Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has commended the Joint Church Programme (JCP) for supplementing government’s efforts in responding to the drought.

Speaking when she flagged off the drought response programme by the Joint Church Programme (JCP) in Lubalashi village of Chief Shikabeta area in Rufunsa district, Ms Mulyata thanked the Norwegian and Danish church alliance for the aid.

The Minister said the provision of the food has come at the right time when most households are facing hunger because of the drought that the country experienced.

“The relief that is targeted at 250 households could not have come at a better time than this when the food stocks in the communities are limited”, said Ms. Mulyata.

She said during the three months project each of the selected households will receive each 1 X 25 kg bag of mealie meal, 1 X 750 mls of cooking oil, 1 X 500g salt and 1 X 5 kg dry beans.

Ms. Mulyata said JCP is complimenting government’s efforts in bringing relief to households in Chipeket, Lubalashi and Chomba areas.

She said the JCP also plans to construct water points for the communities to enhance water and sanitation in the communities.

And JCP Acting Country Director, Chenda Chikuye a total investment of about K2.2 million is expected to be spent in various support inventions in Lusaka Province between now and December 2024.

Mr. Chikuye said in addition to the food assistance the programme will support water and sanitation interventions as well group cash voucher support to identified community groups to boost agriculture production and contribute towards food security.

Meanwhile, Chief Shikabeta has commended government and its cooperating partners for the quick response to mitigate the effects of the drought.

The Chief said his chiefdom was grateful for the quick response and called on other organisations to come on board and supplement government’s efforts.