Luapula Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Evans Sikabbubba, has urged the Zambia Standards Compulsory Agency (ZCSA) to position itself ahead of the completion of the Mwenda-Kasomeno Road Project.
Speaking when the ZCSA Board members paid a courtesy call on the Provincial Administration in Mansa, Mr Sikabbubba said once complete, the Mwenda-Kasomeno road will experience an increase in trade activities for various products.
He further disclosed that the construction works of the bridge on the Mwenda-Kasomeno Road Project will be completed in December 2026, while the One Stop Border Post will be completed in May 2027.
The media reports that Mr Sikabbubba also noted that Mwense District will be one of the biggest trading Centers in Luapula once the project is complete, hence, the agency needs to have its presence in the area.
The Provincial Deputy Permanent Secretary also noted the responsibility that ZCSA has towards members of the public.
“The people should also be the priority, and so I urge you to take advantage of community radio stations so that you explain to our people what your agency does and how they can also play a role,” Mr Sikabbubba said.
ZCSA Board Chairperson, Ian Mupeta, appealed to the business community in Luapula to engage the agency in their operations early to be properly guided and equipped with the necessary knowledge on good manufacturing practices for specific products.
Mr Mupeta stated that doing so, will result in improved product safety, increase chances of success through compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as increased market access for manufacturers domestically and internationally.
“The agency stands ready to support producers to comply with the required standards for them to not only access local markets but also penetrate the markets beyond our borders,” Mr Mupeta said.
