Chunza Testifies against MP Katuta

TIMES of Zambia photojournalist has told the Lusaka magistrates Court that he was left traumatized when spitting Chiengi member of parliament Given Katuta and her abettors ganged up on him and harassed him demanding that he deletes her pictures.

Henry Chunza said Katuta referred to him as a son of a dog and spat saliva on him for taking pictures of her at parliament after she was ejected from the chamber by the speaker for her incivility.

Katuta is charged with threatening violence and common assault for harassing Chunza and spitting on him

Testifying before magistrate Idah Phiri, Chunza narrated that On July 21, 2023, he and his colleague Chusa Sichone were assigned by their editor Andrew Sakala to cover parliamentary proceedings.

He said on the date in question, Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti suspended Katuta from the house for seven days due to dishonourable conduct and asked her to take a walk of shame.

Chunza said he positioned himself at the door immediately when it was opened by the sergeant at arms to capture the moment.

Chunza narrated that immediately Katuta saw him and she charged at him asking who had sent him to work against her.

He said Kututa ordered him to get rid of her images as she shouted “wemwana wambwa iwe”(you son of a dog).

“When she saw me getting pictures of her she pointed a finger at me whilst shouting" who are you? Why are you getting pictures of me ? Who has sent you to come and get pictures of me ?

She shouted at me and said, "You son of a dog can you delete pictures of me from that camera,”Chunza recounted.

He said due to fear he decided to escape from the lawmaker and they engaged in a cat and mouse race.

Chunza said in hot pursuit the enraged Katuta gleeked at him like a spitting cobra.

“She continued pointing at me because of fear I started running down stairs as I was going downstairs. She was on top. She continued with abusive language toward me, she was chasing me and spat saliva on me whilst saying "you son of a dog in bemba, delete those pictures of me,” he narrated.

He said immediately Katuta who is also a clergywoman spat on him he reduced his speed to clean himself of the stinky saliva and Katuta got hold of him with the help of Chawama member of parliament Tasila Lungu whom he came to recognise after the women managed to have the pictures deleted.

Chunza said Katuta and her friends ganged up on him and harassed him.

“She (Katuta) harassed me and wanted to get the camera from me so that she could delete the pictures. It was at this point that other people joined her trying to get the camera from me. I couldn't remember anyone because I was traumatized,” Chunza said.

He told the Court that a police officer came to his rescue as the women’s clamour caught the attention of onlookers.

“A police officer came to my rescue, grabbed the camera from me and kept it safe. She tried to get the camera from a police officer, said Chunza.

“The group that came to me where the security officer who pounced on me and demanded to delete photos from the camera among them was Chawama MP (Tasila Lungu) . I saw her when they were leaving. They deleted the photos and Chusa reported the matter to the police.”

In his testimony Sichone who is the acting chief reporter at Times of Zambia confirmed witnessing Katuta harass and spit on Chunza.

“After honorable Katuta was told to take a walk of shame by the speaker, I asked Henry to take pictures of honorable Katuta immediately. The sergeant at arms opens the door to the chamber around 09: 15 hours. Upon hon Katuta seeing Henry taking pictures of her, she did not take kindly what Henry had done,”

“She started shouting at him. She demanded that Henry delete the pictures he had captured of her. In a feat of rage Katuta continued charging at Henry sensing danger I instructed Henry to run downstairs. As he was running downstairs to the ground floor Hon Katuta could not get hold of him because he was very quick. She spat on him as he was running downstairs.”

Sichone said he reported the matter to the police after Chunza was harassed and had his pictures deleted.

 PHARMANOVA DONATES CHLORINE WORTH K3 MILLION TO FIGHT AGAINST CHOLERA

By Daily News Reporter

PHARMANOVA Zambia Limited has commitmented to give aid to the Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, in their relentless efforts to combat the cholera outbreak in Zambia.

And Pharmanova Zambia Limited has given a donation of K3,000,000 worth of Chlorine to the Ministry of Health. This substantial contribution underscores the company's dedication to promoting public health and emphasizes the importance of prevention as a key strategy in combating cholera outbreaks.

In partnership with New Horizon Printing Press, Pharmanova Zambia Limited will also distribute 1000 educational posters to clinics across Zambia. These informative materials seek to raise awareness about the effective utilization of Chlorine in households, intending to empower communities with knowledge that can save lives.

During the handover, CEO Mohammed Umar emphasized that the company's objective is to save lives of the community.

"As a proudly Zambian company, we hold a profound responsibility to swiftly and meaningfully support our community. Recognizing our role as conscientious corporate citizens, we stand united with the people of Zambia, addressing our nation's challenges as a singular, unwavering force.'" said Umar.

And the Minister of Health, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, has appreciated Pharmanova for its invaluable support through this challenging time of cholera outbreak, and urged all stakeholders to unite as one community of Zambians to bolster mutual support, in the fight against cholera.

"These resources aim to enhance public understanding of the proper use of chlorine, specifically for the prevention of Cholera. This collaborative initiative underscores the importance of collective action and public awareness in effectively addressing health challenges," she said.

This initiative stands as a testament to Pharmanova Zambia Limited's unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Zambian populace and its pledge to stand in solidarity with the government and the Ministry of Health during this challenging period.

 ZMA LAUNCHES 2024 MEASURING INSTRUMENT VERIFICATION EXERCISE FOR PETROLEUM SUB-SECTOR

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has launched the 2024 verification exercise of all measuring instruments used in the petroleum sub-sector in a bid to enhance fair trade, consumer protection and promote compliance.

As part of the verification exercise, ZMA metrologists will inspect and verify measuring instruments used in all private and public fuel depots and filling stations across the country.

The launch, which was held virtually on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, through a meeting Chaired by ZMA Director Legal Metrology Dr.Eng. Michael Kalumbu Nsefu and attended by key stakeholders in the petroleum sub-sector who included Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Service Technician Companies.

In his remarks during the meeting, Dr Eng. Nsefu said the Agency plays a crucial role in supporting the entire distribution chain of petroleum products through the statutory verification of petroleum pumps and bulk flow meters every six months.

He urged all players in retail and commercial petroleum sites to ensure they present their measuring instruments for verification to ZMA this month to avoid regulatory enforcement.

Dr Eng. Nsefu further urged the public to check for validity of ZMA verification stickers on fuel pumps at filling stations across the country as part of ensuring that they are getting value for money.

In another development, ZMA has cautioned players in the petroleum sub-sector against the use of unapproved methods of measurement during the offloading of petroleum products from Tanker trucks, such as use of weighbridges and dip charts in Storage Tanks. The Agency is emphasizing the use of only approved methods which include Bulk Flow meters, Ullage marks, and Dip charts on Tanker trucks.

 KUMA INVESTMENTS DONATES BENCHES WORTH K30 THOUSAND .

Lusaka Mayor, Her Worship Ms. Chilando Chitangala received a donation of benches worth Thirty Thousand Kwacha (30, 000) from KUMA INVESTMENTS LIMITED ZAMBIA.

The donation from KUMA is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR.

Kuma Investments Limited Business Development Manager, Mwiza Bvumburai presented the donation to the local authority and expressed her company's desire for more partnerships with the local authority.

And in receiving the donation, the Mayor thanks Kuma for the gesture describing it as a timely undertaking.

 LCC CHLORINATES, AND DISINFECTS WATER POINTS IN KANYAMA AMIDST INCREASING CHOLERA CASES

The Lusaka City Council (LCC), through its Public Health Department, has intensified the chlorination of water points and disinfection of pit latrines, hospitals and public places.

The Local Authority has also enhanced sensitisation programmes on the prevention measures of the cholera disease.

These activities are being rolled out in all seven constituencies of the District, with priority given to the hot spot areas such as Matero, Kanyama, Munali and Mandevu Constituencies.

Members of the public have been advised to boil or chlorinate their water before drinking, as it has been noted that in some places, most water points are near pit latrines, hence becoming a contamination point.

The residents have also been urged to practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and clean water.

 The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has recorded 2,088 infringements across the country

By Daily News Reporter

During the 2023 festive Season RTSA conducted a night operation in different provinces and following the operations the agency recorded the highest province which is Lusaka followed by copperbelt.

RTSA recorded the highest offence which was expired road tax with 398 offenders,followed by expired fitness certificates with 198 and 137 motorists which were impounded for drunk driving.

The majority of offences included 150 motorists impounded for expired road tax ,85 motorists booked for driving under the influence of alcohol,40 unlicensed drivers, 34 violations for expired motor vehicles insurance and 26 motorists for expired driving licences.

Speaking to the media in lusaka RTSA Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eng Amon mweemba stated that the agency will make sure that all road users comply to the regulations of the institution and the zambia police

"Through collaboration with Zambia Police it will enforce the law for motorists to comply without fail,"Mweemba said.

He further said that the agency will expedite the process of enacting the law on point demerit system,

"This system will deduct points from drivers committing traffic violations and will lead to suspension of their licenses,"Mweemba said.

And Public Protector Mrs. Caroline Sokoni has also noted with concern reports of the increase in unlawful impounding of motor vehicles by some traffic police Officers.

The Public Protector noted that the impounding of motor vehicles by Zambia Police has increased even in circumstances where the offense committed is not impoundable under the law.

Mrs. Sokoni has observed that in most cases members of the public are law-abiding and are willing to pay fines that go into government coffers. However, some traffic police officers prefer impounding vehicles as a scheme to solicit bribes from inconvenienced motorists.

The Public Protector stated that the act by traffic police officers is obstructing the government’s fight against maladministration and corruption when law enforcement officers must not be the ones who cause these vices to flourish.

Mrs. Sokoni says as an institution mandated by the law to ensure adherence to processes and procedures in public institutions, the Office of the Public Protector will not allow a few officers under the Traffic Department dent the image of the Zambia Police Service due to their failure to follow the laid down procedures when carrying out their duties.

"I call on the Zambia Police Service Traffic Officers to be professional and avoid procedural improprieties as they execute their duties that lead to the impounding of motor vehicles without proper justification and victimization of members of the public," Mrs.Sokoni Said.

She has further urged the general public who have been victims of police impounding their vehicles for questionable reasons to obtain the name and service number of police officers and the police station manning the roadblock and report to the Office of the Public Protector or the Police Public Complaints Commission.

 BURY ALL SHALLOW WELLS AS CHOLERA CASES RISE-Chitangala

By Daily News Reporter

The Lusaka City Council has resolved to bury all shallow wells across the city as an emergency Cholera response.

This follows a surge in the daily cholera cases being recorded in the country with Lusaka being the most affected district.

Speaking during the 4th Ordinary Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, 3rd January 2024, Lusaka Mayor Ms. Chilando Chitangala explained that shallow wells are a major source of contamination and pose a serious health risk to the residents.

She has since directed all councillors to work with the Council, community leaders and health workers in the identification of active shallow wells in their respective wards to ensure they are buried as soon as possible.

She said that the cholera outbreak should be handled with utmost attention if the city was to win the fight against cholera.

“The numbers being recorded are alarming and as such we need to do everything possible to curb its further spread,” she said.

Ms. Chilando further underscored the need for water bowsers in areas such as Matero, Kanyama, Munali and Mandevu Constituencies which are currently experiencing erratic water supply.

She said that the lack of clean and safe water was a contributing factor to the cholera outbreak and that the council was working with various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC) to address the issue.

The Lusaka Mayor appealed to the residents to boil their water before drinking and to practice good hygiene and sanitation.

She also advised them to avoid eating street food and to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

Meanwhile, Acting Lusaka City Council Town Clerk, Engineer Liftery Ndaba, informed the council that Heroes Stadium has been declared a Cholera Centre, adding that it is ready to cater to the patients.

The Acting Town Clerk also revealed that the Council has released Constituency Development Fund (CDF) vehicles to be used in the epicentres to respond to cholera cases.

He has since called on all cooperating partners to come on board and donate items such as chlorine, disinfectants, gloves, soap and other essentials to help in the fight against cholera.

He thanked the government and other stakeholders for remaining resilient and supportive in combating the cholera outbreak.

 HEALTH RISKS OF SMOKING (SUCH AS ASTHMA)

By Daily News Reporter

People with asthma may wonder how smoking conventional cigarettes or using electronic cigarettes can affect their condition.

Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ system of the body. It is the leading cause of preventable death.

If you have asthma, an asthma attack can occur when something irritates your airways and “triggers” an attack. Your triggers might be different from other people’s triggers.

Tobacco smoke is a common trigger for asthma. Tobacco smoke including secondhand smoke which is unhealthy for everyone, especially people with asthma. Secondhand smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles that includes:

• Smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
• Smoke that has been exhaled (breathed out) by someone who smokes

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer.

If you have asthma, it’s important that you avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

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So smoking even a few cigarettes a day can be dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.

• People who smoke fewer than 5 cigarettes a day can have early signs of cardiovascular disease.
• Just cutting back on cigarettes may not protect someone from early death. People who smoke heavily and reduce their cigarette use by half still have a very high risk for early death. On average, people who smoke die 10 years earlier than people who don’t smoke.
• People who reported smoking in social situations rather than on a daily basis have a behavior referred to as “social smoking” and they have similar blood pressure and cholesterol levels of people who smoke regularly.
• So Quitting Can Improve Your Health and your quality of life. This is true regardless of your age or how long you have been smoking.
• When you quit smoking completely:
• After 1-2 years, your risk of heart attack drops sharply and continues to drop over time.
• After 5-10 years, your risk of stroke decreases.
• After 5 years, your risk for cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box drop by half.
• After 10-15 years, your risk of lung cancer drops by half.
• People who quit smoking completely live longer than those who keep smoking. The earlier you quit, the lower your risk for early death. Even quitting at age 50 cuts your risk in half for early death from a smoking-related disease.

 ZAMBIA'S 'WASH' SITUATION NOT GOOD WORRIES SIAKALIMA

By Daily News Reporter

The current Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) situation in Zambia is not Impressive, it needs strengthened efforts to develop the sector.

The UPND Government recently launched a multi-billion dollars Water Investment Programme, which is expected to benefit and impact millions of people in the Country, both in the rural and urban areas.

In December 2023 zambia hosted NGO WASH Forum in Lusaka, the Minister of Education Douglas Siakalima  in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Joel Kamoko, on the occasion of WASH In Schools (WINS) learning event at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.

"I am happy to grace this important occasion (water supply, sanitation and hygiene in schools learning event) where stakeholders are sharing lessons on the status of WASH In Schools and how to improve things," he said.

Mr. Siakalima further said that the statistics show that a high percentage of schools do not have access to clean and safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services.

"It is indeed not a secret that as a Country we do have our work cut out in so far as making clean and safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services accessible and a reality to our 18 million Zambians," he said.

The Education Minister also said the status quo of water and sanitation in Zambia, if not well managed, may have a negative impact on the social and economic development of the Country with women, girls and children bearing the biggest negative impacts as they are often responsible for sourcing water from distant distances for household tasks.

"Poor access to WASH in schools affect the girl child who most time absent themselves during menstruation up to 5 days in some cases which already disadvantages them. Even at household level, girls are still burdened with the tasks of drawing water for household use. Time for studying is also reduced for schools that have to draw water from far places. Pupils are sent to drawing water during learning time or prep time. As we all maybe aware that the challenges of poor Water supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services are more pronounced in rural areas," he said.

Mr. Siakalima said the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS 2018) reveals that drinking water coverage for rural areas stood at 58%, sanitation at 37% and hygiene at 15% while for unban water is at 92%, sanitation 78% and hygiene 36%.

"Where you find little or no investments put up to address the status quo to improve access to clean and safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services, it is clear that we need more investments in rural areas. The New Dawn Government understands the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene as a key enabler to socio-economic development. And that if and when WASH investments are rightly undertaken, it has the potential to trigger job creation and economic empowerment," he said.

"This learning event will help us understand the current status, challenges and opportunities (best practices) that will help us accelerate the attainment of universal access to wins. Our goal is to leave no one behind which entails that all facilities we construct must be inclusive to allow for usage by differently able pupils and teachers. Menstrual hygiene management is also critical to ensure equality among boys and girls in schools," he said.

He added that the Government's commitment to better the national health, water, sanitation and hygiene outcomes.

"Even through collaborations with key partners such as the organizers of this event, I wish to commit that my ministry would like this to become an annual event. I encourage my team here to work with you and our partners to actualize this," he said.

Mr. Siakalima reiterated that inadequate infrastructure and access to wash services are the key factors hindering stronger progress for the health of women and children provision of quality education services.

"This picture is gloomy in rural areas and this must be change," he said.

Mr. Siakalima said the New Dawn Government, therefore, increased the amount of CDF from K1.6million to now K30.6 million to allow homegrown solutions across all sectors.

"It, therefore, gives me pleasure to see that development partners like yourselves have risen to the challenge to change the narrative of how Government ought to collaborate with stakeholders. Government is well aware of the tremendous support and contribution that you make towards improving the quality of education of the Zambian people more especially for the girl child. As Government, we, therefore, recognise that we must continue to provide political leadership and will to ensure that we deal with the acceleration of the implementation of the National Standards and Strategy for WINS. Allow me to reiterate to the CPS to continue collaborating and supporting my Ministry to actualise the SDGs goal 4 and 6 on Education and WASH. I also extend my gratitude to the organizers for putting together such a transformative event. As Government, we will continue to require your technical and financial support in the implementation of various development activities in WASH in schools," he said.

Meanwhile, NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator, Bubala Muyovwe, said the NGO WASH Forum will work closely with Government to generate policies and implementation frameworks to improve the WASH Sector in Zambia.

Ms Muyovwe said the Consortium of WASH NGOs in Zambia recognises the importance of collaboration in improving the WASH Sector.

"We will delve into topics such as strengthening policy and advocacy, and brainstorm innovative solutions to bridge the gap in the WASH Sector. The Government's dedication is commendable for providing guidance and directives. We, therefore, applaud their leadership and hope that these efforts will bridge WASH gaps in schools across Zambia. A child's Right to education, water and sanitation is fundamental. Let us work together to create a healthy, safe and a conducive atmosphere in response to children's Rights. Let us invest in WASH to invest in the future. To our members, I thank you for your tireless efforts to see a flourishing WASH Sector," she said.

The event held under the auspices of the NGO WASH Forum was powered by the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association Zambia (BORDA Zambia), Habitat for Humanity Zambia and WaterAID Zambia.

 

Minister Gwede Mantashe announces adjustment of fuel prices effective from 3 January 2024

South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors

By Daily News Reporter The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, has announced the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g., shipping costs. The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are due to: 1. Crude oil prices The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 82.62 US Dollars (USD) to 77.35 USD during the period under review, mainly due to increased production by the United States of America, Venezuela, Guyana, and other non-OPEC countries despite the announcement by OPEC to cut production. 2. International petroleum product prices The average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin decreased in line with the lower crude oil prices. LPG prices increased due to higher freight cost. These factors led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 50.83 c/l, 105.81 c/l and 99.00 c/l, respectively. 3. Rand/US Dollar exchange rate The Rand depreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.57 to 18.66 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 5.30 c/l, 5.83 c/l and 6.00 c/l, respectively. 4. Implementation of the Slate Levy The cumulative slate balance on petrol and Diesel at the end of November 2023 had a positive balance of R1.8 billion. Therefore, a slate levy of zero c/l will be implemented in the price structure of petrol and diesel with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. This means that the motorists will benefit by 26.32 cents per liter since the slate levy will decrease from 26.32 to zero cents per liter. 5. Octane differential between 95 and 93 petrol grades In line with the Working Rules to determine the Basic Fuels Prices (BFP), the 95 octane (unleaded) grade is the price-marker grade and the BFP-differential between 95 and 93 octanes is adjusted on the first Wednesday of each quarter. The BFP Octane differential has changed during the previous quarter and therefore the retail prices of 95 and 93 petrol octanes will be different in each fuel- pricing zone with effect from the 3rd of January 2024. Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for January 2024 will be adjusted as follows: Petrol (93 ULP & LRP): Sixty-two cents per liter (62.00 c/l) decrease. Petrol (95 ULP & LRP): Seventy-six cents per liter (76.00 c/l) decrease. Diesel (0.05% Sulphur): One hundred and eighteen point three two cents per liter (118.32 c/l) decrease. Diesel (0.005% Sulphur): One hundred and twenty-six point three two cents per liter (126.32 c/l) decrease. Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Ninety-three cents per liter (93.00 c/l) decrease. SMNRP for IP: One hundred and twenty-four cents per liter (124.00 c/l) decrease. Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: Eleven cents per kilogram (11.00 c/kg) increase.

 CAN A PERSON WITH DIABETES HIS WOUNDS HEAL FAST

By Daily News Reporter

In people with diabetes, wounds can take longer to heal. These wounds often appear on the feet and legs. This slow healing can increase the risk of developing infections and other complications.

A Diabetes prevalence (% of population ages 20 to 79) in Zambia was reported at 11.9% in 2021 according to the world bank collection of development indicators, complied from recognized sources Zambia –Diabetes prevalence.

A person who manages their diabetes well can improve the rate at which wounds heal and reduce the likelihood of a severe infection.

Many of these people will experience complications as a result of infected wounds.

Let us look at the effects of diabetes on wound healing and consider ways to reduce the risk of complications. Minor wounds, cuts, and burns are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of life. However, for people with diabetes, these injuries can lead to serious health issues.

Many people with diabetes develop wounds that are slow to heal, do not heal well, or never heal. Sometimes, an infection might develop.

An infection can also spread to tissue and bone near the wound or reach more distant areas of the body. In some cases, if a person does not receive emergency care, an infection can be life threatening or even fatal.

Even when an infection does not develop in a wound, slow healing can adversely affect a person’s overall health and quality of life. Cuts or injuries on the feet or legs can make walking difficult and lead to pain when exercising.

It is essential that people who have diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control to reduce the risk of slow-healing wounds and complications, including foot ulcers.

According to some reports, foot ulcers will develop in about 1 in 4 people with diabetes. Foot ulcers are painful sores that can ultimately lead to foot amputation. If a person with a foot ulcer has peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that can be associated with diabetes, they may not feel any pain.

According to a 2020 article, diabetes contributes to 25-90 of all amputations within studied populations. Other research has shown that the risk of diabetes-related amputation is more than three times higher among Black Americans than among people belonging to other racial and ethnic groups.