Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Former Tourism Minister under the MMD government, William Harrington has reiterated the need for government to act appropriately on the findings of the Roydah Kaoma-led Tribunal.
Mr. Harrington, who was the complainant in the Roydah Kaoma-ed Tribunal that was investigating allegations of corruption and abuse of office leveled against former Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo, says he is gravely concerned that government has to date allegedly failed, neglected or ignored to act appropriately on the findings of the Tribunal.
Mr. Harrington says has also been expecting government to institute corrective administrative measures by re-instating the affected officers and also allow the tender process to proceed as provided for under the relevant laws.
He has told Qfm news that he thinks that there is need for government through the Ministry of Tourism to expeditiously restore management at the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and award hunting concessions to the successful bidders if the escalating level of poaching has to be arrested.
The former Tourism Minister says this is especially that in its report the Roydah Kaoma-led Tribunal found that Ms. Masebo in her action to dismissed ZAWA officers was in breach the ZAWA Act as the officers were contracted by the ZAWA Board.
He notes that in addition tribunal also found that Ms. Masebo cancelled the tender for hunting concessions in contravention of the Public Procurement Act and Regulations.
Mr. Harrington states that this is why he is of the view that by allegedly neglecting or ignoring to act appropriately on the findings of the Tribunal, government must particularly shoulder blame for the unprecedented escalating high levels of wildlife poaching pertaining in the country.
He has observed that Poaching of wildlife has reached alarming levels in the country to the extent that game meat is being openly sold in markets and also finding its way into established meat outlets and butcheries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba has said that the ruling party will not be detracted from its vision to develop the country despite continued unwarranted criticism from some opposition political leaders.
He said it is absurd for some opposition political leaders to continue attacking the PF as well as speculating that President Sata is still not in the country when in fact he is.
Mr Kalaba, who is also Patriotic Front (PF) Bahati Member of Parliament, described the attacks on President Sata and the PF by the opposition, as trivial and mere political gimmicks aimed at gaining cheap political popularity.
“Opposition leaders such as Dr Nevers Mumba wanted the President to come back and he has come back but we are very surprised that he is wondering whether the President is in the country.
“We have an opposition which is disoriented. We want to see the opposition which can engage the government on issues affecting the nation, not just mere politicking,” he said.
Mr Kalaba said the opposition should appreciate that the PF government has registered unprecedented development in the few years it has been in power and that the country is being transformed every day because of the various developmental programmes.
“The PF deserves a second term in office because of the success it has scored within the short period it has been in office,” he said.
Mr Kalaba said Zambians should also appreciate that the PF government has committed itself to rehabilitating and constructing new roads, schools and health facilities across the country.
He said Government will continue striving to ensure that meaningful economic development is brought as close to the people as possible.
Mr Kalaba urged Zambians to be wary of some opposition political leaders that are busy attacking the government to gain political mileage.
He said the PF will not be detracted by people bent on distorting its vision of delivering meaningful development to Zambians to suit their personal agenda.
Dr Mumba arrives in Mpatamatu, Luanshya for a party meeting
MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba has charged that the former ruling party stands a good chance of bouncing back to power in 2016.
Dr Mumba said the MMD can win the 2016 election because failure by the PF to deliver most of its campaign promises has worked in favour of the MMD.
He said Zambia could emulate other African states such as neighbouring Malawi, Benin and Ghana where former ruling parties bounced back to power in the next election immediately after losing power.
Dr Mumba said Zambians are now able to see the many achievements of the MMD when they compare it with the miserable record of the PF’s three year rule.
He was speaking over the weekend when he flagged off the campaigns for the forthcoming August 19th 2014 Mangango parliamentary and several Local Government by-elections at Mpatamatu Sports Complex in Luanshya.
Dr Mumba has called on MMD members on the Copperbelt to work hard and ensure that they mobilize the party and scoop the three local government by-elections lined up in the Province.
Dr Mumba said it is imperative for the MMD to scoop the ward by elections on the Copperbelt due to the importance of the province to Zambia’s politics.
“I have come here today because of the significance that the MMD has attached to the politics of the Copperbelt Province, we have three by elections and I want to flag off these elections and instruct our forces that come that day of voting, the MMD shall emerge victorious,” the MMD leader said.
He said, “Don’t listen to those that are instilling fear in you that the MMD will never bounce back saying there is no political party that loses an election and bounces back. In MMD you have all the reasons to bounce back to power. Let me explain to you today because by now PF expected us to be totally disintegrated, three years after elections, very few parties survive after losing power.”
“I want you to realize that we have been attacked from the front, from the back, from the rear, from the side that we are not coming back. They themselves are trying to comfort themselves by lying to themselves that we are not coming back.”
He stated, “We are not going to be the only or the first party to come back to power after losing power, our friends in Malawi demonstrated just last month that a party can come out of power and return to power. In Ghana, the former ruling party came back, in Benin they said the former ruling party can’t come back, it came back, even here in Zambia, we are coming back,” Dr Mumba declared amid cheers and applause.
He said the MMD must be strong and be vigilant, as it prepares to return to power.
“We have endured so much pain, we have cried so much and we have been insulted and jailed. From the time we lost power, it has been too much, everyday it was Nevers arrested, our vehicles and our cars have been taken away and now we are saying enough is enough. Even a termite can bite if you push it.”
Dr Mumba also lashed out at his critics for saying a Pastor cannot win a general election.
“They are saying Nevers can’t win an election because he is broke, yes I’m not a millionaire and I’ve never prayed to God to make me a millionaire. I’m Ok with the way God made me. When you are buying mealie meal, I feel the way you feel the pain, when you are buying cooking oil, I feel the way you feel. Millionaires can’t even feel that way,” he said.
“They are saying a Preacher man can’t win an election. Let me remind you, most of the key MMD members fled after losing elections as they were scared of the PF. No one was even shouting the Hour because of PF, when I arrived from Canada I found people hiding, I declared that Ni Donchi Kutina and I told Mr Sata that I will take him on and I did that I fought to save the MMD,” he said.
“Don’t be scared of a human being. All the MMD regalia went into hiding, it was Pa Bwato throughout. I went and prayed to God that God please liberate your people and I declared the Donchi Kubeba slogan and our women started wearing the Chitenge again and we went round the country and galvanized the members and today they can challenge me that I’m a week candidate. Where were they when no one wanted to attack the PF”?
And speaking in Masaiti’s Chinodo ward where he received an overwhelming welcome, Dr. Mumba said there are some individuals insisting that the MMD is a finished party but that people should ignore such people.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Acting Information and Publicity Secretary Peter Phiri said members of the party should ensure that they defend the party’s legacy as party had the blue print to all the infrastructure development that the ruling party officials keeps bragging about.
“When everything is being constructed, there is a plan. You know the MMD colour is blue, so from now on tell them that the party that has the blue print is the MMD. All these roads, clinics, schools were our projects from the Chiluba days. In 1991, Dr Chiluba asked us to tighten our belts and asked us to sacrifice and we sacrificed for 10 years because UNIP had messed up the economy, one couldn’t even afford to drink a Coca Cola, Mr Phiri said”
ENVIROBOARD Corporation Zambia Limited Chairman, Vincent Chakulya (left) and Africapaciti Group Chairperson signing the joint venture.
Three private entities have signed a joint venture agreement to construct 100,000 prefabricated houses in Zambia annually.
The agreement covers financing and establishment of three factories to manufacture prefabricated housing materials and construction of low cost houses in Zambia.
Press Secretary at the Zambian High Commission in South Africa Nicky Shabolyo has confirmed the development in a media statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The joint venture agreement was signed on Friday by Africapaciti Investment Group, EnviroBoard Zambia and EnviroBoard Corporation USA in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde who witnessed the occasion expressed optimism that the partnership will help Zambia meet her housing deficit of 1.5 million units.
Mr Chikonde said the partnership will free – up resources that government has been spending on constructing houses for people across the country.
He said government will strive to create a conducive regulatory framework and open up serviced land for immediate construction of housing units.
Mr Chikonde, an architecture by profession, challenged the private sector to invest in the provision of housing and other public infrastructure in order to grow the Zambian economy.
And Africapaciti Investment Group Chairperson Millicent Mombeshora said her firm will build a minimum of 3,000 eco-friendly low cost houses in its first year of operation using American technology.
EnviroBoard Corporation USA Group Chairman Glen Camp said his firm is excited to help provide descent accommodation to people in Africa.
Zambia will be the first African country to benefit from the project before it is rolled out to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
AFRICAPACITI Group Chairperson, Dr. Millicent Mombeshora (right) presents a sample of the building material to be used in the housing project to Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Muyeba Chikonde
First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda interacts with school pupils at Mulungushi International Conference Centre
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has praised the Chilanga Senior Citizens Forum for its contribution to develop and foster the local economy of the area.
The First President who is also an ardent golfer himself said it was important that senior citizens in the country contribute to communities in which they live by alleviating poverty among the less privileged.
He was speaking today when he officiated at the Senior citizen’s fundraising golf tournament held at Chilanga golf club.
He also called on Zambians to continue praying for President Michael Sata’s good health.
The former Head of State sang his famous unity song Tiyende Pamodzi and chanted his One Zambia One Nation slogan as he urged Zambians to continue loving one another and co-exist as one people.
And Chilanga Senior Citizens Forum President Ben Muyobela said funds raised will be used to help elderly people in the district who are wallowing in poverty.
Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya inspecting the pedicle road project last week
Patriotic Front Chiengi Member of Parliament Benson Kapaya has called for peaceful campaigns in the August 19 Mumbotuta ward local government by-election.
Addressing scores of PF supporters at Changwe Lungo Primary School in Milenge yesterday, Brig Gen Kapaya said the PF government had performed well since it assumed office in September, 2011.
The Chiengi Law maker who is also Luapula Province Minister said it was for this reason that the people of Milenge should vote for the ruling party in the forth-coming Mumbotuta ward by-election.
Three political parties are participating in the by-election namely the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD).
Brig Gen Kapaya urged the cadres to go flat out and campaign for the PF candidate Gevason Mumba who is competing against UPND’s candidate Joseph Mbewe and Gosten Mumba standing on the MMD ticket.
Brig Gen Kapaya said if elected Mr Mumba would propel the PF vision of delivering development and increasing its membership throughout the country.
“Let’s campaign peacefully, what we want are votes not violence so I’m urging you to desist from any violent activities as PF supporters, we should lead by example that we are a peaceful party committed to developing this country,” said Brig Gen Kapaya.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Kapaya cautioned the people of Milenge not listen to opposition lies about the health of President Sata whom they allege was not feeling well.
“The president is in good health, he is the one governing this country whether the opposition likes it or not so let’s go and tell the people that our president is very much alive and that they shouldn’t buy what the opposition is saying,” he said.
Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali has advised the PF Government to stop hiding the illness of President Michael Sata.
Mr Tayali said it is clear that President Sata is not enjoying the best of health adding that Government should come out clean and state the fact that he is unwell.
He said Government is not being fair by denying information on the health of the Head of State especially that he has not been seen in public for close to a month.
Mr Tayali was speaking in Lusaka Sunday afternoon when he addressed a news conference at Lusaka Hotel.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now getting to a month without seeing our beloved President whom we overwhelmingly voted for. For some time this year our President has been seldom in the public and the last time we saw him, he did not look healthy in spite of his age. President Sata is a very familiar man to most Zambians because he has been interacting with everybody and this is why he won the hearts of people to be voted as our 5th President. Therefore, it is easy to notice that this man is not the same,” Mr Tayali said.
He added, “The recent strange character of the President, of not being among people, physical ineptness and the recent disappearance clearly shows that our President is not fine. Our president cannot stay away from his people deliberately without an explanation. Our President must definitely be sick and government is hiding this fact.”
Mr Tayali has since condemned the manner in which Government has handled the issue of the health of President Sata.
“To intimidate citizens, one minister warned of criminalizing the discussion of the health of the President, which is so lame of him. President Sata is our public property and he signed for it when he asked the Zambian people to vote for him. The president is also very much aware of this fact, since he even came out and announced that we are free to discuss his health,” he said.
He continued, “This is exactly what we should do, we should ask why he went to hospital in Israel, why he has lost so much weight, why he is not seen in public. And the best that Government should do is to give us answers not intimidating us. Our asking is not out of malice or politicking, but a genuine concern for our President.
On the issue of the constitution, Mr Tayali said the Zambian Voice is demanding for the immediate release of the draft constitution and the enactment of a new constitution before 2016 Elections.
[pullquote]Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now getting to a month without seeing our beloved President whom we overwhelmingly voted for. For some time this year our President has been seldom in the public and the last time we saw him, he did not look healthy in spite of his age.[/pullquote]
“The Patriotic Front campaigned on the premise of delivering of a new constitution. They promised all the Zambian people a new constitution driven by the people other than what MMD was offering, National Constitution Conference (NCC). In persuading Zambians to vote for them, they even put a time frame of 90 days. Today as we speak it has been 1,022 days or 2 years, 9 months, and 19 days without a New Constitution. The PF government has not changed the priorities putting the Constitution issue on the shelves to gather dust,” he said.
“While we appreciate the development Infrastructure, Education, Health and Agriculture embarked on by the PF, we want to prioritize the Constitution so that no politician will hold us to ransom for what we deserve as citizens. Zambians are not at the mercy of any politician to relay on their goodwill. We would also like to warn the PF that they should not take advantage of the ignorance of the poor people especially those in rural areas to advance their ulterior motives not to deliver the people driven Constitution.”
He said, “The PF officials claim that people prefer food, fertilizer, roads, medicines, education and other social services to a New Constitution. This is crookedness on the part of the PF, hoodwinking our simple people with social amenities as if they are doing them a favour so that they can forget about their rights. PF has a responsibility to deliver development as well as the Constitution without cheating citizens that they cannot have both.”
On the parentage clause in the constitution, Mr Tayali revealed that the Zambian Voice will go to court this week to seek judicial review over the parentage clause.
“We know that some few PF government officials do not want give us a Constitution because they want to use it to disadvantage some citizens in a political race. Laws like the Public Order Act, publication of false news, the parental clause in Presidential candidature qualification, have become the favorites for the mediocre PF government officials. “
“Zambian Voice has therefore decided to fight all bad laws which are in conflict with the freedoms of citizens and democratic tenets.
This week we will seek a judicial review with an objective of scraping off the constitutional provisions of the controversial parentage amendments of 1996 article 34(3)b which stipulates that both parents should be Zambians by birth or descent qualify to contest for Presidency,” he said.
He added, “This parental clause should be scraped off in our Constitution following the ruling that was made in the case of Akashambatwa Mbikusita and others Vs FTJ Chiluba, so that no one can refer to it in discriminating others.”
A reggae fan smoking marijuana during the Bob Marley memorial concert in Lusaka west
The opposition Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM) says the campaign for legalizing marijuana in Zambia has been misunderstood.
ZDDM president Edwin Sakala has told Qfm news in a statement that his party has realized that many people in the country have come to think that the political parties making this call are calling for a situation where people can be free to smoke marijuana freely.
Mr. Sakala says this understanding is very wrong because even the countries which cultivate and export marijuana they do this in a controlled environment.
He says his party believes that that it is against this background of misunderstanding that Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula and the Patriotic Front (PF) government has been making statements opposing the continued calls for a new law legalizing the growing of marijuana in Zambia.
The ZDDM leader says in view such understanding it is also clear people are not aware that growing marijuana under a controlled environment or even under a license is a brilliant idea which can help Zambia join other countries like South Africa to earn a lot of foreign exchange.
He states that it is important that those opposed to this idea must be made to understand that those calling for marijuana to be legalized are not calling for a law which will allow people to smoke it but rather having it grown under controlled environments and for export to pharmaceutical companies.
Mr. Sakala further states that legalizing the growing of marijuana under controlled environments will also help the nation stop wasting resources on criminalizing citizens who continue to cultivate marijuana which was widely grown in Zambia for many years for its medicinal value.
Twenty-two Patriotic Front (PF) Councilors in Chilubi District are demanding payment of newly introduced monthly allowances.
The ruling PF councilors complained that the District Council management is unnecessarily delaying to pay them their allowances.
ZANIS reports that the civic leaders expressed their concern during a full council meeting held in Chilubi yesterday.
Chilubi District Council Chairman Robert Sobongo said they have never been paid for any single month since government put them on the payroll early this year.
Mr Sobongo who is also Bumba ward councilor said councilors are now skeptical about ever receiving their money because council management insists that they lack funds to pay them.
He observed that if left unchecked the issue is likely to create enmity between councilors and the council administration in the district.
And Bulilo Ward Councilor Charles Mwila challenged Council management to come clean on the matter and tell them the truth.
“You should tell us if these newly introduced salaries by Government will be a reality or it will remain a night mere for councilors in Chilubi district,” said Mwila.
However, Chilubi District Council Secretary John Mwanza told the PF councilors that the council was unable to pay them.
Mr Mwanza explained that council management has failed to pay them because its revenue base had dwindled adding that the council was also having difficulties to pay workers’ salaries.
“We as council have nowhere to collect revenues because we collect even as little as K300 per month,” said Mr Mwanza.
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has been labeled as a traitor and a mole in the fight for a people driven constitution.
Deputy Chairperson of the Civil Society Constitution Coalition Judith Mulenga said it is good that YALI’s true colours have manifested following the organisation’s U-turn over the demand for a new constitution.
Ms. Mulenga who is also Executive Director of the Zambia Civic Education Association said the coalition had always suspected YALI of leaking information to the Government over the Coalition’s activities.
“What has happened is unfortunate but not surprising. We have always suspected comrade Andrew (YALI President Andrew Ntewewe) of being a mole and this has confirmed that he is a traitor. He has chosen to betrayal the collective resolve of the Zambian people,” Ms Mulenga said.
She said the backlash that has followed Mr Ntewewe after announcing his parallel 10 point constitution master plan is evident that Zambians are disappointed with YALI’s U-turn.
“It is clear that Zambians do not trust Andrew any more. All the radio or TV programme he has appeared on trying to explain his 10 point master plan, Zambians have told him off and it is good that his hand has been seen for what it,” she said.
Ms Mulenga vowed that the work of the civil society on the constitution will continue with increased vigour and resolve.
“We are not stopping here. We will continue carrying the message of the people that Zambia needs a new constitution now. We will not wait until after 2016 elections, a new constitution is a must now,” she said.
Ms. Mulenga also observed that the YALI Constitution Master Plan does not offer anything new besides differing on the need to have a referendum now.
“What they have produced is basically what we have been saying all along. The fundamental difference is on when we have the Referendum. We still insist that this constitution debate should not be tied to 2016 elections. We should have a referendum now and elections in 2016. We cannot postpone the constitution for convenience purposes,” she said.
YALI last week controversially broke ranks with the civil society movement in Zambia pushing for a new constitution after a leaked document submitted to Ministry of Justice showed that the youth run organisation was proposing enactment of a new constitution after the 2016 elections.
MINISTRY of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Yamfwa Mukanga (right) with his Permanent Secretary Agnes Musunga during the sports festival at Barclays Sports Complex in Lusaka
Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga has urged employees in his Ministry to engage in active exercises in order to keep their bodies healthy.
Mukanga said active participation in sport is cardinal in keeping a strong and vibrant work force that can contribute positively to the economic development of the country.
The Minister reiterated that activities away from normal work schedule are fundamental in building strong and lasting personal relationships among employees.
ZANIS Reports that Mukanga said this in Lusaka today when he flagged off a sports festival organised for his ministry by the Zambia Telecommunications Company (ZAMTEL) held at Barclays Bank Sports Complex in Lusaka yesterday.
The Ministry and Agencies taking part in the sports festival include the Road Development Agency (RDA), Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA), Zambia Railway Limited (ZRL), and the National Airports Corporation (NACL).
Earlier, ZAMTEL Chief Executive Officer Mupanga Mwanakatwe said his organization will continue to organize sports festivals aimed at promoting physical fitness as well as a platform for exchange of ideas.
Government is yet to approve the relocation of 38 graves to pave way for mining operations at the US$2billion First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Sentinel Mine project in Solwezi district.
Kalumbila Minerals Limited Spokesperson Miriam Harmon disclosed that government has not granted the mining conglomerate authority to proceed to exhume and relocate graves found on the mine area.
Nearly 500 graves were discovered on the mine area and after verifications 38 graves require exhumation, 181 need cover-over and the remaining 355 graves are not affected even though they are located within the mine area.
Ms Harmon said the unaffected graves will be fenced off and measures will be put in place to allow affected family members access to the graves.
Ms Harmon explained in a media statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday that government is yet to issue a permit as required by the Public Health Act to exhume or cover –over graves.
She pointed out that even though Kalumbila Mine wholly owned by FQM is not legally compelled to compensate the families, the company will pay affected families K6, 000 for each grave relocated.
She further said that Kalumbila will also meet exhumation, reburial, transport and other logistical costs including traditional blankets, coffins and tombstones.
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with emphasis for a humane and compassionate settlement of graves affected by the developmental activities at the Sentinel mine.
Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani is next week expected to issue a comprehensive statement on the security arrangements that will be put in place to police the Mangango parliamentary by- election on August 19 in Kaoma, Western province.
Police Service Spokesperson Charity Chanda said the Inspector general will avail the detailed information ahead of the Mangango elections to the press and the general public to allay security concerns.
Ms Chanda disclosed the development to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Lusaka yesterday in an interview.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set August 19, 2014 as the voting day for the Mangango Parliamentary by – election in Kaoma.
Six candidates are contesting the Mangango parliamentary seat and include Godwin Putu of the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) while the MMD is fielding Charles Mwezela .
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) adopted Rodgers Lingweshi Lyambai while UNIP is fielding the only female candidate Janet Chingumbe.
The Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) adopted Naluwa Mwene and Mukumbuta Kabuyana is standing on the Fourth Revolution Party ticket.
The Mangango parliamentary by- election was necessitated by the nullification of the election of MMD’s Robert Taundi Chiseke by the Supreme Court on May 19, 2014 on grounds that his election was fraught with electoral malpractices.
PF losing candidate in the 2011 general elections Richard Simbula had petitioned the election of Mr Chiseke.
The six candidates successfully filed in their nominations in Kaoma on July 10, 2014 in an atmosphere that the ECZ described as incident and violence free.
The Consortium of Five Civil Society Organizations has observed that maternity care is a safe and appropriate facility which should be made available to pregnant women in prisons across the country.
The non-governmental organization AGE Justice International Executive Director Philimon Phiri says the Consortium has also called on the Zambian government to uphold the basic human rights of pregnant women in prison by reviewing the whole Prison Act.
Mr Phiri revealed this in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday following a position paper on the welfare of female inmates adopted by the Consortium at a meeting held last evening.
Mr Phiri said the Consortium the review should accommodate inclusive female and children biological needs which will ensure a minimum standard of care in pregnancy and the postnatal period wherever the woman is within the prison system.
He said this was a basic home care service, education and accommodation of circumstantial children found in a similar situation.
Mr Phiri noted that there is need for the criminal justice system to strengthen the 2009 policy on non-custodial sentences for women with trivial offenses and those who hold a full single parent responsibility on children.
He hinted that there is also concern over the judiciary’s delay in sentencing of pregnant women on trivial cases until they give birth.
He said Section 56 of Prison’s Act provides that the infant child of a woman prisoner may be received into the prison with its mother adding that the Act should be amended to provide for a separate food ration for the infant child.
Mr Phiri suggested that there is an immediate need to review the Prison Act number 56 and make amendments to the Prison Act number 234 to include the diet for circumstantial children, prenatal and breast feeding mothers.
He further said there is an urgent need to decongest prisons in order to work on improved human rights conditions for inmates.
The Consortium observed that 17,038 inmates are incarcerated in prisons that are built to hold 6,100 prisoners only saying this as an abuse of individual human rights and health needs.
The Consortium further noted that there is a need to make flexible conditions for prisoners to apply for a parole.
Mr Phiri also noted that there is an urgent need to further amend Section 56 that clothing and necessaries for the infant child to be supplied not at the public expense but to attribute that responsibility to Prison Authorities, Social Welfare and Mother and Child health Department.
He stated that HIV positive mothers with a low CD4 count should be included in Section 234 diet and add special diet provided with formula milk for their children.
Mr Phiri said that infants should be separated from adult prisoners and the prison service should utilize their carpentry workshops to supply the court beds to the children.
“Government should upgrade the existing clinics in the prisons into hospitals to decongest on the population which has been extended to even outsiders and include maternity wings”, Mr Phir said.
Mr Phiri said government and United Nations Children Emmergency Fund(UNICEF) should extend early childhood education policy for circumstantial children in prison.
And Mr Phir also lamented that prison grants allocated to vulnerable groups in the prison should be increased and specifically cover sanitary pads for women prisoners and circumstantial children’s clothing.
He said working with government and other stakeholders should undertake research on women prisoners in Zambia and their circumstantial children and come up baseline data to enable adequate intervention and information for sustainable interventions
