Tue, 27 Jun 2017 10:33:13 +0000
By VIOLET TEMBO
WE shall waste no time on meaningless politicking from some quarters as we are serious about developing this country and we are doing just that,” President Edgar Lungu has said.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony and laying of foundation stone at the construction site for the new green field Copperbelt Airport in Ndola, Mr. Lungu charged that the Patriotic Front (PF) party was serious about development and delivering on its campaign promises.
President Lungu said the commencement of construction of the facility was bearing witness to the promise the ruling party made in 2016 of creating jobs through sustained revival.
He said government had prioritised infrastructure development to address challenges affecting the transport sector.
He stated that it was in such vein that the country was poised to attain its diversified economy as indicated in the 7th National Development Plans (SNDP) that was recently launched.
He emphasised that a well-functioning transport system was critical for growth of the tourism and agriculture sector. “The robust infrastructure development in motion is deliberate and it is important that this project is taking off on the Copperbelt as it is a cherished economic hub and the engine of the country’s economy.
“Mining has its life span but the country can favourably drive its economy from agriculture and tourism and this project will play that economic agenda. The airport once completed will attract airbus from across the globe and in turn increase forex,” President Lungu said.
He has since directed the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to ensure that local contractors are subcontracted to create the much needed jobs.
He also indicated that it was his desire if permissible that the new airport once completed bore the name of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe whom he described as a person who greatly sacrificed for the country to enable the citizenry attain liberty.
He said that he would consult aviation authorities who understood the technical aspects that went with naming of airports. Speaking earlier, Chinese ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said the construction of the new airport has further enhanced China – Zambia cooperation to the benefit of both countries. Mr. Youming disclosed that the construction of the airport was being funded by export and import Bank of China through preferential buyer loan. Mr. Youming said the construction of the facility would significantly improve traffic connection between Zambia and its neighboring countries and the continent, thus provide trade exchange to attract foreign investments.
He emphasised that the cooperation of the two countries should not be contented with the construction of the facility but aim higher as China has the capability of manufacturing all types of aircrafts.
And Housing and infrastructure Minister Ronald Chitotela urged the contractor to abide by the Zambia labour laws. Mr. Chitotela directed Copperbelt permanent secretary Elias Kamanga to supervise the works and ensure that the contractor delivered a project that will stand a test of time. He also disclosed that in ten days, his ministry would commission the rehabilitation of Ndola – Mufurila road.
