By NATION REPORTER
THE Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has expressed concern at the revelations that both Mopani Copper Mine and Konkola Copper Mine collectively owe suppliers and contractors in excess of US$200 million.
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ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda said this is the more reason why the organisation has been calling on Government to resolve issues at both KCM and Mopani mines.
Mr Banda maintained that the government of President Hakainde Hichilema should quickly give Vedanta Resources back KCM and quickly find an investor to manage Mopani Copper Mine.
“The recent news that KCM and Mopani mines collectively owe suppliers and contractors around US$200 million makes very sad reading. This is an indication that both Mopani and KCM are failing to pay the suppliers and contractors due to the financial constraints that they are going through. This demands that Government must take the plight of the contractors and suppliers seriously by unlocking KCM and Mopani mines,” he said.
He said ANDD thought that the only solution to clear all the debt that KCM and Mopani owed the contractors and suppliers was to give them investors. In this current state they didn’t have the capacity to settle the debt.
Mr Banda appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to unlock the two mines as this would help boost the economy in terms of promoting trade, commerce and help in creating employment and business opportunities.
He emphasised the need for President Hichilema to intervene in the ongoing negotiations with Vedanta Resources and find a final conclusion.
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