Friday, October 18, 2024
Home Blog Page 1117

Horizon castigates Government’s school takeover as illegal

10

The Board of Horizon Educational Trust says the action by government to take over the school is illegal.

School Board Chairperson Leslie Mbula says the School is a business concern owned by Horizon Educational Trust and government cannot take over the business purportedly under the land acquisition act.

Mr Mbula says the Government can only compulsorily acquire the land and the buildings on it and not a business concern.

He has therefore demanded for the release of all movable assets such as computers, desks, books and teaching aids among others belonging to the Horizon Educational Trust which government is using without paying for them.

President Edgar Lungu last year compulsorily acquired Horizon School in “public interest” using powers vested in him by the Lands Acquisition Act.

HH and UPND will Unite Zambia Again

20


By: Anthony Bwalya

I am an example of the UPND’s value systems of love, diversity, peaceful coexistence and respect for all forms of life, and the profound belief that we are all created equal under and by one God.

These are value systems that President Hakainde Hichilema holds solemnly dear and actively seeks to reinforce, as our country and its people seeks to lift ourselves from a place of violent social and economic neglect and destitution post 2021.

Our children are hearing and listening to the everyday bigotry, tribal hatred, racism, unbiblical dehumanizing and divisive TRIBAL sentiment which has now become commonplace at public gatherings hosted by the PATRIOTIC FRONT.

And if we the Zambian people will fail to come together and REJECT the toxic, selfserving agenda of the PF and its leadership, anchored on stiring and entrenching TRIBAL DIVISIONS in our country, our children and theirs, may never have the privilege of living in a united Zambia.

As citizens, especially those of you friends within the PF, your legacy rests in defending our cherished and shared value systems, including but not limited to, TRIBAL IDENTITIES.

You cannot claim to be a proud Zambian, a Christian for that matter, and yet watch in convenient silence while your political establishment, the PF, openly attack other tribes in our land for political expediency – especially the open tribal warfare being waged against the TONGA people of Southern Province.

You are silent because you are benefitting, and stand to benefit from this uncultured fashion of doing politics.

The Zambia we want post 2021 will be built and anchored on our God given diversity and ordained peaceful coexistence. And anyone, or indeed any POLITICAL PARTY, who will want to campaign for either election or REELECTION, as the case is for the PF, on decimating our shared diversity and peaceful coexistence, must never be allowed to come anywhere close to the mantle of political power.

President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND will actively work to consolidate and reinforce the ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION code.

United Teachers Union of Zambia Welcomes resumption of the negotiations for improved salaries

3

The United Teachers Union of Zambia (UNITUZ) has welcomed the announcement by the government to resume the negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service for civil servants, particularly for teachers.

Union Director of Media, Public Relations and International Affairs James Sikazwe tells Smart Eagles that the resumption of negotiations resonates well with the statement
made by the Executive President for United Teachers Union of Zambia on world teachers day in which he asked government to bring forward the salary negotiations as opposed to waitng for December 2020.

“On the other hand, the resumption of the negotiations serves as a signal of upholding the aspirations of advocating for a motivated teacher without leaving anyone behind as enshrined in the 7th National Development Plan,” he said.

He therefore, added that the union implored all the teachers across the country to remain resolute as we continue advocating for your improved salaries and conditions of service,” he said.

President Lungu leads nation in WW1/2 fallen heroes memorial

3

President Edgar Lungu today attended a National Cenotaph in Lusaka in memory of the fallen heroes during the World Wars 1 and 2.

A three gun salute was presented in honour of the fallen heroes and a homily conducted by Director Chaplaincy at the Zambia Air Force, Colonel Reverend Malcom Nyambe.

The Scripture was taken from Exodus 13: 19-20 and Joshua 24: 32.

Rev. Nyambe noted that it is important to remember the people that have gone before the entire world including Zambia and made certain things happen to change the livelihood of the people.

He advised those in leadership the entire world to make sure that the world does not experience any more world war.

“Those in power should not make sure that we do not go into another world war. It is of great concern regarding what we are seeing being reported in the media. It’s like everyone is preparing for war by among other things buying dangerous weapons,” he said.

Rev. Nyambe noted that countries must stop meddling in internal affairs of other member states adding that people must also have respect for the governments in power.

“If we are to revert our honour, some of the things that must be done is that countries should stop meddling in affairs for other countries, there should be respect for the government in power and we must learn to love one another, keep and maintain the peace,” he advised.

Later, the Head of State led members of the diplomatic corps and freedom fighters in laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.

Former Vice President Enock Kavindele, Chief Nyampande, Cabinet Ministers and other senior government officials, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and Lusaka Mayor are some of the people that attended the event.

Others were leaders from the opposition political parties among them Nevers Mumba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and Peter Chanda for the New Congress Party.

And Muchinga Province today joined the rest of the world in commemorating Remembrance Day, a global reminder of the peace treaty signed before the end of the World War One (1) in 1918.

And Zambia Police Muchinga Division Chaplain, Chief Inspector Kenny Ngalande in his homily taken from the book of Esther Chapter 6 versus 1 to 3 to commemorate this year’s World remembrance day which falls on 11th of November and brought to the nearest Sunday annually, said the day is significant not only to the world but also to Zambians and the people of Muchinga Province.

Chaplain Ngalande said Muchinga Province boasts of many freedom fighters who contributed a lot to the nation and the world at large.

He said the legacy that the freedom fighters lived should be emulated by each and every Zambian so that the country continues to enjoy the peace.

Chaplain Ngalande further encouraged government heads of department and residents of Chinsali to build a good legacy for them to be remembered in their lives and duties.

“Our fore fathers we are remembering today left a good legacy of selfless and we should also strive hard to leave a good legacy,” said Champlain Ngalande.

He said Zambia is a peaceful nation adding that heads of governments department should also create peace with their subordinates

in their various departments.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Acting Permanent Secretary Jonathan Ng’onga led senior government officials and freedom fighters in laying of wreaths at Chinsali Cenotaph this morning on behalf of Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone.

Other notable people that were present at the event include the Assistant Secretary, Chinsali Mayor and Chinsali District Commissioner including provincial and district government heads of departments among others.

The day commemorated on November 11 every year is remembered as the day of the Armistice which means stoppage of fighting by rival forces, which was declared at the end of World War One (I )in 1918

And Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe says there is need for people to continue upholding the peace that was gained after the first and second world wars.

Mr. Nundwe said Zambians have a responsibility to preserve the peace that was obtained by fallen heroes in the both world wars in 1918.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this when he led government officials, members of the PJOC provincial heads of government departments and representatives of various political parties in laying of wreaths to commemorate 102 years of people who perished during the first and second world wall.

He urged every citizen in the country not to indulge in activities that will lead to violence in order to continue enjoying the peace that was fought by the heroes.

And Chaplain Northern Command Military hospital Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Mfula said the soldiers died without experiencing the promises which they fought for adding that through there painful efforts most Africans now yield a harvest of peace and freedom.

Lt Colonel Mfula said by remembering what happened and why it happened, the high price that those men and women in uniform paid will create a better future for the children.

He urged each and every citizen to always remember that the grounds they walk on with pride will forever testify of selfless heroes that fought in the war which ended on 25 November 1918 in Mbala, Northern Province.

Nearly two million Africans fought in World War one (WW1) and approximately 1 million Sub-Saharan Africans fought for their colonial powers in World War two (WW2).

‘It was a great privilege indeed that WW1 witnessed its end in this country, Zambia on 25th November, 1918,’ Lt Colonel Mfula said.

Government happy with local contractors

3

Government has expressed confidence in local contractors indicating that their performance has proven up to the task.

Speaking after he inspected the T6 Kagoro road in Katete District of Eastern Province, Housing and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Danny Mfune was impressed with the works being carried out by a local contractor Vibrant Contractors on the Kagoro and others in the province.

Engineer Mfune indicated that local contractors have gained confidence through demonstration of quality works and timely delivery of complete projects.

He noted that if local contractors continue to deliver quality results, more projects will be awarded to them.

“We can attest to the fact that in terms of standard gravel roads, we have got local contractors who can undertake these types of works, and this is very good thing that is being demonstrated here by this contractor working on the T6 Kagoro road. We would like to urge other local contractors to emulate Vibrant Construction,” the Permanent Secretary said.

And the Permanent Secretary indicated that the all infrastructure projects in Eastern Province had an overall fair performance.

Engineer Mfune stated that in the midst of constraint resources, contractors continued to deliver as expected of them.

“In terms of the projects inspected in Eastern Province, we are doing fairly good, But we could have done better than this, we could have recorded more progress than what is current. We had challenges to do with technical and financial issues which are being resolved,” Engineer Mfune disclosed.

He reiterated Government’s commitment to ensuring that enough resources are mobilised to complete infrastructure development projects across the country.

And Road Development Agency (RDA) Chief Executive Officer George Manyele stressed the agent’s assurance to supervise all projects so they are delivered within the stipulated schedule.

Engineer Manyele said that this helps to ensure that government gets it value for money and services from contractors.

“We would like to see that contractors perform their tasks according to the contracted period so that the benefits are enjoyed by the members of the general public in the shortest possible time,” Engineer Manyele stated.

He added that RDA has been working closely with consulting companies to ensure that reports are done on time to correlate with what is being obtained in the reports and the actual works on the ground.

Meanwhile, Katete District resident, Adananazo Banda commended government for including the District in the road construction development plan.

Mr. Banda stated that he was confident of Government’s agenda of taking development to rural parts of the country.

He noted that Kagoro road before the rehabilitation works commenced was impassable hence creating challenges to the users.

” What has done is really commendable because this road was in a very bad state. This really shows that our government cares for us and people of Katete are very happy for the development,” a joyful Mr. Banda indicated.

The Permanent Secretary in company of RDA officials have since concluded the inspection of infrastructure development projects in Eastern Province.

Green Eagles Fail To Go Top

0

Green Eagles failed to go top of the FAZ Super Division table on Sunday after salvaging a point at Green Buffaloes away in Lusaka.

Eagles finished 1-1 away to fellow unbeaten side Buffaloes at Sunset Stadium.

Jack Chirwa put Buffaloes ahead from the spot in the 58th minute to also record the host’s first league goal of the season after two scoreless draws.

Eagles equalized in the 90th minute through Hosea Silwimba.

Eagles move back to second from third after the draw, exchanging places with Red Arrows.

Arrows and Eagles tied on 7 points together with leaders Forest who finished 1-1 twenty four hours earlier at home in Ndola against Lusaka Dynamos.

Buffaloes are 12th with 3 points from as many games played.

And in the late kickoff at Sunset, sixth placed Zanaco also rallied to earn a point at home of their Lusaka derby against Nkwazi.

Langson Mbewe put Nkwazi ahead in the 26th minute but substitute Abraham Siankombo equalized in the 89th minute.

The league now takes a ten-day break to make way for the FIFA International Match week.

Bill 10 minor setback – Kalulushi Lawmaker

13

Community Development Minister Kampamba Chewe says the failed enactment of Constitution amendment bill 10 of 2020 is a minor setback for the Patriotic Front party.

Ms. Chewe says the unsuccessful enactment of the bill will not derail the government from achieving its desired goals and developmental aspirations.

Ms. Chewe further states that government under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu will deliver on all its promises despite the bill not being enacted in parliament.

Ms. Chewe says it is shameful for the opposition to celebrate the failure to enact the bill as it catered for all developmental sectors across the country.

She was speaking during the launch of farming empowerment funds for people with disabilities in Lufwanyama district.

Ms. Chewe added that the Constitution amendment bill 10 provided an opportunity for people with disabilities to maximize their potential in leadership positions.

She further stated that the government will however ensure that it empowers people with disabilities in order for them to contribute to economic development.

Meanwhile, farmers with disabilities in Lufwanyama have vowed to support President Edgar Lungu’s development agenda.

Kambilombilo farmers with disabilities secretary Gilbert Mumba says President Edgar Lungu has the welfare of people with disabilities at heart and deserves the much needed support.

President Lungu Congratulates US President-Elect Joseph R. Biden

22

President Edgar Lungu has congratulated the President-elect of the United States of America, Joseph Biden following his election to become the 46th President of that country.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, as well as on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt congratulations on your election as President of the United States of America,” says President Lungu in his congratulatory message to President Biden.

The President has described Mr. Biden’s election as a demonstration of the American people’s confidence in his ability to foster unity and increase socio-economic development, among other aspects outlined in his Restoration Plan.

President Lungu has further acknowledged that Zambia and the United States of America enjoy strong relations that are based on mutual respect and benefit for the peoples of Zambia and the United States of America.

He has added that the United States remains one of Zambia’s strategic partners that over the years has rendered invaluable support to economic development and welfare through various initiatives and projects under the Presidential Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), among other areas.

“While I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency in the future strengthening of our bilateral relations, please accept, my best wishes for your personal good health as well as success in discharging the functions of your high office,” the President said.

This is contained in a statement released to the media in Lusaka this afternoon by Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Isaac Chipampe.

Lusambo Promise Development to Kapiri Mposhi resident if they Vote for a PF MP

Copperbelt PF Mobilization Chairperson Hon Bowman Lusambo was in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday where he addressed a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents.

Mr Lusambo bemoaned lack of development under the current area Member of Parliament Stanley Kakubo but assured the residents that things will change tremendously once the people entrust leadership in the caring hands of the PF.

“No obstacle will deter the determination we have to develop, not only the entire country but Kapiri Mposhi in particular because the MP you chose has not been proactive” he said and regretted the tendency by the UPND to reject anything development oriented just because it comes from the PF.

Hon Lusambo who also received two key UPND defectors namely Nevers Zunde who was the mobilization chairman under the UPND said his Kabushi constituency will now have Kapiri Mposhi as a sister constituency and therefore donated one vehicle for mobility purposes, all in an effort to address some developmental lapses under the current leadership.
He declared that Kabushi will be an extension of Kapiri Mposhi so that developmental programes are intertwined.

And PF Central province Chairman Hon Remember Chanda Mutale said it is unfortunate that Kapiri is so underdeveloped but called on residents to make a wise choice in 2021 and ensure that President Edgar Lungu gets overwhelming votes as well as ensure that central province produces PF members of parliament.

Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents
Bowman Lusambo, addressing a mammoth rally attended by thousands of Kapiri Mposhi residents

Energy Minister assures Zambians again that Load shedding will end soon

24

Energy Minister, Mathew Nkhuwa has assured the nation that the first power generator at Kafue gorge lower power station is ready for commissioning this month-end.

This is subject to the filling up the power plant’s water reservoir with water, which will start this Sunday, November 8, 2020.

He says as a result of this exercise, there will be increased load shedding for a period of seven days.

Mr. Nkhuwa has also assured that last month’s fire accident at the power plant construction site, did not delay the works, which are scheduled to be completed by April next year.

He has explained that this multi-billion dollar power plant construction project is a clear testimony of the government’s commitment to addressing the national power deficit.

Mr. Nkhuwa said this when he led provincial ministers in touring the project site so that they can appreciate the works and be able to explain in their regions.

The minister said the government is committed to developing other such power plants, citing the Batoka and Kalungwishi power plant projects, like other ventures in the pipeline.

And project director, Wesley Lwiindi said over 90 percent of works have been done, and all is set for reservoir filling this Sunday, and commissioning by end of this month.

Mr. Lwiindi explained that the second power generator is expected to be commissioned by end of December this year, while the entire plant will be completed by next April.

Meanwhile, ZESCO managing director, Victor Mundende said the country needs to sustain such investments so that the energy sector can fully support Zambia’s socio-economic growth.

Mr. Mundende explained that ZESCO would like to embark on such projects in a consistent manner so that the company continues to be relevant to national development.

He is, however, grateful for the government’s commitment and political will in supporting the 2 point 3 billion dollars project.

Meanwhile, speaking on the sidelines of the tour, north-western province minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu said the Kafue gorge lower power plant is critical to supporting the mining and other economic activities in his region.

Mr Mubukwanu said mining companies in North-Western province have been strained over the years to fully engage in mining activities, due to energy inefficiencies further stating that with the project finalizing, the country will be able enhance economic ven
Ures.

And southern province minister, Edify Hamukale said the region is greatly benefiting from the project implementation, through skills transfer, job creation, as well as corporate social responsibility programmes by the contractor, sino hydro.

Dr Hamukale is also optimistic that the project, once complete, will enhance economic activities in the entire country.

The Third Term Lies being spread by Opposition is as a result of Fear of President Lungu Candidature

30

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Copperbelt Chairman Nathan Chanda has accused the opposition of spreading what he described as blue lies that President Edgar Lungu wants a third term.

Speaking when he received Former Kafulafuta UPND Member of Parliament Brian Chitafu who resigned from the Opposition party to join the ruling PF, Mr. Chanda said that President Lungu has not served for two terms and is not going for three terms as the lies from UPND, adding that the opposition is pushing the third term narrative out of fear of facing President Lungu on the ballot because they know that he will win again because of the development works he has done for Zambia.

“The UPND wants us to put in a weaker candidate. If President Edgar Lungu was weak, the UPND could have been very happy, but they know the strength of President Lungu, that is why they are so scared of President Lungu,” Mr Chanda said.

On Bill 10 Mr. Chanda said that PF is not the one that lost on Bill 10, but the youths, women, disabled, Traditional Leaders, Christians and innocent Zambian people.

Mr. Chanda said that UPND was the cause of Bill 10 after they lost the 2016 general Elections and that was the UPND that complained after the loss in 2016 and wanted to repeal the Public order of 1955 and the Electoral reforms that is how the meeting for Secretary Generals was called in Siavonga.

Mr. Chanda also encouraged members to register as many members as possible in the Voters registration exercise which commences on 9th November 2020 by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

And Mr. Chitafu who is also the first UPND MP for Kafulafuta of Lamba land said there is no way a person can ignore the development agenda of the PF. Mr. Chitafu said he is shocked that people can doubt the development agenda of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

“Today, I have come to join the family of development. There is no way I can ignore the development agenda of the PF and President Edgar Lungu,” Mr Chitafu said

Mr. Chanda directed the District Chairman for Masaiti to give positions to the new members and form more branches. In PF there is nothing like this one is new or old , this one is from this tribe or part of the country but we all one under the one Zambia one motto.

Masaiti Member of Parliament Micheal Katambo said the PF has always strived to ensure that it’s Members of Parliament work for the people.

Hon. Katambo said the Constituencies are so big in Ndola rural and it is important that people can have a share of national development.

“So everything that we fought to have in Bill 10, is for the good of the people. But the UPND has rejected to bring development to the people. So the issues that we need to look now is for the needs of the people. All those that have come from the UPND is for the good of the people. Us as PF, our duty is to ensure that we work for the people. Our driver is Edgar Chagwa Lungu and he is the one who will lead this country to higher heights.”

“President Lungu will win with over 72 percent so don’t be left out in this development agenda for Zambia,” Hon Katambo said.

Kafulafuta Member of Parliament who is also Constituency PF Chairman Joseph Kabamba and PF District Chairman Mr Kalutwa said the PF is still growing strong and strong in Masaiti.

“Today we are receiving 700 members from the UPND. This shows that the PF is growing and growing,” he said.

Copperbelt PF Chairlady Rose Mukupo said defectors should be truthful when joining the party. She said it is good that people have voluntarily decided to join the ruling party at will.

Others that defected included David Zulu, the Kafulafuta Constituency Chairman who said he has decided to join the PF because of the works which are visible.

Poacher gets 7 years imprisonment with hard labour

8

Chinsali Subordinate Court has convicted and sentenced a poacher to seven years with hard labour for illegal possession of ivory.

Dickson Mbeye (39), a resident of Kankhomba village in Chief Chibale’s area was handed over the jail term with hard labour following his arrest for illegal possession of 47 kilos of ivory suspected to have been harvested from an elephant poached in Musalangu game management area.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sikabilo Kalembwe, Mbeye was facing one count of Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy namely, elephant ivory contrary to section 130 (2) of the Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015 (ZWA 2015).

Mr Kalembwe stated that the arrest was made following a tip-off from concerned members of the public to the officers from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.

He further stated that when passing sentence, the Court bemoaned the increase in wildlife related cases, which are depleting the natural resources as wildlife is being destroyed.

He noted that the Court stated that due to poaching, government is losing out on revenue that could be generated through sustainable ventures like tourism.

“Elephants are an important resource that attracts local and foreign tourists to Zambia’s national parks. In addition, elephants play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they live,” further stated Mr Kalembwe.

The Public Relations Officer indicates that his Ministry wishes to warn members of the public that want to engage in illicit activities of wildlife that they will face the law as government continues to step up conservation efforts in the country.

Mr Kalembwe highlighted that the Ministry of Tourism and Arts’ Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has in the last five years observed a stable to reduced elephant poaching in key elephant ranges.

Construction if five rural health posts elates Lunda Chief

7

Chief Mpidi of the Lunda speaking people of Zambezi District of North Western Province has pledged to support President Edgar Lungu now and beyond 2021.

He said President Lungu is a humble man and has shown humility to the people of Zambezi through his leadership of hard work, stating that he is the leader of all Zambians.

The Traditional leader disclosed that despite his subject not voting for him in the 2016 general election, the President still showed love to the people of Zambezi through massive development which the district has seen since he assumed office.

He said this when District Commissioner Charlton Samahanda paid a courtesy call on him at his palace today.

He said President Lungu’s leadership style is unmatched by any past Presidents, adding that 2021 general elections will be easy for him as he has delivered for the Zambian people.

“I am grateful to the PF government and its leadership more especially for constructing five rural health posts in my chiefdom and this has never happened before not even in the time of Kunda,” The Traditional leader said.

He has since urged his subjects to rally behind President Lungu coming 2021 general elections, adding that the PF government under his leadership means well for the people of Zambezi and the country at large.

“Let us all work together and support his Excellency President Lungu if development is to continue in our district,” said Chief Mpidi.

Meanwhile, Zambezi District Commissioner Charlton Samahanda has assured Chief Mpidi of continued government support saying the Pf government is an inclusive one.

“President Lungu is working tirelessly to develop the country the only thing he needs is your support as Traditional leaders as you are part and parcel in developing this national,” He said.

Government committed to job creation through agriculture

3

Government has underlined its commitment towards supporting agriculture investments that culminate into sustainable job creation in Mkushi District.

District Commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Sinkonde said this during an Environmental Assessment Impact (EIA) meeting that was organized by Seedco Company at the Seedco Farm in Mkushi South area.

Mr. Sinkonde said that Government under the leadership of President Dr. Edgar Lungu places high value on agriculture as it is a potential driver of Zambia’s economy.

He said that in view of this, Government is eager to welcome major investors in the agriculture sector, adding that such ventures enhance development and expansion of labour base through creation of jobs.

He noted that Seedco company’s venture into developing this large farm for growing maize, wheat and soya bean seeds is a good step, saying that the company has a proven record for providing disease resistant seed varieties.

Mr. Sinkonde also commended seedco ltd for holding the Environmental Impact Assessment as prelude to formalizing their three existing Dams, saying that this showed that the investor is complying with the procedures that are stipulated by Zambia Environment Management Assessment (ZEMA).

He urged the developers of the dams to harmonise issues that may arise if there are people who would be affected in the process of developing these infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Seedco farm Manager Fred Nandala disclosed that the company is currently able to irrigate only 770 hectares to produce maize, seed and wheat at their 4,500 hectare farm.

Mr. Nandala explained that in view of the demand for seed to satisfy the local and export market, the company is placing much value on the Tembwe, Nescare and Madala Dams to ensure that there is adequate irrigation to cover more hectares.

He said that in addition to the expanding irrigation with 3 dams, there is need for residents to note that Seedco will have as many as 1000 workers when this farm is at its peak.

“as we have been selling our seed to local as well as export markets in the SADC region, there is need to ensure seed production throughout the year by boosting our irrigation infrastructures such as the 3 Dams,” he said.

Two year old girl dies after being hit on the head with an Axe handle by a mentally ill cousin

6

A two year old girl of Kafumukache village in Kalumbila district has died in cold blood at the hand of her mentally ill cousin.

North Western Province Commissioner of Police, Elias Chushi has confirmed the incident in a statement today.

Mr Chushi said the incident occurred on Friday around 15:00 hours.

“On Friday 6th November 2020 around 15:00 hours at Kafumukache village, Loveness Kabobo Kafumukache aged two was playing in the house when Gideon Mubemba, 23, of unsound mind, hit the child on her head using an axe handle. Family members tried to rescue the child but in the process, he hit another person who apparently sustained a minor injury,” he said.

Mr Chushi narrated that after attempts to rescue the child, the family members managed to grab the child who sustained a deep injury on the head and rushed her to Solwezi general hospital where she was admitted but later died.

He said the suspect was overpowered and apprehended after a medical personnel injected him to make him calm.

“With the help of a medical personnel who jabbed him with a dosage of sedatives to keep him calm, the suspect was overpowered and apprehended,” Mr Chushi said.

He said the body of the child is currently laying in Solwezi hospital mortuary.