Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) in Kafue has submitted its tender to government for the supply of 31,000 metric tonnes of ‘D’ compound fertilizer for the 2009/2010 farming season.
And rehabilitation works which commenced two weeks ago at the plant are going on smoothly..
NCZ Chief Executive Officer Richard Soko disclosed this to Agriculture Minister in charge of Fisheries and Livestock Bradford Machila who paid an impromptu visit to the plant.
Mr. Soko said the company last participated in the fertilizer support programme in 2007 as it currently has no resources and subsequent capacity to do so.
He however said the company is expected to have its works of rehabilitating the plant complete by mid of this month in readiness for production and participation in the fertilizer support programme.
Mr Soko pointed out that the production of fertilizer at the plant largely depended on the company’s participation in the fertilizer support programme.
He said the company requires an additional 5000 metric tonnes of raw materials which it hopes can be secured once the tender is awarded by government to enable it meet its target.
Mr Soko stressed that the company has the capacity to perform well as evidenced in the past.
He said it was important that the process of awarding the contract is expedited so that NCZ begins production of the fertilizer early so as to have it delivered to farmers on time.
And Mr. Machila said government would like to see NCZ participate in this year’s fertilizer support programme once rehabilitation works are completed.
He said government was aware that the company has participated in the programme in the past and ensure that the company is accommodated in upcoming programme
Mr Machila said government was aggressively looking at ways of diversifying the economy and NCZ was key to diversification efforts.
He pointed out that there was renewed commitment by government to help in resolving problems at the plant.
He said the state recognizes that Kafue has been facing problems economically and as area Member of Parliament was happy with progress at the plant as it will uplift the lives of people in Kafue.
ENDS/BS/AM/ZANIS
#### 1
Can some one tell me if this NCZ problem will ever go away. I did my high school in Kafue and this problem has been there since time in memorial
#2 Shibukombe WASH DC….the problems of NCZ are invesely proportional to the calibre of Zambia’s leaders.
Meaning, ?NCZ?_problems=? K/PC where ? = voters mediocricy, K = term of office, PC= Politician calibre.
NCZ should just be sold to Kafue Chemicals (Trade Kings Steel) plant. That is why its was located near NZC for easy of transporting steel. Mr. Soko and team will not add value to NCZ. How many times has GRZ pumped money into NCZ and nothing tangiable come s out of it. It will be better to auction that plant and employees are allowed to share steel and sell it across the road. Why same story of NCZ year in year out.
Ok. Please finish as soon as possible.