Internal Security in Eastern Province has continued to be a challenge with the Zambia Police Service having a huge deficit of 27, 000 officers.
This came to light when Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Brigadier Emelda Chola paid a courtesy call on Provincial Permanent Secretary, Dr Chileshe Mulenga.
Brigadier Chola says that despite the province only having 11, 000 officers, other officers cannot be recruited due to the current employment and wage freeze.
The PS, who is touring all districts in the province, says she has observed that lack of adequate transport has further hampered the operations of the police service and immigration department.
She says that once she has completed touring all provinces in the country, the ministry will see how best the issues can be quickly addressed.
And Dr. Mulenga has reiterated the need for the immigration and Police to be re-enforced.
Dr. Mulenga appealed to the PS to prioritize Eastern Province because of the porous borders, which he says are proving to be a security risk.
He added that the province is peculiar because of the Great East Road, which he says has become more prone to accidents.