ZANIS Central News

20/02/2020

Serenje, ZANIS 20 February...Serenje District Administrative Officer (DAO) Kennedy Pezo has observed that a peaceful environment is critical in creating investor confidence.

Mr. Pezo said this at Serenje's Kampumbu community school during an Environmental Impact Assessment disclosure meeting for the proposed development of the 9,000 Hactares Nansanga Core venture farm by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Mr. Pezo who expressed concern over the recent riot incendence in Serenje town which was sparked by gassing suspicions and left government property destroyed said insecurity has potential
to cause investors to shun investing or to pull out from an area of operation.

" When there is insecurity, there is potential that investors can pull out," He said.

Mr. Pezo called on the local leadership and stakeholders in Serenje to work with government to ensure investment coming to the district is safeguarded

" The local leadership and stakeholders should be delighted to have institutions like the IDC to help attract investment to the district. When this development comes we should do everything possible to ensure it is safeguarded so that it benefits the Zambians," Mr. Pezo said.

20/02/2020

Mr. Mubanga Mwansa a consultant at Greenline Environmental Solutions talking to stakeholders at Kampumbu Primary School during the Environmental Impact Assessment Disclosure meeting for the proposed development of the Nansanga Core venture Farm by Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Picture by Cliff Munjile/ ZANIS.

20/02/2020

One Acre supports farmers in Chisamba district to diversify crops in the face of climate change

20/02/2020

Disabled Speak

Kabwe, February 20, ZANIS---The Zambia Federation of Disability Organisation (ZAFOD) has called on families with people living with disabilities to protect them from violent activities going on in the country as government is addressing the gassing matter.

And ZAFOD has condemned members of the community who are resorting to instant mob justice without allowing the due process of the law to take course.

In a statement issued to ZANIS, ZAFOD Programs Manager Mwiya Muya says persons with disabilities could be victims of mob justice particularly those with mental health conditions such as dementia because they have in the past been victims of violence on suspicion of them being wizards.

“As a federation, we recognise the efforts and drastic measures and that government has taken to ensure peace and public order is maintained in the communities,” Muya said.

He called on schools with persons with disabilities to heighten their security measures in the special schools and units to ensure children with disabilities are protected.

The ZAFOD Programs Manager said it was the duty of every Zambian to protect and safeguard the dignity of persons with disabilities.

And ZAFOD has condemned members of the community who are resorting to instant mob justice without allowing the due process of the law to take course.

He stated that members of the public should allow the police to investigate matters professionally so that the law can be applied to them.

Meanwhile, ZAFOD has further condemned acts of political violence and non tolerance of divergent views because it deters participation of persons with disabilities.

He said events that occurred during the public discussion forum hosted by the Law Association of Zambia should not be tolerated in the country.

Mr Muya stated that such acts had potential to scare away people living with disabilities from expressing their views and participating in the political space.

He also called on all persons with disabilities to meaningfully and effectively present themselves not only as voters but as candidates on the various political party tickets of their choice or as independents at all levels of elections.

17/02/2020

Water quality

Kabwe, February 17, ZANIS---Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) Assistant Public Relations Manager, Waluka Mwaekwa, says the local authority will soon embark on a comprehensive water sampling and testing from sources across the district.

Ms Mwaekwa says the program that will be spearheaded by the public health department of the council will conduct water tests for Lead contaminants and other heavy metal is slated for next months as part of the Lead poisoning remediation interventions.

She told ZANIS in an interview in Kabwe that the move of water sampling and testing is aimed at ensuring that people in the district have access to clean and quality water for consumption and other domestic use.

Ms Mwaekwa disclosed that the water samples from different sources across the district will be examined by different and reputable laboratories within the country to ensure credibility while achieving maximum quality assurance results.

She said water sampled from a few shallow wells and individual bore holes around Katondo and Mulungushi area recently revealed a high level of Lead presence and did not conform to the Zambia Compulsory Standard Agency (ZCSA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for drinking water and other domestic use.

She observed that water samples collected from these sources had a maximum of 0.0569 mg/l which is way above the acceptable Lead content levels of not exceed 0.001 mg/l permissible under the water quality compliance standards.

Ms Mwaekwa said it is the mandate of the local authority to carry out regular testing of food and water samples routinely in the district so that the health and safety of the consumers is guaranteed at the barest requirement.

She further said KMC will also be engaging other stakeholders in ensuring public safety issues are addressed promptly.

17/02/2020

Gassing prayers
Kapiri Mposhi, 17 February 2020 - ZANIS – The Kapiri Mposhi District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC) has advised the general public to be security conscious in view of the reported incidents of chemical gassing in the district.
And the District Pastors Fellowship has organized a day of prayers and fasting against suspected incidents of gassing and a spate of attacks on suspected ritual killers in the area.
DJOC Chairperson, Brighson Mwape has discouraged residents from effecting instant mob justice on suspects of gassing of households in the area.
Last week residents of Ndeke area in Kapiri Mposhi descended and brutally beat up four men whom they suspected to be behind a series of incidents of gassing of households in the area.
But Mr. Mwape, who is also Kapiri Mposhi Police Officer Commanding, implored the people to report any suspicious individuals and activities to police and further urged residents from moving at awkward hours.
Mr. Mwape said the DJOC has intensified patrols in the communities adding that residents should support and cooperate with security officers to curb suspicion of chemical gassing in the communities.
“Give us work to do don’t take the law into your hands by harming suspects of gassing … have faith in us and report these cases to police,” Mr. Musonda said.
The DJOC whose membership comprise security and defense wings of government held a security sensitisation meeting with the clergy drawn from various church denominations across the district in view of recent reports of gassing of households in the area.
Mr. Mwape advised churches intending to host overnight prayers to inform police in advance and cautioned bar owners to operate within the stipulated time of operations in line with the Liquor Licensing Act.
“The DJOC called for this meeting with the men and women of God because we believe that you are well placed to send a message and heal the wounds that the current security situation has created in our district,” Mr. Mwape said.
And Pastors Fellowship Chairperson, Japhet Msoni has called for the re-organization of the Community Crime Prevention Units (CCPU) to enhance security patrols in the communities.
Pastor Msoni noted that the communities were agitated by the absence of police officers patrolling their communities in the wake of suspected gassing of their households.
The clergyman has also asked the police to ensure that whistleblowers of suspects in the suspected gassing incidents were protected against victimization.
Meanwhile, the Fellowship has set 23rd January 2020 as date for prayers and fasting against the reported gassing and attacks on suspected gassers of households in the district.
“We know that the devil has risen against the country let’s get back on our knees and pray against this evil,” Pastor Msoni said.

14/02/2020

Six pupils at Mine Primary School affected by suspected lead poisoning.

14/02/2020

ZAPUC calls for intensified research in higher learning institutions to support policy development.

14/02/2020

Government sinks four boreholes in Chikwata of Chimanimani ward of Bwacha Constituency in a bid to provide safe clean drinking water to the community.

14/02/2020

Serenje,ZANIS 13 February... Motorists in Serenje have commended the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) for opening offices in the district.

The RTSA offices opened its doors to the Public and will service Serenje, Chitambo Mkushi districts.

The motorists told ZANIS in separate interviews that the move by RTSA to open offices in the district is commendable as it will help motorists in the district easily access road traffic services offered by the Agency.

One of the motorists, Stephen Kapesa said motorists used to spend a lot of money to travel to either to Kabwe or Mpika for road fitness test and other services.

He said the the coming of the Agency RTSA to the district will remove the travel expenses and further help a lot of motorists aquire driving Licenses.

" The move made by the Agency is the right step in the right direction. It will help motorists in the district and surrounding areas aquire driving Licenses," Mr. Kapesa said.

Doris Ngoma ,another motorists said the presence of RTSA in Serenje will help reduce traffic offences in the area.

Staivous Mulumba said the coming of RTSA in the district will help improve the economy of the district.

Mr. Mulumba who is also Ibolelo ward councilor said RTSA's presence in the district is testimony that decentralization is yieldig results.

And Serenje District Commissioner Francis Kalipenta said RTSA presence in Serenje is expected to bring sanity on the Great North Road.

Mr. Kalipenta also commended the Agency for taking its services closer to the people of Serenje and the surrounding areas.
" This is great news not only to Serenje but to rest of the Province," Mr. Kalipenta said.

He called on the communities to cooperate with RTSA to help bring order on the roads.

And RTSA Public Relations Officer, Fredrick Mubanga revealed that the opening of of a station in Serenje is away of increasing coverage to the rural areas in the country.

14/02/2020

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has opened new offices in Serenje district. The offices will service Serenje, Chitambo and Mkushi districts.

14/02/2020

Ngabwe, February 13, 2020, ZANIS ---NGABWE FORESTRY AND FISHERIES COMBINE EFFORT TO STOP
ILLEGAL TREE CUTTING AND FISHING
Ngabwe District Commissioner, Melody Phiri, says government through the department of Forestry and
Fisheries has intensified patrols in a joint operation to stop illegal tree cutting and fishing in the district.
Ms Phiri confirmed that the two departments are carrying out day and night joint patrols within the
district to safeguard natural resources.
She told Zanis in Ngabwe that the joint team will work tirelessly and ensure that those found wanting
face the law.
“As a district we have intensified patrols to curb the illegal cutting of trees and fishing activities to
manage these resources for the benefit of all” she said.
She said it is government’s policy to manage natural resources for the economic benefit of the people in
the district and the country as a whole.
“The mainstay for the people in Ngabwe is fishing which accounts for about 80 percent of the economic
activity and so illegal fishing, not only depletes fish species but also prevents fish from breeding which
will affect the livelihood of the people in future’ said Ms Phiri.
Ms Phiri said during the Fish Ban anyone found fishing will be prosecuted and the fish confiscated.
The District Commissioner said government remains committed to deal with the issues of climate
change at grassroots level through the forestry departments.
“Among the interventions is managing our resources, which includes trees so that we benefit from them
economically and also maintain ecological balance to mitigate climate change effects” she said.
District Forestry officer, Rita Sinywibulula, said during the joint patrols, the team is sensitizing the
community on the negative effects of tree cutting on climate change.
Ms Sinywibulula said more still needs to be done to sensitize the people on the impact that trees have
on climate change and how they affect the economy.
She said most of the people in Ngabwe are into charcoal business which leaves devastating impacts on
the environment.

“People in Ngabwe are into illegal cutting of trees, since this district is opening up, we want to educate
the people on issues of licenses and proper ways of venturing into timber and charcoal business without
environmental degradation “She said.

14/02/2020

Ngabwe, February 13, ZANIS ---Ngabwe to reduce seven per cent HIV prevalence further
through male Circumcision.
Ngabwe District Commissioner, Melody Phiri says Government and its cooperating partner John
Snow Incorporation (JSI) will intensify the fight against HIV and Aids through Male Circumcision
in Ngabwe district.
Ms Phiri said Circumcision remains one of the intervention government recommends in reducing the
prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in Ngabwe District and the country as a whole.
She said Ngabwe is set to train more people in male circumcision and will intensify on mobile
circumcision to ensure at least 95 per cent of the population in Ngabwe is circumcised.
She told Zanis in Ngabwe that there was need to boost sensitization tactics and encourage more people
to get circumcised in the district.
“As a district we have made some progress in getting people to accept the concept of HIV and AIDS
prevention through circumcision, however, more still needs to be done, we need to get past traditional
myths that frustrate efforts to reduce HIV infections even further” she said
Ms Phiri said it is important to acknowledge that circumcisions does not totally prevent infection or
reinfection, it significantly reduces the risk.
“To this effect, we are increasing the number of persons trained to do actual circumcision in health
facilities” she said.
She said, government, with help from co-operating partners will intensify mobile circumcisions to reach
out to as many people possible.
She said that the interventions were in line with government’s policy of taking health services close to
where people are.
‘’ we want people in Ngabwe to appreciate Circumcision and have enough knowledge not only in
preventing HIV and AIDS but also the benefits of circumcision in preventing cervical cancer particularly
in women and ultimately reduce early deaths, thereby allowing people to meaningfully contribute to
society ” said Ms Phiri .

The District Commissioner said that in the long term the economic benefits accruing is that
government and other co-operating partners will spend less of dealing with HIV/AIDS issues and spend
resources on economic areas.
A resident in Ngabwe Biton Kalaba said that there are more benefits of getting circumcised especially
among the youths and encouraged others to visit health facilities for information
Mr Kalaba said it is important to get tested for HIV and AIDS and ensure we do not spread infections to
our partners.
He said circumcision should be encouraged and made mandatory if we are to reduce the infections

14/02/2020

KMC in bailiffs raid

Kabwe, February 14, ZANIS---Court bailiffs have pounced on Kabwe Municipal Council (KMC) and impounded four vehicles over K296, 000 debt.

The bailiffs swung into action yesterday around 10: 30 hours and went away with four vehicles following a court order in respect of a claim of about K296, 000 terminal benefits for a former council employee.

KMC Assistant Public Relations Manager, Waluka Mwaekwa, confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Kabwe today and said the court order is in respect of a former council employee who sued the local authority for non-payments of terminal benefits.

Ms Mwaekwa said the court order gave the bailiffs power to seize a total of eight vehicles for the amount owed in terminal benefits but only four vehicles have been impounded.

She described the seizure of the four vehicles by the court bailiffs as sad and appealed to KMC creditors to exercise patience as the council remains committed to settle all its debts and obligations.

She also encouraged people to engage the local authority as opposed to litigations expressing fear that litigations will only cripple the provision of services.

Ms Mwaekwa, however, said KMC has been granted a stay of ex*****on from the court and have since recovered the four vehicles that were earlier seized adding that they are currently parked at the Civic Centre.

However, a check by ZANIS found a Toyota Hilux registration number BAD 8460, Toyota Hilux registration number ALZ 664, Mitsubishi Pajero registration number KBE 1 and Toyota Hilux registration number 1118 all belonging to KMC still parked at the Sherriff’s office.

14/02/2020

LgWSC water Lead free

Kabwe, February 13, ZANIS---Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LgWSC) Managing Director, Yorum Sinyangwe, has dismissed reports that the water supplied by the utility company has Lead contaminants.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Kabwe today, Mr Sinyangwe said the tap water supplied by the water utility company is Lead free and safe for human consumption.

Mr Sinyangwe has assured the customers and members of the general public that the water utility company ensures that water produced is purified, tested and certified before distribution.

A report by the Education, Environment and Health Subcommittee to the Full Council Meeting that was held at the Civic Centre last week alleged that samples from various designated water points by LgWSC were contaminated with Lead.

He, however, said LgWSC produces water that meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) quality of 95 per cent acceptable benchmark for consumption.

He said LgWSC pumps its water from Mulungushi Dam and from underground water sources in the Mukobeko and Kalulu Forest Reserve about 20 and seven kilo metres respectively that are not Lead prone areas.

He added that he could not commit himself to discussing water samples that were conducted by third parties at private shallow wells because they were not supplied by the province’s licensed water supply service provider.

Mr Sinyangwe has advised Kabwe residents to consume LgWSC supplied water because the institution ensures that there quality compliance on a daily basis.

14/02/2020

Research important

Kabwe, February 13,ZANIS--- The Zambia Association of Public Universities and Colleges (ZAPUC) has called for increased and well organised research to support policy development in the Country.

ZAPUC Conference Organising Committee Chairperson Professor Geoffrey Tambulukani says there is need for government to develop policies that are supported and informed by research which is supported by data.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ZAPUC national workshop that was attended by 15 higher learning institutions at Mulungushi University in Kabwe, Professor Tambulukani said there is need to bring the learning institutions together to support synergies and promote high standards of education in the country.

Prof Tambulukani added that there is need for government to develop policies that are informed by research to address the country’s developmental needs.

He said research informed policies contribute highly to poverty reduction and improved educational standards in the country.

And ZAPUC Editorial Committee Chairperson Professor Douglas K***a says there is need to improve the rankings of universities and colleges through research.

Professor K***a said higher learning institutions should come up with improved research papers and publications befitting international standards.

He said the workshop has packages of software that would help participants with skills in data analysis and processing.

He further added that research would help improve the rankings of universities and colleges in the country and the outside world.

Professor K***a said the workshop would in addition equip participants with skills that will help them present papers and publications at international conferences.

Meanwhile, Mulungushi University Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Kavwanga Yambayamba says innovation is key to national development.

He said research is significant to the growth of high and quality education which encompasses innovation.

He said skills in Information Communication Technology and tools in data analysis will help improve the quality of research in the country.

13/02/2020

11/02/2020

Kabwe, February 9, ZANIS....Central Province Minister, Sydney Mushanga, has donated 40 pockets of cement and K5, 000 cash to the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kabwe District.

The donation is towards the construction of a modern ablution block for the congregants.

Speaking when he made the donation, Central Province Minister, Sydney Mushanga, called on the church in the country to help end tribalism.

Mr Mushanga said the country is at the verge of division because of tribalism being championed by some people.

He observed that tribalism if unchecked will divide the country and there could be no Zambia after 2021 general elections.

He said the church and the nation should strive to stop the prevailing spirit of tribalism.

He added that in a nation calling itself, a christian nation, there should be no stigmatisation and discrimination among its citizens.

The minister said the church is better placed to end the waging tribalism in the country.

However, he noted that the church often times has not done its part and has been hiding its face from the challenges of tribalism.

Meanwhile, African Methodist Episcopal Church Pastor-In-Charge, Rev Jeremiah Mwenyo, said it is imperative that the church and government should work together for the development of the nation.

Rev Mwenyo said it is the policy of his church to support the government of the day to foster development.

The minister of the gospel has cautioned political leaders in the country to refrain from divisive tribal sentiments saying there is power in the word.

He said Christianity is principally there to bring change, unity and development in a nation.

He implored Central Province Minister, Sydney Mushanga, to continue being responsive and helping his constituents.

11/02/2020

Teachers Praised

Kabwe, February 10,ZANIS---General Education Minister David Mabumba says the Ministry is considering reforms in printing of grade seven and nine certificates which are printed abroad.

The minister who addressed Head teachers, Teachers, Pupils and parents at Angelina Secondary school in Kabwe thanked teachers for conducting leakage free exams in 2019.

Mr Mabumba said conducting leakage free examinations was not a mean achievement as teachers and all stakeholders put in their best and the results were there to see.

He said this achievement would help restore public confidence in the education sector and the Examination Council of Zambia.

The Minister also said the ministry would continue to embark on reforms in its quest to improve the standards of education in the country.

He cited reforms in the printing of grade seven and grade nine certificates as among those being considered to be printed locally or completely gotten away with though it was depending on cabinet approval.

Examination Council of Zambia Deputy Director William Kapembwa says the council recorded cases of malpractice especially involving GCE exams.

Mr Kapembwa said the council recorded 179 cases of malpractice, 134 of which were of the nature of assistance especially at GCE level.

He said there was still more to be done to ensure the running of exams is guarded against elements of malpractice and leakages.

And Ministry of General Education Human Resource Director Kapulo Musonda said all outstanding issues of confirmations and appointments were being addressed by the ministry and would soon be a thing of the past.

He also advised all Human Resource officers to ensure they worked with school managers to address pending matters as they tended to discourage and demotivated teachers.

Meanwhile a pupil who spoke on behalf of others appreciated the success being recorded because of reforms in the education sector.

Joseph Kapembwa a grade 12 pupil at Bwacha Secondary school said the pupil performance at academic level had improved going by the number of candidates who attained division one certificates.

He said production unit was among other reforms that were doing fine in the schools like Bwacha which had a piggery and garden running.

11/02/2020

Kapiri Mposhi, 11 February 2020- ZANIS – residents of Turn off area in Kapiri Mposhi District last night ran amok and destroyed a police post in the area on suspicion that police officers were holding a suspected ritual killer.

This was after word went round that a suspect in the recent gas attacks had been arrested and detained at the police post.

The residents turned riotous and pelted stones at the police post shattering window panes demanding for police to release the suspect for them to mete-out mob justice.

Police had a tough time and fought running battles firing tire gas to calm the situation which persisted until midnight.

A ZANIS crew that rushed to the scene found one vehicle, a Toyota Hipsum Registration Number AAA 5007 parked at the police post damaged with its windows shattered in the fracas.

The rioters also blocked the Kapiri Mposhi - Mkushi Road with rocks and tires affecting the smooth flow of traffic.

Ten people have since been arrested and detained in connection with the riot.

Efforts to get a comment from Central Province Commissioner of police, Chola Katanga failed as he is on leave.

11/02/2020

Leakage free Exams cheers Mabumba

10/02/2020

Newly constructed Manyumbi toll gate

10/02/2020

Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga inspects newly constructed Chitakata bridge