President Edgar Lungu says government will soon address the accommodation crisis in the defence force.

Speaking when he officiated at the trooping and consecration of colors parade for 1st and 2nd battalion at Lusaka’s Arakan Barracks today, President Lungu also said the shortage of manpower would also be addressed.

“I am aware of the numerous constraints affecting the defense forces in general and the army in particular. One such challenge is that of low manpower levels and accommodation. Let me assure you that we are doing our best to expand the army to desired levels of operational capacity through regular recruitment to make the defense forces have a formidable presence throughout the country,” President Lungu said.

Lungu said his government had authorized the construction of barracks in Choma, Solwezi and Muchinga province as well as the establishment of the National Defense University in Kabwe at Miltez.

“My government has already authorized the construction of barracks in Choma, Solwezi and Muchinga province and the establishment of the National Defense University in Kabwe at Miltez to accelerate human resource development,” said President Lungu.

Meanwhile, Army Commander, Lt Gen Paul Mihova said he was gratified with the developmental projects being implemented by the government.

“Your Excellency sir, in line with the ongoing and works of developmental projects been implemented in the country I am truly gratified as army commander of the support that the PF government has continued to give to the army by way of modernization and its expansion,” Lt Gen Mihova said.

He thanked President Lungu for the construction of new barracks and for improving the welfare of defense personnel in the country.

“Your Excellency, under your able leadership, the Zambia Army has since expanded through the establishment of new units such as six construction engineering regiments in Lusaka, 48 marine units in Kawambwa, as well as the establishment of Muchinga regiment headquarters, special forces school in Mbala, the military police school and k9 plateau. This will be accompanied by the construction of the new cantonments for the respective units,” said Lt Gen Mihova.