Govt seeks to establish challenges faced by CEEC fund beneficiaries

Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Chief Economist, Boniface Kunda has confirmed that the ministry has embarked on a field assessment tour of projects funded by the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Programme in Luapula, Northern, and Muchinga Provinces. 

He disclosed this when he and his team paid a courtesy call at Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika at his office this week. 

Mr. Kunda who is also the delegation leader, revealed that the Ministry wants to check on the progress of CEEC projects in the area.

He said the ministry also wants to establish the challenges being faced by the beneficiaries especially in Northern Province so as to identify areas where government can assist in order to sustain the programme. 

Mr. Kunda mentioned some of the projects that are scheduled to be visited in Northern Province as Kateshi Coffee Plantation, Kalungwishi Sugar plantation and among others. 

And Northern Province PS Hlobotha Nkunika said the visit by the team was very encouraging to the business community in the area. 

Mr. Nkunika noted that the tour will also enable the experts know what is prevailing on the ground and give technical advice on how to revamp some of the projects under review. 

He further appealed to the team to consider opening an office for the ministry of commerce in Northern Province. 

Mr. Nkunika explained that the ministry of commerce has no representation in the area, a situation he said has made the business community face difficulties in acquiring professional advice. LT