Kitwe City Council has said that its council Police last week apprehended 5 people for buying merchandise from street vendors.

According to the statement issued by the Council’s Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba, the four buyers were cautioned and one has since been fined K200 after admission of guilt.

Iness Munyeme, 39, a female of house No. 2268 Luangwa West, Kitwe was apprehended by Council police on 20th October 2021 after she was found buying 5 Bananas worth K10 from a street vendor.

The Local Authority further said that it was disappointed that some residents have continued buying their mechendise from street vendors, a situation that is encouraging traders to abandon their market stands in preference for the street thereby contributing to the increase in street vending, street congestion and street litering as well as loss of revenue in the markets.

However, the Council police will continue patrolling the CBD and arrest anyone buying items from street vendors.

Zambians yesterday celebrated the country’s 57th Independence Aniversary for the first time without the founding president Dr Kenneth Kaunda who passed on this year, with National Heritage Conservation Commission Executive Director CCollins Chipote saying that there is need to uphold the values that Zambia’s founding President stood for.

Mr. Chipote said that patriotism, national unity and peace must be championed and passed on to the generations to come, when he launched the KENNETH KAUNDA youth business tourism and education hub which will be led by the Kelvin Nyirongo Hope Foundation at the Chilenje National Monument in Lusaka.

In Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao said that the government is committed to promoting tenets of good governance that will spur economic growth.

Mr Mbao also stated that it is important for Zambians to live in harmony with each other to promote development.

He said peace is an important ingredient for development as no meaningful development can be achieved without it.

He has since challenged Zambians to uphold the peace that the country’s forefathers fought for during the independence struggle.

Mr Mbao said this when he officiated at the Independence Day celebrations in Kasama that was held at the civic Centre grounds.

He added that it is the desire of the new dawn government to see that people live in harmony with each other.

“We need to learn to coexist. We need to embrace each other regardless of our political, religious or ethnic background,” he said

And Northern Province Freedom Fighters Association Chairperson Teddy Mwenya also emphasized on the need for Zambian to uphold the peace and unity.

Mr Mwenya said people should build on the foundation that the forefathers laid to promote unity in line with the country’s motto of One Zambia one nation.

“Let us learn to coexist because before anything else we are Zambians and we should uphold the one Nation motto,” he noted

Mr Mwenya has also expressed happiness with the turn up of youths at this year’s Independence Day celebrations

In Muchinga Province Minister Henry Sikazwe yesterday led scores of residents in celebrating this year’s independence with call to renounce political and religious affiliation but instead promote love for continued peace and unity.

Mr Sikazwe made the call at Chinsali’s president park this morning during this year’s 57th Independence Day celebrations.

He said government recognizes that poverty is among the challenges affecting people and pledged that government will provide an enabling environment for prosperity.

Mr Sikazwe noted that government will work towards fulfilling the promises echoed during the campaigns that of creating employment and opening business opportunity.

He cited the creation of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment as well as the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise as game changer for the youths and women.

He encouraged the youths and women to form companies and cooperatives in order to benefit from the programmes government will be rolling out soon.

“Government will make sure that it fulfils its campaign promises of job creation and business opportunities,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior citizen, Hearings Sabi, has called on residents of Chinsali to give the UPND time to put things in order before the results of development begin to show results.

Mr Sabi expressed confidence that the region will witness unprecedented development in all sectors.

He observed that this year’s Independence Day celebration is unique as it is being celebrated for the first time without Zambia’s founding presidents Kenneth Kaunda who fought for the freedom.

Meanwhile, other freedom fighters in Chinsali district have called on government to consider having a representation of freedom fighters in Parliament as well as putting each of them on a monthly salary.

Freedom fighters Provincial vice Secretary Andrew Mulenga said only a few benefited in the past and hence called for the need to recognize the remaining fighters.

Earlier the Provincial Minister led service chief and government officials in laying of wreaths at Chinsali’s cenotaph.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations is being held under the theme “Celebrating a New dawn Anchored on Good Governance, National Unity and Development”

The celebrations were characterized by songs, dances and poems from various schools and community based theatre groups.

Labour and social security Minister, Brenda Tambatamba has urged Zambians to put aside all their political differences and work together for the common good of the country.

Speaking during the independence celebrations in Kasempa district yesterday, Ms Tambatamba disclosed that the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration is determined to unify the country.

She said the vigor to renounce political difference is evidenced by President Hakainde Hichilema’s zero discrimination tolerance policy.

Ms Tambatamba who is also Kasempa Member of Parliament said the President has indicated his commitment towards zero tolerance to discrimination against language, political or religious affiliation

“We are determined to achieve the Zambia we want, an all-inclusive Zambia, a prosperous Zambia and a peaceful Zambia,” she said.

“President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to encouraging that no one is discriminated against based on where they came from, the language they speak or the faith they hold or indeed political affiliation,” she said

Meanwhile, Kasempa freedom fighters Association Secretary, Stanley Kyungupengu congratulated President Hichilema for winning the August 12, 2021 general elections.

“We thank President Hakainde Hichilema for your leadership by changing the old government to a new one,” Mr Kyungupengu said.

This year’s independence celebrations is being commemorated under the theme ‘celebrating a new dawn anchored on good governance, national unity and development’.

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has backed the stance taken by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to enter into a seizure agreement regarding the Faith Musonda matter.

TIZ said that it is of the view that had the Faith Musonda case been taken to court, it was going to take time to be concluded and chances are that she could have won the case because she would have hired good lawyers to represent her.

TIZ president Sampa Kalunga in an interview with phoenix news has also reminded those condemning the move taken by the ACC to enter into a seizure agreement that this law is provided for in section 80 (3) (a) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

Mr. Kalunga added that the government should actually be commended that within a month, it has managed to recover K65 million, US$57,000 and a house worth about K6 million which were dubiously acquired.

He further adds that with the ACC not well funded and have a history of not winning such high-profile cases, it was only prudent that the commission entered into the seizure agreement with the suspect so that the assets are given back to the state.

President Hakainde Hichilema has honoured 13 Zambians for distinguished and exemplary service to the country at a colorful investiture ceremony held at State House to commemorate Zambia’s 57th Independence anniversary.

President Hichilema graced the commemorations of Zambia’s 57th independence anniversary held under the theme “cerebrating a new down anchored on good governance, National Unity and Development.

Former Vice President Inonge Wina, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Muti, Acting Chief Justice, Geoffrey Musonda and Cabinet Ministers attended the ceremony.

Others are some United Party for National Development (UPND), Members, members of the Diplomatic Corp and a cross section of Zambians attended the independence celebrations.

ZANIS reports that President Hichilema bestowed different classes of honour and recognition to the 13 Zambians drawn from various fields mainly from the defense at a colourful investiture ceremony at State House characterized by singing by various groups.

The Zambian Head of State bestowed the Order of the eagle of Zambia second division posthumously to former UPND Founder and President Anderson Mazoka for his immense contribution to Zambia’s plural politics and good governance.

“Mazoka deeply contributed to plural politics and good governance which are key ingredients to democratic principles,” President Hichilema explained.

“After a long career in both the private sector and the international community in 1998, Mazoka formed the UPND, and made it the largest opposition political party with 40 members of parliament,” President Hichilema recalled.

President Hichilema also honored UPND long time accountant, Backstone Mambo.

“Mr Mambo is one of the founder members of the UPND, he was brutally attacked by the police when they raided the UPND offices and his spine was permanently damaged,” President Hichilema said.

The President honoured Jacob Mwanza, a former Bank of Zambia Governor and former University of Zambia (UNZA) Vice Chancellor.

“Dr Mwanza has rendered many years of service to the nation and for this he needs to be honoured,” President Hichilema stated.

Also honoured was a renowned activist for people with disability, Elijah Ngwale, whom the president described as someone who has tirelessly fought injustices perpetuated against people with disability.

However, President Hichilema in his address to the nation yesterday, lamented that it is unacceptable that Zambia is still poor, 57 years after independence.

President Hichilema however, said the new government ‘s desire is to develop the country hence placing emphasis on economic transformation, adding that his administration is eager to restore macro-economic stability and growth, attain debt and fiscal sustainability and improve the livelihood of the Zambian people especially the vulnerable.

The President added that it is through economic transformation that Zambia will become food secure reduce poverty and create the much needed jobs especially for the youths.

Zambia’s outgoing Ambassador to Germany, Anthony Mukwita has urged Zambians living in the diaspora to play a critical role in promoting economic diplomacy.

He indicated that economic diplomacy, as championed by President Hakainde Hichilema is intended to foster development in Zambia.

Mr Mukwita said this when he officiated at the virtual celebration of Zambia’s 57th Independency anniversary organized by Zambians living in Germany and attended virtually and in person by scores of members of the diaspora.

He stated that this year’s independence celebration theme “Celebrating a new dawn anchored on good governance” provides the foundation needed to anchor economic diplomacy.

Mr Mukwita explained that in his experience, foreign investors inquire about good governance, national unity and development as prerequisites for investment.

He noted that good governance ensures that there is a fair judicial system that protects investment, national unity and ensures that there is peace and stability.

Mr Mukwita said that the leadership of President Hichilema is committing itself to these ideals and asking the citizens to hold it accountable to them.

‘’This year’s theme for independency is a call on the Diaspora to commit themselves to the ideals of good governance, national unity and development wherever they may be, these ideals must be a mark of distinction and identity so much so that they become synonymous with Zambia”, he said.

Mr Mukwita also paid tribute to the diaspora for their commitment to development of their motherland, noting that the virtual independence celebration was his final official engagement as Ambassador to Germany since October 2017.

“Some of you have humanitarian activities that include building schools, donating educational materials, supporting efforts to combat COVID-19, assisting widows and orphans, and many other worthy causes”, said Mr Mukwita.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by First Secretary, Press and Public Relations to Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, Kellys Kaunda.

Horizon Green Village has launched the construction project of 2,500 housing units in Chongwe district.

Horizon Green Village Chief Executive Officer Saul Kiwempindi disclosed at the launch of the housing unit in Chainda ward, that K2 billion will be spent on the construction of the houses in line with the global agenda 2030 to ensure affordable housing units.

Dr Kiwempindi said the 2500 units will be built in stages and it will have a mini Hospital, a police station, a fire station, green parks and a game ranch.

He disclosed that his company will also construct a waste park, a shopping mall and other commercial facilities.

Dr Kiwempindi said all works will be done by Zambians except were specialized services are required.

He also disclosed that the focus will be on providing affordable houses to civil servants.

And Minister of Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi, thanked the developer for providing housing units which will benefit Zambians.

ZANIS reports that Mr Milupi was speaking at the official launche of the housing project and said Zambia has a housing deficit of 1,500 million and that the number is expected to double by 2030.

He pointed out that the deficit entails government alone cannot fix all the housing problems but it will provide an enabling environment for private sector to participate in housing projects.

Mr Milipu observed that the housing project will also provide employment to Zambians.

And speaking at the same event, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu said the project will help to address the housing problem that the country is struggling with.

Mr Nzovu urged the developer to ensure that they utilize solar energy to protect the environment and plant the planned 20,000 trees is around the project.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga said over 1000 jobs will created within the province and that such will deter the youths from engaging in illicit activities.

Mr Kamanga appealed to Zambian investors to emulate Horizon properties by partnering with government to deliver decent and affordable housing to Zambians.

And Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo who is also Chongwe Member of Parliament expressed happiness that a private developer has embarked on construction of houses which will create employment for Zambians.

Ms Masebo urged the developer to empower the locals so that they also benefit from any development taking place in their area.