The Road Development Agency (RDA) and Ndola Lime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the construction of a cement production plant in Ndola on the Copperbelt for US$400 million
Charles Sipanje, permanent secretary, ministry of transport, works, supply and communications, said, ‘’This project will help the Government to create more job opportunities as well as help in reducing the high cost of cement in the country. The government will support this initiative which RDA and Ndola Lime have come up with to establish a cement plant in Ndola.”
Willie Nsanda, board chairperson, RDA, said the government plans to release US$3mn for the assessment of Ndola Lime’s underground limestone reserves followed by the detailed feasibility study of the cement project.
"Recognising the importance and role that a good road network plays to the economic and social development of any nation, RDA intends to collaborate with Ndola Lime to facilitate for funding, feasibility studies, design, construction and management of a cement production plant," he said.
The project is being undertaken among other considerations, to warrant supply of cement for road construction at a reasonable cost. RDA is implementing various road infrastructure projects such as maintenance, rehabilitation and construction programmes and is one of the major consumers of cement.
The final cost of setting up of the cement plant will be determined after the completion of the feasibility study.
Nawa Mutumweno
