Luangwa Town Council Council Secretary, Greyson Sakala, has embarked on a tour of institutional farms and properties as part of a strategic move to assess and fully utilse the commercial assets under its ownership.
Luangwa Town Council Public Relations Officer, Annedy Longwe says the tour began at Kavalamaja, where the institution owns more than 100 hectares of land.
In a press statement released to ZANIS, Ms Longwe explained that another property inspected is located in Chitope area, which sits on approximately 60 to 70 hectares of land.
“The purpose of this tour of properties is to revamp the commercial ventures in the district that will improve the economic status of both institutions and the district,” she said.
And Sakala has emphasised the importance of utilising institutional assets to their fullest potential.
“As an institution, we cannot continue relying solely on levies and charges imposed on businesses considering the current depressed economic environment, hence the need to revamp all our commercial ventures and create sustainable income generating opportunities,” he explained.
Mr. Sakala further noted that the visit was an eye opener to management to the immense potential that lies in these underutilised assets.
He says among the sites visited is one with 16 fish ponds, which the institution intends to rehabilitate and put to productive use.
He also mentioned that the institution will soon engage key stakeholders and policymakers to ensure a collective effort in unlocking the value of these resources.
“The surrounding areas are already active in agriculture, including vegetable and banana farming, which presents a viable opportunity for collaboration and expansion,” he says.
Mr. Sakala says the Local Authority is keen to invest in these ventures, especially the currently unused fish ponds and fertile lands, to enhance financial sustainability and economic growth for the institution.
