Katete Town Council

KATETE FIRE BRIGADE SAVES THREE-BEDROOMED HOUSE FROM DEVASTATING FIRE.

The Katete Fire and Rescue Team today 13th May 2026 successfully prevented a three-bedroomed house from being completely destroyed by fire at Kazulabowa Compound in Chief Kawaza Chiefdom.

Confirming the incident, Division Fire Officer Haggai Manda stated that the fire outbreak occurred around 11:30 hours, while the Fire Brigade received the distress call at approximately 11:50 hours. The emergency response team arrived at the scene around 12:10 hours and managed to contain the fire by 12:30 hours, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the house.

A crew of five firefighters attended to the incident under the leadership of Leading Firefighter Angela Fundo and the supervision of Sub Officer Aron Kapoma.

Preliminary investigations conducted at the scene revealed that the fire was suspected to have been caused by an explosion of a phone battery allegedly connected directly to a wall socket in one of the bedrooms.

Katete Town Council has commended the prompt and swift response by the Fire Brigade officers, whose efforts helped avert extensive damage to the property.

The Council further advises members of the community to avoid practices that may lead to fire outbreaks, including:

1.Boosting or directly charging phone batteries using unsafe methods.

2.Leaving electrical appliances switched on after ZESCO load shedding.

3.Storing flammable liquids near sources of heat.

Reporting fire incidents promptly to avoid delayed emergency response.
In case of any fire emergency, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Katete Fire Brigade on +260770764551.

Let us work together to protect lives and property from fire disasters.

KATETE FIRE OFFICERS RECOVER BODY OF TEEN WHO DROWNED WHILE SWIMMING.

The Katete Fire and Rescue Team on 9th May 2026 retrieved the body of a 16-year-old boy from a bridge located along the Katete Girls Boarding School Road after a drowning incident.

Confirming the incident, Division Fire Officer Haggai Manda stated that the Fire Brigade received a distress call around 13:21 hours through a private mobile phone number. A crew of five firefighters led by Leading Firefighter Rodah Namutowe immediately responded to the scene and arrived around 13:30 hours.

The deceased, identified as Kelvin Phiri, aged 16, of Ibex Compound, was reportedly swimming with his friend, Nicholas Mutilo, aged 11, and several other children in the shallow waters beneath the bridge.

According to preliminary reports, the victim swam towards a deeper section of the water where he eventually drowned.

The body was later retrieved by the Fire Brigade around 15:42 hours and rushed to St. Francis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Division Fire Officer Haggai Manda confirmed the incident in an interview with the Katete Town Council Public Relations Unit on 9th May 2026.

Katete Town Council has commended the bravery and prompt response demonstrated by the Fire Brigade officers during the rescue operation.
The Council further advises members of the public to help prevent drowning incidents by adhering to the following safety measures:

1. Prevent children from swimming in dams, ponds, rivers, and other unsafe water bodies.

2.Secure open wells. with reinforced concrete covers fitted with lockable metallic lids.

3.Properly secure pit latrines with reinforced concrete slabs resting on strong burnt or concrete brick walls.

4.Fence or barricade the edges of dams and place warning signs to restrict access.

In case of an emergency, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Katete Fire Brigade on +260770764551.

Together, let us protect the lives of children in our communities from

FIRE INCIDENT CONTAINED IN KATETE.

Katete Fire and Rescue Services yesterday, 12th May 2026, swiftly responded to a fire incident involving a five-bedroomed house in Luangwa Compound, Katete Town.

The incident occurred around 15:00 hours at Plot No. 18 in Luangwa Compound. The response team was led by Leading Fire Fighter Rhoda Namutowe under the supervision of Sub Officer Aron Kapoma, together with a crew of three fire officers.

Confirming the incident, Division Fire Officer Haggai Manda stated that the fire brigade received the distress call at approximately 15:47 hours and arrived at the scene by 15:52 hours.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire is suspected to have originated from a socket outlet that was reportedly being used to boost a phone battery at the time of the incident.
The suspected cause of the fire was a phone battery explosion.

Upon arrival at the scene, fire officers found an 13-year-old girl unconscious after she reportedly attempted to rescue a baby from the burning house. The casualty was immediately rushed to St. Francis Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.

Katete Town Council has since commended the quick response by the fire officers, which helped prevent the fire from completely gutting the house.

The Council has further advised members of the public to avoid practices that may lead to fire outbreaks, including:

1.Boosting phone batteries

2.Leaving charging devices unattended

3.Failing to disconnect electrical appliances after ZESCO load shedding

4.Delaying the reporting of fire incidents

Members of the public are encouraged to report fire emergencies promptly by contacting Katete Fire Brigade on 0770764551.

KATETE COUNCIL REFLECTS ON FIVE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT AT FINAL FULL COUNCIL MEETING.

11th May, 2026.

Katete Town Council today held its 17th Ordinary and final Full Council Meeting for the period of January–April 2026 at Mphangwe Motel, marking the close of the current civic term ahead of the August 2026 General Elections.

The meeting symbolized an important milestone in the Council’s governance journey, reflecting on five years of service, development and transformation in Katete District.

Council Chairperson Mr. Fanuel Chama paid tribute to councillors, management and stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to serving the people of Katete throughout the civic term. He described the sitting as a moment of reflection and appreciation for the collective efforts made in advancing development across the district.

Council Secretary Ms. Kate Leo Mukonde highlighted key achievements recorded during the Council’s tenure, particularly the effective utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has positioned Katete among the best-performing councils in the country. She further encouraged future leaders to continue promoting unity, accountability and sustainable development for the benefit of the district.

The sitting was attended by His Royal Highness Chief Mba’ngombe, Council Management, Councillors and other key stakeholders.

As the current civic cycle comes to an end, Katete Town Council remains committed to upholding good governance and driving continued development for the people of Katete District.

KATETE DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS AT CAPAH EXPO.

10th MAY, 2026

Katete Town Council has proudly participated in the 2026 CAPAH Expo being held in Kabompo District under the theme, “5 Years of Transformation: Parliamentarians Lead Change in Zambia Under Good Leadership.”

The Council is showcasing major developmental achievements attained through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), particularly in infrastructure development, community empowerment and improved service delivery.

The exhibition has also provided an opportunity for Katete District to market its investment potential in agriculture, tourism, forestry and mineral resources, while demonstrating government efforts towards improving the welfare of local communities through various sector departments.

Through its participation, the Council continues to reaffirm its commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth for the people of Katete.

All aspiring candidates are hereby informed that nomination fees must be deposited into the following account:

ACCOUNT NAME: KATETE DISTRICT ELECTIONS
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0160432222012
BANK: ACCESS BANK
SORT CODE: 351161
BRANCH: KATETE

Please note that the Council will not receive nomination fees in cash.

All aspiring candidates are hereby informed to take note of the designated venues, as the briefing will be conducted in the two constituencies.

Schedule of Provincial Pre-processing of Presidential Supporters in Provincial Centres from Monday 11th to Friday 15th May, 2026.

REVISED NOMINATION FEES FOR THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Katete Fire Brigade Marks International Firefighters’ Day with Community Sensitization.

May 4, 2026

In commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day themed risking and sacrificing for others, a Hallmark for firefighters, the Katete Fire Brigade joined the global firefighting community by conducting a one-on-one fire prevention sensitization exercise at Boma Market and parts of the Katete Central Business District (CBD) today.

The exercise aimed to raise awareness on fire safety practices among traders, shoppers, and business owners. Fire officers engaged directly with members of the public, sharing practical tips on preventing common fire outbreaks, the proper use of fire extinguishers, safe handling of electrical appliances, and emergency response procedures.

Speaking during the activity, Katete Fire Brigade acting officer in charge Sub Officer Kapoma A. said: “International Firefighters’ Day reminds us of the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters worldwide. Our goal today was to meet the community where they are and equip them with knowledge that can save lives and property. Prevention remains our strongest tool as we believe prevention is better than Suppression.”

The Katete Fire Brigade thanked the public for their cooperation and urged continued vigilance. The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive community engagement and rapid emergency response.

For fire emergencies, the public is encouraged to contact the Katete Fire Brigade on +260770764551

Issued by:
Elizabeth Mwansa
Public Relations Officer
Katete Town Council