The long awaited Zampalm out grower scheme project in Kanchibiya district of Muchinga Province has finally taken off.
Government through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has injected in an initial K1 million to support the Zampalm out grower scheme project in the region.
Over 2,000 small scale farmers in Senior Chief Kopa and Chief Kabinga will benefit from the Zampalm out grower scheme project during the 2018/2019 farming season.
Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba yesterday visited selected small scale farmers in Senior Chief Kopa’s area who have benefited from the Zampalm out grower scheme project.
Dr. Kalumba told ZANIS after a conducted tour of the palm tree fields that he is happy that the project has finally taken off.
Dr. Kalumba said the project is meant to uplift the living standards of the local people, adding that it will also boost the production of crude palm oil at Kopa Palm Oil Processing Mill, as well as contribute to the economic growth of the province and ultimately Zambia as a whole.
The Provincial Permanent Secretary added that the country is positioning itself to be a major supplier of palm crude oil in the region, saying this support to the Zampalm oil out grower scheme project, is a step in the right direction.
And Senior Chief Kopa of the Bisa speaking people has commended government for implementing the Zampalm out grower scheme project.
The traditional leader said the project will expand the fortunes in his chiefdom due to its already existing rich natural resources.
He said that last year he visited Uganda where a similar project is being implemented and saw the impact that the project has had on the lives of that country’s local people.
Senior Chief Kopa has since urged his subjects to make use of the 3 year project and see to it that the aim of the project, which is to expand the plantation of more palm trees across the region, is realised.
Zampalm was incorporated in 2009 following Zambeef’s acquisition of Zamanita Limited in order to develop an oil palm plantation and crushing mill in Zambia as a continuation of its strategy of vertical integration.
About 70 percent of Zambia’s edible oil consumption of approximately 120,000 Metric Tonnes per annum is imported as finished edible oil from East Africa and South Africa.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo and Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya cleaning during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue Roundabout
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has called on secretaries across the country to commit to duty and uphold professionalism during their execution of national duty.
Mr Lusambo said it is only through hard work and upholding of professionalism that one is able to help enhance productivity in a workplace.
He further advised secretaries working in various institutions across the country to ensure they report for work on time, and maintain the confidentiality embedded in the company policy.
“I do not condone late coming as it retards development in any organisation, and also good and trained secretaries are innovative in their work, they do not just sit idle waiting to be given what to do,” he reiterated.
The Provincial Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chongwe District Commissioner Frazer Musonda at the Secretary of the year contest held at the New Government Complex in Lusaka, under the theme Professional Secretary-the Indispensable Assistant.
Mr Lusambo noted that such competitions were necessary, in that they help secretaries sharpen and improve their interpersonal skills through exchange of ideas and experiences.
He also encouraged the secretaries to be innovative in their line of duty, and not just limit themselves but should however endeavour to adopt new methods of work through the use of Information Communication and Technologies (ICTs).
And Professional Secretaries Association of Zambia Matakala Mubuku says professional secretaries must be given the due recognition for playing a critical role in office management.
She said her Association attaches great importance to the contest whose main objective is to mould secretaries into professionals, through various tasks and extensive examination.
President Edgar Lungu cleaning during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue Roundabout
President Edgar Lungu is concerned that some politicians are still politicking since the last general elections in 2016 instead of embracing concerted efforts to take the country forward. President Lungu said that Zambia’s interests are bigger than anybody and must prevail above self-ambitions.
The President also also called on Zambians to stop tearing one another apart and uphold national unity.
President Lungu was speaking in Lusaka today during the Cavendish University Zambia Keeping Zambia -clean, green and health Campaign Cleaning Exercise at Lusaka’s Down Town Area.
President Lungu emphasized that the Keep Zambia Clean, green and health campaign must outlive him and the Patriotic Front government.
At the same function Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale praised President Lungu for actively spearheading the campaign. Mr. Mwale observed that the President is always available at several Keep Zambia Clean, green and health campaign -cleaning exercises.
Meanwhile Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo was delighted that Zambians including the private sector are embracing the campaign.
And Cavendish University Zambia -Vice Chancellor Kalombo Mwansa reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to participate regularly in the Keep Zambian Clean campaign-cleaning exercises.
President Edgar Lungu cleaning during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue RoundaboutLusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo and Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya cleaning during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue RoundaboutPresident Edgar Lungu and Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya cleaning during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue RoundaboutCavendish University Vice Chancellor Dr. Kalombo Mwansa flanked by Cavendish University Council Chairperson Dr. Overs Banda confers with President Edgar Lungu during the Cavendish University Keep Zambia Clean, Health and Green at Kafue Roundabout
The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development has completed the countrywide distribution of ICT business equipment to youths in 60 districts.
Ministry Spokesperson Kennedy Mukupa said the Ministry is actively implementing the ICT Business Empowerment Scheme for young people in the country.
Mr. Mukupa told ZANIS in an interview today that the ministry remains keen to empowering youths country wide in Information and Communication Technology (ICTs), adding that it is the ministry’s desire to see to it that more youths benefit from the programme.
He disclosed that the project is one of the quick win projects for young people as outlined in the 2015 National Youth Policy.
“Yes I can confirm that we have finished the distribution of ICT equipment to the youths in 60 districts in the country. We chose six districts per Province and that was successfully implemented,” he stressed.
Early this year, the Ministry Of Youth, Sport and Child Development embarked on the ICT Business Empowerment Scheme aimed at empowering youths from 60 districts.
The identified youth cooperatives was each provided with 5 desk tops, a printer and an internet connector, to enable them establish a business center and youths with interest in ICT have since applied to be a part of the empowerment programme through the various Provincial offices countrywide.
The Zambia Airports Cooperation Limited has pledged to provide continued support to the vulnerable groupings in society.
Zambia Airports Cooperation Limited Board Chairperson Melingo Lungu says his firm has a huge responsibility of executing its corporate social responsibility to institutions and individuals within which it operates.
This came to light when the cooperation donated assorted items to Chinkuli Primary School in Chongwe district, comprising of desks, text books and notebooks.
Mr. Lungu notes that education is one of the firms focus area of support hence, making a donation of assorted learning materials worth K70, 000, in order to ensure that no child is left behind in the provision of service delivery.
Meanwhile, Chinkuli Primary School Head Master Pardon Chisanga has commended the gesture from Zambia Airports Cooperation Limited, saying it will greatly benefit the school which was founded in 1945.
Mr. Chisanga said the school has been grappling with several challenges such as lack of desks, houses for teachers and lack of a teaching workforce.
He explained that the school only has 15 teachers out of its establishment of 32, against the pupil population of 1,380.
And School Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairperson Thebulo Watson said the support rendered by the Zambia Airports Cooperation will stand a test of time in the history of the school.
Mr. Watson urged other stakeholders to emulate this kind gesture and consider rendering more aide to the school.
President Edgar Lungu at the Zambia Medical Association Annual Ball and Awards Gala at Mulungushi International Conference Centre
President Edgar Lungu has challenged medical personal in the country to take advantage of the improvement recorded in the health sector, to improve service delivery to the public.
President Lungu says government has provided an enabling environment and improved conditions of service for all medical professionals, in an effort to make access to quality health care services attainable for all Zambians, regardless of their status in society.
Mr. Lungu adds that to this effect, his administration will continue to invest and equip the sector with both modern equipment and adequate and qualified health care workers, to cater for all the health facilities in the country.
The Head of State said this in Lusaka last night when he officiated at the Zambia Medical Association (ZAM) gala dinner.
President Lungu adds that the establishment of the Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery, which trains doctors in specialised fields within the country is a milestone which government is intending to use in addressing issues of brain drain among medical personnel, thereby reducing the cost of referring patients abroad for specialised treatment.
He has also thanked the medical staff in the country, for their continued dedication to duty as seen through the recently successful operations such as the kidney transplant, the separation of the conjoined twins and some cardiac operations that were done locally.
President Lungu further pointed out that government will continue to use the multi sectoral approach in addressing all health care concerns like the increase in non-communicable diseases.
He however expressed displeasure that the country has continued to record an increase in non-communicable diseases, saying this is a situation that can be avoided if only people change they lifestyle and embraced physical exercise, while eating healthy foods.
Earlier Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya praised government for priotising the health sector in all its investments, adding that the move has helped the country record progress towards achieving universal access to health care for all Zambians.
And Zambia Medical Association (ZAM) President Abidon Chansa thanked government for the various strides made, aimed at improving the service delivery in the health sector.
Dr. Chansa cited the recently introduced health care insurance bill, construction of a nuclear plant, upgrading of clinics, hospitals and the increase in recruitment levels as some of the developments that have assisted in improving health care service delivery to members of the public.
At the same event ZMA awarded President Lungu with a ZMA special recognition award for his contribution to the advancements in the health sector.
One attorney said 1970s memos that have surfaced due to recent lawsuits are “on par with key docs uncovered in the tobacco litigation.”
A Reuters investigation published Friday charges that Johnson & Johnson, a multi-billion dollar company known for its healthcare products, knew for decades that its iconic talcum baby powder “was sometimes tainted with carcinogenic asbestos,” but concealed the information from regulators and the public.
Asbestos, “the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers,” has been used in North America’s automotive, construction, and shipbuilding industries since the late 1800s, according to the National Cancer Institute. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that “all types of asbestos cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs).”
Because asbestos sometimes occurs in the earth along with talc, contamination is possible. Reuters—along with attorneys for more than 11,000 plaintiffs currently suing Johnson & Johnson, claiming the company’s products caused their cancer—examined memos, internal reports, and other confidential documents as well as deposition and trial testimony.
That mountain of evidence, according to Reuters, revealed
that from at least 1971 to the early 2000s, the company’s raw talc and finished powders sometimes tested positive for small amounts of asbestos, and that company executives, mine managers, scientists, doctors, and lawyers fretted over the problem and how to address it while failing to disclose it to regulators or the public.
The documents also depict successful efforts to influence U.S. regulators’ plans to limit asbestos in cosmetic talc products and scientific research on the health effects of talc.
While, over the past two decades, some legal challenges claiming that Johnson & Johnson products were tainted with asbestos and caused cancer have been unsuccessful, three recent developments seem to signal a shift. A pair of cases in New Jersey and California saw significant awards for mesothelioma patients, and a “watershed” verdict in St. Louis expanded the company’s potential liability.
Outlining the St. Louis case, Reuters explained:
The 22 plaintiffs were the first to succeed with a claim that asbestos-tainted Baby Powder and Shower to Shower talc, a longtime brand the company sold in 2012, caused ovarian cancer, which is much more common than mesothelioma. The jury awarded them $4.69 billion in damages. Most of the talc cases have been brought by women with ovarian cancer who say they regularly used J&J talc products as a perineal antiperspirant and deodorant.
“When people really understand what’s going on,” said Mark Lanier, an attorney for one of the plaintiffs, “I think it increases J&J’s exposure a thousand-fold.”
Johnson & Johnson, as Reuters noted, “has dominated the talc powder market for more than 100 years, its sales outpacing those of all competitors combined… And while talc products contributed just $420 million to J&J’s $76.5 billion in revenue last year, Baby Powder is considered an essential facet of the healthcare-products maker’s carefully tended image as a caring company—a ‘sacred cow,’ as one 2003 internal email put it.”
Another attorney who’s not tied to the cases against Johnson & Johnson concluded on Twitter that the 1970s memos mentioned in Reuters‘ report are “on par with key docs uncovered in the tobacco litigation.”
Johnson & Johnson, meanwhile, has vowed to appeal all verdicts against it and maintains that its products are safe. The company’s vice president of global media relations, Ernie Knewitz, wrote in an email to Reuters:
Plaintiffs attorneys out for personal financial gain are distorting historical documents and intentionally creating confusion in the courtroom and in the media… This is all a calculated attempt to distract from the fact that thousands of independent tests prove our talc does not contain asbestos or cause cancer. Any suggestion that Johnson & Johnson knew or hid information about the safety of talc is false.
Following the report, the publicly traded company’s shares plummeted by more than 11 percent.
Mongu District Commissioner Susiku Kamona (l) cuts the ribbon as Social Cash Transfer Manager Bernadette Malungo (r) looks on during the flagging off of the Social Cash transfer scheme
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Mongu District Commissioner Susiku Kamona (r) pays the Social Cash Transfer Beneficiaries during the flagging off of the Social Cash transfer scheme
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President Edgar Chagwa Lungu greets Bible Society Member Emily Nkhoma at State House where he renewed his Membership as the Patron of Bible Society of Zambia at State House
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President Edgar Chagwa Lungu poses for a photograph with a delegation from Bible Society of Zambia, Minister of Religious Affairs,Godfridah Sumaili and other State House Officials
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President Edgar Lungu (R), Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili and Bible Society of Zambia Officials in prayer at State House during his renewal of membership as Patron of the Bible Society of zambia
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President Lungu receives a Bible from Bible Society of Zambia Board president Professor Edwin Zulu and Bible Society of Zambia General Secretary Dr Abraham Chikasa (L) at State House
Kalumbila Copper Mines has notified Government on its decision to lay off over One thousand miners due to the proposed new mining tax regime.
But government says it will not accept laying off of workers at Kalumbila Copper mine without justification.
Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko says the Ministry is in possession of a letter notifying government about the development.
She however said the notification did not highlight why the mine is incapacitated but just cited that it is because of the proposed mine taxes.
Mrs. Simukoko said it is sad that whenever mine owners face challenges, they threaten government with redundancy, which should not be the case and that government will not take the issue lightly.
And in a separate interview with ZNBC News, Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said the current tax regime is the best and supports the plight of workers and government wants best for its people.
Mr. Mwakalombe said if reports that the Mines held a meeting with some unions today in Kitwe is unfortunate.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Simukoko has said the launch of the Vision Zero Campaign, which is intended to bring about zero accidents and health hazards in the work place, reflects the aspirations of the Patriotic Front government for the country’s workforce.
She says government recognises the need to deliver a vibrant social security system that protects citizens against poverty and destitution arising from employment related accidents and health hazards.
The minister said this in Livingstone during the launch of the Vision Zero campaign at the Avani Hotel in a speech delivered by Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary Barnaby Mulenga.
And, Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Nkumbula has noted that the Vision Zero has been aligned to the national Vision 2030.
Ms. Nkumbula says the compensation board desires to see fewer accidents in the workplace because this would entail less claims and more investment in the economy.
Amilak Investment has launched Electric Utility vehicles on the Zambian market.
Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska launched the Utility Vehicles in Lusaka with hope that they will promote government’s fundamentals of creating a Green Economy.
Dr. Msiska said the launch of the Electric Utility vehicles in Zambia, will stimulate the country’s industrialisation drive.
He says the introduction of electric vehicles will help reduce on the carbon emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.
And Amilak Investment Chief Executive Officer, Charles Kalima said Zambia will be the hub of the electric vehicles manufacturing in the SADC region.
Mr. Kalima said with the coming of the assembling plant at the Lusaka Multi-Facility Economic Zone, the company will be procuring locally all the raw materials for the vehicle.
And, OEM Chief Executive Officer Charles Sher said his company will work hand in hand with the Amilak Investment to help Zambia industrialize.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu with President Joseph Kabila during the Closing ceremony of SADC Summit in Namibia
President Lungu has said that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is gravely concerned at the deteriorating political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has therefore called upon the government to establish conditions for a free and fair election ahead of the December 23 polls.
This is according to a press statement released by Special Assistant to the president for Press and public relations, Amos Chanda.
After a series of consultations with other Heads of State over the past two days, President Lungu, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, says SADC is gravely concerned at the prevailing precarious political and security situation in the DRC ahead of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 23rd December, 2018.
“I wish to express my unwavering solidarity on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, with the Government and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and therefore call upon all stakeholders to work together and exercise tolerance,” President Lungu says.
The President states that for the DRC to hold peaceful, inclusive, transparent and successful elections, the government must ensure that all citizens are safe, all candidates are allowed free space to campaign, and that election materials are secure and accessible to all registered voters.
“Your Excellency, it is with great sadness that I learnt of the death and injuries of nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo due to some violence in Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi and Kalemie. The blatant destruction of electoral materials at a warehouse in Kinshasa, which gravely hinders efforts made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), is of grave concern,” President Lungu said in a letter to President Joseph Kabila today.
The Southern Development Community (SADC) expresses solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo in their endeavour to hold Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections on the 23rd of December 2018 and remain confident that a chance exists for the government to forestall an escalation in violence that claimed lives this week.
SADC notes the concerted efforts made by the Independent National Electoral Commission to prepare the logistics for holding successful elections within the mandated time frames but is gravely concerned at the destruction of electoral materials after the occurrence of a fire on 13th December 2018 at one of the central warehouses of CENI in Kinshasa.
“SADC is further concerned about the loss of life and destruction of property in the recent incidents of violence in Kalemie, Lubumbashi and Mbuji-Mayi.
SADC therefore calls on all political players to uphold the freedom of expression, assembly and unhindered campaigning, which are the hallmarks of the democratic exercise of the will of the people during this period.
SADC, in line with its revised Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, strongly urges all stakeholders, particularly leaders of political parties, civil society, media and law enforcement authorities, to continue promoting a culture of tolerance and restraint and ensure that the 23rd December elections are not only successful but also peaceful and transparent.
SADC wishes to further emphasize that the forthcoming elections represent a major milestone in the history of the DRC and are instrumental in establishing sustainable peace and political stability.
SADC further wishes to inform all stakeholders that the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) will continue to closely follow the electoral process and will report its observations to the relevant SADC political Organ in line with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2015).
“The elections are an essential requirement and important mechanism for peace, security and stability in DRC. Zambia therefore, calls on the various stakeholders to amicably resolve the prevailing political challenges and ensure that peace and stability are immediately restored,” President Lungu says.
Zambia values the Democratic Republic of Congo as a dear sister and strategic partner and will continue to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in efforts aimed at ensuring that peace and stability prevails in the DRC.
President spent most his day speaking to the presidents of Nambia, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana to push for efforts aimed promoting a credible electoral process ahead of the DRC crucial poll.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has observed that the ruling Patriotic Front is not living up to its promises to reduce the cost of living for the poor majority by increasing agricultural productivity, enhanced job creation and accelerated diversification of the economy.
The JCTR says this because the cost of living has remained high and is increasingly getting out of reach for low wage workers.
It says the November 2018 JCTR Basic Needs Basket (BNB) for a family of five living in Lusaka stood at K5,324.40 which was K7 more than the October BNB which stood at K5,317.95.
The centre says the most significant changes were noted in tea bags which increased by K5 from K79.5 in October to K84.4 in November per kg.
It says beef increased by K2 from K34 in October to K36 in November per kg, with sugar increasing by K1 from K25,42 to K26.36 per 2kg while tomatoes increased by K0.88 from K6.79 in November.
The JCTR notes that the gap between the cost of living and wages is mostly affecting the poor and vulnerable in society who are struggling to afford the basic needs of life.
It says it’s therefore important that wages and salaries in both the private and public sectors respond to the ever increasing high cost of living.
This the JCTR says will help cushion the vulnerable and poor from the adverse impacts of the high cost of living.
The JCTR is further urging the government to implement strategic programmes that will empower the majority of Zambians in terms of sustainable employment opportunities that ensure decent wages and dignity for all Zambians.
President Edgar Lungu has directed that the Zambia Correctional Services Headquarters be relocated from Lusaka to Kabwe by 1st January, 2019.
This is in accordance with Article 92 sub section 1 of the constitution of Zambia.
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo who announced the development at a media briefing said the President has found it necessary to relocate the Headquarters to ensure optimal utilisation of facilities already established in Kabwe and avoid a drain on national treasury by commencing the construction of new facilities in Lusaka.
Mr. Kampyongo said there is viable infrastructure in Kabwe which can be exploited to the full which include office infrastructure, Kalonga Milling plant, a well equipped garage and newly constructed 246 housing units among others.
He said Kabwe is strategically located in relation to the large scale agriculture projects being undertaken by the Zambia Correctional Service such as the Nansanga Farm in Serene, Chitwi Farm in Luanshya, Lubambala farm in Mpika and other farms across the country.
Mr. Kampyongo added that the presence of the Zambia Correctional Service Headquarters in Kabwe will contribute to the growth of the economy and the correctional service is poised to participate in the agriculture and industrial activities as directed by President Edgar Lungu.
He said the relocation of the Headquarters from Kabwe to Lusaka deprived the people of Kabwe and the province as a whole an institution critical to driving the economic activities of the country.
Mr. Kampyongo said the relocation of the Headquarters should therefore help foster economic activities of Kabwe and Central Province as a whole as the increased economic activities in the Service should impact positively in the lives of the people.
He said it is government’s desire that the Service is re positioned for successful involvement in industrial and agriculture production to contribute positively to the economy of the country.
Mr. Kampyongo said the Ministry of Home Affairs welcomes the relocation of the Zambia Correctional Service Headquarters back to Kabwe describing it as timely gesture which is a priceless Christmas and New year gift to the people of Kabwe and the Correctional Service Command.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in August 2015 relocated the headquarters of the Zambia Prisons Service from Kabwe to Lusaka.
THE Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has approved 22 cassava value chain projects worth K3 million for financing in four provinces of the country.
CEEC public relations and communications manager Mercy Khozi-Mwila said the projects, which form part of Government’s Industrialization and Job Creation Strstegy, included the production of cassava flour, paper glue, gari, cosmetics, stock feed, charcoal briquettes and marketing of cassava.
Ms Khozi-Mwila said the three provinces included Copperbelt, Lusaka, Northern and North-Western.
This is contained in a statement released in Lusaka.
“The commission has approved 22 cassava value chain projects worth K3 million for financing.
“The projects, which form part of Government’s Industrialization and Job Creation Strategy, include the production of cassava flour, paper glue, gari, cosmetics, stock feed, charcoal briquettes and marketing of cassava,” she said.
Ms Khozi-Mwila said of the 22 projects, 41 per cent belonged to women while 38 per cent were for youths and 21per cent were for men.
She said these projects fell under the Cassava Commercialisation component of the Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Project Supporting Women and Youths (SDEP-SWY), which was financed by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) to implement the commercialization of cassava at a cost of US$6 million.
The AfDB supported Project, SDEP-SWY, has a total of US$30 Million, which also targets to construct 10 Industrial Yards and provide support to Cassava Value Chain development in target districts of Mansa in Luapula Province, Kasama in Northern Province and Solwezi in Northwestern Province, with market development interventions extending to Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces as well.
