Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board Chairperson, Gabriel Kunda, says the Namwala Aerodrome has the potential to be expanded to support the country’s ambition of attaining one billion United States dollars in beef exports under the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda. Captain Kunda…

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Board Chairperson, Gabriel Kunda, says the Namwala Aerodrome has the potential to be expanded to support the country’s ambition of attaining one billion United States dollars in beef exports under the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.

Captain Kunda said Namwala district, being one of the major beef-producing areas in Southern Province and the country, could play a significant role in achieving the national beef export target.

He said this when he led a six-member CAA Board delegation on a familiarisation visit to Namwala district to assess the operational status of the aerodrome and appreciate the activities of Zambeef’s abattoir and the feedlot.

Capt. Kunda said the visit was aimed at identifying opportunities for improving aviation infrastructure and strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders in the livestock value chain to support the realisation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

He said an improved aerodrome facility would enhance connectivity and potentially support the transportation of goods and other services which are necessary for the growth of the livestock industry.

Meanwhile, Zambeef Northern Region Large Livestock Manager, Himus Choongo, briefed the delegation on the operations of the company’s abattoir and feedlot, highlighting their contribution to livestock production and beef processing.

Namwala District Commissioner, Ephraim Shandavu, said the district was strategically positioned to contribute significantly towards the country’s one-billion-dollar beef export ambition.

Mr Shandavu said Namwala’s livestock production potential, coupled with improved infrastructure and partnerships between the government and the private sector, would help strengthen the beef industry.

And CAA Board Vice-Chairperson, Henry Chiwaya, who is also Deputy Air Force Commander, said Namwala has a bright future because of its potential to contribute to the country’s livestock development agenda.

Major General Chiwaya said improving aviation infrastructure in the district would be important in supporting economic activities and complementing the government’s efforts to grow the livestock sector.

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