Govt allocates K1.7 million for irrigation equipment in Itezhi Tezhi Constituency

The government has allocated over K1.7 million from the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to procure irrigation equipment aimed at mitigating drought in Itezhi Tezhi Constituency.

Itezhi Tezhi Constituency Lawmaker, Twaambo Mutinta, announced that K1,746,231 had been designated to address the drought situation, which had severely impacted food security.

In a statement issued in Itezhi Tezhi District of Southern Province on Wednesday, Mutinta said the initiative supported community livelihood programmes and provides animals with access to clean water.

Following the Presidential directive and the declaration of drought as a national disaster, the community has committed to large-scale irrigation along the Kafue River.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Chiefs, and relevant stakeholders, the CDF committee reallocated 50 percent of the loan allocation for 2024 towards procuring the equipment,” Mutinta said.

He detailed the procurement of Livestock Watering Points in Mbila under Chief Shezongo, benefiting over 1,927 animals and another in Chief Musungwa’s area, benefiting over 2,316 animals.

Additionally, a Rain Gun Sprinkler under Chief Chikaza Munyama has been procured for local farmers and a Mini Centre Pivot for irrigation in Lubanda under Chief Chikaza Munyama to support local community farmers.

Mutinta expressed confidence that these initiatives would help families in the Constituency overcome food insecurity and climate change challenges.

He thanked the chiefs for allocating large pieces of land to the government for irrigation farming.

“I also call upon our partners, stakeholders, and donors in the Constituency to support these initiatives,” he said.

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