Zambian Govt Boosts Meteorological Services for Aviation and Agriculture
The Zambian government is significantly enhancing meteorological services to ensure aviation safety and support agricultural productivity.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Mposha MP announced these advancements during a visit to Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, where he inspected the newly upgraded meteorological infrastructure.
Minister Mposha emphasized the importance of accurate weather information for flight safety and airport operational efficiency. “Meteorological services are essential for providing accurate weather information, which is crucial for the safety of flights and the operational efficiency of airports,” he stated.
At Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, the government has installed state-of-the-art meteorological infrastructure, including automatic weather observation stations and digital instruments, replacing outdated mercury-based devices.
“These advancements ensure that we have accurate and real-time weather data, which is vital for aviation safety,” Mposha said.
The government has also invested in training meteorological staff, with plans to train over 15 personnel to specialize in aviation meteorology at international airports. “We have trained and continue to train our personnel to acquire the necessary skills to provide high-quality meteorological services,” Mposha added.
In addition to the airport upgrades, the government has completed the installation of 121 automatic weather stations across the country, ensuring every district has a weather observation station for the first time since independence.
“This expansion and modernization of weather observation stations are crucial for enhancing our ability to monitor and respond to weather conditions effectively,” Mposha noted.
The Minister highlighted the importance of public awareness about meteorological services to maximize their benefits. The Ministry is training over 600 Agriculture Camp Extension officers nationwide to enhance the utilization of meteorological information, thereby strengthening agricultural productivity and food security.
“Adapting to climate change is a priority for the Government, and meteorological services play a crucial role in this process,” Mposha said.
He is currently on a familiarization tour of the Ministry’s offices and operations in the Copperbelt and North Western Provinces.
