ONE of the country’s young football sensations, Robert “Sugar Sugar” Banda, is reportedly on the radar of European clubs.
The 16-year-old striker, who plays for Super League side Atletico Lusaka, has been making waves in the football scene with his impressive performances.
Banda was one of the standout players at the recent CAF U17 African Cup of Nations Cosafa qualifiers in South Africa, where he scored a goal and provided three assists, helping Zambia claim gold and qualify for the CAF U17 African Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.
Banda’s impressive record speaks for itself. He scored 14 goals and provided seven assists for Sporting Lusaka before making the jump to Super League side Atletico Lusaka.
He has already made two appearances and provided an assist for Atletico Lusaka this season.
Atletico Lusaka has a reputation for nurturing young talent, having transferred several top youngsters to European clubs in the last 12 months, including Joseph Sabobo Banda (Zurich/Switzerland), Joseph Liteta, Miguel Chaiwa (Young Boys/Switzerland), Kingstone Mutandwa (Cagliari/Italy), and Gift Siame (Leganes/Spain).
Vedanta disappoint Copperbelt residents
By Barnabas Zulu
VEDANTA Must Return has expressed disappointment over the delay in Vedanta Resources’ fulfilment of promises made to the people of the Copperbelt.
Vedanta Must Return is an organisation that advocated and solicitated for the return of Vedanta, after the company had parted ways with the government.
However, the organisation is regretting its advocacy as it is now disappointed with the failure by Vedanta to fulfil most of its promises.
In a statement issued yesterday, Chishala Mwamba, the chairperson of the Vedanta Must Return Community Campaign Movement, criticized the lack of visible progress since Vedanta’s return to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). The movement had been a key advocate for Vedanta’s return, based on the company’s promises to rejuvenate KCM, create hundreds of local jobs, and contribute significantly to the Zambian economy. Vedanta had also committed to investing over $1 billion, with at least $300 million promised for the initial months of operation.
However, Mwamba said concerns are growing in the community as these commitments remain unfulfilled. “While we remain confident in Vedanta’s capacity to deliver on these commitments, we believe it is essential to ensure timely and effective action,” he stated.
To address these concerns, the Vedanta Must Return movement plans to begin formal engagements with Vedanta-KCM in early 2025. The discussions will focus on reviewing the progress made so far and will aim to clarify key issues, including clear timelines and milestones for the creation of business opportunities, jobs, and investments. The movement also seeks greater transparency on ongoing and planned initiatives and will explore ways to accelerate the delivery of tangible benefits to the local community.
The movement also intends to collaborate with various stakeholders, including KCM employee representatives, clergy and faith-based organizations, community leaders, and local business owners, to ensure the engagements are productive and inclusive.
Mwamba also urged Vedanta to focus on sustainable, long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that meet the real needs of the community. “It is crucial that these initiatives leave a lasting impact,” he emphasized. “Most importantly, young people must have a seat at the table, contributing their insights and energy to the revitalization of this critical asset in Chililabombwe and Chingola.”
The movement remains committed to ensuring that Vedanta’s return leads to meaningful opportunities and development for all local residents. “We are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the return of Vedanta translates into meaningful opportunities and development for all,” Mwamba concluded.
Gov’t enhances efforts on water rights and sustainability
By GIDEON NYENDWA
THE Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation is making strides to uphold the right to water as a fundamental human right, according to Permanent Secretary Engineer Romas Kamanga.
Mr. Kamanga highlighted the government’s ongoing projects aimed at ensuring equitable access to water for all.
He noted the revision of the Water Policy, the establishment of a Statutory Instrument on Rainwater Harvesting, and Cabinet approval to amend the Water Resources Management Act.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Zambia NGO WASH Forum in Lusaka, Mr. Kamanga stressed the need for enhanced financing and collaboration to promote sustainable water management and safeguard water rights.
Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PC-WASH) Chairperson Mutinta Twaambo explained the formation of the caucus, which stems from a Memorandum of Understanding between the Zambia NGO WASH Forum and the National Assembly.
Comprising over 30 MPs, the caucus works to address water challenges, including encroachment on water recharge points.
Mr. Twaambo noted that some MPs have personally funded borehole drilling in response to water shortages in their constituencies.
Zambia NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba emphasized the forum’s role in enhancing coordination among stakeholders in the water sector and established with support from UNICEF, the forum now includes 40 members and continues to expand.
Board Chairperson Marlon Phiri called for innovation and dialogue to bridge gaps between water service providers and the public, advocating for improved understanding and mindset shifts.
Maria Carriero, Project Manager for the Water Voices United initiative, revealed that her project is playing a pivotal role in uniting civil society organizations (CSOs) in the WASH sector.
“The Water Voices United project, co-funded by the European Union and Danish People’s Aid, is driving transformative change in Zambia. By strengthening WASH CSOs’ roles in governance, we aim to ensure a sustainable and equitable future where access to clean water and safe sanitation becomes a reality for all,” she said.
Schools to reopen despite cholera
THE Ministry of Health has announced that schools, including those in cholera-affected Nakonde, are ready to reopen in January as scheduled.
Speaking during a press briefing, acting Minister of Health, Douglas Syakalima, assured that the disease is being contained and that all necessary measures are being put in place to prevent further outbreaks.
“We usually work as a team with other stakeholders such as the local government, Ministry of Water and Sanitation, and Ministry of Health when there is a disease outbreak,” Mr Syakalima stated.
Therefore, Mr Syakalima expressed confidence that schools can reopen on the scheduled dates, but cautioned that they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Should we see anything else, the Ministry of Health will advise accordingly,” Mr Syakalima said.
He said the total number of cases recorded in Nakonde since December 24, 2024 stands at 13, adding that two patients have been discharged, while the remaining 11 individuals are in stable condition, indicating effective manage
