By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
THE launch of the construction of Freedom Park Mall in Kitwe’s Copperbelt Province has brought joy and a sense of pride to the local people.
For some, the park is a reminder of the criminal activities which used to occur at the site where some bodies of people suspected to have been killed elsewhere, were  dumped.
The site was notorious for such things.
But the launch of the construction of a modern shopping mall has brought joy to residents with most of them saying the project is long overdue.
One trader talked to recounted how she was almost raped at the site after she was dragged into the thicket that grew there by assailants.
But she was saved by some alert police officers who were on foot patrol.
“Today I feel relieved knowing that this place is now safe because I was nearly sexually assaulted by five men who dragged me into the bush at the park. But seeing this launch gives me hope that women and girls are now safe,” she said.
She explained that after hearing about the launch, she wanted to witness and see the launch for herself.
She praised the Government for launching the project at a site which had become dangerous.
Another resident, James Mwila, said he was happy to be part of the historic launch of the construction of the shopping mall at an area which had become dangerous.
He said some street boys were using the site as a hiding place because it had become overgrown with grass.
He said the street boys, who were petty thieves, used to snatch things like phones and handbags mostly from unsuspecting women before running into the bushes.
President Edgar Lungu, who launched the construction of the shopping mall, said he was happy that the long-awaited commencement of the construction works was now over.
He assured the nation that the historical heritage and recreational aspect of the site would be preserved.
“I am aware that various stakeholders and Kitwe residents had raised concerns about lack of progress on the site including fears that this development will destroy the historical heritage. But I want to say that the waiting is over because we are interested in taking this city to another level of development,” he said.
President Lungu said the construction of the shopping mall, apart from the creation of jobs for the local people, would also add beauty to the city.
He further said the launch was a clear testimony that the Government was willing to turn around the fortunes of the province and resolve the economic challenges the local people had been facing over the years owing to the slump in commodity prices, like copper, on the international market.
Mr Lungu said he was happy that the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) took up the initiative of developing the park which was expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and a further 800 once construction is completed.
He urged the developers of the mall to speed up the process so that people can start enjoying the benefits of having an ultra modern shopping mall.
He expressed happiness with the NAPSA partnership in developing the site which was abandoned for a long time.
The site had become a hideout for law-breakers.
“The launch is another strategic development which would positively impact the lives of people in Kitwe and the Copperbelt as a whole and I am directing Minister of Labour Fackson Shamenda to expedite the completion of the mixed development,” he said.
He said once completed, the mall will provide revenue to the council and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) through direct rates and also contribute to the country’s development.
“You can be assured that we are focused on ensuing that various interventions are made to actively stimulate economic development on the Copperbelt because we care and cannot let you down,” he said.
He assured the nation that the Government would continue to support such projects aimed at generating household income, reducing poverty levels and employment creation which was key to ending poverty.
The President said the Government would continue to focus on economic policies, strategies and programmes that would attract both local and foreign direct investment in all parts of the country.
He further asked the would-be shop owners to consider supporting local producers of agro products in order to boost agriculture.
He challenged ex-miners to utilise the allocated land which has been allocated to them to produce food products that can be supplied to the restaurants and other food outlets at the shopping mall.
NAPSA director general Yollard Kachinda said the Authority acquired land surrounding Freedom Park in Kitwe including the unfinished building at the cost of K223 million.
“The mall and other facilities will now belong to workers. We took over the construction of the mall in order for us to grow the fund and this place, which we have acquired at the cost of K223 million with a land area of 3.9 hectares, will transform Kitwe economically,” he said.
The mall, which would be the third in Kitwe, would be a world class shopping and entertainment facility that will serve the citizens of the Copperbelt region.
It would be built in a period of 18 months.
The contract has been given to AVIC International which has already started clearing the land.
Mr Shamenda said Government engaged NAPSA to revise its current developmental contribution to the economic agenda in order to turn it into a development vehicle to meet the current infrastructure needs of the country.
“Government, through NAPSA, is committed to safeguard employees’ retirement benefits. That is the reason NAPSA is investing in real estate and other income generating ventures,” he said.
He directed NAPSA to rename Freedom Park Mall after President Lungu with immediate effect.
He cited the President’s immense contribution to infrastructure development across the country as reason enough to name the mall after him. He said after all is said and done, the people of Kitwe await to see the completion of the construction of the facility.
The shopping mall would have modern cinema halls, a hotel, shops, restaurants, among others, which will go a long way in changing the lives of people.