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The Zambia Medical Association urges govt. to introspect on drug shortages

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The Zambia Medical Association urges govt. to introspect on drug shortages

The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has implored government to extensively introspect on the reported shortages of drugs in health facilities across the country.

ZMA General Secretary Roy Tolopu said the shortage of drugs in healthy facilities, indicates that the current stock levels of 53.1 percent falls way below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended stock volume availability of 70 to 80 percent.

He said this in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Dr. Tolopu has since urged government to consider declaring a state of emergency in the health sector in order to invoke disaster management provisions in the procurement of essential drugs and allied substances.

He stated that without an emergent approach to the urgent national matter, many lives may be lost.

Dr. Tolopu notes that’s losing lives in such a manner will be counterproductive to the economic gains made by government especially in the last one year.

The Association has meanwhile appealed to law and policy makers and responsible officers in the line ministry to de-politicize the health sector and reflect on the old adage that says a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and every life matters.

Police warns travelling public against carelessness this festivity

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Police warns travelling public against carelessness this festivity

Police in Muchinga Province has cautioned motorist and other road users from carelessness on the road during this festive season.

 Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Kunda Mubanga says road users need to be road smart for them to stay alive because road traffic accidents are usually high in the festive season owing to  intoxication and excitement.

 Mr Mubanga says the police command has intensified security in all the parts of the province  to curb crime and ensure that no accidents will be recorded during the festive season.

 The Police Commissioner in an interview in Chinsali  that there is need for categories of road users such as cyclists and motorcycle operators to ensure they always put on protective gear for their safety.

 “  I warn against the breaking of road safety rules. I further appeal to members of the public to avoid drinking and driving as it is one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents in the Province and the country at large, “ he said.

 Mr Mubanga has further asked road users to be cautious of their actions to avoid implicating and exposing other people to harm.

 Meanwhile a resident of Kabuta , Mutale Bwalya , has called on other residents in the area to celebrate the festive season with caution.

 Bwalya says people should not be excited due to festive celebrations saying they are a lot of calamities that happen during the season.

“I want to urge those in Kabuta and Chandamali especially, because that’s where we have people who take alcohol day and night to ensure they avoid taking alcohol and spend their time at church and with their families,” he said.

 Mr Bwalya states that those who like traveling to other places for the celebration should also consider not traveling, instead celebrate the festive season in their homes.

 He says each year a large number of road traffic accidents usually occur during the festive season due to increased activities on the roads and increased intake of alcoholic beverages leading to over excitement during the festive season by many road users.

Mopani, KCM negotiations on track-President Hichilema

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Mopani, KCM negotiations on track-President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says his Government wants to conclude Mopani Copper Mines and KCM issue in the quickest possible time as the two assets will be key in Zambia attaining 3 million metric tonnes in ten years time.

President Hichilema says unfortunately his Government is paying the price for the wrong decisions made by the previous administration on the two mines.

Speaking at a press conference at State House yesterday, Mr Hichilema defended the decision to engage in Vedanta Resources in it negotiations, saying they are stakeholders who cannot be removed from the issue as they have shareholding in KCM.

The President expressed confidence that an amicable solution will be reached, saying he does not believe in solving business decisions through the courts.

And President Hichilema said Kasenseli Gold mine will be operational in the first quarter of 2023.

President Hichilema disclosed that he has been in talks with the necessary stakeholders who include the traditional leadership in Kasenseli of which a consensus has been reached.

The President said he is committed to the enhancement of the mining sector, citing the US$1.35 billion dollar investment First Quantum Minerals has made towards new projects in Zambia.

President Hichilema also said he is eager to see the debt restructuring process concluded in the quickest possible time.

Mr Hichilema urged creditors to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding on the debt restructuring by March 2023.

Meanwhile the President said he views both United States and China as Zambia’s partners.

He denied assertions that the two countries are competing against each other in their partnership and support to Zambia.

Meanwhile President Hichilema disclosed that Zambia has attracted foreign investment worth over US$ 5 billion dollars from the time his administration came into office.

The Head of State said he wants the investment tripled by next year.

Mr Hichilema also said next year, his administration will focus on reducing bureaucracy in Government.

He said bureaucracy has posed a major hindrance to Zambia’s development agenda.

CUTS demands Government makes public information on Zambia’s current debt situation

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CUTS demands Government makes public information on Zambia’s current debt situation

Consumer Unity Trust Society – CUTS has demanded that the Government makes public information on Zambia’s current debt situation.

CUTS has also urged the Government to do more in addressing the high cost of living in the country.
Speaking during a media briefing, CUTS Acting Centre Director Angela Mulenga implored the Government to work in close collaboration with stakeholders in order to inform the citizenry on the country’s debt situation as well as publishing a timeline for debt restructuring in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

Ms Mulenga said that the Government should make public information on Zambia’s current debt, adding that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning should expedite the establishment of a debt office that will play a key role in providing oversight.

“It is now up to the Minister to lead the way in establishing an office that will be incharge of overseeing the disclosure of information of the country’s debt and debt restructuring,” she stated
Ms Mulenga said that the Government should engage with various stakeholders in order to help make public information on the country’s public debt restructuring.

“We urge the Government to work with Civil Society Organisations – CSOs and the media that will help them disseminate information on Zambia’s public debt and restructuring as this will benefit the citizens,” she said

Meanwhile, Ms Mulenga said that the Government should do more in addressing the high cost of living which has been high in 2022 and negatively affecting many Zambians who have been distressed by it, despite improved economic performance as indicated by the stable foreign exchange rate and single digit inflation.

She noted that going forward, the Government should ensure efficiency in the implementation of the ongoing expansion of the social cash transfer programme to cushion the vulnerability of citizens in 2023, adding that there should also be enhanced measures in monitoring the planned increase of resources towards health and education sectors to achieve the intended impact.

“CUTS International appreciates the increase in the Constitution Development Fund- CDF from K25.7 million to K 28.3 million in 2023 national budget but that there is need to review the CDF Act number 11 of 2018,” she said

Ms Mulenga added that this will help to simplify the CDF guidelines and enable citizens to have access to the Funds.

And CUTS Programmes Officer Allan Chanda Chitwamali mentioned during the same media briefing that engaging the media and various stakeholders such as Civil Society Organisations will enable the citizens to have an easy access to information on debt and publishing a debt timeline will be made effective.

Mr Chitwamali disclosed that it is critical for the country to have a functioning office that will oversee the debt restructuring process.

“What will make of this new law is how it will be implemented, as we have issues to do with the public debt office which is something that is permanently featured in the new law and this has not yet been established and considering that we are in the position where we are now, restructuring of debt is something that is very critical and having an office that is functioning to oversee to it that we have a restructuring that favours the Zambian population,” Mr Chitwalamali explained

Meanwhile, WaterAid Representative Chama Bowa noted during the same media briefing, that there is a need to upscale investments in the human and social development sectors.

“When you look at the 2023 National Budget, we have noted quite a number of issues relating to water supply, sanitation and hygiene, as there is a pronouncement in the Budget stating that every Government facility in the country that is education, health, judiciary and local markets and bus stations should have access to clean water supply and sanitation,” she said

Zambia’s economic performance and its debt sustainability has continued to be a concern to citizens and stakeholders, hence, the Civil Society Organisations imploring the Government to ensure that transparency and oversight mechanisms are enforced to make certain that fiscal controls are strengthened and sustained, and reduce there desire for domestic borrowing.

Zambian Christmas Memories

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Zambian Christmas Memories

By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D. Emeritus Professor of Sociology

As I rush around to shop in preparation for Christmas, the annual debate that has occurred in Zambia and elsewhere about whether the holiday season comes too early and has been commercialized, doesn’t seem to exist anymore. To remind myself that Christmas can be simple, happy and relatively less painful, I go back to memories of my first Christmas which I always remember with nostalgia.

It was in 1959 at Chipewa village in the Lundazi District of the Eastern Province of Zambia in rural Africa. This is the earliest Christmas I can remember. I was one of more than 10 grandchildren in my mother’s Kabinda clan. My grandfather and grandmother were great farmers who provided us with abundant food, including delicious red kidney beans, corn, pumpkins, cassava, sweet potatoes, peanuts, chicken, and an occasional goat meat. But this year there was an air of excitement. Christmas was coming and word got around that we were going to eat something special on that day.

My grandmother had saved 12 pence during the year. My aunt walked all afternoon to the store at Hoya and came back in the rain that evening. Whatever she had bought was dry and had been obviously carefully concealed all through advance contingency planning. I could barely sleep with anticipation about Christmas and whatever my grandmother was keeping secret.

Early the following morning, as the grandkids jostled for position around the open fireplace in the house, a large clay pot of water was boiling. From a small brightly colored aluminum foil packet, my aunt a NyaMsuzghika sprinkled half of some black dry floating substances never seen before. She then poured a whole three pence worth packet of sugar into the pot. She stirred it. The children sat near the pot as adults – uncles, aunts, older cousins – sat a little distance waiting and making a running commentary among themselves on how excited we kids were.

My grandmother handed each a small rusty metal cup. Adults and larger metal mugs. She carefully and slowly poured a little bit of the dark steaming liquid into the cups enough so that the liquid could go around the many cups. My grandmother unwrapped pieces of golden brown, white and soft edibles which were known locally as scones; pronounced as sikono. She split each piece among four children while adults split halves.

I proceeded to slowly take a sip of the sweet dark liquid followed by a small deliberate bite of the sikono. The whole experience was known as drinking tea with a small piece of a bun and it sent all us kids bananas with profound sheer joy, pleasure, and brag ado. As kids this experience could not simply be bottled away.

Soon after most of this exhilarating event was over, I clutched by now a rather small piece of bun I had saved in my hand and ran outside the house to brag to other admiring friends in the village. “We drank tea and ate scones for Christmas!” I yelled at the top of my lungs as I pranced around. The other kids in the village begged for a piece of the Christmas. I gave each of them a smitten of the bun. Just enough to wet their mouths. But the kids were thrilled all the same.

That was my happiest Christmas ever. Later that morning we went to church at Boyole School and in the afternoon watched traditional dances.

More than sixty years – thousands of cups of tea and loaves of bread, pizzas, hamburgers – later, I have never really forgotten that Christmas. The majority of people in rural parts of Zambia and the Third World today still celebrate Christmas by eating something special in the whole large family – often a cup of sweetened black tea, a bun, or slice of bread.

So, during Christmas never mind if you do not get many gifts. Be happy to share these happy moments with family and friends, especially over a meal.

Two Foreign Nationals fined in Kapiri for illegal entry

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Two Foreign Nationals fined in Kapiri for illegal entry

Kapiri Mposhi Resident Magistrate Arnold Kasongamulilo has fined two foreign nationals for illegal entry in Zambia.

Eric Pablo, 26, a Burundian national and businessman and Jorge Belmira, 32, a Mozambican national have been fined K 8,000 and K 7,000 , respectively, or three months in default respectively for entering in Zambia illegally.

The duo was arrested on 15th December 2022 at Luanshimba Security Check Point, along the Great North Road by immigration officers checking immigration requirement compliance on the travelling public.

Pablo, a Burundian national but resident of Sumba Wanga District, Tanzania, was found aboard a bus from Kabwe to Kitwe without any travelling documents legalizing his presence in Zambia.

On the other hand Belmira a resident of Matola area in Maputo, Mozambique was apprehended aboard a bus from Kasumbalesa, DRC, enroute to Mozambique with a Mozambican passport bearing number AB 1097380, but without an official endorsement for Zambia at the port of entry.

This is contrary to Section 12 (2) and 56 (1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act Number 18 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.

The duo readily pleaded guilty to the offence. In mitigation, the duo pleaded with the court to repatriate them to their respective countries of residence pledging not to repeat the same offence.

But Magistrate Kasongamulilo noted that cases of illegal entry into Zambia have become common in Kapiri Mposhi and that the court has a duty to mete out stiff punishment to deter would be offenders.

President Hichilema dedicates 2023 to economic recovery

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President Hichilema dedicates 2023 to economic recovery

President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will dedicate 2023 to accelerating development through transparency and stakeholder engagement in all sectors of the economy.

The Head of State indicated that the government will ensure that development in the country is unlocked in the public procurement process.

Speaking when he addressed the media at State House in Lusaka yesterday the President said that the government will ensure that past mistakes of misuse of public resources is corrected by taking measures to address the challenges which cause declines in the economy.

‘’All arms of government such as the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary will be involved in ensuring prudent procurement of government resources. “said President Hichilema added

He stated that in the agriculture sector the government is on the right truck in cleaning up any forms of corrupt activities in the procurement process of fertilizer which has resulted in the securing of 150 million United Stated Dollars.

The President acknowledged that work to curb corruption in the procurement of fertilizer is one of the causes of the delays in the distribution of the commodity to the farmers.

‘’The agenda was to clean up contracts that were meant to take away money from the citizens which can be directed to the improvement of the education sector and keeping the children in school by providing free education to them,’ he said.

The Head of State indicated that in 2023 the government will shift from FISP to other agriculture programs which will help which allow farmers to explore other alternatives.

He further added that the media should be allowed to conduct their duties of informing the public on free and fair environment without any harassment and abuse from anybody.

President Hichilema said that he has engaged the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security to ensure that Journalists are not harassment but are allowed to access information which of the public interest.

The Head of State also disclosed that the government is committed to addressing legal reforms which protects the rights of citizens, such as dropping of the death penalty to protect the right to life.

‘’If the government is afraid to exercise the death penalty then why keep it, it is better to remove it and just sentence the offender to live in imprisonment,’’ he said.

President Hichilema also indicated that other legal reforms to consider are the removal of the defamation of the President Act in order to allow citizens exercise their freedom of expression.

He indicated that the government is committed to receiving the views of the people which will allow the government to operate in a transparent way and work hard in delivering developmental programs.

Man on the run after beating his 14-year old son to death

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Man on the run after beating his 14-year old son to death

A 50-year old man of Kalulushi Town on the Copperbelt Province is on the run after beating his 14-year old son to death over missing money.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba has named the deceased juvenile as Chizhika Chipema and identified the suspect as Ernest Chipema both of Makeni area Kalulushi.

Mr. Mweemba said Mr. Chipema beat up the son using a slasher and fists on allegations of stealing K200 from the house last Sunday

He said the deceased, who denied stealing the money, sustained a swollen head and was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

Mr. Mweemba said the suspect has run away and the body of the deceased has been deposited to Kalulushi General Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem.

“Gertrude Nambela aged 50 of Makeni area, occupation – housewife, reported that her son by the name of Chizhika Chipema aged 14 of the same abode died after being beaten by his father namely Ernest Chipema aged 50 of the same address and other details not known. Brief facts are that the father to the deceased lost k200 in the house and suspected the deceased of having stolen the said money. When he asked him, he refused hence he started beating him using a slasher and fists which made him sustain a swollen head. He then rushed him to the hospital with his wife where he later died,” Mr. Mweemba said.

“The matter was later reported to the police who inspected the body and found him with a swollen head. Docket opened and no arrest was made as the suspect had run away. The body was deposited at Kalulushi General Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem,” he said.

Meanwhile, a 48-year old woman of Kamuchanga Township in Mufulira has been beaten to death by her lover.

Mr. Mweemba said Gift Chomba was badly beaten by the suspect only identified as Mr. Henry and later died at Ronald Ross Hospital where she was rushed.

He said Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“Murder occurred on 16.12.22 at around 19:00 Hours at House Number MF 24, Chibolya Compound, in which male Roy Mulenga aged 24, occupation-Taxi driver, reported that her Mother Gift Chomba aged 48 of the same abode was badly beaten by her manfriend only known by the name of Mr Henry, also of Chibolya Compound, and sustained general body pains. Unknown object is alleged to have been used. The matter was initially reported as Assault (OABH) on 16/12/22 at about 2000hrs. A medical report form was issued, and taken to Ronald Ross hospital. She was further referred to Kitwe central hospital, where she died on 17/12/22 at about 17:00 hours. Docket opened and a manhunt launched,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

Meanwhile, Police in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt Province are investigating a case in which a man is accused of impersonating Senior Chief Ndeubeni of the Lamba people.

Mr. Mweemba said the suspect Ziya Posta of Jonas village is acting together with others unknown when claiming that he is a Chief within Ndubeni Chiefdom.

There have been succession wrangles in the Ndubeni Chiefdom since the death of the previous Senior Chief Ndubeni in 2015.

“A case of claiming Oneself to be a Chief occurred on unknown date and time between 1st December, 2022 and 11/12/22, within Ndubeni Chiefdom of Mpongwe District in which Tedious Musikigwa aged 51 a chief retainer at Ndubeni Palace, Lamba, Village Ndubeni, Chief Ndubeni, District Mpongwe reported on behalf of his Royal Highness Senior Chief Ndubeni by the name of Modi Chaile of Ndubeni Chiefdom, Mpongwe that Ziya Posta of Jonas village whilst acting together with others unknown is claiming himself to be a Chief within Ndubeni Chiefdom,” he said.

“Brief facts are that on 11/12/22 the reporter had received a phone call from a concerned citizen of Kangalati section under Senior Chief Ndubeni, who informed him that Joseph Kaluwa of Kangalati area was summoned to appear at Jonas village before the chief and was served with a call out which had a date stamp indicating His Royal Highness Senior Chief Ndubeni. Later this made him surprised because Chief Ndubeni has no palace at Jonas village in Kantatamwe area of Mpongwe. This made him report the matter to the Chief retainer Tedious Musikigwa who later reported to the Current Senior Chief Ndubeni Modi Chaile who is on the throne. He was later directed to report the matter to the police where a copy of a call out was handed over,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

“You may also wish to know that the same succession disputes in the Chiefdom have been going on for many years now, since the death of the late Senior Chief Ndubeni in 2015. In 2021, the same Ziya Posta was reported to have mounted a Zambian National Flag at Jonas Village in September 2022 of which after police made follow ups they had removed the flag. At the moment Modi Chaile is the one who was recognized as Senior Chief Ndubeni with effect from 14/08/22 when he was publicly pronounced as Senior Chief Ndubeni before some Government Officials who had attended the event at St Anthony School ground after the High court had passed the judgment in his favored. At the moment the Inquiry File has been opened for the purpose of investigations into the matter. No arrest was made,” Mr. Mweemba concluded.

Economy Bad Because Of Sabotage By Civil Servants, Claims Imenda

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Economy Bad Because Of Sabotage By Civil Servants, Claims Imenda

The economic is bad because of economic sabotage by civil servants who support the opposition, says UPND deputy secretary general Gertrude Imenda.

Meanwhile, no sooner had President Hakainde Hichilema told his cadres not to become the new thugs in town than they gladly took on that same mantle, whereby yesterday the panga-wielding thugs broke and smashed vehicle windows and went after the lives of peaceful bus drivers who were protesting against the same thugs unruliness where they are charging people for using public facilities.

This was another dive into the sewer of violence, with many more of such escapades coming on the horizon, following up on the many other indiscretions where not too long ago the uncontrollable thugs ransacked PASME Radio station in Petauke where they unleashed their brutal force on an unarmed journalist for simply doing his job.

lmenda said those working in the system knew the calendar for acquiring the fertilizer, saying

“They know the calendar when they should start when you float a tender they know what to do but they didn’t do it what do you call that? Isn’t that sabotage?” she asked.

When asked by the program presenters to provide evidence of sabotage, lmenda said the evidence was circumstantial, saying it was in the news that someone was caught with a truckload of fertilizer trying to resell it.

Imenda urged the Zambian people to be patient with the UPND government because they are still reconstructing the country after inheriting an economy with a lot of debts.

”We have five years to deliver. The first year is for reconstructing, what we are experiencing is because of the previous government,” Imenda said.

Indeed, the PF left a mountain of unsustainable debt, some which went on questionable projects which bordered of suspected corruption.

However, the PF also left fuel prices at K17.62 as opposed to the K25.95 for petrol for instance and the connection fees for electricity too weren’t as steep as they have been increased. Fertilizer prices too for the 50kg bag were not at over K1000 but K750, something the President said he would reduce to K250.

One thing which seems to be in common with both parties is the presence of thugs within their ranks. Former president Edgar Lungu said they were part of his office, but while his successor President Hakainde Hichilema promised to address that, nothing seems to have changed going by the evidence.

Asked on the same thugs who stoned flash buses, Imenda said there was no evidence that it was the UPND cadres, claiming that the UPND would never allow that to happen.

“Criminals are criminals whether they belong to the UPND or any other party. Criminals you cannot say they are UPND cadres as a party we don’t condone such a thing. The president was very clear no caderism. However, if they are UPND cadres as a party we are going to investigate,” said Imenda.

Police warns travelling public against carelessness this festivity

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Police warns travelling public against carelessness this festivity

Police in Muchinga Province has cautioned motorist and other road users from carelessness on the road during this festive season.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Kunda Mubanga says road users need to be road smart for them to stay alive saying road traffic accidents are usually high in the festive season due to intoxication and excitement.

Mr Mubanga says the police command has intensified security in all the parts of the province to curb crime and ensure that no accidents will be recorded during the festive season.

The Police Commissioner in an interview with ZANIS in Chinsali on Tuesday also noted the need for categories of road users such as cyclists and motorcycle operators to ensure they always put on protective gear for their safety.

“ I warn against the breaking of road safety rules. I further appeal to members of the public to avoid drinking and driving as it is one of the leading causes of road traffic accidents in the Province and the country at large, “ he said.

Mr Mubanga has further asked road users to be cautious of their actions to avoid implicating and exposing other people to harm.

Meanwhile a resident of Kabuta , Mutale Bwalya , has called on other residents in the area to celebrate the festive season with caution.

Bwalya says people should not be excited due to festive celebrations saying they are a lot of calamities that happen during the season.

“I want to urge those in Kabuta and Chandamali especially, because that’s where we have people who take alcohol day and night to ensure they avoid taking alcohol and spend their time at church and with their families,” he said.

Mr Bwalya states that those who like traveling to other places for the celebration should also consider not traveling, instead celebrate the festive season in their homes.

He says each year a large number of road traffic accidents usually occur during the festive season due to increased activities on the roads and increased intake of alcoholic beverages leading to over excitement during the festive season by many road users.

HH warns government officials against repeating mistakes made by office bearers in the previous PF regime.

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HH warns government officials against repeating mistakes made by office bearers in the previous PF regime.

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned his New Dawn government officials against repeating mistakes made by office bearers in the previous Patriotic Front (PF) regime.

Speaking during the swearing in of several presidential appointees who include Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and Ministry of Youth and Art Permanent Secretary “Pilato” Chama Fumba among others, President Hichilema said office bearers in the PF regime were playful.

The Head of State said the PF rundown the local economy and destroyed the country financially.

President Hichilema said government officials should be cautious that their offices belong to the people of Zambia and must not be taken for granted.

He told new government office bearers that they owe a service to the people of Zambia.

“It is the people that own these offices and we owe it to the people that we serve them to the best of our abilities. Sometimes we forget, sometimes it is evident that we forget. Last one year, I have been observing fifteen months, now getting to sixteen months. I am observing. I can see that, that colleague has forgotten that they work for the people. It is useful to remind ourselves that we work for the people. Without the people we would not be in these roles that we are performing. As you go to Japan (new envoy to Japan Tobias Mulimbika), as you get on the flight, you sit there, you are being served tea. Remember, it is at the big expense of the people of Zambia and I think that sends a different mentality to us as individuals that we work for somebody. A block of somebody, 20 million of them called Zambians. Let us be truly servants of the people,” President Hichilema said.

The President urged Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa to correct wrong things done by the previous government in the public service.

“Cabinet Office, Mr. Kangwa, you have been there in the public service for a long time. Many are asking questions. How did it happen? Logic works in certain ways. Did you miss the logic? You lose those ways. You understand what was happening in the last ten years, eleven years minus one, ten years. You understand things very well. You understand the things that led to the economy going down as you sit there. You understand how people were removed unduly, you understand and you know them. You also now know what the new government’s vision is. We are interacting with you, working with you. I can attest that you know. We are now able to see through you an individual who can correct things that may have not been done correctly.”

“At the same time to make sure we who have come in don’t make mistakes that were made before because then we will not be any better as a team than those that found themselves in difficult situations and the results are clear. Economy went down, debt went up, and expenditure went up. So, please use this knowledge working with your deputy. Do your best. Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, you too know what you didn’t do well in the previous system or what was not done well. As a chief servant of the people of Zambia, I expect a lot from yourselves and you have our support,” Mr. Hichilema said.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has implored new Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) commissioners led by chairperson Zaloumis to facilitate electoral reforms.

He questioned why Parliamentary election petitions take almost a year when a Presidential petition can be disposed of within 14 days.

President Hichilema said Zambia should have an electoral process that respects the will of the people.

“We trust this combination plus Mr. Chipenzi. We expect that the electoral process leading to the day of elections will be one in which the will of the people will be respected,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema Press Conference Live

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President Hakainde Hichilema Press Conference Live

 

PF cadre Francis Muchemwa earned over K 1.5 million on ZESCO payroll, court told

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PF cadre Francis Muchemwa earned over K 1.5 million on ZESCO payroll, court told

BUSINESSMAN Francis Muchemwa, alias commander two, was on Zesco payroll between 2015 and last year, Lusaka Chief Resident magistrate Davies Chibwili has been told.

A witness told the court that the time Muchemwa worked at the electricity company, he earned over K1million gross pay and K502, 135.81 net.

In September this year, the Anti- Corruption Commission arrested Muchemwa in connection with possession of property worth over K12 million suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Allegations are that between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2022, Muchemwa, did possess property number L/26392/M, a house valued at K2, 500,000 located in Silverest area, Chongwe.

It is also alleged that between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2022, Muchemwa did possess property number L/26395/M apartments valued at K4, 500,000.00 in Silverest area, Chongwe.

Further allegations are that between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2022, Muchemwa jointly and whilst acting together with Friltech Networks Zambia Limited, did possess property number L/28477/M/H and L/28477/M/J.

The asset is worth K3, 400,000.00 located in Silverest area in Chongwe.

It is also alleged that Muchemwa, while acting together with Altitude Properties Limited, between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2022, did possess FAW Truck registration number BAR 9059zm valued at US$62,000.00.

He is also accused oft charged with failure to comply with the provisions of the Income Tax Act contrary to Section 99 (f) as read with Section 98 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 323 of the Laws of Zambia.

Muchemwa later appeared before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court and denied the charges.

During trial, an accountant at Zesco, Eric Lyumbika, presented a summary report of the accused’s earnings the time he was working for Zesco.

Mr Lyumbika narrated that the report shows earnings from June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2021.

He said Muchemwa drew a salary from Zesco from June 1, 2015 to August 31, 2021 with a gross earnings of K1, 482,903.73 and K502, 135.81 net.

But in cross examination, a defence lawyer asked if the witness knew how many properties his client has and how he acquired them, Mr Lyumbika replied in the negative.

When asked if he knew the companies Mr Francis Muchemwa has interest in, the witness said no and he also did not know the accused’s earnings from his previous job.

Another witness, a human resource manager at Zesco narrated that the accused entered into an employment contract with Zesco in June 2015 up to September 2021 when he later resigned.

ZMA Calls on Government to Declare a State of Emergency in Health Sector

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ZMA Calls on Government to Declare a State of Emergency in Health Sector

The Zambia Medical Association has called on the New Dawn Government to declare a “State of Emergency” in the health sector owing to shortage of drugs and in order to invoke disaster management provisions in the procurement of essential drugs and allied substances.

In a statement issued by ZMA Secretary General Dr. Kaumba Roy Tolopu on behalf of the Association, noting with dismay that the revelation on the national drug stock levels currently stands at 53.1%. which falls way below the World Health Organisation – WHO stipulated minimum threshold of 70% to 80%, adding that the findings that over the last nine months period under review, essential medicines were only available at 40.2% in tertiary and general hospitals, and at 23.3% in rural health centers and health posts, and calls for deep introspection by the Government on its struggling health policy.

Dr. Tolopu said that without an emergent approach to this desperate matter of national importance, their Association believes that many lives will be unnecessarily lost, which will be counterproductive to the economic gains made over the past year.

“On this affront, ZMA would like to remind our lawmakers, policy makers and responsible officers in the line Ministry to de-politicize the health sector and reflect on the old adage that, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and every life matters,” he said

Dr. Tolopu explained that their Association has been following Parliamentary deliberations on the state of availability of medicines and medical supplies in public health facilities countrywide with keen interest. And on 16th June, 2022 the then Acting Minister of Health Ambrose Lufuma mentioned in a ministerial statement that the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies countrywide in the last five years had been below the expected target of 80% and that the current national stock position was critically low and at emergency point.

Dr. Tolopu further explained that on 7th October, 2022 Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo cited in a ministerial statement on the status of the availability of insulin in Kalabo district, where she did inform the House that the district is over-stocked with enough insulin to cover four to thirty-seven months based on consumption, a disputable report that implored the Hon Madam Speaker to delegate the Committee on health, community development and social services to undertake a fact-finding study across the country.

He disclosed that it is from this background, that ZMA has took time to study the special report by the said Committee on the availability of medicines and medical supplies in health facilities countrywide which was presented on 16th December, 2022 in the second session of the thirteenth national assembly for adoption but subsequently rejected, a development that is regrettable considering the study met the minimum and conventional set standards of evidence generation.

Dr. Tolopu mentioned that their Association agrees with the findings in the Parliamentary Report by the Committee on findings on drug shortages countrywide.

“We find that the observations made by the Committee are in conformity with our own findings as a professional body following an exercise we conducted four (4) weeks ago in all provincial health centers across the country,” he said

He highlighted that the Committee’s findings that the critical national drug shortage is as a result of insufficient, erratic and inconsistent supplies by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) vindicates their members who have continued to be maligned and faced with vicious attacks from various Government officials who blame them for the collapse of the supply chain on allegations of pilferage, accusations that have yielded no convictions from the records but unfortunately pitted them against a suspicious public that they swore an oath to serve diligently and ethically.

“Our members continue to deliver on the Government’s agenda of providing quality health services as close to the family as possible under very harsh conditions and hostile environment for which we believe should be applauded by all well-meaning citizens rather than marooned,” Dr. Tolopu said

Govt. approves funds for Itezhi –Tezhi road upgrade

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Govt. approves funds for Itezhi –Tezhi road upgrade

Government has authorised the use of K2 million of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) 2022 funds in Itezhi-Tezhi for the 40-kilometer-long Itezhi-Tezhi-Mongu junction road (D769) rehabilitation.

The development  will make the dilapidated stretch of road passable while the government seeks funding to rehabilitate the entire road up to Bituminous Standards, as initially designed.

Revealing this on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Itezhi –Tezhi Member of Parliament Twaambo Mutinta, indicated that government has also approved works on the abandoned Road leading to the Masasabi resettlement scheme.

This is  to open up the Masasabi farming block that has failed to tick because of no access road.

 “Working with  World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) , we are in also talks that once works on the road begins , they would move in to  co- finance rehabilitation of Masasabi Dam to help boost economic livelihood and climate resilience in Kaanzwa Ward, ” Mr. Mutinta stated.

The Itezhi -Tezhi Lawmaker stated that with the onset of the rain season, the CDF committee will this week make resolution and be guided by technocrats if the two projects should start immediately amidst rains or secure the funds and start the works once it is dry.

The MP also announced that the government has approved  the designs of  the  proposed  youth skills centre in Itezhi -Tezhi .

Mr. Mutinta further thanked President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration for their decentralization agenda which he stated that it was bearing fruits.

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