101,617 residents in anthrax scare, cries Sinazongwe Member of Parliament, Gift Sialubalo

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By Chali Mulenga, Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia

Sinazongwe Member of Parliament, Gift Sialubalo has made a compelling appeal for urgent relief food for his constituency as an anthrax outbreak ravages the area, affecting the lives and livelihoods of its 101,617 residents.

Mr Sialubalo highlighted the critical need for immediate aid due to the devastating impact of the disease on the region.

In an interview, Mr Sialubalo shed light on the grim situation within the Gwembe Valley, emphasizing that the entire area has been severely impacted by the outbreak of anthrax.

“Allow me to shed light on the dire situation within the Gwembe Valley,” Mr Sialubalo expressed, emphasizing the significant impact of the anthrax outbreak across the entire area.

“This disease has significantly affected our local populace, particularly those reliant on cattle trading as their primary source of livelihood in this region characterized by low rainfall.”

Reflecting on the recent farming season’s failure, Mr Sialubalo stressed that the community is already grappling with food insecurity. He highlighted the dependence of the people on their livestock and lamented the risk of imminent starvation if aid doesn’t reach them promptly.

Mr Sialubalo revealed that he had approached the Disaster Management Unit’s national coordinator, seeking immediate assistance for the afflicted region. He expressed gratitude for the intensification of mass vaccination against anthrax, where approximately 60,000 animals in Sinazongwe District received anti-anthrax doses.

“I personally reached out to the national coordinator of the Disaster Management Unit, urgently requesting assistance for our affected region,” Mr Sialubalo disclosed. “I am thankful for the concerted effort in intensifying the mass vaccination against anthrax. Approximately 60,000 animals in the Sinazongwe District have received crucial anti-anthrax doses.”

Mr Sialubalo also mentioned the implementation of a new law aimed at safeguarding the community from the illegal movement of cattle, a practice identified as a contributor to the outbreak of diseases. He expressed hope that this regulation would play a crucial role in curbing the spread of anthrax and protecting the local population.

Mr Sialubalo conveyed his concern for the people’s well-being, emphasizing that the ban on cattle movement was initially met with resistance.

However, he underscored the necessity of this measure, as livestock serves as the primary source of sustenance for the residents.

As the community grapples with the far-reaching effects of the anthrax outbreak, , Mr Sialubalo’s plea for immediate relief food stands as a critical necessity. With the support of the government and concerned authorities, efforts are being made to alleviate the situation and prevent further distress among the people of Sinazongwe.

And the Chairperson of the And of Gwembe Valley Must Develop (GVMD), Winter Muvombo, emphasized the pressing need for the valley to receive essential food relief.

Mr Muvombo stated that the cost of basic food items had escalated significantly, making it unaffordable for the local population due to the current crisis plaguing the valley.

“Residents in the Gwembe Valley are under immense pressure due to the soaring prices of essential commodities,” Mr Muvombo stated.

“The lack of opportunities to sell their livestock, worsened by the region’s inadequate and insufficient rainfall, is further compounding the situation,” he said.

Mr Muvombo stressed that the dire circumstances have led to a sharp increase in the cost of a tin, making it unattainable for the valley’s inhabitants. The current crisis has resulted in a situation where the purchase price has become unreasonably high, severely impacting the community’s ability to access basic necessities.

End

Chali Mulenga
Journalist, Blogger, Media consultant.

260 955 390 898/0967
260 979 777136
Livingstone, Zambia
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twitter/mulimule
https://chalimulengalivingstone.blogspot.com/

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