Drought disaster & emergency response team constituted

By Wilson Mulinda

Defence Minister AMBROSE LUFUMA has constituted a drought disaster and emergency response team to actualise President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s directive to the defence wings to mitigate the drought situation.

Mr. LUFUMA has also tasked the Zambia National Service -ZNS- to immediately start preparations for irrigated maize in all farms that have centre pivot irrigation equipment.

The Minister has also instructed the Zambia Army and Zambia Air Force –ZAF- to utilize water sources within and around their Copperbelt and North Western province based farms to engage in irrigated maize production through drip irrigation.

Speaking during a press briefing at his office in Lusaka today, Mr. LUFUMA also called for intensified anti smuggling operation efforts to ensure locally available stocks are secured.

Meanwhile, ZNS Commander MALITI SOLOCHI said the service will this year suspend growing of wheat in order to commit all its irrigation equipment to grow irrigated maize.

Lieutenant General SOLOCHI also pledged not only technical expertise but also to avail ZNS earth moving and agriculture equipment to sister services when need arises.

And Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General, SITALI ALIBUZWI said the Army is ready to address the challenge and work for the country.

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