Traditional leaders urged to support Lumezi dam project
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Top StoriesLumezi District Commissioner (DC), Patrick Mtonga, says the Lumezi dam project in Chamtowa ward is expected to unlock economic opportunities for local communities through fish farming, crop irrigation and livestock farming. Brigadier General Mtonga (Retired) has urged headmen…
Lumezi District Commissioner (DC), Patrick Mtonga, says the Lumezi dam project in Chamtowa ward is expected to unlock economic opportunities for local communities through fish farming, crop irrigation and livestock farming.
Brigadier General Mtonga (Retired) has urged headmen in the area to identify and release suitable portions of land around the dam for the development of fish ponds, irrigated crop fields and designated livestock watering points.
The DC said this during a community engagement meeting attended by officials from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation under the Provincial Administration.
He said the land identification exercise should be guided by a participatory land-use planning approach to ensure that local communities actively contribute to maximising the benefits of the dam.
“You must be aware that the land being identified is not intended for the District Administration or unintended for individuals to benefit but should be utilised by local communities to support their economic activities and livelihoods,” he said.
He said the target community already expressed willingness to participate in initiatives aimed at ensuring that the district derives maximum benefits from the investment.
Meanwhile, Chief Zumwanda’s Induna, Alfred Phiri, urged headmen to convene a meeting and expedite the identification of suitable land for the proposed activities.
Mr Phiri said the development will benefit locals, calling on traditional leaders to act swiftly to ensure that the planned initiatives were implemented.
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