Barely before the rain season ends the drought which has affected most parts of the country is already affecting Livestock in Mabili Ward in Luena Constituency in Western Province.

Mabili Ward Councillor, Muyangana Sikopo told ZANIS in Limulunga that cattle in the area are at risk of dying from thirst because there is no stream that runs through the ward.

“The situation is bad and severe, we are struggling to find water in areas where water usually logs after it rains. Unfortunately, some small calves cannot move long distances to access water,” Mr Sikopo said.

Mr Sikopo appealed to the office of the Vice-President through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) to to provide water point to alleviate the situation.

“Farmers have already lost their crops and if this project will not be funded, they risk losing out on livestock as well, a situation that will not be bearable,” Mr Sikopo said.

DMMU Coordinator, Georginah Simakoloyi said a letter of appeal was received from Mabili and the District Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee will sit on Friday to draw the way forward.

“The situation is unfortunate, we shall meet on Friday with other line ministries to see how we can help the people of Mabili,” Ms Simakoloyi said.

Meanwhile, District Veterinary Officer, Sitwala Silwendo noted that during a drought there is need to prepare for outbreaks of livestock diseases because of the harsh conditions.

Mr Silwendo confirmed that with the looming hunger there will be a need to provide supplements of bags of hay and maize for cattle.

“Animals will need drugs and vaccination to protect them from diseases that breakout during such a time,” he stated.

Recently, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought that has affected 84 districts in the country, as a national disaster and emergency.