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Increased copper theft reports in Chingola upsets IG

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Increased copper theft reports in Chingola upsets IG

Increased copper theft reports at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and China Copper Mine (CCM) in Chingola has riled Inspector General of Police (IG) Lemmy Kajoba.

Speaking after familiarisation tours of KCM and (CCM) in Chingola yesterday, Mr Kajoba said the tour was aimed at assessing the security measures that had been put in place by Zambia Police following reports of copper theft.

He said the visit was an eye-opener as it enabled him to appreciate the security challenges that KCM and CCM were experiencing and devise what security measures should be put in place to curb the thefts.

The IG said going forward the police need to break the syndicate of copper theft by engaging transporters who move copper beyond the gates of the mine to the intended market but along the way the copper ends up being stolen.

Mr. Kajoba has assured both mines that the police will address their security concerns.

Meanwhile, Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) Acting Chief Executive Officer Enock Mponda said as custodians of the asset, it was a huge responsibility for them to keep the asset intact.

“We want to appreciate the visit by the IG as we appreciate the services from the State Police. We have 119 police from Mobile unity, anti-copper theft and other units, and we will do our best in terms of resources,” he said.

And China Copper Mine (CCM) General Manager Zhang Menatoa expressed gratitude for the support that Zambia Police is providing to the mine in terms of security.

South Africa hears historic class action against Anglo American for lead poisoning launched by Kabwe children and women

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South Africa hears historic class action against Anglo American for lead poisoning launched by Kabwe children and women

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg will continue hearing a ground-breaking case brought by Zambian children and women against the mining giant Anglo American, seeking compensation for lead poisoning.

At the end of the 12-day hearing that opened on 20 January, the Court will decide whether to certify this unprecedented class action demanding that Anglo American South Africa remedy the adverse health impacts of its mining activities in Kabwe.

If the case proceeds, it will offer a unique opportunity for residents of Kabwe to have a day in court and secure judicial remedies for the alleged human rights abuses associated with Anglo American’s business operations.

Amnesty International and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) were admitted as joint amici curiae (“friends of the court”) in August 2022 to brief the Court on international business and human rights standards and South African constitutional law relevant for the certification of the class action.

The human rights groups stress that South Africa’s duty to regulate the conduct of its companies extends beyond its territorial borders and that Anglo American’s responsibility to respect human rights should inform the Court’s decision to certify this class action.

This lawsuit has the potential to set a key legal precedent and fill an important accountability gap.
For years, human rights organizations have been amplifying residents of Kabwe’s calls for justice internationally.

At the hearing, representatives of the United Nations Special Procedures will also have a chance to present legal argument regarding corporates’ responsibility to remediate harm.

SALC’s Socio-Economic Rights Cluster Lead, Brigadier Siachitema, highlighted that:
“This case is not just another class action. Its certification is important not only to the people of Kabwe but to anyone who suffered human rights abuses as a result of transboundary corporate conduct by a South African company. South African courts have the power to level the imbalance and close the accountability gap that exists in practice. ”

Amnesty and SALC are represented by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and advocate Karabo van Heerden in this matter.

In October 2020, residents of Kabwe brought this civil lawsuit against Anglo American’s South African subsidiary, on behalf of an estimated 100,000 children and women, who report suffering injury from lead exposure as a result of century-long mineral extraction near their homes.

The Court’s decision of whether to certify this class action will unequivocally affect victims’ right to an effective remedy and access to justice.

The class action can only proceed to the trial stage if the High Court in Johannesburg grants certification of the class action.

The Kabwe lead mine—once known as the “Broken Hill”mine— was allegedly operated and managed by Anglo American between 1925 and 1974 and reportedly contributed to extensive environmental pollution in towns and communities living in the vicinity of the mining site.

Today, experts describe Kabwe as a “sacrifice zone” and one of the most lead-polluted places on earth.

Medical studies have shown that children from Kabwe have record-high levels of lead in their blood. Children and pregnant women are at particular risk from lead toxicity, which is known to cause permanent damage to internal organs, including the brain.

Zeepay granted approval to operate in Zambia

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Zeepay granted approval to operate in Zambia

Zeepay, a remittance fintech based in Ghana, has been granted approval by the Bank of Zambia to operate in the country.

The Central bank granted approval for the start-up to operate a new remittance outbound service directly from its Zeepay Mobile Money Wallet.

The fintech established a partnership with Moneygram to help with its remittance efforts.

“We are thrilled to make it possible for Zambians to send money abroad via mobile money to over 150 countries in a real-time manner,” said Andrew Takyi-Appiah, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Zeepay.

“Our partnership with MoneyGram is helping to make Africa borderless day by day, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this revolutionary change.”

Last year, Zeepay raised $10 million as part of its expansion efforts and also entered the Ethiopian market.

In April last year, Zeepay acquired a 51 percent stake in Mangwee Mobile Money Zambia.

In a private placement, Zeepay and Mangwee agreed to a sale of 51 percent of Mangwee shares to Zeepay.

The deal made Zeepay Ghana the majority shareholder of the entity.

President Hichilema commends SDA for partnering with Govt to develop Zambia

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President Hichilema commends SDA for partnering with Govt to develop Zambia

President Hakainde Hichilema has applauded the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) for partnering with Government in bringing development to the Zambian people.

President Hichilema says the church has been instrumental in complimenting Government’s efforts in the health and education sectors among others.

Speaking at State House when visiting president of the General Conference of the SDA church Ted Wilson called on him, President Hichilema acknowledged the work of the church in undertaking tasks which are primarily the role of Government.

The Head of State said Government has made a clear stance to be working with the body of Christ as partners in development

“We want to thank the church for their work in the health space. The church (SDA) together with other churches, the Catholics, New Apostolic, United Church of Zambia and others, have been doing great things which are primarily the Government’s responsibility,” Mr Hichilema said.

The President told the SDA head that the current administration has focused on making it must to govern the country by respecting the rule of law.

Mr Hichilema further informed Dr Wilson that Government has embarked on an economic reconstruction programme.

“Once we took over office, we embarked on an economic reconstruction programme. We have embarked on ensuring this country is government by the rule of law,” he said.

The President also stated that the abolishment of the death penalty was inspired by Christian beliefs.

And president of the General Conference of the SDA Ted Wilson commended President Hichilema for governing Zambia in a distinguished way.

Dr Wilson said President Hichilema’s efforts in uniting Zambia are commendable.

He also applauded the country for being tolerant to other religious groupings in the country.

Dr Wilson said as a Christina, President Hichilema must continue to endeavour to rule Zambia in a just manner

He also said the church will continue to supplement Government’s efforts in sectors such as education.

“We have the second largest education system in the world. Many of your students here are part of this beautiful system,” Dr Wilson said.

Dr Wilson who shared Bible verses for the President also offered a prayer for the head of state.

The head of the SDA church is in the country for a visit which is expected to culminate into a large gathering at National Heroes Stadium on February 4 where President Hichilema is expected to be guest of honour.

Zambia:Is The US really a Friend

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Zambia:Is The US really a Friend

 

Handle local authority affairs with the utmost transparency, dedication to duty-Haamaundu

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Handle local authority affairs with the utmost transparency, dedication to duty-Haamaundu

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development – Permanent Secretary for Administration – Maambo Haamaundu has told Town Clerks and Council Secretaries to handle local authority affairs with the utmost transparency, dedication to duty and a high sense of responsibility.

Mr. Haamaundu warned that his Ministry will take appropriate action against Town Clerks and Council Secretaries found to be unable to undertake their duties or to meet their deliverables.

He said transparency, dedication to duty and a high sense of responsibility are the bedrock for service to the Zambian people and have been continually emphasized by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking when officially opening the Society of Local Authorities Chief Executives

(SOLACE) meeting in Ndola on Monday, Mr. Haamaundu said local government is at the centre of national development because all programs that government undertakes are implemented at the district and sub-district levels.

“This interaction provides a platform to discuss and share ideas on various issues key to the development of our nation through the local authorities. It provides an opportunity to reflect on how we are performing and how we can enhance our performance with regard to service delivery. You will agree with me that the local government is at the centre of national development in our country because all programs that the government undertakes are implemented at the district and sub-district levels. In this regard, the theme of this conference which states, “promoting inclusive local governance and local economic development through the devolution of functions with matching resources”, could not have come at a better time. This theme resonates with the government’s agenda to foster decentralisation and empower structures at the district and ward level to facilitate inclusive and meaningful development for our people,” Mr. Haamaundu.

“Government has demonstrated its commitment to decentralisation through the national decentralisation policy, which has recently been reviewed and is expected to enhance the ongoing devolution of functions. Additionally, the government has enhanced the constituency development fund as a tool for decentralisation and has continued to strengthen its policy and legislative framework to this effect. This entails that local structures are now empowered with the resources to effect participatory local development. The onus then is on you, our executive officers at the district level, to ensure speedy and transparent implementation of the cdf bearing in mind the cost, quality and timeliness of project delivery. At the core of the cdf implementation is effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects. Having commenced the implementation of the expanded cdf in 2022, the government will undertake to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the cdf at national, provincial, district and ward levels,” he said.

Mr. Haamaundu announced that the Government has outlined a policy directive to promote local economic development in order to stimulate investments that will foster growth and improved standards of living for the local communities.

“We are cognisant that every district is endowed with various resources which must be leveraged on to unlock local potential to spur local economic development in all the districts in our country. As part of efforts to capacitate local authorities for effective performance and programme implementation, the ministry, working together with the local government service commission and cabinet office, has undertaken the following measures: Establishment of the human resource management committees in all local authorities across the country, in line with the statutory provisions of the service commissions act no. 10 of 2016;Filling of key human resource positions that remained vacant in most local authorities to enhance human capacity to handle the increased cdf allocation and the devolved functions from central government to districts.Delegation of approval of cdf projects to the province through the provincial cdf committee which will be anchored by the provincial local government officers. This will bring about efficient administration of cdf in all the districts. These measures put in place by the ministry, will ensure efficient and effective provision of social services to the people of Zambia,” Mr. Haamaundu said.

He called upon principle officers and senior local authority managers to uphold the national values and principles enshrined in the Zambian constitution to the highest degree.

“It is expected of all principal officers and executive officers of local authorities to undertake their duties and functions with the highest levels of diligence and transparency. You are called upon to uphold the national values and principles enshrined in the Zambian constitution to the highest degree. This is vital for efficient and effective service delivery for our people. The ministry has continued to reiterate the need for diligence and effective service delivery and is confident of its officers’ capacities to deliver. On the other hand, should any officer be found to be unable to undertake their duties or to meet their deliverables, appropriate action shall be undertaken,” he said.

“Solace president, this entails that your membership must handle local authority affairs with the utmost transparency, dedication to duty and a high sense of responsibility. These are the bedrock for service to our people and have been continually emphasized by the republican president, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. As we undertake our duties, let us keep in mind that ours is to serve, not for our glory or gain, but for our people and our country. Let us always work together in one accord and remember that divided, we will fall but together, we will always stand. It is now my rare honour and privilege to declare the solace annual general meeting and symposium officially opened,” Mr. Haamaundu said.

Police retrieve body of six year old girl who went missing from class

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Police retrieve body of six year old girl who went missing from class

Police in Kawambwa have retrieved the body of a six year old child who went missing after her teacher allegedly chased her for crying in class.

Luapula Province Police Commissioner, Gloria Mulele has confirmed that the body was found floating on Saturday.

Ms Mulele said the body of the girl whom she identified as Precious Kaunda was seen floating on Ng’ona River by three boys who were fishing along the river who later informed their parents.

She said police received the report from Alex Monga of Polo Village that the body had been found floating on the river.

The Police Commissioner said Police rushed to the scene of crime and managed to retrieve the body which was in a decomposed state.

Ms Mulele stated that upon conduct a search, police found a school bag, pant, half pair of shoes, pencil, pair of socks and struggling marks.

She further said physical inspection of the body revealed that the lower and upper lips, part of the nose and private parts were removed.

Ms Mulele said the body was taken to Kawambwa District Hospital Mortuary where postmodern was conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

She said according to the Doctor’s findings, the girl died due to excessive bleeding and shock.

The Police Commissioner disclosed that the body was later handed over to the relatives for burial as police have continued with investigations as they suspect a foul play.

Miles Sampa suspended from Patriotic Front

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Miles Sampa suspended from Patriotic Front

The opposition Patriotic Front-PF has with immediate effect suspended its Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa from the party’s Central Committee and from taking part in party activities for 6 weeks.

This follows a press briefing Mr Sampa held last week which the Party Secretariat has deemed to be in bad taste and highly condemned, adding that Mr Sampa disparaged his fellow party presidential aspirants.

Speaking during a media briefing held at the Patriotic Front Party Secretariat in Lusaka today, Acting Party President Given Lubinda mentioned that Mr Sampa`s briefing was entirely based on casting aspersions against other party members which the party has deemed as a recipe for anarchy and the danger to the unity of the party.

Mr Lubinda added that the decision was arrived at after a meeting was held by the central committee of which Mr Sampa was in attendance.

He said that some of the conditions of suspension include the banning Mr Sampa from participating and attending any party meetings during the said period and during this period he shall not make any public statement on behalf of the party.

“The Central Committee has been forced to invoke Article 61 of the Party Constitution to suspend Mr Sampa to set as an example to other erring party members,” he said

Meanwhile, the PF Party Secretariat has ordered a stop to any form of campaigns by PF aspiring presidential candidates as the Central Committee resolves on adopting new rules of engagement and campaigns for the forthcoming General Conference, adding that the campaigns will only resume after the party constitution is revised.

“Campaigns will only commence once the rules of engagement are agreed upon and voted by the party,” he said

And in responding to what new things the PF could have done now which they didnt do in the 10 years of being in power, Mr Lubinda stated that if the PF was still in power by now they could have started works on the Lusaka – Ndola dual carriage way and before doing that they could have started works on Kazungula because they couldn’t do everything at the same time and he added that being asked on things that they didnt do in the 10 years is like asking him if he has just become indilligent now, development is incremental which is not an event but rather a process.

“Having run the government for over 10 years, during that period there are many things that we started doing in the mining sector, and there are others that we said that when we cross 2021 there are other things we can do, for example , before 2021 elections, when gold was discovered, we said we are going to establish a company called Zamgold, for the reason of not wanting our gold to continue being exported without Zambia benefiting anything, because if you remember our Zambian emeralds where being auctioned in India where we take our emeralds to India where as even our own Zambia people travelled to India to take part in these auctions, that’s when we said this is wrong and let’s auction our emeralds in Zambia,” he said

And Mr Lubinda disclosed that the Patriotic Front wanted to establish a regulatory body to regulate the mining sector, and also ensure that the ownership of the mines is also in the hands of Zambians, because right now all the mines are owned by foreigners who do not even stay in Zambia and the Zambians are only left to run the mines on their behalf.

“The technology is amongst Zambians as they know how to mine and yet there are no Zambians who are shareholders,” he said

Mr Lubinda said that the Patriotic Front wanted to ensure that ZCCM-IH increases its share holding on behalf of Zambians, but instead theres a liquidation of their shares in some of the mines.

Aqualaskin releases Introspective New Music Video ‘ConseQuences’

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Aqualaskin releases Introspective New Music Video ‘ConseQuences’

Aqua

Aqualaskin has just released the music video for his latest single “ConseQuences”. The video, which was directed by Director Lo , is a visual representation of the song’s haunting and introspective lyrics.

“Consequences” explores the theme of self-reflection and the impact of our actions on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Aqualaskin’s amazing vocals are the centerpiece of the song and the video, with the artist’s voice conveying the emotion and introspection of the lyrics.

With this latest release, Aqualaskin continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting artists in Zambia.

 

13 million people are at risk of being affected by a Neglected Tropical Disease Like Leprosy.

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13 million people are at risk of being affected by a Neglected Tropical Disease Like Leprosy.

Minister of Health Sylvia T Masebo has revealed that in Zambia more than thirteen (13) million people are at risk of being affected by a Neglected Tropical Disease including leprosy.

Speaking to a stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the commemoration of the; World Leprosy Day which fell on 29th January; Ms. Masebo said despite having achieved the elimination target of 1 Leprosy case per 10,000 population in the year 2000, Leprosy remains an important public health problem in Zambia and globally.

The Chongwe Member of Parliament said the Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening efforts and creating an enabling environment for accelerating the implementation of NTDs and Leprosy programmes within the country

“The Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening efforts and creating an enabling environment for accelerating the implementation of NTDs and Leprosy programmes within the Country. This meeting brings together various stakeholders that focus on preventive chemotherapy for some NTDs, such as lymphatic filariasis also called (elephantiasis) or LF, soil-transmitted helminthiasis or (worms), bilharzia, and trachoma. In addition, we have stakeholders that deal with innovative and intensified disease management of targeted NTDs, including human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and leprosy. Therefore, my hope is that this meeting will provide new insights on how we can all work together and contribute to harmonizing efforts to speed up the elimination and eradication of targeted NTDs in Zambia.As you are aware, NTDs affect mainly poor people living in rural communities and until recently, received little attention. For many of these diseases, simple, safe and low-cost interventions are available and can be delivered to affected people and communities. More than one billion people worldwide are affected by NTDs and the WHO African region is home to about half of the global burden of NTDs. In Zambia, more than thirteen (13) million people are at risk of being affected by a Neglected tropical disease including Leprosy. Despite having achieved the elimination target of 1 Leprosy case per 10,000 population in the year 2000, Leprosy remains an important public health problem in Zambia and globally as well,” Ms. Masebo said.

She highlighted the impact of Neglected Tropical Disease that includes leprosy.

“NTDs disfigure, disable, and account for an estimated half a billion annual deaths globally. Mothers and children, who are infested with worms develop anaemia and other complications as the disease progresses. Some children drop out of school to take care of their parents who are disabled by NTDs such as trachoma and LF. This often results in little or no education for these children, a situation that perpetuates the cycle of poverty for families. Leprosy remains associated with images of mutilation, rejection, and exclusion from society. These illnesses have been ignored for far too long, so it is encouraging to see that nations in our region and the world at large are working together to combat them and improve the lives of millions of people who are afflicted by NTDs.This years’ theme “Act now. Act together. Invest in neglected tropical diseases. End Leprosy” is timely because the World Health Organization and individual countries have recognized that Neglected Tropical Diseases are a global public health problem that needs all to invest in if they are to be eliminated by 2030.”

She announced steps being taken by the New Dawn government to address Neglected Tropical Diseases.

“Mapping of all the Neglected Tropical Diseases found in Zambia. Development of the NTD Master Plan which is aligned to the World Health Organization Road Map 2030 on eliminating NTDs. The NTD Masterplan is aimed at guiding the implementation of NTD programmes in the country. Conducted four to five rounds of mass drug administration’s for just a few Neglected Tropical Diseases to stop the transmission and this has made Zambia to be on the path to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases such as Trachoma and LF. We have also conducted impact and coverage surveys after each mass drug administration to determine the level of infection. And have conducted Pre-Transmission Assessment Survey for LF in 80 districts across the country and planned to further conduct the Transmission Assessment survey in 96 districts. Currently, due to the progress made in the pharmaceutical sector, there are drugs that are available for the prevention and treatment of NTDs. The Government is committed to eliminating NTDS and has planned to invest in the control and elimination of these diseases. Our aspiration is to ensure that treatment is available, affordable, accessible, and equitably shared to those populations in greatest need,” Ms. Masebo stated.

The Minister of Health called on all stakeholders to make serious efforts to integrate NTD programmes and interventions, for more efficient and effective action, and acceleration of progress.

“To achieve this, we need sustainable financing for NTDs. Investing in NTDs is a global health and development success story. So far, 46 countries have eliminated an NTD, showing progress is possible. In 2020, 600 million fewer people required interventions against NTDs than in 2010. Yet, for some time, a lack of resources has been seen as a significant barrier to the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs. This challenge has only been intensified by COVID-19 which has caused severe delays and disruption to NTD programmes, as well as a massive repurposing and diversion of resources.As recommended in the WHO case for investment in NTDs, concerted action and sustainable financing for NTDs is needed to ensure we have sufficient resources to achieve the targets in the WHO 2030 NTD road map. That is why, together and united, we will make the case for investment, and push for concerted action and financing of NTDs.”

“I urge all stakeholders gathered here to make serious efforts to integrate NTD programmes and interventions, for more efficient and effective action, and acceleration of progress. Our efforts would be helped by improved coordination of all NTD stakeholders in the country. During this meeting, let us deliberate on innovative and effective coordination mechanisms that can improve synergies, reduce transaction costs for all and assure better results and impact. I call on the Ministry of Health to take the lead to ensure that all stakeholders in the country have a stake in the Masterplan that we will be launching today. Stakeholders should contribute to the development or updating and evaluation of the plan and make use of it as the basis for planning and implementing NTD programme interventions. In addition, we should strengthen the use of the NTDs Masterplan as a tool for mobilizing in-country resources for NTD programmes. These need to be effectively linked to national health development plans and financing mechanisms. NTDs must take their proper and visible place within national health priorities and related decision-making mechanisms; we as NTD and health development stakeholders need to work towards that,” Ms. Masebo concluded.

LEHU commends government for quick action to combat cholera in Vubwi District

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LEHU commends government for quick action to combat cholera in Vubwi District

The Lusaka Environmental Health University – LEHU has commended the government through the Ministry of Health for taking a quick action in addressing the cholera outbreak in Vubwi District of Eastern Province after receiving an alert on this outbreak.

The Ministry of Health received an alert indicating a cholera outbreak in Vubwi District of Eastern Province since 22nd January, 2023.

Vubi District has confirmed 4 cases and are investigating 7 suspected cases, with one death recorded this far.

In this regard, as the Lusaka Environmental Health University (LEHU), a specialised research-based private university and the the first of its kind in Zambia offering training in three (3) related health fields; Bsc. Public Health, Bsc. Environmental Health, and Bsc. Occupational Health and Safety, further commends the Ministry of Health for intensifying surveillance activities including active case search and contact tracing, as this will help curb the widespread of cholera in the district and surrounding areas.

In a statement issued to Lusaka Times by the Lusaka Environmental Health University Public Relations and Marketing Department, it was stated that more can still be done to combat this cholera outbreak.

Lusaka Environmental Health University is therefore calling on the government through the Ministry of Health to put in place stringent measures in Eastern Province such as screening at the point of exit, as this will help curb the widespread of cholera in the Province, and avoiding this important exercise may pose a greater danger of the widespread of cholera to other parts of the country especially now that we are in the rain season.

“As an Institution that advocates for a safe and clean environment, we feel the need and urgency for measures to be enforced in Eastern province such as conducting a test and screening exercise on all the would be travellers from Eastern province going into other parts of the country,” they said

“We are urging the Ministry of Health through their Provincial and District Health Offices to assign their officers to be conducting screening that can be done at the point of exit from Eastern province as this will ensure that all those leaving Eastern province test negative from cholera and are free and safe,” they added

The Lusaka Environmental Health University has since appealed to the general public to ensure that they put in place health measures as outlined by the Ministry of Health, measures such as keeping surroundings clean at all times, maintaining good personal hygiene, avoid buying ready to eat food from the streets, always wash your fruits and vegetables before eating, always keep your food covered and away from flies, and ensure that your food is properly cooked.

Zambia faces challenges to attain universal access to safe and clean drinking water, as well as inadequate sanitation, especially in densely populated and unplanned settlements in urban settings. These conditions, coupled with the poor hygiene practices among citizens, has caused recurrent outbreaks of WASH related diseases. To note, although Cholera is endemic in Zambia, the country has not had an outbreak since 2019 owing to various cholera preventive interventions being implemented within the context of the country’s Multi-sectoral Cholera Elimination Plan.

Furthermore, Zambia has set a legacy goal to eliminate cholera in the country by 2025. The Government is committed to eliminating cholera by 2025 in Zambia through a multisectoral approach to be anchored under the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

The strategic plan of 2019-2025 which focuses on the strategies that can be used to eliminate cholera, hence, the Government is committed to eliminate cholera in the country by the year 2025 in accordance with the global vision of eliminating the disease by the year 2030.

Plans by opposition political parties to impeach President Hakainde Hichilema are baseless – UPND

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Plans by opposition political parties to impeach President Hakainde Hichilema are baseless – UPND

United Party for National Development – UPND Lusaka Province Youth Chairperson Anderson Banda has described opposition political parties calling for the impeachment of President Hakainde Hichilema as bitter.
Mr Banda stated that it is unfortunate that the current crop of Patriotic Front – PF opposition members do not have the capacity to offer credible checks and balances.

He further stated that President Hichilema has delivered to the expectation of the Zambian citizens, adding that people on the ground are appreciating the strides the New Dawn Administration is making towards economic development and economic recovery.

“How possible it is to impeach a hard working President who is delivering to the expectation of the Zambian people, majority of the Zambian people out there are very happy and proud of President Hichilema’s leadership,” he said

Mr Banda mentioned that the UPND are delivering to the expectations of the Zamnian people as about 80 perecent to 90 percent of key promises made when they campaigning have so far been fulfilled.

“Unless you give me an example of critical promise that we made and hasn’t been fulfilled because so far to my knowledge all the key promises that we made to the people of Zambia have been fulfilled,and therefore, we commend the New Dawn Government,” he said

Mr Banda said that those people who are trying to hallucinate in daylight that they can even think of impeaching the President Hichilema, they should just accept defeat and also accept that they where democratically booted out power because of their recklessness, and abuse of leadership they portrayed during their ternour.

“I think they should just give the chance to President Hichilema and his government to also do their part. If they are popular and strong and if they think they are better than President Hakainde Hichilema let them wait for 2026 so that we boot them out again for the second time instead of making noise and diverting the attention of our hardworking President who is delivering to the expectation of the Zambian people, so let them go ahead if they think they have the number,” he said

“Basically our mandate is to dance to the tune of the Zambian people who are majority, and Prsident Hichilema is already exhibiting to be the servant of the people, for the first time in the history of this country, the man is not resting as he is working like a servant, or a common man, his not working day and night, they will call him this side he goes, and his exhibiting true servant to the people of Zambia,” he added

Since November last year, Opposition political parties among them the Patriotic Front, Economic Front, National Democratic Congress and Citizens First disclosed that they are in the process of issuing a motion of impeachment in parliament against President Hakainde Hichilema for failing to govern the country to the expectations of Zambians.

Speaking on behalf of the other parties at a joint media briefing in Lusaka, PF Chairperson For Information and Publicity Raphael Nakacinda mentioned that competent lawyers are crafting the motion and it will be passed in the house by the leader of the opposition in parliament.
Mr Nakacinda said that a motion of Censure against Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, his Agriculture counterpart Reuben Mtolo as well as Health Minister Sylvia Masebo will be issued for allegedly being incompetent in the execution of their duties.

At the same briefing, National Democratic Congress – NDC President Saboi Imboela has appealed to the international community and the general public to take interest in the alleged human rights violation going on in the country.

Ms Imboela has also vowed that the opposition in the country will never stop talking if all the rights violations are aimed at silencing them.

But Chief Government Spokesperson Chushi Kasanda dared the opposition to go ahead with their plans saying they will just be wasting their time to file a motion of impeachment against the president as people in the country are happy with the current government and the head of state.

Kamanga: Revising Football Season Calendar Not a Solution

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FAZ President Andrew Kamanga says revising the calendar for the local football is not a solution to challenges that come with playing matches at the peak of the rain season.

Kamanga said Football House is aware that heavy rains are disrupting some league matches under its umbrella.

In his weekly column, Kamanga said improved infrastructure can help to reduce incidents of abandoned matches due to rains.

“We have taken note of the challenges presented with the above normal rains that most of the country has been receiving in the last few weeks.”

“It has obviously made it difficult for football to be played in some places but as we have repeatedly said, the solution lies in improving our infrastructure,” Kamanga wrote.

“The change of calendar directive from CAF/FIFA is something the football stakeholders were well informed about and duly deliberated on. There is no doubt that with improved infrastructure we can weather the storm,” he stated.

The signing of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement to unlock the business potential along the corridor

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The signing of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement to unlock the business potential along the corridor

The Minister of Transport and Logistics in Zambia, Hon. Museba Frank Tayali, has announced his optimism that the signing of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement (LCTFA) will unlock the business potential along the corridor. This agreement, which involves the Republic of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Zambia, aims to boost private sector investments, create jobs, and foster economic growth in the three countries through the effective participation of small and medium enterprises in the various value chains.

According to Hon. Tayali, the agreement will also ease the movement of people, goods, and services, as well as improve and stimulate regional connectivity and integration through the implementation of harmonized trade facilitation instruments. For Zambia, the Lobito Corridor offers an alternative strategic outlet to the Western and European export markets, and a key route to the sea port of Lobito on the Atlantic Ocean. The corridor also links the mining companies in the Copperbelt and Northwestern Provinces of Zambia to the Western sea part of Africa, which are major mining areas that produce and export various minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

The Minister also noted that the Zambian government has requested for land at the Port of Lobito for use as a dry port, and is committed to contributing funds for the operationalization of the agreement. However, he emphasized the need for the member states to ratify the agreement in order to enter into force and reminded them that the mere signing of the agreement without actualizing its content and aspirations will be futile.

The Minister urged all three governments to put in funds into the Lobito Corridor in order to establish the operations of the secretariat and ensure the smooth running of the Corridor Management Institution (CMI). He also reiterated the urgent need to constitute the governing organs and structure of the Lobito Corridor in order to actualize the quick implementation of the agreement.

The signing of the Lobito Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agreement is a significant step in unlocking the business potential in the region and fostering economic growth in the three member countries. The agreement aims to ease the movement of people, goods and services, and improve regional connectivity and integration. The Zambian government, as well as the other member states, is committed to contributing funds for the operationalization of the agreement and the establishment of the secretariat.

Chilufya Tayali and Christopher Kapita Arrested for Hate Speech and False Information

Chief Editor
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Chilufya Tayali and Christopher Kapita Arrested for Hate Speech and False Information

The Police in Lusaka have arrested two individuals, Chilufya Tayali, aged 48, and Christopher Kapita, aged 54, for offenses of Hate Speech and Giving False Information to a Public Officer, respectively. The police took this action in connection with the remarks that Tayali allegedly made and posted on various social media platforms between January 1 and 29, 2023. Kapita was apprehended on January 29, 2023, in Lusaka.

Tayali, a resident of House Number 38 Ngwezi Road in Roma Township, has been arrested for the offense of Hate Speech, which is contrary to Section 65 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crime Act No.2 of 2021. The alleged remarks that he made on social media targeted some traditional Chiefs and Commanders from the Defense and Security wings.

Kapita, a taxi driver in Lusaka, has been arrested for the offense of Giving False Information to a Public Officer, which is contrary to Section 125 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Both suspects are currently in police custody, awaiting formal charges. The Assistant Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, stated that the police are committed to ensuring that the law is followed, and those who break it will be held accountable.

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