Govt to transform Zambezi farm into food-producing correctional facility

A food-producing correctional facility is set to be constructed on Liselo Farm at Katima Mulilo.

Deputy prime minister John Mutorwa says he is pleased with efforts made to repurpose the Zambezi farm into a food-producing correctional facility, after it has been idle for over 20 years.

Mutorwa, speaking during the opening ceremony on Friday, said food production initiatives at correctional facilities are a step in the right direction to eliminate hunger in the country.

“This facility will not only provide a secure environment for individuals serving their sentences, it will also play a vital role in producing food to contribute to the food security of our country. This project exemplifies the government’s dedication to transforming correctional facilities into productive centres that enhance our national food security objectives,” he said.

The project will be constructed in phases, starting with fencing, the rehabilitation of infrastructure, irrigation systems and then the production of crops, he added.

“The first phase of the project has started, whereby about 13.2 kilometres of cutline for the fence was cleared. The fencing and the rehabilitation of existing accommodation facilities are planned for the 2025/26 financial year.

“Furthermore, the facility is expected to cultivate approximately 420 hectares of arable land, focusing on cereals such as maize, wheat and sunflower, as well as a variety of fruit and vegetables.”

Mutorwa said in addition to farming, the project will add value by processing maize into maize meal and sunflower seeds into cooking oil, as well as producing animal feed and Max-A-Meal products.