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Friday, August 15, 2025
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MONDAY’S PRO’S HIT LIST

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Here are some selected briefs on how some of our foreign-based players performed at their respective clubs abroad over the weekend.

=SOUTH AFRICA

-SuperSport United: Striker Gampani Lungu was substituted in the 60th minute of SuperSport’s 1-1 home draw against Richards Bay on Sunday.
Lungu was not on target.

-Sekhukhune United:
On Friday, goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata was on the bench in Sekhukhune’s 1-0 home win over Swallows.
His club mate Roderick Kabwe was substituted in the 87th minute while striker Mwape Musonda came on for Swallows in the 80th minute.
 


=SCOTLAND

Striker Fashion Sakala was substituted in the 67th minute but was not on target in Rangers 1-0 away win over St Johnstone in Saturday’s Scottish FA Cup 4th round  match.

=ITALY
Striker Lameck Banda came on in 64th minute of Lecce’s 2-0 away loss to Verona on Saturday.


=ENGLAND

Striker Patson Daka came on in the 86th minute on Saturday in Leicester City’s 2-2 home draw against Brighton.

Draw With Nkwazi Disappoints Zesco United Bench

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The Zesco United technical bench is disappointed with Sunday’s home goalless draw against Nkwazi in the FAZ Super Division match in Ndola.

Ten-man Nkwazi held Zesco to a frustrating goalless draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the Week 20 match.

In a post-match interview, Zesco assistant coach Tenant Chilumba branded the draw as disappointing.

Zesco are 10th on the table with 26 points in 10 matches while Nkwazi are second from the bottom of the table.

“The way the table is looking I think this result is not ok. We really wanted this game but unfortunately we got a draw,” Chilumba said.

“Hard luck to the boys. I think they did well. I don’t think Nkwazi wanted to win they were closing the game so it was difficult for us to penetrate

Nkwazi coach Osward Mutapa said the police club will soon start winning matches.

“We will take a point but we need maximum points. If you look at where we are on the table we wanted to win,” Mutapa said.

Mutapa said Nkwazi should win at least seven matches to survive relegation.

Mighty Miss Chance to Go Top in FAZ Div 1 Promotion Race

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Promotion contenders Mighty Mufulira Wanderers over the weekend missed a chance to go top of the FAZ National Division 1 table following a 1-1 draw away at Lusaka Dynamos.

Second placed Mighty would have gone top on Saturday had they beaten Dynamos in Lusaka after leaders Trident lost their Week 20 match to Young Buffaloes.

Wanderers gave away a second half lead to draw the match played at University of Lusaka Grounds.

Evans Chisenga put wanderers in the driving seat after 55 minutes but Bieven Ekofu leveled the scores two minutes later.

Wanderers remain second on the table with 37 points and have cut Trident’s lead to just one point.

Trident suffered a 3-1 loss to Young Buffaloes in Lusaka to remain stuck on 38 points after 20 matches played.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Jumulo, Mutondo Stars, Zesco Malaiti Rangers and Kafue Celtic.

FAZ National Division 1 – Week 20 Results

Jumulo FC 3-1 Kafue Eagles

Mutondo Stars 1-0 Barts FC

City of Lusaka 2-1 Livingston Pirates

Young Green Buffaloes FC 3-1 Trident FC

Kitwe United 0-1 Zesco Malaiti Rangers

Kafue Celtics 1-0 Mpulungu Harbour

Lusaka Dynamos 1-1 Mufulira Wanderers

Konkola Blades 1-1 Aguila Stars

POSTPONED

Indeni FC vs Atletico FC

HH Determined To Turn Zambia Into Anti-China Outpost To Please His Western Masters, Charges Chama

Former Defence minister Davies Chama has charged that President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration are very determined to be used by the west to turn Zambia into an anti-China outpost in Africa, when the nation should be pursuing the development of relations with all for development.

Speaking through an interview  Chama said the tweet by the head of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has never been denied by the President that that the United States was trying to consolidate its influence on the Zambian government, saying that that was why people were asserting that the UPND administration is a puppet government of western administrations.

He said the events that have taken place including the memorandum of understandings signed, including the establishment of the AFRICOM office in the United States Embassy in Zambia, all went to show that “indeed president Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government are projecting the western influence against what Africa and Zambia have always stood for.”

“So it’s not surprising that the US Treasury secretary is coming to Zambia, and we have never heard Treasury Secretary of the United States of America ever visiting Zambia. I think this will be the first time,” Chama said.

But asked on the argument that the country needed cooperating partners in various spheres of national development, Chama said those in the western world have never been known to help African countries get out of poverty.

“Where have they helped anybody? Don’t be deceived. Where have they helped anybody in Africa to come out of their economic malaise or economic situation? Where? Right now they are pouring billions and billions of US Dollars in Ukraine. Have they poured those same billions of Dollars in Africa or in any country in Africa? So it’s not about helping the economic situation which is in our country. It has nothing to do with that. It has more to do with protecting their own interests and entrenching what they believe in. and you know wherever America has gone it’s purely about their interests. Not about your interests. Not about the interests of Zambia,” Chama said.

He charged that those from the western world were more interested in Zambia because they want to use President Hichilema and his administration to turn Zambia into an anti-China and anti-Russia outpost.

“That’s their interests and that’s what President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government are promoting. And you know that in the UN when there was that vote to condemn Russia, they voted in support with the Americans and other western powers. So they have completely shifted the non-aligned position that we have always held together with the rest of the SADC region and the rest of Africa. We are basically promoting the interests of the west against the solidarity of our colleagues in Africa and in SADC,” said Chama. “And you have heard that or read somewhere where the South African military will be conducting joint military operations with China and Russia because they believe in strong principles because you need to support people who have always supported you, when you needed them most. During the liberation struggle the Americans were not with us and they have never been with us. So whenever they want to come and whatever they are doing it’s purely their own interest, not about the interest of the Zambia.”

Government should ensure that screening is conducted under FISP before engaging suppliers – SAFADA President Boy Moobwe

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The Small Scales Farmers Development Association – SAFADA says the government should not rush into engaging suppliers under the New Farmer Input Support Program – FISP before screening the program.

Small Scales Farmers Development Association – SAFADA President Boyd Moobwe stated that the government should first address all the issues which are affecting the procurement and distribution of the farming inputs before engaging the suppliers for the next farming season.

“We understand that the government is planning to kick start the procurement process and they want to ensure that by February this year, they suppliers are being identified and given tasks to supply inputs to farmers on time, this is a very good move and we really appreciate and commend the government for such plans, infact as SAFADA we have several times called on the government to plan early rather than waiting for the marketing period to start and see what is happening there and then, so the way it is now, I think it’s a good thing that the government is doing and we are very much ready as SAFADA to work with the government, infact, we have volunteered to work with the procurement department,” he said

“We need to scrutinize the process and check the system how fertilizer is flowing from the suppliers to the farmer and how the government is making these arrangements because we believe that it’s not a procurement issue but its a system which is enforced to implement the FISP program,” he added

Mr Moobwe has since urged the government should find a way of subsidising fertilizer as the cost of the fertilizer has continued to increase.

Meanwhile, Economist Boyd Muleya is urging the government as it undertakes a review of the Farmer Input Support Program – FISP to transition to a compressive agricultural program, to focus on deliberate measures that will help revamp Zambia’s agriculture sector.

Mr Muleya said that much as the compressive agriculture programme can address some of the challenges faced in the years of implementation of the FISP, without introducing other tiers targeted at actualizing farming as a business, the new programme may not yield desired results.

Mr Muleya who is also Head of Research at the Center for Trade Policy and Development – CTPD stated that since FISP in its current form is a subsidy and a social safety net programme, there is need to invest more in another programme that will provide returns and growth for both the sector and the economy.

Last week, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo disclosed during a stakeholders meeting on the review of the Farmer Input Support Programme –FISP-for 2022 in Lusaka,that the government has made tremendous progress in coming up with a compressive agricultural program.

Mr Mtolo mentioned that the meeting being held should endeavour to address all the challenges which were faced in the 2022 farming season, hence, directing the procurement officials under his Ministry to start advertising for the distribution of farming inputs for the 2023/24 farming season by February 2023.

“We are not crossing February without advertising for the fertilizers and seed,” he said

Mr Mtolo said although over 90 percent of the inputs for the 2022/23 farming season have been delivered countrywide, delaying distribution going forward is unacceptable.

Mr Mtolo has also stressed on the need to address the bottlenecks experienced in the current farming season in order for the country to meet the food demand both locally and in the region.

The Minister questioned as to why the fertilizer given to farmers under FISP ends up in shops being sold.

“Are we doing the right things in identifying our farmers, do we really know the farmers within our areas, are they genuine farmers,” he questioned

At the same event, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa warned against corruption in the procurement and distribution of farming inputs.

“Those of us who have been prone to corruption and malpractice don’t say you where not warned, we are telling you in good time, as President Hakainde Hichilema has made it very clear that no one will stand in the way of the development of the Zambian people and for me, as civil servant number one I will ensure that none of you here will stand in the way for us to improve FISP delivery, if you are corrupt, watch the space,” Mr Kangwa warned

Paradise in Hell

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One of Zambia’s best kept secrets are the lovely beaches along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is the second oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second deepest, and the second largest by volume. The lake is extremely clear, allowing you to see beneath the surface up to 20 metres. You can see massive boulders, spectacular drop-offs, and a shell-covered bottom.

Nestled in the hills along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this remote, secluded and paradisiacal location is a haven for tourists who enjoy fishing ,water skiing ,snorkeling or relaxing on the pristine beaches. As the locals go fishing or swimming in the lake they will tell they do not fear crocodiles rather its the tiny female anopheles mosquito that is responsible for most deaths in this area.

Malaria is endemic here.It is normal for people to suffer from malaria once or twice a month around these parts.We all know Malaria can be severe and potentially fatal and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible but people here are still dying needlessly. A baby died on the (slow and always packed to the rafters) Mpulungu transport boat a few days ago enroute to the hospital.

All of the villages from Isanga Bay onwards to Chitili, Myamba, Chilumba have not been sprayed against mosquitoes for over two years.

Locals will tell you they have had Malaria AT LEAST once ( minimum) every month in the last year. The clinics are therefore constantly running out of malaria treatment medication. The fact that it is remote makes it even more difficult. Tanzania is a stone throw away.

People travelling to areas where malaria is common typically take prophylactic drugs before, during and after their trip.They also carry insect repellant – sprays , rub-ons and long-sleeved clothing and mosquito nets.

But what do the locals do? Their protection efforts at an individual level are at best very basic. One of the villagers talked to feels the government stopped
distributing mosquito nets because many people were just selling them whilst others used them as fishing nets.

New preventive strategies need to be developed with the stakeholders urgently or else more people will continue to die from this preventable disease.

Whatever strategic plans they have in place, it is quite clear that the break in spraying houses has seen a resurgence of malaria in the area and this needs to be resumed promptly.

If the World Health Organisations goal of a having a Malaria free world by 2030 is to be achieved surely more needs to be done.

By S.Kambiambia

Mbala Police recover stolen Land Cruiser belonging to Kasama General Hospital

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Police in Mbala District have recovered a Toyota Land cruiser vehicle that was stolen from Kasama General Hospital in Kasama District.

The Toyota Land Cruiser belonging to the Kasama One Stop Centre went missing between Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

Mbala District Commissioner, Annie Paul confirmed that the vehicle was recovered on Wednesday along the Mbala-Nakonde road in Chozi area.

The District Commissioner has further disclosed that two suspected criminals have since been arrested while the third one is on the run.

She disclosed that one of the suspects was arrested on the scene while the other was apprehended by the community in Chozi area who later handed him over to the police.

Mrs Paul has since commended the police in Mbala for the quick action.

She explained that the suspected criminals after stealing the vehicle changed the registration number from the original BAL 8942 to ZAF 4093B.

Mrs Paul added that the vehicle has since been taken back to Kasama.

The suspects are remanded in custody in Kasama and will appear in court soon.

Last year, another Land Cruiser vehicle belonging to the Northern Province Health Office was stolen, and the search has continued.

Efforts to get a comment from the Northern Province Police command failed.

Malaria on the increase in Zimba- Health office

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The Ministry of Health in Zimba District, Southern Province has attributed the high number of malaria cases in Chiidi to having many streams which are breeding points.

District Director of Health Chimuka Hankombo said malaria kills but people can be treated if they are diagnosed promptly.

Dr Hankombo cited Chiidi area in Zimba district that is a malaria hotspot and records high cases of the disease annually.

ZANIS reports that Dr Hankombo said this during a presentation and out-look of Zimba district on malaria recently.

He said the fight against malaria cannot be won if people continue using traditional methods.

He disclosed that the disease claimed three deaths last year among them two adults and a child.

Dr Hankombo said malaria transmission is seasonal with cases starting to rise in October, peaking in January, February and waning towards May.

“Malaria is a preventable and curable disease but if not diagnosed and treated early, it is often fatal.

“Seek early diagnosis and effective treatment,” he said.

He said government through the Ministry of Health is committed to eliminating the disease by 2030 through spraying in endemic areas with insecticide, provision of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and increasing community-based malaria testing and treating.

The Doctor advised pregnant women and children under- five to report to any health facility in the district when not feeling well as they are prone to sickness.

And speaking earlier, Zimba Ward Councillor Annie Mutunda condemned the use of mosquito nets for fishing.

The civic leader further urged people to desist from using mosquito nets as garden fences.

“Use mosquito nets for intended purpose of sleeping in them. Don’t use the nets for fishing especially men,” she said.

Ms Mutunda said the vices frustrate the efforts of government to effectively eradicate the killer disease, malaria.

Zambia is not ready to have a nuclear energy plant – UPND Chairperson for Energy

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United Party for National Development – UPND Chairperson for Energy Charles Kaisala says Zambia has no capacity to maintain a nuclear energy power plant.

Mr Kaisala explained that sustaining a nuclear energy power plant is too expensive and risky to the Zambian people, adding that the materials used remain radio active which is dangerous to human health for thousands of years.

He further explained that the UPND Administration is on course to ensure that the energy sector becomes self-sustaining by creating diversity and reducing dependence on hydro power.

“Nuclear is a very dangerous technology to handle, and looking at our capacity because if you look at most of the developed countries they are even switching off these nuclear reactors,” he said

“As UPND we haven’t come up with a concrete arrangement on the nuclear way forward, but on my personal view, understanding nuclear plants is very expensive and in Africa, I think we only have a nuclear energy plant in South Africa, so, do we have the capacity as a country to do nuclear and the safety that goes with doing nuclear, we are able to amintain the safety levels that are required, that is a million dollar question that I will leave to the Technocrats maybe to inter-relay,” he added
Mr Kaisala has since called on the private sector to come on board inorder to set up other energy generating facilities.
Meanwhile, Leadership Movement – LM President Richard Silumbe says the notion that nuclear energy is dangerous and very expensive is neither here nor there.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Silumbe said the narrative that Nuclear Energy is dangerous is advanced by people who are backward and do not know what development is all about

He said it can only take three years to have an effective Nuclear Power Plant which can be installed anywhere in the country.

Dr. Silumbe wondered how the country can fail to run a Nuclear Power Plant when it is bigger than many European Countries that have effectively implemented the project.

“How can you justify that Nuclear Energy is dangerous when in Asia, America and Europe there are mushrooming Nuclear Power Plants? because that is a absolute solution to power,” he said

The LM Leader said the country has natural resources for a complete Nuclear Power Plant which can be installed in different parts of the country.

The conservative Dr. Silumbe said Zambia has Uranium and Lead in Kabwe that can be used to protect Nuclear waste, adding that the country has Boron that is used in Nuclear Power Plants to excite and enrich Uranium.

Dr. Silumbe said whether the Nuclear Power Plant is set up in Zambia today or not, the fact is that after 100 years, there will be mushrooming of such mines in the rest of Africa and Zambians of today will be gnashing their teeth for being a generation that failed to implement the project.

“All we need is technology in terms of understanding the enrichment of Uranium and using Uranium itself as fuel. So, when it comes to Nuclear Power Plant, just like Maamba Collieries, we remove the burning of Coal and replace it with a Nuclear Reactor to produce the energy needed to heat the water to run the turbines. The whole thing is about Nuclear Reactors where we need to enrich Uranium and use it as fuel. There is nothing more complicated about it,” he said, ” We want as a Leadership Movement to move with technology and solve problems not only in Zambia but Africa at large. When we produce thousands of Megawatts, we will be able to export power to the rest of the Continent,” he said

Zambian Ambassador Warns MoUs are Mere Promises, Urges Caution in Interpreting Government Announcements”

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In a recent episode of “The Analysis,” a Sunday evening program on KBN TV, Ambassador Anthony Mukwita warned Zambians not to get excited about announcements of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the government, as they are “mere promises.” He was reacting to news of a $2 billion Solar energy MoU that Zambia has signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) company Masdar, which could add 2000 megawatts to the Zambian power grid if actualized.

Ambassador Mukwita acknowledged that the government of President Hakainde Hichilema is making efforts to address the critical power situation in Zambia, but urged caution in interpreting MoUs. He emphasized that MoUs sometimes amount to nothing if not followed up diligently, saying “it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.”

The Ambassador also expressed concern about government officials boasting about a supposed more than 50 percent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zambia, stating that these are just pledges, and actual investments may not materialize.

The program’s co-host, Pastor Kennedy Mambwe, lamented the fact that the cost of living in Zambia has dipped so low in recent months, leading to poverty and crime. He called on the government to fulfill its campaign promises of reducing the prices of essential goods such as mealie meal, fertiliser, and fuel to help cushion the suffering of majority Zambians.

The Analysis, which is available on KBN TV, DSTV, Go Tv, and Facebook, aims to add a balanced voice to the socio-economic and political discourse in Zambia in an issue-based and objective fashion.

The Difference is that we are Dealing with an Honest Man in Charge of Government

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By Hon Mupishi Jones

You can choose to maliciously accuse President Hakainde Hichilema of being a failure depending on your political lenses, but we can all agree that the man is honest! Yes we can all agree that once in a while, as a failable human being, he can make errors of judgment, but we can still all agree that his errors are genuine not calculated. While we were accusing others of being plunderers of the national treasury, but we can all agree that not President Hakainde Hichilema!

Whilst we were grappling with political hooliganism and indiscipline in the past regime, not with President Hakainde Hichilema as in charge.Whilst we were being subjected to political party cadres openly beating sitting full cabinet Ministers in broad daylight, not in President Hakainde Hichilema’s government.

It is still fresh in our minds when Innocent Kalimanshi was exchanging insults publicly with Kampyongo who was then country’s Minister of Home Affairs in charge of internal security,is there anyone who thinks such levels of indiscipline can happen under President Hakainde Hichilema’s tutelage? We were hearing stories of infidelity, troubled marriages and professional misconduct of sitting Presidents,is there anyone hearing such stories against President Hakainde Hichilema today? We were hearing stories that such and such a shopping mall, filling station, chain of flats mashrooming were for the sitting President,do we still hear such stories against President Hakainde Hichilema today?

We were being subjected to threats especially when you hold different views from Ministers like Kampyongo, Bowman,do we see such scenes on national television today? When did you hear Hon.Jack Mwiimbu,as Minister in charge of Internal security issuing threats to the general citizenry? We all know that Gary can talk, and sometimes very sarcastic,why do you think he’s mute today?

That’s the definition of leadership.Leadership that recognises that it’s a role model of many youths aspiring to be leaders in the future.Who wouldn’t want to groom his child to grow up and be like President Hakainde Hichilema? Who has ever heard of President Hakainde Hichilema’s children misbehaving publicly?

You can accuse one or two of President Hakainde Hichilema’s Ministers of impropriety, but who can equate that to former Ministers conduct? The ruling UPND has a spokes person and a media director,who can compare these with the likes of Antonio Mwanza in terms of ethical behavior? Is there anyone who can single out a sitting cabinet Minister today who behaves arrogantly towards the citizens?

Is there anyone who doubts that President Hakainde Hichilema is providing leadership?

How many of his political adversaries can carry themselves the way President Hakainde Hichilema carries himself given the amount of wealthy he has without going mad? Am I talking to Chilufya Tayali,Wynter Kabimba,Sean Tembo, Raphael Nakachinda out there?

Let’s just face it, today we have a leader in state house whom we can all be proud of not those playboys and gangsters of yesterday.

I’m proud of our President because each time he speaks,he inspires hope to the hopeless that even when things are gloomy today, tomorrow will be bright,

Socialist Party Leader Dr. Fred M’membe Calls on UPND to Admit Failure and Address Escalating Poverty in Zambia

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Dr. Fred M’membe, the leader of the Socialist Party (SP), has called on the United Party for National Development (UPND) to accept that they have failed to deliver on their promises to the Zambian people. Speaking on a radio program in Kasama District, Dr. M’membe stated that Zambians have now seen that they entrusted their vote in “liars” who have failed to improve the livelihood of the people.

Dr. M’membe cited the recent by-election in Kapanda ward, Lukashya Constituency, as evidence that the people are no longer willing to tolerate lies from politicians. He said, “We didn’t go there with problems, it is people ego gave us the problems. In Kapanda ward. The problems the people have are many. They were promised that the price of fertilizer was going to be at K250. Today it is over K1250. Fuel today, is 27 kwacha. The current Government is full of lies. That’s the message they were giving us. Not us telling them.”

The Socialist Party leader also criticized the escalating levels of poverty in the country, particularly in Northern Province. He stated that nothing has changed since the UPND came into power and that poverty has continued to increase. He said, “The entire country, Northern Province is number 3 on the poorest. Ubupina bulasebanya. Their slogan was bally will fix it, you can’t be lying to people. The people are not happy… there are no jobs. There are no jobs in the private sector. The private sector Is disoriented. A lot of things have gone wrong. The UPND should have the courage of saying they have failed.”

Dr. M’membe also highlighted that the UPND have abandoned their slogan “Bally will Fix it” and adopted a new one “Give Us More Time”. He said, “People have now adjusted how they used to eat from having three meals per day to only eating once. As if that is not enough, the Government has continued exporting electricity much to the disadvantage of businesses such as barbershop, welding and salons.”

Dr. M’membe called on all political players to pay attention to what the people are saying before criticizing the government. He said, “Unlike liars who go to the people with a lot of promises, the Socialist Party went to Kapanda and paid attention to the needs of the people. Be courageous and tell the people that you have failed to deliver on your promises, that’s what UPND needs to do.”

Civic leader heaps blame on companies with heavy duty trucks for damaged roads

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A civic leader from BwanaMkubwa Constituency has blamed companies established in the area for damaging road infrastructure.

Ndeke Ward Councilor Cephas Kampamba has attributed to poor state of roads in his ward to movement of trucks transporting heavy load.

Mr Kampamba said he has made efforts to engage the companies in the area to see how the existing infrastructure can be rehabilitated but they remain adamant to take any action.

He explained that the executive under the Ward Development Committee has since presented a proposal from the constituency to have some of the roads rehabilitated using Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the year 2023.

“The mining and haulage companies in the area have let us down because they seem not to show any concern on the poor state of the roads yet they have contributed to damaging the roads.

“My office has formally engaged the companies and written to them to consider carrying out maintenance of the affected portions by patching up potholes using materials such as stones or laterite but our appeal has fallen on deaf ears. Our hope now is CDF, once this year’s allocation is disbursed, we will set aside a budget for maintenance works to make the roads passable,” he said.

Mr Kampamba has since appealed to the constituents in the area to exercise patience as his office is working to ensure that road infrastructure is worked on.

UPND Expresses Sadness Over PF’s Decline in Recent By-Elections, Warns of Weakened Democracy

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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has released a press statement expressing their sadness over the Patriotic Front’s (PF) downward spiral in recent by-elections. The statement, issued by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, states that the PF has lost 21 seats to the UPND through by-elections in the last five months, which is not positive for a party positioning itself to take over power from a performing government.

Imenda also warns PF leaders, especially those seeking to take over leadership of the party from Mr Edgar Lungu to take an introspection and rebuild their party. The statement also mentions that the UPND cautioned PF leaders that attacking, insulting or demeaning President Hichilema would not win them any support of the people in this country.

The statement expresses concern that the posture that the PF has taken shall weaken the democracy in Zambia because there shall be no opposition with a support base at the moment to provide genuine checks and balances. The UPND also congratulates the Socialist Party for winning one ward seat in Lukashya constituency.

The statement also highlights that the UPND has demonstrated its growing appeal to the electorate by favoring it with two more seats out of the four by-elections held on Friday. The UPND held 2 seats out of the 4; they have lost two – one has gone to UPND and the other to socialist party. Meanwhile, UPND has taken 2, gaining an extra seat in the once PF stronghold.

In a space of 5 months, UPND has won 24 by-elections out of 28, losing only four. Out of the 24 by-elections, 21 are from PF strong holds. In other words, PF has lost 21 seats which they once held, while diminishing their power base.

The UPND remains committed to the restoration of democracy and good governance, and will endeavor to encourage all stakeholders to help grow the democracy in Zambia.

President Hichilema concerned with floods, government taking action to mitigate effects and provide assistance

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President Hakainde Hichilema is closely monitoring the flood situation in Nangoma Constituency and has made all government systems available to help mitigate the effects of the crisis, according to Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu. The flooding in Nangoma Constituency has the potential to affect the well-being of people, and the President has taken a keen interest in the situation, said Nzovu.

“President Hakainde Hichilema is concerned and following what is happening in Nangoma Constituency with keen interest and has made available all government systems to help mitigate the effects of the current crisis. As area Member of Parliament I will remain in the constituency to monitor the situation and make sure our people are safe,” said Nzovu.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Senior Chief Shakumbila at his palace in Nangoma Constituency, Mr. Nzovu assured the Chief that the government has put in place various interventions to mitigate the devastating effects of flash floods in the area, such as maintaining crossing points.

“Zambia National Service (ZNS) and Road Development Agency (RDA) are working tirelessly to ensure a temporal bridge is constructed in Chiwena before a permanent climate resilient bridge is constructed,” he said.

The area lawmaker also informed His Royal Highness that engineers from ZESCO are in the area to replace a power transformer which was vandalized by unknown people and assured the Royal Highness that power will be restored in the constituency as soon as installation are done.

And Mr Nzovu said the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is also in the area to ascertain the extent of the disaster caused by the flooding and provide the necessary relief to the affected people. “The DMMU is working closely with the local authorities and community leaders to provide relief and assistance to those affected by the floods. We are committed to providing support and assistance to the people of Nangoma Constituency during this difficult time,” said DMMU National Coordinator Dr. Gabriel Pollen

Mr Nzovu also took time to visit Myooye bridge which is flooded and is at risk of collapsing. Engineers have been engaged to quickly come up with intervention measure to make sure our people are not cut off. “We are working around the clock to address the situation and ensure that residents are not cut off by the floods. We are committed to taking all necessary measures to protect the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Mumbwa District Commisioner Namukilo Hayumbu

Mr Nzovu is accompanied by Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe, DMMU National Coordinator Dr Gabriel Pollen, Mumbwa District Commisioner Namukilo Hayumbu, Council Chairperson Charlie Masumo, Councillors and the UPND leadership in the area.