Acting Chief Nyamphande of the Nsenga people of Lusangazi District has urged communities not to relent in their efforts to address climate change and deforestation.

He was speaking after the signing of the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC) agreement under the Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Project (EP-JSLP).

He said sustained commitment to environmental conservation was the only way to achieve lasting results.

The traditional leader noted that tree-planting and forest conservation initiatives require patience and consistency before tangible benefits can be realized.

“Since we have been doing this for a long time, we need to continue with this effort as evidenced by the two Community Forest Management Groups in the Chiefdom,” she said.

Meanwhile, EP-JSLP Petauke District Project Officer Chipango Lukungu explained that the project’s mission to the chiefdom was to facilitate the formation of the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC).

Ms Lukungu said the Committee is being established to create structures and systems that will support the implementation of the Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) and eventual realization of carbon credit benefits within the chiefdom.

She explained that proceeds generated from climate-smart agriculture activities, forest conservation initiatives and the use of improved cook stoves would be managed through the CERCC committee once carbon credit revenues begin to flow to the Chiefdom.

And speaking after her election as Chairperson of the Nyamphande Chiefdom CERCC, Sarah Sakala welcomed the timely involvement of traditional leaders and communities in the emissions reduction programme.

Ms Sakala said the initiative would equip communities with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address deforestation and climate change.

She added that the Committee looks forward to receiving information and support that will help reduce unsustainable practices such as charcoal burning and excessive firewood collection and tree cutting.

“What we would like is to be equipped with initiatives that will help us reduce deforestation and charcoal burning. We also want access to alternative sources of energy for cooking, including electricity so that we can reduce the cutting down of trees in our chiefdom,” she said.

The Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Project is supporting community-led initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable livelihoods or alternative livelihoods and climate resilience approaches.

Mungwi District Commissioner, Muma Musonda has reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the agriculture sector.

Mr Musonda says government has also continued to seek ways of transforming the sector to a vibrant driver of the economic growth that also creates job opportunities.

Speaking when he officiated at this year’s Mungwi District Agriculture show, Mr Musonda noted that the agriculture sector remains the backbone of the district’s economy.

The District Commissioner observed that many households in the area depend on farming and related activities for their income and food security hence agriculture being key in the district.

He however, noted that for the agriculture sector to fully contribute to the economic growth of the district there was need to go beyond production and focus on trade, investment and value chain development.

“I want to call upon the private sector and potential investors to come and invest in livestock, crop production and agro- processing, these will add to the economic development of the country,” Mr Musonda said.

He noted that efforts were being made to improve access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and financing infrastructure to empower farmers as well as attract investment in the sector.

The District Commissioner also urged farmers in the area to adopt Climate Smart Agriculture practices, citing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that favor the need for a climate smart approach in the sector.

And Acting Mungwi District Agriculture Coordinator Kisha Mulenga applauded farmers for the good turnout at this year’s agricultural show.

Ms Mulenga appealed to stakeholders in the district to prepare adequately for the provincial show scheduled for this month.

A farmer from Mulilo Agricultural Camp, Davies Mulenga, has thanked government for the good policies that are aimed at promoting the sector.

Mr Mulenga cited the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), and the Food Security Pack programme under community Development and Social Services and some of the policies that have continued to move the agriculture forward.

Meanwhile, deserving Cooperators and agricultural camps were recognized and awarded in different categories with Chonya camp scooping the first prize and going away with K13 000

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering development to communities through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

‎Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya said the completion of the projects demonstrates government’s determination to improve the lives of citizens and ensure that no community is left behind.

‎Dr Bwalya was speaking during the commissioning of seven CDF projects held at the National Assembly Office in Isoka District.

‎He described the projects as a significant milestone in the district’s development agenda.

‎“The completion of these seven CDF projects marks yet another milestone in government’s unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful development to our people and ensuring that no community is left behind,” Dr Bwalya said.

‎He urged the community to take ownership of the facilities and safeguard them for future generations.

‎Dr Bwalya said government will continue to utilise the CDF to address developmental challenges and improve access to essential services in communities.

‎And Isoka Town Council Secretary Brian Musonda said the district has recorded significant progress in the implementation of CDF projects since the fund was increased in 2022.

‎Mr Musonda said a total of 86 community projects valued at over K87.5 million have so far been implemented across the district.

‎“Isoka has seen a lot of success in the implementation of CDF projects since 2022 when the fund was increased. We have implemented a total of 86 community projects at a cost of K87,629,232,” he said.

‎He added that the seven projects commissioned have a combined investment value of over K7.5 million and are aimed at improving access to healthcare, education, sanitation and public services in the district.

‎“The projects include the Lualizi Maternity Annex, Chizongolo Health Post, Malale Health Post, Nazareth Health Post, the Sansamwenje Market Ablution Block, a one-by-three classroom block at Mwenikasi Primary School equipped with 25 double-sitter desks, and the National Assembly Constituency Office,”he noted.

‎Meanwhile, community members have welcomed the projects, particularly the construction of a health facilities, saying it will improve access to healthcare services.

‎Sara Nakamba a community member said the community had faced numerous challenges in accessing healthcare due to long distances to health facilities.

‎“We are so excited to receive this hospital. We suffered a lot to access healthcare in this area and we are happy that services have now been brought closer to us,” she said.

‎And Nondwa Village Headman Cephas Silumbwe thanked government for the health facility and other infrastructure projects implemented through CDF.

‎“We are grateful to the UPND government for this hospital and other CDF projects such as classroom blocks and ablution blocks. We are really seeing the benefits of CDF in our community,” Mr Silumbwe said.

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‎Another resident, Grace Namukonda, said women in the area previously endured hardships during pregnancy due to inadequate health infrastructure.

‎“We suffered a lot in the past, especially during maternity. We had to walk long distances to access healthcare services and sometimes slept on the floor because there was no proper structure,” she said.

Senior Citizens and members of the public in Nyimba District have expressed satisfaction with the peaceful manner in which political campaigns are being conducted ahead of 13 August, 2016 General Elections.

James Tembo, 82 of Chief Ndake area has praised political parties for maintaining the peaceful campaign atmosphere.

Mr Tembo said in the past people used to be afraid during election time but now campaigns are calm.

‘We can listen to all candidates without fear or intimidation this is the Zambia we want,” he said.

And Residents of Chinambi ward, in Chief Luembe area echoed similar sentiments.

Esneya Phiri, a farmer, said peaceful campaigns will allow voters to make informed choices.

She said she  was  happy that youths  were  not fighting or engaging in violence.

“Political parties should continue preaching peace for the purpose of unity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nyimba District Conflict Management Committee Chairperson Chad Thawe said the current prevailing situation is what is ideal, to allow free and fair elections.

He reaffirmed Electoral Commission of Zambia’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

 Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has urged political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to study and understand the newly enacted Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026 as the country prepares for the general election.

Speaking during a stakeholder orientation meeting in Lusaka , Ms Zaloumis said the Commission said the changes are critical because the Constitution now requires a mixed-member proportional representation system.

She explained that the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, accepted by Parliament in May 2026, gives effect to the new constitutional framework and ECZ officers will take stakeholders through the detail.

Ms Zaloumis highlighted four key participation guidelines which includes procedures for political parties to participate in the proportional representation system and timelines for submission of party lists and how seats will be distributed.

She added that the Act now extends Proportional Representation (PR) to local councils to increase representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities and the specific formula to be used to allocate PR seats to each political party.

“If you go around the councils, you find there are very few women, sometimes none at all, and definitely people living with disabilities will not be included in this. The PLR now extends to local councils so that we can have women, we can have youths, we can have people living with disabilities,” she explained.

The ECZ Chairperson urged stakeholders to pay close attention and ask questions during the orientation, stressing that understanding the changes is essential for credible elections.

“I therefore urge you all to pay close attention, participate actively, and feel free to pose any relevant questions, it Is essential that you fully understand these changes as we prepare for the upcoming general elections,” she added.

ECZ Vice Chairperson Vincent Mukanda explained that the new law introduces significant changes, including provisions that make the mixed-member proportional representation system operational.

He added that the proportional representation component presents a significant opportunity to amplify the abilities of marginalised groups, especially under the participation and empowerment of women in the leadership and decision-making process, thereby promoting greater inclusivity and representation within democratic governance structures.

The Vice Chairperson stressed that the success of the reforms depends on all stakeholders to promote awareness and informed participation.

“The responsibility before us is therefore a shared one. Political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, the media, operating partners, and all electoral stakeholders each have a vital role to play in promoting awareness and informed participation in the electoral process,” the official said.

Government has launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools, that is aimed at promoting food security and innovation, while Expanding STEM Education.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, Oliver Kalabo says that the initiative will also contribute to the sustainability of the school feeding programme.

Dr Kalabo explained that the irrigation programme will enable learners to gain hands-on experience in water management, environmental conservation, agriculture production, technology application and entrepreneurship.

“Zambia experienced the worst droughts in living memory, resulting in significant crop losses and livestock death, these challenges have reinforced the importance of investing in reliable and sustainable agricultural systems,” said Dr Kalabo.

He added that the experience will reinforce competence-based learning and strengthen the connection between education and national development priorities.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku, added that the innovation will support her ministry’s commitment to a competent based curriculum, while preparing young people for the demands of a changing economy.

Ms Muneku said that the initiative will enable schools to serve as centers of learning, innovation and productivity.

Meanwhile, National Science Center Director, Benson Banda said that the programme will inculcate values of food production in the young learners.

Former Mazabuka Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo has officially resigned from the United Party for National Development, citing an alleged assault by party members and his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.

In a resignation letter dated May 22, 2026, addressed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, Nkombo stated that he was compelled to leave the ruling party in order to meet the constitutional requirements for contesting as an independent candidate.

Nkombo explained that incidents which occurred on May 20, 2026, involving what he described as “assault occasioning actual bodily harm and damage to my property” allegedly perpetrated by “well-known UPND members,” made him feel unwelcome within the party.

The former minister said the events left him with no alternative but to sever ties with the party.

“This has left me with no option, other than to cut my losses,” Nkombo wrote in the letter.

He reflected on his long association with the UPND, noting that he had served the party in various capacities since February 2001. Despite his departure, he wished the party well and expressed gratitude for the years spent serving under its banner.

“I wish the party good tidings and God’s blessings,” he stated.

A copy of the resignation letter was also forwarded to the Electoral Commission of Zambia as part of the process related to his independent candidacy.

Nkombo, who previously served as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, is now seeking election as an independent candidate, marking a significant political shift after more than two decades of association with the ruling party.

Three people sustained serious injuries after a road traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a light truck at Nyamphande Rural Health Centre Junction, in Lusangazi District.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the accident, which occurred around 10:00 hours on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, along Nyamphande Road in a media statement.

Mr Mweemba said the accident involved a Hino Dutro truck registration number CAL 8579 driven by 21-year-old Fortune Phiri of Hillside Compound in Petauke District and an unregistered SanLG motorcycle ridden by Patrick Phiri, 30, of Nyamphande Village in Chief Nyamphande’s area.

According to preliminary investigations, the truck was travelling from north to south while the motorcycle was moving from east to west when the collision occurred.

Police investigations indicate that the accident happened when the motorcycle rider allegedly turned right without due care and entered the path of the truck, which was travelling on the main road.

“The motorcycle rider sustained an open wound on his right leg. Two female passengers who were travelling on the motorcycle also suffered serious injuries. Fada Banda, 42, of Nyamphande Clinic sustained a fractured right leg and suspected internal injuries, while Lorenka Banda, 33, of Petauke Boarding School Compound sustained cuts to her right leg and head,” Mr Mweemba detailed.

The truck driver escaped unhurt, although the vehicle sustained damage to its right headlamp and right-side view mirror.

Meanwhile, Lusangazi District Commissioner Margaret Zulu visited the injured victims at Kalindawalo General Hospital in the company of officers from the District Health Office to offer comfort and support to the victims and their families.

Speaking during the visit, Ms Zulu expressed concern over the increasing number of motorcycle-related accidents in the district and wished the victims a quick recovery.

She has since called on traffic police officers to intensify the enforcement of traffic regulations among motorcycle riders, stating that stricter compliance measures are necessary to curb the growing number of accidents involving motorbikes.

“I also want to urge motorcycle operators to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic rules at all times in order to protect lives and reduce preventable injuries on the roads,” she said.

Police have since launched further investigations into the accident and have appealed to all road users to exercise caution, particularly when approaching junctions and intersections.

First Quantum Trident (FQM) has refuted media claims circulating regarding MCK contractor employees and the circumstances surrounding the suspension of operations.

FQM Trident Ltd Public Relations Senior Specialist Mirriam Harmon said in a statement made available to the media today that reports suggesting that a commercial dispute between FQM Trident and MCK led to the suspension of operations were factually incorrect.

Mrs Harmon said the mining company confirms that there has been no commercial dispute between the two parties that resulted in the contractor suspending its operations on 3rd April 2026.

She said the decision to suspend operations and place employees on indefinite leave was made entirely and independently by the contractor.

Mrs Harmon said at no time did FQM Trident instruct, direct, or compel the

contractor to cease operations.

She said FQM Trident remains committed to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders and is

available to provide more accurate information to prevent misinformation and speculation regarding the matter.

Police in North-Western Province say they are still pursuing eight key suspects who remain on the run in connection with the murder of Eneless Kamutumbe, a businesswoman of Kisasa area in Kalumbila District.

Speaking during a recent media engagement in Solwezi District yesterday, North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale said investigations have progressed, with 19 people charged with murder among other cases out of more than 200 suspects arrested in March this year.

Mr Siwale said eight key suspects were reportedly on the run and investigations have continued, three months after the brutal murder of Ms Kamutumbe.

“We have made headways as police, we have some suspects appearing before the courts of law. About 19 suspects charged with murder, I can’t mention the exact number of suspects charged with malicious damage of property and riotous behavior we also have a good number appearing before the Magistrate court.

 He however said eight key suspects were on the run and police were actively pursuing them.

Mr Siwale appealed to the suspects to surrender themselves to the police before they were apprehended.

“My appeal to them and their relatives around is to encourage them to return home so they answer to the charges rather than wasting government’s time and resources in pursing them. We have reports that some have actually abandoned their families,” he said

In March this year, a mob brutally killed a 46-year-old Helen Kamutumbe in Kisasa area following allegations by Prince Ntambo, aged 25, that the deceased had caused the disappearance of his private parts after allegedly coming into physical contact with him at a local market.

The incident attracted national attention and led to the arrest of more than 200 people as police launched investigations into the matter.

The Zambia Police Service in Northern Province has recorded an accident involving a motorcycle and ambulance.

 Northern Province Police Commanding Officer, Simunji Mulonda disclosed that the accident happened on June 3, 2026 around 14:00 hours near the Luwingu Magistrate Court area along Bangweulu road in Luwingu District.

Mr Mulonda said the rider who was injured was immediately rushed to Luwingu District Hospital where he was attended to, and treated as an outpatient while the driver of the ambulance escaped unhurt.

He explained that the accident involved a Toyota Land Cruiser Ambulance bearing registration number GRZ 354DF belonging to the Ministry of Health, Luwingu District which was being driven by Aubrey Chanda, aged 43, of Kukas Compound in Luwingu District, who escaped unhurt.

He added that the unregistered motorcycle was being ridden by Judge Bwalya, aged 15, of Kapisha Village in Chief Chipalo’s area in Luwingu District.

Mr Mulonda explained that the vehicle sustained a depressed front left fender while the motorcycle sustained a broken headlamp, a deformed front wheel, and other minor damages.

He added that preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred when the driver of the ambulance turned left without exercising due care and, in the process, collided with the motorcycle rider who was approaching from the opposite direction.

Mr Mulonda has since implored all motorists to exercise extreme caution when changing direction, turning at junctions, or entering other lanes of traffic.

“Drivers must ensure that the road is clear and safe before executing any maneuver in order to avoid preventable accidents,” he added.

He has further expressed concern at the increasing number of road traffic accidents involving motorcycles, particularly those being ridden by underage persons and on unregistered motorcycles.

Mr Mulonda has called on parents and guardians to strongly desist from allowing juveniles to operate motorcycles on public roads to avoid putting the lives of young riders and other road users at serious risk.

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has backed green growth projects ahead of the World Environment Day which falls on June 5, 2026.

According to a statement made available to the media today by ZEMA Corporate Affairs Manager Ruth Kamwi, ZEMA approved 103 development projects, during the May 2026 sitting of the Environmental Assessments Committee of the 6th ZEMA Board.

Ms Kamwi stated that out of 106 projects considered, only 103 were approved.

She explained that key approvals include a total of 300 Megawatts of solar energy projects, a Plastic Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Lusaka, a Tile Adhesive Manufacturing Plant in Lusaka and a Used Oil and End-of-Life Tyres Recycling Plant in Kyangozhi, Kalumbila District in North-Western Province.

“These projects advance climate action through cleaner energy, waste-to-energy solutions, and resource efficiency,” added Ms Kamwi.

She further said that the Agency also approved the rehabilitation and upgrading to bituminous standard of 65km of the Chipata–Chadiza Road (D128), including 15km of Chipata township roads and 5km in Chadiza, Eastern Province, by the Road Development Agency (RDA).

She pointed out that the approvals align with this year’s World Environment Day theme: “Accelerating Zambia’s Climate Action for Green Growth and Sustainability.”

“Each project underwent rigorous review to ensure environmental safeguards, climate resilience, and sustainable resource use,” she added.

Ms Kamwi also disclosed that by sector, the committee approved 46 projects in Mining and Mineral Processing, 20 in Manufacturing and Processing, 10 in Infrastructure Development, 21 in Energy, five in agriculture and forestry, and one in tourism, adding that three projects were deferred.