President Michael Sata has said the trouncing of the opposition in the just ended Feira parliamentary by-elections reinforces the people’s belief and optimism in the government’s policies and programmes in line with the Patriotic Front (PF) manifesto.

The President said government will remain committed to engaging progressive forces within the opposition in its pursuit of executing pro-poor measures that will culminate into rapid economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

In passing his massage of thanks to the people of Feira following its victory in the just ended parliamentary by-election, President Sata said the PF government acknowledges with humility, the resounding acceptance it has received from the people of Feira constituency in Luangwa district of Lusaka province.

He has since assured the people of Feira and Zambia in general that the PF administration will now intensify its sustained efforts to develop the whole country and ensure that all growth projects were implemented immediately.

Mr. Sata has further expressed gratitude to the Zambian people for the strong show of support and confidence in the PF as reflected in the several local government by-elections, which were held countrywide where the PF won nine out of 11 ward by-elections, while the MMD won two and the UPND lost all.

He further said the PF has continued gaining incredible ground in Southern, Eastern and Central provinces.

The President however stated that the latest wins in areas such as Kazungula and Vubwi, which were previously dominated by the opposition, underscores the PF party’s growing popularity across the country.

President Sata further noted that this was a reminder to the opposition that mere politicking and agitation would not sway the Zambian people from their aspirations to support, respect and protect a government that has their interests at heart.

This is contained in a press statement made available to media in Lusaka today by President Sata’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah.

THE enforced ban on squatting and subletting of rooms at the Copperbelt University (CBU) has remained in effect with the earlier stand-off between students and management seemingly settled.

CBU public relations officer Grace Mikunga said in an interview yesterday that the controversy that surrounded the enforced ban on students’ squatting and subletting of rooms at the campus had now been resolved.

Ms Mikunga said all was now well in campus as the issue had been dealt with.

“The position of not allowing squatting has remained and as far as management is concerned things have gone back to normal,” she said.

She said the institution had continued to provide alternative accommodation to students that had no rooms in the campus.

She said so far, management had accommodated students in excess of 1, 000 into sourced boarding houses in the surrounding areas.

“We have sourced about 84 boarding houses in the surrounding areas where we have accommodated in excess of 1, 000 students that had no rooms at CBU campus,” Ms Mikunga said.

CBU management at the opening of the 2013 academic calendar announced a ban of squatting and subletting of rooms, which was aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of students.

This, however, became a source of conflict between management and students, as the former engaged more security personnel to evict student squatters.

FIRST Lady Christine Kaseba has expressed concern that some individuals are using traditional and religious beliefs as an excuse to perpetrate gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during the commissioning of a one-stop centre for GBV survivors in Solwezi yesterday, Dr Kaseba said it is unfortunate that some people have made tradition and religious beliefs an excuse to abuse women.

“People have made tradition and religious beliefs as an excuse to inflict pain and overpower women,” Dr Kaseba said.

She said the new one-stop GBV centre in Solwezi will help to eradicate the challenges GBV victims encounter before receiving help and it will also help them overcome trauma.

Dr Kaseba said some Bemba proverbs like Ubuchende bwa mwaume tabutoba ing’anda (a man’s infidelity does not break a home) just motivate men to feel superior over women.

She said the proverb should change to Ubuchende bulatoba ing’anda (infidelity destroys a home) to show that both men and women should be careful with their actions.

Minister of Gender and Child Development Inonge Wina said the establishment of the Solwezi one-stop GBV centre will help survivors of the vice to overcome trauma so that they can contribute to national development.

Kansanshi Mining Plc deputy managing director Allan Delaney said the mining company is happy to participate in contributing to the well-being of Solwezi residents.

He said Zambia can only develop if GBV is eradicated in communities.

“A good environment should be created for women to perform at the best of their ability so that they can contribute to the country’s economy, Mr Delaney said.

Senior Chief Mujimanzovu said GBV is criminal and no traditional culture supports it.

He said GBV has never been part of the traditional beliefs and culture of the people of North-Western Province.

“I will take it upon myself to educate my subjects on how to prevent gender-based violence or visit the one-stop centre for assistance,” Chief Mujimanzovu said.

World Health Organisation country representative Olusegun Babaniyi said GBV is both a mental and physical threat.

Dr Babaniyi said the establishment of a one-stop GBV centre in Solwezi will help to address the challenges the victims face.

POLICE working on orders from Anglican Church archbishop Albert Chama have forcefully opened the doors of St Peters congregation in Kitwe, which was locked by irate members in a bid to force the exit of their embattled priest, Father Richard Luonde.

The irate congregants locked St Peters Church in Chimwemwe a fortnight ago accusing Fr Luonde of using church funds to finance priest-cum politician Frank Bwalya and also inappropriate conduct.

Sunday service programmes have failed to take place the previous two Sundays after the church remained locked with a heavy chain and padlocks.

A check last Sunday and the previous Sunday showed the building was still shut and congregants were just milling around the premises when ordinary they were supposed to be in Sunday morning service.

But some congregation members told the Times yesterday that a team of police officers who were accompanied by a few people from the church on Tuesday went to St Peters and broke the chain and the padlock using an axle.

Lameck Zimba, a leader staying at the house within the church premises said some police officers on Tuesday morning came through to the church and forced the doors open.

Mr Zimba said the officers told him that they had been instructed to open the church by archbishop Chama.

“The church has been opened. It was opened by a team of police officers who came on Tuesday morning and were accompanied by some congregation members who said they had been told to open the building by the bishop,” Mr Zimba said.

Bishop Chama could however not be reached for a comment as he was said to have travelled outside the country soon after issuing instructions over the weekend.

But Fr Luonde who yesterday confirmed the opening of the church saying bishop Chama had instructed so.

Asked if the church wrangles had been resolved, he said only the bishop could comment on that matter and suggested to the reporter to get to St Peters’ Church the coming Sunday for the latest although that he (Fr Luonde) would be going to another congregation.