Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Home Blog Page 991

Eight for Possession of government drugs and illegal operation of drug stores

1

The Zambia Police have arrested eight people for suspected illegal possession of government drugs and illegal operation of drug stores.

Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) Senior Public Relations Officer, Christabel Mutale Iliamupu, has disclosed this in a press statement issued to the media in Lusaka today.

She said among the arrested, are five men aged between 24 and 40 identified as Stephen Mumba, Allan Ngoma, Apson Phiri, Francis Banda and Fredrick Ngoma who have been charged for operating pharmacies without certificates of registration Contrary to Section 14(1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act (3) of 2013.

She said others are two women identified as Mary Tembo 24, 35 years old Everlyn Phiri and Andsen Phiri 47.

‘The suspects have been detained at Chipata Central Police station and will soon appear in court,” Mrs Illiamupu stated.

Blades Too Sharp For Forest And Reach ABSA Cup Semi’s

2

Division One side Konkola Blades have stunned Forest Rangers to reach the semifinals of the 2021 ABSA Cup.

Striker Emmanuel Mwaba scored a late goal in the lunchtime match at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka when Konkola overcame topflight outfis Forest 1-0 on Saturday.

Mwaba scored after 73 minutes to see Forest’s return to the competition after 13 years end in tears.

Fewer scoring opportunities were seen in the goalless first half as both teams attempted to lead.

Konkola’s Christian Mpoyi saw his seventh minute well intended strike go wide before Forest striker Webster Muzaza forced a save from keeper Willard Mwanza from a free kick.

Konkola have become the first team to reach the ABSA Cup semifinals this season.

Meanwhile, Sharp Razor are seeking to replicate their 2011 form which saw them emerge runners up.

Konkola qualified for the competition after finishing top in Division One half way into the 2020/21 season.

Metz Refuses to Release Algerian Duo For Zambia Clash

2

French Ligue 1 club Metz has declined to release its Algerian duo of Farid Boulaya and Alexandre Oukidja for their 2021 AFCON Group H qualifier against Zambia on March 25 in Lusaka.

The French club has cited Covid-19 concerns as reasons for refusing to release midfielder Boulaya and goalkeeper Oukidja.

Oukidja is seventh placed Metz’s first choice goalkeeper but is Algerian deputy to Rais M’Bolihi.

Boulaya, who has five goals for Metz this season, recently won January’s Ligue 1 Player of The Month award.

But both players were unused substitutes in last November’s Group H doubleheader against Zimbabwe that the AFCON champions won 3-1 at home and drew 2-2 in Harare.

Algeria have qualified to the Cameroon finals with two games in hand on 10 points, five points more than second placed Zimbabwe.

They are seven points ahead of bottom placed Zambia who must win their last two matches to keep their slim Group H qualifying hopes alive.

Botswana are third on 4 points.

Zambia will four days after the Algeria game visit Zimbabwe to play their final Group H qualifier.

‘I don’t bleach my skin, I just bath a lot’

 

Innocent Kalimanshi is one of the most talked about personalities in Zambia, loved and despised in equal measure by millions of Zambians.

Youth Partnership Key to Fostering National Development

8

President Edgar Lungu says government is fully committed to partnering with youths in the country in order to foster national development.

Speaking during the commemoration of Youth day celebration that carried the theme: enhancing nation development through sustainable youth partnerships in Lusaka, President Lungu indicated he is aware of the critical role the youths play in the development process of the country.

The Head of State said it is for this reason government has put in place policies that provide guidance on the development and engagement of the youths.

The President mentioned the seventh national development plan, the national youth policy, industrialisation and job creation strategy and the action plan for youth empowerment and employment as among the policies being implemented by his administration.

He stated that government will continue to support the youth in various sectors in order to prevent them from engaging in vices that oftentimes end up destroying their future.

“As enshrined in the theme for the seventh national development plan, which reads: accelerating development efforts towards vision 2030 without leaving anyone behind, we can only enhance national development through partnerships with the youth. Furthermore, the only way the youth partnerships can be sustainable is when the youth are empowered,” President Lungu indicated.

He added that the policies are focused on uplifting the living standards of many youths, as they advocate for a coherent, multi-sectoral and mainstreamed approach to youth empowerment and employment creation.

The Head of State further implored both the public and private players to also focus on youth participation and enhance efforts towards mainstreaming youths in all their programmes.

President Lungu noted that it is only through mainstreaming that optimal opportunities for the youths can be created.

He urged youths across the country to rise to the occasion and participate in all matters that affect their well-being and the country’s development at large.

He reiterated the Patriotic Front’s manifesto which advocates for youths to play a leading role in the development of the country, hence government continues to prioritise youth development.

The Head of State indicated that progress has been made in youth development through a number of empowerment programmes under the transport empowerment, milling plants micro small and medium enterprises, agriculture, education and skills development, internship and apprenticeship.

“We have continued creating a better Zambia for all by providing inspirational and visionary leadership to the nation and promoting inclusive governance,” he noted.

And Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development Emmanuel Mulenga stated that this year’s theme is key to the development of the nation.

Mr. Mulenga explained that even when the country is battling with the global pandemic’ the COVID-19 the theme indicates the importance of partnering with the youth in national development.

“Government under the leadership of President Lungu remains committed in ensuring that young people are given the support they need to thrive and develop into responsible citizens,” Mr. Mulenga stated.

He noted that the recognition of this has led to the development of policies and programmes which focus on the development of young people and their active participation in various activities.

The Minister added that the youths are one of the most valuable assets to the nation hence government through his ministry has provided youths with loans with no collateral and flexible payment plans.

A youth Representative Hector Mulinda expressed gratitude that government has shown commitment to ensure every youth in the country is empowered.

Mr. Mulinda said the empowerment programme will go a long way and assured President Lungu that all beneficiaries will reciprocate the gesture by transforming the lives of other youths.

“Our deep gratitude goes out to you President Lungu for your fatherly heart extended to us youths in Zambia with excellent facilities that you have put at our disposal,” he stated.

He recalled the hardships that faced in order to acquire government contracts, but that the story has changed under President Lungu’s leadership.

During the youth day celebration, president Lungu empowered some youth cooperatives with Tankers, Rosa buses and harmer mills to not only create employment but enhance the developmental agenda in the country.

Participate Fully in Elections, President Lungu urges the Youths

President Edgar Lungu has challenged youths in the country to participate fully in the electoral process and aspire for leadership positions ahead of the general elections on August 12, 2021.

Speaking during the Youth day commemoration in Lusaka, President Lungu urged youths to reject political violence saying that it is not only capable of destroying the country but also cost their lives.

President Lungu warned that anyone found wanting, regardless of their political affiliation, gender, tribe among other factors will face the law.

The Head of State called on every citizen to guard the peace that people have continued to enjoy, saying that there will always be one Zambia.

He noted that his governance system focuses towards creating a better Zambia for all by providing inspirational and visionary leadership to the nation and promoting inclusive governance.

“My government shall continue to ensure that the country and the citizens enjoy peace ahead of this year’s general elections and that the law will take its full course on any erring individuals,” President Lungu noted.

The Head of State called for openness, transparency, cooperation, peace, mutual understanding and respect among all political players and stakeholders as the nation prepares for the general elections.

And speaking in an interview with the media, President Lungu assured that he is ready to sign the cybersecurity and crimes bill as soon as it reaches his office.

The Head of State explained that he was waiting for the necessary procedure before it is presented to State House by the Speaker of the National Assembly. He urged that the time is limited for people to abuse cyberspace before he signs the bill.

Zambia commemorated Youth Day under the theme: Enhancing National Development through Sustainable Youth Partnerships.

Copperbelt Province has enough medicines and medical supplies for all health facilities- Nundwe

4

Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe has assured Copperbelt residents that the province has enough medicines and medical supplies for all health facilities in the region.

Mr Nundwe said this when he toured the Zambia Medical and Medicines Authority (ZMMA) Copperbelt hub in Luanshya that he was happy with the medical stock and the distribution of medical drugs in the province

He said matters of health of the people are a priority to government, and establishing of the regional medical hub is to ensure medicines are available on time for the wellbeing of people.

He said he will not allow any deficiencies or pilfering of drugs at health facilities as this has potential to affect service delivery to the people.

“We do not want to see drugs expiring at the hub when people need them, this calls for alertness of members of staff at the facility, don’t allow stock to deplete, order on time,” PS emphasized.

ZANIS reports that the PS has since directed ZMMA regional hub to ensure the facility has enough stock off medicines and medical supplies and distributed to all the health facilities in the province.

“President Edgar Lungu pays high premium to issues of health because in the absence of good health, the country cannot develop, he said

And Copperbelt Province Health Director Dr Robert Zulu said the facility is strategically positioned in the province to enable people access medicines at facilities in their communities.

Dr. Zulu said his office was looking forward to have the facility commissioned so that it becomes fully operational to enhance service delivery in the province.

Hub Manager Mathews Fwambo said since the establishment in 2018, the facility distributes medicines and medical supplies to 6 districts while others are serviced by third party partners up to the health centers.

Coordinated delivery of social service protection programmes key – PS

1

GOVERNMENT says it remains committed to prioritizing the coordinated delivery of social service protection programmes as close to the people as possible as contained in the Seventh National Development Plan.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Pamela Kabamba said in a speech read on her behalf by Central Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Chomba during the handover of Information, Communication Technology equipment (ICT) that communication of available social services improved due to translated information in six districts.

Mrs Kabamba commended the first six Single Window Service Delivery System districts commonly referred to as ‘’Champion Districts’’ which include Kafue, Mpulungu, Samfya, Mongu, Lunga and Mambwe for having made tremendous progress in designing and implementing coordinated stakeholder mapping and engagement which has resulted in reduced fragmentation of social protection interventions.

‘’The Ministry has also noted the reduction in the silo approach to the implementation of social protection programmes in the implementing districts,’’ she said.

And Mrs Kabamba further noted that the system has resulted in value for money not only on the part of government but also for other stakeholders involved in social protection service delivery.

Speaking earlier, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Acting Director Planning Marrian Tembo said a lot of lessons had been learnt from the districts implementing the single window initiative which will go a long way in enhancing efficiency in the districts.

And ILO Country Office Representative for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique Kelobang Kagisanyo said social protection played a critical role in the national development agenda as it provides sustainable security against deprivation and extreme vulnerability as outlined in the 7 National Development Plan.

He said ILO was pleased to note the efforts of government to strengthen the coordination of social protection programming at national, sub-national and district levels.

‘’One key approach to enhance coordination, is the Single Windows Initiative, as reflected in the 7NDP. It lays a practical framework for improved coordination at district and community level, as well as to improve ease of access to social protection services, ‘’ he said.

He also commended government for establishing a comprehensive policy that was pro-poor and for increasing funding to the social protection programmes as evidenced by the 2020 national budget.

The procured equipment includes six desk top computers, six laser jet printers, five canon digital cameras and three sony digital cameras.

Government adopted the national social protection policy in 2014.

Early marriages another form of Gender Based Violence – Kampamba

1

Government says early marriages is another form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) especially for pupils.

Community Development and Social Services Minister Kampamba Mulenga says government places high priority to ending child marriages and all forms of GBV in the country.

Mrs. Mulenga called on parents and guardians to join hands with government to protecting young girls from being married off at a tender age.

Mrs. Mulenga said government recognizes the vulnerability of women and girls go through but accord them an opportunity to complete their education.

Mrs. Mulenga reiterated that the Ministry of General Education has ambitious empowerment programs such as Keeping Girls in School and Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) among others that attract girls to be in schools.

The Minister says government is committed to ending child marriage and enabling girls to fulfill their potential and effectively contribute to national development of the country.

She was speaking in Gwembe district yesterday when she addressed girls, parents and guardians who gathered at the Freedom Square.

“Child marriage is an appalling violation of human rights and robs girls of their education, health and long-term prospects.

Therefore, I’m calling upon you parents and guardians in communities to work together with government and end early marriages,” Mrs. Mulenga added.

She observed that girls are more vulnerable to intimate partners and that there are more complications of pregnancy at childbirth leading deaths in young girls.

Mrs. Mulenga reminded the parents that adolescence have more chances of staying healthier, better their education and build a better life for themselves and their families.

She urged girls, parents and guardians to report men to the police and other law enforcement agencies selfish men bent on perpetrating the vice.

“Ending child marriage requires multi-stakeholder efforts from governments, parents, cooperating partners, cultural and religious institutions and the media to take action towards the elimination of the harmful practices,” the Minister said.

And Gwembe District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Benson Zemba said Keeping Girls In School program is a success.

Mr. Zemba told the Minister that over 200 girls this term have been retrieved from their ‘forced’ marriages in the district and they have returned back to school.

The DEBS however, appealed to government to deliberately consider supporting young girls beyond just Grade 12 for those who get good results.

“Girls who obtain good results at Grade 12 should automatically be taken upon to tertiary level so that they become a testimony and encourage others of the importance of education,” Mr. Zemba said.

Zambia to adopt Covid – 19 vaccine programme – MOH

10

The government has agreed to adopt the COVID-19 vaccine programme as one of the key pillars in mitigating the health and socioeconomic impact of the virus, especially on the vulnerable population.

Minister of Health Jonas Chanda disclosed this was after the World Health Organisation and other global authorities added the COVID-19 vaccines to the available effective tools to respond to the pandemic.

Contained in a statement issued to media in Lusaka yesterday, Dr. Chanda added that many countries across the globe have adopted the vaccine and that this is the case in the region.

The Minister indicated that vaccination in Zambia will be done in a cautious and phased up manner and on a pilot and voluntary basis.

“This will be in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including cooperating partners, the United Nations family, religious bodies, traditional leaders, private sector, academic institutions and scientific groups, among others,” Dr Chanda listed the stakeholders to be involved during the consultation process.

The Minister further disclosed that the government is currently finalizing detailed modalities on the type of basket of vaccines to be used and the actual operationalization of the programme to be approved by Cabinet.

He added that guidance on the vaccine to be used will be based on safety, efficacy, cost and sustainability of supply.

Dr. Chanda said the procedure will provide a clear roadmap that his Ministry and other stakeholders will follow.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to work with a multisectoral response in the fight against COVID-19 informed by evidence based high impact interventions.

President Lungu should rule beyond 2026 declares Bowman as he files in his application to recontest Kabushi

40

Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has declared that President Edgar Lungu should rule beyond 2026. Mr Lusambo who is also Kabushi Member of Parliament said President Lungu still has a lot to do for Zambia.

He said the outcome of the 2021 elections is already decided and that Zambians should now start looking at having President Lungu’s reign extended beyond 2026.

Mr Lusambo who is also PF Copperbelt Province Coordinator was speaking on Friday when he addressed a huge crowd that escorted him when he filed in his application to recontest the Kabushi seat.

He stated that there is no way President Lungu could lose the elections in August going the huge support he is enjoying across the country.

“All these people are here not because of Bowman Lusambo, they are here because they love Edgar Chagwa Lungu and you want to tell me that they will not vote for him? You must be joking!”

Mr Lusambo explained that he is seeking a second term as Member of Parliament for Kabushi in order to complete a number of unfinished projects for the constituency.

“We have done very well but we still have some projects on paper which we need to complete in the next five years,” he said.

“So far the roads are being worked on. We have opened a number of police posts which has reduced crime incidents and Kapalala Market is being worked on,” Mr Lusambo said as he dropped his application letter

Lusambo filing he filing in his application to recontest the Kabushi seat.
Lusambo filing he filing in his application to recontest the Kabushi seat.
Lusambo filing he filing in his application to recontest the Kabushi seat.
Lusambo filing he filing in his application to recontest the Kabushi seat.

Holstar & Dominant 1 unearth African Diamond with cross-continent collaboration

Zambia’s pioneering Hip Hop artist Holstar and Malawi’s own iconic rapper/producer Dominant 1, who have collaborated many times over the years, have now further solidified their relationship with a new EP titled African Diamond. Produced entirely by Dominant 1, the six-track cross-continent effort celebrates the African identity and unity with the truest form of black excellence possible.

African Diamond provides a modern boom-bap soundtrack for the motherland with an indigenous twist. Dominant 1’s production serves as an exciting backdrop for the commanding voices possessed by himself and Holstar, as they express their African pride and love for women across this release. He describes the experimental sound of the EP as ‘Illectric Soul’ – a mash-up of Lo-Fi Hip Hop, Trap Soul, Neo-Soul and Reggae.

The EP begins with the anthem-like title track, followed by Lost Generation, featuring Kim of Diamonds. Holstar and Dominant 1 then share gems for the grind on Dolla Circulate and inspire women to be strong and independent on Do It Yourself.

Malawian poet Q Malewezi joins the two rappers with a fitting closing poem on Africa Is, which samples The Wings of Africa by Zambian rock band Musi O Tunya. Dominant 1 says Holstar presented the classic Zambian record to him, after which he sent a beat within 30 minutes. “It was a process but we managed to clear the sample on it, which was a big thing to do,” says Holstar.

African Diamond then ends with Mulanje’s Kabompo, featuring Ariel. “The story behind Mulanje’s Kabompo is Mulanje is the tallest mountain peak in Malawi and then Kabompo is the deepest river in Zambia,” says Holstar. “So we wanted to play with that kind of saying – a love which is so deep like the deepest river in Zambia and gets you higher than the highest mountain in Malawi.”

Dominant 1 says, “We have the same fans so it was only fair that we did this EP.” Holstar and Diamond 1 have been collaborating since over a decade ago after meeting through the social network MySpace. They have featured multiple times on each other’s albums as well as other artists’ albums and mixtapes.

Holstar has been at the forefront of creating the music industry in Zambia and a vanguard in promoting and providing opportunities for fellow Zambian artists. Likewise, Dominant 1, now residing in South Africa, has played a similar role in the neighbouring Malawi as one of its leading Hip Hop artists.

The EP is available on digital platforms: Mvesesani , audiomack, spotify, applemusic

 

 

Press Statement on BoZ Governor’s Remarks on Money Printing

25

By Anthony Bwalya UPND Presidential Spokesperson

The UPND has noted the recent remarks by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) Governor with regards to allegations of money printing at the central bank in light of the colossal sums of money being displayed by members of the ruling Patriotic Front.

The facts, which the Governor may or may not be aware of are as follows:

  1. Currency in Circulation (total cash issued by the BoZ and includes vault cash held in deposit-taking institutions) has increased by 52% (K7.7bn to K11.8bn) in the 12 months to February 2021. This is by far the fastest increase of physical cash in circulation in the past 10 years.
  2. BoZ lending to the Government (through purchase of Government Debt by creation / printing of money) has increased from K143m in January 2015 when President Edgar Lungu took office to the current figure of K24bn as at February 2021, an increase of 15,700%. This is completely out of tandem with the mandate of the BoZ and has never happened to this extent before in Zambia.
  3. The BoZ Act of 1996 (Part 7, Clause 49 and 50) does not allow for BoZ to lend to the Government except in “Special Circumstances”, and where such “Special Circumstances” as outlined by the Finance Minister require such lending, it shall not exceed 15% of the ordinary revenue of the government in the previous year. Where the 15% limit is exceeded, the Governor is required by the Act to advise the Finance Minister accordingly and not allow any further increase.
  4. Government’s 2019 revenue amounted to K60bn, allowing a maximum lending limit of K9bn. As at December 2020, BoZ had lent K22.6bn, K13.6bn over the legal limit.
  5. Creation / printing of money does not have to be the actual printing of physical cash, but can be done electronically through purchase of government debt.

Based on the above facts, can the Governor clarify the following:

  1. Why has the growth of currency in circulation (physical cash) grown at a record rate over the past year if BoZ has not been printing physical money, considering there has been an emphasis on the use of e-payment channels due to the Covid-19 pandemic?
  2. What “Special Circumstances” as defined in the BoZ Act have required the BoZ to lend to the Government, and why has the public not been made aware of these “Special Circumstances”?
  3. What has driven the astronomical growth in BoZ lending to Government (and consequent money creation)?
  4. The BoZ has far exceeded its legal limit of lending to the Government. Did the BoZ comply with the requirements of the Act and inform the Finance Minister of this breach?
  5. Why has the BoZ continued to lend to the Government against the provisions of the law, risking economic stability, higher inflation and the credibility of the Zambian Kwacha as a stable Currency?
  6.  If the BoZ is not creating / printing money (electronically), how are they lending to the Government?

The UPND is deeply concerned around the activities of the BoZ in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the potential impacts of the money creation activities as outlined by the Bank’s own statistics.

Inflation is already rampant and money in circulation has visibly increased, particularly in the hands of Government and PF party officials, consistent with the statistics from the Boz. The regulations within the BoZ Act of 1996 were specifically created to ensure events as unfolding today of uncontrolled money creation / printing were never allowed to happen again in Zambia.

Whilst we await clarification from the Governor on the above, we continue to encourage the officials from the highly respected BoZ to maintain their independence and ensure compliance with the BoZ Act.

Zambia to protect children from social media abuse – Kampyongo

29

Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo has announced that government is in the process of formulating mechanisms to protect children from abuse and manipulation especially on social media.

Mr. Kampyongo says government is worried that the increase in access to internet by children is posing a threat to the wellbeing of the young ones as most of them are falling prey to abuse and manipulation.

He says the new mechanisms and the enforcement of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes laws will deter culprits from abusing the cyber space to manipulate, traffic and entice children to indulge in illicit activities that are detrimental to the livelihood.

The Minister said this before departure for Zambia after attending the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice which has come to an end today in Kyoto, Japan.

He has since urged parents to monitor the activities of their children especially on social media as a measure to protect them.

And Mr. Kampyongo has announced that reforms for the country’s correctional service have advanced with a focus on empowerment of youthful prisoners with various skills.

“It is government’s wish to see all the prisoners becoming more productive with skill sets that guarantees good livelihood and capacity to contribute to national development once they are released from the correctional facilities,” said the Minister.

He said government will ensure that those released from correctional facilities are fully reformed so that they do not engage in criminal activities once they are integrated into society.

The Minister said it is for this reason that government will soon recruit Correctional Officers with various skills as part of the reforms.

Meanwhile Mr. Kampyongo has described the just ended Kyoto congress as a success saying the lessons and experiences learnt will benefit the country in preventing crimes and administration of criminal justice, which is key to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals -SDGs-.

The congress which drew participants around the globe was held under the theme, “Advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”

The UN Crime Congress has since adopted a political declaration that will set the crime prevention and criminal justice agenda for the next five years. This contained in a press statement issued by the First Secretary-Press at the Zambian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan Yotamu Mugara.

Hold office bearers accountable – PANOS

0

PANOS Institute Southern Africa Executive Director, Vusumuzi SIFILE says citizens should hold duty bearers accountable on various issues affecting their welfare in the country.

Mr Sifile said this during the provincial stakeholder sensitization meeting dubbed amplifying citizens’ voices to push for accountability in the COVID-19 response in Zambia held at Country Lodge in Mongu district of Western province.

He said citizens should be equipped with necessary knowledge and skills as they deliberate on issues affecting them in the district.

The Executive Director said the media should be in the forefront of disseminating correct information so that citizens can access messages based on facts.

Mr Sifile said in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens should hold government and different players to know how the resources and other materials are distributed to various communities in the country.

He said the media should desist from feeding people with wrong information as doing so will be like giving people poison, adding that there should be proper sharing and facilitate the usage of information for the purpose of development.

Mr Sifile said the government is spending huge sums of money in a bid to counteract the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as such citizens should not be passive observers but ensure that active participation is sought from everyone so that the pandemic is brought to manageable levels.

He said PANOS is carrying out a project of sensitizing people through various media platforms in the province so that citizens are aware of the much technical assistance that partners are bringing on board to cushion the impact of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Western province Chairperson for people living with disabilities, Abraham SITALI has appealed to the government to disseminate the COVID-19 pandemic messages so that all the differently disabled people in the province are not left behind.

Mr Sitali said more corona virus information should be done in braille to enable the people in the region to have access as the disease does not know the living conditions of the people as it can affect anyone in the province.

And Namakau MUKETOI from the Network of people living with HIV/AIDS in Mongu district said her organization has recorded a number of people defaulting in accessing Art retroviral treatment from various health institutions in fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Muketoi said more sensitization programmes should be done by all stakeholders to assist people on ART access their medications.

And Mongu District Commissioner, Bright TOMBI said all the people were at liberty and free to visit his office for more information on what the government was doing to the people during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Tombi said government offices in the district were operating in a transparent manner adding that holding government officials should be accompanied with facts in order to avoid speculations.

He has, however, called on people in the district to join hands and foster unity as the government was working on finding lasting solutions on how to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.