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Ndola Teaching Hospital to have own oxygen generation plant

Chief Editor
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Ndola Teaching Hospital to have own oxygen generation plant

Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH) management says it has accelerated its plans to set up an Oxygen generation plant installed at the facility.

Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Joseph Musowoya says that the project is aimed at ensuring that the hospital is self – sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

Dr. Musowoya in an interview explained that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has since engaged cooperating partners to actualise the project.

“Medical oxygen shortages have persisted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period.

“ During the peak of the first, second and third wave, the hospital saw its oxygen reserves fizzle out, the demand for medical oxygen soared and heartrending scenes unfolded as people struggled to access the life-saving commodity.

“ The situation pushed management to weigh options for oxygen production to make sure we are self-sufficient and not dependent on third parties to provide us with the oxygen, “he emphasized.

Dr Musowoya explained that this set up is essentially reliable as it can produce oxygen for many patients at once and enable the hospital to distribute to other health facilities within the jurisdiction.

Over 300 thousand properties stored on digital- Surveyor General

Chief Editor
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Over 300 thousand properties stored on digital- Surveyor General

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has disclosed that it has up to date digitized over 300 thousand properties and scanned close to 60 thousand files.

Ministry of Land and Natural Resources Surveyor General Joseph Minango says the process of digitizing properties has been done in partnership with the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project (ZIFLP).

Mr Minango said digitization of paper records is important in the management of land records in the country.

He was speaking during the National Capacity Building for Surveyors workshop in Chongwe today as part of the digitization of Land records.

Mr Minango however said the Ministry has continued to receive paper records which it has to digitize.

He said following the enactment of the Land Survey Amendment Act of 2021 which includes some provisions where his office is now able to receive electronic documents, it is important for documents to be digitized.

“You all know, colleagues, that record management of hardcopy maps is a challenge as you deal with issues of space, retrieval of documents and sharing of such documents. Government has been desirous to implement electronic management in all its dealing and implementing the submission and management of electronic survey record is seen as one of the important milestones in its stride towards e-governance,” Mr Minango said.

Speaking on the same occasion, Surveyors Institute of Zambia Chairman Glenn Mwika said the process of digitizing records will quicken the issuance of title deeds.

In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Mr Mwika said the digitization process will make issuance of titles more efficient.

He said Zambians will stand to benefit greatly from the digitization process.

Mr Mwika lamented how frustrating the process could be if it is done in a manual way.

“The last I checked when we did an actual physical count would be a four and half year backlog which means if you wanted a title today and you wanted a surveyor to do the work, you would be expected to get your title after 4 years,” he said.

Asanovic Calls 14 Pros For March Friendlies

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Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu is in but Leicester City striker Patson Daka is out of Chipolopolo’s forthcoming March friendlies.

And Chipolopolo coach has named two players from the diaspora in his 20-member team for this month’s friendly dates against Congo-Brazzaville and Guinea.

Mwepu will captain Zambia following his recent return to action after a two month injury hiatus at Brighton.

But the Leicester striker is set to miss the tour citing a family commitment.

Glasgow Rangers striker Fashion Sakala is part of the 14 foreign-based players confirmed the friendlies and there is also a long-waited senior debut for ex-Under 20 attacking midfielder Lameck Banda who is based in Israel.

Asanovic has made two interesting call-ups after summoning unknown defender Frankie Musonda of Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers.

Musonda is one of two players from the diaspora in the team together with defender Aime Mabika of USA MLS club Inter Miami.

Zambia departs for Turkey on Tuesday where they will face Congo-Brazzaville on March 24 in Antalya and are later expected to play Guinea on March 29 in Paris.

GOALKEEPERS: Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune United, South Africa)

DEFENDERS: Frankie Musonda (Raith Rovers, Scotland), Aime Mabika (Inter Miami CF, USA), Benedict Chepeshi, Prosper Chiluya (both Red Arrows), Shemmy Mayembe (ZESCO United), Miguel Chaiwa (Shamuel Academy), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)

MIDFIELDERS: Klings Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Enock Mwepu (Brighton and Hove Albion, England), Lubambo Musonda (AC Horsens, Denmark), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Emmanuel Banda (Djurgårdens, Sweden), Roderick Kabwe (Sekhukhune United-South Africa), Clatous Chota Chama (Simba SC, Tanzania), Kelvin Kampamba (ZESCO United)

STRIKERS: Fashion Sakala (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Gamphani Lungu (Supersport United, South Africa), Lameck Banda (Maccabi Petah Tikva, Israel), Evans Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia)

Movie Review: The Batman

Entertainment Editor
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Movie Review: The Batman

When the Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city’s hidden corruption and question his family’s involvement.

PROS

  • Superb performance by Robert Pattinson as The Batman.
  • The movie gives a fresh feel to the well-known Batman story.
  • The movie focuses more on the idea of Batman as a detective, an aspect of the character that has largely been underplayed or outright ignored by previous adaptations.

    FAVORITE QUOTES

Batman: “Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure, and the strength to fight.”

Batman: (Looking at Bat-signal)“Fear is a tool. When that light hits the sky, it’s not just a call. It’s a warning.”

 

Thug: “What the hell are you supposed to be?

[Batman beats down the thug]

Batman: I’m vengeance!”

 

Alfred: “If this continues, it won’t be long before you’ve nothing left.”

Batman: “I don’t care about that. Any of that.”

Alfred: “You don’t care about your family’s legacy?

Batman: “What I’m doing IS my family’s legacy.”

CONCLUSION

Upon the announcement that Robert Pattinson would be taking the role of Batman, there was a lot of skepticism on whether he would be able to live up to the high standards of Christian Bale’s Batman in the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy. Rather than try to meet expectations, The Batman takes a somewhat fresh spin at the well-known Batman story, compelling twists and a strong point-of-view on who, exactly, the Caped Crusader is. By doing that ‘The Batman’ not only lives up to the hype surrounding it, but it turned out to be much better than most critics had expected.

Pattinson’s Batman, in my view, is more humanized and vulnerable. In the sense that we have come to know superheroes in the recent past, he is more of a vigilante than a true superhero. Most superhero films take place on a grand scale, but this one does so in a unique way. Those films are based on massive, world-shattering stakes, and the presentation is scaled proportionately. The stakes in this The Batman are significantly lower and more realistic. That’s not to imply they’re any less significant or effective; in fact, the lack of narrative bombast just enhances our capacity to connect with the story and characters.

The movie undeniably gave us the best onscreen version of the Riddler. Fans may remember the Jim Carrey portrayal being cartoony, but now we get a more, serious, Zodiac-serial-killer-inspired version. Paul Dano did an excellent job with this role using his eyes to provide us a doorway into the character’s fragmented psyche despite wearing a full-face mask and speaking in a digitally manipulated voice.

The Batman is a thrilling story that takes a darker look at Gotham City’s beloved hero as he realizes his place in a city that is just as damaged as he is.

RATING 

4 out of 5

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

Bank of Zambia happy with growth in digital financial platforms

Chief Editor
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Bank of Zambia happy with growth in digital financial platforms

Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya has called for a strong partnership between stakeholders in the banking sector so as to contribute to the financial inclusion agenda through the development of appropriate services.

Dr. Kalyalya said there is a need for players in the financial sector to collaborate and support the economic growth of the country while maintaining stability in the sector.

He observed that with the stable growth that the sector has registered so far with financial inclusion levels increasing from 59.3 per cent in 2015 to 69.4 per cent in 2020.

He attributed the increase to the use of technology and various innovations such as mobile channels in the sector as some of the measures that have led to the growth in the access to financial services by the general citizenry.

ZANIS reports that Dr Kalyalya was speaking in Lusaka today during the official launch of the 2022 Financial Literacy Week where he stated that the growth in digital platforms has further enhanced the country’s revenue collection and economic development.

“Technology and innovation in the financial sector has played a major role in raising the level of financial inclusion in the country over the last five years, According to the FinScope 2020 survey, while overall financial inclusion increased from 69.4 from 59.3,” he explained.

Dr. Kalyalya stated in the last 10 years, the central bank working with its stakeholders with the financial literacy week have been creating awareness among children on the need to acquire knowledge and skills about personal financial management.

Meanwhile Dr. Kalyalya regretted that while the impact of COVID-19 on global economic growth is subsiding, the pandemic is still a risk for future economic growth and consequently financial inclusion.

And the Bankers Association of Zambia has pledged to supplement government efforts in delivering the right financial literacy messages and ensure that the right products and services are provided to the children.

Association Chairperson Mizinga Melu observed that the provision of banking, insurance and investment has rapidly transformed and is following the changing needs and expectations of the present and future generations.

Ms. Melu said this is why in order to accelerate the financial inclusion levels the banking sector has over the years positively responded to calls for pure savings accounts for underserved and unserved populations.

“The key strategic objectives of the Bankers Association of Zambia are to increase financial literacy levels as well as to develop innovative and technologically driven payment channels to ensure a financially included population in the country,” she said.

She added that wealth creation is a lifetime process hence the need to make financial education activities and targets make them in such a way that will benefit youths.

She further expressed concern with the rise in cyber-attacks, where unsuspected customers are swindled using different electronic transactions such as mobile money or E- wallets.

Ms. Melu said this problem can only be resolved through collaborative efforts by all service providers to maintain the trust and confidence that customers have.

UNZA Lecturers Thank Government for additional Schoolarships

Chief Editor
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UNZA Lecturers Thank Government for additional Schoolarships

University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union -(UNZALARU) has thanked the government for awarding additional loans to 2-thousand 7-hundred and 80 students at the University of Zambia.

UNZALARU General Secretary KELVIN MAMBWE says the new dawn administration has listened to the cry of the people and provided additional funding for more students to access University education.

Dr. MAMBWE says the move by government is commendable as it has never happened for such a big number to be given loans on appeal.

He told ZNBC news that going forward government should provide Student Loans based on vulnerability and not the point scored by a student.

Dr. MAMBWE said vulnerable students should be given the loans as long as they meet the criteria for entering the University.

Meanwhile Dr. MAMBWE has urged Management at UNZA to use the additional funding in from students loans to improve the work environment for the workers and learning environment for the learners.

He said management should also work at providing a pay rise following the additional funds from the government.

Yesterday, the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board awarded additional student loans to 2 thousand 7-hundred and 80 first year students at UNZA for the 2021/2022 academic year.

Board Senior Corporate Communications Officer CHISELWA KAWANDA said this entails that for the first time, over 5-thousand first year students have been awarded student loans at One university in one academic year.

Remarks by Former President Edgar Lungu at RB’s Funeral “UnZambian”- UPND Alliance

Chief Editor
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Remarks by Former President Edgar Lungu at RB’s Funeral “UnZambian”- UPND Alliance

The UPND Alliance is disappointed with sentiments made by former president Edgar Lungu after the burial ceremony of late fourth president Rupiah Banda.

In a statement, UPND Alliance Spokesman Daniel Shimunza said that not only is it taboo and disrespectful to utter such weird words at a funeral, but it is also rude, uncultured and unZambian for a man of Mr Lungu’s stature to belittle the respect of such a ceremony.

Dr Shimunza says president Hichilema has been magnanimous in reaching out to former president Lungu even after some of the most blatant forms of abuse was relentlessly unleashed against him under Mr Lungu’s watch including his 100 days detention at Mukobeko maximum prison on trumped-up charges.

Dr Shimunza has since challenged Mr Lungu to do a lot of soul-searching and ask himself questions because, going by what has been seen so far, he himself is the hypocrite in chief.

He has further urged Mr Lungu to tone down and start living by the dictates of his stature.

Meanwhile, the ruling United Party for National Party for National Development (UPND) has urged the opposition Patriotic Front to stop the blame game and accept that the general election loss was caused by themselves.

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda states that the Party has noticed some reckless statements coming from the rank and file of the PF against the UPND led government with their acting Secretary-General Nickson Chilangwa freely convening a women’s conference in Ndola to disparage the UPND and its leadership in government.

Mr Imenda has questioned how the PF can today insult the intelligence of Zambians who democratically elected the UPND into office by insinuating that the UPND corrupted its way into government.

The secretary-general states that while it can be agreed that the PF has the right to cry and lament, they should not remind the Zambians of their brutal and dictatorial regime at the time when the citizenry is getting used to freedoms under the UPND.

Mr Imenda has stated that the UPND will continue and concentrate on the development agenda as espoused in its manifesto.

Milingo Lungu was forced to resign from his position by the UPND Government-Nakacinda

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Milingo Lungu was forced to resign from his position by the UPND Government-Nakacinda

Patriotic Front Information and Publicity Chairperson Hon Raphael Nakacinda has said that Konkola Copper Mines Provisional liquidator Milingo Lungu was forced to resign from his position by the UPND Government.

According to Mr Milingo Lungu’s letter of resignation dated 17th March, no reason was cited for his resignation.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of the PF Copperbelt women Movement, Hon Nakacinda alleged that the resignation has been induced by the UPND Administration in a bid to bring back Vedanta to start running the mines.

He advised the women on the Copperbelt to stand firm and denounce the intentions of the Government to bring back the investors who made the people suffer.

Hon Nakacinda said the Zambian people are already facing difficulties under the UPND Administration due to the high cost of living and would be subjected to more suffering once KCM is given to Vedanta.

Hon Nakacinda has described the current administration as being the weakest Government to have ever ruled Zambia.

“The reason this Government is persecuting Patriotic Front members is that they do not have what to tell the people of Zambia. He is telling lies that the PF destroyed the country. Are you telling me that the infrastructure we built is destruction,” he stated.

Hon Nakacinda said the Zambian people are looking up to the PF for views that represent the people.

He has encouraged the women not to pay attention to paid bloggers who spend their time insulting Patriotic Front Leaders and Former Head of State Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Yesterday, Milingo Lungu, appointed provisional liquidator at Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia in 2019, announced his resignation on Sunday.

“I’ve resigned. I think I’ve done my part and I don’t think my prolonged stay there, especially if I have to start going to court, is going to be beneficial to the company or any of its stakeholders,” Lungu said in comments broadcast on Lusaka-based, privately owned Diamond TV.

Mr Lungu also confirmed his resignation to Reuters on Sunday.

Zambia’s previous government, which owns 20% of KCM through state mining investment firm ZCCM-IH, handed control of KCM to liquidator Milingo Lungu in 2019, triggering the dispute with Vedanta, which owns the other 80%.

It was not immediately clear what Lungu’s resignation would mean for KCM’s future.

Vedanta has said it is keen to resolve the dispute over KCM and has pledged to invest $1.5 billion into its operations.

In a letter seen by Reuters dated March 17 and addressed to KCM official receiver Natasha Kalimukwa, Lungu said he had resigned, but he did not give any reason for his decision.

“This serves to inform you that I have with immediate effect resigned as provisional liquidator of Konkola Copper Mines,” read the letter, whose authenticity Lungu confirmed to Reuters.

Kalimukwa had moved on March 11 to suspend Lungu after receiving a complaint from ZCCM-IH relating to mismanagement. Lungu refused to go, however, saying Kalimukwa had no power to remove him as he had been appointed by a court.

Critical Shortage of drugs in hospitals and Clinics, Who Will Pay for the Lives Lost?

Chief Editor
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Critical Shortage of drugs in hospitals and Clinics, Who Will Pay for the Lives Lost?

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

The fact is no longer in contest.

There is an established critical shortage of medicines and medical supplies in hospitals, Clinics and health centres in Zambia in the last six months.

The number of loss of lives attributed directly to this sad development is yet to be made public. This is because, during this period, the Ministry of Health has not bought any medicines, has refused to pay previous suppliers, has abolished the Procurement Unit and is in the process of picking “new” suppliers.

The portfolio Minister, Hon Sylvia Masebo proceeded to abolish all boards and management of sub-sector entities involved in the regulatory and distribution of drugs.

Further it is extremely surprising to hear Hon. Masebo, in her Ministerial Statement in Parliament, express ignorant shock that Hospitals have not taken the initiative to buy medicines and medical supplies using administrative and operational grants that the Ministry has disbursed!

She even dares to accuse hospital administrators of having masters elsewhere ( PF) other than the current Government!
This statement alone is a scandal on its own!

Does she expect Hospitals to utilise administrative and operational funds, to buy medicines? Does she expect Administrators to take quotations from the streets and buy medicines from there? Does she know how public funds are utilized? Has she read the Auditor General’s Reports? Is her request for such an initiative even legal in Zambia?

Her last stay at a Ministry ( Ministry of Tourism) in 2012 ended in tears as she was arrested and arraigned before the court of law for abuse of office and interfering in the procurement process as a Minister…guess nothing has changed in her outlook.

Has she heard of ZAMRA?

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority is the Statutory Body established under an Act of Parliament; the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013 to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, storage distribution, supply, sale and use of medicines and allied substances.

Has the Minister heard about Medical Stores Limited (MSL) now transformed as the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), an autonomous government agency established under the companies act with the express objective of furnishing to the nation good quality drugs and various medical equipment and supplies?

Over the years, the Ministry of Health, its development and cooperating assistance partners have invested substantial amounts of money in the public-sector drug procurement and distribution system. Zambia has a well-functioning supply chain for essential medicines.

Zambia has a three-tier system with storage of medicines and medical supplies at each level (Storage at National Distribution Center, District Health Office and Health Facility).

Government constructed regional hubs in line with Government’s decentralization policy, across the country.

By criminalizing all companies that supply medicines and medical supplies, by firing all Permanent Secretaries, by dissolving all boards at ZAMMSA and ZAMRA, and by abolishing the procurement unit, Masebo is trying to re-invent the wheel and not cleaning up.

What Masebo and her technical staff are currently doing is to dismantle a heavily invested in, well-established and well-functioning system built over the years.

Clearly, this wayward gamble by Masebo has cost many dear lives as a result of lack of medicines at hospitals, clinics and health centres in the last six months.

Who will pay for the loss of these lives?

Isn’t life sacred with the New Dawn Government?

The PF used to take good care of the Zambian people-Kampamba

Chief Editor
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The PF used to take good care of the Zambian people-Kampamba

Patriotic Front (PF) National Chairperson for women Hon Kampamba Mulenga has implored women to remain United if the party is to bounce back in Power.

Hon Kampamba said one of the reasons the party failed to safeguard the August 12 election which was allegedly stolen is because of lack of unity and division.

She has since asked the women on the Copperbelt to work with leaders and candidates who will be chosen by the party leadership in future elections.

Hon Kampamba was speaking during the Launch of the Copperbelt PF women’s movement at the New Copperbelt Province Head Quarters in Ndola today.

She said the women movement should be strong and work hard to ensure that there is change of Government in 2026.
Hon Kampamba said people will die of hunger if the government is not changed in four years time.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed beyond imaginable levels. The PF used to take good care of the Zambian people. When you go at the hospital, there are no medicines instead of sorting out the problem, the President is just busy travelling around the world

Patriotic Front (PF) National Chairperson for women Hon Kampamba Mulenga
Patriotic Front (PF) National Chairperson for women Hon Kampamba Mulenga

And Hon Kampampa said the PF is still strong and intact as can be seen from lack of defections from the PF to other political parties.

“This is the first time in the History of elections that we have seen a party that lose power not losing members through defections. If you see a person defecting, just know that there were not PF from the word go. As women in the party, we are asking for your support as leaders in the party,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, PF acting Secretary General Hon Nickson Chilangwa applauded the PF women on the Copperbelt for maintaining discipline and Unity

Hon Chilangwa has however Challenged the UPND to call for early elections because they have failed to run the country.
Meanwhile, PF Information and Publicity Chairperson Hon Raphael Nakacinda urged the women to ignore bloggers who are paid on social media to insult PF leaders.

Hon Nakacinda said the entire country is looking up to the PF to speak for them hence the need not to be swayed by social media keypad warriors.

“Do not pay attention to people who are insulting party leaders. They are paid to insult former President Edgar Lungu, they are paid to insult Hon Given Lubinda , even ba National Women Chairperson nabena balabatuka. So mwibikako amino balabalipila
So Mukose, there is need to replicate meetings of such nature countrywide.. Tulelolesha pali 2026. The party leadership made a good decision appointing Hon Mulenga as Women Chairperson,” he said.

UPND announces Mongu mayoral by-election candidate

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UPND announces Mongu mayoral by-election candidate

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on other political parties and stakeholders to ensure that peace is upheld before, during, and after the mayoral and local government by-elections slated for April 14, 2022 in Mongu and Monze districts.

UPND Chairperson for Elections, Gary Nkombo, said all stakeholders should play their role in upholding peace so that no violence will be recorded during campaigns and on election day.

Mr. Nkombo said this when he unveiled the ruling party’s adopted candidates to contest in the mayoral, Lukutu, and Katimba local government by-elections in Mongu, Luwingu and Monze districts respectively.

He disclosed that his party has adopted Peter Chanda for the Lukutu ward in Luwingu in Northern Province, Brian Chingula for the Katimba ward by-election in Southern Province and Nyambe Muyumbana for the Mongu mayoral by-elections in Western Province.

Mr. Nkombo has since urged all participants in the polls to desist from engaging in any kind of electoral malpractice and to denounce all forms of violence.

“I would like all our members across the country who are going to participate during the elections to lobby for the voters and sensitise them on the importance of upholding peace during the elections,” he said.

He further called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that it conducts free and fair elections.

Mr. Nkombo has meanwhile encouraged the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law and order so as to have peaceful elections in the three districts.

“We are quite confident that come 14th of April, the deserving candidates will take the day. We wish Zambia peace as we go through this competition. We are not enemies but competitors, we are not adversaries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nkombo has urged the media to play their role effectively and offer unbiased and fair coverage of the elections to all political parties.

The by-election in Mongu district has been necessitated by the death of the mayor Nyambe Matakala in a road accident on 24th February 2022.

The Katimba ward by-election in Monze has also been necessitated by the death of area councilor Nephas Hachibala on 4th February 2022.

The Lukutu ward seat fell vacant as a result of the nullification of the election of Mr. Kennedy Katongo of Patriotic Front by the Constitutional court in 27th September 2021.

Mr. Katongo had however appealed against the court’s verdict but it was dismissed on 20th January 2022.

Elections for both the mayoral and local government by-elections will be held on Thursday, 14th April 2022 from 06:00 to 18:00hours.

Nominations in all the affected places will take place on Tuesday 22nd March 2022.

Government reiterates call for Christians to observe values, principles

Chief Editor
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Government reiterates call for Christians to observe values, principles

Copperbelt Provincial Minister, Elisha Matambo, has reiterated government’s call to observe Christian values and principles among community members through effective participation in God’s work.

Speaking when he graced the annual women fundraising ceremony at Nkana Baptist Church in Lufwanyama district yesterday, Mr. Matambo said President Hakainde Hichilema attaches great importance to the promotion of biblical faith and rich cultural heritage in the country.

He said it was therefore important for Christians to be united if they were to succeed in achieving the objective of enhancing their spiritual work.

The minister said the Nkana Baptist church is among many other religious organisations that have been consistent in improving the wellbeing of people through evangelism.

Mr. Matambo has since assured the church of continued government support towards its projects.

Meanwhile, Mr. Matambo, together with his entourage, donated about K15, 000 cash and pledged to buy 75 chairs for the church.

The minister was accompanied by some government provincial officers and Lufwanyama district officials.

Lufwanyama District Commissioner, Justin Mwalikwa and area Member of Parliament, Kenny Siachisumo, were also among those that accompanied Mr. Matambo.

And Nkana Baptist church congregation Reverend, Levis Chitalu commended the minister and his entourage for donating to the church.

Rev. Chitalu also said the church will endeavor to work with government in improving the welfare of people in society.

Zambia to celebrate international day of forests

Chief Editor
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Zambia to celebrate international day of forests

Zambia will today, March 21, join the rest of the world in commemorating the annual event of international day of forests.

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 21st March of every year as the international day of forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

Since then, the Forestry Department in Zambia has been organising activities involving forests and trees such as tree-planting, radio, television and community awareness campaigns.

The 2021 celebrations will take place at Yotam Muleya Secondary School in Lusaka and will be graced by the Acting Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Elijah Muchima.

Other senior government officials will also attend the celebrations.

According to the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) of 2014, approximately 300,000 hectares of forest cover are lost every year in Zambia.

These significant deforestation and forest degradation rates in Zambia are largely attributed to wood extraction, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development and fires.

Charcoal production is considered one of the primary causes of forest degradation in Zambia and the main cause of carbon stock loss from forests in the country.

Government and scavengers failed to reach a consensus on the Operation of the Black Mountain in Kitwe

Chief Editor
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Government and scavengers failed to reach a consensus on the Operation of the Black Mountain in Kitwe

The Government and scavengers are also known as hand pickers have failed to reach a consensus on the mechanism of operating the Black Mountain in Kitwe.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe on Saturday met scavengers near the mine site and told them to stop climbing the Black Mountain to pick chrome which is one of the major minerals found at the Back Mountain.

Mr. Kabuswe suggested that people operating tippers will be taking material outside the mine site where the scavengers will be picking from to prevent accidents.

But the hand pickers argued that they want to be picking chrome for themselves because it is unlikely that operators will be giving them valuable raw material.

“Let them allow us to climb the Black Mountain like we have been doing in the past. We can’t trust the process of them giving us material which has already been dug,” one of the hand-pickers said.

Mr. Kabuswe, however, maintained that no one will be allowed to climb the Black Mountain because it can lead to deaths in case it collapses.

“We know that you are hungry that is why we have come here. First thing, I want to tell you that we are worried that you are climbing over the Black Mountain to pick chrome. That mountain can collapse and people can die. That is not what we want. I have heard your cries that people who are operating with tippers are just doing it anyhow without considering whether or not the material is profitable. I don’t want to see you cheated by bringing material that is not profitable. I want to ensure that they are giving you material that has chrome in it,” Mr. Kabuswe said.

“I am telling the mine manager and geologists that if you want to be using tippers, ensure that you get material which has a lot of chrome. The material can be easily identified. So we don’t want people to be given worthless material that has no chrome. We have told mine manager and geologists to find the correct belt that has chrome. Yes you know where chrome is because you have been here at the Black Mountain for a long time but some people have gone to school for these things. These people who have gone to school are experts in this field and know where to pick chrome from. People were just digging and picking chrome any way I have seen that because I am also a miner,” he said.

“Listen to me, when something has started don’t say it won’t happen, when you try and it fails, try more options that is how life is. This Black Mountain is too huge. Some of you will die before it is finished so take it easy until things work out well. This Black Mountain exists because of you, the people of Zambia and not me the Minister. As a Minister I am just an overseer to ensure that you benefit from the Black Mountain and that your lives are safeguarded. People should not benefit from the Black Mountain at the expense of others losing lives. We don’t want that,” Mr. Kabuswe added.

“That incident where people climbed up the Mountain with others singing will not happen again. I am asking you people of Zambia when a new thing comes, let’s try it. If it fails I will come back just like I came back because I was here three weeks ago. I am back after hearing things are not working as earlier planned. Operators should dig on portions rich in chrome and give you. So you want to climb the Black Mountain? No. Listen to me; I don’t want to repeat the closure of mineral dump sites in Zambia like it happened in the past. I don’t want to suspend operations at this Black Mountain. If one is injured or dead we will close the Black Mountain and what are you going to do. It’s better to try this and that until what we want works. I am telling you that we won’t allow people to climb on the Black Mountain to pick material,” Mr. Kabuswe concluded.

Confusion last week characterized operations at the Black Mountain as hand pickers also referred to as scavengers fought for their share at the mineral dump site.

Police on Tuesday and Thursday fought running battles with scavengers after they were denied entry into the Black Mountain area.

The scavengers blocked the Kitwe-Ndola Road with tyres, logs and stones in protest.

Nkana Draw at GBFC, Zanaco Finally Win in CAF Confed Cup

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Nkana stayed in the hunt for a FAZ Super League top four finish while Zanaco finally won their first group game in the CAF Confederation Cup.


=NKANA DRAW WITH GBFC
Nkana crawled from one-down to finish 1-1 with Green Buffaloes away at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka.

Royd Alufonso put Buffaloes ahead in the 18th minute but it took Nkana until the 72nd minute to equalize through Jacob Ngulube to earn them the draw.

Buffaloes stay 5th on 39 points, Nkana are 4th on 41  points and are fourteen points behind leaders  Red Arrows  with seven games left to play.

Third placed Green Eagles are tied on 47 points with Zesco United.


ZANACO BEAT SFAXIEN
Across the city of Lusaka on the  same day at National Heroes Stadium, Zanaco  ended their four-match losing start  in the CAF Confederation Cup Group A following a 1-0  home win over CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.

Midfielder Boyd Musonda’s long-range effort finally handed bottom of the log Zanaco their first three points of the league phase.

Meanwhile, the result also eliminated the record three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners who are third on 4 points after losing their penultimate Group A fixture.

Sfaxien are five points behind second placed Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya who have qualified alongside Pyramids who have 10 points before their late Sunday night kickoff with two matches to spare.

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