Macky 2 releases the video for his single ‘Favor’. The song was produced by Kekero.
Video produced by Kopala Boyz Films
BY KAPA187
Dora Siliya warns People abusing FISP and promises cheap Mealie Meal
milling plant in Bauleni
Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya says her office has received recently received disturbing reports that some officers are allegedly diverting and selling inputs as well as embezzling the cash for selfish gains.
Ms. Siliya revealed that her office is for this reason ‘compiling’ a list of the perpetrators before bringing the culprits to book.
The minister sounded the warning in Lusaka yesterday shortly after she inspected the Bauleni Solar mill plant. She said abusers were frustrating the efforts of the government in the provision of incentives to the vulnerable people.
The milling plant put in place by government under the President’s empowerment initiative has enabled the Bauleni Compound community to buy mealie-mill cheaply at K80 and K68 for a 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast and roller mill, respectively.
And Government says cheaper mealie-meal is underway in Lusaka and many parts of the country. Ms Siliya who disclosed the development at the same occasion has assured the nation that mealie meal prices would soon reduce to the affordability of most ordinary Zambians.
She said it is regrettable to note that the price of the essential commodity, meali-meal in other parts of the country has exceeded K100 saying this trend would come to an end, soon.
Ms. Siliya also disclosed that government through her ministry has procured a total of 2,000 solar milling plants from China that are being administered by the Zambia Cooperative Federation, ZCF.
Currently 287 installed solar milling plants throughout the country.
And Patrick Mumbi, an employee at the miller disclosed that the miller is producing 40 x 25kgs of meali-meal on a daily basis.
Mumbi says he was among many in the area who are benefiting from the milling plant as he is one of the employees, there.
He said he is happy that government has provided him with a job through the milling plant thereby lessening poverty at his household level.
Meanwhile, Ms. Siliya has reaffirmed that crop diversification is key to transforming the agriculture sector.
She said government means well in diversifying the economy through the participation of the private sector.
On irrigation, Ms. Siliya revealed that government has sourced a US$40 million from the Indian government for irrigation purposes as opposed to depending on rainfall.
Ms. Siliya said government would work closely with the World Bank and other cooperating partners to invest and improve irrigation systems in Zambia.
The Minister said this when she toured the 3.5 hecterage farm in Ibex Hill owned by season commercial farmer and politician Melania Chipungu.
She said government is serious about making the agriculture sector a lucrative business where agro-dealers, suppliers and other players participate in a conducive atmosphere even without State.
She said her ministry would be ‘weaned off’ from participating in agriculture activities.
The Minister of Agriculture today conducted a field visits to millers, agro-depots and at the Ibex farm to familiarize herself.
Ms. Siliya was accompanied by Emma Malambo Director for Policy and Planning and Keziah Kachamba Director for Business and Marketing and
National Agriculture and Information Service (NAIS) deputy director, Mutukelwa Mukelabai.
Other notables included Lusaka Provincial Agricultural Co-ordinator Dr. Lenios Mushimbwe and Lusaka District Agricultural Co-ordinator Dr. Moses Daka.
Southern Province Minister directs education authorities to open school
SOUTHERN Province Minister Edify Hamukale has directed education authorities in the province to ensure a primary and secondary school built by Munali Nickel Mine in Mazabuka becomes fully operational as soon as possible.
Dr Hamukale says it is disturbing that Munsangu School which was handed over to Government 2015 is still not fully operational despite the high demand for primary and secondary education by the community that was resettled in Mugoto area to pave way for mining activities at Munali Nickel.
He says it is ironical that while the mine has put up ultra-modern infrastructure for both primary and secondary school including teachers’ houses, the ministry of general education has failed to deploy teachers.
The minister was speaking yesterday when he visited the institution on a fact finding mission following widespread complaints from the local community.
Dr Hamukale who was accompanied by provincial permanent secretary Sibanze Simuchoba and district commissioner Jane Chirwa said it is disappointing that infrastructure meant to benefit the local community who were relocated to pave way for mining activities is turning into a white elephant.
“This is extremely disappointing that two years after being handed over to government, the school is still not operational when children are supposed to benefit from this infrastructure,” he said. “We cannot allow this community to suffer like this.”
District commissioner Jane Chirwa informed the minister that the institution was not operational because it lacked a staff establishment and desks to facilitate the deployment of teaching staff.
Dr Hamukale directed the provincial permanent secretary to immediately liaise with his counterpart at the ministry of general education to ensure the school becomes operational as soon as possible.
Mine general manager Mathew Banda explained the ministry of general education has failed to honour the agreement with the mine to provide staff to be placed on government pay roll and furniture to the new school.
School parent teacher association Lawrence Muganini appealed to the provincial minister to come to the aid of the Mugoto community so that the school is functional.
Bwana Mkubwa MP wants Mazhandu licence revoked
PF Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Jonas Chanda has joined calls to have the operating licence for Mazhandu family bus.
This follows another tragic road accident involving Mazhandu Bus Services on Tuesday which claimed 10 lives near Kapiri Mposhi.
Figures from the Road Transport and Safety Agency show that Mazhandu has the worst accident record of all bus operators with 10 fatal accidents recorded last year.
Dr Chanda said with figures from RTSA showing that Mazhandu has a worse accident profile, the revocation of its operating licence is the only option.
“I just drove by the tragic accident scene involving Mazhandu bus and a truck near Kabwe. Many people have lost their lives and many badly injured. Each of the victims on this accident was the most important person to someone,” Dr Chanda said.
He added, “Arriving in Ndola a few minutes ago I’m told of a mother who has died with two of her children. May the victims’ dear souls RIP.”
Dr Chanda further called on the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing and the Road Development Agency to expedite the construction of the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway.
“This will guarantee safety by avoidance of overtaking and head-on collisions. This economically important road is heavy laden with heavy trucks, buses and private vehicles. It’s sclerotic and a death trap to over-speeding and over-taking vehicles,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST) is deeply saddened by the crash in which 10 people died on the spot yesterday, 31st January 2017. Among the dead were 6 female adults, 3 male adults and one female child. The Trust is also thinking of those who have been injured and taken to hospital.
According to the Police, the crash happened when a bus belonging to Mazhandu Family service collided head-on with a truck at Lwashimba area between Kabwe and Kapiri Mposhi.
Road deaths and injuries cause horrendous suffering every day. Each day nine people face the unbearable news their loved one will never come home because they have been killed in a road crash. Many families each day must come to terms with a serious injury, many life-shattering, some causing permanent disability.
The Trust is urging the government to invest funding to support road crash victims, to ensure there is integrated, comprehensive and resources to alleviant suffering.
The Trust is aware that Mazhandu Family service has been involved in crashes in which dozens of people have been killed. The Trust believes that the operator can no longer continue to operate the licence.
The Trust calls for the owners to face manslaughter chargers following this incident.
The Trust is also deeply concerned about inability of Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to curb the growing rate of traffic accidents. RTSA in the past 5 years has presided over a situation in which accidents deaths have increased by over 100%.
The Trust is calling on RTSA to take action to stop the growing number of serious injuries and deaths on Zambia’s roads.
Daniel Mwamba, Chairman Zambia Road Safety Trust:
“We want ambitious casualty reduction targets to be introduced to act as a driving force for the fight against road death and injury at the national level; increased investment in road infrastructure to develop a safe and sustainable road network; and more resources assigned to road traffic police to ensure effective enforcement.”
Savior Chishimba claims his party is facing eviction
The opposition United Progressive People (UPP) is facing eviction from its premises after it was served with a notice to vacate the secretariat by the end of the day today.
UPP President Savior Chishimba said the new owner of the property which the party has rented for the past six years, has increased the rentals by 50% and backdated the increase to 1 January, 2017.
Dr Chishimba said all attempts by management staff to reason with him on account that there is nothing like backdated rental increments have proved unsuccessful.
“Further, he has notified the party that the increase is due to risks that his property is being exposed to following the UPP’s resolve to provide checks and balances through the anti-corruption crusade,” Dr Chishimba said.
“We urge our members and supporters to remain prayerful, calm and united as we deal with this undesirable situation. UPP sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support that we have enjoyed from all Zambians who have sacrificed their resources to fight for dignity and justice for all in our nation,” he said.
He added, “Let us continue on this path and nothing shall stop our determination and commitment to the birthing of a corruption-free and prosperous new Zambia.”
DEC refutes reports that Prophet Seer 1 was arrested drug trafficking
The Drug Enforcement Commission has refuted reports that it arrested a prophet commonly known as Seer 1.
Last Friday, it was reported in some media circles that Prophet Andrew Egimadu who is popularly known as Seer 1 had been arrested for drug trafficking and detained at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Police Station.
But Commission Deputy Spokesperson Mutale Chileshe said, “The Commission would like to clarify that at no point did the Commission arrest or attempt to arrest the named prophet for any drug offence charges.”
Lafarge Zambia launches the 2017 Lusaka Marathon
Speaking at a media briefing, Tuesday morning at Lafarge Head Office, Chilanga, Lafarge CEO Mr. Vincent Bouckaert said this year’s event has a budget of K800, 000 and is targeted at both local and international participants.
“As a Marathon runner, I look forward to running alongside you. I am also pleased to announce that we will have runners from various countries including Switzerland, France, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, United Kingdom, South Africa and United States of America. This has been made possible, in part, by leveraging the strengths of the LafargeHolcim Foundation, which advances the discourse on sustainable construction through its $4 million international Awards on Sustainable Construction, which are currently taking submissions until 21 March 2017, when entries will finally close”, he said.
Positively responding to the call of the participants, Mr. Bouckaert said the participation fee had been adjusted downwards to K200 vs K350 of last year for the marathon. He assured all the runners of high standards of safety would be observed throughout the event. He commended the Madison General, one of the major co- sponsors as well as the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zambia Police and Lusaka City Council, among others, for their support.
Speaking at the same event Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) president Elias Mpondela said the Lafarge Lusaka marathon route was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). He called on all international and local athletes to participate in the race and challenged them to beat the current IAAF men’s world record of 2:02:57 at this year’s marathon. The route is available on the website.
Registration can be done online at www.Lusakamarathon.com or in person at the ZAAA office situated along Church, road opposite Fairview Hotel. The participation fee is as follows:
· ZMW 200 for marathon, 42.195 km,
· ZMW 200 for half marathon, 21.1 Km
· ZMW 150 for 10 Km race
· and ZMW 50 for 5km walk.
Aerobics Mania will be on offer during the building up to the event as well as on the day! Online Aerobics Mania registration is also available.
President Lungu back home after AU summit
PRESIDENT Lungu says he is satisfied with the outcome of the just-ended 28th ordinary session of the Assembly of heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) which closed here yesterday.
And President Lungu says the election of Albert Muchanga as AU, Commission (AUC) commissioner for trade and industry indicates the immense potential Zambians have to achieve excellence.
The President said in a wrap-up interview at Bole International Airport shortly before departure for Zambia that most of his expectations were met as he took time to hold bilateral meetings with some of his counterparts to discuss issues of mutual benefit.
President Lungu said the theme for the summit, ‘Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth’ is appropriate because it is in tandem with his administration’s resolve to support and invest in youth.
“We will invest in youth because not doing so has serious consequences in future,” he said.
President Lungu said the interactions at the summit “were worth the money” because Zambia’s thrust for growing the economy is economic diplomacy which can be achieved through interactions with others for benefits.
“We cannot grow the economy in isolation, all these things we aspire for cannot come on their own, we have to interact with colleagues.
“For us, we wanted to maximise and make the most out of this [summit] because several leaders were here and we took time to interact with some although I would have loved to have more interactions but we got the most out of it and I am satisfied,” he said.
And President Lungu says the election of Zambia to the continental position of commissioner for trade and industry indicates the immense potential Zambians have to achieve excellence and help develop the country.
The head of State said the development is heart-warming and that he is delighted that the country will be represented at a higher level on the continent.
President Lungu advised Zambians to avoid being “enemies of themselves” and being jealous against those making efforts to excel in various endeavours.
“It is time we developed confidence in ourselves and avoid being victims of our own jealousy against one another. I am ready to support anyone willing to work hard and excel.
“I will cut all boundaries and choose the best and it doesn’t matter which political party or tribe or anything you belong to, I will choose and support you on merit, and like I keep saying, it’s Zambia first,” he said.
The President arrived home last evening.
Police arrest two more in Reeves Malambo murder probe
Mr Malambo, 48, proprietor of Autoforce, was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend Shabu Benos, 38, after a fight at her home in Ibex Hill on Sunday night.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo said in an interview yesterday that the two, whose names she withheld, are Ms Benos’s brother and daughter.
“We have arrested two more people in connection with the murder of Mr Malambo but I cannot disclose their identity because we are still investigating the matter,” she said.
Ms Katongo said all three are in police custody but have not yet been charged with any offence.
She said police will only slap charges on the trio once investigations in the matter have been concluded.
According to a statement issued by police on Monday, Ms Benos allegedly stabbed Mr Malambo with a knife on the upper part of his body around 23:00 hours. He was rushed to a hospital where he died 10 minutes after mid-night.
NHA proposes a $600 million project to build 12,500 housing units in Misisi and Kuku compounds
NHA acting chief executive officer Waicha Ndhlovu yesterday said her institution has come up with the concept of urban renewal projects which seeks to accommodate slum dwellers in the well-planned smaller portion of the same land while freeing up a bigger percentage of prime land for mixed development.
Ms Ndhlovu said this when she appeared before the parliamentary committee on Local Governance, Housing and Chiefs’ Affairs chaired by Serenje Central member of Parliament (MP) Maxwell Kabanda.
Ms Ndhlovu said due to the magnitude and social impact of such a huge project, political will and sovereign guarantee are required for its successful implementation.
She said NHA will apply the rent-to-own concept and will not displace residents of Misisi and Kuku townships.
“We want to build four-storey flats which residents will rent at K100 per month and after 10 years the flats become theirs. But to do this, we need sovereign guarantee from the Government and political will. These people have settled in these areas because of proximity to town where they simply walk to vend their merchandise,” Ms Ndhlovu said.
Ms Ndhlovu said the rent will go towards buying of the flats.
“We want to create another city within the city. It does not give us joy to see some uniformed personnel and civil servants live in slums. And if the project is successful, it will address sustainable housing and climate change challenges,” she said.
She said every Zambian is entitled to decent accommodation.
And Ms Ndhlovu said the creation of the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure Development will boost the operations of NHA.
“We hope we can get projects from Government to build houses and this will boost our financial base,” she said.
Chief Mwanachingwala thanks President Lungu for evacuating him to India for special treatment
Chief Mwanachingwala said he wants to personally go to State House to thank the President for his gesture.
The traditional leader said President Lungu has demonstrated that he is a President for all irrespective of tribe.
“I was evacuated to India by President Lungu although I am Tonga because he does not look at the tribe of an individual,” Chief Mwanachingwala said.
He also appealed to Government to work on the road leading to his palace which is in a bad state.
He said this at his palace when Southern Province Minister Edify Hamukale paid a courtesy call on him.
And Dr Hamukale told the chief that President Lungu has released money to work on the Kalomo-Dundumwezi road and the Mazabuka by-pass.
Dr Hamukale said President Lungu is committed to developing the country even in areas where he was not voted for.
Dr Hamukale commended Chief Mwanachingwala for supporting the PF administration, and that Government values his counsel.
The chief is recuperating at his palace after undergoing specialist treatment in India.
Zambia U20 defeats Tenerife B at Spain camp
Zambia Under-20 kicked off their Spain camp friendly match itinerary with a victory on Tuesday.
Beston Chambeshi side beat Tenerife’s junior team 1-0 on the Canary Islands where Zambia are holding their fortnight training camp from January 25 to February 7.
An 85th minute goal from Spain-based midfielder Mwape Mumba handed Zambia.
The goal came five minutes after Mumba had replaced Danish-based midfielder Kenneth Kalunga.
“The game was fine, we are happy with the way the boys played the game especially in the attacking phase but we missed chances and we should have scored more goals,” Chambeshi said.
“The finishing was not OK. The opponent wasn’t an easy team but they gave us a good game.
“We hope we have learnt one or two things from here especially in defence, we don’t want slip-ups there.”
Meanwhile, Zambia will face FC Basel’s B side in their second game on Thursday at 13h00 Zambian time.
The team will head back home next week ahead of their February 12 friendly in Ndola against fellow 2017 U20 AFCON finalists South Africa ahead of the championship Zambia will host from February 26 to March 12.
Zambia are in Group A alongside Guinea, Mali and Egypt at the tournament and will be based in Lusaka at National Heroes Stadium.
South Africa are in Group B together with Cameroon, Sudan and Senegal and will be play their games at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Over 400,000 Zambian women on ARVs
First lady Esther Lungu says Zambia has seen an increase of women on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment from 26 in 2002 to over 400,000 in 2016.
Mrs Lungu said this follows government’s investment in the health sector which she says has seen a reduction of the HIV prevalence rate from 19 percent in 2003 to 11.6 to date.
Highlighting the successes made in Zambia in relation to the fight against HIV and AIDS during the Organization for African First Ladies 15th ordinary session, Mrs Lungu said 700 adults and 51 children were put on Antiretroviral Therapy in 2016.
The first lady said more than three million people in Zambia have accessed HIV testing.
And focusing on the theme, ‘Building on fifteen years of engagement to harness the demographic dividends of Africa through promoting the needs of adolescents and their access to youth friendly services,’ Mrs Lungu said that comprehensive sexuality education was making a direct impact on ensuring that adolescents were not infected with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) especially HIV and AIDS.
Mrs Lungu noted that Zambia was undertaking steps towards providing youth friendly health services to communities through an integrated approach involving government line ministries and other stakeholders such as donors and civil Society Organizations (CSO).
“Community housing trained peer educators where adolescents can go without stigma of being seen at a health facility have become a successful model. We have also invested in disseminating national guidelines that integrated HIV and AIDS, Voluntary Counseling and Testing and Sexual Reproductive health. We have also invested in training both in and out-of-school youths, peer education and family planning product distributors. This initiative has not only provided a service but also created employment for the youth.” she said.
The first lady also cited the Determined Resilient Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe Women (DREAMS) as one of the initiatives that helped girls to develop into independent young women who were able to make informed decisions.
“Over the last nine years. The office of the first lady developed a deliberate mentorship programme where pupils from remote rural schools are invited to State House and freely interact with the first lady and talk about their fears, and ask different questions on HIV and AIDS, sexual reproductive health and enhancement of talent. I also make a must to visit schools where I speak to pupils, teachers and parents against social vices that will disadvantage young people as I travel far and wide around Zambia” she said.
On the issue of Gender Based Violence, Mrs Lungu said Zambia was implementing the African Union’s Campaing on ending child marriages stating that a lot of successes have been made in the area.
“My office has brought spouses of traditional leaders who have become champions against child marriages in their chiefdoms.” She said.
And Mrs Lungu said Zambia has a robust cervical cancer prevention and control programme and that the Ministry of Health has a strategic plan focusing on cancers and non-communicable diseases for the treatment and further prevention of infection of cervical cancer.
Mrs Lungu stated that the Zambia established a state of the art cancer disease hospital whose model would be replicated in all the remaining nine provincial centers in the country.
‘ Primary prevention through the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) was piloted and is currently in its second phase of scale up, and over 50,000 girls aged between nine and 15 received the vaccine. Zambia has 41 screening and treatment centers and that more were set to be opened this year.” she said.
Mrs Lungu also noted that training of government health workers in cervical cancer screening and treatment was ongoing and over 500 health workers have been trained.
The first lady said maternal and child health was being provided free of charge in government health facilities across the country.
Mrs Lungu also noted that OAFLA had overlooked persons with disabilities in its programming and hoped that the organization would in the next strategic plan, put deliberate efforts towards reaching out to persons with disabilities.
Earlier, OAFLA chairperson Gertrude Mutharika commended all member countries for making efforts in reducing HIV and AIDS prevalence in their countries saying all members’ countries had recorded positive strides in the fight against the scourge.
And UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe observed that OAFLA had become an important channel for continental advocacy on issues aimed at uplifting the girl child to fully realize her potential.
Mr Sidibe stated that the first ladies had contributed to making Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) became a reality because they helped advocate for the programme to be implemented.
He noted that this has led to an increase in the number of children who were born negative despite being born from positive mothers.
Government welcomes construction of ZESCO Sub-station in Manyinga
Government has welcomed plans by ZESCO to construct a Sub-station in Manyinga district in North-western Province.
This follows the power utility company’s complete connection of Kabompo district and surrounding areas, including Manyinga to the national grid.
And ZESCO Regional Manager Alex Mbumba has since applied for a piece of land for the construction of a Sub-station in Manyinga district to supply the area with adequate electricity supply.
Residents in North-western Province has been appealing for power supply following the introduction of the Hydro Grid Extension Project.
Meanwhile Manyinga District Council Secretary Patson Kapoba has confirmed receipt of an application for Land from ZESCO.
Mr Kapoba disclosed that the council has allocated 1.7 hectares of land to the utility company for the Construction of the Sub-station and supporting Structures located at the new construction Site
And Manyinga District Commissioner Queen Manela has welcomed the development, saying it will create employment for the Local people.
Before being declared as district in 2012, Manyinga was part of Kabompo district as a sub centre.
No Such Law in the Zambian Constitution Barring Police Officers from marrying Foreigners-LAZ
The Law Association of Zambia has said that the directive by Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja’s to bar Zambia Police officers from marrying foreiners is discriminatory and contravenes the provision of article 23 of the constitution in the Bill of rights.
In a statement released to the media and signed by LAZ President Linda kasonde, LAZ said that there is no such law in existence that bar Zambia Police officers from marrying Foreigners.
Last week, a Zambia Police memo circulating on social media indicated that the law stated that no police officer should marry a foreigner.
Police spokesperson Esther Katongo explained that by law, police officers are forbidden to marry foreigners by sections three and five of the Police Act.
“Issues of security are delicate. If not careful, spouses can be spies and can sell the security of the country,” she said.
“It is true that this provision has always been there. Now it seems some officers are ignoring it that is why an internal memo had to be issued to remind them.
It is a standing order passed for security reasons,” she said.
Ms Katongo said sections three and five of the Police Act gives power to the Inspector General of Police to come up with a standing order to guide the running of the police.
Below is LAZ ‘s full statement
