KABANDA CHULU
Lusaka
WITH over one million hectares of planted crops expected to be destroyed this farming season, President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday declared the continued dry spells an emergency and national disaster.
The President has since directed the Zambia defence forces to be fully involved in food production and further called upon cooperating partners, local or international, to offer food, finance or other support that they may have in order to provide the needed relief.
The drought being experienced could be the worst in the country’s history since 1991/92 when the new administration of President Frederick Chiluba had to bring in yellow maize.
Addressing the nation yesterday, the President said the drought, caused by the El Niño, will have devastating consequences on many critical sectors such as agriculture, water availability, and energy supply and risking the national food security and livelihoods of millions of Zambians…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

MULWANDA LUPIYA,
NDINAWE SIMPELWE
Lusaka, Ndola
‘‘WHAT a game it was,” President Hakainde Hichilema said after watching the Copper Queens overcome Ghana and advance to the final round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifying race.
On Wednesday night, Zambia battled to a 3-all draw with the Black Queens to progress 4-3 on aggregate.
Zambia will face Morocco, who massacred Tunisia 6-2 on aggregate.
With skipper Barbara Banda netting a last-minute free-kick, President Hichilema took to social media to convey his congratulatory message to the team.
“Congratulations to our Copper Queens for advancing to the next and final round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers after beating Ghana 4-3 on aggregate. What a game it was!” the head of State wrote on his Facebook page…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

LOGIC LUKWANDA
Lusaka
A WOMAN in her 80s has been stranded at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) in Lusaka since February 19 after being taken ill to the facility by a well-wisher, hospital authorities have said.
Thandiwe Sibanda is in UTH’s Adult Hospital ward E12 bed 11 and struggles to speak. Apart from failing to utter audible words, she also struggles in remembering events.
Ms Sibanda is failing to recognise people or recall any relative or their whereabouts apart from mentioning Makeni farm.
UTH public relations manager Nzeba Chanda says the woman has been treated and discharged but no relative has come through for her.
Ms Chanda said Ms Sibanda will not be released until relatives show up to claim her.
“So we are just appealing to the public, if you have a patient, parent or a grandmother who has gone missing, please contact us at UTH,” she said. “She is currently in E12, bed 11, her speech is slow, she has recovered and we have discharged her, so we are trying to see if relatives can come through.
“If there is no relative coming through, she can’t be discharged and we have to keep her at UTH. If you are able to identify her, please come through.”…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

And a 48-year-old security guard of Mufulira who defiled and impregnated a 14-year-old girl following his sexual affair with her for four months in his house has been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Vincent Mulele, of Kantanshi Township, was charged with defilement after he defiled the girl in January 2020.
According to court records, it all started when the victim was sent to grind maize at Mulele’s house by her aunt.
After taking advantage of her the first time, he repeatedly defiled the victim every night at his house until she fell pregnant.
In mitigation, the convict, who spoke through his lawyers, asked for forgiveness from the court stating that he was not going to repeat the offence.
Judge Mary Mulanda, in her judgment, noted that the victim was five months pregnant at the time she was testifying before the subordinate court.
“That being the case, I sentence you to 18 years’ imprisonment with hard labour effective June 24, 2020, the date you were arrested,” she said…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/

DOREEN NAWA
Lusaka
ENERGY expert Johnstone Chikwanda says the revised load-shedding schedule announced by Zesco will reduce business operational costs, inconveniences and also help to alleviate the security exposure.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Dr Chikwanda commended Zesco for accepting to repackage the load-shedding into two four-hour periods as opposed to the eight-hour long straight schedule.
Dr Chikwanda said there was a lot of outcry from small businesses regarding the long eight hours stretch of the load shedding.
Dr Chikwanda said it is good that Zesco has listened and implemented a new schedule, which is good for the country’s economy and smooth running of various businesses, small or large…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/

KABANDA CHULU
Lusaka
MINISTER of Health Sylvia Masebo says Government will continue prioritising the healthcare of children, with plans underway to establish specialised hospitals for them.
And Mrs Masebo has appealed to the United Nations (UN) for more support towards mitigating effects of drought in the health sector.
Speaking when a delegation from the Zambia Paediatrics Association (ZPA) visited her office yesterday, Mrs Masebo said Government is still exploring possibilities surrounding the healthcare of children since they are the future of nations.
“Currently, the fiscal space does not accommodate the matter owing to various challenges being faced by the country, but it is something under consideration and our plan is to have specialised children’s hospitals across the country,” she said.
And ZPA president Chalilwe Chungu said the association has in the last three years trained paediatricians in the 10 provinces.
Dr Chungu re-echoed the importance of creating dedicated children’s spaces at every health facility owing to their sensitive nature…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/

IN ANY society, children are important because they are the cornerstones of the future and their significance lies in several key aspects.
Children carry forward people’s cultural heritage, traditions, and values. They learn from their families, communities, and schools, shaping the fabric of society.
Their fresh perspectives and curiosity drive innovation. They ask questions, explore, and challenge existing norms, leading to progress in science, technology, and arts.
Children ensure the continuity of human existence. Their birth and growth sustain the cycle of life, connecting generations across time.
They embody hope for a better future. Their resilience, dreams, and aspirations inspire people to create a world that is safer, healthier, and more compassionate.
Investing in children’s health, education, and well-being is an investment in a brighter tomorrow.
A healthy, educated child becomes a productive adult who contributes to society.
In essence, children are not only humanity’s legacy but also people’s hope for a more harmonious and prosperous world.
Given the importance of children to humankind, the need to invest in their health by putting up specialised paediatric healthcare facilities cannot be overstated.
It is, therefore, encouraging that Government is exploring possibilities of establishing specialised children’s hospitals in the country because it places premium of juveniles’ healthcare.
Yesterday, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo stated that Government is still exploring possibilities surrounding the issue of specialised children’s hospitals knowing thatchildren are the country’s future.
Although Ms Masebo said currently resources to actualise the ongoing discussions on such health facilities are limited, it is the idea which should not be discarded but be considered for implementation when the fiscal space allows.
We encourage discussions on establishing children’s hospitals in the country because they are crucial to ensuring the good health of the future leaders.
Children’s health is crucial for several reasons. A healthy childhood sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. Proper nutrition, vaccinations, and preventive care during early years contribute to overall health.
Healthy children experience optimal physical and cognitive development. Adequate nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation are essential for growth.
Good health enables children to attend school regularly and actively participate in learning. It impacts their academic success and future opportunities.
Focusing on children’s health helps address health disparities.
Access to quality care ensures that all children have an equal chance at a healthy life.
Early interventions can prevent or manage chronic conditions.
Addressing health issues during childhood reduces the risk of long-term health problems.
In essence, prioritising children’s health is an investment in a healthier, more productive future for individuals and society as a whole.
Therefore, though still at discussion stage, the idea of establishing children’s hospitals in the country should be encouraged in that these specialised health facilities are crucial to the well-being of children.
Paediatric hospitals play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. They advance the health of all children from prevention to critical care.
Children’s hospitals provide specialised medical care tailored to the unique needs of young patients.
Beyond clinical treatments, they also support patient families through housing access, nutrition security programmes, and education assistance, among other things.
These hospitals are at the forefront of paediatric research, advancing treatments and technologies specifically designed for children.
They use cutting-edge training simulations, mentorships, and training modules to improve care.
More so, establishing such hospitals will supplement other government health programmes dedicated to children.
Among such are the school health programmes Government is implementing across the country in collaboration with its cooperating partners.
Therefore, we find discussions on establishing children’s hospitals cardinal and remain hopeful that they will be actualised in the not so distant future with availability of resources.

CLAVER MUTINTA
Chongwe
A TEAM of experts from Geneva and the United States of America (USA) are in the country to assess the impact of drought in the agriculture sector, starting with Rufunsa today.
Vice-President Mutale Namulango says the international community has started responding to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for aid to Zambia when he declared drought as a national disaster and emergency.
Mrs Nalumango said she held a meeting with the foreign experts on how the country would be assisted to mitigate the negative impact of the dry spell.
The Vice-President said yesterday when she toured several farms that have been severely hit by famine that Government will not allow any citizen to die of hunger.
Mrs Nalumango said she decided to tour the farms in Chongwe to see the extent of devastation.
“Today (yesterday) I was meeting with people from United Nations (UN), UNICEF and humanitarian agencies, they have come to see [the drought situation],” she said.
Mrs Nalumango said President Hichilema and his administration are doing everything possible to ensure affected people are provided with food…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

CHEWE KALIWILE
Lusaka

FIDE Master(FM) Prince Mulenga has declared himself ready for the cage match against International Master (IM) Andrew Kayonde next week.
Mulenga and Kayonde, who faced off in the national chess team trials final phase last month, will play two classical games – eight rapid games and 10 blitz games – from April 12-14 at Urban Hotel in Lusaka.
Kayonde beat Mulenga on his way to winning the final phase with 8.5 points.
“I am really ready for Kayonde. I know it will not be an easy match but I will put up a strong fight. I have played Kayonde a lot now, so I will be fighting to pick up as many wins as I can to come out top,” Mulenga said…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

President says debt deal offers opportunity to start anew

CHOMBA MUSIKA,
KABANDA CHULU
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has assured Zambians of better days following the successful completion of the debt restructuring processes.
In a statement released yesterday, the President said in this post-debt restructuring era, the country has an enhanced opportunity to grow its economy under a new image, bringing investor confidence and indeed to pay greater attention to the management of resources across all ministries and government departments.
“We will remain steadfast and committed to improving the lives of all our citizens,” he said.
“Our better days are ahead of us and we call on all our citizens to support this agenda for the betterment of our country.”..https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

LOGIC LUKWANDA,
JUSTINAH MUKUKA
Lusaka
CHIEF Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in the country are guaranteed under the New Dawn administration.
Speaking when the European Union (EU) delegation led by Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak called on him, Mr Mweetwa said claims from the opposition and some civil society organisations that the democratic space is shrinking are baseless.
“When you hear the opposition and some colleagues in civil society or Church talk about the state of our democracy, first of all, their ability to speak freely, their ability to go to any media house, their ability to convene peacefully and talk, is evidence in itself that the democratic space is as it should be, expanding,” he said.
Mr Mweetwa said the enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Bill into law shows that the New Dawn administration is prepared to be transparent and accountable to the people..https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

KABANDA CHULU,
MARY LEMBA
Lusaka, Ndola
MINISTER of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane says customers of Investrust Bank Plc should not panic because Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has assured of handling the possession of the institution amicably to resolve the challenges faced.
Commenting on reports that several clients of Investrust Bank rushed to various branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) to withdraw their deposits yesterday, Dr Musokotwane said customers should not panic since the matter is under control.
“I cannot say much since BoZ has assured that it is handling the situation and will resolve it amicably,” he said.
Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) chief executive officer Leonard Mwanza said the action taken by BoZ is within its mandate and is aimed at protecting the integrity of the country’s payment systems…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

ROBINSON KUNDA
Lusaka
ZESCO United’s bid for the 10th Super League title will today come under scrutiny when they face Kabwe Warriors in a Week 26 fixture at Godfrey Chitalu Stadium.
In Solwezi, interim coach Kebby Hachipuka and Green Eagles will strive to end their five-match winless streak in the Super League when they face tailenders Trident.
WARRIORS vs ZESCO
“We are ready for Zesco, of course it will be an interesting game. All we want are goals.
We haven’t been scoring a lot of goals but we have worked on that and hopefully it will work according to our plan,” Warriors coach Mumamba Numba said.
George Lwandamina drilled Zesco are on a six-match unbeaten run and will do everything within their powers to collect maximum points and keep leaders Red Arrows in sight.
In playmaker David Simukonda, skipper John Ching’andu, Collins Sikombe and Lazarus Kambole, Zesco have match winners.
Warriors will plot the visitors’ downfall around Prince Mumba and Akakulubelwa Mwachiaba to complete a double following a 2-1 win in Ndola.
Second-placed Zesco have 48 points while Warriors have 37…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

PRISCILLA CHIPULU
Ndola

THE Court of Appeal has observed limited options for sentencing children in the newly-enacted Children’s Code and wants an immediate review of the code and other legislation concerned with the sentencing of children and young people.
The court made the observations when it delivered a ruling on an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a case involving a child convicted of murder and aggravated robbery, who was later placed on probation for one year.
This is in line with Section 87(4) of the Children’s Code because the culprit was aged 17 at the time he committed both offences.
The DPP appealed against the imposition of the probation order instead of a term of imprisonment.
On January 19, 2022, Miriam Malunga, of Chamanika, Petauke, was found dead in her house and a cash box containing money was missing.
Police were informed that the previous night, Ms Malunga reported that the child offender had attacked and attempted to rape her…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

MELODY MUPETA,
CATHERINE BWALYA
Kitwe, Choma
A MOB in Chilubi, Northern Province, has allegedly stolen goods worth K700,000 belonging to a businessman they accuse of practising witchcraft and later torched his shop.
This was after the businessman, identified as John Mondoka, sued Nelson Kasanda, Moses Mwape and Bwalya Mateshi for accusing him of practising witchcraft.
The court convicted the three suspects and fined them K300 each, which angered the mob, which later broke into the shop.
Northern Province police commanding officer Lucky Buumba said the initial incident of accusing Mr Mondoka of practising witchcraft happened in April when he was accused of practising witchcraft after Lydia Katebe, 34, died following a crocodile attack.
She said Ms Katebe’s family opted to engage a witch-finder after her death and accused Mr Mondoka of having turned into a crocodile to kill her.
“The accusations prompted the victim to sue the three suspects, who were convicted and fined for the offence,” Ms Buumba said.
She said the court delivered judgment in the matter on Friday, which angered relatives of the culprits, who later rioted…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

SINCE declaring drought a national disaster on February 29, 2024, Government has instituted various measures and programmes to mitigate its effects.
Within three weeks of the declaration, President Hakainde Hichilema announced to Parliament that Government would re-align the 2024 national budget and divert financial resources from consumption areas to relief food for affected people and investment in water-harvesting and irrigation programmes to ensure all-year farming.
He further announced that Government had continued to construct dams and irrigation infrastructure across the country.
A week prior to the President’s address to Parliament, the country launched the planting of irrigated maize at Zambia National Service (ZNS) farms in Kafue as part of the its efforts to mitigate the effects of drought.
Launching the programme, Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma disclosed that ZNS was planning to plant about 1,978 hectares of maize by July this year.
And on March 20, President Hichilema launched early harvesting of maize and commencement of the winter maize planting season in Mkushi, where he encouraged farmers – both commercial and small-scale – to embark on winter maize production.
Government’s drought response measures have also involved relief maize distribution to affected districts by Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).
Currently, relief maize distribution is under way in Eastern, Central, Copperbelt, Lusaka, Southern, Western, and North-Western provinces.
Indeed, Government has demonstrated exemplary leadership and foresight in tackling this pressing issue. Its swift and comprehensive response has brought hope to many, and for this, we commend it.
Yesterday, DMMU national coordinator Gabriel Pollen announced that Government has embarked on a country-wide irrigation facility targeting about 11,000 farmers to cultivate winter and early-maturing maize as part of its response to the drought disaster and emergency and as a way of building resilience to counter future shocks and ensure national food security.
The planned establishment of this irrigation facility, set to enable over 11,000 households to cultivate winter and early-maturing maize, is a bold initiative that will not only address the immediate concerns of food security but also pave way for long-term sustainable food production.
Empowering our farmers with such initiatives that enable them to adapt to climate change will ensure a resilient agricultural sector that can weather future challenges.
As Dr Pollen revealed, the programme will not just involve the rehabilitation of existing non-functional water boreholes and dams and the construction of new ones, but will involve credit facilities to support more productive agricultural initiatives.
This proactive approach demonstrates Government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens. This irrigation project creates a safety net for our most vulnerable communities, shielding them from the devastating effects of drought.
We can only applaud Government for its visionary leadership and dedication to the well-being of our nation.
As we face the challenges occasioned by climate change, it is reassuring to know that our leaders are proactive and dedicated to the prosperity of our people.
As we welcome this initiative, we call on our citizens to embrace and support it. We urge the beneficiaries of this programme to safeguard whatever infrastructure may come under their care in order to ensure sustainability and continuity.
Together, we can rise above the effects of drought and ensure food security for all Zambians.

– Plans to legislate subsistence pay for ex-Veeps under way

CHAMBWA MOONGA
Lusaka
MINISTER of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa says Government is contemplating to legislate the payment of a subsistence allowance to former Vice-Presidents.
Mr Mweetwa, who is Chief Government Spokesperson, agreed with opposition Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba that the issue of Government paying an allowance to former Vice-Presidents should be taken to Parliament for possible approval.
President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed former Vice-Presidents Godfrey Miyanda, Enoch Kavindele, Nevers Mumba, Guy Scott and Inonge Wina as his envoys.
Former Prime Minister Malimba Masheke has also been appointed by the President.
Mr Kabala commended President Hichilema for the action, but with a caveat.
“I want to indicate that we have noted the statement that was done by Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba wherein he has acknowledged and appreciated as a good move by President Hakainde Hichilema and Cabinet to have put the former Vice-Presidents on an allowance for them to use the same as a subsistence purposes. They are presidential envoys…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

NKOMBO KACHEMBA
Lusaka

THERMAL energy is the highest contributor to the energy output in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), accounting for more than 76 percent of the installed power generation capacity while hydro is at 24 percent.
The installed power generation capacity in the COMESA region is estimated at 100,000 megawatts.
This was part of the updates presented at the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) that took place in Cairo, Egypt, last week.
The overall share of renewable energy has increased from one per cent to six per cent in the last eight years, mainly due to policy and regulatory reforms being undertaken by the member states…

Mweetwa says Govt carefully studying ex-President’s statement

CHAMBWA MOONGA,
VIOLET MENGO
Lusaka
CHIEF Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says Government is carefully studying utterances of former President Edgar Lungu, which are akin to a criminal undertaking.
On Sunday, Mr Lungu insinuated in a church hall filled with United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) politicians that there could be a change of Government before 2026.
He also said he has both mannerisms of violence and peace, no wonder he planned his way from Chawama to State House in 2015.
Mr Mweetwa, who is Minister of Information and Media, branded the remarks by Mr Lungu as “hair-raising and startling”.
“The Government is carefully studying those utterances of Mr Edgar Lungu made during a church prayer session at Mr Dan Pule’s church,” he said at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
“In studying the utterances, Government is taking into account all legal and security implications and circumstances which might arise out of Mr Lungu’s statement.”
The minister reminded Mr Lungu and his supporters that Article 106 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia states that a President of Zambia will be elected to serve for a five-year term…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home

LOGIC LUKWANDA,
KABANDA CHULU
Lusaka

SOUTHERN Africa Development Community (SADC) has condemned an attempted coup on Sunday in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
A spokesperson for the DRC army said Sunday that the leader of the attempted coup had been killed and some people, including three American citizens, had been arrested following an attack on the Presidency in the capital, Kinshasa.
Army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge said another attack took place at the nearby home of Vital Kamerhe, a Member of Parliament who is tipped to become speaker. Christian Malanga, a US-based Congolese politician, was named as the leader of the attempted coup.
“Summit strongly condemned the attempted coup d`état by a group of national and foreign terrorists to destabilise the democratic institutions of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, 19 May 2024 and reaffirmed its categorical opposition to any unconstitutional changes of government,” a communique issued after a virtual extra-ordinary summit of the SADC heads of State yesterday reads..https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home