Zambia is poised to save about US $150 million per year in iron and steel imports following the setting up of the Kafue Integrated Iron and Steel by Universal Mining and Chemical industries
Currently, Zambia imports most of its iron and steel products used in the construction industry.
The US $120 million project investment when fully operational by next year June is expected to directly create about 6000 jobs and more subsidiary business.
Speaking during the brick laying ceremony at the plant this morning, President Levy Mwanawasa said the setting up of the plant will contribute to job and wealth creation in Kafue Town.
Dr. Mwanawasa further said the plant would augment the other efforts for similar opportunities such as Nikel Mining.
He observed that the people of Kafue have faced a lot of economic hardships following the problems at the Kafue Textiles Limited (KTZ) and the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).
He said the problems at the two companies, which are the major sources of employment for the locals, have been a source of concern but stated that his administration has tried under difficult financial circumstances to address some of the problems.
Dr. Mwanawasa disclosed government a few years ago paid off what was owed by KTZ to its former workers after negotiating terms with them.
He revealed government will address in a more concerted manner some of the problems at the NCZ.
Dr. Mwanawasa urged youths to take advantage of the business opportunities that are opening in the area.
He said government has created the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) which they can use to start up businesses.
And Dr. Mwanawasa has pledged his government’s assistant to the plant so as to ensure that the project succeeds.
He said with the past failed efforts by the State to establish an iron and steel plant, that government was ready to listen to the problems that the company will face.
Meanwhile the President has however urged the company to ensure that it takes care of environmental concerns.
Speaking at the same function, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati commended financial institutions that have assisted the company in providing bridge up resources.
He said government was encouraged that local businesses have started investing in the Zambia economy.
And Company Director for Corporate and Public Affairs Bright Chunga said the plant will bring economic liberalisation on the country’s imported of the iron and steel products.
He said Zambians would from next year be able to build their homes using cheaper materials with readily available iron and steel products made locally.
The Iron and Steel project is a six year project to be conducted in three phases.
The company is expecting to produce about 100 000 tonnes of iron and steel per year in the first phase and reach 280 000 by the sixth year.
Congratulations LPM led gov for facilitating such a monumental project.This is the song we`ve been singing for a long time about boosting the MANUFACTURING SECTOR.Our country can not simply rely on imported goods without any concerted efforts vested in production/manufacturing.Hopefully this is just the first of the so many steps to be taken in this direction.
Than you Mr President for facilitating economical projects which will definitely keep the economical engine of Zambia on its wheels. However, we shall even be much more grateful if at all you you can as well look into the plight the Zambian work force. Zambians are naturally hard working people and easy to motivate only if there is a monetary back up in their input. The future looks bright but its time to put our house in order rather than getting excited because this is just the beginning.
This is a very refrshing news however we should be careful not to let our pipo be exploited by some greed investor.We should be able to negotiate better deal for our pipo.Our pipo deserve a break after sacrificing for so long.We should not just focus on how much money these company bring into gov.
Just promise me that the next GOVT won’t liquidate these good ventures now being created, and pocket the money or buy personal property.
Well done LPM and GRZ. I hope we shall see speedy construction of other economic projects like the Legacy Hotels in Livingstone, nickel mine in mazabuka, sugar estates in Kawambwa, commissioning of Lumwana etc. You still have 4 years to go you can make an impact. In Mufulira pipo used to say Wanderers iwina ichungulo!!! Fine tune agreements/the law so that the country maximises its benefits and that these benefits trickle down to the hard working masses and slogan chanting Kandile’s.
Job well done your excellence and your new deal govt. Look into the mineral royalties as well and reposess the railways.
Things are definitely heading in right direction. All the more reason for LPM to leave us with the best legacy he can ever leave us with – a good constitution that can protect these gains. We do not need an all powerful but reckless president in the future who can turn the clock back and destroy all these achievements. I have the likes of Sata in mind.
#6 Chitapankwa
I’m sure LPM is going to leave a good legacy unlike his predecessor FTJ. On the constitution, I guess he’s going to give us a good one. As everyone’s concern, his successor may come to loot.
Easy! Where are you?
Potential PF cadres plz confirm if you managed to get ndyoko ya muzka ya zyakale zyapamutima.Meanwhile naya mukunua ku Lubuto na Kuku
Manufacturing industries require trained staff.Can we stop the closures of colleges.
The country needs to develop the computer availiability to at least most secondary school going child,or community based computer centes and installation of fibre optic cable for fast internet.
Am currently in the UK you will not believe how much iron ,steel,and lead fittings are being stolen in the night to supply the scrap metal industries-from so called first world!!to meet demand from China and India.
KANYAMA MP HENRY MTONGA HAS DIED IN SA
Zambia and PF have lost a self-effacing and centric MP. Henry Mtonga a Former Inspector General of Police, the two terms Kanyama MP and PF MCC Chairman of Security is no more. He served kanyama under the late Mazoka’s in UPND and crossed to PF following the 2006 tripartite elections.
KANYAMA MP HENRY MTONGA HAS DIED IN SA
Henry Mtonga was one of the few versatile and idealistic rational MPs among the PF vigilantes at manda hill. A moderate MP and misfit to the PF league of blind subservient MPs he was. Mtonga’s demise in SA is a national loss too difficulty to quantify. I pray for Sata’s recovery so that he may at least leave them a structured political monument.
Lord, lift his Soul and rest it in thy hands
My sympathy goes to late Henry Mtongas family.
As for PF,with leaders who can NOT see beyond their noses,its must serve as a wake call,establish elected party positions now.The “comical syndrome” will not win you the national elections.
The death of Henry Mtonga leaves PF Breading-Mumbi (Post Newspapers)
FACT, how did you have this data many ours before the Post Newspapers or the nation received it? I have been calling many friends home to validate your post # 11, but no one had data untill now the post confirms it. You have shocked me beyond doubt.
“• Mtonga’s death has left PF bleeding, says Mumbi”
May Henry Mtonga`s soul rest in peace and the good Lord comfort and strengthen the entire Mtonga family during this sorrowful time.
It`s a shame how MORONS like FACT #12 can sink so low as to play politics at such a tragic moment.
You chaps must grow up and have some morals.
May Honarable Henry Mtonga’s Soul rest in peace. PF and Zambia as whole will greatly mis your leadership.
RIP H Mtonga, Zambia has lost a true son of the soil.And ViVa LPM & New Deal Govt.A steel plant in Kafue can only improve lives there.This is one town dying a slow painful death.Credit where its due, this govt is bringin life back to CB, NW, etc.Thats what we want to hear.If we can move to next level, creating processing plants for copper so we can export finished goods now .. go levy go.
#18,Chi MMD Chibuku cadre,a steel in kafue is merely a story on paper not something in reality and which life is the MMD bringing back to CB and NW,do not be over excited for nothing chiluba started the oil and mineral explorations in solwezi and not the new dealers…which country are you talking about iwe.
Chapi (16),
You have proved dangerously thick headed and unfit to participate in public domains. I have failed to catch the basis of your hyperboles. What wrong has FACT # 12 done? Is it wrong to mourn Hon.Mtonga? Wrong for eurologizing him that he was one of the few versatile and idealistic rational MPs among the PF vigilantes at manda hill?
#20 FACT
We all learn from our mistakes and it`s not a sign of weakness if we admit our wrongs and move onto productive issues.If you can`t see anything wrong in gaining political milege out of someones death then you would seem to be on the verge of being beyond redemption.Otherwise,my free advice is simply take it or leave it.
Great venture. LPM nice to see you continuing where your predecessor FTJ ended
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