THE Government has said about US$5 million is required to recapitalise Mansa Batteries Factory.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati told Parliament on Tuesday night that it was not the Government's immediate plans to repossess the factory but it was looking for an investor who would manage the plant with the current owners, Amanita Zambiana.

Mr Mutati was responding to a question by Bahati Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Besa Chimbaka during the questions for oral answers.

Mr Chimbaka wanted to know whether the Government had any plans to repossess Mansa Batteries Factory whose new owners had failed to operate it for the last 16 years.

"US$ 5 million is required to effectively operate Mansa Batteries Factory that is why we as the Government are trying to acquire a partner or investor who can manger the plant together with the Amanita Zambiana," Mr Mutati said.

Mr Mutati said the Government was working with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to find a partner who could equitably work with Amanita Zambiana.

He said it was the Government's desire to find a partner who would manage the entire factory if an investor to run the plant jointly with Amanita was sourced.