By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
WORKS on the Kampundu cluster project for saw-millers in Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt have stalled due to lack of power supply.
Zambia National Association for Saw-millers (ZNAS) has opened up Kapundu area for timber cluster development in Lufwanyama and the project is expected to create about 1,500 job opportunities.
Assistant public relations secretary Rabson Lungu said the association had applied to ZESCO requesting a quotation for two transformers needed to electrify the area but had not done so from the time the application was made.
Mr Lungu said about 120 members  who had paid up ownership fee of K2,000 and were allocated plots  were putting saw-mills and other supporting industries in the area, but had since failed to install machinery due to lack of power in the area.
“Lack of power supply is impacting negatively on the project. Our members are already on the ground preparing the land for development but have failed to install various machinery in the cluster, because there is no power,” he said.
ZNAS was determined to develop the forestry sector because of the sector’s potential to add value to economic growth.
The association planned to purchase two transformers worth K360, 000 for the development of the timber plantation.
The timber cluster would feed the Zambia Forest and Forestry Industries Corporation’s (ZAFFICO) Lamba plantation round wood resource.
This would reduce degradation of the Mukutuma-Lufwanyama Road which was in bad state.
“Furthermore, the move will decongest the Chembe Bird Sanctuary by resettling most saw-millers operating from there,” he said.