.Kasolo
By YVONNE CHATE –
THE two sugar plantations to be established in Luapula Province could be ready in three months time, Luapula Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo has said.
The proposed sugar plantations are the 10,000-hectare Lwena Plantation in Kawambwa District and the 20,000-hectare Chembe Plantation in Milenge District.
Mr Kasolo said negotiations with Green Fuels of Zimbabwe had reached about 85 per cent for the establishment of the Lwena Sugar Plantation.
“The sugar plantation once completed is expected to produce both sugar and ethanol,” he said.
He said the investment would be a milestone in the development of industries and subsequent creation of jobs for local communities in the province.
The project, once in full operation, would create up to 5,000 new jobs.
Mr Kasolo said the Chembe Sugar Plantation preparations had reached an advanced stage.
“The chief has accepted to create not only a sugar plantation but also a farm bloc to encourage agriculture in the province,” he said.
Mr Kasolo said the Chembe Sugar Plantation was almost ready for operations.
He said what was remaining, however, was for the Ministry of Agriculture to finish creating the farm blocs.
