Zambia Correctional Service Commission Chairperson Evaristo Kalonga says the Service remains committed to supporting President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of strengthening national food security through expanded agricultural production.
Mr Kalonga said the Correctional Service continues to play a key role in food production across the country, noting that Northern Province alone has cultivated 181 hectares of maize for the 2026/2027 farming season.
Mr Kalonga said that all correctional facilities in the province are food self‑sufficient due to consistent annual maize production.
“As you may be aware, all correctional facilities in the province feed themselves; they do not buy mealie meal because of the production that is taking place,” Mr Kalonga said.
He explained that the Service’s productivity is also contributing to stabilising the economy, citing its role in helping reduce inflation from 22 percent in 2021 to 7.5 percent in 2026.
During a courtesy call on Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu, Mr Kalonga urged officers to remain loyal to the government and ensure humane treatment of inmates, including maintaining clean facilities with running water to prevent disease outbreaks.
“The correctional service is highly productive, and I would like to believe that it has contributed to the lowering of inflation from 22 per cent in 2021 to 7.5 per cent in 2026,” Mr Kalonga explained.
And Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu acknowledged the Service’s efforts but highlighted challenges such as dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate staff accommodation.
Mr Mpundu noted that many correctional facilities were built for smaller populations and now require expansion.
He also appealed for the construction of a correctional facility in Kaputa District, which currently has none.
