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Permanent Secretary Calls on Churches to Champion National Values and Combat Social Ills

 PERMANENT Secretary in the Office of the Vice President Ndiwa Mutelo has urged religious leaders to take a more active role in promoting national values and addressing social issues in the country.

Mr Mutelo noted the pivotal role the church plays as a custodian of the nation's moral and ethical standards.

He said this at a church leaders’ meeting for Livingstone constituency at Livingstone Museum on Wednesday.

“We are the custodians of national values. The declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is something we uphold, and as such, we are committed to fostering a mindset change among our people,” he said.

Mr Mutelo said religious leaders hold a unique position in society as men of God enjoy clerical privilege and are rarely questioned by their congregants.

He encouraged them to leverage this influence to support government initiatives aimed at curbing alcohol and drug abuse, promoting hard work, and discouraging laziness, which he described as a growing concern in the country.

“There are many people in the country who need to be working, but instead, they are idle.

We must not allow slumber, for a person who does not work should not eat. The church should lead by example in these areas,” Mr Mutelo said.

And he called on the church to take a proactive stance in promoting the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), a key government initiative designed to enhance local development.

He stressed that the government is eager to collaborate with religious institutions to ensure the success of this programme.

“We want the church to be at the forefront of promoting the CDF. As the government, we want to work closely with you to achieve our shared goals for the nation,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Livingstone Rodney Sikumba has called on the church to take an active role in the distribution of CDF forms and in shaping the development agenda of the constituency.

Mr Sikumba who is also a Minister of Tourism said the church's pivotal role as a key partner in driving community development.

"We are eager to meet with the church to ensure that we make well-informed decisions that will benefit our communities," Mr Sikumba said.

"The church is an essential partner in this development journey.

However, we have noticed that some individuals believe the CDF does not exist, partly because they have not heard about it from church leaders," he said.

Mr Sikumba urged church leaders to become more involved in the CDF process, because their input is crucial to the success of the fund.

Mr Sikumba noted the ease with which community members approach church leaders, making the church an ideal institution to distribute CDF forms.

"We want the church to be proactive by distributing CDF forms to those in need,” he said.

Father Daniel Naji, Dean of the Catholic Livingstone Deanery, emphasized the need for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to consider supporting private schools that serve the community. 

He stated that schools run by the church should benefit from the CDF. Despite several attempts to secure funding, these efforts have been futile. 

He called for a change to ensure better outcomes and stressed that the application process should be made easier.

Another pastor, Another pastor, Reverend Simuyemba Kutemwa of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Libuyu, mentioned that he is also running a school and has not received any support from the CDF. 

Reverend Kutemwa, who is also the executive director of Mother Eve School, said he had applied several times, but his requests were rejected. 

He emphasized the need to reconsider the church when distributing CDF funds.

End 

Livingstone MP and Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba Urges CDF Beneficiaries to Use Funds Wisely

The Livingstone constituency is set to receive K5.8 million under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and Member of Parliament Rodney Sikumba, who also serves as the Tourism Minister, has urged beneficiaries to use the funds as a revolving resource to foster sustainable development.

In his address, Mr Sikumba emphasized the importance of ensuring the funds have a long-lasting impact on the community. 

“Don’t just spend the money,” he warned. 

“Let the money be a revolving fund in the constituency. If your plans are successful, you can access more from the bank. Support each other, engage with the church, and create markets for one another.”

Mr Sikumba also highlighted the government’s intention to introduce a “name and shame” initiative to recognize those who effectively utilize the CDF.

 “We will be acknowledging and publicizing those who excel in using these funds to better their communities,” he said, adding that the initiative might be extended to a larger platform, such as the Maramba Stadium.

Acknowledging the challenges facing the CDF, Mr Sikumba noted, “The UPND government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, is committed to ensuring that these funds reach the people.

 While we face a few challenges, the funds are a little over a million dollars. It’s crucial we manage them wisely to meet the needs of our people.”

He further addressed the need for social cash transfers, particularly in light of recent droughts that have left many vulnerable. 

“We need to identify those in need of social cash transfers, especially the bedridden who are most in need,” Mr Sikumba urged.

Regarding infrastructure, Sikumba was clear that while road development is important, CDF funds should not be diverted for such projects.

 “We can’t do roads with CDF money; otherwise, there will be no funds left for other critical community projects,” he explained. 

Instead, he suggested that efforts be directed towards initiatives like the Cash for Work program, which could be used to clean up garbage in the constituency.

Mr Sikumba also addressed issues of vandalism, particularly in the Kariba and Akapelwa wards, where streetlights have been damaged. 

He reassured residents that the government is actively working to combat these challenges and ensure that government projects are implemented. 

“We are not a sleeping government. Government projects are going to be actualized,” he asserted.

As Livingstone prepares to receive these much-needed funds, Mr Sikumba’s message is clear: careful management, community support, and sustainable development are key to ensuring the funds benefit everyone in the constituency. 

And Livingstone Mayor, Constance Muleabai, proudly handed over Constituency Development Fund (CDF) grants and loans to a diverse group of small businesses and cooperatives in a bid to foster local economic growth and empower communities.

The event, attended by Livingstone Member of Parliament Hon. Rodney Sikumba, the District Commissioner, Deputy Mayor, political party leaders, councillors, and various stakeholders, marked a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to decentralize development and boost the local economy.

In her address, Ms Muleabai emphasized the critical role that small businesses and cooperatives play in the economic fabric of Livingstone.

 "Small businesses and cooperatives are the heartbeat of our local economy. 

They are the driving force behind job creation, innovation, and sustainable development. 

They represent the hopes and dreams of our people, and today, we are here to support and nurture those dreams," Ms Muleabai stated.

The CDF program, as highlighted by the  Ms Muleabai  serves as a vital tool in bringing development closer to the people. 

By providing financial assistance to small businesses and cooperatives, the program aims to enable communities to thrive and contribute positively to the city’s economic growth.

During the ceremony, grants amounting to K2,353,308 were awarded to 94 cooperatives, while loans totaling K3,491,518 were disbursed to 37 businesses. 

 Ms Muleabai took this opportunity to congratulate the recipients, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. 

She urged them to use the financial support as a steppingstone to grow their businesses, create jobs, and uplift their communities.

"Your dedication, hard work, and vision have brought you to this moment, and I have no doubt that you will use this support to grow your businesses, create jobs, and uplift your communities. 

Remember, this is not just financial aid; it is an investment in your potential and a vote of confidence in your ability to succeed," Mayor Muleabai remarked.

 Ms Muleabai  also noted that her office would continue to monitor the progress of these cooperatives and businesses to ensure that the funds are being utilized effectively. 

"In my tour of duty, I have discovered that some are doing well, and others are limping.

 For today’s recipients, I want to see you set standards and do very well in order for future recipients to learn from you," she added.

 Ms Muleabai called for unity and collective effort in building a prosperous and inclusive Livingstone. 

"Let this ceremony be a reminder that the future of Livingstone is bright when we come together to support one another. 

Together, we can create a prosperous and inclusive Livingstone for all," she said.

The handover ceremony underscored the city's commitment to supporting its entrepreneurs and small businesses, reinforcing the belief that with the right support, Livingstone can achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Livingstone MP Rodney Sikumba Denies Absenteeism and Vows to Serve Constituents Amid Allegations

Livingstone Member of Parliament and Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has come under fire from some quarters on social media, with allegations of absenteeism and personal enrichment during his tenure.

 In response, Mr Sikumba has passionately defended his record, emphasizing his commitment to serving the people of Livingstone.

Addressing the accusations, Mr Sikumba  stated, “I chose to be a servant leader, and that remains my priority. 

We need to draw a clear line between public service and political ambition. As the Member of Parliament for Livingstone and a minister, I will not shy away from delivering to the people just because some individuals are eyeing my position.”

, Mr Sikumba  acknowledging the scrutiny that comes with his dual role, stressed that his work as MP and minister does not exempt him from the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. 

“I am always on the road because whether I am in office or not, I will use the same roads as everyone else. I am committed to improving infrastructure and services in Livingstone.”

One of the key issues, Mr Sikumba  addressed was the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). 

He pointed out the political nature of the CDF application process and the need to decentralize it to the ward level for better transparency and accountability. 

“Our people are being charged exorbitant fees by consultants, sometimes up to 10 percent of the funds. This is unacceptable, and we need to track the forms more closely to ensure fairness,” he stated.

 Mr Sikumba also expressed his concerns over the reports of silent protests against his leadership, particularly regarding the Social Cash Transfer program. 

He acknowledged receiving numerous complaints from constituents and stressed the importance of serious engagement to address these issues.

 “We need to identify where we have problems and ensure that we address them with the seriousness they deserve,” he said.

On the matter of casualization, , Mr Sikumba warned against the practice of hiring workers without contracts, emphasizing that the Employment Code is in place to protect workers’ rights. 

“People must know their rights and that the law is there to protect them. No one should be employed without a contract, and we must enforce this to ensure fair treatment for all workers,” he declared.

 Mr Sikumba reaffirmed his dedication to his role as Livingstone’s MP, urging his constituents to engage with him constructively rather than resorting to protests or social media campaigns. 

“I am here to serve, and together, we can achieve the development Livingstone needs,” he assured.

Mr Sikumba said this amidst the growing challenges and criticisms, as he seeks to balance his responsibilities as both an MP and a minister while addressing the concerns of his constituents head-on.

 And Response Network Country Director Mutukwa Matengenya said there is concern from people in Livingstone that their area MP had changed from the time he was voted into office.

He commended Mr Sikumba for calling on the meeting with CSOs. 

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Water Crisis in Kanyoze Village: A Call for Immediate Action

The residents of Kanyoze Village, under the jurisdiction of Senior Headman Kenneth Kambimbi, are grappling with a severe water crisis that has reached a critical point.

 “The nine sub-villages that make up Kanyoze are suffering due to a chronic shortage of clean drinking water,” said Senior Headman Kambimbi, “which is endangering both human lives and livestock.”

“For years, we have relied on a single borehole, sunk 25 years ago by JICA, which is now struggling to meet the growing demands of the community,” Headman Kambimbi explained. 

“The situation has deteriorated to the point where it takes several hours to draw just 40 liters of water, forcing residents to ration their use.”

 He added, “In Mukabaleya and Muntanga, the only boreholes have run dry, leaving our residents desperate.”

The lack of adequate water resources has forced the people of Kanyoze to share small, overcrowded wells with their animals, Headman Kambimbi pointed out. 

“The dry Nanyati stream, once a lifeline for our community, now hosts bitter disputes as villagers fight for access to the little water that remains,” he said.

 “This scarcity has led to a severe decline in hygiene, with residents bathing only twice a week, and livestock dying from thirst—posing a serious public health threat in the region.”

Despite repeated pleas to local authorities, including their current Councillor, Mr. Obrey Mwanfwa, the villagers have seen no improvement in their situation.

 “I recall better times under our former Councillor, Mr. Elias Siamibila,” Headman Kambimbi stated, “and I now call upon the government to take immediate action.”

“I appeal to the Government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to come to our aid,” urged Headman Kambimbi. 

“We need boreholes in each of the nine villages to prevent this crisis from becoming a tragedy. Water is life, and we cannot allow our people to suffer any longer.”

“Kanyoze Village, covering 70 square kilometers, has long been neglected in terms of essential services,” Headman Kambimbi asserted. 

“Since 2017, I have been tirelessly advocating for the sinking of boreholes through the Kazungula District Council and our Royal Highness Chief Nyawa, yet these efforts have been in vain, leaving our villagers in a dire state.”

“We are grateful for the government's efforts in upgrading our community school,” 

Headman Kambimbi acknowledged, “but we now plead for a solution to our water crisis. Our lives depend on it.”

As the water crisis continues to escalate, the villagers of Kanyoze, led by Senior Headman Kambimbi, remain hopeful that the government will respond swiftly to their urgent needs, ensuring that they can access the most basic necessity—clean drinking water.

Minister Nzovu Urges Harsh Penalties for Vandalism as Government Secures Funding for Floating Water Intake

 Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has called for severe punishment for individuals vandalizing water infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to protect essential resources. 

Speaking during his visit to Livingstone, Nzovu highlighted the widespread vandalism affecting both the water and energy sectors, underscoring the importance of deterrence through strict penalties.

"Only when punishments are brutal will attitudes change," Nzovu stated, pointing to the rampant vandalism plaguing the energy sector as a critical issue that demands immediate attention.

The Minister also announced that the Zambian government has secured €2 million to procure and install a floating water intake system in response to the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River. 

This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure a reliable water supply for the residents of Livingstone amidst growing concerns over water scarcity.

"We have heard the concerns of the people, and we are here to assure them of the quality of supply," Nzovu said. 

"Currently, we have a fixed intake system, but with the river levels decreasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to pump water efficiently, especially at the peak of the dry season."

Nzovu revealed that the government has also obtained an additional €3 million from the German government to support this project, which aims to shift the water intake for Livingstone to the middle of the Zambezi River. 

The new floating intake will be designed to adapt to the fluctuating water levels, making it a climate-smart solution.

"In times when we have sufficient water, we will ensure its availability, but we must address the water scarcity challenges we face. 

We need to secure the water supply, particularly for critical periods," the Minister explained.

He further emphasized the importance of reducing non-revenue water losses and called on the people of Livingstone to use water resources responsibly. 

Nzovu also warned against vandalism, noting that most of the manhole covers have been removed, which poses a significant threat to the water supply system.

"We must take care of the infrastructure. If we don't have quality water supply, we risk outbreaks of cholera, and people could die," Nzovu cautioned. 

"The water levels are extremely low, and we are facing the effects of El Niño. We need to ensure that the projects we have started are completed to secure both water and energy supplies."

The Minister’s visit to Livingstone comes at a critical time when the city is grappling with the impacts of climate change on its water resources.

 The government's swift action and investment in new infrastructure are expected to alleviate some of the challenges posed by the decreasing water levels in the Zambezi River.