Govt says healthy livestock is key to beef export

Southern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Gift Monde says healthy livestock development will play a key role in helping Zambia achieve its one billion United States dollars beef export target under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Mr Monde said achieving the target would require…

Southern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Gift Monde says healthy livestock development will play a key role in helping Zambia achieve its one billion United States dollars  beef export target under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr Monde said achieving the target would require healthy animals and investment in infrastructure, including dip tanks, to prevent livestock diseases.

Mr Monde was speaking when he handed over two dip tanks constructed by Maamba Energy Limited to the Mweela and Sinankumbi communities in Sinazongwe District.

He commended Maamba Energy Limited for supplementing Government’s efforts to promote livestock development.

He said the infrastructure would contribute to improving the quality and supply of livestock and strengthen Zambia’s capacity to compete in regional and global beef markets.

“This development will contribute to increased quality, supply and strengthened capacity of the country to participate competitively in the regional and global beef market,” he said.

Mr Monde urged Maamba Energy Limited to sustain its partnership with Government and local communities through its corporate social responsibility programmes.

And Maamba Energy Limited Head of Corporate Affairs Lonthuzhi Mbewe called on Government to provide technical support to communities on the proper use of the dip tanks to safeguard livestock.

Ms Mbewe commended Government for supporting the private sector in contributing to community development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Meanwhile, Sinazongwe Town Council Chairperson Cliff Siachibweka commended Maamba Energy Limited for providing the dip tanks to Mweela and Sinankumbi communities.

Mr Siachibweka said the council had also provided dip tanks and spray races in various communities across Sinazongwe District to support livestock development.

And Sinazongwe District Commissioner Passmore Ntiindu urged the beneficiary communities to safeguard the dip tanks and use them sustainably as an important resource for their livelihoods.