The Department of Agriculture in Zambezi district in North-western Province, is happy with government’s decision to deliver farming inputs on schedule nationwide before the start of the 2023/2024 farming season.

Speaking in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Zambezi District Agriculture Coordinator (DACO), Anos Luvuwa, said government’s initiative to provide small-scale farmers with farm inputs for the 2023/2024 season early is not only commendable but also demonstrates its commitment to addressing food security.

Mr Luvuwa disclosed that Zambezi district, which has an allocation of 10,800 bags of D-compound and Urea fertilisers has already received 95 percent of the inputs for the 2023/2024 farming season

He also revealed that the early delivery of inputs has generated excitement among many farmers.

He noted that the decision to deliver farm inputs early before the farming season begins is a clear indication that food security is a top priority for the government.

The DACO further thanked government for the gesture, while noting that the early delivery of farm inputs will enable farmers to plan effectively and ensure timely receipt of inputs, ultimately leading to increased productivity.

Mr Luvuwa also emphasised that due to the unpredictable climate changes experienced by Zambia over the years, early distribution of inputs to farmers will not only provide them with sufficient time to plan for the farming season and avoid poor yields, but also allow for proper crop management.

“It is evident that the government can support farmers by ensuring timely delivery of farming inputs. Given our lack of control over rainfall patterns, having farming inputs early before the season begins will assist our farmers in effective planning and better crop management,” he explained.

Mr Luvuwa also disclosed that over 3,600 farmers are set to benefit from this year Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

However, Mr Luvuwa has urged farmers to commence field preparations in order to avoid late planting.

He said late planting will negate the purpose of early distribution of farming inputs and result in negative yields.

He also implored farmers to use the inputs for their intended purpose and refrain from selling or sharing them.

Mr Luvuwa said such actions do not only divert the inputs but also undermine the overall objectives of the programme.

“I appeal to our farmers to utilise the inputs for their intended purpose. The temptation to sell the inputs for immediate personal needs, at the expense of our national food security must be avoided at all costs,” added Mr Luvuwa.

In an announcement on his official Facebook page, President Hakainde Hichilema revealed the eagerly anticipated commencement of roadworks on the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway. President Hichilema described this project as a flagship initiative under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing model.

In his brief Facebook post, President Hichilema stated, “The works on the much-awaited Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway project have commenced. This is one of our flagship projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing model.” The announcement marks a significant milestone in the development of Zambia’s infrastructure.

President Hichilema expressed his optimism for the successful completion of the project, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Zambia into a pivotal transport hub for Southern and Central Africa. He stated, “We look forward to the smooth completion of this project and lay the foundation for other similar arrangements as we make Zambia the transport hub for Southern and Central Africa.”

The Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway project has been eagerly awaited and is seen as a crucial infrastructure development that will improve connectivity and transportation efficiency between these two major cities. The modernization of this key transportation route is expected to facilitate economic growth, enhance trade, and improve overall accessibility for residents and businesses.

This major undertaking follows the signing of a groundbreaking 25-year Public Private Partnership (PPP) Concession Agreement on February 28, 2023, between the Zambian government and the Macro Oceans Investment Consortium (MOIC). Under the terms of the agreement, MOIC has committed to constructing a 327-kilometer dual carriageway, connecting Lusaka and Ndola, at a total cost of 650 million United States dollars.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for collaborative efforts by law enforcement agencies and adoption of innovative prosecuting techniques in the fight against economic and financial crime.

President Hichilema says criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated in their activities by exploiting technological gaps, hence prosecutors should develop a range of strategies for digital, economic and financial crime investigation and prosecution.

The President said increased cross-agency collaboration should be taken as a priority for prosecuting economic and financial crimes in the digital era as they have become difficult to identify, investigate and prosecute.

 President Hichilema said this in a speech read for him by Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe during the official opening of the Inaugural National Prosecutors Conference in Livingstone today.

The Head of State emphasised on team work and creation of synergies for timely sharing information in the fight against crime.

“The nature and complexity of crime is ever changing and the crime threat that we face continues to grow and evolve. Criminal networks are becoming increasingly resilient and exploiting technology to unleash emerging types of crimes and are also developing new methods of committing new crimes. Therefore, there should be team work if the fight against crime is to be won,” he said.

The President further stated that there is need for knowledge, skills and continued development of prosecutors to effectively deal with emerging complex corruption, organised crimes and money laundering offences.

The Head of State added that investigating and prosecuting criminals should be done on an international scale as modern crimes do not end at the country’ borders.

“We need close collaboration between law enforcement agencies around the globe. Prosecutors need to work together to identify, investigate and prosecute transnational crimes,” he said.

He noted that prosecutorial excellence in the economic and financial crime in the digital era is cardinal if crimes are to be detected, investigated and effectively prosecuted.

Speaking at the same event, Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri has challenged prosecutors across the country to exercise excellence in handling cases.

Mr Phiri said prosecutors should not fear to prosecute anyone involved in criminal activities as no one is above the law.

“This conference has provided a platform for sharing best experiences and practices that can help to shape your expertise in dealing with these crimes,” he said.

 United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali has praised the government for its efforts in fighting economic and financial crimes in the country.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Alliance Africa (AGA), International Advisor John Edozie has called for utilisation of technological advancement in the fight against crime.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called upon all Zambians to embrace and appreciate each other’s diverse cultures and traditions, fostering unity in the nation. The President emphasized the importance of learning different languages and understanding each other’s values as a means to strengthen national cohesion.

With reference to this year’s Ukusefya Pang’wena Traditional Ceremony of the Bemba people in Mungwi District, Northern Province, President Hichilema expressed his admiration for the unity displayed by the Litunga of Western Province and Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, highlighting it as a positive example of the harmony that should prevail across the country.

Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo delivered President Hichilema’s address at the ceremony, where the President underlined his determination to enhance the quality of life for all Zambians. He stressed that this commitment was being manifested through significant improvements in various sectors of the economy, including education and healthcare.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, represented by Dr. Bwalya Chiteba, echoed the President’s call for national unity, irrespective of cultural differences. He expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for the upgrade of Kasama Airport to international standards, lauding this as a demonstration of the President’s dedication to fulfilling promises made to the Zambian people.

Furthermore, Chief Chitimukulu extended his appreciation to the Litunga for gracing this year’s Ukusefya Pang’wena traditional ceremony, a gesture seen as strengthening the bonds between different regions and cultures in Zambia.

In a show of solidarity, Ngambela Mukela Manyando, a representative of the Litunga, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Bemba and Lozi communities in promoting national unity. Manyando also congratulated Paramount Chief Chitimukulu on marking his remarkable ten years on the throne, acknowledging his leadership’s contributions to the preservation of culture and unity in Zambia.