Expedite works at Govt printers, China urged
By NATION REPORTER GOVERNMENT has urged the People’s Republic of China to help expedite the completion of works on the web press at Government Printers.
This came to light when China’s ambassador to Zambia Li Jie paid a courtesy call on Minister of Works and Supply Felix Mutati at his office yesterday.
This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Works and Supply public relations officer Ndubi Mvula.
Mr Mutati informed Mr Li that the equipment bought from China for Government Printers had never been operational for almost four years despite various follow ups by Government.
He urged the ambassador to help find a lasting solution as the equipment could support printing of various government documents including the ballot papers.
And Mr Li, who has been in the country for two months, assured Mr Mutati that he would follow up the matter and see how best it would be resolved.
Mr Li said Zambia had become China’s preferred destination for investment and training because of its stable political and economic environment.
He cited the SINOMA cement plant that was commissioned by President Edgar Lungu as one of the many benefits arising from the country’s peaceful atmosphere.
Mr Mutati made reference to the investment in the two economic zones that Zambia had on the Copperbelt and Lusaka.
He urged the ambassador to expedite the pace of investment in economic zones to support Zambia’s economic diversification agenda as expounded in the 7th National Development Plan.
On the challenges faced by TAZARA, the minister urged Mr Li to help create sustainable solutions for its continued existence. And Mr Li echoed Mr Mutati’s appreciation of the railway authority, saying it stood as a symbol of friendship and that there was need to revitalise it.
He added that his country would continue working with the Zambian and Tanzanian governments to make TAZARA viable.
He pointed out that the railway required market-oriented reforms to boost handling capacity. The ambassador called for reforms in the management system of TAZARA to reflect the market focus whereas the Government would continue to play a critical facilitation role including resource support.
He also suggested that Zambia considers opening up new a railway system despite the existence of TAZARA as a way of diversifying.