Government says it is devising a long term programme to eradicate cattle diseases in some parts of the country.
Agriculture and Co-operatives Minister Ben Kapita told Parliament that Cabinet is
considering the plan which he presented for consideration.
He said  government would target the most affected areas that include Southern,
Northern, North-Western and Western Provinces.
Mr Kapita said government will not lift the ban on cattle movement until the
diseases are eradicated.
He stated money was available for the cattle restocking but that government would
only embark on the exercise after it has lifted the on cattle movement.
The agriculture minister was responding to Choma Central Mp George Chazangwe who
wanted to know what measures the ministry has taken to eradicate and contain
cattle diseases in Southern Province .
Senenga Mp Clement Sinyinda asked government to declare the cattle disease a
national disaster saying the diseases were spreading at an alarming rate .
Monze Mp Jack Mwiimbu asked government to explain why it was restocking cattle in
places where farmers have not lost animals.
Meanwhile, Energy deputy Minister Gaston Sichilima says government will not connect
rural areas to the national hydro-lectricity grid because the of doing so is
prohibitive.
Mr Sichilima said government will instead encourage the electricification of rural
areas using solar energy.
