By Veronica Mwale
Chilabombwe -7th March,2023
KASUMBALESA BOARDER OFFICIALLY HANDED BACK TO ZAMBIAN GOVT
Kasumbalesa boarder facility was officially handed back to the Zambian government yesterday at Kasumbalesa boarder following an expiry of concession agreement between the Zambian government and Zambia Intellectual Property Boarder Post Crossing Company Z(ip) BCC after 12 years Concession which was done under Public Private Partnership (PPP).
Copperbelt Province Minister Hon Elisha Matambo said the handing back of the Kasumbalesa Boarder facility to the government is a beginning of more good things to come to Copperbelt Province.
He said Republican President Hakainde Hichilema is determined to improve the infrastructure at Kasumbalesa Boarder and several other boarder facilities to improve trade and the flow of traffic.
The Copperbelt Minister further said Copperbelt Province is the engine of the Zambian economy.. adding that the boader facilities such as Kasumbalesa will further boost trade not only Zambia but the whole SADC and COMESA region.
Meanwhile, Commerce and Trades Minister Hon Chipoka Mulenga who signed on behalf of the Zambian government the taking over of the boarder facility said Zambian government is committed to modernize facilities such as Sakania , Kipushi, Kasumbalesa among others.
He said infrastructure such as truck parks once improved will enhance trade for not only Zambia and DRC but other countries around SADC and COMESA region.
Hon Mulenga also assured workers from concessionaire that no one will lose employment as the government is putting in measures to carry all employees along .
The Commerce and Trades Minister disclosed that the New Dawn Government under President Hakainde Hichilema is planning to establish Export Zones at boader facilities such as Kasumbalesa boarder facility aimed at empowering local businesses and boost trade for the local small business opportunities.
And Chilabombwe Area Member of Parliament Hon Paul Kabuswe said he was very happy that finally the Zambian government has taken control of Kasumbalesa boarder through Zambia Revenue Authority ( ZRA).
Hon Kabuswe who is also Mines Minister added that once Kasumbalesa boarder facility is modernised it will create more jobs and business opportunities in his Constituency and beyond.
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