By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Mufulira Municipal Council has acquired a K1 million loan from Finance Bank for the construction of a dry port for trucks.
The dry port which will be situated on a five hectare land in Butondo Township will encourage smooth flow of trucks between the Copperbelt and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mufulira Mayor Thomsom Ngulube said the local authority had acquired a loan of K1 million from Finance Bank for the construction of the port to cater for trucks in the area.
Mr Ngulube said in an interview that construction of the port would commence as soon as the local authority finish negotiating for land with Mopani Copper Mines.
“We have acquired a loan of K1 million from Finance Bank for the construction of the port for trucks.
Land for the dry port has already been identified, the works will consist of  paving of the parking area, construction of the ablution block and fencing of the whole area,” he said.
Mr Ngulube said the dry  port would have a parking capacity of  between 120  and 140 trucks  per  day and that, each  truck would be required to pay K30 per night .He said the dry-port would promote trade between the Copperbelt and DRC.
Mr Ngulube said construction of the facility would promote smooth flow of trucks between the Copperbelt and the DRC and boost the council revenue base.
He said the illegal parking of trucks had become a source of concern for most residents who were being inconvenienced.