By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Government is currently engaging stakeholders on the commissioning of the sub-Sahara Gemstone Exchange Industrial Park (SGE) in Ndola.

. Mwanakatwe

Commerce,Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said in an interview yesterday that her office was engaging all stakeholders in the commissioning of the SGE Park in Ndola.
She said the industrial park would be commission after concluding all consultations with stakeholders.
“We are currently working on the commissioning of the SGE. We are engaging small scale gemstone miners and other stakeholders. Very soon, I will announce the date when the industrial park would be commissioned,” she said.
The minister added that her office was currently scouting for funds to empower small scale gemstone miners.
Meanwhile SGE president and chairperson Phesto Musonda said in an interview that the infrastructure for polishing, cutting and trading
the stone was already in place and awaiting commissioning.
He said the commissioning of the industrial pack would increase the country’s foreign exchange by attracting tourist and stabilise the
local currency.
“The SGE would allow traders have a floor price of gemstone. Currently most trader have difficulties in selling their stone because they do not have a physical trading center and a price,” he said.
Mr Musonda said the SGE had an established lapidary center that would accommodate graduate trained in gemstone cutting and polishing.
He said the gemstone industry had potential to promote the local jewelry industry and encourage value addition.
“Gemstone can add value on wood, products. It can be used on embroidery and clothing which can be exported. Once the exchange center is commissioned, over 30 people would be permanently employed,” he said.