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President Edgar Lungu has urged University of Zambia students to collaborate with the institution and contribute to its development and effective service delivery.
President Lungu who is a former student of UNZA in the school of law observed that the UNZA Alumni have an important role to play in ensuring institutions remain the best in research output, infrastructure development and scholarships among others.
The head of state was speaking in Lusaka today, during a virtual 49th Graduation Ceremony for the University of Zambia.
He said as a graduate of UNZA the training he had received from the university has contributed to the different leadership positions he has held including that of Republican President.
“As graduate of the UNZA myself I have benefited greatly from the training received from the school of law, I developed skills without which I would have not assumed various leadership positions in life including the service to the people of Zambia as President,” he noted.
President Lungu also added that the development that has taken place in various sectors of the country’s economy since independence can also be attributed to UNZA’s effective training abilities that has seen many Zambians acquiring skills from it.
He further urged the former students to come together and help the institution in its strive to remain the best for the benefit of the future generation.
“Therefore I urge UNZA to continue being one of the best for the benefit of our children, grand great children’s children but it can only do that lets Join hands as alumni and give back to UNZA within the context of our abilities,” he said.
President Lungu further encouraged the graduating students, to take note that graduating at UNZA would give them a global passport for success in their career endeavors.
A total of 4, 927 candidates graduated at the 49th virtual Graduation Ceremony for the University of Zambia.
The Ministry of Tourism and Arts has clarified that there is no international artist who has been cleared to perform in Zambia this weekend.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe said in accordance to provisions of the National Arts Council every person is required to obtain a promoters license.
Mr Kalembwe stated in a statement to the media in Lusaka today that there is no application that that has been received by NAC.
“In accordance to provisions of the (NAC) Act Cap 170 of the Laws of Zambia and Statutory Instrument 129 of 199 5 Section 5, no person or organization is allowed to promote any artistic event without a promoters license obtained from the National Arts Council of Zambia,” the statement read in part.
He emphasized that all foreign artists are supposed to be cleared at least three months before the event and are expected to pay 20 percent of performance fees as Withholding Tax Clearance to the Zambia Revenue Authority.
Mr Kalembwe was quick to mention that the Ministry appreciates the support it received including from the President Edgar Lungu in ensuring that all art forms are promoted and developed.
yesterday, there were reports that South Africa’s musical star Master KG who has gotten the world dancing with hit song ‘Jerusalema’ will this Saturday be gracing a Patriotic Front rally in Ndola on the Copperbelt.
Master KG real names, Kgaogelo Moagi, was to perform live in the Musa Kosonka Stadium during what the ruling PF is calling a COVID-19 Sensitisation Rally.
However, the Patriotic Front has cancelled its scheduled Ndola mobilisation rally that was billed for Musa Kasonka Stadium on Saturday.
PF National Mobilisation Chairman Richard Musukwa said that the decision follows various concerns raised by interest groups and some stakeholders.
Mr Musukwa has since directed PF Copperbelt Mobilisation Chairman Bowman Lusambo to postpone the rally in order to give the party room to address the various issues raised.
He has apologised for the inconvenience caused but stressed that the Mobilisation rally will be held at the earliest convinient time.
Mr Musukwa explained that the Mobilisation rally will be preceded by a meeting of the Copperbelt party structures and the Mobilisation team to be convened by the PF Secretary General Davis Mwila following a recent presidential directive.
Mr Musukwa has told ZNBC News that the mobilisation team should complement the party structures to consolidate the PF political base.
And Mr MUSUKWA has directed that the rescheduled Ndola mobilisation rally will only feature Local artists to avoid the recurrence of controversy.
Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe has called on residents in the province to turn up in numbers and seek God’s guidance and intervention during this year’s national day of prayers.
Mr. Nundwe said the day should however not be politicised as it is an important day for the nation while advise has been given to district commissioners to encourage people in their respective districts.
Mr. Nundwe also said COVID-19 guidelines should strictly be adhered to and that prayers which will be conducted in the afternoon have been restricted to two hours only.
“I want to direct all District Commissioners in the province to make sure that people come in numbers and pray for rains, good health and prosperity for the nation while observing the guidelines given to us by the ministry of health,” Mr. Nundwe urged.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nundwe has cautioned bar owners defying the presidential directive on the hours of operation to face punishment.
The Permanent Secretary said he has observed with great concern that some bars are operating seven days a week and 24 hours a day contrary to the directive issued by the Head of State.
He said local authorities should intensify patrols by making sure that guidelines on COVID-19 are adhered to.
Meanwhile, Paul Ngosa Bar Association of Zambia- Ndola chapter member said the association has also observed that a lot of bars and taverns in densely populated areas have are operating 24/7 every day.
Mr. Ngosa said via telephone that it is up to the councils to intensify patrols and ensure that sanity prevails in the operations of bars and taverns.
He said those within town Centre have strictly adhered to the Presidential directive and that the council should level the playing field so that no one complains.
Mr. Ngosa was however, quick to strongly appeal to President Lungu to allow bars and taverns operate at full capacity while observing health guidelines as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.
“Life really is hard for us as bar owners. We have rentals, salaries and wages and other expenses to pay. We are not managing with the current situation and we are appealing to the Head of State to allow us operate at full capacity,” Mr. Ngosa said.
This year’s National Day of Prayer will be held under the theme: “Zambia seeks God’s intervention for Sustainable National Unity, Peace and Prosperity.”
A 42 year old scout from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Chama District of Muchinga Province has died after he was attacked and killed by an elephant.
Both Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Joel Njase and Chama District Commissioner Leanard Ngoma have confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Chinsali District today.
Eng. Njase said the incident occurred on October 14, 2020 at 12:30 hours in Musalangu East Game Management Area in Chama District which was reported to Chama police station.
Eng. Njase stated that Rodgers Zozi aged 39 of Mundalanga wildlife camp in Chama District reported that whilst on duty controlling some elephants in a group of three wildlife scouts, one scout Tenson Kabandama aged 42 of Chitheba village in Chama was attacked and killed by a lone elephant which charged on him.
”The deceased sustained fractured right leg, deep cuts on the right arm, broken ribs and cuts on the left arm,” the police commissioner added.
He said the body of the deceased has since been deposited in Chama District Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem examination and possible burial.
And Chama District Commissioner Leonard Ngoma told ZANIS in a telephone interview that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife managed to kill elephant this morning around 02:00 hours in the same area.
Mr Ngoma has however, called on residents in the area to be careful and avoid moving alone at all time.
The body of the deceased will be buried tomorrow Friday, October 16.
President Edgar Lungu has implored engineers in the country to be professional in their line of duty as they will be accountable for their wrong actions.
President Lungu says the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) has not been proactive in inspecting the quality and durability of infrastructure being implemented in the country.
The Head of State made the remarks when he held a meeting with EIZ members and selected cabinet ministers at State House today.
The visibly upset president, wondered why engineers do haphazard works for government projects but implement cost effective and durable projects in the private sector.
“Some engineers when in government, they do haphazard works but the same people do extremely well when they are in the private sector, why? Do you inspect the works before certifying or not, look at the Zambia Building Society House in our central business district, it is a sorry sight yet your institution is aware and nothing is being done about that disaster in -waiting,” President Lungu charged.
President Lungu, who demanded an explanation on what punishments are imposed on erring members, has noted that the cost of projects in government is too high compared to the private sector yet the same engineers do the design works.
The Head of State has stated that it is disheartening that in certain instances the cost of constructing a gravel road is double than the actual cost.
During the meeting, President Lungu recalled that President Paul Kagame of Rwanda appreciates the skill and expertise being exhibited by Zambian engineers in his country yet they do not exhibit the same enthusiasm back home.
“My counterpart in Rwanda is appreciative of the works being implemented by you engineers. Due to the trust you have earned in that country the Road Development Agency (RDA) has been replicated in Rwanda and people in that country are happy with the jobs you do. Now, if perfect works are being done in that country by our own engineers, why don’t you do the same works here in your own country?” President Lungu wondered.
Engineers Institute of Zambia president Eng Abel Ngandu speaking during a meeting with President Edgar Lungu at State House
And Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ), Able Ng’andu, who has hailed government for the massive infrastructure development rolled out in the country, says the concerns that President Lungu raised are being addressed by his firm.
Mr Ng’andu has explained that five erring engineers will be disciplined before the end of this week and their licenses will be revoked by the ethics and integrity committee.
He has assured that going forward, his firm will be more proactive in order for government to get the value for its money through the certification of durable projects.
“Going forward, we will be proactive and erring members will be punished to send a signal to a few bad eggs in the profession. The issues you have raised like that of the Society House and Ndola-Luanshya road among others are embarrassing to our profession, and we will not allow such to continue going on and this week we are instilling discipline on five members,” assured Mr Ng’andu.
President Edgar Lungu speaking when he met the Engineers institute of Zambia members at State House
Meanwhile, Cabinet Ministers also took turns to express their concerns on the matter with minister of Local Government, Charles Banda who pointed out that EIZ needs to put more efforts because the massive infrastructure development that government has embarked on, deserves high quality works.
Further, Minister of Finance, Bwalya Ng’andu has warned that going forward all engineers who do substandard works will be imprisoned because the projects come at a huge cost to government.
And Minister of Presidential Affairs, Freedom Sikazwe has questioned the caliber of engineers that certify shoddy works, stating that his constituency has not been spared by the act of negligence, involving certification of schools and clinics that get dilapidated before being commissioned.
Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga has asked fans to be patient with Chipolopolo coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic.
Mulenga today met Micho with his bench, FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala, Technical Director Lyson Zulu in Lusaka.
The meeting discussed Zambia’s performance in recent friendly matches ahead of next month’s crucial 2021 Africa Cup qualifiers against Botswana.
Zambia beat South Africa 2-1 away in Rustenburg, overcame Malawi 1-0 at home in Lusaka and lost 2-1 to Kenya in East Africa.
“I have assured the National team coach “Micho” of Government’s support during his work as he aims to restore Zambia’s football glory,” Mulenga said after the meeting.
“We believe that he is the right man for the job as he has had vast experience in his coaching career.”
Micho took over the Zambia job earlier in January this year.
“The Government through my Ministry will ensure that the National team is fully supported in all its future endeavors.”
“I therefore urge soccer fans to exercise patience as the National team coach continues his journey of blending our National team,” Mulenga said.
Holstar presents his first music video off the album “Kupeleka Nyali Ya Moto” Mtendere is a story of a marriage in trouble. This music video was put together by Upfront Media and features the acting talents of Wycliff Mwamba, Sanjemu and W.Geloo , Song Produced by Shinko Beats.
OPPOSITION Economic and Equity Party (EEP) president Chilufya Tayali has said that the conviction of National Democratic Party (NDC) leader Chishimba Kambwili is timely because he abused his powers when he served in government.
Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Lusaka earlier today, Mr. Tayali said the forgery case involving Mr. Kambwili has nothing to do with politics or political persecution.
Mr. Tayali said that from the onset, he made it clear that he would see to it that the forgery case was properly disposed of and that he is also disappointed with some Zambians who are accusing him of being used by the Patriotic Front (PF) to silence their perceived opponents.
“I am, however, disappointed that some Zambians are quick to say that Mr. Kambwili’s conviction is political victimization or persecution and I can’t understand why some Zambians react this way. The case has nothing to do with politics because it was a clear case and the evidence was overwhelming,” he said.
The opposition leader has observed that Zambia will never have good leaders if its people support the wrong people aspiring for higher office.
“Checks and balances should also be extended to those that aspire to get into power! This is to ensure that we avoid voting for the wrong people to get into government. I feel insulted when you bring in PF in this case because this was all about myself and EEP in an effort to ensure that justice prevailed on Mr. Kambwili’s behavior.”
Mr. Tayali has said politicians should not use politics to shield themselves from wrongdoing.
OPPOSITION Economic and Equity Party (EEP) president Chilufya Tayal
Meanwhile, Mr. Tayali has said that President Edgar Lungu should quickly set up a Commission of Inquiry into privatization.
Mr. Tayali said the privatization which happened many years ago is not water under the bridge because many people suffered and the wounds are still fresh.
He said people that were given the mandate to sell public assets enriched themselves at the expense of the country.
“It is common knowledge that privatization left a lot of people suffering and it should not be water under the bridge even if it happened many years ago. The wounds are still fresh because many people that were retrenched have not been paid what was owed to them,” said Mr. Tayali.
“This Commission of Inquiry into the privatization of Zambia’s State Assets is very important because workers who were affected will come and give testimony and maybe a recommendation to pay them will be made.”
And Mr. Tayali said UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema would be a wrong guy to go to State House because of his involvement in the sale of State assets.
“HH should prove that he is clean before he even thinks of going to State House. That’s why this Commission of Inquiry into Privatization is very important and those found wanting should be made to account.”
We wish to distance ourselves from the purported attacks being advanced by Police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja that the United Party for National Development ( UPND cadres attacked people in Muchinga.
I. G Kanganja is contradicting himself. On one hand , he is directing the police to arrest UPND cadres whom he accuses of attacking people in Lavushimanda District in Muchinga Province.
On the other hand, I.G Kanganja is directing his officers to investigate the attack. How do police arrest people before carrying out investigations?
Kakoma Kanganja should have directed his mind to the law by reminding himself that directing his officers to pounce on UPND cadres before investigations is contradictory and a deliberate administrative blunder.
We urge IG Kanganja to take responsibility for the violence taking place in the country and protect all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
In case he has forgotten, we are still waiting for the police investigations in who the gassers are.
We also want the police to tell us who set the City Market on fire.
Further, IG Kanganja has not told us who killed Mapenzi Chibulo on her way to attend a UPND rally in Chawama, Lawrence Banda in Kama by election, Mukonka and later on who shot Masani.
It is surprising that when PF cadres are repelled by those they attack, Mr. Kanganja quickly issues a statement but when UPND members are attacked , no statement is issued.
Even where UPND are victims , police have issued a statement to down play the attack.
We know that Kanganja is just acting on instructions from above. We blame the establishment and the PF abuse of the Zambia Police Service.
When UPND forms government, we shall ensure the police is protected through institutional reforms.
We urge Kanganja not to accuse our members of violence even before investigations are done. Such statements simply arm twist officers tasked with investigations.
Vice president, Inonge Wina is tomorrow expected in Eastern Province for a four-day working visit.
Provincial Permanent Secretary, Veronica Mwiche, has confirmed Mrs Wina’s official visit to ZANIS in Chipata today.
Ms Mwiche said the Vice president will have a series of engagements whilst in the region.
She said Mrs Wina will depart Lusaka on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 14:30 and land in Chipata at 16:00 hours, thereafter, hold a briefing with the Provincial administration.
She said the Vice president will later pay a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Gawa Undi among other schedules.
The Permanent Secretary further said Mrs Wina will on Saturday, pay a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni as well as officiate at the ground breaking ceremony of the soils laboratory construction at ZARI-M’sekera Research Station and Tree Planting Project.
Ms Mwiche stated that the Vice president will on Sunday, October 18, 2020, officiate at the Day of National Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation and afterwards, meet the Chipata Chamber of Commerce and Party officials.
Ms Mwiche added that Mrs Wina will on Monday, October 19, 2020, visit Chipangali, Chasefu and Lumezi districts for several official engagements, before returning to Lusaka on the same day.
This year’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation is being held under the theme, “Zambia seeking God’s intervention for sustained Unity, peace and prosperity.”
The government says the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected resource mobilization for the construction of the National House of Prayer.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili said the project which is being spearheaded by the church has been affected due to the closure of churches.
Rev. Sumaili also commended the church across the country for their active participation in ensuring that the construction process is expedited.
The minister said this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka.
Reverend Sumaili however, noted that measures have been put in place by the government and the church as partners to intensify the mobilization of funds to complete the project.
“Am glad to say that there has been a commitment from the churches to be part of this very wonderful project. If you went on the site, you will find that there is so much that is going-on already, obviously the resource mobilization has been affected by the COVID-19 situation,” she said.
The Minister added that most churches are willing to be part of the process hence the decision to start holding fundraising events to raise funds.
She cited the recent fund raising event which was organized by the church in Kitwe on the Copperbelt province as one such occasion that will also be replicated in other provinces due to its effectiveness of reaching out.
“Recently, we had a wonderful fund raising event that was organized by the churches in Kitwe and there were over 500 churches that came together, and funds and materials were raised and we are planning that other provinces also follow suit,” she noted.
Rev. Sumaili further expressed optimism that with the COVID-19 situation stabilizing, more activities in terms of resource mobilization and construction works are expected to be recorded.
And Northmead Assemblies of God overseer, Joshua Banda has encouraged the church to work together and ensure that construction works at the site are accelerated for the benefit of the church.
Bishop Banda stated that once the house is complete it will go a long way in the promotion of peace and unity by cementing the national Christian values.
“As you have noticed, there are number of initiatives being undertaken within the body of Christ and therefore we believe that the ongoing works on the construction of the National House of Prayer is another rallying point for us, we believe that once that sanctuary is up and running it will help once again to unite us and it will be a national alter that will represent what we stand for,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Acting Executive Director, Andrew Mwenda said the building of the National House of Prayer will provide a common place of worship for people in the country.
“Whenever, we are having meetings pertaining to issues of the church, we always ask for permission to use church venues or other places, but the building of the National House of Prayer will provide us with a neutral place and it will show that in terms of physical presence Zambia values the presence of God in the nation not just as denomination,” explained Bishop Mwenda.
In 2016, President Edgar Lungu laid a foundation stone to start the construction of the National House of Prayer which is expected to cost over 30 million United States Dollars.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jean Kapata says government remains committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and natural resources.
Ms Kapata said government will continue to work and partner with other stakeholders to ensure that the environment is protected through planting of trees among other initiatives.
ZANIS reports that the minister was speaking in Lusaka today at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Community Tree Planting and Establishments of Plant Nurseries at Justine Kabwe School in Mandevu, an initiative between the Ministry of General Education and Savannah Zambia dubbed making Lusaka a garden city by 2030.
“Government particularly my ministry welcomes such initiatives as they clearly show the commitment of partners and other organisations to protecting and preserving the environment,” she said.
Ms Kapata, who is also Mandevu law maker, further noted that initiatives such as the planting of trees will go a long way in addressing climate change issues, the country is faced with.
“My Ministry is fully aware of deforestation and other vices that are harmful to the environment. The situation is further worsened by lack of awareness among members of the community hence such projects aimed at protecting the environment are welcome,” she noted.
Ms Kapata added that more concerted efforts are critical in order to address effects of climate change.
And Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary, Jobbicks Kalumba, said the Ministry is delighted that Savannah Zambia has come on board as a partner in planting of trees.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Ministry’s Principle Education Standards Officer, James Chomba, said such activities carry an important skill aspect in learners.
“A child who will have the knowledge of planting trees will have a bigger picture of what it is to address effects of climate change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Savannah Zambia Executive Director, Nkole Mwamba, stated that protecting the environment and natural resources is everyone’s responsibility.
Mr Mwamba further observed that partnerships in tree planting are paramount in protecting the environment.
“Life can only flourish by protecting the environment. As Savannah Zambia, we will continue to strengthen partnerships with other stakeholders to support community planting of trees to ensure value addition to forests is enhanced,” he noted.
I am not surprised that Mr Chishimba Kambwili has been convicted and sent to jail.
Mr Kambwili had made very serious allegations of soliciting a bribe against the trial magistrate. The logical thing would have been to remove this magistrate from hearing Mr Kambwili’s case to ensure that a fair trial is not only guaranteed but it is also seen to be assured.
I don’t think Mr Kambwili received what can pass or be seen as a fair trial.
Without delving into the merits or demerits of the case, very few can say Mr Kambwili has been convicted and sent to jail by an impartial magistrate. There was no fair trial in this case. It’s very important for every accused person to have a fair trial.
It’s actually impossible to overstate how important the right to a fair trial is. Honestly.
Fair trials are the only way to prevent miscarriages of justice and are an essential part of a just, fair and humane society. Every person accused of a crime should have their guilt or innocence determined by a fair and effective legal process.
But its not just about protecting suspects and defendants. It also makes our nation safer and stronger. Without fair trials, victims can have no confidence that justice will be done. Without fair trials, trust in government and the rule of law collapses.
The right to a fair trial has long been recognised by the international community as a basic human right. Despite this, it’s a right that is increasingly being abused in this country to settle political and other scores with devastating human and social consequences.
Despite the importance of fair trials being recognised by the international community, this basic human right is being abused day-in-day-out in this country. We must put an end to these abuses. Let’s build a criminal justice system in which every person’s right to a fair trial is respected. We won’t get there overnight. But with each step we take towards a criminal justice system in which every person’s right to a fair trial is respected, we are protecting our people against miscarriages of justice and building fair and effective criminal justice systems that benefit everyone.
Lastly, my great fear is Mr Kambwili’s state of health. He has very dangerous levels of hypertension. If Mr Kambwili was to die in prison under these circumstances his death would be very difficult for this government to explain to our people. This may fuel very serious political mistrust, tension and instability.
Many feeder roads in Lusaka have been stripped off of the trees and left naked due to road constructions. From independence avenue to Haile Selassie to Great East Road, to Lake Road, to Kabulonga Road and to many more, the view of the roads has turned into a sorry site and the pain of deforestation is unbearable to the people who value trees.
Take for instance, Haile Selassie Street in Long Acres was not so long ago one of the prettiest road to drive on because of its beautiful array of trees alongside. These trees did not only provide the beautiful scenery in the manner they were arranged but also a nice shade with colorful flowers during summer and fresh air to the environment making Long Acres more attractive including the business complex.
Moreover, these trees have been in existence since the colonial era and one mighty say they have really been standing for many years. However, the trees and their goodness along the roads have continued to be cut down in just a short a period of time to pave way for the rise of the new monster in town ‘’road constructions’’ under government’s Lusaka decongestion project. The sacrifice of trees on most roads has come at a cost when the construction of roads become priority by the government.
Nevertheless, the expansion of roads in Lusaka is triggering mega questions to the general populace. Firstly, are road constructions a necessary evil to the surrounding trees and people? Secondly, should we keep seeing our nice feeder roads being stripped-off of the beautiful trees and leave them naked and exposed to the effects of climate change? Thirdly, are there ways in which government can expand roads without cutting down trees? Fourthly, are there ways also we can replace the already cut down trees and restore all the functions and benefits fallen trees used to provide?
While such questions remain unanswered, I am tempted to believe that solutions lie within ourselves as people and all stakeholders to begin to undertake both intensive and extensive tree planting projects along the affected roads and help the city to cope with the effects of climate change such as floods and drought and increase the longevity of our roads as well as people.
The citizens of Lusaka and the government, working together alongside civil society organizations can see to it that trees are replanted back along the roads after the completion of the road constructions. It is also the mandate of the contractors working on various roads to conform to the terms of references of their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) which explicitly exemplify vegetation cover replacement projects at the completion of a project before the trees risk being wiped out in the city. Monitors and regulator of road projects must up their game and help replant the fallen trees. The truth of the matter is that; many more streets are about to be undressed as they lineup for road expansions.
I cry for these trees because they exist to give us hope for life. Hope to a better future. The trees along the roads function together and are connected in one way or another to the roots and to the branches. This is a symbol of unit, peace, love and togetherness. So, as a people we need to emulate this ecological life of trees which we can only do when they are standing and we can only see them standing when we replant.
When we are united with love to one another and spirit of togetherness, we can conquer and achieve the common good just like the way trees do. Just to give a little more latitude to this fact, this can be lesson to the various political groupings ahead of 2021 general elections. Let’s emulate the nature of trees because to a higher degree, trees can teach us how to replace political violence with love. From trees we can learn how to replace political vengeance with forgiveness. And from trees we can learn how to replace political hate speech with good speech. From trees we can learn how to replace tribalism with the spirit of togetherness and oneness. Therefore, we cry for these fallen trees along the streets at the realm of road constructions because they are our hope and the future.
As a people of good will, we urge the government, the public, the NGOs, road contractors, environmental regulators etc. to come together and find ways of restoring trees along the streets especially that urban forestry has dwindled in Lusaka mainly due to deforestation.
I feel government must deliberately set up a fund to support urban tree planting projects. Although there are few channels of funding to tree planting projects such as the one under Ministry of National Development Planning, many stakeholders in environmental sector do not know about them because of lack of awareness by the government on availability of such funds and how to access them.
On the other side, NGOs dealing with environmental issues such as deforestation have become too reluctant in pioneering tree planting projects in the face of road infrastructure development. Nevertheless, a few are exceptional and I can take this opportunity to recognize the relentless efforts made by Earth Alive Group organization for advancing urban tree planting awareness programs.
As I conclude, I would like to remind you that trees provide hope and life. Let’s plant trees and help combat effects associated with climate change. If you indeed want to leave legacy plant a tree. I am not in any way implying that road development projects are bad, but they need to be implemented in a sustainable manner which does not pose a threat to the environment.
The University of Zambia Dean in the school of Humanities and Social Sciences Felix Masiye has said leaders should respond to climate change in the country.
Professor Masiye said the green conversation should be explored and amplified to keep the leadership on climate transformation alive.
Speaking during the official opening of a 3 days virtual Zambia Climate Leadership Transformation Summit, Professor Masiye said UNZA has continued to play an important role in shaping the climate change conversation.
“As a University, we are completely aligned to the urgent need to diversify the voices and participation, especially of youth and women in the climate change conversation, he said.
And Prof. Masiye noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder that people have little control of the future hence the need to demand that everyone must be involved in the conversation.
The Summit is a partnership between UNZA and the Africa Leadership Transformation (ALT) Foundation with support from partners from Australia, New Zealand and USA in the actualization of a virtual meeting.
And Prof. Masiye said that through the partnership UNZA has been able to develop leadership capacity and the training of four faculty members to become instructors of the leadership course.
Meanwhile, Africa Leadership Transformational Foundation (ALT) Executive Director Daniel Kamanga has urged participants and various partners to focus on intentions to strongly engage in climate change.
“This summit is about intentions; how we can relate, think about, engage with the climate transformation. The intention should be a future of shared commitment to climate transformation that works for everyone,” he noted.
Mr Kamanga passionately called on the need to involve voices of youths and women and farmers on the ground.
The Director said the summit is committed to provide opportunities for knowledge sharing on the narratives surrounding climate change restoration within the Zambian context.
“We also need to create capacity to build leaders within Zambia who are able to go to the outskirts and train people in climate change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Director- Climate Change and Natural Resources Ephraim Shitima disclosed that the government is in the process of formulating the climate change bill.
Mr Shitima said the bill aims to provide a legal framework for effective implementation of climate change programmes in the country.
He noted that the government’s commitment is evident through enactment of the National Policy on Climate change which promotes climate resilient adaptive practices, smart agriculture and many other programmes.
