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  26th July 2024, Chalabesa, Kanchibiya – Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to help his constituency which is also a new District with the construction and rehabilitation of Chambeshi to Chinkobo Road. In a statement today, the Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament however expressed happiness that in 2022, Government responded positively to his request for the construction of two crucial bridges namely Aluni and Kaonda Bridges. Mr. Chanda said both crossing points are nearing completion for the first time since Independence in 1964. He since requested the Head of State and his administration to include Chambeshi to Chinkobo road as a Capital Project under the 2025 National Budget. The lawmaker said the 77 kilometers gravel road has remained in a deplorable state since times immemorial and yet it is a gateway to one of Kanchibiya’s unexplored areas with immense potential for agricultural, livestock and commercial fish production. Mr. Chanda however expressed optimism that once constructed, the road will be a game changer for Kanchibiya Constituency and surrounding areas.  

July 26,2024- The Zambia Police Service through Woodlands Police Station today around 11:00 hours, conducted a follow-up investigation into an alleged case of abduction at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School. According to the statement by Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga, the facts of the matter are as follows: On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 08:00 hours, the Deputy Head Teacher of Kabulonga Girls Secondary School, Mr. Gershom Mumba, aged 46, residing at House Number 64 Kabulonga Twinpalm, was approached by a concerned parent, Mr. Nchikulo Mwansa. Mr. Hamoonga stated that Mr. Mwansa reported that his daughter, a pupil at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School, would not be able to attend classes due to an incident that occurred the previous day, Monday, July 22, 2024. And Mr. Hamoonga narrated that according to the pupil’s account, on Monday, as they knocked off at around 15:20 hours, she and some other pupils willingly boarded a bus at the Kabulonga bus stop heading to Mtendere, the bus initially failed to start, but after being pushed, it began moving. Mr. Hamoonga further narrated that the bus however took an unexpected route, raising the pupils’ suspicions and when questioned about their destination, the driver provided unsatisfactory answers, prompting the pupils to jump out of the bus one by one as it slowed down. The Police Public Relations officer indicated that all the pupils managed to get off the bus and the Headmistress and Deputy Head Teacher have confirmed that none of the pupils were abducted, as they have been consistently reporting to school since the incident. Mr. Hamoonga said the registration number of the Hiace bus involved in the incident is ABL 1403. Investigations conducted at the Road Transport and Safety Agency have revealed that this motor vehicle has no valid road license or road fitness certificate. “We cannot rule out the possibility that the driver was attempting to evade police presence on the usual route to Mtendere. Consequently, we have launched a search for the minibus to ensure that the driver or the owner faces the necessary fines for operating a motor vehicle without road tax and a road fitness certificate.” he said And Mr. Hamoonga assured the public that the safety of the children remains a top priority and urged the public to avoid spreading false information that may cause unnecessary panic and fear. “Any concerns regarding the safety and well-being of pupils should be reported to the nearest police station or through official channels for prompt action.” Mr. Hamoonga said  

United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Batuke Imenda says social media reports suggesting that President Hakainde Hichilema held a caucus with the UPND members of Parliament at which they discussed constitutional amendments are not only false but outrageous. In a statement today, Mr. Imenda said such lies peddled by purveyors of falsehood are a clear betrayal of freedom of expression that the President has strongly championed for years. And Mr. Imenda noted that whilst there was a meeting at State House, at no point was there a discussion concerning immunity of former President Edgar Lungu or indeed that of MPs who have been convicted by the courts of law. He explained that it is a tradition for the President and the vice-president who is also Leader of government business in parliament and the top party leadership to have meetings with all Members of Parliament of the party whenever parliament resumes sitting or goes on recess.Below is the statement; STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Imenda cautions about lies Friday, 26 July 2024 LUSAKA – Social media reports suggesting that His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, held a caucus with the UPND members of Parliament at which they discussed constitutional amendments are not only false but outrageous. Such lies peddled by purveyors of falsehood are a clear betrayal of freedom of expression that the President has strongly championed for years. Whilst there was a meeting at State House, at no point was there a discussion concerning immunity of former President Edgar Lungu or indeed that of MPs who have been convicted by the courts of law. It is a tradition for the President and the vice-president who is also Leader of government business in parliament and the top party leadership to have meetings with all Members of Parliament of the party whenever parliament resumes sitting or goes on recess. The members of Parliament through their chief whip raised various issues of concern. The constitutional issues or challenges that were read by Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Mrs Chrizoster Phiri on behalf of all the members of Parliament were among others, on the delimitation of the constituencies to which the President was candid and told the MPs that his office has no powers to bring any changes bordering on the constitution, which is solely a responsibility for parliament. On non-constitutional issues he told the MPs that there are government department such as Electoral Commission of Zambia that are vested with the powers to carry out such an exercises. We want to make it abundantly clear that the President respects the rule of law and would never interfere in the legislative process nor the solemn duty of the judiciary. The Head of State emphasized on the need for members of parliament to spend more time in their respective constituencies with the electorate. He advised the lawmakers to ensure full utilization of the Constituency Develeopment Fund, which is creating an indelible impact on the lives of majority Zambians. It is, therefore, mischievous for anyone to deliberately mislead Zambians, especially on constitutional issues. While the freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution, we would like to urge citizens to exercise it responsibly instead of engaging in falsehoods that have potential to cause discord in the country. We take great exception to falsehood as it can have far-reaching consequences, including serving prison sentences by the perpetrators. Citizens are also reminded that unbridled lies, as this case is, have potential to disrupt the peace we have long enjoyed, and the progress the UPND government has made on many fronts of our national endeavour. The President is fully committed to turning around the economy left in ruins by the kleptocratic regime of the Patriotic Front. This is in the midst of adverse climatic conditions that have caused an unprecedented drought. President Huchilema and his government are more concerned with providing food for citizens, giving free education to millions of children, improved healthcare and living standards for all citizens. The UPND government shall not be drawn into cheap political propaganda by sworn enemies of development and progress.I would like to advise the opposition to learn to resolve their own organizational issues without maligning the ruling party. In that regard, we urge Zambians to ignore the reported outcomes of the meeting. God bless the Republic of Zambia ISSUED BY: BATUKE IMENDA UPND SECRETARY GENERAL  

The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has called upon its cooperating partners and the general public to join hands to converse groundwater resources in the country. (more…)

26 July 2024 Chilanga Cement has made a contribution of K840,000 towards preparations for the hosting of the World Skills Africa Competition to be held in Livingstone in April 2025. The amount translates to 14,000 bags of cement which will be used in the construction of the Competition Venue at the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES). The Ministry of Technology and Science has contracted the Zambia National Service who are constructing the Competition Venue at LIBES. Speaking this morning when he handed over a dummy cheque for the K840,000 contribution, Chilanga Cement Chief Executive Officer Jianping Chai said the company is committed to ploughing back in the community where it operates. Mr. Chai said as a proud corporate citizen, Chilanga Cement is offering discounted rates for cement to be used for the construction of the competition venue. He said Chilanga Cement is fully in support of the World Skills Africa Competition which will bring over 1,500 participants from across Africa to Livingstone next year. And Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati said the support that Chilanga Cement has provided to government will help in successfully preparing for the World Skills Africa Competition. Mr. Mutati said Chilanga Cement has shown that the private sector can partner with government to support the sharpening of skills among youths. He called on other corporate entities to emulate Chilanga Cement and come on board to support World Skills Zambia as it prepares for the event. Mr. Mutati disclosed that 50 African countries have so far confirmed participation in the competition. Ends…..  

  Lusaka, Monday (July 22, 2024) UPND Presidential Campaign Team Member Beene Hachoombwa says President Hakainde Hichilema declared assets in 2021 while seeking Republican Presidency. There have been wide concerns that the Head of State never declared assets. Commenting on the matter, Mr Hachoombwa said the Electoral Process Act, 2016, Part IV, section 30 (1) (c) is very clear and instructive, in that it obligates any individual wanting to contest the office of President, to declare their assets and liabilities in full. He said President Hichilema has fully complied with the legal requirement.  

Health Minster Dr. Elijah Muchima has handed over 115 new vehicles to Health Institutions and Provincial Health Offices procured at a cost of about USD$4 Million Dollars. The vehicles have been procured in partnership with Global Fund, and have been distributed to institutions within the Ministry of Health across the country, to support and strengthen the implementation of the decentralization policy in the health sector. In addition to the 115 vehicles, the Dr Muchima has handed over 10 vehicles procured with support from the World Bank, to be distributed to all the 10 Provincial Health Offices, to strengthen the response to gender-based violence that remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the country. Dr Muchima handed over the 125 vehicles in the company of Health Permanent Secretaries for Administration Prof. Christopher Simoonga and for Technical Services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi. Among the institutions to benefit from the 115 vehicles is the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), which has received 66 vehicles to support the last mile distribution of medicines and medical supplies. Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Ndeke House grounds, Dr. Muchima explained that strengthening health systems is a key focus area for the New Dawn Government under the leadership President Hakainde Hichilema. Dr. Muchima says the vehicles will help the provincial health teams to have the reliable transportation they need to effectively manage and oversee health service delivery in their regions. Dr. Muchima says the last mile of the supply chain, which is the final leg of delivery to the end user, is critical for ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies reach the people who need them most, adding that patients in remote or under-served areas lack access to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Dr. Muchima has applauded the World Bank for the support towards the fight against gender based violence.The health minister says although Zambia has made progress in recent years in combating gender based violence, there is still much work to be done as many citizens in the country, especially women and girls continue to face physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, with devastating impacts on their health, well-being, and ability to fully participate in society. He has further praised Global Fund for being a steadfast partner in the efforts to strengthen the health sector systems and ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services. Dr. Muchima expounds that this year the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Global Fund signed a USD$349 Million dollar grant for the control of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria which runs from 2024 to 2026, bringing the total value of the grants received from Global Fund to USD1.8 Billion Dollars since its inception in 2003. And Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism Oversight Committee Chairperson Annie Sampa Says the organization’s desire is to see essential health commodities reach the last mile with improved efficiency and in good time. Ms Sampa says the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) remains a strategic country based partner in the co-mandate of mobilizing additional resources to compliment the government through the health sector and a co-responsibility of overseeing mobilized resources for the planned and budgeted for utilization. She says CCM remains at the service of Zambian people for their continued health and overall wellbeing-Ends.  

  Chililabombwe 22nd July,2024. Chililabombwe Municipal Council Fire Brigade in collaborated efforts with Konkola Mineral Resources fire department managed to put out fire that engulfed five shops at Lubengele market near the salaula shelter yesterday at around 23:43hrs. According to Mr. Joseph Muchimba the Chief fire officer for Chililabombwe Municipal Council, he indicated that the Fire is believed to have ignited from an electrical source that later gutted the five shops. Speaking when he visited the affected traders at the market, His Worship the Mayor Mr. Lucky Sichone thanked the Fire Fire Fighters both from CMC and KCM for their promptness in responding to fire emergencies, he reaffirmed the importance of working together as a community and stakeholders when faced by tragedies like that of a fire emergency at the market. The Mayor has appealed to residents in the District who have a tendency of stoning fire officers during emergencies. “They have the right to complain, if they feel our people are acting very slowly, then they can follow the layed down channels to issue their complaints ” the Mayor said. Further the Mayor has reminded the residents of the need to safeguard the fire engines citting that they belong to the residents themselves as the owners. The Mayor has sympathized with the affected traders, and also expressed delight that no life nor tangible property has been lost expect for the stands themselves which have been burnt. Meanwhile Mr. Mulenga George one of the affected traders has appealed for extention of the market shelter that shall cover their stands and prevent them from such emergencies in future.

20.07.2024 By Daimone Siulapwa In the last few days, criticism has been levied against the Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo, accusing her of failing in her duties. However, such accusations fail to take into account the complex and multi-faceted challenges she has faced since assuming office. The difficulties encountered by the Ministry of Health regarding the procurement and supply of medicines can be attributed to several significant factors, many of which were beyond Masebo’s immediate control. Inherited debt from the Patriotic Front (PF) Government Firstly, the UPND government inherited an enormous debt from the PF administration. This legacy of financial mismanagement left suppliers disgruntled and unwilling to continue providing essential medical supplies. It is a well-known fact that unpaid debts can cripple any procurement system, and the health sector was no exception. When the UPND took over, these suppliers boycotted supply, leading to immediate shortages and exacerbating an already dire situation. Suspension of Procurement Staff Secondly, in an attempt to address rampant corruption, the UPND made a critical decision to suspend the entire procurement staff on suspicion of gross corruption. While the intention was noble, the execution was flawed. The blanket suspension without an immediate replacement plan led massive disruptions in the procurement process.This vacuum created delays and inefficiencies that further strained the supply chain of medical necessities. Transition to ZAMMSA Another pivotal change was the transfer of the procurement of medicines from the Ministry of Health to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA).Such a significant shift should have been executed gradually to ensure a seamless transition.Instead, the abrupt changeover caused confusion and operational hiccups, further complicating an already challenging environment. The new system needed time to stabilize and align with the demands of the health sector. Changing 90% of Medicine Suppliers Moreover, the move to change almost 90% of medicine suppliers created additional hurdles.Establishing new supplier relationships is a complex process that involves negotiating terms, ensuring compliance with regulations, and building trust. The sudden overhaul led to delays in supply as new suppliers struggled to meet the demands.Additionally, this transition period was marked by over-procurement in an attempt to cover the supply gaps, leading to storage and payment complications. Misplaced Blame and Responsibility Given these challenges, it is unjust to place the blame solely on Minister Sylvia Masebo. The role of a minister is to oversee policy, while the implementation lies with the technocrats.The Minister of Health provides strategic direction, but the actual execution of procurement policies is under the purview of ZAMMSA, which works independently and does not fall under the Ministry of Health.It is important recognize that the board of ZAMMSA bears significant responsibility for the operational inefficiencies and should be held accountable for the failures in the supply chain.All in all, Minister Sylvia Masebo has not failed. She has been navigating a minefield of inherited issues, systemic corruption, and operational missteps made in the haste to reform a broken system. It is essential to distinguish between policy oversight and operational execution. The Ministry of Health, under Masebo’s leadership, has faced unprecedented challenges, and while there have been missteps, the blame should not be placed solely on her shoulders. The focus should now be on addressing these systemic issues, ensuring a smooth operational framework within ZAMMSA, and holding the appropriate parties accountable for the failures in the supply chain. Minister Sylvia Masebo deserves recognition for her efforts in a tumultuous environment, not unwarranted criticism. Daimone Siulapwa is a political analyst, an advocate for tribal unity, and Citizen Economic Empowerment. For all comments and inquiries regarding content creation, research, speeches, proposals, book writing, creative marketing, investigations, and more, please feel free to contact us at dsiulapwa@gmail.com

  ✅Today 25 out of the 61 containers marooned at the J&J depot in Makeni have been successfully transported and offloaded at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) central warehouse Lusaka. ✅Following Government’s intervention through the Ministry of Health for the transporter to release the consignment, the exercise which involves the movement of containers carrying assorted health commodities from the private depot in Lusaka’s Makeni area where they were being held, commenced on Saturday, 14th July 2024. ✅With the progress made so far, ZAMMSA expects to complete the offloading exercise by next week Friday, 26th July 2024. ✅The consignment is part of the Government-to-Government bulk procurement of Medicines and Medical Supplies at a cost of $24 million from the Arab Republic of Egypt. ✅The public may wish to know that of the 61 containers, 23 containers carrying Intravenous (IV) Fluids and Syringes arrived between January and April 2024 while the remaining 38 containers carrying assorted essential medicines arrived in the country in June 2024. ✅The earliest expiry date for all the commodities is July 2026, and no wastage has been recorded yet. ✅ZAMMSA is working closely with the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) to ensure the safety and efficacy of all commodities have since been initiated. ✅All products will undergo thorough quality assurance tests before distribution to health facilities to guarantee the safety of the Zambian people.