https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/56 Thu, 07 May 2026 02:41:32 GMT 2026-05-07T02:41:32Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/144 Title: Fire incidence preparedness by Mazabuka municipal council: a case study of urban markets. Authors: Mweetwa, Hansel Maimbolwa Abstract: Fire incidents have been on the rise in the country with urban markets experiencing devastating property loss and business disturbances. However, the public has been putting the blame on the local authority as it the one mandated to prevent and respond to fire outbreaks. This report presents a study conducted in Mazabuka at the municipal council and urban markets from February to May 2018.The aim of the study was investigate fire incidence preparedness by Mazabuka municipal council in urban markets. This was done by establishing human capacity and equipment, determining major preparedness projects undertaken in Mazabuka urban markets and challenges faced by the fire department. The research design used was a descriptive and the major approach was qualitative. The sampling techniques used included; purposive sampling, convenience sampling and simple random sampling. Fire officers at the department and the market committee members from urban markets were interviewed through focus group discussions to examine current information on fire incidence preparedness whereas the chief fire officer and the market master were administered with questionnaires and also interviews were done. The findings indicated that the majority of the personnel at Mazabuka municipal council fire department were still mere fire officers whereas four officers had other ranks and they had only 14 officers at the department. The council also had a water tender with modern equipment, a good conditioned ambulance and utility van. To propel preparedness the following projects were being implemented and these were; fire drills in markets, trainings in markets and private institutions, public awareness, fire inspections and stakeholder collaboration .However, the following challenges were being faced; lack of adequate man power, erratic water supply, and lack of effective communication system and unavailability of a substation for quick response in areas far from the station in urban district. The general situation indicated that Mazabuka municipal council fire department was not well prepared to manage fire outbreaks meaning that plans to rectify the situation are cardinal. Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/144 2018-08-01T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/143 Title: Social factors contributing to recidivism among discharged prisoners: a case study of Mukobeko Maximum correctional facility in Kabwe district, Central Province of Zambia. Authors: Simasiku, Mwizabi Paul Abstract: Recidivism cuts across in most nations in the world with its negative consequences on individuals, social and economic spheres of life. Despite various intervention strategies, the rate of recidivism has been on the increase. The present study was designed to determine social factors contributing to recidivism among discharged prisoners at Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility. The study adopted a qualitative research method, using the descriptive survey research design. The sample for the study consisted of one hundred respondents, consisting of sixty five recidivists and thirty five correctional officers from Mukobeko Maximum Correctional Facility, in Kabwe. The sampling technique that was used in the study was purposive sampling. Primary data was obtained from the participants using three major instruments namely; Self Administered Questionnaire, Male Recidivist Personal Data Questionnaire (MRPDQ) and interview guide for prisoners with very low literacy level. On the other hand, secondary data was obtained from text books, Journals and other publications. The study revealed that there are social factors contributing to recidivism among discharged prisoners at Mukobeko Maximum Security Correctional Facility. Despite various intervention strategies, the rate of recidivism has been on the increase. The study also revealed that there were several obstacles which inhibit re-entry of prisoners back into society. Further, the study highlighted the importance of the family and society in re-integrating discharged prisoners. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that the correctional authorities should prepare the prisoners and their families for re-entry. Therefore the families of prisoners and the communities they return to should be ready to help inmates become reintegrated with a view to preventing recidivism. Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/143 2018-08-01T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/142 Title: Chemical elements in rape (Brassica Napus L.) a case study of selected small scale farms in Kabwe district,Central province, Zambia Authors: Chakabveyo, Philippa Varaidza Abstract: A case study was carried out to investigate the concentration levels of chemical elements in different varieties of rape (Brassica napus L.) which were grown in five farms in Chowampanga, Kabwe district in Zambia. The purpose of the study was to monitor the levels of chemicals in locally grown vegetables in order to assist in achieving public health objectives of food safety and nutrition. The main objectives was to investigate the composition and concentration levels of chemical elements present in rape samples. In the farming season January to May 2018, 25 rape leaves were collected for plant tissue testing using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results of the analysis showed the presence of 11chemical elements namely Nitrogen, Chlorine, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Aluminium, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Silicon, Tellurium and Rubidium in most rape leaves. The concentration levels of chemical elements in the rape leaves were significantly different and characterised by higher levels of macro than micro nutrients and non-essential chemical elements, some which exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowances. The rape leaves sampled from all the selected farms were therefore considered to be safe, valuable and important contributors to the diets of the people in Kabwe especially among the marginal income populations. Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/142 2018-08-01T00:00:00Z https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/141 Title: Perceived causes of suicide in Kabwe urban a case study of Kabwe urban Authors: Simutengu, Davy Abstract: This study focused on perceived casual factors of suicide in Kabwe urban. The need for the study emanated from an apparent increase of actual and attempted suicides. The phenomena of suicide and suicidal behaviour are global public health concerns, in developed and developing countries alike, and certainly not unique to Zambia. Despite the global and national significance of suicide there is a dearth of information relating to causes and strategies to significantly reduce suicide cases. Thus this study aimed to contribute to the body of knowledge of causes of suicide from perceptions of relevant people. The study attempted to contribute to knowledge relating to strategies that can be employed to significantly reduce its occurrence. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach and was conducted over two main phases to meet its objectives. It relied on an essentially qualitative method to explore the causes of suicide. Qualitative method was utilized to explore perspectives of the causes and strategies needed to reduce suicide cases. Purposive sampling was used to come up with the study sample, which was then subjected to random sampling (quantitative method) to select the 98 respondents. The findings indicated that family disputes, poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, marital disputes, and mental disorders were the main causes of suicide cases. Males were found to be more likely to commit suicide than, females. The consequences of suicidal behaviour differed depending on whether the suicide act resulted in death or not. In cases of suicide attempts, it was found that victims were left with physical injury, whose extent was dependent on factors which include how serious the intent was and the method used. The results indicate need for policy interventions to effectively prevent suicide at all levels. One is the adoption of a multi-sectoral approach that allows stakeholders in the education, family, health, social welfare, youth and gender sectors, to share practices and collaborate. In practice this could take the form of a National Platform for the stakeholders to coordinate and work in concert to address this phenomenon and its variants. This approach is important because any loss of life through suicidal acts was found to have significant consequences on the social, economic and health wellbeing of affected people. Further research on causal factor of suicide would complement interventions for reduction of suicide. Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://space.mu.ac.zm/xmlui/handle/123456789/141 2018-08-01T00:00:00Z