. Siamunene

By JAMES KUNDA –
DEFENCE Minister Richwell Siamunene has said appropriate measures will be taken to address concerns raised over the Tanzanian investor engaged to revamp Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles (ZCMT) in Kabwe, Central Province.
Mr Siamunene said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the Government was concerned that the textile firm was still on its knees despite Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (METL) being engaged to revive operations last year, under a lease agreement.
The Government and METL signed a 12-year lease agreement to resuscitate the facility which was closed in 2007 due to operational challenges.
The firm pledged to invest US$10 million in the plant, opening up 2,000 employment opportunities but to date operations have not started.
The Government, however, issued METL with an ultimatum to start operations this month as the firm had ample time to resume operations after obtaining a lease title last year.
“We are looking into how the issue can be addressed in the best interest of the Zambian people and very soon we shall make our position known after all issues are concluded,” he said.
Mr Siamunene also said the Government would incorporate skilled military personnel in the execution development projects.
He said the defence forces had ready skills in the area of medicine, engineering and farming which could be used to contribute effectively to economic development.
“We want our people in the military to use their disciplines and contribute to national development,” Mr Siamunene said.
“The men and women in uniform are very useful to the economic emancipation of this country and we shall take stock of the skills available to see how they can contribute to economic development.”