SAMFYA District Commissioner (DC), Kayula Mulenga says the Samfya International Convention Centre will attract more tourists in Luapula Province once complete.
Speaking when Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba called on him at his office, Mr Mulenga noted that the district has positioned itself to be the tourist destination in the country.
He said the district needs support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to ensure the project continues to its completion stage.
“I am appealing to you honourable Minister to make sure that the international convention centre project is continued,” he said.
Mr Mulenga stated that apart from attracting tourists, the convention centre will create employment for the people of Samfya and in turn help to alleviate poverty.
“At the same time, the project is a game changer for my district and we need your efforts to ensure the project continues because Samfya is a tourism district and the project will greatly attract tourists from all walks of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ms Tambatamba assured that the new administration is committed to advancing tourism in Luapula and other areas around the country endowed with resources that attract tourism.
“The new dawn administration having prioritised in its result-oriented way of transforming the economic agenda of this nation, particularly directed to job creation, we have prioritised among our sectors, tourism as well,” she said.
She said government has since prioritised infrastructure and road development to enhance the country’s tourism sector.
“So, road infrastructure and housing too has been part of what has benefited from the resources that have come from statutory institutions to improve tourism in the country as can be witnessed in Samfya with improved hospitality,” she said.
Phase one of the construction of the International Convention Centre which includes the construction of the beachfront lodge has been completed and only awaits handover, while phase two of the actual construction of the International Convention Centre is yet to commence.
ZANIS