President Lungu says as chairperson of the Industrial Development Corporation, he will ensure that plans by Zampalm to introduce an out-grower scheme come to fruition.
The President says he will borrow best practices in out-grower schemes from Nakambala Sugar in Mazabuka as well as in Uganda so that they can be replicated by Zampalm.
He says Zampalm will only be called a true success if the local people in its area of operation benefit from the company.
President Lungu has also expressed disappointment that the work environment at Palm oil Producing Company has been politicised.
He has pointed out that he has received reports that the Patriotic Front members were being side-lined at the company, a development he says was unfortunate.
The President has called on management at Zampalm to desist from discrimination based on political affiliation but embrace everyone regardless of their political party preferences.
He has warned that if the trend is allowed to continue, it has the potential to bring friction between government and Zampalm.
The President has further asked the company to strive to pay its workers decent wages.
He said although he is aware that the agricultural industry is not a well-paying sector and that Zampalm’s huge investment in the Palm plantation has not yet started paying dividends, it is also important that workers are well remunerated.
President Lungu has further commended Chief Kopa for giving land to the investor to develop the plantation for the benefit of the local people.
And ZAMBEEF has joined chief executive officer, Francis Grogan, who said the establishment of the plantation in 2009 was in response to government’s call for national food security, poverty alleviation, need for import substitution, employment creation and job creation.
Mr Grogan said the production of palm oil at the plantation will assist with food production.
He said Zampalm is moving towards import substitution of edible oil which he described as a good development for Zambia’s economy.
Mr Grogan revealed that the plantation has so far created 180 permanent jobs for the local people.
He disclosed that the project currently has 370, 900 palms on an area of 2, 612 hectares.
Mr Grogan said a two-tonnes-per hour crushing mill has already been installed while plans for two more mills are underway that will bring oil production to 17,000 tonnes per year in the near future.
He said ZAMBEEF has so far invested US $ 21 million from the expected total cost of US $40 million.
Mr Grogan said the company’s medium to long term vision is to incorporate 5000 out-grower around the estate and a further 8000 within the district.
those are good ideas and once HH comes in office no doubt that will be a great economic booster. REST WELL SIR
BA KEBBY KUNDA, WE ARE SORRY TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR HH WILL NEVER RULE ZAMBIA. COME AUGUST, 11 LUNGU WILL STILL BE IN STATE HOUSE. BYE.
The following MPs and their structures have defected to UPND
1. Hon. Brian Chitiwo MMD Mumbwa Central Province
2. Hon. Levy Joseph Ngoma MMD Sinda Eastern Province.
3. Hon. Kieth Mukata MMD Chilanga. Lusaka
4. Hon. Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane MMD Liuwa Western Province.
5. Hon. Dr. Chris Kalila MMD lukulu Western Province.
6. Hon. Prof. Jeff Lungwangwa MMD Nalikwanda Western Province
7. Hon. Elijah Muchima MMD Ikelengi North Western Province.
8. Hon. Sarah Saifwanda MMD Zambezi East NWP.
9. Hon. Moses Sebeka MMD chisamba CP .
10. Hon. Kabinga Mpande MMD Kasempa NWP.
11. Hon. Mundia MMD Sikongo WP.
12. Ronnie Shikapwasha
The Skeleton Key
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ZWD
Mwapaya MMD as if it never ruled for 20 years just to look for manna from HH. How this manna will come about no one knows.
”He has pointed out that he has received reports that the Patriotic Front members were being side-lined at the company, a development he says was unfortunate.”
That is because PF are not allowed to bring their corruption and nonsense to the company, ati we are being side lined.
Is it just me seeing the majority among the defectors coming from Western and North western? mmmmmmmm
YEP YOU ARE SEEING RIGHT. IT IS GETTING EXCITING.
Why? Are they taking their constituent votes with them. You are funny! Defections is one person changing job. NOT an indicator the citizens will vote where they go next. Frankly, their constituents most likely wanted the back of them! Let’s wait and see if these people can pull voters in the same direction. Far too much is being made of this.
How is PF being sidelined in their stronghold? The dimwit even says this will bring the company into conflict with the government. How?
The problem with Kadansa is everything starts & ends with PF. When does he know he is head of state.