The case of Portland Cement Zambia is age old and almost every individual associated with the case is now aware of its crux. The cement factory is contested by two major business parties in Zambia and one of them is Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. Dr. Mahtani is a noted businessman, philanthropist and charity worker in Zambia with more than 30 years of successful business experience. His contributions to the Zambian economy can be easily seen from his business acumen and social contributions. His most successful companies have been Mahtani Group of Companies, Finsbury Investments and Finance Bank Zambia, all of which have achieved significant success and are still going strong.
Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani wanted the same fate for his factory Portland Cement Zambia after establishing it. And for a period of time, the fate was achieved too. The factory was once among the highest producers of cement in Zambia with surplus production of cement. Moreover, the increased revenue and profitability was returned directly to its workers, who enjoyed above-industry compensation, salaries, incentives and bonuses. The factory quickly became a favourite place to work within the manufacturing industry. However, this fate was short lived as the factory was illegally taken over and since then, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has been fighting for the legal takeover of the factory at the Lusaka High Court.
The final judgment was announced by the judge at the Lusaka High Court and it was bizarre. While all evidences and documents were clearly indicating a winning situation for Dr. Mahtani, final judgment was given against him. He lost the claim and the factory was given to those who captured it illegally in the first place. While the results are extremely disappointing, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is still hopeful. He has registered a new appeal at the ‘Higher Court of Zambia’ and is hoping that this time; he will get true justice for his long and patient wait for the factory and its survival.