IDC to set up a US$2.5 fruit processing plant in Katete
By Staff Reporter
The Induatrial Development Corporation (IDC) says it will this year establish a fruit processing plant in Katete district, Eastern Province at a cost of $2.5 million.
IDC Acting Chief Executive Officer Henry Sakala said in Chipata the project, which will be in partnership with local investors was key to the province as it will provide ready market for mango, orange and other fruits that go to waste due to lack of market.
Sakala said the project would create both direct and indirect jobs for the people and enhance economic sustainability in the area and added that, the IDC expected to replicate the model in other areas that have similar natural endowements in the country.
“So far the IDC has invested in a multi-million dollar Palm oil production plant in Muchinga and revamped the Kawambwa Tea in Luapula, Cashew production in Western Province and moving towards establishing a large scale Pineaple friut processing plant in North Western province,” he said.
Sakala disclosed that the IDC had embarked on a 600MW scalling solar project with its corporating partners with solar farms and power plants earmarked for Lusaka, Central, Copperbelt and Eastern provinces.
Sakala was speaking at the launch of the Eastern Province Investment Expo and Conference 2019 cocktail recepetion in Chipata over the weekend.
The Eastern Province Invstment Expo is scheduled for 26th to 30th August, 2019.
Meanwhile, Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission finance director, Christopher Sichinga said the progress made on the construction of the K25 million industrial yard in Chipata by Conduril Construction, a South African based company was impressive.
The project is expected to be handed over to government in August 2019.
Sichinga said this after he inspected the construction works of the Industrial yard.
And Conduril Chipata site Manager Paul Mwale expressed optimism that his company will complete the works in the set month of August 2019 as works on the site were going as expected.
Industrial yards are working spaces created by the CEEC to enable citizens participate in economic activities.
