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A Building housing Government departments is on verge of collapse in Zimba

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A Building housing Government departments is on verge of collapse in Zimba

A building block which houses the district administration and seven other government line ministries in Zimba district, Southern Province is on the verge of collapsing.

The civil servants operate amid fears that the building may collapse any time soon.

As a result, smooth services to the people in the area and the nation at large are being hampered.

The building, formerly a Guest house for Zimba Town Council was turned into an office block catering for the district administration, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Green Economy, Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development and the Ministry of Information and Media.

Others operating in the same building due to a serious lack of accommodation space are the Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security among other ministries.

The office block has no toilet and civil servants operating in the building walk about 500 metres away to relieve themselves or go to the nearby ‘bush’ to answer to the call of nature.

On an on-the-spot check conducted today by the Zimba Town Council Deputy Council Secretary, Jeremiah Sachikola and Council Chief Administrative Officer Vincent Mwaanga found several cracks on the wall of the building.

The inspection and tour at the building further revealed that they are big cracks in the walls of the building and the roof is also falling apart because of the planks that are rotten and eaten by termites (ants).

Besides, the toilets have collapsed, been neglected and abandoned and become unusable for a long time now.

The two Council officials were shown around the dilapidated building by Zimba District Administrative Officer (DAO) Gift Hajongola.

Mr. Hajongola said if the building is not renovated quickly, civil servants working in the risky building risked their lives.

“This building will just one day fall and we’ll be in trouble. There are no toilets and people go elsewhere to relieve themselves. Therefore, the better it is worked on soon,” the DAO said.

He however said, a letter has been sent to the higher authorities for consideration over the building in question.

But Deputy Council Secretary, Jeremiah Sachikola is hopeful that the renovation work of the building will start next year.

He that at the moment, there are no funds but expressed optimistic that the Central government is aware of the situation to release the resources preferably using Constituency Development Fund, CDF to repair the building block.

And some of the government workers talked by ZANIS demanded to move out of the risky deplorable building.

Speaking with ZANIS on a condition of anonymity, they civil servants said the building is not fit for human adaptation.

“We work here in this building block with risks. The building isn’t fit for human adaptation,” stated one affected senior government employee.

ZAF committed to defending both land, airspace – Lt.Gen.Barry

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ZAF committed to defending both land, airspace – Lt.Gen.Barry

Zambia Airforce Commander Lieutenant General, Colin Barry says the Airforce will ensure both land and the airspace is protected to attract investment into the country in all social and economic sectors.

Lt. Gen. Barry said mines are key in the social and economic development of the country and therefore, the investment needs to be protected even in other sectors.

He said this in Solwezi today when he paid a courtesy call on North-western province Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi.

“As we protect the airspace and the ground, we also need to protect these huge investments that are coming in the mining industry and other sectors,” Lt. Gen. Barry said.

The Airforce will continue to provide security through broader area patrols and conduct other activities as a way to show confidence to the investors in the country for them to invest even more.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Barry has expressed concern over the construction of unplanned infrastructure close to strategic installations such as airports and on-air ranges.

He said the trend is becoming out of hand and needs to be addressed by people responsible for town planning.

“People are just building anywhere even on air ranges, we need to get back our land and see how we can demolish the structures and compensate the victims. I am sure some of them were just enticed into getting this land”, Lt. Gen. Barry said.

And Col. Katambi said it is important for the Airforce command to familiarize themselves with all the mining operations and other upcoming social and economic developments in the province.

He said for the Airforce to plan its activities well, it needs to understand and know what is happening on the ground in all the areas especially since the province is endowed with abundant natural and mineral resources.

Lt. Gen. Barry is in the Solwezi district of Northwestern on the invitation by Kansanshi Mine to familiarize himself with its operations.

HRC condemns the beating up of youths for insulting HH

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HRC condemns the beating up of youths for insulting HH

The Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned the ill- treatment of youths suspected to have defamed President Hakainde Hichilema by the Zambia Army officers in Chiengi District of Luapula Province on 15th June 2022.

In a statement, Commission Chairperson Mudford Mwandenga said the Commission is shocked and gravely concerned at the apparent lack of remorse by the Zambian Army as evidenced by the justification of the cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of the youths through a media report attributed to the Director General for Civil Military Affairs, Brigadier General Genoh Muke.

Mr. Mwandenga said torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is absolutely prohibited under international and regional human rights instruments that Zambia is a party to as well as under Article 15 of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission is of the view that even a “few slaps” can and do amount to brutality contrary the position taken by the Zambia Army. It is, therefore, deeply regrettable that the Zambia Army can attempt to justify a violation of the Constitution and human rights, in a democracy such as Zambia.”

He added, “ the Commission wishes to explicitly state that it does not support any form of hate speech such as insulting language, expression of hatred, discrimination and any form of expression that violates the rights and reputation of any individual because that is outside the ambit of freedom of expression and opinion. However, respect for the rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism, which the New Dawn Government espouses to uphold, demands that suspects should be subjected to the due process of the law.”

“In this case, Law Enforcement Agencies are mandated to apprehend or arrest suspects and facilitate their appearance before the courts of law within twenty-four hours or as is reasonably practicable or consider granting them bond as provided for under section 33 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia. It is only the courts of law that are legally mandated to hand down prescribed punishment/s to suspects (which incidentally does not include a “few slaps”) when they are convicted of an offence, as guided by Article 18 of the Constitution.”

Mr. Mwandenga said the Commission is closely monitoring the case involving the youths with a view of ensuring that their rights to liberty and to secure protection of the law as enshrined under Articles 13 and 18 of the Constitution are upheld and protected.
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Teacher arrested for sodomy

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Teacher arrested for sodomy

Police in Kaoma has arrested a 31-year-old teacher at Kashokoto Primary School for sodomy.

The development has been confirmed by Western Province Acting Commanding Officer, Fwambo Siame to ZANIS today.

Mwiya Imebo 31, a teacher of Kashokoto Primary School compound in Kaoma, is alleged to have had canal knowledge of his male colleague by the name of Alvin Mwanza of Lusaka’s Chawama compound at the time he paid him a visit.

Mr. Siame said it is alleged that the incidence happened between June 11-12, 2022 after Mwiya offered Mwanza a cup of tea shortly before going to bed, believed to have been intoxicated.

He explained that the duo went to sleep and shared a bed adding that it was at that moment when the alleged anal penetration took place without consent.

Mr. Siame said the victim only discovered that he had been raped after finding himself messed up in the morning when he woke up.

He said the matter was reported to police and the victim was subsequently taken to the hospital for a medical report.

Mr. Siame has been arrested and slapped with a charge of having canal knowledge against the order of nature contrary to section 155 subsection A of the Laws of Zambia.

The victim has however, been given a police bond and will appear in court soon.

According to the Zambian laws a person having canal knowledge against the order of nature could save a maximum sentence of 14 years if found guilty by the courts of law.

Death at The Hospital: The Important Case of Supply Chain Management, HH to blame

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Death at The Hospital: The Important Case of Supply Chain Management, HH to blame

By Dr Canisius BANDA

UNAVAILABILITY of essential commodities, be they laboratory, medical or surgical, is a ’cause’ of death at health facilities. A cogent case can be made that such deaths have occurred in Zambia since August last year. It takes a lot of factors, amongst them tact and time, for a drug to move from a factory to the body of a patient.

Zambia is an import-dependent country, thanks to the post-1991 mal-privatisation and subsequent collapse of its industrial base. What this means is that most laboratory, medical and surgical supplies used to keep Zambians alive are imported. A precarious existential condition, a veritable threat to national security. This reality then demands that the supply chain of these life-saving essentials is managed very well indeed. Threats to supply chain management include quantification, order placements, factory challenges as occurred in the last two years of the manufactured COVID-19 pandemic, transportation, and distribution.

Fortunately, Zambia has among the best supply-chain managers in the world. Ask the UN. So what then explains the current, protracted, non-ending and life-threatening shortages of drugs, medical, surgical and laboratory supplies in our public health facilities?

The answer is simple: Hakainde HICHILEMA.

In August 2021, Hakainde HICHILEMA happened. He became Zambia’s seventh Republican President. Full of beans, and seeing corruption in every procurement process before his reign, he began to audit everything.

Grant THORNTON.

History is everything in understanding the present. Though audits are a required starting-point, undertaking for any newcomer, or new manager to any organisation, they need NOT disrupt ongoing supply-chain management. This is where he failed. His accounting intervention led to chaos. His government, fueled by emotion and vindictiveness, bearing a jaundiced view of existing government systems, gravely disrupted the supply-chain management of these commodities for Zambia. This political interference, though somewhat well-intentioned, is now the explanation for why someone has died and has been buried in Zambia today.

Responsible officers were fired. Supplies were stalled. New orders were not placed in time. Old suppliers were not paid. Procurement relationships were soured. Suspicion and fear became the norm. Ad infinitum.

Sensing danger, the reaction of the Ministry of Health to this healthcare crisis in Zambia was inept, ill-informed and at best farcical. Each health facility on its own should buy these commodities, that was the directive from our seemingly mentally challenged Ministry of Health. For how could these facilities do what they were being told to do when for years they relied on central planning, procurement and provision? For how could they when, for reasons of limited capacity in resources, planning and source-contacting, they just could not?

In addition, the Ministry of Health, seems not to know that bulk purchases, centrally done are more economical and better for a resource-mismanaged country like Zambia. Instead, a government seeking economic recovery, paradoxically embarked on a path that promoted fiscal indiscipline, and costly expenditure for a poorly funded government spending agency. You see, a change of government should NOT directly translate into a change of quantifiers, procurement officers, transporters or suppliers.

Purity of well-inspired thought is required in the management of people, especially when dealing with sensitive areas like healthcare. The quality, since August 2021, of Zambia’s public healthcare, has worsened if at all, it is still there.

Things are bad. Very bad.

Zambians today are more afraid of public health facilities than they are of disease. More and more are now reporting late at our health facilities, as more and more of them are resorting to trooping to mountains for prayers as an initial alternative, others are self-medicating and others still, desperate, are turning to all sorts of charlatans and quacks for help.

Both morbidity and mortalities, that, under different circumstances could be managed well, are now endemic and rising in our communities. Coupled with low credit levels in the economy for reasons of high base and lending rates, capital flight, low national income flows and failure to dismantle the local debt, the quality of life of the Zambians today has plummeted.

It is now in a crisis.

‘Immediately you vote us into office, we will lower the cost of living,’ Hakainde HICHILEMA steadfastly promised prior to August 2021.

The opposite has now happened.

Laura MITI, a CSO pro-regime change activist, this year: ‘The cost of living is now killing citizens.’

There we are, Hakainde HICHILEMA. The cost of living is now killing citizens.

But then, before they die, citizens become angry, unruly and disruptive, and difficult to govern. This is where we now are. The country has gone eerily quiet. The calm before the storm. This then is what happens when politics fails, when leadership is misleading and, when the world, in general, is falling apart and changing its order.

Meanwhile, Belgium 2.0 here we come! Next? Rwanda. Fiscal discipline? Not all civil servants are corrupt, sir.

And NOT all, merely exercising their right, voted for the PF, but are competent should be fired. Beware, political ill-perception of service structures can lead to process collapse, and citizens’ ill-health and death.

Leave vengeance to God.

Surely, we can do better.

Aluta continua!

The Author is National Chairman for Health – Patriotic Front and DEVELOPMENT ACTIVIST

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UPND petitions Ndola City Council to explain land scum involving a Chinese company

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UPND petitions Ndola City Council to explain land scum involving a Chinese company

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has petitioned Ndola City Council (NCC) to explain land scum involving a Chinese company, China Henan Guoji Group.

The ruling party charges that the act by the Chinese-owned company to sell part of the land located in the Dola hill residential area on Ndola- Mufulira road is illegal saying the local authority is the only agent of the Ministry of Lands (MOL) mandated to sale state land.

Speaking in a walk in interview with ZANIS , Party spokesperson David Zimba said the local authority has not informed the public what has materialised over the agreement.

Mr Zulu said the party in the area was shocked to learn that the Chinese company was now the seller of the said land instead of the local authority according to statutes.

“ To our knowledge, the land in question was in August, 2019 earmarked for construction of housing units under a joint venture agreement between NCC-China Henan Guoji Group and upon completion were expected to be sold to and the general public.”, Mr Zimba said.

Meanwhile, the party has proposed to the local authority to offer the parcel of land to local people to develop it and not allow foreigners to take charge of development of the area.

“The New Dawn government has emphasized putting Zambians first. Let the local authority correct the prevailing situation in dola hill,” Mr.Zimba emphasized.

Reacting to the petition NCC Public Relation Manager Rebecca Mushota has revealed that the project over a period of time failed to materialize after part of the land was encroached by illegal developers and matters dragged in the courts.

Ms Mushota discloses that from its recent sitting, the authority discussed successfully with China Henan Guoji, and agreed to sell part of the land which materialized into 90 plots demarcated which were advertised by the council.

“We have received complaints from the general public on the subject matter and the Town clerk is expected to meet them soon so that we can get a clear picture on what is happening on ground.” She said

In August, 2019 NCC-China Henan Guoji Group agreed to establish an urban Compound which would have accommodated a school, shopping mall and hospital meant to cater for the population in the housing development to sit on a 60 hectares which has not materialized to date.

Kambwili formally arrested for hate speech

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Kambwili formally arrested for hate speech

Police in Kasama have formally charged and arrested opposition PF Member of the Central Committee Chishimba Kambwili for hate speech contrary to section 70 sub section 1 and 2 of the penal code.

Mr. Kambwili’s lawyer Kennedy Mambwe confirmed this to journalists in Kasama late on Tuesday.

Mr Kambwili is still detained at Kasama Central Police Station.

His lawyer also revealed that he has made an application to have his client released on bond as the offence he is charged with is a bondable one.

“We don’t understand delays in releasing him. We have applied to the Officer in Charge to have him released but they keep saying they need to do a report, we don’t know which superiors they need to consult before releasing him,” he said.”

He added,” we are surprised because here we are taking about a constitutional right, he is a Zambian and he qualifies to be granted Police Bond. We are going to wait for the officers to act, they have told us to wait as they liase amongst themselves and they shall tell us when to appear in court.”

Dr. Kambwili aged 53 of Woodlands in Lusaka was on Monday warned and cautioned for the subject offence of Expressing or showing hatred, ridicule or contempt for persons because of race, tribe or place of origin contrary to Section 70 (i) and(ii) Chapter 87 as read with Act No. 2 of 2021 of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes of the Laws of Zambia.

This occurred between May 2021 and August 2021 at Radio Mano in Kasama, Northern Province.

We have not cancelled any legally signed hunting concessions, Minister of Tourism tells Parliament

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We have not cancelled any legally signed hunting concessions, Minister of Tourism tells Parliament

Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has told parliament that the government has not cancelled any legally signed hunting concessions, but has proposed and agreed to defer the signing ceremony of the hunting concession agreements to give it sufficient time to review the process.

In a Ministerial Statement in the National Assembly yesterday, Mr Sikumba said that this was done a few days after the 2021 General Election which ushered in the New leadership under President Hakainde Hichilema.

This follows a point of order raised by Lumezi Member of Parliament MUNIR ZULU who wanted to find out the status of purported cancelled hunting concessions by the Ministry of Tourism.

Early this month NAtional Assembly First Deputy Speaker Malungo Chisangano directed tourism minister Mr Sikumba to issue a ministerial statement over the cancellation of hunting concession agreements signed in 2020.

Rising on a matter of national importance in parliament, Lumezi Independent member of parliament Munir Zulu highlighted the negative implications the decision has brought on local communities and wildlife.

Zulu asked for an explanation from the government on such a decision.

“Thank you so very much, Madam Speaker. I’m raising this matter directed to the Minister of Tourism. Madam Speaker, I’m a massage career from the good people of Lumezi that the cancellation of the hunting concessions has posed a great threat to the people in Lumezi. The cancellation of the concessions – hunting concessions, that is – Madam Speaker, which was cancelled when the Attorney General had given a solid opinion, has been widely circulated in most of our tabloids,’’ said Zulu as he lifted copies of newspapers before the House.

“It is dated 2nd June where [it says] ‘Wildlife in GMA risks being depleted – Moomba community. Madam Speaker, I know one of the newspapers has Iris Kaingu on the front page, but the detail is in the papers. Madam Speaker, the paper for yesterday (Tuesday) ‘Hunting business saga could spell political trouble for HH’, it’s all talking about the cancelled hunting concessions. And for us in Lumezi, just like our brothers in Itezhitezhi, our brothers in Liuwa, our brothers in Chama, our brothers in Nyimba and sisters, those are our Black Mountains. That’s what benefits the local people. If this matter is not addressed, Madam Speaker, the animals will be on the loose like we have heard in Mulobezi where lions have gone hunting for the local people. Madam Speaker, with these submissions, permit me to lay these newspapers on the table for your further guidance. Thank you, Madam Speaker.’’

On May 13, 2022, Muhanga terminated the contract for Dr Simukonda who is believed to have advised him against ignoring legal advice from the Attorney General.

According to the Attorney General’s advice in a letter dated January 5, 2022 addressed to President Hakainde Hichilema on tender No. MTA/SP/001/2020, there was nothing illegal about the tender and that cancelling it would attract law suits against the government.

“Your Excellency, I find it pertinent to make an appointment with you and explain the legal implications relating to the subject matter. Your Excellency, prior to meeting you [I] wish to bring it to your attention through this letter that I received a letter from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts reference No. MTA/54/14/2 dated 15th December, 2021 in which the Ministry was seeking a legal opinion on the cancellation of Hunting Concession Agreements (hereinafter referred to as ‘HCAs’,” Kabesha wrote. “The circumstances that engendered the opinion is attributed to your directive to the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism to the effect that the execution of the HCAs must be halted and that the negotiated HCAs must be cancelled.”

He cited formalities which prescribe a genuine hunting concession agreement and advised that once they are met then the tender remains legal.
Citing case law, Kabesha advised against cancelling the agreements as that would attract legal suits on government and subsequent loss of income through compensations to the affected parties.

“Your Excellency, once all these formalities are met, the contract or contracts come into being. According to the Procuring Entity all these procedures were met which resulted in the HCAs being approved,” explained Kabesha. “In the case of National Drug Company Limited and Zambia Privatisation Agency v Mary Katongo, the Supreme Court held that: ‘It is trite law that once the parties have voluntarily and freely entered into a legal contract, they become bound to abide by the terms of the contract and that the role of the court is to give efficacy to the contract when one party has breached it by respecting, upholding and enforcing the contract.’ In view of the cited case and in the absence of cogent evidence of infringement of section 69 (1), it becomes legally unsustainable to terminate the HCAs. Any attempt to effect will undoubtedly lead to law suits against Government which is striving to resuscitate the economy of the country and at the same time creating an enabling environment for investment and respect of the law. I humbly render my advice.”

Specifically, the affected hunting concession agreements include the following:

  1. Musungwa and Shezongo Community Resources Board and JVZ Safaris Limited, relating to safari hunting rights in Nkala Hunting Block in Nkala game management area.
  2. Nabwalya Community Resources Board and Kuwama Safaris Limited, relating to Safari hunting rights in Nabwalya Hunting Block in Nabwalya Game Management Area.
  3. Malama and Kakumbi Community Resources Board and Kwalata Safaris Limited, relating to safari hunting rights in Lower Lupande Hunting Block in Lupande Game Management Area.
  4. Chikwa Community Resources Board and Mopani Safaris Limited, relating to safari hunting rights in Chikwa Hunting Block in East Musalangu Game Management Area.
    Mulendema Community Resources Board, Chibuluma Community Resources Board, Kabulwebulwe Community Resource Boards and Nedzo Safaris Limited relating to safari hunting rights in Mumbwa West Hunting Block in Mumbwa West Game Management Area.
  5. Chifunda Community Resources Board and Kocango Safaris Limited relating to safari hunting rights in Chifunda Hunting Block in East Musalangu Game Management Area.

Several stakeholders, including good governance activist Brebner Changala, Socialist Party president Fred M’membe, acting PF president Given Lubinda, and State Counsel Sakwiba Sikota, have advised Muhanga against the cancellation, warning that government would pay heavily when bidders sue

UNICEF applauds Mpezeni Women’s club

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UNICEF applauds Mpezeni Women’s club

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund(UNICEF) Zambia Country Representative, Penelope Campbell has commended the Mpezeni Women’s Club (MWC) for promoting healthy living through the consumption of nutritional foods.

Ms Campbell says she is impressed with the club’s works of processing various food items into finished nutritional products that can promote healthy eating among children and adults at household level.

She noted that nutritional feeding is important as it contributes effectively to early childhood development.

Ms Campell was speaking when she addressed the members of the women’s club in Chipata.

Ms Campbell said her organisation is working with various stakeholders in Chipata and the country as a whole to promote in early child development in various rural communities.

And Club Chairperson, Tomaida Ziwa said the club not only processes various foods to finished products but also manufactures soap which it later sells to members of the public.

Ms Ziwa said the club which has been in existence for more than 10 years, has been teaching women with entrepreneurship skills and financial discipline.

She said the club also helps out orphans and vulnerable children by providing them with all school necessities in order for them to get an education.

Ms Ziwa said the club has plans of growing its business by selling the products in all the parts of the country.

Earlier, Ms Campbell toured Feni clinic to appreciate the provision of health services to the public by Ministry of Health.

Provincial Health Director, Mathews Ngambi, Provincial Public Health Specialist (PPHS) Jairos Mulambya and District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Gabriel Chutu joined the UNICEF Country representative on her familiarisation tour.

The CDF Act of 2018 should be immediately amended as it hinders decentralization

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The CDF Act of 2018 should be immediately amended as it hinders decentralization

The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development (ZNMNGD) is calling for the urgent amendment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act No 11 of 2018.

ZNMNGD National Coordinator Nelson Banda said the CDF Act No 11 of 2018 in its current form hinders decentralization as it puts a lot of powers in organs and individuals at central government level.

Mr. Banda said amending the CDF Act would facilitate the actualization of development projects at local level to improve the livelihoods of citizens.

He said the present provision where projects have to be approved by the Minister of Local Government is counter-productive and a contradiction of decentralization.

Mr. Banda said the CDF Act must provide for a situation where approval of a project is done at local authority level.

“The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development (ZNMNGD) is calling on the Government of the Republic of Zambia through Parliament to urgently amend the Constituency Development Fund Act No 11 of 2018 so that development projects at local level can be actualized to effectively improve the livelihoods of citizens and contribute to the many development aspirations that the country has. In its current form, the Act is anti the spirit of decentralization as it puts a lot of powers in organs and individuals at central government level. The act must provide for a situation where approval of a project is done at local authority level whereas monitoring of project implementation should be the one to be left at higher levels. The present provision where projects have to be approved by the Minister is counter- productive and a negation of decentralization,” Mr. Banda said.

He said Parliament should ensure that there is equitable participation of women and men in the processes relating to CDF management and utilisation.

“The projects at local level are largely for the vulnerable women and children who should be able to benefit from such projects without unnecessary delays. Our country needs to build capacity at grass-root level through the creation of environments in which people are able to participate effectively in their own development. This way development will be realised without living anyone behind,” Mr. Banda.

“In amending the act, responsible parties must ensure that there is equitable participation of women and men in these processes. The present Act in many areas tends to be silent on this and may lead to a situation where women, the youth and those living with disabilities may be sidelined.ZNMNGD is urging the government to take the issue as a matter of urgency and therefore quickly amend the Act and ensure that equality and equity epitomize the basis of this important piece of legislation,” he said.

Chief Mumena demands that First Quantum Minerals first fulfills their Infrastructure Promise made in 2013

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Chief Mumena demands that First Quantum Minerals first fulfills their Infrastructure Promise made in 2013

Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people in North-Western Province has rejected a proposed project by Kansanshi Mining PLC to set up a solar plant in his chiefdom.

This is after the First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQM) mine in 2013, acquired 1 000 hectares of land in the Kipemba area and put it on the title to develop a mini city by building housing units, a shopping mall, a modern hospital and a university among other infrastructure.

However, FQM has failed to implement the earlier project and wants to change the land use by utilizing part of it to set up a solar plant.
AND Chief Mumena has rejected the new project, saying the mine should first fulfil its earlier obligation to the people before they can make any development on the land.

The traditional leader says prior to acquiring the land, FQM promised to build five staff houses, a 1 by 3 classroom block, 70 houses for the affected people, a clinic, sink boreholes and work on the road network among other pledges which the mining giant h
s failure to fulfil.

Speaking during a public consultation meeting on the proposed project at Kipemba Primary School, Chief Mumena said as much as FQM wants the support of the people on the project and has the right to change the use of the land; the mining giant should fulfil what was contained in the agreement.

And Kansanshi Mining Company environmental superintendent, Bright Mwewa who led the team from the mine appealed to people to give the consultant time to complete the feasibility study.

Mr Mwewa said FQM projects are demand-driven and the mining firm has decided to set up a solar plant instead of the initial project to meet its increasing demand for power to sustain operations.

The 430-megawatt project is expected to consist of a 230 solar photovoltaic plant to supply power to FQM’s operations at the Kansanshi mine.

Our leaders can learn something from South African former gangster – McKenzie!

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Our leaders can learn something from South African former gangster – McKenzie!

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/social analyst

One of the main reasons why our communities and cities remain largely underdeveloped or look like landscapes straight from the Dark Ages, if we may put it more precisely, is that most individuals aspiring for offices of Councilors, Mayors, or Members of Parliament lack ambition and innovation!

Once they achieve their life’s time dream of securing such coveted positions; they immediately become obsessed with amassing wealth – driving fancy cars, turning out in their best outfits, moving into grand mansions, and sending their kids to expensive schools in town, instead of firing in all cylinders initiating developmental projects. Well at least we saw this happening during the last 10 years, we are not yet sure about the current crop of our leaders, only time will tell.

Our leaders can perhaps learn one or two lessons from Gayton McKenzie. According to Wikipedia, McKenzie is a former South African convicted criminal, bank robber, gangster, businessman, motivational speaker, author, and president of the Patriotic Alliance political party.

When he aspired to run for Mayor of the Central Karoo in the Western Cape Province, he pledged that he would not be mayor of people using bucket toilets. He further promised to change the face of the district within the first 100 days of being in office. And thanks to his grandiose dreams, today Central Karoo has literally been turned into a construction site – water-borne toilets are being put in place, and a bakery is fast coming up so that the locals can enjoy fresh bread as opposed to waiting for it to be transported 350km away from Worcester. A tar plant is also being put up to produce materials to fix the potholes and a local swimming pool is being refurbished for people to pass their leisure time. Plans are also afoot to open a personal protective equipment factory. This is intended to create 100 jobs for gogos (women) aged between 50 and 60 who otherwise have to depend on their husbands or children.

What development agenda is your MP implementing in your constituency apart from savouring buffet and whisky at Parliament Motel or cruising around in their impressive SUVs with tinted windows to hide away from the electorates? What about your Mayor or Council Chairman; are you appreciating their presence in such offices? All they seem to be good at is officiating at functions, giving boring winding speeches, and cutting ribbons! Councilors are even worse. The only ‘development’ they seem to understand is buying coffins and chicken during funerals!

How many of these so-called leaders can brag about having initiated Strategic Development Plans aimed at addressing critical issues such as garbage collection, improving water reticulation, lighting up our streets, giving public facilities a facelift, opening up libraries and sports centers, food production, and processing among others. The biggest problem is that we always want to wait for the central government to deliver development when we can partner with the local business, the Church, or NGOs to improve the livelihood of our people.

Always remember……time is fast running out, and the electorates will hold our leaders accountable when the day of reckoning comes!

Civil Servants advised against relying too much on social media

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Civil Servants advised against relying too much on social media

National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia ( NUPPEZ ) General Secretary (GS) Nelson Mwale has expressed concern over the low levels of reading culture among civil servants.

Mr. Mwale notes that his Union is concerned that rather than obtaining comprehensive information in contained in the government’s yellow book for example, majority of civil servants tend to rely on social media as gospel truth.

He adds that some people have taken information from social media as ‘gospel truth’ because of not reading yet documents are there to be accessed.

Addressing teachers and civil servants in a meeting held at Zimba Secondary school today, the NUPPEZ Secretary General urged the workers against depending on social media for information.

“Civil servants please, find time to read some of these important pieces of legislation. It is helpful to read and understand on your own than going to social media where you will be miss-led,” Mr. Mwale said.

He argued that pieces of legislation surrounding employment and terms of conditions for workers are hardly read and comprehended by most civil servants.

Section 269 of the Labour and Industrial Act as well as the Employment Code-3 of 2019 contains articles on the rights and welfare of workers which should be understood and comprehensively read by any employee of government but apparently workers hardly read these documents.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwale who was flanked by Secondary School Teachers Union Of Zambia (SESTUZ) Senior Trustee Simon Lwenje, called for the decentralization of the Public Service Micro-finance Bank from urban to rural areas.

Mr. Mwale, says the Bank offers a minimal five percent interest which can absorb more government workers than any other financial lending institution in the country.

The Bank is allegedly only accessible in Lusaka hence putting civil servants desiring it’s services in an awkward situation.

The two union leaders promised that they would engage government through Cabinet Office on the matter so that the Bank can spread its operations in rural areas.

Number of refugees in Zambia is staggeringly high

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Number of refugees in Zambia is staggeringly high

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing international protection and finding lasting solutions for new and former refugees.

North-western province Minister, Robert Lihefu says Zambia remains committed to improving the protection environment, meeting humanitarian and development needs and providing opportunities for self-reliance and empowering refugees alias persons of concern (POC).

The Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary, Grandson Katambi during the commemorations of World Refugee Day held under the theme: Right to Seek Asylum for Protection and Safety, at Meheba Block D in Kalumbila today.

“The government remains committed to provide services for the refugees as evidenced in the provision of free education from early childhood to secondary, social protection, access to health and more,” Mr Lihefu said.

He said North-western province in particular continues to receive asylum seekers who are provided with safety and security which he said in line with this year’s theme.

“World Refugee Day is an occasion for the global community to come together and reflect on how far we have come in the implementation of the principles espoused in the refugee conventions,” Mr Lihefu said.

Mr Lihefu thanked UNHCR for their good working relationship and support and also recognised the vital role which the host communities play in welcoming, accommodating and living with the POC in harmony.

And in a speech read on her behalf by UNHCR Head-Solwezi, Pablo Viczaino, UNHCR Country Representative, Pierrine Aylara said the world has passed a grim milestone of human rights abuse and conflicts, .

“We marked a grim milestone: the number of people forced to flee conflict, war, persecution and human rights abuses crossed the 100 million mark for the first time on record,” Ms Aylara said.

She pointed out that Zambia has not been spared by the inflows of refugees and asylum seekers, adding that the numbers are staggering and unacceptable.

Meanwhile, Meheba Refugee Officer, Castrol Singelengele appreciated government for hosting the people of concern.

“Thank you to government for generosity of receiving asylum seekers and refugees in Zambia…this is a strong demonstration of how government remains committed towards implementing the international protocols that observe human rights,” Mr Singelengele said.

He also thanked government for implementing the free education policy as this move solidifies the concept of inclusion of refugees under national structures.

Meheba has a verified population of 31,899 POC, out of which Congolese refugees are the highest number.

Chirundu district to be realigned back to Southern Province

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Chirundu district to be realigned back to Southern Province

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata has disclosed that a roadmap has been developed aimed at actualizing the re-alignment of Chirundu District from Lusaka to Southern Province.

Mr. Kamalata says the roadmap will include the preparation of necessary documentation of both moveable and non-movable inventories among others.

This came to light today when the Lusaka Provincial Permanent Secretary addressed Heads of Government Departments and Heads of Quasi-Government Institutions during the maiden preparatory meeting for the handover of Chirundu District from Lusaka Province to Southern Province.

Mr. Kamalata explained that the handover of Chirundu to Southern Province is premised on the declaration by President Hakainde Hichilema on November 17, 2021 that the district should be re-aligned back to Southern Province.

And speaking at the same meeting, Lusaka Province Director of Finance, Raphael Sinfukwe said the provincial administration wants to ensure a smooth handover and avoid disruption of implementation of government’s developmental agenda.

Mr. Sinfukwe reiterated that the handover processes will require that certain processes be undertaken such as the preparation of necessary documentation among many others.

Earlier, Lusaka Province Planning Unit (PPU) Assistant Director, Tiszah Katowe said in line with the provisions of the budgeting cycle, the budget for Chirundu District is expected to move to Southern Province for the 2023 Medium Term Expenditure.

Chirundu District Commissioner, Patrick Kasambila and Chirundu Town Council Secretary, Laura Munkanta were also in attendance.

So far only Chirundu District Education Board Office and the Chirundu Town Council have successfully been handed over to Southern Province while the entire district is expected to complete the exercise by 31st December,2022 in line with the current budget cycle.

The preparatory meeting for the official handover of Chirundu District to Southern Province marks the beginning of the handover process which involves a number of activities that will culminate to the handover ceremony between two provinces.

There had been calls from Chiefs under Chirundu District, to have the district taken back to Southern Province from Lusaka.

Chirundu district was realigned to Central by late President Michael Sata in 2012.

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