Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment, Jito Kayumba, says the government is aware of the deplorable state of the Kisasa – Mwinilunga Road in North-Western Province and is putting up measures to address the situation.

Speaking during the Seventh Chibwika Chiefdom Agriculture and Commercial Show, Mr Kayumba revealed that resource mobilisation for the construction of the road has advanced.

He added that the process to procure a suitable contractor for the road is also underway with the contractor expected to mobilise and move to the site in a few weeks’ time.

“We are well aware that you need road access, to create access to Markets, access to other parts of our country and of course beyond, and we are not lost on the deplorable state of the road between Mwinilunga and Kalumbila,” he said.

Mr Kayumba emphasised that the government understands the critical role of the road in unlocking the economic potential of the district and the region at large, hence doing everything possible to work on the infrastructure.

He stated that following the successful restructuring of the national debt, the government is now in a better position to embark on infrastructure development in the North-western Province after many years of neglect by previous governments.

And Mr Kayumba has noted chief Chibwika’s strategic step in positioning the chiefdom to benefit from the Lobito corridor project which is expected to transform livelihoods of people and boost local economies.

He said hosting chiefdom agriculture and commercial shows by the Chibwika chiefdom forms a critical part of steps in tapping into opportunities the Lobito corridor will bring.

Mr Kayumba said the government will ensure that locals along the Lobito corridor project line are involved in the construction of the project so that they can be active participants and beneficiaries.

“We will make sure we keep you involved, keep you informed, so you can be participants not only in the project but the benefits that come out of the project,” Mr Kayumba stated.

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, has called for concerted efforts in the fight against tobacco and nicotine use.

Mr Thole says stakeholders need to work together to protect people, especially young ones against addiction and preventable illnesses.

He has noted that tobacco is becoming a major public health and socio-economic concern in the country.

 Mr Thole said this in a speech read on his behalf by Eastern Province Director of Procurement, Charles Lungu, at this year’s commemoration of World No Tobacco Day in Chipangali District, Eastern Province.

Mr Thole noted that tobacco related diseases including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses are contributing to premature deaths and increasing pressure on fragile health systems in low and middle income countries.

He said second hand smoke also poses risks particularly to women and children in rural areas such as Chipangali, adding that limited health services highlight the need for stronger community based awareness and prevention efforts.

“Globally, 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 currently use E-Ciggerates while 40 million young people use traditional tobacco products. In many countries adolescents are significantly more likely to VAPE than adults, underscoring the urgent need for stronger awareness, regulation, and youth protection measures,” Mr Thole said.

He noted that World No Tobbacco Day is more than just a date on the calendar, but a national and global call to action, a reminder of the human cost of tobacco and nicotine independence, as well as a challenge to governments, communities and each citizen to protect health.

He emphasised that the government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to strengthening tobacco control measures in line with the World Health Organisation Framework on tobacco control.

 “Through the Ministry of Health, the government continues to strengthen tobacco control by promoting evidence based cessation interventions, including the WHO- recommend SA’s model: ASK, ADVISE, ASSES, ASSIST and ARRANGE.

“The proposed tobacco control bill No 40 of 2025, further demonstrates government’s commitment to protecting children, youths, families and communities from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine addiction,” he said.

The Provincial Permanent Secretary further mentioned that the government is reinforcing regulations that restrict tobacco advertising and promotion, as well as reviewing measures to regulate emerging nicotine products such as E-Ciggerates and heated tobacco products.

Mr Thole also noted that the country is aware of the social economic dimensions of tobacco where tobacco farming is a livelihood.

“In view of this, the government is working with partners to promote alternative income generating crops and support sustainable livelihoods so that health and economic welfare go hand in hand,” he said.

He has therefore urged cooperating partners and the community to unite in the collective efforts towards building healthier families, stronger communities and a healthier tobacco free Zambia.

And Chipangali District Administrative Officer, Lawrence Nyirongo, noted that in 2025 alone about 117,535 cases of respiratory tract infections were recorded nationwide, adding that from January to date 34,976 cases have been recorded.

“If the fight against tobacco use is not taken seriously, our young generation risks becoming less productive due to preventable diseases such as chronic respiratory conditions and lung cancer,” Mr Nyirongo said.

He has therefore called on all leaders and community members to champion smoke free homes, schools, public spaces, and serve as role models for healthy choices.

Meanwhile, Chipangali Town Council Secretary, Faustina Manjombi, emphasised that tobacco control is not only a government responsibility, but a shared duty.

 “Families, schools, traditional leaders, and faith based organisations including communities, all have a role to play in protecting our children and future generations from nicotine addiction,” Ms Manjobi said.

Chief Chanje’s Representative, Njombwa Mbewe, noted that many people have lost their lives due to tobacco, and appealed to the government to intensify promotion of high value crops that will help tobacco farmers economically.

 Ministry of Local and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, says he is hopeful that the succession process within the Ngoni Royal Establishment would provide a positive example of an orderly transition of traditional leadership.

Mr Phiri notes that there are currently more than 56 succession disputes involving traditional leadership before the courts of law across the country.

He has since appealed to traditional establishments countrywide to support peaceful and structured succession processes and avoid disputes that often emerge following the death of traditional leaders.

 The Permanent Secretary stated that the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV championed unity, love and strong traditional institutions throughout his reign.

He urged that the legacy of the late Paramount Chief should therefore be honoured through a dignified and peaceful transition.

“We are hopeful as a ministry that this will be completely different because the man whose life we are celebrating stood for stronger institutions of central and traditional governance,” he said.

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has refuted reports circulating on social media alleging that it has banned political campaign songs from playing on broadcasting stations.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, IBA Director General, Webster Malido, stated that the authority has no jurisdiction to ban songs in the country.

Mr Malido indicated that the authority however has a mandate to guide broadcasting stations on content in order to ensure that it is compliant to broadcasting standards and other applicable regulations.

He said IBA has therefore issued guidance to all broadcasting stations, to ensure that campaign songs and other political content does not promote hatred, division, hostility, inflammatory or unverified allegations.

Mr Malido added that the guidance reminds broadcasting stations to promote responsible, issue-based political discourse that supports peaceful, fair and credible elections.

“The authority routinely engages broadcasters on compliance matters to ensure that all content, including political songs and advertisements, adheres to the Election Coverage Guidelines and broadcasting standards,” said Mr Malido.

He further reaffirmed IBA’s commitment to continued support and guidance towards broadcasters, in order to promote peaceful and credible electoral discourse during the election period.