By ROGERS KALERO
CHINA and Zambia have enjoyed a long standing relationship which has seen both the Chinese government and its private sector investing in various sectors of the economy meant to benefit the Zambians through business and job opportunities.
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Chinese investment has registered its presence in almost all the sectors of the economy such as manufacturing, mining, road construction and has been opening up businesses in various parts of the country through construction of roads, offices and shopping malls.
The construction of Umulu Shopping Mall in Kalulushi district of the Copperbelt by HuaZam construction Company Limited is one example of how far China and its private sector has gone to strengthen the relationship with Zambia by investing in various sectors of the economy and adding economic value to various towns.
The Umulu Shopping Mall shall be the first ever in Kalulushi and will be commissioned in February, 2024.
Putting up a shopping mall in Kalulushi will add economic value to the district because it will accommodate some chain stores, commercial banks and other shops, and in the process, the residents who will have employment and business opportunities
Umulu Shopping Mall Assistant General Manager Maunda Mlotshwa said the construction of the shopping mall by her company was aimed at contributing to the economic value of Kalulushi, creation of business and job opportunities
Ms Mlotshwa said the shopping mall will also be stopping point for Truck Drivers who may need to buy food and other things on their way to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ms Mlotshwa, who is a Chinese-trained Architecture, said Huazam will put up quality works at Umulu Shopping Mall that will bring pride to Kalulushi
“We are not bragging, but we have a reputable track record of putting up quality works wherever we have constructed buildings and so, even as we construct Umulu Shopping mall, we are assuring you of quality works that will bring pride to Kalulushi and its residents The other issue is that , because Truck Drivers are not allowed to pass through Kitwe, they use the Kalulushi road and so they will be using the shopping mall as a stopping point to buy food and other things on their way to the DRC,” Ms Mlotshwa said
So because of the number of benefits which will come with the construction of a shopping mall in Kalulushi, most residents, who include the number one citizen of the town, who is the Mayor of Kalulushi Municipal Council (KMC) Daudi Simama are excited and have confidence that HuaZam, the company constructing the mall will put up quality works because it has a reputable record of putting up quality works.
Mr Simama believes that the construction of the mall in Kalulushi will accommodate banks, chain stores and other businesses that will add economic value to the district and also provide market for agricultural produce from farmers and cooperatives
“As Kalulushi Mayor, I must say I’m excited at the construction of the shopping mall at Umulu because it will bring a lot of benefits for the local authority and people of Kalulushi in terms of jobs and business opportunities. Apart from business and job opportunities, the mall will create market for agricultural produce from cooperatives and farmers”.
Farmers and cooperatives like Kameme Multi-purpose Women Cooperative are equally happy with the construction of a shopping mall and are hoping it will accommodate chain stores and other businesses that will be able to provide market for their agricultural produce and others products like eggs and vegetables
Kameme Multi-purpose Women Cooperative Secretary Nancy Kalengo said the cooperative which received K40, 000 grant from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was engaged in various projects like gardening, poultry farming and other agricultural activities
Ms Kalengo said, apart from poultry farming, the cooperative was also involved in gardening, agricultural activities which included growing maize and groundnuts
“As a cooperative, we are very determined and we are set to reach greater heights. With the construction of a shopping mall in Kalulushi, we need to be supported by ensuring that the shops at the mall provide market for our products. We produce eggs, vegetables, maize and groundnuts,” Ms Kalengo said
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