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Asanovic Adds James Chamanga to Chipolopolo Backroom Staff

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Asanovic Adds James Chamanga to Chipolopolo Backroom Staff

Aljosa Asanovic has unveiled his 23-member provisional Chipolopolo team of home based players.

The highlight of the home-based team announcement is the addition of 2021/2022 FAZ Super League champions Red Arrows’ veteran striker James Chamanga as part of Asanovic’s backroom staff.

The 42-year-old 2012 AFCON winner joins the bench as team mentor.

There is also a recall for forgotten prospect Jimmy Mukeya of promoted Napsa Stars.

Meanwhile, Asanovic said the camp was not only to pick his home-based call-ups for June’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier matches against Cote d’Ivoire and Comoros.

“Our preparations are on course for the game against Ivory Coast on June 3. We start with the local camp where we are looking at the local players and in touch with foreign players whose leagues are still active,” Asanovic told FAZ Media.

“We know that local players also have a clogged calendar ahead with the CHAN and Cosafa that are coming up. Most importantly, the best of the local players will go with us to Ivory Coast and be part of the June 7 home match against Comoros Islands.”

Chipolopolo kickoff camp on May 17 in Lusaka.

TEAM:

GOALKEEPERS: Gregory Sanjase (Zesco United), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)

DEFENDERS: Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi, Allan Kapila (all Red Arrows), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Miguel Chaiwa (Athletic), Peter Chikola (Kafue Celtic)

MIDFIELDERS: Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco), Sadam Phiri (Red Arrows, Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana), Kelvin Kampamba, Spencer Sautu (both Zesco United)


STRIKERS: Albert Kangwanda (Kafue Celtic), Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars), Ricky Banda(Red Arrows), Enock Sakala junior (Zesco United), Moses Phiri (Zanaco)

Asanovic Summons Five Players From Champions Red Arrows

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Asanovic Summons Five Players From Champions Red Arrows

Five Red Arrows players have made the provisional list of Chipolopolo home-based players summoned by coach Aljosa Asanovic for trials ahead of June’s 2023 AFCON Group H qualifiers assignment.

The five include 2021/2022 FAZ Super League Golden Boot winner Ricky Banda who clinched the going with 16 goals.

The rest are midfielder Saddam Phiri, defenders Benedict Chepeshi, Prosper Chiluya and Allan Kapila.

Meanwhile, out-going FAZ Super League champions Zesco United who finished second this season also have five call-ups.

They are led by defender Shemmy Mayembe who got his long-awaited Chipolopolo debut under Asanovic in March.

Goalkeeper Gregory Sanjase, midfielders Kelvin Mubanga and Spencer Sautu are also in the team.

Striker Enock Sakala Junior returns to the fold after initially catching Asanovic’s eye in the All-Stars Versus The Rest friendly played on March 9 at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

The Arrows and Zesco call-ups are part of a 21-member provisional team that enters camp in Lusaka on May 17.

Chipolopolo will kick off their June dates against tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire on June 3 in an AFCON Group H friendly away in Abidjan.

Zambia will then return home to play their official Group H qualifier against Comoros on June 7.

Lesotho are the other Group H side whom Zambia will face in a Group H doubleheader this September.

Protect infants from being stolen, Lusaka residents implores UTH management

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Protect infants from being stolen, Lusaka residents implores UTH management

Residents of Lusaka have added their voice to the call by the family whose ten-day old baby was allegedly stolen by two University Teaching Hospital (UTH) maids to tighten security measures at the facility.
Barbara Mwape said  an interview that management at UTH need to seriously ensure there is tight  security at the hospital so that such an incident never repeats.

Ms Mwape said this is because as the biggest referral hospital in the country, many people depend on  the services of UTH adding that incidents of babies being stolen will instill fear in the citizenry and also questions the credibility of the hospital.

“ What if this is not the first time this is happening at the facility,” she questioned.

Ms. Mwape, however, explained that hospitals and health facilities have responsible and reliable nurses, midwives, and maids who work professionally but sadly the two suspects wanted to act as Good Samaritans in a bad manner.

Emmanuel Zimba of Chilenje in Lusaka said incidents of missing babies will make expectant mothers shun the hospital which he said was dangerous to society.

He called for action to be taken to safeguard infants against being stolen and ensure each infant is correctly matched with its mother or legal guardian.

Mr. Zimba charged that while infants and their mothers are in hospital,  the staff is responsible for their safety no matter where they are located in the facility.

He said government and hospital management should collaborate to protect infants from being stolen as such occurrences have devastating effects on the infant’s family and communities.

Police in Lusaka apprehended four suspects this week in connection with a ten-day old baby that went missing at the University Teaching Hospital-UTH on May 7,2022.

Among the suspects are two UTH maids, whose identity has been withheld.

Civil Society Organizations challenged to work with rural community

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Civil Society Organizations challenged to work with rural community

Zimba District Administrative Officer (DAO), Gift Hajongola has challenged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the country to consider spreading their operations in rural areas where their services are required most.

Mr Hajongola observed that most CSOs have only concentrated on servicing people in urban leaving out rural areas.

Speaking during a stakeholder consultative meeting in Zimba yesterday, the DAO welcomed both local and international CSOs to take a keen interest in service and investing in Zimba district.

Mr Hajongola appealed to strive to serve in rural areas in order to strike the balance by filing in the gap that exists between urban and rural areas.

He explained that people in rural areas are faced with many challenges as there is widespread poverty plus low income disparity among the rural populace.

He said investing in the district would help create jobs for the local people as well as contribute to the country’s economy.

He cited that Zimba district is a favourable destination for investment due to the good policies which the government had put in place.

“It’s prudent that both local and foreign CSOs supplement government efforts of developing this nation by taking keen interest in opening Offices here in Zimba as opposed to just working in urban areas,” he said.

Mr. Hajongola however, commended Environment Africa, Care International and World Vision that are operating in Zimba district thereby helping government improve the livelihood of the people through agro-business, climate change mitigation strategies and education sectors.

He called on other CSOs in the country to set up their Offices in Zimba district.

“Our agenda for economic diversification as a district is anchored on manufacturing, education, health, agriculture, fishery and tourism which CSOs could tap from,” Mr. Hajongola said.

The DAO expressed gratitude that Environment Africa and Care International had injected huge funds in United States Dollars that would be invested in agriculture and environment sectors in the district.

Mr. Hajongola said Government alone cannot manage to provide everything to its citizenry but requires CSOs to help and come on bold in the provision of goods and services to people.

“Potential CSOs in the country are welcome and can come and set up what is missing here in Zimba district. Government alone can’t manage to provide everything to the Zambian people,” Mr. Hajongola said.

The meeting held yesterday in the Council chamber was attended by key government departments, civil society, the church and representatives from markets and bus stations.

FTJ Chiluba University Saga is a ploy by UNPD divert people’s attention from real issues-PF

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FTJ Chiluba University Saga is a ploy by UNPD divert people’s attention from real issues-PF

THE Patriotic Front (PF) party has charged that the trending saga of the FTJ Chiluba University in Luapula province is a ploy by the UPND Alliance government to divert people’s attention from real issues on the ground.

PF Acting Secretary-General MCC Hon Nickson Chilangwa said the UPND wants to use the abandoned project to paint the PF as a corrupt party whilst promoting selfish agendas like in the mining sector.

And Hon Chilangwa explained that his role in the project was merely that of administrative because he was the sitting Provincial Minister as everything else was centrally done in Lusaka. He however said it is no secret that successive governments had previously abandoned or suspended projects for various reasons and the FTJ Chiluba University is one of them.

In a press briefing yesterday, Hon Chilangwa said it is in the public domain that a lot of projects that were below 80 per cent completion rate were suspended in under the PF rule but wondered why the party in government wants to indict the party on one project. He has therefore urged journalists to probe the matter and find out whether the money for the FTJ Chiluba University was paid and to whom the money was paid.

“Ba Hon Charles Milupi is sitting next to Hon Situmbeko Musokotwane the Minister of Finance. He should tell him to ask Hon Felix Mutati whether the money was paid because he was our Finance Minister then,” Hon Chilangwa said.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Higher Education Professor Nkandu Luo said the much talked about $33m for the FTJ University is a figure that was split between two universities, FTJ Chiluba University and the Northern University.

Prof. Luo clarified that the money for the construction of the Universities was a loan from the Chinese government.

“If the then Minister of Finance was here, he would have given a proper explanation,” Prof Luo said.

She explained that the government had decided to slow down on all pipeline projects because there were concerns that it had overborrowed.

“FTJ University was still a pipeline project because it was just at no more than 5 per cent completion rate and that meant that it was affected by the decision by Cabinet to slow down on projects below 80 per cent,” Prof. Luo explained.

She said the contractor who had already moved on-site could not proceed because they were waiting for the government to clear the position so that money could be released for the construction of the two universities.

Prof Luo said the Ministry of Higher Education was not involved at any point to disburse funds or give legal opinions but in negotiating that the project should take place.

“Once the project is approved, the necessary paperwork is done through the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of Finance before the actual construction can begin,” she added.

Distribution of Medical Drugs in Northern Province Improves

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Distribution of Medical Drugs in Northern Province Improves

Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao has expressed happiness that a number of health centres in the province are now fully stocked with essential medicines.

Speaking shortly after touring some health facilities in the province to check on the availability of medicine, Mr. Mbao said that he is pleased to note that the drug situation in the province is now stable.

He stated that government is doing everything possible to ensure that there is a steady and sufficient supply of essential medicines in all health facilities in the province and the country at large.

Mr. Mbao however said that there is need for the province to have a medical hub to facilitate for easy stocking and distribution of drugs to health facilities in the region.

“It is the desire of this government to ensure that health centres do not run out of essential drugs because the President has prioritized quality health care delivery,” he further said.

And Lupososhi District Health Director, Kelvin Mulemwa confirmed that the supply of medicine in the district has stabilized.

Dr. Mulemwa said this follows the delivery of assorted essential drugs by government in the district.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Minister has called for professionalism and commitment among civil servants to effectively deliver services to the people.

The Minister who addressed heads of government departments in Lupososhi, Luwingu, Mpulungu and Mbala districts said civil servants are key in the realization of meaningful development.

He said government expects Civil Servants to be selfless, loyal and impartial in the delivery of services.

“The UPND administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema is expecting to see hard working civil servants who will contribute towards the achievement of significant development,” Mr Mbao added.

He further encouraged civil servants to prudently utilize public resources and ensure they benefit the intended people saying those found misusing the resources will face the wrath of the law.

Mr. Mbao noted that failure by civil servants to diligently execute their duties will deprive members of the public of development and the services that they need.

“We expect you to be professional, don’t abuse your offices or the powers that have been entrusted in you,” he said

And Mr. Mbao further urged civil servants in the province to acquaint themselves with the UPND economic transformation agenda in order for them to appreciate programmes and policies that the new dawn administration has put in place.

He stated that it is for this reason that public workers need to study the four thematic areas of economic transformation that the UPND has put in place in order for the country to achieve development.

“Acquaint ourselves with the UPND development agenda so that as you can implement your departmental programmes in line with our party’s economic transformation agenda under the four thematic areas that include Agriculture, Mining, Tourism and Energy,” Mr. Mbao said.

What Kind of President Does Zambia Really Need

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What Kind of President Does Zambia Really Need


By Sean Tembo – PeP President

1. Today, our country faces huge economic challenges, with the majority of citizens being driven deeper and deeper into poverty and squalor due to the ever-escalating cost of living. This is despite the equally huge economic potential that we have in almost all sectors of the economy such as tourism, agriculture, mining, etcetera.

2. Today, our country is divided into half. No citizen is seen as a Zambian. Every citizen is looked at through the lenses of either pro-UPND or anti-UPND. Our brothers and sisters from the Zambezi provinces of Southern, Western and North-Western are constantly fed the rhetoric that the rest of the Zambian people look down on them as second class citizens. Those who are wise can see through this empty rhetoric, but a good number of our brothers and sisters fall for it, hook, line and sinker. That is a very dangerous path which needs to be challenged and corrected.

3. Today, law enforcement agencies have been hijacked and converted into an appendage of the ruling UPND party. Instead of doing their work in an impartial manner, the Zambia Police, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) have been weaponized and used to crush political opponents, especially those who were aligned with the former ruling party. Opposition politicians are arrested in a dramatic fashion multiple times, and taken across the country in an attempt to exact as much extra-judicial punishment as possible. Bail, even when granted by a court, is delayed as much as possible on all sorts of flimsy reasons. Yet, when their time to appear in court comes, the State is not ready to proceed with the case.

4. Today, youths have been relegated to the backseat in terms of opportunities being extended by their Government. Instead of empowering the youths who have never had any opportunity before, the Government prefers to give opportunities to the same elderly people who had multiple opportunities in the past, and squandered them all. And yet, our youths are the biggest stakeholders in this country because they are going to live in this country longer than the elderly. Our youths are also at their most productive age, as they are vibrant, energetic and free from ailments that come with old age. And yet, they are sidelined.

5. This begs the question of; what kind of President does Zambia really need? On the economy, Zambia needs a President who will be visionary, courageous and competent. A President with enough foresight and imagination to envision how our country’s different types of potential can be woven together to create competitive advantage for us. A President who is audacious enough to believe that Zambia can become the largest economy in Africa in the next 20 years, and that our poorest citizens will at least be able to afford three square meals a day, have clothes on their back and shelter above their heads. A President who has the courage to deviate from the tunnel-vision of how things have always been done. A President who will inspire and catapult citizens into unprecedented levels of productivity, self-discipline and ambition. A President who will unlock the abilities of the Zambia people and help to convert the economic potential of our nation into actual wealth, for the benefit of citizenry.

6. On national unity, Zambia needs a strong minded President, and not one who wallows in self-pitty. A President who thrives on and enjoys our country’s wide tribal diversity and the 72 languages spoken across all corners of Zambia. And not a President who publicly complains at a press conference that his Tonga language is not as widely spoken across the country as Nyanja or Bemba. Of course in any society across the world, there will be some languages which will be more spoken than others. When you are a President, you do not need to use your platform to inflame your tribesmen into believing that their tribe has been sidelined by the nation, and that it is now time to claim their rightful position. No one should use the Presidency as a tool for advancing tribal superiority.

7. Additionally, Zambia needs a President who has a thick skin to distinguish between trifles and substantive matters. Not a President who convenes an entire press conference just to complain that he is being referred to as a cow, on account of his tribe. Well, late former President Frederick Chiluba was actually referred to as a monkey in a maize field. But he did not convene a press conference to complain that he was called a monkey on account of his Bemba tribe. Similarly, late former President Patrick Mwanawasa was referred to as a Cabbage. But not on a single day did he convene a press conference to complain about it. In fact, Mwanawasa joked about it saying; “after l develop this country, you’ll stop calling me cabbage and start calling me steak”. Those are the hallmarks of a statesman. One who is not bogged down by trifles and focuses on the bigger picture of delivering national development. In Chewa, we have a saying that; “mutu ukulu sulewa nkonyo”. Mutu = head. Ukulu = big. Kulewa = ducking. Nkonyo = punches. So you can do your own translation. Simply put, when you are a leader, you will always be subject to all sort of criticism. Some legitimate, some not. But you have a duty and obligation to rise above the pettiness and focus on leading the nation. As for me, if given a choice of what to be called between a monkey, a cabbage and a cow; l’ll choose a cow on any day.

8. On the weaponization of law enforcement agencies against the opposition, it is common cause that those are the traits of a dictator. I have always argued that our law enforcement agencies are largely professional and fully capable of doing their jobs without political interference. When they are operating independently, they are even more thorough than when they are under political pressure. The reason most of the sensational arrests fail to stand in court is because the law enforcement agencies are given undue pressure to make premature arrests even before investigations are properly concluded. When the docket is taken to DPP, it doesn’t usually have prosecutable evidence. And then you pile the blame on the DPP for failing to give consent to prosecute the cases in court. You are forgetting that you are the one who applied political pressure on law enforcement agencies to effect a premature arrest on your political opponents.

9. Personally l fully support the fight against corruption. Anyone who stole public resources in the previous regime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and recoveries of stolen property made. But we need a President who can facilitate a corruption fight in a sober manner, without undertones of vengeance or retribution. For starters, the only time that any citizen is disposed of their house, car or bank account should be when they have been convicted in a court of law and the court issues an order for such forfeiture. Citizens should never be dispossessed of their property merely on the basis of an allegation. Property rights should be respected. Remember that what goes around comes around. How would you feel if one day after leaving the presidency, you are evicted from your house without any trial, on the basis that your house is suspected to be proceeds of crime from privatization? And then you take 15 years to prove that your house is not a proceed of crime, by which time the property is totally dilapidated. So let us always remember to do unto others as we would want others to do unto us. Zambia needs a President who will have no appetite for extrajudicial punishment before a conviction. A President who will uphold the fundamental constitutional principle of innocent until proven guilty. Only then can we build a better society for ourselves and our children.

10. On the sidelining of youths, in preference for the elderly; Zambia needs a President who believes in equal opportunities for all. There’s no question that the Government is the largest employer. There is also no question that the demand for Government jobs far exceeds the supply. Therefore, any Zambian who has previously had the opportunity to work for Government in the past should give room to those who have never had the opportunity before. It is unfair to keep recycling the same old people in Government positions while the youth are not given any opportunity at all. Personally am a strong believer that every person deserves an opportunity in life. If they properly utilize the opportunity and prosper, then that’s good. If they mess up the opportunity and go back to poverty, that’s well and good too. But the bottom line is that everyone deserves an opportunity. Therefore, the youths must be prioritized in any appointments made by a Government. Youth empowerment should never be an afterthought. Otherwise national development will remain elusive in this country.

It’s not a good idea to have a businessman as the republic president-Kalaba

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It’s not a good idea to have a businessman as the republic president-Kalaba

Opposition Democratic Party President Harry Kalaba has said that it is not a good idea to have a businessman as the republic president.

Mr. Kalaba has further accused President Hakainde Hichilema of loving rich foreigners at the expense of the suffering majority Zambians.

Featuring on a UNZA Radio Programme on Wednesday, Mr. Kalaba made reference to the ongoing Mining Indaba and the January, 2022 trip President Hichilema made to South Africa to attend a book launch organised by the Brenthurst Foundation.

He said Mr. Hichilema is a capitalist head of state that prioritises the interests of rich foreigners.

“Also his biggest attribute is that he likes foreigners more than he likes Zambians because clearly you can see that so far the decisions he has made are pro-foreigners as opposed to his own Zambian people. Why should a president be so, why should he be in the forefront to say the mines are not willing to pay the mineral loyalty tax because then they are going to leave Zambia? Let them go. Let them go. So what if they go? Others will come. In Tanzania, president Magufuli (late Tanzania President) was also faced with a similar challenge where he was threatened by mines that if you don’t do this, if you increase that we are going. The president’s worry must be job creation for our people. My job as president is to worry about the quality of jobs I am giving out to Zambians. That should be a worry but today we don’t have anybody. Nobody is talking for workers today,” Mr. Kalaba said.

“As we agree on the positives (in the New Dawn administration), what is wrong with also accepting that this country is being given in the hands of foreigners? What is wrong with that? It is a fact that President Hakainde Hichilema is a capitalist president. He is one that would look at where profits for only his colleagues, friends and himself will come out and not for the ordinary Zambians. That is also a fact. So we should also agree as it is being put,” he added.

Mr. Kalaba added: “I think you people in the press should begin asking the president. What is so special with this Brenthurst Foundation or trust? What is so special about it? Why is it that they can call our president to say we are launching a book and the president will drop everything in the country and rush to go where Brenthurst Foundation is? Your own president would abandon you here and go to where The Brenthurst Foundation is. That is why having a businessman as the president is not a good idea. Mufwaikwa abantu abapala ngaine. For me I will not accept that somebody because he has got more capital is going to dictate terms of reference.”

“The ones who should dictate the terms of reference are the people who voted for the president. Not those people who are going to open ama books every day, going to launch those books. The other day they organised an indaba (Mining Indaba in South Africa) . He even fails to sleep, he is there already and I think even before the president of that country arrived he had already arrived there and I think it is taking away from us. He is in too much of a hurry to please the rich people. He is too much in a hurry to be one of them and doesn’t want to be part of the suffering majority,” he said.

Mr. Kalaba further pledged to continue providing objective checks and balances to the people in government.

“I think we have pulled each other down enough. The politics that were played in the past of refusing anything your friend does as being rude, were toxic. I think we have entered a realm, a phase in our political journey where we should be able to say this is correct and so for me Harry Kalaba would continue getting relevant. I will continue being around,” he said.

Mr. Kalaba said he would stick with the DP and contest future elections as president.

“The Bible says he who puts his hand on the plough and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom. Once you start something, ensure that you take it to its logical conclusion. Therefore, for me as long as God gives me good health and life I am standing for elections in 2026 and I am hoping to win. If I don’t win we will wait for 2031. If good will gives us life and health we will stand in 2031. If we will not win we will wait for 2036 until that time comes. For now we will stand with Zambia and ensure that those who have got power, those who are in corridors of authority today should know that they don’t have a blank cheque. They will be held accountable to every turn. They must see that we are not going to joke with them,” Mr. Kalaba said.

President Hichilema hails Zambia-USA friendship

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President Hichilema hails Zambia-USA friendship

President Hakainde Hichilema says the government will not change the country’s values to conform to those of the United States of America (USA).

President Hichilema however, acknowledges that Zambia and USA both believe in upholding the rule of law, human rights and tenets of democracy which should not be mistaken that Zambia has adopted American values.

President Hichilema was speaking at State House yesterday afternoon when USA visiting Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez called on him.

President Hichilema lamented that the media has misinterpreted the values the two countries share.

“We are not altering our values to align with American values, these are our values. They happen to be shared by Americans as well,” he said.

And President Hichilema observed that despite the African continent believing in democracy and the rule of law, the gains the continent has made in the past have seen a backward trend lately.

“Of late we have seen a backsliding effect, a bit of extremism coming through on our continents spreading to areas where it was not normal before, Mozambique for example,” he said.

US Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez
US Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose Fernandez

And President Hichilema thanked the United States Government for supporting Zambia in the area of HIV/AIDS.

“We are grateful for what we have received on behalf of the Zambian People in the HIV space,” he said.

And the President hailed the recent decision by First Quantum Minerals to approve plans for a $1.25 billion expansion of the company’s Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia.

He said the investment by the Canadian firm which has a significant number of American investors is positive for Zambia’s economic growth.

Mr Hichilema wooed the United States to equally invest in other sectors.

He also invited the United States to offer technical expertise and capital to Zambia in the area of electric vehicles.

Speaking earlier, Mr Fernandez hailed Zambia for having huge economic potential.

He said his country stands ready to partner with Zambia to create jobs and prosperity.

Mr Fernandez said the partnership between the two countries is extremely important.

“The US-Zambia partnership is critical to meeting the defining challenges of our time, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis as well as to promote a more inclusive, sustainable global economy and democratic renewal,” he said.

Kelvin Sampa Arrested for obtaining 1.4 million Kwacha by false pretense

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Kelvin Sampa Arrested for obtaining 1.4 million Kwacha by false pretense

United Party for National Development (UPND) Member Kelvin Sampa has been released on police bond after he was arrested for obtaining 1.4 million kwacha by false pretense with intent to defraud the owner permanently.

Mr Sampa who is also a former Kasama Central Member of Parliament is reported to have between May 2021 and July 2021 at unknown dates in Lusaka obtained one million four hundred thousand kwacha (k 1, 400, 000) from Maruku Selehe who is a businessman on the pretext that he was going to help him have his goods which were impounded by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) released.

Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale who has announced the development says Mr Sampa has been released on police bond.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old man in a garden house has committed suicide by throwing himself after failing to pay back accumulated debt.

Confirming the development, police deputy public relations officer, Danny Mwale says the deceased who has been identified as Lewis Mukuni was discovered missing from his room on 9th May, 2022 where only his mobile phone was found with a number of saved draft messages saying that he had accumulated so much debt in his life and that he had no means of repaying back.

Production of Maize Expected to Decrease by 25% this Year- Agriculture Minister

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Production of Maize Expected to Decrease by 25% this Year- Agriculture Minister

The crop forecasting survey results for the 2021/2022 agricultural season and the food security status for the 2022/2023 marketing season show that the production of maize is expected to decrease by 25.24 per cent from 3,620,244 metric tons to 2,706,243 metric tons recorded in the 2020/2021 season.

And the production of cassava, millet, sorghum and rice, and Irish potatoes, is also expected to decline.

Agriculture Minister Rueben Phiri says the decrease in maize production is a result of a reduction in the area planted from 1,687,929 hectares last season to 1,507,441 hectares this season coupled with a reduction in the yields from 2.14 metric tons per hectare last season to 1.80 metric tons per hectare this season.

Mr Phiri says of the total estimated production of 2,706,243 metric tons of maize, the small and medium scale farming households are expected to contribute 96 per cent while the large-scale farmers are projected to contribute 4 per cent.

And Mr Phiri says as of 1st May 2022, the total carryover stocks held by farmers, millers, grain traders and the food reserve agency was 1,503,432 metric tons.

Speaking when he announced the crop forecasting survey results for the 2021/2022 agricultural season, Mr. Phiri says given the estimated production of 2,706,243 metric tons of maize and the carryover stocks, the total available maize supply in the 2022/2023 agricultural marketing season is 4,209,675 metric tons against the country’s population which is estimated at 19.2 million.

He says the estimated national requirement for maize to meet consumption demand is estimated at 3,004,763metric tons.

Mr. Phiri says the country is expected to have a surplus of 1,204,912 metric tons of maize.

The Minister has since reiterated that government will maintain its open border policy for exports in line with regional and international trade protocols.

Contractor rehabilitating Kariba Dam commits to safety

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Contractor rehabilitating Kariba Dam commits to safety

Razel-BEC a company contracted to carry out part of the rehabilitation works at the Kariba Dam has committed itself to enhance safety and security in the community in which it is operating.

Razel-BEC Project Manager, Joel Monin said it is the company’s top priority to ensure there are adequate safety measures put in place for its workers and the community to avoid accidents.

The comment follows concerns from stakeholders among them ZESCO Kariba North Bank that the by-pass road constructed by Razel-BEC leading to the dam is posing as a recipe for theft and smuggling among other illegalities.

But Mr Monin has explained that the company has not yet completed works on the said road but once complete, it will ensure that it puts uptight security measures to deter unauthorised entry into the ZESCO power station area.

He has however agreed to close the said road temporarily until works are complete and ready for use.

“We need to ensure that we put in place all security measures before we could use that road but it is unfortunate that people are now using it for illegalities,” he said.

And Kariba North Bank Acting Power Station Manager, Cephas Museba said the road has been posing a threat to the security of the power plant.

Mr Museba expressed happiness that the company agreed to close off the road until security measures are put in place.

Meanwhile Siavonga District Commissioner, Geoffrey Jakopo has commended Razel-BEC for its timely response to addressing security concerns at the dam.

Mr Jakopo said the government wants to create an enabling environment for its partners such as Razel-BEC and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the safety of its people is taken care of.

Razel-BEC is a company that has been contracted to carry out rehabilitation works at Kariba Dam on behalf of the Zambezi River Authority and its work includes reshaping of the plunge pool.

The government to formulate Climate Change Bill

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The government to formulate Climate Change Bill

The government says it is currently in the process of formulating the Climate Change Bill which has reached an advanced stage.

Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Director, Ephraim Shitima said the bill once enacted into law will provide a legal framework to address issues of climate change.

Speaking in Lusaka today during the inaugural meeting of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Climate Change, Action Group, Mr Shitima said aspects of the Green Economy have been incorporated into the draft bill.

He expressed optimism that the bill will be enacted into law soon.

And Mr Shitima said his ministry is also developing the Green Growth Strategy.

“This is a flagship programme for this administration. At the policy and legislation level, we are taking care of that. You need a specific vehicle that will help translate this policy statement into actionable and implementable measures on the ground. Green Growth Strategy is being formulated and it is one that is going to help us implement most of the measures in this green economy dimension,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Shitima said SMEs should take advantage of Government’s green growth efforts by embracing different innovations. He said SMEs are key in helping government attain a green economy for the country.

“All these elements of green growth, efficient use of resources, the use of green and clean energy, the waste management and all that, the Small and Medium Enterprises are expected to implement most of these measures. You expect these entities to be innovative,” he said.

Speaking virtually, European Union (EU) Head of Section Macroeconomics, Private Sector and Rural Development, Matthias Reusing said his institution will support Zambia in developing the green growth strategy.

Mr Reusing said there is a need for technical assistance to help people access green funds from financial institutions.

MIDWEEK PROS HITLIST: Fashion Scores But Misses Out on Debut Scottish Title

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Here are some selected wraps from Wednesday’s midweek action involving our Chipolopolo stars.

=SCOTLAND
Striker Fashion Sakala came on in the 62nd minute to score his twelfth league goal of the season with an 82md minute header in the outgoing Scottish champions 4-1 home win over Ross County.
But the result was symbolic as Rangers on Wednesday relinquished their hold on the Scottish title a season after yanking it from arch foes Celtic who reclaimed it with a game to spare leaving Fashion and his team mates to settle for second place.
Rangers now focus on the big one on May 18 in Seville, Spain in the UEFA Europa League final against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.
This will be Rangers first search for European glory since winning the tournaments’ forerunner 1971/1972 UEFA Cup Winners Cup.


=ENGLAND
Striker Patson Daka was an unused substitute for 10th placed Leicester City in Wednesdays 3-0 home win over demoted Norwich


=USA
Defender Aime Mabika missed Inter Miami’s 3-1 home win over USL side Tormenta in the US Open Cup Round of 32 after a two week injury layoff.
But media speculation is he could be back for this Sunday’s big home date against ex-MLS powerhouse DC United.

Government to rise salaries for nurses, Midwives with upgraded papers

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Government to rise salaries for nurses, Midwives with upgraded papers

Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says government is determined to reward health workers with emoluments that match their qualifications.

Mr Mweetwa said government is aware of health workers that have remained in the same salary scale despite upgrading their qualifications.

He said that government values the investment being put in by health workers to upgrade their qualifications in a world where health care requirements keep changing.

Mr Mweetwa was speaking in Monze today when he officiated at the commemoration of World Nurses day which was celebrated under the theme “a voice to lead, invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health.

And speaking at the same occasion, Southern Province Health Director Lyapa Sikazwe observed that nurses and midwives are some of the most undervalued employees despite the work they put in.

Dr. Sikazwe stated that the attainment of universal health coverage will only be possible with an adequately motivated workforce which includes nurses.

And speaking earlier, Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) Southern Province chairperson Chimuka Sikapoto has urged government to invest in capacity building in nurses and midwives.

Ms Sikapoto also called for increased salaries for nurses and midwives as a way to motivate their hard work.

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