Chali Mulenga

 **Livingstone Bishop Calls for Peacemakers in Christmas Message**   **Livingstone, Zambia** – Livingstone Bishop Valentine Kalumba has called on Christians to be peacemakers this Christmas, urging reconciliation and compassion as pathways to building stronger communities. Speaking during the Christmas Vigil Mass at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Bishop Kalumba reminded the congregation of their role as agents of peace.   "The message of Christmas encourages us to be peacemakers," the Bishop said. "We should make amends with those we have wronged and work toward creating a community based on love and understanding." He emphasized that true peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is a deep sense of well-being that comes from empathy, compassion, and Christ-like love.   Bishop Kalumba highlighted the humble birth of Jesus as a profound lesson in humility and divine purpose. "When we think about the Nativity scene, we remember how simple and modest Jesus'...

Dr. Clement Andeleki, Member of Parliament for Katombora, has strongly criticized previous governments for their neglect of the region’s educational infrastructure, claiming they intentionally left communities without proper support to create a generation of uneducated and disillusioned citizens. "The previous governments failed to invest in education because they wanted our children to grow up as junkies or criminals," Dr. Andeleki asserted. "There was no focus on their future, no care for their well-being." Dr. Andeleki’s remarks came as he welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema to Katombora for the third time in a single year, marking a significant shift in government attention to the region. He highlighted the tangible progress the current administration has made, particularly in the education sector, where over 7,000 desks have been provided to local schools. This is part of a larger investment of more than 7 million kwacha aimed at improving the learning envi...

Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) Director of Banking and Mortgages, Mwansa Kapeya, praised the Livingstone Land Project as a milestone in advancing Zambia’s housing agenda and fostering public-private partnerships.  He highlighted the project’s provision of secure, strategically located land in Livingstone, which enables diaspora investments in housing, tourism, and commercial ventures.  Mr. Kapeya emphasized Zambia National Building Society’s commitment to providing tailored housing microloans for lower-income households to promote inclusivity and bridge the housing gap.   “This initiative is a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration. Together, we can reduce housing poverty, empower communities, and build a stronger Zambia,” he said.   The project, launched by the Zambia Diaspora Organisation, aims to address the housing deficit while fostering economic growth and national unity through diaspora investments.  It involves th...

The New Heritage Party (NHP) has accused the UPND-led government of financially persecuting Zambian-owned businesses while offering favorable treatment to foreign companies. The opposition party claims the government is using tax holidays and other incentives to favor non-Zambian businesses, while imposing harsh penalties on local entrepreneurs. According to NHP, the government is exploiting state institutions, including the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the police, and other agencies, to intimidate and silence citizens. The party cited the case of Spax Mining, a Zambian-owned company that was fined five million Kwacha for tax evasion, while foreign mining firms continue to benefit from tax exemptions, costing the country billions in lost revenue. NHP also criticized the government's treatment of small businesses, including mobile money operators and market traders. It claims that excessive council fees and the destruction of trading booths in major cities like Lusaka, Livings...

 Shaping Zambia's Infrastructure: The Vital Role of Quantity Surveyors in Addressing Construction Challenges** Zambia’s construction industry, valued at USD 5.5 billion in 2023, faces deep-rooted challenges, and Dr. Francis Mwape Ndilila, Managing Partner at Ndilila Associates, Architects & Project Managers, is calling for urgent change.  "The industry is suffering from inefficiency, time and cost overruns, and compromised quality," Dr. Ndilila said at the recent Zambia Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ZIQS) conference. He drew a compelling analogy: "The construction industry is like a symphony orchestra.  Architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors must play in harmony to deliver a successful project."  But too often, professionals work in silos, leading to fragmented results.  "When professionals don’t share ideas and information, projects suffer," Dr. Ndilila emphasized.  He advocates for an integrated approach, where professionals from all di...

Livingstone University Teaching Hospital’s dental surgeon, Dr. Robin Mwewa, has raised critical concerns about the dangers of mercury in dental amalgam fillings.  Speaking at a recent health forum, Dr. Mwewa detailed the adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment, urging for greater awareness and action.   Mercury, a key component in dental amalgam, has been used globally for over a century to treat cavities.  Its introduction in dentistry originated in Europe, with countries like France and Britain pioneering its application.  However, the long-term consequences of mercury exposure were not understood until much later.   Health Risks Associated with Mercury Exposure Dr. Mwewa highlighted several health complications linked to mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings:   1. Tremors: Mercury can cause involuntary muscle contractions, commonly affecting the legs.   2.  Emotional Instability: Excessive merc...

The Livingstone Magistrate Court has adjourned a case involving two businessmen and a woman accused of illegally obtaining land in the tourist capital.  Magistrate Kahoyi Mushabati explained that the judgment was not ready, citing the bulk of the case records and the need for further review. "As you have seen, this is quite voluminous, like the Bible, so I need more time to look at it," he said. The case has been rescheduled for January 27, 2025, to allow all parties sufficient time.  Furthermore, Magistrate Mushabati noted that the court would be on leave and would only resume work in the new year. "I will be going on leave, as you know it's the farming season, and I need to go and rest," he said. One of the accused, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, requested the postponement, stating he needed to travel to India for medical treatment. This is in a case where Israel Mushoke, 54, Shah Jayendra Kumar Chihanganlal, 65, and businesswoman Lata Jehendra Shah, 60, ar...