Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Colin Barry has undertaken a tour of Siavonga District to assess the possibility of enhancing military presence for the security and safety of the border town, it’s people and investments.
The Air Force Commander said the District was not only a strategic location but a significant historical and economic hotspot with real potential for tourism, fishing and mining of building stones as well as quarry to make meaningful contribution to the country’s GDP.
“This District is strategic to our economy. The electricity that powers the whole nation is generated here so how do you have such a key town without full military establishments? I know we have Zambia Army and Air Force presence here and we are complimenting other security institutions such as the police but they may not be adequate to respond to changing security dimensions of this time that covers beyond just security” explained Lt Gen Barry.
Lt Gen Barry also visited and paid courtesy calls on civic leaders in the District that included Chief Simamba, Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakompo and Council Chairperson Given Kwampo. Others who met the Air Force Commander are Council Secretary Cholwe Maunga, Local Area Councilor Special Mulaziki and several Headmen.
The Zambia Air Force is pursuing it’s expansion drive to put it’s footprint countrywide. So far it has established Provincial Command Centres (PADCs) in all the Ten (10) Provinces and is also pursuing both economic and security investments in Mpika, Mansa and Lufwanyama.