Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
Movement for Multiparty Democracy President Dr. Nevers Mumba has called for a change in the way the Commemoration of the Independence day is done to include the education and sensitization of the younger generation on the importance of independence.
Dr. Mumba who is also the former Republican Vice President was a guest on the Zambia@55 special Hot Seat Program on Hot FM. He said Zambians should be proud of their heritage and celebrate it. He said Zambians should be proud of their country regardless of the economic challenges.
Dr. Mumba said that Zambia’s founding fathers managed to get Independence due to Unity of Purpose. They fought for our independence with a passion.
He emphasised that the values by which our forefathers fought for Zambia’s Independence must be inculcated in the youths to avoid what has recently happened in South Africa. He said the xenophobic attacks experienced in South Africa were a result of failure to educate the youths on how they got were they currently are.
On the call for a change in approach to our celebrations, he said, “As a Nation we should turn away from the Commemoration of our Independence in the traditional way of feasting at State House, where Cadres fight to get a share of food and beer. It should be a day where our younger generation is educated and sensitized on who, why and what was the spirit behind our Independence struggle. Only when that is done are we going to have a generation of leaders who will believe in Service before Self”, Dr. Mumba said.
Red Arrows stayed top of the 2019/2020 FAZ Super Division table for a third successive week following a 2-1 home win over debutants Kansanshi Dynamos at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Unbeaten Arrows lead the log with 19 points from seven games, one point more than defending champions Zesco United who have a match in hand.
Arrows captain Bruce Masakanya scored a brace and put them 1-0 into the break via a 5th minute penalty.
Emmanuel Phiri equalized in the 66th minute for the new boys but Musakanya put matters beyond reach with the winner in stoppage time to see the duo score their second and third goals of the season respectively.
Zesco are a close second after they beat Mighty Mufulira Wanderers 2-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Thabani Kamusoko finished on a move from Anthony Akumu in the 37rh minute and Jesse Were secured the win in the 53rd minute to dispatch Mighty to their fourth successive league defeat.
Wanderers’ woes didn’t end there, after they were reduced to ten men in stoppage time when defender Joseph Chewe was sent off for a foul on midfielder Enock Sabumukama.
Mighty are second from bottom on 3 points after seven matches played and collected their only points of the season in a 3-2 away win over Nkana on September 22 in Kitwe.
Meanwhile, Nkana ended their two-month-long winless run at home when they toiled to a 1-0 victory over Lusaka Dynamos at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Ronald Kampamba came off the bench in the 70th minute to score the defining goal in the 85th minute but was denied a brace three minutes later for an offside that never was.
Nkana are at number five after collecting their third league win of the season on 11 points from seven matches played.
Napsa Stars are third following a 1-0 away Lusaka derby victory over their regular landlords Nkwazi at Edwin Emboela Stadium.
Austin Banda scored the game’s only goal in the 80th minute to lift Napsa to 14 points.
2019/2020 FAZ Super Division
Week Seven Results & Fixtures
Chief government spokesperson Hon. Dora Siliya has expressed disappointment at opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema’s response to the declaration of 25th October as a Public Holiday.
Ms. Siliya said President Lungu declared October 25th a public holiday because he observed that government workers unlike those in the private sector do not have industrial breaks.
“The whole essence of the President declaring 25th of October a holiday is that first of all, the government has been listening to what the workers have been saying especially workers in government who do not get industrial breaks compared to workers in the private sector.” Ms. Siliya stated during a joint press briefing on Wednesday.
“And if you recall last year with the then minister of finance she did announce that each year there must be at least two weeks break for all government workers especially non-essential workers , this has not been actualized at the moment but this is part of an effort by the President to recognise that especially government workers they don’t get as much holiday as those in the private sector , because they don’t go on industrial break at the end of the year.”- She added.
She added that this was President Lungu’s response to people’s demands.
“So, this is just an attempt by his excellency to say… lets respond to what the people are saying especially government workers but he was very clear also when he discussed with cabinet this going forward has to be structured.”-She said.
At a time when our economy is performing poorly, the last thing we need is more holidays. The day we celebrate our Independence day is sufficient for a break but we must focus on energizing our industries for greater economic value. #Zambia
Ms. Siliya has described as disappointing Mr. Hichilema’s decision to once again boycott the Independence Day celebrations. She said the Independence Day is aimed at honouring heroes who fought for the country’s Independence.
She added that Mr. Hichilema’s traits are the reason why he has always been denied by Zambians because he wants to be honoured but he doesn’t like to honour others.
“Independence Day celebrations are an honour to forefathers who fought for our independence and not just an individual. Zambia is not looking for a leader who wants to be honoured but won’t honour those who fought for Zambia’s independence.”-She emphasized.
This year’s Independence Day falls under the theme “Our Freedom, Our Country, Our Responsibility for the Citizens.
Meanwhile Ms. Siliya said Zambia managed to attract over USD$5.3 Billion in the first 6 months of 2019. Ms. Siliya said this is contrary to an impression created by one opposition leader that Zambia has stopped attracting investment.
She said the investment was in the areas of Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing, Construction, Tourism and manufacturing.
She says from the said investments, over 9000 jobs were created indicating an increase of 36 percent during the same period last year.
“ZDA said in the first 6 months of this year Government attracted over USD$5.3 Billion in the energy mining agriculture construction, manufacturing, tourism.
9000 jobs were created, 36 percent more than the same period last year.
On behalf of the government the statement by the opposition is not correct adding that Zambia is not being shunned for investment. Our friends have the Luxury of making statements without figures …we don’t have that luxury, we as government will give you the figures as they are.” She stated.
World leaders have conveyed messages of congratulations to President Edgar Lungu and Zambians on the country’s 55th independence anniversary.
Russia President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that Russia and Zambia will further develop bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries.
In his congratulatory message to President Lungu, President Putin says strengthened bilateral cooperation between Russia and Zambia would help foster security and stability in African.
And Japanese emperor Naruhito has wished President Lungu and the people of Zambia prosperity as they celebrate independence.
Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi in his message of congratulations assured his willingness to work with President Lungu towards developing and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation which exist between the two countries.
And Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General David Hurley says a positive bilateral relationship between Zambia and the commonwealth of Australia stands to grow further through education links.
And Indonesia President Joko Widodo in his congratulatory message to President Lungu said Indonesia is resolved to strengthen ties with Zambia.
And Korean President Moon Jae -In observed that for years Korea and Zambia have steadily developed friendly relations by working together in variety of fields.
This according to a statement issued to media by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public relations Isacc Chipampe.
The Statutory instrument (SI) no. 63 of 2019 giving some regulations surrounding the national health insurance was recently released by the Minister of health. In addition, it has been announced that although deductions will be effected now, contributors will only be able to start reaping the benefits in 2020. As an ardent proponent of social health insurance, I am happy at the rate the wheels are turning. Nonetheless, I remain keen to find out about the reimbursement system that will be adopted as the SI is very silent on the matter.
In as much as the SI has indicated payment mechanism (contributions) and the benefits package, it has not indicated the reimbursement mechanism. I must admit that I am not privileged to other information on this matter and I speak only from the information contained in the SI 63 and the national health insurance act of 2018. The NHI Act does mention that the authority shall negotiate with the accredited health care providers, a schedule of fees and charges for the insured care services that are fair and optimal. So far this is as far as to goes in terms of reimbursement. Many followers would be keen on wanting to know the mechanisms and principles that will guide these negotiations.
Information about what will guide the reimbursement system is cardinal to both the NHIMA and the potential accredited healthcare providers.
The way of developing the essential drug list will need to be reconsidered as it only provides for the minimum but does not mean it covers all the necessary eventualities. Other than merely assessing the clinical effectiveness, there will be a need for the economic evaluation of treatments, especially for high-cost drugs and interventions. Procedures and systems will also need to be subjected to economic evaluations as they will also be consuming the resources.
Regardless of how much is pooled under the fund, the economic principle of scarce resources will always ensue as medical technologies advance and become more expensive, and increase in chronic diseases; therefore, it is cardinal that mechanisms of cost containment are established in advance.
Just to shade some light to anyone that may need to understand the most prominent reimbursement mechanisms, I have highlighted there pros and cons and my personal preferred mechanism based on my understanding of the Zambian society.
“Prescription generic drugs on the essential drugs list prescribed by an accredited health care provider an approved or use under the Scheme” is the actual wording in the SI 63 which makes me unease.
One of the sticking points is that the authority will only reimburse for generic medicines. To a professional, generic (just like biosimilar) has a particular meaning and not just a loose term. A generic drug is a medication that has the same active ingredient as the branded (original) drugs and gives the same treatment effect. In most cases, generic drugs can even cost 10 times less than the price of the original drugs. This is one of the most effective cost-containment measures but left to be the only guiding principle in reimbursement can limit the extent of delivering quality care in line with global advancements. The flip side of only reimbursing generic medicines means it will at least 10 years (average patent period) for a “new” medicine to be paid used in Zambia. This is because it takes approximately 10 years for a new (branded) drug to come off patent to allow for the production of generic brands. In the same vein, a beneficiary is not protected in cases where the only available drug is an expensive branded one.
The way around this is to adopt international price referencing mechanisms and maximum caps that the authority can pay for new medicines. Several international price references mechanisms exist and it’ll be upon the authority to adopt one that keeps the costs low but still allow for access to new medicines and other technologies.
Fee-for-Service
This is the most common method that most private insurance providers operating in the Zambian market employ. Under this mechanism, healthcare providers are paid according to the number of services they provide. For example, if one goes to any provider be it private or government they can bill the NHIMA on each test they do such as a malaria test, radiology scan, as well as each prescribed medication.
Pros: Providers are not restricted as to how many interventions they offer individuals.
Providers have an incentive to improve quality in order to attract more patients.
Cons: It gives the provider an incentive to order unnecessary treatments in order to maximise on the reimbursement per case.
A bad instrument for cost containment.
Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs)
This is a system in which patients are classified into economically and medically similar groups in which the use of resources during hospitalisation is assumed similar. A fixed-rate is reimbursed to healthcare providers based on the diagnosis. For example, all providers will be reimbursed the same amount for a malaria diagnosis regardless of how many tests and treatments used. Pros: An incentive for cost containment by the providers who aim to use only necessary interventions and discharge patients in time. This drives quality improvement within a limited budget and capacity. Cons: Provides an incentive for premature discharges and selection of low-cost patients.
Capitation
Under the capitation system. Health providers are reimbursed based on the number of patients enrolled under them regardless of who uses the services. This would be catastrophic to start with and not very effective cost containment measure for the Zambian setting. Pros: Does not require close monitoring Cons: Gives an incentive for providers to mass enrol low-cost patients.
An unrelated thought provoked in my mind is looking at the legal provision of the claim payout as indicated in the Act, “The Authority shall, on receipt of a claim under sub-regulation (1), assess the claim and pay the accredited health care provider of a valid claim”. This needs a to be thought through especially for the health provider who may cry foul at the end of the day.
The authority provides for the deadline of remitting contributions but on the flip side does not provide for the timeline in which to pay claims (reimbursement). The regulation mentions assessment of claims but is not time-bound as to how long it can take to assess and payout. It is only fair that a time period is specified as this helps the healthcare provider in their planning. In addition, it also does not state if claims will be made daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
I will share more on this thought digression but for now I’ll get back onto concluding on what the public can champion for in terms of the benefits package. I propose the need to provide for reimbursement of branded medicines under clearly set rules. Need to revisit how the essential drug list is compiled and harmonising with the Zambia National Formulary. The Health Technology Assessment team to get on to provide guidance to the decision-makers under the authority and ministry of health. Need to clarify on the reimbursement mechanism of which I would recommend the DRG sort of system tailored to our health system.
About the author Peslie Gibson Ng’ambi, PhD scholar in Health Economics at the University of Manchester, UK and visiting lecturer in Health Economics in Germany. Holds an MSc in Pharmacoeconomic and Health Economics, Cardiff University, UK and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Zambia.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila making the party’s submission to the parliamentary select committee on the Constitutional Amendment Bil5l
By Davies Mwila
Zambia’s independence was made possible not by any one particular individual or grouping, but by the synergy of a wide variety of personalities from various regions, demographics and political groupings of the time.
For instance the gallant efforts of independence pioneers such as Mbikusita Lewanika and the organisational abilities of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula blended with the youthful passion of the youths of the time- such as Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Kenneth Kaunda, Dixon Konkola and Robinson Puta among many others, as well as the feminine wisdom of matriarchs such as Mama Julia Chikamoneka. Mama Mary Fulano and Mama Christine Mulundika among many others.
55 years later, Zambia has come of age.
Although we may still come from different regions, political parties and different demographic groups of our nation, we have a shared destiny and shared future, just as our patriarchs and Matriarchs envisioned.
And just as our political independence struggle was not the effort of one man or woman, but rather a collective and trans-generational effort; the maintenance and enhancement of that independence requires the collective input of all Zambians across the Political, Regional and Demographic divide.
The road to meaningful economic independence through the implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and Vision 2030 can only be completed, when we embrace mature politics, hold hands and pull in the same direction.
As we commemorate our 55th independence anniversary, we must be aware of those who are bent on auctioning Zambia’s sovereignty and mineral wealth and undoing the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
Let us therefore emulate the selfless Spirit of our forefathers’ independence struggle, by putting national interest above personal and partisan agendas.
Over $3.8 billion has been invested in Zambia by Chinese firms in various fields.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie disclosed this at a media briefing in Lusaka to mark the 55th Anniversary, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zambia and China.
Mr Li said over 600 Chinese enterprises are currently operating in Zambia and have invested in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and construction, among others.
He revealed that last year alone, Zambia attracted about $ 5 billion, with Zambia’s exports to China exceeding $ 4.1 billion.
Mr Li explained that the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone has contributed an amount of $550 million in taxes and created about 9, 000 jobs.
And Zambia has been invited to attend the second China International Import Expo as a representative of Africa, to take place in early November.
Mr Li said the expo is expected to take place in Shanghai, China where various Zambian companies will show case their products.
He said China will continue to put in place measures to support high quality Zambian products likely to penetrate the Chinese market.
Meanwhile, Mr Li noted that Chinese enterprises and financial institutions have also laid a foundation for industrialization and agricultural modernization for of Zambia.
He also cited the Health and Education sectors as some of the fields that have received technical support from the Chinese government.
Mr Li has since urged the Zambian media to positively highlight the cooperation between Zambia and China as well as the benefits to the general citizenry.
China established its bilateral ties with Zambia on October 29th, 1964.
REPUBLICAN President His Excellency Dr Edgar Lungu
Countrymen and women:
1. Good evening.
2. Tomorrow marks our country’s 55th Independence anniversary. As per tradition, I am delighted to address the nation on the eve of this very special day in the history of our country.
3. Fifty-five years after Independence our generation can look back with pride, admiration and appreciation to our forefathers and mothers who waged a protracted struggle for Independence from colonial rule. We are grateful to them and above all to God, that we are here today to witness and celebrate this momentous occasion. It is important that we understand our country’s journey, both pre and post-Independence.
Countrymen and women:
4. The struggle for Independence laid a strong foundation for our freedom. Those who fought for this Independence had a vision of a people and nation that was free, united and strong. Each time we sing the national anthem, we recite the words at the core of their vision: free, united and strong.
5. As we celebrate our national day, we salute the heroes and heroines of our Independence struggle. Theirs was a selfless and patriotic generation that put the interests of the nation first before self. They sacrificed their lives to realise the dream of an independent Zambia. To this great generation, we say thank you, twalumba, litumezi, twasanta mwane, twatasha mukwai, zikomo, twasakwililako mwane, chuna-sakililiku mwani.
Countrymen and women:
6. This year’s Independence anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “our freedom, our country, our responsibility.”
7. The theme is a call to reflection and introspection on the meaning of our freedom today and beyond. It invites us to reflect on what we have and can do to maintain our freedom and develop our country.
Countrymen and women:
8. The freedom we are enjoying today enables us to interact with one another and exchange ideas freely but responsibly. This freedom was born out of the determination of our forefathers and mothers to restore our dignity as a people. It goes without saying that there is no dignity in bondage.
9. Our freedom as a people was incomplete without the right to self rule and control over our land. We, therefore, have the duty to respect and preserve this triple heritage of our Independence: dignity, self-rule and sovereignty over our land.
10. The freedoms our founding fathers and mothers fought for have been guaranteed and enshrined in our constitution. These include the fundamental rights and freedoms, the right to life, right to property and equality before the law. Our constitution also guarantees the freedom of conscience, expression and association.
11. Building on this strong foundation, we have made progress in establishing strong institutions that safeguard our freedom. We are also on course in increasing access to basic social services by our people. Equally, we have made steady progress in creating opportunities for our people to improve their livelihoods. As liberated men and women, we should use our freedom to deepen our relationships and develop our nation.
Countrymen and women:
12. Our Independence anniversary is also a celebration of our country. A land of diverse cultures, yet one people. A land richly endowed with natural resources. A land we call our home. This country defines us wherever we go. It is in our dna and deserves our total loyalty and patriotism. It is our God given land which we must always cherish and protect. That is why our forefathers and mothers fought for the Independence of our God given land.
13. Zambia is our home and our birthright. It does not only sustain us and shape us but also connects us with the rest of the world and humanity. We have a lot to be proud of. Our country is a beacon of peace on the continent. We are a hospitable people and we have a rich and diverse cultural heritage. We are blessed with a beautiful and unique environment and climate.
14. Let us take pride in our country and our flag. Let us love and nurture this beautiful country God has given us.
Countrymen and women:
15. Our Independence anniversary is not only a celebration but also a reminder of our responsibility to manage our own affairs. As citizens of this country, within and abroad, it is our responsibility and duty to love this country, to develop this country and to speak well of this country. We are the best ambassadors this country can ever have.
16. Responsibility demands that we should at all times endeavour to achieve the best for our country. Let us, therefore, pursue excellence in all that we do, whether big or small. Let us make this country a better place for everyone, today and in the future.
Countrymen and women:
17. In our quest to develop this great nation, we as citizens, must drive this development agenda. We must make deliberate efforts to work together as a people. We must have unity of purpose in pursuing our common goals.
18. In addition, our generation has the duty to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our people. In this regard, we must broaden our understanding and appreciation of climate change. We must adapt to climate change. We must mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
Countrymen and women:
19. The responsibility to make Zambia a better place for all is for everyone. Those that grow food and feed the nation. Those that drive the earth moving equipment so that we have productive mines and good roads. Those that shape the minds and the future of children in our learning institutions. Our mothers nurturing our children to become responsible citizens. Our young citizens working in different fields to add value and contribute to the development of our country.
20. Every one counts, every effort counts, we all count. We must promote our unique national identity and image that makes Zambia stand out as a wonderful place to live, work, visit and invest in.
21. As we continue reflecting on our Independence, let us use this day as another opportunity to renew our commitment to our national values and principles. These include morality, integrity, patriotism, national unity and sustainable development. The renewal of our commitment will contribute towards building a strong, united and upright nation.
Countrymen and women:
22. As I conclude, let me reiterate the importance of this day to current and future generations. This day should inspire us to build a nation of solidarity, inclusivity, social justice and equity. We are our brothers keeper. We are our sisters keeper. We are the stewards of our environment. We must always rise above our challenges and inspire hope.
23. Let us develop and nurture creativity, innovation, critical thinking and patriotism in our children. Our children need our kindness, sensitivity and moral uprightness for a prosperous, Zambia. Let us continue to be good and caring neighbours, productive workers, responsible parents and upright citizens.
Countrymen and women:
24. As we celebrate this very special day tomorrow, let us do so in an orderly, peaceful and responsible manner. Let us forget about our differences and honour our country and those who gave us this freedom.
25. I wish you all a happy and blessed Independence day.
26. May God bless us all and bless our beloved country, Zambia.
First Lady Esther Lungu on Wednesday officiated handed over the long awaited fire engines donated to the Esther Lungu Foundation by the Los Angeles-Lusaka City Sister Organization.
The hand over ceremony took place at the Lusaka Fire and Rescue Department at Lusaka Fire Station.
Speaking during the donation, Mrs Lungu urged the Lusaka City Council to establish the Lusaka-Los Angeles relationship office which will coordinate access to services and programs from the American city.
She also has appealed to the general public to begin to appreciate the work of fire fighters in the country.
Mrs Lungu said despite the risk and challenges fire fighters experience, their work is unappreciated.
And receiving the donation, Local Government Minister Charles Banda has urged officers from the fire department to make use of the knowledge obtained from their counterparts on income generation to enhance revenue collection.
Dr. Banda said the two fire engines and a truck for carrying the fire crew will go a long way in improving the capacity of the fire department in responding to fire happenings and other rescue operations.
And Lusaka Mayor Miles Sampa says owing to the growing population in the city, demand for enhanced fire rescue has increased.
President Edgar Chagwa Lungu addresses Cabinet at State House on Monday, 21st October, 2019
President Edgar Lungu has pardoned 283 inmates based in various correctional facilities across the country in commemoration of Zambia’s 55th Independence Anniversary.
This is in accordance with Article 97 of the Constitution of Zambia, which provides for Presidential Pardon and Substitution of Severe Punishments imposed on the convicted.
Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo announced the development at a media briefing and said that out of the 283, 260 are ordinary inmate inmates, one old aged inmate and 22 detained under the President’s Pleasure.
Mr Kampyongo said out of this number, 245 are males, 38 females.
He said out of the 283 inmates pardoned, this represents 1.05% of the total population inmates in Zambia’s correctional facilities with the population as of today is 22, 678 against holding capacity standing at 9, 150.
Mr Kampyongo said his Ministry is grateful to President Lungu, for exercising His Prerogative of Mercy at a time when the correctional facilities are extremely congested.
Meanwhile, Mr Kampyongo has warned criminals planning to cause lawlessness ahead of Independence Anniversary celebrations tomorrow that the law enforcement agencies will visit them.
It was another low moment in the 2019/2020 UEFA Champions League for Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka and midfielder Enock Mwepu on Wednesday night.
RB Salzburg lost 3-2 at home in Austria to visitors Napoli of Italy to sustain their second successive UEFA Champions League Group E loss.
The Chipolopolo duo both started the match.
Patson came close to scoring his debut UEFA Champions League group stage goal in the 36th minute but his close-range effort was collected by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.
The Zambia striker latter saw his 51st minute header go inches wide before he was substituted in the 68th minute.
Mwepu too was substituted a minute before the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Salzburg are third in Group E on 3 points, three behind Liverpool and a further four points adrift of leaders Napoli after three rounds played.
Genk, who lost 6-2 away to Salzburg on match-day-one in Group E on September 17, are bottom with 1 point following a comprehensive 4-1 home loss to Liverpool in Belgium.
Salzburg visit Napoli in the corresponding fixture on November 5 as the final leg Group E fixtures commence.
Nkana return home on Thursday battling to end a two- month- old winless home drought when they host Lusaka Dynamos in a 2019/20 FAZ Super Division Week Seven fixture at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
The 12-time champions trace their last victory to five games ago on September 15 when they beat Buildcon 1-0 away in Ndola.
However, Nkana’s last home win was on September 1 when they beat Green Buffaloes 2-0.
Nkana have gone through a slump since that flying start to the campaign losing two successive matches that began a stinging 4-3 home loss to old foe Mighty Mufulira Wanderers on September 22 before falling 1-0 away at Forest Rangers in Ndola.
Nkana then somewhat recovered with two straight draws.
The results in Nkana’s last four games clearly do not reflect their high-profile, off -season expenditure that included the return of Idris Mbombo, who despite leading the top scorers charts on six goals, does not translate into a top five status on the league table for the Kitwe giants in this the early phase of the 2019/20 season.
With that in context, a win on Independence Day is imperative because Nkana are currently eight points behind league leaders Red Arrows on 8 and 16 points respectively while defending champions Zesco United are second on 15 points.
Victory must also be attained without coach Beston Chambeshi who is away on national duty preparing Zambia for next month’s 2019 U23 AFCON outing in Egypt from November 8-22.
Meanwhile, leaders Arrows are home at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on October 24 against debutants Kansanshi Dynamos who are a close fourth on 11 points.
Zesco too are home at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola where they host Wanderers.
The defending champions are also plotting to maintain their one hundred percent start to the season with a sixth successive league win armed with a match in hand against Power Dynamos.
2019/2020 FAZ Super Division
Week Seven Fixtures
24/10/2019
Buildcon-Lumwana Radiants
Zesco United-Mufulira Wanderers
Nkana-Lusaka Dynamos
Red Arrows-Kansanshi Dynamos
Nkwazi-Napsa Stars
26/10/2019
Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy-Power Dynamos
Postponed
Kabwe Warriors-Lusaka Dynamos
Green Eagles-Green Buffaloes
The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance has urged government to find ways of helping struggling farmers who have failed to pay the K400 contribution to access farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme.
The CSO-SUN has received information that some peasant farmers who are beneficiaries of FISP in some parts of the country are failing to pay K400 required to access the inputs for the 2019/2020 farming season because they do not have any money.
With majority of Peasant farmers depending on farming for their income, the poor harvest in the 2018/2019 farming season impacted their livelihoods with most of them failing to even buy food for their families hence they cannot afford a K400 to pay for the inputs, according to Mathews Mhuru.
Mr Mhuru the CSO-SUN Country Coordinator says owing to the poor harvests this year, most farmers did not sell anything hence have no money to pay for inputs and government must find ways of helping them.
He has suggested that government should consider allowing the vulnerable farmers to access inputs and let them pay later to enable them prepare adequately for the 2019/2020 farming season.
He has warned that failure by the farmers to prepare adequately for the farming season will result into continued hunger in the country as most of them will not harvest anything thereby putting pressure on relief distribution by government.
“What has made this so exceptional is the ban on the movement of livestock in some parts of the country which further constrained farmers from making any money as they could not sell their animals”, Mr Mhuru has said.
Meanwhile, Mr Mhuru has reiterated his call on government to be strategic in the distribution of seed to prevent poor harvests and guarantee household food security in case of another drought in the 2019/2020 farming season.
Mr Mhuru said with normal to above normal rainfall expected in most parts of the country in the coming farming season, government must consider distribution drought resistant crops such as beans, sorghum and wheat to drought prone areas.
He is not impressed that other than maize seed and fertiliser, government is only distributing cassava tubers to farmers which are not adequate in diversifying agriculture production and addressing malnutrition.
Mr Mhuru said although there is a ready market for Cassava in the mines and for alcohol production, government needs to distribute other crops such as beans and ground nuts which will also help diversify food consumption.
The Ministry of Health in Chasefu District has targeted 1, 470 girls aged 14, to be vaccinated against human papilloma virus during the fourth coming 2nd round of child health week slated for November this year.
Chasefu district health director, Dr Muyinda Musamba said information, education and communication, early infant diagnosis of HIV exposed infants and nutrition monitoring, are among other activities to be undertaken during the exercise.
Dr Musamba was speaking yesterday at Kanyanga zonal rural health Centre during the 1st round of child health week review meeting which was also meant to create awareness for the 2nd round of child health week slated for November 4th to 9th, 2019.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that they actively participate fully by providing logistics such as transport, fuel and community sensitization before, during and after the exercise.
Dr Musamba revealed that the exercise will also be implemented in all the 17 health facilities across the district.
Earlier, Chasefu District Commissioner Mustapher Banda called for concerted efforts towards the successful implementation of the 2nd round of child health week.
The Unspoilt Lower Zambezi National Park- however new mine coming soon
The High Court of Zambia has ruled that the controversial Kangaluwi open-cast copper mine project will go ahead in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National park.
This was after the court dismissed the appeal against the mine on a legal technicality because the initial legal team that fought the case five years ago failed to file a record of appeal.
The site of the mine is between two seasonal rivers which flow directly into the Zambezi River.
The mine’s tailings dams will be located just a few hundred metres above the valley floor, next to these rivers.
The risk of pollution and collateral damage to the environment is high, as is the impact the mine will have on the wildlife in the area.
The licence for the mine is held by Mwembeshi Resources Ltd, but it is still unclear where its owners, Grand Resources Ltd, are based.
They are registered in Dubai but suspicions are rife that they are Chinese owned.
Unless an appeal is lodged quickly, the mine company will move onto the site and begin the work of clearing it.
The Lower Zambezi National Park is one of tourism’s major economic contributors and the lodges in and around the park employ hundreds of local people, supporting thousands more in the communities on its periphery.
The mine threatens this thriving tourism economy and the livelihoods of everyone involved in tourism in the Lower Zambezi Valley.
It also threatens to derail Zambia’s recently unveiled tourism growth strategy which hinges on the country’s commitment to protecting its wilderness areas.
The Lower Zambezi National Park sits directly opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
