Lusangazi Town Council has approved the implementation of eight capital grant projects under the 2024 Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) valued at more than K15.3 million.

Council Secretary, Tembo Sekani, says the projects were identified from stakeholder submissions and prioritised in line with available funding and planning guidelines.

Mr Sekani said this during the Second Ordinary Full Council meeting held in Lusangazi District.

He explained that council management received further guidance on the proposed projects before they were submitted for approval.

“We want to ensure that every project being implemented responds directly to the needs of the people while remaining within the approved budget framework,” Mr Sekani said.

The Council Secretary noted that the projects will be implemented in accordance with the Local Public Investment Management framework.

Mr Sekani disclosed that the approved projects include the supply and delivery of two tractors for solid waste management together with trailers, ploughs, planters, rippers and disc harrows.

“We are not only addressing waste management challenges but also strengthening support towards agricultural productivity in the district,” he said.

The Council Secretary further revealed that the council has approved the construction of two dump sites and two agriculture storage sheds in Chief Nyamphande and Chief Sandwe chiefdoms.

Other projects include the construction of five refuse bays, two deep tanks, procurement of 50 wheeled bins and the construction of a community skills training hall.

The programme will also see the construction of two modern markets and ablution blocks in Nyamphande and Sandwe chiefdoms.

Meanwhile, outgoing Chingolo Ward Councilor, Jacob Zulu, welcomed the projects, describing them as a major boost to rural development in the district.

“These projects will transform the lives of many people, especially women, youths and farmers who have struggled for years with poor market facilities and sanitation services, “he said.

Mr Zulu said that the construction of markets, storage sheds and skills training facilities would improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities for local communities.

And a resident of Sandwe Chiefdom, Agness Banda, expressed happiness over the planned projects.

“For a long time our people have faced challenges with storage facilities and proper trading places. These projects have brought hope to our communities,” she said.

Ms Banda thanked the government for taking development closer to rural communities through the Zambia Devolution Support Programme.

“We are grateful that rural communities are now being considered in national development programmes because these projects will make a real difference in our daily lives, “she said.

A 23-year-old man of Tepeka Village in Lumezi District has died after allegedly consuming a poisonous substance believed to be “LAVA.”

Zambia Police Service Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident in a statement to the media, saying the matter was reported to Lumezi Police Post under Lundazi Police Station around 06:00 hours on May 13, 2026.

Mr Mweemba identified the deceased as Chibizyani Lungu of Tepeka Village under Chief Zumwanda in Lumezi District.

He explained that the incident happened around midnight after the deceased allegedly returned home drunk from a drinking spree.

According to police, the deceased reportedly started shouting at his 19-year-old wife, Tisa Nyirongo, prompting his mother, Rosemary Demba, aged 53, to intervene and advise him to calm down.

Mr Mweemba said shortly afterwards, the deceased allegedly came out of the house carrying a small bottle and threatened to take his own life before consuming the suspected poisonous substance.

“He immediately collapsed after drinking the substance, “he said.

The deceased’s mother raised an alarm, attracting community members who rushed to assist before the victim was taken to Chanyalumbwe Rural Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mr Mweemba said police officers later visited the scene and inspected the body, but no physical injuries were observed.

He added that the body has been deposited in the mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have since opened an inquiry file and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has directed its district offices to prioritise distribution of about 700 Thousand Kwacha, worth of Palm Dates that have been donated by Saudi Arabia, to victims affected by floods during the 2025-2026 rainfall.

Speaking during the donation ceremony in Lusaka, DMMU National Coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Resettlement, Marvis Nkomesha, says the donation will contribute to mitigating the impact of the recent natural disaster.

“The recent floods in some districts of the Northern and Eastern region of the country brought untold hardships to a number of vulnerable communities,” Said Mr Chipakupaku.

Mr Chipakupaku reiterated the government’s commitment to improving people’s livelihoods amidst natural occurring disasters.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Zambia, Ali Alkahtani, who was represented by the Embassy’s Head of Media, Ahmed Abdou, said the donation is a reflection of the kingdom’s continued commitment to humanitarian cooperation and support for friendly nations.

Mr Alkahtani added that his country is committed to strengthened cooperation that benefits the people of the two countries.

The 25 Metric Tonnes donation is part of the Annual and Humanitarian Relief assistance extended by Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid Relief.

Several traders at New Soweto Market suffered losses in the early hours of today after a fire destroyed a number of businesses near Namununga School opposite the market.

The fire reportedly broke out around 03:00 hours and destroyed three makeshift restaurants and an electronics shop.

According to Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, security guards on duty at the market first noticed smoke and flames coming from one of the restaurants before alerting the police.

Police officers, together with the Lusaka City Council Fire Brigade, responded to the scene in an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

The fire was eventually brought under control around 04:30 hours, but several traders had already lost their businesses.

Mr. Chilabi said preliminary investigations show that the fire destroyed three makeshift restaurants and one electronics shop.

No injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.

Police have not yet established the cause of the fire, and the value of the damaged property is still being assessed.

Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

The Government of Zambia has received 25 metric tonnes of palm dates worth approximately K700,000 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist households affected by flooding across the country.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Resettlement Mavis Nkomeshya said the donation demonstrates international solidarity during times of disaster and will support ongoing relief efforts in affected communities.

Ms. Nkomeshya stated that the 25 tonnes of dates are expected to benefit vulnerable groups through continued social support programmes.

She added that the Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to responding quickly to natural disasters and ensuring that affected communities receive timely assistance.

Meanwhile, Head of Media at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Zambia, Ahmed Abdou, said the donation reflects the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Zambia, which continues to strengthen through cooperation and mutual respect in various sector

Acting Isoka District Administrative Officer, Sara Sooli, says government remains committed to eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through strengthened community interventions and stakeholder collaborations.
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‎Ms Sooli said this during a meeting to formulate the Isoka District Gender Division Sub-Committee Constitution held at the Fisheries and Livestock Boardroom in Isoka District.
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‎She said government has continued to put in place social support systems aimed at assisting survivors of GBV with counseling services and legal support.
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‎The acting DAO emphasised the need for increased awareness and education in communities, stating that collective efforts are key in curbing GBV.
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‎And Isoka District Gender Division Sub-Committee Chairperson, Muchana Muchana, said the committee has intensified efforts to fight GBV in the district through improved coordination among stakeholders.
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‎Mr Muchana said the newly constituted sub-committee will strengthen response mechanisms and ensure GBV cases are effectively handled within communities.
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‎He further urged stakeholders to take an active role in reporting cases of abuse and supporting victims, adding that ending GBV requires collective responsibility.
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‎Mr Muchana also called on traditional leaders, civic leaders and community members to continue working together in promoting a safe and violence-free society.
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Two minors have been defiled in separate incidences in Northern Province.

In a press release made available to the media in Kasama, Northern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer Charles Mbita, said the first incidence involves a 15-year-old girl in Lunte District while the other involves a 12-year-old mentally challenged girl in Mporokoso District.

Dr Mbita, says the first case was reported on May 12, 2026, around 15:50 hours, and is believed to have occurred between January and March this year.

Dr Mbita explained that the victim was allegedly defiled by two individuals, a juvenile aged 15 and a male adult aged 20, both from the same village.

He said the matter came to light when the girl’s parents noticed signs of pregnancy in March.

The Northern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer revealed that medical tests conducted on girl in April confirmed she was three months pregnant.

He said upon questioning, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused on separate occasions by the two suspects.

Dr Mbita said both suspects admitted to the offence when confronted by the family and were later handed over to police.

The two were currently in custody awaiting formal charges.

He added that medical examinations have been conducted and statements recorded from the victim, guardians, and witnesses.

In the second case, Dr, Mbita said police in Mporokoso district received a report on May 12, 2026, around 16:30 hours, concerning the defilement of a 12-year-old girl described as mentally challenged.

He explained that the offence was believed to have occurred between May 3 and May 6, 2026, when the victim and her sibling were left in the care of a male neighbour, who was a close family friend, while their parents visited relatives.

Dr Mbita said the victim later disclosed that she had been sexually abused by the caretaker.

He said the suspect fled after the matter was reported, and police have since launched a manhunt.

He added that the victim has undergone medical examination and statements have been collected from witnesses.

Dr Mbita has sternly warned perpetrators of sexual offences against children and vulnerable persons that such conduct will not be tolerated.

“Defilement is a serious criminal offence punishable by law, and offenders will be pursued, arrested, and prosecuted without compromise,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable groups, stressing that such acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law.