Western Province Permanent Secretary (PS) has disclosed that the initiative to promote citrus fruits planting in various schools is towards economic diversification of the province.
Mr. Sibanze Simuchoba said Government’s resolve to venture into various areas of the economy such as agriculture is the only sure way the economy of the country is going to improve.
In an interview, the PS said there is need to promote the growing of citrus fruits in the province owing to the existence of good soils and arable land that can support such ventures.
Mr. Simuchoba said the provincial administration is working with the Namushakende Farmers Training Centre to develop seedlings of oranges and other citrus fruits meant for distribution in schools and councils.
“So far, 250 seedlings of citrus fruits have been distributed in Sesheke as an initial beneficiary district before rolling-out to other parts of the province,” he revealed.
Mr. Simuchomba stated that the province enjoys its comparative advantage in timber such as rosewood, Teak and Mukwa which are exported to Asian countries and has a huge annual turn-over that can the make the province a trade hub for the country.
He has since implored the people of Western Province to take advantage of the available natural resources such as timber in Kaoma, Sioma and Mulobezi districts and venture into furniture production in order to fight poverty in the area.
He emphasised that instead of always complaining about Government’s failure to provide services, people must learn to work hard and harness the available resources for their benefit.
The PS clarified that Government does not own industries in the region to produce financial resources but that is dependant on citizens to come up with various entrepreneurial activities to run and draw revenue to provide various services.
