Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are the news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Tuesday.

-- Zambia's Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima said the judiciary was grateful to President Edgar Lungu and his administration for the steady and tireless support as well as protection.

She said her office had been concerned with delays in disposing of cases, but was glad that a number of interventions had been put in place such as the appointment of more judges and the establishment of more courts. (Times Of Zambia)

-- Zambia's Vice-President Inonge Wina has urged traditional leaders in the country to provide more land for agricultural development.

Wina said when she paid a courtesy call on traditional leaders in the north of the country. She called on traditional leaders to partner with government and the private sector to boost agricultural production. (Zambia Daily Mail)

-- An opposition leader in Zambia has said a requirement in the country's constitution that all those aspiring to contest for political offices should have a senior secondary school certificate has caused a mess for all political parties ahead of this year's general elections.

Edith Nawakwi, leader of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), said political parties were having challenges finding candidates with senior secondary school certificates, especially for local government elections.

Zambia's amended constitution, which became effective on Jan. 5 this year, requires that all those who want to contest as president, and Member of Parliament of councilor should have a secondary school certificate. (The Post)

-- Zambia's biggest hospital intends to increase fees for people seeking medical attention, a move that has caused a furor among the public.

The University Teaching Hospital, the country's referral hospital, intends to increase fees by as much as 30 percent, but members of the public have complained this will make accessing health services at the institution difficult for most ordinary people.

Mwenya Mulenga, the hospital's public relations manager, confirmed that plans were underway to increase the user fees but indicated that this was still at planning stage awaiting confirmation. (The Nation)

-- The Zambian government has urged the firefighting department to ensure that their levels of preparedness to respond to emergencies are up to date in the wake of increased risks.

Minster of Local Government and Housing Stephen Kampyongo said when he addressed a meeting of chief fire officers from all the districts that they should come up with recommendations that will improve responses to emergencies.

The firefighting department in Zambia has been labeled ineffective as its response to emergencies has left much to be desired. Firemen have been stoned for arriving late when called upon. (Zambia Daily Mail) Endit