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Government introduces price shock cash transfer for vulnerable people

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Government introduces price shock cash transfer for vulnerable people

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, through the Government, has introduced the Urban Price Shock Emergency Cash Transfer to alleviate economic challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The initiative aims to provide additional support to beneficiaries grappling with rising living costs, compounded by external factors affecting the country’s economy.

During the launch in Kabwe District, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, emphasized the Government’s commitment to addressing economic hardships faced by citizens. Beneficiaries of the program will receive a monthly top-up of K200 for a duration of six months, in addition to their regular Social Cash Transfer (SCT) amount.

Ms. Mwamba acknowledged the surge in prices for essential goods, which has placed financial strain on many citizens. She highlighted the urgency for decisive action, stating, “This launch demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment towards uplifting the welfare of our communities.”

Addressing the public health situation, Ms. Mwamba urged members of the public to adhere to public health measures aimed at combating the spread of the cholera pandemic, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in overcoming health challenges.

Mr. Benson Pensulo, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Government for the intervention, emphasizing its significant impact on purchasing essential household items.

The Price Shock Cash Transfer intervention among Social Cash Transfer beneficiary households aims to assist in combating the rising cost of living among vulnerable people in society.

According to Linda Hagwanama, Information Management Officer at the Ministry, the program targets 254,581 households in 17 urban districts. She explained that the intervention, spanning from November 2023 to April 2024, is crucial during a period deemed most critical before people begin to harvest their crops.

During a courtesy call at the Lusaka District Commissioner’s office, Ms. Hagwanama clarified that the program is designed to ease the lives of community members facing the challenge of high prices for basic commodities like mealie meal. Lusaka alone has 27,171 beneficiaries.

Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Zulu emphasized the importance of children supporting their parents, particularly those enrolled in government social protection interventions. Ms. Zulu noted that while the government’s assistance is valuable, it is not sufficient to meet all the needs of the beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for families to utilize economic empowerment programs for additional income.

President Hichilema commends DRC peace and stability

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President Hichilema commends DRC peace and stability

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the government and opposition political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for maintaining peace and stability during the just ended General Elections.

Mr Hichilema said this when he received a brief report from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) Head Enock Kavindele on the status of the just ended general elections in DRC at State House.

Mr Hichilema, who is also Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, commended the opposition parties in DRC for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

ZANIS reports that the President observed that Zambia and DRC share the longest border and that peace and stability in the two countries is of paramount importance for the two countries to foster economic development.

The President has since thanked the SADC electoral observation mission team headed by former President Enock Kavindele for accepting to undertake the mission to DRC.
Mr Hichilema also urged Mr Kavindele and his SADC electoral observation mission team to expedite the compilation of the formal report so that he can also report to SADC summit, and that the deadline for submission of the formal report is January 22, 2024.

Meanwhile, Mr Kavindele disclosed that the team worked hard despite the vastness of the country and the large number of candidates who participated in the election.
Mr Kavindele said the country had 26 Presidential candidates but the electoral observation mission only deployed its staff to 14 provinces.

He assured the President that the SADC electoral observation mission will present the formal report before January 22, 2024 to President Hichilema for onward presentation to SADC summit by the President.

President Hakainde Hichilema in his capacity as Chair on the SADC Organ on Politics and defence and security cooperation appointed former President Enock Kavindele as Head of SEOM in DRC.
The mission’s objective was to observe and assess the elections in accordance with the revised SADC Principles and guidelines.

Zambia Faced Economic Challenges in 2023, Showed Resilience in Trade Performance

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Zambia Faced Economic Challenges in 2023, Showed Resilience in Trade Performance

In an analysis of Zambia’s trade performance in 2023, Mr. Emmanuel Muma, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Researcher for Trade and Development, outlines the economic challenges faced by the nation amidst global and domestic pressures.

The global economic growth experienced a downturn in 2023, slowing to 3.0% from 3.5% in the previous year, affecting commodity markets and impacting Zambia significantly. “The copper market, which is crucial for our economy, saw a price drop to an average of US $8,589 per metric ton from US $9,084 in 2022,” Mr. Muma highlighted. This decline is particularly significant as copper constitutes over 65% of Zambia’s export earnings.

The Zambian economy itself grew at a slower pace of approximately 2.7% in 2023, down from 5.2% in 2022. The national currency, the Zambian Kwacha, depreciated by 10.9% against the US dollar. “These figures reflect the impact of various factors, including geopolitical tensions, unfavorable exchange rates, and the energy crisis, leading to subdued trade growth and consistent trade deficits,” Mr. Muma explained.

Despite these adversities, Zambia recorded a Trade Balance of about ZMK5.5 billion from January to November 2023. However, this was a sharp decline of 87.7% from the ZMK45 billion Trade Balance in the corresponding period of 2022. “The decline can be attributed to weak export volumes and the volatile nature of commodity prices, especially copper,” Mr. Muma noted.

Looking ahead, Mr. Muma maintains a cautiously pessimistic yet hopeful stance for the first quarter of 2024. Efforts are being made to enhance export earnings and address operational challenges in major mining sectors. He also pointed out the critical issue of Zambia’s dependence on copper exports. “Our narrow export structure and continuous trade deficits, particularly during the farming season, show an urgent need for enhanced manufacturing for import substitution, mainly in consumer and intermediate goods,” he stated.

To strengthen Zambia’s trade performance and economic resilience, Mr. Muma suggests several key strategies. These include diversifying export markets, particularly under initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTA), encouraging import substitution by incentivizing local industries, and promoting exports and product diversification in sectors such as Information Technology, Tourism, and Financial Services.

Multi-sectoral coordination mechanism needed in fighting Cholera

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Multi-sectoral coordination mechanism needed in fighting Cholera

Chirundu District Administrative Officer Musonda Lunkuntwe has called for enhanced inter-sectoral coordination mechanism to prevent a cholera outbreak in the district.

Mr Lunkuntwe says the cholera response should be well coordinated to prevent the importation of cases from Lusaka and neighbouring Zimbabwe, where cholera cases have been recorded.

He maintains that the cholera response should be in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines in preventing and containing the waterborne disease in an event the district records cholera cases.

Mr Lunkuntwe, said this when he chaired an Ad Hoc Chirundu District Epidemic, Preparedness, Prevention, Control and Management Committee meeting today.

Mr Lunkuntwe, who is the Committee’s chairperson, has since implored the general public to observe and practice basic hygiene standards if the district is to prevent the outbreak of the waterborne disease.

And Chirundu District Health Director Herbert Luhanga has called for behavioral change among the general public if the current cholera outbreak is to be contained.

Dr. Luhanga explained that behavioral change is one of the easiest and cheapest interventions to employ yet the most effective in containing disease outbreaks like cholera.

The Chirundu District Health Director implored key stakeholders to take advantage of the prevailing situation unlike waiting for a full-fledged outbreak that can overwhelm the health system.

Earlier, Chirundu Town Council Senior Health Inspector Choolwe Siashose expressed disappointment with the uncaring behavior of some residents in disposing off of solid waste.

Mr Siashose said it was disheartening to note that most residents are unconcerned living in a filthy environment as they have left the duty of cleanliness to the local authority.

“ I appeals to residents, business owners, corporate entities and other key stakeholders to join hands with the council by actively participating in the weekly: Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Health” Campaign in order to prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea diseases and other waterborne diseases in our district, “ he said.

Mr Siashose remained Zambians to remember that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”

Free education catapults need to rehabilitate schools – Musonda

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Free education catapults need to rehabilitate schools – Musonda

Mungwi District Commissioner Muma Musonda says government’s free education policy has brought with it an emergency to rehabilitate schools most of which were left in deplorable state.

Mr. Musonga says while it is encouraging to witness that pupils who had stopped learning because of the fees during the previous regime, poor education facilities in the learning facilities remains a concern.

ZANIS reports that the District Commissioner said this during a handover of a one by two class room block at Nsofu Primary School in Mungwi District today.

The project was rehabilitated using the 2022 and 2023 Constituency Development Fund at a cost of over K133,000.

The District Commissioner Muma Musonda who also handed over 40 desks to the school, further described CDF as a game changer that is transforming communities through infrastructure development.

“CDF is a game changer, this is not the first and last project the local authority working with other stakeholders are doing, will continue to deliver development to the people who need it most, “ he said.

Thanking the Chimanga community for their support towards the project, Mr Musonda further called for unity for development to continue in the district.

And Mungwi Council Chairperson Grace Chomba commended government for spearheading development in Mungwi through CDF.

Ms. Chomba also urged Chimanga residents to take advantage of the CDF empowerment funds to develop the country so that Mungwi is not left behind.

The Constituency has so far commissioned six projects that were implemented under CDF.

And Parents Teachers Committee Chairperson, Eustus Mpanga of Chimanga has thanked government for the good gesture by rehabilitating the classroom block.

Mr. Mpanga has however asked the government to bring more development to the area through constructing another one by three classroom block at the school.

Earlier, school head teacher, Geoffrey Mulenga described the old structure at the school as a death trap as pupils where often sent away whenever there were heavy winds threatening the collapse of the structure.

52 year old man shot dead in Sinazongwe

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52 year old man shot dead in Sinazongwe

An unknown individuals have shot a 52 years old man of Siangwinda village in Sinazongwe District, for unknown reasons.

Southern Province Police Commissioner Auxensio Daka said that the incident occurred around 19:20 hours yesterday.

This was after the deceased, Safari Munkonka, left his home village to see his second wife in  the neighbouring  Sinazeze District.

“ The deceased was shot on the way by unknown people and was rushed to Sinazongwe rural health centre where he was pronounced dead ( on arrival ), “Mr. Daka said.

Upon receiving reports of the incident , police officers who  rushed to the health facility to physically inspect the body which had multiple bullet wounds.

The body has since been deposited in Maamba General Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem while a docket has been opened for investigations into the matter.

Sinazongwe District Commissioner Nchimunya Siakole has expressed sadness on the shooting of the deceased.

Mr. Siakole has therefore advised the security wings to intensify security in his district to ensure that such incidences are stopped fore with.

He further advised the community to always dialogue instead of resorting to shooting each other.

President Hichilema commends DRC peace and stability

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President Hichilema commends DRC peace and stability

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the government and opposition political parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for maintaining peace and stability during the just ended general elections.

Mr Hichilema praised the opposition for restraining their voters from going into the streets to cause violence during the just ended general elections.

Mr Hichilema, who is also Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence and security cooperation, commended the opposition parties in DRC for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.

 The President observed that Zambia and DRC shares the longest border and that peace and stability in the two countries is of paramount importance for the two countries to foster economic development.

He said this when he received a brief report from the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) head, Enock Kavindele on the status of the just ended general elections in DRC at State House today.

Mr Hichilema, further praised the opposition in DRC for seeking recourse from the courts during and after the elections, describing the move as progressive in upholding peace and stability.

The President has since thanked the SADC electoral observation mission team headed by former President Enock Kavindele for accepting to undertake the mission to DRC.

Mr Hichilema also urged Mr Kavindele and his SADC electoral observation mission team to expedite the compilation of the formal report so that he can also report to SADC summit, and that the deadline for submission of the formal report is January 22, 2024.

“It is gratifying to hear that peace and stability prevails and continues to prevail in the DRC after the general elections, let me take this opportunity to thank you former President Kavindele for accepting to undertake a mission to DRC,” he said.

And SADC electoral observation mission head, Enock Kavindele disclosed that the team worked hard despite the vastness of the country and the large number of candidates who participated in the election.

Mr Kavindele said the country had 26 Presidential candidates but the electoral observation mission only deployed its staff to 14 provinces.

He explained that the election had 900 hundred political parties and 44 million registered voters and that his team got the true and authentic report about the just ended general elections in the DRC.

Mr Kavindele assured the President that the SADC electoral observation mission will present the formal report before January 22, 2024 to President Hichilema for onward presentation to SADC summit by the President.

President Hakainde Hichilema in his capacity as Chair on the SADC Organ on Politics and defence and security cooperation appointed former President Enock Kavindele as Head of SEOM in DRC.

The mission’s objective is to observe and assess the elections in accordance with the revised SADC Principles and guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Mine workers Union of Zambia has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for granting them a platform to meet him to discuss matters pertaining to Mopani and KCM take over by Vedanta and International Resources Holdings.

Mineworkers Union of Zambia President, Joseph Chewe said the President has assured them that the take over of the two giant mines KCM and Mopani will increase production and create jobs for the people.

Mr Chewe was speaking to the media shortly after meeting the President at State House today and emphasised that the take over will significantly improve the welfare of union members.

Zambia records reduction in cholera cases

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Zambia records reduction in cholera cases

The Ministry of Health has recorded a reduction in cholera cases in the last 24 hours.

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, says 457 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours compared to the 528 cases recorded yesterday.

“In the last 24 hours, country wide, we have recorded 457 new cases compared to 528 cases yesterday,” she said.

She expressed optimism that this downward trend is the beginning of the end of the cholera outbreak.

“406 cases in Lusaka, 28 in central province, seven in Eastern province, five in Southern province, four in Copperbelt, three in north-western province, two in western and one case each in Muchinga and northern province,” she said.

The Minister has attributed this development to a multi- sectorial approach that the government has put in place to combat the disease.

Meanwhile, Ms Masebo has received a donation of chlorine worth K3 million from Pharmanova Zambia Limited, to go towards the cholera fight.

Other donations included 5 wheel chairs from Melcome Pharmaceuticals, digital advertising space from New Horizon, including 100 blankets and surgical gloves from Mt Meru.

Ms Masebo expressed gratitude on behalf of government for the donations which she said will help intensify the fight against cholera and enhance service delivery to the patients.

The Minister was speaking in Lusaka during a media briefing.

Cleaning Association of Zambia President Lawrence Makumbi Cleared of Libel Charges

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Cleaning Association of Zambia President Lawrence Makumbi Cleared of Libel Charges

The Lusaka Magistrate Court has cleared the President of the Cleaning Association of Zambia, Lawrence Makumbi, of charges of libel brought against him by NemChem Managing Director Toni Burato. The dismissal came after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) denied Mr. Burato’s application to prosecute Makumbi for libel, citing a lack of merit.

The decision was delivered on Tuesday, January 9th, 2023, when the defence team, led by Makumbi’s lawyer, submitted before Lusaka Magistrate Ann Holland that the case was illegally before the court as the DPP, Gilbert Phiri, had not granted consent to prosecute the matter.

The defence argued that the case should be quashed as Makumbi had not been served with the summons, and lawyers for the complainant were absent during two court proceedings.

In the six libel charges, Mr. Burato accused Mr. Makumbi of defaming him in a letter dated April 13, 2023, alleging that the complainant formed a personal union, deducting K157,000 from over 7,000 NemChem workers.

After being cleared, Lawrence Makumbi expressed gratitude to the Judiciary for fairly administering justice. Addressing the media, he said, “I am so happy today because the Judiciary has demonstrated fairness. These foreigners wanted to have me locked up for a long time because I always speak up against injustices, especially on our cleaners.”

Now freed from legal concerns, Makumbi pledged to focus on advocating for the protection of the rights of cleaners. He stated, “Now that I have been set free, I will go all out and speak for the cleaners. The time of exploitation at the hands of these foreigners has come to an end,” emphasizing his commitment to fighting against injustices faced by the cleaning community.

Oldest Person Living with HIV Proposes Comprehensive Awareness Initiative to Minister of Health

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Oldest Person Living with HIV Proposes Comprehensive Awareness Initiative to Minister of Health

In a compelling letter addressed to the Minister of Health, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, Africa HIV Awareness Champion and the oldest person living with HIV from birth, Mr. Ntimbwe Munongo Mpamba, has proposed a multifaceted initiative aimed at raising HIV awareness and promoting education about the virus in Zambia and across Africa.

Mr. Mpamba’s personal journey living with HIV provides a unique perspective that can serve as a powerful tool to educate and motivate others. The initiative, presented by the Ntimbwe Mpamba Foundation, comprises several key components aimed at creating a lasting impact:

Awareness Campaigns:

The proposal suggests organizing a series of awareness campaigns across Lusaka, with future plans to expand to other parts of Zambia and Africa. These campaigns would involve community outreach programs, school visits, and public events where Mr. Ntimbwe Munongo Mpamba would share his story, emphasizing HIV prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction.

Educational Programs:

Collaboration with local schools and educational institutions to develop age-appropriate educational programs about HIV. These programs would empower young people with accurate information on HIV transmission, prevention methods, and the importance of regular testing, aiming to reduce the spread of the virus.

Support Groups:

Establishment of support groups for individuals living with HIV, their families, and affected communities. These groups would provide a safe and non-judgmental space for sharing experiences, offering emotional support, and accessing information about available resources and healthcare services.

Advocacy and Policy Reform:

Working towards advocating for policy reforms that prioritize HIV prevention, treatment, and support services. This involves engaging with policymakers, government officials, and stakeholders to ensure the allocation of necessary resources to address the HIV epidemic effectively.

The success of this initiative hinges on the support and collaboration of the government of Lusaka. Mr. Mpamba, through the Ntimbwe Mpamba Foundation, seeks financial resources, logistical support, and access to relevant networks and organizations to implement these crucial programs.

The proposal envisions a significant impact on HIV awareness and education, empowering the youth, reducing stigma, and fostering a future where HIV is no longer a threat to communities in Zambia and Africa. The Ntimbwe Mpamba Foundation eagerly anticipates further discussions with the Minister of Health to explore collaboration opportunities and bring this transformative initiative to fruition.

President Hichilema Offers Permanent Jobs to Dedicated Cholera Volunteer Nurses

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President Hichilema Offers Permanent Jobs to Dedicated Cholera Volunteer Nurses

In a commendable gesture of recognition for their dedication and commitment during the cholera outbreak, President Hakainde Hichilema has extended permanent employment offers to two female volunteer nurses serving at the National Cholera Centre at Lusaka’s Heroes Stadium.

During his visit to the Cholera Centre, President Hichilema expressed appreciation for the selfless service of Mary Mwanza, 54, and Christine Tembo, 29. Despite the option to stay at home and lament unemployment, the two nurses chose to respond to the disaster by volunteering at the frontline of the cholera response.

President Hichilema acknowledged their commitment to duty and, as a testament to their exemplary service, offered both Mary Mwanza and Christine Tembo permanent employment in the civil service. The President’s decision underscores the value placed on the dedication of individuals contributing to the nation’s well-being during challenging times.

Mary Mwanza, a former marketeer, expressed her gratitude to President Hichilema for the unexpected job offer. She took the opportunity to encourage young people to stay focused in life, emphasizing the importance of responding positively to crises.

In a similar sentiment, Christine Tembo echoed the appreciation for the President’s gesture, emphasizing the need for citizens to remain focused and dedicated in their endeavors.

During the visit to Heroes Stadium, President Hichilema urged fellow Zambians to take decisive action in the collective effort to eradicate cholera. Acknowledging that some government measures might be challenging, he stressed their necessity for disease eradication.

President Hichilema conveyed sincere condolences to families who have lost loved ones to the cholera pandemic and extended goodwill wishes for a quick recovery to patients admitted across the country. He paid tribute to frontline health personnel for their tireless and courageous efforts in saving lives.

Expressing gratitude, the President also acknowledged the support of various local and international partners joining forces to combat cholera. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices at the personal and household levels and called for collective cooperation in the ongoing fight against cholera.

President Hakainde Hichilema urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate in the battle against cholera, emphasizing the severity and lethality of the disease.

Chipolopolo Boss Happy with Cameroon Friendly Display

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Chipolopolo Boss Happy with Cameroon Friendly Display

Zambia Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Avram Grant has expressed happiness with the performance of the Chipolopolo boys in a friendly match played on Tuesday against the indomitable lions of Cameroon.

In a post-match interview, Grant said the game was very tough but the boys showed resilience and fighting spirit, which gave Cameroon a tough run.
Grant stated that with only less than a week before Zambia plays their opening game against Congo DR, the team has intensified training and hopes to play more friendlies.
He commended physical trainer Jamie Lawrence for the effort put in to ensure the team is physically strong and fit as witnessed from Tuesday’s encounter against Cameroon.
Grant disclosed that the team has a pool of good players who have displayed commitment and discipline and are ready to give everything for their country.

The Chipolopolo boss admitted that Zambia is in a tough group but the aim is to progress from group stage because football is played on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka said the friendly match against Cameroon was an important game for the Chipolopolo in order for them to assess the level at which they are at.
Daka who is also England based Leicester City striker said the game played yesterday has given direction in which areas need improvement as a team.
He noted that he does not expect the tournament to be a walk in the park as every team who has qualified to the tournament is good but the Chipolopolo will assure to give fans a spirited performance.

President Hichilema Urges Respect for Investors as He Inaugurates Upgraded Zambian Breweries Plant

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President Hichilema Urges Respect for Investors as He Inaugurates Upgraded Zambian Breweries Plant

President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed to Zambians to show respect to investors, emphasizing their crucial role in bringing investment, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. Speaking at the commissioning of the US$80 million upgraded plant at Zambian Breweries in Lusaka, President Hichilema expressed his government’s commitment to attracting more investment for job creation and economic development.

The President decried the unfair characterization of investors as imperialists by some politicians, emphasizing that such negative labels undermine the collaborative efforts required to grow the economy. He highlighted the essential role played by investors in partnering with the government and acknowledged their contribution to job creation and economic growth.

President Hichilema thanked Zambian Breweries for supporting thousands of cassava farmers in Luapula Province through its outgrower scheme. He commended the extension services provided by the company, noting their positive impact on boosting the capacity of small-scale farmers.

At the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment in Zambia. He called for strong partnerships between the private sector and the government, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial business arrangements that contribute to economic growth and job creation.

The Head of State stressed that economic growth is closely linked to encouraging investments through prudent policies. He highlighted the significant role of investments in providing business opportunities and jobs for small and medium enterprises.

Zambian Breweries PLC Country Director, Michelle Kilpin, informed President Hichilema that the newly expanded plant will double the company’s production capacity. She expressed the company’s commitment to investing further and contributing to the country’s economic growth. Kilpin revealed that over 2000 small-scale farmers will benefit from the plant’s expansion through the supply of cassava and sorghum.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata echoed the sentiment, stating that the commissioning of the Zambian Breweries expanded plant will positively impact the country’s economic landscape. She highlighted Zambian Breweries’ significant role in the region and emphasized the economic benefits of the plant’s expansion.

The upgraded plant, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is expected to reduce the company’s reliance on imports and explore opportunities for exports within the region. The commissioning ceremony marked a milestone in Zambia’s efforts to encourage investment and foster economic growth.

President Hichilema commissions the US$80 million upgraded plant at Zambian Breweries in Lusaka
President Hichilema confers with Zambian Breweries PLC Country Director, Michelle Kilpin during the the commissioning of the US$80 million upgraded plant at Zambian Breweries in Lusaka

Grant happy with Chipolopolo’s friendly display against Cameroon

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Grant happy with Chipolopolo’s friendly display against Cameroon

Zambia senior men’s National team Head Coach Avram Grant has expressed happiness with the performance of the Chipolopolo boys in a friendly match played yesterday against the indomitable lions of Cameroon.

Grant says the game was very tough but the boys showed resilience and fighting spirit, which gave Cameroon a tough run.

Grant in a post-match interview said with only less than a week before Zambia plays their opening game against Congo DRC, the team has intensified training and hopes to play more friendlies.

He has commended physical trainer Jamie Lawrence for the effort put in to ensure that the team is physically strong and fit as witnessed from yesterday’s encounter against Cameroon.

Grant said the team has a pool of good players who have displayed commitment and discipline and   are ready to give everything for their country

The Chipolopolo boss has admitted that Zambia is in a tough group but the aim is to progress from group stage because football is played on the pitch.

And Chipolopolo forward Patson Daka said it was an important game for the Chipolopolo in order for them to assess the level at which they are at.

Daka who is also England based Leicester city striker said the game played yesterday has given direction in which areas need improvement as a team.

He said he does not expect the tournament to be a walk in the park as every team who has qualified to the tournament is good but the Chipolopolo will assure fans of a spirited performance.

Vice President,Clergy dialogue on cholera fight

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Vice President,Clergy dialogue on cholera fight

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has called on the church to partner with the government in the fight against the cholera pandemic.

Ms Nalumango says the church is a good partner of the government and can contribute immensely, to stop the spread of the deadly disease.

She notes that in the wake of the pandemic, the church should work closely with the government, adding that the government can not fight the pandemic alone.

The Vice President has also noted that there is an urgent need to strengthen consultative engagements.

The Vice President said this today when she met the clergy at the cabinet office.

Ms Nalumango noted that to fight the pandemic government through the multi sectoral approach has implemented a number of strategies to fight the disease.

She explained that interventions such as chlorinating  water, emptying toilets, cleaning the surrounding among others are being done.

Ms Nalumango stated that with these interventions there are gaps adding that is why the country keeps recording new cases where the church should come on board.

“ As the government and our cooperating partners we have done what we can to fight this forward. Unfortunately, we still continue recording new cases. Therefore, we are calling upon you the church to come on board. Do not wait for the government to call you for you to partner. This calamity is not just affecting us alone but the church too, “ Ms Nalumango stated.

And in responding to the Vice President’s call, Independent Churches of Zambia President David Masupa said the church stands ready to work with the government to combat the cholera pandemic.

Bishop Masupa assured the government that churches will draw a programme where they will be cleaning the church surroundings on specific agreed days.

Bishop Masupa noted that the church will also join in sensitising people on the pandemic, in churches and public places.

Bishop Masupa further commended President Hakainde Hichilema for his plans to make Zambia a manufacturer of the cholera vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson for the Organising Committee of the Declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation Billy Nfula has urged the government to involve the church in sensitizing the people against the cholera pandemic.

Bishop Nfula stated that when the government goes out to different communities there is a need to have a representative from the clergy.

He said this way, more people will be captured and will help in changing the mindset of the community.

“ We ask that please as you go round, engage a clergy. The people you are speaking to are our members so involve us too so that we can help in fighting this pandemic”, Bishop Nfula stated.

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