By HOPE BWALYA –
THE Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has embarked on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme aimed at building support infrastructure like hotels close to  messes.

. CHIMESE

ZAF Commander, Eric Chimese said the venture would enable ZAF to raise finances to be used for routine financial requirements.
Lieutenant General Chimese was speaking in Lusaka on Wednesday during his end of year address to  ZAF personnel.
“We have reached the negotiation stage of the PPP process and we have a team of experts from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Ministry of Works, Ministry of Defence and ZAF doing the negotiations with our would be partners,” he said.
Lt Gen Chimese said the PPP venture would reduce over dependence on the Treasury by the Air Force.
The PPP would help in the construction of modern shopping malls, hotels, conference centres, offices for lease and houses for sale.
The Commander said ZAF Twin Palm base would be the pilot project for the PPP programme and later replicated in Mumbwa, Livingstone and other bases.
Lt Gen Chimese called for extra vigilance from air force personnel during the festive season.
“Consequently, I have with immediate effect suspended all forms of leave except those of genuine compassionate nature,” he said.
He said all base commanders should come up with programmes that would enable the Air Force personnel to remain in their bases.
General Chimese urged the officers not to be involved in drink-driving as their lives and well being were important to the development of the country.