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.

Chama Town Council Chairperson, Gift Kumwenda has called on the office of the Council Secretary to ensure that completed projects are quickly operationalised to avoid vandalism.

Mr Kumwenda says there are many projects that have been completed across the district but not yet operational.

He said this during the last full council meeting held at the council chamber in Chama district which marked the end of his five-year tenure, ahead of this year’s August General Elections.

“It is important that these projects are handed over and put to use without delay. They risk being vandalized if they continue being idle, and this will not benefit the intended communities,” he said.

And Mr Kumwenda has thanked the Chama Town Council Management, District Administration Office and the two Members of Parliament in the district for their dedication and unwavering support during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Chama Town Council Secretary (CS), Francis Muzyani who was represented by the Director Planning, Sydney Chipili, thanked the  Council Chairperson and the councillors for their dedication to duty in ensuring the local authority delivered on its mandate.

He said the local authority had compiled a status report on all capital projects under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other government programmes saying that steps are being taken to fast-track commissioning processes.

The meeting brought together councillors from the district’s 24 wards, Heads of Departments and invited stakeholders to review the council’s performance and outstanding matters.

Zambia and Paraguay have intensified bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in livestock development, agricultural mechanisation and agro-processing as part of efforts to drive economic growth and improve rural livelihoods.

Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, with extra-accreditation to Paraguay, Sitali Alibuzwi, held high-level consultative talks with Paraguay’s Vice Minister of Livestock, Marcelo González, where the two countries explored opportunities for collaboration in animal health, irrigation technology and export-oriented agricultural production.

Lieutenant General Alibuzwi said Zambia is eager to tap into Paraguay’s globally recognised livestock expertise in order to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen national herds and improve disease management systems.

“Zambia is particularly keen to adopt Paraguay’s proven models in livestock development and animal health in order to strengthen our agricultural sector and boost food security,” General Alibuzwi said.

Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Paraguay, stating that agriculture remains a critical pillar for economic transformation and sustainable development.

The Ambassador further noted that Zambia is interested in advancing technology-driven farming methods through modern irrigation systems, mechanisation and value addition aimed at increasing exports and industrial growth.

Meanwhile, Paraguay’s Vice Minister of Livestock, Marcelo González, said his country’s economy has greatly benefited from its strong agricultural base, particularly through livestock and crop production.

“This agricultural focus has served as a powerful engine for social change and poverty reduction, with national poverty levels dropping from nearly 50 percent in 2003 to an estimated 18 percent in 2025,” Mr González said.

Mr González disclosed that Paraguay currently has a cattle population of about 13 million, almost double its human population of seven million, adding that the country’s economic stability continues to be supported by the export of soybeans, beef, maize, rice and wheat.

And Zambia and Paraguay have agreed to establish a practical framework for cooperation through the exchange of technical knowledge in animal health and agro-processing, which is expected to create jobs and improve livelihoods in both countries.

This is according to a statement issued to the media by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil, Lloyd Kapusa.

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has formally bid farewell to staff at his ministry, highlighting key achievements recorded since the year 2021.

Speaking during his farewell address, Mr Tayali said the creation of the Ministry under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration marked the beginning of a new approach to Zambia’s development, where transport and logistics were positioned as the backbone of economic transformation.

He said the ministry has successfully built an integrated transport system aimed at linking roads, railways, airports, border facilities and logistics hubs to enhance national productivity and regional trade.

He cited the aviation sector as one of the ministry’s major success stories, noting that the country has improved its aviation safety standards beyond regional and global benchmarks through regulatory reforms and strengthened oversight.

Mr Tayali further said the re-launch of Zambia Airways in December 2021 restored Zambia’s presence in international aviation while promoting tourism, connectivity and economic diplomacy.

He also said the upgrading of provincial airports in Kasama, Chipata, Mongu, Solwezi, Mfuwe and Mansa, has opened up provinces to trade, tourism and agricultural exports.

On infrastructure development, Mr Tayali described the Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway as one of the country’s largest projects, adding that the Public-Private Partnership model demonstrated Zambia’s ability to mobilise investment for major infrastructure works.

In the rail sector, Mr Tayali said government secured an estimated US$1.4 billion investment through the concessioning of TAZARA to rehabilitate the railway, procure locomotives and modernise operations.

He added that government has also embarked on the recapitalisation of Zambia Railways Limited and recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a proposed US$2.18 billion Kafue-Lion’s Den Railway Project aimed at linking Zambia to the Port of Beira in Mozambique.

Mr Tayali further noted that government operationalised six major transport corridors, namely North-South, Nacala, Dar es Salaam, Walvis Bay, Beira and Lobito, to improve trade efficiency and strengthen regional integration.

He said the ministry also modernised One-Stop Border Posts, which include Kazungula, Chirundu, Nakonde and Mwami, while expanding inland harbour projects in Nchelenge, Samfya, Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Chipepo and Shang’ombo districts.

He has since thanked government officials, technocrats, cooperating partners and the private sector for supporting the ministry’s vision.

And Mr Tayali said he was leaving office confident that Zambia is on course to becoming a regional transport and logistics hub in Southern Africa.

Mutinta Mazoka, widow to late United Party  for National Development(UPND) First President Anderson Mazoka, has thanked the government for recognizing the legacy of her late husband by naming a toll plaza in Kabwe after his name.

Mrs Mazoka says naming the infrastructure after her late husband’s name Anderson Kambela Mazoka underscores the values that help to shape the country’s democracy.

Speaking after the commissioning of the Anderson Kambela Mazoka Toll Plaza in Kabwe on the Lusaka-Ndola Dual carriageway, Mrs Mazoka pointed out that her late husband believed that Zambia belonged to all its citizens regardless of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

Mrs Mazoka added that history becomes stronger when a country learns to honour all those that contributed to its journey regardless of their political affiliations.

She said the naming of the toll plaza will help people remember the values late Mr Mazoka stood for which include integrity, hard work, peaceful leadership and above all love for Zambia.

Angolan Member of Parliament Felino Job says a delegation of four Angolan Members of Parliament is in North-Western Province to engage with Angolan citizens living in Zambia and appreciate their social and economic wellbeing.

Mr Job said the delegation is also engaging various institutions to learn how Zambia manages citizen registration and the provision of related public services.

Speaking when the delegation paid a courtesy call on North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Colonel Grandson Katambi (Retired) in Solwezi, Mr Job said Zambia and Angola continue to enjoy warm bilateral relations, adding that the delegation is interested in seeing how Angolan nationals have integrated with Zambian communities.

“We want to see how our people are doing socially and economically, and also appreciate their wellbeing,” he said.

Mr Job said the visit follows continued cooperation between Zambia and Angola, which was further strengthened after President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Angola last year.

He said the two Heads of State have demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, unity and economic development between the two countries.

Mr Job added that the delegation was also keen to learn from various Zambian institutions on how best to improve the welfare of Angolan citizens living in Zambia.

And Colonel Katambi Retired said Zambia has continued to host Angolan nationals, particularly those living in Maheba Refugee Settlement because of the strong historical relationship between the two countries.

He said President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to promote good relations with neighbouring countries, noting that peaceful coexistence was key to economic growth and regional stability.

Colonel Katambi said the New Dawn Administration has encouraged people to live in peace and harmony regardless of nationality.

He said Government’s continued construction of clinics, schools, roads and the provision of electricity and water in refugee settlements demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of displaced persons.

Colonel Katambi also thanked the Angolan Consulate for maintaining cordial relations with Zambia.

“We are all Africans and we should continue living as brothers and sisters. Our two Presidents have shown us how to promote peace, unity and development,” he said.

He further said the close relationship between Zambia and Angola was evident in border communities where citizens from both countries access social services such as schools and health facilities.

Colonel Katambi (retired) said Government was also working on plans to integrate people living in Maheba Refugee Settlement into surrounding communities by allowing them to own land and live freely among other citizens.

He said the move was aimed at removing the stigma associated with being refugees while promoting social integration and economic empowerment.

The delegation comprises Angola Consul General based in Solwezi Agostinho Manuel Raimundo dos Santos, Head of Delegation and Member of Parliament Felino Job, Members of Parliament Luisa da Conceicao Liunda, Celso Torres Capingala and Eugenio Manuvakola.

Others were Senior Officer from the National Assembly of Angola Edson Avelino, Vice Consul based in Solwezi Joao Gabriel, Second Secretary at the Angolan Consulate Nasson Bungo and Second Secretary from the Angolan Embassy in Lusaka Niria Cristovao.

The Four Angolan Members of Parliament and parliamentary support staff are in Zambia on a familiarisation tour aimed at learning about the country’s citizens registration system and the welfare of Angolan nationals living in the country

A Six-year Child of Chandamali Village in Chinsali District in Muchinga Province has died after he was bashed by a car.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Kenneth Kang’ombe has confirmed the incident in a press statement made available to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali.

Mr Kang’ombe said the fatal road traffic accident occurred on Wednesday May 13, 2026 around 17hrs at Chandamali market along Kabuta – Chandamali road within Chinsali District.

He explained that Involved was a motor vehicle Toyota Allion bearing registration number AIE 295 ZM which was being driven by Cosmas Mutale 21 of Mayard Compound.

The police commissioner said the accident happened when the said driver lost control of the motor vehicle due to excessive speed and hit the said pedestrian Philimon Kangwa 6 who was crossing the road.

Mr Kang’ombe stated that the child sustained internal body injuries, a fractured right leg and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Chinsali District Hospital.

He added that the body of the deceased has since been deposited into the Chinsali District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination.

Meanwhile, Mr Kang’ombe said that the driver of the vehicle escaped unhurt while the vehicle incurred a depressed front left fender.

The Vehicle has since been impounded and parked at Chinsali Central Police Station and the driver is detained in police custody and will be charged accordingly.