• Colonel Anthony Lupupa joins Green Buffaloes dancing queens on the dance floor during the Zambia Army annual ball on Wednesday. Picture By JEAN Mandela

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
THE Zambia Army has appealed to Government for increased funding so as to improve operations and training.
Zambia Army Commander Paul Mihova said at the Army annual ball at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka on Wednesday evening that there was need to increase funding to the service wing for administration, operations and training.
“We continue to face the challenge of inadequate funding of which we strongly believe the Government should look into,” General Mihova said.
He said to uphold professionalism, the Zambia Army had continued to send its personnel for courses both locally and abroad but has been facing challenges due to insufficient funds.
Gen Mihova said the Zambia Army was also facing accommodation challenges.
It was not safe and proper for soldiers to live in various townships other than the military barracks.
Gen Mihova appealed to Government to consider expediting the commencement of the construction of houses in the second phase.
He was thankful to Government for the phase one housing units that were handed over to the Zambia Army last year.
Gen Mihova said the Army last year participated effectively in various operations in Zambia and abroad.
Government had supported the Zambia Army in 2014 especially in the establishment of a marine unit to secure citizens living near water bodies on border lines who have for some time now been at risk of being abducted and killed by some foreign security officers.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba said Government was committed to uplifting the living standards of the Zambian Army officers.
Mr Kalaba said the construction of houses and provision of equipment for the marine unit were just some of the examples of how Government in 2014 supported the Army.
Government also handed over the construction of a military hospital in Ndola.
Mr Kalaba said Government would soon embark on the construction of housing units in areas like Kala Camp, Chiengi, Nsumbu and Lake Kariba.
He said in spite of the wage freeze, Zambia Army officers salaries would be adjusted upwards soon.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said Government was indebted to the Zambia Army for its loyalty and peace during the time of President Michael Sata’s death and after.
Mr Kalaba said during this campaign and election period, Army officers should steer clear of politics and not get orders from politicians.