By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
GOVERNMENT has developed a K3.5 million irrigation dam in Kalomo District, Southern Province to benefit more than 600 farmers.
The dam will be located at Mutwe Wa Muntu,about 40 kilometres from the Kalomo Central Business District.
Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary, Eddie Chomba said the project was part of the national programme to rehabilitate and construct about 30 dams in drought prone areas.
“At Mutwe Wa Muntu in Kalomo, we are constructing a new multi purpose dam to promote irrigation activities in the area,” he said.
Bishop Chomba, who was in the area to check on the water situation, said the project would mitigate challenges farmers face in accessing water especially that the next dam was 12 kilometres apart.
Director of water affairs, Howard Mpamba said the biding process and evaluating of tenders had already commenced.
Dr Mpamba said the construction of the dam was of economic benefit and that more than 5000 heads of cattle would also be catered for by the same facility.
The Government will this year spend more than K140 million to construct and rehabilitate dams in drought hit areas an effort to increase access to water.
The money also includes funds from the World Bank and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB).
