Niël Terblanché
A locust outbreak in the Zambezi region has prompted the intervention from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, with the deputy minister, Ruth Maseka, visiting affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate a response.
The visit formed part of a regional familiarisation tour, during which Maseka met with local leaders and officials to discuss the challenges facing the region’s agricultural sector.
At a courtesy meeting with the Zambezi regional governor, Lawrence Sampofu, Maseka was briefed on the locust infestation and other pressing issues, including water supply concerns.
The locust outbreak has affected crops and grazing lands in various parts of the region, prompting increased government engagement and interventions.
Sampofu commended the cooperation between the ministry and the regional office, and noted the need for continued collaboration in addressing local needs.
Maseke visited the locust spraying team and some of the most affected areas, including Masokotwane, Old Masokotwane, and the Linyati Constituency.
Last week, the chief agricultural scientific officer, Rodrick Maswabi, told One Africa TV that the team deployed to combat the locust invasion and fall armyworm outbreak in the region does not have enough or reliable vehicles to access the affected areas.
He reported that 16 farmers have been affected thus far since the outbreak in mid-January.
Maseka then held discussions with staff members from the ministry and local farmers.
Referring to the ministry’s relatively recent establishment, she urged staff to operate as a cohesive unit.
“We need to work together as one team to ensure the delivery of quality services to the public,” she said.
The deputy minister also encouraged personnel to use the appropriate reporting structures to raise issues affecting service delivery.
There, Maseka met with the local councillor and traditional leaders, who voiced concerns over the condition of key infrastructure.
The councillor and the traditional leader appealed for the rehabilitation of damaged boreholes and requested that the ministry prioritise repairs to the Linyati Agricultural Development Centre.
Maseka instructed regional staff to begin rehabilitation efforts at the centre without delay.
“The condition of this facility must be addressed urgently so it can better support farmers in the area,” she said.
She also acknowledged the longstanding vacancy for an agricultural technician in the region, which local leaders say is hampering efforts to assist farmers.
Maseka called for the post to be filled as a matter of urgency, noting that a dedicated technician was essential to restoring proper agricultural support services in the constituency.
She assured community leaders that the ministry remains committed to responding to both immediate threats and longer-term development needs in the region.
