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The Ministry of Energy has assured that there will be no increments in electricity tariffs and connection fees until the electricity cost of service study which is currently undergoing peer review is ready in two months’ time.
Minister responsible Peter Kapala however says that this position does not stop the Energy Regulations Board from proceeding to look at Zesco’s latest application to revise connection fees for Standard Connections related to three customer categories as is required under the laws governing the sector.
Mr. Kapala said that after Zesco’s failed attempt to hike tariffs earlier this year, the company has made the latest application and ERB has since asked for comments as advertised but has emphasised that it is his government’s policy and plan that there will be no increment in tariffs and connection fees until the Cost of Service Study report is out.
In its latest application, Zesco indicated that it has had challenges to promptly connect new applications for electricity resulting in a backlog in new connections of 67,000 as at 31st December 2021.
This was attributed to lack of cost reflective fees for connections, which, according to Zesco are up to 10 times below the actual cost of connection in some cases. The proposed increase in power connection fees is over 300 percent in some cases.
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Elias Mubanga has noted that Zambia has huge potential for high economic growth due to its rich natural resource endowment and a youthful population.
Mr. Mubanga says Zambia’s potential has been hindered by declining economic prospects leading to high unemployment levels the country has experienced especially in the last ten years.
He said to unlock potential for growth, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation that will spur growth of viable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Mr Mubanga was speaking during the launch of the mentorship training programme for SMEs held in partnership with Germany and the Finish governments and other stakeholders in Lusaka this weekend.
Mr Mubanga stated that the mentorship training is an important programme and that more similar mentorship programs have been organized for SMEs, an indication that a lot of activities to promote SMEs development are gaining momentum.
He stressed that the desire of the government is to see a private sector driven economy with SMEs taking a larger portion.
“To unlock this potential for growth, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation that will spur growth of viable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Innovative and viable enterprises will contribute to economic growth, job creation and retention of resources within the country,” Mr. Mubanga stated.
He said there is a need to formulate programs that will reach rural areas and educate women on financial literacy and train them in life skills so they understand how to access the funds and set up businesses.
Mr said the government wants to see more development in rural areas the reason it has given out the funds needed such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other empowerment programs which people must tap into.
And Finish Ambassador to Zambia Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury said the finish government is eager to support MSMEs in Zambia through the Accelerated Growth for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises program which has been going on for the past few years.
“I am delighted to see Zambia and Finland work together to promote industry-academia collaboration on innovation for long-term competitiveness, and for a truly vibrant and sustainable private sector. It is important to bring together companies and the next generation experts to jointly identify future opportunities, challenges and solutions” Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury said.
Leader of the opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile has said the UPND government was too fast in giving wealth to foreigners at the expense of Zambians who voted for it but warned that the New Dawn government must start preparing itself for a time when Zambians will know the truth.
Speaking on Kasama radio last evening Mr Mundubile who is PF Member of the Central Committee and Mporokoso Central Member of Parliament described the UPND as ” a government of DRAMA” which always wanted to make people, dwell on falsehoods, machinations and insecurity such as summoning public outcry on petty issues as is the Milingo case, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the F. T. J University simply to occupy the minds of Zambians while in the background, they were transferring Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to Vandata, a so-called investor that failed Zambians before.
Mr Mundubile said, while rich foreigners were getting the mines to run as well as tax holidays, Zambia ended up with the back mountain and said “UPND has long forgotten about the unemployed youths who voted for the party in power now and doesn’t care about the economy any more because they have too much trust in the foreigners” and hope to realize their dreams.
Mr Mundubile called on the New Dawn government to change their focus and focus on Zambians and reduce the cost of living adding, that Zambians must demand the mines and not the BLACK MOUNTAIN, adding that issues of grabbing PF vehicles and calling everyone a thief, arresting people and paralysing operations the of opposition was only a ploy to divert the attention of Zambians in order for them to do things that will leave Zambians crying for decades.
Mr Mundubile explained that there was no law for political parties to disclose the sources of their funding and asking PF alone to explain how they bought their vehicles was one thing Zambians did not expect adding, “MMD bought their own vehicles while the UPND also has vehicles they bought and nobody is questioning them, wondering why they labelled ” the entire PF ‘thieves’ but were busy celebrating the so-called thieves who defect into their part.
Mr Mundubile said what the UPND was doing was the persecution of the worst kind even in the absence of evidence and said when the UPND talked about getting rid of caderism, they lied because *”now we see worse cadres who attack people even at court premises.
Mr Mundubile said prices are going up and life has become unbearable because UPND has diverted its attention to the rich foreigners while neglecting poor Zambian citizens and that there will be a time when people are going to find out the truth, and UPND should prepare for that time because they will have a lot of explaining to do.
Mr Mundubile said the UPND was so busy trying to “kill the opposition” calling them names, and persecuting everyone but wondered why they were celebrating each time they welcomed a defector into their party adding: “how do you celebrate so much when one of those you knew as a thief joins you?”
*He explained that no vehicle was bought using government resources* and said “just like the MMD, or even the UPND, they have well-wishers and other sympathizers who fund political parties or buy them vehicles.
The National Union For Small Scale Farmers In Zambia (NUSFAZ) has described the decision by the government to remove some legumes from the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) as a disaster.
NUSFAZ Executive Director Ebony Loloji says small scale farmers have been denied an opportunity to create income and improve their lives, especially since the country has begun to go through a positive trajectory in as far as agriculture diversification is concerned.
Mr Loloji is concerned the decision has been made without consultations with relevant stakeholders adding that the decision is a drawback to those who are beginning to understand farming as a business.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Loloji has since appealed to the government to reverse the decision.
Some unconfirmed reports indicate that the 2020/2023 FISP would exclude crops such as groundnuts and soya seeds.
According to reports last week, Secretary to the Treasury, Felix Nkulukusa removed legumes from the Farmer Input Support Programm (FISP), a move which is likely to anger small scale farmers in rural areas. The decision by Mr Nkulukusa, according to sources from the Ministry of Agriculture would exclude crops such as groundnuts and soya seed from the FISP in the coming farming season.
“The FISP program is a vital tool for alleviating poverty, especially for the poor rural farmers. Hence it must be kept in its diversified form, to support all crops including maize, groundnuts & Soya seed. Legumes help meet nutritional needs of our rural poor who cannot afford other proteins like beef on their tables. These crops also enhance food security and broaden farmer’s income sources,” said Alfred Makumba, a Mkushi farmer.
According to Mr Makumba, the failure of the FISP program to support legumes may lead companies that depend on these crops like cooking oil making companies to be adversely affected.
“In short, all industries that depend on legumes will be adversely affected leading to massive job losses- the entire value chain will collapse. It’s against this background that we’re concerned with the behaviour of the Secretary to the Treasury for deciding to exclude all legumes from this year’s budget,” he said.
According to the source, “Mr Nkulukusa is very stubborn and wants to fix farmers and meanwhile, he’s busy giving concessions to rich mining firms? What are the priorities of this government? He’s working against the President who has been categorical in talking about a diversified Agriculture Support Program (ASP).”
The major problem, according to the source, was that Government was making decisions about the agriculture sector from the Ministry of Finance instead of the ministry responsible for agriculture.
“How feasible is it that technocrats from the Ministry are being ignored and decisions are being made from the Ministry of Finance? this is totally unacceptable,” said the source.
This decision is going to make the government very unpopular, especially in rural areas as most farmers depend on these legumes.
“We know that President Hakainde Hichilema means well, and he should reverse this retrogressive decision before it’s late. Even the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) is deeply concerned with this development,” the source said.
COMESA says about $425 Million financed by the World Bank has been allocated for the provision of loans to viable infrastructure projects with private sector interest.
COMESA Energy Economist Malama Chileshe says the off-grid the renewable energy project will be co-implemented by COMESA and the Trade and Development Bank, aims at supporting the creation of an environment that is conducive for private sector investment in infrastructure.
Mr. Chileshe says renewable energy is one of the main focus areas of the regional infrastructure finance facility (RIFF).
He has told Hot FM News that to gain a better understanding of the subsector, COMESA commissioned a study on off-grid renewable energy in the region which has since been concluded.
Meanwhile regional infrastructure finance facility Policy and regulatory Expert Ahid Maeresera said there is a boom in the installed capacity of renewable energy in the world but Africa is only receiving two percent of the energy.
He has insisted the need for commercial banks to understand the importance of providing finance for renewable energy projects.
Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao says there is urgent need to improve infrastructure at Zombe and Lumi Border Posts in Mbala district to fully operationalize the facilities.
Mr Mbao has noted that upgrading infrastructure at the two facilities would enhance revenue collection and boost trade between Zambia and Tanzania.
Mr Mbao was speaking shortly after touring the two border posts.
The Minister expressed concern over the lack of proper infrastructure at the two border posts, a situation he said has deprived the country of the much-needed revenue.
He said Zombe and Lumi Border Posts have the potential to significantly contribute to the treasury if well managed.
“The current state of Zombe and Lumi border posts is worrying because this is detrimental to the country’s economic development because the government is losing revenue due to the porous of the borders,”
Mr. Mbao added that the area has the capacity to generate more revenue for the government as it provides the shortest route to East Africa.
He however expressed fear that the porousness of the two borders poses a security risk to the country adding that they have been a conduit for illegal trade.
And Mbala District Commissioner, Annie Paul appealed to government to consider opening up the borders saying this will boost the economy of the district and the country at large
“Once operations at the two border posts are actualized, there will be massive job creation and economic development in the district,” Mrs. Paul added.
Meanwhile, Zombe Customs Station Manager, Simasiku Masuku who was flanked by Immigration Officer in charge, Fine Liyandu noted that the border post has a lot of economic potential and can contribute to the country’s revenue collection.
Mr. Masuku appealed to government to improve infrastructure and security at the border so that it can be fully operationalized.
The world largest piece of gemstone produced by a Zambian mine company has finally secured its place in the Guinness world book of records.
The over one thousand five hundred grams uncut emerald was produced by KAGEM mine in Lufwanyama district in the Copperbelt province.
KAGEM mine Executive Chairperson Sixtus Mulenga announced this during a special event organised to celebrate the company’s achievements and awarding of its workers at KAGEM premises.
Mr. Mulenga said the KAGEM mine which is owned by gemfields in partnership with government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has over the years been recording remarkable achievements in its mining production.
He said the piece of gemstone which has since been given a local name called CHIPEMBELE is among the largest Emeralds the company has mined in the area.
Mr. Mulenga further described the government’s partnership with Gemfields as one of the most longstanding and productive the country’s mining sector has ever had.
He said all the positive developments KAGEM has continued recording is as a result of the good working relationship investors are enjoying with the government.
Meanwhile Lufwanyama district Commissioner Justine Mwalikwa who represented the Government commended KAGEM workers for their exemplary work.
He further urged the mine management to continue motivating its workers if more positive development is to continue being recorded.
The DC also said the government will endeavour to create an enabling working environment for the mines to thrive in the area.
Reçently, KAGEM mine extracted the largest uncut emerald in Lufwanyama district.
By Mwizenge S, Tembo, Ph. D. Emeritus Professor of Sociology
The structure of the Tumbuka language includes investigating the phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics of the language. In explaining these four characteristics of the Tumbuka language, I will draw examples from this sentence:
“Nkhuluta kukaya sono nkharye sima ya kadende ka vimbunda kakurya para bana bagona!”
Translation: I am going home now to the village where I will eat nshima with baby pigeon relish which you eat when children are asleep.
Phonology closely scrutinizes and determines the smallest individual sounds in a language. Phonemes are changes in the sounds of the Tumbuka language that change the meaning of a word. In part of the sentence “para bana bagona” and “pala bana bagona”, the sounds “ra” in para and “la” in pala “l” “r” are not phonemes because these sounds do not change the meaning of the phrase. On the other hand, in the expression “Nkhuluta kukaya” and “Nkhaluta kukaya”, the sounds “nkhu” and “nkha” are phonemes as these two specifics different Tumbuka sounds change the meaning of the expression. When a Tumbuka person is learning the language either as a child or as an adult they have to learn all the rules of these sounds which is phonetics.
Morphology is how each individual speech sounds or phones are combined together to form a meaningful word. For example: “bagona” has three separate sounds; ba-go – na. The smallest word in Tumbuka that has a meaning is called a morph. For example, the word “iza” might be a morph that translated as “come” and has only two sounds; i-za. The classic example in English is the morph “it” as in “I ate it”.
Syntax is how the Tumbuka speakers arrange words and phrases creating sentences to convey a meaning. An example of a simple sentence in Tumbuka might be: “Nkhuluta ku kaya.” Translated “I am going home”. This comprises a subject, (nkhu or I)- a verb (luta) to go – and subject (kukaya – home). The sentence: “Nkhuluta kukaya sono nkharye sima ya kadende ka vimbunda kakurya para bana bagona!” is more complex.
Semantics is the meaning Tumbuka speakers attach to all words. While as the entire sentence in our Tumbuka sentence conveys a funny meaning, each individual word has its own meaning. Vimbunda for example are “pigeon domestic birds”. Sono means “now”. Sima is the staple food cooked from maize.
The reader should realize that the Tumbuka language is very complex when we learn just about the how of the mechanics of the spoken Tumubuka. But its emotional appeal that creates deep pleasure, social and cultural bonds of identity among the Tumbuka people are the deeper meanings the language conveys and the elegance the language might present among speakers. The pleasure occurs when the Tumbuka language is used for artistic creative expression in defining Tumbuka identity through folktales, proverbs, riddles, metaphors, poetry, satire, allegory, lyrics in songs and Tumbuka music. This article cannot discuss all of these many forms of Tumbuka language verbal expression and communication. This discussion will ne limited to Identity, song and music poetry, and riddles.
The Tumbuka invest tremendous cultural capital in choosing a name for a baby as a life long form of identity. The first and obvious form of ultimate Tumbuka identity is choosing a traditional Tumbuka name for a newly born baby. The name that is carefully chosen with an appropriate meaning and given to the baby at this time is called “Zina la pamdotho” or “Name of the umbilical cord”. The naming customs of the baby are discussed in detail in my book: “Zambian Traiditonal Names”. Virtually all Tumbukas choose a new name for themselves once they reach puberty. This name change has deep cultural significance and essential functions of meaning of the identity of the Tumbuka individual.
Men In the village sitting and chatting at the mphala in the evening around the fire.
The best example of the Tumbuka songs of poetry and music is from my childhood in the village in Lundazi in the early 1960s. We were ten boys at Seleta village who were between the age of 8 and 10 years old who used to play together. We would go to the bush to fetch fruits, hunt birds, and go to the Lundazi river to swim. One cousin would sing all day as we walked and played around. He would sing Vimbuza and Vyanusi dance songs, he would sing songs women sung when they used pestle and mortar to pound maize, he would sing hoeing songs. One of my most favorite song my cousin Binke sung was this one.
Iwe Binkhe iwe! (You Binkhe!)
Kaceme awuso kumphala (Go and call your father from the mphala)
Yayi adada ukati amama bakumucemani (You should say father mother is calling you)
Baye uku baluwa jino (When they go this way they have a tooth ache)
Baye uyu seko zakonda (When they go that way they are laughing)
Yayi adada ukati amama bakumucemani (Tell your father mother is calling you)
Explaining this form of Tumbuka oral poetry culture which is deeply embedded in a simple song would require many pages. It is even more difficult to unpack the complex meaning of the song to outsiders, non-Tumbuka speakers and even modern Tumbuka speakers who have never stepped a foot in the village culture. These are the challenges of maintaining the continuity of not just the spoken Tumbuka language but the deeper cultural meanings.
Numerous Tumbuka riddles are shared normally during the evening either in the moonlight or around a fire. There are three examples:
1. Kanevai kane kana mala mciundo
(My razor has mala in the verandah)
Answer: Mphelo
Mphelo is a large stone, (approximately eighteen inches long and six inches wide) on which women in the village may grind corn and finger millet by crushing it using a smaller stone. It is usually located in the corridor or verandah of the house. Mala is a location toward the end of the mouse’s hole in which it stores food and nurtures its young. This riddle is rich with metaphor and symbolism.
2. Nyumba yane yina mzati umoza
(My house has only one support)
Answer: a Mushroom
3. Para nchebe yane yucimbira mcira ufupika
(As my dog runs its tail gets shorter)
Answer: As you sew using the needle its cotton thread gets shorter
Enjoying, appreciating, and celebrating of our Tumbuka Identity and the Identities of members of all the 72 Zambian Indigenous languages has many challenges. What every Zambian should do Is not to bemoan that this author has only explored the Tumbuka language. Instead, you should contemplate and apply some of these principles to such Zambian languages as Tonga, Lozi, Bemba, Kaonde, Chewa, Lunda, and many of the 72 Indigenous languages.
Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo told President Hakainde Hichilema that people in the province are pleased with the UPND Government.
When welcoming President Hichilema to the Copperbelt where he officiated at the National Agriculture Field Day in Munkumpu, Mpongwe District on Friday, Mr. Matambo said the people in the province are happy with the New Dawn government’s achievements in the first eight months in power.
He cited Constituency Development Fund increment, ongoing recruitment of civil servants and paying of retirees as some developments that have excited people on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Matambo claimed that just within eight months of being in power the UPND administration has achieved what some past governments failed to achieve in 10 or 27 years.
“The people of Copperbelt are very happy with the achievements you (President Hichilema) have made with your team just in eight months which others failed to do in 10 years, some failed to do in 27 years. Things like CDF ( Constituency Development Fund) increment from K1.6 M to K25.7 M. The good people of the Copperbelt are happy with that. The recruitment of teachers, 30, 000 which has never happened since independence. The people are very happy with that including the recruitment of health workers, 11, 000 health workers. People of Copperbelt are delighted too with your vision of re-uniting the country. Before and during the elections Your Excellence as you may know, this country including Copperbelt was divided in any direction you wanted to check including the Church,” Mr. Matambo said.
“Since you came in Your Excellence you are walking the talk by re-uniting the country starting with the cabinet for the first time which is ballanced. We can just compare you to the likes of the late president Kenneth Kaunda, may his soul rest in peace. The likes of the late president Levy Mwanawasa, may his soul rest in peace. Thank you Your Excellence for bringing the country together which was divided on tribal line and of course political lines. Your Excellence, the people of Copperbelt are also happy doing away with cadrelism. Copperbelt was Beirut, I think you can compare it to Beirut.
Every time wherever you went there were teargas, there were machetes, there were knives. Everything you can mention. No body was free to move on the Copperbelt. Thank you Your Excellence for bringing order to this country. People can move freely even here in the crowd we can check we will find maybe somebody putting on a T-shirt for PF or a Tshirt for UNIP. I think it’s now One Zambia One Nation truly, we are grateful Your Excellence.The people of Copperbelt are happy that you have also found money to pay the retirees. Some of them died because of depression on the Copperbelt because they were not paid their money,” he said.
Mr. Matambo said the fight against corruption has equally cheered the people of Copperbelt.
“The people of Copperbelt are also happy with the fight you have put up together with your team fighting corruption. As Copperbelt we stand side by side to always support you to bring those who looted the money for the people to book and it shouldn’t be taken like it’s a tribal fight we know that, that is the way they want to take it. We support the fight against corruption because that is what you promised the people of Zambia and you are walking the talk. Thank you Your Excellence, the Church on the Copperbelt are saying they grateful that you have given them space to worship. Freedom of expression is here, freedom of association is here, freedom of assembly is here. All the freedoms are here and the people of the Copperbelt are happy with that. They are also happy several councils Your Excellence used to go without grants without workers getting their salaries and so on,” Mr. Matambo said.
He added that the Black Mountain empowerment was benefiting people from all the ten districts of the Copperbelt including chiefs.
“The Copperbelt people and councils are happy that you are able within a short period of time despite inheriting a government which had almost dry coffers you are able to send equalisation fund the people of Copperbelt are happy. The people of the Copperbelt are equally happy Your Excellence with, actually they are surprised that you can go for eight months without getting a salary you have kept it for that orphan in Twapia, you have kept it for that orphan in Mpongwe, you have kept your salary for that orphan in Lufwanyama. We are happy and everybody is surprised that we can have such a president. I think you can clap for him (president). The youths on the Copperbelt you promised to give them the Black Mountain which you have given them. We are equally very happy that you walked the talk by giving them the Black Mountain. This time Black Mountain is not benefiting a clique of people, it’s benefiting all the districts around the Copperbelt Province,” he
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said the UPND Government will not let down the people of the Copperbelt.
President Hichilema said the UPND has formed government to serve the people.
Beside officiating at the National Agriculture Field Day, Mr. Hichilema also held a rally near Mpongwe Main Market.
Barry Philpott has been hired on a short-term basis as Zambia amateur boxing national team technical advisor.
The Briton has been hired to help prepare Team Zambia for the 2022 Commonwealth Games that the UK will be hosting in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8.
Philpott’s appointment was facilitated by the National Olympic Committee of Zambia to the Zambia Boxing Federation.
“NOCZ President Alfred Foloko further thanked the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for supporting NOC/CGA Zambia on this initiative and ensuring that one of the best coaches comes to Zambia to prepare the boxing team for the Birmingham Games,” NOCZ said in a statement.
“And for Coach Barry, the two months placement will be an opportunity to work hand in hand with the Coaches Wisdom Mudenda and his assistant Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Kennedy Kanyanta and assured to do the best for the athletes.”
A consortium of three unions in the mining sector has proposed a forensic investigation of the business at Konkola Copper Mines to determine the true status of the business.
The Mine Workers Union of Zambia, the United Mine Workers Union of Zambia and the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers want this to be done by the KCM’s experts and patriotic Zambians.
The unions have asked the government to increase shareholding in KCM. They have further advised that expatriate labour must be restricted because that expatriate can only be considered in areas where they are lacking skills.
And the unions have called on the government to ensure that investors observe strict adherence to the conditions set out.
They have also urged the government to expedite the process of investor engagement to serve KCM from total collapse which will be economically catastrophic to both the hosting communities and the country.
They have further recommended the recapitalization of the operations which include exploration, equipment replacement and operationalization of the Konkola Deeps Mining Project as well as improving conditions of services for the employers.
They are demanding that the would-be investor upon taking over must engage the unions for improved conditions of service.
Meanwhile Opposition New Heritage Party Leader, Chishala Kateka has said that as Government is trying to resolve the Konkola Copper Mines-KCM issue, it must bear in mind the fact that the mining firm is a critical national asset hence the need to put the interest of Zambians first and not rush into deals that keep disadvantaging them.
Ms Kateka said that if the government needs an equity partner; it must look for one that will be prepared to enter into an agreement that will ensure a win-win situation for them and the country.
She said that there is no need for the country to continue to bend over backwards, ending up disadvantaging itself in the process.
Ms Kateka said that the resolution of the KCM Saga seemed to be imminent with the President announcing that it is not possible to resolve the KCM impasse minus Vedanta as they are part of the shareholders.
Ms Kateka is of the view that the asset of KCM is so important that consideration of the appointment of a Joint Provisional Liquidator should be made.
On May, 5th 2022 Vedanta resources reached out government through a letter to the Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe also copied to the unions indicating the desire to return to Konkola Copper Mines where he outlined several conditions which will improve the business, considering the acrimonious relationship it has with the workforce and other stakeholders.
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has expressed concern over the low Covid-19 vaccination rate as the province has only vaccinated 19.5 percent out of the target of 70 percent.
Speaking during the Covid 19 vaccination campaign launch in Rufunsa District Mrs Mulyata noted that the province is struggling to reach the target of vaccinating 70 percent of the general public against Covid-19 by June 2022.
“ In public health, we know that one of the most cost effective methods known for preventing diseases is vaccination” , she added.
Mrs Mulyata said that milestones have been achieved in controlling the spread of Covid-19 infections through robust strategies and intervention.
She noted that government emphasis is on multi-sectorial approach in promoting evidence based public health practice interventions.
“Despite all these measures, the province is unfortunately still struggling to reach the desired target of vaccinating at least 70 percent of the general population against Covid 19 by 30th June and 2022”, Mrs Mulyata added.
The Provincial Minister has called on Zambians to get vaccinated as it is one of the effective ways of preventing diseases in public health.
She bemoaned that, rumours, myths, and misconception surrounding the spread of covid-19 since its outbreak in 2019 has affected the country’s effective response to address the issues of vaccination.
Mrs Mulyata noted that a lot has been achieved in addressing the pandemic through interventions and strategies through a multi-sectoral approach in promoting public health practices.
Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Robert Kamalata says that government is committed to achieve the 70 percent target of vaccination in the Province.
“There are a lot of myths surrounding the vaccine, and this has contributed to the low vaccine levels, others it’s because of their religious beliefs and others think it’s a death sentences “, he said
Mr. Kamalata said the fight against Covid-19 is not for the Ministry of Health alone but for the country at large.
UNICEF Chief of Health Dr. Monjur Hossain said his organization will continue supporting government to ensure the roll out of vaccines is successful.
Mr Hossain the United Nations family is supporting the provision of vaccines and ensuring that they are safe for the benefit of Zambians and promoting community engagements.
He said since the outbreak of the pandemic UNICEF through the World Health Organisation WHO) has facilitated the provision of 13 million doses of vaccines and nine million has already been delivered into the country.
“No one will be safe until everyone is safe, so we need to push further to ensure everyone gets the protection they need and they desire the vaccination,” he said.
Dr. Hossain said that Covid 19 vaccination remains key in critical intervention to end the pandemic.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Acting Country Director Genessa Giorgi added that there is need for a multi-sectorial approach to achieve 70 percent coverage.
She added that The United States government is keen to supporting government in its quest to achieve 70 percent vaccination coverage by June 2022.
“There are over 10 million vaccines in the country and the U.S government has donated over 4.6 million vaccines to Zambia’” Ms Giorgi said.
Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena added that his district is key to fighting the Covid-19 and urged the residents to take the vaccine.
Mr. Mabena further urged the community in Rufunsa to get vaccinated and drive the economy of the district.
In Chongwe, the District Commissioner Dr. Evans Lupiya has bemoaned the low number of people who have been vaccinated in the district.
Dr. Lupiya stated that despite the efforts made by the district health office and various stakeholders to create demand for covid-19 vaccines among people in Chongwe, the vaccination coverage in the area stands at 24 percent.
He said the low covid-19 vaccination coverage is attributed to barriers such as negative social media messages and constituencies about vaccines, negative traditional as well as religious beliefs.
Dr. Lupiya reiterated government’s commitment towards ensuring that more people in the area and the country at large are vaccinated by ensuring that all barriers preventing them from getting vaccinated are erased.
Dr. Lupiya stated that the vaccination drive is expected to increase vaccination coverage in the area thereby enhancing head immunity of residents in view of the fifth wave of covid-19 which has been reported to be present in other countries such as South Africa.
He also said that government and its cooperating partners are confident that the drive will enable the district to increase demand for covid-19 vaccines.
Junior Chipolopolo Zambia U17 will end their week-long tournament visit to Georgia on Sunday with a friendly against club side.
Zambia will face Lokomotiv Tbilisi’s junior team as they prepare to leave Georgia where they have been taking part in a UEFA U16 Developmental Tournament from May 10-17.
“It is a welcome move. As you are aware, we were supposed to play three games but as one of our opponents Saudi Arabia did not make it for the tournament,” Zambia U17 coach Aaron Kawangu said.
Saudi Arabia did not travel for the tournament that had attracted Zambia, Azerbaijan and hosts Georgia.
“So we had an opportunity to engage Lokomotiv Tbilisi which is one of the clubs with a rich history here in Georgia,” Kawangu said.
“It is a very serious game. Before coming here, we had planned for three games and this friendly game had replaced the gamer we were supposed to play Saudi Arabia.”
In their two round-robin games, Zambia lost 4-3 on post-match penalties to Georgia on May 11 after a 1-1 draw.
Zambia followed this up on May 13 with a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan.
Junior Chipolopolo now awaits their final status on the standings on May 15 when Georgia faces Azerbaijan.
“Those two games between Georgia and Azerbaijan were good for our team,” Kawangu said.
“We need to test whatever we have done back home at this level to see and be able to measure how we are developing at grassroots level.”
Forest Rangers coach Ian Bakala says he is targeting to challenge for the FAZ Super Division title next season.
Forest have just handed Bakala a three-year contract extension after hiring him 8 games before the end of the 2021/22 season.
The Ndola club finished 11th in the league with 44 points in 34 matches played.
“I think next season we have to compete for the league and the ABSA Cup. I think the top four is our target. If it goes well we can fight for the championship because Red Arrows won it with a young coach and it has given us confidence as Forest Rangers also,” Bakala told the club media.
He promised to ring changes to the current Forest squad.
Bakala said Forest needs championship material to grab the title from Red Arrows.
“Some mental strength is needed among player first. We have to mentor them for the league. I think we need players for the league, not players who will be counting games they are playing but players who can compete the entire campaign, he said.
Meanwhile, Forest Chairman Ray Mumba said the club was happy with Bakala’s performance in the eight games he was in charge.
Bakala led Forest to three wins, three draws and two losses.
“Even before the end of the season, we decided to extend his contract because we were happy with his performance during the 8 games he was in charge. As an executive, we believe he is the right coach for Forest Rangers without a doubt, ” Mumba said.
Lusaka City Council has revoked permission granted for the controversial construction of a filling station at Lusaka Play House following public outrage.
Lusaka Town Clerk Alex Mwansa stated that the old permission has been revoked due to public interest surrounding the matter.
Mr Mwansa said the permission will be reviewed after the concerns and observations regarding the matter have been resolved.
A number of artists and theatre enthusiasts had expressed opposition to the planned development of a Filling Station at the Lusaka Play House by Kenyan investor Hass Petroleum on a 25 year lease.
