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Government enjoys bilateral relations with Russia-Kasanda

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Government enjoys bilateral relations with Russia-Kasanda

Ministry of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda says the Government values the long-standing relations between Zambia and Russia.

Ms Kasanda says since 1964, Zambia and Russia have maintained mutual beneficial relations which are highly valued by the Zambian government.

Speaking when Russian Ambassador to Zambia, Azim Yarakhmedov paid a courtesy call on her at her office in Lusaka, Ms Kasanda said the agreements are critical to Zambia’s economic transformation agenda and the further consolidation of the bilateral relations it shares with Russia.

She said the Zambian government under the new Administration remains committed to the full implementation of agreements signed with Russia in various sectors including energy, health, education and Science and technology among others.

“As a regional economic hub, the Zambian government wishes to explore new areas of cooperation with the Russian government that will serve as a key drivers of economic growth and development for the two countries,” She said.

She said Russia’s utmost importance to the Zambian government is its foreign policy focus and economic diplomacy which feeds into economic transformation agenda for Zambia.

Ms Kasanda further explained that in the media sector, government is focusing on three key areas namely editorial independence, media self-regulation and public access to information among others.

She said government believes that a free and independent media is cardinal in the development of the country, hence its commitment to change the narrative in the media sector so that it can truly and freely set its own agenda.

The Minister added that as a strong advocate of global peace, the Zambian government continues to encourage diplomatic dialogue between Russia and Ukraine which will result in diplomatic resolution of the conflict.

And Russian Ambassador to Zambia, Azim Yarakhmedov said Russia and Zambia enjoys cordial relations since time immemorial in all sectors of the economy among others.

Mr Yarakhmedov explained that his Embassy saw it fit to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Information and Media, Chushi Kasanda, who is also Chief government Spokesperson in order to discuss matters of cooperation.

He also said that there is need to create a link between Russian and Zambian media in a quest to foster and enhance mutual understanding between the two countries as the media plays a critical role in sensitising the public.

“I wish to state that Russia has strong relations with Zambia spanning many years ago where Russia does a lot of activities in the area of energy, health, education and science and technology among others,” he said

Criminals ransack water supply installations worth over K500, 000 at Kafubu Water

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Criminals ransack water supply installations worth over K500, 000 at Kafubu Water

Criminals have ransacked water supply installations worth over K500, 000 belonging to Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company in Ndola’s Minsundu area.

Kafubu Water Public Relations Manager Misheck Moyo has confirmed that the unscrupulous people vandalised four of the ten water boreholes which the utility uses to supply water to the northern part of Ndola City.

Mr. Moyo said Kafubu Water has lost half a million kwacha through these thefts and vandalism of the water boreholes in Minsundu.

He said the case has been reported to police although no arrests have been made.

Mr. Moyo said the vandalism has negatively affected water supply in Ndeke Twapia, Pamodzi and Lubuto Townships among other areas.

He said Kafubu Water was aware of consumer’s complaints regarding fewer hours of supply in the Ndeke Twapia, Pamodzi and Lubuto Townships among other areas.

Mr. Moyo pleaded with Ndola residents to assist Kafubu Water in reporting these vandals to police.

“Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company is fully aware of the water challenges people are facing in Ndeke, Twapia, Pamodzi and Lubuto areas. These challenges have been caused basically due to vandalism on infrastructure. Want to report that to the nation that four of our boreholes at Minsundu Plant which supply water to these areas have been vandalised and we have lost machinery worthy over half a million kwacha,” Mr. Moyo said.

“Four of the ten water boreholes have been vandalized by unknown criminals. The matter has been reported to police. The boreholes in question supply water to the Northern part of Ndola that includes: Twapia, Pamodzi and Lubuto. We have lost half a million kwacha through these thefts. Residents should assist us in reporting these vandals to police. The process to replace vandalized materials at a great cost has started. Our engineers will start repairing the said boreholes tomorrow (Thursday),” Mr. Moyo said.

He continued:”We are in the process of replacing these materials and I want to assure residents in these areas that this problem is going to be rectified in a couple of days. These problems will be rectified. We are working with state police to ensure that the culprits who have vandalised our materials, equipment and boreholes in Minsundu are brought to book. We are further appealing to members of the public to be vigilant and report all suspected vandals who are tempering with our infrastructure to the nearest police. Police are making sure that these criminals who have vandalised our boreholes are brought to book.”

Kafubu Water services people in Ndola, Luanshya and Masaiti Towns.

Meanwhile, Mulonga Water has also bemoaned the vandalism of water infrastructure in Chingola and Mufulira.

Mulonga Water Public Relations Manager Bright Mtonga said levels of vandalism and thefts are on the rise in Chingola and Mufulira despite heightened sensitization against the scourge.

“In the water supply and sanitation business, customers and water utilities are inseparable so we need to work together. People should not sugar court that vandalism is as a result of water pipes being on bare land. There is no justification for stealing. As Mulonga in our quest to improve water supply we put up a plan to erect a new water treatment plant, procure new water pipes and improve the welfare of our staff.We have been explaining to people the badness of vandalism.The first step to ending vandalism is ensuring that as an individual you take part in efforts to prevent the scourge. Even if we bury pipes 100 meters deep if people do not change their mindset that will not stop thefts. Let all the people in Chingola resolve and say no to vandalism. Citizens should work with Mulonga to end vandalism,” Mr. Mtonga.

Zambia needs increased research on herbal medicines

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Zambia needs increased research on herbal medicines

Mufulira Mayor Tanaeli Kamanga says Zambia needs increased research on herbal medicines to develop locally produced food supplements and medicines. that can be used to manage and treat various ailments.

Mr. Kamanga says lack of research in herbal medicine has made the country to continue importing food supplements and herbal medicines from resources that are locally available.

Speaking during a workshop for diabetes patients in Mufulira, the Mayor observed that he is concerned that various imported food supplements and herbal medicines often sold at high prices that are beyond the reach of many Zambians.

“Zambia is blessed with many of these plants and herbs that are used to make these supplements and herbal medicines, they just put them in a capsule and they are expensive,” Mr. Kamanga said.

Mr. Kamanga urged Zambians not to shun authentic herbal medicines like Aloe Vera which he said have been proven to be high in nutrients, but instead increase research on how such plants can be exploited for maximum benefit.

And Diabetes Association of Zambia Mufulira Coordinator, Gilbert Mukuka said the workshop was a trainer of trainers workshop to equip diabetic patients with knowledge on how they can exploit natural foods and plants to manage the disease while also continuing on hospital treatment.

Dr. Mukuka said the increase in the number of people living with diabetes is slowly putting a strain on health facilities.

This strain will be reduced if patients know how to better manage the disease using herbal supplements, he added.

Zambia Judges and the Magistrates Work at the Mercy of the Executive Arm

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Zambia Judges and the Magistrates Work at the Mercy of the Executive Arm


By Isaac Mwanza

No one should necessarily blame President Hakainde Hichilema or the UPND for the manner in which our judges and judicial officers are subjected to work at the mercy of the Executive led by the President. Judges and judicial officers in Zambia constitutionally work and have been placed at the mercy of the Executive arm of Government led by the President and this has always remained one of my points at every Constitutional review that we must change the system.

Quiet fair, Judges are appointed by the President and ratified by Parliament. But these Judges are recommended to the Executive President for appointment by a Commission (Judicial Service) that is part of Executive. The Judicial Service Commission itself does not only work under the Executive arm but is also appointed by the President.

This is the Commission that is used to deal with judges or magistrates around whom the Executive would like to deal with. The Executive had been and continues to toss judges and magistrates around like a bottle-top because the law allows the Executive to do so. Nothing has changed at all. Everything has remained the same as it was in all previous regimes.

We have yet again another Commission (Judicial Complaints) which works under the Executive arm and is responsible for disciplining Judges and judicial officers. This part-of the executive Commission is appointed by the President and recommends to the President to remove any judge or judicial officer.

These Commissions used to appoint and discipline judges will usually have people who have never been judges or magistrates themselves. Some are practising lawyers who usually have audience before the very judges and Magistrates they would later be tasked to discipline. What do you expect of such Commissions? Can people who have lost cases before some judges or Magistrates be expected to be impartial when disciplining these men and women in wigs?

So when we talk to separation of powers in this country, we talk about a concept and not reality until a time when the Courts will begin freeing these Commissions from being under the Executive arm of government to become truly free and independent.

Magistrates and judges did not choose politics but they find themselves dealing with political powers or being labelled political in one way or another. This is sad for our judiciary. Again, I say this is not the problem created by this current regime, it is a problem of having the majority decide what must be in the Constitution and not listening to minority voices.

The truth remains the same that judges and magistrates, like the so called independent Commissions, are at the mercy of the Executive arm of government in Zambia. Amending the constitution is not the lasting solution because it will create further lacunas or procedures. The judges themselves have been given some constitutional authority to ensure that the Constitution is interpreted in the manner that promote our national values, which includes constitutionalism and good governance.

HRC hails HH’s decision on death penalty

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HRC hails HH’s decision on death penalty

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed the decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to abolish the death penalty.

Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mudford Mwandenga says, it is the expectation of the Commission that the progressive Presidential pronouncement on abolishing the death penalty will be followed with tangible action on legal reforms.

He says the Commission is aware that the death penalty is permissible under Article 12 of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the laws of Zambia, in the execution of a sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence under the law in force in Zambia of which a person has been convicted.

Mr Mwandenga said the policy pronouncement by the President can be actualized through the amendment of penal laws such as the Penal Code Act and the Criminal Procedure Code Act Chapter 88 of the laws of Zambia.

On the eve of Africa Day President HICHILEMA announced that the government has taken the decision to abolish the death penalty.

Below is the full statement

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WELCOMES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S STATEMENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS WORKING TOWARDS ABOLISHING THE DEATH PENALTY BY LAW IN ZAMBIA

The Human Rights Commission welcomes the statement by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, that Government has taken a decision to abolish the death penalty.

The statement by the President delivered on the eve of Africa Freedom Day inter alia that the Government had resolved to abolish the death penalty and that it will work with the National Assembly to actualize that resolution is a landmark step towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the right to life. Death Penalty constitutes the ultimate and irreversible gross violation of human rights which should never be practiced anywhere in the world in the 21st century.

Zambia has had a moratorium on the death penalty since 1997 when the last executions took place. Zambia is therefore considered a de facto death penalty abolitionist country as it has not implemented the cruel and inhuman practice for more than 10 years which is the internationally recognised threshold for a country to be considered to have abolished the death penalty in practice. By abolishing the death penalty both in practice and law, Zambia will join the increasing global movement in which, a total of 108 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes.

Therefore, the President and his administration are within the ambit of the universally accepted best practices on abolishing the death penalty.
It is the expectation of the Commission that the progressive Presidential pronouncement on abolishing the death penalty will be followed with tangible action on legal reforms. In this regard the Commission is cognizant of the fact that the death penalty is permissible under Article 12 of the Constitution, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia, in the execution of a sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence under the law in force in Zambia of which a person has been convicted. In this regard Section 24 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia provides that the death sentence is one of the punishments that can be inflicted by a Court for certain offences.

Therefore, the policy pronouncement by the President can be actualized through the amendment of penal laws such as the Penal Code Act and indeed the Criminal Procedure Code Act Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia.

Finally, the Commission wishes to commend President Hichilema for pardoning 2,652 inmates and commuting 30 death row sentences to life imprisonment in accordance with powers bestowed on him by Article 97 of the Constitution.

The gesture by the President is an affirmation of Zambia’s transition from retributive to restorative justice and a demonstration of the reason behind the constitutional change in the name of the institution that is mandated to manage the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates from Zambia Prisons Service to Zambia Correctional Service and it is hoped that this will result in rehabilitating of inmates and preservation of lives of those that hitherto have been sentenced to death.

(Original Signed)
Mudford Z. Mwandenga
Chairperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Government releases K1.8 million for 2017 AFCON volunteers

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Government releases K1.8 million for 2017 AFCON volunteers

The government under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has secured K1.8 million as part payment to volunteers who worked during the 2017 under 20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu disclosed that the funds are aimed at dismantling the over five million kwacha owed to Zambians, both from the private and public sector who worked when the country hosted the under 20 AFCON finals in 2017.

Nkandu explained that the K1.8 Million will be prioritized for private volunteers both in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces, while government workers will also receive their monies once the next funds are released.

Nkandu assured that government will meet its obligations of paying all those who provided services during the stated period, as he thanked them for their patience.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Nkandu bemoaned the delay to pay workers who volunteer especially in international and regional games, adding that it was heartbreaking to learn that some volunteers have even died before receiving their dues.

The Minister revealed that monies for international and regional games are always budgeted for hence guaranteed that going forward, his ministry will ensure to release the funds in time for the next events.

“Today I can announce that the volunteers who worked in 2017 for the under 20 AFCON finals will be paid by next week. We should remember that those people are volunteers, who contributed to a good tournament hence the need to be taken good care of,” Nkandu explained.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo boys are off to Ghana for an international camp ahead of the June 3, 2022 first leg match against Ivory Coast in the group H AFCON qualifiers in Yamoussoukro of Ivory Coast, Nkandu said Zambians are expectant of the team to perform their best.

The Minister noted that government has provided the necessary requirements through the release of K41 million for both women and men’s teams as requested by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), while it has also cleared Scottish based Frank Musonda who has since travelled with the team.

Nkandu has left the onus on FAZ to ensure there is harmony within the Association and the fans to give the team the necessary support so that they bring positive results as they face Ivory Coast.

And Soccer analyst, Musonda Chibulu said most of the boys have shown great commitment and that setting up camp in Ghana is important as part of good preparation for the team.

He foresees a 50/50 result stating that Ivory Coast is a strong team which has an upper hand advantage of playing from home and a host of the 2023 AFCON finals but he knows Chipolopolo’s strength, hence they will use tactics to help them come out victorious.

But Chibulu explained that this being the first game, they should prepare Chipolopolo boys to give the game their all by playing with confidence as if it’s the finals.

He noted this will make Zambians proud of the boy’s efforts regardless of the outcome.

Zambia is in group H fighting for a spot to the 2023 AFCON finals against Ivory Coast, Comoros and Lesotho.

The government committed so supporting local fertilizer production-Mubanga

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The government committed so supporting local fertilizer production-Mubanga

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga has commended Capricorn Fertilizer Limited, for producing quality organic local fertilizer at a lower price.

Mr Mubanga noted that the government is committed to empowering such initiatives developed by Zambians, which will help reduce the cost of fertilizer.

He said his ministry was created to empower such innovations so that they scale up their production.

The minister said this today, when he visited Capricorn Fertilizer, an Agro Business company situated in Lusaka West.

He said if such businesses are supported by government, it is evident that there production will be scaled up and in turn help bring down the cost of fertilizer which is currently imported.

And Capricorn Fertilizer Limited Director, Lucky Kangolo said the company needs more finances to be able to produce more organic fertilizer and meet the high demand.

Mr. Kangolo noted that the company which currently produces about 60 tons of fertilizer per day intends to open up a new plant in Kasama, adding that if supported by stakeholders, the company can produce more than this.

He said so far 100 workers have been employed at the Lusaka plant and 60 more are employed at the Ndola plant.

EU finances the Chinsali-Mpika road

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EU finances the Chinsali-Mpika road

Works to overhaul the 156 kilometer Chinsali-Mpika stretch along the Great North Road, is set to start with financial support from the European Union.

Muchinga Province Minister Henry Sikazwe told ZANIS that the contractor is expected to camp on site soon.

He described the road as a death trap with big potholes which will require a complete overhaul to save the lives of motorists.

“We shall soon see a contractor moving on site to work on a stretch between Chinsali and Mpika which is in a deplorable state,” said Mr. Sikakwe.

In a related development, Mr. Sikakwe disclosed China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited the contractor working on Lot 1 of the rehabilitation of the Great North Road between Chinsali and Isoka and China Railway Seventh Group working on Lot 2 between Isoka and Nakonde, will also work on some township roads in Chinsali, Isoka and Nakonde.

Mr. Sikakwe said that the Provincial administration has already engaged the two contractors and will soon reach an agreement on the number of kilometers of Township roads to be done in each district.

“We are in talks with the two contractors and soon we shall know how many kilometers of Township roads will be allocated to each respective district,” said Mr. Sikakwe.

Chipolopolo To Face Mozambique in 2022 CHAN Qualifiers

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Zambia will face Mozambique in the first round of the Algeria 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

The CHAN is a second tier AFCON exclusively for domestic league national team players.

Mozambique will host Zambia in their first round, first leg match during the weekend of July 22-24 and later host the Mambas seven days later to decide who goes through to the final qualifying stage.

Winner will face victor of the Malawi versus Zimbabwe tie in the final qualifying stage in late August.

But should Zimbabwe’s ban not be lifted two weeks before the 2023 CHAN qualifiers start in July, then Malawi will advance to the final stage to await winner of the Zambia-Mozambique tie.

This is the second time Chipolopolo and The Mambas are meeting in the CHAN qualifiers.

Chipolopolo beat Mozambique 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 away in the final round of the 2016 CHAN qualifiers to advance to the Rwanda tournament where Zambia reached the quarterfinals.

Since then, Zambia have qualified for the last three editions but in all of them made a quarterfinal exit.

Hichilema accepts Global Cholera Control Championship

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Hichilema accepts Global Cholera Control Championship

President Hakainde Hichilema has accepted the prestigious appointment as Global Cholera Control Champion by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control -GTFCC.

President Hichilema officially accepted the prestigious international appointment at the World Health Assembly, in Geneva, Switzerland.

He noted that in the past month, Zambia experienced a cholera outbreak threat in Lusaka but the country recorded a low number of 15 confirmed cases out of 25 suspected owing to strong preparedness and immediate implementation of the multi-sectoral response.

The Head of state said there was no death recorded during this period.

He said the Zambian response was effective because the first suspected case immediately triggered a strong response that confined and contained the potential outbreak.

President Hichilema implored the global community to internalize the lessons of the ongoing Global pandemics that he said are teaching countries critical lessons about global community existence.

He said countries are intricately connected and when there is trouble somewhere, there is potential for trouble everywhere.

President Hichilema called for unity and cooperation as a global community.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization-WHO.

WHO Director General, Tedros Ghebretesus, opened the meeting, and highlighted the perseverance of countries and partners in maintaining cholera control in the face of COVID-19.

He called upon the participants, and the global community as whole, to continue their commitments to cholera control and prevention efforts.

The Zambian delegation was led by Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo .

 

Government told to heed IMF advise to subsidize the cost of food and energy

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Government told to heed IMF advise to subsidize the cost of food and energy

Financial Economist Bright Chizonde has said that the government should heed to the International Monetary fund (IMF) call for governments to subsidize the cost of food and energy for the poorest members of society.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva recently said governments need to subsidize the poorest citizens in a targeted manner, preferably through direct subsidies to individuals as people are struggling with the rising cost of living.

In an interview with the local radio station Phoenix News, Mr. Chizonde said that people need help as the country’s economy is still recovering from hardships which have subjected them to further suffering.

Mr Chizonde has however cautioned against wrong targeting of the subsidies adding that the government should ensure sectors that add to the wellbeing of the people are targeted.

Last week, the head of IMF told the BBC that governments need to subsidise the cost of food and energy for the poorest members of society, adding that people around the world are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Kristalina Georgieva said support needed to be provided “in a very targeted manner, preferably by providing subsidies directly to people”.

According to the BBC, many governments are providing some help but critics argue it’s not enough and when it comes to the cost of living crisis, Ms Georgieva said: “There are two priorities, one the very poor people, segments of society that are now struggling with high food and energy prices”.

The second, she added, is to support those businesses that have been “most damaged” by the war in Ukraine.

Ms Georgieva is concerned that without the correct government support the protests seen in Sri Lanka could be repeated in other countries.

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, exacerbated by rising prices, has led to deadly riots, a new prime minister and a first-ever default on its debts.

The IMF boss said such similar unrest before the pandemic, from France to Chile, was caused by “a sense of inequality growing” and decisions being made without the support of the people.

“If we are to learn any lessons from 2019 if is to be much more humble about policy decisions, and engage in multiple ways with people, because policies must be for people, not the paper we write them on,” she said.

GOLF: Mwenda Eyes Zambia Ladies Open Title

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Golfer Lornah Mwenda is confident ahead of the Zambian Ladies Open championship that tees off at the Nkana Golf Club next month.

The Zambia Ladies Open tournament will run from June 3-5 in Kitwe.

Mwenda said this is her year to win the Zambian Ladies Open championship.

She has told journalists that she is in a good position to win the title.

“It’s looking very promising because I have been putting in a lot of practice and I have a lot of support. The year 2022 has started on a good note in that I won the first Order-of-Merit which was played in Ndola,” Mwenda said.

“I have been playing golf for 20 years now but I have never won the Zambia Ladies Open. The closest I came to winning it was when I came out second again at Nkana Golf Club. This year, it’s going back to Nkana so I am very hopeful that I will win it,” she said.

She recently won the season-opening Order-of-Merit tournament.

“A lot of friends have helped and motivated me both morally and financially and I wouldn’t want to disappoint them. So with all the support and with God by my side, I am going for it,” she said.

Mwenda belongs to Lusaka and Chainama golf clubs.

Meanwhile, Zambian Ladies Open champion Jahaanvie Walia has indicated that she would not be competing in this year’s event as she pushes for her pro-card in the US.

First Quantum Minerals saddened by criticism from Minister of Lands and Senior Chief Musele

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First Quantum Minerals saddened by criticism from Minister of Lands and Senior Chief Musele

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is saddened by the criticism it has received from Minister of Lands Elijah Muchima and Senior Chief Musele regarding its operations at Trident Mine in Kalumbila District.

During a community meeting with Lands Minister Elijah Muchima and North Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, Senior Chief Musele of Kalumbila District advised the government not to issue a title deed for Trident Mine as the mining giant has failed to fulfill its initial obligations in the area.

This is after the First Quantum Minerals -FQM-operated Mine applied to the government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural resources to put thirty-eight thousand hectares for surface rights and five thousand hectares for township expansion on title.

Chief Musele says before the Mine started mining, they agreed on constructing decent accommodation for those who were resettled in 2013 to pave way for mining activities.

But in a media statement, FQM Country Manager General Kingsley Chinkuli said Mr. Muchima and Chief Musele’s negative comments had the potential to undermine the new spirit of partnership and investor confidence stimulated by President Hakainde Hichilema since the announcement of FQM’s intention to invest an additional US$1.35 billion in North-Western Province.

General Chinkuli said the mining firm met all legal requirements regarding qualified community members displaced by mining activities in Kalumbila District.

He said the people were fully compensated in accordance with the Resettlement Action Plan signed by the resettled people and approved by the mandated government agencies.

“Despite the challenges that are inevitable with any programme such as this, FQM believes its resettlement work at Kalumbila is a model for other companies undertaking similar community work across the world,” General Chinkuli was quoted by the FQM Media.

“First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has noted with concern the media reports of criticism by the Honourable Minister of Lands Elijah Muchima and Senior Chief Musele. The company noted the historic grievances that were raised but expressed dismay that the remarks had the potential to undermine the new spirit of partnership and investor confidence engendered by President Hakainde Hichilema since the announcement of FQM’s intention to invest an additional US$1.35 billion in North-Western Province made earlier this month,” read the statement from FQM.

“Through its Trident Foundation, the company relocated 597 households when it began development of its Sentinel Mine at Kalumbila in 2013. All legal requirements were fully complied with, and all qualifying community members were fully compensated in accordance with the Resettlement Action Plan signed by the resettled people and approved by the mandated government agencies. Families received an equivalent homestead with land title and were economically empowered. Subsequent concerns from stakeholders should be addressed to appropriate government agencies and the District/Provincial Administration,” FQM stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Muchima during the community meeting said the government will not ignore the input of traditional leaders in making key decisions regarding development.

The Minister said the government values the input of traditional leaders as they are partners in development.

Mr. Muchima said the government wants local people to start benefiting from the natural resources.

Registration for SCT nutrition plus programme commences in Mpika

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Registration for SCT nutrition plus programme commences in Mpika

Registration of beneficiaries for the 1,000 days Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Nutrition Cash Plus programme in Mpika district has started.

Mpika District Commissioner, David Siame, this is a pilot programme which will be implemented in four districts in Zambia and Mpika is one of them.

Mr. Siame told ZANIS in Mpika today that the programme has been devised because the Social Cash Transfer alone is not sufficient to cater for additional nutritional needs pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

He added that this is why other interventions such as nutritional programmes have been developed.

“The main objective of this programme is to ensure that pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers achieve a high level of nutrition,” said Mr. Siame.

Mr. Siame further said the programme will help reduce the levels of stunting in the district, which is currently at 30 percent.

“Currently in Mpika, stunting levels are at 30 percent. So this programme will help improve the levels of stunting,” he said.

And Mpika District Social Welfare Officer, Amadeus Mwango, said the pilot programme is intended to capture 3,000 households with children below the age of one year and those with pregnant women.

“Government, with cooperating partners, thought that we undertake this important exercise to address the issues of stunting in the district,” he said.

Mr. Mwango further said the 1,000 days SCT Nutrition Cash Plus beneficiaries will receive bimonthly grant payments.

“The programme is one of the components of Zambia’s social protection interventions through which bimonthly grants are given to vulnerable households meeting the required benchmarks,” he said.

He has since urged community members to avail themselves in large numbers and register for the benefit of their children.

Meanwhile, Annette Mwansa, a Chibaye resident said the programme will be of great help as it will improve the nutrition levels in the community.

Ms. Mwansa said most children in the area are stunted, adding that this has also affected their well-being.

“Child development in this area has been bad. Some children are not even able to reason properly at school because of effects of poor nutrition,” said Ms. Mwansa

Don’t transfer erring officers- Kangwa directs Controlling Officers

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Don’t transfer erring officers- Kangwa directs Controlling Officers

The Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa has expressed concern with increasing numbers of public service workers being surrendered to the Public Service Management Division (PAMD) or transferred to other Ministries or departments on the basis of misconduct.

Mr. Kangwa has since directed PSMD not to attend to such requests, further urging controlling officers to also refrain from making the requests.

He was speaking in Lusaka today, when he officially opened a meeting of Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Human Resource and Administration on the Public service disciplinary code and handling staff offences.

He explained that requests of surrendering or transferring an offending officer to another ministry or department does not solve the problem but instead it is just transferring the problem to another environment.

Mr. Kangwa said the trend has led to an increase in the number of officers facing disciplinary action without proper conclusion of the cases.

He wondered why despite having the authority to warn, charge, demote, suspend or fire erring officers, people entrusted with such responsibilities have failed to do so.

He explained that there is need for the officers to be proactive and timely deal with challenges that affect the effective provision of public services.

“Surrendering or transferring of staff is not in any way dealing with a problem, we need to be proactive, and failure to deal with an officer who is indisciplined is an indication that you have also failed. This is why I am directing PSMD to discontinue receiving requests of surrendering, and you PSs not to make those requests of surrendering, “he added.

Mr. Kangwa cited the continued citing of public service workers in the Auditor General’s report and the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee as an indication that there is a lot of disorderliness in the service.

He stated that the new administration is committed to seeing a civil service that is vested with knowledge on the government procedures and operations for effective public service provision.

The Acting Secretary to Cabinet explained that this is why government has embarked on human resources management reforms aimed at equipping the head of Human Resource and Permanent Secretaries on how to efficiently deal with issues to do with personnel.

He also called for strict observance of confidentiality when handling government documents and matters.

Mr. Kangwa further added that the cabinet office will continue with such engagements in order for controlling officers and other key staff to have knowledge and understanding on professionalism that will in turn benefit the workers.

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