BELIEVE IN YOUR GOVT, CITIZENS TOLD

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

COPPERBELT Province is poised for growth as mining activities in the biggest mining firms resume and existing challenges in terms of production continue being resolved, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe has said.

Mr. Kabuswe told The Scoop that the Government is committed towards attracting investments in the mining sector for the benefit of the local people and not the sentiments coming from some sections of society that the Government is favoring more of the foreign nationals at the expense of the Zambian people.

He said that the Government is doing everything possible to ensure that the Zambians are well informed on the policy changes as well as investments that had been attracted in the recent past regarding the mining firms such Lumwana, Chambishi, KCM as well as Mopani copper mine.

“What more can one ask for in terms of leadership in the mining sector? The Government is doing everything possible to attract investments for the benefit of Zambians but there is so much negativity being thrown around from some sections of society. There is so much bitterness from the opposition. Citizens should believe in their Government other than the lies from people that have agendas to make the Government look like it has failed,” Mr. Kabuswe said.

“I am in charge of this ministry. I am a Zambian. I cannot sit and watch that the investments being attracted into the country to disadvantage Zambians. Very soon, there will be a new mine called Mingomba which is poised to be the biggest mine in Zambia in Chilalombwe. This investment, among others, would benefit Zambians,” he said.

He said that Zambians should be rest assured that all which the Government is doing is for their benefit.

Meanwhile, Mining Expert Edward Simukonda said that the Government should ensure wider consultations and engagements with players in the mining sector before any decision involving the bigger mining firms are made in a bid to make people appreciate the efforts being made.

Mr. Simukonda said that sector players should be brought to the table whenever the Government intends to strike deals aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and players in the sector.