ELLEN MLAMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO-The Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa has commissioned the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory refurbished and equipped by the European Union (EU) at a cost of US$20 000.
The lab enhances animal disease detection, surveillance, control and research in Masvingo and countrywide. Masvingo is the second province to have its laboratory commissioned after the Gwanda lab commissioned on October 31, this year.
The project also aims to develop, adapt and increase the adoption of climate-resilient technologies in livestock production, said Livestock Production Systems Zimbabwe (LIPS-ZIM) Project Coordinator Professor Sikhalazo Dube. Pazvakavambwa was representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
The project involved the refurbishment of two large and small animal post-mortem sections and procurement of equipment and accessories.
The initiative came under LIPS-ZIM project. Partners involved in the project are the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRO); French Agricultural Research and Cooperation Organization (CIRAD), University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Faculty of Veterinary Sciences on behalf of the Government with the Department of Research superintending, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Department of Research and Specialist Services (DR&SS) and Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Pazvakavambwa said the laboratories are important in meeting trade requirements for international markets for livestock and livestock products.
“The laboratory also informs animal health personnel on the actual cause of disease leading to a correct diagnosis and appropriate advice given to farmers with regards to treatment. I am pleased to note that Government has also done its part and has already deployed trained staff capable of running the laboratory. The LIPS-ZIM project has supported further training of the laboratory staff so that they produce credible results for the benefit of farmers and stakeholders,” said Pazvakavambwa.
The project’s overall objective is to improve productivity and climate of livestock based production system in Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological regions 4 and 5.In a speech read by UZ Faculty of Veterinary Science Dean Gift Matope, Acting Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Professor Florence Mtambanengwe said the laboratories will be valued asset to the country and will be instrumental in attracting new scientific partners at national, regional and international levels. “It is my hope that the LIPS-ZIM project has helped strengthen the links between our institutions and international strategic partners on one hand, and local livestock farmers on the other hand whom were all trying to dutifully help to mitigate the challenges posed by livestock diseases,FMD, anthraxand others,” said Matope.