THE illegal mining at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) is an eye opener that few individuals are benefitting from the mine that is why Government is delaying the negotiations with Vedanta Resources, Zambians for Unity, Peace and Development president Ronnie Jere has said.
“This makes very sad reading especially that ZUPED, ANDD and other stakeholders have been engaging Government to expedite the process of handing over KCM to Vedanta who are the legal owners and have the huge financial capacity to increase production to levels that will improve our country’s GDP, create business opportunities for Zambians and the people of the Copperbelt.
The revelation of illegal mining confirms our suspicions made during our press briefing on the 2nd of June that Government is delaying the handing over process because a few individuals are benefitting from KCM in its current state.
“Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe responded through the media by saying the delay was in the interest of the Zambian people, but we want to ask Mr Kabuswe, how is it in the interest of the Zambian people when Zambian lives are being lost owing to depression, hunger, extreme poverty and disease because of lack of employment, suppliers have not been given their money for the past four years and banks have repossessed their properties,” he said.
Mr Jere said the UPND administration should not play politics on KCM at the expense of the people.
Mr Jere said the people are losing confidence on UPND because of its failure to address the challenges they are facing.
He said Zambians want to see action from the new dawn administration, not rhetoric.
