Zambia: Northwestern Province Minister Robert Lihefu has described his recent official visit to Angola as successful.
Speaking during a local Media Interface programme on his recent visit to Angola via Heart FM radio Station in Manyinga, Lihefu who is also Manyinga Member of Parliament says a lot has been achieved so far on the political and economic fronts from the recent visits made to that Country by President Hakainde Hichilema.
“As you are aware that as a country we are focused on socio and Infrastructure development and President Hakainde Hichilema was recently in Angola to cement our bilateral relations with that Country,” Mr Lihefu said.
The Minister added that cheaper fuel from Angola will become a reality once a Pipeline has been built.
He also said the construction of a rail line from Luacano in Angola, via Northwestern Province to Chingola in Zambia will create massive employment and reduce wear and tear on the Jimbe to Ikelengi road, via Mwinilunga to Mutanda roads which will equally be worked on to improve trade between Angola, the DRC and Zambia.
Lihefu also spoke high of the infrastructure development in Angola, but says the country lacks human resources to effectively serve the people of Angola in major Sectors of that Country’s economy.
He further confirmed that Angola and Zambia have reached an agreement in principle to export experts like Teachers, Agricultural Extension Officers and Nurses, among other Professionals to Angola.
Lihefu stated that the move will help absorb the many jobless Zambian youths and also help government to train more professionals.
Meanwhile,speaking in an Interview with ZANIS in Manyinga, Manyinga Stakeholders Association Chairman Patrick Kabompo has commended government for strides made to improve bilateral relations with Angola and other neighboring Countries as the move will trigger development in nation.
“We need such developmental strategies from government for the nation to develop faster,” he said.
Kamboyi has since implored government to formalize the agreement on the hiring of Zambian Professionals by the Angolan government who should be treated as expatriates as was the case when Botswana was in need of Teachers over a decade ago.