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UNDP Innovation Challenge To Provide Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

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UNDP Innovation Challenge To Provide Sustainable Waste Management Solutions

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched an innovation call to support ground-breaking start-ups and Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) that will change the management and recycling of the waste in the cities of Lusaka and Ndola.

According to a statement released by the UNDP, Resident Representative, Mr. Lionel Laurens, has highlighted that the multi-faceted challenges in waste management have grave impacts on human health and the environment, causing diseases such as cholera, dysentery and pollution, as well as water, air, soil or land contamination, the proliferation of pests and vermin and the loss of aesthetic beauty.

Acknowledging the important role played by youths and their potential impact and contribution to sustainable development, Mr Laurens said that there is an urgent need to address such challenges by giving young innovators opportunity to provide sustainable solutions to waste management challenges, which in turn through this Call, will contribute to durable employment creation for the youth, especially females and improve green income-generating opportunities in the sector”.

This Innovation Call is open to all Zambian youths aged between 18 – 35, with 50% of grants specifically earmarked to young women, in Lusaka and/or Ndola while focusing on devising sustainable and innovative solutions to the challenges of waste recycling beyond the life of the catalytic funding made available.

The innovation must be new to the targeted city, Lusaka or Ndola.

The Call targets 10 successful individuals or small companies to receive a challenge prize amounting up to USD 4,000 to support the implementation of their proposal.

In addition, these individuals or companies will be matched to a corresponding business development support and mentorship program to enhance their skills and growth capacity.

According to the LCC-WMU Final Report of 2014, only 36% of total waste generated in Lusaka is collected while a study of Ndola in 2014 by the International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Services, Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Ndola, revealed the problems facing the local Council to collect waste despite 80% of residents in medium density areas willingness to pay for waste collection.

This leads to burning or disposing of waste illegally in drains and open areas without any attempt to recycling, causing visual nuisances as well as land and air pollution.

To apply, applicants can access the Google Form on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSed5FwqeYtpjy_HHpPwtOfqpuWEXmupLy9rrwXjUx6v_T-7Ig/viewform or https://www.zm.undp.org/content/zambia/en/home/accelerator-labs.html

This is a moment of reflection for all, Zambia has never lost two MPs at Once-Nevers Mumba

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This is a moment of reflection for all, Zambia has never lost two MPs at Once-Nevers Mumba

New Hope MMD President Dr Nevers Mumba has described as a tragedy the death of Lukashya Independent Member of Parliament Mwenya Munkonge and Mwansabombwe PF Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa.

Dr Mumba says this is a moment of reflection for all Zambians as it has never happened in the history of Zambia to lose two MPs at once.

He says the COVID-19 pandemic is more deadlier than thought and unless government does something about it, more lives will be lost.

Dr Mumba says the positivity rate of Zambia is higher than the United States of America at 15% compared to 9% in the USA.

He has urged Zambians to follow the prescribed health guidelines such as washing hands, observing social distancing and masking up because the COVID-19 pandemic is real and is claiming lives.

Dr Mumba has also urged Churches to consider going back to online Ministry to allow people to stay home.

He said it is also commendable that Bars and Night Clubs did not reopen as they would have again been forced to close by the surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Dr Mumba has reiterated the need for government to lockdown the country to restrict the spread of the pandemic.

He said the reopening of international airports should also have waited to ensure that Zambians are protected from the pandemic.

Dr Mumba said although it is understandable that government was concerned about the economic situation, with the spike in cases, measures need to be put in place that will save lives.

He said by choosing profits over life, government has allowed the spike in Coronavirus cases and deaths as they were foretold that the pandemic would be at its pick during this period until August.

Dr Mumba has warned that any delay to mobilise stakeholders in reversing the inroads made by the pandemic will be catastrophic for Zambia.

He has advised the government that the economic reparcation of the pandemic on the people are already visible hence government must take measures to avert the challenges on the poor.

He said the poor will be the most hit and some of the money government is giving to the Bank of Zambia should be given directly to the poor to easy their lives.

Dr Mumba said a way must be found in which to help the people and not only big businesses but every Zambian who will in the next three months feel the pinch of the deteriorating economy.

He said there is no money in the economy and the poor cannot continue to pay bills and taxes as before.

Government more determined than ever to empower both farmer groups and small and medium Enterprises

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Government more determined than ever to empower both farmer groups and small and medium Enterprises

Government says it will do everything possible to improve the Diary sector as it has the potential to drive the country’s economy.

And Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma says the Coronavirus is one of the major concerns to government as it has negatively affected developmental programmes and people’s lives.

Mr Yaluma said the government was more determined than ever to empower both farmer groups and small and medium Enterprises through the provision of financial support, livestock and machinery to transform their businesses into highly productive enterprises and thereby facilitate integration into higher value markets.

Speaking when he handed over 86 dairy animals to the Monze Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society today, Mr. Yaluma noted that government through the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project is committed to support emerging and commercially oriented farmers by investing in both their technical know-how and business management skills to link them to large buyers.

He explained that through the ZATP support, emerging farmers would be able to grow their business into sustainable ventures that will both create job opportunities and also increase their agricultural production and trade.

Mr. Yaluma disclosed that his ministry through ZAPT aims to provide beneficiary support to 4,500 individual farmers and 180 producer organisations by 2022.

” As you are aware my ministry through ZAPT has been empowering farmers groups and small and medium Enterprises(SMEs) that have exhibited willingness to progress by submission of winning proposals and business plans in the various value chains. In this vein, my ministry aims to provide beneficiary support to 4,500 individual farmers and 180 producer organisations by 2022,” said Mr. Yaluma.

The Minister observed that Monze Dairy Cooperative was faced with low milk production and poor market linkages among other challenges and expressed hope that these would be addressed following the grant of K3,293,724 Million that would be used to procure 172 dairy animals, installation of five spray races, and procurement of 172 milking cans among other things.

He noted that his ministry has so far facilitated the total disbursement of K2,119,824 Million that has been used to procure 146 dairy cows for distribution to members.

“The Monze Dairy Cooperative applied for a total grant of K4,705,320 Million to ZAPT to address productivity gaps, farmer capacity and operations issues and through support from ZAPT the cooperative received K3,293,724 Million to purchase 172 dairy animals, installation of five spray races, procurement of 172 milking cans, procurement f a vehicle and electrical motor for the chiller and feed formulation,” said Mr. Yaluma.

” so far the cooperative has received two disbursements valued at K2,119,824 Million which has been used to procure 146 dairy cows.

Today, the cooperative is distributing 86 dairy animals that have been procured to 86 members and- this is a big step towards increasing milk production for the cooperative which will translate into increased household incomes,” said Mr. Yaluma.

He added that through support from ZAPT the cooperative will contribute to employment creation, transfer of knowledge and skills to farmers, and building a culture of entrepreneurship among the 172 members around Monze central, and surrounding areas.

The Minister further advised beneficiaries of the 86 dairy animals to take proper management of the animals to produce good quality milk of required standards for the market.

“The dairy animals you are receiving today will require proper management for them to give you the kind of milk the market is looking for . It will also take hard work, commitment and consistency to sustain the momentum and ensure success of your cooperative,” said Mr. Yaluma.

He also thanked the world Bank for supporting the dairy sector in the country and thus help to transform dairy farmer’s lives.

And speaking at the same function Monze Diary Farmers Cooperative Chairperson Mr. Geoffrey Munkombwe says the support the venture has received from the government and its cooperating partners through ZAPT would help to increase and sustain milk production in Monze District.

He said the cooperative has also plans to set up a milk processing plant by the 2021 in order to add value to the raw milk.

The ZAPT is a five year project funded by the World Bank aimed at increasing market access through the provision of training technical and brokerage services, business development, and productive investment in forms of matching grants to deserving producer organisations such as farmer’s cooperatives.

Nkana Go Top, Five Zanaco Players Test For Covid-19

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Five Zanaco players were withdrawn at the last minute from Wednesdays away date against Nkana after testing positive for Covid-19 in a match the visitors subsequently lost 3-0 at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Everything was going according to plan with lineups and tactics decided until 15 minutes before kickoff when Zanaco coach Chris Kaunda hurriedly made adjustments to his team after receiving the results.

It couldn’t have been worse for Zanaco who just five days earlier saw their restart match away to league leaders Forest Rangers cancelled after their hosts reportedly had 28 positive Covid-19 cases just hours before the Ndola match on July 18.

“It is like sleeping and you are told the house is getting burnt and you scamper in all directions and that is what happened to us,” is how Kaunda summarized Wednesday’s episode.

And it was advantage Nkana in the first half led by midfielder Kelvin Mubanga but Zanaco held on to go 0-0 into halftime.

Nkana then fired their first salvo in the 47th minute when Crispin Mulenga put them ahead.

Mubanga added goal number two four minutes later but later Zanaco showed some teeth after the hour mark when Moses Phiri and Seth Sakala added some life to their firepower after replacing Lawrence Chungu and Romaric Pitroipa.

Zanaco midfielder William Njobvu hit the post in the 65th minute and Rodgers Kola fired wide ten minutes later.

But Nkana regrouped in the last quarter when Ronald Kampamba headed wide in the 78th minute.

Idris Mbombo, who had a quiet afternoon, put the result beyond doubt in the 88th minute after outsprinting Timothy Sakala and Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata to score the final goal.

The result sees Nkana take top-spot on goal difference with 46 points, relegating Forest to second position.

Meanwhile, Zanaco stay put at number 10 on 38 points from 22 matches with three matches in hand that they are wrapping-up before August

Zanaco know they must not lose points in those outstanding fixtures for them to stay into contention for a top four finish with nine fixtures left for the rest of the field who resume the campaign starting August 1.

Vice President and Speaker leads MPs in COVID-19 Mass Testing at Parliament Building

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Vice President and Speaker leads MPs in COVID-19 Mass Testing at Parliament Building

Vice President, Mrs, Inonge Wina and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini today led Members of Parliament and Staff of the National Assembly of Zambia in a mass testing exercise for the Coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, 22nd July 2020.

Speaking during the mass testing exercise, Her Honour the Vice President, Mrs, Inonge M Wina, MP, said it was imperative for every Member of Parliament (MP) to test and know their COVID-19 status considering that they will be interacting with their families and constituents. She also urged Zambians at large to not be sceptical but test for COVID-19 as it is a life-threatening disease.

And Speaker Matibini also encouraged staff of the National Assembly and MPs to take the test, pointing out that MPs were the apex of political leadership in the country and therefore needed to lead by example.

Speaking at the same event, Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Honourable Godfridah Sumaili, MP, praised the National Assembly of Zambia Management for organising such an exercise to enable MP’s and staff get tested quickly, she also thanked the Ministry of Health for reaching out to many Zambians and commended the church for being responsive to COVID-19 and adhering to the health guidelines in protecting their members.

And Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Chitalu Chilufya, MP, stated that the advocacy of the mass testing exercise conducted by the National would go a long way in inspiring people to test for covid-19.

He also emphasized the need to invest in testing as it would help to detect cases early and administer therapy for better outcomes. He added that testing for COVID-19 would change the landscape of the pandemic.

In order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the Fourth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly adjourned sine die on Tuesday, 21st July 2020.

It is not known when the results will be made public.

DPP Should think Twice on Proposal to Punish those Who Withdraw Cases before the Court-Sinkamba

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DPP Should think Twice on Proposal to Punish those Who Withdraw Cases before the Court-Sinkamba

Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has said that the Director of Public Prosecution should think twice before punishing people who withdraw cases.

In a statement to the media in reaction to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni’s proposed an amendment to the law to introduce penalties for people with a tendency of recanting or withdrawing court cases, Mr. Sinkamba said that he did not think the DPP fully understood the consequences, especially to the State, if punishment were to be handed down to persons that withdrawal cases.

Mr. Sinkamba said that punishment will have to be meted to both the state and individuals, adding that what good for the goose must be good for the gander.

Citing the treason case against Hakainde Hichilema and fives others, Mr Sinkamba said that the State would be paying colossal sums on account of nolle prosequis which the DPP enters time and time again.

Below is the full statement

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lillian Siyuni has proposed an amendment to the law to introduce penalties for people with a tendency of recanting or withdrawing court cases. She is alleging bribery by suspects as the main cause.

She laments that the tendency by victims to withdraw abruptly was terribly affecting her work due to the huge waste of time spent on cases that ended up closed.

Did the DPP seriously apply her mind to the proposal?

I do not think so.

Let me start by providing some simple explanation of the principle that the DPP has called into question: nolle prosequi. The nolle prosequi is a latin maxim meaning “we shall no longer prosecute.” This is typically a declaration made to the judge or magistrate by a prosecutor in a criminal case or even by a plaintiff in a civil or criminal lawsuit, either before or during trial. The meaning is that the case against the defendant is being dropped. So, basically, nolle prosequi is a formal notice of abandonment by a plaintiff or prosecutor of all or part of a suit.

It is true that suspects, especially assault ones, tend to pay their victims so as to withdraw their cases. Wives and husbands also tend to withdraw GBV cases against their spouses. Boyfriends and girlfriends, and others, who are related in one way or the other do withdraw cases after monetary gains or family interventions. The question is: should victims be punished for withdrawal of cases?

I do not think the DPP fully understands the consequences, especially to the State, if punishment were to be handed down to persons that withdrawal cases. First of all, if punishment be meted out, it should be done to the State and to individuals. For what is good for the goose must be good for the gander. If bribery is the reason why individuals enter nolle prosequi, then bribery is the reason why the DPP always enters nolles. If corruption is the reason why individuals enter nolle prosequis, then the same is the reason why the DPP always enters nolles. Thus, if individuals must be punished for entering nolle prosequis, then the DPP must be punished for doing so too.

And looking at cases that the DPP enters nolles, e.g. the treason case against Hakainde Hichilema and fives others, the State would be paying colossal sums on account of nolle prosequis which the DPP enters time and time again.

So, Ba DPP, tondolo musuma.

Don’t start a fight you will regret sooner rather than later.

Already, government is grappling with the payment of retirees per Constitution Amendment 2016. Now, government wants to reverse implications of the Article through Bill 10.

Don’t start fights from all fronts.

Wearing of masks in public places is mandatory-Lusaka City Council Public

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Wearing of masks in public places is mandatory-Lusaka City Council Public

Lusaka City Council Public Health Committee Chairperson Councilor Chilando Chitangala says Statutory Instrument 21 and 22 of 2020 and the Public Health Act are still in effect and people should adhere to the guidelines.

The Roma Ward 17 Councilor has observed that people have relaxed on measures and are not wearing masks and social distancing when they are in public places despite the presidential directive and the laws put in place.

Ms Chitangala has noted that wearing of masks in public places is mandatory and everyone including those in markets should adhere to public health guidelines.

“it is important that every time you are going out in public, you need to mask up. Those people in markets should also mask up and practice social distancing” she said.

Ms Chitangala observed that COVID-19 related deaths have in the past week increased and this should make people take COVID 19 guidelines seriously.

She said people need not to wait for the central government to force them to follow COVID 19 preventive measures that have been put in place by the authorities.

Ms Chitangala has also appealed to people planning to host events to postpone them to a later date when COVID 19 has been managed.

EAZ and the Luapula Provincial Administration considering a partnership to launch the Citizens Entrepreneur Development Programme

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EAZ and the Luapula Provincial Administration considering a partnership to launch the Citizens Entrepreneur Development Programme

The Economics Association of Zambia and the Luapula Provincial Administration are considering a partnership to launch the Citizens Entrepreneur Development Programme.

The Citizen Entrepreneur Development Programme is aimed at increasing people’s income at the household level in Luapula Province.

According to EAZ President Lubinda Haabazoka, the programme is also aimed at helping the Province to lift people out of poverty through entrepreneurship.

Dr Haabazoka explains that his Association has since gone into partnerships with the African Green Resources -AGR-, the Programme Against Malnutrition -PAM- and other investors to successfully run the Citizens Entrepreneur Development Programme.

He says the EAZ has decided to start with Luapula owing to the region’s rich endowment in agriculture, forestry, minerals, livestock, fisheries among many other natural resources.

Dr Haabazoka says EAZ will closely work with cooperatives and chiefdoms to train entrepreneurs to create wealth and thousands of jobs at chiefdom level in Luapula Province.

And Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa assured EAZ and its partners of government’s support adding that any initiative aimed at combating poverty in the Province will receive full attention.

ZANIS reports that Mr Chilangwa who has held various engagement meetings with EAZ in Lusaka says he is impressed with the proposals that the EAZ has so far made.

Kalulu Tapusuka Mipya Ibili

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Kalulu Tapusuka Mipya Ibili

Dr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala

PART I

‘’Kalulu tapusuka mipya ibili,’’ is a Chibemba proverb which can literally be translated as: ‘’The hare does not escape the burning plains twice.’’ The actual lesson is that no one should take his luck for guaranteed or push one’s lucky star too far. And this applies to me because in the first place, President Michael Sata de-gazetted me and later President Lungu gazetted me. I must not, however, ’’try to push my lucky star too far,’’ because Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND have resolved according to the Deputy National Secretary-General Patrick Mucheleka to dethrone me as Mwinelubemba Chitimukulu as soon as they step into the corridors of power.

I think the only option is: PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. The problem is that some people create their own storms, but get mad when it rains.

Andrew Roberts in A History of the Bemba wrote: ‘’’The most important social institution among the Bemba people other than the family is chieftainship. There are over thirty clans represented in Bembaland, but the one clan with political significance is the Bena Ng’andu, the ‘people of the crocodile.’ This is the royal clan, to whom is reserved succession to many chieftainships……no other chiefly clan in the region has gained such power for its tribe as the Bena Ng’andu. It is above all this institution which generates and perpetuates historical traditions. The social basis of oral traditions among the Bemba is thus primarily to be sought in the institution of chieftainship. The affairs regarding which the Bemba look to history for guidance and inspiration are the affairs of chiefs; And yet although such history serves to affirm and reinforce the power and prestige of a ruling group, it is nevertheless accepted by the Bemba at large as being in an important sense their own history. The glory of the Bena Ng’andu is something in which all Bemba can share and derive a sense of communal pride.’’

The question is: why did President Sata de-gazzete me? It was because he knew me as a controversial strategist who operated behind the scenes since I was with him in the United Progressive Party (UPP) that was led by Mr. Kapwepwe. His fear was that it would be highly dangerous for me to be at the helm of Bemba power. A.L. Epstein, a social scientist who carried out a research on the copper-belt wrote in his book, Politics in an Urban African Community: ‘’The Bemba-speaking peoples, make up by far the most numerous category in towns. The Bemba are a proud people, conscious of their military past and are known to Europeans and their fellow Africans alike for their arrogance…’’

The late Mr. Valentine Musakanya said the Bemba aristocracy and arrogance always believe not only in their inheritance, but also in the vocal aggression…. Their aristocracy has no foundation in wealth or known education but essentially in just being Bemba. The Bemba being a born-warrior regards “the innate temperament trait” as his only survival instinct and strongly believes that fear and coward-ness are the gateway to self-destruction. And hence the saying “cibe cibe, umwenso ni mfwa.”

President Sata was very uneasy with my becoming the Bemba leader as you can see from what  The Daily Nation reported in the obituary: In 2014, Mr. Lewis Changufu was almost arrested for calling for a meeting to discuss the impasse between the PF government and the Bemba Paramount Chief. Quoting intelligence sources, then President Sata was reported to have instructed state agents to find anything that could incriminate Mr. Changufu. ‘’ We have been asked to come up with anything that can link Mr. Changufu to crime. The President wants him arrested ASAP (as soon as possible) (ibid. 28th April 2016).

On the other hand, the Chinese government wanted to assist traditional rulers in Africa and formed what was called Africa Opportunity Co-ordination Organization based in Nairobi. Dr. Wang came to Zambia and asked the Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to give him the name of a chief who would represent us there and the Minister chose a relative, but Dr. Wang discovered that he was not given the right person and so he travelled to Kasama and told me that I was the right person. And when he went back, he sent the following letter of appointment ‘’ With your royal position and high level of traditional knowledge and experience of the traditional norms and culture in Zambia, Africa AOCO board has appointed you to spearhead the formation of Pan African Development Committee in chiefdoms not only in Zambia, but in Africa as a whole.’’

 

But that did not go well with powers-that-were since their preferred candidate was not picked up and so they became irritated and decided to destroy my character and integrity internationally. The Minister accused me of ‘’masquerading as Senior Chief Mwamba’’ (The Post 1st May 2013). And on 9th instant The Post came up with the front page headline: ‘’Sosala masquerading as Chief Mwamba declares Sata.” (ibid.) Dr. Wang later sent me a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding that was drawn by the Ministry of Chiefs appointing the same chief as Zambia’s representative, but the whole thing has now died a natural death.

And in fact I was warned by Dr. Mbita Chitala about my articles in The Post as well as by Mr. Sikota Wina when he visited Kasama. However being a free-thinker I am supposed to be ‘’audacious,’’ i.e., to be extremely bold, daring, recklessly brave and fearless. I can therefore never be a convert to anybody’s opinions whether political or otherwise. And I have always been encouraged by Edgar Allan Poe’s words: “In criticism, I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me.”

 

I have even continued now to educate people on our local radio stations. And I feel totally liberated because one of the tenets of being a free-thinker is the ability to tell people what they need to know, rather than what they want to hear. It was the great Greek philosopher, Socrates, who felt that it was necessary to create mental tensions, so that individuals could rise from bondage of political myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative and objective analysis. And therefore the poor masses in villagers should not be perpetually condemned to choose in the false and highly perverted blinding conditions. The authenticity of one’s choice must be promoted by his ability to understand, at least, the falseness of the conditions under which he must choose, so that he can rise from the bondage of falsehood to the majestic heights of understanding

The Daily Nation newspaper of 4th July 2014 came up with headline: ‘’CHITIMUKULU WAS DULLY INSTALLED —-PARLIAMENT. It then went on:’’ The government has been advised to recognize the appointment of Henry Kanyanta Sosala as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu. Supporting the motion tabled by the Committee on delegated legislation, Namwala MP Moono Lubhezi told Parliament that Henry Kanyanta Sosala was dully installed as Paramount chief Chitimukulu and that government should correct the Statutory Instrument de-gazetting him so that he could be recognized. Ms. Lubhezi said that the House of Chiefs did not receive any complaint about the installation of the new Chitimukulu and that the government should recognize him.’’

On the other hand, President Sata had a strategy of dealing with me. The plan was that I was to be arrested and Mumba Yulaya was to be installed as Chitimukulu, but by God’s grace, the plan was prematurely aborted a week before its being executed because Honourable Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba resigned as Defence Minister: ‘’ …it’s important for Zambians to know that I hail from the Bemba royal family and there is no way I am going to forsake my own blood for the sake of politics. So for me as GBM, I am sorry. I am a very principled person and I resign from government.’’ The ancient scholar, Eliphaz said, ‘’God upsets the plans of the crafty, so that nothing they try seems to succeed. He traps the wise in their own schemes and what they thought would succeed, doesn’t.’’ (Job 5: 12, 13).

This was the Chitimukulu Palace for two years, since President Sata had assigned paramilitary
police at his palace and prevented him from residing there

 

The Chitimukulu Palace, which was not built by Government but he was prevented from occupying it

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Chief Nyamwana of the Lunda’s urges people to invest in their villages

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Chief Nyamwana of the Lunda’s urges people to invest in their villages

Chief Nyamwana, the white traditional ruler of the Lunda speaking people of Mwinilunga District in North Western Province has implored Lunda speaking people to not forget where they come from and to invest in their villages.

He expressed sadness at the current loss of culture and tradition.He said some people who have grown up in towns/cities do not visit their relatives in the village and some do not even know their origins.Chief Nyamwana said if the clan is lost,the individual is also lost.He appealed to people to visit their villages,respect their headmen and chiefs and acquire land in their villages for their future settlement.

He said it was naive to think they can live in town forever where they have to buy everything.He said the cost of living in the village was fair and people are able to grow their own food to eat.

Chief Nyamwana advised against teenage marriages.He said children were a gift from God and should be well looked after and educated.He said some children may end up being future presidents of the country.He said it was sad that some of the orphans in the village were not visited by their relatives and some of the children claimed that they had been sold off by their relatives. Chief Nyamwana extended his greetings to all Lundas,including those in the diaspora.

Who is Chief Nyamwana ?

He was born Peter Fisher in Zambia from the Israeli parents. He was adopted by Chief Nyamwana after the death of his parents who lived in Mwinilunga. He was declared the heir to his thrown as he did not have a son to succeed him.

Peter speaks less English; instead, he speaks Lunda fluently and refuses to be called “Chindeli” which means a white person in Lunda. He was sworn in as chief Nyamwana in 2015 as per his predecessor’s wish.

He is a brother to Stanley Fischer who holds dual citizenship in Israel and served as governor of the Bank of Israel, chief economist at the World Bank and Vice Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Board of Governors in the USA.

Fisher has been a chief for almost four years now after a ceremony which was attended by almost all the Lunda chiefs of Ikelengi and Mwinilunga districts.

His children, Peter and Andy, are fluent in Lunda too.

Next month, Fisher (Chief Nyamwana ) will be celebrating four years since his ascendancy to the throne.

His bestowment was witnessed by Senior Chief Kanongesha who presides over the two districts which are rich in pineapples.

Although his role is purely ceremonial, Fisher defied all odds when he was picked to become a co-Chief Nyamwana.

To many local people though, this was not a surprise because the Fisher family which came to Zambia – then called Northern Rhodesia –is a household name in Ikelengi and Mwinilunga districts.

Source: [Zambian Observer, Facebook]

President Donald Trump meet Zambia’s Ambassador to the USA, Lazarous Kapambwe

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President Donald Trump meet Zambia’s Ambassador to the USA, Lazarous Kapambwe

United States President Donald Trump has met Zambia’s Ambassador to the USA, Lazarous Kapambwe at the White House in Washington D.C., and reiterated US support to Zambia in fighting the COVID-19.

Ambassador Kapambwe took the opportunity to brief President Trump how Zambia is dealing with COVID-19 as the US President asked about the situation and how the country was dealing with the pandemic.

“Among other things we discussed, President Trump assured me of continued cooperation with Zambia in the fight against COVID-19. He reiterated the United States support in fighting this pandemic,” Ambassador Kapambwe said adding that he took the opportunity to thank the President for the US assistance to Zambia.

Washington and Lusaka have for generations enjoyed long lasting and strong relations with few parallels on the African continent.

The friendship dates back decades to Zambia’s independence in 1964 when the country’s founding leader, Kenneth Kaunda, found in the United States a genuine, willing ally and set the stage for a long-standing partnership.

President Trump formally received credentials from Ambassador Kapambwe, in the Oval Office at the White House Credentialing Ceremony Friday July 17, 2020.

He officially received Ambassador Kapambwe credentials on 8th April 2020 during which he expressed his Government’s desire to deepen the “strong and abiding friendship” between Zambia and the United States of America.

This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC Eric Mwanza.

Government engages China Geo Engineering Corporation to upgrade Roads in Mungwi District

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Government engages China Geo Engineering Corporation to upgrade Roads in Mungwi District

Government has engaged China Geo Engineering Corporation to upgrade the Chambeshi Ring road in Mungwi District of Northern Province.

This came to light when Special Assistant to the President for Project Implementation and Monitoring Andrew Chellah inspected the 1-hundred and 10 kilometer road, which is in a bad state.

China Geo is expected to work on the road whose main part is in the swampy area and gets flooded during the rainy season.

And Mr. Chellah observed that the road is critical to the socio-economic development of the area owing to rice farming and cattle rearing activities.

He said his office will engage Road Development Agency -RDA- management to ensure the contractor mobilises and commences work.

Meanwhile, RDA Regional Manager Simon Chimwando revealed that the critical portion of the road covers a stretch of about 70 kilometers and requires an embankment to be done.

Mr. Chimwando explained that the road was partially graded by the Zambia National Service two years ago but the worst affected part remained unattended to.

Mr. Chellah also undertook an inspection of the Nseluka-Kayambi road which is being upgraded by China Geo Engineering Corporation.

Project Consultant Engineer Faison Mwenga informed Mr. Chellah that funding challenges have led to the project slowing down.

But Mr. Chellah assured the people of Mungwi and Northern Province at large that the on-going upgrading of gravel roads will be completed.

He also assured the contractor that government is keen to address challenges affecting the project.

Mr. Chellah said implementing agencies which include the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Road Development Agency and the National Road Fund Agency have all been tasked to ensure the projects are expedited.

HH welcomes the adjournment of Parliament

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HH welcomes the adjournment of Parliament

UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed the adjournment of Parliament Sine Die following the death of two parliamentarians and two staff members in a space of two weeks.

Parliament on 21st July 2020 adjourned sine die due to the coronavirus pandemic which has affected the National Assembly.

Mr Hichilema says it was wise to close the institution to save the lives of both parliamentarians and staff.

He said this action was long overdue as evidenced by the extent to which the institution has been afflicted by the pandemic.

He has reiterated his call for the isolation and testing of all Members of Parliament and staff in order to break and arrest the chains of transmissions that may extend to their families and members of the general public.

Mr Hichilema has reiterated in times like these, there is a need for national unity and prayer as the country heightens public health awareness and other measures.

He has further called on all citizens to take COVID seriously and observe prescribed public health measures and come forward for testing.

Vice President Inonge Wina moved a motion in Parliament of adjournment which is in accordance with parliamentary standing orders 33(1) of 2016 which calls for the adjournment of the house when a crisis arises.

Mrs. Wina urged Members of Parliament to ensure that they test for the coronavirus while on recess before returning to their constituencies.

Manyele is new RDA Acting CEO

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Manyele is new RDA Acting CEO

The Road Development Agency Board has appointed George Manyele as the Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer replacing Elias Mwape who served as CEO for the Agency from November 2016 to 3rd July 2020.

Announcing the development, RDA Board Chairperson Samuel Mukupa said Mr Manyele is a Civil Engineer with 19 years experience in multiple areas of construction in the road sector.

Mr Mukupa said in his career, Mr Manyele has shown a strong strategic and operating expertise as well as demonstrating a long standing commitment to environmental and social responsibility within the construction industry.

He said the Board will work closely with Mr Manyele to ensure a smooth transition and collectively agree to plan to further strengthen the business and deliver on the opportunities for growth that lie ahead as contained in the 2019-2021 Strategic Plan for the Agency.

Mr Mukupa said these changes represent further steps in reshaping and strengthening the Agency’s leadership team, with a balance of core skills and experience best suited to deliver sustainable road infrastructure development.

He on behalf of the Board thanked George Manyele for his commitment and professionalism in taking on the role as interim Chief Executive Officer of the RDA.

1,000 deaths per day in Zambia by August due to Covid-19-Dr Chilufya

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1,000 deaths per day in Zambia by August due to Covid-19-Dr Chilufya

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has warned that Zambia could suffer deaths of up to 1,000 daily by August due to Covid-19 if prevention guidelines are not adhered to.

And Dr. Chilufya says funerals, Kitchen parties, church meetings, and other social gatherings are the main drivers of the pandemic in Zambia.

Speaking in a ministerial statement shortly before Parliament adjourned Sine Die on Tuesday, Dr. Chilufya warned that based on the epidemiological modeling, Zambia’s peak Covid-19 month is August.

He said by August if people do not adhere to strict prevention measures, around 900 to 1,000 Zambians could die every day due to Covid-19.

Dr. Chilufya said the spike in COVID-18 cases and deaths is partly due to the change in the weather and the possibility that the virus could have mutated.

He warned that the health system risks being overridden by the burden of the disease hence the need for everyone to avoid large crowds and wear a mask at all times if going in a public place.

Dr. Chilufya said studies on the pattern of disease spread have shown that in Zambia, the main drivers of the disease are funerals, Kitchen parties, church meetings, and other social gatherings.

The Health Minister revealed that Covid-19 has now spread of 45 districts across the country and deep within the communities.

And Dr. Chilufya has appealed to Members of Parliament to undergo Covid-19 testing following the increase in cases both in the country and at the National Assembly.

Dr. Chilufya said it was unfortunate that out of 156 lawmakers, only six have so far voluntarily undergone testing, adding that this was unacceptable.

He said the Ministry of Health has arranged testing facilities at the parliament building on Wednesday, July 22, and called on all lawmakers to undergo testing.

Two MPs died last Saturday due to COVID-19 and COVID-19 related complications.

Zambia has recorded 60 more COVID-19 cases as at Monday out of 369 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative total to 3,386.

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