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President Hakainde Hichilema has witnessed the signing of a US$1.4 billion financing contract for phase two of the urea fertiliser project at United Capital Fertiliser (UCF) in Chilanga district.
The commissioning of phase two of the urea plant that targets to double fertiliser production from 800, 000 metric tonnes to 1.6 million metric per annum.
Speaking when he officiated at the commissioning ceremony of the United Capital Fertiliser urea plant, President Hichilema said the government will support such investments as they contribute to Zambia’s economic growth.
President Hichilema has since commended the company, stating that the investment will not only support the government’s agenda of enhancing maize production to 10 million metric tonnes but also increase export capacity.
The President added that such investment is admirable, saying his Cabinet should learn and have a shared vision of what it takes to develop the economy through such.
“Will produce fertiliser for our consumption in the country and produce more for exporting to our neighbouring countries. This means food security, increased yields on our farm fields,” President Hichilema said.
He added that the state of art chemistry laboratory at the industrial park will be used for testing and analysing samples that will help produce better products.
The Head of State thanked the UCF shareholders for risking their capital in Zambia but has now yielded positive results.
He assured the investors that the government will address impending challenges.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, said the expansion was only possible due to the favourable investment environment which the government has provided.
Mr Jing added that following meetings between the Presidents of Zambia and China, important consensus has been reached on sharing development opportunities and the company expansion is one of them.
He noted that China remains steadfast in its commitment to deepened cooperation with Zambia, assuring more Chinese investment.
“The commissioning of the United Capital Fertiliser Urea Plant is a fruitful achievement of the growing partnership between China and Zambia,” he stated.
Mr Jing also commended President Hichilema’s commitment to improving livelihoods through strengthening the agriculture sector as evidenced in various initiatives.
Meanwhile, United Capital Fertiliser Company Limited Board Chairperson, Chance Kabaghe, said following further expansion works, the company invested about US$282 million dollars to attain the current capacity of 800,000 metric tonnes production.
Mr Kabaghe said the plant has world class technology, high efficiency and environmentally friendly technology which meet equator principles and World Bank standards on environmental and social compliance for such projects.
He described the development as an industrial revolution landmark in agriculture development, while ensuring commitment to social corporate responsibility in the community.
“We are proud to indicate that this has become a regional household name in the manufacturing of customised fertilisers, export to Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chilanga Member of Parliament, Sipho Hlazo, appreciated the massive investment that has lifted the face of the constituency.
Mr Hlazo however said that due to the development in the constituency, there is need to expand the road network to address congestion.
And Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata, said there is progress in redeeming farming inputs in the province, stating that 5,641 farmers have since commenced the process out of over 18,000 farmers who deposited the required money to access inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
Ms Mulyata added that Lusaka has a population of 59,188 farmers under FISP.
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