CTPD CALLS FOR COMMUNITY INCLUSION IN THE MINERALS BILL

By Scoop Reporter

THE Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has urged the Government to include a provision for Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) Bill.

CTPD Legal Researcher Lucy Musonda said the inclusion of CDAs in the MRC Bill will align with the Government’s commitment stipulated in the 8^th National Development Plan (8NDP), that is aimed at promoting a good governance environment to overcome socio-economic challenges and attain the Vision 2030.

Ms. Musonda said it was essential to ensure interests and rights of people were protected through legislative measures given that Zambia’s economy heavily relied on the mining sector and that communities in mining areas were significantly affected by mining activities.

“Good governance, as outlined in the 8NDP, involves respect for human rights, transparency, accountability, increased participation, democratic processes, access to justice, the rule of law, and upholding national values and principles.

Moreover, good governance is an important precursor for transforming the economy, sustaining economic growth, and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of local communities,” Ms. Musonda said.

She said CTPD understood that the mining companies responded to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), but that those were not sufficient because they were not a legally binding mechanism for accountability and hence do not adequately recognize community participation.

“CDAs are an essential tool for developing and maintaining positive company-community relationships. They promote effective communication and increase community participation throughout the life of a development project and also brings about the inclusion of best practices and address environmental, social, and economic conditions during and after mine closure, and the transition to a post-mining economy,” she said.