By SYLVIA MWEETWA
SOME wives of soldiers in Kohima and Chindwin barracks in Kabwe have attributed high accidents within the area to increased learner soldier drivers.
The increased cases of accidents within the two barracks have forced the army command to ban unlicensed drivers from driving in or out of the barracks.
In an interview some soldiers’ wives narrated that the barracks had become a dangerous place to live in not only for children but also the elderly who often get hit.
The women complained that some soldiers did not have drivers’ licences  to allow them drive vehicles and wondered why the Road Safety and Transport Agency (RTSA) has not taken action.
“A lot of soldiers have bought vehicles and accidents have become common not only within the barracks but even outside because most of them are not competent,” they said.
They said a suspected drunkard soldier recently hit a child and later hitting into the newly constructed houses within Chindwin barracks.
Another accident happened when a soldier rammed into a packed minibus in Lukanga area injuring five people and attempting to speed away but was apprehended by passengers.

Ndola cops impound 13 pirate  taxis, arrest four drivers

By CHATULA KAMPO –

TRAFFIC Police in Ndola last week impounded 13 pirate taxis and arrested four drivers for illegally operating at the junction of Kwacha and Kalewa roads in Northrise residential area.
Traffic police officers and the anti-robbery squad carried out a joint operation to clean up the illegal taxi rank that posed a danger to all road users.
A number of accidents had been recorded from the spot.
District traffic officer Clement Nsunda confirmed that the four that were arrested were unruly drivers who did not want to cooperate during the operation.
Mr Nsunda said the four were appearing at the Ndola margistrate court for various traffic offences.
He said the 13 pirate taxis were being kept at Kansenshi police station.
“We blocked the taxi drivers with the help of the anti-robbery squad, the pirate taxi drivers at that rank are very violent and unruly, traffic police cannot do this alone unless  with the help of our colleagues from the flying squad,” he said.
Mr Nsunda, however, appealed to the impounded vehicle owners to report to the police without fail.
He said his officers were also pursuing the drivers that run away during the operation.
Meanwhile, some resident have commended the police for cleaning up the area which posed a danger to  road users especially pedestrians and passengers.

Partner with local traders, ZRL urged

By JAMES KUNDA –

GOVERNMENT has urged Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) to partner with local trades training institutions and create employment opportunities for young people graduating as skilled contractors.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, Panji Kaunda said ZRL should create strong linkages with technical skills training centres, so that contractors are not outsourced for the purpose of railway rehabilitation.
Colonel Kaunda was speaking in Kabwe last week where he toured the ZRL workshop, the head office, including other infrastructure owned by the rail firm.
“This company must build strong linkages with trade’s institutions like the one here in Kabwe so that local youths are employed to carryout assignments such as the railway rehabilitation programmes that are ongoing,” he said.
The deputy minister said Government was happy with the progress made by Zambia Railways towards refurbishing dilapidated and railway infrastructure.
“No country can develop if the transport sector is centered on roads alone and that is why Government has also invested in the rail rehabilitation projects,” he said.
Speaking earlier, ZRL Kabwe workshops manager, Christopher Makukula said the firm was working towards achieving a transportation rate of 1.5 million tonnes of cargo by next year.
He said the company will continue to consider local youths ahead of outsourcing foreign manpower.
Col Kaunda was on a tour of the main railway line from Kabwe to Chililabombwe, to check on rehabilitation works being undertaken by Zambia Railways, following the Government’s investment of US$120 million from the eurobond.

Chalala residents cry for a police post

By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA –

SOME Chalala residents have appealed for the construction of a police post, citing escalating crime levels.
And police spokesperson Charity Chanda advised the community to select representatives who should approach the officer in charge of Chilenje police to advise them on the requirements of a police post.
Alfred Chalwe a resident said there was need for the construction of a police post in Chalala, saying crime levels in the area were on the increase.
Mr Chalwe revealed that a resident was attacked at the gate of his residence by thugs recently.
“It took the neighbours to fire gun shots before the thugs ran away but luckily his vehicle was not snatched, “he said.
Mary Muchalu another resident who also called for the construction of a police post revealed that shop owners in the area were also leaving in fear adding that a shop owner was last year attacked in the area.
She also revealed that not too long ago, a young girl was attacked in broad day light when she was sent to buy talk time.
Another resident Mike Banda said Chalala was a peaceful area until recently, also attributing the high crime levels to lack of a police post
And Ms Chanda stated that after consulting the officer in charge at Chilenje police post the representatives could then approach there civic leaders or area Member of Parliament (MP).
“The starting point in the process of constructing a police post is to consult the officer in charge first, after which they can approach their leaders and identify an area for construction, “She said.
Ms Chanda, however, advised the community in the area to form a neighborhood watch association to help patrol the area.
“The construction of the post is a long term measure but in the mean time the community can form a neighborhood association that can help patrol the area with the police.

Airtel pledges more community support

By SYLVIA NWEETWA –

AIRTEL Networks Zambia says it will continue to provide support in education, health and  environment as part of its corporate social responsibility programmes.
The company said the support was one way of giving back to the community in which it operates and  that education, health and environment were key areas for a growing economy like Zambia.
Speaking in an interview Airtel  business  manager Stokely Matwi said the company had committed itself to providing a service to the communities especially in rural part of Zambia.
Mr Matwi said plans were underway to donate some bed sheets and other goods especially to children’s ward at Mkushi District Hospital and that he was hopeful the contribution would make difference.
He said the company recently assisted with education materials at  Mabumbe school in Chibombo District and also planted trees symbolising its support on the importance  of conserving trees.
He said the company also acknowledges and appreciates the role the media plays in informing the  county hence its decision to support media clubs.
He assured its commitment to provide quality service to its customers.