Sat, 08 Apr 2017 10:57:45 +0000
COPPERBELT Show Society Chairperson London Mwafulilwa has appealed to Kitwe City Council to put a hold on a K750, 000 unpaid land rates.
Mr Mwafulilwa said the unpaid fees would be paid as soon as the Show was developed and it would be able to contribute more to the Council.
”I know the Council must collect rates and we are willing to pay but we need a breather to basically put us on hold for now. Once the place is developed, we will be able to pay,” Mr Mwafulilwa said.
He said the Show board had identified the need to develop the stands and modernise the infrastructure of the Show grounds which would include tarring and paving walkways, build food courts, rebuild and develop exhibition halls and develop improved parking spaces.
Mr Mwafulilwa said the Society has merged with the organisers of CBM-TEC and the two Shows would now be held under one umbrella at the same time.
He said the had been making about K2.3million on an annual turnover before expenses and going forward after developments the Show is expected to raise above K20 million per Annum.
Kitwe City Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe said there is need to modernise the Show to international standard and utilise its full potential.
Mr Kang’ombe said the show needed a transformation from just a six days exercise to operating throughout the year.
”This facility needs to be transformed to the standards elsewhere, not just a six days exhibition but people must be able to come in and do their business here. This area is in the business area and we need to utilise it,” said Mr Kang’ombe.
And Kitwe District Commission Binwell Mpundu has appealed to companies to show interest in exhibiting in the Show.
Mr Mpundu said it was high time to transform the Show to a trade centre so that business would continue to run even after the six days Show exhibition.
