Katete poised for a juice processing plant

By BUSINESS REPORTER KATETE district is ready to have a juice processing plant following a recent growth sport in horticulture which has seen most farmers grow oranges, District Commissioner Joseph Mukula has said.

Mr Mukula said the increased orange production would provide the factory with raw materials for the production of orange juice for local consumption and export.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Mukula expressed excitement that the development would provide locals with job opportunities and a ready market for their fruits. He explained that the Eastern Province Expo, which would be held soon, would attract investment in juice processing in Katete district.

He said the district's position gives it a comparative advantage as an export point, as the town has access to both Mozambique and Malawi borders.

"We have a lot of farmers that have gone into horticulture production especially for oranges. All the oranges consumed in Katete are produced locally. This is a clear indication that having a juice processing factory will lead to increased fruit production," he said.

Mr Mukula said rehabilitation works on both the KateteChadiza and the Katete-Chanida roads would soon commence to make reliable links to other locations.

"So our plan is to upgrade that road to bituminous status so that when one is traveling to Chadiza they will reduce travelling time. This will allow farmers bring in their produce into town where they can sell at a better price and avoid exploitation," he said.

$ Chinese firm has been contracted to upgrade the road.