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Cabinet approves 6 bills and policy decisions in recent meeting

Chief Editor
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Cabinet approves 6 bills and policy decisions in recent meeting

Minister of Information, Ms. Chushi Kasanda, has announced that six Bills and four policy decisions were approved by the Cabinet at the 3rd Cabinet Meeting held on Tuesday, 21st and Wednesday, 22nd February 2023, at State House. The approved Bills will be introduced in the current sitting of Parliament. The Bills cover issues such as rural electrification, environmental management, controlled substances, the Examinations Council of Zambia, the Teaching Profession Act and the National Pension Scheme. The Cabinet also approved the hosting of the 42nd Roundtable Conference of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) in Livingstone, Zambia, from 6th to 9th December, 2023.

The Rural Electrification Bill, 2023, aims to promote and enhance rural electrification, re-define the functions of the Rural Electrification Authority and its Board and continue the existence of the Rural Electrification Fund. The Environmental Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to amend the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, so as to revise the functions of the Zambia Environmental Management Agency; harmonise the provisions relating to solid waste management with the Solid Waste Regulation and Management Act No. 20 of 2018; domesticate the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer; provide for the registration of pesticides or toxic substances and revise the provision on summary imposition of penalties.

The Controlled Substances Bill, 2023, is aimed at providing adequate regulation of controlled substances by repealing and replacing the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1967. It aims to provide for the granting of a license to deal in manufacture, import and export of controlled substances; regulating the use, dispensing, manufacture, wholesale, transfer, supply, sell, distribution and possession of a controlled substance for medicinal, scientific and research purposes; and grant sufficient authority to the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority to regulate controlled substances.

The Examination Council of Zambia Bill, 2023, seeks to address the inadequacies of The Examinations Council of Zambia Act, 1983. The new Bill aims to repeal and replace the Act to, among others, re-define the functions of the Examinations Council of Zambia; constitute the Board of the Examinations Council of Zambia and provide for its functions; provide for the accreditation of examination centers, provide for the administration of examinations and repeal and replace the Examinations Council of Zambia Act, 1983.

The Teaching Profession (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to amend the Teaching Profession Act No. 5 of 2013 to align it with the Higher Education Act No. 4 of 2013 with respect to the provisions providing for training of teachers, registration of colleges, and accreditation of learning programs and qualifications. The National Pension Scheme (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to provide for members to access a pre-retirement benefit by amending the National Pension Scheme Act, 1996.

The Cabinet also approved the hosting of the 42nd Roundtable Conference of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) in Livingstone, Zambia, from 6th to 9th December, 2023. The AAPAM conference is aimed at discussing and sharing knowledge and best practices on public administration and management in Africa.

The approved Bills and policy decisions aim to enhance governance and service delivery in various sectors, including rural electrification, environmental management, education, and pensions. The hosting of the AAPAM conference is also aimed at sharing knowledge and best practices on public administration and management in Africa. The Bills will be introduced in the current sitting of Parliament, and if passed, they will become laws

AID Justice International Commends President Hichilema’s Fight Against Corruption While Urging Action on Other Governance Issues

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AID Justice International Commends President Hichilema’s Fight Against Corruption While Urging Action on Other Governance Issues

President Hichilema’s recent move to fight corruption has been welcomed by Aid Justice International executive director, Dr. Philemon Phiri. However, he has also raised concerns about other governance issues that need attention from the government.

Dr. Phiri said, “President Hichilema’s commitment to fighting corruption is commendable, and it should be supported by all well-meaning Zambians. However, we need to ensure that other aspects of governance are given equal attention.”

He added, “The UPND administration must not follow in the footsteps of the previous Patriotic Front-PF administration, which oppressed political opponents through prolonged detention without trial among other vices. We need to see beneficial policies such as a public order act, access to information bill, and the upholding of human rights.”

Dr. Phiri emphasized the need for the government to address the issue of prolonged arrests of opposition political leaders without charge. He said, “The civil society movement will not allow Zambia to be run the way it was during the previous Patriotic Front government. We need to ensure that the government is accountable and transparent in all its dealings.”

During his speech to the second session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, President Hichilema made it clear that there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption. He stated, “No one is above the law, and everyone who has engaged in corrupt activities will face the consequences.”

President Hichilema’s swift action against corruption has been hailed as a positive step towards restoring the country’s economy. He has shown that he is willing to take tough action against those who engage in corrupt activities.

In response to the President’s speech, Dr. Phiri said, “We welcome President Hichilema’s commitment to fighting corruption. It is a positive step towards restoring the country’s economy. We hope to see more of this kind of action from the government in the future.”

Dr. Phiri concluded, “We are watching and waiting to see how the government will address other governance issues. We hope to see improvements in all areas of governance, including the protection of human rights and the upholding of the rule of law.”

Lusaka City Council and Zambia Air Force Rescue Passengers from Burning Tanker Truck

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Lusaka City Council and Zambia Air Force Rescue Passengers from Burning Tanker Truck

Lusaka City Council (LCC) and Zambia Air Force officers were hailed as heroes after they successfully rescued passengers from a burning tanker truck on Mungwi Road in Lusaka on Friday. The incident occurred at around 11:00 hours at Shift Rite premises along Mungwi Road in Lusaka.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with flames shooting up to 50 feet into the air. “It was a horrifying experience, we heard a loud explosion, and when we looked out, we saw the tanker truck on fire,” said Mutale Mbewe, a resident of Lusaka.

According to reports from officers on the ground, the driver of the vehicle noticed fuel spilling out of the tanker and decided to park the vehicle. However, when a bus loaded with passengers passed the tanker, it immediately caught fire and burned extensively. The bus driver, John Zulu, recounted the incident, “I saw fuel on the road, and I knew I had to keep moving. But as soon as I passed the tanker, the bus caught fire.”

Fire Brigade officers from Zambia Air Force and Lusaka City Council responded swiftly and managed to quench the fire. “We received a distress call around 11:10 hours, and we immediately dispatched our officers to the scene,” said Lusaka City Council Chief Fire Officer, Brian Bwalya. “We arrived within minutes, and we managed to put out the fire before it caused more damage.”

Police visited the scene and initial investigations indicate that there were no casualties reported. However, four people were injured, and the value of the property destroyed is yet to be established. A Toyota Haice minibus which was parked near the scene of the incident also caught fire and got burnt extensively. All the passengers on board managed to escape unhurt.

Winless Zambia Battling Against Early Flight From 2023 U20 AFCON

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Winless Zambia faces an early exit from the Under-20 Africa Cup in Egypt after succumbing to a 2-0 loss to Gambia in their second Group C match on Friday night.

A goal each by Kajally Drammeh and Alagie Saine condemned Zambia to the loss against the Gambians.

The Junior Chipolopolo launched the Junior AFCON campaign with a 1-1 draw against Benin last Tuesday.

Zambia remained stuck at the bottom on one point ahead of their must win final Group C match against Tunisia on Monday.

Gambia have since booked their place in the quarter-finals of the AFCON.

“We knew the Zambian defence is not good because we watched their game against Benin. Their weakness is their defence since yesterday we had a closer look at their game,” said Gambia coach Abdoulie Bojang.

Benin are second in Group C with two points followed by Tunisia on one point.

Semi-finalists at this competition will qualify to the Under-20 FIFA World Cup.

Kabala Stars As Nkana Deforests Forest Rangers

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Nkana new boy David Kabala scored his fourth and fifth goal of for his new employers since his January arrival in a thorough 3-1 away win over ambitious Forest Rangers at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

Critically, Saturday’s result sees Nkana collect three successive league wins for the first time this season and are unbeaten in their last five games in which they have also posted two draws.

Forest was forced to play their live televised home game away at  Arthur Davies in  Kitwe and not their renovated home at Dola Hill Stadium in Ndola due to technical reasons with the broadcaster sponsors.

Unlike their more successful archrivals and Ndola neighbours Zesco United who also played their home game in Kitwe last week across the road at Nkana’s home ground under similar circumstances where they beat Napsa  Stars  2-0,  Forest was not that fortunate.

Nkana captain and midfielder Harrison Chisala put Nkana one-up into halftime with a superb 37th-minute goal.

DR Congo-born striker Kabala then scored his debut brace for the legendary 13-time Zambian champions in the 47th and 85th minutes.

Forest, though, left Kitwe with a consolation own-goal scored by Nkana defender Derrick Mukombozi in stoppage time.

Nkana’s away triumph sees them jump from 11th number 9th on 34 points.

Forest stay put at number two on 41 points despite losing their second successive league match.

Leaders Power who enjoy a five-point lead on 46 points are in action 24 hours later at the same venue at home against a resurgent Kabwe Warriors who are 12th on 30 points and unbeaten in their last three games.

FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 25
25/02/2023
Forest Rangers 1-Nkana 3
FC MUZA 1-Zesco United 0
Napsa Stars 0-Kansanshi Dynamos 0
Green Eagles 4-Buildcon 0
Lumwana Radiants 1-Zanaco 1
Nkwazi 0-Green Buffaloes 2
Prison Leopards 1-Nchanga Rangers 0

26/02/2023
Power Dynamos-Kabwe Warriors

Mundubile Urges Zambian Government to Reject ZESCO’s 37% Electricity Tariff Increase

Chief Editor
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Mundubile Urges Zambian Government to Reject ZESCO’s 37% Electricity Tariff Increase

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has called on the Zambian government to reject ZESCO’s application to increase electricity tariffs by 37 percent. The energy provider has made this proposal to the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) in an attempt to attract more investment in power generation and distribution and reduce Zambia’s reliance on hydro power.

Mr. Mundubile, who is also the PF Presidential Candidate, believes that the high fees would disadvantage the vulnerable population. He cited the Seventh National Development Plan (SNDP), which contains one of the pillars of reducing developmental inequalities by connecting people to electricity. The former PF Government’s policy was to connect as many Zambians as possible to reduce poverty.

“Government needed to look at the cheapest way of doing so because the benefits are many,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile also highlighted that connecting more people to electricity is crucial in moving them away from deforestation. Many Zambians rely on forests for energy and other uses. Connecting them to electricity would address deforestation and provide an affordable, clean source of energy. Mr. Mundubile added that the UPND administration must assess the capacity of the people targeted in rural electrification. The vulnerable population in rural areas cannot afford the proposed high tariffs.

“Those that have the capacity to connect already connected. There are many people that were coming on board as a result of the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) extending connections to rural areas and this will be disturbed by the rise in tariffs,” he said.

In conclusion, the proposed tariff increase of 37% by ZESCO will make electricity inaccessible to a significant portion of the population. The government must consider alternative, cost-effective ways to connect Zambians to electricity to help reduce poverty and deforestation. It is imperative that the government assesses the capacity of the people in rural areas that are most vulnerable and unable to afford the proposed high tariffs. The UPND administration must balance investment in power generation and distribution with affordability and accessibility for all Zambians.

Homeowner shoots suspected burglar in Lilayi area as police launch manhunt for remaining suspects

Lusaka Times Editor
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Homeowner shoots suspected burglar in Lilayi area as police launch manhunt for remaining suspects

A suspect sustained gunshot wounds while six others escaped after the owner of the house they broke into opened fire on them using a short gun.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the Lilayi area, where residents are now calling for increased security measures to be put in place to deter criminals from targeting their homes.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects entered the property by cutting through the electric fence and proceeded to ransack the house, stealing valuable items and causing damage to the property. The homeowner, who was inside the house at the time, heard the commotion and grabbed his shotgun, firing a warning shot to deter the suspects.

When the suspects continued to advance, the homeowner fired again, striking one of the suspects and causing the rest to flee the scene. Police were alerted to the incident and arrived on the scene shortly after, taking the injured suspect into custody and launching a manhunt for the remaining suspects.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Police Spokesperson Danny Mwale condemned the actions of the suspects and reiterated the importance of maintaining security measures, such as electric fences and security cameras, to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Meanwhile, the injured suspect, John Mwelwa, is being treated at the University Teaching Hospitals, where he is said to be in a stable condition. Mwelwa’s family has since come forward, expressing their shock and disbelief at his involvement in such criminal activities.

“He’s always been a good boy,” said Mwelwa’s mother, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We never imagined he could be involved in something like this. We’re praying for his speedy recovery and hoping that he will learn from his mistakes.”

The incident has sparked a wider conversation around crime and safety in the Lilayi area, with residents calling for more police patrols and increased community vigilance to deter criminal activity.

In a separate incident, police have detained five suspects for malicious damage to property involving a minibus belonging to Capital Bus Services. The suspects, who are alleged to have caused damage to the windows of the bus after a failed attempt to extort money from the conductor, are currently in police custody awaiting trial.

The incidents serve as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property from criminal activity. It is hoped that increased community collaboration and police intervention will help to reduce crime in the area and create a safer and more secure environment for residents.

Of CDF and its possible zero impact on society…..

Chief Editor
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Of CDF and its possible zero impact on society…..

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

Jonas Mwango , a mining, safety and health expert is wondering why certain skills development programmes that obviously don’t guarantee absolute job opportunities or indeed unlock the gate of self-employment have taken center stage in both urban and rural areas.

“Who are the real beneficiaries of this scheme between the organisers and youths considering the number of youths trained vs job openings?” he postulates on his Facebook page. “Do we have industries that will absorb these youths after training?”

He is further hypothesizing that it would be wise to put a premium on skills that enhance self-employment as opposed to those that subject them to wild goose chase, year in and out!

Without wanting to sound like the proverbial prophet of doom, he goes on to sound alarm that we may be deliberately creating a “time bomb” that would stir up discontenment amongst the youths in the foreseeable future.

What do we make of this?

The idea of increasing CDF allocation and indeed taking skills development in its wings is of course, a brilliant initiative on the part of the New Dawn Administration! However, allowing certain officials in our constituencies to have unfettered access to such strategic resources is as good as trusting a Monkey to be in charge of a Maize field!

As Jonas has rightly observed, some school owners may be colluding with some selfish officials either in the wards or at the council to provide irrelevant skills to some desperate and yet unsuspecting youths in our communities. Why on Earth must we be equipping hundreds of youths in Shang’ombo for instance, with heavy equipment operator skills when we know there are no mines in the area?

Why is it seemingly complicated to empower our youth with vocational skills such as welding, mechanics, carpentry, brick laying, tailoring and design etc. which they can easily utilize to fabricate desks for our schools, or be contracted to build public infrastructure and indeed churn out school uniforms, with funding from the state of course?

The other day, we heard of a tailor who was contracted from Kamwala Market in Lusaka to go and teach our youths in a named province tailoring. Did he have the necessary skills to teach or instruct his students? No! Did he deliver as per expectations? Of course, not!

And not so long ago, we woke up to the shocking news of an MP that connived with Constituency Development officials, in a given province, to procure equipment at an inflated price. As if this wasn’t enough, they went ahead and doubled the price of blocks for some public infrastructure they were working on!

It is activities such as these that may result in the much touted CDF not yielding the desired results.

While this may be seem to be “non of our business” to some, it’s actually our core business to ensure that tax payers money is being put to better use! As long as we don’t equip our youth with the right tools and skills, unemployment shall remain the order of the day. And if certain individuals continue defrauding government by supplying shoddy goods and services at inflated prices, we should as well say goodbye to improving the quality of life of our people.

Until next time……

POLICE GUN DOWN TWO SUSPECTED CRIMINALS

Lusaka Times Editor
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POLICE GUN DOWN TWO SUSPECTED CRIMINALS

In a shootout at Mindolo Dam area on February 24, 2023, Police in Kitwe gunned down two suspected criminals who were believed to be behind a series of aggravated robberies in Kitwe and Chingola districts. The two suspects were identified as Ernest Mashane, also known as Chaile, aged 37, and Fidelis Mwansa, popularly known as Shi Castrol, aged 31, both of Kamatipa area in Kitwe District.

Concerned members of the public spotted the two notorious suspects in Race Course township and apprehended them after a long chase. The police were alerted and arrested the suspects at around 3 pm. The suspects admitted to being behind the robberies and revealed that they had a pistol at their house in Kamatipa township. The police officers, with the help of the suspects, recovered the pistol and later learned that an AK-47 rifle was hidden in the bush in the Mindola Dam area.

During the recovery of the rifle, the suspects decided to run away from the police. Several warning shots were fired in the air in an attempt to stop them, but they continued to flee. Unfortunately, they sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Kitwe Central Hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police recovered one AK-47 rifle with six rounds of ammunition within the same area. Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Danny Mwale, confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to continue working with the police in the fight against crime.

“The police will not relent in the fight against crime, and we urge members of the public to continue working with us by reporting any suspicious activity or individuals in their communities,” he said.

The incident has received mixed reactions from members of the public, with some commending the police for their swift action, while others are concerned about the use of excessive force by the police. The police have assured the public that they will investigate the incident to determine whether the use of force was justified.

In the meantime, the bodies of the suspects have been taken to the mortuary, and investigations are ongoing.

Government Urged to Address Salary Issues of Medical Doctors to Prevent Potential Strike

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Government Urged to Address Salary Issues of Medical Doctors to Prevent Potential Strike

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Brian Mundubile, has called on the Zambian government to urgently engage in negotiations with medical doctors before they down tools. This plea comes in the wake of threats by medical doctors to embark on a strike if the government does not implement the 10 percent salary upward adjustment awarded to all civil servants earlier this year.

“Medical doctors play a vital role in our society, especially now that the country is experiencing a cholera outbreak, Covid-19 and a possible outbreak of new diseases owing to cyclone Freddy whose effects are likely to hit Zambia,” said Mr. Mundubile in an interview with Phoenix News. “I urge the government to recognize the importance of medical doctors and step up efforts to resolve the standoff.”

Medical doctors have revealed that the majority of them did not receive the salary increment, with only a few receiving up to 6.5 percent, while others received a 5 percent increment. This is in stark contrast to the 10.5 percent increment awarded to all civil servants in the country.

Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Patriotic Front PF Presidential Candidate and Mansa Central Member of Parliament, has also emphasized the need for dialogue between government and health workers. “We need to assure people of health services everywhere and by ensuring we have motivated human capital to provide health services,” he said during a radio interview on 5FM’s burning issue. “We must recognize that human resource is probably the biggest resource we have and having a strong relationship with our human capital is key.”

Dr. Chilufya cautioned against a looming strike by Resident Medical Doctors of Zambia who have been left out of the 10.5% salary increment awarded to all civil servants. He warned that a strike in the ministry of health would promote deaths, and that there was a need to assure people of health services everywhere by ensuring the country has motivated human capital to provide health services. “When you have a strike in the health sector you will be promoting deaths, we will be unable to account for the lives lost when people down tools,” he said. “I am calling for restraint and dialogue among all the key stakeholders to ensure that the patient remains first. Remember that we are promoting the agenda for universal health coverage, it is a people-centered agenda.”

The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has also expressed its concerns over the salary increment dispute. “We are aware that only a few doctors received the increment, and this has demotivated many of our members,” said RDAZ President, Dr. Christopher Simuntala. “We have been engaging the government on this issue, but nothing concrete has come out of it. Our members are already demotivated, and if nothing is done soon, we may be forced to go on strike.”

The Zambian government has acknowledged the concerns raised by medical doctors and has assured them that their grievances will be addressed. “We are aware of the concerns raised by medical doctors, and we are committed to resolving this issue amicably,” said Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Kennedy Malama. “We are engaging with the relevant stakeholders, including the RDAZ, to find a lasting solution to this dispute.”

The government’s commitment to resolving the salary increment dispute has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA). “We appreciate the government’s commitment to resolving this issue, and we urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue to find a lasting solution,” said ZMA President, Dr. Samson Chisele.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has urged the President Hakainde Hichilema government to deliver on their promises

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US Senator Lindsey Graham has urged the President Hakainde Hichilema government to deliver on their promises

US Senator Lindsey Graham has urged President Hakainde Hichilema’s government to deliver on their promises, stating that the US Congress will work on getting more American private sector to invest in Zambia. Speaking at Kabuyu Primary School in Livingstone, Senator Graham expressed his belief that the new government is the best partner the US could have in the region potentially. He said, “My Ambassador believes the new government offers a lot of promises on (fighting) corruption, and performance systems. So what I hope we could do is get more American investments here from the private sector.”

Senator Graham acknowledged that Zambia has a lot of agricultural and developmental needs, stating that getting the American private sector to invest will help. He added, “There is a lot of money to be made in this part of the world. But the challenge for this government is to deliver on the promises…this is a moment. To this new government, I like what you are saying but you need to deliver and we wanna be there to help you.”

Delaware Democrat Senator Chris Andrew Coons also expressed his support for additional US investment in Zambia, stating that it will have positive impacts across the country. Senator Coons said, “When we return to Washington we will be talking about what are the priorities of Zambia and how we work in partnership to deliver more positive impacts in the future.”

During a meeting with foreign affairs minister Stanley Kakubo and his tourism counterpart Rodney Sikumba at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, Senator Graham reiterated his support for the Zambian government. He told Kakubo and Sikumba that employing more teachers to reduce the teacher-pupil ratio is the best investment Zambia can make for posterity. He said, “Your new government is off to a good start. Word is out to the world especially in Washington [that] there is a new group (UPND) committed to reform, moving Zambia forward. You have a chance, do not let this moment pass.”

Senator Coons, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed his hope that Zambia would be able to find high-standard and transparent investment resources from the American private sector through the newly created Financial Corporation. He said, “You are leading the way in terms of the model in terms of private-led sector development. We hope to be a good partner in this.”

Minister Kakubo expressed his gratitude for the support that Zambia has received from the US bilaterally and through multilateral institutions. He said, “We really appreciate the support we have gotten from the US bilaterally and through multilateral institutions. We are grateful for that.” The US congressional delegation also included New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (Foreign Relations Committee), New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen, Mark Kelly (Arizona), and US permanent representative UN Agencies (Rome) Cindy McCain.

Government keen on eradicating TB

Chief Editor
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Government keen on eradicating TB

Acting Provincial Education Standards officer Tommy Kamalata says Government is keen on eradicating Tuberculosis by 2030 using the multi-sectoral approach.

Mr Kamalata adds that the Ministry of Education is on board to help disseminate information on tuberculosis in a bid to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.

He says learners in the Central province will be having inter-district debate on Tuberculosis ahead of the commendation of world TB Day in an effort to sensitize and inform learners in schools about the disease.

The Education official said it is important for pupils to learn about diseases to ensure that as they grow up they are well-equipped with knowledge about it.

Mr. Kamalata also noted that learners will not only get the information for themselves but they will pass it on to their friends and families at home.

He Was speaking after the debate which took place between Mwembeszhi Secondary School and Nampudwe Secondary in Shibuyunji District yesterday.

And speaking earlier Acting Central province TB coordinator, Joseph Nyirenda said it can only be possible to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030 if stakeholders work together in the dissemination of information on how Tuberculosis can be managed.

He further called on other organizations and Ministries to come on board and help Government end tuberculosis by 2030.

Meanwhile one of the Pupils Jane Zulu who participated in the debate has welcomed the initiative.

She has since pledged that the information about Tuberculosis will be disseminated to her family.

57 NABBED IN LUSAKA JOINT CLEAN-UP OPERATION

Lusaka Times Editor
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57 NABBED IN LUSAKA JOINT CLEAN-UP OPERATION

The Department of Immigration has apprehended 57 persons for various immigration related offences.  They were arrested in a Department of Immigration-led operation carried-out with support from the Zambia Police. The operation was conducted on 23rd February, 2023 and covered various parts of Lusaka, including the Chinika Industrial Area where a number of drinks suspected to have been illegal manufactured, were found at some named companies.  Fifteen (15) suspected illegal immigrants were apprehended at the named companies. Alarmed by the unsanitary environment in which these products were being manufactured, relevant stakeholders were immediately informed.

On 24th February, a Joint team of Officers from the Department of Immigration, Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Lusaka City Council’s Health Department, and the Food and Drug Department under the University Teaching Hospital inspected the companies and have since instituted investigations. The Lusaka clean-up operation brings the number of persons apprehended for various immigration offences between 20th and 23rd February, 2013 to 143.

Meanwhile, the Isoka Immigration Office on 20th February, 2023 secured the conviction of the three Somalis and one Kenyan of Somali origin intercepted in the early hours of 17th February, 2023 at Mwaiseni Checkpoint aboard a Fuel Tank and Trailer by a Joint team of Immigration and Police Officers. Khalid Mahad Mohamed (25), a Somali, Feisal Ali Yusuf (36) a Kenyan of Somali Origin, and Isse Ahmed Gure (30) a Somali, faced counts of failure to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer and using forged documents.  For each count, they were each sentenced to pay a fine of K 7,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment. Meanwhile, Abdi Ali Mohamed (31) the Somali who was driving the Fuel Tank and Trailer Truck was sentenced to pay a fine of    K 7,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment for failing to extend the validity of his Employment Permit.

In another development, the Chinsali Immigration Office on 20th February, 2023 secured the conviction of a 22-year-old Rwandese national for failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer contrary to section 12 (2) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No.18 of 2010 of the Laws of Zambia. Vincent Niyomwugere was apprehended on 8th February, 2023 at Nambuluma Police Checkpoint aboard a Lusaka-bound Power Tools Public Service Bus. This was after he failed to produce his travel document when requested by an Immigration Officer during a routine immigration status verification exercise. It was later established that he did not appear before an Immigration Officer when he entered Zambia through Nakonde Border Control. He appeared before the Chinsali Magistrate Court where he was sentenced to pay a fine of K 8,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment.

Similarly, the Chingola Immigration Office on 20th February, 2023 secured the conviction of a 27-year-old Congolese national for failing to appear before the nearest Immigration Officer. Louis Kamanda Lumamba was apprehended on 13th February, 2023 at Kafue Checkpoint within Chingola aboard a Kitwe-bound Higer Public Service Bus.  This was after he failed to produce his travel document when requested by an Immigration Officer during a routine immigration status verification exercise. It was immediately established that he did not appear before an Immigration Officer when he entered Zambia through Kasumbalesa Border Control. He appeared before the Chingola Magistrate Court where he was sentenced to pay a fine of K 5,000 or in default 9 months simple imprisonment. The Isoka, Chinsali and Chingola convictions bring the number of convictions secured by the Department between 20th and 23rd February, 2023 to 67. During this same period, the Department also  removed 41 illegal immigrants from the Country.

Namati H. Nshinka (Mr)

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

 

Various stakeholders’ nod President Hichilema’s parliament speech

Chief Editor
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Various stakeholders’ nod President Hichilema’s parliament speech

Various stakeholders have described president Hakainde Hichilema’s address to the nation on values and principles as impressive.

Speaking to ZANIS after the address, United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director ,Sam Waldock said the speech has spoken directly to the people of Zambia.

Mr Waldock said he is particularly impressed that the president touched down on a number of issues that have continued to affect the country such as corruption, drugs and early marriages.

“The president did not just mention them but has also put up measures and interventions to help curb the vices he itemized,” he said.

High Commissioner Waldock said he is happy that the president pronounced that he is re-organizing investigative wings in a bid to effectively fight corruption in the country.

He added that the president also talked about the early marriages and substance abuse whose cases have continued to rise.

And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Executive Director, Andrew Mwenda said president Hakainde Hichilema’s speech should act as a reminder to all Zambians by embracing values and principles.

Bishop Mwenda noted that the church will continue inculcating morals and values in people through preaching of the word of God but that today’s speech by the president should be a reminder of how important the values and morals are.

“ The president has addressed us and I must say that I’am impressed with his speech. He has tackled almost every concern and provided how government is going to work around the clock to ensure that the concerns are addressed,” he said.

And the Council of Churches in Zambia General Secretary, Emmanuel Chikoya who was also impressed with the speech said he was touched when the president called for hard work among citizens.

Bishop Chikoya noted that this calls for all churches in Zambia to be preaching messages of hard work so that people can change and record progress.

“ I know there is a church everywhere even where there is no government office, therefore I’am calling upon all churches to inculcate massages of hard work so that the country can change. Bishop Chikoya stated.

Human trafficking, drug abuse, smuggling, moral concern to Zambia -laments President Hichilema

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Human trafficking, drug abuse, smuggling, moral concern to Zambia -laments President Hichilema

President Haikande Hichilema has said that the government has made positive strides in the application of the National Values and Principles.

The head of State says the government has also intensified the implementation process of the National Alcohol Policy as a way of addressing Alcohol and substance abuse.

Speaking during the State of the National Address (SONA) on the progress made in the application of the National Values and Principles in Parliament today, Mr Hichilema stated that 523,973 citizens have been sensitised on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse compared to 217,234 in 2021.

The Head of State pointed out that the government has continued to provide rehabilitation services to citizens who abuse alcohol and other drugs.

President Hichilema indicated that rehabilitation services were provided to 1,212 citizens in 2022 compared to 810 in 2021.

He added that going forward government will enhance the implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and that various stakeholders can also come on board to help curb the vice.

“Government will also continue to vigorously pursue the suppliers of illicit drugs which have contributed to the breaking down of the moral fabric of our society,” said the President.

He also indicated that government has passed the anti-human trafficking act of 2022 and has strengthened the border controls to curb human trafficking and smuggling which has become a moral concern to the country.

He pointed out that the government has continued to intercept illegal migrants with the assistance of some of the citizens who have continued to enter and leave the country.

“We have also noted with dismay that some of our people are harbouring illegal immigrants. To prevent these vices government has passed the anti-human trafficking amendment act 2022,” said the President

“We are also strengthening our border controls and for the first time in the history of our country we are employing border guards for effective management and security,” he said.

And the President urged the citizens to use National Values and Principles as well as cultural heritage as yardsticks of expressing themselves especially on social media.

Mr Hichilema said that social media and the internet have increasingly become a part of everyone’s daily lives and interactions.

He, however, observed that the abuse of social media has continued to be a vehicle to drive hate speech and divisive sentiments by some citizens.

“Social media is also being used to defraud unsuspecting users as well as broadcast indecent material,” noted Mr Hichilema.

We call upon our citizens to use social media to foster economic and social development,” he said.

The head of State also added that the government has provided 25,000 mattresses, 50,000 blankets and made 12,000 bunk to address the inhumane living conditions of inmates in correctional facilities.

He noted with concern that the Correctional Facilities were over- crowded and outbreaks of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies were common among inmates.

“The beds and mattresses will ensure human dignity of the inmates,”he said.

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