A GROUP of women from the International Women's Prayer Group in Kitwe yesterday cleaned up the central police station and Matuka Avenue as part of their activities to mark this year's Independence Day celebrations.

The women who were later joined by Kitwe District Commissioner (DC), MacDonald Mtine swept the surrounding of the police station and de-silted open drains along the Matuka Avenue between Chimwemwe bus station and the police.

The women later moved to Zambia Bottlers premises where they conducted similar cleaning activities.

Speaking later when he addressed them, Mr Mtine lauded the women for embarking on a noble exercise aimed at enhancing the 'make Zambia clean and healthy campaign'.

He said as a way of appreciating the women's effort he decided as a senior Government official to be part of the cleaning exercise.

Mr Mtine stressed the need for Zambians, especially as the country prepares to celebrate its independence day, which falls on Saturday to bury their differences by uniting for a common purpose of helping the nation develop.

International Women's Prayer Group overseer, Tamara Muyembe said their decision to conduct the cleaning activities was one way for them to appreciate the benefits of the country's independence.

Meanwhile, Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Kitwe district information coordinator, Gerald Mutelo has called on the business community in the city and the country in particular to fully get involved in the activities for Independence Day celebrations.

Mr Mutelo said in an interview the business community was enjoying a conducive business atmosphere as a result of the freedom the nation was celebrating.

"We are not seeing much input from the business community in as far as preparations for Independence Day celebrations. Very few companies have displayed Zambian flags around their premises and even when it comes to the actual event on Saturday, the majority who are there are learning institutions," Mr Mutelo said.