Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda opened discussions with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) over the future of Zampalm Limited operations in Kanchibiya district..
In a statement made available to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), Mr Chanda said he has also brought the matter to the attention of President Hakainde Hichilema.
The Kanchibiya Member of Parliament had his engagements with IDC and drew the President’s attention to the Zampalm case, following concerns raised by Senior Chief Kopa, Zampalm workers and stakeholders over the operations of the company.
He said the engagement was aimed at safeguarding the future of the anchor industry in which the government retained a 90 percent shareholding through IDC.
Mr Chanda said the meeting held with IDC Chief Executive Officer, Cornwell Muleya was forward looking as it discussed the past, present and future of Zampalm Limited in Kanchibiya District.
Mr Chanda disclosed that IDC had so far received expressions of interest from three foreign investors from Nigeria, Malaysia and Turkey regarding the plantation.
He said comprehensive technical and scientific studies were currently underway to assess soil suitability, the extent of seasonal flooding and the yield potential of existing trees.
”An evaluation of the overall viability of the palm crop is also being conducted. As we move forward, our approach with the respective stakeholders should be anchored in science-based and evidence-driven solutions,” he said.
Mr Chanda said the IDC is also exploring diversification options beyond palm oil to ensure the Zampalm investment becomes both resilient and sustainable in the long term.
Mr Chanda said IDC remained firmly committed to working with all stakeholders to secure a viable and prosperous future for Zampalm and the people of Kanchibiya.
He added that the engagement demonstrated the government’s commitment to protecting local industries and ensuring sustainable development in the district.
The MP said the technical studies would provide crucial data to inform future investment decisions regarding the plantation
Kanchibiya MP engages IDC over Zampalm operations
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Those studies should have been done before the project was born. How do you do soil testing after planting? What if the soils are not suitable? Uproot them? What about the money already spent on the project?