INTER-MINISTERIAL TEAM ARRIVES IN MONGU
(ZANIS) An Inter-ministerial delegation is in Mongu district to deal with invasion of the African migratory locust which has invaded some parts of Western Province.
The delegation which comprises officials from Ministry of Agriculture, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit -DMMU- is being led by Agriculture Minister, Michael Katambo.
The team arrived in Mongu this afternoon aboard a Zambia Airforce plane.
In welcoming the ministers, Western Province Permanent Secretary Danny Bukali said the response by President Edgar Lungu to send a team to the province will rekindle their hopes and avert the possible hunger.
Mr. Bukali said the people of Western Province were worried about the invasion of the locusts and were yearning for Government’s quick intervention.
He disclosed that Sesheke is the worst hit district by the African migratory locust.
And Mr. Katambo has assured the people of Western Province that the African migratory locust which has invaded Western province will be contained so that farmers do not lose their winter crops.
He said President LUNGU has directed that a multi-sectoral approach be used in the fight against the African Migratory Locust.
Mr Katambo said the Ministry will work with the International Red Locust Control organization to fumigate the affected areas through aerial and ground spraying.
And Minister in the office of the Vice President Olipah Phiri reiterated Government’s commitment towards the eradication of the migratory pest.
Earlier, Provincial Minister Richard Kapita assured the delegation that the provincial administration is more than ready to offer the necessary support towards the fight against the migratory pest in the province.
The affected areas in Western Province include Mwandi, Sesheke, Kalabo and Mongu districts.