-Shamenda applauds Kafubu mall construction

Shamenda applauds Kafubu mall construction

Ndola, April 17, 2013, ZANIS……..Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda says government under the able leadership of President Michael Sata is determined to back the culture of continued development of infrastructure across the country.

Mr Shamenda says government intends to change the face of towns and districts to redress the stagnation of development experienced in the last 20 years.

Mr Shamenda was speaking today in Ndola when he officiated at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kafubu mall at a cost of US$20 million.

The project is being spearheaded by the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board in partnership with Heriot Properties Limited of South Africa.

Mr Shamenda said the commencement of constructing the mall is part of government realizing the dream of changing the face of towns in the country.

He said government will promote transparency in all its dealings and only engage prudent investments that will ultimately benefit the Zambian people.

Mr Shamenda further said the Patriotic Front government wants to improve infrastructure ranging from road and rail network to public buildings and housing because these were key to realizing sustainable economic development.

Mr Shamenda also expressed happiness that the workers compensation fund control board has repositioned itself to tap into what the government promised the Zambian people by engaging in such projects.

Mr Shamenda commended Heriot properties Limited for choosing to partner with workers compensation fund control board in developing the mall in Ndola which will house 42 shops.

He said five hundred jobs will be created during the construction phase with a further 1000 permanent jobs when the mall is completed and fully operational.

Speaking earlier,  Fund Control Board Chairperson Alec Chirwa said the management  and Heriot Properties have worked tirelessly to bring to fruition the ground breaking ceremony.

Mr Chirwa said the construction of a shopping mall was a consequence of collective and prudent investment made by the board and management in consultation with government.

He assured that in upholding the principal of good governance, the board will support management in such projects.

And Heriot Properties Limited Director Steven Herring said the company was happy to invest in the mall as it believes this will improve the status of Ndola town.

He said the mall will depict the  construction standards of Manda Hill, Arcades and Levy Junction Malls in Lusaka.

Mr Herring also disclosed that the company has planned to invest US$100 million United States dollars for construction of two additional malls in Kitwe and Solwezi.

He said the company believes that the current economic growth in the country was very good for business.