PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the government will expedite the process of legalizing the mining of sugilite in Luapula province.
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President Hichilema said that the government is committed to ensuring that it accelerates the process of issuing mining licenses to communities near sugilite deposits.
The Head of State said communities should benefit from the mineral endowment.
President Hichilema was responding to Chief Chisunka of Mansa District who paid a courtesy call on him at Community House, in Lusaka.
Chief Chisunka , who is House of Chiefs Chairperson had appealed to President Hichilema to quickly legalise the mining of sugilite in Luapula.
President Hichilema urged Chief Chisunka to discourage local people from selling mining licenses once issued to them.
The Head of State said communities must be encouraged to invest in mining so that they benefit from the endowments.
Meanwhile President Hichilema has appealed to chiefs in the country to get involved in the implementation of CDF projects.
President Hichilema said traditional leaders must take keen interest in monitoring how the projects are being implemented under CDF.
He said the desire of the government is to see to it that CDF is properly utilized for the benefit of communities.
Speaking earlier, Chief Chisunka appealed to President Hichilema to consider issuing sugilite mining licenses to communities in Luapula province.
Chief Chisunka said there is a need to open up and legalize the mining of sugilite so that communities in the region can benefit as well as the province to be developed.
The traditional leader expressed optimism that once the locals are issued with mining licenses development will come to Luapula province. – ZANIZ.
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