Chadiza District Commissioner Malan Zimba has expressed gratitude to the central government for the speedy approval of the winter maize growing project in his district.
Mr Zimba says his district is now geared to kick-start winter maize production after receiving the go ahead to use part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) disaster component.
He said this in an interview following an approval letter from the ministry of local government and rural development his Council’s request on the matter in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive on winter maize cultivation.
“Chadiza will be the first district to implement this project, and this is in the wake of the directive by President Hakainde Hichilema that the country should look for alternative means of food production in order to enhance food security,” he mentioned.
He said the district will also be distributing seed, fertilizer and chemicals, as well as procurement of irrigation tools at the total cost of about K300,000.
“We currently have K593,656.47 unclaimed money from the Disaster component of which through this team, we shall deliberately utilize some of this money to save our people from dying of hunger as the dry spell has affected everyone,” he confirmed.
According to a letter dated 05th June 2024 signed by Eastern Province Local Government Officer Alex Bwalya, the request by the district has been approved pursuant to cabinet office circular minute No. CM01 of 2023 dated 11th January 2024.
The letter also advised the District Administration to notify the Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDF) committee on the same approval of the community irrigation project in the area.
Chadiza Council Secretary David Mwansa has also confirmed receipt of the approval letter from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development dated 15th May 2024 on 4th June 2024.
Mr Mwansa also acknowledged that the Provincial Local government office approved the application by Chadiza DMMC to set up an irrigation project in Bwanunkha Ward for the purpose of cultivating winter maize.
Earlier,Chadiza Council had revealed that over K590,000 was currently lying idle in the bank which could be used for irrigation purposes.
Chadiza Council Director Engineering, Munaye Samapimbi made the disclosure during the disaster management meeting held in March 2024.
“In 2022, the 5% allocation amounted to K733,587 while in 2023 we received K806,946 and in this we have been allocated K873,115 from the total CDF allocation,” he had revealed.
