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Esther Katongo
A fatal road traffic accident occurred in the early hours of today along the Great North road at 05:00 hours at Isunda area about five Kilometres south of Nakonde town.
Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Esther Mwaata-Katongo identified the victim as Bernard Chishimba aged 53 of Matero Lusaka who was driving a motor vehicle Higer bus belonging to Miracle Express registration number ALK 8335.
Katongo says a Tanzanian national Ally Mohammed 32, of Dar-es-Salaam had parked a Scania truck registration number T124 GAT and trailerT511APT when over speeding Chishimba hit into the stationery truck.
ZANIS reports that this is contained in a press statement availed in Lusaka yesterday.
She said Chishimba died on the spot and a lorry boy Wilfred Mabala Mabula aged 24 of Dar-es-salaam who was in the stationery truck also died upon arrival at the hospital.
The Police Spokeswoman disclosed that 17 people who were in the bus sustained serious injuries among them Zimbabweans and Zambians.
Ms. Katongo said all patients have since been taken to Nakonde district hospital receiving medical treatment.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu Inspects Impounded trucks carrying Mukula Tree at Nakonde Border on monday 27-03-2017
The Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) has said that China was identified as the market to export Mukula logs as there is currently no known market where Mukula logs are processed other than China.
In a statement released to the media, offering detailed explanation of the Mukula episode, ZAFFICO Board Chairperson Prof. Jacob Mwitwa said that the local auction system was abused by people/companies who bought the logs through auction. The companies would illegally harvest Mukula logs, but use the auction documents and claim that the Mukula logs were bought through auction.
Prof Mwitwa said that in order to prevent the confiscated Mukula logs from going to waste, Government decided to appoint ZAFFICO to export logs on its behalf so that some economic value could be realised from the sale of the logs.
Below is the full statement
ZAMBIA FORESTRY AND FOREST INDUSTRIES CORPORATION LIMITED (ZAFFICO)
Press Release
Ndola, Monday 1st January 2018
THE ROLE OF ZAFFICO IN THE EXPORT OF ILLEGALLY HARVESTED AND CONFISCATED MUKULA LOGS
Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) wishes to inform the public on its role pertaining to the export of illegally harvested and confiscated Mukula Logs on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
From the outset, it is important to note that ZAFFICO is a State Owned Enterprise (SOE) incorporated under the Companies Act CAP 388 of the Laws of Zambia. The mandate of ZAFFICO is to establish and manage forest plantations in the country as well as deal in any forest related activities. The Corporation manages 50,000 hectares of exotic forest plantations and employs over 5,000 people both on Permanent and Non-Permanent basis.
As the public may be aware, following the unsustainable harvesting of Mukula trees, the Government of the Republic of Zambia decided to ban the harvesting and trading of Mukula logs. Consequently, the Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources introduced measures to curb the illegal harvesting, transporting and trading of Mukula logs in accordance with the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia. As a result, all Mukula logs that were illegally harvested across the country were confiscated by Government. Subsequently, the Government decided to auction the confiscated Mukula logs locally. However, the local auction system was abused as the people/companies who bought the logs through auction would illegally harvest Mukula logs but using the auction documents and claim that the Mukula logs were bought through auction.
In order to prevent the confiscated Mukula logs from going to waste, Government decided to appoint ZAFFICO to export logs on its behalf so that some economic value could be realised from the sale of the logs. It should be observed that ZAFFICO identified China as the market to export Mukula logs as there is currently no known market where Mukula logs are processed other than China. ZAFFICO wishes to state further that the revenue being generated from the export of Mukula logs will be utilised within the provisions of the Public Finance Act (Act No. 15 of 2004).
It is important to note that ZAFFICO is not involved in the harvesting of Mukula trees but only exports Mukula logs that have been confiscated by the Security wings and cleared for export by all the relevant Government institutions such as Zambia Army, Zambia National Service, Zambia Police Service, Forestry Department and Zambia Revenue Authority which institutions are all part of the Central Joint Operations Committee (CJOC) which Government established to address the illegal harvesting and trading in Mukula logs.
ZAFFICO is not aware of any Senior Government Officials or Civil Servants who are involved in the export of Mukula logs in their individual capacity as the mandate to export illegally harvested and confiscated Mukula logs has been given to ZAFFICO.
In view of the above, there is nothing sinister about the 21 trucks that were illegally intercepted in Kafue area as was explained by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence during the Press Briefing held on Saturday 30th December 2017.
For any further clarification with regard to the role of ZAFFICO in the export of illegally harvested and confiscated Mukula logs, the Public is free to contact ZAFFICO.
Issued by
Prof. Jacob Mwitwa
Board Chairperson
ZAMBIA FORESTRY AND FOREST INDUSTRIES
CORPORATION LIMITED (ZAFFICO)
Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusaka Lusambo during the commissioning of a a Solar Milling PlantGovernment has called on the church to partner with it in its various developmental projects country wide.
Copperbelt Provincial Minister Bowman Lusambo extended the olive branch this morning when he hosted a breakfast meeting for Copperbelt based Clergymen at Protea hotel.
Mr Lusambo said government on the Copperbelt has embarked on a serious diversification programme of the province from being a predominantly mining province to an agricultural province that should be able to feed the country as well as the rest of the Southern African region.
ZANIS reports that Mr Lusambo said that diversification programme can only be attained if the church comes on board and partners with government by encouraging their members to venture in agricultural practices.
“As a church you must partner with government on our diversification programme of the Copperbelt Province from mining to agriculture. You must encourage your members to start practicing agriculture,’ he said.
And speaking earlier Ndola Pastors Fellowship Chairman Mulenga Chilekwa said the gesture by the provincial Minister of interacting with the Clergy on the first day of the New Year was a good gesture that shows that he has a godly vision for leading the province.
Pastor Chilekwa said government must also have a listening ear to what the general citizenry are raising.
And United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Copperbelt Presbytery Chair Reverend Chipasha Musaba, said there is need for the church to tap into the different opportunities that government had created through the 2018 national budget.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith KapijimpangaZambia’s High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga has disclosed that trade between Zambia and India is projected to reach UU$1 billion this year (2018).
Mrs. Kapijimpanga attributed the increase to good incentives that government has put in commerce and trade.
She said the Mission has engaged in various activities that promote investment, trade and economic cooperation between Zambia and India including other countries in Asia namely; Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Maldives, Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
She further disclosed that her office facilitated several ambitious initiatives of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
“The Mission attended and hosted several meetings to ensure that the objectives of attracting FDIs and enhancing Zambia’s international trade are realized,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Kapijimpanga disclosed that trade between Zambia and India improved by over US$300 last year compared to in US$650 million in 2016.
The High Commissioner has since appealed to all stakeholders to move with speed in ensuring that prospective investments were actualized as the Mission’s mandate ended at marketing the country.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka by First Secretary for Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in New Delhi India, Bangwe Navilley.
Finance minister Felix Mutati with Defense minister Davies Chama at Lusaka Show Grounds during the International Women’s Day Commemoration at Lusaka Show grounds on Wednesday, March 8,2017 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA/STATE HOUSEGovernment has urged the defence force and other security wings to desist from engaging in corrupt practices.
ZANIS reports that Minister of Defense Davies Chama said the deforce force is not exempted from the fight against corruption.
Mr Chama said this when he graced the 2017 Zambia Army Senior Officers Annual Ball at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka last night.
Mr Chama said government is pursuing zero tolerance in its crusade to stamp out corruption.
The Defense Minister prodded the defense force to be financially disciplined and avoid wasting and abusing resources allocated to it.
Mr Chama assured the defence force that government will continue to render neccessary support to ensure that the wing runs efficiently.
He stated that government has made numerous strides in improving the welfare of men and women in uniform such as construction of housing units, establishment of new units, recruitment of officers and soldiers and procurement of various vehicles.
The minister commended the Zambia Army for exceptional service on peace keeping operations which has earned Zambia respect from the international community.
Mr Chama further praised the defence force for its discipline and urged it to continue safeguarding Zambia’s borders and sovereignty.
He praised Zambia Army for venturing into agricultural activities such as cattle ranching, crop production and aquaculture in order to boost its self-sustainability.
And speaking earlier Zambia Army Commander Paul Mihova thanked government for continuing to support the army in its operations.
Lt.General Mihova said the defence force will continue to work for public good as demonstated in the rebuilding of city market in Lusaka which was fitted by fire.
He assured government that the Zambia Army will continue to exhibit highest levels of professionalism on both local and international assignments such as peace keeping efforts.
He said the defence force is engaging in agricultural activities in order to contribute to the country’s food basket and sustainability of the army
Lt General Mihova also thanked government for working tirelessly to improve the welfare of the men and women in uniform.
He assured that the defence force will remain loyal, professional and uphold the country’s constitution.
Folk/cultural music vocalist – Mumba Yachi drops his first tune after the forced expulsion from Zambia to Congo. The rhythmically rich melody re-unites Mumba and Chef 187 since their last collaboration titled “Ifyakumwena Kubukulu“.
The song is track No. 12 off Mumba Yachi‘s contemporary album – The Great Work.
Part of the gabbage piled at city markertPresident Edgar Lungu listens to Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya when he toured city market .looking on is Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale and Water and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Eddie ChombaPresident Edgar Lungu listens to Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale when he toured city market .looking on is and Water and Sanitation Permanent Secretary Eddie ChombaPresident Edgar Lungu listens to Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya when he toured city market .looking on is Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale
Chishimba KambwiliNational Democratic Congress NDC consultant Chishimba Kambwili says tribalism is a cancer that should never be tolerated. Dr. Kambwili says all Zambians are equal regardless of tribe.
Dr. Kambwili has since advised the newly formed party that turned three months old yesterday to be inclusive and embrace people from all the ten region’s of the country.
The Roan parliamentarian has added that people are joining the NDC because it is a peoples party that is seriously trying to address the plight of the majority poor Zambians.
Dr. Kambwili has since advised the NDC to ensure that its Central Committee takes tribal balancing as a matter of priority.
The NDC consultant said this when he addressed the first NDC central committee meeting in Luanshya.
He said he is amazed at how the NDC has transformed its self into a mass movement barely 90 days after its formation.
The outspoken Roan lawmaker said the NDC has continued receiving recognition from people from all walks of life including the traditional leadership of the country.
Dr. Kambwili said he had no doubt in his mind that NDC will forming Government in 2021 because it is the party of choice.
He said he is impressed that NDC is promoting and championing unity of purpose.
Dr. Kambwili added that he is elated to learn that in the spirit of unity of purpose and inclusiveness, NDC has made changes at Central committee level by including Zambians from different ethnic back ground’s.
He is particularly happy with the appointment of Bridget Attanga as NDC Deputy Secretary General.
Mrs. Attanga is former PF Deputy Secretary General who played a pivotal role in the Famous 2011 tripartite elections that saw Micheal Chilufya Sata take to the helm of the country.
Meanwhile, the NDC has made strategic change’s at Central committee level with immediate effect.
Saboi Imboela is the new NDC chairperson for Gender.
In receiving her appointment, Dr. Kambwili urged Ms. Imboela to champion women’s rights and draw up programmes that will attract more women to join NDC and urged her to ensure that she actively promoted the rights and aspirations of the marginalized women.
Dr. Kambwili is happy to learn that NDC is gaining respect and popularity both locally and abroad because of it’s firm stance on national matters.
Former copperbelt PF chairman Menyani Zulu is the new NDC National Chairman for Defense and Security.
Former chimwemwe ward councillor and NDC founder member Charles Kabwita continues as National Youth Chairman.
Ackson Simwizye is officially Chairman of Elections with former Zambia Railways Director Professor Muyenge Attanga taking over the portfolio of Chairperson for Higher Education in the upcoming NDC Central Committee.
The Central Committee Headed by NDC Secretary General and Party CEO Mwenya Musenge was also informed that the party manifesto will be ready by January 2018 as the document is still being crafted by experienced scholars and stakeholders.
And Mr. Musenge told the gathering that the growth of the NDC is interestingly rapid and having been around In politics for decades the SG stated that the party is headed for political stardom.
The NDC central committee has new names mostly experienced politicians, former diplomat’s, ex Senior Ministers, MPs, business men, media practitioners, academia and university scholars among other’s.
The party consultant further instructed the senior members of the party to vehemently screen those that will join from henceforth as he encouraged them to be mindful of having a perfect blend and balance between old and new, experienced and inexperienced as well pin point gender balancing. Dr Kambwili encouraged those in charge to create a fierce team that comprises of the finest political minds.
Alfred Muwowo says Dalisizwe Komani gave him very little resistance during his successful defence of his African Boxing Union flyweight title on Saturday night in Lusaka.
Muwowo knocked out the South African in the 3rd round in his first defence of the ABU crown he won last July in Ndola.
“I did not expect the fight to end in a knockout .I was ready for the 12 rounds,” Muwowo said
“Dalisizwe is a good boxer and I expected him to last.”
The win saw Muwowo stay unbeaten in his eight successive pro fights after recording his seventh straight knockout.
And Komani, who is 15 years older than the 20 year African champion, admitted he was out-boxed on the night at Government Complex.
“Muwowo is a good boxer,” Komani said.
“He has a lot of power and will go far in his career.
“I am disappointed in myself losing to a boxer who is 15 years younger than me.”
The loss was Komani’s eighth from 24 fights and his record now stands at 15 wins and one draw.
Channelling our African legendary musician Daddy Showkey. Jay Rox’s new song “Daddy Showkey” is a revelation of some of its group members: Kenz Ville, Dimpo Williams, Ollee Benjamin. Showkey is a phenomenal project truly inevitable to be viral. It talks about ones eminent lifestyle called by great talent and skill. It also talks about free will and the ability to live at ones own discretion. Living freely without being judged by others and the avoidance of having of having others determine your way of life and your decision making.
Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe
The Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) has welcomed the timely and necessary interventions by President Edgar Lungu to involve the military personnel in preventing further spread of cholera in Lusaka city.
LGAZ President Christopher Kang’ombe says the steps are necessary to save lives in the capital city by cleaning public places and stop trading in dirty areas.
Mr. Kang’ombe who is Kitwe’s Riverside Ward Councilor and Patriotic Front (PF) Kitwe District Chairperson appealed to the street vendors and marketeers in Lusaka to offer maximum support to combating cholera disease.
“Garbage disposal is our responsibility at a personal level and the fight to stop or prevent further spread of cholera will not be won if there is no personal hygiene by all of us Zambians,” Kang’ombe said.
Mr. Kang’ombe said in order to fight cholera, the levels of sanitation must be enhanced by all stakeholders as the military and Lusaka City Council should join hands with government through the Ministry of Health by cleaning trading places like markets as well as bus stations.
The LGAZ President has since directed all its 109 member councils to the country to dispose waste in unplanned settlements across the country and unblock drainages in all townships.
The civic leader urged local authorities in the country to provide clean drinking water and provide chlorine in all public toilets used in bus stations, bars and markets to enhance acceptable health standards for trading places.
Lusaka is currently experiencing cholera in Kanyama, Mtendere, Msisi, Chipata Compounds as well as Chelston, Balaston, Rhodes Park, Chamba valley and Ibex Hill among other peri-urban areas besides compounds.
Food contamination and selling of food stuffs in markets, bars and streets has been attributed to the major cause of cholera in the city.
40 people have so far died since the outbreak of cholera on October 6 this year while 1,550 cases have so been recorded.
168 people have been treated as of 29 December, 2017.
President Lungu who is Commander In-Chief of Armed forces, directed Zambia Army, ZAF, ZNS and Police personnel to embark on rapid cleaning in markets, streets as well as affected areas as government tackles the emergency in a multi sectorial approach.
And a snap survey conducted in the Central Business District and Kamwala second class trading place in Lusaka yesterday revealed that the town and streets are clean.
President Edgar Lungu has appealed to members of the general public to remain calm and cooperate with the security wings that are cleaning up Soweto Market, Lusaka central business district and other affected areas in Lusaka.
ZANIS reports that President Lungu has urged residents in Lusaka to give the defense wings utmost cooperation in carrying out the clean-up exercise.
Speaking after attending mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in State Lodge area in Lusaka yesterday, President Lungu said he sympathized with the affected traders following the disruption of their trading activities as a result of the clean-up exercise.
The Head of State reassured the traders that Soweto market , the Central Business District and other trading places that have been closed will be reopened after a couple of days when the cleaning exercise is completed.
He said the clean-up is part of the remedial measures put in place to contain the outbreak and spread of cholera in the capital city.
Recently, President Edgar Lungu declared Lusaka a cholera emergency area and directed the defense and security wings to help arrest the spread of the killer disease in Lusaka that has recorded over 1,500 cases of cholera.
Ministry of General Education Acting Permanent Secretary Luis Mwansa says the Keeping Girls in School initiative requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders in achieving positive impact.
Addressing teachers in Mungwi district yesterday, Mr. Mwansa said the initiative is vital in giving a girl-child an opportunity to get educated and contribute positive to the social and economic growth of the nation.
He observed that girls and women in Zambia continue to be marginalized hence government’s initiative to empower the girl child through offering free and quality education.
Mr. Mwansa said government places importance on the well-being of a girl child and is working tirelessly to ensure that the gap between the men and women is closed.
He called on parents and beneficiaries of the Keeping-Girls-School initiative to embrace it with both hands and utilize the opportunity to the best of their ability.
And Provincial Education Officer Humphrey Simutowe thanked government for identifying Mungwi among the districts to benefit from Girls’ Education and Women Empowerment Livelihood (GEWEL) project.
He appealed to the beneficiaries of the project to be disciplined and hard working in order to better their well-being in future.
Meanwhile, Keeping-Girls-School National Coordinator Ngonya Miyoba said the initiative if well utilized will help reduce cases of early marriages in the country.
Ms. Miyoba has since urged implementers of the initiative to monitor the progress in order to ensure that beneficiaries realize full potential from the government funded-project.
A total of 814 girls in Mungwi District are benefitting from the Keeping-Girls-in-School Initiative under the Girls’ Education and Women Empowerment Livelihood (GEWEL) project which is being jointly implemented by the Ministries of General Education and Gender respectively.
Forty (40) families in Solwezi District in North Western Province have been left homeless after their houses collapsed following a heavy downpour experienced in the area yesterday.
The heavy rains which lasted about one and half hours left two children aged two and four injured and also brought down the ZESCO power lines that supply power in the District.
Solwezi District Commissioner Rose Kamalonga, who confirmed the incident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Solwezi yesterday, said out of the 40 affected families, 29 are the most hit.
Ms. Kamalonga has since appealed to well-wishers to come on board and render assistance to the affected families who have been left with no food as everything was soaked by the rains.
She said government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is working on modalities on how to quickly respond to the disaster and ensure safety of the people.
