Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has handed over Lweya Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation works worth K30 billion to two contractors to start the second phase of the 700-hectare facility in Nkhata Bay.
Speaking on Wednesday during the handover, the authority’s chief executive officer Eric Chidzungu said the rehabilitation works were in line with the organisation’s mandate of promoting food security in the country.
“We believe that by next year the scheme will be able to run effectively and that farmers will produce crops such as rice and maize,” he said.
On his part , Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo said it was government’s wish to help farmers depart from relying on rain-fed agriculture which has contributed to low production over the years.
“Our country needs to migrate to irrigation farming. As we move to this type of farming, we are hopeful that this will help farmers increase their food production and become food secure,” he said.
Chambo appealed to communities around the scheme to own the project by motoring its implementation.
He a l so appealed to contractors to speed up the rehabilitation works to finish it within the timeframe.
Senior Chief Malanda said he will ensure that his subjects work in collaboration with contractors to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
The chief also warned people against vandalising and stealing materials.
Wills Njoka, who spoke on behalf of Pro Civils and Zipatso JV contractors, assured the communities that they will beat the deadline.
“With our experience and capacity, we should be able to complete the rehabilitation works before the specified period of 12 months,” he said.
The other contractor is Shilpa Construction Company.
With continued dwindling of crop production , especially the staple grain maize, Greenbelt Authority is encouraging people to embrace irrigation farming
