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Cornelius Mweetwa says he he will not re-contest his seat

The newly appointed United Party for National Development (UPND) Spokesperson and Choma Central Constituency Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa have announced that he will not recontest his seat in the August 2021 General Election.

Mr. Mweetwa joins another high-profile parliamentarian from the ruling party, Given Lubinda, in deciding to give a chance to the other upcoming Politicians. Mr Mweetwa told s told ZNBC News that he wants to leave room for other young people but will concentrate on campaigning for the UPND.

The Choma Lawmaker said there are a number of young people who are capable of taking over from him.

Mr. Mweetwa has however denied assertions that he has failed to deliver in his constituency hence the decision not to recontest his seat.

He said delegates who attended the UPND conference would not have voted for him if he has failed to perform as a Member of Parliament.

Zambia Hope To Close Another Dashed AFCON Dream With Honour

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Pride and honour are at stake this Monday as Zambia closes another forgettable AFCON qualifying chapter.

Chipolopolo face Zimbabwe on March 29 in their final Group H qualifier in Harare.

Down and out, and in last place, Zambia seek their second Group H victory after three defeats, one win and a draw as they bid to make a respectable exit from the qualifiers after failing to reach the AFCON for a record third successive time.

Zambia’s qualifying race ended on March 25 when they drew 3-3 at home with Algeria at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Group H leaders Algeria have qualified together with second placed Zimbabwe on 11 and 8 points respectively.

“We need to find a solution in front of us. We have a match against Zimbabwe on Monday and it is a question of pride of the nation,” Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic said.

“The players have given everything that was asked from them unfortunately the best was not enough to give us that much needed victory (against Algeria).”

The match will see the return of defenders Tandi Mwape of DR Congo giants TP Mazembe and Power Dynamos’ Zachariah Chilongoshi.

Chilongoshi and Mwape missed the Algeria match due to suspension.

But missing from the Harare trip will be midfielder Nathan Sinkala who has been released from camp.

The midfielder from South African side Stellenbosch FC had a dismal display against Algeria last Thursday night that saw him substituted in the 30th minute of the first half and was replaced by his SA PSL-based compatriot Roderick Kabwe of Black Leopards.

Meanwhile, revenge is in the air for Zambia who want to settle a score with Zimbabwe after they were beaten 2-1 in first leg at Heroes Stadium on November 19, 2019.

United States Announces K36.75 million for COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign in Zambia

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The U.S. government congratulates the Government of the Republic of Zambia on the approval of its COVID-19 vaccination program. COVID-19 vaccinations are critical to controlling the pandemic, slowing the emergence of new variants, and helping to restart the global economy. In support of the global vaccination effort, the United States recently announced an initial K42 billion ($2 billion) obligation — out of a total planned K84 billion ($4 billion) — to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to support the COVAX Advance Market Commitment, making the United States the single largest contributor to global COVID-19 vaccine access. In Zambia, the U.S. government is committing an additional K36.75 million ($1.75 million) to provide technical assistance to Zambia’s vaccination campaign.

In announcing U.S. support for Zambia’s vaccine campaign, Chargé d’Affaires David Young noted “The United States has worked closely with Zambia throughout the duration of the pandemic to protect public health, strengthen the response to COVID-19, and save lives. We look forward to continuing this support throughout Zambia’s vaccination rollout.”

U.S. government funds will provide critical technical and logistical support to the Ministry of Health for planning, coordination, and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for Zambians. U.S. government partners will provide timely support for the rapid deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine plans, including the coordination of various stakeholders and implementation of the vaccination process. These funds will also support supply chain logistics of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, including assistance in maintaining the cold chain, which is vital for safe delivery of the vaccine.

The U.S. government will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health on its nationwide communication activities to ensure citizens have accurate information about vaccines and the vaccination process to make informed decisions.

Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided more than K500 million ($24 million) in funding to respond to and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Other side of the Cyber Space as President Edgar Lungu Signs new law

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By Anthony Mukwita

When President Edgar Lungu signed the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes bill into law on 23rd March 2021, reactions from citizens and interest groups were mixed.
Some liked it others hated it, albeit, it had gone full circle in parliament before reaching the President’s desk for his signature.
As a diplomat and published author, every time there´s a new development in my beautiful country Zambia, I study it to prepare myself for questions from colleagues in need of the ´bare bones´ of the development at one point or another.

WHAT IS A CYBER CRIME?

Laws are often penned to correct or prevent a wrong, so firstly I sought to know what constitutes a cyber-crime the new law seeks to cure or prevent, I found a few below:
Among the top are Hate Speech, peddling Child Pornography that could permanently harm our children, Identity Theft, this is when someone steals your identity and use it to commit a crime, Malware, which is when your computers safety is compromised with the aim of stealing your valuable information.

Others are Phishing, Cryptojacking, Cyber Espionage or even slandering and libelling others under the veil of the internet or cyber space, the most common crime in Zambia especially since the rise of the use of the internet on platforms such as Facebook or chat groups.

In Zambia, cyber bulling has become a buzz word that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth but I will concentrate on the economic side of things and skirt away from the political side of things.

A study I read states that ostensibly, “hundreds of millions of cyber attacks occur in Africa annually with up to billions of dollars schemed by offenders that go largely undetected and unpunished” either because of lack laws or tech inabilities by governments.

ZAMBIA LOOSES BILLIONS OF KWACHA VIA THE INTERNET

This is something rarely told in public because of the sensitivity of the banking sector, but Zambian commercial banks have not been left unscathed.
According to a 2016 cyber-attacks study, “Zambia lost up to US$4 million, almost K100 million, in a year about six years ago at the hands of cyber criminals that hacked bank records with the help of local and international cartels according to one study.”
Other African countries such as Ivory Coast recorded about 1,409 cyber-attack complaints in courts in one year recently but the numbers seem to be dropping due to new laws with cash losses of about 8.9 million euros, billions of CFA.

AFRICA THE HAVEN OF CYBER CRIMINALS

Another study says, “Africa has become a nest of cybercriminals of all kinds. For instance, those who specialise in the “419” scam, named after article 419 in Nigerian criminal law, that penalises fraud and specifies the fines and other penalties for this sort of crime.”
The same study says close to home South Africa is worst affected because, “70 percent of South Africans have been hit by a cyber-crime, which is 50 percent of the world average.”

Zambia is among economies more exposed to cyber crimes than any other economies in the world, especially the rich west and Asia and it remains more vulnerable in the absence of laws stipulating punishment.

South African companies lost more than US$500 million dollars in 2014 alone.

ENTER THE ZAMBIAN MOBILE MONEY SECTOR

The rise in mobile banking popularly known as Airtel of MTN money has increases the threat of cyber-crimes says the study.

THE PROS AND CONS OF THE NEW LAW

Given the aforementioned scenario, it appears to me that the new law signed by President Lungu is necessary to punish and prevent those that nilly willy commit crimes online behind the veil of the internet.

I have no doubt that parents want their innocent children protected from perverts and peodofiles masquerading as Ice Cream salesmen online while every person with a bank account wants to ensure their money is safe and accounts are protected by the law.

I have no doubt that everyone wants to enjoy their integrity and not be opened to ridicule on Facebook by people spewing hate, insults and contempt, often without cause under the cover of cyber space, I must know I have been a target.

President Lungu ought to be commended for bravely signing the law (like he did when he signed the 50 percent plus one in 2016) that is expected to spike down the peddling of hate speech and insults that became a daily order in Zambia.

IS THE CYBER LAW OPEN TO ABUSE?

Concerns abound that the cyber law could be abused, just like any law and the answer is if there´s no vigilance, which Zambia isn’t short of, any law is open to abuse.
We are lucky to have a lawyer for a President whom I know would have cancelled out any abuse red flags before inking the law.
It’s also important to note that this law is not cast in stone like the laws of Moses but is open to amendments if found to be excessive.
Historically whenever a new law is introduced, reactions are mixed, which is normal in a democracy.

THE FEAR CREEPETH ON THE BACK OF THE LAW

Evidently, however, those fond of insulting and calling others names under the guise of the internet resent the new cyber law.
In conclusion, President Lungu who once said, “a stitch in time saves nine,” because a plan is better than no plan.

Don’t forget that some of the crimes committed online result into death like the 2013 Westgate attack at a mall in Nairobi Kenya were terrorists killed 68 people and injured 200.

I got additional readings for this essay from a paper entitled “Cyber Crimes in Africa 2016” and the new Zambian cyber law 2021, which is available to the public on only.

The Author is the Ambassador of Zambia to Germany. This personal essay was inspired by the recent enactment of the Cyber Security law of Zambia by President Edgar Lungu on 23rd March 2021.

Man killed by buffalo in Kalumbila

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A 43 year old man of Mutanda area in Kalumbila district has died after being attacked by a buffalo at Mutanda Avantech farms.

North Western Province Commissioner of Police, Joel Njase has confirmed the incident believed to have happened yesterday around 19:00 hours.

Mr Njase told ZANIS in Solwezi today that Boswell Sondolo sustained a deep cut on the head, a swollen left leg and died on his way to Solwezi general hospital.

“Be informed that Kyawama Police Station received a report of Sudden death in which M/EDOMO KASOSA aged 36yrs of Kandemba Compound, Solwezi reported that his nephew M/BOSWELL SONDOLO aged 43 of Mutanda area also of Kilunde Village, Chief Chizela of Mufumbwe District died on the way to hospital after being attacked by a Buffalo belonging to Mutanda Avantech farms which caused him to sustain deep cut on the head, swollen left leg.

“The same happened on 26 March 2021 around 19:00 hours at Mutanda Avantech farms,” Mr Njase said.

“The body of the deceased has been deposited into Solwezi general hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem,” he said.

He said the body is lying in Solwezi general hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem adding that the uncle to the deceased has been advised to report the matter to Mutanda police post in Kalumbila district for further inquiries.

Zambia not immune to third wave Covid-19 threat

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Minister of Health, Jonas Chanda says Zambia is not immune to the current threat of the third wave of Covid-19 that European countries and some parts of Africa are grappling with.

Dr Chanda has however reassured that the Covid-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment programme the government has put in place will mitigate the threat.

“With countries in Europe and some parts of Africa currently grappling with a third wave, it is clear that Zambia is not immune to the threat of a third wave. As we put in place the necessary measures to avert or mitigate this, we are confident that the Covid-19 Vaccine Acquisition and Deployment programme will be a critical additional piece to our Covid-19 Response Strategy,” he explained.

Mr. Chanda said the Ministry will continue to actively engage the numerous players within the private sector who have expressed keen interest in supporting the vaccination programme and explore other avenues of resource mobilization.

The Minister said the pandemic has been a source of many lessons, both at a global and local level.

“Our own eight-pronged response strategy has undergone review and refinement to ensure that as the pandemic has evolved we have been able to stay ahead of the curve to continually mount an effective response,” he pointed

Dr Chanda explained that evidence from current trends globally and in Africa are worrying as it is a clear indication that the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging.

He added that the Ministry is heavily investing in ensuring that deployed staff are adequately trained to efficiently carry out the programme.

In his Covid-19 update, Mr. Chanda revealed that the country has recorded One Hundred and Forty-Four new cases out of 5,339 tests conducted.

“This brings the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date to 87,727. The new cases broken down by province are as follows: 42 Lusaka, 33 Luapula, 17 North-western, 12 Eastern, 12 Southern, 10 Copperbelt, 8 Northern, 6 Central, 2 Muchinga, and 2 Western. Of the 144 positive samples, 108 were collected within the last 24-72 hours whereas 36 were older than 72 hours. The cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded now stands at 1,198, classified as 665 COVID deaths and 533 COVID-19 associated deaths,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Chanda explained that 246 combined discharges were recorded from both the COVID-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 84,264.

“We currently have 2,265 active cases, of whom 2,163 are under community management and 102 are admitted to our COVID-19 isolation facilities. Among those admitted, 79 are on Oxygen therapy and 18 are in critical condition” he indicated.

Mr. Chanda said weekends are a challenge to curb community transmission, with the creation.

He urged the public to play their part in ensuring adherence to Covid-19 guidelines, be it as an individual, family or business owner.

FAZ directs football clubs to observe moment of silence in honour late Dr Msiska

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Football House has directed all its members to observe a moment of silence for the late former secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska.

Msiska, who passed away recently as a result of COVID-19 has been given national mourning by Government.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Adrian Kashala says following the demise of the former Secretary to the Cabinet Msiska and the declaration of a day of national mourning by government, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to advise its members to observe a moment of silence before kickoff of all fixtures today.

“Players will be expected to wear black armbands in honour of Dr Msiska. Government has declared today (Saturday) October 27, 2021 as a Day of National Mourning and therefore we are advising our members to respect this directive,” he said.

Speaking through a statement released today by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, Kashala said dally matches could have been cancelled but given the short notice that the declaration was announced.

“Some teams already have travelled for their away games, the games will go on as scheduled but with observance of the measures provided,” he said.

Kashala has commended Government for giving Football House a go-ahead with the games within the stipulated guidelines.

Suspect commits suicide in police custody

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A 24 year- old man of Shiwang’andu District in Muchinga Province, has allegedly ended his life while in police custody at Shiwang’andu Police Station under unclear circumstances.

Muchinga Province Police Commissioner Lizzy Machina has confirmed the incident in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Shiwang’andu today.

Ms. Machina who has identified the deceased suspect as Steven Mulenga aged 24, said the incident happened yesterday on Friday, 26 March 2021 between 00:00 hours and 05:00 hours.

She said the reason for Mulenga to committed suicide while in Police custody is not yet known.

Ms. Machina further said that, Police has opened up an Inquiry File in the matter, adding that investigations have since been launched.

The Police Commissioner said, the body of the deceased suspect has since been deposited to Chinsali General Hospital Mortuary awaiting postmortem examination to ascertain the actual cause of death.

Sources have told ZANIS that Mulenga was arrested by police on Thursday for allegedly stealing money from his friends.

Repair works commence on Pwazi Bridge in Muchinga

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Main repair works on the washed away Pwazi Bridge on the Isoka Muyombe Road in Muchinga Province, have commenced.

This follows the successful repair and replacement of culverts across Maifa Bridge which was also on the verge of collapse.

With the repaired Maifa Bridge, Road Development Agency (RDA) is now able to transport heavy machinery to Pwazi Bridge to commence main repair works on the washed away bridge.

Muchinga Province Provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee chairperson Davison Mulenga has told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS ) in Mafinga today that the Road Development Agency (RDA ) has finally managed to transport heavy machinery to the washed away Pwazi bridge on the Isoka Muyombe Road located about 82 km before Mafinga boma.

Captain Mulenga said RDA is now able to transport heavy machinery to Pwazi Bridge following the successful repair and replacement of culverts on Maifa Bridge which was on the verge of collapse.

Captain Mulenga who is also Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary said with the creation of a by-pass on Pwazi stream which was done two weeks ago, RDA has now started working on the main bridge.

He said that works on the bridge are expected to be completed in two weeks’ time.

“RDA has finally managed to transport heavy machinery to Pwazi Bridge which was washed away two weeks ago. With the arrival of the much awaited heavy machinery, main repair works on Pwazi Bridge are now underway,” said Captain Mulenga.

Captain Mulenga is also happy with the levels of collaboration and coordination from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), RDA and office of the District Commissioner.

Meanwhile, Mafinga district Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee chairperson Godwin Singongo, says works on the construction of a Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) power line to Mafinga, has been delayed due to the washed away Pwazi Bridge.

Mr. Singongo who has been on site since March 6 when Pwazi Bridge was washed away, says ZESCO cannot transport equipment and other materials needed for the construction of a power line to Mafinga because of the washed away Pwazi Bridge hence delaying the project.

Mr. Singongo however, expressed optimistic that soon ZESCO will be able to transport its equipment and materials to Mafinga once the main bridge has been repaired.

“Works on the construction of a ZESCO power line to Mafinga has been affected because of the washed away Pwazi Bridge. The created by-pass cannot allow heavy vehicles to cross to the other side of the road, “said Mr. Singongo.

He assured residents of Mafinga and the travelling public that Government is committed to to finish repair works on the washed away Pwazi bridge within a short period of time.

Pwazi bridge on the Isoka Muyombe Road located about 82 km was washed away on March 6 this month by flash floods due to heavy rains being experienced in the district.

RDA working with the local moved in to create a by-pass to allow the passage of small and light trucks.

Togo calls for closer health collaboration with Zambia

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The President of Togo, His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, has called for closer collaboration between Togo and Zambia in the Health sector.

Mr. Gnassingbé said Togo is also looking forward to collaborating with Zambia in the field of higher education.

President Gnassingbe said this when Zambia’s High Commissioner to Ghana with Extra Accreditation to Togo, Mr. Richard Mwanza presented Letters of Credence at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in the Togolese capital, Lomé.

He said he was happy to have visited Zambia in 2017 and that he looked forward to the promotion of trade between the two countries in the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

And Zambia’s Ambassador to Togo on a non- residential basis Richard Mwanza told President Gnassingbé that he would work closely with the Togolese Government to ensure that the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries are further strengthened.

Mr. Mwanza said he would push for cooperation in the areas of agriculture, higher education and health sectors which should be explored further for the benefit of the two countries.

He said there was a lot of potential between the two countries to improve trade as Togo has a port while Zambia was land linked and so some Zambian goods could come through the Togolese port and enter the ECOWAS region and be exported outside Africa.

“There is need to be self-sufficient in agriculture and manage food as the continent has the potential to feed itself, and a need to manage resources in Africa as Togo is rich in mineral resources and combined efforts as Africans to manufacture goods for export”, explained Mr. Mwanza.

He said Zambia has built world class hospitals therefore, both Zambia and Togo could explore the area of medical tourism.

Mr. Mwanza said such collaboration would bring foreign exchange to the countries other than taking it out of Africa.

Mr. Mwanza said this when he presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Dussey at his office in Lomé today.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS by First Secretary for Economics, Hellen Masongo at the Zambian Embassy in Ghana.

Hakainde Hichilema has already conceded defeat in the August 12 general elections

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Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has already conceded defeat in the August 12 general elections, PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza has charged.

Reacting to a press statement which the UPND leader released yesterday, Mr. Mwanza said it was unfortunate that Mr. Hichilema went into a frenzy condemning the people of Southern Province and ECZ for not assisting him acquire the numbers to help him defeat President Lungu in the August 12 polls.

Mr. Mwanza further stated that the PF is happy that reality has finally dawned on Mr. Hichilema that he has no capacity to unseat President Lungu from power.

“In his confused media article, Mr. Hichilema makes wild claims that the people of Southern Province,Western and North Western Province will not be allowed to vote,” Mr. Mwanza stated.

He has wondered where the UPND leader got the information that the people from his perceived strongholds will not be allowed to vote for reasons he has failed to explain.
“Reality has finally dawned on SAMMY that he has neither numbers nor national appeal to win the the August elections and he has resorted to blaming anyone except himself for his eminent loss,” he said.

The PF Deputy Media Director has noted with concern that Mr. Hichilema has gone on rampage condemning the innocent people of Southern Province, ECZ and even blaming President Lungu for his own disorganization, regional and tribal politics.

Mr. Mwanza charged the UPND leader is in a weak and desperate position adding that he is trying by all means to prepare the minds of his supporters and donors way in advance to be ready for the impeding defeat.

“Everything in his press statement is nothing but a litany of excuses to justify his sixth loss,” Mr. Mwanza said.

“As usual SAMMY does not take responsibility for his own failures, he is blaming the police, ECZ and pa last he will even blame the Pop for his own failures; that is not leadership, true leaders are humble and magnanimous enough to accept their own shortcomings and take responsibility for their own failures,” he said.

Mr. Mwanza charged that Zambians do not owe Mr. Hichilema the presidency hence he should stop blaming them for his own failures.

“How can you surely convince Zambians that you can effectively run government when you have failed to come up with a manifesto for 15 years; that is MANYENGWE,” Mr. Mwanza said.

And Mr. Mwanza explained that the new voters register is on the insistence of Mr. Hichilema himself who had been crying since 2016 that there was need for a new voter’s register as he claimed the old one was doctored among other claims.

“The ECZ as per its tradition and practice has allowed all stakeholders including SAMMY to scrutinize, verify and audit the voter register,” Mr. Mwanza stated.
He stressed that the voters register is not a classified document but a public document which anyone can access.

The PF Deputy Media Director has since advised Mr. Hichilema to stop patronizing, belittling and holding hostage the people Southern saying that they are not his children or property at his farm.

Mr. Mwanza charged that the UPND leader should learn to respect the inherent and Constitutional right of the people of Southern Province to choose any leader of their choice.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwanza has said that the ECZ has conducted itself in a credible, transparent and inclusive manner saying the entire electoral process has been transparent, inclusive and accountable to all the stakeholders including Mr. Hichilema.

He stated that no decision has been made by ECZ without the consultations of stakeholders.

“So to accuse the ECZ of bias is unfair, baseless, unpatriotic and to put it plainly, simply childish,” Mr. Mwanza said.

And Mr. Mwanza has charged that it is not the job of ECZ to help people win elections.

He stated that politicians have to win their own elections by influencing people to support them with their party Manifestos.

Zambia should not be importing Agricultural Products-President Lungu

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President Edgar Lungu has said that there is no reason why Zambia should continue importing certain agricultural products when they can be grown locally. President Lungu said that this will not be allowed to continue under his watch, adding that Zambia has what it takes to grow some of the crops that are being imported.

The Head of State said that citizens should have the right attitude and start growing most crops locally just like the way they have started with fish farming, and that government will continue putting up infrastructure such as dams in order to support the farmers who are involved in the growing of vegetables.

The President said that the dams will be constructed countrywide as a way of reducing dependence on rain-fed agriculture and that, currently, the government is putting up huge dams in Central and Copperbelt provinces.

President Lungu said this when he inspected works at Momboshi Dam in Chisamba District of Central Province, where a dam is being constructed at the cost of 50 million dollars.

President Lungu said he will engage the Zambia National Service (ZNS) so that they work on roads leading to the dam, adding that it is encouraging that even those who used to mock the government that they cannot eat the roads are now demanding new roads in their areas.

“Farmers need access to roads for them to take their produce to the market and it is encouraging that even those who used to mock government that they cannot eat roads are now demanding for new roads in their areas,” he said.

The Head of state also promised to donate two tractors to women and youth groups in Chisamba who are the beneficiaries of the dam project.

And Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo said the government is putting up irrigation infrastructure to enhance economic activities to the beneficiaries through enhanced productivity. The Minister said the Momboshi dam will be completed in June this year.

And Project manager Zhou Gu Wa said works on the project are of a high standard and will be completed on schedule.

Adam Gordan Strong who spoke on behalf of other Commercial farmers said the dam will promote high productivity among small and commercial farmers.

He said as a result of the dam, farmers in the area will start growing more tomatoes and other vegetables for both local consumption and export.

And, Zambia National Farmers Union President Jervis Zimba urged Entrepreneurs to invest in agro-processing. He also said people are complaining about the shortage of onion when there is plenty of it in the eastern province.

Government committed to ensuring that extensive exploration works in the Oil sector are carried out

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GOVERNMENT has said it remains committed to ensuring that extensive exploration works in the petroleum (and oil) sector are carried out because it is in a hurry to discover the rich mineral resource in Zambia.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Hon. Richard Musukwa said the government of His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is currently reviewing the Petroleum (exploration and production) Act No. 10 of 2008 and its subsidiary legislation in order to make investment in the Petroleum upstream sector attractive.

Speaking when he addressed journalists on the Status of Oil and Gas Exploration in Zambia earlier today, Minister Musukwa said it is in that regard that exploration works such as Seismic Data Acquisition to upgrade the data package have been upscaled to boost investment attraction in the sector.

He said his Ministry had demarcated a total of 38 petroleum exploration blocks covering Northern, Muchinga, Luapula, Southern, Western, North-Western and Central Provinces.
“A total of 12 blocks out of the 38 blocks have so far been granted exploration Licence from time to time through a competitive bidding process which involves a public advertisement in line with Section 9(1), Part II, of the Petroleum Act of 2008,” Hon. Musukwa said.

He revealed that the Ministry with the approval of the Petroleum Committee has so far conducted three licensing rounds between 2011 and 2016 in which a total of 12 blocks were licensed to six Companies.

Minister Musukwa has named the Companies as Geo Petroleum Limited (Block 31), Mafula Energy Limited (Block 32), Sargas Oil Limited (Block 54), Tiiseza Zambia Limited (Block 18), Barotse Petroleum Limited (Blocks 20 and 21) and ZCCM-IH (Blocks 1, 17, 27, 39, 44 and 52).

He said exploration works are at different stages in each block with others making substantial progress while some are still awaiting the necessary statutory approvals before they can commence exploration works.

Minister Musukwa further announced that substantial progress had been made with regard to exploration in blocks 31, 32 and 54 held by Geo Petroleum Limited, Mafula Energy Limited and Sargas Oil Limited, repectively.

“Surveys were undertaken in Block 31 which covers areas within Luapula and Northern Provinces to determine the presence of Geological Basins for possible Oil and Gas Accumulation. The results indicated the presence of two Geological Basins around Lakes Mweru and Tanganyika.”

He said Mafula Energy Limited had spent about $4 million United States Dollars on Oil and Gas exploration projects and Licence fees paid to government.

“This year, the Company working with collaborating partners intends to carry out further investments of about $30 Million United States Dollars on Seismic Data Acquisition and possibly drilling of exploration wells in Block 32 and other blocks in Zambia,” Hon. Musukwa revealed.

He added that more robust exploration works will soon be commenced by various licensed Companies in their respective blocks and the nation will continue being given periodic updates in that regard.

Meanwhile, Chief Geologist in the Department of Hydro Carbons Chibesa Kunda has said Oil drilling is a very expensive undertaking hence the need for a such vigorous approaches to ensure that they narrow down to a specific spot to save on Costs.

Msiska accorded official funeral

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President Edgar Lungu has accorded the late former Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska an official funeral.

According to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka, Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti indicated that this is in recognition of the wealth contributions that Dr. Msiska made in various portfolios that he held in public service for over 35 years.

Dr. Miti further announced that Dr. Msiska will be buried on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Leopards Hill Memorial Park.

The Secretary to Cabinet noted that President Lungu has therefore declared March 27, 2021, the day when Dr. Msiska will be buried as the day of national mourning.

“President Lungu has to this effect declared Saturday, March 27, 2021 the day when Dr. Msiska will be buried, a Day of National Mourning and will be observed from 06:00hours to 18:00hours. During this period, all flags will fly at half-mast and programmes of an entertainment nature on both radio and television should be cancelled or postponed,” Dr. Miti stated.

He indicated that in line with the public health guidelines on the prevention of COVID-19, attendance at the burial site has been restricted to only 200 invited family members and government representatives.

The Secretary to Cabinet said the general public can follow a live streaming of the funeral procession virtually.

Dr. Miti further informed that the official funeral procession will commence with a church service at the Healing Word Ministries Church situated along Kabulonga Road,Ibex Hill in Lusaka at 10:00hours, followed by the burial at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park.

Dr. Msiska died in Lusaka on Wednesday March 24, 2021 and the funeral is being held at his residence at House No. 5, Dunduza Chisiza Road, Woodlands, Lusaka and is restricted to only family members.

Educate people on the importance of insurance – ZSIC

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Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) General Insurance Managing Director, Charles Nakhoze has called on companies in the industry to ensure that the general public has a better understanding of financial protection.

Mr Nahoze said the Zambian citizens will understand better the importance of insuring properties once they learn more on financial protection.

He added that most citizens have opted not to participate in insuring of properties claiming that insurance is for the elite in society.

“Only a few people in the country know the importance of insurance because a lot of Zambians think it is only for the elite people so they need to be educated on this,” he said.

Mr Nakhoze said this when ZISC General Insurance donated assorted COVID-19 preventive materials worth K10,000 to Mapalo Morning Glow Academy in Ndola’s Chipulukusu Township.

He said there is need to sensitize people about the importance of insurance in order to secure their properties when calamities occur.

“It is high time that Zambians are educated about the importance of insurance, this can only be done if we work together to break the norm that insurance is for the elite,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Nakhoza said the company values the needs of vulnerable people in society and are working hard to supplement government’s efforts.

He added that ZISC General Insurance does not want to end at providing financial support to those in need but to build sustainable relationships through its corporate social responsibility activities.

And Mapalo Morning Glow Academy Director, Emil Mukuka said the school was established in 2003 with the aim of providing education to vulnerable children.

Mr Mukuka said currently the school has about 300 learners undergoing free education from grade one to seven.

“We came up with this community school for the vulnerable because we don’t want an illiterate community that’s why we sponsor these children up to tertiary level,” Mr Mukuka said.

Mr Mukuka further commended the company for the donation saying the supplies will go a long way in helping the school’s operations.

ZISC General Insurance also gave the school a sum of K10, 000 to more food items for the children.