By Isaac Zulu
Commerce minister Chipoka Mulenga says President Hakainde Hichilema called First Quantum Minerals to get their concerns, saying it was better to settle matters outside court.
And Mulenga said he is glad that PF members of parliament Sunday Chanda (Kanchibiya) and Anthony Mumba (Kantanshi) are appreciative of how the CDF is working.
Speaking when he featured on ZNBC TV programme dubbed “Sunday Interview, Mulenga said that the UPND government has started unlocking the the mining sector in its quest to create employment opportunities that are pensionable for the Zambian people.
He said that the recently commissioned nikel mine in North Western Province is on of the mining firm that will create jobs for the local people, saying it is for this reason that the UPND administration has continued engaging giant mining companies so that job losses are avoided.
He explained when people are provided with sustainable jobs they will have disposable income and be able to lead decent lives.
“And it is for this reason that His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema called FQM (First Quantum Minerals) so that he can get their concerns. And we have made progress in this regard. FQM is reinvesting in excess of US$1 billion. We are hopeful that we can resolve issues surrounding Mopani Copper Mines and KCM. We are not against legal processes, but if there is an opportunity settle matters outside the confines of the courts, let’s take that route,” Mulenga.
He also said that the UPND administration would want Zambians acquire mining licences so that they can participate in small scale mining.
“Once they have mining licences, they can partner with foreign investors that have the mining equipment to understake artisanal mining,” he said.
And the Chingola member of parliament has said that members of parliament that are lamenting that the Constituency Development Fund is dysfunctional are being sincere.
Mulenga disclosed that 200 youths in his constituency have benefited from the Constituency Development Fund bursary scheme for skills development while 54 women cooperatives have been funded using the CDF.
“Two months ago 200 youths in my constituency were given bursaries for skills development. And as we speak they are in colleges being trained in carpentry, metal fabrication, bricklaying, tailoring and so on. I am speaking as member of parliament, and I know that the Constituency Development Fund is functioning. Members of parliament that are saying that the Constituency Development Fund is dysfunctional are not being sincere,” said Mulenga. “I am glad that even some of my colleagues from the opposition like Anthony Mumba from Kantanshi constituency and Sunday Chanda are appreciating the way this increased Constituency Development Fund is working.”
