The European Union (EU) has offered to support the Zambian government to complete the construction of ten schools across the country, whose works have stalled.

Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary in Charge of Administration, Noriana Muneku says the EU has urged government to select the schools that would be supported.

She says government has been given a timeframe when to access and use the money.

Ms Muneku said government is considering including Menje Boarding Secondary School in Senga Hill District in Northern Province among the schools that will benefit from the funding.

She said government will also consider Menje Boarding School under a direct bid from the Ministry of Education allocation before putting it on the EU-funded programme.

Ms Muneku said this in response to Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu who raised concern over the stalled works on some schools in the province, including Menje Secondary.

This was when Ms Muneku paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Kasama.

Mrs Muneku said she is committed to ensuring the completion of the school, which would create a conducive environment.

Meanwhile, Ms Muneku indicated that the government will soon conduct an assessment to see the staffing levels in schools.

She explained that some schools, especially in towns like Lusaka, have excess staff, adding that there will be a need for the government to offload excess teachers to rural areas where services are needed.

Earlier, Mr. Mpundu indicated that there were a number of incomplete schools in Northern Province.

Mr Mpundu cited Menje Boarding Secondary School which was commissioned at 45 percent but has no sanitation, no kitchen, and incomplete dormitories.

He disclosed that the provincial administration is looking forward to the contractor being brought back on site to complete the school.

Mr Mpubdu said the provincial administration is committed to ensuring that the contractor is supervised so that the project can be completed.

 He revealed that the province has started recording impressive results in national examinations.

“In grade nine, we moved from number seven last year to number five. At grade 12 level, we have moved from number nine to number six. This achievement was not scored without putting in a lot, it is because the leadership at the PEO and the various DEBS offices have shifted attention from being political instruments to real professionals,” he said.

He indicated that the educational officers have pledged to do even better this year and compete well with Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people of Kasama District of Northern Province has called on politicians to stop using tribal remarks.

The Paramount Chief has also dispelled misleading statements that the Northern Province is a no go area for the ruling government.

He said politicians who are in the habit of misleading the country with such tribal remarks should stop.

ZANIS reports that the traditional leader said this when Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Elijah Muchima, paid a courtesy call on him in Kasama.

He noted that chiefs in the country support the government of the day, saying it is sad if some people should use that to divide the nation.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu further urged that politicians should be promoting peace and unity unlike causing unnecessary division. He said it is not right for the opposition political parties to react to anything that the government does.

The Chief advised that the opposition should instead be giving checks and balances and offer solutions to the challenges the country is faced with unlike wasting time on reactions.

“ We have challenges like Cholera and COVID- 19.This is the time when people should come together and help the government fight these diseases unlike always reacting without solutions,” he noted.

And Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Elijah Muchima, said he is happy that he has been received well by all the chiefs.
Dr Muchima said this is contrary to reports he has been hearing that some places are not supposed to be accessed by certain tribes including the ruling government.

He noted that this is encouraging adding that it is always important for individuals to take responsibility and find out the truth rather than believing in hearsay.

Dr Muchima added that government will continue working with the chiefs and also improve their living standards through the construction of chief’s palaces across the country.

“I have been in Muchinga Province visiting chiefs on land related issues and now I’m here. What you are saying is what I have been hearing from these other chiefs.
“Let’s continue working together, we shall come here again with the Vice President,” Dr Muchima said.

Eight opposition political parties have jointly called for the formation of a broad alliance aimed at challenging the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in Zambia. The parties express their concern over the shrinking democratic space in the country.

United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota, speaking on behalf of the opposition coalition, emphasized the need for unity among opposition forces. The eight political parties include United Liberal Party, Patriotic Front, New Heritage Party, Citizens First, National Democratic Congress, Golden Party, Economic Freedom Fighters, and Forum for Development and Democracy.

Former President Edgar Lungu, addressing the press alongside leaders of the opposition parties, stated that the collaborative effort aims to create a mass movement to reclaim power for the people. Citizens First President Harry Kalaba added that the alliance formation is geared towards defending the nation.

However, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa dismissed the opposition alliance as a mere collaboration of convenience among power-hungry politicians. Mweetwa argued that the opposition lacks moral authority to call for such an alliance, citing past activities during their governance that allegedly traumatized citizens.

Mweetwa, who is also the Information and Media Minister, challenged Edgar Lungu to provide evidence of his claims regarding sponsors of the UPND. He asserted that the sponsors of UPND are the 2.8 million Zambians who voted the party into office.

Addressing the ongoing debt situation, Mweetwa stated that the government has made substantial progress in negotiations with both official and private creditors to alleviate the debt burden, some of which, according to him, was accrued during the leadership of opposition figures.

The Chief Government Spokesperson emphasized the improved democratic space under the UPND administration, allowing opposition leaders to campaign freely. He highlighted instances such as Citizens First President Harry Kalaba’s one-hour interview on the state-owned ZNBC Sunday Interview program, suggesting that such openness was not prevalent under the previous regime.

In a continued commitment to tapping into the wealth of experience of seasoned leaders, President Hakainde Hichilema convened a meeting yesterday afternoon with former Vice Presidents at State House. The discussions centered around various perspectives deemed crucial for the country’s progress.

As the Chair of the Troika and representing SADC, President Hichilema expressed gratitude to the former Vice Presidents for their willingness to engage in election observer missions within the SADC Region. He recognized their significant role in fostering peace and stability on the African continent.

During the meeting, the President extended appreciation to the spouses and families of the former Vice Presidents, acknowledging the vital support they provide. He highlighted the importance of their contributions, enabling the leaders to undertake essential tasks that contribute to regional peace.

President Hichilema’s initiative to engage with former leaders reflects a commitment to drawing upon the wisdom of patriots who have previously served the nation. Such collaborative efforts aim to enhance governance, foster unity, and ensure a continuum of national development.

In his message, President Hichilema reaffirmed his dedication to harnessing the collective wisdom of leaders who have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s history. The exchange of perspectives during these meetings is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing development and stability of Zambia.