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.

Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), Director General Webster Malido has strengthened collaboration between the Authority and the Zambia Police Service aimed at promoting peace, security and responsible broadcasting ahead of the August 13 General Elections.

Mr Malido said this during a courtesy call on Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba in Lusaka today.

He explained that the existing working relationship between the Zambia Police Service and the IBA, is vital in enabling the Authority to effectively execute its statutory mandate.

“We believe there is still more we can do together to strengthen this partnership in the interest of the people of Zambia,” he said.

Mr Malido noted that the Zambia Police Service and the IBA perform complementary roles in maintaining national stability and public confidence.

He explained that Article 193 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia mandates the Zambia Police Service to preserve peace and maintain law and order, while the IBA was mandated to ensure broadcasting stations contribute to preserving public safety, security, peace, welfare and good order.

He further thanked the Zambia Police Service for supporting the Authority during the recently held Election Reporting Capacity Building Workshop in Choma.

“This engagement helped improve the media’s understanding of security matters during election reporting and we are grateful for the support rendered by the Zambia Police Service,” he said.

He added that as the Authority continues conducting similar capacity building workshops across the country, it would continue relying on the Zambia Police Service for collaboration and support.

Mr Malido also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of media houses, journalists and broadcasting personnel, especially during the electoral period.

He also noted that the Regulation Authority looks forward to continued collaboration and support from the Zambia Police Service in safeguarding media institutions and personnel as they undertake their duties across the country.

Meanwhile, Zambia Police Inspector General Graphel Musamba reaffirmed that the Zambia Police Service was committed to working with stakeholders, including the media, in preserving peace and security before, and after the elections.

Inspector General Musamba noted that the collaboration between the Zambia Police Service and the IBA reflected the critical role the Authority plays in ensuring broadcasting serves the interests of the public.

 He stressed that with information spreading rapidly through various media platforms, responsible journalism has become indispensable, particularly as the country prepares for the August 13 elections.

“The media plays an important role in informing the public, thus accurate and factual reporting is key to preserving peace,” he said.

Mr Musamba assured the nation that the police service will provide adequate security to members of the public, media houses and journalists during the electoral period.

Mr Musamba further stated that the Zambia Police Service remains open to dialogue and continued engagement with stakeholders in order to preserve peace and security before, during and after the elections.

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.