Mpulungu Harbour handles 153, 000 tonnes export volume in 2017

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 14:07:38 +0000

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

MPULUNGU Harbour Corporation Limited, Zambia’s only port, recorded 153, 000 tonnes of export volumes into the great lakes region as at end of November 2017.

Harbour general manager, Davies Kaluba, explained that the port recorded an increase of 75, 000 tonnes of exports into the great lakes region as at end of November 2017.

Mr. Kaluba explained that during the period under review, the harbour recorded 153, 000 tonnes of exports compared to 78, 000 tonnes of cargo recorded during the same period in 2016.

“The Harbour this year has performed very well. Export volumes in 2017 were 153, 000 as at end of November compared to 78, 000 recorded in 2016 as at end of November,” he said.

Responding to a press query, Mr. Kaluba said the volumes for cement, sugar and clinker increased steadily during the period under review.

Mr. Kaluba said the port also had a surge in maize exports from July 2017.

“Some of the exports included cement, sugar, clinker and m aize to Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Maize was the most exported product, due to favourable prices locally and the enabling policy environment,” Mr. Kaluba said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kaluba said the development of the port should commence in the second half of the year

“We expect increased activity on the Lake in 2018 spurred by the fairly competitive pricing of commodities in Zambia and increased agricultural output. The early onset of rains this farming season is a wonderful blessing which will aid very good harvests,” Mr. Kaluba said.