DROUGHT MITIGATION CHEERS SOUTH PF

THE low rainfall in the province was a semi drought which could have a negative effect on agriculture in the 2018/2019 farming season, Southern Province Information and Publicity Secretary Trymore Mweenda observed.

The ruling PF is delighted with President Edgar Lungu directive to all the ministers to move with speed and find measures of mitigating the effects of climate change. Mr Mweenda said the province is one the regions that has felt the effects of climate change.

He said that many crops especially maize had wilted before maturing, raising fears of a failed crop among many farmers.

As a result, he said, this would lead to poor yields and subsequently reduced household food security.

"It is therefore pleasing to hear His President Lungu urging ministers to move at breath-neck speed to address the effects of climate change in sectors like energy generation and agriculture as dependency on rainfall can no longer be guaranteed," he said.

"In the same spirit we note with high gratitude that Government is increasing access to clean, safe water and sanitation services for the people in rural and urban areas through the climate change adaptation water project in Southern Province," said Mr Mweenda.

He added that under the project, Government would support 3,000 households and 5,000 livestock with water in areas badly affected by climate change effects such as Choma, Gwembe, Kalomo and Sinazongwe.