LOCUST INVASION
REMNANTS of the African Migratory Locusts have invaded 120 hectares of Mopani Woodlands in Kazungula district in Southern Province.
Both Kazungula District Agricultural Coordinator Dr. Jackson Soko and Senior Agricultural Officer Tundu Kaonga confirmed the development when Southern Province Agricultural Coordinator Dr. Max Choombe visited the invaded areas in Kazungula.
Dr Soko said only 54 hectares in Bombwe and Sikaunzwe agricultural camps that had significant infestation by the pest has been sprayed using ground motorised sprayers.
And Mr Kaonga said if left unchecked the African Migratory Locusts can cause destruction to crop fields and pasture for livestock.
He noted that from the 120 hectares invaded by the pest 66 hectares was insignificant stressing that 54 hectares that had much infestation by the pest has been brought under control.
Mr. Kaonga told Dr. Choombe that the situation is under control as specialised staff in the ministry of agriculture is currently on the ground spraying affected areas.
And Southern Province Agricultural Coordinator,Max Choombe who is in Sikaunzwe Agricultural Camp to monitor the control of the pest thanked his staff for moving in swiftly to control and contain the pest.
Dr Choombe further paid tribute to the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ministry of Agriculture for dispatching chemicals to combat the pest.
He further paid tribute to the International Red Locust for sending additional motorised sprayers to ensure that the pest in obliterated in the affected areas in Kazungula district.
MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji has urged civil servants in Shangombo district to be focused in their line of work.
This came to light when Mr Malanji addressed civil servants in Natukoma area in Shangombo district of Western Province.
ZANIS reports that the Minister encouraged government workers to work hard regardless of their environment saying that every boundary of the country needs the services of civil servants.
The law maker said that there's a need for civil servants to have a vision no matter where they are working from instead of being discouraged.
He stressed that everyone starts from somewhere saying there is a need for civil servants to showcase very good performance in all their work as they are government representatives.
“Do not be frustrated working in boundary areas saying why me instead you must have a vision, work hard and exhibit good work performance,” he said.
Mr Malanji further encouraged civil servants in Shangombo to be focused by venturing into other sources of income like constructing houses for rent.
He lastly urged them to use their initiative by emulating a Lundazi teacher he met in Eastern Province who has built 7 houses. - ZANIS