By CHATULA KANGALI –

ZAMBEEF products PLC has completed phase one of the $250 million hatchery project in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt.
Phase one of the project includes three rearing sites and two laying sites have been completed and fully stocked at the cost of $20 million.
Zambeef head of corporate and public Affairs Felix Lupindula confirmed the development in a press query.
“The third laying site is still under construction. The hatchery is almost complete and the mill plant is equally advanced and will soon be commissioned. The total cost of phase one stands at $20 million.
“As to the date of completion of the whole project, we will be advised and when it will be ready. A few factors outside our control determine the speed of construction,” he said.
He said that Zamhatch would have a production capacity of 600,000 day old chicks per week and 14,000 tonnes of feeds per month.
Mr Lupindula said once completed, the project would create more than 2,000 jobs for the local people.
“Job opportunities for the local people will be created through the entrepreneurial empowerment of Zambians through outgrower schemes,” he said.
He said that Zamhatch would provide local small scale farmers with a ready market for soya beans and maize while agents for a day old chicks will be established.
He said the company was still negotiating with the local authority on the introduction of bird levy once the hatch completes.
This project is being done by Zambeef in partnership with Rainbow chickens which owns 49 percent of the shares in Zamchick.