New Mines minister Challenged

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:09:25 +0000

BY CHIKUMBI KATEBE

 Newly appointed Mines minister, Richard Musukwa, has been challenged to utilize his 12 years experience with the mines to redress challenges facing the sector and its workforce.

President Edgar Lungu told Mr Musukwa at a swearing in ceremony at State House yesterday that he had the necessary experience to address the miners’ issues as well as the challenges that mines faced.

“The twelve years you served with Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chingola and your long service as a trade unionist with the national union of miners and allied workers, gave you an insight into the many challenges faced by the mining industry.

Mr Musukwa, who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament has replaced Christopher Yaluma who has gone to Commerce, Trade and industry.

The Head of State said with his vast experience in the industry, Mr Musukwa should contribute towards the development of the mining sector in consultation with other stakeholders such as the trade union. “With this appointment, I am confident that you will make significant contributions in addressing the challenges that confront the mining industry, as well as improving the welfare of our hard working miners,” he said.

Others sworn in were Dr. Emmanuel Mulenga Pamu as Permanent Secretary-Budget and Economic affairs Ministry of Finance whose credentials included wide understanding of the global economy through his Bank of Zambia experience which should his ability to manage his new portfolio.

And to the new Justice PS, Andre Nkunika, President Lungu said his 15 years’ experience on legal matters left no doubt as to what he should accomplish in his new position.

“Your qualifications and vast experience of 15 years in legal matters, especially legislative drafting, gives me the confidence that your appointment is well deserved,” President Lungu said.

And the President called on Luapula Province new Police Commissioner Elias Chushi to help raise people’s confidence in the Zambia Police Service with his 3 years of experience.