DIAMOND CHITALU
Itezhi-Tezhi
ITEZHI-TEZHI District Commissioner Tobias Namantemba has handed over 306 goats to 102 households under Government’s alternative livelihood interventions being implemented by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.
Mr Namantemba said the programme is a pass-on initiative meant to empower deserving and vulnerable households to boost livestock production, improve nutrition, enhance food security and contribute to poverty reduction.
He said the beneficiaries were drawn from Masemu Ward, which contributed 50 households, and Lubanda Ward with 52 households.
“The Government, through President Hakainde Hichilema, does not want any vulnerable but viable household to die of hunger,” Mr Namantemba said.
He said that each household will receive two female goats and one male goat to ensure sustainability and growth of the livestock.
He said: “The Government remains committed to supporting beneficiaries to reduce poverty and improve their standard of living in line with the Seventh National Development Plan.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abby Kambeya thanked the Government for the support and appealed for responsible management of the livestock.
“My appeal to fellow beneficiaries is that we take good care of the stock so that others can also benefit, as this is a pass-on programme,” he said.
Itezhi-Tezhi department of livestock and fisheries coordinator Patricia Munthali urged the beneficiaries to work closely with veterinary officers.
“Whenever you notice that the goats are not feeling well, do not hesitate to call veterinary officers to attend to them,” she advised.
Dr Munthali said the Department of Veterinary Services works hand in hand with the Department of Community Development from the inception of the programme to ensure that healthy goats are selected, vaccinated and dewormed before being handed over to beneficiaries.
