DMMU To Assess Impact Of Red Locusts

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit has embarked upon an assessment of the impact of red locusts in affected districts in Western Province.

DMMU National Coordinator Chanda Kabwe says the organisation has engaged the International Red Locusts Organisation of Ndola to carry out the assessments. So far they have covered three districts: Sesheke, Mwandi and Kaoma. 

Mr Kabwe said that once assessments had been completed, authorities could commence with group and aerial spraying.

He added that red locusts are a danger to Zambia’s food security and said that President Edgar Lungu is concerned about the situation. 

The assessment follows the worst locust infestation in East Africa in 70 years, which has devastated harvests in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. The UN says recent swarms could lead to nearly 5 million people in Africa facing starvation. 

The DMMU has sprayed some 3,8000 hectares in Kazungula District, Southern Province, as a precaution against the pests. 

Meanwhile, Mr Kabwe has described the hunger situation in Lunga as an emergency. Some 60,000 households have been affected by hunger as a result of recent flooding in the area.

Mr Kabwe said the government was already providing relief support and emergency cash transfers, with the support of cooperating partners.