Construction of livestock lab nears completion in Choma

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Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Permanent Secretary David Shamulenge says it is a requirement that government develops a livestock sector in the country.

 

Dr. Shamulenge said in the last 20 years, there has been low turnout in livestock but said this will change.

 

He said this after inspecting the construction of the K3.3 million regional laboratory and office block in Choma district in southern province.

 

Dr. Shamulenge expressed hope that the laboratory, which will be used for detecting diseases and specimen collection among other things, will be completed in the next few months.

 

Dr. Shamulenge, who also toured the provincial veterinary clinic to monitor the operations, said there was need to put in place measures that will bring an increase in the populations of livestock.

 

He said some laboratories were already operational in Mongu and Chipata while works in Solwezi, Kasama and Ndola are yet to be started.

 

And Provincial Livestock Officer Phare Sikaputa said the construction was at an advanced stage.

 

Mr. Sikaputa said the incinerator had already been done while the cold-room was being installed.

 

She said more equipment would be brought once the regional laboratory construction was completed.

 

He commended government for fully funding the project adding that Southern province was grateful to have a laboratory especially that its cattle population was almost one million.

 

Mr. Sikaputa further thanked government for building laboratories closer to the people.

 

He noted that for a long time, farmers depended on the central laboratory in Lusaka which is usually congested with too much work thereby causing delay in the results.

 

ZANI/ENDS/LN/KSH……..…DRY