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DEC arrest pharmacist for money laundering activities involving over K900,000

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DEC arrest pharmacist for money laundering activities involving over K900,000

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) has arrested a pharmacist for money laundering activities involving over K900,000.

Drug Enforcement Commission Deputy Public Relations Officer Delight Haangala has named the suspect as Evans Bwalya, a male aged 35 of Plot No. 1229/B in Avondale, Lusaka.

Bwalya has been arrested for Theft by Servant contrary to Section 265 as read with Section 278 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Money Laundering contrary to Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No .14 of 2001 as amended by Act 44 of 2010.

“Details of the matter are that Evans Bwalya in his capacity as a Pharmacist at Chirundu Pharmacy on dates unknown but between 1st January 2020 and 31st July 2020 in Chirundu District, did steal K916, 834.36 the property of Chirundu Pharmacy. He further engaged directly or indirectly in money laundering involving K916, 834.36 proceeds of crime,” Ms Haangala said.

The suspect has been released on police bond and will appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, DEC has arrested a 27-year-old man of Mandevu Compound in Lusaka District for trafficking 60 bottles of codeine.

“In another incident, the Commission has arrested Augustine Banda, a male aged 27 of Mandevu Compound in Lusaka District for trafficking in 60 bottles of codeine that were concealed in a black plastic,” Ms Haangala said.

“Further, the Commission has also arrested Rajabu Juma Machibya, a male Tanzanian National aged 27 years for trafficking in 2.1 kilograms of high-grade cannabis that was concealed in a blue bag. The suspect who was in transit from South Africa was arrested at Chirundu Border Post after being found with the contraband,” he added.

Ms Haangala said DEC has further arrested three people in Lusaka for trafficking in cannabis.

“In another incident, the Commission has jointly charged and arrested Esther Hamponya, a female aged 51 years of Chawama Compound, Joshua Inonge, a male aged 40 years of SOS area and Jerico Simpasa, a male aged 40 years of Kanyama Compound for trafficking in 147 kilograms of loose cannabis that was concealed in polythene bags. The contraband was discovered with the help of the Commission’s canine dogs at State Lodge Police CheckPoint,” Ms Haangala said.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will appear in court soon.

Doctor embarks on a lone “Alcohol Ban” walk from Lusaka to Kabwe

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Doctor embarks on a lone “Alcohol Ban” walk from Lusaka to Kabwe

Residents Doctors Association of Zambia President Dr. Brian Chota Sampa has embarked on a lone “Alcohol Ban” walk from Lusaka to Kabwe as a protest to have the government ban alcohol.

Dr. Sampa began his walk today Wednesday 20th July, 2022 at 05:00 hours.

Dr. Sampa highlighted that this is a walk to sovereignty seeing that alcohol has destroyed a lot of lives and it is wise that people are sensitized on the dangers of alcohol and the government is pursued to ban alcohol.

The aim of the ban alcohol movement is to protect the country from a lot of atrocities that come because of alcohol, Dr Sampa cited this during a live Facebook Video this morning.

“From diseases such as liver disease, the rise in HIV cases, Gender Based Violence, road traffic accidents, failed marriages and divorces and so many other problems,” he said

Dr. Sampa added that these are the things that made him move with the notion of banning alcohol, as they are a lot of examples of countries that have banned alcohol and they are doing much better.

He has since urged the government to ban alcohol as it is the only way to prosperity, and the nation will develop.

“I urge everyone to follow us in solidarity as we start this move to Kabwe,” he said

Dr. Sampa has been aggressive on his social media feeds calling for an alcohol ban in Zambia.

Aqualaskin releases “M’simbi” music video

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Aqualaskin releases “M’simbi” music video

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Aqualaskin releases the music video for his hit single “M’simbi”.

Two dealers get five years sentence for illegal possession of Government trophy

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Two dealers get five years sentence for illegal possession of Government trophy

Kapiri Mposhi Resident Magistrate, Arnold Kasongamulilo has sentenced two Kapiri Mposhi men to five years imprisonment for being in possession of a government trophy worth over K 90,000.

Before Kapiri Mposhi Resident Magistrate, Kasongamulilo were Geoffrey Simbeye, 72 and Patrick Chilumba, 43, all of Matilyo compound indicted on a charge of Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy namely 11 pieces of elephant ivory.

This is contrary to section 86 and 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act number 14 of 2015 as read with Statutory Instrument number 61 of 1993 of the Laws of Zambia.

Facts before court were that on 1 April 2022 the duo whilst acting together possessed a prescribed trophy namely elephant ivory weighing 25 KG and valued at K 90,467 without a certificate of ownership issued by the Director General the Zambia Wildlife Authority.

After a tip off, the duo were arrested by officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife from a named guest house in Kapiri Mposhi while attempting to sale the ivory.

In this matter Chilumba readily pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour while Simbeye denied the charge on grounds that he was not the owner of the ivory but was just asked by the co-accused to keep.

But in passing judgement Magistrate Kasongamulilo stated ownership cannot be used to prove innocence in this matter because the law provides for possession as sufficient proof for conviction.

Magistrate Kasongamulilo noted that it is a fact that Simbeye alongside his co-accused were found in possession of the elephant ivory concealed in a sack which they attempted to sale.

In mitigation Simbeye asked the court to exercise leniency as he was keeping orphans and that he was hypertensive.

But Magistrate Kasongamulilo advised Simbeye to be an example to young people considering his advanced age and not to connive with them to commit crime.

” Considering your mitigation and your health status I will give you a possible minimum sentence provided by the law,” Magistrate Kasongamulilo said.

He then sentenced him to five years simple imprisonment.

Lecturers in tertiary institutions cautioned against sexually harassing students

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Lecturers in tertiary institutions cautioned against sexually harassing students

The Police Community Service Directorate in Ndola District has cautioned lecturers in tertiary institutions of learning against sexually harassing students.

Students at public higher institutions of learning in Ndola have recently complained of increased incidences of sexual harassments involving lecturers.

Sexual harassment was among the challenges the students union representatives recently highlighted when engaging Ndola District Commissioner Joseph Phiri on their welfare.

Sexual harassment is a type of harassment involving the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including the unwelcome and inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting called by Mr. Phiri to address challenges affecting students held at Northern Technical College (NORTEC), Ndola District Police Community Service Directorate Coordinator Angela Kadochi said Police will not spare any lecturer reported for sexually harassing students.

In a meeting attended by selected NORTEC management members and lecturer, Superintendent Kadochi warned that lecturers should not take advantage of students.

She took time to lecture lecturers on sexual harassment.

“These are issues where you will find a lecturer has been attracted to a student and fails to contain himself and would be saying words like this girl has nice hips. I know a lecturer passing such kinds of words. As much as this may be pleasing to a lecturer, it are intimidating to a student because it is not every student. I would be happy to have such commentaries from their lecturers. Tomorrow or the other day you will see them shunning your classes because they are trying to avoid you. They are trying to avoid a situation where you begin to talk to them like that.”

“Other students may appreciate such talk but others don’t like that and these are the people that end up coming to the police and lodge complaints to say I am not comfortable with the lecturer, each time I come across him he is always admiring my body. Of course sometimes even body contact. The student is passing and you behave like you are dumb you just go and hold her breasts. Even holding from the back, you come, you follow the student from the back and you just throw your hands in front touching the breasts,” Superintendent Kadochi said.

She said Police do not bend on sexual harassment cases.

“That is sexual harassment and the moment it is brought to us, we the victim support unit have no compromise. Just like it is said the law knows no body and when the complaint has been brought to our office by a student especially here in Ndola. That is why I like being on radio and TV to warn people because once such a complaint is brought to us being the Community Service Directorate Coordinator I just give instructions and my instructions are to arrest them. So usually I have cautioned people it is better to refrain from such behaviour. Even as much as we are human beings with feelings, certain words are not supposed to come from us as adults, from us as people that are civilized,” Superintendent Kadochi said.

Superintendent Kadochi said some lecturers threaten to fail victims of sexual harassment when they resist their action.

“We are supposed to hold on to such feelings and probably go and express them home where our wives are or elsewhere. Rather than you start expressing them your feelings on a student you make them become uncomfortable others have even ended up becoming dull in school or losing interest in learning because they are uncomfortable of your sexual practices. So this is what constitutes sexual harassment. It is the coming into contact with the victim, you as a man, you as a lecturer, you come into body contact with a student who may be a woman or lady, touching their breasts, thighs, waist while that person is not willing. That person has not allowed you to do so. Sometimes you may even be doing such practices using threats nga walasasuka nkakufelwisha (If you react with anger I will fail you during exams), you just have to accept what I am doing. So that one, a moment the report comes, dear sirs (lecturers) we are not going to spare anybody,” Superintendent Kadochi added.

She continued:”We are not going to spare anyone because even us the police are not an exception. When we break the law, the law has to visit us and so the better we have ourselves when in school lecturing these students the better. Let’s do our job accordingly, let the students learn in a free environment but a moment you begin to dare them sexually and they bring complaints to us that one won’t go very well. That is the more reason I felt good when the District Commissioner (Joseph Phiri) said we have to accompany him to highlight these issues because this is my job and I like cautioning people well in advance. So that we do the right thing together. So that’s it on sexual harassment. Let’s control our mouth, let’s control our feelings and let’s check what we speak. Don’t say things that will injure others especially a woman sexually. That one is not ok because the moment the report is brought then you expect madam Kadochi to be found at the right place and will deal accordingly.”

Sexual harassment includes a range of actions from verbal transgressions to sexual abuse or assault and can occur in many different social settings such as the workplace, the home, school or churches.

Great Lakes Region on right path in gender equality- Nelly Mutti

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Great Lakes Region on right path in gender equality- Nelly Mutti

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has noted that African Countries are making great strides to achieve gender equality in political and decision-making positions .

Ms Muti says so far within the Great Lakes Region, Tanzania and Zambia have a female President and Vice President respectively,saying that this is a demonstration that the region is on the right path to achieve gender equality.

ZANIS reports that Ms Muti was speaking during the official launch of the Regional Network of Women Administrators in electoral management Bodies in the great lakes region held at Ciela resort in Lusaka yesterday.

Ms Muti said currently, four ICGLR Member States namely South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia have female Speakers of the National Assembly while Rwanda has made significant progress in women representation in parliament with 61.3%.

She however, regretted that despite all these efforts by Member States, women have continued to be underrepresented in political and decision-making processes largely due to lack of technical skills and self-confidence by the women themselves.

“The other factor is the negative sociocultural attitudes that continue to undermine efforts to promote the participation of women in the political sphere, “Ms Muti noted.

Meanwhile Ms Mutti stated that Zambia is in the right direction where gender equality in the political space is concerned.

“We have a female Vice President, and so is the speaker of the National Assembly. Currently, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has 40 percent women representation at commissioner level, The Vice Chairperson of the Commission is female. Two women have held the position of Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission in the past, “She said.

The speaker said that despite the absence of gender affirmative action in both the constitution and electoral laws, Zambia has demonstrated strong political will to achieve gender equality.

And speaking earlier ICGLR Executive Secretary Samuel Caholo challenged the great lakes Region member states to make efforts in promoting gender equality.

Ambassador Caholo said there is also a need to have gender friendly policies in the political process.

Alarming number of road accidents worry WCFB

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Alarming number of road accidents worry WCFB

The Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFB) has expressed concern over the increased numbers of road traffic accidents (RTA’s) being recorded in the country.

WCFB Corporate Affairs and Customer Service Manager, Maybin Nkholomba says from the statistics recorded totaling 478 accidents in the first half of 2022, the road transport sector is the worst hit.

Mr. Nkholomba in an interview with the media, said the board has since decided to collaborate with the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) in rolling out a nationwide campaign to educate road users.

He said the campaign is set to roll out as soon as the two institutions sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

“We are concerned as a board on the increasing accidents being recorded in the country and the statistics call for concerted efforts with all stakeholders if numbers are to reduce, “he said.

It is ironic to learn that the road transport sector is topping the list of the sectors registering an increase in accidents beating the mining sector.

It has come to the board’s attention that the majority of accidents being recorded on roads are being attributed to engineering defects on newly constructed roads,” he lamented.

Mr.Nkholomba further disclosed the board will be engaging the engineering institute to facilitate inspection of the roads and bring to the attention of institutions responsible for road maintenance.

Of cops and robbers!

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Of cops and robbers!

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

In 2005 or thereabout, I went to a bank in Kitwe to withdraw cash for salaries. After concluding the transactions, I deposited the money into the car and walked to the nearby Post Office for some errands.

As I walked back to the car, I noticed there was something amiss……a newspaper where I had wrapped the money lay on the side of the door which was ajar. My heartbeat exploded instantly, sending a cold chill down my spine! I furiously flipped the glove compartment open and rummaged through it…….it was gone…..everything…….the entire payroll!

I confronted the newspaper vendors and asked whether they had seen anyone fidgeting with the car. Of course, they pleaded ignorance. I was wasting my time. I jumped into the vehicle and cruised to the Central Police at a rate that would have made Lewis Hamilton proud. I dexterously navigated around the road which is always clogged with the notorious cabs and minibuses and found myself at the station in record time!

I was referred to the department of Anti-Street Crime. The officers took my statement casually without showing much interest in my plight. When I suggested that they should perhaps quickly obtain a court order and demand to view the CCTV in and around the bank, one of them exploded, “Who the hell do you think you are to dictate to us how to conduct our investigations!?” He seemed to be nursing a terrible hangover……..he looked tired and appeared as though he hadn’t had contact with water that morning.

“I am sorry bwana,” I said, sheepishly. “I just thought you could easily trace and nab them before they misuse the money.”

I was asked to leave money for transport and report the next day. As I found my way back, mixed emotions raced through my mind like tornadoes. Would the money be recovered? How would I explain the predicament to the staff? At that particular moment, I hoped mother earth could just open up and swallow me!

By 08:00 hours the day, I was already at the station. “Any latest, officers?” I spluttered and shuddered as beads of perspiration registered on my brow. “Did you make a follow-up at the bank?”

The reception was lukewarm as usual. They avoided eye contact and looked withdrawn. The one with scars on his face and scary eyes, the officer who had sternly rebuked me the last time didn’t even bother paying me particular attention.

“Our investigations are on course, Sir” I could tell the officer was struggling to sound professional. “Just be patient and allow us to do our work professionally. We’ll also need something for airtime…..”

Something for airtime! Now that was akin to asking a drowning man for a glass of water…..Who does that!

Anyway, before going back to the police, I had shared my predicament with one of my contacts at the defunct The Post Newspaper. The journalist complained that he equally had his expensive Apple laptop nicked from his vehicle around the same area, and he knew of a prominent business lady who had a substantial amount of money stolen from her boot!

Following this tip-off, I suggested to the officers they should consider laying a trap for the suspected robbers at Kaunda Square, the epicenter of banks in Kitwe. The modus operandi was simple…..someone would possibly walk into a bank to withdraw loads of cash and leave it in a car as the police lurked in the shadows…….pretending to be cameramen, street vendors, or taxi drivers. And as the criminals attempted to swallow the bait, the cops would swing into action and pounce on them.

Little did I realise I would strike a raw nerve! The officers were now all on their toes, literally competing to scream the loudest! “We know what the heck we’re doing? Ndiwe ndani iwe to come and lecture us? We aren’t here to play around in case that’s what you think…..” As the noise rose to a crescendo, I couldn’t stomach it anymore. I stood up to leave!

As I walked to the car, one of the officers from the adjacent office, an old acquaintance of mine, accosted me. He explained to me I was wasting my precious time and resources dealing with the concerned officers.

“Those officers connive with the criminals……,” he whispered, conspiratorially. “When money is reported missing on the streets, they’d call the thieves and warn them they are aware of the missing cash in the city.”

These cops and robbers would then congregate at a secluded place to share the loot. Meanwhile, they would keep pretending that they are still carrying out the investigations. Could this be the reason why the effort to recover the loot from our previous corrupt leaders isn’t fast paying the dividends? Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Jack Mwimbu and Inspector General of police Mr. Lemmy Kajoba open your eyes!

FAZ Files Complaint Over WAFCON Ref

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FAZ has lodged a complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the officiating exhibited by Ethiopian referee Lidya Tafesse Abebe during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final clash against South Africa.

Abebe awarded South Africa a dubious 90th minute penalty as Zambia lost the match in Casablanca.

FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala in a complaint letter dated 18th July 2022 addressed to CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, advanced six incidents including the late minute penalty awarded to South Africa.

“We therefore wish to contest against the decision of the referee to award such a penalty resulting in a goal which decided against our team progressing to the finals as we call for a serious review of the game,” read part of the FAZ appeal.

“We call for the penalty to be cancelled, that a replay be ordered and that the referee be barred from handling any games.”

According to FAZ spokesperson Sydney Mungala, Kashala said Football House opted to file a complaint as Zambia suffered similar injustices in their quarterfinal victory over Senegal.

“We have further noted with great concern the poor officiating that characterised the tournament, specifically our games. We recorded similar incidents of poor match officiating by referees who have gone scot-free among them referee Bouchra Karboubi who has continued to handle games at the tournament as if nothing happened,” he said.

Over 1,400 Mufulira youths get CDF sponsorship-Matambo

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Over 1,400 Mufulira youths get CDF sponsorship-Matambo

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo has disclosed that government is sponsoring 1,457 youths in Mufulira District in skills training at a cost of K2.2 Million under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr. Matambo who officiated at the handover ceremony for the scholarships, says the development is a milestone as the over 1400 youths have been removed from the streets and placed in tertiary institutions.

“This K2, 219,239.75 is just for a quarter, which means government will spend K8,876,959 in a year on skills training of youths in Mufulira,” he explained.

Mr. Matambo said Mufulira had an overwhelming response of applications for skills training with over 4,500 youths applying out of which 1,457 youths were selected and placed in four training institutions.

He disclosed that 653 youths are from Mufulira Constituency, 545 from Kankoyo and 259 from Kantanshi respectively.

Mr. Matambo said in addition, government has sponsored 35 pupils in Mufulira under the secondary school bursary programme.

“14 are from Mufulira Central, 11 from Kankoyo, and 10 from Kantanshi Constituency,” he said.

The Minister urged the youths to put the opportunity given to them to good use and acquire skills that will help them earn a living.

Mr. Matambo said President Hakainde Hichilema is in a hurry to fulfill his promises hence he ensured the CDF was released on time but is not happy with the slow pace at which the money is being utilized.

“Last week I summoned all the councils on the Copperbelt Province together with the Mayors and the District Commissioners, to ask them why the CDF money was not being utilized despite it having been released long ago. It doesn’t make sense that the money is just sitting in the bank but, so I wanted to know what challenges were stopping them from spending the money on the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

Mr. Matambo noted that he was impressed that among the districts on the Copperbelt, Mufulira was moving faster in the utilization of the funds.

Meanwhile, Kantanshi Member of Parliament, Anthony Mumba urged the youths to work in a coordinated manner by forming cooperatives to enable them be self-employed after acquiring various skills.

Mr. Mumba said there is need to ensure that the people who access CDF grants are people who are really poor not people who already have sustainable businesses.

“Those who already have businesses should not get the loans, the grants should be reserved for the poorest, like those women who sale chikanda,” he said.

 Mufulira Mayor, Tanaeli Kamanga said the skills training programme has the potential to not only change the lives of individuals but change the entire country at large.

“Zambia has a high potential for growth due to its vast natural and human resource,” Mr.Kamanga said.

He added that investing in skills training will help eradicate poverty in the country.

International Finance Corporation, Zambeef sign a $35 million MoU

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International Finance Corporation, Zambeef sign a $35 million MoU

The International Finance Corporation(IFC) and Zambeef PLC have signed a 35 Million United States Dollars Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see Zambeef boost value addition to agricultural produce.

IFC Vice president, Sergio Pimenta who signed the MoU on behalf of his organisation says the move is intended at boosting food security and strengthening Zambia’s agricultural sector to create jobs and help fight poverty.

Mr Pimenta said the agreement will see IFC invest up to $35 million in Zambeef to support the company’s three-year plan to expand its food production and processing capacities and enable it to source more key inputs, such as wheat, dairy, and animal feed ingredients, from local suppliers.

He observed that many countries have seen an economic downturn following COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war hence the move will help Zambia restore its economy.

“We note however that Zambia’s commitment to ensuring a good performance has seen a reduction in the inflation levels, which is good for the economy,” he said.

Mr Pimenta stated that the investment will contribute to climate mitigation by supporting efforts to improve Zambeef’s energy and fuel efficiency.

“IFC will also provide advisory services to help Zambeef set up a comprehensive carbon assessment planning system, which will accelerate longer-term climate-smart initiatives to combat climate change,” he noted.

And Zambeef Chief Executive Officer, Faith Mukutu said Zambeef will use the funds to upgrade its feed mill, develop more animal housing, purchase new farm equipment and develop 1,000 hectares of irrigation land, among others.

Ms Mukutu said this will lead to the creation of almost 1,400 new jobs, expansion of the tax revenue and support for small-scale farmers and small and medium-sized businesses.

“The project will enable Zambeef to introduce a new health and biosecurity management system across its animal production chain. This will facilitate easier trade and allow for the safe transfer of live animals and products to prevent the entry of diseases that could be circulating in domestic or regional markets,” she said.

Government embarks on a programme of connecting farmers to local and international markets

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Government embarks on a programme of connecting farmers to local and international markets

Government says it has embarked on connecting farmers to upstream domestic and international markets. Chavuma district commissioner, Geoffrey Kasonda says it is for this reason why borders are still open for agricultural trade.

Mr Kasonda adds that the new dawn government desires to improve the lives of farmers and the agriculture sector in general and the roadmap on how to do this is already in place and in motion.

The District Commissioner said this when officiating at the 2022 Food Reserve Agency training workshop for staff in readiness for crop marketing season yesterday.

Government is firmly aware that farmers have been constrained by limited access to markets , he said, because of poor infrastructure such as road networks in rural areas, inadequate availability and supply of agricultural information and insufficient access to financing.

“I wish to assure farmers that , government takes their concerns seriously and this is why we have reverted to the 1,200 depots countrywide from the 600 depots earlier announced.

“The purchase price has also increased from last year’s K150 per 50 Kilogramme bag to K180 per 50 Kilogramme bag, this therefore, means Chavuma will operate all the 5 depots with a purchase target of 136 metric tonnes translating to 2,720 by 50 Kilogramme bags,” he said.

Mr Kasonda said this was done after government heard that farmers were complaining that if the depots were maintained at 600 countrywide, they would incur huge transportation costs.

“We believe that with these depots, the Agency will be able to meet farmers closer to their homesteads and ease their movements of grain and make a good profit out of it,” he said.

Mr. Kasonda advised the trainees that government has spent a lot of money in fostering these programmes and therefore, they should take personal responsibility for the national assets.

He further urged them to show patriotism in ensuring that they execute their duties diligently in their respective depots.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kasonda emphasized that Covid-19 pandemic is still in the communities, therefore all players should adhere to the health guidelines put in place by the government during the training and during the crop purchase exercise in all depots.

ZESCO says that Zambia has achieved an electricity generation surplus of 1,156 Megawatts)

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ZESCO says that Zambia has achieved an electricity generation surplus of 1,156 Megawatts)

ZESCO has revealed that Zambia has achieved an electricity generation surplus of 1,156MW (Megawatts) following the successful commissioning of 4x150MW capacity from the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station.

ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Victor Mapani said currently the installed national generation capacity stands at 3,456.8MW against a peak national demand of approximately 2,300MW.

Eng. Mapani told a high-level Panel Discussion at the ongoing Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) meeting in Dakar, Senegal that ZESCO was using internally generated resources to progress the 750MW project, being constructed at a cost of approx.$2.3Billion to completion by November of 2022 at a cost of US $2.3Billion following non-disbursements by the project financiers.

“Currently four out of five units are already commissioned and running. We expect to commission the last 150MW machine, unit 5 by November this year. With this development, and factoring in Independent Power Producers, we currently stand at a national generation installed capacity of 3,456.8MW, against a peak national demand of approximately 2,300MW. We thus have a surplus of 1,156.8MW that is available for trade within the interconnected SAPP network,” said Eng. Mapani

Eng. Mapani, who is the immediate Past President of Association of Power Utilities in Africa (APUA), was making a presentation under the theme – implementation of the 2063 Agenda of the African Union with respect to the development of the power sector in Zambia.

He said the availability of reliable electricity is underpinning the current rebound of Zambia’s economy.

“Since we are able to meet national demand, we have seen Zambia’s economy grow from a receding Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 to three (3) percent growth in 2021 across all sectors. With this background, we are ambitious that the national GDP growth will soon reach levels of (5) five to (7) seven percent in the next (3) three to (5) five years,” he said.

“The stable economic growth has also seen year-to-year end inflation drop from 21 percent to 9.7 percent in the month of June 2022. Our service virtually services and supports all key sectors including mining, agriculture, commerce, tourism, health and education. We now hope to venture and exploit the transportation sub-sector too through establishment of charging points nationwide to back the evolution of Electric Motor Vehicles,” he added

Zambia, an established member of both the APUA and the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) is currently undertaking construction of transmission lines to ensure ZESCO remains at the centre of power trading among the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern African states.

ZESCO is currently anchoring the construction of the transmission line to connect Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana-Namibia (ZiZaBoNa) Interconnector while at the same time is collaborating on the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Interconnector.

ZESCO already operates strong regional interconnectors which include the Kariba 330kV lines to ZESA, Zimbabwe; the Sesheke-NamPower 220kV line to Namibia, the CEC 220kV lines to SNEL in DRC and the Kazungula-Kasane 66kV line to Botswana.

Other strong regional transmission lines include cross-border power supplies including the Mafinga-ESCOM 33kV line with Malawi; the 33/11kV border supplies with SNEL (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Mbala-Sumbawanga 66kV Line and Mbozi-Tunduma 33kV Line to Tanzania.

82 year old murdered in Chinsali for alleged witchcraft

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82 year old murdered in Chinsali for alleged witchcraft

Police in Chinsali District in Muchinga province, have arrested a 42- year- old man of Chilasa village for allegedly murdering an 82 -year -old man of Mubaya Kapimpa village in Chinsali District.

Muchinga Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkondya says the matter was reported to Chinsali Central Police Station on July 18, 2022 at 16:20 hours.

ZANIS reports that Ms Munkondya said in a statement that the incident occurred on July 18, 2022 around 14: 00 hours at Chilasa village in Chinsali District.

“A cellphone call was received from Lasford Chewe aged 22 of Chilasa village stating that Shombe Sipanje aged 82 of Mubaya Kapimpa village in Chinsali District was beaten to death by Sekwila Mwila aged 42 of Chilasa village,” she said.

Facts are that, the now deceased Shombe Sipanje was a village headman for Mubaya Kapimpa village in Chinsali. On July 18, 2022 around 08:00 hours, the deceased crossed Lubu river to Chilasa village to visit his relatives.

“When he reached Chilasa village, he found the issue of him being accused to being a wizard that he bewitched Blessings Mwila aged 16 who is epileptic, daughter to Sekwila Mwila,” he said.

The Police Deputy Chief added that at around 14:00 hours whilst the now deceased was at the house of Nebert Kampamba within Chilasa village, Sekwila Mwila also of the same village went to the house of Nebert Kampamba with a wooden stick and started beating Shombe Sipanje until he fell down dead.

Ms Munkodya stated that officers visited the scene and the findings were that the dead body was still at the scene lying down facing upward.

Physical inspection reviewed that the deceased had a broken left hand, a cut on the left hand, multiple cuts on left side of the face, swollen head and bleeding from the mouth.

She added that a broken wooden stick which was allegedly used in the act was found at the scene beside the dead body.

“The body was later picked from the scene and deposited in the Mortuary at Chinsali District Hospital awaiting post-mortem examination,” she added.

 

 

 

 

Water project commissioned in Chibombo’s Katuba primary which had no clean water for 70 years

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Water project commissioned in Chibombo’s Katuba primary which had no clean water for 70 years

Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia has invested over K400, 000 in Katuba water reticulation scheme in Chibombo district.

The insurance in collaboration with Village Water Zambia have installed 15000 litres of water and 30 taps at Katuba Primary School which has been operating without clean  drinking water for 70 years.

The project will supply water to over 2000 pupils and 30 teachers houses.

Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Mike Mposha said government values the partnership with its stakeholders in a bid to improve water supply and accessibility of clean and safe water in rural communities.

Mr. Mposha who was represented by Water Supply and Sanitation Director, Oswell Katook was speaking during the commissioning of the water project in Chibombo district.

He noted that more learners will be kept in school as a result of the access to clean water and sanitation.

Mr. Mposha pointed out that the intervention by the stakeholders resonates with governments aspirations to improve water supply in rural and urban areas.

He further said the government is implementing water projects in urban and rural communities to ensure that people have access to clean water.

“Government will construct over 1000 boreholes in rural areas and rehabilitation of non-functional boreholes across the country,” Mr. Mposha said.

Mr. Mposha urged the school authorities to improve the school surrounding and implementation of production unit as water has been brought closer.

“ I urge the school management and the surrounding communities to maintain this water scheme in a sustainable manner,” he said.

   District Education Board Secretary, Belina Moono said the district has a number of schools including Early Childhood Education centers which are operating with water challenges.

Mr. Moono stated that school programmes such as the production units have been difficult to implement due to lack of water.

Speaking at the same event, Katuba Primary School Headteacher, Felix Banda said the school which has been in existence for over 30 years depends on two water hand pumps.

  Mr. Banda said with an improved water reticulation system, the school will be able to fight epidemics and venture into production units which has been a challenge.

Professional Insurance Company Chief Operating Officer, Yvonne Mujata said the company in partnership with Village Water Zambia have funded the water reticulation system with 15,000 litres of water and 30 taps for the school and community.

Meanwhile, Village Water Zambia Executive Director, Elisha N’gonomo said its strategic focus is to support rural communities to have access to clean water adding that it has supported 42 communities across the country.

Katuba Member of Parliament, Mwabashike Nkulukusa said the water project will increase the number girl children in school.

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