The Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has engaged East Consult Limited as the design engineer and construction supervisor for the much-anticipated upgrade of the 150-kilometer Kabwe-Ngabwe Road to bituminous standard.

Richard Njobvu, the lead engineer at East Consult Limited, has revealed that, in addition to the 150 kilometers earmarked for the main road, an extra 20 kilometers of township roads will be constructed in both Kabwe and Ngabwe districts.

Mr Njobvu said this when he paid a courtesy call on Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe, in Kabwe.

He emphasised that the extension is expected to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of life for residents in both Kabwe and Ngabwe districts.

Mr Njobvu further explained that the entire project is scheduled to run for 72 months saying the first six months have been allocated for the design phase, while the remaining period includes construction, as well as a 32-month defects liability period during which the contractor will address any issues that arise.

Meanwhile, Main Chama, the Provincial Roads Engineer for Central Province, stated that the assessment, design, and construction phases will proceed concurrently to maximise efficiency.

 Mr Chama assured citizens that the contractor will be announced shortly, allowing for immediate commencement of works while the consultant simultaneously provides design updates.

And Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, expressed satisfaction with the progress.

Dr Mwanakampwe, however, urged the RDA to ensure timely delivery of the project and that high-quality standards are met throughout the process.

 He emphasised that the Kabwe-Ngabwe Road project is a priority for the government and called for an end to the “business as usual” approach.

Dr Mwanakampwe also appealed to the RDA to expedite all construction activities relating to the upgrading of the Kabwe-Ngabwe Road, underscoring the project’s significance to the province and the nation at large.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwankampwe has underscored government’s commitment to easing tax compliance by reducing administrative hurdles and ensuring the country’s revenue collection processes are fair and transparent.

Dr Mwanakampwe says the government embarked on a critical reform to simplify and harmonize the country’s tax system through the proposed tax administration bill.

Speaking during a consultative meeting for the preparation of the 2027 national budget, the 2027-2029 medium term expenditure and the tax administration bill in Kabwe, he stressed the need to ease taxation to encourage taxpayers to meet their tax obligations.

Dr Mwankampwe also emphasized that the government remains committed to achieving macroeconomic stability and restoring fiscal debt sustainability.

He stated that this aligns with the goals outlined in the 8^th National Development Plan.

Dr Mwanakampwe said the national budget serves a critical instrument to propel the country towards shared aspirations and implementing the key agenda of the 8^th National Development Plan.

He said that the aspirations of the ambitious goals will be reached through strategic interventions and a laser focus on economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability and good governance.

The Executive Director of the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Gerald Chizinga, has cautioned the public to remain alert and prioritise product safety by purchasing goods only from trusted and reputable outlets.

‎Mr Chizinga emphasised the importance of reading product labels carefully, including checking manufacturing and expiry dates, as a way of protecting consumers’ health and safety.
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‎He encouraged members of the public to report any expired or suspicious products covered under compulsory standards to the Agency.
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‎He made the remarks today in Kitwe through a speech delivered on his behalf by ZCSA Regional Manager for Domestic Quality Monitoring North Manager, Maxwell Saili, during the official opening of a media engagement training for journalists from the Copperbelt Province.
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‎Mr Chizinga commended  journalists from the Copperbelt Province for ranking second after those from Lusaka Province in coverage of ZCSA activities and participation in the ZCSA Media Awards.
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‎“This achievement reflects your dedication to educating the public on compulsory standards and product safety. As journalists and media organizations, your platforms reach homes, businesses, and institutions across the country,” he said.
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‎He added that ZCSA is committed to working closely with the media to inform, educate, and empower citizens with knowledge that promotes consumer health and safety.
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‎Mr Chizinga  encouraged journalists to take part in the ZCSA Media Awards by submitting entries when the Agency opens submissions for the fourth edition of the awards in November.

Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, Wisdom Bwalya, is impressed with the level of progress made on the construction of Early Child Education (ECE) hubs and satellite centres in Isoka district in Muchinga Province.

Mr Bwalya said works on the World Bank-funded projects in Isoka are moving at a commendable pace compared to those in Chinsali district.

He stated that the community-led contractors who are engaged to undertake the projects have so far exhibited quality workmanship and are on schedule towards completing their assignments.

He explained that the painting of the structure and installation of electricity cables and water pipes is almost complete at Kampumbu ECE hub.

Mr Bwalya attributed the substantial progress made on the project to the commitment that the community has attached to the works.

“This is the most impressive project we have visited in Muchinga Province so far, because we have noticed that the school authorities and the community here are working together to ensure that this hub is completed,” he said.

Mr Bwalya was speaking when he inspected the Kampumbu primary school ECE hub in Isoka district.

The Permanent Secretary has meanwhile appealed to the contractor working on the Malango primary school satellite centre to expedite works despite making steady progress on the project.

And Isoka District Education Board Secretary, Belvin Mwale stated that the ECE centres in the district will help in the provision of equitable and inclusive education for learners in rural areas.

Mr Mwale said the timely completion of the centres in the district is crucial, as it will improve the quality of early learning in the area since pupils will be using modern education facilities.

“We are very happy that we have benefited from this project, and we will ensure that we closely supervise these projects so that they can be completed on time,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zambia Enhancing Early Learning (ZEEL) Projects Coordinator in the Ministry of Education, Martin Liwali, attributed the slow pace of works on other ECE hub projects in the area to limited labour force and procurement issues.

Mr Liwali stated that there is need to increase the labour force on the projects in order to help accelerate works before the end of June 2026.

He added that the delayed procurement process of materials is also another factor that has been inhibiting the completion of the education facilities in most of the areas which were visited.

Zambia United National Freedom Fighters Association Coordinator, Partwell Mhlanga, has urged citizens not to forget the sacrifices made by liberation heroes who fought for Africa’s freedom and independence.

ZANIS reports that speaking ahead of the commemoration of the Africa Freedom Day which falls on Monday, May 25, 2026, Mr Mhlanga said the commemoration should serve as a reminder to both young and old generations of the struggles endured by freedom fighters in securing liberation from colonial rule.

He said many liberation heroes sacrificed their lives, families and personal comfort in order to ensure that future generations enjoyed peace, unity and self-governance.

Mr Mhlanga also noted that Africa Freedom Day should not only be marked through celebrations but also through reflection on the values of patriotism, unity and hard work that guided the liberation struggle.

He stressed the need for young people to appreciate the importance of preserving the freedom that was fought for by promoting peace, respecting the rule of law and contributing positively to national development.

The freedom fighter further noted that unity among African nations remains key to achieving sustainable development and protecting the gains made since independence.

Mr Mhlanga also encouraged governments and stakeholders to continue educating younger generations about the history of Africa’s liberation struggle in order to keep the legacy of freedom fighters alive.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Champion and Democracy Specialist, Ngande Mwanajiti, notes that Africans should take a greater responsibility for the continent’s future by prioritising education, unity and democratic values as Africa commemorates Africa Freedom Day.

Mr Mwanajiti explained that the liberation struggle is a reminder that Africans must actively invest in the development of the continent through strong and inclusive education programmes.

He highlighted that education remains key to empowering citizens and preparing young people to compete effectively in the global arena, noting that Africa’s youthful population presents an opportunity for transformation if young people embrace education, uphold dignity and respect the rule of law.

Mr Mwanajiti further stressed that unity among African nations is critical in promoting peace, stability and development across the continent.

He encouraged countries to continue supporting each other through cooperation, loyalty and mutual respect in order to strengthen continental integration.

Mr Mwananjiti also emphasised the importance of safeguarding democratic governance and defending the achievements Africa has made since attaining freedom.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on citizens to turn up in large numbers to support his re-election nomination filing while urging them to remain orderly and respectful of other road users and members of the public.

Ahead of filing his nomination papers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, President Hichilema appealed to supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the event.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, the President encouraged citizens to attend the occasion but emphasized the importance of maintaining order.

“Tag that friend of yours and remind them it’s a big day for Bally today. Come in numbers. But please let’s be orderly, respect other road users and citizens,” he wrote.

He added: “Our journey for development continues.”

President Hichilema was elected Zambia’s Head of State in 2021 after five previous attempts at the presidency. He defeated the then-ruling Patriotic Front administration led by former President Edgar Lungu, securing nearly three million votes.

Several presidential aspirants have already filed their nominations ahead of the August 13 general elections, including Harry Kalaba, Fred M’membe, Kelvin Fube Bwalya and Brian Mundubile.

A 45-year- old businessman of Chipata District in Eastern Province has been arrested for possessing 22 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident to Zambia News Information and Services (ZANIS) in Chipata district, adding that the arrest was made yesterday, May 20, 2026.

Mr Mweemba said the suspect, Japhet Banda 45, was arrested on 20th May 2026 around 11:00 hours at Down Shops within Chipata district.

Brief facts of the matter are that a source trading at Down Shops in the area spotted a fellow fertilizer dealer in possession of unbranded bags of fertilizer and alerted the police.

Mr Mweemba explained that during interrogations, Banda revealed that on 16th May 2026 around 17:40hrs, his nephew, Joseph Shawa, informed him that a truck driver was selling bags of D-Compound fertilizer from a truck that had come from Lusaka.

“Banda sent money to his nephew and bought 22 bags of the suspected counterfeit fertilizer, which he kept at his shop for resale,” Mr Mweemba said.

The 22 bags have since been seized and are awaiting laboratory examination.

The suspect remains in police custody at Chipata Central Police Station pending further investigations.