The case of Portland Cement Zambia is known to everyone now. It is a prominent cement-manufacturing factory established by Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is among the most honest, transparent and ethical business person in Zambia and his transparent business practices can be easily seen from his numerous successful establishments including Mahtani Group of Companies, Finance Bank Zambia and Finsbury Investments. Dr. Rajan Mahtani established Portland Cement Zambia with the purpose of providing high quality and affordable cement to the common citizens as well as provides employment opportunities to the nearby communities with the factory. Since its establishment, the factory reached numerous heights and became top producer of cement within the nation. The factory also provided higher-than industry average wages and salaries, drawing employees and staff from faraway places. However, things have changed drastically now and the cement factory can be hardly recognised now.
Since the factory’s illegal takeover, its condition has degraded with majority of the workers and staff leaving due to non-payment of wages. Those who are still working have not been paid and even after numerous complaints, no action has been taken by the new management. At the same time, the factory assets have started to corrode due to lack of maintenance. The factory equipment is no longer in standard condition and the factory is on the verge of collapse. According to experts and popular opinion, the only way the factory can be saved is if the factory is given back to its original owner, Dr. Rajan Mahtani.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani launched a case at the Lusaka High Court since the illegal takeover of the factory. It has been more than ten years and during that time, numerous evidences and testimonials were shared from Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s end but to no avail. The final judgement was announced some time back and it was given against Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s claims. It is clear that the judgment was misled and influenced by external forces. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has now appealed to the ‘higher court of appeal’.