By SHERRY CHABALA
Feira MP Emmanuel Tembo has expressed disappointment over Government’s decision to halt mining development by Mwembeshi Resources in the Lower Zambezi citing that mining activities is the only way to economic development in the area.
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Speaking in an interview with Millennium TV, Mr Tembo said civil society organisations advocating for government to put an end to mining in the lower Zambezi are not considering the interest of the local people.
Mr. Tembo said the benefits of tourism in the Lower Zambezi have not trickled down to the local people as the lodge owners in the area only contribute about K49, 000 per year when other areas like Kalumbila gets about K15 million for the same period.
He has accused lodge owners of failing to take up corporate social responsibility using the revenue generated which has made the area impoverished.
Mr. Tembo added that mining in the Lower Zambezi should be given full support from the government and the local people as it will be a game changer to both the Government and the local people in the area.
He explained that the stance of Civil Society organizations that mining in the area will destroy tourism is not a valid reason to deny local people development.
Mr Tembo also said the people of Luangwa need an activity that will create jobs and create value chains which will lead to creation of other industries and Mining is the right economic activity.
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