By CHILA NAMAIKO –
MORE than 500 permanent jobs have been created in Lusaka following the opening of Cosmopolitan Shopping Mall in Chawama area on Kafue Road.
The Stanbic Bank-funded shopping mall, which houses Shoprite, Edgars, Game Stores, Pep, Mr Price, and various banks, among others, was built at a cost of US$26 million.
Speaking when he commissioned the mall yesterday, President Edgar Lungu was happy that the establishment had opened up job opportunities.
Mr Lungu said, in a speech read for him by Lusaka Province Minister Mulenga Sata, that the mall was a milestone in adding value to Government’s quest of creating more jobs for the local people.
“This is a milestone to change the face of Lusaka and I am happy that this mall has been completed within the 18 months time frame,” he said.
He was happy that more than 500 permanent jobs had been created following the opening of the mall, while 1,000 temporary jobs were created during the construction phase of the project.
Mr Lungu said the Government would continue partnering with various stakeholders to take development closer to communities, as well as provide a conducive environment for investments.
Stanbic Bank chief executive Charles Mudiwa said the Cosmopolitan Shopping mall had become the seventh facility financed by the financial institution, bringing a total investment of the malls to about $135 million.
Mr Mudiwa said the bank had confidence in the Zambian economy and would continue to fund various projects to help create jobs and bring development closer to people.
“As a bank, we have huge confidence in the Zambian economy and we shall continue to put resources in various projects for the development of the country,” he said.
He praised the Government for its dedication to providing favourable opportunities for investors.
Herriot Properties director Steven Herring said, apart from Mukuba Mall in Kitwe and Kafubu Mall in Ndola, the company would soon commission the Solwezi Mall in North-Western Province this year.
Scores of people from all walks of life jostled to various shops to buy assorted items shortly after the shopping mall had been commissioned.
