Advertisement Banner
Friday, July 18, 2025
Subscribe
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 362

Zambia to Erect 300 Phone Network Towers to Improve Internet and Mobile Phone Services Across the Country

Chief Editor
-
2
Zambia to Erect 300 Phone Network Towers to Improve Internet and Mobile Phone Services Across the Country

The Technology and Science Minister of Zambia, Felix Mutati, recently announced the government’s plan to erect 300 phone network towers across the country to enhance internet and mobile phone services. The minister stated that the government’s vision is to ensure that every region in the country has access to mobile phone services and good connectivity to the internet.

The move to erect additional phone network towers is a crucial step towards achieving the government’s goal of improving the quality of communication services in the country. Zambia is a country with a population of over 18 million, and ensuring that every citizen has access to reliable communication services is essential for the country’s economic growth and development.

According to Minister Mutati, the recent Presidential visit to Doha is already bearing fruit as one of the biggest providers of internet services, Liquid Telecom, has committed to providing internet services to all secondary schools in the country. This is an excellent initiative that will help improve the quality of education in the country as students will have access to online resources and communication channels that will facilitate their learning.

The government’s plan to improve internet connectivity and mobile phone services is timely, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many businesses and institutions to adopt online platforms for service delivery. The availability of reliable internet and mobile phone services will help facilitate remote work and learning, which has become necessary in the current global landscape.

The minister’s remarks were made during his transit through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, en route to Geneva to attend the World Summit on Information Society. The summit’s core purpose is to explore ways in which the improvement of information and communication technologies can alleviate the challenges of internet connectivity.

The government’s efforts to enhance internet connectivity and mobile phone services are laudable, as it will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens have access to critical communication services. The move will also create job opportunities for local communities, particularly in rural areas, where the erection of phone network towers will take place.

Furthermore, the availability of reliable communication services is essential in attracting investment to the country. Businesses and investors require a reliable and stable communication infrastructure to facilitate their operations, and the government’s plan to improve internet connectivity and mobile phone services will go a long way in attracting investment to the country.

In addition, the government’s plan to erect 300 phone network towers across the country to enhance internet and mobile phone services is a positive step towards improving the quality of communication services in the country. The move will help bridge the digital divide, create job opportunities, attract investment, and facilitate remote work and learning. It is essential that the government continues to invest in the communication infrastructure to ensure that all citizens have access to reliable communication services.

Six Arrested in Copperbelt for Attempted Smuggling of 800 Bags of Mealie Meal to DR Congo.

Chief Editor
-
4
Six Arrested in Copperbelt for Attempted Smuggling of 800 Bags of Mealie Meal to DR Congo.

Copperbelt Police have arrested six people after intercepting 800 bags of mealie meal in Ndola believed to be destined for smuggling to DR Congo through Sakanya Border.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba said the six were found around 02:00 hours on Wednesday morning in a Pajero that was escorting a tipper truck carrying about 800 bags of 25kg mealie meal branded Mukango Milling.

The suspects have been identified as Casini Phiri aged 29 of Chililabombwe, Kenny Kabuyana of Wusakile police camp – Kitwe, Brian Vimba Njobvu of Northrise in Ndola, Collins Chilembo of Mitengo in Ndola, Naomi Jere of Kansenshi in Ndola and Ines Jere of Northrise in Ndola.

Mr. Mweemba said the six suspects were earlier let go before they were re-arrested.

The Copperbelt Police Chief said the suspects admitted that the mealie meal is theirs and will appear in court soon.

“Assembling for the purpose of smuggling. Occurred on 15.03.23 at around 0230 hours in Minsundu area in ZAFFICO plantation in which three (3) police officers on patrol, headed by Sgt Kushikila of Protective unit – Ndola, who are currently attached to Zesco ant- vandalism team Ndola, whilst patrolling in Minsundu area in a Zaffico plantation, intercepted a tipper truck registration no. ABR 1209 carrying about 800 bags × 25kgs of mealie meal branded Mukango milling Company. The driver of the tipper truck, whose identity is yet to be known, ran away. It is believed that other trucks, number not known, had already crossed into Congo DR,” Mr. Mweemba said.

“However, at the time of impounding the truck, it was being escorted by a Pajero registration no. BCD 4670 with the following occupants 1. M/Casini Phiri aged 29 of Chililabombwe district also of cell no., 2. M/Kenny Kabuyana of Wusakile police camp – Kitwe also of cell no. , 3. M/Brian Vimba Njobvu of northrise township of Ndola,4. M/Collins Chilembo of Mitengo area of Ndola, 5. F/Naomi Jere of Kasenshi township Ndola and6. F/Ines Jere of Northrise Ndola, who claimed ownership of the mealie meal intercepted. Upon receipt of the report, Anti-Robbery Squad officers were instructed to go and give back up to the officers. However, at the time the anti robbery arrived, they were told that the 6 persons as mentioned above, had escaped whilst they were allowed to remain in the said vehicle. Another vehicle, namely, Jeep registration No. ACG 5354 was also intercepted at the same time. All the three vehicles are parked at Ndola District Police Headquarters. The district CIO Ndola has been tasked to find out how all the suspects were let go,” Mr. Mweemba added.

Mr. Mweemba revealed how Police in Ndola managed to apprehend the suspects who were earlier let go.

“Reference is made to the earlier impounded tipper truck registration no. ABR 1209 laden with an unknown number of bags of mealie meal, where it was reported that the 6 had escaped. Be informed that information was received about the whereabouts of the suspects, which led to the apprehension of the same. The suspects confirmed that there were about 800 X 25kg bags of breakfast mealie meal. Particularities of the detained suspects are as follows; the suspects were interviewed and admitted that the mealie meal is theirs and will appear in court soon,” Mr. Mweemba said.

Nearly a month ago, Police in Mufulira seized about 2,400 bags of mealie meal at a house in Mufulira believed to be destined for smuggling to neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba confirmed that three women have been detained by Police in connection with the alleged curtailed smuggling of mealie meal.

Mr. Mweemba identified the suspects as Hellen Chongo aged 41 of House Number 41 Zambia Compound Mokambo, Vinet Mulenga 39 of House Number 30 Chitimukulu and Maureen Miyandwe 39 of House Number 229 Zambia Compound Mokambo.

Police have opened investigations into the matter as they keep the seized mealie meal at a police station.

President Hichilema expected in Mbala

Chief Editor
-
3
President Hichilema expected in Mbala

President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow March 17,2023, expected in Mbala District of Northern Province to grace the induction parade of the Zambia Army Special Forces.

Provincial Minister, Leonard Mbao says President Hichilema is expected to arrive in Mbala around 08:30hrs and will immediately proceed to officiate at the event.

“I wish to confirm the coming of President Hakainde Hichilema to Northern Province to grace the Induction Parade of the Zambia Army Special Forces in Mbala.” Mr Mbao said.

Mr. Mbao added that the Head of State, who is also Commander in chief of the Defence forces, will also witness some demonstrations by the Special Forces operators.

He said President Hichilema is scheduled to fly back to Lusaka immediately after the military event.

Berry Lwando’s appointment as ZNBC DG hailed by Media Liaison Committee (MLC)

Chief Editor
-
3
Berry Lwando’s appointment as ZNBC DG hailed by Media Liaison Committee (MLC)

The Media Liaison Committee (MLC) has issued a press statement congratulating Mr. Berry Lwando on his appointment as the new Director General at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). The MLC, which advocates for media professionals to head media institutions and boards, believes that Mr. Lwando fits the description perfectly.

“We are pleased to hear about Mr. Lwando’s appointment as the new Director General at ZNBC,” said Enock Ngoma, the Media Liaison Committee (MLC) chairperson. “Mr. Lwando is a seasoned professional in the media industry, having previously worked at ZNBC as a Director, and comes with vast experience in the broadcast industry, including being a trainer. We believe he is the right person for the job.”

The MLC also recognizes the challenges that the media in Zambia is facing, particularly in terms of providing appropriate and useful content while sustaining their operations and paying lucrative salaries to their journalists. ZNBC, in particular, faces historical and politically created challenges, which have led to the broadcaster being dependent on government coffers to the extent that every year they fail to undertake specified duties of the national broadcaster as tabulated in the ZNBC Act because of not being adequately funded.

“We hope that the Board will provide support and leeway for Mr. Lwando to find professional ways of solving the problems and challenges at ZNBC,” Ngoma continued. “We need to see a national broadcaster that is truly independent and providing space for Zambians or persons of divergent or critical nature to those of ruling party politicians in government.”

According to the ZNBC Act section 7 (1) (a), ZNBC is commanded to carry on broadcasting services for the information, education, and entertainment of Zambians, and this includes coverage of politically, religiously, or culturally insensitive materials for the information and education of Zambians.

However, the MLC is concerned that the ZNBC Board was involved in the appointment of management positions that should be a preserve of the Director General. Appointments to positions such as that of Directors of Programmes, Human Resources and Administration, and that of Finance were made by the Board.

“These are management positions that report exclusively to the Director General and not the Board,” Ngoma said. “There is an urgent need to strike out this part of the ZNBC Act so that every managerial appointment at ZNBC must be the preserve of the Chief Executive Officer and his team. Let the ZNBC DG be free to assemble a functional team of his choice.”

The MLC believes that the Board should be preoccupied with issues of policy and implementation of the ZNBC Act and not who is appointed to what management or staff positions by the DG and his management team.

Mr. Lwando himself has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead ZNBC at this crucial time. “I am honored to be appointed as the Director General of ZNBC,” he said. “I believe that the media is a crucial tool for national development, and I am committed to ensuring that ZNBC is playing its role effectively.”

Grant Still Waiting For Mabika’s Passport Clearance

sports
-
3

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has disclosed that he is still unsure whether Aime Mabika’s passport issue has been sorted out for the USA-based defender to come for the Lesotho game.

The Zambian-born defender of Congolese parentage, who plays for USA MLS club Inter-Miami, has been waiting for a year for his naturalization papers to come through.

The Government disclosed a week ago that Mabika was cleared to play for Zambia and that his passport was ready.

“I don’t know what is happening with Mabika and we will deal with this. He is an important player in my plans because he has the quality,” Grant said.

“We are still waiting for the passport to be issued and I am sure that everybody involved is doing their best so that he plays for us.

“He is a good player and after all this, I will make the final list of the players I want to use.”

Meanwhile, Grant has not yet named his foreign-based call-ups for the doubleheader against Lesotho on March 23 in Ndola and March 27 in Johannesburg.

Mabika made his debut a year ago on March 25 at a three-nation friendly tournament in Turkiye in a 3-1 win over Congo-Brazzaville in Antalya.

But the 24-year-old Lusaka-born defender who left Zambia when he was eight has yet to make his competitive debut.

Mabika made his debut together with UK-born defender Frankie Musonda of Scottish second-tier side Ayr United.

Musonda went on to play his first competitive match last June in the 2023 AFCON Group H opening qualifying games against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.

Digital payment of social cash transfer to reduce misuse of funds

Chief Editor
-
1
Digital payment of social cash transfer to reduce misuse of funds

Nalolo District Commissioner, Namatama Mupo says the recently introduced Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information Service payment of social cash transfers to beneficiaries will enhance transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds.

Ms Mupo says the digital payment will also reduce the misuse of funds by pay point managers.

ZANIS reports that speaking when she officially opened a training workshop for Nalolo District Pay Point Managers held at Senanga School of Nursing, the District Commissioner said government is committed to protecting and promoting the livelihoods and welfare of vulnerable and incapacitated people hence, it wants to ensure that funds meant for the social cash transfer are used for intended purpose.

“This programme is meant to reduce extreme poverty and intergenerational transfer of poverty among beneficiary households hence we want it to achieve its main objective through the improved service delivery system,” she said.

Ms. Mupo urged the pay point managers to ensure that the programme is implemented in a systematic manner according to its guidelines.

“As pay point managers, you are all expected to execute your duty diligently so as not to frustrate the government efforts in reducing poverty through social services programmes,” she added.

Ms. Mupo further appealed to the department of Social Welfare in the district to consider establishing a few more Community Welfare Assistant Committees (CWACs) in Shekela, Nanjucha and Lubosi wards in order for more beneficiaries to be on the programme.

She said the programme currently has a caseload of 9, 558 beneficiaries on social cash programmes in 63 CWACs.

Meanwhile, Nalolo District Acting Social Welfare Officer, Trust Chingala said the Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information Services will resolve many challenges that the department used to face such as removing deceased people from the list and detecting beneficiaries who used to get paid in more than one centers.

And Mapungu Pay Point Manager, Liyungu Mukatimui thanked the department of social welfare for imparting them with digital knowledge.

Brian Mundubile expresses concern over the early adjournment of Parliament

Chief Editor
-
3
Brian Mundubile expresses concern over the early adjournment of Parliament

Leader of the opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile has expressed concern over the early adjournment of Parliament that occurred on Wednesday after the House failed to form a quorum for the first time in many years.

This followed a walk out by opposition Members of Parliament who were unhappy with the manner in which the Speaker was granting Points of Order.

The MPs on the left who indicated to raise Points of Order were ignored.

However, Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo was allowed to raise a Point of Order minutes after three other MPs had indicated their intentions to rise on Points of Order.

Following the walk out by MPs on the left, the Quorum collapsed.

It was, however, observed that Parliament proceeded to vote on a Motion on the Floor of the House even when there was no Quorum in the House.

This prompted Chilubi MP Mulenga Fube to raise a Point of Order bringing to the attention of the Speaker that there was no Quorum in the House.

After verification, they indeed found that there was no Quorum in the House.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Mundubile said MPs as representatives of the people of Zambia do not ask for too much by merely asking for privileges and rights that have been provided for them by Standing Orders and the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.

Mr. Mundubile who is also PF Presidential Candidate said the privileges, rights and immunities were derived from Standing Orders and Article 77 of the Constitution of Zambia.

“What has happened today is indeed a source of concern. It is a wakeup call to Members of Parliament and indeed presiding officers that there is a way the business of the house must be conducted. Business in the house should be conducted in a manner that brings out fairness and equity. A manner that gives confidence not only to members of the house but also to the Zambian people that voted for their representatives that represent them in the house. So it is very important that members of parliament are treated with respect. There should be decorum in the house and indeed fair opportunities, fair chances and full rights and immunities should be accorded to members as is provided for under the constitution and indeed standing orders,” Mr. Mundubile said.

He observed that the collapse of proceedings had never happened in a very long time where a sitting Government failed to sustain a Quorum in the House leading to the collapse of proceedings in Parliament.

“For MPs, it is not their intention to leave the House which would result in the collapse of the Quorum,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile empathized that the MPs were simply asking for fair treatment where rules of the House were applied equitably.

“What is good for MPs on the right must also be good for MPs on the left. MPs are asking for equal opportunities to speak, raise Points of Order or debate. What has happened today is a source of concern and a wakeup call to MPs and Presiding Officers that the way the business of the House should be conducted should be in a manner that brings about fairness and equity. A manner that gives confidence not only to Members of the House but also to the Zambian people that voted for their representative that represents them in the House,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile said it was important that MPs were treated with respect, allow decorum in the House, give them fair opportunities and immunities, as provided for by Standing Orders and the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.

Fred M’membe Applauds President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative at Dialogue with World Political Parties

Chief Editor
-
6
Fred M’membe Applauds President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative at Dialogue with World Political Parties

Zambia’s Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe attended a dialogue between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and world political parties, where CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative. Dr M’membe praised President Xi’s opening speech, describing it as “humane, humble, but brilliant” and highlighting the importance of the initiative in promoting mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries.

In his speech, President Xi emphasized the need for countries to respect the diversity of civilizations and uphold the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilizations. He stressed that cultural exchanges play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity’s modernization process and making the garden of world civilizations flourish. He called for the inheritance and innovation of civilizations to be highly valued, urging countries to fully harness the relevance of their histories and cultures to the present times and push for the creative transformation and innovative development of their fine traditional cultures.

“Let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and inclusiveness transcend any sense of superiority,” President Xi said. He also called for advocating common values of humanity, including peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom, as the common aspirations of all peoples. “We need to keep an open mind in appreciating the perceptions of values by different civilizations, refrain from imposing our own values or models on others, and from stoking ideological confrontation,” he added.

President Xi urged countries to explore the building of a global network for inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation, enrich the contents of exchanges, and expand avenues of cooperation to promote mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries, and jointly advance the progress of human civilizations. “We should advocate robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and promote common development,” he said.

The dialogue between the CPC and world political parties highlights the need for greater cooperation and understanding among civilizations. Dr M’membe praised the initiative, saying that “the future of all countries is closely connected nowadays,” and that the Global Civilization Initiative can help to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.

The importance of promoting mutual understanding and respect for diversity is especially relevant in today’s globalized world, where different cultures and civilizations are increasingly coming into contact with each other. As President Xi said in his speech, “the development of one civilization should not be at the expense of others, and multiple civilizations can coexist in harmony.”

The PF Regime Under Edgar Lungu was a Curse on Zambia and should not be treated with Kids Gloves-Saunders

Chief Editor
-
25
The PF Regime Under Edgar Lungu was a Curse on Zambia and should not be treated with Kids Gloves-Saunders

Political Activist and senior citizen Dante Saunders has reminded former president Lungu that it was under his reign that Zambia experienced a total breakdown in the rule of law and general lawlessness of the economy.

Saunders told journalists in an interview that the people decided to reject the PF together with president Lungu to save themselves from the curse of having people bent on looting and plundering the wealth of the nation as leaders of the country.

Now that the law that the PF was disregarding at will is catching up with them, Saunders observes that president Lungu and his gang want to create an impression in the minds of the people that the UPND government is failing to deliver on its promises.

He observed that there is a thin line between indiscipline and disrespect not only to the president but also to the people of Zambia,the Constitution, and is underrating people’s intelligence.

He noted that the angry people of Zambia have not forgotten how the country under the reign of president Lungu experienced a total collapse in the rule of law and order.

He recalled that during the reign of President Lungu, party cadres simply walked into any office and directed the police to arrest and detain anybody who they considered a political threat while they remained free to plunder the wealth of this nation at random.

He warned that the people of Zambia have never forgotten nor will they forget the gassing experience and the killings of innocent citizens while the government under president Lungu remained mute.

He said the burning of markets, beatings of innocent people in markets or along the line of rail, and indeed city centers, including land grabbing will never be forgotten.

He said people still need closure on these matters and will support the new government in ensuring that all those that committed these atrocities are brought to book.

He expressed happiness that law and order is returning to Zambia.

Saunders expressed surprise that the PF gang wants to see chaos rather than face the realities of the law which is catching up because this is what criminals will do.

He observed that during this chaos they are trying to create a gang that will rather flee the country than face the law.

Saunders says the criminals will be brought to book not by President Hakainde Hichilema but through the courts of law and constitutional institutions such as the police, the Anti-corruption commission, the Drug Enforcement Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Centre, including the Auditor General’s office.

President is not liable for breaches arising from unwritten instructions – the Constitutional Court has ruled.

Chief Editor
-
16
President is not liable for breaches arising from unwritten instructions – the Constitutional Court has ruled.

The Constitutional Court of Zambia has ruled the President is not liable for acts which are not done under written instruction signed by the President.

The Court has since cleared President Hakainde Hichilema against allegations that he violated the Constitution when he disclosed during a media briefing at State House that he summoned the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General to discuss cases and explain why certain cases were not in court and assured the nation that the cases would be reinstated in courts.

In the case in which governance activist Isaac Mwanza had sued the Attorney General, the Court stated that the direction of the President has no force of law unless it is reduced in writing and is signed by the President in accordance with Article 93(1) of the Constitution.

The panel of five Judges also stated that statements by the President cannot be elevated to the status of instructions in the absence of written instruction.

A lawyer for Mwanza had argued that unconstitutional or illegal instructions by the President are rarely issued pursuant to Article 93(1) of the Constitution.

Following pronouncements by the President at the Press Briefings in April, 2022 that cases which were closed would be reinstated in courts, some cases involving former KCM Liquidator Milingo Lungu and former Minister Ronaldo Chitotela were reinstated in courts.

The Court has also cleared Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe of any alleged breaches when he said former DPP Lillian Siyuni misconduct herself and asked the Judicial Complaints Commission to speed the process of hearing cases on her removal.

This Judgment now mean present and former Presidents cannot be held accountable for acts they allegedly do or were allegedly done while in office if the same are carried out without written instructions that are personally signed by the President.

Council of Churches in Zambia commends President Hichilema’s stance on LGBTQ

Chief Editor
-
8
Council of Churches in Zambia commends President Hichilema’s stance on LGBTQ

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema for his strong stance of condemning Gay and Lesbian rights saying the move is progressive for a Christian nation like Zambia.

In an interview with ZANIS, CCZ General Secretary, Emmanuel Chikoya says the statement by the republican President gives a sense of relief and direction because everything rises and falls on leadership.

Father Chikoya says criticism will continue to be heaped on the government but the message and commitment is clear as seen from the President’s sentiments.

He stated that the Church will continue doing its part to eradicate vices that are likely to corrupt the morals and values of a Christian nation.

Father Chikoya has however, guided that actions from other organs should not contradict the government’s position over Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer (LGBTQ).

He was reacting to the President’s remarks when he attended a church service at Life Gospel Fellowship Ministries Church in Chingola were he had met members of the clergy from CCopperbelt.

Government plans to upgrade certain hospitals-Masebo

Chief Editor
-
0
Government plans to upgrade certain hospitals-Masebo

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, says government has plans to upgrade some hospitals to general hospital level.

Ms Masebo said the upgrading of the hospitals is an ongoing programme and a good number of them have already been upgraded.

She said this during the question for oral answers session in parliament yesterday.

Ms Masebo was responding to Kalabo Central Member of Parliament, Chinga Miyutu, who wanted to know whether the government has any plans to upgrade some hospitals to general hospital level.

The minister stated that the exact number of hospitals that will be upgraded will only be established once the exercise aimed at determining which health institution should be upgraded is completed.

“Mini hospitals are basically what you would call a health center, be it in the urban or rural areas. A general hospital is way above the district hospital, so you will have initially at the lowest level what you would call a health post and health centres which are slightly bigger than urban and rural health centres,” she explained.

Ms Masebo added that each level of a hospital has its own specific function in terms of service delivery and treatments.

She further explained that a mini hospital deals with minor health issues while a general hospital deals with major health operations hence the need to have a system of health delivery that will reduce congestion in the big hospitals.

She explained that there is need for a referral system that helps in managing cases in a manner that does not put pressure on the higher level.

The minister further explained that government feels the need to improve the smaller hospitals because they are at the preventive level which helps in preventing illnesses from escalating.

Ms Masebo said there is also need to ensure that each district has all the levels of health service delivery from health post to the general hospital.

She further disclosed that factors such as population, necessary equipment, human resource and many other reasons lead certain hospitals to being upgraded.

President Hichilema pledges to work with traditional leaders

Chief Editor
-
1
President Hichilema pledges to work with traditional leaders

President Hakainde Hichilema has pledged to work with traditional leaders across the country in fostering development for the people.

Mr. Hichilema said traditional leaders play an important role in development as they are closest to the people.

“As a government we will seek to work with the chiefs, we are our parents, and you are the contact to the people as you stay and work with the people in the communities,” he said.

The Head of State was speaking in Luanshya when he met with 12 traditional leaders from the Copperbelt Province.

Mr Hichilema urged the traditional leaders to freely participate in development, adding that his administration would not discriminate against any chiefs.

“My administration will not discriminate against any chiefs as it was in the past, we will work with traditional leaders, not against them. Ours is to take your advice and take care of you to improve your welfare and that of your people,” he said

He reiterated his pledge to commit the year 2023 to the grassroots and that he would use this time to address the various problems such as health care, water, roads, agriculture, community welfare that are facing the people at the grassroots.

And representing the chiefs, Chief Nkambo of the Lamba people thanked the Head of State for taking time to visit the traditional leaders.

The traditional leader further thanked the President for actualizing the process of turning the Lusaka/Ndola Road into a dual carriageway.

Earlier, the President took time to thank the people of Luanshya for turning up in numbers to vote for him and usher him into office.

He was speaking to the masses when he landed at Technical and Vocational Training college (TVTC) grounds.

The Head of State is on the Copperbelt Province on a working visit.

Dan Pule officially announces his candidature for the 2026 Presidential and General Elections

Chief Editor
-
3
Dan Pule officially announces his candidature for the 2026 Presidential and General Elections

Christian Democratic Party President Danny Pule has officially announced his candidature for the 2026 Presidential and General Elections in Zambia. Dr. Pule made the announcement during a press briefing in Lusaka, where he also urged Zambians to join the party and participate as candidates for parliamentary and local government elections.

In his address, Dr. Pule highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting Zambians, including the cost of living, poverty, and unemployment. He emphasized that the Christian Democratic Party had the right solutions to tackle these issues effectively and would unveil its full leadership and election manifesto in due course.

Addressing the press, Dr. Pule stated, “We are a party that is committed to serving the people of Zambia. We recognize that the cost of living, poverty, and unemployment are critical issues that need to be addressed urgently. We believe that we have the right solutions to tackle these issues effectively and transform the lives of Zambians for the better.”

ERB concerned about illegal sale of petroleum products in Chinsali

Chief Editor
-
0
ERB concerned about illegal sale of petroleum products in Chinsali

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in Muchinga province has raised concern over the increase in the illegal selling of petroleum products in the region.

ERB Northern Region Senior Manager, Nkusuwila Silomba, said the selling of petroleum products illegally, especially around the Chinsali Central Business District (CBD), poses a great danger to the general public due to the poor storage of the product.

Mr Silomba lamented that the situation has prompted ERB to engage security wings to help curb the illegal act.

He was speaking to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in an interview during a sensitisation and engagement programme with the public in Chinsali yesterday.

Mr Silomba further stated that there is need for strict interventions in order to reduce the vice.

“We are on the ground to raise awareness to our customers on buying fuel from the streets because it is compromised fuel that damages their motor vehicles,” he said.

He noted that the unlicensed fuel vendors do not add any value to the energy sector, stressing that consumers must completely desist from supporting such businesses.

Mr Silomba further said ERB will continue conducting awareness and sensitisation campaigns on energy products in a bid to impart knowledge in the consumers.

And Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) Muchinga Provincial Investigator, Brignote Muzyamba, called on consumers to resort to using clean energy.

Mr Muzyamba, who was speaking during a joint public engagement programme with ERB while commemorating the World Consumer Rights Day, said CCPC is equally concerned with the availability of certain illegal energy products being sold in the district.

He said many consumers have been subjected to the purchase of poor, expired or compromised energy products due to lack of information on how to address such issues.

He explained that CCPC, together with ERB, have to this effect embarked on public sensitisation programmes regarding the need to purchase genuine energy products.

“Do not be worried about certain constraints that are available at the moment because we are here to help you understand,” he added.

Meanwhile, James Sichande, a Chinsali resident, said the move by ERB and CCPC is highly commendable.

Mr Sichande stated that the information that has been made available to the general public has helped them to understand the reasons behind the reduction and increase in fuel prices and electricity units among others.

He said more similar engagement programmes with the public should be introduced, especially when there are changes in prices of petroleum products.

The 2023 World Consumer Rights Day was being commemorated under the theme, ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’.

1...361362363...5,645Page 362 of 5,645

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times