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In a significant development for healthcare in Zambia, a shipment of bulk medicines and medical supplies procured from the Arab Republic of Egypt has arrived in the country. The official handover of these crucial medical resources took place at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) offices, with a speech delivered by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, Christopher Simoonga, on behalf of Health Minister Sylvia Masebo.
Minister Masebo emphasized that the procurement of these medicines represents the Zambian government’s steadfast commitment to providing quality healthcare to all of its citizens. These medicines and supplies are expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing drug supplies across the country.
The Health Minister took the opportunity to call upon healthcare workers and the general public to act responsibly and ensure the responsible use and safeguarding of these valuable resources. The delivery of these medical supplies is a critical step towards addressing healthcare challenges and improving the quality of medical services in the nation.
In attendance was the Egyptian Deputy Ambassador to Zambia, Noha Samir, who highlighted the significance of the drug supply as a symbol of the growing cooperation between the two countries. This procurement of essential medicines and medical supplies was made possible through the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) established by the Arab Republic of Egypt.
This much-anticipated arrival of bulk medicines and medical supplies represents a significant boost for Zambia’s healthcare sector and is expected to contribute to the enhanced availability and accessibility of medical resources for the benefit of the Zambian population.
In recent times, allegations of government harassment against former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu have stirred public debate and concern. These claims, coupled with warnings of potential turmoil in the country, have prompted Acting Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson,Hon Makozo Chikote to issue a statement denying any such harassment and setting the record straight on the treatment of the former President and his family.
Respect for the Former President:
The UPND government maintains that it has consistently respected and upheld the institution of the former President, as mandated by the country’s laws. This respect extends to various aspects of the former President’s status, including privileges and entitlements. The government’s stance aligns with established legal norms.
Immunity Privilege:
One of the key points the government emphasizes is that the immunity granted to former President Lungu is a privilege extended exclusively to him. This privilege does not apply to any of his family members. It is imperative to distinguish between the legal status of the former President and that of his relatives.
Due Process for All:
The statement emphasized the principle of equality before the law, stating that if any family member of the former President is suspected of wrongdoing, they, like any other citizen, are subject to investigation and other due legal processes. In this context, the rule of law prevails.
Commitment to Upholding the Rule of Law:
Furthermore, the government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all Zambian citizens, including the former President. The government considers itself bound to ensure that legal standards and principles are upheld, irrespective of one’s status, in the interests of justice and fairness.
An overnight manhunt for the gunman responsible for a terrorist attack in Brussels came to an end when police shot and killed the suspect. The attacker, suspected of killing two Swedish nationals, was apprehended at a cafe in the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek around 8:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Belgian authorities have been on high alert since the deadly attack occurred on Monday evening. During the attack, a man with an automatic rifle opened fire near Boulevard d’Ypres, just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the King Baudouin Stadium, where Belgium was playing Sweden in a Euro 2024 qualifier soccer match. This act of terror forced the match to be abandoned at half-time, and the stadium was evacuated, with fans being instructed to return home immediately.
The gunman claimed his actions were inspired by the Islamic State in a video posted on social media. He also mentioned the Swedish nationality of the victims as a probable motivation. In addition to his social media posts, the attacker had expressed support for the Palestinian people, leading Belgian officials to consider a potential link between the attack and the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Belgium’s national crisis center confirmed the suspect’s death following a police intervention. While efforts were made to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital later that morning. A military weapon was discovered at the cafe where the incident occurred.
The suspected gunman, a 45-year-old Tunisian man known as Abdesalem Al Guilani, had sought asylum in Belgium in November 2019, but his application was subsequently rejected. He had a history of legal issues in Belgium, including being known to authorities in connection with people-smuggling and illegal residence. The investigation into the attacker’s motivations is ongoing.
The attack, occurring as Belgium hosted Sweden in a soccer match, resulted in heightened security measures and the raising of the terror threat level to the highest level of 4. The French Interior Ministry also increased checks at the Franco-Belgian border in response to the situation.
Belgian officials have condemned the attack, with the country’s foreign minister, Hadja Lahbib, expressing their determination to combat radicalism and their condolences to the victims’ families and law enforcement.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. France recently deployed an additional 7,000 troops in response to a fatal stabbing incident that the French president, Emmanuel Macron, characterized as “barbaric Islamic terrorism.”
The shooting in Brussels has prompted discussions on border security and the need to bolster security measures across the European Union.
A 14-year-old boy of Jilayantenga village in Chadiza district of Eastern province was yesterday mauled to death by a huge crocodile in Nsadzu river.The Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Limpo Liywalii, confirmed this devastating incident in a statement.
The young victim was identified as Smart Banda, a resident of Jilayantenga village in Chief Mlolo’s area. According to Mr. Liywalii, the boy had ventured to the river to get a drink of water, accompanied by some friends. It was during this trip that the horrifying encounter with the crocodile took place.
As the crocodile attacked, Smart Banda suffered multiple wounds on his face and a fractured right arm, injuries sustained during the deadly struggle. His friends, who witnessed the terrifying incident unfold, immediately ran to alert the boy’s parents about the dire situation.
Following the distress call, local police and fire brigade officers were promptly dispatched to the scene. Their joint efforts led to the recovery of the boy’s body at around 17:30 hours.
Despite being well aware of the crocodile-infested waters in Nsadzu river, many local residents often underestimate the dangers these reptiles pose, a disregard that has leads to tragic outcomes like this one.
In an official ceremony held at State House, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema received the letters of credence from various Ambassadors, reaffirming the commitment of their respective countries to fostering diplomatic relations with Zambia.
The dignitaries who presented their credentials to President Hichilema included Her Excellency Ms. Karolina Stasiak, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Zambia and COMESA; His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, Ambassador of the Holy See to Zambia; and Her Excellency Mrs. Ingrid Marie Mickelson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Zambia.
Additionally, Mr. Adam Burakowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Zambia, and Mr. Jean-Marie Somet, Ambassador of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire to the Republic of Zambia, were welcomed as they assumed their diplomatic posts.
President Hichilema extended his warm congratulations to the incoming Ambassadors, acknowledging their appointments as a testament to the enduring and robust relations their nations share with Zambia. This diplomatic exchange exemplifies the nation’s commitment to strengthening international ties.
During the discussions, President Hichilema reiterated Zambia’s unwavering dedication to two fundamental principles of diplomacy: Peace, Stability, and Security, and Economic Diplomacy, aimed at fostering job creation and poverty alleviation.
The President underscored the significance of these pillars in the face of regional and international instability, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has had far-reaching consequences on fuel and fertilizer prices and, in turn, global food costs. Zambia believes that global instability anywhere has repercussions everywhere.
President Hichilema urged the newly appointed Ambassadors to play an active role in establishing and expanding trade and investment connections during their tenures, with the goal of enhancing the well-being of the Zambian people. He assured them of the Zambian Government’s commitment to collaborative efforts that lead to tangible outcomes.
In his call for global peace, President Hichilema emphasized the need to end hostilities in conflict-ridden regions worldwide. He stressed that conflicts and wars have not only created instability but have also contributed to escalating fuel and fertilizer prices. Acknowledging that instability affects everyone, he underscored the importance of working towards peace and stability in afflicted nations to ensure sustained economic and social development. President Hichilema emphasized that peace, security, and stability are essential elements for promoting both economic and social progress.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed his desire for strengthened and deepened relations with the countries represented by the Ambassadors, emphasizing that his government’s foreign policy is centered on the promotion of peace, security, stability, and economic and social development.
In response to the reception of her credentials, Ambassador Karolina Stasiak affirmed the European Union’s commitment to its partnership with Zambia across various areas of development. Additionally, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici reiterated the Vatican’s dedication to strengthening the cordial relationship with the Zambian Government.
Patriotic Front (PF) National Chairperson for Industries Frank Ng’ambi believes the people of Zambia want former President Edgar Lungu to return to active politics in order to salvage the nation.
Mr. Ng’ambi said the UPND Government has failed to improve the quality of life for Zambians after coming into office in 2021.
The immediate past Chifubu Member of Parliament in Ndola said people’s livelihoods have worsened owing to the tripled prices of mealie meal, fuel, fertiliser and electricity.
Featuring on a special interview on Muvi Television in Lusaka, Mr. Ng’ambi said the people of Zambia have realised that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND formed Government in 2021 on rhetoric.
He said President Hichilema has failed to reduce the cost of mealie meal, fuel, fertiliser which is contrary to his campaign promises prior to the elections.
Mr. Ng’ambi said President Hichilema promised to facilitate the lowering of fuel prices by removing perceived corrupt middle men in the petroleum industry.
“The cost of simple vegetables like rape has gone up. I am basically saying this aspect wherever ECL goes people are rising in larger numbers persuading him to come back to politics. This is because people have compared the governance of ECL and the current President. I know that ECL graciously retired from politics but it is the Zambian people each time they see him. They are persuading him to come back to politics,” Mr. Ng’ambi said.
He said the removal of subsidies on fuel has contributed to the high cost of living currently prevailing in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ng’ambi has charged that rule of law has degenerated under the UPND reign.
He said the UPND has not restored rule of law as promised as evidenced by its intolerance and the tendency of denying opposition political parties from holding public rallies.
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) has implored the Zambian Government not to send away refugees to third countries for resettlement but fully integrate them into the Zambian Society.
And ZCLU has commended Home Affairs Minister Jack Mwiimbu for his advocacy during the 74th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme in Geneva aimed at securing an increased operational budget for refugees and fostering greater opportunities for Zambian employment within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), both locally and internationally.
In a press statement released by ZCLU deputy executive director Maurice Makalu, the organisation said keeping refugees in Zambia, rather than relocating them to third-world countries in Europe and the Western world, can bring significant economic benefits to the nation.
‘European and Western countries have effectively harnessed the skills and hard work of refugees to boost their GDP growth – a potential that Zambia, and many other African nations, should not ignore as a means of advancing economic development,” said Mr. Makalu.
ZCLU has however bemoaned the low deliverables associated with the utilisation of international refugee funds by the Zambian government, which it has claims continue to raise concerns among the international donor community that offer support to for refugee programmes.
“Despite generous contributions from governments such as Belgium, Japan, Sweden, Germany and the World Bank who allocated support for local integration programs in the past, there had been a glaring absence of tangible outcomes for refugees on the part of the previous Zambian government,” he said.
ZCLU has also observed extended delays by both previous and current Zambian governments in facilitating the naturalization of refugees eligible under the Refugees Act and the Constitution.
Mr Makalu has urged Minister Mwiimbu to take decisive action by invoking Section 49 of the Refugees Act as a way of demonstrating a stronger commitment to providing lasting solutions for refugees and their integration into Zambian society.
He said the ZCLU still believes the Hichilema administration has an opportunity to still address refugee challenges differently but that such will require a show leadership with courage, commitment, accountability, transparency, inclusivity and humanity.
The Radiation Protection Authority in Zambia has raised alarm over the alarming increase in cancer cases across various age groups within the society. This growing trend of cancer diagnoses has sparked deep concern and led the authority to consider launching investigations into the potential causes.
Brigadier-General Adrian Maleya, the Chairperson of the Radiation Protection Authority Board, expressed his worry as hospitals across the nation are seeing a significant influx of cancer cases. Unfortunately, the precise causes of this surge remain unidentified, making it essential to delve into the root causes of the issue through research.
Dr. Maleya pointed out that dietary habits could be one of the potential factors contributing to the growing number of cancer cases. Understanding the role of food choices and other lifestyle factors in cancer development is among the critical areas that the authority aims to explore in their research efforts.
Speaking in Livingstone, Dr. Maleya officially inaugurated a three-day seminar for Radiation Protection officers from all regions of the country. The seminar serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, discussion, and the development of strategies to address the concerning rise in cancer cases and the potential role of radiation in this context.
Cancer has become a significant public health challenge worldwide, with its effects felt deeply in Zambia.
Zambia National Service (ZNS) is actively pursuing an agreement to broaden the distribution of its affordable mealie meal beyond Shoprite stores, according to the country’s Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma. The move to make ZNS mealie meal more accessible to the general public at market-reflective prices has already prompted some private sector players to adjust the cost of this staple commodity.
In an interview with ZNBC News, Minister Lufuma also revealed that ZNS is making preparations to acquire land in all ten provinces of Zambia. This move aims to increase maize production and ensure a steady supply of mealie meal to meet the population’s needs.
The efforts to provide accessible and reasonably priced mealie meal have yielded significant progress thus far, with ZNS Chief of Marketing and Public Relations, Mulenga Nyone, sharing that over 7,060 bags of 25-kilogram mealie meal have been delivered to Shoprite outlets in Lusaka. Furthermore, ZNS has extended its distribution to Melissa Supermarket, offering consumers a wider range of options for procuring the staple.
Colonel Nyone further disclosed that ZNS intends to expand the distribution of mealie meal to Shoprite in Kabwe and other provinces in the coming week, solidifying the organization’s commitment to ensuring that mealie meal remains affordable and accessible to all.
However, recent allegations of price inconsistencies have arisen, with PF Acting President Given Lubinda accusing ZNS of selling mealie meal at different prices. He claimed that a 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal is sold at K150 at ZNS depots while the same product is available at K230 through Shoprite chain stores.
In response to these allegations, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has rejected the claims as false and misleading. Mweetwa assured the public that the initiative to provide affordable mealie meal is progressing as planned, and noted that some millers have expressed their readiness to join the effort of offering cost-effective mealie meal to chain stores.
The commitment to making mealie meal accessible and affordable remains a priority in Zambia, with various stakeholders working collaboratively to ensure that this essential commodity is within reach of all citizens.
The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was suspended at halftime and subsequently abandoned following the fatal shooting of two Swedes in Brussels earlier on Monday, UEFA said. The incident raised Belgium’s terror alert to the highest level.
Belgium raised its terror alert level after a man, claiming affiliation with the Islamic State, posted a video online identifying himself as the assailant.
Swedish reporters at the game said they had been informed of the attack just before the national anthems were played. Sweden’s players decided not to play the second half in light of the situation, and the Belgians agreed with the decision.
The score was level at 1-1 when the match was suspended, and Sweden’s fans were asked to remain in the stadium for safety reasons. The gunman remains at large, and the police are actively searching for him.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo confirmed that the two people shot dead in the attack were Swedish nationals and extended his condolences to their families.
The Belgian national FA and the Swedish FA, along with various other organizations, expressed their thoughts and condolences for those affected by the tragic incident.
Distributed rooftop solar electricity solutions empower individual users to manage their own energy needs effectively. Utilising small solar power plants as a source of electricity brings several benefits, including reducing dependency on unreliable utility provision, mitigating environmental harm like pollution and deforestation, offering a straightforward installation process, requiring minimal maintenance, and delivering a long service life that supports sustainability.
Although the initial capital costs of a domestic or commercial solar system may seem daunting for many, there are business models that allow users to lease solar panels while gradually paying off the investment. Solar systems are also modular, enabling users to install equipment according to their budget and expand capacity as their financial situation improves. Moreover, the cost of solar panels has significantly decreased in recent years, making solar power systems one of the most cost-effective means of electricity generation, even on a small scale.
Zambia has ample year-round sunshine for the generation of solar power as shown in the map below. So why are rooftop solar systems not being actively encouraged in Zambia?
Figure 1 – Zambia’s photovoltaic power potential [1] Net Metering
Net metering is a utility billing mechanism that allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity to receive credit for the net power they contribute back to the electricity grid. Utilities will typically offer a tariff for what the customer sells back to the grid that may incentivise more take-up of self-generation. Net metering helps promote the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar power by making it economically beneficial for individuals and businesses to invest in solar panels and reduce their reliance on traditional electricity generation methods. It also reduces the need for costly battery storage solutions.
Draft net metering regulations were issued in Zambia in August 2022 by the Energy Regulation Board (ERB). This was followed by a consultative process calling for electricity supply stakeholders and the public to scrutinise the draft regulations and submit proposed amendments and comments in September 2022. In over a year since then there has been little progress publicly visible on net metering by the main state stakeholder institutions (ERB, ZESCO and the Ministry of Energy).
This has occurred during a time in which the legacy hydropower electricity generation methods have continued to suffer from the ill-effects of climate change leading to a brief period of load shedding in January 2023. With the El Nino climate pattern predicted for the 2023-2024 rainy season there has been an even greater imperative to quickly diversify electricity generation in Zambia away from its high reliance on hydropower.
Net metering represents a novel operational concept that poses a challenge to many utilities and national grid operators. It disrupts the conventional model of stable electricity markets that relied on fixed generation sources in consistent quantities. The integration of rooftop solar into a national grid reduces the market and profitability of historical generators and distributors of electricity. It shifts the balance of generation from utilities to the customer which may make monopolistic state-utilities less keen to support its adoption. The setting of the net metering tariff would be a complex balancing act that needs to meet the needs of existing non-solar customers, new solar customers, other electricity generators, grid operators, solar equipment vendors and the environment.
Duck Curve
Increased solar power generation attached to the grid introduces more variability compared to conventional baseload sources like hydropower. This variability is evident in the creation of the “duck curve” (resembling the silhouette of a duck) of grid electricity power demand, resulting from abundant solar generation during daylight hours, followed by a rapid decline in generation as the day ends. Addressing this shift requires the development of innovative supply and demand management techniques to ensure grid stability, especially as peak electricity demand occurs just after sunset.
One of the key components required to stabilise the grid with significant solar penetration is a battery or other energy storage system that can be quickly deployed as the sun sets. The Zambian electricity grid has ready-made energy storage infrastructure at Kariba Dam. Kariba Dam typically stores approximately 5750 GWh of electrical energy or about 30% of Zambia’s annual generation of 19,400 GWh in 2022. Displacing some of the use of hydropower generated at Kariba Dam with distributed rooftop solar during the day and reserving hydropower water for the evening peak would increase overall generation capacity. This is illustrated in the three plots below.
The first plot shows the modelled baseline demand and power generation mix for an average day in 2022 based on data from the ERB 2022 Energy Sector Report [2].
Figure 2 – Modelled power generation for average day in 2022
The introduction of 389 GWh of rooftop solar electricity annually, equivalent to 2% of total annual electricity generation, with a peak power of 150 MW, is shown modelled in the plot below. This indicates that the rooftop solar power could largely displace power produced at Kariba North Bank Extension (KNBE) during the morning and afternoon peak.
Figure 3 – Modelled power generation for average day in 2022 with 2% energy provided by rooftop solar PV
Further increases of rooftop solar to 5% of total annual electricity generation, 972 GWh with peak power 370 MW, as modelled below could further displace generation at KNBE but also require reduced production at the main Kariba North Bank (KNB) power plant. Managing such a variable output from KNB and KNBE would require innovative techniques of grid stability operation. This would be needed throughout the day as well as at sunset when generation at both stations would have to be ramped up to compensate for the loss of significant amounts of solar generation.
Figure 4 – Modelled power generation for average day in 2022 with 5% energy provided by rooftop solar PV
Smart Grid
The technology required to create a grid responsive to the new dynamics caused by increased generation variability would invariably increase costs for grid operators. However, with rooftop solar, this could be offset financially by increasing power generation without having to invest in large scale grid upgrades. It would also be the advent of a smart grid which is a necessary innovation from a technological advancement point of view.
A smart grid relies on various equipment and technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of electrical power distribution. Key components include smart meters, communication networks, data management systems, analytics software, remote sensors and switches, demand response systems, energy storage, cybersecurity measures and grid management systems. Such equipment would enable real-time monitoring, data exchange, and efficient management of the grid, facilitating better integration of renewable energy, improved reliability, and allow demand-side participation. A cost-benefit analysis would be required to weigh these additional costs against the wider benefits of adoption of rooftop solar systems. This could start with small proof of concept tests to help understand and develop the technology.
A typical grid of the future may look like the image below with a mix of grid-scale generation and localised rooftop generation all managed by smart grid software and tools.
South Africa
Figure 5 – Depiction of a smart grid [3]South Africa
The South African electricity grid has been subjected to load shedding at various times since 2008. To counter this effect a recent surge in solar panel installations has occurred on the rooftops of houses and commercial and industrial buildings. In the 18 months to July 2023 a capacity of 3800 MW of solar panels has been installed. This is equal to 11% of peak power demand.
Figure 4 – Increase in rooftop solar power generation in South Africa [4]Whilst there is not yet a net-metering policy in place across South Africa (some municipalities are in the process of implementing one), the main driver for the greater uptake of rooftop solar has been the crippling effect of extended periods of load shedding. For the commercial and industrial sectors, a relaxation of the rules has allowed embedded systems greater than 1 MW to be installed without needing government approval.
Vietnam
The rooftop solar capacity in Vietnam increased by a factor of 25 in 2020 going from 378 MW in December 2019 to 9.3 GW in December 2020. This was encouraged by policy incentives including a net metering tariff of USD 0.084 per kWh of electricity sold back to the grid (on par with other solar generation) and power purchasing contracts of 20 years duration. This expansion of solar power generation also helped create a solar panel manufacturing industry in Vietnam.
Figure 7: Increase in rooftop solar capacity in Vietnam in 2020 [5]Australia
Australia has one of the highest per capita installations of solar capacity at over 1 kW per person. Most of this solar capacity is rooftop solar. The growth of rooftop solar uptake has been driven by natural advantages (plenty of sunshine) and progressive policy measures. Net metering tariffs and capital cost rebates for solar systems have helped. In addition, a light touch regulatory system has made it simple to install rooftop solar systems. The record of 39% of Australia’s national electricity power supply being provided by rooftop solar was achieved in September 2023 and is shown in the chart below.
Figure 8: Australia’s record distributed solar PV contribution of 39% of total supply at 12:30 pm on 21 September 2023 [6]Conclusion
Net metering is a compelling incentive for consumers to adopt solar power systems, enabling them to generate electricity for own use. The added benefit of selling excess electricity back to the grid significantly bolsters the financial case for investing in distributed solar power, mitigating the need for costly battery storage that could otherwise double capital expenditures. The substantial impact of rooftop solar on a nation’s total electricity generation capacity has been proven in countries that have incentivised this approach for customers. To rapidly expand Zambia’s electricity generation capacity, the energy sector must proactively embrace the future of rooftop solar generation and net metering integrated with cutting-edge smart grid technology.
Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts permanent secretary, Kangwa Chileshe has noted that involving the youths in decision making is a vital pillar for economic growth, innovation, peace, and security.
Mr Chileshe has ,therefore, commended the youths for their resilience and dedication to change the continent for the better.
He was speaking during the official opening of the second Inter-generational dialogue forum being held in Lusaka, under the theme “peace and security as a catalyst to the implementation of the African continental free trade area”.
The permanent secretary told the gathering that government has been responsive to engaging the youth on various matters of national development.
“I urge the youth attending this forum to make use of this opportunity to discuss various aspects of peace and security as a catalyst for the implementation of the African continental free trade area,” he explained.
He added that the youths should also use the forum to draw inspiration from the elders who strive for political liberty of the continent and economic emancipation.
Speaking earlier , the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) secretary general, Chileshe Kapwepwe said the continued rise in conflict has negatively affected the development of the continent.
Ms Kapwepwe said it is imperative to address the conflict through Collaborating within the African Union between the elderly and the young people.
Ms Kapwepwe said this in a speech read on her behalf by her representative, Mohamed Kadah.
Chambeshi Water Supply and Sanitation Company has embarked on rationing of water supply to its customers in Nakonde District owing to scarcity of fresh water caused by climate change and a growing population.
Chambeshi Public Relations Officer Masiye Mulenga said the extreme weather conditions have led to the partial drying up of the Nakonde river, forcing the water utility to implement measures to conserve the available water.
Ms Mulenga said this in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Nakonde today.
“Climate change has led to extreme weather events and consequently, the scarcity of fresh water. This has affected the stability and provision of clean water,” she stated.
She disclosed that the company is currently searching for an alternative water source to ensure a steady and reliable supply for the residents of Nakonde.
Ms Mulenga also mentioned that the company is collaborating with various stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the water supply challenges in the district.
The water utility Public Relations Officer further urged the residents in Nakonde to help conserve water by using the commodity efficiently and adopting water-saving practices in their daily lives.
Ms Mulenga encouraged the community to report any water leakages they come across, as these can significantly contribute to water loss in the area.
“As a utility company, we therefore would like to urge our customers to play a pivotal role in water conservation. They should report leakages promptly to prevent wastage,” she said.
To my fellow over 50s – so you don’t know Ne-Yo? Don’t stress – many of us do not know him. I first heard about Ne-Yo from a young Zambian friend working abroad who told me, two months ago, that she was coming home for the Stanbic Music Festival.
Her attractions were Ne-Yo, Sampa the Great, Pompi and James Sakala. Don’t beat yourself if you don’t know Ne-Yo – even some under 40s that I know, do not know him. These things are about interest, religious inclination, your generation, chance and time.
In our prime years there was only one hit at a time. Which was why on a periodic basis there would be the latest album or the latest hit single and we would all know it and know the singer. We would even refer to some tracks eg John Secada’s ‘Just Another Day’ as the ‘national anthem’. Of course there would be several hits but the highest selling album (or 12” Single) would feature for weeks before another artiste would take the reigns. With no internet, the latest hit would come to Zambia through Lusaka (mainly through Zambia Airways – QZ or British Airways) and then would be shared with the Copperbelt and other provinces (via cassette tape and Radio).
Ne-yo performing at the Stanbic Music Festival
Most people in Zambia do not even know our local musicians. When a singer dies most of us ask what song he or she has to their credit. I didn’t know Yo Maps until two years ago, even though I had been listening to some of his music for about two years. One of my sisters (who is even younger than me) can’t tell the difference between Yo Maps and Macky 2., even though she loves ‘ Finally’ and ‘Season Yanga’ by Yo Maps Another younger sister, didn’t know until this week that my all-time favourite singer, Whitney Houston had died.
Last month, I asked a male friend if he had seen any of J Lo’s movies and he asked me who J Lo is. So what am I saying? Don’t stress if there are some singers or actors that you do not know. There is a lot going on and too fast. We are really in the Information Age and are overwhelmed. Google does help. Use it when you are curious. You do not need to know all the musicians. Enjoy what appeals to you. And the Beat Goes On!
