Scientists have shown how cannabis may trigger psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.
A King’s College London team gave healthy volunteers the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
They then recorded reduced activity in an area of the brain which keeps inappropriate thoughts at bay.
THC levels are thought to have doubled in street cannabis in recent years – at the expense of other ingredients which may have a beneficial effect.
A separate study has shown that one of these ingredients – cannabidiol (CBD) – has the potential to dampen down psychotic symptoms, and could form the basis of new treatments.
Dependency
Experts are concerned that street cannabis is becoming increasingly potent. It is thought that average THC content has risen from 6% to 12% in recent years.
The Institute of Psychiatry study gave THC, CBD or placebo capsules to adult male volunteers who had not abused cannabis.
They then carried out brain scans, and a battery of tests, and found that those who took THC showed reduced activity in an area of the brain called the inferior frontal cortex, which keeps inappropriate thoughts and behaviour, such as swearing and paranoia in check.
The effects were short-lived, but some people appeared more vulnerable than others.
In a second study, a team from Yale University administered THC intravenously.
Even at relatively low doses, they found 50% of healthy volunteers began to show symptoms of psychosis.
Volunteers who already had a history of psychotic symptoms appeared to be particularly vulnerable.
Side effects
A third study, by the University of Cologne, compared the effect of CBD and a commonly used anti-psychotic medicine, Amisulpride, on 42 patients with a history of schizophrenia.
After four weeks both groups showed a reduction in psychotic symptoms, but the CBD group were less prone to side effects, such as muscle stiffness and weight gain.
The researchers warned that THC and CBD compete with each other biochemically, so a rise in THC levels would blunt any positive impact of CBD.
Professor Robin Murray, a consultant psychiatrist at the Institute of Psychiatry, said the research provided the strongest evidence that cannabis had a significant impact on the brain.
He said: “If something has an active effect in inducing the symptoms of psychosis after one dose, then it would not be at all surprising if repeated use induced the chronic condition.”
Professor Murray also warned that the high potency cannabis now widely available was likely to pose a much bigger risk to health than the significantly weaker formulations of previous years.
“It is similar to comparing the effect of drinking a glass of wine at the weekend with drinking a bottle of vodka every day.”
BBC NEWS
Cannabis ‘disrupts brain centre’
Lusaka traders welcome vendors removal
Some Lusaka traders have welcomed the decision by Lusaka City Council to rid the streets of vendors.
In random interviews, the traders said the action would remove most of the problems that traders especially shopkeepers have been facing along the streets.
One trader, a Mr Manfred Siaju , stores manager for Pep stores on Cairo Road expressed happiness but said the exercise should not be a one day event but should be continuous.
He said this would ensure that a sense of responsibility was inculcated into the vendors so that they realized that vending on the streets was wrong.
Mr Siaju said customers often complained of harassment from street vendors who in some cases placed their merchandise on door step and prevented customers from entering shops.
“As you can see the corridors now look very clean , people are able to walk freely and cases of pick pocketing will now vanish”, said Mr Siaju.
Mr Siaju added that some vendors tended to tease customers and placed their merchandise in awkward position and forced people to pay them for accidentally stepped on their goods.
Mr Siaju said though he sympathised with street vendors being banished from the streets, there was need for trading to be done in designated
places.
“I agree with the Minister of Local Government and Housing Sylvia Masebo when she said not every corner of Lusaka should be a trading place.
There is need for those vendors to go and carryout their activities in the designated markets”, said Mr Siaju.
Mr Siaju said street vendors posed a serious challenge to shop owners as the had to compete with them for customers.
Another trader identified as Mwansa, a shoe dealer, said though it was a relief to store owners and shoppers, street vendors have lost their only means of survival.
“Some of the vendors were able to feed their families from the little money they earned from the streets and send their children to school.
Now that the council has chased them from the streets, it would be difficult for them to survive.
Mwansa appealed to the council to reduce fees in markets so that they could be affordable to everyone.
‘Some workers are thieves’
PRESIDENT Mwanawasa says it is difficult for Government to reasonably improve conditions of service for its workers because some of the unionised employees aren involved in thefts and abuse of public resources.
“How can we improve workers’ conditions when money is being stolen and abused by your (trade union) members and workers are ever going on strike? It takes two to tangle and so both Government and the workers must be prudent in handling public resources,” he said.
Mr Mwanawasa said this in Lusaka yesterday during Labour Day celebrations.
He said this year’s theme contained important milestones, which were necessary ingredients in realising desired industrial harmony in the country.
Mr Mwanawasa said the milestones were healthy because they promoted a safe working environment and increased productivity.
“It is essential that as we commemorate this important day, we reflect seriously on our achievements with regard to promoting and sustaining workers’ rights and decent work through social dialogue.
“All these can be enhanced through measures and mechanisms that we have taken and established which are at our disposal as social partners,” he said.
Mr Mwanawasa said Government was committed to accelerating the realisation of this year’s Labour Day theme through the inclusion of a chapter on employment and labour in the Fifth National Development Plan and the implementation of the country’s decent work programme in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Mr Mwanawasa said social dialogue was an important means of sharing and exchanging ideas to resolve problems on the labour market.
He said Government had institutionalised social dialogue through the ratification of convention 144, of 1976, which had been domesticated through the Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap 269 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr Mwanawasa said through this Act, Government was obliged to meet its social partners not less than twice a year to exchange views on labour matters, human resource development and issues that included legislation, policies and programmes.
He said regular labour inspections should be complemented by educational awareness campaigns with regard to the provisions of the Employment Act, the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act and the Factories Act.
He said promoting and sustaining workers’ rights required concerted efforts by stakeholders.
Mr Mwanawasa said workers should be educated on the provisions of the labour laws so that they could claim their rights.
He said government on its part would endeavour to maintain a sound industrial relations climate for conducting business.
The President said under the decent work programme for Zambia which Government in collaboration with ILO was developing, greater employment opportunities would be created and adequate social protection provided.
He also said workers’ rights would be respected while meaningful social dialogue among social partners would be guaranteed.
“Having taken these measures, Government will concentrate on facilitating the creation of more jobs to absorb school leavers and graduates into gainful employment.
To create more opportunities for decent employment, Government has introduced a number of intervention measures in the FNDP,†he said.
Mr Mwanawasa said with regard to social protection, Government had already started implementing social security reforms to ensure harmonisation of fragmented schemes in the country and to improve the coverage and delivery of services.
The President has since instructed the Minister of Labour and Social Security Ronald Mukuma to finalise the social security policy, which would also carter for workers in the informal sector.
“In this regard, the informal sector operators and individual players in the economy may contribute to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA),†he said.
Mr Mwanawasa also said child labour should be tackled through a multi-dimensional approach involving various stakeholders.
The President also appealed to members of Parliament to consult their electorate before making laws.
And President Mwanawasa took a swipe at some employers who did not have representation at the celebrations.
“Some of these employers invited me when they were opening their companies, but now they don’t want to see me.
Let them not call me for any event if they are not prepared to dance with their employees.
“While we are happy that they are making money and that there is a level of industrial peace, we are not happy that they are not giving us support,” he said.
Parley nods over K28bn for C/belt
Copperbelt Province Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has disclosed that Parliament has approved a budgetary provision of more than K28 billion to Copperbelt Province.
Making the disclosure during a meeting he hosted for Provincial Members of Parliament and District Commissioners today, Mr Mbulakulima said that K28,233,855,177 had been approved by Parliament.
Mr Mbulakulima explained that K8,787,515,415 out of the allocated amount would be spent on poverty reduction programmes.
He said most of the funds would be used on ongoing programmes such as the rehabilitation and expansion of education and health facilities in the province.
He further said the other programmes to benefit from the funds were, the land resettlement infrastructure, water and sanitation and many other Copperbelt support
programmes.
The Minister explained that the meeting was aimed at finding ways on how best all
stakeholders could work together as a team and bring development to the province.
He said that the meeting needed to address issues concerning the Youth Development
Fund on the Copperbelt Province, Developmental Projects as well as working relations among the office of the Provincial Minister, the District Commissioners and all Copperbelt MPs.
And in a vote of thanks, Kantanshi MP, Yamfwa Mukanga urged the minister to ensure
that the money allocated to the province was shared equally.
He said as concerned stakeholders they needed to be discussing developmental issues
and to establish how the money would be used.
Mr Mukanga assured that Copperbelt MPs were ready to work as a team.
ZANIS
MAY DAY SCORECARD
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE.
WEEK 11.
01/05/2007.
Kabwe Warriors 0- City of Lusaka 1(Edward Kangwa 7″).
National Assembly 0- Lusaka Dynamos 1(Nasha Kaya 90″).
Nakambala 0 – Power Dynamos 0.
Konkola Blades 0- Forest Rangers 0.
Roan United 3(Ben Mwanza 39″, Perry Sinkala 47″, Kelvin Mumba 52″)- Nchanga Rangers 1(Lyson Sikaonga 90″).
Young Arrows 0- Zamtel 1(Graven Chitalu 60″).
Zesco United 2(Rainford Kalaba 13″. Nicholas Zulu 31″)-Red Arrows 0.
02/05/2007.
Green Buffaloes – Zanaco.
TOP SCORERS (01/05/07).
Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United): 8.
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 8.
Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades):7.
Lyson Sikaonga (Nchanga Rangers): 6.
Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 6.
Simon Luipya (Red Arrows):6.
Mumamba Numba (Zanaco): 5.
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United) 5.
Mazuba Mukandawire (City of Lusaka): 5.
Lottie Phiri (Young Arrows): 5.
Winstone Kalengo(Zanaco): 4.
Lameck Banda (Lusaka Dynamos): 4.
Ken Mwaba (Nakambala Leopards):4.
Kelvin kaindu (Zanaco): 4
Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos):3.
Maonga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors): 3.
Chiwanki Liyainga (YOung Arrows): 3.
Precious Mpondela (Konkola Blades): 3
Fwayo Tembo (National Assembly):3.
FAZ DIVISION.
WEEK 10.
NORTH.
Lime Hotspurs 2- Prison Leopards 1.
Ndola United 1- INDENI 1.
Kalewa 0- Medical Stars 0.
Chambishi FC 3- Konkola Mine Police FC 0.
Mufulira Wanderers 0- Kitwe United 0.
Nkana 1- Mufulira Blackpool 0.
Afrisports 2-Police Blue Eagles 0.
PENDING:
Chindwin -Muchindu.
SOUTH.
Lusaka Celtic 0-Riflemen 0.
Builders Brigade 1-Profund Warriors 1.
Zamcoal Diggers 1- Nampundwe 1.
Young Buffaloes 3- Kalomo Jetters 1.
Communite 2-Nkwazi 3.
Lusaka City Council 2- Livingstone Pirates 2.
Kambuku Warriors 1-Lusaka Tigers 1.
PENDING.
ZNS Green Eagles – Chilanga Heroes.
Mansa Council issues 21-day ultimatum to grave yard settlers
Mansa Municipal Council in Luapula Province has issued a 21- day ultimatum to families that have settled on its shut grave yard in Kapesha area along Chembe Road.
The Council has also given a 14 -day deadline to vendors trading along all the roads in the district to relocate to designated markets.
Mansa Town Clerk, Bwanga Kapumpa issued the directives today in an interview with
ZANIS saying it was a health hazard and illegal for people to settle on the cemetery as it was still fresh since it was shut in 1989.
He said the 50 years time frame had not yet elapsed for any future settlement there
as per stipulation.
Mr. Kapumpa complained that the settlers were now digging wells and pit latrines for
water and sanitation there.
He warned them to vacate and find an alternative area where to settle within the given deadline before the Council forcefully demolished their houses.
And a check by ZANIS at the graveyard revealed that the settlers had build houses alongside the graves at the old council Cemetery.
And Mr. Kapumpa said the relocation of traders comes in the wake of increased road
accidents in the area involving traders by the roadsides and Government’s policy on
relocating them in designated markets to bring sanity within town centre.
He said traders trading along the roads were exerting pressure on traffic resulting in accidents that have continued to claim lives.
Mr. Kapumpa confirmed that the local authority has rehabilitated and built enough
markets in the area and that there was no need for traders to continue trading from
alongside the roads. He warned that those defying the directives would be
prosecuted.
Over the weekend, two people died after being hit by a vehicle along Kawambwa Road.Â
ZANIS
East Minister voted as MMD Provincial Minister
Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) in Eastern Province has elected Eastern Province Minister, Lameck Mangani as its Provincial Chairperson.
Mr Mangani who is also Chipata Central Member of Parliament was elected at the
Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held in Chipata last night, witnessed
by MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba and National Organising Party Secretary
Frank Bowa.
He takes over from Mrs. Helen Tembo who was recently appointed by President Levy
Mwanawasa to serve as Deputy Consular General in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC).Â
Mr Mangani beat four other contesting candidates to emerge winner.
He managed to poll a total of 10 votes out of 18 votes cast by PEC members who were
legible to vote, while his closest rival, who is the current Vice Provincial Chairperson, Major Francis Kamanga polled four votes.
Other contestants were Johabbie Mtonga and Rueben Banda who got one and three votes
respectively.
Meanwhile, Mr Mangani disclosed that the party was geared for the Kapoche constituency by-election in Petauke district.
The Kapoche seat fell vacant after Forum for Development and Democracy (FDD)
candidate Charles Banda successfully petitioned the September 28, 2006 tripartite
elections in the Lusaka High Court.
Mr Banda has since been nominated by his party to contest the seat while the ruling
MMD was yet to adopt a candidate for the by-election.
Former Community Development and Social Services Deputy Minister, Nicholas Banda,
was the area Member of Parliament after the September 2006 Tripartite election.
The filing in of nominations for the Kapoche seat would take place on May 15, 2007
while the election date had been set for June 5 this year.
ZANIS
Zambia is still one of the most expensive tourist destinations – TCZ
The Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) is concerned that Zambia continues to be one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Africa.
TCZ board chairman Jacob Simwanza says this has made the country to continue losing
a number of foreign tourists.
Mr Simwanza says although the tourism industry ranks second to agriculture, Zambia
has not fully benefited from the industry sector.
He was speaking in Lusaka last night during the official launch of the Hotel Express Card (HEC) by a local company, JFK Investments Limited.
The HEC is a facility that would enable lodges and hotels to charge half of the given room rates.
Mr Simwanza cited the year 2005 in which the tourism sector posted a dividend of US$ 720 billion worldwide out of which only two percent was credited to Africa with South Africa taking the lion’s share.
The TCZ board chairman noted that this gloomy picture could be reversed if Africa’s
tourism products were well packaged and marketed to the international community.
He urged JFK Investments Limited to consider joining the TCZ so that many more lodges, motels and hotels also benefit from the HEC facility.
So far the Intercontinental Hotel, Zambezi Sun hotel, Livingstone Royal hotel and
Chrisma hotel are the only hotels that are offering a fifty percent less of their room rates.
And the company’s Managing Director Febby Kasanga encouraged local companies to
consider taking advantage of the HEC.
Mrs Kasanga said companies and individuals should take advantage of the HEC as it
has a number of benefits.
ZANIS
Police recover stolen K369m in Kafue
Police in Kafue have recovered K369 million cash sealed in a safe box which was stolen from a hardware shop in the early hours of yesterday.
Police deputy commissioner and commanding officer for Lusaka province Wazakaza Ng’uni confirmed the recovery of the money in a telephone interview with ZANIS in
Kafue.
Mr Ng’uni also disclosed that police have since apprehended three suspects in connection with the theft of the money.
The trio have since been remanded in custody and will appear in court soon.
The Lusaka province police chief said the money was stolen yesterday between 02.00
and 03.00Â hours from Rako Hardware shop where thieves broke in using giant cutters
to gain entry.
He said the money was recovered in Zambia compound later in Kafue after police were
informed of the theft and immediately launched a manhunt to track down the culprits.
Mr. Ng’uni said the money which was in a safebox was found in a house in Kafue’s
Zambia compound intact and unopened where the thieves apparently put it for safe
keeping.
He said a Kafue woman and two Lusaka men have since been apprehended in connection
with the theft and investigations have continued.
Mr Ng’uni also said two taxi cars have been detained by police which were used by the thieves and are parked at Kafue police station.
ZANIS
PRO’S HIT LIST
DENMARK.
Striker Christopher Katongo played the full 90 minutes for 6th placed Brondby on Sunday in their 2-1 home win over Esberg who lie two places above them on the Danish Super League table.
Katongo did not score in that game.
FRANCE.
Striker Jacob Mulenga scored his 7th goal of the season on Saturday for 7th placed Chateauroux in a 3-1 Ligue 2 home win over third from bottom Montpellier.
Mulenga, who scored his Ligue 2 clubs second goal in the 41st minute, played the full 90 minutes.
GERMANY.
ALEMANNIA AACHEN: Defender Moses Sichone did not play on Saturday for 16th placed and relegation threatened Aachen who lost 4-0 in a Bundesliga home fixture against 7th from top Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
PADERBORN: Midfielder Andrew Sinkala played the full 90 minutes for his 11th placed 2.Bundesliga club Paderborn on Friday in their 1-0 home win over 9th positioned Erzgebire Aue.
PORTUGAL.
Striker Collins Mbesuma did not play for 10th placed Maritimo on Sunday in their 1-1 away draw at 2nd from bottom Victoria Setubal.
SWEDEN.
Striker Boyd Mwila and midfielder Dominic Yobe both played the full 90 minutes for Swedish div 1 side Orgryte in their scoreless home draw against Ativdaberg.
Orgryte and Ativdaberg are 3rd and 15th on the table respectively after Saturdays result.
Defender Edwin Phiri’s Ljungskile who lie in 14th place play on May Day away to 6th from top Jonkopings.
MAY DAY FOOTBALL FIXTURES AND WEEKEND SCORECARD
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE.
WEEK 11.
01/05/2007.
Kabwe Warriors – City of Lusaka
National Assembly – Lusaka Dynamos
Green Buffaloes – Zanaco
Nakambala Leopards – Power Dynamos
Konkola Blades – Forest Rangers
Roan United – Nchanga Rangers
Young Arrows – Zamtel
Zesco United – Red Arrows
FAZ DIVISION.
WEEK 10.
NORTH.
Lime Hotspurs- Prison Leopards.
Ndola United- INDENI.
Kalewa- Medical Stars.
Chambishi FC- Konkola Mine Police FC.
Chindwin -Muchindu.
Mufulira Wanderers- Kitwe United.
Nkana- Mufulira Blackpool.
Afrisports -Police Blue Eagles.
SOUTH.
Lusaka Celtic -Riflemen.
Builders Brigade-Profund warriors.
Zamcoal Diggers- Nampundwe.
ZNS Green Eagles- Chilanga Heroes.
Young Buffaloes- Kalomo Jetters.
Communite-Nkwazi.
Lusaka City Council- Livingstone Pirates.
Kambuku Warriors-Lusaka Tigers.
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 10.
28/04/2007.
National Assembly 1(Friday Kabubi 22″)-Kabwe Warriors 1 (Emmanuel Mauyka 35″).
Zanaco 4 (Chisamba Lungu 13″, Mumamba Numba 19″, Winston Kalengo 35″, Martin Daka 81″)-City Of Lusaka 1 (Francis Kombe 22″).
Lusaka Dynamos 1(Josphet Nkhoma 31″)- Nakambala Leopards 0.
Forest Rangers 1(Nyambe Mulenga 22″)-Green Buffaloes 2 (Jimmy Mumba 68″, Sebastian mwansa 78″).
Power Dynamos 3(Simon Bwalya 2″, Isaac Lungu 50″ 60″)-Roan United 1(Kelvin Mumba 41″).
Zamtel 0-Konkola Blades 2(Felix Nsunzu Jr 22″ 64″).
Nchanga Rangers 0 – Zesco United 0.
Red Arrows 0 – Young Arrows 0.
TOP SCORERS (28/04/07).
Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors): 8.
Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades):7.
Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United) 7.
Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes): 6.
Simon Luipya (Red Arrows):6.
Mumamba Numba (Zanaco): 5.
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United) 5.
Mazuba Mukandawire (City of Lusaka): 5.
Lyson Sikaonga (Nchanga Rangers): 5.
Lottie Phiri (Young Arrows): 5.
Winstone Kalengo(Zanaco): 4.
Lameck Banda (Lusaka Dynamos): 4.
Ken Mwaba (Nakambala Leopards):4.
Kelvin kaindu (Zanaco): 4
Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos):3.
Maonga Kabuku (Kabwe Warriors): 3.
Chiwanki Liyainga (YOung Arrows): 3.
Precious Mpondela (Konkola Blades): 3
Fwayo Tembo (National Assembly):3.
FAZ DIVISION 1 WEEK 9.
29/04/2007.
NORTH.
Prison Leopards 0- Ndola United 0.
Medical Stars 0- Lime Hotspurs 0.
INDENI 1-Chambishi FC 0.
Muchindu 0- Kalewa 0.
Konkola Mine Police 0- Mufulira Wanderers 5.
Mufulira Blackpool 1- Chindwin Sentries 0.
Kitwe United 0- Afrisports 2.
Police Blue Eagles 0- Nkana 3.
SOUTH.
Riflemen 0- Builders Brigade 0.
Nampundwe 1- Lusaka Celtic 1.
Profund Warriors 2-ZNS Green Eagles 0.
Kalomo Jetters 2- Zamcoal Diggers 3.
Chilanga Heroes 1- Communite 0.
Livingstone Pirates 2- Young Arrows 1.
Nkwazi 1- Kambuku Warriors 0.
Lusaka Tigers 2- Lusaka City Council FC 0.
FAZ DIVISION 1 NORTH WEEK 9 WRAP-UP
Nkana maintained their eight-point lead at the summit of the Faz division 1 north table after a 3-0 away win at Police Blue Eagles this afternoon at Wusakile stadium in Kitwe.
Blues Eagles played their home game at their hosts’ pitch this afternoon due to the poor condition of facilities at their own ground up the Ndola-Kitwe Carriageway at Kamfinsa.
And back to the game, Nkana’s away win also means they maintain their 100 per cent record since the start of the season with nine-out-of-nine league wins.
However, it took Nkana until the last eight minutes for the match today to secure the three points against bottom of the table Blues Eagles.
All three goals came in a space of eight minutes with William Chinse scoring a brace with goals in the 82nd and 84th minutes.
DR Congo-born striker Patrick Kabamba wrapped up another good day at the office for Nkana with his sides third and final goal in the 89th minute.
Nkana are now on 27 points while INDENI, on 19, take over 2nd place from Muchindu after the former beat Chambishi FC 1-0 in Ndola while the latter drew 0-0 with visiting Kalewa.
Joseph Kazembe scored in the 27th minute for INDENI to end Aggrey Chinyangi’s sides four-match unbeaten run stretching back to April 1.
Mufulira Blackpool joins town mates Muchindu in 3rd spot on 17 points after they beat Chindwin 1-0 in Mufulira today.
Meanwhile Afrisports suddenly find themselves also in the race for the 2nd promotion slot after beating rivals Kitwe United 2-0 away at Garden Park this afternoon lying on 15 points in our featured match of the day.
The defeat was United second in a role in a derby after they lost 3-1 away to Nkana last Sunday.
Baldwin Mwase and Afrisports captain Mwila Kabwe scored in the 58th and 82nd minutes respectively to hand the visitors their first away league victory of the season.
Afrisports were on top of their hosts today and packed the midfield suffocating their hosts despite another outstanding performance by United’s combative defensive midfielder Joseph Kamalondo.
United had one fine chance to get on the score sheet in the 75th parried by Carlos Chola after a rasping shot from the edge of the 6-yard box through defender Moses Lolozi.
Meanwhile the biggest bang on the day was to be heard at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe where Mufulira Wanderers beat fellow strugglers and home side Konkola Mine Police FC 5-0 to see the away side record its first win of the season.
In the days other matches, Lime Hotspurs played out to a scoreless draw at Medical Stars and it was the same result between Prison Leopards and Ndola United, also in Ndola.
Zambia Sugars embarks on construction project at Mazabuka hospital
The Zambia Sugar Company PLC has embarked on the construction of new surgical wards and water reticulation system at Mazabuka District Hopsital.
Zambia Sugar company Corporate Affairs Manager, Lovemore Sievu disclosed the
development to ZANIS in Mazabuka today, and said the company will implement the
projects under its social investment programme aimed at empowering the community,
through provision of infrastructure, with improved access to medical services.
Mr Sievu said the project will be implemented at a cost of K 415 million.
He said the company is geared to equip the hospital with equipment and infrastructure that would help improve service delivery at the health institution.
He said the company remains committed to supplementing government efforts in providing quality health services to the residents of Mazabuka.
Zambia sugar company has in the past two years renovated the Male and Female wards
and built a modern maternity ward at the district hopsital.
First Lady says accurate Bible translation is key to Bible teaching
First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa says effective teaching of Christianity principles is dependent on the accurate translation of the Bible into other languages that are fully understood by the people.
Mrs Mwanawasa notes that the Bible, being the oldest book in human race, is inspired by God and advised people to develop the interest of reading the book.
She advised Christians in the country to help provide necessary tools and resources in the production of the Bible.
The First Lady was speaking in Lusaka today when she officiated at the Mbunda Bible
– Women’s Fundraising Tea Party held at Sandy’ Creation Gardens.
She commended the Bible Society of Zambia, BSZ, and the Mbunda community for the
tireless efforts in the publication of the translated Mbunda Bible adding that it is significant to preserve the word of God in a written form.
The First Lady donated K2 million and over K24 million was raised at the function which was organized to raise US$ 60,000 in printing the vernacular Holy Book.
The First Lady appealed to the business community and other well-wishers, individuals government officials to consider supporting the Bible Society of Zambia in its quest to strengthen its operations in book publications.
The translation of the Mbunda Bible started in 1926 but the text is only available in the New Testament without the Old Testament therefore this cause supported by the BSZ.
And speaking, Chekwe-Mbunda Cultural Association Chairperson, Claire Limbwambwa said language is critical if people were to articulate fully their language.
Ms. Limbwambwa called for concerted efforts in making vernacular language more
understandable.
And Bible Society of Zambia vice Chairperson Easter O’Dani said her organization stands ready to working with cultural communities in the country.
Evangelist O’Dani said 6,000 Mbunda Bibles have been translated so far.
ZANIS
ZADECO worries over ongoing Constitution impasse
The Zambia Development Conference, ZADECO, says it is concerned with the impassed surrounding the enactment of the new Constitution.
ZADECO chairman, Langtone Sichone, the party is next month converge at a conference
and would among other pertinent issues, come up with a resolution on how it would help push for the enactment of the constitu
Mr. Sichone said the party has set May 26 for the conference schedled to take place at Lusaka’s Masiyes Motel.
Mr. Sichone was speaking in an in an interview with the Zambia News and Information
Services in Lusaka today.
He revealed that ZADECO would submit the resolution to the Zambia Centre Inter-party
Dialogue.
He accused government of dragging its feet regarding the enactment of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sichone said the party is undergoing re-structuring and re-organizing exercise meant to help identify credible leaders at it prepares for opportunities of contributing foe the development of the nation.
ZANIS