28/10/2025
KITWE SILO SET FOR ZNS TAKEOVER TO SECURE GRAIN STOCKS
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) is set to take charge of a grain storage silo facility in Kitwe with plans to rehabilitate the dilapidated structure and significantly increase the nation's maize storage capacity following an upcoming official handover.
The facility is set to be handed over to the Service by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development as part of Government’s effort to revitalise critical agricultural infrastructure across the country.
The Deputy ZNS Commander and Chief of Staff, Major General Reuben Mwewa, revealed that the Service will soon mobilize resources and deploy engineers on-site to commence rehabilitation works once all necessary paperwork is finalized and the handover is complete.
Maj Gen Mwewa said he was confident that the rehabilitation of the silo will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s grain reserves and reducing post-harvest losses.
He was speaking shortly after conducting an inspection tour of the site in the company of officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Provincial Infrastructure. The tour was to assess the facility ahead of its official handover to ZNS.
“ZNS has been offered this infrastructure by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, and we responded in the affirmative. As a key component of the Defence Force, ZNS is prepared to accept the responsibility to overhaul this massive infrastructure and expand our maize storage facilities,” Maj Gen Mwewa stated.
The Deputy ZNS Chief noted that revamping the facility will not only strengthen the Service’s maize storage capacity but also enhance national preparedness in maintaining strategic food reserves.
He noted that preserving public infrastructure is not only a matter of maintenance but also of national responsibility, as such assets underpin economic resilience and food security.
Maj Gen Mwewa said ZNS remains committed to ensuring that such facilities contribute to the Government’s broader goal of achieving national food self-sufficiency.
"Increased storage facilities are essential to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure that the country can hold increased maize commodities adequately, that is the only way will be food secure,” he said.
And Provincial Infrastructure Officer Mr Haggai Kaoma disclosed that the grain silo facility formerly managed by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has a holding volume of about 69,000 cubic metres even in its current state of disrepair.
He noted that once rehabilitated, the facility will play a crucial role in expanding the nation’s maize storage capacity and strengthening food security.
Mr Kaoma thanked ZNS for its proactive decision to prepare to take charge of the facility, describing it as a timely intervention that will not only expand maize storage capacity but also reinforce the country’s long-term food security strategy.
“We are happy with the swift response by ZNS to prepare for taking over this Silo and we are confident that the planned rehabilitation works once implemented will enhance the country’s maize storage capacity and strengthen its overall food-security position,” he said.
Credit: ZNS
