GOVERNMENT has expressed determination to give attention to the abundant natural resources endowed in the Northern Circuit.
Leading a team of six Cabinet Ministers, Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri said government will prescribe the best methods in which resources in the northern circuit will be harnessed for economic benefits.
Mr Phiri observed that government has resolved to unlock investment potential in the Northern Circuit of Zambia.
“We are looking at the Northern Circuit of Zambia. We are looking at the resource base that is here, the water, the forest, the abundance of minerals, potential for agriculture, potential for animal rearing. It is important that we critically look at the resources that have the potential to contribute to the development of our country,” Mr Phiri said.
ZANIS reports that the Northern Circuit comprises Luapula, Northern, and Muchinga Provinces with abundant empowerment of natural resources such as water bodies, minerals, forests, land among others that give the region a comparative advantage for agriculture, mining and tourism.
Touring Mansa Sugar in Chembe district, Mr Phiri also reassured government’s support towards private sector investment stating its contribution to national development.
Mr Phiri commended Mansa Sugar for its investment which supported the government in actualizing economic transformation and job creation in the country.
“we are happy with what you are doing. This government is pro private sector development and we will support you.” Mr Phiri said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Elias Mubanga advised Mansa Sugar to formulate initiatives such as out grower schemes that will support small scale farmers in the area.
Mr Mubanga explained that small scale sugar cane growers can support and contribute to the productivity of the company.
And Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu urged the company to take advantage of some incentives that government is providing and invest in power generation.
And Mansa Sugar Chief Financial Officer, Tawedzerwa Mika appealed to government to support the company to invest in renewable energy.
“We receive power to a tune of 3 to 4 hours a day which is not enough to cater for our irrigation system so we really look upon the government on how best they can support us in investing in the renewable energy so that it will be self-sustainable as we continue to grow,” Mr Tawedzerwa said.
Mansa Sugar Finance Manager Margaret Kumwenda revealed that the company has a daily processing capacity of about 2000 tonnes of cane sugar and has created over 3000 jobs.
