Shebeens breaking marriages – councillors

July 31, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

By ALEX NJOVU
A PATRIOTIC Front (PF) councillor in Mufulira has expressed concern about the mushrooming number of illegal bars, commonly known as shebeens, in Kankoyo which are allegedly hosting school-going children and allowing them to watch pornographic movies with adult patrons.
Mpelembe ward councillor Chilufya Chomba said in an interview in Mufulira yesterday that it is unfortunate that almost every household in Kankoyo runs an illegal bar.
“As civic leaders, we are extremely worried about the mushrooming of shebeens in Kankoyo. There is no age restriction, a lot of people including children patronise these illegal bars at will and at any time,” Mr Chomba said.
He said some children frequent the illegal bars instead of going to school.
“It is a serious source of concern. You cannot have people drinking beer as early as 08: 00 hours and sometimes they watch pornographic movies with children as young as 13 or 14 years old,” Mr Chomba said.
Mr Chomba also said people’s marriages are breaking up in Kankoyo because of the mushrooming number of illegal bars where sexual relationships start from.
He said it is important for stakeholders to combine efforts in finding a lasting solution to the problem.
Mr Chomba said the problem was tabled and discussed during a full Mufulira Municipal Council meeting but that the local authority does not have the capacity to deal with the illegality.
And PF Fibusa ward councillor Bwalya Katongo called on Mopani Copper Mines to work with the council in addressing the problem.
“We are worried because these shebeens are breaking marriages and at the same time contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS especially among young people.
“It is inhuman for some people to show movies that corrupt young people’s morals. A lot of bad things happen at these shebeens and it is important that something is done about them urgently,” Mr Katongo said.
He advised youths to desist from engaging in illicit activities that can expose them to HIV infection.
“We cannot meaningfully talk about social economic development without the participation of youths. Youths should play a key role in fostering development in our communities especially that they are our future leaders,” Mr Katongo said.
And Grace Musa, a Kankoyo resident, said some people establish shebeens for income generation purposes because they do not have jobs. She however condemned those hosting children.
Ms Musa called on the local authority to work with investors to construct recreational facilities that will keep youths busy.
“I think some people are running shebeens to sustain themselves economically. But it is wrong and inhuman to show pornographic movies to young people,” she said.

Driver burnt to death at Kasumbalesa

July 6, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

By ALEX NJOVU

A ZAMBIAN truck driver has been burnt to death by an instant justice mob in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border town of Kasumbalesa after he allegedly knocked down two pedestrians, killing them instantly.
And truck drivers at the Kasumbalesa border post yesterday parked their vehicles in protest over the brutal killing of their colleague in the DRC.
Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo and Chililabombwe mayor Godfrey Matafwali confirmed the incident in separate interviews yesterday.
Ms Tembo said the incident happened on Wednesday evening and that the angry mob also burnt the cement-laden truck.
She said she has dispatched a team of police officers to the accident scene to retrieve the body of the unidentified driver.
“I have just sent some officers to fetch the body of the driver who was burnt along with the truck which was carrying some goods. He hit two pedestrians who died on the spot and the mob decided to burn him along with the truck,” Ms Tembo said.
She said police are investigating the matter and are yet to establish the identity of the driver.
But Mr Matafwali identified the truck driver only as Chanda of Ndola.
“There is a lot of noise here, one of the drivers was killed in the DRC. The drivers are angered by the death of their colleague and they are protesting right now,” Mr Matafwali said.
He said the residents of Kasumbalesa on the Zambian side have also joined the protests and are confiscating goods from their Congolese counterparts.
“Business has come to a standstill here. It has been a bad day,” Mr Matafwali said.
And a source from the DRC told the Daily Mail yesterday that operations at Kasumbalesa border have been disrupted because Zambian drivers have refused to cross into the DRC for fear of being attacked.
“What has happened has left the other Zambian truck drivers in fear. They have gathered at the no-man’s land and refused to cross into our country  to bring the commodities that they are supposed to deliver. Maybe by the end of the day [yesterday], they will cool down and  start working,” the source said.

Driver burnt to death at Kasumbalesa

July 6, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

By ALEX NJOVU and JERRY MUNTHALI
A ZAMBIAN truck driver has been burnt to death by an instant justice mob in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border town of Kasumbalesa after he allegedly knocked down two pedestrians, killing them instantly.
And truck drivers at the Kasumbalesa border post yesterday parked their vehicles in protest over the brutal killing of their colleague in the DRC.
Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo and Chililabombwe mayor Godfrey Matafwali confirmed the incident in separate interviews yesterday.
Ms Tembo said the incident happened on Wednesday evening and that the angry mob also burnt the cement-laden truck.
She said she has dispatched a team of police officers to the accident scene to retrieve the body of the unidentified driver.
“I have just sent some officers to fetch the body of the driver who was burnt along with the truck which was carrying some goods. He hit two pedestrians who died on the spot and the mob decided to burn him along with the truck,” Ms Tembo said.
She said police are investigating the matter and are yet to establish the identity of the driver.
But Mr Matafwali identified the truck driver only as Chanda of Ndola.
“There is a lot of noise here, one of the drivers was killed in the DRC. The drivers are angered by the death of their colleague and they are protesting right now,” Mr Matafwali said.
He said the residents of Kasumbalesa on the Zambian side have also joined the protests and are confiscating goods from their Congolese counterparts.
“Business has come to a standstill here. It has been a bad day,” Mr Matafwali said.
And a source from the DRC told the Daily Mail yesterday that operations at Kasumbalesa border have been disrupted because Zambian drivers have refused to cross into the DRC for fear of being attacked.
“What has happened has left the other Zambian truck drivers in fear. They have gathered at the no-man’s land and refused to cross into our country  to bring the commodities that they are supposed to deliver. Maybe by the end of the day [yesterday], they will cool down and  start working,” the source said.

Come back and create jobs, Kazabu urges Zambians in the diaspora

July 6, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

By ALEX NJOVU
NKANA member of Parliament Luxon Kazabu has urged Zambians living abroad to return home and help in creating employment opportunities by investing in the manufacturing industry.
Speaking when he featured on the Cross Fire blog radio on Flava FM in on Tuesday night, Mr Kazabu said the manufacturing industry has the capacity to employ many Zambians if it is fully revamped.
“The issue of unemployment in Zambia is a time bomb. Those who think otherwise are naive. It is important that Zambians living abroad come back home and invest in the manufacturing industry to create jobs for locals,” he said.
Mr Kazabu, who is also Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said the Patriotic Front Government is determined to create jobs for Zambians.
He said Government is working with various stakeholders to ensure that quality jobs are created.
“I personally believe that if the manufacturing sector is revamped, if factories such as Mansa Batteries are reactivated, they can help a great deal in creating jobs not only for the people of Mansa, but the whole Luapula Province. The Mununshi banana plantation and the coffee plantation also have the capacity to create jobs,” Mr Kazabu said.
He assured young people that Government is focused on creating decent jobs for them.
“I would like to advise our youths to seriously consider venturing into agriculture which is labour intensive and has the potential to create jobs. Tourism is another sector which needs to be exploited as it can contribute to the development of the country,” he said.
Mr Kazabu also expressed concern about the erratic water supply and poor sanitation in his constituency.
He said people need to have access to better sanitation services.
“Water is life and sanitation is dignity. It is important that our people have better water supply and sanitation services. I am working hard to ensure that these services are delivered. We are implementing programmes targeted at improving living standards,” Mr Kazabu said.

Step up cancer treatment, State advised

July 6, 2012
By ALEX NJOVU
GOVERNMENT should ensure that people in rural areas have access to affordable cervical and prostate cancer treatment, the Health Workers Union of Zambia (HWUZ) has advised.
HWUZ general-secretary Lewis Mukosha said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that although Government should be commended for its commitment to fighting cancer, it is important that steps are taken to fight prostate and cervical cancer in rural areas.
“We would like to thank President Sata for working with former United States (US) president George W. Bush and other co-operating partners in fighting cancer in Zambia, we are grateful for the effort because a lot of our people especially in rural areas are afflicted by the disease,” Mr Mukosha said.
He said rural dwellers lack basic information on cancer and it is important for all stakeholders to embark on a sensitisation programme to educate citizens on the disease.
Mr Mukosha said cancer is curable if detected early but that in most cases, it is detected late, especially in rural areas which have no cancer specialists to conduct medical checkups.
He said it is important for government to formulate programmes aimed at educating women and men on cancer so that they can seek early treatment.
Mr Mukosha urged government to partner with other stakeholders to roll-out cancer services to rural areas.
He, however, commended government for its commitment to ensuring that Zambians have access to cancer treatment.
Mr Mukosha observed that government has been working hard over the last few years to improve the health delivery system.
He also urged government to ensure that citizens have access to affordable cancer treatment.

Andeleki threatens to deregister PAZA

July 6, 2012 | 

REGISTRAR Andeleki

By ALEX NJOVU
CHIEF Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki has threatened to deregister the Press Association of Zambia (PAZA) for alleged failure to settle K7.2 million statutory fees.
Speaking when he featured on the Crossfire blog Radio  Flava FM on Tuesday night, Mr Andeleki warned that he will be forced to deregister PAZA if it fails to settle the K7.2 million it owes the Registrar of Societies.
“Deregistration of organisations is always the last option. PAZA owes us K7.2 million, I have served them with three notices, I spoke to one of the officials but there has never been any response and I am now giving them a final reminder,” Mr Andeleki said.
He said it is frustrating that his office is facing challenges to collect money from some organisations.
“The people of Zambia need this money. We need the money for infrastructure development. By Zambian standards, I am comfortable, personally, but I am doing this on behalf of the Zambian people who need the money,” Mr Andeleki said.
He called on all organisations to support the efforts of the Registrar of Societies to collect Government revenue which will be channeled to infrastructure development.
“The problem is that when I deregister PAZA, the journalists themselves will complain when they know that PAZA is supposed to pay statutory fees.  I am appealing to PAZA to come forward and pay the K 7.2 million.   “We are owed a lot of money by various organisations, we need this money,” Mr Andeleki said.
He, however, said some organisations have started submitting their annual returns.
And when contacted for a comment yesterday, PAZA president Andrew Sakala said  the association is working towards settling the fees.
“We are working towards making the payments. Infact, our acting executive secretary Patson Phiri will be going to the Registrar’s office ,” Mr Sakala said.
On Monday, Minister of Home Affairs Kennedy Sakeni urged all registered organisations that owe the Registrar of Societies to settle outstanding statutory fees.
“In case they don’t know, this is the money Government uses for infrastructure development. It is ploughed back into the community,” Mr Sakeni said.

Choking fumes of Kitwe

Kitwe is beset with an industrial sector that releases fumes almost all day long.

By ALEX NJOVU
APART from the choking fumes and the precipitation of atmospheric contaminants that has impaired aquatic life, there are many disposal sites on the Copperbelt containing hazardous wastes that pose risks to human health.
Human lives have been lost because of drinking contaminated water and the erring institutions that discharge the toxic waste into the sources go unpunished or are given light penalties.
Residents in townships like Wusakile in Kitwe, Kankoyo, and Butondo in Mufulira  have been exposed to all sorts of pollution and they have continued to live in these townships, hopping that one day the situation will change.
Most water bodies on the Copperbelt have been polluted on several occasions killing aquatic life.
There seems to be no immediate remedy in sight because the corporate world seems to have more respect for their profits and not human health.
To make matters worse, vigorous civic awareness campaigns are not put in place to sensitize the public about the sorry situation obtaining on the ground and how they could be able to avoid outbreaks of water -borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
The affected residents in townships like Kankoyo which are exposed to toxic fumes could not access medical check-ups to determine the status of their lungs because of financial constraints and only realise the damage caused when it is too late.
Many of them are suspected of being HIV patients because of their chronic heart problems caused by the fumes discharged from the mines.
Makweti Sishekanu, a student at the University of Zambia in the school of environment education observes that going by the current environmental trends on the Copperbelt, one can adequately conclude that the region may soon become too hazardous to live in.
“Arriving in the evening at sunset in Kitwe, one cannot even clearly see the beauty of sun set as it drowns in the polluted air from the mines. Are we creating another Kabwe pollution? Looking at the recent
Butondo residents versus Mopani Copper Mines, the Konkola Copper Mines K10 billion case and just recently the Bwana Mkubwa and Munkulungwe stream Community, one wonders what the benefits of copper mining in Zambia are! What has copper mining done to the lives of many Zambians on the Copperbelt other than jeopardizing their health with air and water pollution,” Mr Sishekanu said.
He says the mines have actually worsened the people’s poverty on the Copperbelt through land dereliction, biodiversity loss and crop insecurity.
“Is this the price that Zambian citizens have to pay for their richly endowed country? Since independence, Zambia has failed to diversify her economy beyond copper production. The bitter price the country is now paying for its over-reliance on copper is seen on the environment and the people who live there. After so many years of copper mining in Zambia, we should have reached a level where the proceeds from copper mining are invested into other non-extractive and environmentally friendly industries,” he said.
Mr Sishekanu stressed that the mines should remember that, under the current umbrella of environmental law, environmental degradation is a serious infringement on human rights.
He noted that most mines in Zambia, like many third world businesses, do not have sustainability plans for their business.
“If we were to relocate all the environmentally affected copperbelt residents from the region, as once demanded by the Butondo residents from the Vice-President, how many internally displaced people (IDPs) or refugees would we have? Who would remain working on the mines?
Where would we relocate them to? This is of course, not the answer but the challenge for the mining industry lies beyond and deeper than their strategic and business plans. Respect on the center. This is respect for all stakeholders – communities, workers, contractors, regulatory authorities, suppliers, customers and, most importantly, the natural environment,” he said
Mr Sishekanu pointed out that the mines abrogates the very substantive human rights to life and a clean environment.
“All the court cases we are witnessing between the mines versus the people are because people are now using their procedural human rights to pursue environmental protection. The million dollar question is; what will remain of the region after the copper is exhausted and the companies have made enough profits out of it and leave,” he said.
Alice Bupe a Mufulira resident called on various stakeholders to work towards reducing air pollution in the mining town.
“Vegetation has stopped growing in Kankoyo township because of the pollution that has continued to affect the vast township,” Ms Bupe said.
She said the situation is worrying in the former mining town and called for concerted efforts in addressing the problem.
“Our houses are collapsing and we suspect it is because of continued mining activities under ground, the situation is the same in Butondo township and we believe the solution is to relocate the people to a safe area,” Ms Bupe said.
Ms Bupe said life is tough in Kankoyo township saying people usually develop strange skins diseases because of the fumes from the mines.
“ What is even frustrating is that you can even grow crops within yards, the area is almost a desert, it is a matter of time our houses can collapse at any time, they have developed huge cracks which are threatening to our lives but there is nothing we can do for now,” she said.
Recently some Kankoyo resident’s stormed the then Mufulira district commissioner Philip Simbule’s office to complain over the alleged pollution by Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).
The residents are displeased that MCM has allegedly continued emitting sulphur dioxide into the air and polluting the environment in which they live.
The residents complained of the choking effects of sulphur dioxide and that they are facing difficulties to conduct their daily businesses because of the polluted air.
“A group of community leaders from Kankoyo township came to my office to complain about air pollution or the sulphur dioxide being emitted by MCM. They are saying that they cannot wait for December next year when MCM will be able to reduce the pollution by 97 percent. They want to have an audience with MCM management over this issue,”  Mr Sibule said.
Mr Simbule, who had a tough time to calm down the residents, said the people of Kankoyo township are also concerned that their houses have developed cracks because of the mining activities underground.
He said the residents are worried that their children will contract diseases such as tuberculosis due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
“The residents told me that their bodies are itching because of the sulphur dioxide and that it is causing them a lot of discomfort,” Mr Simbule said.
He however assured Kankoyo residents that MCM has embarked on capital projects to reduce pollution.