GOVT LOSING MONEY-KABWE
Central Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kabwe says government is losing a lot of money because of some investors exporting materials in raw form.
Mr. Kabwe is concerned that some investors just harvest resources such as manganese and export them without adding value.
Speaking when he toured a Chinese owned manganese smelting plant under construction in Serenje District, Mr. Kabwe said the plant once completed is expected to help people involved in manganese extraction to add value to the raw product.
The PS said Central Province requires value addition to maximize the benefits from its resources and that money raised through taxes and mineral royalties will help government to improve social service delivery.
Mr. Kabwe said the Chinese investment is in line with government’s agenda of a diversified economy and will help in the implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan.
He observed that the setting up of the smelting plant will create jobs for the local people and business opportunities especially the transport sector.
Mr. Kabwe appealed to more investors to invest in Central Province saying it offers unique alternative forms of investments in all sectors of the economy.
The PS was happy that C Metals Company is a direct fruit of the recently held Investment Forum and Expo.