By MILDRED KATONGO –

AN ITALIAN investor has expressed interest to invest in Zambia by putting up a game ranch in Masaiti District on the Copperbelt.
Chief Chiwala of the Lamba speaking people in Masaiti said the investor had visited his palace and expressed interest to invest in his chiefdom.
He said he was still in talks with the investor and that once the discussions were concluded, the investor would decide where the ranch would be located.
The traditional leader said investors were welcome to invest in his chiefdom and help foster development.
“An Italian investor approached me stating that they want to invest in my chiefdom by putting up a game ranch, we are still holding discussions and once we are done, we will see a way forward,” he said.
He said there were some remote parts in his chiefdom where the investor was eyeing to put up the game ranch.
Chief Chiwala said investors interested to invest in his chiefdom should put the interest of the local people first.
He said local people should be the beneficiaries of the investment in his chiefdom.
Chief Chiwala said investors should help complement Government’s efforts in ensuring that the rural areas were developed.
The traditional leader said such investment would open up infrastructure development, jobs for local people and good road network.
“There are remote areas in my chiefdom, this is the area where the investors are eyeing to put up a game ranch, I must say that my people should be the first beneficiaries of this investment,” he said.