Nava Bharat Ventures has announced that a US$225 million integrated sugar project in Kawambwa district is on the cards.
Kawambwa Sugar Limited the company’s subsidiary has earmarked the development of an integrated sugar project in the Luena Farm Block, in an area of 10,000 hectares within four years.
Nava Bharat Ventures is one of the biggest investor in Zambia’s coal industry developing Mamba Collieries.
Godthi Murthy, Kawambwa Sugar Limited Head of Project Management recently told the Luapula Province Infrastructure Symposium in Samfya District that his company had completed feasibility studies on its
US$225 Million.
Murthy said Kawambwa Sugar Limited had also received its environmental clearance by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
“KSL has already made its feasibility studies including site survey and satellite image procurement for the sugar estate. This follows a ZEMA environmental clearance. We have already prepared the estate development plans,” Murthy said.
Murthy explained that the company was expected to be producing 100,000 metric tons of sugar per annum at full capacity.
Nickson Chilangwa, Luapula Province Minister has hailed KSL for the work so far done on the project despite some challenges the company had met during the implementation phase.
Once developed, the sugar project would create over 3000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs since only 50 percent mechanisation would be required.
KSL would also develop a 2000 hectare sugar plantation meant for out-grower scheme outside the core – venture.
“We are almost there as things stand. Yes we have had challenges but government is keen to see this project take off.
KSL wants government to help in terms of access roads and power of which we are already doing because without basic infrastructure the project can’t start,” said Chilangwa.