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Ultra-modern hospital nearing completion in Nsumbu

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Ultra-modern hospital nearing completion in Nsumbu

Government has constructed an ultra-modern hospital in Nsumbu area in Nsama district in Northern Province.

The hospital has been constructed at a cost of K23 million using funds from Lake Tanganyika Development Project under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Douty Chibamba, who in the company of Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu, toured the hospital, is elated that the infrastructure, which comes with state-of-the-art equipment, is almost complete.

Dr Chibamba told ZANIS in an interview that the hospital is being developed under the Lake Tanganyika Development Project whose main mandate is to conserve the environment around the Lake Tanganyika basin.

“The main objective of the Lake Tanganyika project is to conserve the environment and natural resources around the Lake Tanganyika basin, but within the project, we provided the social economic component to look at the health status of the very communities we want to conserve the environment for, hence the coming up of projects such the construction of the hospital here,” he explained.

He expressed happiness that the development project is nearing completion and is expected to be launched soon.

Meanwhile, Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu, has described Nsumbu hospital as a major milestone in health care provision in not only the district but also the surrounding districts like Kaputa, Mporokoso, lake shores of Lake Tanganyika, including those from neighboring Congo Republic of Congo.

Mr Mpundu said the transition from a 14 bed health centre at Nsumbu rural health centre to the 300 bed hospital will greatly impact the lives of people in the area.

“We are excited to have this infrastructure here. It has come with all necessary medical equipment including X-ray machines, scanners, neonatal care machines, furniture and other specialised medical tools,” Mr Mpundu explained.

And Nsama District Health Director, Venacio Banda, explained that the facility is a boost and motivation to members of staff.

Dr Banda thanked the government for putting up a state-of-the-art infrastructure in a rural district that will ensure people in the area receive good quality health care services.

He disclosed that the district recently lost two pregnant mothers in a space of two weeks in the process of referral, the thing he said will come to an end once the hospital is officially commissioned.

And Josephine Mwila, a resident of Nsumbu, thanked the government for constructing a state of the art hospital in Nsumbu area saying the community used to access health services from distant neighbouring districts.

Modern bus station underway in Chavuma

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Modern bus station underway in Chavuma

Government has released over K8 million for the construction of an ultra-modern bus station in Chavuma district in North-Western Province.

Chavuma Town Council Engineering Assistant, Stephen Nonde, says once completed, the bus station will provide a decent packing space for long distance bus drivers.

He said the building will provide world class facilities such as banks and shops.

Mr Nonde added that the building is at 65 percent complete with the superstructure already done and ceiling board installed.

He said the remaining works include plumbing and electrification before it is opened to the public.

And Site Manager, Godfrey Chasanda, said the building is set to be completed early next year.

He disclosed that the construction phase has provided employment opportunities to the locals as 20 people have been engaged at the project site.

Bus drivers who are currently facing challenges say the construction of a new bus station would alleviate some of their challenges.

Dito Hamoonga, a Power Tools bus driver, said the current environment at the station is prone to outbreak of water borne diseases especially during the rain season.

Hamoonga said there are pools of water at the station especially now that it is rain season.

And Danny Sichula, a bus conductor, said there was no reliable security at the current bus station, a situation that makes the bus crews have sleepless nights.

Haimbe to represent President Hichilema at AU-EU Summit

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Haimbe to represent President Hichilema at AU-EU Summit

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, is expected to represent President Hakainde Hichilema at the seventh African Union (AU) – European Union (EU) summit, scheduled to take place from 24th to 25th November, 2025 in Luanda, Angola.

The summit serves as a high-level platform to deepen the strategic partnership between Africa and Europe, with a focus on key global and continental priorities, including peace and security, economic cooperation, sustainable development, climate action, investment, and innovation.

This is contained in a statement issued to The media in Lusaka by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Principle Public Relations Officer, Eva Hatontola.

Ms Hatontola explained that Zambia’s participation in the summit presents a strategic opportunity to advance national interests, particularly by advocating for increased EU support in priority sectors such as infrastructure development, green energy, agriculture, and health.

She explained that it also shows Zambia’s strong commitment to African-led development and regional integration.

Zambia’s attendance of the summit also underscores the country’s dedication to multilateralism and proactive engagement in both continental and global affairs.

Ms Hatontola noted that in addition to the seventh AU-EU summit, Mr Haimbe is expected to attend a Special Session on AU Institutional Reforms scheduled for 26th November 2025, in Luanda.

She further stated that Zambia’s participation in this session is significant as it emphasises the country’s commitment to shaping and strengthening the institutional effectiveness of the AU.

She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to its mission of promoting Zambia’s voice and influence in regional, continental and international fora in pursuit of national development and the well-being of the Zambian people.

Zambia’s Power Gap Stems From Years of Stagnant Investment, Says Siliya

Lusaka Times Editor
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Zambia’s Power Gap Stems From Years of Stagnant Investment, Says Siliya

Zambia’s Power Gap Stems From Years of Stagnant Investment, Says Siliya

Former Information Minister Dora Siliya says Zambia is facing a genuine electricity shortage caused by years of limited investment and rapid growth in national demand. She explained that the situation reflects a structural supply gap, not planned load management.

Dr Siliya linked the present deficit to long-term trends in the energy sector. She noted that Zambia’s electricity consumption per person peaked in the late 1980s before declining due to economic pressures. According to her, the country has not seen major improvements in per-capita consumption since then, despite a population that has more than doubled.

She stated that Zambia’s population has continued to grow at a steady pace while investment in new generation capacity has remained slow. She referenced recent ZESCO figures indicating that more than 200 megawatts have been added to residential connections since 2021, a development she said reflects how quickly household demand has expanded. She noted that daily consumption is now shaped by widespread use of phones, computers, entertainment devices and modern appliances that require power throughout the day.

Dr Siliya pointed to the country’s economic structure as another source of pressure. She said agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the service sector all depend on stable power supply, and that most businesses operate for longer hours than in the past. She added that many small enterprises run entirely on mobile devices or digital platforms, creating overlap between household and commercial electricity needs.

She explained that the traditional distinction between peak and off-peak hours has weakened because usage patterns have changed across the country. In her view, the grid now carries heavy demand for most of the day, leaving little room for surplus power or strategic reductions in consumption.

Dr Siliya encouraged households to maintain mixed-supply systems such as solar, inverters and generators, saying alternative sources have become a practical requirement. She said many consumers adopted these systems late because they expected national supply to keep up, but the rapid expansion in both population and economic activity changed the demand picture far faster than anticipated.

Addressing public claims that exports are worsening the shortage, Dr Siliya said most export arrangements are either firm commitments or dependent on regional coordination that only occurs when domestic demand temporarily eases. She said the core issue lies within Zambia’s own consumption levels, not the small volumes of power shared through the regional Southern Power Pool.

She also noted that the cost of fuel affects the ability of households and small businesses to operate alternative systems. She said generators and hybrid power setups depend on affordable fuel, and that stable pricing is important for productivity, especially in sectors where backup power is essential to daily operations.

Dr Siliya urged government to provide a clear national plan showing how power generation will expand in the coming years. She called for information on future hydro and coal projects, including timelines, funding structures and the investors involved. She said citizens want to understand how the shortage will be addressed in both the medium and long term and argued that transparent communication can reduce public uncertainty.

She said Zambia needs deliberate over-capacity in electricity generation to keep pace with modern consumption and future economic growth. According to her, electricity has become one of the country’s most critical essential commodities, and sustained investment is required to prevent recurring shortages.

Dr Siliya said Zambia’s electricity challenge is rooted in population growth, rising industrial activity and new consumption patterns driven by technology. She added that long-term planning and reliable investment in new generation projects are necessary to stabilise national supply and support development.

𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧

Lusaka Times Editor
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𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧
By Dr Mwelwa

Tanzania teaches Africa that power can silence opponents by simply removing them from the ballot. When dominant parties fear competition, they do not defeat rivals at polling stations  they eliminate them long before voting begins. Zambia must recognise this pattern early.

Senegal, however, showed a different script. When the state jailed Ousmane Sonko to weaken the opposition, his supporters united behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye, turning a prison cell into a political launchpad. Even behind bars, leadership found a way to communicate loyalty and strategic unity.

That victory shook the foundations of authoritarian politics in West Africa. It proved that a determined electorate can defeat sophisticated state machinery. Senegal’s youth refused manipulation, refused fear, and refused division. They voted for freedom, not intimidation.

Tanzania demonstrated how governments block competition by legal tricks, disqualifications, and strategic arrests. Senegal demonstrated how citizens can still reclaim democracy when they refuse to surrender their collective voice. Two nations, two lessons, one warning for Zambia.

There are deep rumors that some of Zambia’s strongest candidates may be blocked or entangled in criminal charges before 2026. This resembles the Tanzanian method: remove the popular, distract the voters, and declare victory without competition.

But Zambia is not Tanzania. Our citizens, churches, civil society, and digital spaces are too awake to allow quiet elimination of candidates. Every attempt at electoral manipulation risks creating a Senegal-style backlash that the ruling elite cannot contain.

If any leading figures are barred, jailed, or politically silenced, unity becomes the weapon. Senegal won because the opposition refused fragmentation. A single candidate, backed by all, becomes unstoppable even in the face of state power.

Zambia must learn that you cannot imprison an idea whose time has come. You can lock up the leader, but you cannot lock up public hunger for change. That is the lesson Senegal sent across Africa like a political earthquake.

Elections in Malawi showed humility: a peaceful transition, and a president who respected the will of the people. Tanzania showed the danger of shrinking democratic space. Cameroon showed the tragedy of leaders who fear competition entirely.

𝒁𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒂 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒊’𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍’𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒛𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒂’𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. Our voters must understand that power only becomes abusive when citizens become silent. Silence is the oxygen of manipulation.

No matter what mingalato is applied selective arrests, delayed court processes, disqualifications, intimidation, or propaganda  Zambia’s democracy remains stronger than these tactics.

The Zambian voter is wiser, hungrier, and more alert than before.The ruling party must realise that political engineering cannot defeat national awakening. When people decide to reclaim their future, even the strongest machinery collapses. This is the warning Senegal delivered to every government that toys with electoral justice.

Zambians must stay vigilant, united, and strategic. When the moment of choice arrives, do not look to politicians for courage  look to the Senegalese, who turned oppression into victory. Zambia is next, if its people remain unafraid.

Vice President commissions Shiwang’andu Civic Centre

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Vice President commissions Shiwang’andu Civic Centre

Government has commissioned the first ever modern Civic Centre in Shiwang’andu District of Muchinga Province, which has been completed and furnished at a total cost of K6, 606. 400.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango who commissioned the infrastructure today, said she is impressed with the quality of works and the initiative to modernise the building.

Mrs Nalumango said the construction works which commenced in January 2015 and was expected to be completed in August 2025 had stalled for eight years after the initial contractor abandoned the project.

She therefore said to ensure completion of the project the Constituency Development Fund Committee allocated K4.2 million to revive and complete the civic center, with a Council Police Office included at a cost of K170, 000 to improve security at the premises.

“K1,294, 400 was spent on assorted furniture leading to a total CDF expenditure of K5,142. 000 and overall project cost to K6, 606,400,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango added that a number of constituencies are doing well when it comes to utilisation of CDF while a few others are not, a thing which cannot be blamed on the Government as people have been given the authority to choose the project that they want under CDF.

The Vice President said CDF resources are distributed equitably, hence development such as more schools, health facilities and empowerment of people among others, has also resulted in job creation among the local people.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe says Government is committed to the use of bottom-up approach as clearly shown through initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Cash for Work and the Zambia Devolution Programme.

Mr Simutowe said the programmes have transformed lives of people including those in Shiwang’andu, adding that the Provincial Administration remains committed to effectively deliver Government projects.

“This is evident by how Muchinga Province has performed in the implementation of CDF projects in the Province,” he said.

The Provincial Minister has since appreciated President Hakainde Hichilema and the Vice President for fostering collaborative Governance and development for the benefit of all Zambians.

Meanwhile, Shiwang’andu District Commissioner Maureen Bwembya says 10, 566 people have benefited from the Cash for Work programme under CDF in the district.

Ms Bwembya said the Cash for Work programme which was part of the drought response has helped to improve the livelihoods of people.

And in a vote of thanks Chief Mukwikile of the Bemba people of Shiwang’andu District said the infrastructure will greatly improve the working environment of council workers and improve service delivery.

Environmental threats due to increased mining activities-ZCCN

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Environmental threats due to increased mining activities-ZCCN

Zambia Climate Change Network (ZCCN) Founding Board Chairperson Noah Zimba says Northwestern Province has registered appreciable development in the recent past characterised by an influx of people and increased economic activities overwhelming available infrastructure and resources.

Professor Zimba said this has resulted into human and environmental threats such as manifestation of communicable diseases and pollution of both water and land systems putting the lives of people, rivers and productive soils into a serious health threat.

The media reports that he said this in Solwezi today during a media briefing on ZCCN steering committee’s impressions arising from the interactions and physical observations undertaken in the Province in four districts namely Kasempa, Kalumbila, Mufumbwe and Solwezi.

Prof Zimba said some perennial streams and rivers have registered low levels as well as drying effects, a phenomenon he described that has never happened in the Province before.

He said they observed environmental harm attributed to recent informal small scale and artisanal mining activities in the region.

Prof Zimba said there is need to provide a sector and stakeholder platform where mining companies will share their experience to inspire replication and scale of good practices for the impact.

Speaking at the same media briefing, Co-convener Patrick Kaumba has commended government and other stakeholders that have come on board to train small scale and artisanal mining cooperatives with good mining practices that include environmental protection.

Mr Kaumba has therefore appealed to the government to encourage foreign and local investment partnerships and increase financing mechanisms for small scale and artisanal miners to avoid them selling their mining licenses to foreign investors.

Mweetwa calls for dialogue on national matters

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Mweetwa calls for dialogue on national matters

Government has called for dialogue on national matters as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.

The media reports that speaking at a Press Briefing in Choma today, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said President Hakainde Hichilema is open to dialogue on issues of national interest, including the ongoing constitutional amendment, Bill Number 7 of 2025.

Mr Mweetwa called on Civil Society Organisations and the Church to engage government constructively on the bill rather than inciting citizens to hold street demonstrations, which could threaten national peace and unity.

“We urge the Civil Society Organisations and the Church to engage in dialogue on Bill Seven, rather than mobilising citizens for street protests which could breach national peace.”

Mr Mweetwa said the government has noted with concern remarks by some leaders purporting to incite citizens to reject Bill Seven.

“National conversations, especially on constitutional matters, must be conducted in a manner that promotes peace and unity. President Hichilema remains open to wide consultation, as shown by the deferment of Bill Seven to allow for extensive public input,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the government deeply appreciates the role of the Church not only in spiritual development but also supplementing government efforts towards improving the livelihoods of the people and the country’s governance.

“Government remains cognisant of the Church’s integral place in Zambia’s democratic and developmental processes,

We recognise the Church as an essential partner in uplifting livelihoods through its contributions to health, education, and various social services’’, he said.

Mr Mweetwa explained that the deferment of Bill Seven that it was deferred precisely to allow for broad consultations, which the government has undertaken in good faith.

” The Constitution is a national document that requires wide participation and minimum consensus across society,” he said.

The Chief Government Spokesperson also cited previous constitutional reforms, bill number 10 of 2020 which was differed and later undertaken in 2021 without calls for civil disobedience.

On the political front, Mr Mweetwa said political stability is also essential, and sympathized with the internal wrangles in the Patriotic Front (PF).

Mr Mweetwa said Government desires stability across the board and that the flames in the PF are saddening.

266 cooperatives conclude artisanal miners training

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266 cooperatives conclude artisanal miners training

Government has concluded the training of artisanal miners and issued artisanal mining certificates to 266 cooperatives selected from all provinces across the country.

The media reports that speaking during the graduation ceremony in Solwezi today, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe said over 400 artisanal miners have been intensively trained and given certificates of attendance to go and mine gold in Mufumbwe and Kasempa.

“For the first time in Zambia, you have had a President training you in mining,” Mr Kabuswe said.

Mr Kabuswe added that the process will not end with the issuance of certificates, as every cooperative will be allocated an area to mine from.

The Minister also echoed the Presidential directive of zero tolerance for illegal mining in the country.

“By December1st, we will deploy soldiers to remove all illegal miners. We are not going to reward illegality,” Mr Kabuswe said.

Speaking at the same function, North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu expressed happiness with the formalisation of artisanal miners in the province.

Additionally, Mufumbwe Member of Parliament Elliot Kamondo stated that the trained miners are now more than ready to begin mining.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the training demonstrates the government’s commitment to formalising mining activities.

“Gold should be harvested for the benefit of your families and the nation at large. Do not go and hide it,” Dr Kabeta urged.

He further advised the miners to practice responsible mining, as they have been trained to do.

In a vote of thanks, Artisanal Miners Representative Kasela Nswana expressed appreciation to the government for the empowerment and pledged that the miners will practice environmentally friendly mining.

Lubanji returns home from China after undergoing treatment

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Lubanji returns home from China after undergoing treatment

Copper Queens Striker, Ochumba Lubanji has returned from Beijing, China, where she was being treated for an injury, at Jia En Ren Rehabilitation Center.

The media reports that speaking on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lubanji, who was in Beijing for eight months, expressed gratitude to the government for sponsoring her treatment, worth 51 000 United States Dollars.

The Copper Queens lass who was in high spirits said she is well and ready to get back on the pitch.

And Football Association of Zambia FAZ Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe who was on hand to receive Lubanji, also thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts for financing her treatment.

He also expressed happiness with the successful treatment, noting that couches can now start to assess the striker for the upcoming WAFCON Tournament.

“Ochumba, we are excited to have you back. We missed you in the Copper Queens. You are a very important player and we are excited that you are back on track”, he stated.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Public Relations Officer, Nzeba Chanda disclosed that the government paid all expenses, both at the Hospital and Rehabilitation center.

“The whole amount that was spent was 51 000 USD. So the Ministry has taken care of all the expenses, they’ve paid”, she said.

Ms Chanda further explained that Lubanji was being treated for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), an injury she sustained at the Four Nations Tournament, held in China, in April this year.

Ms Chanda added that Lubanji was checked in to the rehabilitation center in June, where she had been until her discharge.

Traditional leaders urged to promote women and girls welfare

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Traditional leaders urged to promote women and girls welfare

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on traditional leaders across the country to continue promoting the rights and welfare of women and girls in their respective chiefdoms.

President Hichilema says the Government appreciates the efforts that traditional leaders put into sensitising their subjects on issues regarding gender equality, human rights and child marriages.

The media reports that President Hichilema made the call in a keynote speech read on his behalf by Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts Elvis Nkandu at this year’s Ng’ondo Traditional Ceremony of the lwa-Namwanga people of Isoka District in Muchinga Province.

” Therefore I would like to encourage traditional leaders to continue promoting the rights and welfare of women and girls in their respective chiefdoms,” he said.

President Hichilema said the Government remains committed to provide access to quality education for the majority of people as it can be attested by the free education policy that has continued to benefit children in the country.

He added that a number of pupils are being sponsored under the Secondary School Bursary component of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

President Hichilema noted that with the use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Government has continued to improve the learning environment of pupils by constructing classroom blocks in primary and secondary schools.

“I would like to urge you, your Royal Highness, to continue encouraging your subjects to work even harder for them to enhance household food security and be able to contribute to the national food reserves, “he said.

And Speaking through his representative Chimwenje Mukwasa, Chief Kafwimbi of the Iwa-Namwanga people of Isoka District has commended the Government for the implementation of various initiatives in order to improve the livelihoods of the Zambian people.

Chief Kafwimbi said that the Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema has fulfilled most of the promises it made to the people, evident by the undertaking of various programmes.

Meanwhile, Isoka Area Member of Parliament Majorie Nakaponda has expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for ensuring that Michael Chilufya Sata Girls Secondary School project is funded for completion.

Ms Nakaponda said the school project stalled for about 7 years but with the receiving of funds for completion, works have reached at roofing level.

She further said that with funding secured she is optimistic that the project will be completed soon.

The Ng’ondo Traditional ceremony celebrated by the Iwa-Namwanga People is celebrated annually to thank God for the good harvest and pray for good rains in the new season.

The ceremony was attended by 14 traditional leaders from within and outside the Province, Government dignitaries and many others.

Vice President commends Muchinga Province for bumper harvest

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Vice President commends Muchinga Province for bumper harvest

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has commended the people of Muchinga Province for a significant bumper harvest during the 2024/2025 farming season.

Mrs Nalumango says the province contributed remarkably to the country’s food basket recovery following a severe drought in the previously.

The media reports that Mrs Nalumango said this when she met three traditional leaders in Chinsali District at the Provincial Administration this morning.

Mrs Nalumango further assured farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) that the government will continue paying them.

She said the Government had a target of purchasing over 500, 000 metric tons of white maize from farmers but farmers produced over 4 million metric tons which is a good move.

“As Government we ensured that all the maize that was produced by farmers was bought from all the farmers and payments are underway,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango explained that the Government has made strides in purchasing all the maize even that which was not budgeted for.

She added that the Government will continue working with various stakeholders to ensure farmers continue getting their payments.

“We are already paying farmers and those that have remained will continue receiving their monies as the government is doing everything possible,” she added.

The Vice President further congratulated the farmers in Muchinga Province and encouraged them to contribute more in the next farming season.

And Mrs Nalumango has since assured the traditional leaders in Chinsali District that the Chinsali-Safwa road will be worked on.

She said the government is aware of the challenges residents are facing on the road, saying that it remains committed to ensuring that its people are connected through road infrastructure development.

“I will take the issue of the Chinsali-Safwa road seriously as it is a critical issue to you, our traditional leaders and the community as a whole,” she said.

Mrs Nalumango stated that the Government wants to complete all the unfinished projects throughout the country in a bid to bring development.

The Vice President further called on the Provincial Administration to ensure the yellow machines are utilised in ensuring infrastructure development is achieved.

And speaking earlier on behalf of other traditional leaders, Senior Chief Nkula of the Bemba people of Chinsali District appealed to the government to consider working on the Chinsali-Safwa road.

Chief Nkula said the road is critical as it hinders development in various areas as it connects Chinsali District to Kasama in Northern Province.

“As traditional leaders we appeal to the government to consider working on this road next year, residents can’t even travel well as it is in a deplorable state,” he said.

Senior Chief Nkula added that farmers are also failing to transport their produce due to the bad state of the road.

The Vice President who arrived this morning in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province for a two (2) day working visit is this afternoon expected to commission Shiwang’andu Civic Centre before proceeding to Mpika District for other government engagements.

Chozi Health Post works completed

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Chozi Health Post works completed

Senga Hill Town Council has finalised works at the delayed Chozi Health Post.

Council Director of Engineering Services,  Kachengwa Sikasote has disclosed that the upgrades which were funded using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), include the installation of solar power, furniture and the painting of the staff house.

Confirming the matter to ZANIS,  Mr Sikasote stated that all the outstanding works have now been completed.

And District Health Director James Mwansa explained that the facility will be handed over and opened to the community once it receives official communication confirming the completion of works.

Dr Mwansa disclosed that Chozi Clinic was completed several years ago but was not operational due to missing essentials such as electricity, water, equipment, and minor renovations.

Syakalima flags off distribution of 2023 curriculum framework and syllabi hard copies

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Syakalima flags off distribution of 2023 curriculum framework and syllabi hard copies

Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima has flagged-off the distribution of 540 000 Syllabi and the 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework hard copies worth 271 million Kwacha, to schools in all the districts in the country.

The media reports that speaking during the ceremony in Lusaka, Mr Syakalima indicated that printing of 1.7 million teaching modules which have also been flagged off, is almost completed, adding that distribution will soon commence.

Mr Syakalima also announced that the tender for learner textbooks and teachers’ guides for 2025 and 2026 had closed on November 10, 2025 and is currently under evaluation.

He assured the nation that the procurement process for the 2026 materials is currently underway, adding that the resources are expected to be available by February 2026.

The Minister noted that the current distribution aligns with the aspirations of the 2023 Education Policy, and the 8th National Development Plan, both of which prioritise investment in human capital as the cornerstone of national growth.

Mr Syakalima further emphasised that the distribution of the materials is a step toward ensuring that every learner in Zambia has access to relevant, inclusive, and empowering educational resources.

“My government will ensure that the quality of our educational materials reflects the quality of the Zambia we are building, one that is knowledgeable, skilled, and ready to compete and contribute globally”, he stated.

At the same event, Zambia Education Publishing House (ZEPH) Board Chairperson, Beatrice Chirwa acknowledged the earlier roll-out of soft copies but also noted that digital access remains uneven.

She however expressed happiness with the distribution of hard copies, describing it as a strategic and inclusive step which will ensure learners in rural areas receive the same quality of materials as their urban peers.

Dr Chirwa also noted that the process has re-ignited ZEPH as a vibrant state-owned publishing, printing and distribution enterprise.

“Today’s roll-out is more than a ceremony. It is a symbol of restored confidence in our public institutions and renewed hope in our classrooms”, Dr Chirwa indicated.

And in a vote of thanks, Janet Bwalya a, a learner from the University Teaching Hospital expressed gratitude to the government for the new curriculum which has not left out learners with special needs.

“Thank you for believing in us, supporting our dreams showing that every child matters. We promise to study hard and make you proud’’, she stated.

Lupososhi town center road rehabilitation commence

Guest Editor
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Lupososhi town center road rehabilitation commence

Works to improve road connectivity to Lupososhi Town Center in Lupososhi District in Northern Province have commenced.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Northern Province Engineer, James Musonda has disclosed that works on the 43 Kilometers M3 Mansa Road junction to Chungu will be done at a cost of 110 million kwacha.

Confirming the development in an interview with ZANIS in Lupososhi, Mr Musonda said the government has awarded a contract to Muleka Investments, and Corridor Construction Company to undertake the works.

Mr Musonda disclosed that the projects include the 42. kilometers Mutondo to Kasaba Road.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of mobilisation, noting that the contractors have deployed a substantial number of machines to expedite the works.

The Provincial Engineer added that the scope of work involves clearing and opening up the road, surface tracing, and raising the road profile to ensure durability.

“It is pleasing to note that the two contractors have already moved on site and works have begun. We are hoping that he will adhere to the timeframe and deliver quality works that will stand the test of time, ensuring the community benefits from improved road connectivity,” Mr Musonda said.

And Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu, who inspected the road works, urged Muleka Investments construction company to shift its camp and prioritise the M3 Junction–Chungu road, describing it as the most urgent.

Mr Mpundu said the road serves as the main passage connecting the CBD and is heavily relied upon by the local community.

He added that the road has been the subject of public concern, including on social media, with many people expressing concern over its condition.

“The M3 Junction–Chungu road is the most urgent because it serves as the main passage into the CBD and is heavily relied upon by the local community. This road has been the subject of public concern, even on social media, and we must act quickly to address these issues,” he said.

Muleka Investments Project Manager Edmond Chigwedere assured the Permanent Secretary that the company will immediately shift camp and focus on the 43-kilometre stretch from the M3 Junction to Chungu, linking to the Luwingu Mansa Road as advised.

And Senior Chieftainess Chungu has welcomed the move to work on the road saying governments swfty response to work on the road, answers to the community’s long standing concerns.

She described the road’s condition as deplorable and urged the contractor to expedite the works before the rainy season intensifies.

“We are grateful that the government has responded swiftly to our longstanding concerns. The road has been in a deplorable state for far too long, and I urge the contractor to expedite the works before the rainy season intensifies and hampers progress,” Senior Chieftainess Chungu added.

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