The Zambia National Service (ZNS ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Copperbelt University ( CBU ) aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Service operations through professional training.
ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi emphasised that professional training is crucial to the overall productivity of the Service.
Lt Gen Solochi said ZNS has positioned itself as a major player in the construction of vertical and horizontal structures and that its ambitious plan can only be actualised with a professionally trained and competent workforce.
”ZNS has realised that relevant and enhanced training of personnel will be crucial in the actualisation of its ambitious four pillars strategic plan of training citizens, infrastructure development, enhancement of national food security and contribution to economic development.
”We will therefore, need to work closely with CBU to identify training needs in our workforce,” he said.
Lt Gen Solochi said this today during the signing ceremony held at ZNS Headquarters.
The Commander further identified architecture and civil engineering as some of the key training needs of the Service in a bid to build capacity in the construction sector, including earth works.
”As you have noticed in the recent past, the nation has been grappling with the challenge of floods and washing away of bridges which we want to be proactive and more responsive to, by raising the level of capacity of our Land Development Branch personnel,” the Commander said.
Lt Gen Solochi said ZNS has also identified mining and agricultural production as other areas that require training.
Other fields include training, education and curriculum development in various market relevant programmes.
In his remarks, Copperbelt University Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Chisale commended ZNS for putting professional training of its personnel at the core of its operations.
Prof Chisale said it is cardinal for ZNS to create synergies that will improve the Service’s operational efficiency.
”We are happy that you have put professional development of your personnel at the core of your operations.
”Training of personnel is so vital to the success of any Institution. Time has therefore come for us to work together and create collaborative synergies with Institutions like yours,” the Vice Chancellor indicated to the Commander.
Prof Chisale said CBU is equally looking forward to partnering with ZNS in the fisheries sector.
He said his Institution has a fish farm in Kamfinsa where it is harvesting 14,000 at a given time