200 STARLINK SATELLITE KITS ARRIVE IN THE COUNTRY

"This will enhance internet speed in public service institutions...….."KAWANA

By Daily News Reporter

The Ministry of Information and Media (MIM) Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana says the 200 starlink satellite kits that the Government has received under Smart Zambia which have arrived in the country will enhance internet speed in public service institutions.

Mr Kawana said that the government has partnered with Space X's starline team, a United States of America (USA) based institution to explore the provision of affordable and reliable internet services in the country.

And Speaking when receiving the first consignment of Starlink satellite kits at KK international Airports in Lusaka, Mr Kawana said that the government will ensure that all public service sites have access to the internet.

"The government will target remote borders and towns as sites for the installation of the satellite kits," Kawana said.

Smart Zambia National Coordinator Percy Chinyama also said the Starlink satellite kits will improve internet connectivity and enhance economic growth and business opportunities in the country.

 Airtel Zambia Donates K1million towards the Cholera fight

By Daily News Reporter

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc has donated K1 million (One Million) to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) through the Ministry of Health as part of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility in the fight against Cholera.

Airtel’s Human Resources Director, Ms Bwembya Barbara Chikonde speaking on behalf of the Interim Managing Director, Mr. Hussam Baday, expressed concern and sadness at the emergence of Cholera and the loss of lives.

Ms. Chikonde who was flanked by Airtel Money Country Director, Mr. Andrew Chuma and Sales and Distribution Director, Mr. Francis Simfukwe, said her company was joining in the fight against the pandemic that has affected almost all the provinces of Zambia. She also conveyed best wishes to the Minister from the Airtel Africa CEO Mr. Segun Ogunsanya.

“Today, we announce our support for Zambia’s fight against Cholera through a contribution of K1 million which we hope will go a long way in helping you feed the patients at the Treatment centre that is stationed here. As part of the private sector we believe it is only right for us to mobilize resources, alongside the Government, to fight the raging pandemic,” Ms. Chikonde said.

Hon. Masebo who was also flanked by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. Gary Nkombo thanked Airtel for always being proactive in partnering with the Government in various causes and commended the Company for being an all weather friend.

“Airtel has always been an all weather friend as they have always come on board in good times and in bad times. We commend you and hope other companies can emulate your gesture. This donation of K1m will ensure that the patients are fed well as they recover, “ Masebo said.

 8 ENERGY COMPANIES FINED FOR BREACHING LICENCE CONDITIONS-Namukolo Kasumpa

By Daily News Reporter

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has fined Eight (08) energy companies a total of K408, 000 for their failure to comply with prescribed licence conditions as mandated by the provisions outlined in the Energy Regulation Act.

Manager - Public Relations Namukolo Kasumpa says the penalties were imposed following enforcement hearings, at which the offending licensees were accorded an opportunity to be duly heard.

Mrs Kasumpa however, says the ERB subsequently found the licensees wanting and warranted appropriate punitive measures, to ensure compliance and uphold regulatory standards.

She says the two companies were levied a fine of K75,000 each for operating without the necessary licence, contrary to the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019.

"The Licensees are WWWInvestment Limited for operating without a license to transport petroleum products and Chingases Company Limited for engaging in the retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)without a licence.In addition, Total Energies Zambia and Admire Energy Limited where fined K45, 000 each with Vivo Energy Zambia being fined K24,000 all for operating with retail service stock outs without written notification to the ERB," she said.

"Mount Meru Petroleum Limited was fined K45, 000 for failure to conduct licensed activity in accordance with the conditions, standards, and regulations as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB. Further, North-Western Energy Corporation (NWEC) was fined K30, 000 for failure to resolve compliance anomalies in accordance with the ERB Directive, with Minegases Company Limited being fined K45,000 for failure to comply with regulations, standards, guidelines and procedures relating to quality and reliability of supply and service as well as failure to comply with a directive of the ERB." said Kasumpa.

Mrs Kasumpa said the imposition of these fines underscores ERB’s commitment to enforcing licence conditions and maintaining regulatory standards.

'It serves to discourage non-compliant behavior and promotes an efficient and transparent energy sector that ensures public safety and protects consumer interests. The ERB has since directed all licensed companies operating in the energy sector to ensure that they always adhere to their licence conditions and set regulatory standards," she added.

"The ERB will continue to proactively monitor licensees and will not hesitate to institute enforcement action against any erring licensee(s) to ensure provision of sustainable and reliable energy services and products," Kasumpa said.

 MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE LAUNCHES FIVE POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

 "promotes ethical behavior, accountability, transparency within the rank and file of the Ministry as they act as key ingredients to fostering the conducive environment for sustainable institutional growth and trust," KALABO. 

By Daily News Reporter

The launched policies and strategies include the Conflict of Interest, Gift and Benefits,Whistleblower Protection. Others are the Entrepreneurship Development Strategy and Open and Distance Flexible Learning Strategies.

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Administration) Dr. Oliver Kalabo stated that this is a remarkable worth celebrating the first launch and unveiling of two strategies and three institutional policies as this demonstrates the Ministry’s proactive alignment with both the National Legislation and Developmental outcomes laid out in the Eighth National Development Plan (8th NDP) and as a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and National progress.

Speaking during the launch of the five policies in Lusaka Dr. Kalabo stated that the institutional policy collectively contributes to a framework that promotes ethical behavior, accountability, transparency within the rank and file of the Ministry as they act as key ingredients to fostering the conducive environment for sustainable institutional growth and trust. He called on all Government Ministries to take a leaf from the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTs) to develop and implement similar policies.

Dr. Kalabo noted that the Transparent International Zambia (TIZ) 2022 corruption perception index record shows that Zambia is ranked One Hundred and Sixteenth least corrupt Nation out of the One Hundred and Eighty Countries hence status requires to change. 

Dr. Kalabo added that the fight against corruption is a priority and on top of the agenda of the New Dawn Administration through the Leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema who has constantly emphasized with a reminder in his speeches and keep calling for the prudent utilization of resources.

Dr. Kalabo said there is need to implement efficiency of procurement of goods and services so at leave up to Zero – Tolerance to corruption so that in the work environment where we have own human failings acknowledged there is hence the need to set supreme standards to uphold of integrity, transparency, and accountability ethical conduct and compliance in the delivery for the people of Zambia but also crucial to foster a culture of transparency and responsibility to support and protecting WhistleBlowers to contribute to an environment where ethical concerns are addressed proactively and symmetrically.

He further said that  the set standard of the policies by the Ministry (MoTS) will help to address and manage potential conflicts and compromise, objectivity and unfairness hence mitigate risks associated with fraud, corruption, and other malpractices.

And speaking at the same event the Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu also stated that this institutional policies and strategies will serve as a guide to improve the performance and integrity of the executed functions of the Ministry in discharging duties and remain key to all the citizenry for the economic development of the Country.

"We have seen that the Conflict of Interest, Gift and Benefits and WhistleBlower Protection policy spell out guidelines to the staff and board members presiding over the Ministry and its institutions to embrace the preserved content and act in the best interest of the Ministry," Habeenzu said. 

He added that the institutional policies also provide mechanisms that address any misconduct hence providing a leeway for anyone to come forth with information from any retaliation.

Dr. Habeenzu further indicated that the policy documents also reflect the Ministry’s commitment amongst its staff to uphold the highest standard of ethics and credibility and transparency.

On the developed strategies Dr. Habeenzu said the Entrepreneurship Development Strategy Policy provides for a comprehensive plan to foster and support entrepreneurship of Vocational Education and Training to create a conducive environment for vocational and economic growth aimed to provide knowledge and resources amongst the youths and women so as to grow their businesses through networked entrepreneurial activities as embraced in the Eighth National Development Plan and in order to contribute to the social and economic development of the Country.

He said the launch and unveiled Open and Distance Flexible Learning Strategy provides leverages of potential digital technologies which provide access and quality learning opportunities to a diverse training particularly to those who face challenges in traditional face to face learning systems which will help remove the complex of time and place in order to replace and offer flexibility in learning.

Dr. Habeenzu said the document also aims at enhancing the capacities and competence of the educators and the learners in using technology for teaching and learning and similarly to foster a culture of lifelong learning.

He urged all the experts who tirelessly input their knowledge, resources, and key fundamental information executed on an extensive consultation and collaboration platforms to develop the documents with exerted efforts from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Cabinet Office, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), the Ministry officials and its Leadership and all the Stakeholders.

(pictures by MTS)

 LIONS CLUB JOIN IN FIGHTING CHOLERA

By Daily News Reporter

The Lions District 413 Zambia has donated materials worth over K460, 000 to the Lusaka City Council (LCC) to assist in the fight against cholera.

Speaking at a donation in Lusaka 413 Lions District Club District Governor Patrick Bulundo stated that the organization was moved to solicit support in a bid to alleviate the suffering of the people in the wake of the cholera outbreak in the country.

Lion Bulundo also commended the LCC public health workers who are on the front line of the fight against cholera, adding that the organization prioritized getting personal protective wear to ensure their safety.

And Her Worship, the Mayor of Lusaka, Ms. Chilando Chitangala, who received the donation, said it was symbolic and a representation of selflessness, goodwill and impactful community service.

She said the Lions had come to the aid of the city at a very critical time when the local authority was faced with a serious public health threat that could disturb people's way of life even further.

"In times of crisis, when communities face challenges such as the threat of cholera, it is the strength, mark of solidarity, empathy and compassion that truly defines us as a people." Chitangala said.

She appreciated the Lions Club District 413 Zambia for their dedication to impacting the lives of ordinary citizens through this donation.

The Mayor said working with the Lions guaranteed that no one would be left behind in ensuring that people, especially those in cholera hotspot areas, had the much-needed attention necessary to speed up the recovery process.

The donation, which was made at the Civic Centre in Lusaka, consisted of personal protective equipment, disinfectants, chemicals, soap, examination gloves and knapsack sprayers.

 BE INCLUSIVE IN HEALTH SERVICES - PWDs

"Us Persons With Disabilities in Zambia we are facing a lot of challenges when it comes seek sexual reproductive health services in health facilities across the country," Banda

By Daily News Reporter

Youth in Action for Disability Inclusion in Zambia (YADIZ) Ian Banda speaking at the panel discussion with media in Lusaka stated that they is need for people with disabilities to be given the same respect and dignity as all humans and by not showing them the misconception and discrimination that people with disabilities are not sexually active and are unable to reproduce.

He further said this shows that discrimination deters people with disabilities from accessing these services, making them vulnerable to HIV and Aids.

He also noted that most health facilities lack ramps for physically challenged individuals and sign interpreters to communicate their needs.

Meanwhile, HIV activist and disability advocate who is also founder of position movement Nsofwa Sampa, added that the importance of understanding their rights and reporting cases of abuse without fear or favor.

She urged parents to take the lead in empowering their children living with disabilities and for the media to be watchdogs and provide adequate information on the challenges faced by persons with compounded vulnerability and the various types of disabilities,

Furthermore, Nsofwa called for stakeholders and government to provide a positive image on issues surrounding sexual reproductive health services and to establish infrastructure that speaks to persons with disabilities in various health facilities, such as Rams.

Sampa said that many persons with disabilities are vulnerable to HIV due to a lack of a platform for reporting their issues.

ZAFOD has been concerned about the stigma and communication barriers faced by young people with disabilities when accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

A Research that was conducted by Cheshire Homes has shown that people with compounding vulnerabilities have limited access to sexual reproductive health services at health centers due to social, environmental, infrastructure, and communication barriers.

BARRIERS FACED BY PERSON WITH DISABILITIES:

Limited education opportunities for PWD on SRH issues	1
Individual level	Sex (gender)
	Socio-cultural/religious beliefs and practices
	Refugee status
	Low literacy rates among disabled people
	Lack of knowledge/ignorance (awareness) on SRH issues
	Communication barrier
	Lack of self-efficacy
Community level	Negative public attitudes towards PWDs’ sexuality issues
	Stigma and discrimination against disabled patients
	Sexual violence and abuse at the community level
	Lack of community or family support network
Health system/institutional level	Poor interpersonal relationships
	Limited/lack of knowledge/capacity on PWD SRH issues
	Insensitivity/negative attitudes
	Discrimination
	Limited consultation time
	Inaccessibility or lack of SRH information/resources
	Low staff capacity/numbers
	Lack of access to HIV counseling and testing
	Lack of adaptation of health information to suit PWDs
	Lack of privacy and confidential services
	Lack of translators/sign language specialists
	Limited availability of special outreach services for antenatal and postnatal care targeting persons with disabilities.
	Stock outs of medicine/medical services
	Lack of wheelchairs/mobility aids
	Unfriendly HIV/aids education materials
	Long waiting times
	Disability unfriendly physical infrastructure
	Lack of adjustable beds for delivery

 RTSA SPEED TICKETS PAYMENTS GO ONLINE

By Daily News Reporter

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), has introduced an efficient process for motorists to pay for speed tickets online.

The Agency has come up with this initiative to enhance efficiency and compliance among offenders as motorists can now conveniently pay their speed fines online within 14 days of issuance of the RTSA ticket.

The RTSA would however like to remind motorists that after the 14-day window, failure to settle the ticket will result in the vehicle being blocked by the system.

The Agency will extend this to all offences, apart from those with fines exceeding K450.00, which require prosecution in a court of law.

This will enhance road safety measures, speed cameras which are operational 24 hours a day can enforce compliance with Road Tax, Fitness, and Road Service Licence.

The Agency urges motor vehicle owners to ensure there is a change of ownership when a vehicle has been sold as per requirement under section 13 of the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.

Motorists should also prioritize compliance with traffic regulations and promptly address any outstanding fines online to avoid inconveniences.

The implementation of these measures aligns with our commitment to foster a safe and responsible driving environment.