One of the daunting tasks of President Hakainde Hichilema is to reverse the economic misfortunes of the Copperbelt by ensuring that the major mines are fully operational.
While the President has to worry about the general economy as it affects all Zambians, he has to especially think about the mining sector on the Copperbelt.
There is every reason to worry when the mining sector is not doing well. Not only is Zambia still dependent on the mining sector for foreign exchange earnings, the sector still remains one of the largest employers.
Between Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper mines, thousands of miners are today in gain employment.
We also note that thousands of miners have over the years lost employment from the mines, because of operational and political interference.
It is therefore not surprising that the residents of the tiny town of Chililabombwe are crying out to the president to save the district’s economy by saving the mines.KCM has been a key employer in Chililabombwe and therefore the economic driver of the district.
The misfortunes of the mine are quickly felt by the locals hence their demand that government resolves the issues surrounding the giant mining entity.
A thriving KCM, will automatically mean more employment and more earning power by the locals as the benefits trickle down.
We are carrying a story where Copperbelt residents have called on President Hakainde Hichilema to unlock the mining sector to help create employment opportunities for the local people.
The residents have complained that since Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) have not been operating optimally, employment levels in the province have drastically reduced.
One of the residents, Kingston Zube said, he has been living in Chililabombwe for the past 44 years and that he has never seen the kind of unemployment levels before in the district.
“My appeal to the President and Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe is that they should expedite the operationalization of the mines because most of us are suffering here.
We are also worried for the future of our youths as they now engage in illicit activities because they have nothing to do,” he said.
And Dennis Kapembwa, a Chililabombwe resident said, the people are a facing a serious social challenge because of the dwindling mining activities in the province “KCM has very little labour operating on the mine, which is similar to closing the mine.
Because I remember in 2007, when we were sinking the four shaft, we had employed over 906 locals from Chililabombwe.
When these workers were paid, the economy of Chililabombwe was booming. This is why we are saying we need these Mines revamped to boost the economy,” he stated.
As President Hichilema settles down from his trip to the UK for the coronation of King Charles III, we hope he shifts focus to this area and look at the cries from the people there.
Perhaps one of the benefits from the trip would be a lasting solution to the impasse over the KCM, whose operations, we understand, have reduced over the years because of differences with government.
Whatever route government decides to take, it should do so fast because locals are getting restless with the lack of decisive action.
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