PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has launched the groundbreaking for the construction of an Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant at Sino Great Chemical Zambia Company Limited in Chilanga District.
ZANIS reports that the plant is expected to reduce the cost of fertilizer in the country by utilising locally produced raw materials.
In a speech for him by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, President Hichilema indicated that the fertilizer prices have decreased significantly, from K1,300 to K1,500 per unit last year to between K800 to K850 in Lusaka.
He noted that this reduction is attributed to the collaboration with China in fertilizer production.
President Hichilema also commended Wonderful Group of Companies and Sino Great Chemical Zambia Company Limited for their commitment to job creation.
He added that despite the government declaring a natural disaster, the companies responded positively to support the energy crisis.
President Hichilema stated that the Wonderful Group of Companies is also investing in a power plant that will produce 85 megawatts of electricity.
He noted that while the company will utilize 40 megawatts, the remaining 45 megawatts will be fed into the national grid, benefiting various households.
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata said that the Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant project is a significant step towards realising the vision of enhanced productivity and value creation for industries like agriculture.
In a speech read for her by Acting Permanent Secretary Alex Mapushi, Ms Mulyata stated that the project is a testament to the government’s commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and its shared commitment to investments in the agricultural sector.
Ms Mulyata indicated that the construction of the plant is more than just a business endeavor but it symbolises progress and opportunity.
“By focusing on phosphate products, the project aims to maximize the potential of Zambia’s natural resources, reduce waste, and create high-value industrial and agricultural products.
“The plant will empower farmers, support industries, and fuel economic growth in line with the United Part for National Development (UPND) manifesto. The facility’s importance cannot be overstated, as it aligns with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) and represents several key values, including value addition through processing raw materials locally,” she explained.
Speaking at the same event, Sino Great Chemical Zambia Company Limited Board Chairperson Zhanga Quan says the first phase of the project is an investment of over 300 million United States Dollars.
Mr Quan explained that this will see the establishment of a state of the art Phosphate Production facility and the operation of a phosphate plant in the Eastern part of the country.
He indicated that the plant will position Zambia as the regional hub of Phosphate products thereby reducing the dependency of imports of Phosphate products.
Mr Quan noted that the project will provide 1600 jobs indirectly and 10,000 indirect jobs across Zambia thus providing full opportunities for local communities.
“This project will generate significant revenue for the country and support the agriculture sector by supplying locally produced Phosphate Chemicals and agriculture products such as phosphate fertilizer and essential inputs for the agriculture sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wonderful Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Huang Yaochi said the plant will help Zambians realize its potential of utilizing its natural resources and industrial development.
Mr Yaochi said the company will continue to provide corporate Social Responsible for the community through the construction of a school for the local people in the area.
“We express gratitude to the local leaders of Chilanga District for cooperation and collaboration in this project, we shall continue to support the local community in various projects for economic transformation,” he said.
