CEJ embarks on providing solar-powered boreholes in climate stressed Nyimba, Petauke

By NATION REPORTER

THE Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has announced plans to deliver solar-powered boreholes in the climate stressed Nyimba and Petauke.
CEJ executive director Maggie Mwape made the announcement when the organisation handed over 30 improved goats to farmers in Petauke.
Ms Mwape said the CEJ, now 15 years in existence, was working in seven provinces with operations in three districts per province.
She said the presence of CEJ in Eastern Province marked the eighth province, and would work in Nyimba and Petauke.
Ms Mwape expressed happiness about CEJ’s presence in the province, hoping that next year it would expand to a third district in the region.
She explained that CEJ was conducting a pilot project in the province to understand the area before rolling out major activities. Ms Mwape said so far, CEJ had undertaken notable activities under the pilot project and had received support from the government, traditional leaders, and the local people.
She highlighted that CEJ was in Petauke to actualise one component of the project, which was livelihood support to different beneficiaries, a process that was also done in Nyimba.
She said the move was a pass-on exercise from one beneficiary to another.
Ms Mwape also pledged that CEJ would continue with training, especially in agroecology, environmental protection and climate change.
She expressed hope that CEJ would remain in Nyimba and Petauke for a long time and would deliver according to the support rendered by their partners.
The CEJ, in collaboration with ZCCN, is working on a project focusing on Gender and Climate Justice in Food Systems, funded by We Effect.
This initiative is aimed at addressing the intersection of gender inequality and climate change impacts on food security.
By empowering women and the youth, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the project seeks to enhance food systems’ resilience and ensure equitable access to resources.
Meanwhile, Petauke District Administrative Officer, Mr Vincent Chibuye, thanked CEJ for the gesture. He stressed that goats have economic and nutritional value.
Mr Chibuye said the government would monitor beneficiaries closely to ensure that the goats multiply.