(3 Minutes Read)
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said that there is a need to map underground water resources to support irrigation programmes to respond to the drought that has affected crop yields.
He was talking to the delegation of Finnish Members of Parliament who paid a courtesy call on him at the State House, President Hichilema said Zambia will engage the expertise of Finland in geological mapping of groundwater.During the discussions, both parties emphasised the critical importance of mapping underground water resources to support irrigation programs in Zambia, particularly in response to the drought affecting crop yields. President Hichilema stressed the urgent need to identify areas with groundwater suitable for irrigation, recognizing it as a vital solution to combatting the agricultural challenges posed by water scarcity.
In response to Zambia’s pressing need, President Hichilema expressed Zambia’s intention to engage Finland’s expertise in the geological mapping of groundwater. This collaborative effort aims to address the country’s agricultural challenges by harnessing the potential of underground water resources for sustainable irrigation practices.
President Hakainde Hichilema urged for strengthened development cooperation between Zambia and Finland to drive economic growth and development in the country. In the global community of democrats, one must retain this position. This partnership will help us drive development and enforce opportunities and freedoms, remarked President Hichilema, emphasizing the significance of cooperation in driving development and fostering economic opportunities. President Hichilema acknowledged Finland’s expertise in various sectors of the Zambian economy, including mining, agriculture, water, and forestry. He stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation not only between governments but also between businesses, as investments and trade play a crucial role in driving economies forward.
Furthermore, President Hichilema called for expedited action on developing a common checklist for agreed-upon areas between Zambia and Finland, emphasizing the importance of efficient cooperation.
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In response, Krista Mikkonen, the leader of the Finnish delegation, expressed the growing interest of the Finnish private sector in various fields in Zambia, particularly in sustainable and environmentally friendly mining, forestry, meteorology, and education sectors. She also acknowledged Zambia’s economic challenges, particularly the unresolved debt situation, expressing optimism that positive movement on debt restructuring would unlock Zambia’s economic potential.
