Monze to receive 27 solar milling plants

Government will soon establish 27 solar milling plants in Monze District to provide a ready market and add value to high maize being produced in the area, says Southern Province minister Edify Hamukale.

Speaking during the official opening of this years’ Samu Lya Moomba traditional ceremony of the Tonga and Lundwe speaking people of Monze over the weekend, Dr Hamukale said government was aware of challenges people in rural areas faced in the marketing their produce, especially maize.

Dr. Hamukale said it was for that reason that government was planning to establishment solar milling plants to help to address the problem.

He said government was impressed with the high maize production in Monze District during the 2016/ 2017 farming season.

He explained that the construction of solar milling plants would not only provide ready make for the maize but would also provide job opportunities.

“Government is really impressed with the bumper maize harvest produced in Monze District and has plans to set up 27 milling plants in a effort to provide market for the commodity as well as create employment opportunities,” said Dr Hamulake.

“As government, we are fully aware of that most of people derive their livelihoods from agriculture.... We are also aware of the problems they face in marketing their produce.

Dr. Hamukale has further reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that all feeder roads in the province are worked on on a regular basis so as to provide farmers easy access to markets.

And Chieftainess Choongo says the establishment of a local museum would help more people appreciate and learn more about the ceremony which started last year.