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The Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) has announced that it has lost over 1 million Kwacha as a result of vandalism on its property in the first quarter of 2019.
And Company Managing Director, Victor Mundende says the theft and vandalism of the company’s property is a serious setback that has hindered the electrification process.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Mundende said this through the company Secretary and director Legal Services, McRobby Chiwale during the official closing of a basic security training course at ZESCO training Centre in Ndola yesterday.
Mr. Mundende lamented that vandalism to the company’s properties has tremendously affected the network expansion agenda which the company has embarked on.
He, however, disclosed that in the same period, 40 arrests were made further warning perpetrators that the company will not relent in ensuring that all criminals are brought to book.
Mr Mundende explained that the vandalism of ZESCO property has a negative impact on the social and economic development of the country.
The ZESCO Chief Executive has since urged the 60 graduates to work closely with the state police and ensure that vandalism to company property is halted.
And speaking earlier, National Energy Sector and Allied Workers Union (NESAWU) said ZESCO has taken a lot of interest in training security personnel to ensure company property is protected.
Mr Mbewe urged the graduands to be vigilant in the way they execute their duties.
The Police public complaints commission says it is set to decentralize its operations in provinces and districts once the resource envelope for such undertaking is ready.
Commission chairperson, Frederick Musonda made the remarks in Kalomo yesterday during a public sensitization meeting at the council chamber.
Mr Musonda said the governance Act in which the entity derives its operational mandate still gives its power to the local civic authorities and district administration country-wide to be agents of the commission where aggrieved people can lodge their complaints against Police conduct.
He said the commission has a passion to establish provincial outlets to cut on travel costs incurred by the public to launch their complaints pertaining to the Police conduct.
`This commission was established in order to see to it that the Police is professional and offer a good service to the community they serve, to be transparent in handling criminal issues and be accountable to the people it serves,” Mr Musonda said.
Meanwhile, some members of the public that attended the sensitization meeting submitted to the commission that the local police traffic section was in a habit of using their personal vehicles to mount un-signaled roadblocks without beacons on some feeder roads in the township, which they described as a menace to the traveling public.
The complaint was acknowledged by both Kalomo district commissioner and council chairperson, Cosmas Chiiba and Coy Makala respectively, saying the scenario mostly witnesses itself on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays every week.
The government says it is elated with the progress made on projects under the World Bank school projects. Minister of General Education, David Mabumba says he is happy that most projects run by the world bank in the education sector in Muchinga province have made significant progress.
He, however, said all the World Bank school projects in the province have been given a deadline of 31st December in which they should all be completed under phase one.
The minister said this when he paid a courtesy call on Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Joyce Nsamba at her office yesterday.
Once the projects under phase one are complete, it will pave way for the commencement of phase two.
The Minister charged that for this to be achieved, there is a need for close supervision by the provincial leaders.
Stressing that the provincial administration must work together with the provincial education office in monitoring these projects, Mr. Mabumba further stated that a sense of urgency should be applied so that contracts can meet the deadline.
And speaking on behalf of Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Joyce Nsamba, Assistant Secretary, Sam Mbewe said Muchinga has not been left behind in terms of infrastructure development.
Noting that several schools in the province have been upgraded, the Permanent Secretary said the education sector in the province is doing well despite a number of challenges.
Some of the challenges as lack of established payroll, understaffing levels transport and transfers from rural to urban areas among others.
Meanwhile, the Minister of General Education said his office is alive to the challenges the province is faced with.
He said the government through is his office is doing everything possible to ensure that these challenges are mitigated in the shortest possible time.
Government through the Ministry of Energy has developed a strategy for the period 2018-2021 which will culminate into increased investments in the energy sector among many other things.
The plan will further focus on enhancing the expansion of electricity generation capacity by adding at least 1 000 megawatts to the current National installed capacity of 2, 974.7 megawatts.
Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa has announced that the government will scale up access to electricity from 67.7 percent to 80 percent in urban areas and 4.4 percent to 8 percent in rural areas.
“This will also lead to increased electrification rates and propel economic growth and job creation.” Mr. Nkhuwa stated.
He said the strategic plan will also continue to facilitate the development and deployment of renewable energy by adding 5% renewable energy contribution to the total installed capacity from the current 1.2%.
Speaking to journalists yesterday Mr. Nkuwa indicated that this will ensure the diversification of energy mix to support the energy requirements of emerging investments in the country aimed at promoting sustainable development.
“Further, the ministry will focus on increasing private sector participation in the electricity sub-sector as well as promote gender mainstreaming in the energy sector aimed at increasing access to modern energy and reduce poverty among vulnerable groups.” Mr. Nkhuwa reaffirmed.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy Hon. Mathew Nkhuwa has also announced that the Petroleum sector is poised to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the fuel supply through the construction of Petroleum infrastructure and private sector participation.
ROBERT MUGABE, ZIMBABWE’S FIRST POST-INDEPENDENCE LEADER, DIES AT THE AGE OF 95.
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has said that it is regrettable that the late President Robert Mugabe was maligned and subjected to mudslinging by some sections of the world who were against his crusade of bringing social justice and equity to Zimbabwe.
In a message of condolences sent to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and availed to media in Lusaka today, Dr Kaunda said that President Mugabe was unfairly slapped with economic sanctions that hurt the people of Zimbabwe.
Dr Kaunda said that he is devastated by the death of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, adding that his death was a moment of heartbreak and sadness for him.
Dr Kaunda recalled that President Mugabe worked hard to fight colonialism, racism, as well as bringing independence to Zimbabwe.
The 95-year-old founding father referred to the late Mugabe as a brother and colleague in the common struggle of liberation for Africa.
Dr Kaunda told President Mnangagwa that he prays that unfriendly forces will not rise and vilify President Mugabe for his governance and development record during his reign in Zimbabwe.
Dr Kaunda prayed that God will comfort Mr Mugabe’s family and the people of Zimbabwe during their time of grief.
President Robert Mugabe died today Friday September 6, 2019 aged 95, in a Singaporean hospital where he has been receiving medical treatment.
The late Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years from 1980 to 2017 when he was deposed by the military in a bloodless transition of power.
There was drama at Parliament this afternoon where the Parliamentary select committee chased the Non-Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Council for allegedly plagiarizing the work of Transparency International Zambia.
Midway into their submissions, the Committee chaired by MMD nominated Member of Parliament Raphael Nakachinda noted similarities in the wording of NGOCC submissions to that of TIZ forcing them to send the NGOCC away.
Committee member Tutwa Ngulube who is also Kabwe Central Member of Parliament warned the NGOCC that they risk being jailed for copying other people’s work and demanded that the NGOCC be sent away.
And Chembe Member of Parliament Sebastian Kopulande demanded for an explanation on who copied the other Organisation’s work between NGOCC and TIZ.
It is at this point that Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa asked the committee Chairperson to make a ruling on whether such was allowed before the committee.
But in defence, NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale said the similarity in the content was because the civil society during a meeting organized by NGOCC resolved to have a common position on the constitution.
She is certain that even if Action Aid and other NGO’s that attended that consensus meeting would appear before the Committee, they would equally submit the same word for word.
Mrs Mwale said NGOCC co-facilitated a meeting for CSOs which came up for a common position on the matter.
She said the NGOCC is mot changing anything from its submissions and maintained that all CSOs that attended the meeting will submit the same content.
Zambia’s first Republican President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda has condemned the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
Dr. Kaunda said the attacks arising from South Africa are horrific, barbaric and inhumane and should come to an end.
Speaking to Journalists at his residence, Dr Kaunda said the situation is a reminder for all Africans to love one another and calls for all Africans to rise and condemn the act.
Dr. Kaunda said he never imagined he would live to witness South Africans who were helped by the continent to gain independence attack other Africans living in their country.
He has urged the African Union, SADC, COMESA and other Organisations to take a keen interest in resolving the ongoing issues in South Africa to protect the lives of innocent immigrants.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kaunda expressed sadness at the death of former President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe.
In his message of condolences, Dr. Kaunda described Mr Mugabe as a gallant son of Africa who passionately defended the continent from foreign invasion.
Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean independence icon has died aged 95.
Mr. Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April. He was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after 37 years in power.
The former president was praised for broadening access to health and education for the black majority.
But later years were marked by the violent repression of his political opponents and Zimbabwe’s economic ruin.
With the General Election in 2021 fast approaching, the PF have gone into hyperdrive and descended into what appears to be pure animal territory by engaging into acts of humanitarian sabotage by deploying unspoken, unwritten illegal standing orders across all government units, that under no circumstances is any form of humanitarian assistance proceeding from the UPND PRESIDENT – Hakainde Hichilema welcome, irrespective of the potential for human catastrophe at hand.
This amounts to a savage, barbaric, conceited, self-preserving attack on our collective spirit of UBUNTU, and places into such reckless and needless jeopardy, the lives of several thousands of underprivileged Zambians; who have been neglected and condemned to calculated social and economic destitution by a government that only exists for itself and those who espouse it’s poorly conceived elitist agenda, veiled into pro-poor rhetoric.
In January 2018, at the height of a devastating cholera epidemic that lasted several months, PRESIDENT HH and the UPND had committed to joint efforts, working with the PF government, for purposes of galvanizing the much-required support resources. The epidemic affected close to 7,000 people, with close to 200 lives lost. It was PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu himself whom it was reported has issued strict orders to the Ministry of Health officials against accepting any form of help or assistance from the UPND and HH.
Had it not been for quick interventions from the private sector and other bilateral partners, many more lives could have been lost at the hands of a very proud and self-absorbed government.
On August 22 2019, PRESIDENT HH had made intimations in respect of a donation in 25,000 bags of MEALIE MEAL to supplement both government and private sector efforts in alleviating a growing hunger crisis which could well have been avoided, except for the lack of sound leadership at the hands of the PF administration. This leadership ineptitude has left close to 7 million people living in extreme poverty, with another 500,000 now tittering on the verge of starvation, with no guaranteed food source on any given day.
The current hunger crisis requires an amount of money in the region of $500,000 in humanitarian support, from both local and external partners. Zambia does not have this kind of money, even if the PF really wanted to help – they could not. Such resources are simply not available.
Another few days after the rejection of help for MEALIE MEAL from HH, on August 27 2019, the PF government used police resources to harass HH while he had been out in Chongwe to make a personal assessment of the water situation in that part of the country, where a vital water source has practically dried out, and the integrity of this water source (Chongwe river) now being threatened by human interference activities arising from the unscrupulous sharing out and illegal occupation of Forest Reserve No. 27.
But most recently, the PF government have in the name of partisan politics and their unholy hatred for PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema, denied the people of Chawama critical support equipment in the form of electricity generating equipment by turning away a donation of such equipment by HH and the UPND. This act of political self-preservation by the PF has put the lives of around 200,000 people who depend on services from Chawama Level 1 hospital, with load-shedding of up to 12 hours not sparing the health facility.
Worryingly enough, it has been two former MMD individuals now firmly threaded in the fabric of the PF – Bowman Lusambo and Dora Siliya, the same individuals whose collective leadership under the MMD the Zambian people said NO to in 2011, who is now in the forefront of denying Zambians the help they require.
The PF must do well to recall, that it was people like Bowman Lusambo and Dora Siliya who were forerunners in insulting and scandalizing Michael Chilufya SATA in the name of partisan politics.
The PF administration is being urged, particularly the presidency, to summon the grace and learn to work with HH and the UPND on non-partisan issues that genuinely affect all our people, irrespective of which part of the country they reside.
The UPND has demonstrated this by the recent action of our MPs to reach out across the partisan divide and offer to meet PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu to find solutions to the devastating hunger crisis ravaging our people, a problem both Dora Siliya and Bowman Lusambo have denied existing.
Opposition National Democratic Congress Leader Chishimba Kambwili
Leader of the deregistered National Democratic Congress Chishimba Kambwili has urged Government not to increase electricity Tariffs following its decision to import power from South Africa.
Mr. Kambwili has described as unfortunate proposals by Government on the need to up power charges.
He said the majority of Zambians are economically disadvantaged and should not be subjected to explorative higher energy tariffs.
He adds that the increase in energy costs will also see water utility firms marginally adjust their tariffs.
Mr Kambwili notes that any adjustments in power tariffs will impact negatively on the country.
He was reacting to sentiments by Chief Government spokesperson Dora Siliya who is quoted as saying that energy tariffs are too low and need to be adjusted.
Mr. Kambwili said this in an interview with journalists in Lusaka today.
Meanwhile, Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa said the government is in the process of engaging Mozambique on the possibility of importing power from that country.
Mr Nkhuwa said the government is considering importing up to 400 Mega Watts of power to cushion the power deficit caused by low water levels at lake Kariba.
Chief government spokesperson Dora Siliya yesterday announced the government will be importing 300 Mega Watts from South Africa.
President Edgar Lungu with UNHCR Country Representative Ms Pierrine Aylara and Commissioner for refugees Abdon Mawere looking at the refugees register during the tour of Kenani Transit refugee camp in Nchelenge
Zambia has been recognized as one of the African countries that has performed well in the integration of refugees and internally displaced persons into the local communities.
The recognition was made by the African Union International Detention Coalition Africa Regional Coordinator, Junita Calder at the 3rd Africa Union Commission and National Human Rights Institutions Policy forum under the theme “National Human Rights Institutions contribution to durable solutions on forced displacements in Africa”.
She said Zambia is a shining example of a country where refugee have been properly integrated in communities without any hostility from communities.
“Things work out well when the creation of parallel healthcare systems is avoided as can be seen in Zambia where a Lusaka based transit centre using UNHCR funding and co-ordinated by the Action Africa Help Zambia (AAHZ) is able to improve the infrastructure of the health centre, with the centre being opened to both refugees and the surrounding communities,” Ms Calder said.
And speaking on the side lines of the Forum, Zambia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yuyo Kambikambi who is representing the country said it was a great honour to be recognised as a country that is doing something right in the space of refugees and or internally displaced persons.
She said her institution is one that was created to promote and protect the human rights of all Zambians irrespective of colour, creed, religion or status.
“We find that most times this group of people are not just marginalized but are excluded because when people are displaced, not only will they be looking for shelter and food but they also lose their right to vote and are thus disenfranchised if not properly accounted for by the Governments and other stakeholder’’, Mrs. Kambikambi said.
She said while Countries looked at refugees from a security risk angle, there was need to look at this from a humanitarian angle in order to keep in line with the sustainable development goals and the UN resolution of leaving no-one behind.
This is according to a statement issued by Inutu Mwanza, the First Secretary- Press and Tourism at the Zambia Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu with President Robert Mugabe at State House
President Edgar Lungu is saddened by the death of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
President Lungu said Mr Mugabe will be remembered for his fight for Africas Liberation and fearlessly defending the continent.
In a tweet, President Lungu said Zambia mourns with Zimbabwe and Mr. Mugabe’s place in the annals of Africa’s history is assured.
Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean independence icon, has died aged 95.
Mr Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April. He was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after 37 years in power.
The former president was praised for broadening access to health and education for the black majority.
But later years were marked by violent repression of his political opponents and Zimbabwe’s economic ruin.
As Chipolopolo practice through the September FIFA Match Window following the cancellation of the September 7 home friendly against South Africa, their 2020 CHAN and 2021 AFCON qualifier’s opponents have busy diaries over this international period.
In Djibouti, 2020 CHAN qualifier opponents eSwatini lost 2-1 on Wednesday to the hosts in their 2022 FIFA World Cup preliminary round , first leg qualifier.
They meet in the last leg on September 10 in Manzini before hosting Zambia there on September 20 in their 2018 CHAN final round ,first leg qualifier.
At the same venue in Djibouti 24 hours later on Thursday, Zambia’s 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier opponents on November 18 in Lusaka, Zimbabwe, suffered a shock 1-0 away loss to homeless Somalia in their FIFA World Cup first leg qualifier.
Zimbabwe has an opportunity to redeem themselves at home this Tuesday in Harare.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s opening Group H qualifier opponents Algeria host Benin in a friendly on September 9.
It will be Algeria’s first game since lifting the 2019 AFCON title in July.
And 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier opponents Botswana are in action this Saturday at home in their FIFA World Cup first leg qualifying date against Malawi.
The third annual Beerville Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, 7th September at the Chita Lodge Gardens in Lusaka from 12pm until late. The event that is dubbed as a “city Oktoberfest” has become a favorite among beer festival enthusiasts with this year’s event being graced by the Mayor of Lusaka, Miles Sampa who will be in attendance to make the official toast. Following the Oktoberfest Munich tradition of having a mayoral toast since the 1950s, the Mayor of Lusaka will officially open up the bars at the event.
The organisers of the event, PR Girl Media have confirmed that the beer festival is supported by Zambian Breweries with four of their brands Budweiser, Flying Fish, Mosi and Castle Lite as sponsors. “We are excited to be hosting the Beerville Oktoberfest for the third time this year, an event that is proudly Zambian with an all Zambian entertainment lineup of DJs. We are also working with Zambian restaurants and bars mainly run by startups in the hospitality and service industry.” Stated Monde and Chishimba Nyambe, Managing Partners of PR Girl Media.
Beerville 2019 promises to be a unique experience showcasing a diversity of beers and food in a scenic garden with Zambia’s top DJs such as El Mukuka, V Jeezy, Kreative Natives, Ms Selfie and many others. K100 will be charged on entry and further details of the event can be found on PR Girl Media social media platforms.
FILE PHOTO: Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe attends the launch of basic commodities in Harare, Zimbabwe July 16, 2008. REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo/File Photo
Zimbabwe’s founding President Robert Mugabe has died at the age of 95, president Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
In a statement early on Friday, Mnangagwa called Mugabe “an icon of liberation, a pan-Africanist who dedicated his life to the emancipation and empowerment of his people. His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe,” he wrote on Twitter on Friday,
Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of information, confirmed the death, saying: “Yes it is really saddening. Some of us were like his children to him. We can never write our history without mentioning him.”
Mugabe is believed to have died in Singapore, where he made frequent visits to receive medical care in recent months as his health deteriorated. As far back as November 2018, Mnangagwa, who took over from him as president, told members of the ruling Zanu-PF party that Mugabe could no longer walk.
Mr. Mnangagwa had said that Mr. Mugabe had spent several months in Singapore getting treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Mr. Mugabe, the world’s oldest head of state before his ouster in 2017, was the only leader Zimbabweans had known since independence, in 1980.
Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s first prime minister and then as president from 1987, was once touted for investing heavily in health and education in the early years of his rule, leaving Zimbabwe with one of the highest literacy rates in Africa.
He however became increasingly unpopular as the economy began to wane, later facing charges of cracking down on his political opponents and rigging elections to stay in power.
His government’s controversial programme of seizing white-owned commercial farms for redistribution among blacks he said had been dispossessed of the land during colonialism triggered a sharp economic meltdown in 2000, from which Zimbabwe has never recovered.
He stepped down under military pressure in November 2017 amid infighting within his ruling Zanu-PF party which saw his deputy Mnangagwa, who was in a rival faction, take over as president.
