•Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda (right) unveils a plaque when he launched the National Savings and Credit Bank branch in Kazungula on Thursday. Picture by BRIAN HATYOKA

By BRIAN HATYOKA in KAZUNGULA –
FINANCE Minister, Alexander Chikwanda has launched the K4 million newly constructed National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) Kazungula branch and staff houses with a call for the business community to take advantage of the financial institution to access funds and create jobs for the locals.
In the few days NATSAVE Kazungula branch has been operating, a total of K211,000 has already been mobilised as deposits through the opening of 200 accounts while K70,000 has been given out as loans.
Mr Chikwanda said he was certain that the Kazungula Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) would take advantage of the presence of NATSAVE in Kazungula District to access funds and grow their businesses so that they were able to create jobs through the employment of local people.
He said it was also gratifying to learn that the bank had moved into the district with a microfinance programme with a focus on boosting and empowering businesses which mainly cover trading, fishing and farming.
Mr Chikwanda was speaking during the official launch of NATSAVE Kazungula branch on Thursday.
“Kazungula is a very unique district both economically and socially, as it borders three countries namely Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“The centrality of Kazungula among all these countries brings forth various economic opportunities for the district. Therefore, NATSAVE’s opening of the first full-fledged bank in this area is a timely business decision carrying the first mover advantage which will benefit the bank and the people of Kazungula,” Mr Chikwanda said.
Mr Chikwanda said the Government had recognised the economic potential of Kazungula and that was why many developmental projects were currently under construction.
Some of the developmental projects under construction are Kazungula bridge, district hospital, 30 housing units, police station, an office block for the council, the district commissioner’s office and the post pffice.
Mr Chikwanda said the Patriotic Front (PF) was asking for another mandate and support for President Edgar Lungu to be at the helm of the nation because the man was the epitome of human fellowship.
“President Lungu is not a magician or he will not promise or offer you miracles beyond continuing with PF development agenda which has ushered in transformation,” he said.
He said Zambia was a haven of peace and unity and hence Zambians should jealously guard this by keeping fanatics at bay.
NATSAVE managing director, Cephas Chabu said his bank had been well received in the area and would provide affordable, appropriate and competitive financial products to boost the domestic economy.