Mwinilunga considers engaging Chinese investor to revamp pineapple factory

Mwinilunga considers engaging Chinese investor to revamp pineapple factory
Written by Agness Changala
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 7:30:57 AM

MWINILUNGA district commissioner Webster Samakesa has said his district is considering engaging the Chinese and other investors in revamping the pineapple cannery factory.

In an interview, Samakesa said the Chinese firm which was in the district with an investment of $ 3.6 billion in the mining sector was on the list of those they thought would invest in the cannery.

“We have extended our invitation to the private sector and a mining firm currently carrying out exploration works in the district is one of them on the list,” he said.

Samakesa said it was not right that pineapple farmers continue to depend on tracks to buy their products saying it was discouraging to them.

He also called on other investors to consider investing in Mwiinilunga to revive its economy.

Samakesa said his district and Chinese investors had discussed the issues of corporate social responsibility and they would not allow mistreatment of workers by any investor.

He said it was their hope that the Chinese would comply and stick to what they agreed upon during their discussions even as they go to invest there.

And Samakesa has bemoaned the high levels of illiteracy in Mwinilunga, saying there was need for more schools to be built.

He said the poor road infrastructure, coupled with inadequate supply of power, was making life difficult for the residents.

Samakesa said the fact that Mwinilunga depended on generators for power was a major hindrance to the development of the district.

He said since the generator was taken to Ndola for repair two years ago, it had never been taken back.

“We have been told that it was taken to South Africa but all I can say is that we have to ask for new machines than wait for the one that has taken too long to be repaired,” said Samakesa.