Zambia Army to prepare soldiers for retirement

THE Zambia Army intends to equip personnel with survival skills before they retire, Zambia Army commander, Lieutenant -General William Sikazwe has said.

Lt. Gen. Sikazwe said preparation of personnel before retirement was the issue of concern because it was a problem that has been there for a long time. He was responding to Central Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Chomba’s concern that most soldiers face challenges after retirement due to lack of skills such as mental fabrication, among others.Mr Chomba raised the concern when Lt-Gen. Sikazwe paid a courtesy call on him during the tour of Chindwin and Kohima barracks in Kabwe.

Lt-Gen. Sikazwe said the army would look into the matter.

“Preparation of officers before they retire is an issue that has been there for a long time, we are also concerned, as we plan for officers to come on duty we want to look into that,” said Gen. Sikazwe.

He said the army was also looking into the issue of accommodation for retired officers. Lt-Gen. Sikazwe noted that most retired officers who embark on building are left with nothing as all their retirement package is used up in construction.

“Will are even looking into the issue of houses for retired officers because after building they are left with nothing,” said Lt-Gen. Sikazwe.

On the washed away Luano road, Lt-Gen. Sikazwe said the Army had embarked on buying equipment and would deploy officers to the affected areas countrywide once they are equipment arrived.

Will are even looking into the issue of houses for retired officers because after building they are left with nothing,” - Lt-Gen Sikazwe