By Chinoyi Chipulu
Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has directed Mines minister Paul Kabuswe to issue a ministerial statement on the financial position of Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) this Thursday.
Mutti’s directive comes after Kamfisa member of parliament Christopher Kang’ombe queried on the complaints from suppliers and contractors from the two companies.
Kang’ombe questioned the minister why Vedanta was brought back to operate the mine when they had no financial capacity.
“Madam Speaker, last year there was huge excitement when the announcement was made that Mopani was sold to a new equity partner,” he said.
Kang’ombe said people were with high expectations that the return of Vedanta to KCM, suppliers and contractors would be paid on time and business opportunities would be given to business men and women contracted by the two mining companies.
He said unfortunately KCM was in court because it failed to meet its obligations to different suppliers and contractors.
Kang’ ombe said Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) had sued KCM for failure to meet its obligations.
” And we are reading that bailiffs are going to the mining company which ideally is supposed to be providing services to the people and I’m asking, considering that we are going back to our various constituencies, we don’t know what to tell our people,” he said. “Is the minister in order not to provide details on the financial position of the two mining companies, considering that we were told that they will be in a financial position to provide services and contractual jobs? Is he in order to sit there without giving us an updated report?”
In response, Mutti said Kabuswe should give a statement on Thursday.
“I know when Mopani was sold, the minister came to give a ministerial statement, so in view of what has been reported, you should come to the house on Thursday to give an indication on what is happening at the two mines,” she said.
Mutti said Kabuswe should update the house so that members of parliament could respond to questions raised by residents when they go back to their constituencies.
