Chikuni Radio Station

18/06/2024

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We are a Catholic Run Radio Station based in the Chikuni, Southern Province Zambia.Call +260979050299

17/06/2024

WATER SCARCITY HITS SINAZEZE VILLAGE

Water scarcity has hit Sinazeze Village in Sinazongwe District, Central Province, where the impact of climate-induced water scarcity is pronounced.

Centre for Environment Justice - CEJ Sinazongwe District Coordinator Jeff Kayamba says families now rely on depleted wells in Binkiti Stream for their water supply.

He said of particular concern is the disproportionate effect on women and girls who must contend with shared access to shallow wells, often alongside livestock.

Mr Kayamba said the prolonged disrepair of the sole borehole within the village exacerbates the community’s limited access to clean water.

He said a notable lack of awareness regarding the right to clean water among community members hinders the pursuit of viable solutions.

Mr Kayamba the repercussions of inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure extend to impeding the education of children, particularly girls, in rural areas like Sinazongwe.

He said the compromised health and vulnerable circumstances of these children, predominantly girls, while engaged in water collection activities, pose substantial threats to their overall well-being.

Mr Kayamba said there is an observable pattern of protracted journeys undertaken by individuals, often children, in search of water sources located at considerable distances from their residences.

16/06/2024

Victor Cheelo Donates to Establish UPND Youth Command Centre in Monze

Monze-based youth rancher and businessman Victor Cheelo has made a donation towards the establishment of a United Party for National Development (UPND) Youth command center in Monze. This new center aims to enhance access to information for party members and the public.

Mr. Cheelo emphasized the importance of making opportunities and empowerment programs, introduced by the UPND government, accessible to the public. He highlighted the need for a centrally located venue in Monze to serve this purpose, particularly benefiting loyal party members.

Mr. Cheelo praised the UPND government under President Hakainde Hichilema for its strong commitment to providing access to information and opportunities for all Zambians. He believes the new command center will be instrumental in equipping citizens with vital information on development projects and various opportunities.

“The government is on the right track in transforming the lives of the people through initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund, which aims to empower communities and individuals,” said Cheelo.

The establishment of the UPND command center in Monze is seen as a significant step towards creating a platform where people can access the information, resources, and opportunities needed to improve their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.

16/06/2024

TRADE KINGS GROUP TO BUILD LARGEST PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLING PLANT IN ZAMBIA

One of Africa's largest glucose manufacturers, Trade Kings Group, has announced intentions to build the first and largest Plastic Waste Recycling Plant in Zambia.

Group Corporate Affairs Executive Director Phil Daka said the project would create more jobs in addition to the over 16,000 workers it employed.

This came to light during a Prebudget Submission Event organized by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers - ZAM in Lusaka, graced by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Mr Daka said the project tickles the fancy of President Hakainde Hichilema's aspirations who once went to Ghana where he visited a plastic recycling plant.

The Trade Kings Group Corporate Affairs Executive Director, however, said the Group has observed that there are no incentives that are supporting plastic waste recycling.

"The same way we going to be second in Africa in glucose production will be the first in Zambia to do full-grade plastic recycling," he said.

Mr Daka has since asked for incentives from the Government to allow Trade Kings to expedite the process of implementing the PET Recycling Plant.

Mr Daka said Trade Kings Group got an indication already from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Commerce but that Finance is the determinant Ministry.

On the other hand, Mr Daka said the beverage manufacturing sub-sector has noted issues surrounding the Smart Invoicing at Kasumbalesa Border Post on the Copperbelt to be enforced in July 2024.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the Government is committed to lowering taxes.

He said proposals for incentives will be reviewed one by one.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers - ZAM Chief Executive Officer Muntanga Lindunda.

15/06/2024

CHIEF HAMUSONDE ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN

Chief Hamusonde has called on parents and guardians to embrace the free education policy and use it to better the lives of their children.

Chief Hamusonde says it is disappointing to note that there are still people who are keeping their children at home when there is free education for all.

He tells Chikuni Radio News that the free education policy is a milestone achievement for the country as it doesn’t segregate who to benefit or not benefit.

Chief Hamusonde thanks President Hakainde Hichilema for implementing the free education policy stating that results will be noticeable even in rural areas few years from now when there will have more educated and literate people.

15/06/2024

MONZE UPND MEMBER URGES COUNCILLORS TO HOLD SENSITIZATION MEETINGS WITH THE PUBLIC

Biggie Chiiya, a prominent member of the UPND in Monze, has called on all councillors in the district to regularly hold sensitization meetings with their constituents to explain various government initiatives designed to empower citizens.

Speaking on Chikuni Radio's Friday breakfast show, Mr. Chiiya highlighted that many residents in Monze are still unaware of how to access support through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He attributed this information gap to the lack of interaction between civic leaders and their communities.

He emphasized the need for councilors to actively engage with their constituents to address and curtail public concerns.

Mr. Chiiya pointed out that while the UPND administration consistently releases empowerment funds like the CDF, the lack of effective communication between local leaders and the public has created a significant void.

He noted the importance of ensuring that government programs reach and benefit the intended recipients.

15/06/2024

GWEMBE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER DENIES CLAIMS OF UNEQUAL MAIZE DISTRIBUTION

Gwembe District Commissioner Killian Chikandula has dismissed allegations of unfair and selective distribution of relief maize in the valley district's hunger-stricken areas.

Mr. Chikandula clarified that the district received a limited maize supply, sufficient to support only four out of the 16 wards in Gwembe.

These comments come in response to accusations from former Kkota-Kkota ward Councilor, Friday Simunyama, who criticized the government for allegedly favoring certain areas in the distribution process.

Mr. Simunyama claimed that his ward had not received any relief food since the hunger mitigation efforts began, while other regions continued to receive aid.

However, Mr. Chikandula assured that all parts of the district would receive their share of relief food as more supplies are released by the government.

He urged residents of Kkota-Kkota to remain patient, emphasizing that the government is fully aware of the food challenges affecting the entire district.

15/06/2024

MQHZ CALLS FOR SWIFT ACTION TO PREVENT SPREAD OF CHOLERA

Medical Quality Healthcare Zambia (MQHZ) has called for swift and decisive action to prevent the further spread of cholera outbreaks in the Eastern Province.

In a statement, MQHZ Director General Dr. Quince Mwabu urged the Ministry of Health to implement immediate measures and highlighted the necessity of a multi-sectoral approach to eradicate cholera across Zambia.

Dr. Mwabu emphasized that cholera is a preventable disease and stressed the importance of collective efforts to address the root causes of the outbreak.

He highlighted the need to work together to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Dr. Mwabu has also appealed to the general public to take personal responsibility in preventing the spread of cholera.

He reiterated MQHZ's commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and other partners in their efforts to contain the outbreak and ensure a cholera-free Zambia.

15/06/2024

CLERGY ASKED TO BE NON-PARTISAN

A Good Governance Activist based in Monze, David Chisangano has asked the clergy in Zambia to stay away from partisan politics but play their role of a neutral advisors.

Mr. Chisangano says the growing trend where some Churches and the clergy have decided to take part in partisan politics is not good for the country and that if this trend continues it has potential to destroy the country.

He tells Chikuni Radio News that when the clergy become partisan and align themselves to certain politicians they cannot mediate peace among political leaders, as their views will automatically be considered biased.

He says the primary focus of the church in the country should be on spiritual duties rather than engaging in one-sided political discourse.

Mr. Chisangano emphasizes that the church must maintain a delicate balance between its duty and politics while ensuring that both operate independently to fulfill respective roles in society.

14/06/2024

NKOMBO DONATES LAPTOPS TO NDEKE COMBINED SCHOOL

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo has donated six (6) laptops to Ndeke Combined School of Mazabuka Town.

Mr. Nkombo was accompanied by the District Commissioner Mr. Oliver Mulomba, the Town Clerk Madam Judith Mukwita Maambo, senior government figures and UPND officials.

Speaking as he graced the event, the minister who is also Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament, said the gesture is an act of giving back to the community to better the education sector as the gadgets will enable pupils to excel in computer studies during this digital era.

Meanwhile, Mazabuka District Education Board Secretary, Mrs. Christater Mwale and Ndeke Primary School Deputy Head Teacher, Mr. Godwin Simbeye expressed gratitude over the additional donated computers, stating that they will be of great help to GCE pupils who are currently preparing for their up-coming examination

14/06/2024

MUTATI SAYS IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY WILL REDUCE COST OF DOING BUSINESS

Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati says improved connectivity across Africa will lower the cost of doing business and enhance trade.

Mr. Mutati says there is need for increased investment in digital technologies and enhanced cross-border connectivity to promote trade.

Speaking at a panel discussion of Ministers from Angola, Namibia and Zambia at the ongoing 2024 ANGOTIC ICT FORUM ON DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY in the Angolan capital Luanda, Mr. Mutati said once connectivity is enhanced, the concept of no-stop border systems which President Hakainde Hichilema is promoting in Africa, will work easily.

"This ambitious vision seeks to create seamless border crossings by leveraging digital technologies and regional corporation. By eliminating unnecessary stops and streamlining border procedures, countries can enhance trade facilitation and promote intra-regional commerce," said Mr. Mutati.

The Technology and Science Minister also called for more collaboration with multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to mobilise resources and invest in critical infrastructure.

Mr. Mutati said resources will help in putting up modern border infrastructure to enhance security.

"By harmonizing roaming policies and ensuring seamless connectivity at borders, countries can create a conducive environment for business and travelers alike," he said.

Mr. Mutati also called for Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries to pilot these initiatives and see how they can work.

He also spoke about cyber security and the efforts Zambia is making in putting up policies to promote digital transformation and technology diffusion.

Mr. Mutati is accompanied to Angola by Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu and Acting Director for Technology and Science Dr. Larry Mweetwa.

14/06/2024

SOUTH CHIEFS CONTINUE TO CONDEMN TRIBAL TALKS

Southern Province Council of Chiefs has continued to strongly condemned acts of hate speech and divisive rhetoric perpetrated by certain quarters of political circles and their affiliates.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of other chiefs, Chief Hamaundu, of Pemba district said the surge in hate speech, tribalism and intolerance are not only irresponsible but dangerous as they threaten to unravel the social fabric that hold the country together.

The Council of Chiefs in Southern Province further noted that the promotion of tribalism and ethnic division is immoral and an affront to the values if peace, respect, and harmony.

The Council of Chiefs further stated that despite the well-intentioned statements and positions condemning hate speech and promoting unity from the church, traditional leaders, government and other bodies some individuals with ill motives have continued to stoke the fire of ethnic divisions.

The Council of Chiefs in Southern Province have called on Politicians and leaders to be champions of unity and peace and not purveyors of division and discord.

The chiefs further urged government to take immediate and decisive measures to stem the dangerous tide adding that all citizens, regardless of their status or affiliation must be held accountable by the law.

The Council of chief has called on relevant authorities to apply laws consistently and impartially through the Zambia Police Service and legal justice systems.

The chief called for enforcement of existing laws against hate speech and incitement of violence, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted swiftly and fairly.

The Council of Chiefs has further implored authorities to implement educational and awareness campaigns to promote national unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among ethnic groups.

They have also encouraged political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue and refrain from using language that shows division and hatred.