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ABSA happy with Government for signing staff-level agreement with IMF

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ABSA happy with Government for signing staff-level agreement with IMF

The Banking sector is happy with Government for signing a staff level agreement with the International Monetary fund (IMF), saying the move will enable Banks to scale up lending facilities to customers.

ABSA Bank Managing Director, Mizinga Melu said the staff level agreement between the Zambian government and IMF to restructure credit extended facility of paying back loans for a longer period of time.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Ms. Melu explained that the new loan facility payment plan will restore the economic stability and an all-inclusive economic recovery.

“With the signing of this staff level agreement, definitely stakeholders will start flocking to the Banks to access loans to grow their various businesses,” she said.

The ABSA Managing Director, who is also Bankers Association of Zambia president has praised the New Dawn administration for speedily engaging the IMF to restructure debt payment for Zambia.

She said signing of the staff level agreement with IMF in itself is a positive move and has brought more confidence to the market and seen more banks are expending more credits to stakeholders in the country.

She said the policies of the new administration will spur economic growth as many players will be involved in the market due to a conducive environment in terms of lending rates.

Ms. Melu added that the signing of a staff level agreement will translate in the growth of the economy from last year’s 3.3 percent to 3.5 in the fiscal year 2022.

She said that following the signing of staff level, the government must in the next few months start engaging a number of creditors in the country to restructure the facility and accord borrowers a chance to borrow.

In his Budget speech presentation to Parliament in October last year, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane announced that government projects to grow the economy to 3.5 percent in 2022.

She said the only and fastest way to spur economic development in the country is through banks lending money to clients in order for them to exploit the agriculture and other sectors of the economy.

Two Zambian academicians to be awarded K27.6 million in research under ORTARCHI

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Two Zambian academicians to be awarded K27.6 million in research under ORTARCHI

Two academicians from the highest learning institutions in the country will be awarded a total amount of 27.6 million kwacha each to assist them to undertake research under the OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARCHI).

Professor Imasiku Nyambe from the University of Zambia and Professor Stephen Syampungani from the Copperbelt University will receive 17.6 million kwacha from ORTACHI and 10 million kwacha from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to embark on the research projects over a period of five years.

And the two scholars become the first Zambians to be selected as Research Chair holders under the initiative with Professor Syampungani leading research in environment development while Professor Nyambe will embark on water conservation.

Speaking in Lusaka today at the unveiling and launch of the ORTARCHI Research Chairs, NTSC Acting Executive Secretary Guest Mugala said the two scholars were selected after a rigorous process.

“The two research chairs emerged successfully from a very competitive and rigorous review and selection process,” said Mr. Mugala.

Meanwhile, Professor Syampungani disclosed that 48 percent of the country has not been geologically surveyed.

He said this means that the country has more mining resources than it has already discovered.

Professor Syampungani however said there is a need to assess the impact the mining sector will have on the environment saying his research will focus on such areas.

“Much as we will be exploiting mineral resources in the country, we should also begin to plan for restoration of that degrading land that come as a result of mining,” he said.

And Professor Nyambe said the Water Conservation Research will contribute to the availability of water for irrigation, water and supply.

He said the research is important emphasizing that Africa through Agenda 2063 recognizes water as a critical catalyst for development.

On the same occasion, Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati in a speech read for him by Acting Permanent Secretary Jane Chinkusu hailed the two researchers for the milestone.

The Minister said the two scientists being the first of their kind to achieve this speaks highly of the country’s academic credentials.

He underscored the importance of the Research Chairs to the development agenda of the current administration.

“Research chairs are important not only because they focus on undertaking frontier scientific and technological research but also they strengthen the human capital development pipeline by training the next generation of researchers,” said Mr. Mutati.

Spate of Suicide Cases Recorded in the Country Recently are due to Mental ill-health-Masebo

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Spate of Suicide Cases Recorded in the Country Recently are due to Mental ill-health-Masebo

Minister of Health Sylvia T. Masebo has attributed the spate of suicide cases recorded in the country recently to mental ill-health.

A number of suicide cases have been reported in Lusaka, Kitwe, Kalulushi, and Kabwe in the first quarter of 2022.

Ms. Masebo said mental ill-health is one of the greatest challenges facing Zambia today amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed on people’s daily lives have had and continues to have, a significant impact on the population’s mental health.

Ms. Masebo cited bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear as some things triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.

“Individuals who have suffered from mental ill-health include health care providers, people who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 and people who have survived COVID-19. Many who have recovered from COVID-19 are still experiencing some symptoms even after the recovery from the acute phase of COVID-19 disease. This is also referred to as “long COVID” which is overwhelming to bear,” she said.

“Due to the many social and economic changes that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed communities too, mental ill-health is one of the greatest challenges facing us today? The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed on our daily lives has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on our population’s mental health. Bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones,” she said.

Ms. Masebo said:” Many people in our communities are struggling with mental ill-health, which is affecting their life choices and outcomes. We have seen an increase in substance and alcohol abuse cases across the country. Sadly, we also observe a concerning number of suicide cases and self-harm cases reported in media, healthcare facilities, and police stations. Zambia has in the recent past witnessed an increasing number of suicide cases or suicide attempts reported in media mainly among young adults. The rate of suicide alarming articles and posts have overwhelmed social media. These have further exposed people to stressful situations and worry.”

She revealed that 89 people allegedly died by suicide in 2021.

“While the data on suicide cases in Zambia is limited, the World Population Review estimates the suicide rate to be at 7.3 per 100,000 people. According to statistics prepared and released by the Zambia Police Criminal Investigations Department, 89 people allegedly died by suicide in 2021 among these, the majority are males (72) compared to females (17). Indeed, you may have followed increasing reports of suicide cases lately in our country.”

“The high incidence of suicide cases may be attributed to impulsive decisions in moments of crisis, when the affected is not able to deal with life stressors. These stressors include financial problems, relationship break-ups, chronic pain or ill health, conflicts, disasters, violence, abuse, loss and a sense of isolation, stigma or discrimination and civil disputes amongst family members, friends or neighbours. Further, suicides may be caused by mental health illnesses. Individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses or have suffered a symptom of mental illness are at a higher risk of death by suicide due to the nature of brain health,” Ms. Masebo said.

She pledged that the Ministry of Health would continue to escalate awareness on suicide prevention.

“The Ministry of Health is therefore, taking these incidences of suicide and suicide attempts as a medical and psychiatric emergency of public health concern. I am therefore directing all health facilities through Provincial Health Directors to ensure that mental health, suicides and suicide attempts be given utmost urgency of attention. Government continues to strengthen mental health and psychosocial services at primary health care level using a multisector approach. Currently, all hospitals, particularly provincial hospitals have Mental Health Units equipped to support suicide cases. The Ministry of Health will continue to expand services on prevention and health promotion for mental health services as well as suicide prevention throughout the country,” she said.

Ms. Masebo urged members of the community to be involved in suicide prevention by strengthening peer support groups.

“Government will continue to engage various stakeholders such as Religious Leaders, Traditional Leaders, Teachers, Social Workers and particularly the media on prevention of suicide. The government has also incorporated mental health services and up-skilled health staff in COVID-19 response to include tailored mental health services in psychological first aid. The government will also look at options to create safe-homes for individuals facing mental health crises. These safe-homes will offer counseling and social support, particularly in emergency situations,” she said.

Copperbelt Minister Warns Teachers Against Bribes from Parents Seeking Children’s School Places

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Copperbelt Minister Warns Teachers Against Bribes from Parents Seeking Children’s School Places

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has warned teachers against asking for bribes from parents or guardians seeking school places for their children.

Some teachers on the Copperbelt have been accused of asking for bribes from parents seeking school places for their children.

Ndola-based civil society organization Break the Silence recently said it had information on the matter and asked education authorities to investigate the allegations.

“Break the Silence was aware that some teachers in selected schools were soliciting for bribes from parents seeking school places, especially in Ndola and Kitwe,” Break the Silence Chief Executive Director Richard Mweetwa said.

Speaking to journalists in Ndola, Mr. Matambo said teachers should not take advantage of high demand for school places to ask for bribes from parents.

The Minister said there is high demand for school places in almost all the ten districts on the Copperbelt owing to the free education policy introduced by the New Dawn Government.

Mr. Matambo said high demand for school places shows that many parents could not afford taking their children to school in the past because of fees.

He also told school authorities to religiously follow the Government’s policy of not forcing parents or guardians to buy uniforms from schools.

“After pronouncement of free education, all of a sudden space at different schools around the province has run out. This shows that we had a lot of parents who were not managing to take their children to school because of payments. Wherever I have gone or whichever district I have checked almost all school places are full but we are also encouraging our teachers not to take advantage to say places are full when in reality places are there so that they get something. So running out of school spaces simply shows that we had children who were just at home because their parents could not afford to pay fees,” Mr. Matambo said in Ndola.

Mr. Matambo highlighted the Government’s plan to expand school infrastructure to meet the increasing number of pupils owing to free education.

“His Excellency gave an announcement some days ago where the Government will move in now and try to expand classes for the schools so that everyone is accommodated. We promised free education which we have started implementing. We have abolished the PTA, school fees, we have abolished examination fees,” he said.

“We are also encouraging parents because we came to learn that schools wanted to impose buying of uniforms in schools. Parents should be allowed to buy uniforms where they feel it is cheaper. We are trying to make education affordable to everybody. Instead of the money which the parents were supposed to pay to schools, the Government has decided to send that money to different schools,” Mr. Matambo said.

He also explained the delayed recruitment of 30, 000 teachers as planned in the 2022 National Budget.

Mr. Matambo said the Government firstly wants to harmonise the grading of teachers before commencing the recruitment programme.

He said teacher recruitment will start as soon as the ongoing harmonization of teacher grading is complete.

“The employment of 30, 000 teachers, we could not employ immediately in January because we came to learn that several teachers were not graded properly. You find that somebody is a headmaster but he is still getting the salary of an ordinary teacher so more than 10, 000 teachers had wrong grades. We thought before we recruit the 30, 000 teachers, we correct the grading of teachers so that teachers can have correct grades and correct salary scales. So this is what has been going on in these few months. That is what is being done as I am speaking, so as soon as that is done, the recruitment of 30,000 teachers will start,” Mr. Matambo said.

Nchanga 7s Kicks Off 2022 Rugby Season

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The 2022 local rugby season begins on Saturday with the Nchanga 7s Tournament in Chingola, Copperbelt.

In the men’s competition, sixteen (16) teams led by National League Champions Red Arrows have entered the Nchanga 7s in pursuit of the K8000 top prize.

The women’s category will feature Red Arrows, Konkola, Green Eagles and Mufulira Leopardess.

“The Nchanga competition has changed the format from the usual tens to the 7s. The competition was last held two years ago owing to Covid-19,” said Zambia Rugby Union head of competition Enock Shikabeta.

Meanwhile, Arrows have been pitted in Group A alongside Lusaka, Konkola and Mufulira Hunters.

Hosts Nchanga are in Group D together with Mufulira Leopards, Arrows B and Chibuluma.

Diggers have been drawn against Eagles, Roan and Ndola Wanderers in Group C.

Group B contains KPF, Buffaloes, Kansanshi and Nkwazi.

UPND Government gets support for voting against Russia at the UN

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UPND Government gets support for voting against Russia at the UN

The Saboi Imboela led National Democratic Congress Party (NDC) has supported Zambia’s decision to vote in the United Nations General Assembly that Russia withdraws from attacking Ukraine.

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday adopted an important resolution which was voted in, demanding that Russia withdraw from Ukraine.

141 countries voted for the resolution while 35 states abstained and 5 states voted against it.

Some local stakeholders have condemned the government of the Republic of Zambia for voting against Russia.

Former Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Emmanuel Mwamba has suggested that Zambia should have abstained from the vote because it enjoys a good relationship with Russia.

But NDC President Saboi Imboela, who has been a critic of the New Dawn Government, said Zambia’s decision to vote on the draft resolution at the United Nations, UN, first emergency General Assembly since 1997 to hold Russia accountable for the invasion of Ukraine was welcome.

Ms. Imboela said the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and has caused instability all over the world.

She said abstaining from the vote would not have been right because Russia was literally attacking Ukraine with impunity.

“As National Democratic Congress Party, NDC, we commend the government of the Republic of Zambia for voting YES on the draft resolution at the United Nations, UN, first emergency General Assembly since 1997 to hold Russia accountable for the invasion of Ukraine. Demanding that Russia stops its offensive against Ukrainians and to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine is the right way to go. Impressively, 141 voting in favor of the resolution, 35 abstaining and five voting against it, is a show that the world is not in favor of Russia’s actions,” Ms. Imboela said.

She urged the Zambian Government to continue engaging the Russian diplomatic staff here in Lusaka for continued dialogue, de-escalation and possible withdrawal of the Russian troops in Ukraine.

“The actions by Russia to invade Ukraine is a blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and has caused instability all over the world, with the situation likely to escalate further into world suffering and further conflicts. The Actions by Russia to invade Ukraine will distort the world economy and slow down global growth rate from the Covid-19 Pandemic. We urge the UPND government to continue engaging with the Russian diplomatic staff here in Zambia for continued Dialogue, de-escalation and possible withdrawal of the Russian troops from Ukraine in the best interest of Humanity,” she said.

“Zambia has always been a member of the Non Aligned Movement, and has always abstained from voting for the West or East, as championed by our Pan Africanist forefathers. But this war is a war where brother has risen against brother, and instead of folding our hands, we are happy that our current UPND led government made a stance to vote in favour of the UN resolution. We are aware of the historical and current dynamics that led to this assault on Ukraine, but are of the strong view that the countries of the world should play their part to make the war come to an end as soon as possible and begin to have talks with Russia to have permanent solutions to the problem, that does not involve nations going to war with each other.

Ms. Imboela bemoaned the impact of conflict between Russia and Ukraine on humanity.

“As always, women and children will be the worst hit if this war escalates and we call on the nations of the world to help save our children, women, men and humanity in general,” she said.

Meanwhile, thirty-five members including China abstained and five countries including Russia, Syria, and Belarus voted against the resolution. While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they carry political weight.

Among the African and other world nations which abstained from condemning Russia include South Africa, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, among others.

The last time the Security Council convened an emergency session of the General Assembly was in 1982, according to the U.N. website.

Non-Alignment Adopted By Kaunda was a Brilliant Strategy in Global Geo-Politics

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Non-Alignment Adopted By Kaunda was a Brilliant Strategy in Global Geo-Politics

By Shalala Oliver Sepiso

Yesterday, I argued that Zambians demonstrated that they don’t appreciate when they voted against Russia at the UN despite all the wrongs Russia has done. I posited that the USSR and Russia have done a lot for us and continue to do so, especially that no country educates Zambians at the levels Russia does and since Russia educates more Zambians than any other nationals in the world. I concluded that we only voted against Russia in order for us to look ‘pretty’. Shame! I exclaimed and concluded that we should have abstained since Kaunda left us the perfect stance of non-alignment.

If I was pro-Russian I would have said we vote against the motion but the best was to abstain, which was an option taken by India and South Africa.

Some of those supporting the voting by Zambia at the UN yesterday, surmise that “it is better to be under the capitalist democracies than being under totalitarian ruthless dictators who have no economic sense to Africa”.

However, I say, why do you think that being “under” is any good?

I tell you that non-alignment means refusing to be under anyone. This is why we had our very own humanism, which was not socialism and not capitalism but a blend and it worked well for a long time with serious development of Zambia sponsored by our ability to work with anyone. For example the Yugoslavians – under a dictator build us so many things for us.

When in 1970 Kenneth D. Kaunda called a conference of non-aligned nations in Lusaka, he needed to build – in four months a place for the delegates to meet and stay. President Kaunda engaged Former Yugoslav engineers from Energoprojekt: Yugoslavia’s biggest construction concern. On a small bush along the Great East Road, excavations and pilings started, based on plans drafted in Belgrade and 115 days later, the Yugoslavians delivered a 4,000-seat convention hall and 66 presidential villas, two weeks ahead of the deadline. The Mulungushi International Conference Centre and the Mulungushi Village were ready to host the Non-Aligned Movement Conference which was commemorated by the monument which took centre-stage at the High Court Round about.

Just in case this link with Yugoslavian is to be taken lightly, let me make mention that these Eastern Europeans, who then lived under a dictator of sorts, also did security upgrades to our State House. While we slept, they tunneled and took soil out of State House under covert ops. The engineers secretly built two huge underground bunkers as a secret command center for Zambia. The underground bunkers were a bomb-proofed labyrinth equipped with living quarters, a broadcasting station, meeting rooms and a cache of weapons. According to records now in public domain following the documentaries by one Luckson Nthani in an ill-advised move by Chiluba to embarrass Kaunda, one bunker lies five levels by elevator beneath the State House. The other was a seven-level basement tucked under a hill in State Lodge area near ZAF twin Palm and Bauleni. To complete the maze, they built houses along Ngumbo Road including the former Celtel headquarters – which was Joshua Nkhomo’s house and whose tunnel to State House saved his life during “Operation Gatling” on 19 October 1978, when a joint-force operation into Zambia launched by the Air Force and Army of Southern Rhodesia attacked the house – and other locations along Presidents Lane.

Let us also appreciate that the Yugoslav engineers also built Findeco House, which at 106 metres is still the tallest building in Zambia; the Kafue Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station, the 300-room five-star Pamodzi Hotel; the ZANACO Head Office with its 15 floors; Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) building and its 18 floors; the University Teaching Hospital (UTH); military and police facilities; and the Zambia National Credit and Savings Bank head office.

It’s the capitalists who didn’t do much. Britain and USA refused to loan us money to build the Dar-es-Salaam to Kapiri Rail-line. While the Chinese built TAZARA – done with Zambia financing the improvements of the harbor and airport at the southern Tanzanian port of Mtwara for additional exporting potential – the Italians delivered the TAZAMA fuel pipeline in half the cost and half the time the other companies from the West had proposed. China did it for us at great cost of Chinese money and lives as thousands of Chinese died building the more than 1000 bridges and tunnels especially on the Tanzanian side. Italians gave us Indeni, the TAZAMA pipeline, FIAT buses for UBZ, hundreds of Zambia-Tanzania Road Services (ZAM-TAN) FIAT trucks and set up Zambian Airways for us. All this wouldn’t have worked without non-alignment. The Americans only did the 2,400-kilometre Kapiri to Dar-es-Salaam highway after the Chinese had began the railway and the levels of investment are not comparable.

In fact, when we nationalised the mines, at the time when the Copperbelt mines benefitted our Zambians the most, the West squeezed us by raising the price of fuel and reducing the price of Copper – remember that at this time Zambia was only third in Copper production behind USA and Russia – and the rest is history.

Lastly, ingratiating yourself to someone doesn’t mean they won’t cheat on you. These “White governments” only Love us as far as they can use us. So no foreign government loves us more than the other beyond what they have demonstrated to us. Remember how Sierra Leone and Liberia were driven by Blacks who came back from the USA but remember the poorest nations on the continent despite their American connections. Let’s see how the Western Democracies will “help” all the 141 countries that voted against Russia. It won’t happen. Are we forgetting the likes of NORAD and others left Zambia and others closed their embassies here? Didn’t we see how on TV – during the Ukraine evacuations – we are still not treated as humans in The West? Or is it “The Worst”?

Anyway its 8am and its time to work now and worry less even though we made a mistake as a nation yesterday. We shall chat after knocking off time.

Police in riot gear yesterday blocked protesting teachers’ march to the statehouse

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Police in riot gear yesterday blocked protesting teachers’ march to the statehouse

Police in riot gear yesterday blocked protesting teachers’ march to the statehouse to seek an audience with the head of state over their plight.

The aggrieved teachers become the third group to be blocked by Police in less than a month from marching to state house after unemployed doctors and students from Evelyn Hone College seeking President Hakainde Hichilema’s intervention over bursaries.

The teachers led by Andrew Chilufya who gathered at the junction of United Nations and Independence Avenues have accused the Ministry of Education of neglecting their plight.

Speaking to Journalists, Mr. Chilufya said the decision by the police to block them is unfortunate and has denied them an opportunity to air their grievances to the head of state.

The teachers, who were on their way to the statehouse along the independence avenue were blocked by the police who demanded from them a police permit.

The teachers later proceeded to the ministry of education where they were addressed by the Ministry Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Joel Kamoko.

Speaking on behalf of other teachers, Andrew Chilufya complained that they have not been put on the payroll despite being recruited and have since demanded that the government puts them on payroll this month.

And Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Joel Kamoko assured that once the treasury release funding the teachers will be put on the payroll.

Man sent to 12 months in Jail for stealing a hose pipe valued at K300

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Man sent to 12 months in Jail for stealing a hose pipe valued at K300

The Itezhi-tezhi Magistrates court has sentenced a 22-year-old man of Itezhi-tezhi district in Southern Province to six months suspended for 12 months for stealing a hose pipe.

In this matter, Given Sitali of Lilanda compound in Itezhi-tezhi district in Southern Province, stood charged with theft in violation of the penal code of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offense were that Given Sitali on 3 February 2022 in Itezhi-tezhi did steal a hose pipe valued at K300, the property of Edward Shimunza.

When the matter came up for plea before Itezhi Tezhi magistrate, Mugala Chalwe, Sitali admitted the charge and he was convicted based on his own confession.

Facts of the case alleged that on 10 February 2022, the complainant in this matter Edward Shimunza of Lilanda compound in Itezhi-Tezhi left his hose pipe outside his house and went to sleep around 20:00 hours.

In the morning, the complainant did not find the hose pipe and reported the matter to Itezhi Tezhi Police station.

The police instituted investigations that led to the recovery of the hose pipe and charging and arrest of Sitali with the subject offence.

In mitigation, Sitali asked for leniency as he was married with three children and looking after other siblings.

In passing sentence magistrates Chalwe said she considered that he was a first offender and admitted the charge without wasting court’s time.

She then imposed a six months sentence and suspended it for 12 months.

ZASTI trains FQM emergency response team in aviation fire fighting

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ZASTI trains FQM emergency response team in aviation fire fighting

Zambia Air Service Training Institute (ZASTI) has trained 14 Emergency Response Team members (ERT) in aviation firefighting sponsored by FQM Trident limited at a cost of K275,000.

Officiating at a graduation ceremony in basic firefighting training in Kalumbila district yesterday, ZASTI principal, Brigadier General, Mathias Kyembe (Rtd) challenged the new 14 graduates to take what they have learned in their course of study and execute their duties with passion.

Brig. Gen. Kyembe said the primary purpose and task of aviation fire fighters is to conduct emergency response if any emergency occurs.

He urged the graduants to use their knowledge and skills as firemen in a powerful and privileged manner to make a difference to the lives of every single life within FQM Trident Limited and beyond.

“When an emergency takes place you are expected to quickly be able to extinguish potential ensuing fires which is paramount to giving people the best possible chance of making it safely out of the aircraft”, Brig. Gen. Kyembe said.

He said the move by FQM Trident Limited to sponsor students to train in aviation firefighting course is a model for what a vibrant institution should be in any developing country like Zambia.

And FQM Trident Limited assistant general manager, Junior Keysea said FQM has realized the importance of having a team with equipment and necessary skills to protect lives and property, adding that is this the reason why they have a full team of trained and experienced aviation fire fighters.

“FQM Trident is committed to safeguarding life and property around in our operations, surrounding communities and beyond”, Mr Keysea said.

He expressed confidence that the emergency response team will protect the community using the knowledge and skills gained to reach out, care and build a sense of fire safety that can make a positive difference in the community.

Mr Keysea said earlier they had challenges to find a right service provider and they had to go to South Africa but luckily they tumbled across ZASTI.

“To the graduating emergency response team members, you have done us proud, this is not just fulfilling for your career development but another addition to the firefighting training and safety emergency response skills attained over a period of time”, he said.

Meanwhile, emergency response acting team leader, Finniber Kaleya said, with knowledge they have acquired, they will be able to effectively provide emergency responses and rescue of passengers and aircrew in emergency cases.

Mr. Kaleya said their lecturers took time to ensuring that they acquire full knowledge in aviation firefighting hence the 90 percent pass rate.

He said the community and passengers are now covered as they can now pass safely.

Mr. Kaleya has since thanked FQM Trident Limited for the opportunity given to them to undergo a course in basic aviation firefighting training.

Wildlife Act amendment key to new economic thinking- Muhanga

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Wildlife Act amendment key to new economic thinking- Muhanga

Ministry of Tourism says it is important to amend the Wildlife Act of 2015 so that wildlife resources management is aligned to the new economic thinking.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga said the amendment of the wildlife act should address the integration of climate change management principles, strengthen governance and community participation in wildlife management as well as align the Act with the Republican Constitution and the National Parks and Wildlife Policy of 2018.

Mr. Muhanga said the amendment should also endeavor to domesticate international conventions such as the convention on international trade in endangered species of wildlife and the convention on biological diversity as well as address operational weaknesses that inhibit effective management and protection of wildlife resources.

The Permanent Secretary said this when he officially opened a consultative meeting with Chiefs and Community Resource Boards on the amendment of the Wildlife Act of 2015, further stating that the amendment of the Act needs to address diverse concerns ranging from legal, operational, social, and commercial to ecological.

“Cabinet granted authority, in principle, for the ministry to proceed with the amendment of the wildlife act of 2015. As expected, the ministry is required to do this work in a consultative manner, but within a reasonable time. Therefore, it is important for all of us involved in the process to fulfil our roles,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Tourism National Parks And Wildlife Director, Chuma Simukonda said the management of all natural resources, including wild life has proven to be more successful through partnerships.

Dr. Simukonda said the partnerships with the ministry and the local community in the management of the wildlife have become strong and yielding desired results.

He added that the community has played a significant role in protecting wildlife from poachers.

And Zambia Community Resource Board Association president, George Tembo said the amended Act should meet all the needs to strengthen the tourism sector through wildlife.

Zambia Should Have Abstained

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Zambia Should Have Abstained

By Amb.Emmanuel Mwamba

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted an important resolution. The non-binding Resolution, which was voted in, demands that Russia withdraws from Ukraine. 141 countries voted for the resolution while 35 states abstained and 5 states voted against it.

History

Zambia has a long-standing foreign policy promoting peace, negotiating peace and implementing non-aligned policies. For this purpose Zambia is an active member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which played a key role in reducing tensions especially during the Cold War.

The Cold War was a period of geo-political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Blo, and the Eastern Bloc, which began after the World War II. NAM is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. After the United Nations, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.

Zambia Russia Relationships

Zambia has warm and long-standing bilateral relationship with RUSSIA and the recent development of the Zambia Atomic Agency to promote nuclear energy was done in collaboration with the Federation of Russia. Similarly, Russia’s historical sacrificial role in the liberation struggle in Southern Africa contributed to the speedy independence of many states including Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

We also must mention that Zambia’s military capabilities are based largely on equipment sourced from Russia and China.

Zambia-USA, EU Relations

But we also enjoy good bilateral relations with the USA and the European Union. The two power blocks support Zambia’s social sectors and are among the largest contributor to our health sector budget. It is in this light that, in my humble view, Zambia should have abstained like the 35 countries that did so.

Further Zambia is renowned for its peace efforts, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and it promotes dialogue between the warring or belligerent parties, an international role our leaders have traditionally played to bring peace in the world. When we take a side, this role is diminished or undermined.

COMESA applauds progress towards investments in renewable energy in EA-SA-IO region

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COMESA applauds progress towards investments in renewable energy in EA-SA-IO region

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has applauded the progress made towards investments in enhancing the support of renewable energy in the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO region).

COMESA Assistant Secretary General Kipyego Cheluget cited the increased installation in power generation capacity, the construction of many power transmission interconnectors and the adoption of various policies as some of the developments that have taken place at regional and national levels.

Ambassador Kipyego Cheluget expressed optimism that with the ongoing developments the region is expected to record more trade in electricity between the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP).

He was speaking in Lusaka today during the official opening for a two day validation workshop on the implementation of harmonized renewable energy efficiency regulation for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, and Indian Ocean region.

He however, noted that despite progress recorded, there is need for more investment in the transmission, distribution of electricity for the benefit of the people.

” Despite the positive development achieved in the energy sector, more still needs to be done electricity generation and transmission capacity is still low way below the required levels to lift our people out of poverty, ” he said.

He attributed the low access levels on the African continent to compare to others due to the political instability, unstable exchange rates and restructured markets.

Ambassador Cheluget said there is need to establish an aligned regulatory framework to stimulate investments in the power production and transmission and renewable energy sources for the (EA-SA-IO) region.

He stated that the region’s potential in solar, wind, geothermal, bioenergy need to be utilized to reduce dependency on electricity especially at peak periods.

He further called for increased investment in energy infrastructure that support associated policy initiatives that promote generation, maintenance and efficient utilization of energy infrastructure capacity.

“Current regional economic growth trends require a corresponding growth in energy infrastructure and efficient utilization to cater for both current and future demand, addressing the supply side constraints especially energy infrastructure will ensure accelerated regional integration and growth, “he explained.

Earlier, Regional Association of the Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) Chief Executive officer Mohamedain Seif Elnasr has called for concerted efforts from all member states in addressing the energy challenges in the region.

Professor Seif Elnasr cited investment gaps and inefficiency in the utilization of the existing systems relating in policy implementation among others.

“Energy is the catalyst of any development and is enabler of national development so I wish to state that all over us need to come together to address the challenges in the energy sector to enhance our energy relations, “he said.

And the Eastern Africa Power Pool Secretary General Lebbi Changullah has described the energy status in most east African countries as very low at 40 percent with a deficit of about 5000 megawatts.

“Still having a lot of deficits, we don’t have enough energy to satisfy our people, Just by looking at how the level of electrification rate, it is still below 40 percent for many countries, majority are below the required energy capacity, therefore governments in the region need to work together to address the over 5000 megawatts deficit that we are currently experiencing,” he added.

Man assaults girlfriend after discovering she was on ART treatment

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Man assaults girlfriend after discovering she was on ART treatment

A 22 year old man in Itezhi Tezhi district of Southern Province is in court for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend after discovering that she was receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) treatment .

Kennedy Masiwa, who lives in Itezhi Tezhi’s Masasabi resettlement scheme, has been charged with one count of Assault Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) in violation of Section 248 of the penal code, Cap 87 of the Zambian laws.

According to the details of the offense, Kennedy Masiwa assaulted Modester Mukome on February 3, 2022 in Itezhi Tezhi, causing actual bodily harm.

When the case was called for a plea before magistrate Mugala Chalwe, Masiwa stated that he understood the charge and admitted it, but said that he did for justifiable reasons.

Magistrate Chalwe entered a not guilty plea and adjourned the case until 9 March 2022, when the trial will begin.

APNAC asks Mwambazi to stop chairing PAC meetings following Mask Supply Scandal

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APNAC asks Mwambazi to stop chairing PAC meetings following Mask Supply Scandal

The African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zambia Chapter has challenged Public Account Committee Chairperson Warren Mwambazi to step aside after he was implicated in the mask supply scandal at DMMU.

In a statement, APNAC Secretary-General Munir Zulu said the gravity of these allegations, Mr. Mwambazi should recuse himself from the PAC hearings as Chairperson with immediate effect until such a time when he will be cleared of these allegations.

Mr. Zulu said this is purely in the spirit of upholding the credibility of the Public Accounts Committee.

“APNAC Zambia Chapter has keenly been following the hearings on the supply of Covid-19 items to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit following the irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General’s report. This has consequently led to the summoning of the previous Head of DMMU to account for these irregularities before PAC. As APNAC Zambia, we commend PAC in its continued effort of ensuring that Public resources are prudently accounted for,” he said.

“However, we have noted with serious concern the allegations raised against the Public Accounts Committee Chairperson, Hon. Warren Mwambazi MP with respect to his involvement in the questionable supply of Covid-19 items to DMMU amounting to over K14 million. This makes sad reading. Given the gravity of these allegations, it is our considered view that Hon. Mwambazi recuse himself from the PAC hearings as Chairperson with immediate effect until such a time when he will be cleared of these allegations. This is purely in the spirit of upholding the credibility of the Public Accounts Committee.”

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