19 November 2008
THE National Pensions Scheme Authority (Napsa) has finally taken over the Engineering Services Corporation (Esco) premises to build an ultra-modern shopping complex starting in early January 2009.
The demolition of the old buildings would start this month and Napsa would spend about US$150 million in the first phase of the project whose total cost is estimated at $200 million and set to be completed by 2010.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the premises in Lusaka yesterday, Works and Supply Permanent Secretary, Bizwayo Nkunika directed Napsa to immediately release the master plan of the structure and start the construction.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nkunika said it was time Zambia had better infrastructure as neighbouring countries like Botswana.
He said Napsa had the capacity to put up such modern infrastructure, which could uplift infrastructure standards in the country.
"Napsa, you have won the bid and today you have taken the Esco premises. We have given you support, now can you prove to us that you want to construct a better structure, better than Arcades or Manda Hill shopping complex?" Lt Nkunika said.
The shopping complex would among other things comprise a hotel, office blocks, shopping mall, car park of about 200 motor vehicles and some apartments.
Speaking earlier, Napsa vice-chairperson, Chris Kampamba said the acquisition of the premises was a great landmark, which kicked off the construction of excellent infrastructure in the country.
Mr Kampamba assured the Government that the shopping complex would be a splendid structure, which he said would no doubt strengthen the infrastructure standards in the country.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) executive officer, Andrew Chipwende said his institution would work closely with Napsa to ensure the developmental project was completed by 2010.
Esco acting managing director, Robby Ngulube commended Napsa for winning the bid and urged the institution to work within their master plan of the structure if the complex was to be a splendid.
In another development, Napsa is owed more than K500 billion through un-remitted contributions and penalties by some defaulting employers.
Napsa director for contributions and benefits, Yollard Kachinda said the authority had this year alone prosecuted more than 200 defaulting employers following its resolve to build the capacity in the area of prosecution.
Mr Kachinda said when he launched the Napsa prosecutors' course at the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (Ziale) in Lusaka yesterday that non-compliance by some companies was the biggest challenge the scheme was facing.
He said failure by some employers to register eligible employees and remit pension contributions was threatening the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme's ability to meet its obligation of paying pensions to retirees.
"In this regard I want to warn those employers who still think that they can continue to hide from Napsa and keep on defaulting that by such actions they are denying their workers the right to social security and income in retirement," he said.
As part of the strategic plan, the institution had resolved to build its internal capacity in the areas of prosecutions and would by next year intensify the fight against incompliant employers.
Mr Kachinda, however, commended the courts of law for tremendous support offered to Napsa by ensuring that the defaulters were penalised.
He also commended Ziale for according Napsa an opportunity to train officials through a course, which will run from November 17 to December 19, 2008.
Earlier, Ziale deputy director, Rodgers Chibuye said his institution was proud to be associated with the scheme authority and would always welcome initiatives that were aimed at strengthening the partnership.
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