Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director, Jilly Chiyombwe has raised concern over the increasing discharge of inadequately treated industrial wastewater into the sewer system.

Speaking during a public-private dialogue on trade effluent management in Lusaka, Mr Chiyombwe described the situation as one of the greatest silent threats to sanitation infrastructure in the province.

He stated that the practice is causing serious damage to sewer pipes and wastewater treatment facilities, while also disrupting biological treatment processes and increasing operational costs.

Mr Chiyombwe said the company currently serves about 2.9 million people through over 147,000 water and sanitation connections and continues to expand infrastructure to meet growing demand.

He noted that sanitation remains one of the challenges in Lusaka Province, with the sewer network spanning close to 800 kilometres mainly concentrated in Lusaka and Kafue.

Mr Chiyombwe explained that most residents and businesses still depend on on-site sanitation systems, which present significant environmental and management challenges.

He further stressed that the discharge of untreated industrial effluent poses serious risks to public health and the environment, adding that pre-treatment of wastewater by industries is not optional but essential.

Mr Chiyombwe has since called on all industries and commercial entities to invest in appropriate pre-treatment systems and comply with effluent discharge standards to protect the city’s sanitation infrastructure.

And Trade Kings Group Head of Health, Safety and Environmental Management, David Coutts stressed the company’s commitment to improving wastewater management and complying with environmental regulations.

Minister of Health, Alex Katakwe has expressed concern over the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as they account for a third of all deaths recorded in the country.

Speaking during the launch of the Zambia STEPS Survey in Lusaka, Dr Katakwe said the growing burden of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and Cancer poses a serious threat to public health and national development.

“NCDs are responsible for a third of all deaths occurring in this country and this calls for urgent and coordinated action,” he said.

 Dr Katakwe explained that the STEPS Survey is a national study aimed at collecting data on risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases to guide policy and interventions.

“The STEPS Survey will provide us with critical data on the prevalence of key risk factors and help inform evidence based decision making in the fight against NCDs,” he stated.

He added that trained personnel will be deployed across all ten provinces to conduct the survey, targeting scientifically selected participants aged between 18 and 69 years for accurate national representation.

Dr Katakwe emphasised that the exercise goes beyond data collection and is intended to safeguard public health.

He has since urged members of the public to cooperate with survey teams and participate fully in the exercise.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute Director General, Roma Chilengi said globally, Non-Communicable Diseases such as diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions account for approximately 41 million deaths annually.

Prof. Chilengi noted that the survey will form the foundation upon which national policies, programmes and investments will be built and reaffirmed ZNPHI’s commitment to the success of the initiative.

And World Health Organization Country Representative, Peter Lusuba said Non-Communicable Diseases are affecting both urban and rural populations, especially people in their most productive years.

Dr Lusuba said public participation in the survey will contribute to a healthier future for all citizens stating that the initiative will play a key role in guiding resource allocation, improving health services and strengthening Zambia’s capacity to prevent and control NCDs.

He has since reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the survey and participants until its completion on June 30, 2026.

Chief Maguya of the Ngoni speaking people in Chipata, Eastern Province, has warned parents and guardians against marrying off their children at an early age.

Chief Maguya says cases of early marriages and teen pregnancies are rampant in the district, affecting his chiefdom as well.

He says the chiefdom is currently operating within the confines of the laws of the nation and also effecting by-laws, in efforts to curb the vices.

The traditional leader says that, guided by the by-laws, parents involved in marrying off their children early are fined.

Chief Maguya told the media that for cases involving children below 16 years, they are usually referred to the One stop center to handle, while fines are applicable when those involved are above 16.

He said the fine is also meant to deter would be offenders.

And Eastern province Senior Gender Officer, Annita Muteto was happy with the services rendered under the One Stop Center in Maguya chiefdom.

She said that most of the gender related cases  involving children are treated with utmost importance, for the good of the children and society as a whole.

Meanwhile, Family Development Initiatives Eastern Province Coordinator, Paul Banda noted that despite some teenagers falling victim to teen pregnancies, there is need for them to go back to school.

He explained the reason behind the Breaking the Circle programme supported by UNICEF, to ensure that such girls utilise the re-entry policy.

“The Initiative is aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to be educated,” Mr Banda said.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance ahead of the 2026 general elections.

President Hichilema says the country has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at dismantling barriers that have historically limited women’s political participation, and aim to create a safer environment for women in both public and political life.

This was said at the gender division-accelerating women’s political participation and leadership conference in Lusaka, where President Hichilema was represented by Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune.

The Head of State noted that government has strengthened protections against gender-based violence through legislative reforms such as the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Act of 2026 that compels sexual offences to be non-bailable.

“These measures signal zero tolerance for violence, harassment, or discrimination against women. Safety remains a critical factor in enabling women’s full participation,” President Hichilema said.

He added that Zambia’s efforts align with international and regional frameworks such as the Maputo Protocol, the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals five and 16, which focus on gender equality and strong institutions.

On the political front, the Head of State said that as the country prepares for the August 2026 general elections, he stressed the need for stakeholders to take full responsibility for gender inclusion.

And Mr Hichilema paid tribute to Zambia’s historical female figures that includes Betty Kaunda, Mama Kankasa, Lucy Sichone among others whose contributions to the nation’s independence and development remain influential.

Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis implored women not to shun in participating in politics.

Ms Zaloumis expressed shock that women do not support each other yet they form the majority of the country’s population.

United Nations Country Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Muthali said the 2026 general elections will be a litmus test for Zambia’s implementation of gender equality.

Speaking earlier, Non-Governmental Organisation Co-ordinating Council Chairperson, Beauty Katebe bemoaned the low number of women both in political sphere and in decision making positions.

Ms Katebe charged that Zambia cannot achieve democracy to reach its full potential if few women participate in governance.

Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika, and Zambia Centre for Interpart Dialogue Chairperson Joyce Musenge also spoke at the event with a clarion call on younger generations to draw inspiration from women that pioneered and actively shaped the country’s future.

The high-level meeting addresses the reality that women hold less than 20 percent of political leadership positions despite making up 51 percent of the population.

The three-day conference which is being held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre aims to overcome political, financial, and socio-cultural barriers through training, mentorship, and policy reforms to foster inclusive representation.

It also tackles traditional and cultural norms that restrict women’s leadership, alongside addressing violence and bias against women in politics.

And the meeting focuses on key areas of actionable strategies, developing, implementing, and strengthening policies, legal frameworks, and electoral systems to ensure gender inclusion, including promoting 30 percent minimum quotas in political leadership structures.

Fibrecom Limited has invested K 287,000 to provide high-speed fibre infrastructure during the 2026 Luapula Investment Exposition Conference.

In partnership with Smart Zambia Institute and as the official internet connectivity partner of the Luapula Expo, Fibrecom Limited will provide high-speed WI-FI zones and on-site technical support at Kaole Stadium, the Expo venue in Mansa district.

Fibrecom Chief Executive Officer, Nang’alelwa Sitwala disclosed this in a Press Release to ZANIS, noting that the initiative aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda designed to enhance investment, trade and tourism in Luapula Province and beyond.

Mr Sitwala noted that reliable internet connectivity by Fibrecom will facilitate global business interactions for both local and international investors, government agencies and trade delegations expected to attend the Expo running from 20^th to 24^th April 2026.

“As an established network operator and leading ICT service provider, we appreciate the role of digital connectivity in unlocking and propelling growth in tourism, agriculture, mining, energy, and commerce in Luapula Province and beyond,” Mr Sitwala said.

He added that the communication company which is a subsidiary of ZESCO Limited, is positioned as the country’s digital backbone operating a nationwide fibre network spanning 15,000 kilometers.

He noted that it has presence in all ten provinces of Zambia and interconnected to Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Angola, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe to provide fast and reliable internet services to the premier investment platform.

The 2026 Luapula Province Investment Exposition is expected to be graced by the President Hakainde Hichilema.

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has advised farmers across the country not to rush into selling their maize at very low prices immediately after harvest, warning that such practices could threaten household food security.

The agency says it has observed that some farmers have already begun selling their maize at what it described as giveaway prices, even before securing adequate food for their own families.

FRA Public Relations Coordinator John Chipandwe said while farmers need to earn income from their produce, disposing of entire harvests too quickly exposes households to hunger, price fluctuations and possible shortages later in the season.

“Farmers, do not rush to sell all your maize at cheap prices right after harvest. Keep enough for your family’s food needs and wait for better prices later,” he said.

The agency has since encouraged farmers to retain reasonable quantities of their produce for household consumption and as a buffer against emergencies and market instability.

It further advised that gradual and strategic selling of maize can help farmers benefit from improved prices over time, instead of selling everything when supply is high and market prices are low.

Northwestern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi has inspected the construction works on the temporal Kyawama market which will serve as the primary trading centre for Kyawama traders during the construction of the main Kyawama new market.

Mr Mulumbi expressed satisfaction with the quality of works delivered.

Speaking in an interview with the media in Solwezi, Mr Mulumbi described the market as being in good condition and ready for use.

He noted that the ablution facilities at the site are spacious and clean and they meet the required standards for sanitation.

He further said the trading area is adequate and provides enough space for marketeers to conduct their businesses in an orderly manner.

Mr Mulumbi stated that government remains committed to empowering traders by providing a proper trading environment and the new temporal market is a direct response to that commitment.

 He said such infrastructure restores dignity to traders, promotes hygiene, and creates a better environment for them to improve their livelihoods.

“It also ensures that traders are not left without a designated place to operate while waiting for the construction of the main market,” he said.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary emphasised that Solwezi Municipal Council will ensure that all traders are accommodated within the available space at the temporal market.

 He acknowledged that the facility is a temporary measure but assured traders that it will serve them adequately.

“It is a temporary space, but we believe that once the main market is complete, everyone will be comfortable and well accommodated.” He said.

Solwezi Municipal Council Mayor Remy Kalepa said the temporal market has been constructed specifically to prevent disruption of business activities, while government undertakes the construction of the main Kyawama market.

Mr Kalepa confirmed that construction is now completed, and the temporal market is expected to commence operations within two weeks.

“Final preparations are underway to ensure a smooth transition of traders to the new site,” He said.

Mr Kalepa also addressed the concerns of marketeers regarding the temporal market stating that the main Kyawama market will be a modern trading facility which will comprise of 60 standard shops, 1,200 modern stands for marketeers, a police post to enhance security, council offices for administration and a large, paved car park to improve access for customers and suppliers.

The Mayor further clarified that the temporal market and the main market are part of the same project with a total cost of K50 million.

He said the main Kyawama market is expected to be completed by December this year.

Kasama Magistrate Court has sentenced a 20-year-old man of Chisanga Village in Senior Chief Mwamba’s chiefdom to one-year imprisonment with hard labour for drug trafficking.

Before Magistrate Chapson Silwimba, was Ebenezer Siwale, who was facing one count of drug trafficking contrary to Section 15 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act No. 35 of 2021 of the Laws of Zambia.

This is in a matter that came up for presentation of facts before the court, Siwale pleaded guilty to the charge.

Facts before the court were that on February 26, 2026, information was received that the convict was involved in drug trafficking activities in Kasolo Village within Kasama.

Working on the information a team of officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was constituted and proceeded to the village, where the accused person’s house was identified.

Upon arrival, a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of drugs weighing 4 grams.

The court heard that the convict had no lawful justification for possessing the drugs.

In mitigation, the convict pleaded for maximum leniency, stating that he is a first offender and readily pleaded guilty, he further pleaded with court to be lenient saying his maize fields would be neglected during his imprisonment, and that he will lose out as  he was engaged to be married.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Silwimba said he has considered the mitigation and noted that the convict was a first offender who pleaded guilty without wasting the court’s time.

The Magistrate further stated that the offence committed is a felony, which carries a sentence ranging from one to 25 years.

He added that the convict ought to have considered the consequences of his actions, including his personal commitments, before committing the offence.

Magistrate Silwamba then sentenced Siwale to one-year imprisonment with hard labour, effective the date of arrest.

The Magistrate Silwimba also advised the convict to reform after serving his sentence.

He further ordered that the drugs should be destroyed in the presence of the court.

The Zambia Police in Western Province have launched a manhunt for a 23-year-old man suspected of hacking his 19-year-old wife to death with an axe in Sesheke District.

Western Division Police Commissioner, Rae Hamoonga, confirmed the murder of Nalucha Pumulo, 19, of Village Lifelo in Chief Imalenda’s area.

He disclosed that she was allegedly attacked by her husband, Mwanalushi Kula, 23, on April 18, 2026.

“The Zambia Police Service in Western Province wishes to inform the public of a tragic murder case reported at Sesheke Police Station,” Hamoonga said in a statement issued to the media.

According to police, the incident was reported on April 19, 2026 at 10:23 hours by Mwendabai Sankando, 42, the Councilor for Lwampungu Ward at a village located about 120 kilometers from Sesheke.

Brief facts indicate that the couple had marital disputes on the day of the incident and the deceased temporarily left their matrimonial home to seek refuge at a relative’s house.

“Later that night, the suspect reportedly followed her and attacked her using an axe while she slept, inflicting fatal injuries to the head and fled the scene immediately after the act,” Hamoonga said.

Mr Hamoonga explained that Police officers, accompanied by a medical doctor from Yeta District Hospital, visited the crime scene and found the body of the deceased lying in a pool of blood inside the house.

He added that a blood-stained axe, believed to have been used in the attack, was recovered at the scene.

“The deceased sustained two deep and severe cuts to the head,” Hamoonga stated.

“A postmortem examination conducted at the scene preliminarily established the cause of death as severe head trauma resulting from the inflicted injuries.” he added.

The body has since been handed over to the family for burial.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner said the suspect remains at large adding that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.

“The Zambia Police Service strongly warns that anyone found harboring or aiding the suspect will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Hamoonga said.

“Members of the public with any information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspect are urged to report to the nearest police station immediately.” he emphasized.

The Zambia Police said any further developments will be communicated in due course.

President Hakainde Hichilema has launched the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power plant and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Chongwe District.

The solar project, to be situated at Kyindu Ranch along Leopards Hill Road, will be constructed by Globeleq in partnership with ZESCO Limited.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the US$350 million project, is a testament to Zambia’s strong relationship with cooperating partners and vital to enhancing power generation as well as stabilising electricity supply in the country.

Speaking at the launch, President Hichilema noted that the project will not only power homes but also contribute to efforts of combating climate change.

The President further emphasised the need for collaboration with independent power producers and energy traders to ensure a constant power supply to critical sectors such as mining.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that Zambia develops, so let us create a conducive environment for investors, especially in the energy sector,” he said.

President Hichilema added that inadequate power supply slows down economic activities, including value addition.

President Hichilema said the project contributes to Zambia’s target of 10,000 megawatt of generation capacity.

He emphasised the importance of diversifying beyond hydro, which accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s electricity.

“We never knew before that this sun could give us 250 megawatts and now we know,” he said.

President Hichilema added that wind is another element of the energy mix, noting Eastern Province’s high potential.

He praised ZESCO for rebuilding commercial partnerships.

“This government is not forcing ZESCO to trade at a loss, we are encouraging ZESCO to rebuild this partnership and engage in commercial transactions,” he said.

The President further said the investment would create jobs and stimulate related businesses, adding that energy is essential for mining, agriculture, and tourism.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, said the investment addresses Zambia’s energy challenges, which have affected various sectors of the economy.

She said the United Kingdom is proud to support Zambia’s vision for a cleaner and more resilient energy system, adding that projects such as the Leopards Hill solar plant demonstrate the importance of strong partnerships in unlocking sustainable growth.

Ms Terzeon noted that the UK remains committed to supporting climate-smart investments in Zambia’s energy sector.

She added that once completed, the project will position Zambia as an energy hub in the region and an attractive destination for investment.

And Globeleq Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Hoffman, said the project will include a 250-megawatt solar plant and 600-megawatt battery energy storage system.

Mr Hoffman thanked the Government for putting in place favourable legislative policies that have enabled private sector participation in power generation.

He added that the project will create employment opportunities for local people during construction and after completion.

Leopard Investment Company Chairman, Carl Irwin, said Zambia is proud to host a world class renewable energy project.

“Having farmed this land for generations, we are now privileged to harness the power of the sun, contributing to clean energy and supporting Zambia’s economic growth,” he said.

Mr Irwin added that the Leopards Hill solar project marks a transition from agriculture to clean, renewable energy production.

Meanwhile Zesco Board Chairperson, Vickson Ncube said the project demonstrates Government’s commitment to diversifying energy sources from hydro to solar power.

Mr Ncube added that ZESCO has finalised its 2026-2035 strategic plan aimed at expanding transmission lines and substations to support increased power generation.

Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata described the project as transformative for the region, expressing confidence that it will empower the people of Chongwe.

Chongwe Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo, said the project is a significant milestone that will improve access to electricity in the district and thanked the Government for the investment.

At the same event, President Hichilema met Chief Chikwanda of Mpika and Chief Kafwimbi of Isoka who implored government, to expedite the process of establishing a similar project in the province.

President Hakainde Hichilema has donated K100,000 to fish traders in Luangwa district to support small businesses.

The donation will establish a revolving fund, which will be lent to marketeers at minimal interest, aimed at growing their businesses and creating employment, especially among youths.

President Hichilema has also contributed K20,000 towards a building project at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Saint James Congregation in Luangwa.

The funds were delivered by Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment, Jito Kayumba.

Speaking during a visit to the Luangwa market, Mr Kayumba said the initiative is aimed at empowering local traders and improving the overall economic outlook and appearance of the district.

He expressed satisfaction with the entrepreneurial spirit among marketeers, noting that many are already engaged in small-scale businesses.

“On behalf of the President, I came to appreciate the challenges you are facing and how best you can be supported financially.

Many people believe the biggest challenge is capital, but it is not just about giving money without a plan,” Mr Kayumba said.

He emphasised that while Zambia has had access to financial resources over the past 62 years, sustainable growth has often been hindered by consumption rather than reinvestment.

He stressed the importance of structured support that enables business growth and job creation, particularly for young people in Luangwa.

He urged transparency and accountability in managing the revolving fund, including clear systems on who benefits and repayment timelines.

Mr Kayumba also highlighted the need to work closely with market leadership and encouraged traders to present their business ideas and showcase their trading spaces for further consideration.

Meanwhile, he revealed plans to review levies and taxes affecting traders to improve returns, alongside evaluating infrastructure needs, market access, and tourism potential to strengthen the local economy.

“This is just the beginning, the government under the leadership of President Hichilema is taking a holistic approach to economic development in Luangwa,” he said.

And speaking on behalf of the traders, Salome Nkhata commended the President for giving them K100, 000 to boost their business.

“Our businesses were not doing well but I believe it will now be a thing of the past because of this gesture, may the President continue with the same spirit,” she said.