The Construction of 22 Dip tanks at a cost of over 2.5 million kwacha in North western province by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is progressing well.
Acting Provincial Veterinary Officer for North Western Province in the department of Veterinary Peter Banda says the construction of the dip tanks is impressive adding that five of them have been completed and will soon be handed over to the Government.
Dr.Banda was speaking in an interview with National Agricultural Information Services-NAIS in Solwezi after touring the construction and rehabilitation of Livestock facilities in the districts.
He further disclosed that about five dip tanks have been completed while others were they started late are still being constructed with some challenges such as the slow pace of funds for the contractors, rainfall and the bad state of the roads to various sites in some districts.
“The construction of these dip tanks are progressing well and 5 are already completed so far. The remaining ones are on various stages such 50 up 70 percent works especially that some of them started late due to differences in awarding the contracts, locations and others had challenges of the rainfall flooding the dip tanks which are under construction,” said Dr.Banda.
Dr.Banda said that out of the total number of 22 dip tanks under construction, 16 were new ones while six of them were old ones but under rehabilitation in the province.
“In North western province we are constructing 22 dip tanks. Out of the 22 dip tanks, 16 dip tanks are new while six are under rehabilitation. So far the works being done are ok and contractor are complying with our directions of how to construct these facilities especially that it is the first time contractors to do such works,” he said.
And one of the farmers of Chikonkwelo Agriculture Camp in Kabompo District Chris Sachingongo and Singtone Musanda of Mukangala Agriculture Camp in Ikeleng’i district have described the move by government to construct and rehabilitate dip tanks, Livestock Service Centers in the province as real development.
Meanwhile, Chidikumbidi Construction Company Managing Director Morgan Luvweyi of Kabompo District says the works are on schedule though with challenges of the rains and the slow pace at which government is releasing funds.
Mr.Luvweyi appealed to the government to work on the roads for easy access to the facilities and improve the payments of the funds to enable even other contractors to complete the projects within the stipulated period.
Another Contractor Universal Safety Solutions Director Banabas Matesu of Kabompo who is constructing a dip tank in Samununga Agriculture Camp was satisfied with the works and is expected to hand over the facility in 2 weeks time.
Mr.Matesu appealed to the government to expedite the funding to contractors to finish the projects in good time.
And Acting Zambezi District Agricultural Coordinator Emmanuel Ndonyo commended the contractor and the farmer’s cooperation during the ongoing of construction and rehabilitation dip tanks, Livestock Service Centers in the district.
What animals are in northwestern. Maybe those tanks are meant to submerge those who won’t vote for Pf.
Better not to comments esp on things you don’t understand. Building of dip tanks in southern, central, lsk and north western was arrived at in consultation with the Ministry agriculture who keep statistics of animals in the country.
K 114,000. 00 per dip tank is very costly. But of course worthy it if put to good use.
Very good development,it shall go a long in sustaining traditional farming in rural areas. However, expedite claim payments owing contractors finish the projects in good time
I have always wondered why Western Province never features in the investments done by the Veterinary department despite the province being one of the traditional cattle keepers. Ever heard of deep tanks been constructed in that province? New cattle breeds been introduced? NEVER! You only hear about these things in Luapula, Muchinga, Northern, Eastern Southern and now North Western? Lozis you are been shortchanged!