The Catholic Church on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia has started mobilizing financial and material support for the victims of tropical cyclone Freddy in Malawi.

Catholic Diocese of Ndola Bishop Benjamin Phiri has called for financial and material support for the victims of tropical cyclone Freddy in Malawi.

The southern part of Malawi that covers at least three Catholic Dioceses has been hit by the tropical cyclone Freddy that has destroyed lives and property.

Bishop Phiri said Ndola Diocese is responding to a call from the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) that is seeking prayers and support for the victims of the cyclone.

Over 300 people have been confirmed dead as houses, bridges, roads and other facilities have been destroyed by the tropical storm.

“As you may be aware through news and other media platforms, the southern part of Malawi has been badly hit by the tropical cyclone Freddy, the tropical storm that has made extensive destruction to property and life from 12th March, 2023 and over 300 persons have been reported died, several of them injured, several of them injured and a of destruction to houses, roads, bridges and other facilities have been recorded,” Bishop Phiri wrote in a communication to all Catholics on the Copperbelt.

Tropical Storm Freddy led to people being swept away by raging waters, or being buried under landslides.

“Therefore in solidarity with people of Malawi, I, now make this appeal that you make donations in form of money and material support like clothes, shoes, beddings, mealie meal and other usable items. This donation should be done on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, 19th March 2023 and what will be collected should be brought to the Diocesan Pastoral Offices on Monday, 20th March 2023,” Bishop Phiri stated.

The Malawian government has set up 30 emergency camps for at least 20,000 people who have had to leave their homes.

President Lazarus Chakwera, who attended the funeral service of 21 victims at a primary school in the affected cities, declared 14 days of national mourning.

By Benedict Tembo

GOVERNMENT has dispatched a consignment of humanitarian aid worth about US$1 million to help survivors of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.
A Zambia Air Force plane has dispatched the consignment of aid to Malawi today.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit under the Office of the Vice-president dispatched the humanitarian aid following a directive by President Hakainde Hichilema to provide relief intervention to neighboring, Malawi after his counterpart President Lazarus Chakwera, declared a state of disaster following the cyclone that ripped through the country and left over 250 people dead in Blantyre and other cities.

According to the Zambia News and Information Service, DMMU National Coordinator, Gabriel Pollen in the company of Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy Kalunga officially flagged off the relief dispatch to Malawi at Lusaka ZAF Base Airport this morning.
Dr. Pollen told the journalists that Zambia is providing humanitarian aid to Malawi to help survivors of the cyclone despite the country also facing devastating floods in many parts of the country.

Dr. Pollen said President Hichilema’s decision to direct DMMU to provide humanitarian aid to Malawi is in the spirit of good neighborliness.
Among the donated relief items include metric tonnes of maize, beans, salt, tents, Liquid chlorine, blankets, dignity kits, sanitary and hygiene packs, kitchen sets, and circular mosquito nets.

Media reports in Malawi indicate that there are a number of casualties of Cyclone Freddy who are wounded, missing or dead and that the number has continued to rise.

Minister of Water development and Sanitation Mike Mposha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with various stakeholders in a quest to provide water and sanitation services to the Zambian people.

During the troika meeting attended by the representative of the lead cooperating partners that included the Germany ambassador Mitchell Wagner, Mr. Mposha said to improve access to water supply and sanitation, the government is focusing on infrastructure development and maintenance.

Mr. Mposha said water quality monitoring, sanitation and hygiene promotion as well as investment promotion were also a priority.

The Munali Members of Parliament has since appealed to cooperating partners to support the implementation of the 8ndp interventions the government was carrying out.

“As you are aware, the troika meeting provides a platform for the ministry and cooperating partners to meet and share ideas on accelerating the implementation of programmes in the water sector undertaken by the ministry in conjunction with various stakeholders. The troika meeting also provides an opportunity for the ministry and various cooperating partners to interact and exchange information and most importantly agree on areas of focus. This is in order to ensure effective and efficient implementation of programmes. Today’s meeting therefore provides an opportunity for troika members to take stock of the progress made so far on various issues since the last troika meeting that was held on 23rd June, 2022. The meeting is also aimed at providing an update on the 8ndp implementation plan, 2023 action plan, zip resource mobilisation strategy and capacity development priorities. As part of the underlying principles of the sector coordination framework, it is anticipated that you, our cooperating partners, will also highlight your short to medium-term commitments as inputs to the ministry’s plans,” Mr. Mposha stated.

He said the Government was implementing the eighth national development plan which sets out Zambia’s strategic direction in terms of ‘development priorities and implementation strategies for the period 2022-2026.

“The New Dawn Government under the leadership of his Excellency the president of the republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, is implementing the eighth national development plan which sets out Zambia’s strategic direction in terms of ‘development priorities and implementation strategies for the period 2022-2026. The plan is a critical vehicle to support Zambia’s international and regional commitments under various sustainable development goals and SADCregional indicative strategic development plan. The 8ndp is anchored on four strategic development areas namely; economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability and good governance environment.”

Mr. Mposha continued:”As you are already aware, the water sector has two main sub sectors namely, water resources development and water supply and sanitation. Under strategic development area 1, water is one of the key economic enablers in all sectors of our economy as it is the basis for sustainable economic development. To enhance management and productive use of water resources and ensure national water security, the government is focusing on water harvesting, groundwater resources development, aquifer and water source protection, inter- and intra-basin water transfer, transboundary water cooperation and benefit sharing as well as water resources management.”

“You may be aware that human and social development is fundamental to inclusive development and is a catalyst to the transformation of the country. This strategic area of our eighth national development plan addresses the need to develop human capacity through investments and intervention in water and sanitation. To improve access to water supply and sanitation, the government is focusing on infrastructure development and maintenance, water quality monitoring, sanitation and hygiene promotion as well as investment promotion. In this regard, I wish to appeal to our cooperating partners to support the implementation of the 8ndp interventions that I have alluded to. The government of the republic of Zambia through my ministry remains committed to providing the much needed leadership in ensuring the attainment of the government and all stakeholders’ aspirations on water and sanitation in line with the vision 2030 and the sustainable development agenda,” Mr. Mposha said.

“As I conclude, I would like to thank all our cooperating partners for your support in past years. I would also like to assure you that my ministry has a continued commitment towards accountability and transparency in the use and management of resources. This is in order to ensure that resources are prudently utilized for the intended purposes of enhancing service delivery to our people. On behalf of the ministry and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to reaffirm the government’s commitment to our partnership with you in the quest to provide water and sanitation services for our people. It is my hope that our partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he concluded.

By Benedict Tembo

AS Nestlé East, and Southern African Region (ESAR) launched a plastic neutrality project initiative partnership with Chilanga Cement to reduce plastic pollution in Zambia, Government hailed private and public sector collaboration as an important factor in addressing global sustainability challenges which deliver integrated services.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Garry Nkombo witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Nestlé ESAR and Chilanga Cement to create a partnership, which will bringing together the private sector and local communities using an innovative solution that will address plastic waste.

The launch of the project in Zambia is in line with this year’s Global Recycling Day theme, which is creative innovation.

Speaking during the launch of the partnership, Mr Nkombo said Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, has prioritised actions towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal number 11, which promotes sustainable and inclusive human settlements as well as goal number 12, which speaks to responsible consumption and production by substantially reducing all waste generation through the prevention, reduction and recycling of waste.

“The memorandum of understanding being effected today, therefore comes at an opportune time when government is seeking meaningful collaboration towards the development and implementation of innovative strategies to promote healthy and productive settlements,” Mr Nkombo said.

He said the partnership will not only contribute to improved livelihood but will also create communities that cognisant of their relationship with the environment.

“The partnership between Nestlé and Chilanga Cement being actualised through his MoU is an outstanding example of how the private sector can leverage on their enterprise for the betterment of our environment as well as our communities. I can only urge other businesses to emulate what you have embarked on today. Indeed, sustainability and environmental conservation are important global challenges that require societal response in which everyone from the government, business and civil society, must play their part,” Mr Nkombo said.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Country Business Manager for Nestlé in Zambia and Malawi, Zubayer Davids said his company was are pleased to be partnering with a leading local business and the local community in delivering meaningful change in managing waste.

“This is an exciting project for us here in Zambia, and we are taking charge, aiming our efforts at reaching plastic neutrality by rethinking how we reduce plastic waste in landfills. Innovation in the ways we dispose of the plastic is at the heart of this project,” Mr Davids said.

He said equally important to note is how this project will help sustain and improve livelihoods in Zambia. “We have created and sustained jobs for 37 direct employees and indirectly impacted over 600 community-based collectors within the plastics waste recovery programme, majority who are youth and women in Zambia. That is how we are making the ultimate goal of a waste free future, and reaching net zero by 2050, matter to local communities in the region,” Mr Davids said.

Chilanga Cement acting Chief executive officer Chibuye Ngulube said the company has committed itself to reducing energy consumption through the use of alternative fuels such as plastic waste through the utilisation of innovative co-processing technology for waste-to-energy disposal.

“Not only does this method combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions from landfills and fossil fuels, but it has also promoted the safe disposal of waste, leading the way for a healthier and cleaner future for our planet.in Zambia,” Mrs Ngulube said.

She said waste management has been an ongoing challenge for years, threatening the country’s ability to reach sustainable development goals.

“I am however proud to make mention that our employees, contractors, and stakeholders are fully integrated into our sustainability values which recognise the importance of safeguarding our environment,” she said

Over 50 houses have collapsed in Chama district following day of torrential rains. Eastern Province Permanent Paul Thole says the worst affected are areas boarding Malawi which has been hit with the tropical cyclone Freddy.

Mr Thole told the Zambia News and Information Service ZANIS in chipata that some districts in the province have been hit by the tropical cyclone.

He said government has since distributed 14, 300 X 50 kilogram bags of white maize to the affected families in the district.

Mr Thole explained that a team from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is on the ground to respond to the crisis.

And Chama District Commissioner Yobe Goma says the most affected areas are impassable as houses are submerged in water.

Mr Yobe explained that most families are spending nights in the cold as crops are also damaged.

He explained that DMMU is working hard to ensure the people affected by floods are supported.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, says the two suspects in the Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others abduction case are safe and in the custody of the Zambia Correctional Service.

Mr Mwiimbu said the two suspects will be appearing in court soon as investigations have been concluded and the dockets are with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

He disclosed that the two suspects in the abduction case are classified as high risk and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has been applying appropriate measures through the Zambian Correctional Service.

The Minister said this in a ministerial statement in Parliament today to responding to a matter of urgency raised by Mpika Member of Parliament, Francis Kapyanga.

Mr Mwiimbu said on February 26, 2023 around 13:00 hours, the Zambia Correctional Service at the new Mwembeshi Remand Prison and Correctional Centre recorded one escape incidence.

He added that the escape incidence involved two convicts and one remandee who escaped after scaling the perimeter wall fence of the facility.

He added that the two convicts were admitted to the facility for the offence of stock theft while the remandee was admitted for the offence of aggravated robbery.

Mr Mwiimbu explained that on the same date and time, one remandee, who is one of the two suspects arrested in connection with the alleged abduction of Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others, attempted to escape.

“The remandee climbed the wall fence and jumped off but injured himself on landing. He was recaptured immediately thereafter and is receiving medical attention under the custody of the Zambian Correctional Service. The remandee was admitted to the facility in December 2022,” he explained.

He disclosed that there were no gunshots fired at the convicts and remandee contrary to what was circulating on some media platforms.

He explained that the Zambia Correctional Service has put appropriate measures that are consistent with the control and management of high-risk inmates.

“Madam Speaker, the Zambian Correction Service has put in place measures to disrupt attempts to escape lawful custody,” he said.

Mr Mwiimbu further said on 28th February 2023, one of the convicts was recaptured while the other convict was recaptured on 4th March, 2023 around 22:00 hours in Linda compound in Lusaka but one still on the run.

The Minister has since called on the general public to work with the Zambian Correctional Service to curb escapes and provide information that will lead to the recapture of escapees.

Mr Mwiimbu has strongly warned those contemplating escaping from lawful custody, members of the public and individuals with the intention of aiding or harbouring escapees that they will face the wrath of the law if found wanting.

He further appealed to the media houses to be cautious when reporting on issues of security nature as their reporting can have negative outburst.

Pamela Chisumpa and 12 others were found in Lusaka’s Chalala area where they were being kept captive for six months.

By Benedict Tembo

THE Japanese government has committed 4.534 billion Japanese yen to strengthen the Zambian health system to deal with infectious diseases and other common but serious ailments in the long term. Japan expects that Zambia, with a wholly strengthened health system, will emerge as a stronger and more resilient player in sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate its success stories.

“This is how Japan sees its own role in Zambia’s development and Zambia’s role as a model for Africa in the course of achieving sustainable development in the health sector of the country,” Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kazuyuki Takeyuki said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on the Amendment of Grant Agreement and Exchange of Notes for the Project for Upgrading Health Centres to District Hospitals on the Copperbelt Province in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Takeyuki said the fundamental improvement of health services in densely populated areas was yet another significant initiative by the Zambian government to effectively overcome the challenges arising from medical problems such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and lifestyle-related diseases like hypertension.

Mr Takeyuki said the project will be provided with additional funding to improve health centres on the Copperbelt Province. He said the project was originally planned with the budget of 2.654 billion Japanese Yen, but with the signing of the notes yesterday, Japan will provide an additional grant of 1.88 billion yen, making the total amount of the grant 4.534 billion Japanese yen.

“We have been cooperating with Zambia in the health sector for many years , and as a result, many citizens in such places as Lusaka have improved access to high-level medical services,” Mr Takeyuki said.

“As we deal with current challenges, we must prepare for the future when we face the surge of a new pandemic,” Mr Takeyuki said.
Speaking at the same occasion, minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said Zambia has made strides in improving the health status of citizens through increased investments in health infrastructure such as the construction of general hospitals, specialist hospitals, and mini-hospitals as well as health posts.

“However, there remains constraints in the sector such as inadequate and obsolete medical equipment and supplies and long distances to health centres. In this regard, this additional grant by Japan towards upgrading health centres to district hospitals on the Copperbelt Province will assist the government to adequately cater for primary health care needs of the people of Chamboli township in Kitwe and Mushili township in Ndola,” Mr Musokotwane said.

Mr Musokotwane said lack of first and second-level public hospitals in the two districts had put pressure on the existing third-level hospitals such as Kitwe and Ndola teaching hospitals due to great demand of basic medical services.

“Therefore, the improvement and expansion of first-level hospitals in both areas will reduce the burden on the third-level hospitals to access better basic medical services. Through this grant from Japan, the two hospitals will be supplied with medical equipment such x-ray diagnostic equipment, ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, operating table, anesthesia machine with artificial respirator, high-pressure steam sterilizer, hand washing machine, mobile ventilators, electrocardiographs, defibrillators and incubators,” he said

Mr Musokotwane said this was in line with the priorities of the Eighth National Development Plan, which aim at increasing access to quality health care through the development of health infrastructure, as well as the equipping of health facilities.

“I am confident that through the upgrading of the two health centres to district hospitals, the zambian government and you as our supporting partner will make a real socially desirable impact on the health of the Zambian people in Chamboli and Mushili. The two health facilities will indeed go a long way in achieving the universal health coverage,” Mr Musokotwane said

Chief Representative of JICA Zambia Office Norihito Yonebayashi said upon the completion of the project, the target health facilities should be able to conduct Caesarean operations and other specialised medical services to the communities.

“This Japanese grant aid project will be implemented based on the experience of past and on-going grant aid projects, namely, “The Project for Upgrading of Lusaka Health Centres to District Hospitals” namely, Chawama, Matero, Chilenje, Kanyama, Chipata, which have assisted in upgrading five health centres to First level hospitals now General hospitals in Lusaka district