PRISCILLA MWILA Lusaka ZAMBIA has secured two key leadership positions in the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), having been elected vice-president of the assembly and vice-chairperson of the council for the 2027–2028 term. The appointments give Zambia a greater role in shaping the strategic direction of the treaty-based intergovernmental organisation, which supports developing and emerging economies in transitioning towards inclusive and sustainable low-carbon growth. Minister of Green Economy and Environment Gilbert Siame said the election will help strengthen Zambia’s influence in the governance of an institution whose membership has grown to 55 countries. Dr Siame said this during the 15th session of the GGGI Assembly and 19th session of the council, held jointly on Friday last week in Seoul, South Korea. According to a statement issued by first secretary for tourism at the Zambian embassy in Seoul Zondi Chilembo, Dr Siame said the appointments will enable Zambia to contribute more...

CHOMBA MUSIKA, MARY LEMBA Lusaka PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says construction of Africa’s first oral cholera vaccine manufacturing plant, to be established in Zambia, will commence next month as the country intensifies efforts to combat the disease. Mr Hichilema said the facility, which will be located at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, is part of Zambia’s contribution to continental efforts to eliminate cholera. Zambia and Chinese company International Medical Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of the plant, which is expected to produce 20 million doses annually. Speaking when he swore in Minister of Housing Christopher Kalila and his Transport and Logistics counterpart Charles Milupi yesterday, Mr Hichilema said the initiative demonstrates the country’s commitment to addressing cholera through preventive measures. “We are proud as a nation. Media, next month we are launching the construction of the cholera vaccine production plant, here in the country;...

MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka FORUM for Democracy and Development (FDD) parliamentary candidate Daniel Chisenga has withdrawn from the November 5 Mandevu by-election, citing alleged threats to his life. Mr Chisenga said in an interview yesterday that unknown individuals and some political players have threatened him, prompting his decision to quit the race. “Yes, I have pulled out of the race because of threats from unknown people and some political players,” he said. Mr Chisenga said he has communicated his decision to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which is yet to confirm his withdrawal. His exit leaves three candidates in the race for the Mandevu seat next Thursday. The constituency has more than 123,000 registered voters. Remaining contenders are Adrian Banda of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Ntazana Musukuma of the Leadership Movement (LM) and independent candidate Daniel Daka. Meanwhile, ECZ has urged officials assigned to the by-election to...

MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his administration will work with traditional leaders to address issues pertaining to chiefdom boundaries countrywide. President Hichilema said the 1958 boundary map, designed by the colonial administration, is causing problems that require attention. Speaking yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo ll of Chongwe District, the head of State directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Lusaka provincial leadership to establish a process of traditional boundary resolution. President Hichilema said his administration’s focus is development as opposed to traditional leaders having misunderstandings over demarcation issues. “This 1958 boundary map is not solving problems. Actually, it’s causing a lot of problems. “Did we expect anything different? No! Because who drew those boundaries? It’s a colonial government, depending on who they spoke to in an area. Here, they would have spoken to one or two people at...

ZAMBIA needs to give renewed attention to urban planning and the provision of decent, affordable housing as rapid urbanisation continues to put pressure on land, infrastructure and social services. For too long, urban planning has not received the attention it deserves, resulting in the growth of unplanned settlements and overcrowded neighbourhoods on the margins of major cities, particularly Lusaka. This is not unique to Zambia, as many African cities have grappled with similar challenges as people move to urban centres in search of employment, education and better opportunities. However, the growth of our towns and cities should not be an excuse for disorder. Rather, it should compel Government and local authorities to plan ahead, provide adequate housing and ensure that development takes place within an orderly framework. We therefore welcome Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s call for urban planning that responds to the needs of communities by improving access to basic...

Musokotwane warns breaches in procurement, contracting can lead to arrests CHOMBA MUSIKA Lusaka MINISTER of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane has urged cabinet ministers to strictly observe public financial management regulations, warning that breaches in procurement, contracting and expenditure can lead to arrests and court cases. Dr Musokotwane said ministers need a firm understanding of budget processes and public finance management to ensure accountability in their respective ministries. He said this yesterday during an orientation meeting for ministers on the national budget and government development programmes. The meeting followed Wednesday’s cabinet appointments and was convened to familiarise the new ministers with budgetary processes and Government’s development agenda. Dr Musokotwane said the 2027 national budget is not the responsibility of his ministry alone, but a collective cabinet position that requires a unified approach. “Cabinet must speak with one voice and have a unified position before the budget is taken to...

MARY LEMBA Lusaka THE K69.7 million University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) water supply improvement project has reached 70 percent completion, with the remaining works expected to be completed by December this year. Minister of Health Roma Chilengi said reliable water supply is essential in health facilities, where shortages can disrupt service delivery and expose patients to infections, including cholera. Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony, Professor Chilengi said Government is committed to addressing long-standing water supply challenges at UTH to ensure patients receive care in a safe and hygienic environment. He said the project demonstrates Government’s determination to restore reliable water supply at the hospital, adding that efforts will continue to ensure the improved infrastructure benefits other health facilities within the UTH premises. Prof Chilengi said water is a fundamental human right and a non-negotiable requirement in hospitals because it is essential for patient care, sanitation, cleaning and other medical services....

Chipata Hospital says they continued living in institutional houses despite receiving terminal benefits MAYENGO NYIRENDA Chipata CHIPATA Central Hospital in Eastern Province has given 52 families occupying government houses 14 days to vacate the properties following an Auditor General’s report that found that the properties are being illegally occupied. The families, comprising retired civil servants and relatives of deceased employees, have reportedly continued living in the institutional houses despite receiving their terminal benefits and repatriation allowances. In an eviction notice dated October 26, 2026, hospital senior medical superintendent Mbinga Mbinga directed retired civil servant Nawa Mubita, who occupies house number B16, to vacate the property. Dr Mbinga said Mr Mubita has continued occupying the house without authorisation despite receiving his repatriation allowance upon retirement. The notice stated that, under Cabinet Circular No. 12 of 1996, government properties located within public institutions, including hospitals, schools, police stations and military barracks, are...