The Kasempa District Administration has expressed concern over the impending shutdown of Peace Corps operations in North-Western Province, warning that the move will negatively affect local development efforts.
Kasempa District Administrative Officer, Francis Makanga, noted that the closure would negatively impact the forestry and livestock sectors which have benefited from Peace Corps support over the years.
Mr Makanga made the remarks when a team from the Peace Corps paid a courtesy call on the district administration.
“It is unfortunate that it is happening this way because our communities have greatly benefited from the presence of the Peace Corps,” he said.
Mr Makanga reiterated the District Commissioner’s commitment to supporting the organization during the transition phase.
“There is already a system in place that can quickly be activated, allowing the services previously delivered through the provincial office to be decentralised to our local institutions,” he explained.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and continued support of all development partners.
“Government in all districts provides support to ensure everyone is safe because we do not want the name of the government to be tarnished,” he added.
Mr Makanga has since called for strengthened collaboration between the district administration and the Peace Corps to ensure a smooth transition.
Meanwhile, Peace Corps Project Manager, Donald Namushi, disclosed that operations were being shut down in two provinces.
“We received instructions to scale down our presence in Central and North-Western Provinces,” Mr Namushi said.
He assured the district administration that the shutdown of operations in the said provinces would be gradual.
“Our provincial office in Solwezi will close in September this year. However, the last Peace Corps volunteer is expected to leave in November next year,” Mr Namushi added.
