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Reports of Police assaulting members of the public is disturbing – Sean Tembo

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Reports of Police assaulting members of the public is disturbing – Sean Tembo

President of the opposition Patriots for Economic Progress Sean Tembo has said he is disturbed by the various reports of the defense forces arbitrary assaulting members of the public at various road checkpoints in the evening, the most recent case being employees of Hungry Lion who are said to have been removed from their staff bus and made roll on the ground in dirty water.

He said other reports include elderly women being beaten in the compounds as early as 19:00hrs in the evening.

Mr Tembo said the Government of Zambia in general and the President of the Republic in particular, must inform the nation on whether Zambia in a state of emergency and whether a curfew has been imposed across the nation.

He said if not, as it appears to be the case since no gazette notice has been published to that effect, then the security and defense wings must desist from terrorizing innocent citizens in the name of fighting the ongoing chemical gassing.

“May it be known to all those in authority that Zambians are already subjected to enough terror due to their aggravated levels of poverty and squalor, and do not deserve any additional terror whether it be by way of being chemically gassed at night or by way of being beaten for no apparent reason by members of the security and defense wings under the pretext of fighting chemical gassing. Zambia is a nation of laws. May those in authority please respect the laws of this land”, he said.

Mr Tembo has also observed that the Zambia Police are too focused on apprehending the perpetrators of mob justice than they are in apprehending the perpetrators of chemical gassing.

Commenting on the update given by Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja on the security situation, Mr Tembo said this is evidenced by the fact that up to now, more than 3 months after this terror first began, the Police still have not apprehended the master-minders of this chemical gassing.

Mr Tembo said it is clear that the Police have their priorities upside down because the problem of mob justice is a direct product of the terror being perpetrated on innocent citizens by chemical gassing.

He said the Patriots for Economic Progress expect the Police to prioritize the primary problem without getting carried away by the secondary problem.

Mr Tembo has further noted that the Police have apprehended numerous suspects of mob justice.

He said this is commendable provided that the Police actually have solid evidence against these suspects and that these suspects are not arbitrarily arrested by the Police just so as to portray a false picture that they are doing something about the problem of mob justice.

Mr Tembo added that given that the majority of these suspects obviously come from a poverty-stricken backgrounds and cannot afford legal representation to exonerate themselves in case they are innocent, and also given the fact that the charges of murder leveled against these suspects are non- bailable, Police must avail these suspects of mob justice to the courts of law in the shortest possible time, so that those who are innocent can have an opportunity to exonerate themselves.

He said the Police must not be allowed to infinitely detain these suspects because that will constitute a wrong on the part of the Police.

Separation of powers and accountability a mere suggestion in PF government: The case of confiscated Mukula logs proceeds.

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Separation of powers and accountability a mere suggestion in PF government: The case of confiscated Mukula logs proceeds.

By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

Broadly defined Separation of powers, refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.

It follows, therefore, that the three arms of government keep each other in check and accord each other respect, not overstepping their roles. From the foregoing, lands and natural resources minister Jean Kapata’s revelations in parliament in regard to the status of Mukula tree logs that had been confiscated from illegal loggers in or around 2017, come as a major shock to say the very least.

Ms. Kapata last week told the house that the confiscated logs had been sold by ZAFFICO and the proceeds used to revamp Kawambwa Tea Company,without the money ever going to the treasury, an illegality, a clear breach of government financial regulations. Additionally, the logs whose market value is US$2500 per tonne were sold at a paltry US$600.When quizzed by UPND MPs led by former finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane who wanted to know why the money had not passed through treasury as stipulated by law, Kapata said it was government policy to
revamp Kawambwa Tea and as the money was not budgeted for, government took the money straight to Kawambwa. When asked by Kabompo MP Ambrose Lufoma if that was not an abrogation of financial regulations Kapata said “’I mentioned that it is government stance and as we stand today ,sir, ZAFFICO is a timber company and it is hundred percent owned by government, and the people there are Forrestors and therefore if government saw the need to revamp Kawambwa and we have money that is not budgeted for, money we confiscated from illegalities government
had the right to divert the money to revamp the ailing company, and that is what we did,’’

Probed further by Solwezi MP Teddy Kasonso Kapata said government had not made a mistake as the money had not gone missing but was used to revamp an ailing entity

On the $600 selling price rather than the $2500 market price, she flimsily replied that the buyers had to pay duty, arrange insurance,transport and other related costs, making the cost when the Mukula lands at it’s destination $2500.

In short, money was spent without going into the Ministry of Finance account 99. spent without parliamentary a approval. Secondly, the logs were sold at just 20% of their true value. The little declared proceeds , just over US$7.5 million instead of at least US$30 million were undoubtedly looted hence the deliberate and calculated neglect of laid down, time proven government controls. By any measure, This was a fraud followed by a cover up.

If the Executive had any respect for the legislature this and other excesses would never occur. The arrogance with which she responded to the Opposition lawmakers, showed that she held them in contempt and no matter how much they queried, it was a done deal and there would be no consequences.It is because of this lack of respect for parliamentary oversight, as
dictated by both the law and the doctrine of separation of powers that we have found ourselves in the most precarious of positions in many aspects of governance, lsuch as unsustainable debt accumulation.

While the Executive is supposed to go to parliament to seek authority to contract debt, loans have been and are still being contracted unilaterally. To add insult to injury the PF through Bill 10 seeks to remove this seldom used oversight provision of the 2016 constitution,altogether.

So were do we draw the line?. Ms. Kapata, in a nutshell, informed parliament that it is government policy to misappropriate public funds. As if that were not enough it is highly unlikely that whatever procurement processes, real or imagined, entered into by Kawambwa Tea met government regulations and followed laid down procedure. This lack of accountability and transparency makes a mockery of the often proclaimed austerity measures, the country’s quest for fiscal fitness, debt sustainability and other conditions that may qualify us
for the essentially critical bailout packages from the IMF and other such institutions to avoid default on our unsustainable sovereign debt obligations, a default which as things are going is a certainty.

Zambian woman shares her experience with racism in the Netherlands

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Zambian woman shares her experience with racism in the Netherlands

LCC to name road after late Timothy Hakuyu-Sampa

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LCC to name road after late Timothy Hakuyu-Sampa

Lusaka Mayor, Miles Sampa, has proposed to Council Management and Councillors to consider naming a road after the late former Town Clerk Timothy Hakuyu.

Mr. Sampa said the late Mr. Hakuyu deserves to be honoured because he was humble, dedicated and hardworking during the time he served as Town Clerk at Lusaka City Council.

Mr. Sampa said from the time he became mayor in 2018, he has not come across any bad record in the Council against the late Mr. Hakuyu.

The Mayor was speaking at the burial of Mr. Hakuyu at Memorial Park in Lusaka.

“In our humble way as LCC we are going to honour the late Timothy Hakuyu by naming a road after him. The serving Lusaka Town Clerk, Mr. Alex Mwansa is here listening to my directive that he should move at supersonic speed to find a road to name after the late Hakuyu,” he directed.

The city father said the death of Mr. Hakuyu is not just a loss to the family but to the Lusaka City and the nation at large because he held institutional memory of the local government system in Zambia.

Mr. Sampa wished the Hakuyu family God’s comfort and encouraged them to remain united and mourn in dignity.

And speaking earlier, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa said the late Mr. Hakuyu was committed to his job when he served in public service.

Mr. Kangwa said he knew the late Hakuyu when he was just a planner at LCC but due to hard work, Mr. Hakuyu rose through the ranks to the position of Town Clerk and later Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government.

Mr. Kangwa disclosed that he knew the late Hakuyu when he (Mr. Kangwa) served as Councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor at LCC and later in public service.

Mr. Kangwa who represented government at the burial commended the Kabwata SDA Church leadership for speaking against the recent spate of mob killings in some parts of the country.

“I can’t say much about mob killings in the country because the man of God has already done justice to this matter by condemning the act,” he said.

The late Mr. Hakuyu and two others were killed by a mob in Gwembe last week.

DIV 1 WRAP: Draw Denies Indeni Top Spot

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Indeni on Sunday missed a chance to go top of the FAZ National Division One League after coming from behind to force a 1-1 draw at FC Muza in Mazabuka.

The Oil Men could have displaced leaders Young Green Eagles, who drew goalless at Nchanga Rangers, had they won in Mazabuka.

Yanganile Tembo put Muza in front with a goal after 70 minutes before veteran Indeni striker Graven Chitalu came off the bench to equalise minutes away from the final whistle.

The point earned in this match moved Indeni one slot up to second position with 45 points from 23 matches played.

Indeni are two points behind leaders Young Green Eagles.

Kitwe United, who were not in action at the weekend, drops to third position and have 45 points from 22 matches played.

Elsewhere, Prison Leopards are now three points away from the top after thumping Zambeef 4-0 at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium on Sunday.

Charles Chomba, Patrick Kasongo, Joseph Chanda and Dumisani Mwanza were the scorers as Prison moved closer to the top.

The huge win pushed Prison 44 points after playing 23 matches.

Sixth placed Gomes are one point behind Prison after edging Chambishi 2-1 away in Kalulushi.

FAZ National Division One League – Week 22

Sinazongwe United 0-3 Kafue Celtic

Mpulungu Harbour 1-0 Zesco Malaiti

Nchanga Rangers 0-0 Young Green Eagles

Mumbwa Medics 0-1 National Assembly

Chambishi 1-2 Gomes

Chindwin Sentries 0-2 Zesco Shockers

Prison Leopards 4-0 Zambeef

FC Muza 1-1 Indeni

Postponed

Kitwe United vs Police College

Kalaba alleges that Zambia’s economy is on the brink of total collapse

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Kalaba alleges that Zambia’s economy is on the brink of total collapse

Democratic Party President Harry Kalaba says Zambia’s economy is on the brink of total collapse.

Mr Kalaba says with the rising cost of staple food and the total lack of access by the common man, this has placed Zambia under a severe form of food insecurity with mealie meal costing K150 to K200.

He said while the government continues to deny the food insecurity of the country with millions going without food, the same government seems to acknowledge food
insecurity of an area which is having a bye election, and taking relief food in exchange for votes.

Mr Kalaba says the debt burden continues to rise reaching $11.2 Billion dollars as of December 2019 and said the reckless borrowing by the leadership while
disregarding the constitutional requirement of having parliament approve debt has put the country’s economy in jeopardy, with borrowings that are motivated by self-interests and corruption.

He has regretted that Zambia’s bonds are the worst performing on the international market, even worse than countries recovering from wars and conflicts.

Mr Kalaba said as at 15th December, 2019, Zambia found itself listed on the African Development Bank’s Sanctions list for failing to honor $1.4 million Loan obligation while Diplomats in Zambian missions are going for months without salaries.

“Unemployment continues to rise with almost half the people being unemployed. The Youth our most prized asset of development continue to languish in the streets with no possibility of a job anywhere. While we continue to create employment for other countries, there is an
ever increasing number of graduates being churned out and entering the employment market with a lot of anxiety and yet the PF government under President Lungu does not seem to be providing them, with any hope at all”, he said.

Mr Kalaba has also noted with regret that the energy crisis continuesto persist with Zesco increasing tariffs by 200% in the last 2 months, for power which it doesn’t even have.

He said Load sheddingof more than 4 hours for any responsible government is catastrophic.

Mr Kalaba, the former foreign Affairs Minister said the impact of the increase in the energy price and the shortage of power has had significant inflationary pressure on the Zambian economy with reduced operational effectiveness of the industries.

“In addition, Fuel prices have hit sky high with ripple effects on food and every other industry including increased bus and taxi fares. Mr. Edgar Lungu, Mr. President, Food insecurity and power insecurity
border on national security. Please work on correcting the situation urgently, and engage and reassure your people with strategies of how you are working to correct the situation”, He added.

Mr Kalaba advised President Edgar Lungu to talk his people directly and not through his press assistants Isaac Chipampe.

The rise in carelessly constructed, tribally divisive statements a threat to peace-Nevers Mumba

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The rise in carelessly constructed, tribally divisive statements a threat to peace-Nevers Mumba

MMD President Nevers Mumba says the recent rise in carelessly constructed, tribally divisive statements and practice threaten the stability and the very continued co-existence of Zambians in peace as the famed “land of work and joy in unity.”

Dr Mumba says one of the foremost tasks the MMD have set for the coming campaign is to re-establish the long journey of those who came before them, a journey that created a more UNITED, just, equal, free, caring and more prosperous Zambia without any prejudice based on one’s ethnic background.

He says he has chosen to run for the Presidency at this moment in history because he believes deeply that Zambia cannot solve the challenges of its time unless they are solved together.

Dr Mumba has noted the need to deal urgently with those people who would want to gain political capital by dividing the nation based on tribe, race, or religion.

“We understand that we may have different names, yet we hold common hopes; that even though our dialects may not sound the same and we may not have come from the same place, still, we all want to move in the same direction – towards creating a better Zambia, and a better future for our children and our children’s children”, Dr Mumba added.

He said this belief comes from his unyielding faith in God, and in the decency of the Zambian people.

We must not lose sight of the progress Zambia continues to make-President Lungu

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We must not lose sight of the progress Zambia continues to make-President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has reminded Zambians that as the nation is dealing with other challenges such as ensuring security, law, and order, they must not lose sight of the progress the country continues to make in addressing, among others, load shedding and transforming the energy sector as a whole.

The President has refused to be distracted from doing what the government must do in taking development to all parts of the Country.

He said his vision for the energy sector is not only to end load-shedding but to make Zambia a net exporter of energy.

The president also shared his vision for the energy sector which he says if implemented will see the complete transformation of the sector.

He reiterated that Zambia has so much potential to develop the energy sector owing to the conducive investment climate and the abundant natural resources the nation is endowed with.

However, according to the Zambezi River Authority, the water levels at Lake Kariba remain low despite the rains being experienced in the area

Council of Paramount Chiefs is welcome – NGOs

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Council of Paramount Chiefs is welcome – NGOs

A consortium of Civil Society Organisations has welcomed the proposal by traditional leaders to establish and enshrine a Council of Paramount Chiefs in the Constitution of Zambia.

During a media briefing held at Mika Lodge on Sunday, the Constitution Reform and Education Coaltion (CRECO) Chairperson Hyde Haguta said any proposals to amend Bill 10 are not late and have encouraged the Litunga, Kalonga Gawa Undi, Nkosi yama Nkosi Mpezeni and Mwine Lubemba Chitimukulu Kanyata-Manga II to take steps by engaging MPs who can submit a notice to amend the Bill in line with Order 110 (1) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly of Zambia.

Mr. Haguta has also called on Cabinet, through the Minister of Justice, to submit a notice of amendments before the Bill is read for the second time in line with the same Order 110(1) to show which amendments Government intends to bring at the Committee of the Whole House stage.

“By taking this route, Government would demonstrate to the public and instil confidence that indeed, Government is ready to take a lead in amending the Bill in accordance with recommendations from the Committee,” said Haguta.

CRECO has since called on Members of Parliament to give Bill 10 a chance to be thoroughly debated during the Second Reading and to allow amendments to be done after the second reading of the Bill.

“The main reason why the Constitution require two-thirds at Third Reading of a Bill to amend the Constitution is to allow Members of Parliament to scrutinise whether the amendments made during the Committee Stage reflects what is generally agreed,” said Haguta who is also MISA Zambia Vice Chairperson.

Meanwhile, CRECO has welcomed the move taken by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider its proposal to have citizens of Zambia who live in the Diaspora to vote in 2021 elections.

CRECO Spokesperson, Andrew Ntewewe, said the voting by any citizen is a constitutional right which must never be denied of all citizens.

“Equally, we support the implementation of the Constitutional Court decision to have prisoners vote in exercise of constitutional right to vote,” said Ntewewe

CRECO is comprises the Media Institute for Southern Africa – Zambia Chapter (MISA Zambia), Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Southern African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), Common Grounds Network (CGN) and Chrisma Democracy University.

Napsa Stars Disconnect Zesco United’s Top 2 Hopes

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Napsa Stars beat Zesco United 2-1 at home in on Sunday at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka to deny the defending FAZ Super Division champions an opportunity to go second on the log.

Victory away at Woodlands would have seen Zesco move from fourth to number two and a point behind leaders Forest Rangers who have 43 points with eleven games left before the 2019/2020 to title is decided.

Aaron Kabwe put Napsa ahead in the 40th minute when he squeezed his shot in on the near right post despite being ably covered by Zesco goalkeeper Ian Otieno.

The goal came after Tapson Kaseba’s 27th minute effort was ruled out for offside during a first half Napsa looked convincing when roaming inside Zesco’s area.

Collins Sikombe added the second in the 52nd minute when he rounded Zesco defender’s Marcel Kalonda and David Owino before firing the ball past Otieno.

John Makwatta scored Zesco’s consolation in the 89th minute when he stomped-in Enock Sabumukama’s cross.

It was Makwatta’s third goal in as many games since the Kenyan international midfielder joined Zesco.

Napsa rise from sixth to fifth after recording their second league win in 2020 on 39 points, tied with Zesco who stay put at number four.

Government calls on Zambians to use social media responsibly

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Government calls on Zambians to use social media responsibly

The government has called on Zambians to use social media responsibly following the current reports of gassing and instant mob justice. Transport and Communications Minister Hon Mutotwe Kafwaya says this is the period when citizens should use the Cyberspace wisely so as not to create chaos in the country.

The Minister said this when he addressed bus drivers at Kulima Tower Bus Station in Lusaka on Sunday afternoon.

“We should be mindful of the things we post on social media. Let’s weigh them, will they help in building peace or they will result in creating confusion,” he guided.

Hon Kafwaya also advised drivers to park their buses near their homes.

He said that way, it will help them during this period of gassing as well as instant mob justice.

“The government of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu is doing everything possible to ensure that all the people behind gassing are brought to book. The ministries of Home Affairs and Defense are equal to the task to ensure that the perpetrators of this negative vice are delt with accordingly,” said Hon Kafwaya.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Minister Chungu Bwalya has cautioned members of the public in the Province against engaging themselves in mob killings.

Addressing Luwingu residents following the riots that rocked the district, Mr. Bwalya said it is sad that a life was lost in the area at the hands of mobs.

He said government will not condone such acts stating that Zambia is a Christian nation.

Mr. Bwalya said the country will not welcome such acts as it has the potential to destroy the peace and unity the country has continued to enjoy.

He advised the public with information on people spreading false information on gassing to report them to police for law and order to be maintained.

The Minister has since assured people that government is working around the clock to bring the perpetrators of these violent acts to book.

And Chief Chipalo of the Bemba speaking people of Luwingu District expressed concern over the riotous behavior among Luwingu residents.

The traditional leader noted that destroying government property is retrogressive to national development stating that government spends huge sums of money on such equipment in order to improve service delivery.

He advised the community to work with authorities in maintaining law and order.

Luwingu residents on Wednesday rioted over suspicions of gas attacks which resulted in the death of one person.

Zambia has set conducive environment for implementing SDGs – Minister Chiteme

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Zambia has set conducive environment for implementing SDGs – Minister Chiteme

The Government of Zambia has set a conducive environment for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will continue to assess its performance and check for areas needing further refinement.

The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme, MP, has invited media houses to play a critical role in raising public awareness on SDGs voluntary national review by providing a platform for public discussions and allow Government and other stakeholders to be held accountable.

“The SDGs overarching goal is to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The core principles of the agenda 2030 include: universality, leaving no-one behind, interconnectedness and indivisibility, inclusiveness and multi-stakeholder partnerships,” Mr. Chiteme said. “To actualise these principles by 2030, United Nations member states need to follow-up and review implementation of the SDGs through the Voluntary National Reviews at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum.”

He said the voluntary national reviews at the High-Level Political Forum are intended to share experiences on progress on the implementation of the SDGs.

“Zambia has volunteered to be peer reviewed during the 2020 high level political forum. The process involves the preparation of a national SDGs implementation report whose findings will be presented at the forum,” The Minister said. “The government has mainstreamed eight-six (86) percent of SDGs targets into the Seventh National Development Plan. This implies that the implementation of SDGs in Zambia is being done concurrently with the implementation of the 7NDP, and consequently, monitoring and reporting on SDGs is being done using the existing structures used to monitor and report on the 7NDP programme implementation.”

The Minister said the structures for monitoring and reporting including overall coordination of SDGs involve district development coordinating committees, provincial development coordinating committees, cluster advisory committees and the national development coordinating committee.

He said the aggregate reports from these committees are presented to His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, who convenes cluster meetings with representative ministries to account before him on how we as a country are implementing SDGs and the 7NDP.

“To achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we are required to work together in a manner that mutually reinforces our efforts. To this effect, the Government working closely with the UN and other key stakeholders (line ministries, private sector and civil societies) developed the national SDGs coordination framework to guide the implementation, monitoring and reporting on SDGs.”

The Minister explained that the development of the framework went through wide consultations from national to sub-national levels, involving all key stakeholders.

“The Ministry of National Development Planning has also developed the national baseline report on SDGs. The report presents a comprehensive assessment of indicators that Zambia is able to report on. The ministry has also conducted an analysis of selected indicators at sub-national level, up to constituency and ward levels,” the Minister said. “The purpose for undertaking this exercise was to highlight the situation at the lowest level of government administration and be able to identify areas in critical need of policy and programme intervention to meeting our SDGs.”

Mr. Chiteme will this week participate in the Sixth session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development under the theme: “2020-2030: A Decade to Deliver a Transformed and Prosperous Africa through the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063” in Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe.

The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the United Nations system convene the Africa Regional Forum, an intergovernmental platform, to share experiences and lessons learned, and build consensus on recommendations in the form of key messages to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

These messages serve as Africa’s collective regional input to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened annually under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council.

Youth NGO Challenges MPs to clean up Bill 10

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Youth NGO Challenges MPs to clean up Bill 10

The Common Ground Network (CGN) has opposed calls from other NGOs to withdraw the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No 10 of 2019 but has called on Members of Parliament to proactively amend the Bill as proposed by the Parliamentary Select Committee.

During a media briefing at Woodlands Ash Lodge on Saturday, CGN Coordinator David Mvula observed that continuing debate on Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No 10 is healthier for citizens in a democratic society and presents an opportunity for to satisfy constitutional requirements in Article 43(2)(a) which mandates citizens to acquire basic understanding of the Constitution and promote its ideals and objectives.

Mr. Mvula said Bill 10 comprises of clauses which are good for Zambia but also provisions such as Deputy Ministers and Coalition Government which have been rejected by all political parties who include the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development.

“The Bills has clauses which are both good and bad but the duty to realign or removal bad clauses from a Constitution is the responsibility of Members of Parliament. Our Members of Parliament, cannot therefore, shy away from performing this duty to clean up this Bill after it has passed the Second Reading,” said Mvula.

The CGN has noted the recommendations of Parliament Select Committee to reject these provisions which have been rejected by a cross section of our society and said such recommendations should be deemed as having narrowed or diminished the differences among those opposed Bill 10 and those who proposed the clauses.

“What remains then is for Parliament to use its internal procedures to clean up the Bill by ensuring that it reflects the consensus which has now been arrived at through the Recommendations from the Parliamentary Select Committee. As youths, therefore, we believe the politicking associated with Bill 10 must be redirected to discussions on how best to bring changes to Bill 10,” he said.

Mr Mvula cautioned Members of Parliament against shooting down the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system whose aim is to give voice to persons who are disabled, women and the youth a chance to be represented in the National Assembly of Zambia through affirmative action.

“There is totally no justification for withdrawing the Bill when procedure in parliament allows the cleaning of the Bill by removing clauses which have been opposed but promoting clauses such as the MMPR system which women and the youth and the disabled have been fighting for.”

He appealed to MPs is to listen to their conscience and participate in debating and refining Bill 10 and said the CGN is convinced that a few good MPs will listen to themselves, and their conscience and will not be coerced to stay away from debating such an important matter.

Door to Door collection of blood would have directly put innocent Health Workers in Great Danger-MQHZ

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Door to Door collection of blood would have directly put innocent Health Workers in Great Danger-MQHZ

The Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has praised the Ministry of Health for suspending the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) Project after widespread public outcry.

In a statement released to the media by the organization’s Director-General Dr. Quince Mwabu, MQHZ said that continuing with the door to door collection of blood from people in various communities would have directly put innocent health workers in great danger of being attacked, owing to the volatile security situation in Zambia.

Dr. Mwabu said that while the ZAMPHIA project has good health objectives, the organization strongly felt that the timing was suicidal and could not clearly sit well with the mood in the country.

“The current widespread gassing of citizens and suspicions of ritual killings cannot allow a project of drawing blood from citizens coming from tensed up compounds,” read the statement

MQHZ has since advised the Ministry of Health to seriously sensitize the public on the ZAMPHIA program in order for our people to fully appreciate the benefits of the
undertaking, adding that lack of sensitization would still render the activity futile even in the future.

The Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) is a nationwide survey being implemented by the University of Maryland Baltimore in collaboration with the Ministry of Health with support from The President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through CDC.

ZAMPHIA Survey is a nationally representative household-based survey that provides Home-Based HIV Counselling and Testing (HBHCT) with immediate return of results.

The survey was to collect data on access to and uptake of prevention and treatment services for HIV and the number of recent HIV infections (incidence) and provide HIV testing and check viral load suppression for HIV-positive participants.

Interview household respondents, which includes questions on behavioral factors associated with HIV, all information will be recorded on tablets by trained survey staff and treated as confidential.

Zamtel launches non-expiring data bundles

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Zamtel launches non-expiring data bundles

Zamtel has today announced the launch of non – expiry mobile data bundles in line with the directive by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA).

The bundles that come in six different packages have been added to existing mobile data bundles to offer more customer choice and cut the loss of unused data bundles.

Zamtel has given customers the option to purchase bundles that will not expire but has also retained option for them to buy data bundles that will expire.

This introduction means that Zamtel data customers can now load and use mobile data bundles that do not expire before they are depleted.

Announcing the development, Zamtel Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Reuben Kamanga said the launch of the non-expiry mobile data bundles is in line with Zamtel’s customer centric approach.

Mr Kamanga said there would be six categories of non-expiry bundles from a 100MB bundle costing K10 to a 20GB bundle at K1300.

He said the move is also in response to the changing needs of its ever increasing customer base with varying data usage patterns.

“We are happy to announce this development and we believe this offers our customers the freedom to choose the different data packages. As Zamtel, the customer is at the core of everything we do and the customer had requested for non-expiry bundles and we have responded like we always do,” Mr Kamanga said.

Mr Kamanga said the introduction of non-expiry bundles will also contribute to enhanced digital inclusion in Zambia.

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