Help restore Mwembeshi Police Post, business community urged

By Ann Zulu

THE Community Committee in George compound has called on the corporate world to assist in reconstructing Mwembeshi Police Post which was set ablaze recently.

Irate George residents last month burnt down Mwembeshi Police Post in protest after the suspected ritual killings in the area.

However, the community mobilised themselves to reconstruct the police post to maintain police presence in the area.

                               Mwembeshi Police Post

Committee representative Richard Sichela said works on the police post stalled due to insufficient funds.

“We mobilized ourselves and have already started rebuilding the police post, but we are facing some challenges in terms of funds. There is a lot which needs to be done, such as the roofing and other building materials,” he said

Mr. Sichela noted that although some few companies had assisted, there was need for more companies to come on board if the police post was to be completed on time.

He called on the corporate world to extend its social responsibility to the people of George and help to restore police presence to the area.

Mr. Sichela said the police post was a safe haven for residents and kept crime under control, saying that there were a lot of criminal activities in the area.

“We appreciate some few companies that have helped us, but we need more companies to come on board too. There are a lot of criminal activities in George compound and people cannot live without a police post,” he said.

Youths cry to Govt for empowerment

By Ann Zulu

YOUTHS in Lusaka’s Jack compound have called on Government and the business community to empower them.

They lamented that they had no recreational facilities, prompting them to engage in illicit activities such as drug and alcohol abuse.

                                          Youths in Lusaka

“The majority of young people in this community are unemployed and we do not have any recreational facilities;  that’s why we resort to drinking beer,” the youths said.

According to one youth, Kelvin Zimba, there was need for Government to implement youth policies which were already in place.

 “Government should make it possible for young people to contribute to the country's economic growth by implementing youth policies to empower them. The Youth Empowerment Fund should be made accessible to all,” he said

Mr. Zimba also stressed that the business community had a pivotal role to play to make life easier for young people who were the future workforce and entrepreneurs of the country.

He urged the business community to initiate projects that would empower young people in the area.

Another youth Martha Mwenya implored Government to help the people in the area by improving water reticulation.

She noted that water supply was erratic and the community depended on water kiosks.

“Water still remains a challenge here; so we are requesting Government to look into this issue and help us,” she said.

Chawama National Assembly office opens

By Ann Zulu

THE National Assembly office for Chawama constituency has opened, says area ward councillor Potipher Tembo.

Mr Tembo confirmed  in an interview that the office was built at a cost of K250,000 with the help of the corporate world.

Previously the Parliamentary office for the constituency was at Findeco building on Cairo Road.

                         New Chawama constituency office

 “We had no secure and permanent place, so we decided to think outside the box and involve the corporate world. The owner of Embassy mall is the one who gave us K250,000 and as area councillor I was able to facilitate the land, so it was built purely under corporate social responsibility,” he said.

Mr. Tembo said he was delighted that the office had been opened in his ward.

He noted that this would enable the constituents to have easy access to their leaders.

“For me, as area councillor I am very honoured and happy. It gives a voter an upper hand in accessing their Member of Parliament and councillors.

“Now there are no transport challenges like it was the case at Findeco House. We want to create a provision where all the four councillors will be operating from the same roof,” he said.

Mr. Tembo observed that the opening of the office in the constituency had reduced the cost that the National Assembly had been paying in form of rentals.

Man with 6 wives

They say it is controversial, one might even say dramatic for one man to have many wives.

                                      Jonas Matibenga with his five wives

Most questions that probably run on many people’s minds when they hear that a man has many wives are that; why would one man have a lot of wives? How does he manage to feed them all together with their children? Does he really love them all?

I recently visited Chisholeka village in Chongwe District and met this 90 years old jovial man.....Mr.Jonas Matibenga a farmer and polygamist. He had six wives, but unfortunately one of them died, living him with five and he claims to love them all.

                                            Jonas Matibenga

The most interesting part is he has 47 children and 70 grandchildren. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public outrage over filthy Inter-city toilets

By Ann zulu

TRAVELLERS and visitors have expressed outrage at the state of the fee-paying public toilets at Lusaka’s Inter-city bus terminus – the country’s inter-connector hub to all parts of Zambia and beyond.

                                  Inter-city bus terminus 

While a toilet is supposed to be a clean place to prevent the breeding of germs, council-owned toilets at the busy Inter-city bus terminus have turned into bacteria incubators.

A visit at the terminus’ ladies toilets  revealed a bad and disgusting state of affairs, as the toilets were not flushing; the floors were strewn with feacal matter and urine and toilet door handles were broken.

And some travelers talked to expressed anger and shock at the filthy state of the toilets and accused Lusaka City Council of failing to maintain the facility although the council was collecting thousands of Kwacha every day from people paying to use them.

Nabwalya Kabwe, a business lady who travels to and from Nakonde at least twice a week, noted that the state of the toilets at the country’s largest bus station was a major health risk to the public, as people using them were exposed to diseases.

She said it was absurd that the local authority had failed to maintain the toilets when people where paying K2 to use them.

“It is so disgusting; immediately you just step in all you see are faeces and urine everywhere on the floor and I wonder what the local authority is doing about this because this issue has been there for quite a while now.

“The toilet doors can’t lock because the handles are broken, so one has to hold the door shut while using the toilet,” she said.

Another traveler, Mary Moonga, implored LCC to act quickly as the poor state of the toilets at the bus terminus was an embarrassment to Zambians and a disgrace to travelers from other countries who used them.

“The council should do something as soon as possible because we have visitors and tourists who use these toilets; what will they think of us as a country?

“Health inspectors should visit the toilets and see for themselves; they keep collecting money but fail to maintain health standards,” she said.

Chawama Clinic Staff under fire

By Ann Zulu

MEDICAL staff at Chawama Clinic in Lusaka have come under fire over a wide range of unprofessional conduct stretching from extortion to harassment of patients.

The patients who expressed disgust at the manner in which the health institution was being run, accused the staff of causing emotional trauma to patients who visited the Clinic in need of medical attention.

                                        Chawama Clinic

An elderly woman who identified herself as Nakulu Mubanga told this reporter that the health facility had been transformed into a disaster area, with nurses being the chief culprits.

“We spent almost the entire day queuing only to be told that 

there is no medicine and we have to look for it elsewhere. I am 69 years old and terribly ill, where do I get the energy and money to buy medicine? This Clinic is no longer the way it used to be in those days, nurses are rude,” she lamented.

Another patient Mutinta Hakalima, who recently gave birth from the clinic, accused nurses operating from the maternity ward of harassing women in the ward.

She called on government to send health inspectors to inspect the ward frequently and take stern action against the culprits.

“I gave birth at the clinic two weeks ago, I went there hoping that I will be helped to give birth to my baby by experts, but I was shocked by the way I was treated together with other women.

“The nurses were rude; we were not given the attention we needed. It was a horrible experience and I think government should start inspecting the wards and see how women are treated by the so-called nurses,”

But Lusaka Provincial Medical Officer Kennedy Malama assured that patients and members of the public that his office would investigate the matter further.

Dr. Malama said it was the mandate of the health sector to provide quality health services to the people

He implored members of the public to alert government on such irregularities at public health institutions.

“Such feedback from the people is important, because we use it on how we can continuously improve health services provisions. We will investigate this issue and culprits will be dealt with, so it is important thatwe area informed of any irregularities at public health institutions,” Dr.Malama said.

Bauleni water crisis sorted out, Sata.

By Ann Zulu

FUNDING has been put in place to address the water problem in Lusaka’s Bauleni Township, Lusaka province Minister Mulenga Sata has disclosed.

Mr. Sata was reacting to complaints by residents over the closure of some boreholes in the area which they said had caused a water crisis for over a month now.

Recently, the Ministry of Health closed some boreholes in Bauleni following the outbreak of Cholera in the area.

The residents lamented that the move by government to close some boreholes had brought them misery as they had to scramble and walk long distances to access water.

They implored government to look into the issue as soon as possible, stating that water was one of the most important basic commodities people could do without.

Mr. Sata said government was aware of the situation in the Township.

                     Lusaka province Minister Mulenga Sata

“The problem is to do with the contamination of boreholes that has been put up by the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC).As you are aware, all the water in Bauleni is supplied from boreholes,” Mr. Sata said.

He assured the residents that the water challenge would soon be a thing of the past, as funds had already been put in place to address the situation.

Mr. Sata told this reported an interview that a directive had already been given to LWSC to clean the boreholes and provide more water tankers to the affected area.

“LWSC has been working on this situation; all these challenges will be a thing of the past very soon. The water utility has also been directed to put up more water tankers in the area,” he said.

Mr. Sata further stated that efforts had been made through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to supply water during this period.

Fake pastors on the loose in Lusaka

By Ann Zulu

MARKETEERS and shoppers in Lusaka have been warned to be on the lookout for fraudsters masquerading as pastors who are fleecing individuals desperate for prosperity and blessings.

Senior citizen Kelvin Moyo, who also runs a business at City Market, observed that there were people who were promising fake miracles to unsuspecting individuals.

Mr Moyo said the fraudsters were now targeting markets, especially Soweto and City markets.

“These people are going round markets, pretending to be preaching the word of God and in the end they demand for money in exchange for blessings,” Mr. Moyo said.

He noted that women were in most cases the victims of such fraud, as they were too desperate for blessings.

Mr. Moyo said a good number of women had continued to hand over their money after being promised super profits and miracles by the fake preachers.

“Women are the most vulnerable to such tricks because they get too desperate for miracles. It shouldn’t be that way because prayers should be free,” he said.

He advised both traders and shoppers to be on the alert for the fraudsters masquerading as pastors and cheating people out of their money especially in the markets.

Mr Moyo called on law enforcers to start inspecting markets and apprehend fake pastors swindling innocent people.

“In every country there are rules which ought to be followed; someone can’t just wake up one morning and swindle people in the name of preaching God’s word. It’s not right,” he said.

Illegal parking rules Lusaka streets as car population booms

By Ann Zulu

LACK of parking space in Lusaka’s Central Business District has forced people to park in undesignated roadsides, thereby blocking and narrowing the roads.

Spot checks around Lusaka town revealed that some motorists are forced to park along the roadsides which in turn narrows the roads, making it difficult for vehicles going in opposite directions to pass each other and causing traffic congestion.

                                       Cars in Lusaka

One of the motorists, Marvin Kapembwa, noted that some places were clearly designated “No Parking”, but call-boys were seen collecting parking fees from motorists, thereby legalising illegal parking.

“It’s like some call-boys are now doing business from that, they are collecting money from motorists and assigning them illegal parking spaces,” Mr. Kapembwa said.

Another motorist, Silwimba Silume, observed that in the CBD, most of the parking spaces have been leased out to corporates, leaving out other motorists.

Mr. Silume also blamed the city’s planning, saying it did not give enough room for expansion, hence the problem of parking space.

“As it is now, most parking spaces around Lusaka are taken up by members of staff of various companies who park for long hours, making it impossible for customers or clients to find parking space. And also the planning and design of this city is not all that good,” Mr. Silume said.

Lusaka City Council (LCC) public relations manager Mulunda Habeenzu admitted that the council was aware of the growing number of vehicles in the city and the pressure it was exerting on the available parking spaces.

Mr. Habeenzu indicated that the council had not gone to slumber, adding that the short term measure was to make sure that motorists manage the parking space available in the city.

However, he warned that the council will not entertain parking of vehicles in undesignated places.

“We are aware of the high population in the city, and we have not ignored that fact. While we are working on solutions, please let us all observe right parking and always remember to give others a chance to avoid congestion and accidents,” Mr. Habeenzu said.

Kanyama residents lash out at ‘no-show’ MP

By Ann Zulu

KANYAMA residents have accused their Member of Parliament Colonel Gerry Chanda of failing to keep his promise of bringing development to the constituency.

They charged that their MP had done nothing to improve their living conditions.

Kalumba Mwila, a resident of John Laing township said the MP promised during his campaign to provide better roads and health facilities, but after winning election he cut ties with his constituents.

Mr. Mwila said most of the roads in the area were in a deplorable state and that health facilities still remained a challenge as residents had to go to Kanyama to access medical attention.

“The MP promised to pave the roads, pay attention to health issues, but nothing has been done so far.The roads are still bad and we do not have health facilities. We rarely see him here, he has done completely nothing for the people of John Laing,” Mr. Mwila said.

Col. Gerry Chanda, Kanyama MP

Another resident of Kanyama townshipTiza Mwale called on other constituents not to re-elect Colonel Chanda in the forthcoming elections, accusing him of hampering development in the area.

Ms. Mwale indicated that even after so many complaints, access to clean water and sanitation were still a challenge in the area.

She stated that even though MPs did not have executive authority, they should be able to take people’s problems and requirements to the relevant authorities.

“There is no benefit in re-electing him in the next elections, he has failed to deliver and bring our complaints to relevant authorities. As long he stays in power, the constituency will never develop, so he should be voted out,” she said.

But Colonel Chanda called the criticism untrue.

He said he had initiated various developmental projects in the constituency, saying that he had done better compared to nine MPs who had served Kanyama constituency before him.

“I am a very proud MP, I have done the best compared to other MPs that have come before me; nobody can take that away from me.

‘‘In terms of development Kanyama is in a far much better place than I found it. I have done more than 15 roads and brought forth infrastructure development,” Col Chanda said.

He charged that those complaining were ‘‘hired thugs’’ bought by his opponents who were trying to de-campaign him in the forthcoming general elections.

“Those are just hired gangs trying to de-campaign me, but that does not worry me. I will remain focused and I am still contesting the elections,” he said.

Help us reform, Chibolya youths tell Govt

By Ann Zulu

YOUTHS in Lusaka’s Chibolya township have implored Government and the business community to help fight youth delinquency in the area by putting up sporting structures.

Chibolya is one of Lusaka’s notorious compounds renowned for drug trafficking and a haven of crime.

But young people in the area are determined to paint a positive picture of the area, by using soccer to keep them away from a life of delinquency.

                                         Drug addict

They noted that the levels of drug and alcohol abuse among youths in the country was extremely high and feared that the situation would worsen if not addressed.

Moses Chali, a youth spearheading a community football club called the Young Stars in the area, the youths were engaged in anti-social vices due to lack of adequate recreation centers to keep them busy.

“The majority of young people here are jobless, so they end up abusing drugs and alcohol which is not a good thing. If only Government and other organizations can come on board and build sporting facilities, I am sure all this could come to an end because young people love sports,” Mr. Chali said.

Mr. Chali said he decided to come up with a football club in the area to deter fellow youths from engaging in drug pushing and crime and appealed for assistance or sponsorship from well-wishers.

“I came up with this club just to help keep my fellow youths away from bad vices. I have about 20 youths who come to play and they are all talented.  What is lacking now is sponsorship; we just need more people to help us,” he said.

Students blamed for breaking homes.

By Ann Zulu

THE increasing number of boarding houses in residential areas of Lusaka is causing havoc in the families as wives complain that their husbands are cheating with female college students.

The wives are now calling on the authorities to close boarding houses, saying they are turned into sex venues.

“These students are all over the place hunting for men, especially in Kabwata. I have now caught my husband twice with one of these students, but the next time it happens again I will beat her up and teach her a lesson she will never forget,” said undisclosed source.

She indicated that most of female students go out with married men for money.

“They come here and eat all the money their parents gave them for tuition and up keep and they start flirting with married men to give them money,” she said.

                                     Boarding house

Tewani Mwale of Kalingalinga noted that husbands would lie to their wives that they were going to local pubs to watch the English Premier League Football, when in fact they were seeing girlfriends at boarding houses in the neighborhood.

“I think parents need to sit down with these students before they send them to school, most of them are good girls when they go home but when they are here they are here where there no parents they join their friends into misbehaving, I don’t think they can excel,” she said.

And speaking on the condition of anonymity one of the students said it was unfair for female students living in boarding houses to be blamed for breaking marriages.

“How can one tell if a man is married or not? I think the students are just scapegoats. If their marriages are not working out, they should not blame it on students, we are here for education that all. Moreover it’s not everyone,” she said.

Foreign-owned shops in Lusaka remain shut

By Ann Zulu

FEAR and panic which recently swept through Lusaka’s George, Zingalume, and Chunga compounds has forced foreign-owned shops to remain shut after they were looted by angry and riotous mobs.

A survey by this reporter revealed that most of the shops were still shut forcing residents to seek services elsewhere.

Recently, residents in the three compounds went on rampage, looting foreign-owned shops following rumours that foreigners were involved in the ritual killings.

foreign-owned shop closed

But on Tuesday night, President Edgar Lungu ordered the security services which included the Zambia Army to restore law and order in some parts of Lusaka.

Foreigners, especially Rwandese who were the main target, charged that despite intensified security and police presence in the affected areas, they still felt insecure to live or do business. They feared that something worse could happen to them.

One Rwandese, Emmanuel Usabimana, of George compound whose shop was looted and had lived in Zambia for more than 20 years, described the accusations and attacks on foreigners as unfair. He said that most of them were innocent and there was no concrete evidence that Rwandese nationals were involved in the ritual killings.

Mr. Usabimana lamented that he had lost all the money and goods worth K160, 000.

“It is so unfair that people could easily judge us and loot our shops. Moreover, some of us are Zambians because we came here when we were young and have grown up from here. Zambia is our home. Where else do we go to if we are treated as outcasts?

“I am so nervous because I don’t know what might happen to me next. I have lost everything I have worked for and don’t know where to start from,” he said.

And some Zingalume residents noted that looting of shops had affected them negatively as they had nowhere to shop from and had to walk long distances to buy their groceries.

“The people who looted the shops were not Zingalume residents because we have lived in harmony with the Rwandese. Now all the shops are closed. We don’t have anywhere to buy groceries from,” they said.

According to the Zambia Police, 256 people had been arrested in connection with the looting of foreign-owned shops in Lusaka.