Infrastructure key, says Nkana mall developer

Infrastructure key, says Nkana mall developer
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Tue 04 Sep. 2012, 19:16 CAT

THE developers of the US $20 million (K100 billion) ultra-modern Nkana Shopping Mall in Kitwe say there is need to pay particular attention to infrastructure development which is the key to the attainment of sustainable development in the country.

Speaking during the official launch of the construction of Nkana Mall at the Civic Centre in Kitwe yesterday, Akrasi properties managing director Steven Voyiatzis said there was need to strengthen the commercial life in the City of Kitwe and Zambia as a whole for the country to see tangible development.

"Our company, Akrasi properties limited, strongly believes that the economic sector plays an outstanding role and no social or political progress is successful and sustainable without economic development," Voyiatzis.

He said the company was confident that the government would facilitate the introduction of good construction works, introduce good laws for the investors, issue necessary instructions and regulations for the enhancement of infrastructure development.

Voyiatzis said investors should bravely come forward and work hand-in-hand with the government and the Kitwe City Council in rebuilding the city and the country.

"There is no doubt that this significant project will be a turning point for the concepts of renewal and modernisation and for working and marketing methods. The project will make retail and commercial working standards, systems and methods better and easier. Commercial dealings will be handled in a modern way," he said.

Voyiatzis said for the design and construction of the mall, Akrasi had appointed one of the leading contractors, Mohamed Salama and Mohammed Mousa, chief executive officer and directors of Flame, respectively.

Kitwe mayor Chileshe Bweupe said the commencement of the construction of the mall had brought a sigh of relief in the residents of Kitwe because the site which was regarded as a white elephant would become a source of pride for them.

"I have said at so many fora that the great city of Kitwe has been a sleeping giant which previously has lacked proper infrastructure development in the past," Bweupe said.