FROM NKWETO MFULA in Chingola
DEPUTY Minister of Gender and Child Development Ester Banda has challenged mining companies to partner with other investors in value addition ventures in the established multi-facility economic zones (MFEZs) to boost Zambia’s economy.
Mrs Banda said in an interview from Chililabombwe yesterday that MFEZs should be used as a focal point in establishing other industries in value addition to mineral resources.
MFEZs have been established in Lusaka and Chambishi on the Copperbelt province.
Mrs Banda, who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament said the increased mining activities in the country require other industries or joint ventures in the value addition chain.
“Mining companies on the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces should consider partnering with other investors in value addition ventures for the country to get high value out of its mineral resources,” she said.
“Mining in Zambia still remains the major economic contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.
“This is the reason why there should be more industries created to bring about economic growth that will benefit the people of Zambia.”
And Mrs Banda said commercial land available for would-be investors is available in Chililabombwe.
“Shoprite chain of stores is constructing a mall in Chililabombwe which will create jobs for the local people, others should emulate the investor on the new development” she said.
Mrs Banda called on other investors to emulate Shoprite by investing in various economic ventures in the mining town.
She also said the district has enough arable land for commercial farming and that there is need to enhance agriculture in the district as part of the diversification programme.
Meanwhile, Mrs Banda said the council will work on the poor drainage at Kasumbalesa border post.
“I should be having discussions with the council to find out how the matter is being handled,” she said.
The Chililabombwe lawmaker said the district has witnessed a lot of developmental projects such as the on-going construction of the district hospital, road rehabilitation and youth development skills centre.