Over K3m spent on deep tanks

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI THE Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has spent about K3.2 million to construct and rehabilitate 22 deep tanks in North-Western Province.

Provincial Veterinary officer Dr Peter Banda said the project to construct and rehabilitate the deep tanks started in 2014.

Dr Banda said out of the 22 deep tanks allocated to the province, 16 were newly constructed while six were earmarked for rehabilitation.

He said so far 17 deep tanks out of the 22 allocated to the province have been completed.

"As a department in the province, we were allocated 22 deep tanks, and I can confirm that out the 22, 17 have been completed,” Dr Banda said.

He said the 17 which have been completed have since been handed over to the community.

Dr Banda however noted that all the three deep tanks which were constructed in Kabompo at Chikata, Chikenge and Saloka areas are also operational after sinking boreholes.

He said the construction and rehabilitation of the deep tanks will help combat animal diseases in the province, increase animal population and also boost the livestock sector.

Dr Banda encouraged farmers in the province to venture into livestock production in order to increase on household income and reduce poverty in rural communities.