By ROYDAH CHONGO AND LORRAINE CHISHIMBA
GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Agriculture has released about K6,000,000 to rehabilitate staff accommodation for extension officers across the Copperbelt province.
Copperbelt Province Provincial Agricultural Coordinator Sekanayo N’gambi says the initiative will significantly improve the efficiency and welfare of agricultural staff and enable them to provide better support to farming communities.
“Agriculture field staff have long struggled with substandard living conditions, often making it difficult to perform their duties effectively,” Mr N’gambi said.
She added that the newly refurbished accommodation, includes; modern amenities, better sanitation and improved living spaces aimed at addressing these challenges.
Speaking after the official handover of the Fitobaula agricultural camp house in Chililabombwe, District Agricultural Coordinator Samson Chipeta said the move was crucial as it motivated and equipped agricultural staff to serve farmers in rural communities.
“Our agricultural staff play a vital role in the growth and sustainability of our agriculture sector and by ensuring they have decent living conditions, we are directly investing in the future of the agricultural sector in our country,” Mr Chipeta emphasized.
Copperbelt Province Principal Agricultural Coordinator Julius Malipa praised the collaboration between engineers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Infrastructure and Contractors in ensuring the best outcome for the houses, during another handover in Luanshya district in Chisokone camp,
“Continued collaboration between engineers from the ministries involved, will ensure quality works and habitable accommodation for our extension staff throughout the province,” Mr Malipa stressed.
Ministry of Agriculture Senior Irrigation Engineer Mwenya Sampule says the rehabilitation project was funded through government budget allocation.
“Government is committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through timely and quality workmanship,” Mr Sampule reiterated.
Copperbelt Province Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing Misheck Jere added that government has pledged to continue investing in infrastructure improvements.
“As project managers under the supervision of the Provincial Maintenance Officer, our plea is for contractors always follow contract guidelines and deliver according to the government’s specifications and timeframe,” Mr Jere said.
With more accessible and motivated staff, farmers will have better access to expert advice and resources leading to improved yields and farming techniques.
Meanwhile, the government has indicated that further rehabilitation efforts have also been extended to other regions, with plans to address accommodation needs for more agricultural staff. As the sector evolves, the government remains committed to ensuring that agricultural workers are equipped with the necessary tools and environment to deliver top-quality services to the nation’s farming population. –NAIS
