. Simbyakula

By SYLVESTER MWALE –
HOME Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula has assured that the Government will continue to provide additional air assets and air defence equipment for the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
Dr Simbyakula said during the Golden Jubilee Air Force Ball on Friday evening in Lusaka that the support was aimed at enhancing ZAF to safeguard the country’s space as well as provide air transport for relief and humanitarian operations.
He said the Government was pleased with the contributions that the ZAF was making towards preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Zambia.
The Minister noted that it was as a result of ZAF’s efforts that Zambia was able to pursue the goal of becoming a middle income nation because no development could take place without security.
“Apart from monitoring the air space to guarantee the much needed peace for development, the Air force also takes part on the economic front by availing its Air assets to both government and non-governmental officials to travel to various parts of the country,” he said.
This has eased access to remote areas of the country which are not easily reachable by road.
Additionally, ZAF has continued to play a critical role in the growth of the aviation industry in Zambia and abroad by producing professional pilots most of whom have risen to eminence both locally and abroad.
ZAF commandant, Eric Chimese expressed gratitude to former service chiefs who contributed immensely to the growth of the Air Force.
Lieutenant General Chimese urged service men and women to stay away from active politics
especially during the period when the country would be heading to presidential elections.