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Copperbelt Police Commissioner Charity Katanga has warned that police will not condone lawlessness caused by unfounded accusations of witchcraft.
This follows two separate incidents which occurred in Mpongwe where, irate members of the public dumped corpses at households of persons accused of practicing witchcraft.
In an interview with ZANIS, Ms. Katanga said her office has received reports of commotion in Mpongwe involving two deceased bodies who were alleged to have been bewitched.
She disclosed that in the first incident, irate members of the public on Saturday 17, 2018 resisted to conduct burial for a deceased person identified as Lloyd Mutinta 27 of Chikololo Village in Mpongwe.
She said members of the public exhumed the body consequently dumping it at the house of the person accused of practicing witchcraft identified as Ngolobola.
The second incident occurred yesterday Tuesday,March 20, involving a deceased person identified as Sentiya Mutabi aged between 18 and 25 years of St. Anthony area in Mpongwe.
She said Douglas Ngalande a businessman of Chief Ndubeni area in Mpongwe was accused of having killed Mr. Mutabi for business rituals and the body of the deceased was dumped at his grocery store.
Ms. Katanga has warned that police will not condone such behavior by members of the public or any ritual burial commonly known as ‘Bwela Bwela’ as it amounts to criminal trespass with intent to annoy as stipulated in the penal code of the laws of Zambia.
She has since urged traditional leaders in Mpongwe to sensitize their subjects on the law and what it states in relation to accusations of witchcraft.
Ms. Katanga further stated that police are monitoring the situation in the area and that no arrests have been made concerning the two incidents.
The Department of Fisheries in Kalabo District of Western Province has expressed unhappiness over the stance taken by locals to defy the extended fishing ban. District Fisheries Officer Nancy Mukelabai says it is regrettable that fishermen and traders have disregarded the ban despite being in force.
Ms. Mukelabai who is also District Agricultural Information Officer (DAIO) told ZANIS in a telephone interview that the move is against the Fisheries Act.
She however said her department lacks resources to intensify surveillance patrols and other enforcement measures.
An on-the-spot check by ZANIS at downstream Luanginga watercourse and Kashitu market found fishermen and traders, respectively, openly engaged in fish trading in broad daylight.
One of the fishermen who spoke on condition of anonymity said that fishing is a lucrative venture through which the unemployed earn a decent living.
The fisherman lamented that it is not feasible to wait until May because swamps dry up by then.
Meanwhile, a trader who declined to identify herself told ZANIS that life has been unbearable in trying to put food on the table or pay children’s school fees.
A fortnight ago, local fish traders in Kalabo staged a peaceful protest against extension of the annual fishing ban.
This was after Government invoked a statutory instrument that extended the ban from 28th February to 30th April citing the volatile Cholera situation that has hit the country.
And in Kasama, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Northern Province has confiscated over 2000 Kilograms of different species of fish in a bid to enforce the fish ban
Confirming the development to ZANIS in an interview, Provincial Fisheries Officer Ramana Kayumu said this was after an operation conducted during the week.
Mr. Kayumu said the move is aimed at enforcing the fish ban which he said some members of the public are not adhering to.
He said the contra band was impounded during an operation conducted in Mbala and Luwingu districts.
Mr Kayumu stated that a total number of 2700 Kg of fish was confiscated and Buka Fish was among the highest number of species seized.
He disclosed that about 9 fish traders were apprehended during the operation and are due to appear in court soon.
Mr. Kayumu has since called on members of the public to comply with the fish ban in order to avoid being in conflict with the law.
Meanwhile, In Itezhi Tezhi, the Magistrate Court in Central Province has fined two men K2, 000 each for defying the fish ban.
Magistrate Keggan Litia slapped the sentence on Vinegar Luwaya and his son Kaumba Luwaya for being found in possession of fish during a fish ban, an offence contrary to section 18 of the fish ban Act Cap 200 of the Laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence allege that on 21 February 2018, in the Itezhi Tezhi district of Zambia the duo both residents of Chibolya Compound in Itezhi Tezhi had in their possession 39 Kgs of fish.
The duo readily pleaded guilty to the offence and where convicted upon their own confession.
Facts of the case are that officers were on duty on 21 February 2018, when they received a report that the two had fish.
Acting on this report, the Police from Itezhi Tezhi apprehended and later charged and arrested them.
In Mitigation, Mr. Vinegar Luwaya said he was a widower who was looking after eight children and if imprisoned, the children will suffer.
He also stated that he sustained injuries on his body as he was trying to escape from being apprehended by the police while Kaumba Luwaya prayed for maximum leniency stating that he was equally a widower stressing on Anti-Retro Viral Therapy (ART) and that he is looking after several children.
In passing judgment, Magistrate Litia said he had paid attention to all their mitigations.
He said “the government means well when they enforce fish ban so that fish can breed and that when the ban is lifted, there can be plenty of fish that can be harvested and enjoyed,” he said.
Magistrates Litia then ordered the duo to pay a fine of K2, 000 each in default three months simple imprisonment.
Ndola City Mayor Amon Chisenga has commended NAPSA for extending the social security coverage to Bus, Taxi drivers and conductors.
Mr. Chisenga disclosed this when he officiated at the official opening of the stake holder’s engagement meeting yesterday at Savoy Hotel in Ndola.
ZANIS reports that the Mayor said the proposed partnership between RATSA and NAPSA in extending social security coverage to the bus and taxi drivers is commendable and must be supported by all stake holders, as the initiative is aimed at helping and securing the future of the men and women who earn their livelihood from the transport sector.
He said the initiative is timely and will go a long way in ensuring that bus and taxi drivers are covered for social security.
The Mayor further said social security is a human right as highlighted in the universal declaration of human rights of 1948 and it is important that the imitative is supported.
Mr. Chisenga added that, bus and taxi drivers, including conductors have high employment insecurity, generally earn low incomes and lack of social security thereby, making their families more vulnerable to poverty.
NAPSA in collaboration with RTSA has embarked on a robust campaign of extending social security coverage to conductors, bus drivers as well as taxi drivers.
The Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) has today filed a court legal suit against Lafarge Zambia Plc at the Ndola Magistrate Court for breaching Section 53 (1) of the Health Professional Act No. 24 of 2009 of the Laws of Zambia.
Lafarge Zambia Plc has been slapped with 3 charges having in stock and dispensing expired drugs at the clinic located within the grounds of Lafarge Cement Plant in Ndola.
The company has also been charged with operating an ambulance without a license from the HPCZ.
In the last charge, the cement manufacturing firm has been slapped with an offence of running a health facility without qualified health personnel.
ZANIS reports that the three incidences occurred between 1st January and 19th December, 2017.
Addressing journalist after filing a court legal suit at Ndola Magistrate Court, HPCZ Legal Counsel, Frank Lungu said the council will not rest but continue perusing people or companies who are breaching the health professions act.
Mr. Lungu noted that the role of the council is to defend and protect the health of Zambians further stating that, the council will do everything possible to ensure culprits are brought to book.
And HPCZ Senior Public Relations Officer Terry Musonda noted that the council has embarked on a transformative agenda to ensure it protects the lives of the people in the country.
Mr. Musonda has since appreciated the role which the media and the general public have played in alerting the council of such happenings and has urged them to continue doing so.
President Edgar Lungu official opens Kingphar Zambia factory at Lusaka East Multi facility Economic zone
President Edgar Lungu has said that the economic diversification in Zambia must be private sector driven and that government has spearheaded private sector facilitation by creating Multifacility Economic Zones(MFEZ),
Speaking today when he officiated at the commissioning of Kingphar Zambia Limited at the Lusaka East Multi-Economic Facility Zone this morning, the President stated that the participation of the private sector in the economy cannot be overemphasized.
“The Participation of the private sector in our economy cannot be overemphasised. For our economy to become resilient, the role of the private sector is inevitable,” said the president.
The President has since challenged the private sector to take advantage of the available market in the pharmaceutical industry, and stated that Governments quest for economic diversification and Job creation through value addition and industrialization needed to be private sector driven .
“This is the sure way we will score success in transforming Zambia into an industrial Hub and government will continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating a conducive business environment for both local and foreign investors.” he said.
“This is in line with the 7th National Development Plan which is premised on a Platform of achieving a resilient and diversified economy without leaving anyone behind. I have no doubt that this aspiration will make our country a prosperous middle income country by 2030.” He added.
President Lungu stated that the project he was commissioning signified the strong Cordial relations that exist between Zambia and china.
“It is gratifying to note that this year, 2018, marks 40 years of enhanced cooperation between the two countries. This investment by Kingphar in the Health Sector, Particularly the manufacturing industry is aimed at further promoting Sino-Zambia Cooperation. ” he said.
And the President was delighted to note that the project would create employment for the locals.
“I have been informed that 200 Zambian Staff will be employed and 17 Chinese expatriates who will oversee skills development and knowledge transfer. ” he said.
The President Lungu also expressed concern that despite the presence of some companies in the pharmaceutical sector in the nation, Pharmaceutical products were still being imported.
“Zambian’s continue to have a yawning market which needs to be exploited for more investment in the pharmaceutical industry. I wish therefore to urge potential investors to take advantage of the Multi Facility Zone facilitated by My government, to invest in the pharmaceutical industry. ” He said.
“It is also worth noting that a viable pharmaceutical industry in Zambia in Particular and Africa as a whole will impact significantly on the Health system in the African Continent. This will enable effective response to our people’s health needs and will also contribute to Africa’s overall Social- Economic development.” He added.
The President further announced that his Government in collaboration with the European Union was supporting the Zambia Medicines regulatory authority (ZAMRA) to construct the National quality control laboratory.
He stated that once operational, the National quality control laboratory would not only ensure quality medicines but would also provide easier access to the facility by local manufacturing industries.
“It is also worth noting that the process of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Recognition and ISO certification for quality assurance for this project is already ongoing. I urge the Minister of Health to ensure that this process is expedited. ” He said.
the President Lungu made an assurance that his Government was committed to the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry.
“In this regard, government is currently in dialogue with the United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) to support our country in providing a technical framework aimed at improving access to quality and affordable essential medicines.” said the President.
President Lungu stated that his Government remained resolute to ensuring increased availability and access to safe, efficacious and quality medicines to its people.
“It is for that reason that we have increased the budgetary allocation for essential medicines and medical supplies under the Ministry of Health from K769 Million in 2017 to K1. 2 Billion in 2018.” He said.
And Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said President Lungu has shown commitment to the transformational agenda of the health sector.
And Kingphar Zambia Limited Chief Executive Officer Wang Shunxue said he is ready to work with the ministry of health to improve the sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said Kingphar will employ more than 200 Zambian staff and enable government to collect tax worth 6 million dollars per year.
Lusaka province Minister Bowman Lusambo said the level of investment in the country is due to the good leadership and policies that president Lungu has shown in the few years he has been in power.
Also Chongwe Member of Parliament Japhen Mwakalombe in whose constituency the pharmaceutical is located thanked President Lungu for the unprecedented investment undertaken in Chongwe.
President Edgar Lungu receives a gift from Kingphar Zambia Limited General Manager Mr.Wang Shunxue during the commissioning of the Pharmaceutical Plant in LusakaPresident Edgar Lungu unveils a plaque to officially Commission a Pharmaceutical plant while Kingphar Zambia Limited General Manager Mr.Wang Shunxue looks on in LusakaPresident Edgar Lungu tours the Kingphar Pharmaceutical factory at Lusaka East Multi facility Economic zonePresident Edgar Lungu tours the Kingphar Pharmaceutical factory at Lusaka East Multi facility Economic zonePresident Edgar Lungu tours the Kingphar Pharmaceutical factory at Lusaka East Multi facility Economic zone
Zambia’s Ambassador to the U.S Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula
The Zambian Embassy in Washington D.C has started processing applications for Dual Citizenship for Zambians living in the United States of America. Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula S.C., made the announcement at the launch of the Association of Zambians in Dallas and Fort-Worth Texas. Dr. Simbyakula said the Embassy has received Bestowal of Citizenship application forms (Form VII) from Lusaka to facilitate restoration of Citizenship for citizens who lost their Zambian citizenship upon acquisition of citizenship of another country.
Dr. Simbyakula explained that the essence of Article 39(I) of the Constitution was that a citizen shall not lose citizenship by acquiring citizenship of another country.
“I am happy to announce that the application process is now in place and applicants can present themselves for a Consular interview at the Embassy, complete the forms and pay a processing fee of US$30.00. The Mission will then forward the completed form to the Passport Office in Lusaka together with the applicant’s previous Passports and National Registration Cards,” said Dr. Simbyakula.
The Ambassador said that after the Citizenship Board approves the application, a letter will be sent back to the Embassy, where applicants will be required to complete an Oath of Allegiance and pay five thousand Kwacha (K5, 000) or Dollar equivalent for the Certificate of Bestowal. Dr. Simbyakula further said the Oath of Allegiance and receipt for payment shall be forwarded to the Passport Office for issuance of Certificate of Bestowal. The Certificate of Bestowal will then be forwarded to the Mission for onward transmission to the applicants.
However, Dr. Simbyakula pointed out that Zambian missions have no mandate to issue or replace National Registration Cards (NRCs) as these are only issued in Zambia. “An applicant must travel to Zambia with relevant information to show that one is Zambian,” he said.
Dr. Simbyakula commended the Executive Committee of the Association for bringing together the Zambian family in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“We are proud of the way you are supporting each other and building the image of our country Zambia. You are our first-line ambassador and in whatever you do, you represent Zambia. Be it in your work, in your studies, in your interactions with others, whatever you do has a reflection on Zambia. Continue to abide by the laws, rules and regulations of the host country. Above all, teach our children well. Let them no go astray,” he said.
The Ambassador also encouraged Zambians in the U.S. to register with the Embassy so that in case of anything, the Mission would be able to account for each and every Zambian.
Meanwhile, President of the Association of Zambians in Dallas and Fort Worth, Joyce Chibwe thanked Dr. Simbyakula for officially launching the Association. Ms. Chibwe said the Association has been registered in accordance with the Texas civil statues as a nonprofit organization.
This is the first among the Associations of Zambians in the U.S. that Dr. Simbyakula has interacted with, since he assumed office in November 2017. The meeting was also attended by Zambia’s former Ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika who is in the U.S. on a private visit.
First Lady Esther Lungu presents sanitary towels to Da Gama school for physically challenged pupil Rose Njobvu during a donation at Da Gama school in LuanshyaFirst Lady Esther Lungu greets Catholic nuns on arrival at Da Gama School for physically changed for an Outreach Programme for Persons with disabilitiesFirst Lady Esther Lungu being welcomed by Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda on arrival at Da Gama School for physically changed for an Outreach Programme for Persons with DisabilitiesFirst Lady, Esther Lungu, interacts with 7 year old Da Gama School Grade One learner, Blessings Shawa, when she visited the school in LuanshyaFirst Lady, Esther Lungu, interacts with 7 year old Da Gama School Grade One learner, Blessings Shawa, when she visited the school in LuanshyaFirst Lady, Esther Lungu, interacts with 7 year old Da Gama School Grade One learner, Blessings Shawa, when she visited the school in LuanshyaFirst Lady, Esther Lungu speaks at Da Gama School for physically challenged children when she visited the school in LuanshyaFirst Lady, Esther Lungu, talks to 5 year old Ketura Kalatiya when she arrived at South Downs Airport in Kalulushi on
Kalulushi Mayor, Rashida Mulenga (right) welcomes First Lady, Esther Lungu, at South Downs Airport in Kalulushi on Monday while Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe looks onFirst Lady, Esther Lungu, arrives at South Downs Airport in Kalulushi on Monday. With her are Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe (right) and Kalulushi Mayor, Rashida Mulenga.First Lady, Esther Lungu, at South Downs Airport in Kalulushi on Monday.First Lady Esther Lungu interacts with pupils at Da Gama School for physically Challenged during an Outreach Programme for persons with disabilities in LuanshyaFirst Lady Esther Lungu receives a bouquet of flowers from Blessings Shawa
Mr Kambwili at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa this morning before leaving for Ndola.
Police have detained National Democratic Congress NDC Political Consultant Chishimba Kambwili upon arrival from South Africa where he went for medical treatment.
NDC National Chairperson for Security Menyani Zulu has confirmed the development.
Mr Zulu said Mr. Kambwili is being held in one of the holding rooms at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe international airport.
The NDC consultant was intercepted by state police and immigration officers as he arrived from South Africa.
Dr. Kambwili was in South Africa for his scheduled medical check up.
According to Mr. Zulu, police at the airport say they are waiting for instructions from higher authorities on how to proceed over Dr. Kambwili’s detention.
Pix: Mr Kambwili at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa this morning before leaving for Ndola.
A 30 year old man of Lusaka has committed suicide by poisoning himself and two children in a Lodge in Matero township.
Police say a worker at a named lodge in Matero Township reported that unknown adult male person aged between 30-35 years accompanied by two children a boy and a girl booked a room on Tuesday 19th March around 22:00 Hours.
“In the evening of 20thMarch, 2018 around 20:00hrs, the members of staff at the lodge noticed that the guests were not coming out despite knocking on the door several times. Then one of them peeped through the keyhole and saw the man gasping. It was at this point that they reported the matter to Matero Police Station,” Police Deputy Spokesman Godfrey Chilabi said.
“Upon arrival, police officers entered the room and found that the children were dead. Their father who was found gasping was rushed to the hospital where he later died. In the room, Police officers found three empty bottles of pesticide, torn documents and two cell phones submerged in water,” he said.
Mr Chilabi said from the initial findings so far, police suspect that the man administered some toxic pesticides on the children and later committed suicide.
“However,further investigation have been imstituted.The deceased have been identified by relatives as Joe Tembo aged 30 and his children Fernando a boy aged 3 and Shamie a girl aged 6 residents of Emmasdale in Lusaka,” he said.
The bodies are lying in the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Transparency International Zambia demanded that the Auditor General should undertake a special audit of the Presidential travels and the associated imprest and other resources allocated.
TIZ President Reuben Lifuka said it is imperative that the Auditor General gives a measure of comfort that public resources allocated for Presidential travels have not been abused but put to good use and are fully accounted for.
Mr. Lifuka has also requested the Secretary to the Treasury and all relevant authorities should give a full account of all Presidential Trips in the last three years.
He said the breakdown should give a clear indication of any reports received for unauthorised and wasteful expenditure.
Mr. Lifuka said further, information should be provided on sanctions and disciplinary measures taken against all erring officers.
The TIZ President was reacting to revelations that President Edgar Lungu’s foreign trips are characterized with reckless expenditure.
Mr. Lifuka stated that President Lungu should provide both moral and political leadership and ensure that all these allegations of unauthorised and wasteful expenditure, including outright abuse of resources during presidential trips, are fully investigated and actions taken against all those who may be found wanting.
“Fiscal discipline and good financial stewardship should start with the President, and he needs to demonstrate this by firstly streamlining the number of foreign trips taken and secondly, drastically cutting back on the size of his delegations,” Mr. Lifuka said in a statement.
Some Lusaka residents under the Chalimbana River Headwaters Conservation Trust have petitioned President Edgar Lungu over fears that developments on one of the few aquifers in Lusaka will lead to the depletion of groundwater resources in the capital city.
Kingsland City located adjacent to Zambia Air Force Twin Palm Base along Twin Palm Road is being developed via a public private partnership between government through ZAF, and three developers, namely; Datong Construction, Drimtown Investments, and Shangria Investments for facility concessions ranging from 20 to 28 years.
Kingsland City, set on 583 hectares of land, will have mixed-use facilities such as hotels, a world class university, conference center, housing, sports complex, amusement park, vehicle service stations, shopping malls, golf course, and ZAF Academy and Messes among others.
The project is estimated at US$1.4 billion.
During construction phase, over 2, 000 jobs will be created.
But residents of Lusaka’s Chalimbana area have petitioned President Lungu to immediately stop the development as it is encroaching on a Forest Reserve No. 27 which is the source of the main recharge area for the Chalimbana River system.
They contended that the Chalimbana River system is critical to the socio-economic livelihood of the Chongwe and Chalimbana river catchment area.
The residents have since asked President Lungu to take measures to protect and conserve Lusaka East Forest Reserve No. 27 by ordering the immediate stop to the illegal construction of Kingsland City Project by ZAF.
They have also petitioned President Lungu to cancel and reserve Statutory Instrument No. 62 of 2017 altering the boundaries of Lusaka East Forest Reserve No. 27.
The residents also want President Lungu to order the immediate stop to further additional developments within the boundaries of Local Forest No. 27 Lusaka East as defined in SI No. 161 of 1996.
The petition to President Lungu follows a letter the residents had written to Attorney General Likando Kalaluka last September threatening to sue government for encroaching on a forest reserve where the Zambia Air Force has built staff houses and another developer is turning the land into an affluent suburb. Kingsland City under construction
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Lands and dated September 12, 2017, H.H Ndhlovu and Company stated that their clients, Chalimbana River Headwaters Trust, were shocked that the construction of Kingsland project had begun without an approved environmental assessment.
“The area where the Zambia Air Force houses have been constructed on Twin Palm Road, as well as the location of the recently commenced Kingsland City Project, also on Twin Palm Road is within the Local Forest Reserve No. 27 and there is no record of any legal process that has been undertaken to degazette that forest and change its land use. The Kingsland project as you are aware is a huge project involving multi-purpose activities including housing, hospital, school and various other social and recreational activities. It is further alarming to note that the Kingsland Project has commenced without an approved environmental assessment as required under the Environmental Management Act of 2011 and it is therefore illegal,” H.H Ndhlovu and Company stated.
“The community has thereby been denied the right to participate in environmental decision making as required by law. The activities currently taking place are not only a breach of Zambia’s commitments to regional protocols but also pose a danger to the integrity of the Chalimbana Catchment area and the entire local ecosystem. The result of the activities will lead to irreparable damage to the local environment and the Chalimbana River and its tributaries and is a complete abrogation of the intended purpose for protection of the forest by law. As it stands now, the Chalimbana River has already been contaminated by sewage from the ZAF Twin Palm housing estate. This causes a grave risk of dysentery, typhoid, cholera and other communicable diseases to the riparian community along Chalimbana River and especially the people of Chieftainess Nkomeshya’s area.”
The law firm stated that its clients were shocked by the activities which were going on in the forest.
“The brief history of the local forest is that it was gazzetted as a local forest in order to use it exclusively for conservation so that the land is protected and to protect water supplies in the local area. Studies have also shown that Local Forest Reserve No. 27 is a recharge area for the Chalimbana River and its tributaries and as such is a very important forest. Further, the forest is located within the Lower Zambezi River Basin which is covered under the SADC and Zambezi River Commission protocols to which Zambia is a party. In addition, Zambia under its commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) Paris Agreement under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) has been using forests including Forest Reserve 27 to sequester the emission of greenhouse gasses. This was even referred to by President Edgar Lungu when he addressed the United Nations Secretariat in September last year. Our clients have therefore been perturbed at the activities that are taking place in the local forest,” read the letter.
“You may wish to know that in 1983 the forest was degazetted to be used for munitions training by the defence forces. However, the local community noticed that there was almost total destruction of the forest as a result of encroachment and deforestation taking place due to the degazetting. The small holder farmers and residents organized and signed a petition demanding that the President re-gazette the forest reserve so that it could be saved from destruction. It should be noted that a total of over 2,500 petitioners throughout the Chalimbana River Catchment Area signed the petition. The petitioners gave very clear reasons why they were petitioning. Then President [Fredrick] Chiluba listened to the demands and reasons given by the petitioners and the local community. The President, through his Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Hon William Harrington ordered the re-gazetting of Local Forest Reserve No. 27 by Statutory Instrument No. 196 of 1996. We are advised by our clients that the local community, local small holder farmers and the environmental civil society organizations had even resorted to a costly public interest litigation which ended up in the Supreme Court in order to save the forest.”
H.H Ndhlovu and Company also stated that the Chalimbana community was shocked to learn that government had published a statutory instrument which aimed to reduce the boundaries of the forest.
“It is also important to note that Forest Reserve No 27 is one of the only two remaining open green spaces in Lusaka for Education, heritage and its invaluable ecosystem services as shown in the studies that have been made. The above being the case our clients have been alarmed to discover that in addition to the illegal activities already taking place in the local forest, government has now promulgated Statutory Instrument No. 62 of 2017, the aim of which is to further reduce the area of the Forest Reserve No. 27. This alteration will consequently reduce the effectiveness of the original purpose of the said forest reserve which has been fought for by the local community, shareholder farmers and all those concerned with the protection of our environment,” read the letter.
The law firm stated that it had instructions to begin legal proceedings if all developmental activities currently and intended to be undertaken were not halted.
“Our instructions are to request government to stop all developmental activities currently and intended to be undertaken in the forest. The Chalimbana River Headwaters Conservation Trust has submitted an application to the Forest Department for Community Forest management of Local Forest Reserve No. 27 pursuant to Section 29(1)(c) and (4) of the Forest Act 2015. The Forest Department has since acknowledged receipt of the Trust’s application confirming that modalities for the setting up of the forest management committees is being worked on further to which the committee will be established. Our clients instructions are that should the current and planned destruction of Local Forest No. 27 proceed beyond the next four days, then our further instructions are to commence action in the courts of law,” read the letter.
Engineering is often seen as a profession firmly entrenched in a man’s world, but Namakau Chinkuka is more than just surviving, she’s thriving in the male-dominated field.
Firmly fighting against this stereotype, Ms Chinkuka is Proflight Zambia’s only female aircraft maintenance engineer, a role she describes as her true calling in life.
She has seen her career soar after landing a job with the country’s favourite airline.
“I love to work with my hands and engineering has always been an interest of mine since I was young,” Ms Chinkuka said.
She ensures that Proflight’s aircraft operate properly and safely. Ms Chinkuka makes repairs, inspects planes and finds solutions for any problem the airline’s fleet faces. Her role in the organisation is essential as Proflight takes immense pride in its Maintenance Organisation. Although Ms Chinkuka is the only licensed female engineer, Proflight also has a number of women working in the Planning department plus several others undergoing training as engineers.
Ms Chinkuka joined Proflight in 2015 soon after she graduated from the Zambia Air Services Training Institute (ZASTI). While she was excited to practice her engineering skills, she found her job initially challenging but she quickly adjusted.
The trials she faced initially did not deter her, but instead spurred her on to work harder to prove herself. And she soon blended in with her male workmates.
“I’m thankful that my colleagues don’t see gender, they see me as one of the guys. Sometimes the work is challenging but I really enjoy it,” Ms Chinkuka added.
She particularly enjoys working for Proflight: “I like it that the company gave me the opportunity to do what I love. They have provided me with the chance to practice my craft and given me many opportunities to become better. I attend a lot of training sessions which is good because I’m growing all the time.”
International Women’s Day was on March 8 and the 2018 theme was #PressForProgress. This meant a lot to Ms Chinkuka as she belongs to a profession which sees few women flourish.
“I love Women’s Day. It’s a day that we celebrate women’s achievements and how far we have come,” she said.
“I felt this year’s theme resonated with me because I would not be able to be doing what I’m doing now if it wasn’t for the opportunities currently available to me that would once have been denied because I am a woman. The fact that I am a female engineer shows progress has been made and I’m excited to see more advancement.”
In the future Ms Chinkuka hopes to see many women take up male-dominated jobs such as engineering: “People think fields like engineering are for men and women would not be good at it, but that is not true. Women can do anything and if you want to be an engineer – go for it.”
Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dora Siliya, MP
The Government has refuted claims that it awarded over three million hectares of land located at the south end border of the Kafue River in Chongwe District to Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited.
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya said the land in question, which is only 335.5 hectares.
Ms. Siliya added that the land was leased out to Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited on 1st May, 1994 for a term of ninety nine (99) years for agricultural use.
She said 24 years down the line, Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited applied to Lusaka Province Panning Authority for permission to change land use from agricultural to commercial.
“In line with Section 53 of the Urban and Regional Planning Act No.3 of 2015, Lusaka Province Panning Authority placed an advertisement in the print media to inform members of the public of the intention by Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited to change land use. Nonetheless, when Lusaka Province Panning Authority placed a bill board in Chongwe District to notify members of the public in that area of Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited’s intention to change land use, they inadvertently left out a point on the figure of hectares,” explained Ms. Siliya.
She said this has caused members of the public to conclude that Government had sold over 3 million hectares of Land to Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited when the actual hectarage is just 333.5, which was leased out to Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited in 1994 for a period of 99 years.
“Government regrets the inconvenience this misinformation has caused to the people of Chongwe District and beyond. I wish to advise members of the public to clarify or verify facts at the relevant offices to have a correct position on the issue. Members of the public are, further, advised that Government has never and will not interfere with land administration in the country,” she said.
But a copy of the tittle deeds issued in 1994 obtained in Lusaka showed that the amount of land issued to Dingles Kafue River Lodge is 335.5470 and not 335.5 hectares as claimed by Ms. Siliya.
The same 335.5470 hectares is indicated in the advertisement placed in the Zambia Daily Mail in a public notice on the change of land use from agriculture to commercial.
The same 335.5470 hectares is also indicated on the Billboard to notify members of the public in Chongwe that Dingles Kafue River Lodge Limited’s intended to change land use.
The development has riled Chongwe residents who have revealed that the project if allowed to proceed will displace 12 villages in Chongwe which will leave thousands of people homeless.
Public Notice on change of land use by Dingles Kafue River LodgeTitle Deeds issued to Dingles Kafue River Lodge
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo on a familiarization tour of City Market Market and part of Lusaka CBD
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo says he has no regrets over his actions which led to his 30 day suspension from Parliament.
On Tuesday, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini ordered Mr. Lusambo to leave the House after the House resolved that he be suspended for 30 days for his inappropriate conduct within the precincts of Parliament last October when he slapped Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili.
But Lands Minister Jean Kapata survived a seven days suspension for unbefitting behaviour for pouring water on Mr Kambwili but the House, after an electronic voting, resolved to keep her in the House.
But in a Facebook post, Mr Lusambo said he does not regret his actions.
“With respect to my suspension from Parliament announced by the Honourable Mr Speaker, i wish to state that I have accepted the decision of the members. However, I wish to state that I have no regrets over my actions as they were driven by strong principles to defend the Republican Constitution and the Republican President,” he said.
“I also believe that there is nothing to reflect upon following my suspension because it is far better to die for a principle than to allow disgruntled, desperate and visionless politicians abuse the President through unsubstantiated allegations.”
He added, “As a Member of Parliament and Minister, I swore to protect the Constitution and took an oath and pledged my total loyalty to His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and I will continue to do so inside or outside the House. To the great people of Kabushi, I wish to reassure you that I will continue representing your interests as I have always done from the day I walked into Parliament. I will use the 30 days to reengage further with you as we push for development in our beloved constituency,” said Mr Lusambo.
But Mr Kambwili has asked President Lungu to fire Mr Lusambo because he is not apologetic.
“I am glad I have been vindicated and the pathological liar that saw it fit to turn the grounds of parliament into a boxing ring has been put to shame. President Lungu posterity and the morality you spoke highly about in parliament last week must drive you to fire this man, he is becoming more and more of an embarrassment as time goes on, it is frightening to know that this is the man who welcomes all foreign heads of states and various diplomatic dignitaries,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said Zambia and Kabushi deserve far much better.
Mr Kambwili hopes that the police can now step in and arrest this man for assault, something he denied to the whole nation with impunity.
“I am not surprised that the MMD die hard is unapologetic nor remorseful because that’s his nature. Honestly what do the young people of this country have to look up to in a man that can lie through his teeth irrespective of his high position in society?”
“What a shame, what a shame indeed. In a week where President Lungu has been given enough evidence of Bowman’s gross indispline that continues to have a negative impact on the already bleak legacy of President Lungu. The whole country strongly believes that the president will now surely terminate his services to at least save himself from this embarrassment,” Mr. Kambwili said.
