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Mwembeshi Resources Limited ordered to cease mining works in Lower Zambezi National park

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GOVERNMENT has ordered Mwembeshi Resources Limited to cease all mining works in Lower Zambezi National park with immediate effect.

This is due to non-compliance by the company which violated a number of conditions of the May ,7 2021 Environmental Impact Assessment  for proposed Large-Scale mining activities.

In the recent past, there has been heightened interest in the proposed large-scale mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park by Mwembeshi Resources Limited, because of alleged commencement of mining operations in the area.

However, it has been established that the company has not adhered to the conditions as stipulated by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and has since been ordered to cease works.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu said to the effect, all works should immediately cease.

“I have received numerous queries from many Zambians, seeking clarification from me and my Government, on the way forward on this matter. However, it must be understood that ZEMA is the designated Government Agency responsible for issuing environmental permits and carrying out compliance monitoring to all mining entities in the country,” he said.

He stated that the permits are issued with specific conditions in the Decision Letter, which must be religiously adhered to by all permit holders, failure to which specific penalties as provided for in the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, are meted out.

“I have been informed that multiple inspections and legal reviews by ZEMA, have established beyond reasonable doubt, that Mwembeshi Resources Limited has violated a number of conditions of the May 7, 2021 Environmental Impact Assessment Decision letter for the proposed Large-Scale mining activities under Licence No. 15547-HQ-LML in Lower Zambezi National Park of Luangwa District,” he said.

He noted that consequently, ZEMA under his Ministry, in accordance with Section 106 of the Environmental Management Act number 12 of 2011, served a Compliance Order on Mwembeshi Resources Limited of Lot number 397 a/2/C off Chipwenupwenu Road Makeni, in Lusaka District, in Lusaka.

“ZEMA has further Ordered Mwembeshi Resources Limited to immediately; cease the construction of roads in the National Park which includes excavations, hauling of materials, dumping of laterite and other construction material, clearing of vegetation and all related activities, cease the mining of gravel and other road construction materials from the two borrow pits and any other sources within the National Park.”

“Cease the construction of foundations for buildings and any other project activities and  submit a site environmental restoration plan for the degraded environment at the borrow pits and any other areas in the National Park. The degraded environment shall be restored to its former or better state as required by the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011. ZEMA shall ensure full compliance to the Compliance Order by Mwembeshi Resources Limited,” Mr Nzovu said

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 1st June, 2023)

Politics

PF Secretary General Nakachinda involved in a road traffic accident 

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PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda has been involved in Road Traffic Accident after the vehicle he was driving was hit into by a locomotive.

This happened when Mr Nakachinda who whilst driving an Isuzu vehicle failed to give way to a locomotive hence his vehicle was hit into.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the incident occurred today around midnight along the Great North Road at Shikoswe railway crossing.

“Involved was Raphael Mangani Nakachinda aged 45 of house number 1794 Inkanga area of Kafue District who was driving an Isuzu registration number BAH 8695 from North to South who sustained bruised left πarm ,bruised back of the neck , bruised left ear and painful left leg, whilst the vehicle incurred a shattered front windscreen, extensively damaged right side body, rear passenger’s door and both rear lights,” he said.

He said also involved was Vincent Mabinda aged 45 of unknown house number a driver of a Goods Train from west to east direction which had no damages.

“The accident happened when Mr. Raphael Nakachinda who whilst driving an Isuzu vehicle failed to give way to a locomotive hence his vehicle was hit into by an on-coming Locomotive which had the right of way,” he said.

Mr Hamoonga said the accused has since been charged for the offence of Careless driving and his vehicle impounded at the Police station.

(Mwebantu, Saturday, 2nd December, 2023)

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Politics

I am ready to risk my life to save the PF, says Edgar Lungu 

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“I AM ready for anything, including risking my own life to save the Patriotic Front (PF),” Former republican President Edgar Lungu has said.

Mr Lungu says victory is certain and that the machinations by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in form of ‘Imingalato’ will not stop him.

He has also noted that he is aware that the next move by the UPND is to lift his immunity, but he is ready and not worried about the outcome.

Speaking when he addressed the media on a number or issues, he said that he did not intend to get back into active politics, but he did so to ensure that PF lives on.

He noted that this was from the backdrop of the machinations from Government to steal, kill and destroy the PF in order to continue their stay in power.

“The machinations became more when those in power wanted to state a coup in PF using their stooges. They were illegally endorsed by police, followed by the National Assembly to swot democracy. This becoming more vivid when the victim who in this case is the PF is treated as a villian and a state sponsored sect is being given protection by the law,” he said.

Mr Lungu claimed that unfortunately, for those in power, it is not possible to submerge the PF in an attempt of using ‘Imingalato.’

“In this regard, I made a call to all opposition s as to defend Zambia’s hard earned democracy. I called for unity of purpose and today I am humbled for the unanimous response. Victory is certain, we shall certainly defeat those scheming against democracy,” he said.

He further claimed that he came back into politics to save the PF from being stolen of killed by the government.

“I am aware the next move is to lift my immunity from prosection. This does not worry me. It is another ploy to divert people from their failure, ” he said.

(Mwebantu, Friday, 1st December, 2023)

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Politics

‘Imbwili’ jailed for hate speech

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OPPOSITION Patriotic Front (PF) member of the Central Committee and former Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has been handed a five-month prison sentence for hate speech by Kasama Magistrate’s Court.

In this case, Kambwili, 54, of house number 9, Wisteria Avenue, Luanshya was charged with the offence of expressing hatred and ridicule of the persons based on tribe and place of origin.

Kasama Resident Magistrate Samson Mumba found Kambwili after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubts.
And in mitigation, Kambwili who spoke through his lawyer told court that he was a first offender, a family man and a person who previously served the nation as a cabinet minister.

He also urged the court to take into consideration his health.

In sentencing Kambwili, Magistrate Mumba said he took into account the mitigation.
He however said he sentenced Kambwili to five months imprisonment to deter would be offenders.

Meanwhile, after judgement was passed, Kambwili’s lawyer Kaizara Tembo told journalists his client will appeal against the verdict.

“Currently we are making efforts to lodge in an application for bail pending appeal,” he said.

Kambwili has since been transported to Milima Correctional Facility in Kasama.

(Mwebantu, Thursday,  30th November, 2023)

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