ActionAid Zambia in North-Western Province has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to address issues surrounding climate change as he opens the third session of the thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, September 8, 2023.

Organization Hub Coordinator Exilda Chisongo has told the Zambia News and Information Services in Solwezi District that the issue of climate change is something that needs serious attention by all stakeholders and ensure that leaders are committed to promoting climate justice.

Ms Chisongo said her organization is concerned that North-Western Province has not been spared from the negative effects of climate change.

“As the President opens the third session of the thirteenth National Assembly, we would like to hear him talk about the climate change agenda because our country is affected, so we would like him to encourage stakeholders to commit themselves towards promotion of climate justice and see to it that we re-commit ourselves to issues of climate change as a nation,” she said.

She added that trees have continued to be cut recklessly and wondered how committed the leaders are to mitigating the negative effects of climate change.

“Right now, we are struggling with issues to do with climate change, yet we have allowed citizens to continue cutting trees and the use of plastic bags that are below 30 microns in thickness in our communities,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Chisongo said government should expedite the process of opening the Kasenseli Gold Mine for increased revenue collection to grow the economy.

She said the organization believes that once the Mine is open it will create jobs for many Zambians to improve their livelihood and reduce poverty.

Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda has called on media houses to practice professionalism through dissemination of accurate and factual information to the general public.

ZANIS reports that Ms Kasanda observed that some journalists have a tendency of disseminating harmful information that contributes to division in the country.

The Minister explained that certain media houses are fond of pushing a negative agenda instead of highlighting the right content that benefits all Zambians.

She stated that the role of the media is ensuring that the general public is kept abreast with real time information such as the Constituency Development Fund, free education, and massive recruitment among other social services being implemented.

She explained that this is the kind of information that people especially in rural areas should receive so that they too benefit from the opportunities by the government.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Lusaka, the Minister stated that the government has honored its promise of ensuring freedom of the media.

She said this is evident by the open space that is provided to various political parties on national broadcasters such as ZNBC.

Ms Kasanda reminded the public that content being aired on ZNBC covers all political parties because of the government’s acceptance that all Zambians ought to be provided a platform to air their views.

“The media should change the way of reporting, because media can either build or break a nation through dissemination of information, especially on radio which has a wider coverage,” Ms Kasanda stated.

And the Minister emphasised on the importance of Zambia News and Information Services in publishing factual and accurate Information to all parts of the country.

She stated that ZANIS having the largest presence in 104 districts has been equipped with requisite tools totaling to 60 digital cameras, 40 laptops, including 10 donated laptops for provinces and districts to enhance the mandate of the institution.

The Minister said that ZANIS being a government mouthpiece, conveys accurate information on government’s behalf, thus urging citizens to give feedback on the information publicized by the agency.

She further disclosed that the Ministry is currently in talks with the treasury to release funding for the completion of the eight Provincial studios.

She also underscored some of the success including issuance of radio and TV broadcasting licenses, enactment of media laws to regulate the media sector in a transparent and objective manner.

Ms Kasanda revealed that the Cabinet has already approved the Access to Information Bill in principle, and that an update will soon be given.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga said that President Hakainde Hichilema realised the importance of ZANIS, thus equipping the institution with video and photography cameras, public address equipment and laptops for officers in Provinces and districts to effectively carry out their work.

Mr Kalunga revealed that ZANIS was neglected in terms of funding, last receiving new equipment during the United National Independence Party (UNIP) regime, a narrative that has been changed by the current administration.

And ZANIS Director Loyce Saili disclosed that the Agency is working with local people and youths in the film industry from various districts to provide content for the ZANIS TV channel.

She said that management has set aside funding that will be used to contract young people to produce short films for the TV, resulting in empowerment and job creation in the provinces.

She said that the institution has already moved into two provincial studios in Mansa and Kasama, awaiting installation of equipment so that the studios are fully functional.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested and charged Katete Town Council Secretary, Everty Ng’andu for corrupt practices.

According to a statement issued by ACC Head-Corporate Communications Timothy Moono , Ms Ng’andu aged 50 of Lusaka has been charged with abuse of authority of office and willful failure to comply with applicable procedure.

Mr Moono indicated the details in the first offence were committed between May 1^st, 2019 and May 31^st, 2019 in Sinazongwe District, where whilst serving in her capacity as Council Secretary for Sinazongwe Town Council, Ms Ng’andu abused the authority of her office.

He said this was in the manner she used Council property being frontend loader, tipper truck, tractors and man-power for personal use without paying the requisite fees, an act arbitrary and prejudicial to the interest of the Sinazongwe Council, a public body.

He added that for the second offence, on dates unknown but between 1st January, 2018 and 31st December, 2018 in Sinazongwe District, Ms Ng’andu willfully failed to comply with applicable procedure relating to the procurement of a motor vehicle, a transaction involving Sinazongwe Council, a public body.

And in another matter, the Commission has arrested and charged former Namwala Town Council Director of Works Arthur Thole and former Namwala Town Council Rural Water and Sanitation Coordinator Kennedy Chifokolo for corruption involving over K200, 000.

He explained that Mr Thole was charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public revenue or property contrary to Section 34(2) (a) and one count of willful failure to comply with applicable procedure or guidelines relating to procurement contrary to Section 34(2) (b) as read with Section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 of the Laws of Zambia.

On the other hand, Mr Moono said that Chifokolo was charged with one count of corrupt acquisition of public revenue or property contrary to Section 34(2) (a) and one count of Conflict of Interest contrary to Section 28 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

“It is alleged that Thole and Chifokolo facilitated the signing of a contract between Namwala Town Council and Geotechno Rock Rollers Limited for the rehabilitation of 28 dysfunctional hand pumps across 14 wards in Namwala, and fraudulently facilitated the payment of K220, 500 to Geotechno Rock Rollers Limited as advance payment in contravention of procurement guidelines and without due regard of the delivery of service,” read part of the statement.

He noted that Chifokolo as a member of the Tender Committee in the evaluation of bids for the selection and award of the same contract failed to disclose in writing his personal and private interest in Geotechno Rock Roller Limited, and did participate in the award of the contract to this particular company.

All the three accused persons have been released on bond and will appear before court.

A 15-year-old boy has died after a mine collapsed on him in Vubwi district of Eastern province.

The minor named as Amadi Zulu, died after a makeshift mine he and his family members were digging in search for gold, fell on him in Chithumba area of Chief Pembamoyo.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Limpo Liwyalii confirmed the incident.

The Police Commanding Officer said that the incident occurred on Thursday, August, 31, 2023 when the said teenager was mining gold in the river banks of Kangwamunyanga stream.

And according to Martin Mbewe , a witness close to the bereaved family, said the boy was in the company of two other family members who fortunately survived the mine breakdown.

“His two colleagues were saved in time but it was too late for Amadi as he was in the deepest part of the trench,” said Mr Mbewe.

Another eye witness said the victim’s mother witnessed the incident but stood helplessly as she was several meters away.

“The victim’s mother who happened to be not more than 30 meters away from the trench noticed the mine collapsing and shouted for help but it was too late to save the juvenile”, he said.

Meanwhile, the body of the minor was later retrieved and was buried yesterday at Mofati one village in Chief Pembamoyo area.

And Vubwi Constituency lawmaker, Ackleo Banda, advised local people to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities.

Mr Banda noted that the country has continued to witness unfortunate deaths caused by illegal mining activities adding that there was need for police to tighten security at Chithumba gold mine.

 “So long, that place remains open to everyone, I can assure you, we should expect more of such tragedies,” he said.

The Vubwi lawmaker however sympathized with the bereaved family on the loss of their loved one.

Chithumba area of Chief Pembamoyo in Vubwi district is notorious for illegal mining activities which residents engage in to mine for gold in smaller quantities.

A 31-year-old woman and her 3-year-old child from the Chilyabufu chiefdom in Itezhi-Tezhi, in Southern Province are suffering from severe burns after her husband allegedly poured hot water on them.

Both Itezhi-Tezhi Member of Parliament and Headman Bwato have confirmed the incident that occurred yesterday evening in Banamwaze area in Chilyabufu chiefdom.

According to headman Bwato, Webby Shamatwi, 32, is alleged to have poured hot water on Anna Kapande after discovering her with another man in the house.

 “According to the information we have so far, Shamatwi went to see her wife yesterday only to find her with another man in the house, who immediately fled,” said Headman Bwato.

According to the traditional leader, after the unidentified man fled, Shamatwi and his wife got into a furious fight, which resulted in the wife and child being burned with hot water.

Shamatwi is suspected of being beaten and has sustained injuries, according to the headman, and has been hospitalised at Itezhi-Tezhi district hospital.

Meanwhile, Itezhi Tezhi, Member of Parliament, has lamented the rise in cases of gender-based violence (GBV), despite efforts to combat the scourge.

He stated that GBV will not be tolerated in the Itezhi -ltezhi constituency, and that Shamatwi will report to police as soon as he recovers.

A twenty-eight (28)  year old Zambian man has been sentenced to seven years Imprisonment in Ethiopia for trafficking in narcotic drugs.

Maliki Christopher Phiri of Lusaka was sentenced on August 2, 2023 for being in possession of 1.0 kg of Cocaine, which was concealed in a pair of shoes he was carrying in his bag.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rose Sakala who confirmed the development, said Mr. Phiri was arrested on June 20, 2022 at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while in transit to India.

Ms Sakala said facts on the matter indicate that Mr. Phiri was given the bag containing drugs by a Nigerian national resident in Zambia at an unidentified Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for onward delivery to India.

He also disclosed that when Mr. Phiri appeared in court, he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking but maintained that he could not recognize the gentleman who handed him the said drugs.

Ms Sakala has called for enhanced awareness campaigns among Zambian travelers considering that the Ethiopian Government has heightened surveillance measures to curb drug trafficking in view of increased cases.

She called for more sensitization against Zambians being used as conduits to transport unknown parcels.

This is contained in a statement availed to ZANIS by First Secretary-Press and Tourism at the Zambia Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia Inutu Mupango Mwanza

Local Resident Calls for Authorities to Investigate the Situation

Concerns have been raised by a vigilant local resident regarding the blockage of drainage along Mosi O Tunya Road, specifically the area between Lewanika Mall and Tokyo Way (Ring Road). The resident has expressed unease about rubble being placed in the drainage channel, potentially hindering the natural flow of water.

According to the concerned individual, construction activity is taking place in the vicinity, possibly for the development of a filling station. However, they noted that no official notice or signage, as required by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), has been displayed to inform the public about the ongoing project.

The resident has called on the Lusaka City Council (LCC) and relevant authorities to investigate the situation promptly. They stressed the importance of addressing the issue before it escalates and potentially leads to drainage problems in the area.

Preserving effective drainage systems is crucial for managing stormwater, preventing flooding, and maintaining the overall environmental well-being of the city. The concerned resident’s call for action underscores the importance of adhering to regulations and ensuring transparency in construction projects that may impact public infrastructure.

Efforts are expected to be made by local authorities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to address the concerns raised by the vigilant resident, ultimately safeguarding the drainage system and the surrounding environment.