Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata says despite challenges posed by the drought, progress has been made in averting possible food insecurity in various districts.
Ms. Mulyata says the realignment of the country’s resources towards the drought response have been beneficial towards alleviating vulnerable households from experiencing poverty.
Speaking during the Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meeting in Lusaka today, the Minister cited interventions that include the opening of satellite depots in strategic areas across the districts to enable the sale of white grain maize.
The Minister who chairs the PDCC further highlighted the zero rating of duty on purchasing of solar irrigation machines to enable farmers to purchase at a lower price.
Ms. Mulyata added that the government has also embarked on an emergency cash transfer programme for potential beneficiaries as a response to the drought.
She said beneficiaries are receiving a bi-monthly amount of 800 kwacha per household for a year while existing social cash transfer beneficiaries are receiving an increment of 400 kwacha across the board.
And the Minister said the Second quarter was critical as the 2025 to 2027 Medium Term Budget Plan and the 2025 Annual Budget was presented during the Budget hearings.
She said resources were allocated in a manner that is consistent with the Medium-Term developmental priorities to ensure efficient and effective use of public resources.
Speaking at the same event, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata thanked the Government for releasing funding for operations for the province despite most resources going towards the drought response.
