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The University of Zambia (UNZA) has officially reopened for graduating students after being closed for almost three months due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
A check by ZNBC News at the UNZA Great East Road main campus found some students preparing to go for lectures.
University of Zambia Head of Communications and Marketing Brenda Bukowa said fourth year students and those that are in their 7th year in the school of medicine have reported back.
Dr. Bukowa said necessary health measures have been put in place and all students have been accommodated stressing that no squatting be will allowed.
She said only one person will be accommodated in each room to avoid congestion.
Dr Bukowa said the University will continue conducting E-learning for Non-graduating students and is expected to hold a virtual graduation ceremony next month.
Energy Minister Matthew Nkhuwa says works on the Kafue Gorge Lower Power station have resumed following the arrival of some workers who were stranded in China due to outbreak of Covid-19
Mr. Nkhuwa says some Chinese workers from Sinohydro Corporation the contractor working on the project are in the country following the easing of restriction on air travel.
He says once completed the power station is expected to produce about 750 megawatts to the grid.
Mr Nkhuwa explained that Government is aware of the electricity challenges that people are facing hence the decision to invest in the construction of more power stations. .
He disclosed that the Kafue Gorge Lowe Power station is expected to commissioned by October this year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nkhuwa has announced that the water levels at Kariba Dam have been at five point three metres in the last five days out of the needed 13 metres .
Chieftains Malembeka of the Lamba speaking people in Masaiti Districts has urged all Members of Parliament opposing Bill 10 to allow the bill to be tabled in parliament.
Chieftains Malembeka said it is unfair for any Member of Parliament to refuse the bill before its contents are debated.
She said Members of Parliament are representatives of the people and should do what they are sent to parliament for.
She said the peace the country has enjoyed over the years should not be taken forgranted or put at risk because of selfish political ambitions.
She stated that Zambia can not develop when it’s leaders are pulling each other down instead of working together towards making the nation a better place for all.
She noted that they culture of opposing anything coming from the ruling government by the opposition is setting a bad precedence and if not handled well has the potential to divide the country.
And Chieftains Lesa of Mpongwe District has called on government to create more job and investment opportunities for the youths in rural areas.
Chieftains Lesa told Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs during her courtesy call on her palace that it is sad to see young people engage in bad vices because of lack of empowerment and social services that could prevent the situation.
She however called on Zambians across tribal and political and divides to keep the peace the nation has enjoyed and remain united.
Meanwhile Chieftains Chimukunami has thanked government for the continuous sensitization on Covid-19 preventive measures.
Mwila Nsofu-Five people have died on the spot while three others sustained serious injuries in an accident on the Chirundu – Kafue road at Kapilingozi Hills yesterday.
The accident involved a light truck, ladden with bags of potatoes and nine passengers on board and a Volvo Truck.
Police Spokesperson ESTHER KATONGO has confirmed that the incident happened when the light truck allegedly developed break failure as it was descending the hill, and hit into the Volvo truck before overturning.
Mrs Katongo says the light truck was being driven by LAWRENCE MWEENE, 28 years of Highlanders in Mazabuka while the Volvo truck was driven by RODGERS MUTINTA, aged 42 of Duban, South Africa.
She says the injured victims are admitted to Mtendere Mission Hospital in Chirundu, while the bodies of the deceased are in the same hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Ms KATONGO told ZNBC News that in another incident, a male pedestrian died on arrival at UTH, while another person sustained injuries in an accident which occurred on yesterday at 06 00 hours on Kamloops road in Lusaka’s Kalingalinga Compound.
She said involved was a motor vehicle Toyota Allex and a pedestrian David Tembo aged 47 of Kalingalinga Compound, who is now deceased.
Ms KATONGO said the accident happened when the driver lost control of the motor vehicle and hit the pedestrian who was off the road.
The body of the deceased is UTH mortuary awaiting postmortem.
MEANWHILE, Police in Lusaka have observed an increase in the number of females being attacked by criminals after hiking vehicles on Great North Road between Heroes stadium and SOS.
Ms KATONGO said in the past one month, Police have recorded five cases of aggravated assault in which all victims are females discovered in unconscious state with head injuries, and dumped in Kabangwe area.
The recent attack involves a female adult identified as SHARON LUFINO who was attacked yesterday around 9;00 hours and dumped off Ngwerere road.
Ms KATONGO said the victim is said to have hiked a motor vehicle at SOS with a view of going to 15 miles but was later found with deep head injuries and was in an unconscious state.
She said police have instituted investigations in all cases recorded and has advised the public to desist from hiking motor vehicles especially at heroes Stadium and SOS as this has proven to be unsafe.
Ms KATONGO called on the public to always get on public transport from designated bus stations to avoid falling prey to criminals.
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it is unfortunate that a the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) is allegedly planning to involve outsiders to come and interfere in the 2021 General Elections.
Without directly mentioning UPND, PF Secretary General Davis Mwila said that the alleged reports are a clear indication that the opposition party is not ready for the 2021 polls.
Mr. Mwila said that the development also shows that the opposition party is in panic mode and scared to face President Edgar Lungu.
He has told ZNBC news in an interview that the PF has delivered in all the 10 provinces and that the opposition party has no chance of winning an election.
Mr. Mwila said the PF will scoop all the 10 provinces because it has also penetrated areas perceived to be opposition strongholds.
He said not even an outside organisation can help an opposition to win an election because the people have seen the developmental projects under the PF government.
Public Service Commissions has bemoaned high debt levels among government workers and is proposing a debt swap mechanism where it wants to take over debts of civil servants it owes.
Public Service Management Division Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali Monday told Provincial Heads of Government Departments, teachers and Labour leaders that recommendations are being made to come up with a mechanism that will provide some debt relief to civil servants.
Mr. Chimbwali noted that in instances where government was owing civil servants in settling allowances, leave days benefits and other emoluments, the backlog could be offset through the debt swap policy.
He said thorough consultations will be done before arriving at the actual implementation of the mechanism that will provide relief to thousands of civil servants.
The Permanent Secretary noted thay government was fully aware that staff debts and financial problems had been a source of frustration among workers in the civil service,hence the need for a lasting solution.
Meanwhile, Teaching Service Commission Chairperson Stanley Mhango who has bemoaned the high debt levels among government workers said the situation was affecting performance productivity.
Mr. Mhango however lamented that it was unfair for some civil servants to blame government for the debts they themselves had contracted.
He regretted government’s lapse on conducting vigorous financial literacy for civil servants when it effected unprecedented salary increases of up to 150 percent in 2014.
Mr. Mhango called on government workers to think seriously think about investing in projects that would financially sustain them.
And Local Government Permanent Secretary Bishop Ed Chomba called on local authority workers to be motivated with the good conditions of service that government has put in place.
Bishop Chomba cited the introduction of the funeral and health insurance policies as some of the conditions of service.
And Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Felix Phiri who thanked his counterparts for visiting the Province, took time to promote the economic potential of Luapula Province.
Rainbow party leader Wynter Kabimba says he wants the Constitutional amendment bill number 10 to be enacted.
Mr Kabimba says bill 10 goes beyond partisan affiliations and should be supported as he dispelled media reports that he has been paid to support the bill saying there should be respect for those holding divergent views.
Speaking when he featured on pan African radio Monday morning, Mr. Kabimba further said he hopes bill 10 will pass as it will create a legal framework for women and youth participation in governance issues apart from addressing many other constitutional issues.
“I want Bill 10 to be enacted. I will tell them the plane has already reached Kabwe and it cannot come back, you were late at the airport” Mr. Kabimba said when asked how he would respond if he was justice minister to those calling for the withdrawal of the Bill.
He explained that currently there is no legal framework to support youth and women adoption in various political parties and urged lawmakers to look beyond the constituencies of people who support them but also embrace divergent views.
“We are coming from a background where political parties promote male chauvinism, let’s accept it and we are also coming from a background where women are not supported by their spouses to get into parliament,” Mr. Kabimba said adding that this is the kind of political and social culture which bill 10 is trying to cure saying if that is put into the constitution it will force political parties to adopt different representatives.
He has therefore encouraged for healthy debates that are sober and devoid of insults in order to debate on principle whether someone opposes or supports any particular agenda
Tragedy has struck FAZ Women’s League side Zesco United Ladies FC following the passing of their deputy coach Mary Phiri.
Zesco United CEO Richard Mulenga said in a statement that Phiri’s passing was huge loss to their sister club that she served for over six year.
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the tragic passing on of ZESCO Ndola Girls Assistant coach, Mary Phiri. The club will never forget her immense contribution to the growth of the women’s game,” Mulenga said.
“On behalf of ZESCO United Football Club management, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Phiri family, friends and loved ones.
“It is my hope that, in some way, our words of support may help bring some peace and solace in this time of sadness.”
The late Phiri has served Zesco ladies team as assistant coach since 2013.
It was a championship crowning weekend for a couple of our foreign-based players.
=TANZANIA
Midfielder Clatus Chama came on as a sub in Sunday’s 0-0 away draw against Prisons that saw them retain the Tanzanian league title under former Chipolopolo Zambia coach Sven Vandenbroeck in his first season in charge following his appointment last December.
The win was Simba’s third title in a roll after clinching the crown on an unassailable 21 points with a match to spare.
=POLAND
Midfielder Lubambo Musonda played the full 90 minutes but was not on target on Friday in 4th placed Slask Wroclaw’s 3-2 home win over number seven side Cracovia in their championship playoff group match.
=SWEDEN
Midfielder Edward Chilufya started for Djugardens IF in Sunday’s 5-0 home rout over Kalmar.
He did not score and was substituted in the 61st minute while compatriot Emmanuel Banda has yet to make his competitive debut after four rounds played.
=RUSSIA
Arsenal Tula lost 2-1 away at FK Rostov on Saturday in a match striker Evans Kangwa started but was replaced by compatriot Lameck Banda in the 78th minute.
Kangwa’s young brother Klings Kangwa came on in the 67th minute.
None of the trio was on target for mid-table Tula who have lost their opening two games since the restart on June 20.
=AUSTRIA
Patson Daka converted a penalty in Sunday’s 3-0 home win over Hartberg that sealed RB Salzburg’s seventh successive Austrian title with two games to spare.
Patson played the full 90 minutes while midfielder Enock Mwepu came off in the 70th minute.
Rudra Copper Limited, a Chingola based company is set to invest 41 million US dollars in the processing of copper from the slag commonly known as the ‘Black Mountain’ into Copper and cobalt.
The Company intends to establish a fully integrated copper industry with little or no waste as the by product will be transformed into pavers and other construction related materials.
This came to light when a Zambia Development Agency team led by the Board Chairman Fisho Mwale went for a familiarization tour of the company in Chingola recently.
Mr. Mwale disclosed that the company has so far invested over $10 million whilst the remaining $31 million will be invested over a period of 3 years.
He added that so far, the company has employed 50 Zambians in the initial phase and is looking to employ over 200 people in the next 6 months when the company becomes fully operational.
Mr. Mwale noted that some of the people employed are ex-miners as the company looks to transfer skills and technology to locals.
He commended Rudra Copper Limited for their investment which will create sustainable jobs on the Copperbelt and indicates that the investment will catalyse the formalization of a small scale miners with the view of encouraging them to further diversify once the slag dotted across the province is exhausted.
Mr. Mwale reiterated the need for the company to prioritise local business development through local partnerships, business linkages and domesticated supply chain systems to further augment their local job creation strategies.
He further encouraged local suppliers and small scale miners to formalize their business to enable them tap into this business opportunity.
The board chairman assured the company of ZDA’s support to help the company attain its strategic objectives as the success of the company will have cascading positive social and economic impact on the Zambian people.
And Rudra Managing Director Siddharth Patel disclosed that they will also be sourcing the slag from mining companies across the country as well as local small scale miners known as ‘Jerabos’.
Mr. Patel explained that this will create ready market for the small scale miners whilst maintaining steady flow of copper concentrate to the mining companies.
He added that the company will further be diversifying by investing into avocado production through an out grower scheme due to an increased demand for avocado oil on international markets.
This is contained in a statement issued to the media by ZDA Acting Manager Communications and Public Relations Kabwe Phiri.
The government has announced the reopening of the Luangwa South Bound Bridge across the Kafue River in Kitwe district along the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway which was closed due to rising water levels caused by flooding.
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Vincent Mwale said the bridge will be re-opened to the general public on 30th June 2020 at 06:00 hours.
Mr Mwale said the re-opening of the bridge is primarily to decongest the North Bound Bridge and prevent vandalism of the Luangwa South bond that has been reported.
On 16th March 2020, the Road Development Agency temporarily closed the bridge necessitated by the high-water levels arising from the above-normal rainfall experienced in some parts of the country.
Mr Mwale said the above normal rainfall resulted in flash floods which consequently damaged some infrastructure.
He said following the end of the rain season, the Road Development Agency has assessed the Luangwa South Bound Bridge and established that the Bridge is in fairly good condition and can be used by members of the public in the interim.
Mr Mwale however said the long-term solution will be to undertake major rehabilitation of the bridge.
Lamba Chiefs have distanced themselves from statements issued by the Lamba Limba Royal Council stating that the Chiefs had rejected the appointment of Patrick Zulu as new Masaiti District Commissioner.
The Chiefs have since pledged to continue supporting the PF government as it seeks to deliver development to the rural parts of the Copperbelt.
Speaking at his palace over the weekend, Senior Chief Chiwala of the Lamba people of Masaiti expressed disappointment with the statement issued by the Lamba Lima Royal Council saying the Chiefs were not consulted.
Senior Chief Chiwala said this when Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo paid a courtesy call on Lamba Chiefs.
“If there is one Province in Zambia that is friendly and welcoming it is the Copperbelt. The businessmen and women we have in the Province today are from all over the world and this is why we call this area as a Cosmopolitan Province. Edgar Lungu is a product of the Lamba people, he is our own son,” Senior Chief Chiwala said.
“The President was born here, he went to school here, even if he uses different names but he is one of us from here and there is no way we can discriminate against one of his appointments, he said.
Senior Chief Chiwala advised the Lamba Lima Royal Council to work with government in order to achieve sustainable development and national unity.
“We need to embrace the spirit of One Zambia, One Zambia. I know some things were said and we took note of that and we have spoken to the members of the Association and they now understand,” he said.
Senior Chief Chiwala also thanked Mr Lusambo for donating bicycles and some Covid-29 prevention materials to help stop Covid19.
“We are happy with the coming of Mr Lusambo here, this is important in the strengthening of the relationship between government and the people of Copperbelt rural. We also discussed issues of how we are going to look at the people at the grassroots with the threat of Covid-19. We are happy he has donated four bicycles and Covid-19. Items.”
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo hands over a bicycle to Senior Chief Chiwama at his palace in Masaiti
And Senior Chief Mushili of Masaiti charged that Lambas are not tribal.
Speaking through his Spokesman and Trustee Toby Mulekelwa, Senior Chief Mushili said his Chiefdom is ready to work with the new District Commissioner.
“As Lambas, we don’t segregate, we believe in one Zambia, One Nation. This province has accommodated all the 72 tribes ignoring Chinese and Somalia. We are disappointed to hear that Senior Chief Mushili has rejected Zulu which was false. The Lamba Royal, those are our brothers, they never consulted the Chiefs. It would be better to come here and consult the Chiefs. Fabricating non issues is very bad,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Lusambo said President Lungu is committed to strengthening the relationship between government and the traditional leadership.
“The President was shocked, discouraged and disappointed. Me as a Lamba, I am serving in Soli Land as Lusaka Minister. That statement created an awkward situation for us as Lamba working in other areas. I know some opposition parties would want to take advantage of the situation to alarm the people further. Let us continue being the friendly people we are,” Mr Lusambo said.
He said he was in the Province to assure the Royal Highnesses that President Lungu values the support and cooperation he has received from the Chiefs.
“I came to deliver message from His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, to tell you that he wants to strengthen the relationship between Chiefs on the Copperbelt and his office and he wants to assure you that he values your support and we are in this together as we seek to develop the living standards of our people,” Mr Lusambo said.
He added, “President Lungu is confident that working with you and other Royal Highnesses, we will be able to bring development here. Many issues have been discussed here and I will take those issues to the President.”
He said President Lungu was shocked and disappointment by the remarks attributed to the Council.
Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo become the proud father of newborn twins over the weekend.The minister announced the good news on his Facebook page where he revealed that he has named the twins Edgar and Esther, after President Edgar Lungu and first lady respectively.
“Colleagues, allow me to introduce to you our new addition to the Lusambo family. Welcome Esther Natasha Lusambo and Edgar Chilosha Lusambo,” he wrote.“I give the glory to God the Almighty for this double blessing.”
What does it mean to be a feminist in Zambia today? Changurufaro Chibesa shares her thoughts with Kennedy Gondwe and calls for the abolition of gender roles in society.
The Austrian government has approved a soft financing facility of up to 6.8 million euros or K138.5 million to upgrade the aging cancer center at the University Teaching Hospitals, UTH.
This comes after protracted discussions and negotiations between the Zambian embassy in Berlin and the office of Zambia’s Honorary Consul in Austria, Mr. Heinz Messinger.
If implemented, the cancer center at UTH will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities that will be able to treat most of the cancer cases currently referred abroad for treatment thereby retaining within the country the much-needed financial resources.
It is also hoped that the center could contribute to medical tourism as patients from other parts of Africa, the east and southern African regions in particular seek treatment in Zambia.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita, who is also Ambassador to Austria on a non-residential basis said the Austrian offer represents one of the best chances Zambia has ever had to invest in one of the most pressing health challenges in modern history.
Mr Mukwita said globally, cancer is claiming lives that are at the most productive stage of life thereby robbing society of the human resource needed to develop nations.
He has lamented that Zambia has not been spared as the disease knows no social status or gender.
According to the Zambia National Cancer Registry, estimates were that two years ago, there were over 12,000 new cancer cases countrywide with 7,380 deaths which translates into approximately 60% of all new cases.
Ambassador Mukwita said President Edgar Lungu is committed to ending the needless loss of life to cancer as life must be preserved by sparing no effort and leaving no stone unturned.
“All our development efforts will come to naught if we do not preserve the very life we are trying to improve by propping up the economy”, said the senior diplomat.
The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Health, has embarked on a nationwide campaign to sensitize the population in respect of both cervical and prostrate cancer. Some of the strategies have included the involvement of traditional leaders and civil society organizations whose collective efforts have resulted in more people responding to the call for voluntary testing and treatment.
The cancer center was established as part of the national strategy to fight the disease but the facility is in dire need of an urgent upgrade to bring it in line with challenges posed by the management of cancer in its various manifestations.
