FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK MINISTER WANTS HIS PERMANENT SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR FOR VETERINARY SERVICES SUSPENDED
By Chileshe Mwango
Fisheries and Livestock Minister Makozo Chikote has recommended to Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa for the suspension of his Permanent Secretary Annie Songolo and Director for Veterinary Services Geoffrey Muuka.
This is after the two allowed for the movement of 21 cattle from Shang’ombo district in Western Province despite the current ban on the movement of live animals from the province to other parts of the country.
The animals which are now 16 after 5 died on the way were destined for the Batoka ranch in Choma district for the purposes of preserving the local breed.
Mr. Chikote who today visited the central veterinary research institute in Chilanga district where the animals are being quarantined expressed disappointment that the two senior officers could allow such a move when they well know the ban on the movement of live animals is still in effect and also appreciate the risk related to their action.
He has since ordered for the slaughtering of the 16 animals saying other scientific methods of preserving the indigenous breeds could have been used than the physical movement of live animals.
Meanwhile, Central Veterinary Research Institute Acting Chief Veterinary Research Officer Mwansa Songe who looked terrified after being taken to task by the minister said she received instructions to receive the animals from the permanent secretary and necessary steps were taken before the animals could be received.
PHOENIX NEWS