A seven-year-old girl of Washeni Village in Chief Tungati’s Chiefdom has drowned after falling into a well while playing with her siblings.

Disclosing the matter to to the media in a statement, Northern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer, Charles Mbita identified the deceased as Odenia Katuta.

Dr Mbita revealed that the incident occurred on May 14, 2026, around 16:00 hours, and that the matter was reported to Luwingu Police Station at 17:15 hours by the child’s grandfather, Alimagasi Mwape, aged 65.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the juvenile was playing by jumping across the top of a covered well when the lid gave way, causing her to fall inside and drown.

He said police officers visited the scene and retrieved the body, no foul play was suspected, and the family has since been advised to proceed with burial arrangements.

Dr Mbita expressed concern over the increasing number of drowning incidents linked to uncovered or poorly secured wells.

“It is particularly unfortunate that barely a month ago, another child lost a life in similar circumstances. These are preventable tragedies that should not continue recurring in our communities,” he said.

The Deputy Commanding Officer strongly condemned negligence by individuals and property owners who leave wells uncovered or insecure, thereby exposing children to danger.

“We urge all community members to take immediate responsibility by properly covering, fencing, or securing wells and other hazardous structures within residential areas,” Dr Mbita emphasised.

He further appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor children during playtime and educate them on the dangers of playing near wells.

Dr Mbita reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and called upon local authorities and community leaders to work together in preventing such avoidable tragedies.

Milenge District Electoral Officer Cleophasio Mbotwa has urged aspiring candidates in the district to maintain peace and unity ahead of the commencement of the campaign period for the forthcoming general elections.

Speaking during the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) briefing for aspiring candidates and election agents, Mr Mbotwa said political players should conduct their campaigns in a peaceful and respectful manner in order to promote harmony and avoid unnecessary conflict among community members.

He said elections should not divide communities but instead provide an opportunity for citizens to freely choose leaders in a peaceful environment.

“As we enter the campaign period, I would like to urge all aspiring candidates and their supporters to uphold peace, unity and tolerance throughout the electoral process,” Mr Mbotwa said.

 He further emphasized the need for political parties and independent candidates to respect one another regardless of political affiliation.

“Political competition should be based on issues and development agendas and not violence, insults or intimidation. Let us work together to preserve the peace that Milenge District is known for,” he said.

Meanwhile, Milenge District Returning Officer Bright Chota said that all aspiring candidates were expected to adhere to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) guidelines and requirements for successful nominations during the nomination process.

Mr Chota noted that candidates should ensure that all nomination papers are correctly filled in and submitted within the stipulated time frame to avoid inconveniences.

“All aspiring candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the ECZ guidelines and nomination requirements to ensure a smooth and successful nomination process,” Mr Chota said.

He observed that compliance with electoral regulations was important in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

Mr Chota   further called on candidates to cooperate with electoral officials and security wings during the nomination and campaign periods to ensure orderly conduct of the elections.

Minister of Health Alex Katakwe says the digitalisation of records management systems is critical to improving efficiency, accountability and service delivery in Zambia’s health sector.

Speaking during the handover of e-Registry equipment by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Ministry of Health in Lusaka today, Dr Katakwe described the donation as a major milestone in Zambia’s journey towards building a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system.

Dr Katakwe said the donated equipment, which includes computers, high-volume digital scanners and multifunctional printers, is expected to strengthen records management, improve document processing and enhance information accessibility within the ministry.

He stated that the government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has placed digital transformation at the centre of national development and public service delivery, adding that the health sector remains one of the key beneficiaries of the country’s digital reform agenda.

“This occasion marks a long-awaited milestone in Zambia’s journey towards a fully digitalised, efficient and people-centred health system,” Dr Katakwe said.

The Minister explained that the Ministry of Health’s digital transformation agenda is anchored on the National Digital Health Strategy 2022–2026, which seeks to strengthen healthcare systems through technology and improve service delivery across the country.

He noted that the government has already made significant progress through the rollout of electronic health record systems such as Smart Care and PEPFAR Information Platforms, as well as the implementation of the Laboratory Information System and the Electronic Logistics Management Information System known as DELVIS.

“These are not small achievements.

They represent years of deliberate investment and collaborative effort by government, cooperating partners and dedicated health workers across the country,” he said.

Dr Katakwe stressed that digitalising registry operations is essential in addressing inefficiencies associated with paper-based systems, which he said have contributed to delayed processing of files, missing records and limited access to critical information.

“Data is the lifeblood of a functioning health system. Every document processed in our registry, every file retrieved for action and every decision made begins with reliable information management,” Dr Katakwe said.

He added that the newly acquired equipment will strengthen accountability, improve audit readiness and support faster retrieval of documents required for policy direction and decision-making at the highest levels of health governance.

Dr Katakwe further called on public workers to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the management of records and public documents, warning against corruption and unethical conduct in public offices.

“With the equipment being handed over today, the era of missing records should become history. But technology alone is not enough. We must also change our mindset and work ethic,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman said consultations conducted with various units within the Ministry of Health revealed critical weaknesses in the existing paper-based records management system, which has continued to affect document storage, retrieval and information flow.

He said the donated equipment will help convert physical records into searchable digital files and improve document indexing, storage and retrieval.

And Ministry of Health Assistant Director for Human Resources Goodson Kamanga thanked cooperating partners for supporting the ministry’s efforts to modernise records management systems and appealed for continued staff training to ensure officers effectively operate and maintain the equipment.

Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati has defined Zambia’s digital agenda as connecting remote villages, delivering power to clinics and enabling health workers to save lives via digital links.

Speaking at a farewell cocktail last night, Mr Mutati said his approach to the ministry was rooted in learning and service, not technical expertise.

Mr Mutati said his job was to inspire, to transform, to innovate and create new possibilities.

He recalled addressing the United Nations in New York as Zambia’s representative for the global south, alongside ICT Ministers and tech executives from around the world where he used the platform to explain what digital means for Africa.

“In Africa, digital means, in the very remote part of Zambia, where there was no connectivity, you now connect the people, where the nurse was operating, using the light on the cell phone, you deliver power, where the nurse was using her best endeavor to deliver a child, she was now connected digitally,” he said.

Mr Mutati highlighted what the ministry has achieved in the last five years among them is over  600 young innovators connected to resources and funding, distribution of more than 12,000 computers across the country, launch of Zambia’s first 5G network in 2022 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre among others.

Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habenzu said Mr Mutati’s humility, decisiveness and ability to inspire confidence had left a legacy of professionalism and service.

“You have nurtured colleagues, empowered teams and left behind not only policies and programmes but also people who are better because of your guidance,”Mr Habenzu said.

He noted that the ministry’s work on cyber security, including the STAR 707 short code for reporting mobile fraud, had built trust in Zambia’s digital systems, enabling citizens to transact, learn, innovate and communicate without fear.

“As we bid farewell to the Honorable Minister, we do so not with sadness but with pride and gratitude, “Mr Habenzu concluded.

Meanwhile, Global System for Mobile Associations of Zambia Chairperson Abbad Reda said Mutati’s tenure has left an indelible mark on Zambia’s digital transformation journey.

Mr Reda recalled how the minister’s “three A’s” of access, affordability and availability had shaped industry efforts on network coverage and device accessibility.

He said mobile broadband coverage now reaches more than 93-94% of the Zambian population across all ten provinces.

He highlighted Mr Mutati’s role in phasing out scratch cards within his first 100 days, working with GSMA Zambia and ZICTA to move subscribers to electronic top up systems.

“This has also contributed to digital financial inclusion and made the environment safer, “he said.

Mr Reda also commended the Minister for leading coordinated responses during last year’s energy crisis, bringing mobile network operators and tower companies together to maintain quality of service.

He said the minister’s approach of collaborations over silos, progress over process, and outcomes over optics had strengthened trust between government and the private sector.

“Your willingness to engage with MNOs, to listen to the challenges to think bigger and act bolder has helped us really strengthen the trust between the public and private sectors,” Mr Reda added.

He added that Mr Mutati’s support for corporate income tax reductions had accelerated ICT investment and expanded broadband coverage, positioning Zambia as an emerging digital economy in the region.

Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has called for a paradigm shift in the mindset of community members for the country to end hunger.

Dr Mwanakampwe says hunger at household or community level can only be ended if people take responsibility.

Speaking when the National Programmes Director for Hunger Project, Samuel Mutambo paid a courtesy call on him, Dr Mwanakampwe said farmers must stop being seasonal but grow crops throughout the year.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary encouraged the Hunger Project to tag along with relevant government ministries such as the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Water Development and Sanitation, and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise to build entrepreneurs.

And Hunger Project National Programmes Director Samuel Mutambo said the project works to build sustainable community-based programmes using epicenter strategy, an integrated approach to rural development.

Mr Mutambo emphasised that the epicenter is a dynamic hub of community mobilisation and action, as well as an actual facility built by community members.

He explained that through the epicenter, people are brought together in clusters in rural villages, giving them more influence with the local government, while also increasing the community’s ability to collectively utilise resources.

Mr Mutambo said the Hunger Project which has established its existence in Eastern Province was now expanding to Shubuyunji’s Nakayiba Ward in Central Province, where a third epicenter will be constructed

He said through the epicenter strategy, the project will work with community partners to successfully access the basic services needed to lead lives of self-reliance and achieve agreed upon markers of success, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Chama North Member of Parliament (MP) Yotam Mtayachalo has thanked government and the people in the constituency for the trust and support rendered to him during his five-year tenure in office since August 2021.

Mr Mtayachalo described his leadership journey as one filled with both challenges and successes.

Mr Mtayachalo said despite the difficulties faced, his office managed to deliver a number of developmental projects across the constituency through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and support from the central government.

He highlighted some of the major projects include the construction of the Kamphemba Bridge, modern secondary school in Mbazi Ward funded by the World Bank, installation of communication towers in Lundu, Mazonde and Chibale, as well as the solar mini-grid project at Lundu.

He further cited the completion of bridges along the Chibale-Isoka road and the connection of Chama District to the national electricity grid, which has ended the electricity challenges.

Mr Mtayachalo also disclosed that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), is expected to hand over a project to a new contractor, to electrify Kaozi, Mpalalusenga and Kalinkhu wards, after the previous contractor failed to fulfill contractual obligations.

He noted that the electrification of the wards will help accelerate development and improve the quality of life for residents.

“Without access to electricity, meaningful development cannot be achieved,” he said.

The MP further revealed that during his tenure he successfully lobbied for the construction of mini hospitals in Muchinga and Nkhankha wards to improve access to quality healthcare services.

He said construction works on the health facilities are expected to commence soon.

“I appeal to whoever will be elected as the next Chama North MP to continue following up on the projects,” he said.

The lawmaker has since announced that he will now shift his political focus to Chama Central Constituency, where he intends to contest in the forthcoming elections.