Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

LUSAKA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Saturday.

--Zambian President Edgar Lungu has directed the army and other security wings to join in efforts aimed at combating cholera which was still escalating in Lusaka, the country's capital.

Lungu has directed the army to join in combating the waterborne disease following reports that it had spread to low density areas in the city and killed 41 lives so far. (Zambia Daily Mail)

--Zambia's telecommunication and technology regulator had installed a flood warning system which was being piloted in the western part of the country.

The Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) said it has installed the system in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in efforts aimed at disaster reduction and quick response. (Times of Zambia)

--The Zambian government has refuted media reports that it had engaged an Israel-based firm for the purification of water in Lusaka, the country's capital.

While acknowledging that an Israel firm was among companies that responded to government's call for companies that would clean up the contaminated water in the city, Ed Chomba, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, said it was not picked because its equipment was below the required standard. (Daily Nation)

--Zambia's leading opposition leader has congratulated former soccer star George Weah for emerging as winner of Liberia's presidential election.

Hakainde Hichilema, who has unsuccessfully contested in five elections in Zambia, said the former football star had broken the record after years of trying. (The Mast) Enditem