Govt upscales locusts spraying
ABOUT 10, 397 hectares have so far been sprayed in the three provinces affected by locusts, Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo has said.
The minister also announced that Government has procured services of a fixed wing aircraft which has commenced aerial spraying of locusts in affected areas,
Mr Katambo said in this regard his ministry was now satisfied that there was adequate aerial spraying vessels to conduct the operations.
“In addition to the fixed wing aircraft, the Zambia Air Force and the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa have also provided helicopters to support the operations.
“At the moment, however I should state that the fixed wing aircraft is currently awaiting the completion of the surveillance and mapping exercise that is being undertaken on the ground in order to re - commence aerial spraying.
Mr Katambo said that with adequate spraying the locust population could be significantly controlled in the three provinces namely Southern, Western and Central Provinces.
“In the meantime, helicopters have continued spraying. Further I wish to report a total of 10,397 hectares has so far been sprayed by the both the fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
“I am also reliably informed that the chemicals that are being sprayed in affected areas are very effective, and have shown to reduce the population of locust in areas sprayed by between 85 to 95 percent,” Mr Katambo said.
The minister said the mapping exercise was on going and the ministry was doing everything to ensure that the team on the ground was provided with adequate support to undertake the exercise. Mr Katambo also said that his ministry would soon call for a meeting with the Namibian authorities to coordinate control efforts.
“To support aerial spraying exercise, the public should also note that there are teams on the ground that are conducting surveillance and mapping to provide coordinates for the aerial spraying exercise to be undertaken.