ZNS TO REHABILITATE KITWE SILO

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Posted by admin on October 29, 2025 at 5:27 AM

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The Zambia National Service (ZNS) is set to take over and rehabilitate a dilapidated grain silo facility in Kitwe, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s maize storage capacity and safeguarding national food reserves.

The facility, previously managed by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), will be officially handed over by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development as part of government efforts to revitalize critical agricultural infrastructure.

Deputy ZNS Commander and Chief of Staff, Major General Reuben Mwewa, confirmed that ZNS will soon mobilize resources and deploy engineers to begin rehabilitation works once the handover process is finalized.

“ZNS is prepared to accept the responsibility to overhaul this massive infrastructure and expand our maize storage facilities,” Maj Gen Mwewa said during an inspection tour of the site.

He emphasized that the project will play a pivotal role in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing Zambia’s strategic food security, aligning with the government’s broader goal of achieving national food self-sufficiency.

“Preserving public infrastructure is not only a matter of maintenance but also of national responsibility,” he added.

The silo, with a holding capacity of 69,000 cubic metres, is expected to significantly boost grain storage once rehabilitated. Provincial Infrastructure Officer Haggai Kaoma described the ZNS intervention as a timely and strategic move to reinforce Zambia’s long-term food security.

“We are confident that the planned rehabilitation works will enhance the country’s maize storage capacity and strengthen its overall food-security position,” Kaoma said.