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Forestry Institute of Zambia Calls for Action Amidst Anticipated Energy Deficit

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Forestry Institute of Zambia Calls for Action Amidst Anticipated Energy Deficit

As Zambia grapples with unusual weather patterns this year, the Forestry Institute of Zambia has sounded the alarm on the potential environmental repercussions of an anticipated energy deficit. The Institute warns that the expected shortfall in power generation and electricity supply could lead to increased reliance on wood fuels, exacerbating forest degradation and deforestation across the country.

Energy plays a crucial role in the daily lives of Zambians and people worldwide. However, the current weather conditions are projected to impact power generation, prompting concerns about a surge in demand for firewood and charcoal, particularly in rural and urban areas. This heightened demand poses a significant threat to Zambia’s forests, leading to ecological disturbances and environmental degradation.

Despite these challenges, there exists an opportunity to promote awareness and adoption of alternative energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas, solar energy, and wind energy. The Forestry Institute emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to advocate for the widespread adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

In light of the potential for load shedding, citizens are urged to prepare accordingly. Additionally, the Institute calls upon relevant authorities to implement proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the energy deficit on the nation’s energy sector.

Addressing the looming threat of increased demand for charcoal and firewood, the Forestry Institute urges the government, through the Forestry Department in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, to strengthen operations at checkpoints. Only products accompanied by proper documentation, including production and conveyancing licenses, should be allowed for sale. Those found engaging in illegal activities must face prosecution.

Chaliafya Katungula, Secretary-General of the Forestry Institute of Zambia, emphasized the importance of collective action and responsible stewardship in addressing the environmental challenges associated with the anticipated energy deficit. By working together and prioritizing sustainable energy solutions, Zambia can mitigate the adverse effects on its forests and safeguard the environment for future generations.

Driver Detained as Police Investigate Arson Case of Fuel Tanker in Nyimba District

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Driver Detained as Police Investigate Arson Case of Fuel Tanker in Nyimba District

Police in Nyimba District, Eastern Province, have detained the driver of a fuel tanker that was engulfed in flames in the Kacholola area along the Great East Road. The tanker was carrying a load of 44,000 litres of petrol valued at K1.4 million.

According to Limpo Liywalii, the Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, authorities are treating the incident as a case of arson. The detained driver has been held to aid in the ongoing investigation.

Mr.Liywalii stated that preliminary suspicions suggest the fire was deliberately started following an act of fuel theft.

The incident unfolded around 1:00 PM on Tuesday involving a fuel tanker with the registration numbers BCF 8622 and BCC 3176T, both belonging to Khalif Motors.

Police authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the arson and to determine if there are any other individuals involved in the incident.

The Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer has assured the public that the authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Further updates on the investigation are expected to be provided as the inquiry progresses.

Message For Today: 20/20 Vision

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Message For Today: 20/20 Vision

Today’s Scripture

Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.
Deuteronomy 34:7, AMPC

20/20 Vision

Friend, when Moses was at the end of his life, the Scripture says that his natural eyesight was not dim, but consider this as also symbolic. His eyes of faith, the eyes of his heart, were still clear, still looking for God’s goodness and full of expectancy. At 120 years old, he had 20/20 vision of the awesome God who came to him at the age of eighty and said it was time to deliver the Israelites. Forty years after Moses had made a tragic mistake that seemingly caused him to miss God’s plan, he went on to part the Red Sea, to bring water out of a rock, and to see many other supernatural signs.

If Moses were here, he would tell you that God’s favor is not for a season; it’s for your lifetime. You haven’t made too many mistakes, the obstacles are not too big, and God’s still going to bring to pass what He promised you. Now start expecting His favor. He’s longing to be good to you, but you have to be looking for His goodness.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that You are working out Your plan for my life in Your best way. Thank You that Your favor is for my lifetime, not just a season, and that Your favor supersedes my mistakes. I declare that my eyes are fixed on You and I am looking for Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Joel Osteen Ministries

Three Branches of Government: Myth or Reality?

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Three Branches of Government: Myth or Reality?

By Henry Kyambalesa

By and large, sovereign nations-states worldwide claim to be governed through three ‘independent’ organs or branches of government—that is, the law-making or legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch. This, in the words of Farese, Kimbrell and Woloszyk (2009:125), “provides a system of checks and balances that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.”

1. The legislative branch of government in any given democratic country is generally composed of elected members. In some
democracies, the executive President or Prime Minister is permitted to nominate a small number of citizens to join the legislative branch.In this respect, it would be advisable for a country’s executive president or prime minister to fill Cabinet-level positions with individuals who are not elected Members of Parliament in order to provide for greater independence of the legislative and executive organs of government.

Besides, such a move can provide the executive president or prime minister with a larger pool of competent citizens from which he or she can constitute the Cabinet, afford aspirants for the top position in the executive branch enough time to identify potential ministerial appointees well before elections rather than waiting for elections of lawmakers to be concluded, as well as reduce the work overload on government officials who have to handle both ministerial and legislative functions.

2. The executive branch is essentially headed by an elected executive president or prime minister. (Note: Some countries’ constitutions provide for the executive president or prime minister to fill positions in his or her Cabinet with elected members of the legislative branch of government.)

3. The judicial branch is typically headed by an individual who is nominated by the executive president or prime minister, and who is ordinarily confirmed by members of the legislative branch of government. Besides, the individual serves as a member of the executive president’s or prime minister’s cabinet. As such, the judicial branch is clearly not an ‘independent’ organ of government.

In the United States, for example, the fallacious and questionable ‘independence’ of the head of the judicial branch of the Federal government has been questioned by Gambino (2019) in the following words: “William Barr: Is His Defense of Trump Paving the ‘Road to Tyranny’?”

Besides, the mythical ‘independence’ of the judicial branch of the Federal government in the country was somewhat bemoaned by the late U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings in April 2019, and by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the following words (CBS News, 2019 and Hains,2019):“Mr. [William] Barr is acting as the defense counsel for the president of the United States … [when] he’s supposed to be our lawyer, the people’s lawyer.”

And

“Attorney General [William] Barr’s regrettably partisan handling of the Mueller report … [has] resulted in a crisis of confidence in his independence and impartiality.”The use of the words “your Justice Department” and “my Justice Department” in the following statements by George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and Beto O’Rourke, one of several Democratic Party presidential candidates, respectively, clearly demonstrate the fact that the judicial branch in the United States—and in all professed
democratic countries worldwide as a matter of fact—is not ‘independent’ from the executive branch of government (ABC News,
2019):

Stephanopoulos:

“If … you win, if you become president in 2020, would you want your Justice Department to pursue charges against President
Trump?”

O’Rourke:

“I would want my Justice Department … to follow the facts and the truth and to make sure at the end of the day that there is
accountability and justice without [which] … American Democracy comes to a close.”The following excerpt provides another obvious example of the potential for legislative and/or executive branches of a country’s national government to have undue influence on judicial decisions and the composition and operations of the judiciary (Democracy Now, 2020):

“Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican senators [are reported as having been] … privately contacting
conservative federal judges to urge them to retire, so they can be replaced [by other conservative judges] while Republicans still control the Senate and Trump is in the White House.”

Representative Pramila Jayapal, a U.S. Democratic Party member representing the State of Washington in the U.S. Congress is quoted by
Shortell and Herb (2020) as having taunted William P. Barr, then U.S.Attorney General, during a Congressional hearing in the following words:

“There is a real discrepancy in how you react as the Attorney General, the top cop in this country, when white men with swastikas storm a government building with guns, there is no need for the President to ‘activate’ you, because they’re getting the President’s personal agenda done … [but] when Black people, and people of color protest police brutality, systemic racism and the President’s very own lack of response to those critical issues, then you forcibly remove them with armed federal officers, pepper bombs, because they are considered terrorists by the President.”

There is clearly a need for national leaders worldwide to seriously consider the prospect of subjecting prospective heads of the judicial branch of government to a popular vote by the citizenry in order to make elected heads accountable to the people, make them less vulnerable to the influences of politicians and ideologues, and make them ‘truly’ independent from the whims of the head of the executive branch.

And a country’s Supreme Court Justices, as well as special counsels,would ultimately need to be nominated or appointed by the elected head of the judicial branch and confirmed by the national legislative branch of government in order for them to be ‘independent’ and ‘impartial’ in the dispensation of justice. The term of office of the elected head of the judicial branch should be analogous to that of the executive president or prime minister, and that of members of the legislative branch of the national government.

In the United States, for example, most States (at least 40 out of the country’s 50 States) elect their Attorneys General. And most municipalities in the country elect their Sheriffs. The country’s Attorney General, as noted earlier, is appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

One wonders why the U.S. Congress and all other legislative organs of democratic governments worldwide cannot consider the prospect of subjecting aspirants for the position of Attorney General to a popular vote by the electorate!

Bibliography
CBS News, “Transcript: Rep. Elijah Cummings on ‘Face the Nation’,”
https://www.cbsnews.com/ , April 21, 2019.
Democracy Now, “Mitch McConnell Urging Conservative Judges to Retire While GOP Still Holds Senate & Presidency,”
https://www.democracynow.org/ , March 17, 2020.
Farese, Lois S., Kimbrell, Grady and Woloszyk, Carl A., Marketing Essentials (Woodland Hills, CA: Glencoe / McGraw-Hill, 2009).
Gambino, Lauren, “William Barr: Is His Defense of Trump Paving the ‘Road to Tyranny’?” The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/ , May 4, 2019.
Kyambalesa, Henry, The Size and Functions of Government (Lambert Academic Publishing, 2022), pp. 353–357.

Pelosi, Nancy and Schumer, Chuck, quoted in Hains, Tim, “Attorney General Bill Barr Press Conference on Final Mueller Report,” Real Clear Politics:https://www.realclearpolitics.com/ , April 18, 2019.

(The “Mueller Report” was the final report of a U.S. counterintelligence investigation of the alleged Russian government’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.)
Shortell, David and Herb, Jeremy, “Barr Clashes with Democrats over Policing and Roger Stone Sentencing at Fiery Hill Hearing,” CNN:https://www.cnn.com/ , July 28, 2020.
Stephanopoulos, George and O’Rourke, Beto, quoted by ABC News,
“‘This Week’ Transcript 6-9-19: Beto O’Rourke,”
https://abcnews.go.com/ ,

Repression,Lies ,Electoral Fraud And Bribery Won’t Save Hichilema

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Repression,Lies ,Electoral Fraud And Bribery Won’t Save Hichilema

It’s not only the food shortage emergency Zambia is today facing.
Zambia is also facing a very serious emergency of governance deficiency. And both need emergency measures.
History has shown that when a ruling clique has lost public confidence, trust, and respect, it automatically resorts to repression, lies, and electoral fraud to preserve its hold on power.

In this case, Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND know that their political fortunes have rapidly dwindled. They know that they have lost popularity and control over the masses. They know that the people are not with them.
They’ve seen that the people are frustrated, hungry and angry with them because they’ve failed to make this country better and different.

In truth, the UPND is not genuinely winning any by-elections. They are simply involved in crass electoral bribery and fraud. They’re buying votes from the poor people of this country. Today, we have cabinet ministers whose only discernible preoccupation is to move from one by-election campaign to another, distributing money, foodstuffs, and other materials. They have literally stopped performing their ministerial duties and have become full-time by-election campaigners and distributors of food and money. District commissioners are also part of these campaigns and are using government motor vehicles with registration plates removed. Why?

Mr Hichilema is in a very serious crisis. His leadership has completely failed. And fraudulent by-election victories won’t save him and his league from the impending political armageddon. They can cheat themselves and their supporters with these fraudulent victories but time is coming when they will be so ashamed of their senseless actions.
In fact, this is the worst form of political self-deception any leader or political party can subject themselves to. It’s a fruitless expedition with a predictable outcome. The PF tried it, and the result was disastrous.
Why can’t Mr Hichilema and the UPND learn from what happened to the PF not so long ago? Are they blinded with power so soon? Time will tell.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Police Bust Fake Mealie Meal Scam in Lusaka’s Kamwala South Area

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Police Bust Fake Mealie Meal Scam in Lusaka’s Kamwala South Area

Police in Lusaka uncovered a scam involving the production and sale of counterfeit mealie meal in the Kamwala South area.

Acting on a tip-off from concerned members of the public, officers raided a house near Kamwala South Market around 09:30 hours on Saturday where they discovered a sophisticated operation producing fake mealie meal. The perpetrators had been repackaging maize bran into labeled 25 Kg mealie meal bags, masquerading it as genuine product.

A total of 650 bags of fake 25 Kg mealie meal, labeled as “Good Milling,” were seized during the raid. Additionally, two individuals were apprehended at the scene under suspicion of involvement in the scam. These individuals claimed to be buyers, while the actual owners of the house managed to flee the scene before police arrival. A manhunt has since been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

According to initial investigations, the two arrested suspects had paid K105,000 for the counterfeit bags of mealie meal, which were destined for Sinazongwe District in Southern Province. Inside the raided house, police discovered bags of maize bran, further substantiating the fraudulent activity.

The detained suspects are currently in police custody, where investigations into the elaborate scam are ongoing. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, confirmed that heightened efforts are being made to unravel the extent of the operation and bring all perpetrators to justice.

Authorities are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police to ensure the safety and integrity of food products in the market.

When Was The Last Time You Tasted Amashola

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When Was The Last Time You Tasted Amashola

Just seeing “Amashola” evokes a sense of nostalgia in many Zambians. It’s a reminder of their childhood and their time growing up.
Amashola was a snack that many Zambians ate when growing up. Making Amashola was a great adventure for children of those days because it was usually made when parents were not at home. In those days most parents saw Amashola as wasting food and so they discouraged children from making it and parents usually locked away some of the ingredients to prevent children from getting to them. Children would have to be crafty in order to make it and they usually took advantage of the times when parents were away and usually one of the children would be assigned the role of a lookout to alert others when parents are coming.

The main ingredients for making Mashola are: Mealie meal, water, salt, sugar and cooking oil.

The process of making it starts with mixing mealie meal with some water in order to insure that the mealie meal is wet. Then you put the mixture in a pan and put the pan on a heat source like a stove or brazier. The next thing is to stir the mixture and add some cooking oil in order for it to fry properly. You can then add a little bit of salt and a little bit of sugar. As the mixture begins to fry you should continue to stir so that it doesn’t stick to the pan. Let the mixture fry until it turns slightly brownish. Once this happens then the Amashola is ready for eating.

Try it and revisit some of those interesting memories of your childhood.

By Zambian Footprints

Kabwe Women to Benefit from K100,000 Soft Loans Empowerment Program

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Kabwe Women to Benefit from K100,000 Soft Loans Empowerment Program

In a bid to tackle poverty and empower vulnerable women in Kabwe District, the government has allocated K100,000 for the disbursement of soft loans under the Village Bank Social Protection Programme.

According to Annie Siame, the Kabwe District Community Development Officer, the soft loans are intended to support women engaged in viable businesses and will range from K500 to K2,500 per individual beneficiary. Siame emphasized that the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is dedicated to uplifting households from poverty through various social protection initiatives.

The selection process for beneficiaries has already commenced, with the aim of improving the socio-economic welfare of citizens in the district. Siame stressed the importance of timely repayment of the loans by beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of the program and enable more individuals to benefit from similar initiatives in the future.

Beneficiaries who repay their loans within the specified timeframe will be eligible for subsequent loans, further enhancing their economic prospects and self-reliance. The ongoing implementation of social protection programs in Kabwe District underscores the government’s commitment to alleviating the plight of vulnerable segments of society.

President Hakainde Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting vulnerable citizens during his recent national address on the drought situation affecting the country. Through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, efforts will be intensified to provide assistance to those in need, aligning with the broader objective of poverty alleviation and social empowerment.

The empowerment program reflects a concerted effort by the government to address socio-economic challenges at the grassroots level, ultimately contributing to the overall development and well-being of communities in Kabwe District.

Nkana Rise Out of D-Zone, Power Win

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Nkana Rise Out of D-Zone, Power Win

Things are looking bright at record 13-time Zambian champions Nkana who moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season following a 2-1 away win over bottom-paced Trident in Solwezi.

Nkana jumped three places out of the bottom four relegation zone to sit at the trap door at number 14 after stretching their unbeaten run to three straight matches with two wins and a draw.

Jacob Ngulube put Nkana ahead in the 38th minute, and Austin Banda added the second in the 56th minute to see them move to 26 points from 23 matches played.

Peter Musukuma scored newcomers Tridents’ goal in the 85th minute as their survival battle in their debut season continues to look bleak.

Nkana has thirteen league games left to save their souls.

Meanwhile, at the top end of the log on the same day, Red Arrows opened a three-point lead at the summit of the 2023/2024 FAZ Super League log after beating Napsa Stars at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

One goal settled the contest in this Lusaka derby when Ackim Mumba scored in the 6th minute.

Arrows win final saw Arrows put some distance between them and second-placed Zesco United who had been trailing the two-time champions by a point since the season resumed a fortnight ago after the month-long 2023 AFCON break.

Arrows have 45 points after week 23.

Zesco had captain John Chingandu to thank away at Green Eagles in Choma to ensure they stayed in close touch with their fellow title contenders.
Chingandu equalised for Zesco in the 61st minute after Aaron Musore put Eagles ahead in the 4th minute.

Zesco are now without a win in their last three successive league matches and trace their last win to January 13 when they beat Nkwazi 2-0 at home in Ndola.

And the defending champions Power Dynamos moved within two points of Zesco on 40 points after a 1-0 home win at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe over 12th-positioned Green Buffaloes courtesy of a Joshua Mutale goal in the 11th minute.

MTN/FAZ SUPER LEAGUE RESULTS AND FIXTURE
WEEK 23
02/03/2024
Forest Rangers 0-FC MUZA 1
Power Dynamos 1- Green Buffaloes 0
Nkwazi 1-Kabwe Warriors 0
Green Eagles 1-Zesco United 1
Prison Leopards 0- Zanaco 1
Napsa Stars 0-Red Arrows 1
Trident 1-Nkana 2
Konkola Blades 1-Kansanshi Dynamos 0
03/03/2024
Mufulira Wanderers-Mutondo Stars

PF President Miles Bwalya Sampa Responds to Disaster Declaration

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PF President Miles Bwalya Sampa Responds to Disaster Declaration

Statement By Patriotic Front President Hon Miles Bwalya Sampa On The Disaster Declaration In Zambia By The Republican President Hakainde Hichilema

This is not the appropriate time to jump on streams of arguments and play politics. We would like to respond to the announcement from the National Address at State House by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema where he declared the current drought being experienced in the country as a “National Disaster”. We shall among other things highlight some other happenings in our country which we see fit to discuss.

Firstly, we wish to thank the President for taking a bold step to declare the drought incident a disaster as it is indeed a situation that has not only threatened our nation’s food security but energy production included.

As Patriotic Front, we would like to advise that the current situation is not a matter of talk and pass but one that calls on all of us in leadership, government, and all stakeholders to urgently come together with combined efforts to find not only lasting solutions but begin forthwith to implement them. The government must be in the forefront and bring to reality what it promises people and actualize them.

We further suggest long-term measures to combat drought. All areas where farming is done by our people must be prioritized and empowered with solar irrigation systems and technology immediately. We can save some maize, if not all, even now. Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in all constituencies where activities of commercial farming are done should begin to prioritize grants or loans to farmers specifically towards commercial irrigation equipments.

We believe this will not only help save the current crops but enable farmers to continue farming even after the usual farming season passes. We can see a country that took advantage of a bad situation turning itself into an all-year-round producer of maize, cassava, millet, rice, fruits, vegetables, and all other products that depend on rain to grow. Surely we can become a food basket once again.

We also want to advise the government to engage both local and foreign suppliers of maize in advance should the crop yield go to the worst this season. This will help us plan and prepare before the worst comes to our faces. When disaster knocks on our doors, we can prepare before we open the door. Therefore, it is our strongest stance to now move into mitigation measures in preparation for the poor yields expected. It is also important to begin planning on stocking up food reserves before the estimated time for the disaster to manifest after the farming season should the rain patterns stay the same.

Government should further look to promote and guarantee the private sector structured foward contracts of maize importation for 2025. Prices can be agreed now for delivery in say 6 or 12 months. This will mitigate foreign exchange risks in the anticipated maize importation that could escalate the retail prices of mealie meal.

On the rising cost of living and adverse economy currently being experienced, we can not continue politicking at the expense of our citizens who are looking to us for solutions to save them from all these poor conditions. We understand how bad things are and to think of a situation where we produce very low on the staple foods, we can’t afford to slumber . It will be detrimental to do so. These are matters of urgency and should be tackled right with the urgency it deserves. We have to find a way to bring the cost of living down to manageable levels. Our people should afford the basic commodities and it is for the government to ensure this happens through the policies it advances.

In all seriousness, we would like to urge the government to take note of our proposals here and further encourage all stakeholders and political leaders to unite on these matters for the better good of the Zambian people regardless of political divides and differences. This is the time for all of us to work together and fight the poverty that threatens our people.
Lastly, we would like to call upon the government through the Ministry of Energy to strongly consider alternative energy sources such as solar biofuels and others. This drought is not only threatening food security but also the energy sector. The consequences of this reality will be so devastating to the economy. This is because production always and surely gets negatively affected by the loss of electricity whenever we experience load-shedding due to low water levels.

I thank you

Government Applauded for Expanding Social Cash Transfer Programme to Include More Persons with Disabilities

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Government Applauded for Expanding Social Cash Transfer Programme to Include More Persons with Disabilities

The Disability People’s Organization in Kafue district has commended the government for its efforts in increasing the number of persons with disabilities enrolled in the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCT) in the district.

In an interview with ZANIS, Disability People’s Organization Chairperson, Joseph Mwaba, expressed gratitude to the government for adding 397 new disabled persons to the list of beneficiaries for 2024. Mr. Mwaba praised the government’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that this move is a significant step towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal number 10, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, including persons with disabilities.

“This increase in the number of disabled people on the social protection programme demonstrates the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities and ensuring their active participation in society,” Mr. Mwaba remarked.

He emphasized that the collaboration between his organization and the government will be further strengthened as they work together to advocate for the rights and well-being of disabled individuals.

According to the Department of Social Welfare Progress Report, 397 new differently-abled persons will benefit from the social protection program, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,510. Out of these beneficiaries, 1,717 are persons with disabilities, indicating a significant effort towards inclusive social welfare initiatives.

The expansion of the SCT programme to include more persons with disabilities reflects the government’s commitment to promoting equality and providing support to vulnerable groups across the country.

Lusaka Province Witnesses Sharp Decline in Cholera Incidents

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Lusaka Province Witnesses Sharp Decline in Cholera Incidents

Lusaka Province Health Director, Simulyamana Choonga, has reported a substantial decrease in cholera cases across the province, marking a significant stride in the fight against the deadly disease.

In an interview with ZANIS, Dr. Choonga acknowledged the positive trend but cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high levels of hygiene to prevent any resurgence of the epidemic. He reassured the public that the government remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate cholera through ongoing interventions and collaborative initiatives.

Dr. Choonga credited the success in combating cholera to effective collaboration with various stakeholders, highlighting the crucial role of community engagement and coordinated response strategies.

Meanwhile, residents of Kanyama, one of the areas previously hard-hit by the cholera outbreak, expressed their gratitude to the government for its swift action and support during the crisis. Elias Banda, a resident, lauded the reduced number of cholera cases and expressed appreciation for access to chlorinated water provided by the government.

However, Mr. Banda called upon the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to intensify garbage collection efforts in the area to further mitigate the risk of disease transmission. He also appealed for improved access to clean water, urging authorities to connect the community to the Lusaka Water and Sanitation Company for piped water supply to address contamination concerns.

As the fight against cholera continues, stakeholders emphasize the importance of sustained vigilance and collective action to ensure the long-term eradication of the disease and safeguard public health.

Human activities have caused climate change and human beings must take responsibility -Nzovu

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Human activities have caused climate change and human beings must take responsibility -Nzovu

Eng. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, is calling upon Zambians to rally behind the government’s efforts in combating climate change, acknowledging that some of the measures implemented may face resistance.

Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, Eng. Nzovu emphasized the urgency of taking action to mitigate its devastating effects. He highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to combatting climate change and emphasized the necessity of global cooperation in addressing this existential threat.

Eng. Nzovu underscored the role of human activities in exacerbating climate change, emphasizing that it is imperative for individuals to take responsibility for their actions. He cited examples such as illegal deforestation for charcoal production and the burning of fossil fuels for energy as significant contributors to climate change.

“Is cutting down trees an act of God? Is burning fossil fuels – such as coal, oil and gas – to produce energy and power transport an act of God? Definitely not! Human activities have caused climate change and human beings must take responsibility. Some of these human activities are necessary for survival, for example we need enough energy to feed 7 billion people across the globe. Producing that energy, it involves burning of fossil fuels which emit dangerous gases in the atmosphere,” he said.

“Climate change has turned out to be a threat to the very people that the world is trying to feed. For instance, a farmer cuts trees to produce food but that act stops the rains and the life of the very farmer is threatened. From the time we formed the government, the President has always placed emphasis on the fight against climate change as witnessed through the creation of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment. This was a message to the world that Zambia is serious about climate change,” Eng. Nzovu said.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change and food security, Eng. Nzovu illustrated how deforestation can disrupt rainfall patterns, posing a direct threat to agricultural livelihoods. He reiterated the government’s dedication to fighting climate change, exemplified by the establishment of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment under President Hichilema’s leadership.

The Minister advocated for an urgent transition to alternative clean energy sources, stressing the importance of making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all Zambians.

“Climate change cannot be fought in isolation; we need global consented efforts. We are all affected by the devastating effects of climate change. We appeal to the people of Zambia to support and work with the government in fighting climate change. Some of the measures will not be easy to accept like halting the illegal cutting down of trees for charcoal,” he said.

“We urgently need to transition to alternative clean energy and as a government we will do everything possible to make this transition easy. We need to make alternative energy sources such as solar and gas cheaper to access.

Eng. Nzovu outlined plans to engage with the Ministry of Finance to lobby for the removal of duties on renewable energy goods and collaborate with the Rural Electrification Authority to expand access to affordable electricity in rural areas.

Eng. Nzovu expressed confidence that Zambia will overcome the challenges posed by climate change, urging citizens to stand together in support of the government’s efforts. He reassured the nation that while some measures may be difficult to accept initially, they are necessary steps towards securing a sustainable future for all.

President Hichilema Assures Nation Amid Drought Crisis

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President Hichilema Assures Nation Amid Drought Crisis

President Hakainde Hichilema has reassured the nation that no citizen will go hungry in the wake of the recent declaration of the drought as a national disaster and emergency.

Addressing mourners at the burial of prominent cattle rancher Teddy Namainga in Busangu Village, Namwala District, President Hichilema pledged that the government is taking every possible measure to ensure food security for all Zambians until the next rainy season. He acknowledged the devastating impact of the drought on farmers and assured those who lost their crops that the government would provide assistance to alleviate their plight.

President Hichilema emphasized the importance of unity among Zambians during these challenging times, urging citizens to stand together as the government works tirelessly to alleviate suffering and address the consequences of the drought.

In his tribute to the late Teddy Namainga, President Hichilema praised his contributions to the nation as a unifier and a staunch advocate for embracing diversity. He lauded Namainga’s dedication to hard work and his role in inspiring many individuals to pursue careers in ranching. President Hichilema emphasized that Namainga’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. senior citizen and rancher, Mr Teddy Namainga Mukamaangwe, in Maala area of Namwala District.

President Hichilema speaking at the burial of senior citizen and rancher, Mr Teddy Namainga Mukamaangwe, in Maala area of Namwala District
The burial of senior citizen and rancher, Mr Teddy Namainga Mukamaangwe, in Maala area of Namwala District.

Socialist Party President Fred Mmembe Criticizes Government Response to El Niño Warnings

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Socialist Party President Fred Mmembe Criticizes Government Response to El Niño Warnings

Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, has voiced criticism against the UPND government’s handling of the recent declaration of a national disaster due to a prolonged dry spell. In response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration, M’membe pointed out that information regarding the El Niño phenomenon and the subsequent drought was available as early as last year.

Highlighting a statement made in mid-October 2023 regarding El Niño, M’membe questioned why the government failed to heed this information, especially when the warm phase of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was expected to peak in November-January 2024. He accused the government of neglecting the warnings and focusing instead on selling maize and mealie-meal.

President Hichilema, invoking the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2010, declared the prolonged dry spell a national disaster and emergency. He directed all disaster and emergency departments to respond urgently and unitedly to the crisis. In response to this directive, several short-term mitigation measures were outlined including channeling resources towards humanitarian relief, working with the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to provide maize to affected communities, and preventing bush burning.

Additionally, government will source additional maize and food to mitigate shortages, expanding irrigation schemes with the assistance of Zambia’s defence forces, and promoting early planting and winter maize cultivation through irrigation methods. Government also proposed supporting the importation of additional electricity, rationing energy use, and promoting alternative energy sources where feasible.

President Hichilema emphasized that these interventions are essential short-term measures to alleviate the immediate impacts of the drought and ensure that affected citizens do not suffer from hunger or other related hardships.

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