Army aims at “food security”

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 07:05:59 +0000

BY GWENDOLYN MCHENGA

PLANS are underway to revamp the Zambia Army farms in other military cantonments to end dependence on government for all its food needs, Army Commander Lieutenant General Paul Mihova has said.

He said the military personnel had started to engage itself in economically viable and productive ventures such as crop and livestock production and fish farming in Kaoma, Kawambwa, Chipata and Serenje.

Speaking during this year’s Zambia Army Officers’ Annual ball held at the army’s Headquarters at Arakan Barracks on Saturday evening, Gen. Mihova disclosed that the army was looking forward to achieving self-sustenance in food supplies by the year 2020, which could be enhanced through its training objectives as reflected in the army’s forecast of events of 2016.

And Gen. Mihova said the army shall remain non-partisan at all times as they had always been andt would continue to be disciplined and hard working in order to ensure peace, stability and sustenance of democracy in the country and beyond.

Gen Mihova said his officers had a track record of good performance in the participation of the United Nation (UN) peace keeping, adding that currently, the officers were participating in the battalion of 750 personnel military observers and staff officers in the Central African Republic (CAR), Liberia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

He disclosed that the army had managed to procure some equipment such as Armaments, a fleet of busses and other logistical requirements on their inventory to make the work of officers easy.

He had since thanked government for supporting the growth of the army through the creation of new units and many other developmental activities which motivated the officers to work hard and thus contributed positively to the cause of peace and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister, Davies Chama commended the officers for their hard work, commitment and loyalty to the government in making sure that peace prevailed in the nation during and after the August 11 elections.

Mr Chama said he was delighted with the professional manner exhibited by the army during the elections in their unflinching commitment and unquestionable loyalty to safeguarding the constitution which allowed the democratic process to prevail.

He encouraged the officers to maintain professionalism at all times and continue to remain non-partisan and loyal to the government of the day.