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Showing posts from May, 2024

Livingstone Mayor Urges Chinese Investment in Solar Energy Amidst Hydro Power Challenges

 CHALI MULENGA  Livingstone LIVINGSTONE Mayor Constance Muleabai has called for urgent need for Chinese investment in solar energy to mitigate the impact of recent droughts on hydro power generation in the country. Ms Muleabai said this is a great opportunity for investors from Fuzhou city, China to engage in the country. She said this on the occasion of the exchange visit of the Fuzhou city delegation to Livingstone held in the council chamber on Monday. “We are looking for investors to set up a solar plant to produce solar products. This is a great opportunity for investors from Fuzhou to engage in,” Ms Muleabai said. “It is with a great sense of honor that we welcome you all to this very important occasion where we are hosting the delegation from our sister city, Fuzhou. This visit marks another step in actualizing the thematic areas of cooperation outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding,” she said. Ms Muleabai outlined several key areas where Livingstone seeks investme...

Zambia Prioritizes Integrated Planning for Local Prosperity: National Conference Sets Ambitious Development Goals

Livingstone, Zambia - In a significant address at the 9th National Planning Conference, Provincial Minister of Southern Province, Credo Nanjuwa, underscored the critical role of integrated planning in fostering local prosperity.  The event, hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 29, 2024, gathered prominent figures including Permanent Secretaries, the Mayor of Livingstone Ms. Constance Muleabai, and Zambia Institute of Planners President Mr. Busiku Sulwe. Minister Nanjuwa emphasized the government's commitment to a unified policy approach to socio-economic development, highlighting the importance of collective and integrative planning.  "The drought has compelled President Hakainde Hichilema to declare a national disaster,"  Mr Nanjuwa noted, outlining the government's measures to prevent hunger and promote investment in alternative clean energy sources like solar, wind, and gas. Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 on sustainable ...

Livingstone's Outcry: Accountability Demanded Over Failed CDF Deliveries and Alleged Mismanagement

  In the bustling streets of Livingstone, the call for service delivery and accountability echoes through the words of Akalemwa Stefan Sumbwa. He raises a crucial question: Why have 80% of the contracted suppliers failed to deliver? It's a poignant inquiry directed at the Livingstone City Council. Adding fuel to the fire, a concerned citizen, Shangungu Ben Kayuma, unveils a potential scandal in Livingstone's CDF operations. As the government introduced free education in 2021, the push for desks intensified, largely funded by the Constituency Development Fund. In 2023, the Livingstone City Council made payments to 20 suppliers for over 5,000 desks, with a deadline of December 31, 2023. Shockingly, only 4 suppliers managed to deliver a mere 450 desks, while 16 suppliers seemingly vanished with the funds. Kayuma questions the integrity of the procurement process, demanding an investigation into potential fraud during supplier selection. He points fingers at the CDF Committee, high...

Livingstone Council Ready to Allocate Land for Development Projects, Says Mayor Muleabai

Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai says the council is prepared to allocate land to investors for development projects that will contribute to national development.  Ms. Muleabai urged investors to approach the council with their proposals to bring development to the city. She made this announcement in Livingstone during the launch of Bachelor of Science programs in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management by Texila American University Zambia.  "We are ready to work with any university or investor who wishes to invest in the city. We are open for development. We are open to showing them a plot where they can put their infrastructure," Ms. Muleabai said.  She emphasized the importance of education for the country's progress, calling it the best equalizer, and noted that educated individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development.  She highlighted tourism and hospitality as key pillars of Livingstone and urged the university to ensure their courses ...

WSUP Takes Strides in Improving Water Access and Efficiency in Ngwewnya Area

In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of non-revenue water plaguing communities across the region, Southern Water and Sanitation Company Limited has announced the initiation of a groundbreaking project aimed at minimizing water losses and optimizing distribution efficiency. Speaking on behalf of the company, Wallace Shawa, Director of Operations, outlined the key objectives of the project during a press conference earlier today.  "We recognize the pressing need to address the issue of non-revenue water within our service areas," Shawa stated. "To that end, we are launching a comprehensive initiative that focuses on installing water meters and expanding water network coverage to ensure equitable access to clean water for all residents." The project, valued at a substantial £450,000, is slated to conclude in November 2025 and is expected to benefit approximately 14,000 people residing in underserved areas. One of the primary strategies of the initiative in...

FODEP President Urges Opposition to Follow Hichilema’s Lead and Offer Solutions

 Foundation for Democratic Process (Fodep) president Mwenda Mumbuna has challenged the opposition to learn from President Hakainde Hichilema by offering solutions to Zambia's challenges. In an interview, Mumbuna urged the opposition to emulate Hichilema's approach of providing hope and actionable plans.  "To be effective, the opposition must focus on solutions, not just problems," he emphasized. Mumbuna called for a national dialogue to redefine the opposition's role in a democracy.  He dismissed allegations of a shrinking democratic space, demanding evidence from the opposition to support such claims. "The opposition should engage in constructive dialogue and adhere to democratic principles," Mumbuna stated.  He highlighted the importance of intelligent political discourse for national development, urging opposition leaders to move beyond criticism and contribute viable solutions.  Mumbuna also pointed out that freedoms of speech, movement, and assembly...

Health Ministry Slams Nurses for TikTok Habits During Work Hours

The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning to nurses neglecting their duties by spending time on social media, particularly TikTok, during working hours.  Professor Christopher Simoonga, Permanent Secretary in Charge of Administration, expressed shock over the trend, calling it unprofessional and unacceptable. Speaking at the launch of a customer care initiative at Livingstone Teaching Hospital, Prof. Simoonga emphasized the importance of nurses focusing on patient care rather than social media.  "Young nurses are on TikTok when they should be attending to patients. Phones should not be allowed in the ward," he said. "A nurse must be caring, not distracted by 'tiko tiko.'" Prof. Simoonga criticized the lack of supervision among health workers, which he believes contributes to the issue.  He highlighted that this behavior compromises the quality of healthcare, with even hospital laboratories reportedly losing specimens. In a bid to enforce discipline, ...

Tenant Fined K5000 for Insulting Landlord in Livingstone

 CHALI MULENGA Livingstone A tenant, known for drinking irresponsibly and causing disturbances among other tenants, has been fined K5000 for insulting the landlord. Lilian Mwiya, residing at house number MC 265 in Maramba, sued Chinyama Chipango of Malota township, seeking compensation of K7000 for insults inflicted by Chipango, her tenant. Mwiya informed the court that around 02:00 in the morning, she received a phone call reporting that one of her tenants was insulting others. "As I was preparing to investigate, I received another distress call, indicating that the situation was worsening. Upon rushing to the location, I found that indeed one of my tenants was insulting and disturbing the peace of others. Despite my presence, he disregarded me and continued to insult me," Mwiya said. She explained that Chipango used unpredictable and offensive language, boldly stating that he did not fear anyone and daring her to take the matter wherever she wished. Subsequently, the matter...

Victoria Falls Welcomes 42,000 Visitors: Minister Launches Public WiFi Initiative

  CHALI MULENGA Livingstone MINISTER of Tourism Rodney Sikumba has announced that the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site received 42,000 visitors in the first quarter of the year. Mr. Sikumba stated that this figure averages to 13,000 visitors monthly, which equates to around 2,000 visitors daily. “I am delighted that the public WiFi installed in the Victoria Falls rainforest has the capacity to accommodate 1,500 people at a given time. When comparing the number of visitors to the falls, they can access fast internet,” he said. He made these remarks yesterday during the launch of public WiFi in Livingstone at the Victoria Falls. Mr. Sikumba emphasized that this initiative will enable people to share real-time experiences on location. “This collaboration will, in turn, help increase the number of people visiting the site as it enhances the visibility of the World Heritage Site,” he said. Mr. Sikumba added that the launch of the site with public WiFi is significant as the ministry ai...

Advocate Calls for Merit-Based Government Appointments to Combat Tribalism

  n a passionate plea for unity and progress, Joseph Moyo, founder, and president of The African Woman Foundation and a distinguished gender and development activist, has spoken out against the divisive practice of labeling government appointments as tribalistic. Moyo's remarks come at a crucial juncture in Zambian politics, as tribal affiliations continue to overshadow merit and qualifications in discussions surrounding government appointments. In a statement to the press, Moyo condemned the tendency to prioritize tribal considerations over the skills and expertise that appointees bring to their roles. "The cry of tribalism each time the president makes appointments is unrealistic and in itself tribalistic," Moyo asserted, calling attention to the detrimental impact of such attitudes on national cohesion and development. He highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in the way appointments are perceived and evaluated, stressing the importance of meritocracy as the corners...

Gender-Based Violence Sparks Divorce: Woman Sues Husband for Endangering Her Life

  After enduring gender-based violence in her marriage, a 38-year-old woman has chosen to file for divorce as her life is endangered by her 42-year-old husband. Eunice Hachikola sued Victor Namushi for divorce due to the persistent conflicts in their marriage. Hachikola stated that they married in 2003, with Namushi paying the full dowry of K3500. They have four children together. The marital issues began in 2008, exacerbated by their reliance on farming for livelihood. Hachikola asserted that Namushi sells their farm produce without her consent and fails to provide for the family. She detailed instances of physical abuse, expressing fear for her life, citing a severe beating that nearly proved fatal. Despite owning livestock, Namushi fails to utilize their benefits for the family's welfare. Hachikola, fearing for her safety, reported the matter to the headman, eschewing involving her uncle due to the severity of the abuse. She emphasized the necessity of divorce to escape the peri...

Mara Moyo, a devoted daughter and extraordinary caregiver

  CHALI MULENGA  Livingstone Mara Moyo, a devoted daughter and extraordinary caregiver, has captured the hearts of many with her selfless commitment to her father's care. Her inspiring story of sacrifice and love sheds light on the profound impact of familial dedication and service to others. Mara, now 31, recounts her upbringing in Livingstone, Zambia, under the influence of her father, Joseph Moyo, a beacon of compassion and service. "I grew up seeing a father who gave his all for the benefit of others. I just wanted to be like him," she recalls. Mara's father dedicated his life to uplifting vulnerable members of society, from street children to sex workers, leaving an indelible mark on Mara's values and aspirations. Despite attending Nalituwe Primary School and David Livingstone High School, Mara's educational journey was intrinsically shaped by her father's impactful legacy rather than formal schooling. Mara fondly reminisces, "The foundation of m...

Livingstone City Council and Zambia Police: Uncovering Land Ownership Mysteries Together

  The Livingstone City Council informed the Livingstone Magistrate Court that they had received correspondence from Zambia Police officers regarding an investigation into three plots within the city.   LCC legal assistant, Brown  Banda, 32  of  Highlands township, Livingstone was testifying before Livingstone magistrate Kahoyi Mushabatisaid that a letter was received, prompting the council to search through deeds and land registries to determine the ownership of plot number Liv 3099.    He said upon consultation with other departments within the council, it was observed that the plots under inquiry had been outside the jurisdiction of the LCC since 2012. He said afterwards, the council responded to Zambia Police, directing them to contact the Ministry of Lands in Choma for further assistance. He said the council's procedure involves making recommendations to the Ministry of Lands once applicants have completed interviews and submitted their application...