GOVERNMENT ENDORSES ZAMBIAN BREWERIES FOR TAKING A LEADING ROLE IN CLEANING UP LUSAKA CITY

By MacPherson Mukuka

Manja Pamodzi, A new community waste recycling initiative supported by Zambian Breweries and National Breweries looks set to clean-up parts of Lusaka and create new business opportunities through an innovative public-private partnership.

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing Hon. Nicholas Banda – representing Vice President Hon. Inonge Wina - was on hand to officially launch the Manja Pamodzi project at a ceremony in Lusaka today attended by representatives for Lusaka City Council, government officials and the business stakeholders.

“The government is committed to bettering the lives of Zambians through job-creation and free enterprise. We therefore endorse the group for its innovation in not only complementing the local authority’s clean-up efforts but also for creating enterprise opportunities for community members who are engaged,” said Mrs Wina in a speech read on her behalf by Mr Banda.

The Manja Pamodzi project supports collectors, who are identified through environmental education and sensitisation drives with a particular attention on recycling. These collectors will gather together plastic bottles, Chibuku cartons and other recyclable materials from surrounding areas in their communities. Collectors then deliver the waste to buying-centre collection points where aggregators buy them in bulk and process the discarded material into bales that are sold to recycling companies to be processed into other materials such as tissue.

This project hopes to improve the livelihood of the people. The aim is to minimise the amount of littering in the communities through environmental health education as well as encourage recycling. I have no doubt that this will reduce issues such as blocked drainages which give rise to avoidable diseases such as cholera and typhoid especially during the rainy season. We’re excited to play our part in promoting a cleaner and healthier Zambia

Zambian Breweries and National Breweries Managing Director Annabelle Degroot explained: “As Zambia has experienced exponential growth, our businesses have produced more to meet the demand of our consumers.  These products often come in convenient packaging such as plastic. 

 At Zambian Breweries we sell the majority of our products in returnable glass bottles that are recycled many times before they are disposed of.  But year-on-year our consumers are asking for more of their soft drinks in PET plastic bottles.  At National Breweries, we produce Chibuku in cartons and now more recently in PET plastic bottles known as Chibuku Super.  

The group’s decision to drive the initiative was based research that showed only 26 percent  of the estimated 900 tons of waste that is generated daily in Lusaka is collected via formal services; and that 34 percent of the 900 tons produced a day is recyclable.

“We have taken an educational approach to this in that we are looking at changing people’s thinking of waste from ‘just waste’ to ‘recyclable and non-recyclable waste’ and what they can do with the recyclable waste. The great thing about this is that one does not require any education, capital or equipment. All it requires is the willingness to work and identify locations that will enable them to collect the most,” said Project Manager Elaine Kafwimbi.

Meanwhile, Lusaka City Deputy Mayor Portipher Tembo says the programme will answer to the challenges resulting from indiscriminate disposal of waste.

According to statistics, only 234 tones from the estimated 900 tons of waste generated daily in Lusaka is collected via formal services, and only 34 percent of the generated waste is recycled.

Manja Pamodzi is currently is in its initial phase and has 73 collectors on board already with collection points in Chawama, Kamwala, Ngwerere, Chunga and others to follow as the project catches on in the various communities.

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT ACT

By MacPherson Mukuka

Transport is one huge sector that no country can boast of a growing economy without it.

In the case of Zambia, transport in at the center of development hence government investing heavily in road construction it being the most used mode of mobility.

However, challenges such as lack of laws to govern operations have hindered growth of the sector, for example Logistic and Transport professionals, have been operating for years without any statutory guideline for many years now.

But thanks to government, the practitioners have now been given a law in which they will be operating under.

The Zambia Chattered Institute of Logistics and Transport CILT Act number 4 of 2014 has been amended and launched under statutory instrument number 32 of 2015.

Speaking during the launch, Transport Permanent Secretary Mbololwa Muyaba says the act is aimed at protecting public interest by ensuring that only qualified individuals and registered logistics or Transport firms practice in Zambia through the chartered institute of logistics and Transport board.

The Permanent secretary has further implored the members of CILT to ensure they work in line with the act and address the issues facing the operations of the body.

Meanwhile, Zambia CILT president Phidelia Mwaba says the launch of the act is long overdue.

She says the act will help CILT address the challenges it has been facing.

Mrs. Mwaba further called on CILT member to form association so as to bring sanity in the sector.

The amending and passing of the CILT act number 4 of 2014, under SI number 32 of 2015 means that all prayers in the sector must abide by the law in their operations.

Failure to follow the law attracts a penalty of imprisonment or a 2 thousand Kwacha fine.

LOCAL CSOs Pledge to Continue Supporting Government in Reducing Poverty

By MacPherson Mukuka

The Zambian Civil Society Organizations have pledged their continued support to working with government in the fight against poverty in the country.

Civil Society for Poverty Reduction CSPR Board member John Lizhim says his Organisation and others remain committed to seeing to it that the 63 percent of Zambians living in poverty are taken out of the poverty data line.

Mr. Lizhim  said this in his address during the opening of a Joint GRZ-CSO National Symposium on sustainable development under the theme: Dialogue for the Zambia We want towards Vision 2030.

And, Secretary to the Treasury, Fredson Yamba says time has come when government and its stakeholders need to build a nation incorporates the participation of the Citizens.

He says Government believes in working with stakeholders with a view to accelerate the national development.

Mr. Yamba has further indicated the need for equal distribution of wealth across all parties if poverty is to be reduced. He says the rural population has remained affected by this because they rarely get a share of the wealth.

He adds that to do this, there is need for government to empower the rural populace with business skills through the provision of social amenities such as education, and health among others.  

Meanwhile, Southern African Center for the constructive resolution of disputes, SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe has commended Government for coming together with its stakeholders to dialogue of national matters.

Mr. Cheembe says it is important that Government has called for round table discussion where it will share development ideas with its stakeholders.

He said his organization’s hope it to see more of such fora to be taking place at least three times every year, to ensure feedback is given in short periods.

The Symposium seeks to strengthen stakeholder involvement in delivering national development and to develop a common understanding on the National Development Agenda towards Vision 2030.   

CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA CREATING EMPLOYMENT - GOVERNMENT

By MacPherson Mukuka

The Year 2015, is without doubt one of the years countries across the globe will celebrate their successes in the science and technology industry.

This is simply because it is the year when World will remember having migrated from Analogue to Digital Broadcasting, a development which will remain alive for many years to come.

The Education Sector world over has equally moved a step further in the manner is delivering lessons to learners, and so is the case in Zambia at one of its institution of higher education, Evelyn Hone college.

The school last year launched the first ever, Creative Digital Media Course, and one year after the launch, strides are said to have been made and the sector is growing.

Education Deputy Minister Sydney Mushanga says Creative Digital Media has the potential to contribute towards job creation in Zambia.

Mr. Mushanga says the emerging industry in Zambia is expanding and offering employment to suitably skilled young people in both small and large companies in Zambia.

The deputy Minister said this in Lusaka when he officiated at the Creative Digital Media Forum under the Auspices of Evelyn Hone College with Support from Balleyfermot College of Further Education of Ireland.

And Evelyn Hone College Acting Principal Ignatius Ndabala says the launch of the course which is so far only offered at Evelyn Hone has generated an overwhelming interest among members of the public.

He said the institution has invested massively in the procurement of equipment needed to deliver lessons to the learners adding that the institution now has two fully functional computers laboratories with a capacity of 24 students each.

Meanwhile, Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) the examiner of the course has expressed delight at the performance of first students in Creative Digital Media Course.

TEVETA Assessment and qualifications manager Fidelis Cheelo said all the first 7 students performed very well during in their first examinations.

And a creative digital media Technician Daddy Chitalu, who is also technical Director at Muvi Television said the introduction of the course means introducing more qualified human resource on the labour market.

He has however called for more publicity about the industry and make people understand its importance.

Science and Technology, CREATIVE Digital media to be specific provides the industry with an opportunity to develop competent workers, a human resource capital that will apply appropriate technical skills and design concepts to their work practice.

Furthermore the broader benefit lies in the application of digital media to every sector of society, business and enterprise that can employ modern communication technology such as education, health, tourism, and hospitality and manufacturing industry.

IT’S HARD TO TRACE CHILD LABOUR CASES IN SCHOOLS- BETUZ

By MacPherson Mukuka

 According to the International Labour Organization, around 215 million children in the World, work, many full-time.

The report indicates that the Children do not go to school and have little or no time to play. Many do not receive proper nutrition or care and have been denied the chance to be children.

furthermore than half of them are exposed to the worst forms of child labour such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labour, illicit activities including drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.

The theme of this year’s world day against Child labour is Say no to child labour and yes to quality education… narrowing it down to education, the basic education teachers union of Zambia (BETUZ), says it is difficult to tell how rampant cases of child labour are in schools due to differences in understanding of the term by different teachers.

BETUZ Deputy General Secretary Evan Chungu says stopping child labour in schools does not imply refraining from supervising the learners.

Mr. Chungu adds that learners and the general public must not mistake school preventive maintenance which is compulsory to all pupils for child labour.

He has further advised school managements not to relax in inculcating survival skills in the learner but was quick to mention that there is however need to mind the form of work the children a given to do.

By May 28^th 2015, Zambia was estimated to have about 595,000 child workers in the, out of which, about 345100 are aged 14 or less. Many are employed in informal mining operations.

Zambia has strict laws against trafficking and child labour. However, implementation and enforcement of its laws has proven to be difficult.

According to ILO, child labour in Zambia is a coping strategy for the children and families when adult breadwinners die, fall ill, or when families are simply unable to make ends meet.

Zambia will tomorrow June 12, 2015 join the rest of the world in Commemorating World Day against Child Labour under a global theme: Say no to child labour and yes to quality education.

Pick 'n'Pay Zambia Donates Computer Lab to Mahatma Ghandi Primary School

By MacPherson Mukuka

The Communities are the number one contributors towards any business’s growth, and in realizing this, companies have a way of saying thank you to their customers, through their corporate social responsibility policy.

On Friday, May 29, 2015, one of the fastest growing Chain stores in the country, Pick ‘n’ Pay demonstrated this by handing over a Computer Laboratory Building to Mahatma Gandhi Primary school in Mtendere Township.

The event was graced by Gender Minister Nkandu Luo, who is also patriotic Front Munali area Member of Parliament.

Addressing the audience, Professor Luo praised the Pick and pay for the support rendered to school.

She said their support has come at the time when the constituency is grappling with financial limitations to embark on the many projects that have been earmarked.

Professor Luo emphasized on the need to guard jealously the infrastructure as it will serve lives and bring about development in the education sector.

She said the Government values the contribution the private sector plays in uplifting the standards of the people through supplementing Government's effort of taking development to all sectors.   

And Pick and Pay Zambia General Manager, Mark Vickery pledged his store’s continued support towards community development.

He said the organization partners with a school in each community it is located and Mahatma Gandhi happens to be one of the partners.

Mr. Vickery added that the chain store has been privileged to work with all kinds of people including the physically challenged.

In the area of education, Mr. Vickery said the store put much emphasis on the sector and that the donation of the computer lab is a demonstration of the store's commitment to enhancing ICT development.

And speaking earlier School heard teacher Stanley Chileshe, took advantage of the event and shared the challenges the school is facing, among them lack of electricity.

Mr. Chileshe added that the school also has challenges in other areas such as teaching facilities, and the encroaching of it's land by the political party cadres.  

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Senior education standards officer in charge of natural sciences, Nyambe Sefulo said the donation has come in handy especially that government has just revised the curriculum which includes computer lessons.

He has since appealed to the school management and pupils to look after the infrastructure with at most care.

The fruits of the public private partnership which government has been promoting, are seen in such gestures by the private community, the responsibility now remains with the school to look after the infrastructure.

The building has been constructed at a cost of over 100 thousand kwacha and is in honor of Late South Africa First Republican President Nelson Mandela.

Government has finalized the development of the National policy on climate change- KAWANDAMI

By MacPherson Mukuka

 

The fluctuations in the weather pattern, the rains, the winter, summer and the death of natural vegetation are but a few impacts human activities have inflicted on the earth.

All this, has now resulted in what is termed as Climate Change, a global concern issue affecting every living organism.  

However, not all hope is lost in trying to reduce on the impacts; the Zambian Government is awake to this fact and doing all can to fight mitigates climate change impacts.

Lands Deputy Minister Susan Kawandami says Government has finalized the development of the National policy on climate change to provide a framework for coordinated response to climate change issues.

Ms. Kawandami said Climate Change has emerged as one of the most pressing issues in the country affecting socio economic development.

Speaking during the launch of the development of Zambia’s Intended Nationally determined contribution to the 2015 agreement on climate change, Ms. Kawandami said climate change presents an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet that requires to be addressed urgently.

She said the initiatives been formulated are aimed at building the resilience of the Zambians Economy and the poor rural communities to the adverse effect of climate change and reduce emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme Director Martin Maya has commended the Zambian Government for the efforts it is putting in to address climate change issues in the country.

Mr. Maya added that his Organisation remains and the United Nations remains committed to supporting Zambia’s efforts in addressing climate change issues.

And Wildlife and Environmental conservation Society of Zambia National Coordinator Patrick Shawa said despite not having a climate change policy, the society will support government in its efforts to address climate change issues.

Climate Change remains a major global concern issue affecting both socio and economic sectors, and if not addressed, the human race and other living organisms risks suffering due to its adverse effects.

ENSURE YOU GET VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY- ZW&MA URGES MOTORISTS

By MacPherson Mukuka

The Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZW&MA) has advised motorists and the general public to the alert and ensure the get value for their money when buying fuel at filling stations.

Agency Public Relations Officer Diana Ngula tells MacPherson Mukuka in a telephone interview that there is need to motorists and the general public to also ensure that fuel pumps at the filling station have weights and measures stickers on them.

She said customers must further check and ensure that the pump meter reads zero before the fuel attendant begins to pump in the commodity in the vehicle.

“if you discover that the pump has no weights and measure sticker, ask the person in charge for the certificate of operation from Agency, and if there is none, report the matter to the agency.

Ms. Ngula added that the Agency prioritizes fuel measurements because it runs the economy saying anything that goes wrong with the fuel business has a direct bearing on the economy.

The public relations officer has further advised customers to be vigilant and see to it that they get what they deserve. She said customers have the right to request for the nozzle to be at zero rate before the attendant pumps fuel.

“It is important to verify as a customer that the pump nozzle is at zero, because failure to do so may result in you spending a lot on less quantity or may cause the trader to suffer losses.” She said.

She has also urged members of the public to report either to the police or the agency all cases of cheating by fuel attendants.

“It you see that the fuel attendant is not zeroing the pump nozzle, report them to their supervisor of the police, or even to the agency.” She added.

This comes in the wake of concerns by some motorists who alleged that some fuel attendants at filling stations do not give the correct quantity of fuel.

MacPherson Scoops 2015 Climate Change Radio journalism Media Awards

Original Story By Interim Climate Change Secretariate 

2015 Climate Change Media Awards

The long wait for the 2015 Climate Change Media Awards finally ended on Monday, 4th May, 2015, during the World Press Freedom Day Commemorations, when the inaugural winners of the Climate Change Media Awards were announced.

These winners are shown in the picture together with ICCS’s National Coordinator, Daivid C. Kaluba (2nd from Left) and ICCS’s Communication and Administration Officer, Chama Nambeya (Far Right): (L-R) Violet Mengo for Best Photojournalism and Best Feature Print Journalism; Mutukwa M. Mooya for Best Television Journalism; and, MacPherson Mukuka for Best Radio Journalism.

The Climate Change Media Awards, which were held with the theme “Increases awareness levels of the general public on issues of climate change,” did not award a winner in the Best News Print Journalism, as the independent adjudicators chosen could not find worthy of the honour any entry that was submitted.

MacPherson Mukuka, a reporter with ZNBC’s Radio 2, is seen in the picture being presented with his Climate Change Media Award trophy for Best Radio Journalism by the Interim climate Change National Coordinator, David C. Kaluba, in front of the Freedom Statue during the 2015 World Press Freedom Day.

Mr. Mukuka won the award for his Radio 2 production entitled “Waste Disposal Report” which featured, Zambia Environmental Management Agency communications officer Ireene Lungu, Lusaka City Council Public relations officer Habeenzu Mulunda and the members of the Public.

President Lungu makes new Appointments at ECZ, ACC and Judicial Complaints Authority (JCA)

PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu has appointed the Honourable Mr. Justice Esau Chulu as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) subject to ratification by the National Assembly.
This is according to a press statement issued by the Special Assistant to President for Press and Public Relation Amos Chanda and made available to Mwebantu New Media.
President Lungu has also appointed Ms. Emily Sikazwe and Mr. David Matongo as commissioners of the ECZ subject to ratification by the National Assembly. Justice Chulu is currently serving as a Commissioner on the ECZ. He will replace the Honourable Madam Justice Irene Mambilima who is now Chief Justice. Ms. Sikazwe will replace the late Ms. Minerva K. Tembo and Mr. Matongo will fill vacancy to be left by Justice Chulu.
“The two nominees are of high professional and personal integrity and I hope they will work towards enhancing the impeccable credentials of the Electoral Commission. Justice Chulu has distinguished himself very well during his current tenure as Commissioner and during his earlier career on the Bench,” the President said. “Ms. Sikazwe is a distinguished gender and governance activist and professional of high repute. Mr. Matongo is a well-known businessman and former lawmaker. I therefore have every confidence that my colleagues in Parliament will support the nominees.”
Other serving members of the Commission are the Honourable Mr. Justice Christopher Mushabati and Dr. Fredrick Ng’andu.
Meanwhile, the President has re-appointed Professor Patrick Mvunga, SC, as Chairperson of the Judicial Complaints Authority (JCA) with the Honourable Mr. Justice Christopher Mushabati and Lusaka lawyer Mrs. Mwangala Zaloumis to continue as members. The Head of State has appointed the Honourable Mr. Justice Martin Munyinda Imasiku and former ACC Director- General Mr. Nixon Banda as new members of the JCA.
The President has also reappointed members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) board as follows: Hon. Mr. Justice Timothy A. Kabalata as Chairperson; Dr. Steven P.C. Moyo (Vice Chairperson), and Pastor Godfrida Sumaili, Mr. Mpanzi Joubert Sinyangwe, and Mrs. Rollen Mukanda as commissioners.
The President has reminded the commissioners that corruption is a serious crime against development whose consequences are borne more by the by poor and vulnerable people.
“Bribes make basic services available only to those who are able to pay while huge corruption frauds are a cost to Government and undermine development. I want to make it clear that corruption is unacceptable in any form. There should be no selective application in how the ACC handles
cases of corruption,” the President said.
The Head of State has employed the ACC to deal effectively with corruption complaints; ensure greater transparency and accountability and provide services in local languages in order for the greater majority of the people to engage with the Commission. The Government will render every support the
ACC will need including the necessary legislation to consolidate the fight against corruption.

Deforestation and its effects on human activities and animal welfare.

By Hannah Nyirenda and Anderson Zulu

The rapid degradation of the forests woodland ecosystem is also of global concern and is increasingly at risk due to deforestation and encroachment on protected areas.

Therefore deforestation means clearing of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use.

Lottie Katebe is Petauke District Forestry Officer says due to the rapid increase in population in Zambia has resulted in an increased pressure on land, causing a substantial degradation of the forests and vegetation cover of the environment and a general decline in soil fertility.

Katebe notes that apart from the wooden poles local people in Petauke depend very much on the forest for energy requirements such as cooking and heating and because of this there is wood fuel deficit in these areas causing women and children to walk long distances in search of wood fuel. 

The District Forestry Officer says the impact of deforestation has resulted into global warming, drought, climate change and soil erosion.

Katebe explained that measure have been put in place to curb all perpetrators who are cutting down trees such as Mulombe, Pine, Mukwa and Mukula tress that are being cut indiscriminately.

Mukula tree a newly discovered specie of trees described as Zambia gold has seen its worse days in terms a number of people cutting this type of a tree.

Despite its medicinal properties, the tree is also being used for making gun bats, wooden interior décor for vehicles etc. 

Katebe however warns residents of Petauke to refrain from cutting down Mukula tree adding that once the culprits are caught the law will take its course.

He says Mukula tree internationally has scope the market as it is more valuable compared to other trees.

Despite various in terventionm government has put in place through law enforcing agencies, what are the police doing in Petauke? 

Robert Ngosa Petauke District Police Officer In charge charges that police will not sit idle but bring to book all perpetrators.

He has however advised timber traders to follow procedures if they are to cut down Mukula trees.

He has warned residents of Petauke to refrain from cutting down Mukula tree and that those without license the law will take its action.

Ngosa says once the culprit has been detained, the court will sentence an individual according to the number of logs. 

The authors of this article are members of the Children’s News Agency (CNA) Petauke Bureau. cnazambia@gmail.com