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Solwezi’s Messenger market gutted

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Solwezi’s Messenger market gutted

Zesco in Solwezi district of Northwestern province has denied any contribution to the cause of the fire that burnt to ashes makeshift shops at Messengers market in the early hours of Monday.

ZESCO principal engineer operations, Mayson Chalewa says contrary to suggestions by sections of society connecting the inferno to have been caused by the Utility firm, the makeshift shops that got gutted were not yet connected to ZESCO power.

ZANIS reports Mr Chalewa said in an interview that investigations by his office have revealed that that the cause of the inferno was external and not from ZESCO.

“In the first place there is no official report which was done to ZESCO over this incidence… and then our investigations have shown that this incidence is from an external source and not from ZESCO because apparently this market has got only one metering point whose point is just meant to supply flat lights just for lighting for the market”, Eng. Chalewa said.

He further revealed that they have also discovered that marketeers have done a lot of illegal connections and urged them to desist from pausing illegal connections, adding that electricity could be dangerous.

“Our plea is that we would want to urge people to desist from pausing illegal connections because you know electricity is very dangerous to this people”, Eng. Chalewa said.

He has since urged anyone who wants power to get to ZESCO planning unit to apply for power and they would be advised on how to do proper wiring.

And Solwezi District Commissioner, Rosemary Kamalonga said government sympathizes with marketeers for the loss of property.

Mrs Kamalonga who inspected the scene this morning said whoever is taking confusion in the market must stop immediately because soon police will pounce on that person.

“Those people that are perpetrating confusion in Solwezi must stop immediately…there should be no politics when it comes to business…business is business….will pounce on you…whoever is bringing confusion in this market must stop immediately” she said.

Describing the situation at the market as bad, Mrs Kamalonga, urged marketeers to be on the alert and report any unknown persons patronizing the market.

Stating that nobody should take advantage of the election time and COVID-19 situation to bring poverty on others, Mr. Kamalonga called for peace and coexistence, adding that Zambia belongs to all.

Meanwhile, Messenger market vice chairperson, Matiyasi Wisipito said the fire was discovered by two people around 02:00 hours on Monday.

Mr. Wisipito said they do not understand the cause of the fire.

“We are appealing to government and well-wishers to help us…the people have lost everything….they have children..where are they going to get the money to send them to school”, he said.

He has appealed to the government to help the people whose shops were burnt because that was the source of their living.

And Solwezi municipal council director engineering, Angel Simwaba said their investigation into the matter has revealed that it is not an electrical fault but suspected sabotage.

Mr Simwaba said when the fire department received the call around 03:00 hours they immediately rushed to messenger market and managed to put out the fire before it could spread to other buildings.

He said the council has reported the matter to police and the docket has been opened.

Late KK was selfless – Kasama Traders

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Late KK was selfless – Kasama Traders

Traders at New Town market in Kasama district have described Dr. Kenneth Kaunda as a selfless leader who contributed immensely to the development of the country.

The traders through their representative, Catherine Sichone say late Dr. Kenneth contributed positively to the growth of all sectors in the country including markets.

” We thank Dr. Kaunda for fighting for our independence despite facing challenges he did not give up on his people” they noted.

They added that growing up under the UNIP government was a privilege which people will live to remember and appreciate.

And on a personal level, Ms. Sichone explained that Dr. Kaunda supported traders stating that he commended them for the role they played in the growth of the nation.

” Our late president interacted with marketeers in all parts of the country and encouraged them to continue working hard, this motivated a lot of us” she noted.

And another trader Peter Simfukwe has commended Dr. Kaunda for the achievements he scored during his time as President.

“Dr. Kaunda helped to make this country a better place, education system was very good due to the policies that were put in place “ Mr Simfukwe stated .

The Trader has further called on Zambians to resolve their differences and live in peace, unity and harmony in honour of Dr. Kaunda.

Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who was Zambia’s first republican president from 1964-1991 died on 17th June 2021 at the age of 97.

Chief Liteta nods ZAMPHIA

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Chief Liteta nods ZAMPHIA

Chief Liteta of Chibombo District in Central Province has called on his subjects to cooperate with the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) teams.

Chief Liteta said he fully supports the ongoing survey because HIV and AIDS has killed a lot of his subjects.

ZANIS reports that the traditional leader was speaking when the ZAMPHIA Community Mobilisation Monitoring team paid a courtesy at his palace this morning,

“I am aware of the programme and I fully support it. HIV has killed a lot of people including my close relatives,” the traditional leader said.

The traditional leader has observed that the survey will help the government come up with robust interventions and save the lives of the people from the dreadful disease.

He has urged his village headpersons to go out and talk to their subjects to address the myths surrounding the ongoing ZAMPHIA programme.

He said people should not politicize the survey and advised his village headpersons to provide leadership and ensure the programme succeeds.

He added that most people who are still dying of HIV and AIDS were defaulters after being initiated on the AntiRietral Viral (ARV) drugs.

And Chief Liteta has urged people in his chiefdom to adhere to the five COVID 19 golden rules.

The traditional leader said people should strictly and correctly mask up, observe social distancing, sanitize, wash hands regularly and avoid crowded places.

He said COVID 19 is lethal and should not be politicized, adding that the virus has the potential to wipe out everyone.

Meanwhile, Kabwe District Health Promotions Officer, Norah Wakung’uma, said the Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) is one of the interventions the government is using to end HIV by 2030.

Mrs Wakung’uma said people who will participate in the survey whether positive or negative stand a chance to benefit from various health care services.

She observed that the new drug is very effective and reduces the viral load to undetectable and un transmissible levels.

3740 empowered in Mkushi

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3740 empowered in Mkushi

More than 3,000 vulnerable persons in Mkushi District have benefitted from Government facilitated Social Cash Transfer welfare support since the beginning of this year.

Mkushi District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Rachel Kolala says that 3,740 registered beneficiaries have benefitted from the bi-Monthly disbursements of this welfare program.

A total of K1,088,700 was disbursed towards paying out the beneficiaries for the first half of this year.

She said that the beneficiaries had been drawn from all the 70 Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACS) zones of this District.

In a related development, Mkushi District Welfare Assistance Committee (DWAC) Chairperson, Bishop Felix Bwalya had commended Government for being consistent in implementing the SCT program.

Bishop Bwalya pointed out that this type of welfare assistance is having positive impact in the efforts to cushion vulnerable households from poverty.

The clergyman said there was need to acknowledge that the impact of the COVID – 19 pandemic has negatively impacted on the social –economic wellbeing of all communities.

He added that under the prevailing COVID-19 situation, interventions such as the SCT are of great help in reducing poverty.

He said that it is gratifying that Government has been making frantic efforts to ease the impact of poverty by implementing other programs under the Social welfare department such as the Public Welfare Assistance Scheme(PWAS) education support.

KK was exemplary-Wina

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KK was exemplary-Wina

Vice President Inonge Wina has described the late first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda as a visionary oriented and exemplary leader.

The Vice President said the late Dr. Kaunda was a role model whose leadership must be emulated by everyone.

Mrs. Wina said this in a speech read for her by Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Mike Masiye during the funeral service for the late Dr. Kaunda at the United Church of Zambia, St. Paul’s congregation in Mansa today.

She noted that during his reign, Dr. Kaunda ensured that a lot of economic development took place in Mansa and Luapula province as a whole, which contributed to improved lives of the people in the area.

She cited Kawambwa Tea Company as one of the factories that were established in the province during late Dr. Kaunda’s rule.

“Kawambwa Tea Company became the household name of Zambia after its establishment in 1976, a lot of people were employed and this contributed to the development of the province,” she said.

The Vice President added that the late Dr. Kaunda envisioned a country where people have equal access to education and health hence he made sure that schools and hospitals were constructed.

“He was a steadfast leader, a freedom fighter. We therefore continue to look upon him as a role model, a leader of love and peace,” Mrs. Wina noted.

She has since urged all Zambians to live in peace and unity just like the late Dr. Kaunda desired for the nation when he laid a foundation of love.

“Let us continue and ensure that we continue to walk together in peace and unity and promote the ‘One Zambia One Nation motto’,” she said.

And Dr. Kaunda’s first born son Panji Kaunda said his late father’s desire was to see a Zambia that is full of love, peace and unity.

Colonel Kaunda said the late founding father of the nation did not know any tribe but embraced every Zambian.

“To him there was no region. He didn’t concern himself with who came from which part of the country. All this to him was artificial. He loved everybody,” said Col. Kaunda.

Col. Kaunda has since called on all politicians to preach peace as the man the nation is mourning today desired that Zambians should remain united and in love.

“It is important that those in politics preach peace. In every game there is a winner and a loser. Let us not encourage political violence,” he stressed.

He further said even as the country celebrates his late father’s life, it should be remembered that Dr. Kaunda preached love, peace and unity hence the One Zambia, One Nation motto.

Meanwhile, Mansa United Church of Zambia (UCZ) St. Paul’s congregation Bishop Darius Chitalu said the memories and benefits of Dr. Kaunda’s words will remain among the Zambian people.

Bishop Chitalu noted that some of the countries in the world have not experienced peace but God used the late Dr. Kaunda to unite 72 tribes into a peaceful family.

“From 1964, Zambia has not experienced any war of bloodshed. It is my prayer that God continues to give us people who will respect and uphold love,” he stated.

He added that Dr. Kaunda succeeded in his leadership for the country because of his great love for God and people.

The Daily New Covid-19 admissions are higher than the discharges-Dr Malama

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The Daily New Covid-19 admissions are higher than the discharges-Dr Malama

Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 47 Covid-19 deaths among them involving a one year two-month-old baby and an 86 year old female.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Technical Services, Dr Kennedy Malama told the media that 55% of the deaths recorded are females while 45 are males.
Dr Malama stated that the number of deaths recored is the lowest in the past one week.

“Although our daily number of mortalities remains high, we saw the lowest number of deaths recorded in over a week, with 47 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours,” he said.
“The youngest patient we lost was a one year two-month old male, whereas the oldest patient lost was an 86-year-old female with a history of hypertension and a previous stroke,”.

And Dr Malama also announced that in the last 24 hours 2, 395 new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed.

He further said that the country has 21, 608 active cases, out of which 1, 342 are admitted in isolation facilities with 962 on oxygen therapy and 194 in critical condition.

Dr Malama stressed that Covid-19 new admissions on a daily basis are higher than the discharges, indicating that the positivity rate is still very high with alot of people requiring admission.

“We discharged 1,869 patients 172 from our isolation facilities and 1,697 from home management, We now have 21,608 active cases, with 20,266 under community management and 1,342 admitted to our COVID-19 isolation facilities.

He has however stated that The situation can change for the better in next three weeks with increased adherence to the set guidelines.

Meanwhile Dr Malama has disclosed that a total of 1, 445 second doses of Astrazeneca have been administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of astrazeneca vaccines administered for second dose to 4, 466.

He has since appealed to members of the piblic not to demonise health workers who are trying their best to attend to COVID patients in facilities during this period

Amnesty International allegations against Zambia false -Malupenga

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Amnesty International allegations against Zambia false -Malupenga

The government has refuted the contents of the report released by Amnesty International alleging that the Zambian people are being ruled by fear and repression.

This is contained in a statement issued to the media, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services, Permanent Secretary, Amos Malupenga.

He says the government of the Republic of Zambia categorically disputes the alleged findings of Amnesty International that the government restricts freedom of expression, association, and assembly.

Mr. Malupenga said Contrary to the assertion made by Amnesty International in its 2021 Report on Zambia, a vibrant civil society exists in Zambia, alongside a thriving independent media and an impartial judiciary that protects civil liberties and checks any possible excesses of the Executive.

He said the people of Zambia are free to criticise public officials, while opposition parties are allowed to conduct public meetings in accordance with the law and the public health guidelines due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Malupenga stressed that health guidelines are not unique to Zambia and it is, therefore, not true that people who engage in these activities are arrested for merely engaging in such.

“The alleged findings that many people have been arrested for exercising their right to freedom of expression, opposition parties, and civil society organizations have been prevented from holding peaceful public assemblies and that the critical media outlets have been shut down are false,” he added.

“Even the assertions that several associations such as trade unions and political parties have had their certificates of a registration canceled and that a number of people have lost their lives often at the hands of the police, with few consequences for those suspected to be responsible, are out of context and should be disregarded, Mr. Malupenga said.”

He explained that the Zambian Government respects human rights and does everything within the confines of the law and that all the people who have been named in the report have been reasonably suspected to have broken the law and the due course of the law has been applied to ensure justice prevails.

Mr Malupenga has father assured the Zambian citizens and the international community that there is no cause for alarm and that the Government and its leadership is doing everything possible to ensure the country holds free and fair elections on August 12th, 2021.

The government has since urged the Zambian people to remain calm and understand that it is not unusual for some organizations like Amnesty International to cause panic when they anticipate that an election outcome is not likely to suit their preferences.

DEC bemoans high alcohol, drugs abuse in schools

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DEC bemoans high alcohol, drugs abuse in schools

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Eastern province has bemoaned the escalating cases of drug and alcohol abuse in schools.

DEC Regional Commander Martin Chitamba disclosed at the weekend that the commission has in the past two years counselled 165 pupils for alcohol and drug abuse related problems.

Mr. Chitamba said the province has during the same period prosecuted 205 people for various drug related offences.

He was speaking in Chipata during the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking which falls every year on the 26th of June.

This year’s commemoration was under the theme “Share facts on drugs, Save Lives”.

“These statistics are worrying, translating that the drug scourge is ever increasing. Therefore, this calls for consented efforts from all well-meaning citizens to join the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in order to attain a drug free and safe environment where our young people can grow into responsible citizens,” he said.

He said the commission remains committed to sharing facts on drugs in order to save lives and rid communities of illicit drug related activities.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Acting Permanent Secretary (PS) Royd Tembo, who was guest of honour at the event, said there was need for families and individuals battling with alcoholism and drug abuse to seek early assistance.

Mr. Tembo said alcohol and substance abuse has become a major social concern in the province and nation as a whole.

“Illicit drug use is a serious concern as it poses significant challenges. The harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs can have serious social and economic consequences for individuals, families and society as a whole,” he said.

He noted that women and children are extremely vulnerable in families where drug and alcohol abuse is experienced.

“There is an urgent need to provide a whole range of community based services for the identification and counselling of addicts,” he said, adding that alcoholism and drug abuse was a psycho-social medical problem requiring a holistic approach.

As part of the commemoration, the DEC donated assorted items including mealie meal, sugar, cleaning materials, among others, to Magwero school for the blind, Magwero school for the deaf and Magwero standard school.

And Acting Head teacher for Magwero school for the deaf, Nybert Soko, said pupils with special needs were not shying away from vices related to drug and alcohol abuse.

Mr. Soko disclosed that the school has in the past dealt with three cases of alcohol abuse per term but the numbers have now reduced due to interventions the institution has put in place.

“We have a guidance and counselling unit as the school and this is helping us deal with such issues”, he said.

Fish depletion rate in Lake Tanganyika worries chief

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Fish depletion rate in Lake Tanganyika worries chief

Chief Chitimbwa of the Lungu people in Mpulungu district has called on fishermen on Lake Tanganyika to consider engaging in other income generating projects to avoid over dependence on the water body.

The traditional leader said people can engage in other projects such as agriculture and aquaculture as a way of earning a living other than from the usual fishing.

Chief Chitimbwa said this is in view of the depleting fish stocks in Lake Tanganyika.

The traditional leader was speaking to ZANIS in an interview in Mpulungu.

And Acting Mpulungu District Fisheries and Livestock Coordinator Mabo Lwambanya has attributed the depletion of fish on the lake to among other factors, the increase in the number of fishermen.

He said this has put more pressure on the fish as a source of income.

He added that the use of wrong fishing nets could also add to the problem together with the issues of climate change.

“We do not necessarily know the real reason that is causing fish stock to deplete but we have identified several factors that could lead to these and they include the increase in the number of fishermen on the lake and the use of bad nets,” he said.

And Natural Resources Management Specialist at Lake Tanganyika Development Project Willem Colenbrander said the project is working with Village Conservation Development Committees to help monitor and control the use of natural resources in the lake.

Mr. Colenbrander said through this initiate, the project is promoting responsible use of the resources on the lake.

“We are not against the use of resources but the resources have to be used in a sustainable way so that they are not depleted,” he said.

He further disclosed that the project is also supporting afforestation programmes and promoting conservation agriculture in the plateau area.

Meanwhile, Lake Tanganyika Multipurpose Fishing Association Secretary, Ackim Mwelwa has pledged to work with other fishermen to conserve resources in the lake.

Mr. Mwelwa explained that the conservation of the lake is everyone’s interest adding that people in the area also want their children to benefit from the fish in future.

“We want to conserve because we want our children to see the different fish stocks that are found in the lake,” he said.

Mabenga put to rest

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Mabenga put to rest

Former Cabinet Minister in the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Government, Michael Mabenga has been interred at Memorial Park in Lusaka.

Mr Mabenga’s burial was conducted by the military and attended by senior government officials, former Cabinet Ministers, and officials from the Zambia Open University where he was acting Dean School of Education.

ZANIS reports that Officiating at the burial, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa said Dr. Mabenga’s rare sense of passion, dedication, hard work, and commitment earned him an illustrious career in the public service.

“Hon Mabenga was among the few privileged citizens to have been given the opportunity to serve 3 heads of state at the high levels of Cabinet Minister, Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament. One can only attribute this to his selfless leadership and hard work” the Deputy Secretary to Cabinet said.

Mr. Kangwa appealed to the family to embrace prayer and mourn the late Minister with love and dignity.

“As we escort Honourable Mabenga to his final resting place, let us take a moment to reflect on his selfless service to this great nation”. Mr Kangwa concluded.

Dr. Mabenga served in various portfolios in the MMD Government between 1996 and 2011, including that of Minister of Defence, Minister of Tourism, and Minister of Local Government and Housing among others.

He joined Zambia Open University as a lecturer after 20 years in the public service.

Zambia Open University founding Vice Chancellor, Dickson Mwansa described the late Dr Mabenga as a very committed scholar, who took every task he was given with humility and dedication.

“Since 2012 when we recruited him as a full-time academician, he proved that he was a hardworking scholar and went on to author 3 books and published several articles in local and international academic journals” Professor Mwansa said.

“Despite him having been a minister in government, Michael was very humble. It takes a longtime to groom a scholar of Michael’s caliber, his death is a big loss to academia” Professor Mwansa added.

Dr Mabenga is survived by wife Eileen Mabenga, 6 children and 15 grandchildren

Clergy urge Zambians to mourn KK peacefully

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Clergy urge Zambians to mourn KK peacefully

The clergy in Chinsali district in Muchinga province has called on Zambians to celebrate the life of the late first Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.

Chinsali Pastors’ Fellowship Chairperson Gideon Chibwe said it was important to remain positive and celebrate the life of Dr. Kaunda for he worked hard to better the entire nation.

Pastor Chibwe stated that Dr. Kaunda was a great man who has left a huge impact not only in Zambia but in the entire world.

He added that the late Dr. Kaunda also dedicated himself to preach peace and unity.

”As the clergy in Chinsali, we urge residents to celebrate the life of this gallant man who fought for the liberation of Africa and we need to continue preaching peace and unity which our founding father preached,” he said.

The clergyman further said Zambian citizens should also pray and fast for God’s intervention during this 21 days of mourning noting that it was only God who can intervene in any situation that the country maybe passing through.

He further called on Chinsali residents to conduct themselves in a manner that befits the call of Christianity during the national mourning.

And Reverend in charge at the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Chinsali Main Congregation, Harrison Silungwe told ZANIS in an interview that the church has lost a leader who contributed a lot to its improvement.

Rev. Silungwe stated that even in his old age, Dr. Kaunda was still a committed member of the UCZ.

“We saw him going to church at all times and preach peace and unity in all his life,” he said.

He added that the 21 days of mourning the late former president is very cardinal to every citizen.

He said Zambians should therefore use this time to reflect on the work that Dr. Kaunda did in the entire country.

“Let us pray for the works our founding father did and pray that his soul rests in peace and that the country should continue enjoying the peace and unity our forefather fought for,” he said.

Rev. Silungwe further said it is important for each Zambian to realize that peace is cardinal hence it should prevail in all the situations that the country is experiencing.

He has since urged all well-meaning Zambians to pray and fast for the nation so that peace, love and unity can prevail.

“If peace, love and unity are lost, it will be very hard to bring it back,” Rev. Silungwe said.

Meanwhile, former National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili, called on the clergy to promote messages of peace and unity as the country mourns the first President of Zambia.

Rev. Sumaili said there is need for the country to uphold the unity of purpose that Dr. Kaunda promoted.

“I would like to further thank the clergy across the country for offering guidance to the citizenry especially as the nation is going through a hard time following the death of our founding father Dr Kaunda,” she said.

Rev. Sumaili further called on Zambians to come together and mourn the late President in a peaceful manner.

Government is disturbed with the spike in road traffic accidents involving public transport vehicles

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Government is disturbed with the spike in road traffic accidents involving public transport vehicles

The government is disturbed with the spike in road traffic accidents involving public transport vehicles over the last twenty fours (24) hours.

In a statement issued to the media, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Permanent Secretary, Misheck Lungu lamented that It is regrettable that the country recorded four (04) separated road crashes involving public transport vehicles were nine people died and several others were left injured.

He said the government through the Ministry of Transport and Communications wishes to convey its condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery.

“As Government, we are concerned with the manner in which public transport drivers are disregarding traffic rules and regulations with impunity, a situation which has resulted in loss of lives of people that could have contributed to the country’s national development,” Engineer Lungu complained.

Engineer Lungu has since reminded Public transport drivers of their obligation to safeguard the lives of the travelling public by not overspending, considering the high level of responsibility they assume as they carry masses on board.

‘While the country is faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the operations of many institutions, a situation that has reduced the physical presence of both the Zambia Police and the Road Transport and Safety Agency ( RTSA) to conduct scaled up traffic law enforcement operations on public road, we wish to caution public transport drivers and operators to comply with traffic regulations in a bid to avoid people negligently dying from road accidents which could be avoided,’ he added.

The permanent Secretary has since directed the Road Traffic and Safety Agency (RTSA) to put up modalities to monitor the conduct of public transport drivers on the road amid the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent further loss of lives on the Zambian roads.

He has directed RTSA to invoke the provisions of the Road Traffic Act No.11 of 2002 to reprimand public transport drivers who have become a danger to the safety of other road users on public roads.

3 UPND Members die in Road Traffic Accident in Chama on Campaign Trail

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3 UPND Members die in Road Traffic Accident in Chama on Campaign Trail

A United Party for National Development (UPND) team in Chama district in Muchinga province, was at the weekend involved in a fatal road accident.

The team, which was on a campaign trail, had three of its members dead and two others seriously injured.

Muchinga Province Police Divisional Commissioner Lizzie Machina confirmed the accident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali yesterday and said two victims died on the spot while one died on the way to the hospital.

Ms. Machina said UPND Chama North Constituency aspiring candidate Hellen Ngulube and Newton Nyirenda, the aspiring candidate for the position of Council Chairperson who were driving in the same convoy with other party members, escaped unhurt.

“Two people died on the spot one died on the way to the hospital and two others have been seriously injured and rushed to Isoka district hospital for medical treatment,” she explained.

She said the accident occurred on Sunday June 27, 2021 around 17:00 hours at Sese village on Chilumbi hills, which are about 45 km West of Mafinga district along the Muyombe-Isoka gravel road.

She said Robert Zulu aged 43, of Chama district was driving a Toyota Hilux registration number ARB 6644 from Chama to Mulilo village with five passengers on board going for campaigns.

Ms. Machina said the accident happened when the vehicle was descending the Chilumbi hills at a fast speed, causing the driver to lose control and in the process overturned on the left side of the road.

She added that due to the impact, three passengers sustained fatal body injuries and two died on the spot while one died on the way to the hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Agnes Manda aged 37, Sarah Ngulube aged 24 and Moses Lungu aged 25, all of Chama district.

Those who escaped with serious body injuries have been identified as Florence Nguni aged 36 and Alick Kabandama aged 25.

Ms. Machina said the driver, Robert Zulu, sustained a backache and general body pains.

“The motor vehicle incurred extensive damages. All the victims are admitted to Isoka district hospital for medical attention,” said Ms. Machina.

Covid Centre Hell

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Covid Centre Hell

By Laura Miti

I write this post for those in charge of the COVID response.
Having spent 10 days running around to save a friend, I discovered a disturbing situation that I am convinced administrators have no idea of.

It is that we are losing people to COVID in two ways:

    1.  The illness itself – medical staff try their best to save a patient, but fail.
    2.  A total breakdown of care when patients are hospitalised. Patients die from neglect, not COVID.

It is the latter I want to bring to light.

When a COVID patient is admitted, they are essentially taken into secrecy. No one can see what is happening because COVID guidelines prevent the bedsider, that rock that holds up the Zambian health care system.No visitors are allowed either.

I will speak of the Bauleni COVID Centre and Levy Mwanawasa High Cost – because those are the two I experienced.
The two centres are critically understaffed. There are times when there is one exhausted nurse for 20 – 30 critical patients.
They can’t cope.

So, other than oxygen, a patient can get next to zero attention.
In Bauleni, power goes. As in they get loadshedded. Shockingly, relatives are not told that a simple extension cable that connects oxygen to the genset, can save their patient’s life. By the time we discovered the vitality of the extension cables and delivered them, our patient’s oxygen saturation had plummeted multiple times.His saturation fell from the 99 he achieved when he was first connected to the oxygen to 82, then a second time to 46, then 56.He never went back over 80.
But that’s not what’s giving me hell.

It is that as his energy waned after the multiple times off oxygen, he begun to send texts begging me to get a nurse to feed him, give him water, pain medication. To help him wear something warm.In desperation, we moved him to Levy Mwanwasa High Cost, hoping for better basic care. Oh, the relief, when we left Bauleni.

Things got no better.

“I’m thirsty, please get someone to give me water.”
This message comes as you are stuck at home or outside. You can’t go in.
You shout at the door for a nurse to come. No one does. You call the number of a nurse you managed to get, they don’t pick up.
They are overwhelmed.
In the end, panicked out of my mind, I got myself a PPE and went in.
But I was too late.
He was thirsty, hungry, weak, in pain.
He needed to be at least on a drip.
But nothing.
I gave him water, fed him.
At some point, I noticed his oxygen bag was not inflating.

A nurse sitting by the bedside on the next bed (specially hired I think) tried to help while I searched for the nurse on duty.
A nurse on duty with 30 maybe 40 odd other critically ill patients, on the night.

The nurse finally came, but it took a while to discover that whoever had put more water in the oxygen gadget, had left it loose.
By the time the oxygen was reconnected, it was just a matter of time.
We lost him…not to COVID persay.

Please allow bedsiders. Dress them up in PPEs.
Hire nursing assistants to feed the patients. To give honest information to familes. To take medicine and food from relatives waiting outside, quickly.

It can take you an hour to get food to your patient.Then they are not fed immediately or at all.
Hire assistants so the nursing staff can concentrate on medication.
So our loved ones do not have to die unnecessarily painful deaths.
Oh God, it’s better not to know how your person died in a COVID centre.

Ndola City Council shuts down 10 bars and two-night clubs for breaching of Covid-19 guidelines

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Ndola City Council shuts down 10 bars and two-night clubs for breaching of Covid-19 guidelines

The Ndola City Council has closed 10 bars and two-night clubs for operating in breach of Covid-19 guidelines.

Ndola City Council Public Relations Officer FEBBY MWANDAMA says during the operation conducted on Saturday night, five people were apprehended when they wanted to stop Council officers from inspecting their premises.

Ms. MWANDAMA says the local authority is disappointed that some bar and club owners were operating their businesses disregarding Covid-19 guidelines.

She says the closed bars and night clubs were in Ndeke, Kabwata, Broadway and Town Center areas of Ndola.

And in Kitwe, the local authority has threatened to close 27 bars and night clubs which were found operating in breach of the Covid-19 guidelines announced by the government.

Kitwe City Council Public Relations Manager CHOLA MWAMBA says the clubs and night clubs were found to be overcrowded and not enforcing social distance, masking up and some had no hand washing facilities.

Ms MWAMBA says following a joint operation conducted by State Police, Council Police and Inspectors at bars and night clubs on Saturday and Sunday, the entertainment spots were found in breach of enhanced public health measures and will be charged or closed
soon.

She has revealed that all the offenders will have to show cause why they should not be prosecuted for breaching the law.

Among the 27 clubs and bars found wanting are KEG at Mukuba Mall, Club 99, The Basket, Club Ebony in Nkana East and Town Center, The Executive and Mount Zion Bottle Store in Bulangililo.

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