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Government set to improve water, sanitation countrywide

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Government set to improve water, sanitation countrywide

Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata says Government is set to improve water and sanitation in all parts of the country.

Ms Mulyata disclosed that the government is identifying sites for the construction of new dams, upgrading of water hand pumps to piped water schemes in all rural areas.

The Minister said this during the commemoration of the World Water Day in Rufunsa District in Lusaka which was held under the theme “Accelerating Change”.

“This year’s theme resonates well with the collaboration among stakeholders in the private and public sectors “ she said.
Ms Mulyata added that the collaboration with stakeholders will enhance the implementation of water and sanitation projects in the country.

The Minister emphasised the need to enhance resilience towards climate change that will increase access to safe water.

She has called upon the general public to refrain from behavioral activities that have a negative impact on the water resources such as cultivating near the river and cutting down trees.

Ms Mulyata explained that the promotion of innovative solutions and technology is a reliable solution to the development and management of water resources.

She added that the construction of storage systems such as dams , rainwater harvesting to reduce water scarcity as well as management technologies such as water metering and water saving devices among others can reduce water wastage

The Minister assured the people of Lukwipa that government is aware of the challenges faced in the supply of water and sanitation in the area.

“Government is reviewing the water policy in order to address the emerging issues in the water sector,” she said .

She said these water policies are aimed at promoting sustainable management of water and sanitation resources.

Ms Mulyata disclosed that government will construct waterborne sanitation facilities, and upgrade hand pumps to piped water schemes.

She said these projects will improve water supply and sanitation in the districts.

The Minister added that government is identifying sites for the construction of new dams for rain harvesting as well as improving the already existing water resources.

Ms Mulyata has also called on stakeholders to continue supporting governments efforts in improving livelihood in Zambia.

Speaking at the same event , Rufunsa Town Council Chairperson, Kennedy Mailoni expressed concern with the inadequate water supply in the village.

Mr Mailoni added that the coverage of water supply in Rufunsa District currently stands at 67 percent.

He said this situation has left some people to opt for other unsafe alternatives such as shallow wells and streams.

Mr Mailoni has appealed to government to improve access to clean and safe water to 100 percent coverage in both rural and urban areas.

The council chairperson disclosed that 35 boreholes were drilled through Constituency Development Funds(CDF) and support from well wishers .

He has called upon the public to take responsibility for looking after the water facility.
ZANIS/END/TS/BS…..dry

Presidential Delivery Unit is key in monitoring policy pronouncements

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Presidential Delivery Unit is key in monitoring policy pronouncements

Chief Government Spokesperson, Chushi Kasanda has defended President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to establish the Presidential Delivery Unit.

And Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi says the unit will be key in closely following up policy pronouncements made by President Hichilema.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Ms Kasanda who is also Minister of Information and Media says the Presidential Delivery Unit is not a duplication of other Government institutions.

The Minister of Information added that the work of the Unit will not in any way take away from the functions of already established institutions.

“We are in a hurry to develop the country and the fact that we are in a hurry, it is important that we have a team that is actually looking into this development we want to bring in the country. What this team will do is that, all that we will be doing, they will be like what we would call a watchdog to look into what every ministry is doing, what developments are going on in the country so that they are able to see that those things are being implemented,” Ms Kasanda said.

And Mr Milupi said the formation of the Presidential Delivery Unit has been long overdue.

He said the unit is beneficial in ensuring that President Hichilema and his administration deliver development to the Zambian people.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development who was speaking at the same briefing said the Unit will help unlock rigidities in the governance process.

“One of the pronouncements President Hichilema has made is that this year is for unlocking all rigidities, so sometimes the government may make a pronouncement and find that somewhere there are certain impediments to implementing that pronouncement. This team will help ministries, departments where there are issues so that they can be resolved so that we achieve exactly what is being said,” Mr Milupi said.
President Hichilema recently established a Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to accelerate the implementation of high priority government programmes and projects.

The President appointed Kusobile Kamwambi to head the PDU and Chipokota Mwanawasa as the deputy head.

Ms Kamwambi also serves as Permanent Secretary at Management Development Division, Cabinet Office while Ms Mwanawasa currently serves in the Presidential Advisory team.

However, the creation of the unit received mixed reactions with certain critics questioning the relevance of the PDU.

Lesotho Wary of Hosts Chipolopolo

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Lesotho Wary of Hosts Chipolopolo

Lesotho assistant coach Leslie Notsi has declared that his team is in Zambia to compete favourably against the Chipolopolo in Thursday evening’s 2023 Africa Cup qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

At a pre-match media briefing held at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Notsi said Lesotho are looking forward to the Group H match against Zambia.

He predicted a tough match against Chipolopolo after branding Zambia as a good team.

“We are looking forward to the game and it is a game that we know is not going to be easy for Lesotho but we are coming here to compete. We are here to compete,” Notsi said.

“We have prepared ourselves knowing that we are playing against a very good team (Zambia). The players are ready. We have done everything that we can as the technical team to prepare the players so that we can be a very competitive team tomorrow evening,” he said.

The match will kick off at 18h00.

Ivory Coast lead Group H with four points followed by Zambia and Comoros, who are tied on three points each.

Lesotho are bottom of the group with one point in two matches played.

Fred M’membe raises concern about the forthcoming Indeni cheap diesel

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Fred M’membe raises concern about the forthcoming Indeni cheap diesel

The statement issued by Dr Fred M’membe, the President of the Socialist Party of Zambia, has raised concerns about the forthcoming Indeni cheap diesel. In the statement, Dr M’membe highlighted several questions about the government’s plans and the impact it would have on the citizens of Zambia.

“Every effort to bring down the prices of fuel deserves support, but we need to ensure that the national uniform pump price is maintained and all stakeholders are consulted to avoid any potential price differentials,” Dr M’membe said.

He also expressed concerns about whether Indeni production would meet the total country demand and become a single reference price point. “We need clarity on whether Indeni’s currently installed processing capacity will meet the total country demand,” he said.

Dr M’membe also questioned the impact on the public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), whose price reference point is a spot price, which is likely to be higher than Indeni’s price. “How will these two different prices be reconciled to arrive at a national uniform pump price, which is currently in place?” he asked.

He also highlighted the issue of price differentials between diesel and other products such as petrol, kerosene, and heavy fuel oil, as these would have to be imported on spot prices. “What are the consequences of this? Will products imported by OMCs be priced differently, or has the government abandoned the policy of allowing OMCs to import fuel and only play an oversight role via the Energy Regulation Board (ERB)?” he said.

Dr M’membe emphasized the need for clarity on the matter so that citizens are aware of the impact. “We need to ensure that citizens are aware of the impact, and we need transparency and clarity on the issue of Indeni cheap diesel,” he said.

In his statement, Dr M’membe also revealed that a group of production workers at Indeni had been given two-month contracts to process the commingled feedstock, which was stuck in the pipeline. This suggests that the current processing is a temporary measure, and finished products will be imported.

While the efforts to bring down fuel prices are commendable, there is a need for more transparency and clarity on the issue of Indeni cheap diesel. It is essential to ensure that the national uniform pump price is maintained, and all stakeholders are consulted to avoid any potential price differentials.

FAO impressed with Forest Farm Facility implementation in Choma

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FAO impressed with Forest Farm Facility implementation in Choma

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative, Suze Percy-Filippini is impressed with the progress made by the department of Forestry in the implementation of the Forest Farm Facility –FFF Program in the Choma District of Southern Province.

FFF, jointly implemented by FAO and the government with support from Swedish and Finish donors, has provided an alternative source of livelihood for individuals engaged in charcoal businesses.

Under the program, some charcoal associations have been trained in sustainable charcoal production as well as other livelihood alternatives such as tree farming and basketry, which has further seen some expand into other businesses with registered companies.

Ms Filippini said it is gratifying for her organization and the donors to learn that the program is not only promoting environmental sustainability but also contributing to poverty alleviation.

“Based on feedback we have received from beneficiaries, they are considering their activities as a business while doing it in a sustainable way which also protects the environment. For us as a U.N agency, that is gratifying.” She said.

Ms Filippini has however called on the government and the beneficiaries to ensure the program is sustained and scaled up.

She has noted that it is important to replicate the best practices so as to ensure more people benefit.

Ms Filippini said this when she led a delegation of donors from the Swedish and Finish governments and officials from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in paying a courtesy call on Southern Province Permanent Secretary, Namani Monze at his office in Choma.

And Dr Monze told the FAO Country Representative that it is in the interest of the Provincial administration to ensure the FFF program is sustained.

He said this can be achieved through funding opportunities that government has provided such as the Constituency Development Fund as well as the Citizen’s Economic Empowerment Commission.

“As government, we want the community to access CDF and use it on such projects which will contribute to environmental sustainability in line with our 8th National Development Plan.” The Permanent Secretary stated.

He noted that beneficiaries of the FFF program such as the Tree farmers can apply for such funds to acquire resources such as land and irrigation schemes to enable them venture into projects such as citrus fruit farming.

Meanwhile, some members of the Choma Tree Nursery Association which is also under the FFF program have disclosed that the program is improving their livelihoods.

Roy Nawa explained that he has been able to start other businesses from the income realised under the association.

He added that he has built two houses, bought some vehicles as well as employed 5 people under his individual business.

And Siyeni Rashid also explained that the association has benefited her as she has managed to educate her children.

Zambians are Angry with UPND – Frank Ng’ambi

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Zambians are Angry with UPND – Frank Ng’ambi

POVERTY levels have risen in the country and there is growing disenchantment among citizens and the UPND government and President Hakainde Hichilema should be ready to exit because Zambians are ready another change of government, the Patriotic Front has said.

Frank Ng’mbi, the PF’s chairman for industry says the UPND and President Hichilema should not worry about losing power in 2026 as Zambians have already resolved to vote the ruling party out of government because.

Dr Ng’ambi claimed that the UPND administration WAS not only exhibited second-rate leadership, but has also been divisive, with the policies which were not in the interest of the people with worsened the poverty and hunger levels in various communities.

Dr Ng’ambi Ng’ambi said, instead of fearing losing power in 2026, President Hichilema should feel proud that Zambians gave him the opportunity to lead as republican President, but should also appreciate the fact that many were disappointed because the head of State had performed dismally in delivering his promises.
He said in interview in Kitwe that President Hichilema should focus on resolving economic challenges the country and work at reducing tension that has gripped the country as a result of the threats against former President Edgar Lungu.

Dr Ng’ambi said President Hichilema should not worry about how strong and popular the PF was becoming but should be concerned about his inability to meet the expectations of the many Zambians who voted for the UPND.

He stated that what should preoccupy President Hichilema should be the shortage of essential medicines and other medical supplies in the country’s health facilities and not insulting former President Lungu for going to church.

Dr Ng’ambi said what President Hichilema should know was that it was not Kutumpa (being stupid) for former President Lungu to go to church and that the former head of State was not under house arrest for President Hichilema to restrict his public appearances.

“President Hichilema should not be emotional and worry about losing power in 2026. President Hichilema should not be the one to decide who should challenge by decreeing that he will never allow former President Lungu to return to power. Let President Hichilema not worry about losing power in 2026 because Zambians have already resolved to vote him out and bring back the PF because Zambians have realized it was a caring government.”

“Emotional outbursts and threats against former President Lungu and other PF leaders will not reduce the cost of living. President Hichilema has failed to live to his campaign promises of reducing mealie meal to K50 per 25kilogramme bag, reducing fertiliser from K650 to K250 per 50kilogramme bag.

The bag of mealie meal is now almost K200, while that of fertiliser is more than K1, 000. He should not vent his frustration or anger or ECL. No,’’ Dr Ng’ambi said

Dr Ng’ambi said President Hichilema should concentrate on finding solutions to the problems and challenges the country was facing as opposed to making frequent international trips at the cost of Zambians.

He said the people of the Copperbelt were expecting President Hichilema to make definitive pronouncements when he was on the Copperbelt for seven days but that it was disappointing that the head of State had not made any decision on the two giant mining companies in Konkola Copper Mines (KCAM) and Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).

ACC Clarifies that it is not Investigating two Cabinet Ministers over Alleged Corrupt Practices

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ACC Clarifies that it is not Investigating two Cabinet Ministers over Alleged Corrupt Practices

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Zambia has released a statement denying the allegations of corruption being made against two Cabinet Ministers. The allegations surfaced after Lumezi Member of Parliament and Secretary General for the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Hon. Munir Zulu held a press briefing yesterday, during which he claimed that the Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane and the Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Hon. Charles Milupi were under investigation by the ACC for corrupt practices.

In response, the ACC released a statement that read, “The Commission wishes to inform the public that it is not investigating the two Cabinet Ministers over any alleged corrupt practices. As such, the two Ministers have never been summoned by the Commission to appear before it for interrogation.” The Commission also called on Hon. Zulu to provide details of the alleged corruption so that an investigation could be carried out.

Meanwhile, Hon. Zulu continued to make accusations against the two Ministers during his press briefing, claiming that they had received bribes of $250,000 each over the Lusaka Ndola Dual carriageway. He further alleged that the two Ministers had been appearing before the ACC secretly and that the State House was aware of the situation.

Hon. Zulu challenged the ACC to deny his allegations, stating, “All I can say is that if the ACC denies that they are investigating the Ministers, then they are not doing their job properly. The ACC should be investigating every allegation of corruption, regardless of who is involved.”

These allegations have sparked a debate among political leaders and the public alike. Hon. Binwell Chansa Mpundu, in response to Hon. Zulu’s allegations, called for the President to put the two Ministers on leave to pave the way for investigations if the information proved to be true. He stated, “These allegations are huge, and all that State House and the ACC should do now is inform the public what they know because silence will denote consent.”

However, Minister of Infrastructure and Planning Charles Milupi has vehemently denied the allegations, stating in a press statement, “I must categorically state that these are false and baseless allegations. From a collective point of view, the New Dawn administration will continue on its agenda to upgrade our core road network using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of financing. No amount of political slander will distract us from this objective, which we are now collectively actualizing in a highly transparent and accountable manner.”

Minister Milupi has also announced that he will be putting up a team of lawyers to defend himself against the allegations, saying, “For this reason, I am putting up a team of lawyers so that the people who have raised these allegations can answer in the courts of law. Let me also state here that I am not above reproach as Charles Milupi. If I have committed any wrongdoing in the execution of my public mandate, I am ready and should be liable to face the consequences.”

And has just posted on his Facebook page asking people to keep calm saying him and his colleague will help with documentation.

“Keep calm!! They have responded and we shall help with documentation No need to speak using so many words,” read the post.

I’m not being investigated secretly by the Anti-Corruption Commission over corruption allegations

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I’m not being investigated secretly by the Anti-Corruption Commission over corruption allegations

Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has refuted allegations made by the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) suggesting that he is being investigated secretly by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over corruption allegations.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, APNAC Secretary General Munir Zulu said Dr. Musokotwane and Minister of Infrastructure Charles Milupi are reportedly being investigated for allegedly receiving $250,000 each from a named contractor as kickbacks.

Mr. Zulu, the Lumezi Member of Parliament, said he had information from impeccable sources that the two Ministers had been secretly appearing before the ACC, and that State House was aware of the investigations.

But in a written media statement circulated by the Ministry of Finance Public Relations Unit on Wednesday morning, Dr. Musokotwane said he did not receive any payment either through bank accounts connected to him directly in cash or in any other illegitimate manner.

The Minister of Finance said he has not been summoned, interviewed as a suspect or questioned by the Anti-Corruption-Commission or any law enforcement agency in any corruption case.

Dr. Musokotwane has since threatened to seek appropriate statutory remedies for the injury caused to his character by Mr. Zulu.

“Allegations leveled against me by Mr. Munir Zulu in a video widely circulated on various communication and information platforms, have been brought to my attention. Mr. Munir Zulu, a Member of Parliament for Lumezi Constituency has stated in the circulating video that he was speaking as a member of the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC). Mr. Munir Zulu alleges that I and my counterpart from infrastructure have secretly been appearing before the Anti-Corruption-Commission, from whom he has demanded an update on the matter. He also asserts that I have received pecuniary benefit through a bank transfer from a source he has not named. I take great exception to this but assure the nation again that I have not received any such payment either through bank accounts connected to me, directly in cash or in any other illegitimate manner. I also assure the nation that I have NOT been summoned, NOT been interviewed as a suspect, and NOT been questioned by the Anti-Corruption-Commission or any law enforcement agency in any corruption case. I will seek appropriate statutory remedies for the injury caused to my character by Mr. Munir Zulu,” Dr. Musokotwane stated.

“As Minister of Finance and National Planning, I am a public official running a public office. In the course of my duties, my office remains accessible to various stakeholders both within the public sector and outside. It is important to note that law enforcement agencies, in the course of their duties, are free to invite any public official or otherwise to assist with information in an ongoing or planned investigation. They should not be deterred from doing that if it helps in establishing facts in a matter that they are pursuing. I take this opportunity to assure the public and stakeholders that in the course of implementing our economic transformation programme and helping to better the lives of Zambians, the Government will remain committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, now and in future,” he continued.

Dr. Musokotwane said he was on high alert and would not be derailed by such allegations.

“We have noted with concern, some schemes aimed at deterring us from focusing on sustaining the progress made in repairing the economy, bettering the lives of our citizens, and improving the country’s standing in the international community and strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders, local and foreign. We are on high alert and we will not be derailed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kitwe’s Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has challenged State House and ACC to inform the public what they know about the corruption allegations leveled against the two cabinet ministers.

Mr. Mpundu said President Hakainde Hichilema must show that he means business in the fight against corruption by putting the two ministers on leave to pave way for investigations if the information revealed by APNAC was true.

“Earlier I informed you of the allegations made by Hon Bowman Lusambo in relation to corruption surrounding the Lusaka Ndola Dual carriageway. Well this afternoon Lumezi Member of Parliament Hon Munir Zulu has held a press briefing at Parliament and has alleged that Hon Musokotwane and Hon Milupi received bribes of $250,000 each over the Road. Honourable Zulu further alleges that the two have been appearing before ACC secretly and that state house is aware. He has further challenged ACC to deny this information. These allegations are huge and all that the Statehouse and ACC should do now is to inform the public what they know because silence will denote consent. For me all I can Say is that his Excellency the President must show that he means business in the fight against corruption by putting the two ministers on leave to pave way for investigations if this information is true,” Mr. Mpundu stated.

APNAC Demands Transparency as ACC Secretly Investigates Two Cabinet Ministers for Corruption

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APNAC Demands Transparency as ACC Secretly Investigates Two Cabinet Ministers for Corruption

The African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC) has given the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) a 24-hour ultimatum to update the nation on the matter and name the firm involved in the alleged corruption case against two Cabinet Ministers in Zambia. Engineer Charles Milupi, who is the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, and Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Minister of Finance, are reportedly being investigated for allegedly receiving $250,000 each from a named contractor as kickbacks.

Speaking during a Media Briefing in Lusaka, APNAC Secretary General Munir Zulu said he had information from impeccable sources that the two Ministers had been secretly appearing before the ACC, and that State House was aware of the investigations. Zulu questioned why the ACC was not updating the nation on the progress made, and tasked the commission to tell the nation why the matter they have been investigating for two weeks is not being availed to the public.

“If the ACC does not tell us where this money came from, we shall name the contractor who transferred $250,000 to each one’s account. We have the information. We are giving them a benefit of the doubt to tell the nation. Why is this information being guarded secretly? We have also received disturbing information that Engineer Mulchard Kuntawala allegedly transferred some money before he was appointed RDA Board Chairman through a bank transfer again to Hon Charles Milupi, and the ACC have been investigating the matter. We demand that the ACC must come out clear on Milupi and Musokotwane,” he said.

Hon Mulenga FUBE, an APNAC Member, demanded transparency from the ACC, stating that if the transfers occurred, it is grand corruption meant to benefit the individuals who received the money. He called on the ACC to issue a statement within 24 hours, saying that the two ministers under probe are holding two sensitive positions and control the resources of the nation. “As APNAC, we are just doing our oversight role on the Executive. What we are doing is blowing the whistle, and in this case, the whistle is being blown in the direction that the ACC must issue a statement. They must issue a statement within 24 hours, this also includes Mr Kuntawala because it is presumed that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. As citizens, we have a right to demand that ACC up their game. Let them use the same measure they use on suspected proceeds of crime. We are here talking about an exchange of cash. We demand transparency from ACC because it is a wing that we expect will expose abuse of public office,” he said.

The allegations have raised concerns about corruption in Zambia’s government. The APNAC’s ultimatum to the ACC underscores the growing demands for accountability and transparency in Zambia’s public institutions. Corruption is a significant issue in Zambia, and President Hakainde Hichilema has vowed to tackle it. The allegations against the two ministers come at a time when the government is trying to rebuild the country’s economy.

Court sends Son sent to 12 Months in Jail for Stealing his father’s plasma TV set

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Court sends Son sent to 12 Months in Jail for Stealing his father’s plasma TV set

The Nakonde Magistrate court has sentenced a 22- year old man of Nakonde District to twelve months imprisonment for stealing from his biological father.

Nakonde Resident Magistrate, Alice Walusiku sentenced Alick Phiri after finding him guilty of theft of a TV plasma valued at K6,500 property of his father, Alick Phiri senior.

In her ruling ,Magistrate Walusiku stated that she was sending Phiri to prison to make him realise that the law does not allow children to steal from their parents.

“Imagine you stole from your father’s place where you stay and a tv which you also watch,you are the children who are problematic to parents, when your parents are still alive, all property are theirs and you have no lawful right to take away anything in that manner,” Magistrate Walusiku said.

In this case, the accused is reported to have on February 19, 2023, stolen a plasma TV set from his father’s house.

It was heard in court that on February 19th, the accused’s father who works as a security guard returned from work and found his house intact.

He later decided to go to church with other members of his family except for Alick who decided to remain behind.

After they returned from church on the material date, his wife discovered that the television set had gone missing, adding that one of his daughters then informed him that her brother Alick phoned her to inform her that he was leaving for Lusaka.

The court also heard that it was not until the following day that Mr Phiri received a phone call from Nakonde police station where he found and identified both his son and the television set.

His son was later charged and arrested after he admitted having taken the TV.

However, when the matter was taken to court the accused pleaded not guilty saying the TV was his father’s and took it because he was not given money for a driving licence which he asked from his father.

During trial, the Prosecutor called two witnesses while the accused decided to give sworn evidence and called no witnesses.

The court found the accused guilty this afternoon and convicted him accordingly.

In his mitigation,the convict pleaded for leniency saying he has a health condition which he could not clearly explain before Court.

Magistrate Walusiku said Alick had no lawful justification to what he did and that she was sentencing him to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour in order to deter other would-be offenders.

“Have taken into account your mitigation and that you are first offender, however I will be failing in my duties if I let you go unpunished and punishing you will serve as a lesson to others as theft is so rampant in this district,” she added.

She further slapped the disobedient son with a 12- month’s jail sentence effective from the date of arrest.

FRA offloads cheap maize to Sinazongwe residents as price per 25kg bag hits K200

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FRA offloads cheap maize to Sinazongwe residents as price per 25kg bag hits K200

Sinazongwe District Commissioner, Nchimunya Siakole says Government is promoting community sales of maize under the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) as a measure to cushion shortage of the grain in the District which has been compounded by dry spells experienced in the 2022/ 2023 farming season.

The District Commissioner said the measure will help reduce the price of mealie meal in the district where a 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast mealie meal is selling at K200.

Mr Siakole said the district has only two millers who are not registered with the Millers Association of Zambia(MAZ).

He said this situation cannot allow the two millers to purchase the maize under community sales as they are not registered members of MAZ to buy cheaper maize from FRA.

“Sinazongwe district depends on mealie meal supply from outsiders as the local millers have been unable to provide the commodity and this is causing shortages,” he said.

Mr Siakole said mealie meal dealers in Sinazongwe District were advised to strictly sell only two to three bags of 25kg mealie meal to clients in an effort to cushion the shortage of the commodity.

He said the dealers have resorted to paying some youths to buy the mealie meal for them against the advice of the district administration, a situation which he described as contributing to shortages of mealie meal in the district.

A check by ZANIS at Sinazeze FRA sheds found people that had already deposited money, collecting the maize.

Mary Simoonga, a resident, said the community sale was helping out a lot as she was able to buy the maize grinded into mealie meal and samp for her family to have food.

She said many people in the area are buying maize from FRA as opposed to buying mealie meal from local dealers who are selling the commodity at exorbitant price because of the shortage and the prices were exorbitant.

Ms Simoonga appealed to government to extend the period of community sales at FRA while working on stabilizing the prices of mealie meal.

And Webby Siabasimbi of Maamba Township said the community sales of maize by FRA has helped a lot of families who are facing hunger.

“We want the prices of both maize and mealie meal to be reduced further so that we can afford to feed our families,” he said.

Mr Siabasimbi said while the community appreciated the maize community sales by FRA, there is need for government to work with the MAZ to ensure millers consider reducing mealie meal prices further.

He said the economy has hit hard on families especially in rural areas who are failing to meet the high current prices of essential commodities such as mealie meal which have resulted from poor crop performance.

Government committed to working with UNHCR – Kakubo

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Government committed to working with UNHCR – Kakubo

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Stanley Kakubo says government remains committed to continue partnering with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Refugee program in the country.

Mr Kakubo said Zambia and the UNHCR have enjoyed excellent, warm and cordial relations and has thanked the UN agency for their support to Zambia, which he said provides help towards the improvement of the livelihoods and integration of refugees in Zambia.

Speaking when Country Representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Zambia, Preeta Law today presented her letters of credence at his office in Lusaka today, the Minister assured the UNHCR Representative of government’s support to the operations of the organisation in the country.

And UNHCR Country Representative Preeta Law said she is honoured to assume her role as Representative in Zambia, which has a long history of protecting refugees and people forced to flee conflict and persecution.

Ms Law added that the UNHCR appreciates the strong working relationship with Zambia, built over the last 56 years and that she is looking forward to continuing the strong collaboration that has long characterized UNHCR’s partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, members of the Diplomatic Community, UN Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, civil society and other stakeholders in the refugee programme.

Ms Law brings over 20 years of experience in forced displacement and refugee protection leadership. Prior to her appointment, she served as UNHCR Representative in South Africa and as Special Adviser in the Division of International Protection in UNHCR Headquarters.

Ms. Law was deployed in complex humanitarian situations in Myanmar and the former Yugoslavia and has held other senior positions in UNHCR, including Deputy Director in the Division of International Protection in UNHCR Headquarters.

Zambia currently hosts 82,729 refugees in three refugee settlements and in urban areas.

This is according to a statement made available to the media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation in Lusaka yesterday.

Zambian mission in Egypt visit U23 camp

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Zambian mission in Egypt visit U23 camp

BENEDICT TEMBO

The Zambian mission in Cairo has visited the under-23 camp in Cairo and urged the boys to defend the nation’s football pride by beating Egypt on Wednesday evening.

Deputy Zambian High Commissioner to Egypt Greenwell Lyempe has urged the Under 23 team to uphold Zambia’s reputation as a football powerhouse of Africa when they take on Egypt in tej Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

According to the Football Association of Zambia, Lyempe paid a courtesy call on the team at its base at The Guard Hotel in Cairo and said that Egyptians have great respect for Zambian football.

He said there is no need to fear the Egyptians especially that their football has not been doing well at all levels of late.

“I will tell something about Egypt. Egypt respects Zambia so much when it comes to football. If there’s anything an Egyptian will remember Zambia for, its football. They may not even know Zambia but immediately theu here you are Zambian they will connect you to football. Therefore that respect Zambia has earned in football, you should uphold it,” says Lyempe.

He says he is confident that the team was in Egypt not to lose but pick a victory and finish the job off in Ndola.

Lyempe told the players that Zambians based in Cairo will turn up in numbers at the 30 June Stadium to cheer the team to victory.

Lyempe was flanked by Zambian counsellor for tourism in Egypt Jesse Simukoko.

And skipper Prince Mumba thanked the Zambian mission in Egypt for the reception and promised that the team will work hard to get a positive result to keep the Olympics dream alive.

International Day of Forests: Zambia to restore 2 million deforested, degraded land

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International Day of Forests: Zambia to restore 2 million deforested, degraded land

By Moses Nyirenda

As WWF Zambia, it is a great honour for us to be part of the official launch of Zambia’s Africa Landscape Restoration programme (AFR100) commitment during this momentous commemoration of the International Day of Forests under the theme “forests and health”.

It gives me great joy and motivation that together, we have yet again scored in the forestry sector towards preparation and implementation of an event of this magnitude that benefits the government and the people of Zambia as a whole.

Government’s acceptance to express interest to be part of the Africa forest landscape restoration programme (AFR100), marked the joining of efforts and commitments by 32 other African countries to restore 100 million hectares of degraded forests. Zambia has committed to restore two million hectares of deforested and degraded land in Zambia. This indeed is commendable.

Our actions here today clearly demonstrate the government’s willingness and commitment to address key environmental and forestry conservation challenges affecting our country and world today.

It is a known fact that forests in Zambia and many other countries play a significant role in supporting life on earth, the green economy, and a wide diversity of environmental and social services. We are here as WWF Zambia to offer our technical and financial support to the forest restoration and conservation agenda for Zambia.

As WWF Zambia in collaboration with our partners and the WWF international network pledge to raise funds and support the government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment by restoring 500,000 hectares (which is 25 percent of Zambia’s AFR100 commitment) of deforested and degraded areas in selected areas of Western, Eastern, Mafinga, Southern, and North Western provinces by 2030.

WWF Zambia, through our forest landscape restoration (FLR) project, is working in close collaboration with our local partners such as the corporate social responsibility network, and other civil society organizations represented here.

WWF will in 2023 support government to implement the restoration opportunity assessment methodology (ROAM) and development of the national forest landscape restoration (FLR) strategy that will guide where and what model of forest restoration should be undertake to meet the 2030 target.

Our conservation team stands ready to developing long term projects and programme with the Forestry Department that can re-engineer the focus on sustainable forest management (SFM) to promote the green economy agenda of this country.

WWF Zambia is working with eight other African countries, in particular: Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and lastly Zimbabwe in order to support their respective governments in restoring a collective total of 13.5 million hectares by 2030.
As we commemorate this year’s International Day of Forests, the WWF offices in these countries will also be supporting this noble cause in collaboration with their respective governments.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation and once more commend the willingness and availability of partner institutions and stakeholders for teaming up with WWF in supporting the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to successfully hold this event.

To the Forestry Department, we say congratulations for setting the pace and bringing us together as one.

Indeed, WWF international values this year’s International Day of Forests theme: “forests and health” because the health of the world is related to the provisioning of services from our forests, hence the importance of ensuring that forests are well managed now and into the future.

The author is Chief Conservation Officer, WWF Zambia

Government to train health care providers in maternal care, over 800,000 women become pregnant yearly-Kasonka

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Government to train health care providers in maternal care, over 800,000 women become pregnant yearly-Kasonka

The government is set to ensure health care providers, who are working in maternal care departments are adequately trained to provide quality services.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services Professor Lackson Kasonka has revealed that, every year over 800,000 women become pregnant and more than 700 women succumb to maternal mortality.

Prof. Kasonka was speaking during the launch of the National Antenatal Care Package and the handover of anatomic models and diagnostic ultrasound machines to the Ministry of Health by USAID Zambia/Family Health and Nutrition (FHN) and World Health Organisation (WHO) Zambia in Lusaka.

The Permanent Secretary said that over the last two decades, Zambia recorded a stable reduction of maternal and under 5 mortality ratio from 252 to 100/100,000 live births.

“Through the partnership of USAID Zambia and WHO, the focus has been set to deliver high quality services at all levels of health care services.” Prof. Kasonka said.

Prof. Kasonka said the ministry is committed to ensuring policies are in place and that no woman dies while giving life.

He further thanked USAID Zambia and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the continued support towards reducing maternal and under 5 mortality rate.

WHO Country representative Nathan Bakyaita commended the commitment of government in their efforts to improve the well-being of mothers and the newborn.

Dr Bakyaita Says WHO envisions a World where every pregnant woman and adolescent receives quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.

“Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality can be prevented by provision of quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

JHPIEGO representative, David Burrow says the goal of the FHN project is to contribute to the reduction of maternal and under-five mortality in Eastern, Luapula, Muchinga and Southern Provinces.

Mr Burrow highlighted that of the 604 models donated, Eastern received 130, Luapula 156, Muchinga 152 and Southern 156.

He thanked the Ministry of health for creating an enabling environment to work with.

USAID representative Masuka Musumali said,improving the health outcomes for mothers and children in Zambia is one of their objectives.

“Our Family health programmes focus on helping women, children, and youth access essential, often lifesaving, health services.” said Dr Musumali.

Dr Musumali said the United States government, through USAID, is committed to saving the lives of mothers and children.

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