The Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) will spend an estimated K3 billion to hold this year’s agricultural and commercial show in Lusaka. The society spent K2.5 billion last year.
Society President Paul Mumbuluma said this year’s income through gate takings and other payments is estimated to be K3.5 billion, compared to K2.7 billion last year.
The 83rd Agricultural and Commercial Show, which will be held from the 30th July 2009, will end on 3rd August 2009.
He was speaking at a media luncheon organized by ACSZ in Lusaka today.
Mr. Mumbuluma disclosed that six private security firms have since been engaged to provide security. This will beef up the more than 120 Zambia Police Service officers.
He added that show goers are therefore assured of law and order during the period of the show.
He said measures have also been put in place to ban the consumption of intoxication liquor between 06:00 hours and 16:30 hours during the show period.
Mr. Mumbuluma however said exhibitors from thirteen foreign countries, among them South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ethiopia, have so far confirmed participation in the show.
He said the demand for exhibition space has been overwhelming, with more than 85 per cent of available space taken by end of June this year.
He said the society expects a good turn out by the public and trade exhibitors despite the global economic meltdown.
Mr. Mumbuluma said the composition of exhibitors was diverse, representing a cross section of sectors that include Non-Governmental Organizations, government departments and many others.
He said the society has maintained last year’s K15,000 entry charges this year for adults for each of the five days while children under five will enter free of charge.
Mr. Mumbuluma said the society decided to make this year’s show a carnival by inviting the twice kola award winner Democratic Republic of Congo musician, Werrason Mere Wenge Musica and dancing queens based in France.
ZANIS
ok! whats the next step?
Mr. Paul Mumbuluma’s budget of K3.5Billion sounds big but in US$673,000 is not a good projections. So it expected that 234,000 pipo will pass thru the gates. Deployment of 120 cops is not enough. Yet when when there is a football match or PF cadres gathering 500plus cops are deployed. Paul has been quiet on fees exhibitors etc are going to pay. The income could be higher than stated. I saw the list of judges for this year’s show its just same names year in year out. Does it mean there is new hands being added to mix well with the old? I WISH THE ORGINAISERS THE BEST OF ALL DURING THE EVENT. BUT FRANCIS KABONDE SHOULD INCREASE THE NO COPS FROM PROJECT 120 INTS NOT ENOUGH. PAUL ENSURE THAT COPS ARE PROVIDED WITH LUNCH BY YOURSELVES GIVEN BUCKS SOMEONE WILL SIT ON THEM PAKATI PA HIGHWAY.
#2 As u read that he engaged six firms to provide security, that unmentioned number of security officers may be equal to 500 polices.. However Instead of saying six firms, he should have come out in the open and tell the nation how many security officers were hire and how much the gvt paid to those firms? .. Is that the cheapest way or just to enrich the firms and get a reward in the dark?