whom cannot afford basic necessities.
The cost of living for Lusaka as measured by the JCTR Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket stands at K7, 126.62 as at November 2030 a K635 increase compared to the November 2019 basket. A high cost of living threatens the wellbeing of household’s right to good health and life as their basic requirements are unattainable given the prevailing economic situation. Thus, the country’s dream of attaining prosperous middle income status by 2030 seems bleaker with each passing year. According to Zambia’s Vision 2030, the last decade of the plan should have seen 10% economic growth between 2021 and 2030, inflation of 5%, a national poverty headcount of 20% and reduced income inequalities.
JCTR has in 2020 endeavoured to bring to light key socio-economic issues that affect the dignity of the person, and facilitated dialogue between rights holders and duty bearers in all its work. JCTR is alive to the fact that people should be the end and the means in every development undertaking. The Centre continues to call on the leaders of this nation to have the wellbeing of every Zambian at the core of every development agenda. Particular focus on the poor and vulnerable cannot be overemphasised as their lives are highly compromised in a challenging macroeconomic context.
As we move into 2021, the Centre wishes to call on Government to implement the many plans that we have set out as a nation. The Economic Recovery Programme was preceded by the Economic Growth and Stabilisation Plan whose aspirations have not seen the light of day. The Medium Term Debt Strategy-2017 to 2019 also outlined excellent debt management plans that should have seen sustainability in the debt facet. While the 2021 Budget has planned to register some improvements in the nation’s macroeconomic indicators and considerably increase allocations to a number of social sector budget lines, the 2020 budget macroeconomic indicators and expenditure outturns particularly for the social sector remain way below projected figures. Evidently, the need for Government to effect economic growth centred and pro-poor policies with a focus on climate smart agriculture, energy supply, private sector led growth and commitment to effective debt management in 2021 is paramount.
As we close 2020 and look ahead to 2021, JCTR calls on all Zambians and all state and non-state institutions to ensure peaceful and fair elections in 2021. Though threatened and shrinking, democracy and constitutionalism remain critical pillars of development, and we all must work tirelessly to safeguard these for the betterment of the lives of all the Zambians.
The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has arrested eleven people in Kapiri Mposhi District for operating drug stores without certification of registration.
The suspects were arrested during a surveillance routine inspection aimed at curbing the sale of medicines and allied substances in unregistered outlets.
ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer, Christabel Iliamupu has confirmed the development to ZANIS in Kapiri Mposhi today.
Mrs. Iliamupu said the operation was undertaken over the weekend by ZAMRA inspectors in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officers around Kapiri Mposhi Town Center and in selected compounds.
Mrs. Iliamupu identified the suspects as Simon Phiri, 77, Elias Miselo, 65, Lazarous Daka, 30, Kayombo Chisale, 30 and Jabes Banda and Jones Mumba both aged 22.
Others are Lameck Musonda, 27, Gloria Lungu, 23, Robert Simfukwe, 22 Sharon Kalipenta, 20, and Patrick Chate, 19.
She said the suspects have been charged with an offence of operating a Pharmacy without a Certificate of registration contrary to Section 14 (1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013 and will appear in court soon.
“ During our surveillance routine inspection directed towards curbing the sale of medicines and allied substances in unregistered outlets we have arrested eleven people in Kapiri Mposhi around Town Center, Ndeke, Matilyo, Kawama, Mpula and Turn-off areas for operating illegal pharmacies the suspects have however been released on Police Bond and will appear in court soon,” Mrs. Iliamupu said.
Mrs. Iliamupu urged all those wishing to venture into the business of running pharmacies to dully register for certification with ZAMRA stating that Pharmaceutical regulation is crucial as it ensures safety, efficacy and quality of the drugs available to consumers.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has directed immigration officers and police to mop out illegal foreign miners that have infested the mines in Rufunsa district.
Mr Lusambo notes that illegal mining activities have heightened making it a concern to government as the local people do not benefit from the lucrative mining activities in the district.
He said this on Tuesday when he toured the mines in the hills of the district where miners are camping as they extract gold with a view of cashing in from the sale of gold.
“Government is determined to bring sanity to this area by removing all illegal miners,” he said.
And Mr Lusambo has assured traditional leaders who have differed over chiefdom boundary disputes in Rufunsa that he will raise the matter with the relevant government ministries for a resolution to be made.
“Government wants the mining activities in the area to create jobs and help improve the lives of the local people,” he said.
Chief Shikabeta and Chieftainess Mpanshya of the Soli people of Rufunsa district appealed to government to intervene in chiefdom boundary disputes that have led to confusion over lucrative gold mining taking place in the district.
Chief Shikabeta said his subjects do not benefit from the mining activities taking place in his area because of a dispute that he has with Chief Chembe of Mukushi district in Central province.
The traditional leader called on government to intervene and ensure the local people benefit from resources within their area.
“The mines should be able to employ the local people, most of the youths in my area are jobless, and there are foreigners that are working in the mines,” he said.
He also expressed concern that the area has no health and education facilities but only makeshift structures made by the miners.
“We need permanent structures, we need schools, health facilities and other social amenities,” he said.
Earlier, Chieftainess Mpanshya said the dispute regarding chiefdom boundaries could lead to violence among neighboring chiefdoms.
Chieftainess Mpanshya said the boundary disputes she is facing with chief Bundabunda and chief Chembe of central province has led to confusion among subjects of the neighboring chiefdoms who are exhibiting violent behavior.
Speaking through a representative, the traditional leader told Mr Lusambo when he called on her at her palace that the disputes could lead to physical confrontations if not addressed.
“I’m afraid my people may resort to violence,” she said.
The traditional leader charged that chief Chembe has been encroaching into her chiefdom where he has allegedly been forcing her subjects to recognize him as their traditional leader.
“This is why we need the government to intervene by availing us with maps to establish the boundaries of each chiefdom,” She said.
Chieftains Mpanshya said government should conduct a survey to determine the quantities of gold and copper so as to local people benefit from the minerals in the area.
“We just see truckloads of the minerals but we have no idea how much of the minerals we have or where they are destined,” she said.
She also charged that due to illegal mining activities, there has been encroachment in seven villages that are located near the mines.
Two people are reportedly dead after riot police fired live shots to disperse UPND supporters who had gathered to show solidarity to party leader Hakainde Hichilema as he arrived at Police Headquarters for questioning this morning.
The UPND has confirmed that a male supporter and another State Prosecutor who was caught up in the fracas were shot dead by police.
According to witnesses the State Prosecutor had just gone across the National Prosecutions Office to buy a snack before he was shot by an overzealous officer.
Police Spokesperson Esther Katongo says police have not received any information about any death resulting from the fracas.
Large numbers of UPND members had converged at High Court grounds to offer support to Mr Hichilema as he was entering Police Headquarters just after 10 Hours.
Heavy police riot vehicles were patrolling the entire area near Police Headquarters and the three vehicles accompanying Mr Hichilema were throughly searched before ushering them in.
The party’s media team says and supporters across the country are advised to remain alert, and calm as the process proceeds.
“We have the background of all what is happening and we should be assured that our esteemed lawyers will ensure that the rule of law,is applied genuinely.”
The party says Mr Hichilema is represented by seven lawyers namely and in order of seniority, Nelly muti, Chad Muleza, Jack Mwimbu, Milambo Haimbe, Marshall Muchende, Xaviante Sinkala and Cornelius Mweetwa.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo yesterday advised the Zambia police service not to tolerate any form of violence when United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakkainde Hichilema appeared at Police Force Headquarters where he has been summoned.
Mr Lusambo noted with concern that some people were planning on attending in large numbers to offer solidarity to Mr Hichilema as he appeared before the police.
“The police should be vigilant in their operations by deploying officers around the city of Lusaka to ensure order prevails” he said.
Mr Lusambo said police has called only one person and he does not expect any one to disturb the peace that Zambians are enjoying when the opposition leader appears before them.
Police at the block UPND president Hakainde Hichilema as he tried to go to Police Headquarters
Editors note: Lusakatimes received graphic images of the victims but we will not publish them out of respect of the dead,their families and ethics.
A Lusaka businessman, Danny Yenda has announced his interest in bidding for Kabwata constituency seat during the 2021 general elections.
Mr Yenda says he will continue working with the already existing constituency party leadership come 2021 campaigns in order to avoid division in the party.
He said this during the party meeting held at Kabwata Hall where he officially announced his candidature at Kabwata Constituency before party members.
Mr Yenga pledged if voted as area lawmaker, he will ensure that he delivers the aspirations of the electorate as their obedient servant.
Mr Yenga declared that he meant business and would see to it that the ruling party triumphs in Kabwata and ensure that Edgar Lungu bounces back as Republican President in the forthcoming general elections.
“Before coming here today I spoke with Hon. Lubinda and I told him I was going to Kabwata to launch my campaign as MP. I made my intentions known to him and I do appreciate the works that our current MP has done for this constituency and my agenda is continue from what the incumbent MP did,” Mr Yenga said, amidst jubilations from the audience.
Mr Yenga said he was focused on building the party in the constituency as opposed to causing confusion.
“I am not coming here in Kabwata for the first time and this constituency is not new to me therefore, I understand the challenges the people of Kabwata face, ” he said.
“I am not going to form any structures but will work with existing structures as we take this constituency forward. Having grown up in this constituency, I understand most of the challenges and what our people are lacking so I will work with everyone in fostering development in Kabwata constituency because I am not a foreigner but I am a son of the soil,” Mr Yenga said.
Kabwata businessman Danny Yenga
Mr Yenga who has been associated with community works in the constituency added that victory for President Lungu in 2021 was guaranteed as the ruling party under President Lungu’s administration had scored a lot of positive achievements in all parts of the country.
“We are going to deliver President Lungu again in 2021 as Kabwata constituency because we are not playing jokes here and we mean business,” Mr Yenga added.
The Aspiring Candidate added that his priority would be to change the face of the constituency and to ensure that the welfare of the marketeers gets improved.
At the meeting, donated an amount of K30,000 to each ward in the Constituency.
And PF Kabwata constituency Chairman Trevor Ng’andu alias Uncle T welcomed Mr Yenga on behalf of the party as he launched his bid to Manda Hill. Mr Ng’andu said his job was to create a level playing field for all aspiring candidates under the ruling party.
“As PF Kabwata constituency Chairman, I have to make the ground fair for any person wishing to aspire. The party is bigger and I’m taking one step behind,” he said.
“There is currently only one MP for Kabwata, Hon. Given Lubinda and we respect him because he has brought development to this constituency but at the same time, we welcome all those that are wishing to take over from them and we wish them all the very best as we approach 2021,” Mr Ng’andu added.
Mr N’gandu cautioned the aspiring candidate to ensure that he fulfills his pre-election promises he will make to the electorate in area.
On his part, the Constituency chairman pledged to work flat out to ensure that the ruling PF wins during the forthcoming 2021 general elections slated for next, 12th August.
Mr Yenga’s support base in Kabwata constituency is steadily increasing especially among the majority of young people who have since indicated that they would rally behind him as their candidate and MP for 2021.
Western Province has recorded 153 total resurgence cases of COVID -19 cases with 72 cases the highest number recorded from Mongu district.
Western Provincial Health Director (PHD) Francis Liywali said the resurgence of the COVID-19 in the province would only be combated if all stakeholders abided by the laid down guidelines set by the ministry of health such as wearing of face masks and regular washing of hands.
Dr.Liywali added that reducing COVID-19 cases was possible if stakeholders took part in the fight against the pandemic as the case in Kafue district.
To this effect, his office has deployed health personnel in different border posts such as Katimamulilo border areas in Sesheke district to ensure all travelers are tested and diagnosed in masses for the disease.
The PHD has since implored members of the general populace to adhere to health safety rules and regulations in order reduce the further spread of the disease in the region.
“ It is sad to note that 70% of people in the especially in rural area have dropped their guard against the pandemic added that such action can act as catalysts for further transmission of the disease, “ he said.
Speaking earlier, Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Mukwambuyu Katungu bemoaned low levels of compliances by bar-owners.
Mr. Katungu said some bar owners have disregarded government’s directives regarding the closure and opening of bars which are operating normally despite the COVID -19 outbreaks in the region.
This came to light when team of law enforcement agencies toured various bar premises during the night yesterday.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary said the resurgence of the COVID-19 would be catastrophic if no proper safety measures were taken against the disease.
Mr. Katungu has since called for mindset change in publics if the fight against the disease was to be won.
THE Association of Mine Contractors and Suppliers have described their business performance this year, as bad.
Speaking in an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Association President Augustine Mubanga said its members failed to realise significant business opportunities due to the poor performance of the mines, especially on the Copperbelt.
“The challenges surrounding Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mine greatly impacted negatively on the suppliers and contractors as operational activities were reduced as well as business opportunities,” Mr. Mubanga said.
Glencore, the owners of Mopani Copper Mine are on the verge of exit the Zambian market while KCM is under liquidation with no investment being pumped into the mine for almost the whole year as the government seeks for a new investor to take up the mine when the legal stand-off between Vedanta and ZCCM-IH is concluded.
Mr. Mubanga also cited the COVID-19 pandemic as another major factor that contributed to the low business opportunities for the suppliers as most mines had to downsize on labour while others went on care and maintenance as a result they could not offer any meaningful business to the suppliers and contractors.
Explaining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which he said has also restricted the movement of cargo from import markets , the Association President stated that the global pandemic made it difficult for Zambian suppliers to buy goods for supplying as most goods supplied to the mines are imported.
“ Suppliers are now hoping that government will intervene in 2021 by putting measures that will create a win-win situation between the mines and the local suppliers as the copper prices sour on the international market, “ he added.
He said the mines should look at the high copper prices as a motivation to increase their production and also reduce the cost of production so that they remain sustainable so that they give more business opportunities to local suppliers and contractors.
“We are hoping to see a situation where preference should be given to local suppliers and with the coming in of the Statutory Instrument on local content, we want to see a situation where the mines are in the forefront to drive support into manufacturing, industrialization and also giving long term assurance in terms of contracts to those that have already started manufacturing products that mines are consuming,” he said.
He also stated that there is need to ensure that the mining sector begins to significantly plough back into the communities they operate from through Corporate social responsibility so that the local people also benefit from the current high copper prices as much as the mines are making profits.
Mr. Mubanga also challenged the government to protect the local suppliers who are currently sidelined in terms of getting a business opportunity from the mines.
“Government should promote more Zambian companies to supply because at the end of day government will benefit more through the taxes that will be collected from these companies through pay as you earn taxes from the workers of these supplying companies, corporate taxes again from the same companies, and other taxes in addition to the mineral loyalty tax from the mining companies,” he noted.
He noted that the government is losing all these revenue generation avenues when supply contracts are given to foreign companies.
The year 2020 has been a challenging year for almost all business sectors mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the instability in the performance of the Kwacha which has continued tumbling against the United States Dollar.
Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri says government remains committed towards reducing gender inequalities in the country to minimum levels through various empowerment initiatives for women.
Ms. Phiri states that government through the ministry of gender has put up strategies in line with the Seventh National Development Plan 7NDP and Vision 2030 to promote gender equity and equality with a policy agenda that combats retrogressive gender roles.
She noted that empowering women and girls enables them to enjoy life as any other person in society.
Ms. Phiri said this when she handed over 1000 day old chicks and poultry accessories to Kanakantapa women area association and Prophetic Tabernacle of glory society limited in Chongwe district.
She commended the two women groups for organising themselves through cooperatives to venture into activities that are helping them to improve their living standards.
Reminding women to take care of the chicks and poultry equipment, the minister added that any misuse of the empowerment will lead to retrieval of the equipment.
Meanwhile, Chongwe Member of Parliament (MP) Japhen Mwakalombe applauded the women cooperatives under the two women groups for partnering to sustain their lives through various entrepreneurial activities they have ventured in.
Mr. Mwakalombe implored other women in his constituency to form cooperatives for them to access empowerment which have been made available by government for people from all walks of life.
“Government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu is not selective in spreading development.
”I am appealing to all women who are in Chongwe to organise themselves and form cooperatives because they are missing out from such empowerment initiatives,” Mr. Mwakalombe said.
He thanked Ministry of Gender for empowering the two women groups and that the gesture will change their lives.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a member of Kanakantapa Women Association Brandina Banda said the empowerment will benefit 232 households and is also expected to extend beyond the perimeters of Kanakantapa.
Ms. Phiri said the beneficiaries will sustain the economic activities that will be initiated using the accessories they have received.
She assured Ms. Phiri that the women from the two groups will venture to other viable business ventures.
Chingola municipal council has cautioned churches in area to observe the COVID 19 preventive measures ahead of Christmas and New year’s overnight prayers or risk being charged a penalty fee of K750.00.
ChingolaTown Clerk Kabomba Mutakela said that the local authority has only authorised churches that were inspected and certified by authorised officers to conduct such cross over night prayers.
Mr. Mutakela noted that all permitted churches are requested to worship from the same church premises that were inspected and adhere to all COVID 19 guidelines.
He stated that the churches should also maintain the same number of congregants that they indicated on the approved gathering permits.
The TC further noted that all registered churches are requested to submit details of congregants using the register designed by the local authority.
Going by the Christian calendar , most churches globally assemble overnight to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as well as hold thankful prayers to God on new year-eve every 1st January.
Government in its guidelines against COVID-19 , has re-emphasised adherence to measures against the pandemic such as social distancing, mass gathering and wearing of face masks.
