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Many Zambians are not visible in the management of the various economic sectors of the country-Wina

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Many Zambians are not visible in the management of the various economic sectors of the country-Wina

Government says it is concerned that many Zambians are not visible in the management of the various economic sectors of the country. Vice President Inonge Wina says it is for this reason government has come up with a deliberate policy to involve ordinary but hardworking patriotic citizens in development matters such as mining.

Mrs. Wina says one of the ways is through the involvement of traditional leaders whose chiefdoms she adds should also be protected.

“I’m in the province to inspect government projects where most of them are at different levels of development. I have also come to introduce a lady ( Professor Nkandu Luo ) that will take over from me should the PF retain power after the August 12 general election,” she said.

ZANIS reports that the Vice President said when she called on Senior Chief Chiwala at his palace, yesterday.

And Senior Chief Chiwala says his chiefdom has been in support of government’s development agenda in his chiefdom where he says economic growth is there for all to see.

Referring to recorded development projects such as new schools, health posts and dams, Chief Chiwala said he will continue working hard and supporting government’s developmental agenda.

Senior Chief Chiwala, however, bemoaned the delay in relocating the Masaiti administrative offices to the at Chankute which is centrally located from verge of the district where they are currently sitting.

“When we have a new district I think the pattern of development will change and more development will be registered compared to where they are located ,” Senior said.

The traditional leader also bemoaned the lack of proper road network in the area despite housing a couple of industries.

He said lack of good roads has proved to be a huge challenge where transportation of goods and services is concerned.

And Senior Chief Chiwala has called for peaceful campaigns which should result in a fair and credible election adding that political parties should ensure that they engage in issue based campaigns.

“There should be no loss of lives and property because of politics and I call upon different stakeholders to play their role in ensuring that that peace continues to prevail across the country,” he said.

Chief Chiwala who is also Chairperson for the Lamba Lima Royal Council of Chiefs reiterated that ‘Sungabukanda’ police station which was recently removed from Majaliwa ward in Kafulafuta Constituency to Bwana-Mkubwa constituency be reversed.

He said the matter if not reversed will bring a lot of confusion saying he is not happy with the move.

Malupenga warns resident doctors participating in the current go-slow; your demands will not be met

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Malupenga warns resident doctors participating in the current go-slow; your demands will not be met

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga has warned resident doctors participating in the current go-slow that their demands will not be met if they continue to put the government under duress.

Mr. Malupenga said procedure has to be followed for all civil servants to air their grievances rather than inciting the public to rise against the government.

He was speaking on a special interview which also featured Permanent Secretaries from Ministry of Health and Public Service Management Division on HOT FM radio this morning.

Mr. Malupenga said although the resident doctors have a right to speak about their plight, health workers are classified as essential workers who are supposed to provide uninterrupted service even in the middle of a catastrophe as they took oath.

“They will face the consequences if they continue to abrogate the rules of engagement. Putting government under duress is a wrong route and we will not give them any desired result,” he said.

He stated that there are procedures which should be followed in government noting that the demands cannot all be met at the same time.

Mr. Malupenga noted that doctors are not the only essential workers who are being owed leave travel benefits, gratuity and settling-in allowances.

He said the union leaders have shunned the negotiating table which is supposed to address their grievances.

“They have said that they will not resume normal operations until they receive money in their pockets but that is not how government operates. There are procedures to be followed in making payments and the K200 million which was released was not only for the doctors but all civil servants,” he said.

And Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali said all civil servants will be treated equally in the payment of the outstanding personal related emoluments.

Mr. Chimbwali noted that payments will be made in chronological order saying those who first qualified to get their dues will be the ones to be paid first.

He stated that K15 million was released to the Ministry of Health and that it is for all workers under the ministry and not only the doctors.

“You need to understand that over K800 million is owed to employees under the Ministry of Health, and the dismantling of these funds will be done in a systematic manner,” he said.

Mr. Chimbwali noted that the K200 million that was released to dismantle the arrears is not a result of the pressure by the resident doctors but that it is an issue that has been under discussion for a long time.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama said the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia has gone out of its terms of reference by demanding that government employs 500 doctors.

“The union is supposed to be interested with issues regarding people who are in employment and not those who have not been employed,” he said.

Dr. Malama said when one chooses to leave their lane, they risk being misunderstood to be politically charged.

He maintained that the government has shown willingness to address some of the outstanding issues and that there is a need for the doctors to remain patient.

“Government has been dismantling the arrears and at the same time, it has been employing health workers,” he said.

PF has prioritized the issue of advancing the status of Zambia being a Christian Nation-President Lungu

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PF has prioritized the issue of advancing the status of Zambia being a Christian Nation-President Lungu

President Lungu says neglecting the church, is neglecting Zambians because of the role the church plays in collaboration with the government to improve people’s lives.

Speaking when he held a meeting with members of the clergy in Chifunabili district of Luapula province, President Lungu noted that the church is an integral part of the governance system.

He said it is therefore important that the clergy whose input facilitates for good policies be part of the process and asked for their support in promoting the wellbeing of the people.

President Lungu said the PF has prioritized the issue of advancing the status of Zambia being a Christian nation and that it is why it saw it necessary to create a dedicated ministry to oversee religious affairs and to construct a national house of prayer among others.

“That is why I appreciate your role as a church because, through you, we are able to know and appreciate the needs of the community, through you, we are able to walk with the community” President Lungu noted.

“That’s why I encourage you to speak out and even as we come to canvass for votes, ask us what our position is regarding the church in Zambia, ask us were we stand on issues of GBV, ask us on why Zambia should not be called a Christian country, ask us what was wrong in bill 10 of declaring Zambia as a Christian nation, ask us what was wrong in including the differently-abled and the youth in our governance system,” President Lungu said.

The head of state assured the clergymen that he is alive to issues that affect successful evangelism such as illiteracy, gender-based violence, and lack of conducive infrastructure but promised to collaborate with the church to address them.

“It is difficult for you as the church to talk to people if they are illiterate. It is the same with farming, you need to be literate to be a good farmer because you will need to have knowledge on how and when to apply fertilizer” President Lungu said.

The President also took the opportunity to introduce PF Chifunabuli aspiring Member of parliament Ms. Jullen Nyemba to the clergy and asked her, being an educationist, to take issues of illiteracy seriously in order for the district to promote high literacy levels.

He said Chifunabili being a recently created new district, requires teamwork and dedication from all stakeholders to improve its status.

And President Lungu has challenged other politicians to speak against political violence and emulate his solo voice that has consistently been advocating against violence.

The head of state assured the clergy that he will continue working with them as much as he has done in order to maintain a stable government-church relationship.

And Chifunabuli District Pastors Fellowship chairperson Dominic Mubanga thanked President Lungu for being a passionate leader whose works are visible to see in various sectors such as infrastructure.

He said the church will be praying for the head of state even as he continues to lead the country.

Chitondo warns independent candidates using PF regalia and symbol as they conduct campaigns

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Chitondo warns independent candidates using PF regalia and symbol as they conduct campaigns

Ndola district PF chairperson Benjamin Chitondo has warned independent aspiring candidates against using the party regalia and symbol as they conduct campaigns.

Mr. Chitondo warns that the party in the district will not tolerate any independent aspiring candidates to use their symbol or campaign materials as they have resigned from the party.

Mr Chitondo in an in an interview said independent aspiring candidates should come up with their own symbols as well as campaign materials.

The same way they resigned from the party in the same manner they should handover the PF campaign materials in their custody back to the part as they no longer belong to PF.

“We are not threatening them, all we are asking them is to stop using our party campaign materials and our symbol,” he said.

He added that he has already engaged some of the independent aspiring candidates for them not to use the PF campaign materials and symbol as they are attracting people on their side using PF.

And Mr. Chitondo has said the campaigns are peaceful in the district as both the PF and opposition are following the guidelines stipulated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the police.

He explained that the PF is also sticking to the COVID-19 preventive measures as the party attaches great importance to the health of all Zambians.

Following the official announcement of adopted candidates for the 12 August polls by PF Secretary Davies, a number of an adopted candidates in the country have opted to contest as independent candidates.

Why the Resident Doctors’ “Go Slow” is immoral, Inhumane, and even a Crime against Humanity

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Why the Resident Doctors’ “Go Slow” is immoral, Inhumane, and even a Crime against Humanity

By Kapya Kaoma

The Resident Doctors’ “go slow” at the time the nation is witnessing a rise in new cases of the COVID 19 is irresponsible, immoral, and inhumane. It is like a fire fighter asking for a pay raise when someone’s property is on fire or a police officer asking to have his salary increased when robbers are holding someone’s family hostage. Such actions could be considered criminal. It is unethical and even a crime against humanity for resident doctors to be on “go slow” when the dark clouds of death hang fearfully across the nation. Against all politics, I pray that someone will be held accountable for the deaths which will occur because of this immoral “go slow.”

As bad as the PF government is, medical doctors are essential workers for a reason–they deal with human life. The Hippocratic Oath, “Do No Harm” and the World Medical Association Declaration of Geneva both put emphasis on respect and service of humanity or what we Africans call ubuntu–the realization that “I am because we are.” As medical professionals, doctors acknowledge the autonomy, dignity and sanctity of human life and pledge to respect and protect it with utmost consideration. Their “go slow” in the midst of the pandemic is a betrayal of their Oath and Pledge. Sadly this unethical go slow is doing much damage to the very people who have been on the receiving end of the PF regime. Just as government after government have neglected the poor people for decades, doctors are joyfully watching them die as COVID-19 knocks on their wards which are already “death chambers” due to the low quality healthcare provided in those institutions. Doctors, however, are blaming the PF government for their actions. In normal times, this argument could be made. But we are faced with life-ending pandemic.

Besides, is the “go slow” in the heart of the pandemic serving the greater good for humanity which they pledge to serve? Politically, the PF government is wrong not to honor its commitment to the doctors. But resident doctors are not the only ones letdown; teachers, nurses, civil servants, name them–the list is endless. Opposition politicians are quick to jump on this PF failure in support of doctors, but there is no justification for this immoral action. COVID-19 and other illnesses are nonpartisan and the patients in government hospitals are the poor, the rich go to private hospitals and clinics, some manned by the same resident doctors, while on government payroll. Yet there is another aspect to being a medical doctor–ubuntu, seeing yourself in the suffering of the other person. This is a human sacrifice that money cannot buy; it is something that connects you to me and to another person.

We are a democracy and we have the right to demonstrate and go on Strike. But the resident doctors’ actions cannot be defended in the name of democratic rights. The declaration of the COVID-19 PANDEMIC as the global health emergency resulted in the suspension of certain claims, rights and privileges. I understand medical doctors are not necessarily ethicists to understand the moral implications of such declarations. While intellectual property rights are protected by international law, the emergency meant that other companies were allowed to produce the Vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer. Similarly these drugs were provided at lower costs rather than on market value. African nations have access to these drugs as a result. Likewise, nurses and doctors were entitled to a number of day off per week, but during the pandemic those privileges were taken away. In short, bargaining rights are restricted during a state of emergency.

Resident doctors are mistaken to think that they can use the pandemic to bargain on the lives of innocent people. Medical professionalism means doing everything to save a life. Across the globe, medical doctors camped in wards, came from retirement, and worked without a break to fight COVID-19. Nurses did the same. Some worked without pay; they took the opportunity as a call to duty. It is this human aspect our resident doctors are missing–money cannot buy you a smile; saving a life would. I am not saying that money is not important; it is. But this is the wrong time to talk about money. You have fought this virus and saved so many lives. But why do you want to give up now? You may receive your money, but the morgues would be filled with victims of COVID-19 at your watch and in your name. Ubuntu demands that you see the pain of your patients and treat them as you would love to be treated. As for politicians, please stop playing with human life!

“Do No Harm”

Chipolopolo Arrive in Senegal

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Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s Chipolopolo have landed in Senegal on the first leg of their June three-friendly-match Tour.

Chipolopolo arrived after 20h00 Zambian time following an eight-hour trans-continental flight that took them from Addis Ababa to Dakar via Bamako, Mali.

This is after the team made a night stop in Addis Ababa on Tuesday after leaving Lusaka yesterday afternoon.

Zambia are due to spend the day in Dakar before moving to Thies later on Thursday where they will play Senegal on June 5.

Micho’s team will leave Dakar on June 6 for Cotonou to play their penultimate friendly against Benin on June 8.

The tour will end at Omdurman where they will face hosts Sudan on June 11.

Lumwana Rally To Beat 10-man Napsa, Lusaka Dynamos Go Third

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Lumwana Rally To Beat 10-man Napsa, Lusaka Dynamos Go Third

Napsa Stars FAZ Super  League survivals continues to look in doubt after Lumwana Radiants rallied from one-down on Wednesday to beat hosts 2-1 in a bottom four dogfight at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

The result saw Napsa sustain their fifth successive league defeat with three games left before their fate is clear.

But Napsa made a great start towards the fight when Danny Silavwe turned in a Jimmy Mukeya cross to see the 2020/2021 CAF Confederation Cup group stage envoys take a 1-0 halftime lead.

Napsa then suffered a setback just before the restart when Chipolopolo defender Luka Banda was taking ill.

Lumwana capitalized on that and equalized in the 59th minute when Dominic Chungwa headed in the ball.

Two minutes later, Napsa suffered a second defensive setback when Amos Simwanza was sent-off for a high boot on Musonda Siame.

Lumwana then pushed and punished a defensively weakened ten-man Napsa in the 71st minute when Dina Dinanga beat goalkeeper Philip Banda to a long punt from Katembwe Ngelekwa in the opposite goal to give the visitors the three points.

However, Lumwana stay second from bottom on 33 points, four points behind Napsa who are just above them at number 16.

With three games left, Napsa visit leaders Zesco United on June 9 and a defeat there will put them a match away from relegation.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Dynamos are back at number three following a 1-1 home draw with ninth positioned Green Buffaloes in the lunchtime kickoff of the Woodlands Stadium doubleheader.
Emmanuel Chabula struck in the 13th minute to send Dynamos leading into the break.

But hopes of all three points vanished in the 87th minute when Paul Banda’s handball gave Buffaloes a lifeline.

Friday Samu stepped up to convert the penalty to ensure they shared   the points.

Buffaloes have 42 points; Dynamos have 47 points tied with Kabwe Warriors whom they relegate to number four.

Zanaco are second on 53 points and are eight behind Zesco who have confirmed their CAF Champions League spot while the other three continental spots are still up for grabs.

Promoted Konkola Blades Recognise Ailing Coach Bwale’s Input

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The Konkola Blades technical bench has recognised the efforts of head coach Charles Bwale who is currently on sick leave in the wake of the team’s promotion back to the FAZ Super Division.

Konkola have secured promotion from Division 1 – three months after Bwale fell ill during training at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Bwale was hospitalised last February after collapsing during training before proceeding on sick leave in Lusaka.

In an interview after winning promotion at the weekend, acting head coach and club legend Lewingtone Mujembe recalled that his bench worked well with Bwale on the road to promotion.

‘I am just happy to guide the team into the Premier League. It has not been easy. You know we started with Charles; he got sick. I am sure he is with us spiritually,’ said Mujembe.

‘He came to boost the technical bench. You know I have come a long way with his team so when he came we worked in harmony.’

‘He is a humble man. He came and joined the group and fused in well,’ Mujembe said.

Mujembe has previously served at Konkola as a player, assistant coach, team manager and head coach.

‘Hard work has helped. We were taking each game has it came. Our aim is to win the championship,’ he said.

Konkola, who have a five point lead at the top with 62 points, are remaining with four matches in the season.

The Chililabombwe side last competed in the FAZ Super Division in 2017.

Sexual Barter System Gains Momentum in Eastern Province

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Sexual Barter System Gains Momentum in Eastern Province

Despite its ban in 2019, a traditional practice known as Chidyelano has continued during mobile markets locally known as Kabwandile , in Eastern Province.

Paramount chief Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa speaking people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique recently banned the practice to curb the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) in his chiefdom.

These mobile markets conducted in Eastern Province consequently attract foreign nationals from Malawi and Mozambique.

Chidyelano is traditional practice which involves married men or women exchanging their partners for sexual pleasure.

Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Chipata district traditional affairs assistant officer Cecilia Tembo says the traditional practice is still being practice in mobile markets locally known as Kabwandile in Chipata district and beyond.

Speaking during a presentation during the Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender and Development ( ZNMNGD ) media breakfast meeting held today at Eastern Comfort Lodge in Chipata, Mrs Tembo said the traditional practice is being practice in a different version in markets.

“We hoping that the coming of Gender Activist in communities Chidyelano will completely be discharged, “she said.

Mrs Tembo said traders operating in mobile markets have reverted to the traditional practice by having sexual intercourse with married men as a mode of payment after selling goods .

Under the this practice, traders make arrangements for sex at the end of business transaction among themselves regardless of their marital status in different places.

She is however optimistic that the practice can be discouraged in trading places and has commended traditional leaders in region for championing the fight against GBV .

Mrs Tembo cited chief Madzimawe as one of the Ngoni chiefs being among the many active traditional leaders fighting GBV cases in the region.

Zambia expected to see a big jump in wealthy people over next 5 years: 2021 Wealth Report

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Zambia expected to see a big jump in wealthy people over next 5 years: 2021 Wealth Report

Global property consultancy group Knight Frank has published its 2021 Wealth Report, showing that Zambia and South Africa will lead the biggest rise in wealthy individuals in Africa over the next five years.

Knight Frank’s model predicts that the global population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) – someone with a net worth of over $30 million will grow by 27% over the next five years.

The group also forecasts that the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) – someone with a net worth of over $1 million – will rise by 41%.

The report said Africa is expected to see the second-biggest regional five-year UHNWI growth rate – 33% – led by Zambia and South Africa.

The report highlights the expansion of this cohort to underline the potential of growing mass affluent populations across Africa and Asia.

Accelerated growth in lower wealth tiers will serve to reverse some of the widening inequalities of 2020, spurred on by entrepreneurial spirit and technological opportunities.

This reverses the trend seen in 2020 when HNWI numbers actually contracted against modest growth in the worldwide population, the group said.

Asia tops the group’s five-year UHNWI growth forecast with 39%, led by Indonesia on 67% and India on 63%.

This would see Asia’s proportion of global UHNWIs rise from 22% to 24%.

Europe will retain its crown as the second-largest wealth hub with an expected growth of 23%, bringing the total number of UHNWIs to 185,860.

The biggest rises are forecast in Poland with 61%, and Sweden with 59%.

But the outlook for households earning more than US$100,000 a year is even more positive according to Oxford Economics, which is forecasting 139% growth over the same period.

Although Covid-19 was still far from under control in many parts of the world as The Wealth Report went to press, this year’s forecasts represent optimism for the emergence of a new economic cycle and set new expectations for the post-pandemic world.

This reverses the trend seen in 2020 when HNWI numbers actually contracted against modest growth in the worldwide population of those with US$30 million or more in net assets (UHNWIs).

This reinforces the resilience of wealth, matching our forecasts from the 2020 edition of The Wealth Report.

High Wealth Individuals data
High Wealth Individuals data

Dr. Mwaka Nyirenda Twagirayesu appointed Dr Nevers Mumba’s Presidential Spokesperson

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Dr. Mwaka Nyirenda Twagirayesu appointed Dr Nevers Mumba’s Presidential Spokesperson

The New Hope Movement for Multiparty Democracy, MMD has with immediate effect appointed Dr. Mwaka Nyirenda Twagirayesu Presidential Spokesperson in the President’s office.

The appointment came through the Party President, Dr Nevers Mumba on behalf of the Party and goes into effect immediately.

Dr. Mwaka is a lawyer from the University of Buckingham (UK) and graduated in 1990.

She equally holds a Masters degree in Sociology from the Northeastern University of Boston (USA) and graduated in 1992.

In 2020, she was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities by the United Graduate College and Seminary in New York (USA).

Dr. Mwaka is also a Pastor, radio and television personality, and is the first born daughter to the late Mr Kabuka Nyirenda and Dr Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika.

MMD Spokesperson Dr Cephas Mukuka announced the appointment adding that, “Given these attributes and qualifications, we have no doubt that she is capable of delivering a high standard of service as the Director of Communications in the office of the MMD President.”

“We would thus like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Mwaka on this crucial appointment.”

Doctors Association President Dr Sampa to be fired today

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Doctors Association President Dr Sampa to be fired today

Government through the Public Service Management Division will today sack suspended Resident Doctors Association of Zambia President Dr. Brian Sampa from employment.

PSMD Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali revealed today that Dr Sampa will be given the letter terminating his employment with the public service today.

Mr Chimbwali said Dr Sampa is being sacked for abandoning his work station at Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in Zambezi District for more than 10 days which is against the public service regulations.

He was speaking on a special radio programme on Hot FM alongside Health Permanent Secretary-Technical Dr Kennedy Malala and Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga.

Mr Chimbwali also stated that the junior doctors who have been on go slow should consider themselves fired if they continue with their action up to the 10th day.

Meanwhile, Doctors have vowed to continue with their go slow until all their grievances are met.

Junior Doctors protesting at UTH
Junior Doctors protesting at UTH

PF will Retain Power , High Number of Opposition Presidential Candidates has Thrown the Change Mantra Under the Bus- George Mpombo

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PF will Retain Power , High Number of Opposition Presidential Candidates has Thrown the Change Mantra Under the Bus- George Mpombo

Veteran politician George Mpombo has said that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) will retain power this year’s elections slated for August 12th.

Speaking in an interview, Dr Mpombo, who is former Defence Minister under MMD regime, said that the opposition has no chance of winning the August 12 general elections and advised the opposition to prepare their minds that the ruling party will win elections and the incumbent President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, will be sworn in again as Republican President.

Dr Mpombo pointed out that the overcrowded pack of presidential candidates of opposition has greatly undermined the chances of opposition emerging victorious, thus giving more advantage to the ruling party.

“The overcrowded pack of presidential candidates of opposition has greatly undermined chances of opposition emerging victorious, thus throwing change the mantra under the bus,” Dr Mpombo said.

“The incontestable fact of vote splitting among the opposition ranks and file will deliver a debilitating blow, with the ruling party likely to successfully navigate the elections,” he said before adding: ” In 2006 under late President Mwanawasa, MMD lost Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces but managed to win elections by winning Eastern, Central, North-Western and Western Provinces and by sweeping Ndola rural. So there may be sharing of votes in Copperbelt and Lusaka but the opposition must forget about these other areas, the people will vote for the ruling party.”

This year has seen one of the highest numbers of presidential candidates in the field in recent elections. 16 Presidential candidates successfully filed in their nomination papers for the 12th August general elections out of the 20 paid-up candidates at the official close of the nomination period.

The ruling PF, UPND, Third Liberation Movement, Socialist Party, Party of National Unity and Progress (PNUP), UNIP’s, United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) and MMD have successfully filed in their nomination papers.

Other parties are Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP), Democratic Party (DP ), Leadership Movement (LM), Zambia United for Sustainable Development ( ZUSD ), National Restoration Party (NAREP), New Heritage Party(NHP), People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF ) all successfully managed to file in their nomination papers for their respective Presidential candidates and running mates.

ZAMRA approves 5 Covid-19 vaccines for use in Zambia

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ZAMRA approves 5 Covid-19 vaccines for use in Zambia

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has now approved five Covid-19 vaccines for use in the country.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Malama, said this followed stringent review processes undertaken and riding on the World Health Organization emergency use listing of the vaccines.

“Sinopharm (Vero Cells), Jansen (Johnson & Johnson), AstraZeneca Covishield, AZD 1222 5 – Korean AstraZeneca and the Pfizer Biotech,” Dr. Malama said.

He also pointed out that the Covid-19 vaccination programme remains paused until 23rd June, 2021 when those who received the first dose will start receiving the second one.

Meanwhile, Dr. Malama has disclosed that Covid-19 cases have continued to rise with the country recording 558 new cases in the last 24 hours.

The cases have more than doubled from yesterday’s 213.

Speaking during the routine Covid-19 update in Lusaka today, Dr. Malama said the country has recorded one Covid-19 death at Levy Mwanawasa isolation centre in Lusaka.

He said the cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded from March last year when the pandemic broke out in Zambia to date is now 1,282.

These are classified as 722 Covid deaths and 560 Covid-19 associated deaths. Dr. Malama said it is now clear that the third wave has broken out in Zambia. He disclosed that Zambia is among the top six countries in the region with high numbers recorded in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Malama said Lusaka province recorded 244 cases in the last 24 hours, which is the among all provinces.

“The breakdown of the new cases by province are as follows: Central 46, Copperbelt 59, Eastern 69, Luapula 11, Lusaka 244, Muchinga 2, Northern 5, North-western 10, Southern 74 and Western 38,” he said.

And Dr. Malama has said in the last 24 hours, 35 new admissions were recorded, twice the number which was recorded yesterday. He said among those presently in admission, 79 are on oxygen therapy and 12 are in a critical condition.

He however disclosed that a total of 83 discharges were made from both the Covid-19 isolation and treatment facilities and home based management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 92,039.

Government’s Agricultural Strategies Bearing Fruit-President Lungu

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Government’s Agricultural Strategies Bearing Fruit-President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has flagged off the harvesting season for maize and soya beans at the Green 2000 Agriculture Project in Kawambwa district in Luapula province.

The President has since expressed happiness about the successes scored so far at the agriculture project saying government’s strategies on agriculture are the enabling factors for this achievement.

President Lungu has also assured that Zambia was on course to becoming fully food secure and serve as a food basket for the region.

“The location of Zambia is such that Zambia can feed the entire region of Africa and beyond,” he said adding that, “…so we believe that with the endowment that we have of adequate water, sunshine and all other aspects, we can produce enough to feed ourselves and the entire region”.

The President also said Zambia is food secure and that the economic security of the people in the country is guaranteed in farming.

“We look forward to a time when farming will take over from mining and other economic activities. But it can only work if we work hard and apply ourselves,” the head of state advised.

President Edgar Lungu with Green 2000 Agricultural Equipment and know- how limited General Manager Dawid Durandt display cobs of maize during the launch of this year's harvesting season in Kawambwa District. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu with Green 2000 Agricultural Equipment and know- how limited General Manager Dawid Durandt display cobs of maize during the launch of this year’s harvesting season in Kawambwa District. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ ZANIS

And Green 2000 General Manager Dawid Durandt, said 2000 local farmers have been empowered through the out-grower component of the four dimension project that has taken into account training, financial empowerment for local farmers and community engagement.

“The concept that we have constructed here consists of four modules including the agricultural services and training centre, the community production unit, this agricultural project whose harvest we are flagging off now and the open irrigation system,” Mr. Durandt said.

The project has also supported the replication of the agricultural technology used by the Israeli experts who run the project.

The replication is done in schools and other parts of the country.

“We have the Edukit, under which we give a small grant to the schools which they use to put up drip irrigation systems,” he explained.

The Green 2000 agriculture project, which sits on 2,600 hectares of farmland in Luena farm block, has provided formal and informal employment to over 400 people and benefits 2,000 out-grower farmers.

President Edgar Lungu admires tomato plants during the tour of Green 2000Agricultural Equipment and know how limited in Kawambwa District during his visit to the area. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ ZANIS
President Edgar Lungu admires tomato plants during the tour of Green 2000Agricultural Equipment and know how limited in Kawambwa District during his visit to the area. Picture by SUNDAY BWALYA/ ZANIS
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