MP JUMPS TO MUSAKASHI SETTLERS` DEFENCE
KANKOYO Member of Parliament (MP) Brian Mushimba has said he will ensure that the multi-million Musakashi Irrigation Project in Mufulira goes ahead because the benefits will go a long way in alleviating poverty and promoting food security.
The Musakashi agriculture development project is a World Bank-funded project, which is meant to benefit more than 40,000 small holder farmers sitting on a 6,000-hectare piece of land in the outskirts of Mufulira off Kitwe road.
Mr Mushimba, who is Transport and Communication Minister, was speaking in an interview with the Daily Nation yesterday.
He was reacting to calls by the Musakashi community that Government should deport Triple S Ranch for allegedly trying to sabotage the project.
The investor has obtained an order of the court to stop development on an area which he is claiming ownership. He is also alleged to have asked the World Bank to halt the project.
But Mr Mushimba said as area MP he would not allow a project which was meant to be foster development to be halted.
"I am aware about the Musakashi Irrigation Scheme, but am not aware about an Investor trying to sabotage the project. If there is such a thing, then I will take it personal to ensure the project is not halted.
"That is a multi-million project which is supported by the government and funded by the World bank. The project is meant to benefit more than 40,000 small holder farmers. So you can see that this project is aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting food security," Mr Mushimba said.
Last week, during the tour of the project by the Daily Nation, the Community called upon government to deport the investor for allegedly sabotaging development.
Speaking in an interview in Musakashi, Elina Phiri said the same investor was also trying to sabotage an African Development Bank (ADB) project in Luswishi area of Kambilombilo resettlement centre in Lufwanyama district.
Ms Phiri aged 63 years old, said the investor had no regard for government and its people as evidenced by his desire to grab land.
"Government should not take kindly any investor who is trying to sabotage development because such an investor was not only an enemy of development, but an enemy of the government," she said.