Government has delivered two thousand, two hundred by 50 kilogramme bags of fertilizer for wetland agriculture in Chipangali district in eastern province.

The inputs which are under the Department of Community Development, are meant to be distributed to vulnerable but viable farmers to venture into gardening.

Acting District Community Development Officer, Levitson Nthara, said that the district received 1000 by 50 kilogramme bags of Compound ‘D’ fertilizer and 1,200 by 50 kilogramme bags of Urea to be distributed to 1, 200 farmers.

Mr Nthara said the district also received 1000 by 5-kilogram bags of maize seed, cabbage and tomato seeds for the same programme.

He noted that the aim of the department was to help the farmers increase food security and income in households.

“We are happy that the government has given us these inputs under the wetland farming because this will help farmers increase their food security and also their income,’’ Mr Nthara said.

He urged the farmers to put the inputs to good use if they wanted to have food at household level.

Chipangali District Commissioner, Paul Sakala, said the inputs came at the right time to allow farmers to plant early.

Mr Sakala noted that farmers who had the interest in wetland farming should be prioritised when distributing the fertilizer and seed to reduce issues of some of the inputs being sold.

He observed that there were a lot of farmers in the district but few were into wetland farming.

‘’ These inputs should be given to farmers who have interest in gardening because we do not want to see a situation where farmers start selling after receiving the inputs. There are a lot of farmers in the district but very few are into wetland agriculture,’’ Mr Sakala said.

The District Commissioner, noted that farmers who ventured in wetland agriculture made more profit that those who waited for rain fed agriculture because they could harvest more than once in a year and make more profit.

Meanwhile, one of the farmers, Moses Banda, commended the government for giving the farmers inputs for wetland agriculture.

Mr Banda urged the government not to stop giving farmers inputs for wetland agriculture but increase on the packs to defeat hunger in households.

Each farmer is expected to receive one ‘D’ Compound bag and one Urea bag of fertilizer, a bag of seed and seed for vegetables.

According to the Zambian Constitution, a person who was born in or has continuously lived in Zambia for 10 years and has attained the age of 18 years is entitled to be registered as citizen.

Refugees and their children who have lived in Zambia for more than 10 years should be registered as citizens of Zambia.

The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) Deputy Executive Director, Maurice Makalu, has disclosed that his organisation has officially written to government to respect provisions of the Zambian Constitution and the UN Convention on Refugees on registration of eligible refugees as citizens.

“We have institutionalised the treatment of former refugees like criminals in this country but being a refugee is a not a crime,” he said.

Mr Makalu said Article 37 of the Constitution entitles eligible refugees, like any other person, to register and be granted the citizenship of Zambia.

“We are concerned that some people we call refugees have lived in this country for than 20 years; some of their children were been born here and continue benefit from our resources and socials services such as free education and yet we continue to discriminate against them and fail to tap into their potential to contribute towards developing Zambia and growing our GDP.”

According to the Zambian Constitution, a person who has continuously lived in Zambia for 10 years and has attained the age of 18 years is entitled to be registered as citizen.

The amended Constitution also provide for registration of children who were born and have lived in Zambia for a period of 5 years Zambian citizens.

Mr Makalu says the Zambian Government should end the discrimination against refugees and their children by treating them like any other person who can apply and be granted citizenship of Zambia.

He observed that countries which are fast-developing in the world rely on the education, skills and labour of both its citizens and foreign nationals such as refugees.

He said it was disheartening to see former refugees who have refused to go back to their countries being treated like common criminals in Zambia.

Some of the inferior laws we have made in this country are directly in contravention of the Constitution, the UN, AU and SADC instruments on refugees and should not be allowed to stand.

Mr Makalu said the ZCLU will not run to court but will engage government to correct this measure.

“The courts will be our last option to pursue if engagement and dialogue with government fails but we think Government must bring stakeholders on board to correct this discrimination which is happening against refugees and their children.”

The Luwingu Magistrate Court has sentenced a 20 year old of Lupososhi District to six months imprisonment with hard labour for beating up school going children.

Marvel Konkola of Lwenge Village in Senior Chieftainess Chungu’s chiefdom is alleged to have gone on rampage beating up school children at Lwenge primary school in Lupososhi district during break time.

Facts before Luwingu Magistrate Maybin Kapaya were that on June 29 2023 at 12:30 hours the accused person went to Lwenge primary school to watch the drilling of a water borehole but instead picked up a quarrel with some school children.

The annoyed Konkola started chasing children and beating them and ended up assaulting a pupil contrary to section 248 of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Magistrate Kapaya has since convicted Konkola for one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

In mitigation Konkola appealed for lenience adding that he learnt something whilst remanded in prison and was remorseful of his action.

In passing judgement, Magistrate Kapaya said the matter was serious and that he had put into consideration the fact that the accused was remorseful and he will be sentenced accordingly.

Magistrate Kapaya said it was a duty of the courts to protect school going children from intruders aiming to disturb school lessons.

He said some children could even stop attending school lessons for fear of being attacked or beaten up by some disgruntled people like Konkola.

Magistrate Kapaya further explained that to deter offenders a stiffer penalty must be imposed to prevent such barbaric acts.

He noted that Konkola was the first offender and sentenced him to six months imprisonment with hard labour with effect from the he was arrested.

Police in Mtendere Compound of Lusaka are investigating a Sudden Death case where a 43 -year- old man of Mtendere Compound was found dead inside a bus.

Zambia Police Service Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident to the in Lusaka today.

Mr  Hamoonga identified the deceased as Maxwell Jere who was found dead in a Hino bus registration number BBC 3032 and fleet number LSK 4080.

Mr  Hamoonga said brief facts of the matter are that the driver of the Hino bus identified as Vincent Kamuchanga, 40, of house number C514 Mtendere compound, discovered that the brakes of the bus were worn out and he informed the owner who advised him to take it to a mechanic within Mtendere compound so that they can be replaced.

Mr Hamoonga said that unfortunately, spare brake pads were not available, so the driver and the now deceased decided to guard the bus overnight by sleeping inside it with a brazier on.

It is suspected that the duo suffocated as the bus windows and door were found closed.

Mr. Hamoonga narrated that upon physical inspection by police, no physical injuries were seen on the body of the deceased but white foam was seen coming out of the mouth with the head facing the brazier, while the driver was found unconscious adding that Police also found a brazier inside the bus with some flames of fire.

“The driver was immediately rushed to Mtendere Clinic, where he was later referred to Levy Mwanawasa,” said Mr. Hamoonga.

The body of the deceased has been deposited into the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Mortuary awaiting Post-mortem and burial.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that injured Zambia Women’s National Team goalkeeper Hazel Nali may undergo surgery in New Zealand next week. The collaboration between FAZ and the Association of Zambians living in Australia/New Zealand has identified a surgeon who can provide a faster and more convenient solution than the previously proposed option in India.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga revealed that Dr. Munanga Mwandila, a Zambian based in New Zealand and the president of the Association of Zambians in Australia/New Zealand, presented the alternative. The player will be assessed by renowned knee surgeon Professor Bruce Twaddle on July 22, with the possibility of surgery scheduled for July 26.

Kamanga emphasized that the decision was made after consulting with various stakeholders, particularly in the medical field, and in close collaboration with the team medics who have been supporting Nali thus far. The FAZ is confident that the option provided by Zambians in New Zealand will serve the best interests of all parties involved.

The FAZ General Secretary also called for support from the Zambian community as the women’s team prepares for their opening match against Japan at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. Kamanga expressed his satisfaction with the widespread support received and praised the positive energy being spread by Zambians in backing the team.

Additionally, Kamanga extended gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for addressing the team and reaffirming government support for their mission. The President assured that outstanding obligations to the team would be cleared, and the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts fully committed to supporting the Copper Queens in their international assignments.

“We are grateful to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts for having fully come on board to support the Copper Queens on their international assignments,” Kamanga stated. He also acknowledged President Hichilema’s instrumental role in actualizing the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Sports and FAZ, which incorporates remuneration for the Copper Queens during international engagements.

The FAZ remains dedicated to ensuring the best possible care and treatment for Hazel Nali, and the collaborative efforts between stakeholders are aimed at her swift recovery. The entire Zambian community, along with football enthusiasts, is encouraged to rally behind the team as they embark on their journey in the upcoming tournament.

For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Dr. Benjamin Phiri has called for the appreciation, respect, and value of the elderly and aged individuals in society.

Bishop Phiri expressed concern that the elderly are sometimes abandoned, despised, and subjected to derogatory names in society.

As a Canon lawyer, he recognized the importance of the elderly’s wisdom, considering their vast life experiences in various domains.

Bishop Phiri urged the faithful to offer material assistance and prayers for the elderly and aged, not only during this week but also in the future.

During a Sunday message titled “His Mercy is from Age to Age,” the Bishop launched the celebration of the week dedicated to the elderly and aged in the Ndola Diocese.

“It is unfortunate that the elderly and aged in our society are often despised, abandoned, and referred to in derogatory terms, suggesting their irrelevance to us. When we reflect on ourselves and analyze the current state of society, we realize that we truly need the wisdom of the elderly among us,” Bishop Phiri wrote.

He emphasized that despite appearing tired, fragile, and less productive, society greatly benefits from the experiences the elderly have accumulated throughout their lives. These experiences make them not only good mentors but also valuable companions in all aspects of society.

The Catholic Church in the Copperbelt Province (Ndola Diocese) is observing the week dedicated to the elderly and aged from July 16th to July 23rd, 2023.

During this time, the Church is engaging in reflection and prayer for the elderly who may be abandoned, lonely, mistreated, incarcerated, terminally ill, or residing in homes and hospices.

By BENEDICT TEMBO

GOVERNMENT has said it is keen to continue collaborating with Rwanda in support of regional and international peace-keeping efforts.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said as Zambia prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community organ of politics, defence and security next month, it is confident of support from friendly and like-minded nations such as Rwanda.

During the occasion to mark Rwanda’s 29th Liberation Anniversary in Lusaka on Friday, Mr Mwiimbu said at the multilateral level, Zambia and Rwanda continue to collaborate on issues of mutual concern not only to their countries but to the African continent while supporting each other’s candidatures in the international system.

Mr Mwiimbu expressed happiness that Zambia and Rwanda have continued to enjoy excellent bilateral relations cemented by common principles and values.
He said the important role that peace and stability plays in advancing economic and social development cannot be overemphasised.

“Rwanda continues to distinguish herself through support to peace initiatives on the continent, including your active engagement in the resolution of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique. Zambia will equally continue to collaborate with Rwanda in support of regional and international peace keeping efforts,” Mr Mwiimbu said
He commended the resilience and resolve shown by the people of Rwanda to rise from their challenging history and become a flag bearer of social economic advancement which he described as a remarkable achievement.

“This is comparable to the proverbial rising of the Phoenix from the ashes,seeing how Rwanda has clearly distinguished herself as a force to reckon with on African continent,” Mr Mwiimbu said
And Rwanda High Commissioner to Zambia Amandin Rugira said Rwanda under the leadership of President Paul Kagame has made tremendous strides in all aspects of national development.
“Rwanda has been repeatedly ranked the safest, peaceful, cleanest and one of the fastest growing economy not just in Africa but also in the world,” Mr Rugira said
He said the achievements Rwanda has recorded in the political and socio-economic development are beyond what many would have imagined in the aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi.