Zesco Limited is conducting a detailed technical investigation to establish the cause of the power supply disturbance that occurred on the Copperbelt last evening, following a technical fault at the Kitwe Substation.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, ZESCO Limited Managing Director, Victor Loongo, has since apologised to all customers and the public for the inconvenience caused to daily life and business operations.

Mr Loongo, however, said the power utility’s System Control Centre and technical teams responded immediately, in line with established procedures, to stabilise the network and restore supply.

He explained that the protection systems operated as designed to safeguard equipment and prevent wider damage, while noting that the institution regrets the disruption that unplanned outage causes to daily life and business operations.

Mr Loongo further indicated that affected equipment was successfully re-energised the same evening, and normal load configuration progressively reinstated.

He also commended customers and the public for their patience and understanding during the said period.

Mr Loongo assured that Zesco remains committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and stable electricity supply through continued investment in preventive maintenance, asset monitoring, and operational readiness.

Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says government recognises that quality healthcare cannot be delivered through public institutions alone, noting that private partnerships are essential in building a resilient health system.

Mr Kangwa has expressed happiness with the introduction of specialised services such as endoscopy and the establishment of a dialysis unit at the Lusaka Trust hospital.

Speaking at the commissioning of the expanded Lusaka Trust Hospital today, Mr Kangwa said the newly expanded facility is a clear demonstration of the hospital’s commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the people.

Mr Kangwa added that the expanded facility is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in the country.

He noted that the expansion of the health facility comes at a critical time when demand for quality, accessible and specialised healthcare services continue to increase.

 “As our population expands, the demand for quality, accessible and specialised healthcare increases, therefore, the expansion of Lusaka Trust Hospital is both timely and commendable. These are critical services that will improve access to advanced care within our country and reduce the need for costly referrals outside Zambia,” he said.

Mr Kangwa further commended the hospital management for investing in human capital development, specialisation, retention of healthcare professionals and strengthening partnerships in the health sector.

And Lusaka Trust Hospital Board Chairperson, Chabala Lumbwe said the institution has steadily grown from serving an average of 4,000 outpatients and 200 inpatients per month while employing 110 full time and 25 part time staff.

Mr Lumbwe said the hospital is also contributing to skills development through the provision of practical training in Radiology, Pharmacy and Laboratory services to students from Evelyn Hone College.

He disclosed that the newly commissioned building comes with specialised services such as Dialysis and Catheterisation aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.

Mr Lumbwe said the commissioning of the expanded facility demonstrates what can be achieved when government, development finance institutions and the private sector work together towards improving health outcomes.

He has since reaffirmed government support to initiatives that meaningfully contribute to increased access to quality healthcare services.

ZANACO Head of Business Banking, Austin Chijkwa described the commissioning of the expanded hospital facility as a significant milestone for Zambia’s health sector.

Mr Chijkwa said ZANACO is proud to have partnered in supporting the successful completion of the project which is expected to enhance healthcare service delivery.

And Lusaka Trust Hospital Manager, Margaret Siwale says the expanded facility presents a great opportunity for healing within the community in Lusaka district through increased bed capacity and improved treatment services.

Ms Siwale also thanked patients for their cooperation during the construction period of the hospital expansion project.

The Ministry of Education’s Director of Teacher Education and Specialised Services (TESS), Sydney Nalube, has died after collapsing while delivering a speech at the Teaching Council of Zambia in Lusaka.

The incident occurred at around 14:00 hours during the dissemination of the contextualised School-Based In-Service Teacher Training (SITT) tools.

According to eyewitnesses, Dr. Nalube suddenly collapsed while addressing participants and was seen gasping for breath before being rushed to University Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Journalist John Chaambwa, who was covering the event, described the incident as shocking.

“It was shocking for me and difficult to believe. I saw the man collapse and gasp for breath on the floor while I was covering the dissemination of the contextualised School-Based In-Service Teacher Training (SITT) tools,” he said.

Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Dr. Nalube’s death have not yet been released. Authorities are expected to provide more information in due course.

The death toll from suspected alcohol poisoning linked to illicit brews in Choma District has risen to 29, according to district authorities.

Funds Mubele confirmed that the district has recorded 56 cases since the outbreak began last week, with eight patients currently admitted to Choma General Hospital for treatment.

Mubele said investigations have established that the illicit alcoholic beverages, commonly known as Gwala, Kachasu and Chijabbo, contain methanol, a highly toxic chemical that poses a serious threat to human life.

He disclosed that the District Administration, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders have intensified surveillance, investigations and community sensitisation programmes aimed at identifying and shutting down illegal brewing and distribution points.

The District Commissioner has also urged members of the public to avoid consuming illicit alcohol and to report suspected illegal brewing activities to the relevant authorities in order to prevent further loss of life.

Four candidates successfully filed in their nomination papers to contest for the Mpika North Parliamentary seat in Muchinga Province ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

And Mpika District Electoral Officer, Samuel Musenga has warned that any political party or candidate found violating Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) guidelines risks being penalised or disqualified from participating in the election.

Mr Musenga issued the warning shortly after the close of nominations for aspiring parliamentary candidates in Mpika North.

He said all candidates are expected to strictly adhere to ECZ regulations before, during, and after the elections.

Mr Musenga cautioned that any candidate who breaches the electoral guidelines risks facing sanctions and should not blame anyone when such action is taken.

“We want all candidates to campaign freely while adhering to the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he said.

The aspiring Members of Parliament who successfully filed in their nominations are Bernard Chibale of the Citizens First Party (CFP), Modicai Sichalwe of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Francis Kapyanga of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), and Michael Chilufya Sata an independent candidate.

 Meanwhile, UPND candidate Modicai Sichalwe has called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the elections.

Mr Sichalwe said aspiring candidates should focus on explaining their development agenda to the people of Mpika North instead of engaging in violence.

“I am sure all aspiring candidates know what is expected of them during the election period,” he said.

And Citizens First Party candidate Bernard Chibale has urged political players in the constituency to conduct issue-based campaigns.

Mr Chibale said despite belonging to different political parties, all candidates are Zambians who must coexist peacefully.

“Zambia is known for peace, and this should continue even during elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, Francis Kapyanga has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia for the manner in which it has managed the electoral process so far.

Mr Kapyanga said despite the challenges being faced, the ECZ has successfully put in place the necessary measures to allow political parties and other stakeholders to participate freely in the forthcoming general elections.

“It is encouraging to see that the ECZ has, from the beginning, allowed all stakeholders to actively participate in the electoral process,” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from the independent candidate failed.

Seven parliamentary candidates from various political parties in Kabwe District in Central Province have successfully filed their nominations and have pledged to transform their respective constituencies if elected in the August 13 general elections.

United Party for National Development (UPND) Bwacha North candidate, Percy Chato says he is determined to improve the road network, work on water and sanitation problem as well as help the local people access various empowerment programmes.

 Mr Chato thanked the party leadership for adopting him to contest the Bwacha North parliamentary seat on the ruling party’s ticket and called for unity from all party members in the constituency.

“I will ensure that another clinic is built in Makululu compound so that we can have two to enhance provision of health services to the people in that area,” Mr Chato said.

UPND Kabwe Central candidate Chrizoster Phiri, who is seeking re-election, pledged to continue with various developmental projects to uplift the lives of the electorates.

Ms Phiri, who was the last to file her nomination at the Civic Centre, arrived at 14:10 hours with her supporters, also promised accelerated development in her constituency if re-elected.

Former Kabwe Mayor, Prince Chileshe, who has also filed his nomination as an independent for Bwacha North constituency, assured the electorates of accelerated development if elected.

“As a former Mayor, I am aware of the challenges the people of Bwacha constituency have been facing and I am geared to address them,” he said.

Immediate past Kabwe Mayor, Patrick Chishala, who is vying for Kabwe Central parliamentary seat under Resolute Party, pledged to work on township roads and change the face of Kabwe if elected.

“Kabwe Central Constituency has been lagging behind in terms of development for so many years. That is why l have decided to go for the parliamentary seat under the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance to change things,” Mr Chishala said.

National Reconciliation for Unity and Prosperity (NRUP) candidate for Bwacha South, Victor Kolala said his priority will be to work on the roads and address the problem of poor sanitation in the constituency if given the nod.

Mr Kolala said Bwacha South Constituency will never be the same under his leadership.

UPND Bwacha South candidate, Sydney Mushanga had his papers validated at 16:00 hours and warned that politics is not for under-fives.

Meanwhile, Dorothy Yaluma of Citizens First (CT) was the first to file his nomination papers for Kabwe Central parliamentary seat at 10:30 hours at the Civic Centre followed by Resolute Party’s Patrick Chishala at 13:08 hours.