By Bennie Mundando
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Defence, and the International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa, is working to ensure the affected communities and their crop are protected following the infestation of the red locust.
DMMU national coordinator, Chanda Kabwe has disclosed that Mwandi, Mongu, Lukulu, Kalabo, Sikongo, and Sesheke District in Western province as well as Kazungula District in Southern Province are some of the affected districts.
Mr. Kabwe has further disclosed that on Monday, a team from the four departments will start the mapping exercise to ascertain the extent of damage in terms of hectarage, starting with Mwandi district which is the most affected.
“Government is aware of the negative effects of the locusts on food security. This is why is quickly mobilising and procuring the requirements, in conjunction with its cooperating partners, for the eradication of the red locusts to protect the communities,” Mr. Kabwe said.
He says the requirements include a chopper to assist in aerial spraying, Fenitrothion for aerial spraying and local pesticides for ground spraying.
He has since assured the traditional leadership in the affected communities to stay calm as Government is responding to their plight.
