Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema

Your Excellency,

It is with a heavy heart that I pen this letter, reflecting on the state of governance under your administration over the past three years. The hope and optimism that accompanied your resounding victory in 2021 driven by the votes of 2.8 million Zambians are quickly dissipating. The people who believed in your promises of change and transformation are increasingly disappointed as their expectations remain unmet.

The Zambian people did not vote for political vendettas. They voted for solutions to the challenges affecting their lives high costs of living, unaffordable fuel prices, rampant corruption like you claimed, and a struggling economy. Your campaign was built on a foundation of promises to ameliorate these challenges and restore trust in governance. Sadly, the reality today tells a different story.

Your Excellency, it is disheartening to see your administration remain fixated on former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. While you tirelessly fought him during your time in opposition, one would have expected that, upon assuming office, your focus would shift toward fulfilling your promises to the Zambian people. Instead, your government seems determined to perpetuate this political rivalry.

Let me remind you, political battles are settled at the ballot box. The Zambian people gave you their mandate in a landslide victory, but instead of focusing on the issues that matter, your administration has prioritized using constitutional amendments and the judiciary to consolidate political power. This approach undermines the trust and goodwill of the very people who voted for you.

Your Excellency, the energy and resources you are expending to undermine Edgar Lungu’s eligibility could be better utilized in tackling the corruption within your own administration. Ministries such as Health and Mines, as well as institutions like the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA), are embroiled in scandals that erode public trust. The sugilite scandal, the gold scandal that was inexplicably turned into  copper by your Minister of Mines, and the lack of accountability across sectors paint a troubling picture.

You campaigned on a platform of fighting corruption, but your actions suggest a selective approach. The Zambian people are watching, and they see double standards in your governance. True leadership begins with introspection cleaning up one’s own house before pointing fingers at others.

The challenges facing Zambians today are grave. The cost of living is unbearably high, with many families struggling to afford basic necessities. Youth unemployment remains a ticking time bomb, and small scale farmers are grappling with delayed inputs due to poor policies inorder for them to access the inputs. The much touted economic revival remains a mirage for the average citizen.

Your focus on political battles will not reduce the cost of mealie meal. It will not create jobs. It will not improve public healthcare. These are the issues Zambians care about, and they demand your attention and strategic approach not rhetoric.

Your Excellency, the introduction of the proposed Cybersecurity Bill appears to be a move to suppress dissent and stifle criticism. If you believe silencing the voices of concerned citizens will prolong your stay in office, you are mistaken. Zambians are resilient, and history has shown that attempts to curtail their freedoms only fuel their resolve.

Instead of introducing laws to silence critics, your administration should focus on delivering tangible results. The trust of the people cannot be commanded it must be earned through integrity, transparency, and service.

Your Excellency, the time has come to sober up and take full responsibility for the state of the nation. Fighting Edgar Lungu’s eligibility will not improve the lives of Zambians. It will not fix the economy, nor will it restore the hope that so many had when they cast their votes for you in 2021.

The Zambian people demand leadership that prioritizes their needs above political distractions. They demand accountability and action to address corruption in your administration. They demand solutions to the pressing issues of unemployment, rising costs, and economic instability.

History will judge your presidency not by how you silenced your critics but by how you transformed Zambia into a better nation for all its citizens. Step away from the politics of vengeance and rise to the challenge of true leadership. Focus on the mandate you were given work for the people, and let that be your legacy, you have the opportunity to create a better Zambia for all, all what you need is  putting your house in order.

Yours sincerely,
Abraham Simpamba
Together We Can
Ichalo Bantu!

Zambia’s Cybersecurity Bill: A Threat to Freedom and Democracy

In a move that raises serious alarms for civil liberties and democratic integrity, the Zambian Government has proposed a Cybersecurity Bill that threatens to trample on the fundamental rights of its citizens. While the Government claims that the legislation is designed to combat cyber threats and terrorism, a closer inspection reveals that it could pave the way for widespread surveillance, censorship, and the erosion of privacy—without proper safeguards or oversight.

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has rightly criticized the Bill, warning that its provisions are not only dangerous but also unconstitutional. The Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, includes disturbing clauses that give the state unprecedented power to monitor citizens’ online activities without judicial oversight. Surveillance measures outlined in Parts V and VIII could enable mass data collection, giving authorities carte blanche to snoop on personal communications, track online behavior, and access private data, all with minimal checks and balances.

These provisions come at a time when the global trend is toward curbing mass surveillance. Yet, Zambia’s proposed Bill seems intent on heading in the opposite direction, jeopardizing the right to privacy and undermining the principles of democracy. If passed, it would allow the state to monitor citizens without justification or scrutiny, effectively treating every Zambian as a suspect.

But it gets worse. The Bill introduces dangerously vague terms like “misinformation” and “national security threat”—terms that are ripe for abuse and manipulation. With no clear definitions, these terms could easily be weaponized against anyone who dares to voice dissent or challenge the Government. In a climate where political opponents, journalists, and ordinary citizens are already at risk of intimidation, these open-ended terms could be used to silence critics and stifle free expression. This is a direct assault on the right to freedom of speech, an essential pillar of any democracy.

The proposed Bill also ignores the core principle of judicial oversight. Under the new provisions, surveillance can be authorized without a court order, effectively placing unchecked power in the hands of the executive. This is a recipe for abuse. The notion that the Government could surveil individuals and collect personal data without any form of accountability is chilling.

The Law Association of Zambia, in its statement, rightly calls for clear definitions of key terms, mandatory judicial oversight for surveillance requests, and penalties for misuse of powers. The proposal, as it stands, is a clear overreach, one that could set back Zambia’s democratic progress by decades.

What is perhaps most concerning, however, is the Government’s apparent rush to push this Bill through Parliament without proper consultation. Civil society, human rights groups, and the general public are being shut out of a process that could fundamentally reshape the way Zambians interact with technology and the state. The lack of transparency is alarming. If the Government truly cares about the rights of its citizens, it should engage in an open and inclusive dialogue, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard before pushing forward with such an invasive and authoritarian piece of legislation.

In this age of digital transformation, cybersecurity is undeniably important. But the protection of national security cannot come at the cost of personal freedoms. The Government must reconsider this Bill and ensure that it aligns with international human rights standards. The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, for example, offers a balanced approach to cybersecurity that safeguards individual freedoms while protecting national security.

The Zambian Government has a duty to protect its citizens, but it must do so without sacrificing the very freedoms that make Zambia a democracy. Until that balance is found, this Cybersecurity Bill must be shelved—before it becomes a tool for oppression rather than protection.

Zambia deserves better. We cannot allow our rights to be sacrificed on the altar of national security. The Government must take a step back, engage in genuine consultations, and create a Bill that serves the people, not the political elites.

If this Bill passes in its current form, it will be a dark day for Zambia’s democracy—and a victory for those who seek to control and surveil every aspect of our lives.

KUMWESU DEC 5, 2024

ZAMBIA: A HISTORY OF SUSPICION AND ACRIMONIOUS DEBATES ON NATIONAL ISSUES.

By Edmond Mbanga Miti.

In Zambia, constitutional reform processes are always smeared with suspicion, misunderstandings, and misrepresentation. there’s always this notion that the government has a hidden agenda in Spearheading the much needed constitutional reviews and reforms, as a result from the first constitutional reform process in I think the 70s to now, no commission has successfully managed to institute a complete constitutional reform process.

Opposition parties and civil society organisations in Zambia always become suspicious and acrimonious towards such reform processes, even the UPND opposition did the exact same thing to MMD and PF, the PF in opposition did the same thing to the MMD to the extent that those seen to support the constitutional reform process  within the PF were even labelled “rebels” some were suspended others even expelled.

In government the PF pushed the bill of rights that was shot down by the UPND, robbing the Zambians of the much needed rights recognised by our National Constitution, the PF again pushed Bill 10 which was shot down again by the opposition, in 2021, the PF successful pushed the cybersecurity and crimes act that was signed into law by then President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and even that law was fought by the opposition led by the UPND.

So nothing happening today is really new, there’s serious need for us to put party politics aside and put Zambia first especially in matters such as these of constitutional reforms, we can’t always fight ourselves and hinder progressive agendas all in the name of politics and proving points.

Yes, i understand we are a young democracy and fears are all over as to whether  the agenda is personal or for the good of the zambian people. Today, it’s the PF again!! and other civil society organisations fighting the constitutional reforms process without proper cause, I wonder who will fight them IF and WHEN they form GOVERNMENT AGAIN.

Zambias’ favourite President His Excellency Dr Levy Mwanawasa was also a victim of this resistance to change when he was republican President and spearheaded a constitutional review and reform process and had this to say about the resistance.

President Levy P Mwanawasa on constitutional reforms during a public rally in chingola on the 15th March 2003.

“Sometimes I feel that I am being deliberately misunderstood and drawn into unnecessary debate over my commitment to the constitutional and electoral reforms. I would like to remind Zambians and those who seek to doubt our intentions that the 1990 struggle to multi-party democracy was all about the constitution.

I am fully committed to constitutional and electoral reforms, which are based on the will and desire of our people. I have no personal interests, neither does my government have its own interests, to serve outside those of our people and our nation. I shall, therefore, not do anything or stand in the way of a transparent and people driven process on these reforms.

Any efforts, which my government has made, and any pronouncements my government and I have made are not final. Neither are these efforts meant to lead the debate or frustrate efforts of others. We only seek to facilitate the process as a matter of duty.

In many ways, the  confrontation, conflict, and under-development in our nation can be attributed to the inadequacies in our constitution and our electoral system. I am anxious that we remove this confrontation and conflict, which will enable us to embark on social and economic development. We desire a constitution, which comes from the people and which shall stand the test of time.

Rather than engaging in misunderstandings, misinterpretations of our intentions, which really achieve nothing, but cause delays in the process. I want to appeal to all interested parties, such as the Oasis Forum, NGO’s, the  student and labour representatives, the church and others to assist Government in creating a favourable and friendly environment and vehicle through which we can successfully achieve the objective of creating a sustainable constitution.

A constitution worth the test of time can not be achieved in an environment of suspicion, acrimony, misunderstandings, and misrepresentation. It can only be achieved in a friendly, transparent environment – an environment based on confidence and mutual respect for all participants.

Let us all commit ourselves to this process!”

So the debate, suspicions, and misrepresentation over the cyber security and crimes act does not shock me as it’s simply history repeating itself.

What’s funny is that among the NGOs questioning the process today, one sued government claiming the 2021 act was an infringement on peoples rights and freedoms, government then responded to say they will relook those issues in their amendment, which I believe they have, today they are still fighting government but failing to point at the specific part of the bill that they feel is an infringement on people’s rights.

The law is specific and inorder to cure whatever they think is off with a particular bill, they need to be specific, but to demonise the entire bill without any specific clause or part that you feel will harm the rights and freedoms of the Zambian people is plain ridiculous and mischievous – and breads nothing but unnecessary suspicion and acrimony!!

Let those criticizing the Cybersecurity act, do a surgery on the bill, and help the government understand specific clauses that will do harm to the citizenry.

Now, the Million Dollar question, dear Zambians, is how do we achieve actual constitutional reforms without the unending suspicion and acrimony??

From a barefoot school girl to being Zambia’s Vice President

A GIRL child born into abject poverty in a small village called Mukupa Katandula of Kaputa District in Luapula province is now Zambia’s Vice President.

Who would have ever thought such miracles happen? I guess nobody until you read the story of the country’s second female Vice President.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1879X9brNb/?mibextid=oFDknk

She is that girl who could at times sit in a corner and cry herself to sleep just so she could reflect on her life.

Today, Mutale Nalumango shares that her childhood was far from being easy. Her story is one of resilience, faith and hope for every Zambian girl child who dreams of rising above their circumstances.

In her newly launched memoir titled True to Me, the Veep captures her journey from a barefoot school girl to becoming one of Zambia’s most influential leaders.

Growing up in a grass thatched house that leaked during the rains, Nalumango knew what it meant to struggle.

Her mother, without the resources to repair the roof or buy school shoes encouraged her to focus on education.

“From not knowing the date I was born because my mother had birthed eight children before me and to losing my father at the age of six. I am the only child remaining of those born between my mother and father,” shares Nalumango.

“I went to school without shoes and even to the ablution blocks. Sometimes it wasn’t very clean and it was unheard of to go there barefoot. I was so ashamed that I would sit and cry to myself.”

Now the girl child who couldn’t afford a decent livelihood became a teacher because of her determination.

She embraced the teaching career for 25 years only as her heart ached for the injustices she saw around her such as children out of school, poor healthcare and communities struggling to survive.

With no savings or retirement package to fall back on, Nalumango made the bold decision to leave teaching and join politics.

She shares in her memoir that the motivation to join politics wasn’t power or prestige, it was to fight for her people.

“What is seen cannot be unseen. After twenty five years of service as a school teacher and being far from retirement age, the suffering of my people in Kaputa was on my mind without any savings or retirement package, yet I decided to join politics and be a voice for my people,” said Nalumango.

Today, as the second female Vice President of the country, Nalumango continues to honor the values that shaped her.

She has dedicated proceeds from her memoir towards rebuilding the school where her education began, Mukupa Katandula Primary School.

And her husband, the second gentleman, Max Nalumango, spoke of his wife’s character during the launch and encouraged the audience to trust the Veep.

“People don’t trust politicians but at least there is a woman you can trust,” he shared…https://kalemba.news/trending/2024/12/05/from-a-barefoot-school-girl-to-being-zambias-vice-president/

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, December 5, 2024

Cyber Crimes Bills, Government’s Crimes Against Citizen

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

The Government of President Hakainde Hichilema has introduced two bills of concern in Parliament;

1. Bill no. 17 of 2024 intended to raise imprisonment of up to 20 years for offenses related to hate speech.
2. Bill no 30 of 2024, a new law to tackle cyber crimes, protect persons against cyber crimes and provide child online protection.

Although the proposed laws are intended to curb hate speech, cyber crimes and privacy protection, and online protection for children, a scrutiny of these proposals immediately reveals the government’s clear intention to heavily clamp down on social media.

Similar to the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2021, a decent law designed to curb rising cyber crimes and provide cyber security, was sadly turned into a law to clamp down on freedom of information, freedom of expression and right to hold and express opinions.

In this case, government has sneaked in, ridiculous and repressive proposals in the bills that literally outlaw publication of data or information that may not be favorable to Government or public officials seeking to hide in privacy protection and the proposed law has provided punitive measures in form of heavy fines or imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years.

In my earlier article I have already tackled proposed amendments in Bill no.17 of 2024.

But here are some propasals in Bill No. 30.of 2024, Cyber Crimes Bill of 2024.

The proposals are crafted in wide and undefined terms, seeking to literally prohibit freedom of expression and the right to hold opinion and commentary.

These proposed laws also literally outlaw publishing of whistle-blower material that usually exposes abuse of office, corruption, and illegalities that could be committed by public officials.

The laws, if enacted, will be the most draconian and archaic laws that have graced our Parliament and will infringe on serious freedoms and rights of citizens, especially freedoms of expression.

The provisions will likely be subject to wanton abuse by law enforcement agencies against citizens, especially critics of government.

Further, the accompanying punitive measures of upto 20 years imprisonment for hate speech and 15 years for breach of handling of private information attract jail sentences that are excessive, repressive and allow President Hichilema to literally outlaw criticism and legislate a dictatorship.

Here are some examples;

●If you access or check messages of another person (fine or imprisonment of up to five years)

● If you delete messages, information, or data of another person (fine or imprisonment up to five years)

● If you communicate, disclose, or transmit data, information, or critical information or program (fine or imprisonment of seven (7) to fifteen (15) years)

● If you release information without lawful authority ( fine or seven (7) years to fifteen (15 years) years imprisonment).

● Recording conversations without prior notice or consent (fine or two (2) years in imprisonment)

● Importation, purchase, or download of apps that can access or cause damage to another computer device (fine or five (5) years).

● If you humiliate, harrass another person online ( fine or two (2)years).

● if you publish obscene, lewd, indecent material intended to humiliate or harrass another person (fine or five (5) years)

● If you publish material that embarrasses, humiliates, public ridicule, contempt, cause embarrasment of another person (fine and two years imprisonment or both).

● Wide powers of forfeiture given to law enforcement agencies.

Other crimes cited relate to identity theft, cyber crimes, and protection of persons against cyber crimes pornography and child online protection maybe useful but its the proposals related handling of Information and punitive measures that are of serious concerns.

ANDD CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO WITHDRAW THE CYBER SECURITY AND CYBER CRIMES BILL

….the bill contains several provisions that pose a serious threat to these democratic principles

Lusaka… Thursday December 5, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The Advocates For National Development and Democracy  (ANDD) has opposed the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill which, saying in its current form, represents a direct threat to the fundamental freedoms that underpin the democracy, specifically, the critical right to freedom of expression.

The organization says freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says it is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Zambia’s own Constitution.

Mr Banda is of the view that in any thriving democracy, the ability to freely exchange ideas, critique government actions, and engage in open public discourse is indispensable.

He stated that this ensures that the voices of the people, especially those critical of the government, are heard, fostering accountability, transparency, and the promotion of good governance.

“The government of Zambia has recently tabled the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill, a proposed piece of legislation that has raised grave concerns among civil society organizations, media practitioners, legal experts, and citizens at large. The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill, as currently drafted, contains several provisions that pose a serious threat to these democratic principles. Most troubling are its vague and broad clauses, which risk criminalizing legitimate online activities such as blogging, tweeting, or engaging in online debates. These provisions give sweeping powers to government authorities, including the potential for arbitrary arrests and censorship, based on undefined or overly broad interpretations of what constitutes a “cybercrime” or a “security threat.” This bill would allow the government to regulate and control online speech under the guise of protecting national security, while in reality, it would be a tool for silencing dissent and stifling the free flow of information,” he said.

“Furthermore, the bill fails to guarantee clear protections for the right to freedom of expression, leaving individuals exposed to the risk of prosecution for simply expressing their opinions or criticizing those in power. The ambiguity of key terms like “disinformation,” “false information,” and “harmful content” is concerning, as it could lead to the arbitrary punishment of individuals based on subjective or politically motivated interpretations. This kind of overreach not only threatens the right to free speech but also undermines the very principles of justice and fairness that our legal system is built upon.”

Mr Banda firmly believed that security and freedom are not mutually exclusive.

He noted that it is possible to protect the nation from cybercrime without sacrificing the right to free expression.

“What Zambia needs is not a draconian piece of legislation that criminalizes dissent but a comprehensive and well-balanced approach to cybersecurity that ensures public safety while respecting the rights of citizens. A clear, transparent, and accountable framework for cybersecurity can be implemented without curbing the freedoms that allow for healthy debate, innovation, and the proper functioning of our democracy,” he added.

“In light of these concerns, we call on the Zambian government to withdraw this bill in its current form and engage in a genuine, inclusive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the media, legal experts, and the public, to craft a more balanced, rights-respecting piece of legislation. Zambia must stand firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, not by stifling voices of dissent but by fostering a society where every citizen can express themselves freely, without fear of reprisal.”

He further believed that the strength of Zambia’s democracy lies in its respect for fundamental freedoms, thats freedom of speech, expression, and the press.

#SmartEagles2024

KABIKA CONDEMNS MPIKA LAWMAKER FOR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE AGAINST WOMEN

The Gender Division at Cabinet Office in the Office of the President has registered its disappointment at the humiliating remarks issued by Mpika Member of Parliament, Francis Kapyanga referring to Mwandi MP as looking ‘constipated.’

Gender Division Permanent Secretary, Mainga Kabika says the Division finds Kapyanga’s behaviour to be unparliamentary and unprofessional, coming from a lawmaker.

In a press Statement issued to Zanis in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Kabika said Mr Kapyanga is supposed to push for laws to protect and respect women and fight Gender Based Violence.

“We condemn the recent instances of verbal abuse directed at female Members of Parliament which is humiliating. Such behaviour is not only disrespectful but also undermines the democratic process and hinders the progress of women in leadership positions,” she said.

She observed that verbal abuse, whether it manifests as insults, threats, or discriminatory language, creates a hostile work environment and can discourage women from actively participating in public life.

The PS stated that the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, No. 1 of 2011 of the Laws of Zambia, provides for various forms of Gender Based Violence. Section 2 of the Act defines “abuse” as “conduct that harms or is likely to cause harm to the safety, health or well-being of a person.

The definition encompasses psychological abuse, which can include emotional abuse, this involves verbal abuse, insults, humiliation, intimidation, or threats.

She added that additionally, the Gender Equity and Equality Act, No. 22 of 2015 of the Laws of Zambia, section 38 provides for a person who subjects a woman to GBV, as provided under the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, 2011, discriminates against the woman and such discrimination shall be an aggravated action as provided under that Act”.

Ms Mainga stated that In this case, the utterances made to the female Member of Parliament is a form of GBV (psychological/emotional abuse).

“While the Act does not explicitly define “psychological abuse,” it covers a range of behaviours that could be considered psychological abuse, such as harassment.

The Act prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, which can include verbal abuse and intimidation,” she said.

The PS wondered that if not curbed in parliament which is a governance body responsible for legislation, the problem will not be addressed and will continue to manifest in other spheres of life.

She explained that the worst is for this to manifest in the form of electoral violence, which will adversely affect the number of women participating in politics and consequently women’s participation in decision making.

“As an institution that advocates for the promotion of gender equity and equality we find his remarks totally unacceptable and a slap in the face of all women who are fighting so hard for their rights and representation in parliament, as well as in general leadership positions,” she said.

She stated that such utterances are detrimental to the promotion of women participation in politics as it discourages other women from participating in politics.

The PS has since strongly urged the Mpika MP to publicly render an apology to Mwandi MP.

“We would like to further implore the speaker of the National Assembly to take disciplinary action against this lawmaker, who has just dragged the nation backwards through his unbecoming behaviour,” Ms Kabika added.

The Gender Division remains resolute in promoting gender equality, a culture of respect, as well as inclusivity in all spheres of life including politics, and will not tolerate any form of GBV and sexism.

She further urged other lawmakers to adopt good doctrines as they debate critical matters and desist from dragging women down.

The Editor

STATEMENT ON KANYELELE MINING OPERATIONS IN MPIKA POLLUTING KANCHIBIYA RIVER: AN URGENT CALL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Date: 5th December 2024

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing pollution of the Kanchibiya River by mining operations in Mpika under the management of Kanyelele Mining. The discharge of untreated waste has turned the river water dark brown, rendering it unfit for human consumption and endangering the livelihoods of residents who depend on this vital resource. Livestock, aquatic life, and entire ecosystems are under imminent threat.

This situation constitutes a direct violation of Zambia’s Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, which mandates that all persons and entities engaged in potentially harmful activities must take necessary measures to protect the environment and human health. Additionally, the Act obligates mining companies to adopt sustainable waste management practices and prevent contamination of water bodies.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

1. Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011:

This law prohibits the discharge of pollutants into the environment without proper treatment and provides for punitive action against violators.

2. Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011:

It guarantees the right to clean and safe water for all citizens and regulates the sustainable use and management of Zambia’s water resources.

3. International Best Practices:

Best practices globally advocate for mining companies to adopt advanced water treatment technologies to eliminate pollutants and recycle wastewater to minimize environmental damage.

*Call to Action*

1. Immediate Remediation:

We urge the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to act swiftly by compelling Kanyelele Mining to halt the release of polluted water into the Kanchibiya River and adopt eco-friendly waste management systems.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment Review:

ZEMA must reassess the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under which Kanyelele Mining operates to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

3. Community Safety Measures:

Immediate steps should be taken to provide clean drinking water to the affected communities while addressing livestock and fisheries concerns.

*Legal Action*

In consultation with legal experts and environmental advocates, we are exploring the possibility of taking legal action on behalf of the affected residents. Section 106 of the Environmental Management Act provides for citizen suits against entities that contravene environmental regulations. We are committed to ensuring that polluters are held accountable and that reparations are made to affected communities.

*Our Commitment*

As custodians of Kanchibiya Constituency, we stand with the affected communities to protect their right to clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable development. The lives of our people, livestock, and environment are non-negotiable.

We call on all stakeholders, including ZEMA, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and civil society organizations, to join hands in demanding justice and restoring the integrity of the Kanchibiya River.

Together, let us uphold environmental justice and safeguard the future of our constituency.

Signed:

Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda
Member of Parliament
Kanchibiya Constituency