By JUDITH NAMUTOWE and TENDAI KADYAMOTO –
THE initial 2,000 solar-powered mini-milling units will be received from China in monthly batches of 200 each, the Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) has said.
THE ZCF and a Chinese firm have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the engineering design, procurement and construction of the solar-powered milling plants in the country.
The ZCF signed on behalf of the Zambian Government while the Shandong Dejian Group Company Limited, which is the major contractor, signed on behalf of the Chinese Government.
ZCF director general James Chirwa and manager, operations and projects, Derrick Sokoni confirmed this in separate interviews in Lusaka.
Mr Sokoni said the federation would kick-start with 2,000 milling plants as its immediate target.
About 4,000 milling machines for primary cooperatives are expected to be installed in most parts of the country following the sourcing of US$20 million initial payment by the federation.
Last month, Mr Chirwa said the federation had paid $20 million towards importation of the mills to the manufacturer in China.
Mr Sokoni said now that the MoU had been signed, the cooperative would now enter into a contract with the main contractor after clearance by the Ministry of Justice which he said wanted to ensure that the project was in line with Government.
“These mini milling units will be received in batches of 200 every month and it is expected to take nine months before the initial target of 2,000 units arrives into the country,” Mr Sokoni said.
Mr Sokoni further said as soon as all the machinery was tested and running properly, the federation would then announce the date for the official launch of the project.
A fortnight ago, a delegation from China was in the country to conduct samples in locations where the mini-milling units are expected to be installed across the country.
Mr Sokoni said the MoU was expected to govern the relationship between the parties in the project development planning and implementation of the project.
“The scope of this MoU is to undertake financing, engineering, procurement, construction, hand-over, training and service of the solar-powered milling project across the country,” Mr Sokoni said.
