Salima sugar processing plant taking shape

Government says the sugar processing factory currently being constructed in Salima is progressing well and that 50 percent of the work has been complete.

Ministry of Finance public relations officer, Nations Msowoya, disclosed this in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday.

He indicated that the plant has been designed to have a processing capacity of 1 250 metric tonnes per day, thereby increasing export volumes of sugar.

“Right now, half of the work has so far been done and come 2015 everything will be completed,” said Msowoya.

The two-year project, according to Msowoya, covers an area of approximately 500 metres by 700 metres to enable the factory have ethanol plant beside it.

“We believe the factory will help in increasing employment of local Malawians. Furthermore, it will enable small scale cane growers in the district to easily access markets for their commodities.

“While the ethanol company, which is yet to be constructed beside the sugar plant, will contribute to increased production of ethanol in Malawi,” explained Msowoya.

The sugarcane factory’ construction is being funded by Indian government to the tune of $30 million.