A mango juice processing plant is set to be commissioned in Mongu this year with an initial investment of over K650,000 (USD 90,723).
Under Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) the value chain clusters programme, Adastra Fruit Juice Processors is expected to create 20 jobs in the initial stage.
Both CEEC director general Likando Mukumbuta and Adastra Fruit Juice Processors managing director Ikanuke Noyoo said in separate interviews recently that the company will kick-start this year after funding the project.
Mr Mukumbuta said the company which received a loan of K652,890 (USD 91,123) from the commission, is expected to process 2,000 bottles of mango juice per hour by October.
He said the funds were disbursed under the value chain clusters programme in 2013.
Mr Mukumbuta said the development will reduce on the wastage of mangoes in Western Province as the processing company will provide ready market. “The project is expected to be commissioned in the next four months [by second quarter] as production is expected to start in October 2015 when the mango season begins,” he said.
Mr Noyoo also said works have advanced and equipment has been bought in readiness for production.
He said the company also plans to start producing mango jam.
Mr Noyoo said, “The province has a lot of mangoes with some of it growing in the bush…We will add value to these mangoes which are always going to waste and create jobs [ for the locals],” he said.
Source: Daily Mail