Former Kalulushi Mayor calls for concerted efforts in fight against cholera

FORMER Kalulushi Mayor Rashida Mulenga has said the task to fight and stop further spread of the cholera epidemic calls for collective responsibility from various stakeholders because the devastating effects of the pandemic cuts across religion, tribe and political affiliations.

And Kalulushi Municipal Council (KMC) has closed down 34 bars for operating under unsanitary conditions and selling alcohol in the markets and has also distributed liquid chlorine to 240 households in the areas where the bars were shut down in a bid to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Ms Mulenga said it was imperative for various stakeholders to join efforts with government in stopping the spread of the epidemic and mitigating its effects to ensure a clean and heath environment.

The former Kalulushi Mayor was speaking in an interview during the weekend after taking part in the flagging off of the cholera prevention cleaning program at Luato market.

"The cholera epidemic is upon us and it is everyone's responsibility to take part in curbing the outbreak. Earlier this week, we joined the district leadership in the flagging off of the cholera prevention cleaning programme at Luato market.

"Let's all join hands in fighting cholera starting from our homes. It's not a favour we are doing for anyone else but for our own benefits.We need to change our mindsets towards the issue of waste management.We see it as only a council responsibility, removing ourselves from it,'' Ms Mulenga said.

And Kalulushi Municipal Council (KMC) Assistant Public

Relations Manager Lidah Kamanga has disclosed that the local authority has closed down 34 bars for operating under unsanitary conditions and selling alcohol in the markets.

Ms Kamanga also said the local authority has also distributed liquid chlorine to 240 households in the areas where the bars were shut down in a bid to ensure access to clean and safe water.

Ms Kamanga said the 34 bars were closed in Magum and and Nsokoloko markets during an operation which was conducted in the early hours of Saturday by a combined team of health inspectors, Zambia Police and Council police officers.

"The council has with immediate effect shut down 34 bars that were found operating in unsanitary conditions and also selling alcohol in the market, we also gave out 240 liquid chlorine to the two areas. The enforcement was carried out was in accordance with the provisions of the liquor licensing Act,'' Ms Kamanga said

Ms Kamanga said, in order to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the district,the local authority would not tolerate any people compromising that and put the health of residents at risk.

"Reccognising the importance of community involvement in disease prevention, the local authority would raise awareness and promote practices that could help curb the spread of cholera. In addition to the closure done in these two areas we also took time to sensitise the people on the cholera preventive measures,"she said.

BY NAMO PHIRI THE Zambia Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification of China (ZCPPNRC) have condemned the recently held illegal election of William Lai as the leader of China's Taiwan province.

ZCPPNRC Executive President Che Jianjun retaliated that Taiwan was an inseparable part of China and the principles of one China policy must be respected by all nations across the globe.

"The illegal election of William Lai lacks the true mandate of the Taiwanese people. It is evident that the majority, representing 60% of the population did not vote for him but rather expressed their desire for a peaceful reunification with mainland China through their support for other candidates," he said

Mr Jianjun said the recent election results where only 40% of the votes were cast in favor of William Lai signify a clear indication that the majority of the Taiwanese population unequivocally supports a peaceful reunification with mainland China.

"The voice of the people should not be disregarded and their desire for a united China should be respected," said Mr Jianjun

Mr Jianjun said China has consistently upheld the principle of peaceful reunification with Taiwan, advocating for a peaceful dialogue and negotiations to resolve the differences.

The Association called upon the international community to respect China's territorial integrity and sovereignty and refrain from any actions that could harm the peaceful reunification process.

The Association further called upon the international community to recognize and respect China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue.

Mr Jianjun said ZCPPNRC remained committed to promoting peace, stability and harmony in the region and will continue to work towards the peaceful reunification of China.