By PASSY HAACHIZO –
THE Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) says lack of machinery has delayed the implementation of the multimillion Kwacha Nansanga Irrigation Project in Serenje district.
The agriculture project started in 2016 following the approval by the Ministry of Agriculture of a US$ 4.6 million grant for the installation of farm equipment including centre pivots by the ZCS.
Apart from Nansanga farm bloc, the grant was meant to benefit Musakamba in Mkushi, Chitwe in Luanshya on the Copperbelt and Lubambala in Mpika of Muchinga Province.
In an interview to ascertain what had delayed the operationalisation of Nansanga project, ZSC public relations manager Margaret Nawa said ZSC had not yet acquired the machinery for the purpose of the project.
Ms Nawa said the 700 hectares of land for the Nansanga had also not yet been cleared as another reason for the delay.
“The Nansanga Project, which has seven centre pivots is sitting on 700 hectares of land and the project started in 2016. The delay in implementation of the project is due to lack of machinery and on the
other hand, we are also still clearing the land,” Ms Nawa said.
Ms Nawa said the Chitwe Farm Project would, however, be operational next month and that different types of crop such as wheat, soya beans, beans and maize among others would be grown.
She said the project was an important milestone as it would allow the ZCS grow crops throughout the year using the centre pivots.
Ms Nawa said the programme would also promote an irrigation system in the country thereby working as source of income for the ZCS.
“We are going to be growing maize, beans, soya beans, wheat and many other types of crop as we will have water throughout the year,” she said.