By JAMES KUNDA
 –

THE construction phase of a new lime manufacturing plant in Masaiti
District is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2015 at a
cost of K250 million.
The plant being constructed under a joint venture between Handymans
Paradise and Astro Holdings Zambia is expected to produce more than
200,000 tonnes of lime per annum once fully operational.
Handymans Paradise chairperson Michael Pasquini said in an interview
that so far, 150 jobs have been created during construction which was
slightly hampered by heavy rains over the last few months.
‘‘But construction is back in full swing now because the rains are
gone and the contractor is back on site making sure that construction
moves on as planned,’’ he said.
Mr Pasquini said the pieces of the major construction equipment had
already been taken to the site and would be installed before the end of
the year.
He said the firm would ensure that the plant was delivered on time to
create and sustain jobs and wealth for the local people.
Mr Pasquini said once operational at full capacity, the lime plant
would not only cater for the Zambian market as well as export market
within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)
and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) regions.

Zambia currently relies on two sources of lime at Ndola Lime Company
in Chiwala and Neelkanth Lime Limited in Masaiti.
Ndola Lime produces more than 200,000 tonnes of quicklime per annum, while
Neelkanth which started operations in 2012, provides for more than 100,000
tonnes per year.

The country exports part of this commodity to neighbouring countries
like the Democratic Republic of Congo.