UPND MP chided over alarming statement

UPND Dundumwezi Member of Parliament Edgar Singombe was yesterday rebuked for issuing an alarming and false statement in Parliament.

And Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo has disclosed that 17 cases of assault and malicious damage to property were reported to the police during the by-election in Roan Parliamentary Constituency in April, 2019.

Contributing to a motion during the questions for oral answer, Mr Singombe claimed that a National Democratic Congress (NDC) member was murdered in the fracas that characterised the by-election.

“Minister, I remember one life was lost in Roan Constituency during the by-election. I want to find out whether the people who killed that NDC member were arrested or the matter is still under investigation?” Mr Singombe asked the minister.

In response, Mr Kampyongo told Mr Singombe to stop spreading falsehoods in the House.

The minister said no one was killed during the by-election, adding that it was wrong for the UPND parliamentarian to make an alarming statement to the nation.

“I would like to urge Hon. MP for Dundumwezi to stop making alarming statements that cannot be proved.

“First of all his question is mischievous, and secondly it is alarming to insinuate that there was one person who was murdered when not. The police have no such information. So, we would like him to only present facts in this August House,” he said.

NDC Roan MP, Joseph Chishala asked the Minister of Home Affairs how many cases of assault and malicious damage to property were reported to the police during the by-election in Roan Parliamentary Constituency.

Mr Chishala also wanted to know how many people were arrested for assault and causing damage to property, how many people have since been convicted; and if no arrests were made, why.

MTN has committed to net zero emissions by 2040 as a way of contributing to a sustainable future following the impact of climate change which is becoming increasingly visible in the world.

There is need to keep addressing the need and challenges of society, which includes playing a part in mitigating the effects of climate changes, says MTN Group president and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita.

Mr Mupita said it was for this reason that MTN Group had set science-based targets to achieve a 47 percent average reduction in absolute emissions by 2030.

“As we build and operate the telecommunications infrastructure to drive greater digital and financial inclusion, we believe that our growth and success should not come at the expense of the future of our planet,” he said in a statement.

Mr Mupita said the group was excited about the next chapter in the MTN story and recognised the need to run and operate its business with sustainability at the core.

“We have a role to play in Africa and the Middle East to contribute meaningfully on much needed actions to mitigate the impact of climate change, that is why we are committed to achieve net-zero emission by no longer than the end of 2040,” he said.

MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Systems Officer, Charles Molapisi, said ICT companies and mobile operators have the potential to significantly contribute to global decarbonisation efforts.

Mr Molapisi said: “we are pleased that project zero is in full swing, actively driving energy efficiency and carbon emission sustainability.””