South show preps advance

PREPARATIONS for this year’s Southern Tourism, Agricultural and Commercial Show (STACS) to be hosted in Livingstone have reached an advanced stage.

STACS general secretary Reverend John Banda has disclosed that so far, 90% of the ground work which includes grading roads, construction of permanent structures have been done.

In an interview with the Daily Nation in Livingstone, Rev Banda said that the over 80 exhibitors have confirmed their participation adding that the organization’s actual target is 150 exhibitors.

“We have done 90% of the preparations; we have done the roads and construction of permanent ablution blocks in addition to the mobile which we usually hire. Some of the exhibitors have already built permanent stands,” he said. “We will be having a meeting the utility companies (SWASCO and ZESCO) for the remaining part of lighting the area and connecting water,” said Rev Banda.

He observed that this year’s show will be a success because it will be a provincial event and that all the 13 districts in the province will take part.

“This year’s show will be a plus for us because the show that was supposed to be held in Choma has been cancelled, meaning we will only have STACS as provincial show…We have 13 exhibitors from the livestock sector and 13 from the agriculture sector that have already confirmed of their participation,” he said.

e will confirm the actual number of exhibitors coming from other provinces by the end of this week and also the guest of honor. So far, we have only written letters to the minister of tourism and minister of agriculture to see who is going to open and close the show,” Rev Banda said.

ev anda further confirmed that cerebrated Copperbelt artists Shenky is the main artist STACS has engaged to entertain the show goers and will be supported by local artists who are yet to undergo auditions.