Govt, AfDB to inject US$19.6m in Nansanga farm block

By Moses Nyati

Government through the African Development Bank (AfDB) is set to inject over US$19.6 million in Nansanga farm block aimed at addressing various issues affecting agricultural productivity in the farming block.

Delivering his key note speech during the environmental and social economic impact assessment disclosure meeting for the Nansanga Commodity Value Chain Transformation Project in Serenje district, District Commissioner Paul Masuwa said farm blocks are a cornerstone for rural development.

Mr. Masuwa disclosed that government through the African Development Bank (AfDB) with parallel funding from World Bank’s Zambia Growth Opportunities project was in the process of providing funds to the tune of nineteen million united states dollars to Nansanga farm block.

The district commissioner said the project will among others rehabilitate 80km of road from Serenje Post Office to Nansanga farm block, rehabilitate the Musangashi dam, construct 1km water canal where 400 farmers are expected to benefit, construct storage sheds, rehabilitate two schools, health centres and also construct a one stop service Centre.

He added that through the project, 3,500 hectares of land was expected to be cleared and levelled and that this intervention targets to benefit 350 farmers who will be supported with inputs to undertake rain-fed production of soya beans, maize and cassava.

The district commissioner also disclosed that government through World Bank funded project Zambia Growth Opportunities (ZAMGRO) has set aside US$49 million for various infrastructure development in farm blocks across the country.

Mr. Masuwa said the US$49 million that government has set aside with support from World Bank will cover among others, 1,400km road development in all farm blocks across the country, infrastructure development such as schools, health facility, processing zones and development of the farm block strategy and investment plan.

The district commissioner added that government released about twenty-seven million Kwacha in 2023 towards rehabilitation of roads in Nansanga farm block covering a total of 50km and an additional of fourteen million Kwacha for farm block development such as borehole rehabilitation.

“In a bid to open up access roads and improve access to inputs by farmers in Nansanga farm block, government through the Zambia National Service (ZNS) is currently working on the sylver land to Masunga, Sylverl and-Correction service road junction to Kabeta junction.” he said

The district commissioner said the planned interventions by the project will help actualise government objective of making the farm block as a one of the production hubs in the country.

Meanwhile, Serenje Council Chairperson Staivious Mulumba thanked government for the financial commitment rendered in actualizing the Nansanga farm block in Serenje.

Mr. Mulumba said the new project under the African development bank will attract investors in Nansanga farm block thus contributing positively to the economic development of the district.

And Acting Provincial Agricultural Coordinator (PACO) Etambuyu Anamela said government was resolute in promoting mechanization and irrigation as evidenced from the recent launch of the 2024-2028 National Agricultural Mechanisation Strategy (NAMS).

Ms. Anamela added that government through the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility (SAFF) has added a component where farmers interested in accessing irrigation and farm power equipment have access to low interest loans.

The robust farm block development programme government has embarked on if well harnessed properly will greatly contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction and job creation.

NAIS

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