MVCL Invests in Modern Facilities to Enhance Customer Experience

By Daily News Reporter 

Mulungushi Village Complex Limited (MVCL) has launched a series of significant developments aimed at strengthening its position in Zambia’s hospitality sector and enhancing customer experience.

Also Mulungushi Village Complex Limited unveiled a New Logo for the Complex which will give a look for the Hospitality industry.

The developments include the unveiling of seven newly renovated and modernized hotel-standard rooms, the introduction of a new corporate logo, and the handover of Villa Number 34, marking a milestone in the company’s strategic growth plan.

The investment is expected to create value for shareholders, improve guest experience, and ensure the complex remains competitive in an evolving hospitality market.

Speaking during the launch, MVCL Vice Board Chairperson Mirriam Chiyaba said the initiatives are part of broader efforts to strengthen corporate governance, enhance staff performance, and improve operational efficiency.

She added that the company is targeting a 16 percent year-on-year revenue growth while maintaining a cost-to-revenue ratio of not more than 80 percent to ensure financial sustainability.

Meanwhile, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Development Corporation, Cornwell Muleya, expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the complex.

Mr. Muleya noted that he has witnessed the transformation of the village over time and was encouraged by the strong response to the challenges faced by the institution.

He emphasized that comfort, security, and leadership remain key pillars for achieving independence and sustainable growth within the organisation.

MVCL also expressed gratitude to its shareholder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), for its continued support and guidance in the management and development of the complex.

 ZCTU Empowers Women and Youths to Lead Zambia's Labour Movement 

By Daily News Reporter 

In a decisive move to strengthen the labour movement, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) convened a landmark Women and Youth Leadership Training Workshop this week, drawing delegates from across its affiliated unions. The workshop underscores ZCTU’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of trade union leaders who are equipped to defend workers’ rights and drive social justice.

Speaking during the workshop, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General Dr. Joy Beene emphasized the importance of inclusivity in leadership. “A strong labour movement must create space for every worker—men, women, and young people—to participate actively in shaping the direction of our unions and the future of work in our country,” he said.

The event coincided with the dual celebrations of International Women’s Day, themed “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”, and Zambia’s Youth Day, themed “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited for a Sustainable Future.”

 These milestones served as a powerful reminder that the vitality and sustainability of the labour movement depend on empowering women and young workers today.

Participants engaged in discussions on leadership development, gender equality, and youth empowerment within unions. The training emphasized the need for active, vibrant women and youth structures, which go beyond symbolic representation to enable real influence in decision-making and mobilization of workers.

Dr Beene also noted that women workers continue to face discrimination, limited promotions opportunities, and workplace harassment, while young workers struggle with high unemployment, insecure jobs, and low wages.

 “A trade union movement that excludes women cannot be strong. A trade union movement that ignores young workers cannot be sustainable,” he stressed.

The workshop also reinforced the principle of solidarity across generations and genders. Experienced leaders were urged to mentor the next generation, while young workers were encouraged to step into leadership roles and actively organize their peers. Men and women alike were reminded that building strong unions is a shared responsibility.

With Zambia approaching a national election year, participants were also urged to maintain professionalism in the workplace, keeping unions focused on advancing workers’ welfare rather than partisan politics.

By the end of the workshop, delegates left equipped with practical strategies to recruit more women and young workers, promote gender equality, and strengthen the institutional capacity of their unions.

Dr Beene said that ZCTU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affiliates in building democratic, inclusive, and forward-looking unions.

This workshop marks a milestone in Zambia’s labour movement, signaling a clear dedication to empowering women and youth while reinforcing the principles of solidarity, justice, and sustainable leadership.

 Zambia Urged to Ratify African Disability Protocol to Advance Inclusion 

By Daily News Reporter 

n Zambia, the call for stronger protection hand inclusion of persons with disabilities is growing louder as advocates urge Zambia to ratify the African Disability Protocol, a continental agreement designed to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities across Africa.

Disability rights activists say ratification of the protocol would represent a critical milestone in Zambia’s journey toward equality and inclusive development.

For many advocates and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the protocol is more than just a legal instrument. It represents a long-awaited opportunity to strengthen legal protections, remove social and structural barriers, and ensure that persons with disabilities can fully participate in national development.

Across Zambia, many persons with disabilities continue to face challenges that limit their access to education, employment, healthcare, and participation in public life. Although the country has made progress through various laws and policies aimed at protecting disability rights, advocates say implementation gaps remain.

These barriers, they argue, continue to exclude thousands of people from opportunities that could improve their quality of life.

Speaking during a media engagement in Lusaka, Mr. Misheck Katongo Mutamba, Programmes Manager at the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations, said the push for ratification has been ongoing for several years.

According to Mr. Mutamba, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities have spent more than five years engaging government institutions, civil society groups, and international partners to encourage Zambia to ratify the protocol.

Through consultations, awareness campaigns, and policy dialogue, disability rights advocates have consistently emphasized that ratification would help strengthen legal frameworks aimed at protecting persons with disabilities.

“This is not charity. This is justice. This is development. This is Zambia keeping its word,” and in their appeal directed at authorities responsible for social services, justice, and legislative processes.

The African Disability Protocol was developed to complement global frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, while addressing challenges that are specific to the African context.

Unlike broader international agreements, the protocol focuses on issues that are particularly prevalent across the continent, including stigma, harmful cultural practices, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, and barriers to political participation.

It also places strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups within the disability community, including women, children, and persons with albinism, who often face multiple forms of discrimination.

The protocol officially entered into force in 2024 after at least 15 African countries ratified it, marking a significant step forward in strengthening disability rights across the continent.

Among the countries that have ratified the protocol are Angola, Rwanda, and South Africa, reflecting a growing continental commitment to promoting disability inclusion.

Within Southern Africa and the wider continent, momentum toward ratifying the African Disability Protocol continues to grow.

Countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, and Uganda have already ratified the agreement, reinforcing regional efforts to strengthen protections for persons with disabilities.

For Zambia now has an opportunity to join this growing movement and position itself as a regional leader in disability inclusion.

Ratification, they argue, would demonstrate the country’s commitment to aligning national policies with continental and international human rights standards.

Efforts to promote the ratification of the protocol are being supported through partnerships between local disability organizations and international development partners.

These dvocacy initiatives are co-funded by the European Union and implemented through collaboration with organizations such as Sightsavers, the Zambia Federation of Disability Organisations, and the Albinism Foundation of Zambia.

These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the protocol and encourage policymakers to prioritize disability inclusion within national development agendas.

They also seek to ensure that persons with disabilities themselves are actively involved in shaping the policies and programs that affect their lives.

At the heart of the disability rights movement lies the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” a phrase that emphasizes the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in decisions that affect them.

For disability advocates in Zambia, ratifying the African Disability Protocol represents an opportunity to put this principle into action by strengthening participation, representation, and accountability.

He further argues that disability inclusion should not be seen as an act of charity but as a matter of human rights, equality, and social justice.

As advocacy efforts intensify, disability rights groups are urging authorities to complete the ratification process before the end of the first quarter of 2026.

"They say doing so would send a strong signal that Zambia is committed to protecting the rights of all its citizens, including those living with Disabilities," He added.

More importantly, ratification could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms aimed at removing barriers and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.

For many Zambians living with disabilities, the African Disability Protocol represents hope for a future where they can access education without discrimination, secure employment opportunities, participate in governance, and live with dignity.

Mr Mutamba also said that the conversation about the African Disability Protocol goes beyond policy documents and international agreements. It is about the kind of society Zambia hopes to build—one where inclusion is embedded in every sector, from education and healthcare to employment and political participation.

"As calls for ratification grow stronger, campaigners say the decision now rests with policymakers," Mr. Mutamba said.

For Zambia, they argue, ratifying the African Disability Protocol would not simply mean signing another international document. It would signal a commitment to a future where development truly leaves no one behind.

Zambia Strengthens Consumer Protection Ahead of Global Commemoration

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia is preparing to join the rest of the world in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, 2026, under the global theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.” This year’s national commemoration will take place in Kabwe, Central Province, bringing together regulators, consumer organisations, businesses, and members of the public to highlight the importance of product safety in the marketplace.

The annual event serves as a platform to raise awareness about consumer rights while promoting responsible production and trade practices. At the centre of this year’s theme is the recognition that consumer confidence depends heavily on the safety and quality of products and services available in the market.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka Chairperson of the National Organising Committee, King Syachika, who represents the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), stated  that the campaign aims to remind both consumers and businesses that product safety is a shared responsibility.

He also noted that unsafe products—such as counterfeit medicines, expired food items, poorly labelled household goods, and substandard services—continue to pose risks to the health and financial security of consumers. These risks not only endanger individuals but also weaken public trust in regulatory systems and the wider economy.

Across Zambia, consumers interact daily with a wide range of goods and services including food, medicines, household products, transport services, energy products, and digital platforms. 

He further said that When these products meet safety standards, consumers can make informed choices with confidence. However, when they fail to meet these standards, the consequences can be severe.

From this stakeholders has noted the rise in counterfeit and poorly labelled products in some markets has made it increasingly important for regulatory institutions to strengthen market surveillance and enforcement. Collaboration between government agencies, the private sector and civil society organisations is therefore essential in ensuring that consumers are protected 

This year’s commemorations will include a series of awareness-raising activities such as media engagements, school exhibitions, and community outreach programmes aimed at educating the public about their rights and responsibilities as consumers. These activities will be implemented at national, provincial, and district levels to ensure the message reaches communities across the country.

And Mr. Syachika added that consumer education is a key pillar in building a safer marketplace. An informed consumer is better equipped to question suspicious products, read and understand product labels, and demand accountability from businesses.

He urged consumers to actively protect themselves by checking expiry dates, verifying product information, and reporting unsafe or counterfeit goods to relevant authorities. They are also urged to use available complaint and redress mechanisms when their rights are violated.

Businesses, on the other hand, are being called upon to uphold ethical practices and comply with safety standards at every stage of production, distribution, and sale. According to the organising committee, companies that prioritise product safety not only protect consumers but also strengthen their brand reputation and long-term sustainability.

As Zambia prepares to mark World Consumer Rights Day, Mr Syachika also said the commemoration provides an important opportunity to reaffirm the country’s commitment to building a marketplace where safety, transparency, and accountability are the norm.

Ultimately, the message behind the 2026 theme is clear: when products are safe and standards are enforced, consumers gain the confidence to participate fully in the economy—creating a healthier, more trustworthy marketplace for all.

 Collaboration and Research Drive New Era in Sickle Cell Management

By daily News Reporter

For decades, sickle cell disease has silently burdened families across Zambia, robbing children of their health and communities of their potential. With 20–25 percent of the population carrying the sickle cell gene, the condition represents a significant public health challenge—one that has often been met with limited resources, fragmented services, and inadequate access to treatment.

But today, Zambia is charting a new course. Through the establishment of 19 specialised treatment units, the inclusion of hydroxyurea in public health facilities, and the rollout of national clinical guidelines, the Ministry of Health is transforming sickle cell care from a neglected concern into a structured, nationwide priority. These interventions not only promise improved survival and quality of life for patients but also signal a commitment to equity, research, and evidence-based practice.

For this reason Zambia has taken a major step forward in the fight against sickle cell disease (SCD) with the establishment of 19 specialized treatment units, the inclusion of hydroxyurea in public health facilities, and the introduction of national clinical guidelines to standardize care.

These measures, where announced during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Lusaka, mark a turning point in efforts to improve survival and quality of life for patients living with the condition. 

Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, officiated at the meeting and described the interventions as critical in addressing what he called a “significant public health concern.”

He noted that between 20–25 percent of Zambia’s population carries the sickle cell gene, underscoring the urgency of scaling up care nationwide.

“Sustained investment in research, policy integration, and improved access to treatment are essential to reducing mortality and improving quality of life for patients,” Dr. Lishimpi said.

Among the interventions outlined were:

19 specialised sickle cell units across the country staffed with trained personnel.

Hydroxyurea added to the national essential medicines list, improving access to effective treatment.

National clinical guidelines to support care at primary healthcare levels.

Stroke risk screening for children using transcranial Doppler technology at University Teaching Hospitals (UTH).

Advanced care options such as red cell exchange transfusion at UTH, Lusaka Multi-State University Teaching Hospital, Ndola Teaching Hospital, Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital, and the Women and Newborn Hospital.

While most services remain concentrated along the line of rail, limiting access for rural populations, Dr. Lishimpi highlighted ongoing collaborations with the American Society of Hematology to expand training and specialist programmes. Community Health Workers are also being engaged to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and strengthen follow-up care.

Dr. Catherine Chuunda Liyoka, Consultant Paediatrician at UTH and Principal Investigator for the PACTS Sickle Cell in Africa project, emphasised the importance of translating research findings into policy and practice. She pointed to challenges such as limited diagnostic services, shortages of specialist care, inconsistent hydroxyurea availability, and lack of mental health support.

“Collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, media, and communities is essential to sustain progress in sickle cell care,” Dr. Chuunda said.

The meeting brought together health directors, medical staff, researchers, and media, programme managers to validate research findings and ensure recommendations are practical and actionable. Dr. Choonga, Lusaka Province Health Director, stressed the importance of evidence-based practice and translating research into implementable solutions that can strengthen services across the province and serve as a model for other regions.

As Zambia moves forward, the Ministry of Health has committed to expanding newborn screening, decentralizing specialized services, and strengthening international partnerships. For families affected by sickle cell disease, these measures represent hope for improved care, reduced mortality, and a brighter future.

And of the beneficiaries from the meeting, at just 25 years old, Mwansa from Chawama Compound in Lusaka, has already lived through challenges that many adults would find overwhelming. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease as a toddler, at his childhood was marked by frequent hospital visits, painful crises, and missed school days. For his parents, each episode was a reminder of the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future.

“I used to get sick almost every month,” Mwansa recalls.

“Sometimes I couldn’t go for work, and I felt different from other workmates,”

For years, treatment options were limited, and his family struggled to manage the condition. But things began to change when Zambia introduced specialized sickle cell units and made hydroxyurea available in public health facilities. Mwansa was among the first patients at University Teaching Hospital to benefit from the new services.

With hydroxyurea therapy and regular monitoring, her crises became less frequent. Doctors also screened his for stroke risk using transcranial Doppler technology, ensuring early intervention. Today, Mwansa goes for work regularly.

His mother describes the transformation as “a miracle of science and care.” She says the availability of specialised services has given his son not just treatment, but hope.

Mwansa’s story is one of resilience and survival, but it also reflects Zambia’s broader commitment to improving sickle cell care. With 19 specialised units now established, national guidelines in place, and advanced care options available, patients like Grace are no longer defined by their disease—they are empowered to live fuller, healthier lives.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 Restoring Dignity: NWASCO Helps Girls Stay in School

 By Daily News Reporter

For many girls across rural and peri-urban communities, the dream of education remains fragile. While classrooms stand ready and teachers prepare lessons, countless girls are forced to stay home—held back not by lack of ambition, but by barriers beyond their control. Cultural norms, early marriages, and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products combine to create a cycle of absenteeism and dropout.

These consequences are profound: missed lessons turn into lost opportunities, and lost opportunities become lifelong disadvantages. Studies show that girls who are denied consistent access to education are more likely to face limited economic prospects and diminished social participation. Yet, behind these statistics are real stories—young learners whose futures are interrupted simply because they lack the basic tools to manage their daily lives with dignity.

For these reasons the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) donated reusable menstrual wear to 400 girls' worth of K110. 000.00 at Mulalika Primary and Secondary School in east part of Chongwe Zambia, in a move aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and reducing absenteeism among school-going girls.

The donation its part of NWASCO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on improving sanitation, hygiene, and health standards in communities across Zambia.

Speaking on behalf of NWASCO Chief Executive Officer, Secretary to Council/ Legal Council Mr. Andrew Mwansa, emphasized that access to menstrual hygiene products is not a luxury but a necessity. They noted that studies show some girls miss up to 36 school days annually due to lack of proper sanitary materials, a situation described as a serious barrier to education and national development.

“Access to menstrual hygiene materials is not a luxury but a necessity. When girls are unable to manage their menstrual health with dignity, it affects their confidence, academic performance and overall well-being,” Mr. Mwansa said.

School authorities welcomed the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. The head teacher expressed gratitude to NWASCO for choosing Mulalika School, noting that many learners come from vulnerable households where access to sanitary products is limited.

And Representing District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Chongwe (Joseph Chanda), Ms. Chabu Magdalene Education Standards Officer also commended NWASCO for complementing government efforts in promoting girl-child education. They stressed that menstrual health management is key to achieving inclusive and equitable education.

The reusable menstrual wear, designed to be washed and reused for several months, offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Beneficiaries were also trained on proper usage, hygiene practices, and care to ensure the products remain safe and durable.

Some of the girls expressed joy and relief after receiving the items, saying the support would help them attend school consistently without fear or embarrassment.

A 16-year-old Mumba, a Grade Eight pupil at Mulalika Secondary School in Chongwe District told daily News that she used to dread the arrival of her monthly period. Coming from a vulnerable household, her family could not afford to buy disposable sanitary pads regularly. Each month, Mumba missed several days of school, too embarrassed and anxious to attend classes without proper protection.

“I would stay home because I was afraid of staining my uniform,” she recalls.

“Sometimes I would miss important lessons and even tests.” Mumba said.

Her story is not unique. Many girls in rural and peri-urban Zambia face similar challenges, with studies showing that some miss up to 36 school days a year due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.

That changed when NWASCO donated reusable menstrual wear to Mumba’s school. For the first time, she received a set of washable, eco-friendly pads designed to last several months. Alongside the donation, she and her classmates were taught how to use and care for them properly.

“Now I can come to school every day without worrying. I feel comfortable, and I can concentrate on my lessons. I want to become a nurse one day, and this support is helping me stay on track.” Mumba said.

Her teachers have noticed the change too. Mumba’s attendance has improved, and she participates more actively in class. The head teacher describes the donation as “a gift of dignity and opportunity,” noting that it has restored confidence among many girls.

And one of the parents receiving the donation on behalf of her child expressed gratitude for NWASCO for this imitative to help girl child to attend school lessons,

“I feel happier than I was because it was too expensive to buy these pads for my child so like this help am humbled,’ parent said.

 For Mumba, the reusable pads are more than just a product—they represent freedom, dignity, and the chance to pursue her dreams without interruption.

This initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader efforts to promote water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools, while addressing social barriers that hinder girls’ education. Stakeholders at the event called for continued partnerships between regulatory bodies, the private sector, and communities to ensure that no girl is left behind due to preventable challenges related to menstrual health.

(c) All Rights Reserved.

 

CCMG Assesses Zambia's Boundary delimitation 

By Daily News Reporter 

As Zambia undertakes one of the most constitutionally significant exercises in its electoral cycle, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has stepped into the national spotlight with a comprehensive observation of boundary delimitation sittings conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia across the country.

To ensure nationwide coverage, CCMG deployed 116 trained observers—one in each of Zambia’s 116 districts—to monitor the district-level boundary delimitation sittings facilitated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia. The exercise forms a critical step toward the possible creation of seventy (70) new constituencies, a move with far-reaching implications for representation, equality of the vote, and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the August 13 general election.

Boundary delimitation is more than a technical redrawing of lines on a map. It is a constitutional process that directly affects political representation, access to power, and the principle of equal suffrage—the idea that every citizen’s vote should carry roughly the same weight.

While Zambia’s Constitution provides broad guidance, including the need to consider history, diversity, and cohesiveness of constituencies, both constitutional principles and international best practice require that constituencies achieve approximate equality in population size.

CCMG’s analysis reveals stark disparities that undermine this principle. For example, Kanyama Constituency, with 178,424 registered voters, and Lufubu Constituency, with just 11,440 registered voters, each elect a single Member of Parliament—despite their vastly different populations. Such imbalances, CCMG argues, weaken the foundational democratic principle of “one person, one vote.”

Based on reports from its 116 observers, CCMG concluded that the district boundary delimitation sittings were generally conducted in line with established procedures. All sittings were held as scheduled, presided over by ECZ officials, and attended by council or other government representatives.

 Stakeholders were given opportunities to make submissions, discussions were largely peaceful, and relevant demographic and geographic data were presented to guide deliberations.

Publicity about the sittings was reported in 91% of districts, and 97% of sittings were held in public venues. Media presence was recorded in nearly all districts, helping to enhance visibility and accountability.

However, beneath this procedural orderliness lay several areas of concern that CCMG says must be addressed to safeguard the integrity of the process.

In a statement issued to Daily News  Peter Mwanangombe CCMG Program Director stated that one of the most significant challenges identified was the limited time allocated for consultations. Each district was given just one day for its delimitation sitting—a timeframe many stakeholders felt was insufficient given the political sensitivity and technical complexity of the exercise.

In districts with complex geographic layouts or strong traditional structures, participants reported struggling to adequately scrutinize maps, population data, and proposed boundary changes within the available time.

Transparency concerns also surfaced. Key reference documents—most notably the 2019 Boundary Delimitation Report and the Electoral Reform Technical Committee (ERTC) Report—were shared in only 12% and 16% of sittings respectively.

He further noted that limited informed participation and revived public skepticism, particularly given that the 2019 report was never officially released, fueling controversy and eroding trust in past delimitation outcomes.

While traditional leaders attended 96% of sittings and Members of Parliament were present in 82%, participation across other stakeholder groups was uneven. Civil society organizations and faith-based organizations were represented in only 55% of sittings, while attendance by political parties other than the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) was noticeably lower.

Mr Mwanangombe added that accessibility for persons with disabilities also emerged as a concern. CCMG reported that 9% of venues were not accessible, and 12% were too small to accommodate all stakeholders—shortcomings that undermine the constitutional principle of inclusivity.

"Although most sittings were peaceful, CCMG documented two critical incidents that underscored the political sensitivity of boundary delimitation," said Mwanangombe.

In Kasempa District, a sitting ended prematurely after stakeholders failed to resolve disagreements over proposed boundaries. In Chongwe District, violence erupted when rival groups of UPND cadres clashed, resulting in stone-throwing and one injury. No arrests were reported.

Peter Mwanangombe has further  strongly condemned all forms of violence, emphasizing that boundary delimitation is a technical and consultative process that must be conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment.

As the process moves from district to provincial sittings—where submissions will be reviewed and consolidated into a final delimitation report—CCMG has urged all stakeholders to strengthen transparency, inclusivity, and technical rigor.

CCMG called on the ECZ to proactively publish and distribute foundational documents, clearly explain how stakeholder submissions will be weighed, incorporate Voting Age Population (VAP) data where feasible, and improve accessibility standards at consultation venues. Political parties were urged to promote peaceful, evidence-based participation, while civil society and faith-based organizations were encouraged to intensify civic education and coordinated engagement.

CCMG’s observation paints a picture of a process that is procedurally sound but fragile—one that risks losing public confidence if gaps in transparency, inclusivity, and communication are not addressed.

With boundary delimitation directly shaping electoral fairness and representation, the stakes could not be higher. As Zambia edges closer to the 2026 general election, how these lines are ultimately drawn—and how openly that process is conducted—will serve as a defining test of the country’s democratic commitment.