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Human beings have been cruel to the environment- Fr. Bernard Kapembwa

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Human beings have been cruel to the environment- Fr. Bernard Kapembwa

In a passionate call to action, Fr. Bernard Kapembwa, the Director of Social Programmes and Projects for the Catholic Diocese of Ndola, has urged humanity to show greater respect and care for the environment, asserting that human beings have been cruel to the Earth’s natural gifts.

Speaking during a special celebration for Care for Mother Earth Day at St. Anthony Parish in Mikomfwa, Luanshya, Fr. Kapembwa emphasized the need to recognize the sanctity of God’s creation and to take responsibility for preserving and nurturing it.

Fr. Kapembwa pointed out that the evidence of humanity’s cruelty to the environment is abundant, citing the widespread cutting down of trees, the burning of vegetation, and the indiscriminate killing of animals. He emphasized that, according to the divine declaration, everything created by God is good, emphasizing the importance of preserving both plant and animal life.

Moreover, Fr. Kapembwa stressed the significance of maintaining cleanliness in the environment, which contributes to overall well-being and sustainability.

Following the Mass, Catholic Christians embarked on a collective effort to address environmental issues by picking up solid waste around the church premises, a symbolic act of commitment to environmental stewardship. The campaign continued as they moved to Mikomfwa Main Market, where they engaged in sensitization efforts, delivering messages on the importance of environmental conservation through speeches and discussions.

Sister Euphrasia Chanda, the Ecology Coordinator for the Franciscan Sisters, called for heightened advocacy and awareness campaigns surrounding environmental protection. She underscored the urgency of the issue, emphasizing that safeguarding the environment is essential for the well-being of present and future generations.

Luanshya Mayor Charles Mulenga echoed these sentiments, highlighting that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility that transcends individual beliefs and affiliations. He also expressed his concern about the adverse effects of global warming, urging greater commitment to addressing climate-related challenges.

The event served as a poignant reminder of the moral duty of individuals and communities to respect and protect the environment. The call to action resonated with attendees, as they pledged to be mindful stewards of the Earth’s precious resources.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Budget Presentation Speech on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries

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Key Highlights from the 2024 Budget Presentation Speech on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries

The presentation of the 2024 budget unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors in Zambia. Addressing the challenges of climate change, high input costs, and inadequate infrastructure, the government is committed to boosting food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing export potential. Here are the key highlights from the budget presentation:

Production Challenges: Crop and livestock production have fallen below their potential due to multiple factors, including the adverse impacts of climate change, rising input costs, and insufficient infrastructure.

Maize Production: Zambia successfully produced 3.2 million metric tonnes of maize in the 2022/2023 season, sufficient to meet domestic demand. However, increased demand from neighbouring countries resulted in higher maize and mealie meal prices.

Price Benefits: Higher maize prices are expected to benefit farmers, alleviate poverty, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings.

Reducing Production Costs: The government is implementing measures to lower maize production costs, including reducing fertilizer prices and encouraging millers to reduce mealie meal prices.

Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation: The Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme will be launched, with a focus on extension services, finance, irrigation, value addition, and storage.

High-Tech Farm Blocks: Farm blocks will be developed to promote high-tech agriculture, increasing competitiveness and export potential.

Infrastructure Investments: Significant investments in infrastructure include road construction, bridges, powerlines, and irrigation systems within farm blocks.

Climate Change Adaptation: Climate change adaptation will incorporate smart agricultural technologies, conservation agriculture, and early warning systems.

Livestock Sector Improvements: In the livestock sector, priorities include enhancing animal health, identification, and traceability, with regional veterinary laboratories being established.

Animal Identification: An online system for animal identification and traceability is being piloted, with plans to capture approximately 5 million cattle by December 2024.

Legal Reforms: Legal reforms through the Animal Identification and Traceability Bill will strengthen animal traceability.

Livestock Breeding Programme: A community-based livestock breeding program aims to provide high-quality breeding stock to farmers.

Forage and Pasture Production: Initiatives for forage and pasture production aim to enhance livestock carrying capacity and climate resilience.

Fish Hatcheries: The establishment of fish hatcheries will increase fingerling production, helping to reduce the fish deficit.

Promoting Sustainable Fisheries: Sustainable capture fisheries will be promoted through fishing bans and enhanced surveillance.

Agriculture Credit Window: An agriculture credit window will be established to support small-scale farmers and public service workers with affordable financing for inputs, equipment, and irrigation systems.

These highlights demonstrate the government’s holistic approach to improving agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, with a strong emphasis on food security, poverty reduction, and expanding export opportunities. The budget reflects a commitment to address challenges and seize opportunities in these vital sectors of the economy.

Energy Regulation Board Announces Fuel Price Adjustments for October

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Energy Regulation Board Announces Fuel Price Adjustments for October

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) of Zambia has announced adjustments in the pump prices of petrol and diesel for the month of October, citing the impact of fluctuating international oil prices and the depreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar.

According to Reynolds Bowa, the Chairperson of the ERB Board, petrol will now be priced at K 29.98 ngwee per litre, up from the previous K 29.42 ngwee per litre. Diesel prices have also seen an increase, with the new rate set at K 29.96 ngwee per litre, compared to the previous K 26.88 ngwee per litre.

However, Mr. Bowa clarified that the price of Kerosene will remain unchanged, holding steady at K 20.44 per litre. Additionally, Jet A One, the aviation fuel used at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, will now be priced at K 29.29 ngwee per litre, up from K 26.46 ngwee per litre.

Addressing journalists during the monthly petrol pump price review updates at the ERB offices, Mr. Bowa explained that these adjustments were primarily driven by two key factors.

Firstly, fluctuations in international oil prices have led to upward pressure on domestic fuel prices. The global oil market has experienced volatility, impacting the cost of fuel worldwide.

Secondly, the depreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar has contributed to the increase in domestic fuel prices. The exchange rate plays a significant role in determining the cost of fuel imports.

Mr. Bowa emphasized that the ERB is closely monitoring these factors to ensure that fuel prices remain reasonable and in line with international market trends.

IMF concerns about failure to sign MoU on Zambia’s debt restructuring

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IMF concerns about failure to sign MoU on Zambia’s debt restructuring

The International Monetary Fund says it would like the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding over Zambia’s debt restructuring to be done faster.

IMF Director of Communications Julie Kozack said during a press briefing that there is need for speed on the matter.

“So, as you know, the IMF Executive Board approved a program, an ECF, with Zambia in August of 2022. It was for $1.3 billion. Most recently, Zambia reached an agreement with its official creditor committee on a debt treatment on June 22nd, providing sufficient financing assurances for our Executive Board to consider at the first review; and that review was completed in July of, just 2023, just a couple of months ago,” she said.

Ms. Kozack said the completion of the review reflected Zambia’s strong performance in implementing its Fund-supported program, including meeting all quantitative performance criteria, reducing inefficient public spending and creating space for increased social spending and investment in human capital.

“We are calling for advancing the debt restructuring properly, and we hope that a Memorandum of Understanding is completed soon so that the implementation of the debt treatment can proceed quickly,” she added.

Village Nature Science Laboratory

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Village Nature Science Laboratory

By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D.
Emeritus Professor of Sociology

Introduction

Mr. Mwanza was a short brown man. He was my Grade 6 Science Nature Study class teacher. He had brought in a paraffin cooker and a ten-gallon empty Olivine cooking oil aluminum container for that class period science demonstration. He unscrewed the lid of the container and turned it upside down. Nothing dropped out. He tapped the large tin container with a ruler and the loud sound the container made confirmed that it was empty. His actions were just like a magician would except this was science.

Mr. Mwanza placed the lid of the container on the table. He poured 16 oz or 454gms of water into the container. He lit the paraffin cooker which soon was producing roaring blue flames. He placed the container on the cooker. After a few minutes, the water was boiling as steam was rising out of the opening of the container. After a few minutes, Mr. Mwanza took the hot container off the cooker and placed it on the floor. He turned off the roaring paraffin cooker. He quickly took the lid from the table and screwed it tightly on the container, The class waited.

After one or two minutes, loud popping sounds came from the aluminum container as it twisted, crushed, and collapsed as an invisible powerful force was attacking and destroying the container.

Tamanda Mission Boarding School

I was 11 years old in Grade 6 at Tamanda Dutch Mission Boys Boarding Upper School 58 years ago in 1965. Mr. Mwanza was demonstrating to the class the impact of the very heavy atmospheric air pressure. The measurement of atmospheric air pressure is done with a barometer. Mr. Mwanza said the crushing happened because a vacuum had been created when the top of the container tightly closed the steam from the condensing steam from the boiling water created a vacuum. I later qualified to attend the prestigious Chizongwe Secondary School where our teachers Mr. Varugheese from India and Mr. Wallin from Norway conducted Physics and Chemistry experiments in our school laboratory in Form VI and V up to 1971. Science classes and experiments created my life long deep interest in both natural and social sciences.

Chizongwe Secondary School

After I graduated from Chizongwe Secondary School in 1971 and 47 years later in 2018, I was lucky enough to buy 50 Hectares or 123 Acres of natural wilderness land in rural Chongwe outside Lusaka. I created the Mwizenge Sustainable Model Village. Among the numerous objectives of the model village is to create an environment for social and natural science scientific studies and observations. There are so many exciting things happening on the model village premises. One of the recent highlights is the arrival of a cutting-edge microscope for observation of nature.

We were able to use the microscope because electricity is available through solar power. The village has adult men and women, several young boys, and girls who are in Grade 6, 7, and 8. Once we had unpacked the microscope and hooked it up to the solar power, the moment of excitement had come for me and the gathered curious residents. I had never used a microscope before. What were we going to observe first?

I told them; “We can’t put an elephant under the microscope”, I joked. I sent Joseph, 17yrs, Grade 6 to get the tiniest ant. He searched carefully on the ground until he found the ant. Once he brought it, we placed it under the microscope. I peered through the microscope first. What I saw surprised me. Then everyone was excited and wanted to take turns peering through the microscope. There were excited reactions of surprise of: “Oh-h-h-h! Ah-h-h-h-h!!!” What we saw was the tinny leg of the ant magnified more than ten times had all these numerous hairs sticking out.

Going Forward

The challenge moving forward is that I will need formal practice on the basics of microscope use. How can the samples be preserved? What will be done initially will be just observation of various objects, organisms, creatures, critters, trees, plants, insects and numerous other samples of items found directly in nature as the village is located right in the middle of nature. This may eliminate the need to collect a sample, have it preserved in a jar and transported hundreds of kms to a lab in Lusaka. At least the initial activities will be observations that will be conducted on the premises and recorded. The microscope may initiate some interest in science in both the young and older village residents. We may have to build a model Village Nature Science Laboratory.

Why can’t we have science practices among residents of villages all over rural Zambia?

Historic Graduation of 1,017 Officers in ZCS Marks New Milestone

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Historic Graduation of 1,017 Officers in ZCS Marks New Milestone

President Hakainde Hichilema presided over the graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits who have officially become officers in the Zambia Correctional Services. The event unfolded at the Nyango Correctional Training School in Kaoma District, Western Province, where a record-breaking number of officers completed their training.

This marks the largest cohort of officers ever employed in the history of the Zambia Correctional Services.Among the graduates, there were 518 males and 499 females, highlighting the inclusivity and gender balance in the recruitment process.

The day, however, was not without its challenges, as eight individuals were unable to complete their training due to various circumstances. Despite this setback, the focus remains on the dedication and potential of the officers who successfully completed their training, and they were urged to serve with diligence and effectiveness in their respective roles.

President Hichilema, addressing the gathering, underscored the significance of the occasion, highlighting the ever-growing demand for employment opportunities among Zambia’s youth. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its promise of creating jobs and fostering business prospects for all citizens.

During the ceremony, the new officers were called upon to join in the conscientious and responsible rehabilitation of those under their care. Additionally, President Hichilema encouraged the leadership of the Zambia Correctional Services to continue promoting a culture of hard work and dedication among their ranks.

President Hichilema urged the nation’s defense and security forces to engage in economic development activities during times of peace, harnessing their skills and resources for the benefit of the nation.

The president expressed his gratitude to the parents, guardians, and families of the new officers for their unwavering support, recognizing the integral role they played in the success of these graduates.

Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
President Hakainde Hichilema presiding over the Zambia Correctional Graduation ceremony
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.

Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
Graduation ceremony of 1,017 recruits of the Zambia Correctional Services.
President Hakainde Hichilema presiding over the Zambia Correctional Graduation ceremony

Government Proposes 177.9 Billion Kwacha Budget for 2024

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Government Proposes 177.9 Billion Kwacha Budget for 2024

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane presented the proposed national budget for 2024 to parliament , revealing that the government intends to allocate nearly 177.9 billion Kwacha for the fiscal year.

Of this proposed budget, Minister Musokotwane disclosed that 141 billion Kwacha will be generated through domestic resources, while an additional 3.4 billion Kwacha will come from grants.

One of the key highlights of the proposed budget is the revision of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) exemption threshold. Dr. Musokotwane announced that the threshold will be raised to 5,100 Kwacha from the current 4,800 Kwacha in the upcoming national budget. This adjustment aims to alleviate the tax burden on citizens, especially in light of rising living costs.

The Finance Minister emphasized that this change in the PAYE threshold is in direct response to concerns raised by Zambians regarding the high cost of living and the resulting impact on their finances.

In addition to the threshold revision, Dr. Musokotwane proposed a reduction in PAYE rates from the current 37.5 percent to 37 percent. This move is designed to provide further relief to workers and promote economic stability.

The proposed budget also allocates significant funds for infrastructure development and sector-specific improvements. Notably, 701 million Kwacha has been allocated for the upgrading and rehabilitation of provincial airports in Mansa, Mbala, Solwezi, Choma, and Kasaba Bay, aiming to enhance transportation accessibility across the country.

Furthermore, 770 million Kwacha has been earmarked for infrastructure improvements within the tourism sector. This allocation aims to attract more tourists to Zambia, boosting the country’s tourism industry and economic growth.

Local government has not been overlooked in the proposed budget, with an allocation of 1.4 billion Kwacha for the Local Government Equalization Fund. This fund is intended to support the remuneration of Councillors, contributing to the efficient functioning of local governance.

The Economic Sector is set to receive 39.8 billion Kwacha, with specific allocations for various areas. Eight billion Kwacha will be directed towards road construction projects, while 13 billion Kwacha will be allocated to the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors. Additionally, 8.6 billion Kwacha will be used to support one million farmers under the Farmer Input Support Programme, bolstering the agricultural industry and ensuring food security.

The proposed budget for 2024 now awaits further deliberation and approval in parliament before becoming official policy.

Itezhi-Tezhi man jailed 5 years for pouring boiling water on ex-wife, own baby

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Itezhi-Tezhi man jailed 5 years for pouring boiling water on ex-wife, own baby

A man in Itezhi- Tezhi District who poured hot water on his ex-wife and baby has been sentenced to five years in prison with hard labour.

Webby Shamatwi, 32, of Kabanda village in Banamwaze area in Chilyabufu chiefdom in Itezhi -Tezhi was found guilty and convicted by Itezhi- Tezhi magistrates Watson Mweemba on two counts of assault.

In the first count Shamatwi was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, contrary to section 248 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that Webby Shamatwi on 30th August, 2023 in Itezhi – Tezhi, assaulted Anna Kapanda thereby occasioning her bodily harm.

In count two, Shamatwi is charged with assault on a child under section 248A of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that Shamatwi on the same day in Itezhi – Tezhi, did assault a child namely Mercy Kapanda thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm.

The two were left with severe burns and were hospitalised for weeks in Itezhi – Tezhi District Hospital.

The facts were that Anna Kapanda went to fetch water from the stream and on her way back home, she met Webby Shamatwi, who happened to be her ex- lover, and after passing each other, he stopped and called her, he asked her why she did not greet him, and the Kapanda proceeded.

On the same day, around 19:00 hours, Shamatwi paid a visit to Kapanda at her home, sat outside and began passing comments indicating that he wanted to kill someone, the complainant ignored him, and Shamatwi took the pot of hot water that was boiling on fire and poured it on the Kapanda who was carrying Mercy Kapanda, a three-year-old child.

In count two, the complainant mercy Kapanda, aged 3 years of the same address, was at the back of her mother, Anna Kapanda, who is the complainant in count one, on the material day, and the child sustained burns as indicated on the medical report form.

The incident was reported to the Itezhi-Tezhi police station, and the accused was arrested.

During mitigation, Shamatwi sought forgiveness from the court.

When sentencing him, magistrates Watson Mweemba stated that Gender Based Violence was a serious crime that was common in Itezhi-Tezhi and advised women not hesitate to report all GBV cases to Police.

“The government is spending a lot of money on GBV issues, so there is a need to punish perpetrators,” Magistrates Mweemba said.

He then imposed a three-year sentence with hard labor for the first count and a five-year sentence with hard labor for the second offence, both of which will run concurrently and with effect from the day he was arrested.

2024 CDF increases, ignites another impulse-shopping frenzy

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2024 CDF increases, ignites another impulse-shopping frenzy

By Arnold Chasaya

Government has increased constituency development fund (CDF) allocation for 2024 to K30.6 million—from the current K28.3 million.

“Madam Speaker, to ensure that more resources are directly provided to communities for local development, including basic services such as clean and safe water, maternity wings, and school desks, I propose to increase the allocation to CDF to K4.8 billion. With this increase, each constituency will receive K30.6 million from the current K28.3 million,” announced the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Dr. Musokotwane announced the increase on Friday September 29, 2023, in the capital, Lusaka, when he presented the 2024 national budget to the National Assembly.

The minister, who described CDF as a game-changer, added that “As at [the] end of August 2023, a total of 3,132 classrooms were built under the CDF.”

The ambitious increase comes at a time when many constituencies across the country have been seen failing to identify and dedicate CDF towards their respective competitive edges.

This failure has caused some of the constituencies to spend the funds on duplicate, expensive equipment, such as graders—which many of them do not even need to buy.

For instance, why would two constituencies sharing boundaries buy the same equipment separately?

Need for plan-based CDF allocation

One of the notable objectives of the 2024 national budget is to reduce government expenditure, which, according to Dr. Musokotwane, directly translates into fiscal discipline.

“Madam [Speaker], I am happy and proud to report that in the two years that this Administration has been in office, fiscal discipline has been very high. As I just reported, revenues and expenditures are nearly spot on as authorised by this august House,” he announced.

Talking of discipline. Is it discipline when a parent dishes out huge sums of money to his or her children without asking what their respective, immediate financial priorities are?

That’s where the issue is. Before the Government allocates a penny to any constituency for its development, it needs to compel the requesting constituency to undertake a development needs assessment.

This requisite assessment should understand threats, opportunities, areas of urgency, and identify possible project benefits.

The assessment should also produce a baseline document (which will act as a reference point after implementation), in addition to, finally, producing a justifiable, itemized budget.

Once these steps have been exhausted, that’s when the Government can decide how much a particular constituency actually needs for its development projects.

The Government should also make it a tradition for every constituency to produce progress reports either quarterly or after every fiscal year.

These reports should be a solid basis for releasing or not releasing additional funding to complete projects which would have not been completed.

Until such measures are introduced by the Government, the so-called fiscal discipline would be a far-fetched idea, which will only exist on paper.

In addition to strengthening fiscal discipline, plan-based CDF allocation will help ensure that the funds are allocated to projects that align with the central government’s priorities and timelines.

Otherwise, the current Good-Samaritan’s CDF allocation approach promotes only impulse shopping among constituencies.

Concern rises about health officers vaccinating children against HPV without parentalconsent

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Concern rises about health officers vaccinating children against HPV without parentalconsent

The ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in Kasama, Northern Province, has encountered resistance from some parents.

Amidst the vaccination efforts, some parents like Mary Mutale have voiced their concerns about vaccinating children in schools without parental consent. Ms. Mutale emphasized that children have rights that should be protected, and decisions regarding their health should be made by parents or guardians.

“As parents, we are disheartened that schools and health officials are not obtaining parents’ consent,” she expressed.

Ms. Mutale also highlighted her lack of information about the vaccination, underscoring the need for parents to be well-informed about the vaccines being administered to their children.

“As a parent, I am worried because I am ignorant about what the vaccination is about,” she admitted, expressing further concern for those in remote areas who might also lack information.

In light of these concerns, Ms. Mutale called on the Ministry of Health to invest in stakeholder sensitization efforts to ensure that people have access to accurate and factual information about the vaccinations.

Dr. Ernest Mutale, the Northern Provincial Health Director, expressed worries about the reluctance of certain parents to allow their children to be vaccinated against HPV.

According to Dr. Mutale, the health officers conducting the campaign have faced challenges in persuading parents, particularly those with children in boarding schools, to consent to the vaccination. He emphasized the safety of the HPV vaccine, highlighting its crucial role in protecting young girls from HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer.

“The biggest challenge we are facing is that parents with children in boarding schools are refusing to have their children vaccinated,” Dr. Mutale stated.

He urged parents to take advantage of the vaccination campaign, which runs from September 25th to September 30th, 2023. The campaign specifically targets children aged 9 to 14. Dr. Mutale explained that vaccinations are administered in schools because it is more convenient when the target population is gathered in one place.

Eight Teams Eye FAZ Super League Number One Spot

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Eight (8) teams have a chance to go top of the Super Division table as the campaign enters round six this weekend.

League leaders FC Muza and second placed Power Dynamos are not in action due to away CAF Club engagement on Sunday.

This leaves teams below the CAF envoys that include Zesco United, Red Arrows, Kabwe Warriors, Mufulira Wanderers, Nkwazi, Zanaco, Mutondo Stars and Kansanshi Dynamos with a chance to assume league leadership.

Third placed Zesco are hosting struggling Green Eagles at Arthur Davies Stadium on Saturday.

Eagles are fourth from the foot of the table with five points in five matches.

In the Lusaka derby, Arrows will tackle Napsa Stars at Sunset Stadium.

SUPER DIVISION – WEEK 6

Saturday, 30 September 2023

13h00 Red Arrows Vs NAPSA Stars | Sunset Stadium

13h00 Mutondo Stars Vs Mufulira Wanderers | Arthur Davies

15h00 ZANACO Vs Prison Leopards | Sunset Stadium

15h00 ZESCO United Vs Green Eagles | Arthur Davies Stadium

Sunday, 1 October 2023

15h00 Kabwe Warriors Vs Nkwazi | Godfrey Chitalu Stadium

15h00 Kansanshi Dynamos Vs Konkola Blades | Nchanga

15h00 Nkana Vs Trident FC | Woodlands Stadium

Power Dynamos Begin Countdown to Sunday Simba Showdown

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Power Dynamos are settling down in Tanzania ahead of Sunday’s crucial CAF Champions League match against Simba Sports Club.

Power flew to Dar last evening to prepare for the final leg of the pre-group stage.

The Arthur Davies coaching bench has carried 23 players to Tanzania.

Power and Simba settled for a 2-2 draw in the first leg match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium two weeks ago.

Two die, one admitted in Lundazi road fatal accident

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Two die, one admitted in Lundazi road fatal accident

A 39-year-old man has died whilst two others are admitted in Lundazi District Hospital following a fatal road traffic accident in Lundazi District.

The accident happened on 27th September around 22:30 hours near Moyo Withu Private Clinic along Lundazi-Chama road involving a bicycle which was cycled by 28-year-old Chimwemwe Nyirenda of Dunda Compound.

Also involved was an unregistered Savaja motorbike which was ridden by inexperienced 28-year-old Samuel Mwanza of Skyport Compound of Lundazi.

Eastern Province Commanding Officer, Limpo Liywalii has confirmed the accident in a statement and named the deceased as Moses Kapata of Chinyumba compound in Lundazi.

Mr Liywalii has identified those in Lundazi hospital as 31-year-old Thomas Mushiya of Dunda Two Compound who sustained bruises on the right leg, and 38-year-old Jerald Nyirongo, a pedestrian of Chipyola Compound who sustained a head injury after the accident.

The Eastern Province Police Chief said the accident happened when the rider who was carrying a passenger, failed to control the motorbike and in the process hit the cyclist who was also carrying a passenger from behind and landed into a pedestrian who was walking towards the same direction.

He said the bicycle passenger Moses Kapata sustained head injuries and died yesterday around 05:00 hours in Lundazi District Hospital, while the cyclist and the motorbike rider sustained minor injuries and were treated as outpatients while two others are still hospitalised.

Mr Liywalii disclosed that the body of the deceased has since been deposited to Lundazi district Hospital mortuary waiting for postmortem.

Effort to get a comment from Acting Lundazi District Health Director Dr Brian Mugala failed by broadcast time, as he was attending a meeting.

Man jailed five years for unlawful possession of Ivory

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Man jailed five years for unlawful possession of Ivory

The Itezhi -Tezhi Magistrates’ Court in Southern Province has convicted and slapped a five year jail sentence with hard labour on a 51 –year-old man for being found in possession of Ivory.

Itezhi – Tezhi Magistrate Watson Mweemba convicted Godfrey Shamazongo, 51, of Kandundwe village in Iyanda area in Musungwa Chiefdom after he pleaded guilty to the offence.
Shamazongo was charged with unlawful possession of a prescribed trophy contrary to section 130(1) (2) (a) of the   Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars  were  Shamazongo   on  15th  September 2023, in Itezhi -Tezhi had in his possession a prescribed trophy  namely  10.4 kilograms  of Ivory without  a certificate  of authority from the Director General of the  Department of  National Parks and Wildlife.

Facts were that on 14 September 2023, officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) were on duty when they received intelligence that a person was in possession of a prescribed government trophy, namely ivory, in Iyanda areas in Chief Musungwa’s chiefdom.

The officers followed the report and posed as buyers, and they found a male named Godfrey Shamazongo, introduced themselves, and after negotiations, Shamazongo produced two pieces of ivory, he was apprehended and taken to Ngoma wildlife headquarters, where he was charged and arrested with the subject offence.

Mr. Shamazongo stated that he intended to sell the ivory when asked what he planned to do with it.

In mitigation, Shamazongo asked for maximum leniency saying that he was married with children and that sending him to jail would spell untold suffering on his family.

Shamazongo further asked the court to consider that he was a first offender who deserved leniency from the court.

In passing sentence, Magistrates Watson Mweemba said that “I have considered your mitigation and that you are a first offender and you deserve leniency, however, the offence you committed carry a mandatory sentence of five years. The law does not give me any discretionary powers to reduce sentence, and I therefore sentence you to five years in prison with hard labour”.

The court has further granted an application by Public Prosecutor Luckson Ngoma to have the 10.4 kgs of Ivory forfeited to state in accordance with the law.

Mine Contractors and Suppliers Seek Opportunities with Vedanta’s Return to Konkola Copper Mines

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Mine Contractors and Suppliers Seek Opportunities with Vedanta’s Return to Konkola Copper Mines

As the Indian investor Vedanta Mineral Resources returns to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), mine contractors and suppliers in Zambia are expressing their eagerness to participate in and benefit from the renewed operations. Costa Mwaba, President of the Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors, has called upon his members to unite to seize this opportunity.

Mr. Mwaba emphasized the need for Vedanta to establish a transparent and accountable supply chain system that actively involves local suppliers and contractors. He believes that a united front among industry stakeholders will pave the way for mutually beneficial partnerships.

This call for unity culminated in a pivotal meeting on Wednesday, where representatives from Vedanta and Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo gathered with suppliers and contractors. The meeting took place at the Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe and served as a platform to discuss the future collaboration between Vedanta and local industry players.

Vedanta’s Country Director, Dr. Moses Banda, used the occasion to underscore the company’s commitment to establishing long-lasting relationships with local suppliers and contractors. Dr. Banda’s statement signals Vedanta’s intention to actively engage with the Zambian business community, promoting inclusivity in their operations.

One of the pressing issues discussed at the meeting was the outstanding debt owed to suppliers and contractors, amounting to $250 million. Dr. Banda addressed this concern by indicating that Vedanta would embark on a systematic approach to address this financial burden, starting with low-value invoices.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo seized the opportunity to encourage contractors to work closely with the new Vedanta team. He expressed confidence in the capability of local contractors to deliver quality services and emphasized the importance of Vedanta offering viable contracts to Zambian companies.

The return of Vedanta to Konkola Copper Mines has generated optimism within Zambia’s mining industry. The collaborative efforts between the company, local suppliers, and contractors are anticipated to stimulate economic growth, foster partnerships, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector in Zambia.

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