Community Development Minister Kampamba Chewe says the failed enactment of Constitution amendment bill 10 of 2020 is a minor setback for the Patriotic Front party.

Ms. Chewe says the unsuccessful enactment of the bill will not derail the government from achieving its desired goals and developmental aspirations.

Ms. Chewe further states that government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu will deliver on all its promises despite the bill not being enacted in parliament.

Ms. Chewe says it is shameful for the opposition to celebrate the failure to enact the bill as it catered for all developmental sectors across the country.

She was speaking during the launch of farming empowerment funds for people with disabilities in Lufwanyama district.

Ms. Chewe added that the Constitution amendment bill 10 provided an opportunity for people with disabilities to maximize their potential in leadership positions.

She further stated that the government will however ensure that it empowers people with disabilities in order for them to contribute to economic development.

Meanwhile, farmers with disabilities in Lufwanyama have vowed to support President Edgar Lungu’s development agenda.

Kambilombilo farmers with disabilities secretary Gilbert Mumba says President Edgar Lungu has the welfare of people with disabilities at heart and deserves the much needed support.

Chinsali Subordinate Court has convicted and sentenced a poacher to seven years with hard labour for illegal possession of ivory.

Dickson Mbeye (39), a resident of Kankhomba village in Chief Chibale’s area was handed over the jail term with hard labour following his arrest for illegal possession of 47 kilos of ivory suspected to have been harvested from an elephant poached in Musalangu game management area.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sikabilo Kalembwe, Mbeye was facing one count of Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy namely, elephant ivory contrary to section 130 (2) of the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 (ZWA 2015).

Mr Kalembwe stated that the arrest was made following a tip-off from concerned members of the public to the officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

He further stated that when passing sentence, the Court bemoaned the increase in wildlife related cases, which are depleting the natural resources as wildlife is being destroyed.

He noted that the Court stated that due to poaching, government is losing out on revenue that could be generated through sustainable ventures like tourism.

“Elephants are an important resource that attracts local and foreign tourists to Zambia’s national parks. In addition, elephants play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they live,” further stated Mr Kalembwe.

The Public Relations Officer indicates that his Ministry wishes to warn members of the public that want to engage in illicit activities of wildlife that they will face the law as government continues to step up conservation efforts in the country.

Mr Kalembwe highlighted that the Ministry of Tourism and Arts’ Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has in the last five years observed a stable to reduced elephant poaching in key elephant ranges.

Government has underlined its commitment towards supporting agriculture investments that culminate into sustainable job creation in Mkushi District.

District Commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Sinkonde said this during an Environmental Assessment Impact (EIA) meeting that was organized by Seedco Company at the Seedco Farm in Mkushi South area.

Mr. Sinkonde said that Government under the leadership of President Dr. Edgar Lungu places high value on agriculture as it is a potential driver of Zambia’s economy.

He said that in view of this, Government is eager to welcome major investors in the agriculture sector, adding that such ventures enhance development and expansion of labour base through creation of jobs.

He noted that Seedco company’s venture into developing this large farm for growing maize, wheat and soya bean seeds is a good step, saying that the company has a proven record for providing disease resistant seed varieties.

Mr. Sinkonde also commended seedco ltd for holding the Environmental Impact Assessment as prelude to formalizing their three existing Dams, saying that this showed that the investor is complying with the procedures that are stipulated by Zambia Environment Management Assessment (ZEMA).

He urged the developers of the dams to harmonise issues that may arise if there are people who would be affected in the process of developing these infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Seedco farm Manager Fred Nandala disclosed that the company is currently able to irrigate only 770 hectares to produce maize, seed and wheat at their 4,500 hectare farm.

Mr. Nandala explained that in view of the demand for seed to satisfy the local and export market, the company is placing much value on the Tembwe, Nescare and Madala Dams to ensure that there is adequate irrigation to cover more hectares.

He said that in addition to the expanding irrigation with 3 dams, there is need for residents to note that Seedco will have as many as 1000 workers when this farm is at its peak.

“as we have been selling our seed to local as well as export markets in the SADC region, there is need to ensure seed production throughout the year by boosting our irrigation infrastructures such as the 3 Dams,” he said.

First Lady Esther Lungu has urged girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy to return and continue with their education after they give birth.

The First Lady said this at Kasamanda Primary and Day Secondary School when met 23 girls who were pregnant and have since returned to school after giving birth.

The First Lady, who is wrapped up the Esther Lungu Foundation Trust (ELFT) outreach programme tour of Mambwe district yesterday, was elated that the girls have decided to go back to school.

Mrs Lungu told the 23 girls that the step they had taken was a clear indication that the re-entry policy was effectively being implemented for the benefit of girls.

She urged the girls to remain resolved in pursuit of their education as school knows no age, adding that whatever challenges the girls may have encountered in life and at whatever age, they should be determined to get educated.

“The world is evolving and we all have to move with it at the same pace and the only way that can be achieved is by acquiring an education. When you are educated and independent, you will be able to find solutions to whatever problem you face because no problem lasts forever,” she said to girls who are now doubling as teen mothers and school girls.

She noted that going back to school, as the 23 had done, was the first step in the right direction.

The First Lady stated that the bold decision the girls made serves as an example to other girls in their situation who feel shy to go back to school.

“By deciding to go back to school, you girls have shown that you are heroines. I pray that your friends who feel shy to go back to school can emulate your courage and determination and go back to school,” Mrs Lungu said.

Mrs Lungu presented food hampers of peanut butter, cooking oil, sugar, baked beans among others to the 23 girls as a way of motivating them

At the same time the First Lady’s foundation trust also donated 10 computers, 20 solar lights with chargers, 120 text books, 202 washable towels, two sets of soccer jerseys and two soccer balls among other items to Kasamanda Day Secondary. This was in addition to a donation of mealie meal, rice, cooking oil, drinks, soya and biscuits among other items.

The ELFT also made a similar donation of 30 solar lights, two sets of jerseys among other items to Kasamanda Primary school.